tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35620137523993251982012-02-13T15:02:26.802-08:00Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.comBlogger6861100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-54916937220185952392012-02-13T14:06:00.000-08:002012-02-13T14:22:19.805-08:00

I think we are pretty ready for Valentines around here. Nothing big, but we love a reason to celebrate having each other and having others we love.The chickies and I spent yesterday afternoon crafting DumDum Flowers for their classes at school while Easy drove my brother to the airport. Over the last week we had visits from him and my parents both as they were passing through. Roo with "her

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-31007171546830790872012-02-09T09:14:00.000-08:002012-02-09T09:19:35.509-08:00

Solidifying our rental for Florida today.I'm so excited to take our family to the beach and just relax for a few days over spring break.Just us.We plan to play in the sand, collect beach treasures, eat seafood, watch dolphins, and enjoy the surf.It's pretty much going to be the best week ever.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-84378666128090369932012-02-08T07:31:00.000-08:002012-02-08T14:00:09.337-08:00

If my daughters ever see that I'm about to work something up in the kitchen they immediately grab the stool, push it over to the counter, and climb up to get their hands dirty.I usually let them. And they usually make a huge mess. Which I usually clean up. It's a win/lose thing.They win.I lose.whatever. There really is nothing like fresh bread baking in the oven. I find it makes me very happy.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-77421165182635409472012-02-07T09:20:00.000-08:002012-02-07T09:28:48.417-08:00

I'm hanging out over at Playing House today.Come see! Rachel and I became real friends here in Arkie after being set up by mutual e-friends from Instagram. Funny, right? Even funnier is that our husbands had already randomly met while working on a Habitat for Humanity house and we had no idea.Anyway, I'm happy to be posting on her bloggy today.:)

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-17989294108245509472012-02-06T19:05:00.000-08:002012-02-06T19:19:37.197-08:00

I'm itching here.This warm weather has got me thinking about spring. And summer.It has me thinking about planting, growing, harvesting, and eating fresh veggies from my garden.Last year in all our craziness I just threw a few plants and herbs out front. They didn't yield much and all through 2011 I dreamed of my Arizona days with our fresh veggies.I'm determined to get a compost bin built this

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-36205792563297147542012-02-02T08:50:00.000-08:002012-02-02T09:15:05.988-08:00

So I saw this hair curling tutorial online the other day and thought I would give it a go.I usually just let my hair air dry, style my bangs, and spray on some sort of wave product to give a boost to what I have naturally.Let's just say that this was way more time consuming, but dang, I think I really like it.And I think I'll try this one next.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-35936734779134507752012-02-01T13:40:00.000-08:002012-02-01T14:07:08.358-08:00

i love these little hands.all six of them trying to get in.blondes talks with hers telling us all about her day.mae licks the peanut butter off hers. one after the other.roo uses hers as utensils.everyday we look forward to when blondes gets home from school and we are whole again.all together.just as it should be.oh, and looks who's 11 weeks:

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-27577134283417439592012-01-29T14:30:00.000-08:002012-02-01T14:57:24.060-08:00

oldest and youngest.1.24.2012Our dear little Rosie.She can now lay quietly on the floor without screaming her head off.She kicks, wiggles her little arms around, and gives us the cutest little coos. It's magical. The stress in the house has decreased 10 fold.We put her in the crib so she (and we) sleep so much better at night. I'm thinking someone out there slipped her some kind of miracle baby

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-90451188503577165322012-01-25T21:10:00.000-08:002012-01-25T22:14:02.978-08:00

Today Roo was in the kitchen and I was sitting here at the computer.She says to me, "Mom, I go peepee."I say to her, "Did you go in your diaper or do you need to go on the potty?"She says, "Go on potty."So, I rush her in there.I brought out the potty last October. There it has sat in the bathroom as more of a toy for her to play with then anything. She has mostly just sat on it before jumping in

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-73281199159281741052012-01-24T13:52:00.000-08:002012-01-24T14:05:55.305-08:00

so, i have a little confession to make.you know this place that i live in - the northwest corner of arkansas.arkie.i'm starting to really like it here. almost love it.the air is clear here. the people are pleasant. it is safe. we have made great friends and i'm feeling so content.people have actually come here to visit us! and more are on the way!don't get me wrong. i miss the desert. i miss the

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-10333492765996394182012-01-23T18:36:00.000-08:002012-01-23T18:37:24.884-08:00

is in a big-girl bed!

