Aimee turns 30!!!!!!!

Since what seems like forever, I've been planning a surprise 30th birthday party for my sister, Aimee. She had been saying she just wanted to forget about it and not make a big deal, but I couldn't let this one pass us by with out some sort of celebration. I worked with two of her coworkers to get the right people invited and get her to the party. The surprise was quite the sucess, I thought she was going to pass out from the shock!!!

On the way home I felt glad that she was in Atlanta, giving us the opportunity to do these thing for her. Although we drive each other crazy sometimes, I honestly don't know what I would do with out her. We love you Auntie Aimee!!!!!

QT with Grandpa & Grandma

We decided to wrap up our vacation with a quick visit to Grandpa & Grandma Walker. My sister-in-law inspired us to do the trip without our DVD player. If she could do a 12 hour ride with a 15 month old baby, we could do a two hour trip. Not quite prepared to leave it in the closet, we packed it just in case. Isabella did great all on her own.

The trip took a little longer than usual, getting us there around 4:30. We spent the afternoon outside enjoying our time with Harold and Yvonne. Friday Yvonne & I shopped around for fabric to make the girls a few dresses. To our fortune my favorite little fabric store had 40% off their spring/summer fabrics, so I bought up a good bit. Can’t wait to see my precious babies in those wonderful dresses.

Later that afternoon we went to the South Carolina State Fair. This is Isabella’s second fair, but she enjoyed it as if it was her first. Here are a few pictures of our fun:

A fair wouldn't be complete without a pony ride, even Abigail took part in the fun.

Her first experience driving solo. She enjoyed this ride the most.

Daddy, Grandma, Isabella, and a very hungry Camel. We all had a great time feeding carrots to the animals.

Isabella had a butterfly painted on her arm. She was a great sport.

Thank you Grandpa and Grandma for hosting us....we love you so much!!!

The Ranch: This is a long one.

Tim needed some time off work, so he took this past week off and we decided to spend time at The Arreola Ranch (not the official name, but it’s what I am calling it until we come up with a better one). My father's ranch is just outside of Monticello, GA where there are two neighbors: the Federal Government (Oconee National Forrest), and some interesting characters who own a house several hundred yards from the back of our property. It affords us the opportunity to commune with nature yet still have all modern day conveniences: heating/cooling, plumbing, stove, and for the ladies: hair dryers.

Leading up to this we thought we would have two relaxing days out in the woods with our two girls. Hehehehe, this was so not the case. Our stay was to be the first leisurely one since we took possession of the property. Previously, my father went there for a couple of days but focused on the outside, so the inside had been neglected quite a bit. We arrived Sunday just after lunch, and put the girls down for a nap. We casually picked up around the common area, attempting to make it child proof for our peace of mind. Forgetting several things on our way out forced us into town just before dinner.Once there, with the knowledge that we had a mess in our kitchen, we opted on DQ for dinner (one of the only dining facilities opened on a Sunday afternoon). After dinner, as soon as we arrived back at the ranch we put the girls down, then cleaned the kitchen as best we could given what we had on hand.

We woke up to a wonderfully chilly morning promptly at 7:00 am, got the girls dressed and ready for breakfast. Tim, the breakfast King, took the reigns and whipped us up a hearty meal. Isabella took an after breakfast stroll with her daddy and then did arts and crafts with mommy. Then it was off to work for Tim and I as we empted out the sleeping quarters, threw away most to the previous owners belonging, and gave it a good sweep. By this point I was exhausted. It’s difficult enough just doing the work, but taking care of two under three, added another level of fatigue.

Once it was all done, we had the opportunity to enjoy our evening. We grilled out hamburgers with asparagus Baked Beans. Isabella by this point was delirious as she skipped her nap.


Oh I almost forgot our nap story! When nap time came around, Isabella wasn’t having any of it. I tried laying down with her, singing to her, finally I just put her in the pack and play to see if she would go down on her own. This girl removed the floor to her crib, tossed it out and had almost climb her way out. When Tim went in to check on her I heard him say, “ISABELLA ROSE WALKER!!!”. I peaked in and found her straddling the side rail of her pack & play. A good parent would have kept from laughing and used it as a disciplining moment, but I just burstd out laughing.

