Thankful for my husband...

I am ever so thankful for my husband. So here's to you, Derek....for all that you are and all that you do...thank you.

I think these are the top 50....

1. He works hard.
2. He wants the best for our family.
3. He doesn't whine or complain.
4. He is the calm one...always.
5. He is honest.
6. He is the perfect father.
7. He is a human jungle gym for the little Birds.
8. He always does the right thing...not the easiest.
9.  He changes diapers...and better yet, he empties the diaper genie.
10. He is dependable.
11. He is loving and kind.
12. He is passionate about our family.
13. He is a man of God.
14. He is planner and a saver.
15. He is organized...most of the time:)
16. He can fix most things.
17. He is disciplined.
18. He doesn't swear...in front of the children.
19. He values my opinion.
20. He marvels at our children.
21. He doesn't make excuses.
22. He helps with the laundry.
23. He reads to our children.
24. He is silly with our children.
25. He values what I do as a wife and mommy...even when he comes home to complete chaos.
26. He gets what's important in life.
27. He would lay down his life for us.
28. His arms are protective.
29. He is a gentleman.
30. He is creative.
31. He is a great provider.
32. He takes out the trash.
33. He makes me laugh.
34. He calls when he is running late.
35. He volunteers to wash the sippy cups.
36. He appreciates the little things in life.
37. He is honorable.
38. He is a man of his word.
39. He is a trusted friend.
40. His eyes don't stray.
41. He finds the fun in life.
42. He has a good heart.
43. He is respected.
44. He is not a show-off.
45. He is encouraging.
46. He makes the coffee.
47. He puts our family first...always.
48. He will take the dogs out.
49. He would do anything to make me smile.
50. He leads by example.

I love you more than you will ever know!

Contardi Tennis ROCKS!!!

Look out world, we may have a tennis champ in the making! Thank you to the sweet Contardi Family for introducing Hudson to the sport and for taking the time to teach him "Contardi Tennis" as he calls it. He has the most fun and has even been working on his "homework" in the house. While balancing the ball on the racquet is a good in house move, practicing his serving indoors has proven to be problematic. Just means more outdoor tennis fun which makes our little guy even happier:) Here are some pictures from his first Contardi tennis lesson out at Newks and his at-home session with Coach Steve in our driveway....

 Practicing with Coach Mario

 Coach Steve was there to help out too!!!

 Sissies made perfect ball girls:)

 Isabelle was all about helping

 Sophia taking a little break

 Sophia having a moment with Coach Steve:)

 Tennis ball heaven

Final shot of the day!

Before the Contardi Wagon gets ready to head back to Ohio, Coach Steve made sure to get in one more lesson with Hudson...

 Isabelle and Sophia were there cheering him on!

 Love that smile...

 ....and check out that form!

He had a blast!!!



All Aboard!

Hudson's officially 3 and oh boy did we have a great time celebrating!!! We had to postpone his party a bit due to his tonsillectomy, but it was well worth the wait. He had a blast with family and friends...eating and playing....unleashing his creative talents with some watercolor fun thanks to My Traveling Art....and of course riding the choo choo train. God has blessed us tremendously with the most amazing, fun-loving, do anything in the world for my kiddos family and friends! Thanks again to everyone who shared in Hudson's special day!!! Here's a glimpse into the whirlwind of Hudson's Choo Choo Party....

 Let the watercolor choo choo train art begin!

 His favorite color blue:)

 Such precision!

One proud mommy!

Miss Alexa Jayne (affectionately known as Hudson's Uptown Girl) taking a ride on the train.

 Sophia mowing GoGo's lawn!

Isabelle playing with her animals:)

Liv cruising in her convertible

Cassie and sweet Cohen!

Time for some cake....made with love by your's truly

 Hudson and GoGo in their matching "GoGo" shirts:)

 Cassie and Tiffany

And we can't forget about all the presents....he was showered with tractors and diggers and all things boy!

Sweet Sweet Birdies

All I can say is ....life is pretty sweet! These precious little Birds brighten each day, make me laugh so hard I could cry, make me cry because I'm so happy, keep me on my toes constantly, have perfected the art of making a mess, love to be my little helpers, walk and talk and are always trying to get into mischief...I love it!

Say "Cheese"

Hey Hey Good Lookin'!

Fun in the sun!

 Miss Sophia striking a pose while....

Miss Isabelle "charges" it up...her signature look:)

 Hudson with his "assistant"! Oh I was one proud Mommy that he was actually sharing his toolbench! Big Step, Huge Step! He did tell me that she didn't have "tool privileges" yet but that he taught her how to hold and hand him the screws. I love that he has started to incorporate some of my terminology into his vocabulary. You see, all of his "stuff" from toys, to his bike, to TV time, are all privileges and must be earned through good behavior. Privileges are revoked if one is disobedient or naughty. Though sometimes I am not as strict as I ought to be, I try to be consistent. So he proceeded to tell me that so long as Isabelle was being a "good girl" she could earn "tool privileges"...love it!

And again...being the most awesome big brother and sharing one of his new birthday presents! Sissies loved them some monster truck fun with Hudson!

Random lesson for the day and another reason to put shoes in a closet where they belong.

End of the day snuggles while Hudson was off playing baseball with YaYa, GoGo and Auntie KK!

It ain't easy being 3!

Seriously, where has the time gone! 3 years ago today our family got a little bigger and a whole lot sweeter! God blessed us with the most amazing and precious baby boy....perfect in every way! He has brought more joy and love to our lives than we could have ever thought possible. Over the past 3 years, he has melted my heart over and over, has become my right hand man, has been the best son and most wonderful big brother. He loves all things boy from tractors to dirt to cars to anything outdoors, loves to help out always, loves to take care of the doggies, loves to snuggle, loves to read, loves to cook, loves time with family, loves the color blue, loves his Monday morning Naeglins with YaYa and KK, loves being a big brother and Daddy's helper, and LOVE loves to work!!! I can't imagine my life without my little man...Happy Happy Birthday to Hudson!!!

Enjoying his last night of being 2...PJ party and movie night with Mommy!!!

OFFICIALLY 3!!!!

Oh sweet Hudson....We love you to the moon and back a million times over!!!!

Love,

Mommy, Daddy, Isabelle, Sophia

Thelma & Louise

It's a lovely year for....

....A WHITE WEDDING!!!! We are over the moon excited that Auntie KK is getting married. Yes, my little sister is engaged!!! Even though this means she will be relocating to Dallas and we will miss her oh so much, we couldn't be happier for her and Koury!!!! Hudson loves his Auntie KK more than words can describe and Koury has earned his approval as well and even has tractor playing privileges...even I don't get to play with all of his tractors! Hudson told KK that instead of her moving up to Dallas that Koury should move down here...maybe someday:) He is super excited about slumber parties at their house though. We can't wait for Fall and the fabulous wedding. We wish them a lifetime full of unconditional love and happiness!!!

Toddler Tonsillectomy: Part 2

Praise the Lord....after a rough couple of weeks our little Birds are back in business!!! A tonsillectomy for Hudson, RSV for the twins, Hand Foot and Mouth for Daddy, and a test of sanity for this Mommy.... we survived! For a while, I felt as though we should have had a black flag with quarantined in big letters flying in front of our house... but, all in all, it could have been worse.

I am just ever so thankful that my children (and husband) recovered, thankful that everything went smoothly, thankful that we were able to comfort them, thankful that were able to love on them, thankful for the love and support we had from family and friends.

Beyond grateful for my fabulous and crazy family!!! Beyond blessed!!!