a new generation of campbells

Project Playroom Complete

2012-02-11T09:05:00.000-06:00

Before the ink was even dry on the paperwork for the house, I had already begun decorating the girl's new playroom in my head. Yep, in lieu of a nice, spacious office where I could finally hang my handmade FUCK FUCK FUCK cross stitch and edit pics to my hearts content, we decided to give the girls another room in the house. Because, well, each of their bedrooms and the loft was OBVIOUSLY not enough. All joking aside, the decision to make the office was pretty much self-serving in the hope that the draw of the playroom would be strong enough to keep all the toys - and the girls in!

Without further adieu, here are pics of the finished room.

The girls Christmas gift from Grandma and Grandpa are the highlight of the room - the pink retro kitchen!

An attempt to organize some of the stuff.

Ellie's framed art finishes off the walls. Flowers, rainbows, family portraits...I had a perma grin while going through all her artwork from the last 2 years. They tell a story of one happy girl!

The princess dress collection.

A trio of tree paintings.

Daddy on the left.

Mommy on the right. Doesn't it look JUST like me!

The lights...yes, the cords are indicative of the fact that we forgot to have this room prewired for an overhead light fixture. Oops.

Elliott

Keaton

And....the playroom after a few hours of playing. Completely trashed. Sigh.

I guess this is what its for? So sad.

Sleddin'

2012-01-19T10:57:00.000-06:00

There's a monster hill on the other side of our neighborhood. I think its going to be a town home community eventually but for now its our winter playground. So...since it finally snowed last week AND the girls got their first sled from Santa for Christmas, we decided to bundle up and headed over there for an afternoon of snow.

Both girls loved it. Especially Elliott. She quite the dare devil. Here's a few pics from the day.

The 'tude before the fun. Top knot and snow pants!

They made Daddy pull them up the hill too...before they had even gone down one time!

Dooooooooooooown!

Keats hid her face the whole time. Guess she didn't like the snow spray!

And back up!

Ellie went down the first time all by herself. She crashed about 7 times and kept getting back on. It was awesome!!

Me and Keats. We totally crashed. It turns out I can't drive a sled either.

Having a great time!

Back up!

Last run of the afternoon!

The Professional

2012-01-12T21:44:00.006-06:00

melt·down/ˈmeltˌdoun/

Noun:

A disastrous collapse or breakdown.

art·ist/ˈärtist/

Noun:

A person who practices any of the various creative arts, such as a sculptor, novelist, poet, filmmaker or actor.

For those of you that have ever spent any time around my second born this may come as a total shock to you. Keaton Abigail Campbell is a Professional Meltdown Artist. That's right - that seemingly sweet, pig-tailed, bubbly, well-mannered hugger of a Keaton is actually a cunning, curly-headed Professional Meltdown Artist!

Much like a crocodile lying low in the bushes until its time to STRIKE! Keaton waits for her opportunity to attract attention and deliver her message in the loudest, most visual way possible. I've actually never encountered quite a child. She knows how to work the Meltdown.

It usually starts with a one word command like: "JUICE! MILK! MOVIE! CHOCOCOCOLATE!"

Next we get a dramatic body shift/eye rub combo...as if even the thought of waiting more than 0.5 seconds for an answer to a demand as simple as CHOCOCOCOLATE is unacceptable. And as a result her entire body REJECTS NORMALCY!

That's followed with a sort of wailing, groaning, animal with their leg caught in a hunter's trap kind of moan..........................................................................................................for about that amount of time. Except that each dot represent minutes. In real time.

Finally that flows into the Total Body Meltdown. The actual physical collapse of Keaton. I hate to admit this but the fall of Keaton is the really the best part of the entire ordeal. When her tiny body drops into a pile of self-inflicted frustration on the floor the room gets A LOT quieter. Its a great time to disappear, actually. Like, "Oh, she's down...RUUUUUUUUUUUN!"

--

Take Christmas Eve - this is Keaton after demanding, oh jeez...I don't even remember what that child wanted at this point in the night. She's already blown through a stack of goldfish, a couple of Shirley Temples, a fruit cup, Tiramisu, etc...And, for those of you wondering what kind of parent grabs her camera when her child is crying out for attention - my answer is ME!

