Luck Number Seven {times two}!

My Babies Are SEVEN!!

My little ladies turned seven last week! It's cliche, but I cannot believe it. As we did at age five and six, we interviewed them to check out how they've changed...and have stayed the same. 

Check out their answers this year!

Nickname - Lyla Bear
How old are you? Seven
What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite animal? Monkey!
What is your favorite book? Barbie and the Secret Door
What is your favorite TV show? Sophia
What is your favorite movie? Ariel (aka The Little Mermaid)
What is your favorite song? Shake it Off
What is your favorite food? Steak
What is your favorite drink? Hot Chocolate
What is your favorite breakfast food? Eggs & sausage
What is your favorite snack? cheese stick
What is your favorite outfit? a skirt and a short-sleeve shirt
What is your favorite game? Simon Says
What is your favorite toy? Kitty
Who is your best friend? Eve & Addie & Natalee
What is your favorite thing to do? Watch TV
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play on the swing
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? American Girl doll
Where is your favorite place to go? Celebration Station
What is favorite restaurant? Ted's
Where do you want to go on vacation? Disney World
What do you to be when you grow up? A teacher
What did you do on your birthday? went to the Devon Tower

Nickname - Nat
How old are you? Seven
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite animal? a monkey
What is your favorite book? the Princess Book
What is your favorite TV show? Sophia
What is your favorite movie? Goofy
What is your favorite song? How Great Thou Art
What is your favorite food? Lasagna
What is your favorite drink? Lemonade
What is your favorite breakfast food? Pancakes
What is your favorite snack? cheese stick
What is your favorite outfit? The striped dress
What is your favorite game? Sorry!
What is your favorite toy? The doll
Who is your best friend? Scarlett
What is your favorite thing to do? Play outside
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Play on the swing
What is your favorite holiday? Christmas
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My purple doggie
Where is your favorite place to go? Chuck E Cheese
What is favorite restaurant? Okie's
Where do you want to go on vacation? DisneyLand
What do you to be when you grow up? A teacher
What did you do on your birthday? Went to the Devon Tower

I love my girls. I love their answers. I love being their mom. Basically, I'm the luckiest momma in the world.

Life, Death, & Peace

It's been a while. I need to decide if blogging is something I want to make a regular habit. It has been an overall good exercise for me. I just have not made it a priority of late.

My grandpa died on Veteran's Day. His death was something we were somewhat prepared for. As prepared as you can be with 6 days' notice. In the blink of an eye your life can change. His life ended. Just like that. At 78 years old, my grandpa had lived a long, hard, full life. He struggled so much, in many aspects. I like to think that death brought him peace that he hadn't known in a long, long time.

Honestly, those of us who loved him and knew him so well, understood that he would keep going - to work that is - until he was physically unable to continue. That is exactly what happened. He kept going, until he couldn't. Hard work. He worked so hard. Mostly because that was who he was - a hard worker. Partly because if he didn't work - he wouldn't know what to do with himself. Partly because he could not afford to stop working. Daily he was in pain. Daily he went to work.

I had the absolute honor to be by his side for not only his final 6 days, but his final hours, minutes, seconds, and his last breath. What peace filled that room as my precious grandpa passed on to be with Jesus. With tears rolling down my face I smiled. He was at peace. He was with Jesus. He was with his bride. I really, really miss him, and will continue to as years go by, but it was his time. I know it. In his final moments, I decided to turn on some of his favorite tunes. George Jones played, a few other country singers, and then Johnny Cash - "Ghost Riders in the Sky." I guess he didn't care for Johnny Cash because as that song came on, he started to go. It was so surreal. So slow yet so fast. Indescribable. To be with someone during their final moments - what a blessing.

