Trouble is his middle name

Lately Parker has been getting in to EVERYTHING! It seems like he just wants to see how far he can push my buttons! And boy does it work. I was talking with a friend yesterday about the different personalities of our children. We came to the conclusion that is must be a boy/girl thing. With our girls, yes, they would push our buttons, but they would do it right in front of us, allowing us to be able to punish them for the deed right then and there. Our boys on the other hand do their mischivous things in secret, leaving them for me to find a little later, when it is too late to really punish them for it (he is one...he isn't going to know what I am smacking his hand for 20 mintues after he has moved on to something else). I have to keep every door in my house closed except for the one to his room. He gets into toilets, drawers, closets and his favorite of all...the kitchen trash! It literally makes me gag. For the last 4 years of our marriage Lance and I have always wanted 3 kids. Now, on a daily basis, Lance tells me that we are done! I am sure that it is just a phase and that one day (in a couple years) he will again want another child. The best part of our Damien child is that as soon as he does something to push our buttons a little too far, he makes his little gremiln face and melts our hearts. He is the sweetest little guy and always wants to cuddle and love you. So even though we are being tested to our limits by this little firecracker, he still owns our hearts! Can't wait to see what he is like as a teenager...NOT!

Here is his cute Gremlin face (not in full force)


And to prove that he isn't always a demon-child, here he is singing OUT LOUD in church

Peyton Lorie

Happy Birthday my Princess. I can not believe that you are now 3 years old. I remember the day that I found out I was pregnant with you. It was on my 24th birthday. I couldn't remember anything in my whole life that made me more happy than that moment. But since that time there have been many more things that have made me happier. The day you were born. They day you learned how to walk. The day you learned how to talk. You are one of my most treasured blessings in this life and I am greatful for you everyday. You are so beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. I love catching your profile and seeing your soft blond curls cascade down your face, or the sun reflect off your radient sky blue eyes. You have such a persistant personality and will never give up on something once you put your mind to it. I love to watch you practice your numbers and letters and color with such determination. You are such a great big sister to your little brother, and though you often have your little setbacks with him, I relish in the moments when I catch you holding his hand, giving him a kiss or just playing with him in his room when you think no one is watching. I laugh constantly at the little things you say and do. You bring happiness to our lives that we never knew would be blessed with. I love you more and more each day and can't believe I am so blessed to call YOU my daughter. Thank you for being you with all your faults and traits. I love you forever and ever my little Pookie. Love, Mommy

Tigger and Pooh and a Birthday for 2!!

We had the kids' birthday party on Saturday the 2nd. It was at the bowling alley here in town and a good time was had by all! We had a pinata and a photo op where we got some great photos! A ton of our extended family made the trip up to celebrate with us and just generally have a good time. Thank you all for making our kids birthday so memorable! We love you! Now here are some pictures for you to enjoy.