Disney Days with Dozer

We went to Disney this past weekend before our seasonal passes are blocked out. Josh says that this trip was my Mother's Day present, which I'm not sure how that can be my relaxing day?? We did have a great time, and I got to spend 2 days with my best friend, Vicki, whom I have known since we were 5. We started the day at Hollywood Studios, and our first ride was the Toy Story ride. Which if you don't know, you must go there first, because fast passes are gone 2 hours after the park opens. This is Dozer saying "cheese" as we wait in line. 

The next morning, we decided that it would be fun to have a character breakfast. The girls have done this numerous times, but Reid hasn't. Well, take note of the picture: Reid didn't want to eat breakfast with Minnie. He wanted to see them at the park. "I no breakfast" were his words exactly.

Before we left, we took a picture for me for Mother's Day. Reid wanted me to see his tongue.

As we were waiting for me to check on lunch reservations at the Plaza, Reid decided that he needed to spruce up Mickey's flowers. This was on Daddy's watch.

After we rode the race cars, we took a picture of all the drivers. This is David, Vicki's oldest son. He and Ashlyn were best buddies this trip. We had a great time, and we are planning another trip for the fall.

Spring, Swimming, and Scooter Streaker

So, a lot is happening this spring: Caroline has TONS of homework, which I guess is preparing us for 3rd grade. I can't believe she will be in 3rd grade!!! The girls have their dance recital; which translates into 6 hours of watching kids dance that aren't mine. Reid is wearing big boy underwear which means we get to go to the potty every 15 minutes:) I have never seen a kid that can pee 127 times a day. Reid is also taking swim lessons. He is in refresher classes for ISR. If you can find an instructor in your area, it is worth every penny. http://www.infantswim.com/ Kids learn to not only swim, but SURVIVE in the water. All 3 of my kids are ISR trained.   And, one more thing...do all boys like to be naked ALL the time????

Mommy needs a Timeout

Are there rules for blogging? I have probably broken them. I have only blogged twice this month. I think my life gets in the way. With 3 kids, there is always something going on. Like this week for example...Tuesday, Ashlyn was diagnosed with asthma--which translates to 3 breathing treatments a day. And yesterday, Caroline sprained her wrist. Seriously?? I have to laugh, or I think I would crawl into a hole and not come out.

And of course, Reid is on a mission to make my furniture "trash worthy" before the summer. He drew on it with marker, used a water bottle to douse it, crumbled up Pop Tarts(that he retreived from the top of the pantry), and let's not forget the use of hand soap to make the water "bubbly".  This was all in ONE day. He looks at me with his ocean blue eyes and says,"Mommy, you mad?" It's a good thing he's cute, that's all I have to say...

I'm sure I will look back one day and miss the days of sticky floors, ruined furniture, and dirty diapers, but today; I'm scrubbing toilets... 

Party Poopers and Pirates

Ok, sorry I have been slacker about posting. I have all these ideas floating in my head about what to write. So, pardon me if my thoughts are rambling!!

Dozer has decided that he wants to use the potty. Most moms would be so grateful for this milestone; but I on the other hand would rather wait a few more months.
I break out into cold sweats when it comes to potty training. Caroline was completely trained until baby sister arrived. She decided that it would be awesome to not poop on the potty until 4 years of age, yes, I said 4!! So, you see why I am a little hesitant to retire the diaper bag. I will keep you posted...

Enough potty talk. 

I went to Savannah this past weekend to see my 2 oldest and dearest friends. Marci's twins were turning one, and her daughter turned 3, so she had a joint party, and all of our kids were able to play together. This was such a nice reunion of sorts; but waaaaay too short.
We met at The Pirate's House for lunch, and our kids enjoyed the pirate garb while we dined on a traditional southern fried meal.

Those two girls women have been a part of my life since grade school. They are wonderful friends, daughters, wives, and mothers. I wouldn't trade their friendships for even one successful day at potty training.

Sweet Dreams, Dozer

So, last night was a BIG night. Dozer slept in his big boy bed for the first time!! He slept all night, and is napping in it this very minute. I am excited for him because he is a BIG boy, and I know he is more comfortable--hence the nickname, "Dozer"; you know; like BULLDOZER!!

This is a bitter sweet moment for me. No more babies in the Hunt household. I am a little sad about that; yet excited to move on to the next chapter with my kids. Caroline has matured so much this school year, and I am interested in the little lady that she is becoming. Ashlyn is quite the chatty 5 year old. She is my little helper, and LOVES to tell me all about her day at school. Reid is so much fun, yet naughty all at the same time. He has allowed me to fully enjoy every little thing; and I guess since he is the baby, I seemed to cherish moments with him that much more.

I am working on finishing Dozer's room, but I will share the headboard that will complete his bed. It is from Pottery Barn, and I LOVE it!!

All You Need Is Love....and gifts!!

So, have you ever thought how do you express love? Or maybe, how do you receive love? Well, I have a book for you! The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman http://www.amazon.com/Five-Love-Languages-Heartfelt-Commitment/dp/1881273156. This book gives you an insight on how you give and receive love; therefore allowing you to love completely.

Out of the 5 "love languages", most people have a top 2--I however, have been told that I am slightly "high maintenance"; therefore I am all 5. I believe my top "language" is gifts. I love to give gifts, and I love to receive them. It's not the amount of the gift, but the thought that goes behind it. With that being said, I have found the PERFECT gift for a child's birthday, baptism, or special day. 

                                "i see me" personalized books.
  You enter the name, they create the books. The Dozer loves pirates, so he would love this book. They have books about animals, fairies, flowers, etc...

Needless to say, I am happier today since purchasing these books for a friend's twin boys who will be one this month.

A New Year, a New Blog

Welcome to my first post as a blogger!! I will have to tell you that I have been thinking about doing this for a long time, and I decided that THIS was the year! I hope you enjoy a peek into my life as a mother as I try to be the mom that they deserve. My mother always told me that I was her JOYFUL NOISE; now I understand!! I have 3 kids that provide my JOYFUL NOISE everyday--it usually consists of screams, shouting, crying, laughter, and singing. But, at the end of the day, I wouldn't trade my life for any amount of quiet--ok, maybe a day or two:)

So, on to the introduction: I have been married to Josh for 10 years, and a mom for 8 years. My children are Caroline(8), Ashlyn(5), and Reid(2). We like to call them by their nicknames, so you might see me refer to them as Boo, Boogie, and Dozer. This blog is for them--so that one day they will see their life as I see them: God's good and perfect gift. Hope you enjoy the journey...