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-74989560562342827132012-01-20T12:32:00.000-08:002012-01-20T14:02:29.157-08:00

We have become sort of obsessed around here.With a cookie.And since they are so easy to make and we have a garage full of cake mix samples (thanks to Easy's job) we have been making them pretty often.I think the girls almost have the batter recipe memorized: cake mix. 2 eggs. 1/2 c oil. bake 8 to 10 at 350.Click here for more thorough instructions + frosting. Erica says to refrigerate them when

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-25695785411104769262012-01-19T11:30:00.000-08:002012-01-19T11:30:01.305-08:00

I made myself a little shopping/menu template in the hopes that I will remember to actually MAKE a list before going to the store.   You want it? Go ahead...take it.  Your Welcome!  H

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-42324037684694903482012-01-18T19:08:00.000-08:002012-01-18T20:03:29.638-08:00

I love days like this.I love sitting on the couch with Rosie and nursing her. I love seeing her thighs and cheeks fill out and I love that she saves her best smiles of the day for me.9 weeks.I love watching the girls create little worlds of their own out of Legos, blocks, Play-Doh, and cardboard boxes. I love hearing their words to each other in their pretend play dialogue. It's all, "Oh, yes

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-11057923155481466592012-01-17T12:10:00.000-08:002012-01-17T12:10:00.804-08:00

1. Please tell me you are drooling over these earrings as much as I am. I die!2. Toms flats for spring. Aren't they cute!3. Saw this framed on Pinterest. Would make a great gift.4. Yummy spring colors from Essie.5. Digging colored jeans. My new pair is turquoise. I've seen them pretty cheap at Target and Forever 21.6. Loving my new phone case. My 3rd in a year. Whoops. Unfortunately style and

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-41527737444538763422012-01-16T21:11:00.000-08:002012-01-16T21:26:26.015-08:00

i have a good man.so a few weeks ago Easy messages me asking if we want to go to Blue Man Group. of course we do! his work was sponsoring the event so we were able to score a couple of tickets.we got a babysitter and then - well, then there was Rosie.we didn't feel good about taking her (a little loud) and we also didn't feel good about leaving her with anyone (she can be quite fussy in the

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-6005960762754469822012-01-13T06:14:00.000-08:002012-01-13T06:17:14.808-08:00

when the girls get an owie on their middle finger.happy weekending!

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-83702253019922580872012-01-12T09:34:00.000-08:002012-01-12T12:14:31.155-08:00

As the girls get older, Easy and I are realizing that their little ears are actually quite big ears.They hear everything. At times Blondes will cup her hand around her ear and say to us, "I can hear you!" Adding her sly little smile.Yesterday Easy was dropping Mae off at preschool. The dj on the radio mentioned a possibility of snow for last night. Minutes later Mae pipes up, "Dad, I'm going to

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-22959405446028695632012-01-10T14:07:00.000-08:002012-01-10T14:45:26.814-08:00

Rosie. 8 weeks. I'm a little afraid to say it, but I think that the rose bud has turned a corner on the colicky-ness. She is surprisingly more pleasant and friendly.Over the weekend she did fantastic with her dad as I worked back to back night-shifts at the hospital. This is a serious answer to prayer my friends. I hate leaving her.I pumped in empty rooms, worried about my baby, worried about my

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-67803652160151054112012-01-05T19:28:00.000-08:002012-01-05T20:15:09.884-08:00

Tomorrow MaeMae is supposed to wear "hog attire" to preschool and naturally, I totally forgot about it until 9pm tonight. Just in case you didn't know - it's practically a sin to live in NW Arkansas and not have hog attire. I could not let her show up to school without the traditional maroon, black, and white, especially since she is so unmotivated to go to there these days anyways (she is a

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-7383927653165577172012-01-04T19:32:00.000-08:002012-01-05T06:57:55.581-08:00

Oh 2011 was tough! Probably one of my most challenging years. I'm so glad to have it behind us! Sure, I got a super cute baby out of it and we moved to a pretty cool new state, but all in all, I kinda struggled through it working full time, being pregnant, and mothering three littles.I'm so excited that it's a new year! I'm not pregnant (hallelujah!), we have great new friends, I'm only working

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-62806207754538811182012-01-02T13:01:00.000-08:002012-01-03T12:20:13.657-08:00

Kinda last minute on Friday morning we decided to pack the van and head out of town to Kansas City, MO.We thought about allowing the fact that we have 4 children stop us. We thought about how hellish a night in the hotel would be with a wild 2 year old and we thought about crazy drunken traffic with the New Year.The night in the hotel was nothing short of awful, but our 1.5 days there were great

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-78035783511539009262012-01-01T17:20:00.000-08:002012-01-01T18:54:28.586-08:00