I've been dealing with her meltdowns for years and NO ONE EVER BELIEVES ME because this kid is a con artist. She locks everyone she meets into her web of cuteness and I think its about time to expose her for who she really is...(hahahahaha...I so admire her talent!!)

Secretive Preparatory Eye Rub

Wounded Animal Moan Demonstration


Total Body Meltdown (OMG it still makes me laugh)

And then we have Christmas morning...apparently she didn't like something she saw...

Guess this showing of presents wasn't good enough!
Side Note: You see that really, REALLY thin stocking on the left? That's mine. Apparently Santa didn't think I was good...which is exactly what Ellie said after she gasped in HORROR at the very sight of it!)

How dare I have the audacity to ask her if she'd like to make a pile of her presents!

Total Body Meltdown - Christmas Style

Luckily Santa gets it. He gave Keaty a book about getting in touch with her feelings. Man, that guy is a genius!

The Way I Feel - Mommy's new favorite book!

Fancy Her An Old-Fashioned Flipbook

2012-01-09T15:39:00.000-06:00

Oh, hello! Why yes I am posting here. And its not Project 365 related!

Christmas morning I whipped up a breakfast feast. Feast I tell you! Sausage, eggs, hash browns, fresh fruit, croissants and butter (yes, butter is a categorizable food item in my home). Which is kind of a big deal since I'm not much of a breakfast person. Which translates into: If I don't like it no one gets it. But since it was Christmas I decided to throw the troops a bone (Grammy and Unc. Mike included) and get all Paula Deen on their asses. Just like at a nice family-owned B&B - only without all the hospitality. Oh, let's not forget I served the mimosa's. That's right...champagne makes ALL types of cooking more enjoyable.

"Mommy, why is your orange juice drink clear?"

"Never you mind, Sweetie. Never. You. Mind."

Breakfast is on. Table is loaded. We're ready to go. But that kid of mine? The big one. She neeeeeeeeeeeever eats what we're having for any meal. Except that one time when Daddy was out of town and the three of us girls sat around the coffee table on the living room floor eating pop tarts. She ate that up! But I digress, in leiu of eating the delicious, heart-warming breakfast I had painstakingly prepared, that Elliott Campbell played reindeer games (You like Christmas reference I threw in there? You do, don't you?!).

Behold:

The end.

Project 365 Has Moved!

2012-01-08T13:49:00.000-06:00

Project 365 has moved to its own blog: new gen campbells 365. I've added a link on the right sidebar for easy access. The link to save as a fav is: newgencampbells365.blogspot.com.

XO,
Jess

Project 365: Day 7

2012-01-07T07:25:00.000-06:00

Papa

Project 365: Day 6

2012-01-06T10:42:00.000-06:00

Mini Red Velvet Cupcakes

Project 365: Day 5

2012-01-05T10:46:00.000-06:00

Nerd Love

Project 365: Day 4

2012-01-04T08:08:00.004-06:00

Spongy Bobby

Project 365: Day 3

2012-01-03T13:47:00.007-06:00

Pigtails

Project 365: Day 2

2012-01-02T20:43:00.007-06:00

Grumpy Bugs

Project 365: Day 1

2012-01-01T23:20:00.046-06:00

Happy New Year! Does anyone still read this thing? Most likely a rhetorical question to which the obvious answer is "No." considering the fact that I all but disappeared from Blogger last August after the big move. BUT...for those of you that are still around and are interested...

I'm kicking off 2012 with a personal commitment to Project 365. As my only New Year's resolution, I'm going to reconnect with my love of the camera and post a picture here each and every day for the next three hundred and sixty five. My overarching goal is to broaden my abilities with inanimate objects as I've always quite admired that particular genre of photography - and the eye it requires.

For now, however, I'm going to start with what I'm good at...

Painted Lady

One of our last shots from the Townhouse

2011-08-16T07:48:00.001-05:00

When we lived in the townhouse, I would line the girls up in front of this wall in the kitchen every couple of week or so for pics. This is the last one we took before we moved.

I know everyone (or whoever even still reads this thing anyway) is prolly dying to hear stories of the move and/or see pics of the new house. I have some...although I guess I didn't really take as many as I usually do...and I promise to upload soon. Honestly, I have only logged on to our home PC one time since we moved in and I didn't even open up Lightroom or upload any pics. I need to get on it. Its just that I kinda love my house ;) and I don't really feel like wasting my evenings in front of the computer!

