Sunday, May 11, 2014

Matt's Homemade zipline

Our children are very lucky to have Matt as their dad for many reasons.  One of which is his creativity and adventurous nature.  He was outside gardening and straightening up the garage with Ella Catherine and Carter while Cassidy and I were cooking and folding laundry.  The next thing I know I look outside and he has made a homemade zipline for the kids.  Ella Catherine takes more after him in her willingness to try new things while Carter is more reserved like me and likes to hang around and watch.  So, only Ella Catherine enjoyed the zipline.  It was short lived, but she sure did have fun while it lasted.
 
Getting ready for the first run

And she is off

wire hung a little low and swing a little long so she hit the ground

Wire higher, swing shorter and she is ready for the second run.  I believe right here she is saying daddy I'm not so sure about  this and Matt is telling her it will be fine.

And she is off for round 2, eyes might be slightly shut

And now they are completely shut

We may have been yelling at her to put her feet down so she didn't hit the deck.  Which she may or may not have hit anyway. oops.  Luckily, she slowed herself enough that she didn't hit very hard.  I know it wasn't bad because she wanted to go again.

Mother's Day 2014

Very lucky that Ella Catherine, Carter and Cassidy call me mommy.  Being mommy to these three is the best, most challenging and most rewarding job I've ever had.  I'm equally as lucky that I have Matt as a husband and father to share this wonderful journey with.  Our house is never as clean as I would like it to be and there is a lot of crying and drama on a daily basis but I wouldn't trade it for anything.  No our life isn't perfect, far from it, but it's the perfect life for me!




Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Planting the Tomatos

We (Matt and kids) had such great time with our garden last year that we (Matt and kids) decided to do it again.  I have a brown thumb and therefore am not allowed near the plants.  My only job is to cook the produce once it is harvested.  Today it was time to plant our tomato plants that we have grown from seed.
Tomato plants ready to plant
Getting the soil ready
Prepping the plant
Finding the perfect spot
Grow little plants grow





Wednesday, December 25, 2013

We had a Wonderful Christmas.  We had the opportunity to celebrate early with my parents.  
Below are pictures of both christmas celebrations.
Cassidy got a popping elephant.  It was  huge hit with all the kids
Popping Elephant provided some opportunity for Cassidy to retrieve balls
American girl necklace
New outfit for her American Girl Doll

Cars Legos
Diving in!
Lightening McQueen ornament
Nana helping Cassidy open presents
Our Reindeer sugar cookies and milk for Santa and Carrots for the reindeer
Our tree
Opening presents






Absolutely LOVE this picture of Cassidy in the middle of all the paper and gifs.  The look on her face is  " I did not it".

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Twas the Night Before Christmas

This is one of my favorite family traditions, Matt reading "Twas the Night before Christmas" to the kids on Christmas Eve at bedtime.  This year since Ella Catherine has learned to read, he let her read a few pages.  Warms my heart. 








Christmas Eve Mass / Children's choir

Ella Catherine was in the children's choir this year.  So, the children's mass was extra special for us.  We were so lucky that Mimi, Nana and Pop were able to come in town to see her performance.  She made a beautiful angel and did a great job learning and remembering all the songs.  

Our Angel







Fun pictures after with friends

Libby, Cassidy and Ella Catherine

Mimi with her grandkids









Saturday, December 7, 2013

Matt's Graduation from Lipscomb

Matt graduated today with honors and received a Masters in Information Technology Management.  We could not be prouder of him.  Straight A's while woking full time and being full time daddy and husband.  I know that it was not easy but he DID it!!!!  What a great day celebrating him.
We were so glad that everyone could come in town to help us celebrate.

Opening comments

View of the stage
This is how you keep a one year old entertained at a graduation, snacks!!!


The handsome graduate
Better picture of the handsome graduate
In line to receive his diploma
Receiving his hood 
Receiving his diploma


It should come as no surprise that Carter opted out of the picture,  Little did he know we could still see him in the background.
Matt and his little brother, Michael
Matt and his mom
Matt with his Dad and Debbie

Matt with my mom, dad and Cassidy