12.23The girls can't get enough of their grandparents and I'm so glad to have my mom help with little-fuss-face Rosie.12.24 We build the annual gingerbread house from scratch. This years is a replica of my parents house. We make cookies, scatter food for Santa's reindeer, have a fancy dinner, open new jammies, watch The Nativity, and discuss Jesus' birth.Christmas is ready!12.25 The girls are

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-37017210028984247852011-12-25T19:43:00.000-08:002011-12-25T19:44:38.155-08:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-35210534963780139972011-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:002011-12-21T12:34:35.211-08:00

Our Rose Bud is 5 weeks.She has expressive eyebrows and perfect lips.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-14237954352683313172011-12-20T07:46:00.000-08:002011-12-20T08:01:55.939-08:00

Grandma Roxy and Mae, Aug 2011Two things that my mom absolutly loves = grand-kids and ChristmasI'm feeling a tad bit spoiled this year because her and my dad are coming to Arkansas to spend Christmas with our little family.We are soooo excited to have them and are planning all the fun things we want to do:Ice skatingSeeing the lightsGetting our BBQ on Arkie styleChecking out Monte Ne and visiting

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-5978876870862053402011-12-15T14:03:00.001-08:002011-12-15T14:32:14.775-08:00

Today I was very brave.After picking up Blondes from school I ventured to Target with all four chickies in tow.I prepped the older girls and reminded them about staying near me and being helpers. I reminded them that we were only going to exchange an item and get small gifts for their teachers. I knew that we wouldn't be able to handle much more than that.It ended up being fine - other than Roo

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-2158758005301633262011-12-13T09:10:00.000-08:002011-12-13T09:16:15.728-08:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-75134318574907207462011-12-10T11:00:00.000-08:002011-12-10T11:03:32.649-08:00

We tried to take some family pictures this morning.Lol.Just keepin it real, folks.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-87388725992315015142011-12-09T09:38:00.000-08:002011-12-09T09:51:51.274-08:00

Yesterday, amongst the previously mentioned chaos we made Caramel Popcorn. It is not healthy at all, but is yummy and absolutly addicting. Roo and I have almost consumed the leftovers, which is really going to upset the older girls when they are home from school. I have been spit up on twice and pooped on once. Awesome, huh? I've also been getting to know my new friend: Canon 60D. So far I love

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-11935697394205577362011-12-08T13:15:00.000-08:002011-12-08T13:36:16.422-08:00

We are all getting pretty adjusted to having a family of 6. Roo as expected, has probably endured the most change. She has had to grow up a little and be a big girl. Poor thing.I have been putting her on the potty more and more and she has had to walk places instead of being packed around on my hip. I think she is doing fine other than having picked up some bad habits: pinching, pulling hair,

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-73386693695764283912011-12-07T08:18:00.000-08:002011-12-07T08:19:06.714-08:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-47371156309742784982011-12-06T09:21:00.001-08:002011-12-06T11:43:28.690-08:00

This morning we woke up a little late and a little sleepy. Little did we know that there was a surprise waiting for us outside.What was it?Snow! Just a little taste. Not really enough to make angels in and definitely not enough to build a snowman or a fort. Maybe you could pack a snowball?It is beautiful though!Along with this other winter gift:

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-2551718003044071182011-12-04T16:13:00.001-08:002011-12-04T17:31:46.457-08:00

She:loves to snuggle with Mom all night longstill has her umbilical cord attached (i swear it's never coming off)hates being bathedhas the cutest curliest hair when it's wethas stopped shedding her skin (i can wear black now :)is soothed by rocking, swaddling, nursing, and bouncinghas big round eyes andlong fingershas he sweetest dimple in her left cheek (usually can be seen when she's drunk off

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-53631870931527845022011-11-30T13:15:00.000-08:002011-11-30T13:29:42.865-08:00

Tomorrow is December.We decided that some snow would be appropriate.1. Get inspired. Link here for awesome snowflake instructions. 2. Fold according to directions to get that awesome octagonand3. Cut all sorts of triangles. I promise you cannot mess these up! MaeMae (she's 4) made some of my favorites.4. Hang and enjoy.ps. sorry about all the phone pics lately. my camera is dead! :(

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-3494998238895041542011-11-29T09:43:00.000-08:002011-11-29T09:51:13.573-08:00

Mommy with the Baby in Her Bellyby MaeMae Nov. 2011Yeah, I'm hoping to be depicted a little differently now.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-9674659422520125902011-11-28T14:10:00.001-08:002011-11-28T15:09:25.923-08:00