At his service I spoke. I remember after my grandma died, I knew immediately I wanted to speak at her funeral. I was terrified but I felt called to speak. I was an emotional wreck but I made it through somehow. Secretly, I thought to myself, "When grandpa dies, what will I say at his funeral?" I truly had no idea. I did not feel like I knew him as well as I knew her. Oh my, was I wrong. It's amazing what you learn from someone without even knowing it. He had such an impact on my life - how could I be so silly to wonder what I would say? The words came to me as I knew they would. Here is what was on my mind after he left us and what I shared at the service:

I cannot even begin to describe the impact this man had on so many lives. Each of you has a personal story of how my grandpa impacted you. To you he may have been dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, or just "Mr. Bob." Whomever he was to you, I think we can all agree on one thing that made this man so special. It was his heart. So many people have reached out to our family to speak about what he meant to them. The comments about his generosity, his kindness, his friendliness...it all boils down to his heart. He was not glamorous, not fussy, but is someone that people respected. He was someone special to a lot of folks. That I know for sure and you all know it too.

So, who was he to us? My grandpa was one of a kind. They truly don't make men like him anymore. He influenced my life in more ways than one. The pictures of him in my head obviously have evolved over the years. In my younger days, I remember he and my grandma always having such a good time together. Whether at home, at the store, at the lake, or anywhere else in between - he was having a good time and oftentimes the life of the party. He gave me my first job around age 10 or 11. I would work at the meat market cash register every Saturday. As I grew older, I would work down there every day during the summer. He taught me how to count change, organize the stock, and how to treat customers. Good work ethic - a phrase that doesn't even begin to describe him - he taught us all that. As time went by he was a constant in my life. Seeing and visiting him recharged me. After my baby girls were born, visiting him as often as possible was a necessity for me. His family recharged him. One of his favorite things to do was to gather together as a family and enjoy a meal together. He'd often be sad to see us go.

We are most definitely incredibly sad to see him go. But, as those of us who know him so well understood - when he was ready to go, he was on his way to the door with his hat and coat on before you could even protest. He must have been ready to go. We weren't ready but he sure was. I know I can speak for each member of my family when I say, there truly will never be another man quite like Bob Whittenberg. Thank you so much for joining us as we honor and remember the most kind, generous, hard-working, loving man we know.

I did not do him justice. I could have spoken for hours on end and not done him justice. I did what I could at the time and held myself together surprisingly well.

I have grown so much over the past 18 months. I now look for ways I can learn from most every situation in my life. What can I learn from my grandpa's passing? Here are a couple of thoughts:

1. Hard work. Nothing beats it. Out work everyone around you and you will stand out. Not only as a great employee but someone who deserves respect.
2. Family. This part is interesting. Of course family is important. I have family members who intentionally choose to not have anything to do with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I don't understand that. I never will. My grandpa was not like that. Family was important. He was so quiet about the love he had for his family but it was there and we felt it. He so enjoyed the company of loved ones. My family has it's share of drama but they're mine and it's our drama. I'll take the good with the bad and work to make sure we have more good days than bad. I'm grabbing hold of the memories and working to create new ones. How do we move forward with our lives while continuing to honor the memories of those who have gone before us?
3. Planning. The death of a loved one does something to your brain. It starts making you think about your own mortality. Something that is frequently on my mind is "What would happen to my immediate family, financially, if something happened to me?" Would they survive? Would my husband be able to pick up where I left off and ensure that my babies have the wonderfully comfortable future that we have planned for them? It scares me to death thinking of not being here for any part of their future. If I learned anything, I need to plan more effectively. Especially from a financial perspective.

My goal is to become better. I am in a constant state of looking for ways to improve. How do I become a better follower of Christ, a better wife, a more patient and loving mother, a more effective employee, a more understanding daughter, a better friend, a better person? Purpose. Intentional focus. That's the first step. Decide to do better and then be better. The person I am one year from today should be a better version of the person I am today. How do I do that? How will you do that? How do you intentionally focus on becoming a better person each day?

Today I am focusing on life. Humbled by death. In search of peace. I'm not there yet but I'll get there. I know I will.

Claire Bear is THREE!

Claire Bear turned THREE this year! I suppose it's a tradition to post about my baby's birthday a few months late. Oh well, she knows I love her.