Avery's First Birthday!

2011-08-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Avery's first birthday FOREVER ago...here are some pics I took at the party. All the kiddos had a blast - esp in the bouncy house! You know, I used to think those things were a bit rediculous and waste of cash but, now that I have kids who will go play in it for hours on end without whining, I REALLY LOVE THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Keatsie eating her lunch

Miss Addison putting on a smiley show

Mommy and Keats

Some of the kids crew enjoying the bounce slide

Reese

Dominick, Reese and Ana

Catching up on a little girl talk

"Mommy, DOWN!" I.e. come get me because I'm a big scaredy cat!

Sophia

"El-wee, hold my hand!"

Daddy and Keats

The St. Ledger Foursome

Ana

How cute is her tiny cake!

The Fasono Men

Happy Birthday Girl

"mmm....cake!"

The cake for the rest of the party - so cute

The Greeno Men

Buzz and Ella

Now that's how you eat a cake!

Is it just me or does Keatsie look like a female joker here?

My Fam

Sophie

Ellie Knievil

A Slip 'N Slide Afternoon

2011-07-21T11:12:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we packed up the family truckster and headed to...um, somewhere really far away...a place who's name I cannot seem to remember at the moment...to attend a high school graduation party for our Aunt's Jeanette's grandson.

It was a beautiful day, there was a ton of great people and good food and the girlie's got to part take in a little slip ' slide action thanks to the rambunctious teens that were playing around all day!

A girl's shot before leaving the house.

I love Keatsie's face in this shot!

Ellie had NO fear - dove right onto the raft and took off!

I didn't have suits for the girls btw. As if you hadn't already figured that out

Goofing around making silly faces

Feet First!

She has blue eyes - Can you tell?

Twinsies.

E and Gma. Note: that is NOT Ellie's beer.

L.O.V.E.

PACKING...

2011-07-20T08:15:00.001-05:00

SUCKS. That is all.

Loves Her Gma / Hates To Pose

2011-07-19T13:55:00.000-05:00

A Little Bedtime Bonding with Grammie and Unc. Mike

2011-07-13T08:50:00.000-05:00

My Mom and Bro came up for Keatsie's party last month (wow, last month already). They got in late on Friday night just in time to catch the girls before bedtime.

Keats was walking around with her Buppy (the pink and yellow blanky) and Mike soon discovered he could tease the little thing with it by tossing it over her head. Next thing we knew, Keats was walking around like a ghost ("I'M A GHOST BOO!") and running over to scare Grammie who then tickeled her like crazy until she collapsed in laughter on the floor!

We had so much fun that night!

Scary Keatie Ghost!

At some point Ellie decided she wanted in on the blanky action and Unc. Mike threw Keatsie's Buppy on Elliott. Keaton promptly turned around and stomped out of the bedroom. She walked to the end of the hall and stood there, motionless, with a GIANT puss face on. She would NOT come back in.

Apparently its NOT ok to let Ellie play with her Buppy. I get it - Ellie doesn't share some stuff with her too. So, the gaming continued with Ellie's princess blanket and Keaton happily came back in to join the fun.

Scarey Ellie Ghost!

Tub Love

2011-07-12T07:23:00.000-05:00

Boy do I love these girls and those faces!

House Post - Belated Visit Pics

2011-07-12T06:15:00.000-05:00

When my Mom and Bro were in town for Keaton's birthday we took them by the new house to check it out. Everything was coming along nicely at the time.

In Keatsie's Room

Ellie Peek-A-Boo's from her closet

In the Loft

In the Morning Room

The walkway to the front door is in!

Father's Day (Belated Post)

2011-07-11T08:55:00.002-05:00

For Father's Day the girls each wanted to make something for Daddy at the Painted Penguin in Stratford Square Mall. We walked around the entire shop pondering what to paint for him.

E: "That's it!"
M: "The princess? Are you sure Daddy would want a princess?"
E: "Oh, yes, Yes, YES! He will LOVE it!"

K: "Paint puppy. Woof, woof!"

E painting Daddy's princess (Phone pic not that great)

K painting Daddy's puppy and the paper and the mat and
her smock and mommy...(Phone pic not that great)

Daddy getting Keaton's, er I mean his puppy on Father's Day.
Moments later, she yanked it out of his hands and walked away.