Ahhh!November is over. Or, it might as well be.What is going on?I can't believe how fast time is flying by - it's making me crazy!Our sweet little Rosie is two weeks old. We love her! Like, LOVE her! Our Thanksgiving was sweet and simple. We were invited to spend it with friends and I only had to worry about potatoes and veggies. It was perfect for my postpartum state.And the tree was put

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-86145574482372192482011-11-22T14:28:00.000-08:002011-11-23T07:22:29.435-08:00

I can't imagine how long the last 6 months have seemed to the girls. We told them we would have a baby when I was around 14 weeks pregnant. We also told them to keep it a secret, which they did very well. I'm also sure that the day they spent waiting to see Little Rosie was as long as those six months.I knew that Easy would be bringing them all in around 2:30pm. I guess I didn't really take into

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-49291717769585860352011-11-19T09:14:00.000-08:002011-11-21T11:47:13.735-08:00

So it goes like this...Monday the 14th of November I started having contractions just after dinner. They were mild and spaced around 15-20 min apart. We got the girls in bed and Easy and I spent the rest of the evening watching TV and eating ice cream. I wasn't sure if they were going to continue through the night, but I was very sure that I was not having Braxton Hicks. All night I tossed and

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-91422581624606174572011-11-16T05:03:00.001-08:002011-11-21T11:49:39.831-08:00

Little Miss Rosie decided to grace the world with her presence just before midnight last night.She is a very perfect little peach if I may say so myself.11/15/11. 11:55pm. 7lbs 13.5oz. 21 inches and loved so dearly.-Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-28925635079402576222011-11-10T12:08:00.000-08:002011-11-10T15:59:25.986-08:00

Fall in Arkansas and 39 Weeks AlongI'm hoping this uterus of mine will decide to give baby the boot soon, but the way things are looking my body is intending on taking it's sweet little time. I'm not dilated enough to even really speak of.Seriously though I just want my baby! Not because I'm miserable and uncomfortable (honestly I've been feeling great). I'm just ready for her!Ready to have her

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-49294122012059347502011-11-04T07:47:00.000-07:002011-11-04T12:19:10.141-07:00

Our little Roo has decided the last few weeks since she has turned 2 to be just that.2. She is a little stinker. She refuses every last thing from eating, napping, bedtime, sharing, getting her diaper changed, clear down to wearing pants. She kicks E and I out of her room and tries her darndest to push and shove her way around her sisters.But when she wants her Mom or her Dada she can be the most

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-85368888402657042102011-11-03T12:57:00.000-07:002011-11-03T13:17:23.156-07:00

I'm full term. 38 weeks.Baby will be here so soon. The clothes are washed, carseat ready, and the bassinet is up. I just have to pack our bags.Can I tell you that I'm scared? I'm nervous. I'm anxious. I know that I have done this three other times and I know I am totally capable of doing it again. I just kinda don't want to - to the point where I get a little panicky and want to just keep her in.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-24947410369484649312011-11-01T20:22:00.000-07:002011-11-01T21:00:24.988-07:00

It's baby month at The Dirt and we will have a new little one here in a couple weeks.Hooray! Woohoo!For the most part with my babies I like to stick to neutral/natural elements and colors. Oh, and this group was so much fun to put together. Enjoy.1. Aden and Anais swaddlers to put baby in that womb like sleep.2. Fell in love with this natural wood coat/towel hanger when I saw it on Pinterest.3.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-35511558818902529892011-10-31T20:18:00.001-07:002011-10-31T20:18:30.774-07:00

Hope you had a boootiful evening!Xoxo, Sonny and Cher- Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-8358781110298084282011-10-30T21:01:00.000-07:002011-10-30T21:11:20.861-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-82750632627969296892011-10-30T19:23:00.000-07:002011-10-30T19:42:25.377-07:00

I love my little creepies!

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-38391955343597450692011-10-21T09:37:00.000-07:002011-10-22T18:31:51.206-07:00

I'm thinking this was the fourth (or so) time we had soup this week for dinner. First we had chili, then it was a sausage tortellini, then a chicken tortilla soup, and finally this baby. What can I say though? Soup is calling us all, right? Especially with this dramatic change in Arkansas weather where we experienced our first freeze. Nothing warms like a savory soup and trust me this one was

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-52779412144094219552011-10-21T06:33:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:54:41.109-07:00

Sunday was the day of Roo.A day for her to just be two.A crown, a cake, and presents all there.Plus sisters that show her how to unwrap with care.I don't think she had the slightest clue -just how great it would be to turn two.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-45752584261799116482011-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:002011-10-15T19:30:31.334-07:00