Claire celebrated her birthday while we were on our family vacation in St. Louis. I'll talk about our amazing vacation in another post (possibly). To celebrate her birthday, we started out with breakfast of pancakes, pancakes, and more pancakes. Afterwards we went to Grant's Farm to visit the Budweiser Clydesdales. This was a really cool place! Not only were the Clydesdales awesome but they also "let" you take a souvenir photo with one and you "get" to buy some pricey prints of the photo. Well, our photo was nothing short of hilarious. See for yourself:

After visiting the horsies, we went to the other part of Grant's Farm and took a trolley tour. The Busch family bought the property many many moons ago from the family of Ulysses S. Grant. Grant's home is still on the property. The not-so-cool part of Grant's Farm were the goats. You could pay a few dollars to go into a pen with about one hundred goats and feed them milk from a giant baby bottle. Sounds like a good plan, right? Not so much. Those goats were aggressive. They attacked anyone with a bottle of milk and practically knocked Claire to the ground. One of them jumped up and kicked Lyla in the teeth! We got out of there as soon as we could!

Later that night, we ate at a place in STL that appeared on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives: Anthonino's Taverna.

Oh my goodness - it was so delicious. Claire agreed! Perfect birthday dinner for my baby.

Isn't she pretty?

At 3, Claire really is growing up to be quite the young lady. Of course she wants to do what her sissies are doing from time-to-time, but other times, she's marching to the beat of her own drum, doing her thing. In case you were wondering, she is still the best baby ever. Except, now she says "I not a baby, momma, I a big girl!" To which I reply, "You'll always be my baby, Claire Bear." Claire: "O-tay mommy, I be your baby." Isn't she the sweetest?

After we returned from vacation, we went to the pediatrician for her annual check-up. Big girl is growing!

At three years she weighed in at 36 pounds (90th percentile) - up 5.5 pounds from year 2. She is 40 inches tall (97th percentile) - up 2.75 inches from her 2nd birthday. She is definitely a big girl and is very tall!

We continue to be blessed by this sweet girl. I don't know what I did to deserve her as my daughter. I couldn't ask for a better baby girl. HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Two Six-Year-Olds

Today, my beautiful baby girls turned six-years-old. They have brought more joy to my life than I could ever imagine. Last year, I conducted an interview of my then five-year-olds. I decided to ask the girls the same questions to see how much they have change. They changed most of their answers but kept a few the same. Enjoy!

Natalee

Nickname - Nat
How old are you? Six
What is your favorite color? Purple and pink
What is your favorite animal? monkeys
What is your favorite book? Jasmine
What is your favorite TV show? Sophia
What is your favorite movie? Frozen
What is your favorite song? The "Let it Go" one
What is your favorite food? watermelon
What is your favorite drink? Sprite
What is your favorite breakfast food? cinnamon rolls
What is your favorite snack? crackers
What is your favorite outfit? the yellow one
What is your favorite game? Madagascar
What is your favorite toy? my drawing thing that I got for Christmas
Who is your best friend? Teagan
What is your favorite thing to do? Play on your notepad
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Do the monkey bars and climb the tree
What is your favorite holiday? Mother's Day
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? blanket
Where is your favorite place to go? to grandma's house
What is favorite restaurant? Charleston's
Where do you want to go on vacation? To the water park
What do you to be when you grow up? A teacher, a kindergarten one
What did you do on your birthday? got a birthday hat

Lyla

Nickname - Lyla Bear
How old are you? Six
What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite animal? monkey
What is your favorite book? Frozen book
What is your favorite TV show? Sophia
What is your favorite movie? Frozen
What is your favorite song? Ariel
What is your favorite food? Strawberries
What is your favorite drink? Lemonade
What is your favorite breakfast food? Pancakes
What is your favorite snack? Crackers
What is your favorite outfit? the shirt with the poodle on it
What is your favorite game? Ladybug game
What is your favorite toy? my doggie toy
Who is your best friend? Avery
What is your favorite thing to do? Color
What is your favorite thing to do outside? Do the monkey bars
What is your favorite holiday? Mother's Day
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? my pink bear that Nanny got me
Where is your favorite place to go? Grandma's house
What is favorite restaurant? Charleston's
Where do you want to go on vacation? Great Wolf Lodge
What do you to be when you grow up? Teacher
What did you do on your birthday? Brought cupcakes to school