E presenting Daddy with his card from both girls.

SMOOCH!

We headed over to Gma and Gpa's house for the standard Father's Day meal of ribs and sides. Pat really outdid herself this year - everything was delicious.We had a nice afternoon/evening hanging out on the deck. Pics and laughs and desert rounded out the evening.

The Grandparents and their Girls

The Foursome

Foursome Close up

Those two smooching gets me every time!

I love how happy and relaxed Keat's looks sitting on Daddy's lap.

Gpa and Ellie

The Girls with Auntie Kelly and Milo

With Auntie Kelly

Keats eating a giant cupcake brownie thing.

Us.

Thanks, Babe for being such a great Daddy for the girls! Hope you enjoyed your day!

Keatsie Transitions to Her Big Girl Bed

2011-07-10T18:39:00.002-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Brian and I decided it was time to go ahead and turn Keatsie's crib into a toddler bed. Although she showed absolutely no signs of escape (I'm confident she could have stayed in her crib for another year), Brian and I thought it best to get her used to the toddler bed and the fact that she can get in and out on her own (and come find mommy and daddy on her own if she's scared) before we move in to the new house.

Main reason being that she will be getting her very own bedroom in the new place and it might be strange to her for awhile to not have her big sis 6 feet away sleeping in her own bed...especially since that's all she's ever known.

Daddy starts the dismantling process with Boss Lady watching closely!

Crib front gone by Brian the Strong!

"Daddy, what's happening?"

Awkward position.

Big Girl Bed Recipient shows off her new sparkly earrings!

The happy girl's first time in her Big Girl Bed!!

First nap time in her new bed. She went right down with no issues. THANK YOU LORD!

Needless to say, the kid loves her newly transformed bed and stays in it all night. And its super sweet when they both make their way in on the weekend mornings and neither Brian or I have to get up to pull her outta her crib after Ellie comes in solo. Now all we have to do is turn on Cartoon network and get another 45 of zzzzz's.

House Update - We're Actually Moving!!

2011-07-06T15:52:00.000-05:00

Did I ever mention here that we're building a new home? Yes, a thousand times? Ok, good. Well, we really are moving. Our closing date is set for July 22nd and we are moving on the 23rd. Its coming up SUPER fast and we've been packing and sorting and throwing out crap like crazy in an attempt to be ready to go in about 2-1/2 weeks. I cannot believe the amount of crap we've accumulated in the 6 years or so we've lived in our town home. Its insane.

Anyway, here are some pics I got from our sales rep Lady today....

Stained floors.

Family Room (off kitchen eating area)

Morning Room (will lead out to backyard)

Another shot of floors

Office/Play Room (next to family room)

Dining Room (ew to that light fixture! LOL)

Living Room/Front Room

We have carpet! (NO SHOES ALLOWED! ha hah)

Little loft area outside Ellie's bedroom.

Might be E's Room?

Might be Keatie's Room?

Guest Room? Can't tell on any of these.

Loft is to the right

Kid's bath (no more kid paste spit in my sink!)

no idea what bedroom this is

Master Bed Room!

Master Bedroom Ceiling

Master

Master Bath - OMG 2 SINKS!

Master bath

Wondering what the outside looks like? Me too. I swear our rep is such a Flake.

Keatsie's 2nd Birthday

2011-06-28T08:57:00.002-05:00

My little Bugsie turned 2 on Saturday! I still can't believe it. Why is she two already? Why is my youngest talking and running and turning two without my permission? Why is she growing up so fast? wimper, tear drop.

Of course we started the day off with a little photo shoot out front. I picked up a special little outfit for her. I always like to do this for the 2nd birthday instead of the 1st because they're moving around and can enjoy it more. Sparkles and twirly skirts are so much fun when you can spin them.

Her pants say, "Keaton" but she's a little on the short side so it mostly read "eaton" all day!

I got her outfit from the cutest custom clothing site: Paper Lili Everything is made to order by hand. The lady that runs it does a wonderful job!! Keatsie loved the sparkles.

Yes, she is dead serious with that belly. I just wanna rub tiny circles around it all day long! You know you do too!

Keaton's not really a fan of posing for pics. She scrunches her face, pouts, walks away, etc. She just likes to do her own thing..and her own thing does not include posing for Mommy's camera.