Tomorrow our littlest chickie will be two.TWO!Yes the one with the big brown eyes, that loves puppies, is possessive of her parents, and gives the sweetest kisses ever. She cuddles, will listen to book after book be read to her, is especially ticklish on her back, sings at the top of her lungs with arms spread out for all to hear, and adores her big sisters. Yeah, she pretty much gets whatever

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-55546416101541195002011-10-13T13:22:00.000-07:002011-10-14T08:43:40.133-07:00

All of my girls have blankies and bunnies.The big girls were getting concerned about the sister-in-womb and that she didn't have a new blankie of her very own to snuggle. So a blankie was fashioned after Blondes' lovely lavender one.We started with one yard of Mother Goose flannel, a yard of yellow minkie, and Satin Blanket Binding - all from Hobby Lobby.The flannel and minkie were cut to match

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-72446073599721019152011-10-06T06:42:00.000-07:002011-10-06T07:25:32.473-07:00

hello october.we have missed you! the girls in the gardiner house are so excited that you are here. we are planning halloween costumes, baking, and deciding when to take a trip to the pumpkin patch.also, we have been creating works of art that involve witches, goblins, and jack-0-lanterns instead of the the typical princesses and butterflies.it's a great change and one we welcome

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-77742543754502020002011-10-01T09:54:00.000-07:002011-10-01T09:58:01.042-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-90124145929757362432011-09-30T03:54:00.000-07:002011-09-30T04:18:58.153-07:00

Last smile with her "real teeth." Aug 2011.This is MaeMae.She loves to giggle non-stop, smile ear-to-ear, and act all sorts of crazy.Last January she broke her little kisser (remember that?) and we all wondered if she would be able to keep that sweet smile.Well, it ended up after consulting the professionals that her two front teeth needed to come out. They would be replaced with a wired-in

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-2327045902114232382011-09-25T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-29T16:21:17.957-07:00

1978. Easy's sister is born to his mother Suzanne, delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Brown.Just over a week ago Easy's grandfather passed away. The same man that delivered him into this world as a newborn and the man that married us in the LA Temple. Gratefully, we got to see him last month in Utah just before he broke his hip and fell ill. We are also grateful for the knowledge we have about

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-32718424140173596872011-09-23T10:07:00.001-07:002011-09-23T10:10:16.026-07:00

I hate your bugs.Love,

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-13003891499197217732011-09-22T05:44:00.000-07:002011-09-22T05:53:29.792-07:00

It rained and thundered all night last night. It was so loud it woke me several times. This morning all is wet and the rain is still drizzling.I sent Blondes to school in sandals with no mind of even looking outside this morning to see the weather. Whoops. Strike one.I love the grey skies, but it does make me long for nights like we had a couple weeks ago. These southern storms are quite dramatic

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-60798721607111524322011-09-21T12:49:00.000-07:002011-09-21T13:05:11.689-07:00

*from memory*Chicken Sausage KabobsChicken SausageSweet PeppersZucchiniGala ApplesSweet OnionsMarinated in lemon juice and olive oil with garlic, salt and pepper then browned over the grill.Garden Salad with Homemade Balsamic VinaigretteSpring GreensSweet PeppersAvocadoStrawberriesGreen OnionsSliced Cherry TomatoesFresh Grated Parmesan CheeseDried CranberriesSugared PecansVinaigrette: Combine in

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-64350221203335639972011-09-15T07:00:00.000-07:002011-09-15T07:22:29.723-07:00

attempt to document the fourth bump.sept 8 2011I'm sitting at 31weeks today. Yesterday I visited Dr. H. I really like him. We talked about my oldest because she wants to be there when this little person enters the world. I also want her to be there. He is fine with it - now E and I are trying to determine the specifics. We also talked about a little thing called an IUD.My pregnancy has flown by

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-82035858786087691842011-09-10T12:07:00.000-07:002011-09-10T14:50:08.265-07:00

It's back! I'm back!Woohoo!It's true that the past few months I really haven't been myself. And honestly I find myself missing the Arizona Hays. You know that one? The one who cooks, blogs, gardens, and makes stuff, and has chickens living in her back yard, and is always up for anything?Moving across the country, working full time (nights), and being unexpectedly pregnant has really thrown me for

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-50843391412389371642011-09-08T21:31:00.000-07:002011-09-08T22:11:36.900-07:00

