ode to the plumber

We went camping this last week. The kids have developed a love for camping that I assure you they inherited from their dad, because frankly I like running water and the comforts of my own home. But I hiked up my big cowgirl pants with a big smile and we had a great time. Here is my Thomas bringing me flowers. I said, "Oh Thomas, you already know the way to a girls heart." He replied, "I only love you Mom." aaaawwwww He's pretty precious. (and knows it)

I just thought this picture was cool. I know...I need to get out more.

Thomas on our nature hike. He found two pine cones he was quite proud of. Then threw them over the edge, along with anything else he could toss. ( like a cell phone....don't worry, luckily it was his toy one.)

Mark in his complete element. I was only wondering....."Just how much life insurance do I have on him....hhhmmm" Oh I AM JUST KIDDING!

Our good friends, The Blackburns, met us up there. Here are all the kiddos pretending to fly. It's totally believable, because of my mad camera skills. (Thomas, lily, Daphne, Kate, and Lauren) 5/2011


Getting ready to hike down to the lake for the day.

We went to the fish hatchery which was very cool to see how they stock all the lakes, then stopped to fish and have a picnic at Christopher Creek nearby. That was very beautiful. Hard to realize its the same state as Ajo. I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, some people like cactus. We prefer the pines.

Mark, again in his happy place.

Kayley and Penny.

We lucked out because Smokey the bear was in town visiting. If you look at Thomas' shirt, you'll see just how much he loves Smokey. He later said, " I know that's not the real smokey. But I still like him."

I told Lauren to make a pirate face. She's a good lil' actress.

They look sweet, but right after this was taken they tried to push each other in the water.

Thomas displaying art work of his surroundings on his chalk board.
I think he likes Cars.

I just love this picture! It did not take long for this little one to find the water. oh' well. She loved throwing little rocks in and I loved reading my book. Win -win.

I have a secret. I am not a high maintenance gal. I don't need the latest updated furniture , house or even clothes. I don't have to wear a lot of makeup to feel pretty. I am not picky about where I live. But I have realized something about myself that could very well make my family, well possibly my husband, disown me. I AM A PRINCESS. Thats not my secret though. Lots of people already know this about me.

I don't like not having running water. I don't enjoy pooping in the woods like a bear, ( I know...T.M.I. but deal with it) I LIKE to feel organized and clean. Some may think my need for a clean home is obsessive compulsive, I just think I like to be tidy. DO you know what is NOT A TIDY situation, but apparently is enjoyable because so many people go???? CAMPING! Here's my secret, you may want to sit down, I DON"T like CAMPING! There I said it. Too late to take back now, my poor husband is in full on shock, I am sure. We even just bought a pop up camper, which I love, actually. I love the idea of it. I don't love feeling dirty, and disheveled and unorganized. I do sleep good though in a sleeping bag. Here is why I go camping though.......one little, two little, three little monkeys who really LOVE it! Seeing these pictures though, and the memories we created, I would gladly pack up and go back tomarrow. Well maybe in a month or so.

its a little outdated...TOMBSTONE!

Growing up Doc Holliday was my favorite! I even named my cat after him. (R.I.P Doc.) So of course I HAD to get a picture with him! Wyatt Earp and the boys got their feelings hurt, but Doc said "Now here's a lady with good taste." Before hitting Tombstone, we stopped in Tuscon to fish for awhile. It was a fun time feeding ducks, catching fish.....not so much.

Kayley trying to put Laurens shoe on while fishing.

Lauren, Abby, and Thomas after watching the Gun fight.

Thomas was a little scared to stand by these dudes. Just look at that brave face.

Doc did have some competition, because this guy was to DIE for...hahhahhaha. OK humor me, alright!

AJ and Thomas. Love these boys.

Tombstone was so much fun. Later Mark and I went out dancing, and I sang Karaoke. That was a blast. Thank you Mom and Dad for such a fun time. I will cherish those memories, and replay constantly in my mind the standing ovation I received after singing. (OK so that didn't happen, but a girl can dream right?)

Kayley is quite the cowgirl! I think she loves horses because of how much Lauren will play with them.