Ellie, on the other hand, LOVES it. She will move her head a millimeter to the left if I ask her...and work the pose. So it was no surprise when she INSISTED on being in a few pics with Keats. What was a surprise was the unleashing of her Ellietude as soon as I started snapping.

Ellietude and 'Lil Sis

After pics we headed over to Gma and Gpa's house for her party because our house looks like a BOMB went off in it (right Mom and Mike?) because we're starting to pack for the move next month. OK, we've mostly just moved stuff from one spot in the house to another. OMG, I hate packing. I'd rather puke and take a nap it in but I digress...

A bunch of family came over to celebrate - Gma, Gpa, Grammie, Unc Mike, Auntie Kelly, Auntie Joanne and Unc Dec, Cousin Caitlyn, Auntie Mary, Unc Larry, Aunt Jeanette...we had such a nice day.

She is 100% Poppa's girl! She will smootch that old man on command!

She ran around the backyard twirling her skirt for well over 30mins. Good thing I have access to fast shutter speeds.

This is BY FAR my favorite pic snapped of this little Skeeter all day!

Have I ever mentioned here that Keaton LOVES rocks? She collects them everywhere we go. New house, park, friend's houses, fields, etc. Here she and Auntie Kelly do a little rock collecting in the tree garden.

Sweetness.

A little family chatting around the table. Bugs is blocked by Jeanette's head. LOL

After some drinks and eats we settled down for some present opening...

Clock of blocks

Little people animal farm

Accessories

L.O.V.E.

Family Shot 1 - at least she's not crying.

Family Shot 2 - here come the tears.

After presents we pulled out the cake and everyone sang HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Keat's had been waiting for and talking about this moment every day since Ellie's party.

Only issue was the fact that 3 cases of pop fell on her Dora cake on the way to the party. Yes, you read that right. My wonderful husband thought the best place to put the cake was on the truck floor right next to the cooler full of beer that had 3 unsecured cases of pop on top of it! I took one tiny left turn and SMASH! "What was that, Brian?" I asked as I pulled over..."Oh, A%#DFS#%SD$FR!!!!!!!!!!" was all I heard as I put the car in park to check out the damage myself.

Activate deep breathing. SIDE BAR: For those that know me I have not had a good relationship with cakes over the years. My wedding cake was ATROCIOUS! It was presented to me wrapped in gold foil and covered in hot pink barbie frosting. I can't even post a picture here for reference because I threatened the lives of every single person involved with the creation of the monstrosity. I believe I told the wedding coordinator, "I am going to my bridal room. I will be back in 5 minutes. If there's so much as a trace of that cake when I return you will be very, very sorry."

Then there was

Ellie's christening cake - name spelled wrong
Ellie's 2nd birthday cake - name spelled wrong
Keaton's christening cake - name spelled wrong
Ellie's 3rd birthday cake - name spelled wrong
Ellie's 4th birthday cake - name spelled wrong

I F-ing hate cakes. Why can't they just be right? How hard is it to read a name spelling off a order slip and frost it? Upside - I've had a lot of free and discounted cakes over the years. But, the point of my entire rant her is this: Keaton's 2nd birthday cake (cakes - we got 2 because one was just for her) was finally accurate and 3 cases of pop landed on BOTH OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Check out Keat's face seeing the smashed and partially fixed Dora for the first time.

The other cake...

Looks yummy right? E%D$W#^%A@$#~

She still seemed to enjoy it!

Ruffles and rocks.

Um, Ellie tied herself up with the dog leash and insisted I walk her around. OK!

Big Sis

Chillaxin' in their tiny chairs.

Posting on Blogger with her new 'puter...with the help of Auntie Joanie

Getting chomped on by Auntie Mary

Oh, boy - these three. The two whiteys on the left drank and entire bottle of Johnny Walker.

Having a good time. "Say hardscapes..."

Me and Brian.

Me and my Ma.

Keatsie had a wonderful birthday. Thanks to all the family for coming out to celebrate and make it special for her! XO

A Day Out With Grammie

2011-06-20T08:35:00.001-05:00

When Grammie was here a few weeks ago for a visit, we headed out to Morton Arboretum for the day. I had never been there before and didn't really know if there'd be anything to do other than look at plants but thought it was worth a shot to plan an activity outta the house since the winter was so long and brutal. Plus, I got a groupon for discounted admission - I'm willing to try anything for a nice discount.