Our final task in Utah was witnessing Easy's sister Ashley get married in SLC:My little brood waited anxiously outside the temple to see their aunt.Our attempt of a family picture.Could be worse, right?At least there are no tears...yet.The couple was amazingly stunning.So was my Blondes.And later that evening the Gardiners partied.(My apologies to Steph and Shaunna for taking photos while they

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-61024212851401416142011-09-05T21:38:00.000-07:002011-09-05T21:46:48.443-07:00

Lewis' Hang in Provo Canyon, UTAugust 12, 2011

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-11916114840227782452011-09-02T13:13:00.000-07:002011-09-02T13:22:36.600-07:00

We have been recovering a week from our 10 day stint in Utah visiting family and running around wild. We were happy our first day there to enjoy boating in the warm sun and cool air, with spectacular views of the mountains of Deer Creek Reservoir. My brother and his family were kind enough to host all 5 of us. And the girls were stoked to get to know their cousins again. This one

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-11494783222164254762011-08-25T08:30:00.001-07:002011-08-25T08:56:01.378-07:00

A few weeks ago we headed to Nauvoo to meet up with my oldest brother and his family. After 8 hours in the car and just after Keokuk, Iowa we were happy to find this little cabin on the hill that overlooks the Mississippi. Easy and I stayed in this cabin 8 years ago while traveling through Illinois. It brought back memories of kayaking in the river, exploring Nauvoo, and working together in

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-32080221374906276262011-08-22T13:46:00.000-07:002011-08-22T14:33:34.183-07:00

Today our lives changed. All of ours did as our first little chickie made her way to Kindergarten. She is ready. She is ready. I keep telling myself over and over. She is ready. Her mother, however is not so ready. But we did it anyway - even if we were a week late (school started last Monday while we were in Utah). I walked her straight in to meet her teacher this morning where we also

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-23973506876434717192011-08-06T10:40:00.000-07:002011-08-06T10:43:51.444-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-85149495331505493052011-07-29T08:41:00.000-07:002011-07-29T08:49:55.411-07:00

We were visited by some of our bestest friends in the whole world a couple of weeks ago.We played, hiked, swam, bounced, painted, colored, and napped. The girls just couldn't get enough of their besties.Their favorite was catching a toad in the back yard. My Blondes was so brave.Enjoy.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-37930411741734858392011-07-20T15:36:00.000-07:002011-07-20T15:37:25.566-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-20917361864269098472011-07-13T11:34:00.000-07:002011-07-13T11:37:26.411-07:00

Sunrise at shift end receives a warm welcome.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-28749489720605769692011-07-08T06:25:00.000-07:002011-07-08T07:53:45.210-07:00

I'm a believer in loving where I'm at when I'm there. Embracing it, I guess. I really do look forward to the day when we are back west , but there is so much that I do enjoy about Arkansas.We have been frequenting about all the Farmer's Market's up and down the 540. So far I think that Fayetteville has been the favorite - with the college kids playing funny music at the corner, the potter's wheel

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-84922122375106690922011-06-27T10:59:00.000-07:002011-06-28T14:58:31.490-07:00

A few days ago as I was recovering from night shift on the couch Blondes informed me she wanted a snack.I told her to grab something healthy from the fridge.A few minutes after gnawing on an apple she told me that her tooth was loose. I didn't really believe her but decided to check it out anyway. Sure enough the thing was loose-as-a-goose! After a little convincing she let me give little yank,

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-68792613589307387332011-06-24T08:36:00.000-07:002011-06-24T08:48:27.219-07:00

Baby-Belly off to swim. June 24, 2011Another little Gardiner will grace us with her presence before Thanksgiving.Apparently we have a good thing going here.She is the size of a heirloom tomato (so an app on my phone tells me) and is healthy as can be despite having a mother with way too much on her plate.Top names on GM's list: Love or HeartBlondie's List: SydneyEasy: Still in shock over the

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-41097467181835225622011-06-07T09:24:00.000-07:002011-06-07T09:33:21.970-07:00

Festivals and Farmer's Market in the SquareFirst Dance Performances (Sissy can't be left out :)A girls' weekend to Oklahoma City for Time Out for Women + a visit to the bombing memorial.New bedding. An anniversary gift.A late-Saturday trip to the lake.A birthday gift. Hays turns 29!!!And finally, it's a sad day when you realize that your baby is no longer a baby.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-65235364168968303702011-05-31T08:37:00.001-07:002011-05-31T08:37:16.963-07:00

Easy assisted our stake with the cleaning efforts in Joplin this weekend. Amazing the destruction that hit so close to home. He said it was literally like a bomb went off. Bark ripped from trees, 2x4s speared through walls, and roofs ripped off homes. This account is pretty amazing. - Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-7557509307456058192011-05-23T08:27:00.000-07:002011-05-23T12:27:26.524-07:00