Once again, they answered some of the questions pretty differently, with a few more things in common this year than they did last year:

• Their age, obviously
• The color pink
• Their favorite animal: monkeys
• Their love of the movie Frozen
• Eating crackers
• The monkey bars
• The world's best holiday - Mother's Day
• Going to grandma's house
• Being a teacher when they grow up

Big girls with their baby sister

Six-Year-Old Stats:
Natalee - 51 pounds, 47.5 inches (up 6.5 lbs and 2.5 inches at age 5)
Lyla - 36.8, 43 inches (up 3.8 lbs and 1.5 inches at age 5)

Needless to say, people typically look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them they are twins. They don't look anything alike and Natalee easily looks a year (maybe two) older than Lyla. I wouldn't change a thing about them. They are both perfect, wonderful, beautiful, sweet, caring, smart baby girls. I am so lucky I get to be their momma. So lucky. Seriously, I hit the daughter jackpot with these three.

New Year, New Everything

Last month, I wrote about how blessed I am, despite how much 2013 was the worst year of my life. Today, I am excited that, 5 days into 2014, things are already looking better than last year.

This year, like previous years, I have many goals. Last year I think I set something like 12 goals. I think I accomplished about 9 of them. Not too shabby if you ask me.

My goals this year include a focus on -

• My relationship with God. The hubs and are are reading through the entire Bible together this year. We have not yet missed a day and are loving it. I am also making prayer a daily thing, attending church every Sunday that we're in town, and overall just focusing on living as the Lord wants me to live.
• My marriage. Our relationship took several substantial hits last year. Needless to say we are more focused on our relationship now than we have ever been. A big part of this is a daily marriage devotional. I love our new routine.
• My babies. I am not a perfect momma but I love my little girls fiercely. I hope to focus on becoming even better this year. Less yelling, more hugging, teaching, learning, growing. 
• Financial. The hubs and I are very blessed but work very hard to ensure the financial stability of our family. This year, we hope to strengthen that stability and really focus on our financial future. Super nerdy but exciting stuff. 
• Family and friends. Life is busy but family and friends are important enough to deserve your attention. I'd like to focus on those valuable relationships. 
• Job. My career is one area I do not stress much about. The company I work for is a-maz-ing. Seriously the best. Still, I'd like to focus on becoming a better employee, manager, and co-worker to the wonderful people I'm blessed to work with. 
• Physical. Everyone has New Year's resolution focused on something related to diet or their physical well-being. I'm pretty blessed in this area as well but there are things I'd like to focus on. I carry around about 5 more pounds than I'd like to. I'd also like to run a half marathon at the OKC Marathon in April.

That's all. Writing down goals is the first step towards accomplishing them. 

Happy New Year

Lindsey Loo

Blessed

To say that 2013 was the worst year of my life would be a vast understatement. Here I sit, however, 10 days away from the end of this horrible year and I feel so immensely blessed.

I am blessed with the three most precious baby girls I could ask for. Each day, I look at their gorgeous faces and thank God he entrusted me with these little ones. I am so thankful for their humor, their intelligence, their love, their joy, their excitement, their health, their safety, and so much more. I am privileged to be their mother and I will forever be grateful they are in my life. I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I am the perfect momma for them and they are the most perfect babies for me.

I have learned a lot about friendship and kindness this year. In the midst of my devastation, I was shown what true friendship is. I am so immensely blessed with some of the most caring friends I could ask for. A simple text from me to a friend, "I need a friend, can you come over?" and she was there within an hour. Another day, a couple of friends knew I was having a horrible day and sent me flowers at work. How amazing is that? Another thing, these girls were going through personal devastation of their own. Yet, they found time for me. As I said, I've learned so much about friendship this year, especially from these two, I will continue to strive to be a better friend to them and others as well.

Family. My family can be crazy and full of drama sometimes. When the going gets tough, they are there, supporting one another every step of the way. I am so blessed with the most amazing parents, brothers, in-laws, and extended family I could ask for.

My job is amazing. I have the world's best boss and I actually work for one of the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma. I look forward to going to work every day. My coworkers are like a second family. The work we do is challenging, rewarding, and fun. I am blessed to be able to call that place my work home for the past 8+ years.