I never want to see you again

I know when you read that title it sounds so mean and ugly...but I mean every word of it! I am proud to report that I have lost 20 lbs with weight watchers since January!! YES that deserves 2 exclamations marks. And I am going to kiss the number on my scale that now reads "one hundred and eighty pounds" goodbye!! HHHmmmm I wrote the number out because I thought it'd make it look less daunty. That didn't work. It stinks to think I still weigh that much. Oh well, I am working on it...while workin it! HAHA.
I will not discredit my accomplishments thus far. Here's a brief recap- In October 2010 I weighed in at 208 lbs. Ok ok listen, I know weight is such a personal thing. Everybodys body is different. Some may look at that and think, "I'd love to weigh 208. And others may look at that and say "geeeze fatty" I look at it and say, "I am beautiful damnit. And I want to be healthy too." (This is what I tell myself whenever I step on the scale. Mostly because NO matter what that number is, I will not let it ruin my day) Plus sometimes crying is fun...sometimes not so much. I don't like to cry over my body. Whats the point, especially considering I have two daughters who are growing up in a world so consumed with body image, I refuse to let that matter in my home. Hopefully they will understand like I do, that we are daughters of God, so no matter what, we are beautiful. (Even if we do occassionally cuss)
I am feeling pretty good though. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can. When I reach my goal weight I will post pictures....until then wait in pure anticipation!!! (oooh look at that 3 exclamation marks.)

Happy -belated- Easter! (2011)

And a Happy Birthday!

One year ago today, I was lying in the hospital bed just staring at the wonderful little life I held in my arms. My daughter....my daughter.....my daughter, is all that kept running through my mind. I re-read my journal entry from that night today. Here is what I said, " Kayley Joy Moore. She is 6 lbs 15 oz. and 20 in. long. My heart is so full as I look at her and watch her breathe. To be honest, Mark and I secretly hoped for a boy. (but you can't tell anyone THAT right? Just a healthy baby...) However, as I stare at her, my heart is so complete. Our daughter. She's perfect. My heart is so full."

You are perfect my Kayley bug. I love that you have a big sister who adores you and laughs at the way you crinkle your nose when you smile. I love that you are the little sister to a big brother who tries to carry you all around the house and you more often than not, just let him. And when he lays on the floor, you think its because he wants you to climb all over him! I like that you try to ride our dog, Gus. You look so tiny on top of him, and proud of yourself that you got on him. I am still impressed you thought to do that on your own. Only one years old and you are already climbing things. I love that when you start to cry, which can happen pretty quickly, you also start to laugh in the same breath. It doesn't take much to change your mind into something happy~ I love that as soon as your daddy walks in, you forget I exist. He is completely convinced you say "Dad!" when you see him. You make us all so happy and truly live up to your middle name."Joy."

I had also wrote in my journal what Thomas said after we got home from the hospital. Lauren had asked, "Mom, why does your belly still look like there is a baby in it?" (I'm thinking, Give me a break kid, I had a baby two days ago) Thomas answers, "Because now mom is going to go have a boy." :) Trust me Kayley, now nobody would have things any other way, You are so loved.
We love you Baby Girl!!

three little speckled frogs sat on a rolling log

My Best helper yet! Lauren loves to give Kayley bug her baths. Kayley likes her too, just a little bit. :)
They say you know "you are a redneck if you lie through you tooth!"

Watch out boys, if you mess with my sisters I will karate chop ya! And you won't even know it was me because of my awesome mask.

( Thank you Mom for sending them Valentines $, this is what Thomas picked out)

Kids are challenging, and exhausting. And just when I feel at my wits end, one of them will come and kiss me on my cheek and say "Thank you for Dinner." I am truly blessed that they are forgiving in my short comings as a mother, and unconditionally give me their love.

Sometimes sleep is just more important

My other little princess. She has recently learned to wave "hi" and whenever you show her Gus, our dog, or play with a stuff animal puppy with her, she will make a barking sound! It is the cutest thing.

huh, that turned out side ways. Oh well. Here is the luckiest little girl in the world, because her daddy played dolls with her. Please make note that Mark was the fireman, as to not lose any man points.

Wanted to share this picture for two reasons...1-we were baking cookies and look mom, they love the aprons you had made for them. And 2- Thomas lost a tooth, so for now any time a camera comes out, this is the face he makes. He was so excited the tooth fairy came he woke me up early just to show me his dollar.

We have done some rearranging around here. Thomas is officially the only one in his room, can you tell he loves it. For awhile he had shared a room with Lauren, so that Mark could have his own man room. ( just F.Y.I that was my idea, not Marks. He said that people would tell him how spoiled he was to have his own room to sleep in. But really it was me who was spoiled, because lets face it ladies, if the man don't sleep, it's like having a fourth child to take care of!) I can say that because Mark is right here, and laughed.

But now that man room is a full on princess cave!

Let me assure you that Mark and I are very happily married. And think what you want, but sometimes sleep is just more important! That's right he has top bunk, and we love it!