First Day of MDO & So On...

Here's another picture dump. I love that pictures tell a story- often better than my words. 

I have a lot of catching up to do!

First, Mac and Paisley started MDO on Tuesdays. I knew it was time for them to get exposure to other caretakers and friends, and I need time to get things accomplished that are nearly impossible with a double wide stroller. 

Their first day was Tuesday, September 25. I realize they had no idea what was going on, but it's a big first in our book. 

Ready for 'school'!

A few takes before the best still shot...

I surprised Lilly with lunch at school while M and P were at MDO. 

Later that week we went for a run with Mandy and Lanie. Paisley was doing her own exercise... Maneuvering herself out of the stroller harness and her pajamas.

 Cuddles after nap. Paisley loves to wake up Mac. 

{The pillow in the crib was mine, LS used it and now Mac sleeps on it. I decided to give him a pillow when I noticed he kept pulling his crib bumper down and laying on it.}

Look at this!!! This was actually the third kiss, but I was camera ready this time. Sweet, sweet babies. 

Here M and P are before MDO last week :o) Ready as ever!

Who are these almost 14 month olds?? Don't they look so grown?!

We had a chalk party in our driveway recently. Lilly Scott and her friends {Kaitlin and Marley Kate} in their Chapel Day uniform.

Happy Tuesday!!! {Um, it's Thursday...}

as always,

ashley

Nana and GeeP's birthdays

I am behind on blogging. I don't like getting behind especially when I remember why I blog in the first place- memories for our kids. I'll play catch up for a bit while I document what we've been doing in the Allen world.

We went home two weekends ago to celebrate my mom's birthday and Jordan's dad's birthday. My mom is Nana, and Jordan's dad is GeeP. 

Our weekend was filled with family and food, yum. 

We spent Saturday with Nana and Sunday with GeeP. 

Warning: picture overload ;o)

This was my chair, passed to Lilly Scott, and now Paisley rocks in it. 

 Sweet boy

 Dinner and music at Miller's Grocery- a family favorite. 

 Paisley doesn't like being still. Hence most of her pictures are a blur.

 LS and Dreya

 P and Aunt Dee

 P and Paw-Paw

 {Notice a trend? Paisley needs to be moving to be happy. Mac is content just watching people.}

Mac and Uncle Jeff

Sunday, September 23

Mac and Paisley loved playing with the plastic food.

 GeeP and Mac look at pictures

GeeP's coconut cake

 Football and food- the guys are happy. Plus they have this magnified tv tray to eat on.

 GeeP and the grandkids {minus M and P}

 All three of the kiddos fell asleep on the way home :o) 

as always,

ashley 

Our Bubble Has a Leak

We battled a yucky virus a couple weeks ago. All three kiddos had it. I kept seeing red bumps on Paisley that looked like ant bites. I turned her room upside down looking for ants, but I couldn't find anything. Then the 'bites' became blisters... I called our pest control service several times about this, and they were trying to work us in for a spray. 

Meanwhile, LS complained of a stomach ache that morning before school. She crawled in my bed, and I decided to take her temperature. Surely enough, it was 101.4. That was a winning ticket to stay home.

Later that morning, while Lilly Scott was sleeping in my room, I found fresh bumps on Paisley... on her hand! I was almost a wild woman looking for ants... Then I decided to call the doctor. Mother's intuition, perhaps..? 

Well, well, well, there's a thing called 'hand, foot and mouth,' and it got to my dumplings-- ALL THREE of them. I woke up LS and we headed to the doctor for confirmation of this virus. LS was tested for strep because her throat was so red. Fortunately she was strep free and was diagnosed with an older version of the virus. 

We stayed home for the next day. LS returned to school two days after the appointment because she was fever free for over 24 hours, whew. 

M and P didn't act bothered by their temperament, but they refused to eat and drink. That was scary, especially with our history of weight checks. One night Paisley had a throw up marathon, but she was able to rest most of the night in our room. 

She was on the mend by the end of the week..

 ... and Lilly was back to her camera friendly self

 We made cupcakes to celebrate good health! 

I've learned that what looks like a bite doesn't always have to be that... and this virus is rough and way too contagious. I've read that it can be contagious for a few weeks because it can show up in stool. Good thing we have sewage. Now, sadly, two of Lilly Scott's friends have this virus... She was contagious the day before the fever spiked. Like I said, our bubble has a leak. 

as always,

ashley

GBO Cul de Sac Party

Saturday was the UT vs Florida game. We had our orange on ready to support and cheer our team. We had some friends over to watch the game on the projector. Put together football, wings and friends, we had a blast!

{I failed to get a picture when it was daylight, oops.} 

Game time! Here's our set up:

Bath time before the big game! 

Sunday after church we ate lunch with our friends Cole and Anna. Mac devoured the noodles. If you follow us on Instagram, you know he's quite the pasta fan... like his mama. 

Labor Day 2012

I have been so MIA these days. I think about blogging, I take pictures to share, and then life happens....

The day before we left we made a Target and Earthfare stop... and here's a 'mini me' who poses all on her own.

Our Labor Day was spent in the mountains- our new favorite getaway. We rented a large cabin for our family and friends. Unfortunately, people got sick last minute, and there were bedrooms that went untouched. :o/

Here's our view from the top floor of our cabin:

We used our Dollywood season passes, of course. LS was nervous to ride roller coasters this time. She gave in on the water rides, but she wouldn't ride the 'Blazing Fury.' The last time she rode it we sat in the front. I think it jerked her too much. 

We had a pizza dinner Saturday night. It's not a fulfilled trip to Mr. Gatti's without a stop to the game room.

  Sunday morning waiting for Dollywood

Our friends Brandon, Becca, Maggie and Logan joined us Sunday morning at Dollywood. We spent the day there until the rain storm forced us out of the park.  

 Ready for dinner at The Old Mill with Uncle Jeff

 

Waiting for dinner... we fed the ducks.

 We were so starved I'm not sure how we mustered a smile, hehe. 

Monday we all went to Splash Country. It was such a fun time {once I went on the first water slide... I have a thing with water parks...}Lilly Scott, however, didn't bat an eye at going on every slide she was able to ride! And of course, Jordan was right behind her.
Ready for next year's new ride!

That's our Labor Day 2012 story! 

as always,

ashley

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

The change of weather has sparked my love for soup. Saturday was rainy, Jordan worked and my mom was in town. What better dinner than a family favorite- creamy tomato basil soup! I can't take credit for this recipe, it belongs to Adrianne. I have made this soup several times, and it is always a hit.

{I double the recipe to get a few leftovers worth.} 

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

2 cans of chicken broth

2 big cans of crushed tomatoes

2 cloves of garlic

1/4 cup fresh basil

bit of sugar

{to take out the bitterness of all the tomatoes}

Mix all of the above and let simmer until flavors combine

Before serving, pour in 8 oz heavy whipping cream

and melt 1-2 stick(s) of butter

YUMM!

I serve this with grilled cheeses, but Adrianne suggested stuffed crescent rolls:

Roll 1/2 of a string cheese in a crescent roll

Bake according to crescent roll directions

Brush with butter once removed from the oven before serving

Do you have any soup recipes we should try?? 

-ashley