Our church family, His Word, and His Love. I have attended church my entire life. I can honestly say I never really fully invested myself into it though, until now. It's amazing what a horrible situation can do to someone's faith. It could completely demolish it or it can do just the opposite. For me, during my despair, I found comfort in reaching out to my church family, attending church, reading His word daily, and spending time each day in prayer. It is and was a necessity of life that will not stop now that I'm on the other side and working my way back towards being a happy, joyful person. I have learned so much this year about God's love and I don't ever want to forget it.

It's silly to even talk about but I am so blessed by everything that God has provided for me.  We don't want for anything. We are able to provide for our family very comfortably and for that I am grateful.

Lastly, today I feel blessed to have a husband in my life who is 100% devoted to me and our precious girls. He is someone who constantly asks himself when faced with a decision, "How will this affect my family?" We are constantly on his mind. He seeks out opportunities to do amazing things for me. Things like showing up at my office with flowers and a cookbook I told him I wanted two hours earlier. Like sneaking flowers and a sentimental card into the front seat of my car while I am running errands at lunch. Like drawing a bath, lighting candles, turning on music, and pouring me a glass of wine so I can relax after a VERY stressful day. Like calling me and sending me loving text messages when he knows I am having a rough day and desperately need to be reassured. Like cleaning the entire house without being asked and expecting nothing in return. I could go on and on. Bottom line, I feel extremely lucky to have a man like that in my life. No doubt we have had our ups and downs. I am hoping this next year of our life together will provide many, many more ups than downs.

I am certain I missed something. There are countless things and people in my life for which I am thankful. I am determined to make 2014 the best year yet. I am confident I can make that happen as I review the list of the many blessings in my life. I hope each of you take some time to make note of what you're thankful for.

Many blessings,
Lindsey Loo

P.S. These scriptures really helped me during some really bad times. I am constantly reciting them in my head:

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man that maketh the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies." Psalms 40: 1-4

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Two Years + 2 months + 3 days

I am a horrible excuse for a blogger. It's been FOR-EV-ER since I last posted an update. I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath for my next update. You see, things are busy. I know, everyone is busy and I have no excuse to whine. Well, I don't have a thing in the world to whine about actually. We have busy summers year after year and I'm so grateful for those busy summers. We spend half our weekends at the lake with lots of fun activities in between.

One event that happened early on this summer was my precious baby girl's 2nd birthday. Claire Bear is TWO!!!!

 Have you ever seen a prettier baby girl?

On the morning of her birthday, many, many months ago, we took this pretty one to breakfast. It's sort of a little tradition we started when the big girls turned four and I like it. It starts their special day off right.

I took the day off on her birthday to spend as much time as possible. Honestly, I don't remember what all took place that day (it was over two months ago) but I know it was special.

This girl has been such a blessing in our lives. She literally is the best.baby.ever. The best. No doubt about it. She is soooooo sweet. Her little face just melts my heart when she looks at me. Her sweet little voice, "Oh-Tay Mommy!" makes me just want to squeeze her cheeks. I love her with all of my heart, like any mother would. I am so happy God gave us this third precious girl. I wouldn't trade her for anything.

Here are some random photos of my girl, in no particular order:

Big girl on her birthday. Mini cupcake from our favorite cupcake shop.

Claire Bear with her Aunt Lindsey at her birthday party at our house. Note: she was terrified of that bow on her head. Anything fuzzy scares the crap out of her and she screams bloody murder. We enjoy it a bit too much.

Claire Bear, on the slide at her party. Those blue eyes. My goodness.

After opening presents. Too cool for this folding chair.

Not sure why but I love this pic. Perfect little action shot. She was eating ice cream I think.



How awesome is Claire, you ask? So awesome that she was potty-trained at 25 months. No big thang.

I'll potty train your kid for $1,000. You'll get your money's worth! :)

Spent a lot of time at big sisters' t-ball games this summer. She was a trooper. Never complained much and was sure to cheer on big sissies during their games. Side note: my big girls' team got 2nd place in their division! Woohoo!

Big girl's first hair cut. She was so nervous and pretty much looked that way the whole time!