I had plans early this spring of making a little garden in the backyard for us.Then our lives took off and we have been a little on survival mode ever since:Dropping girls off, working, catching up on sleep, working, picking girls up, making half-assed dinners, drinking more soda than usual, trying to keep up on the laundry - and the bathrooms, and the dishes. And finally using whatever time we

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-41831556149154141052011-05-09T14:51:00.000-07:002011-05-09T17:53:28.043-07:00

Roonie. May 9th, 2011. Downing some yogurt after splashing out back. I hope all you mother's whom may frequent The Dirt had a fabulous Mother's Day.Mine was fantastic.Easy sent me on a scavenger hunt for gifts. I could keep the gift I found or give it up for an unknown one. In the end I made out with a trip to the salon and new bedding for our bed. Score!He also got the chickies together and in

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-30416541291610996862011-05-06T13:45:00.001-07:002011-05-09T14:51:24.557-07:00

for flying a kite.- Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-16209004566500377932011-05-04T09:44:00.000-07:002011-05-04T09:59:03.175-07:00

Yesterday I got a text around 4pm from my sis-in-law Kiersten.It said, "Happy Anniversary!"I stared at it a good minute. What? That's so weird. It's not my anniversary.Wait... What?Kiersten and Matt share anniversaries with Easy and I. Oh crap! It's my anniversary!Easy has been in Florida and we had talked 4 or five times in the day already. Not one mention was made of the big day. I immediately

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-10539226453372881372011-04-29T09:50:00.000-07:002011-04-29T09:52:52.392-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-60793076794338171442011-04-25T10:57:00.001-07:002011-04-25T11:01:09.960-07:00

There is a river running through my back yard. An actual river. It's been raining for days. I feel like we live in the Pacific Northwest. The roads are flooded. The sky is dark. And We are all cooped up. It just rains. And rains. And rains. We can't even make it to the mailbox without being completely soaked. I do love the rain. But this is a little excessive. - Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-6580939839648218202011-04-22T08:50:00.000-07:002011-04-22T09:23:17.613-07:00

I think I'm developing an Arkansan accent.One thing is for sure and that is I don't think I'll ever say fixin as in, "I'm fixin to go get lunch." But, ya'll is working for me as well as ma'am and sir. I can sense it coming real good when I'm at work...or, it seems, when I'm talking about work too.Anyway, a few weeks ago we sold our old red couch. I loved/hated that old thing. In the end I was sad

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-48279443067093117362011-04-08T17:11:00.001-07:002011-04-08T17:13:18.892-07:00

Have a great weekend! - Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-49055477770379026422011-04-06T16:39:00.001-07:002011-04-06T17:02:19.295-07:00

I know I'm a total slacker.I should not leave The Dirt out of our new southern lives for a week.It's completely irresponsible and there is absolutly no excuse.My apologies.We did have a fantastic weekend though.We hit up the famous Eureka Springs with the girls and moseyed all around that little town.We enjoyed the fresh spring air, ate a fabulous lunch at The Sanctuary Cafe (on a deck hovering

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-53636157230357731442011-03-31T10:49:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:51:37.108-07:00

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-3945264029282448352011-03-30T11:21:00.000-07:002011-03-30T11:59:46.269-07:00

Last Saturday we waited and waited for the Daddy of the Dirt to come home.The table was set. The banner hung.Balloons were inflated.And the cake.Oh, that cake was tempting us with all it's chocolate-peanut-buttery-goodness.He left us to New Orleans to watch the Cougars play in the Sweet Sixteen.And we were all a little excited that they lost - only because it meant that he could come home to us

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-35838635722381655132011-03-28T14:03:00.000-07:002011-03-28T14:09:29.791-07:00

i know you are wondering.so i'll tell you. me. all gussied up like a professional. pre-interview. totally nervous.those "slacks" will only be worn once.because i totally got the job.:)ps. remind me to not wear 4" heels to an interview. i felt like a GIANT and stuck out like a sore thumb. flats would have been a better choice - had i actually had time to hem my pants up a little.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-89031069072481544832011-03-25T11:42:00.000-07:002011-03-25T12:00:24.133-07:00

I finally got around to taking pictures of our new pad.This is where you would stay.Where baby stays.Girls'.Where we hang (my daughters dress themselves).Where I'm usually found.And finally, where Easy and I crash (minus the coverlet because we took it back. i think i want light grey).Things I love about this house:- We can fit both cars in the garage, or will once we get a tad more organized.-