We couldn’t resist leaving the ranch without making smores. To our surprise, Isabella didn’t care for them one bit.

Although it was a lot of work, we really enjoyed our time in nature. I learned several things out there worth mentioning:

1. We don’t need a lot to be happy/entertained and perhaps I am harming my children by giving them so much. I need to stop buying them toys, they will get plenty at birthdays and Christmas. I don’t want to be those parents who’s children need to be simulated 100% of the time, however realize that it starts with us. I am slowly coming to the conclusion that I need to give up my iphone, but every time I say that I come up with an excuse why I can’t. Perhaps I’ll do it for lent?

2. The second sweetest sound in the world is that of my husband and two daughters sleeping, the first being of them laughing together. Being away from all the city & home noises, it’s rare to find yourself in absolute silence; however at the ranch, aside from the occasional airplane, it’s a welcomed occurrence affording you the opportunity to truly listen.

3. The freedom of time. During our visit, we pretty much had no concept of time. We woke up when we woke up, ate when we were hungry, and rested when we were tired. Putting into perspective how structured our lives really are.

Here are a few more pictures of our time at the ranch.

Isabella and mommy decorating pine cones that are proudly displayed on our mantel.

Isabella, Abigail and I took a walk down by the pond.

Isabella on her favorite thing at the ranch. I think she's getting ready to take Elmo for a ride.

Abigail and Isabella

This week we visited my fathers ranch outside Monticello, GA (more on that to come). While there we caught this fun video of the girls. We are incredibly blessed to have such sweet gilrs both with cherry dispositions. Enjoy!!!!

My couponing adventure

Since we started tracking our money, one of our largest expenses (not including our mortgage) has been food & grocery. At our last MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meeting, I sat in a presentation on couponing. I couldn't believe that you could walk out of a store with free items. Furthermore, I was surprised at how much less I could be paying for things that I've been paying retail for.

With resources like http://www.southernsavers.com/ & www.thekrazycouponlady.com/ I've learned that by collecting coupons and using them when items are already on sale, I can buy at rock bottom prices. Compound manufacture coupons with store coupons, and you walk out of there with free items in your cart.

At my MOPS table was a savvy shopper, who met me at Publix to show me the ropes. My plan was to follow her around, but she had a few coupons that she shared with me. I bought:

1. Two pledge wipes at $1.29 each

2. Two Barilla Pasta's: $0.14

3. Whole Fruit Sorbet: $0.45

4. One box of Crackerful Chedder Snacks & One box of Saltines, 1/2 gallon of milk: $1.85

I spent a total of $4.60 and saved $12.69!!! I am hooked, I'll never pay full price for something unless I absolutely need it. This gave me such a sense of accomplishment, because it's a tangible result of my work here at home. I know I add value with every moment I am interacting with the girls, managing the home, and nourishing our family. However it's a totally different experience when you see the fruits of your labor immediately.

I am still a young whipper snapper at this couponing game, but I'll climb the learning curve in no time. Stay tuned for more savings.

Go Aggies!

It's been about three years since we've made it to an Aggie
game. Since then we've been busy having and raising children, leaving us little time to keep up with the team.

So, tis morning, when my loving husband reminded me that the Aggies would be playing tonight, I sent Isabella to school with her Aggie gear.

We did let her watch about 2o minutes of the game, where she had an opportunity to practice her gig'em sign. I can't wait to take my girls to see the promised land that we call Texas A&M. :)

Abigai's 10th week.

Here are a few pictures of our 10th week with baby Abigail. She's starting her own sweet little laugh, and is smiling at Isabella on a daily basis.

Isabella sleeping with her Elmo.

Abigail at her best.

Tim spent two days away from us and this was taken upon his arrival. Although we did fine on our own, we were all very happy to see him.

This picture was taken on September 25th, when Isabella was rewarded with a petit four and, not satisfied, then wanted mine. Nobody comes between me and my sweets. :)

Isabella with my shirt. Tim and I think she looks like a little biblical character.