Birthday party at Nanny & Papa's house. More cupcakes!

Yum!

This was about a month from her birthday when I asked her how old she was. She answered correctly at the time. Cutie patootie.

Two Month Stats:
Weight: 30.5 pounds (95th %) up from 21 pounds at 1 year and 9 pounds, 3 ounces at birth.
Height: 37.25 inches (75th %) up from 31 inches at 1 year and 20 inches at birth.

My precious, sweet, squishy little pumpkin. Loved her at first site. Literally.

 As you can tell, I am pretty enamored with my little Claire Bear. Happy (belated) birthday baby!

Momma Bear

Five Years of Fun

A few weeks ago, my big girls turned five. Five years old. They are becoming more and more fun each year and also bring us different challenges each year. I love them so. This year, I decided to interview them for their birthday. Here's what they had to say:

Natalee, Age 5

Nickname - Nat
How old are you? (holds up hand) - Five, I'm five
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite animal? elephant
What is your favorite book? I like the puppy book
What is your favorite TV show? I like, did you say show? I like Dora
What is your favorite movie? Rapunzel
What is your favorite song? You mean on the kiddie songs? I like "you're happy and you know it clap your hands"
What is your favorite food? sketti
What is your favorite drink? grape juice
What is your favorite breakfast food? I like waffles
What is your favorite snack? I like graham crackers
What is your favorite outfit? I like to wear a dress
What is your favorite game? Game? I like, umm, what do we have games? Duck duck goose
What is your favorite toy? I like a ball
Who is your best friend? Avery
What is your favorite thing to do? I like staying home.
What is your favorite thing to do outside? I like going down the slide
What is your favorite holiday? I like Halloween
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? I like my blue guy
Where is your favorite place to go? to grandma's house
What is favorite restaurant? I like Chili's
Where do you want to go on vacation? I'm going to a water park
What do you to be when you grow up? A teacher, a big kid teacher
What did you do on your birthday? I opened presents.

Lyla, Age 5

Nickname - Lyla Bear
How old are you? (holds up hand) - Five
What is your favorite color? Pink
What is your favorite animal? a dinosaur, rawwr!
What is your favorite book? I like the ladybug book
What is your favorite TV show? Dora
What is your favorite movie? Rapunzel
What is your favorite song? Happy
What is your favorite food? I like peanut butter & jelly sandwich. I like it more with goldfish bread.
What is your favorite drink? I like grape juice
What is your favorite breakfast food? I like the pancakes
What is your favorite snack? I like the chocolate cookies at Ms. Marilyn's house
What is your favorite outfit? I like these clothes (points to outfit she's wearing)
What is your favorite game? I like playing the ladybug game.
What is your favorite toy? I like playing with um, I like coloring.
Who is your best friend? I like Avery
What is your favorite thing to do? I like doing the laundry with you.
What is your favorite thing to do outside? I like swinging on the swing.
What is your favorite holiday? What's a holiday? Christmas? I like Christmas.
What do you like to take to bed with you at night? I like to take my new dolly to my bed.
Where is your favorite place to go? I like going to a water park.
What is favorite restaurant? I like going to Wendy's. 'Cause it has the yummiest food ever.
Where do you want to go on vacation? To that place after we go to a cation (vacation), the lego place with the pink castle.
What do you to be when you grow up? A momma
What did you do on your birthday? Get lots of presents.

Not much in common if you look it over:

• They're both five, obviously, and both hold up their hand when telling their age.
• They both like: Dora, Rapunzel and grape juice.
• They share a best friend: Avery (Might be disasterous growing up)
• They both received presents on their birthday (and nothing else notable).

I always tell people how much the girls differ - it really is true, not just in their looks.

Speaking of physical differences, here were their stats from their 5-year checkup:
Natalee:
44.5 pounds (75th percentile) up 5 pounds since age 4
45 inches (75th percentile) up 3 inches since age 4
Lyla:
33 pounds (5th percentile) up 2 pounds since age 4
41.5 inches (25th percentile) up 3 inches since age 4

For their birthday, we took the girls to breakfast to Cracker Barrel (Taco Bell, according to Natalee). After work, we took them to Celebration Station for pizza, games, and mini golf. In case you were wondering, five-year-olds are not so interested in mini golf.