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-90121870387533465352011-03-22T19:40:00.001-07:002011-03-25T13:26:45.068-07:00

So, I had to buy dress pants tonight.For a job interview.Tomorrow.I think I'm going to puke.- Posted using BlogPress

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-350459322977467502011-03-21T11:04:00.000-07:002011-03-21T11:48:47.396-07:00

This weekend we went with friends to check out Monte Ne and fill our bellies with Arkansas fried chicken at The Monte Ne Inn. The old resort from the early 1900's is mostly submerged in Beaver Lake. What's left standing is covered in graffiti. It's very creep actually. The submerged buildings. The rubble. The bad art. The bad words. The litter. I am grateful Blondes doesn't read yet.The kids

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-65394697924909009302011-03-17T09:35:00.001-07:002011-03-17T12:02:54.362-07:00

- Posted on the Go

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-19963218131330976882011-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:002011-03-16T11:38:19.679-07:00

Skirts! Tutorial found here. Happy Spinning!p.s. This song is my fave today.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-15869603910505967982011-03-15T10:05:00.000-07:002011-03-15T10:24:39.031-07:00

Japan.The photos of the horror and destruction found at LA Times Framework speak so loudly.Hoping courage, strength, and prayers find the way to comfort those who have suffered such devastation.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-54473579398635792652011-03-14T10:23:00.000-07:002011-03-14T10:26:47.564-07:00

My friend Erica is hosting a Shabby Apple giveaway on her blog this week.Go enter! Seriously!

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-60237550826005209672011-03-13T20:58:00.000-07:002011-03-13T21:24:50.068-07:00

This is our Roo...or Roonie...or Roonie-Toon.She is 18 months.She is talking more and more everyday - a little parrot of sorts. And she has the best kissing cheeks ever.Little Roo, (all 19.14 lbs of her) has been off wheat and off cow's for almost 2 months. We are thinking it's an allergy, although the tests were inconclusive, probably due to the fact that she had been off the offending foods

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-87890148308631379382011-03-11T17:36:00.000-08:002011-03-11T19:57:26.958-08:00

GM at dinner this evening. 3.11.11.We took our kids to "a fancy place." The older girls oooed and awed over lit candles on the tables and cloth napkins to fold on their laps. Roo was her cute self and threw her fork and food on the floor. I had a burrito slathered in curry - It sounds totally weird but it was sooooo good and Easy ordered Korean BBQ Tacos. Weird again, but totally GOOD! The girls

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-8611092862939286662011-03-10T10:33:00.000-08:002011-03-10T11:58:14.324-08:00

imageI'm eating an oreo shake for lunch today. Don't judge. I'm sure you'd do it too. I'm in need of some sort of indulgence after being stuck in a house all week with sick kids in a strange town. At least that's my excuse. So, oreo shake it is....and (guilt) maybe an apple.At least it isn't what our friend Shuemei is eating in China: In case you can't read the small print the first one's

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-23048684876394106572011-03-09T09:59:00.000-08:002011-03-09T10:26:43.289-08:00

Spirits have been pretty down around here. The flu has hit us hard. slowly. one man out at time. It's been pretty brutal. The good news is that MaeMae, who has had a fever for 5 days, is actually off the couch and playing. The bad news is that it's Rooney's turn.Meanwhile, I have been going stir crazy trapped in the house with sick kids. Fortunately I have much to do with a home to get in order.

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-26251808388738087352011-03-08T13:40:00.001-08:002011-03-08T16:21:39.619-08:00

- Posted using BlogPress

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-46196030468906329232011-03-07T07:43:00.000-08:002011-03-07T08:29:19.654-08:00

I still haven't found the box containing the usb cord to my camera so phone pics will have to do.Blondes waiting for her chicken strips. 3/5/11So far our lives in Arkie have consisted of us eating out to BBQ and Burgers, unpacking, meeting up with old friends, Hi friends! more unpacking, waking to cattle in the morning, shopping The Walmart, car hunting for Easy, unpacking, and exploring. Also,

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3562013752399325198.post-9732737466664167182011-03-03T09:28:00.001-08:002011-03-03T14:23:48.574-08:00

We are busily unpacking all of our treasures here in The Natural State.And little by little this place is in fact looking like our new home. I promise to post more when our Internet is up this afternoon...so much for the self-install.Items missing:-A couch cushion-Tupperware-My spices-BarbiesThings to note:-Churches...everywhere-Cows grazing just behind our fence (reminds me of Fallon)-Everyone

Hayshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12474796405363505360noreply@blogger.com11