Remembering 9/11... (13 years)

Do you remember where you were 13 years ago? I sure do. I was in my dorm room at the University of North Texas getting ready for class. I was watching the Today Show when the report came on that a plane had hit the World Trade Center. I had no idea, at that time, what was happening. I really didn't know or understand what a terrorist or terrorism was all about. It's crazy how one day changes everything. We've been at war for 13 years now, and there's no end in sight. I'm sadden by all the evilness in this world. My heart hurts for the families who lost loved ones in the attacks that day.

I pray for the families who lost loved ones 13 years ago. I pray for our country, our leaders, and the leaders around the world. I pray for the men & women in our military who are fighting to keep us safe. I pray that people will turn to God and seek peace and love.

Painting with a Toddler

Have you ever been to Painting with a Twist? Well, if you haven't, then you should. It is so much fun. Well, today, I did my own painting with a little twist at home. I have been working on a project where I painted something and Brady has been wanting to help me paint. I figured he'd enjoy painting his own picture so we bought him some water paint this weekend. Today he got to paint for the first time and he did a great job. He seemed to enjoy it and the best part is that he didn't make a huge mess. I really enjoy doing fun things with Brady. I think I may have a little artist in the future!

Of course, every painter has to have a little paint on his face.

The masterpiece! He actually did a good job.

Grandparent's Day 2014

Grandparent's Day is a holiday that I sometimes remember and sometimes I don't. This year, I happened to remember it. Steven wanted to smoke some meat this weekend so I used that opportunity to invite the grandparents over for a get-together. I made a home-made carrot cake and Steven took care of the rest of the food. I love having our families over at my house to eat. We had a great time together and the food was delicious!

Steven's grandmother holding Rayleigh & my grandmother holding Brant.

Steven and Mary Nell

Lene & me

 We are so blessed to have these two ladies in our lives. They are very special women who have had a very big hand in making Steven and I who we are today. I treasure the pictures of them with our babies.

Happy Grandparent's Day!!!

1st Month Home

September 1st marked our first full month home as a family of eight. It has been a wonderful experience, full of lots of learning experiences, love, happiness, and smiles. It has also been full of laundry, poop, vomit, doctors visits, a visit to the ER & unexpected surgery, and late nights. I'm so thankful all our babies are healthy and home. They have grown so much and are changing everyday. I'm amazed at the progress they've made. Brady has done pretty good adjusting to his big brother role. He still doesn't understand that the quints are ours and they're not going anywhere. Recently, he has been asking to hold Brant and just last night I walked into the living room and he was trying to pick Brant up out of his bouncy seat. Thank the Lord he was buckled in so he couldn't go anywhere. If you point to a baby and ask Brady who it is, he will almost always say Mia. It's always busy and hectic around here, but what do you expect with 6 little kids!

Mr. Cool

Brant wasn't enjoying his ride with Dad.

Mia & Brady watching Thomas the Train on the Kindle.

Sweet Rayleigh 

Brady loving on Brant

Mia loving on Great Grandma

This is how Rayleigh sleeps

Tessa & Gracie sleeping... Gracie cracks me up sleeping with her hands behind her head. Brady does the same thing.

I feel so blessed these days. I can't thank God enough for all the many blessings in my life.

Quints: 5 Month Pics

L to R: Gracie, Tessa, Mia, Rayleigh

Tessa & Rayleigh

Mia & Gracie

Mia, Gracie, Brant, Tessa, & Rayleigh

Rayleigh - 5 months

Our baby girl Rayleigh is such a little sweetheart. She is so easy going. She's quiet and will look around and observe what's going on. She loves to be held but doesn't get held as much as some of the others because she's so good about laying nice and quietly. She's got a sweet smile and the prettiest eye lashes. She weighs 12lb 2oz and is 23in long. Her head circumference is 15in. She likes to sleep on her side and is excellent about sleeping through the night. She has long black hair, her eyes are dark, and she has the darkest complexion of all my kids. She coos, follows objects with her eyes, and is holding her head up. She loves to suck her thumb. Her nickname is Rayleigh Bug...everyone calls her that.

I love how she's sleeping in this pic.

Happy 5 Months Rayleigh!!! We love you!!

Gracie - 5 months

Gracie is our little diva. If Gracie ain't happy, ain't nobody gonna be happy! haha... She is loud and proud of it! Out of all the babies, I think Gracie will be the first to talk because she is so verbal now. She coos all the time; she is so funny. And even though she is a little diva, she's still oh so sweet. She loves to be held and loves her pacifier. At night, she cries if her paci falls out, which means you don't get much sleep. She has a sweet smile and her hair is light brown and it sticks up. She the second biggest baby weighing in at 12lb 7.5oz and is 21in long. Her head circumference is 15in. She's so big, she's got a double chin. She absolutely loves her cousin Makenna. She can roll over, hold herself up, and brings her hands to midline. I sure love my little diva!

Happy 5 Months Gracie!! We love you!!!