We are seriously the luckiest parents in the world to be blessed with these precious little pumpkins (+ their baby sister).

Debt Free!

Personal finance stuff is not something I talk about much because, um, it's personal. That being said, I'm excited to announce that as of January 10, 2013, this little Nichols family is debt free!

We've been following Dave Ramsey's plan for a little over 2 years and paid off $43,200.48 to be exact. If you have debt that you'd like to get rid of or just want to learn how to manage your money, Dave Ramsey is your man. Check out his book for a quick read. He also has a 9-week class that churches offer. Darren and I got by with just reading his book. I also listen to his podcasts on a daily basis.

That's all really - just wanted to make it official! I'm so excited about things to come for our family. We are so very blessed.

Peace out,
L-Dogg

Family Christmas Pics!

My mom asked me the other day why I hadn't done a blog post in months. Good question, momma, why haven't I? I have no good excuse really - just have been distracted with life. Too distracted to document the life at least.

So now it resumes...

The week before Thanksgiving, we had some photos taken by my amazingly talented co-worker. She does photography on the side and is slowly working to make her photography business her full-time gig. I am so proud of her and her amazing talent. Check out her website or FB page for more information!

Now for the photos!

 

 

 

Sometimes, when you have five people you're trying to photograph at the same time, they don't all cooperate.

 

Look at this gorgeous girl. Have you ever seen a more beautiful four-year-old?

 

Here's the other most beautiful four-year-old. Sweet, sweet blue eyed baby.

 

 

Don't you just want to squish those cheeks!?

 

Merry Christmas!

 

 

Vacation Time!

So our sweet, not-so-little family of 5 drove south for a few days last week and had a blast! Let me tell ya all about it!

First, I'll start off with the low-point of the trip...LegoLand. If you pay attention to nothing else, pay attention to this: don't take your kids to LegoLand. It's lame and a total waste of money. The only cool part was a little "ride" at the beginning where we shot lasers at some little targets. Not sure what it had to do with Legos but it was entertaining nonetheless.

Either way, my girls looked super cute despite their (parents') disappointment.

This was in a room made for princesses. It had tables with germ-covered Legos and a karaoke machine. The karaoke machine was a total curveball...never expected that at LegoLand.

Claire-bear started feeling a little under the weather the day we left for vacation. She was a trouper though...looking awfully cute.

As you can see, Natalee is not impressed with LegoLand.



Ok, enough with the negative...on with the positive!

Next up, we ate at one of my absolute most favorite place to eat, ever...Pappasito's! I know, it's not all that fancy but it is so delicious. I'm still dreaming about the guacamole.

Because eating at exciting and different restaurants is part of the fun of going out of town, we spent some time trying to scope out places we cannot find in Oklahoma. That is where Peace Out Burger came in. I found it on UrbanSpoon with tons of great reviews so that's where we went the following day for lunch.

It did not disappoint, although it was more of a bar and less of a burger place. It was perfectly legal for us to bring our babies in there (and there were other young kiddos in there) but we sure did receive some stares. It has to be because of how precious our three babies are, right?

As I am adding these pics of us eating out, I'm realizing it's more about the faces and less about the food. Oh well! Here is me and my baby at Fogo de Chao. Yummy delicious meats and the world's best Sangria. Seriously - I've had my fair share of Sangria and this was by far the BEST.

Now, for the highlight of our trip...we were at Great Wolf Lodge! It was so much fun - a definite destination for parents of kiddos, especially younger than 12. My babies thoroughly enjoyed it!

Did I mention that my baby was under the weather? Poor baby.

Poor baby turned into a happy baby by early evening as we were headed to a Texas Rangers game!

By our last day of vacation, Claire was feeling much better.

She had so much fun, she needed a nap.



As you can see, we had an extremely fun-filled vacation. We will totally be going back next year. Hopefully, by that time, Lyla will be as tall as Natalee and able to slide down the "big kid" slides.

Happy Labor Day Y'all!

Lindsey Loo