Needless to say, we were pleasantly surprised when we got there to find an entire Children's discovery and outdoor play area. We had such a great time. There were activities like planting a seedling, playgrounds, water tables, mountains, rolling hills and obstacle courses. There was even a maze. Ellie and I walked the whole thing. We were there for over 3 hours. It was such a wonderful day.

Grammie showing Keat's how to make some music.

Walking through the gardens with my girls.

Exploring the grounds. The place was huge.

Doing a little spinning on that long tube thing. I actually had to pull that kid out of this playground. She loved this one so much because all the toys were really low and she could reach them all.

Three generations. Check out Keatsie's face. She had the best time there. LOVED IT

Ellie climbing this playhouse walkway. Moments later Daddy had to climb to the top and walk her down. SAVE ME DADDY! she screamed because she was too scared to come back down by herself.

Grammie and her girls.

Posing in front of this amazing knitted tree trunk. Was so pretty.

"HEY! We found an Easter egg in this tree." Guess the whole place was knitted up for an Easter egg hunt the next day.

Climbing area. Actually looks like they're on top of a mountain!

Ellie made her way across and back several times. Keats just kinda played in the mulch.

There was a huge rolling hill. Watching E go walk up and roll down the hill.

Of course Ellie injured herself. No good outing goes without a little of that!

Then Daddy showed us how its really done!

Dirty knees = Great day!

Beggars!

2011-06-16T15:07:00.002-05:00

All I wanna know is...

what do they want from me now?!?!

Ellie Graduates 3 Year PreSchool

2011-06-15T10:22:00.002-05:00

Ellie graduated from 3 year old preschool a couple of weeks ago. I cannot even begin to tell you what that class has done for her. She started out the year as a shy girl that wouldn't even talk to the teachers or other students. I often overheard the other kids say, "That's Elliott - she's shy." And blossomed into the kind of young lady that sings and dances and writes her name and knows her entire alphabet and hugs the teachers at the end of the year (caveat - she always did all that stuff in the comfort of her own home).

I'm so proud. Weep. ;)


Singing a class song.

Campbells attending the show.

Believe this was the Caterpillar CHOMP song!

CHOMP!

Keatsie checking out her big sis's show.

More singing and laughing...

And clapping and singing...

Ellie getting her graduation medal.

Admiring her medal.

Keaton's totally done with this scene.

So she decided to get the party started with a little flashing.

What?!

As much of Ellie's 3 year lineup as I could squeez

Lil' Sis congratulating Big Sis

What a sweet face.

Mrs. Miller

Mrs. Senderak

Princess Smurfette!

2011-06-14T14:09:00.000-05:00

Keatsie's starting to get into the whole princess dress-up game. As if she ever stood a chance not to.

Ellie's 4th Birthday

2011-06-13T19:08:00.001-05:00

My oldest, my Ellie turned 4 years old about a month ago.I couldn't believe it at the time and I still hardly believe it now. She is so big. Her birthday was on a Tuesday night and I'll never forget this 4th birthday because it was literally the day after I got home from a 5-day bender with my girlfriends. I'VE NEVER BEEN DUMBER. Never. Not even on my first day back to work after my second maternity leave.

B and I decided to get Ellie one big gift this year and it was a PowerWheels Jeep. I went inside and opened the garage while she and Daddy and Keat's waited outside. Think we told her it would only open from the inside...she went nuts for it!

At first sight.

Running loca towards it!

Checking out the stereo..."I love this song!"

Can't stop smiling.

Inaugural drive...

Followed by inaugural smash into the cars...

Followed by inaugural smash into the garage wall.

She learned right away to pay close attention to the road in front of her.

Keaton bailed and ran for her life.

"I LITERALLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE!"

Going at it alone.

The Happy Birthday Girl.

We let Ellie take her pick of fancy restaurants in which to celebrate her first and last 4th birthday. "RED ROBIN!" she screamed. She got some cool cards and an awesome grilled cheese...

And that Red Robin actually came by to say hello and sing her Happy Birthday.

It was the best time.

Keatsie and I also enjoyed the show...

She stabbed Daddy in the with her princess wand....

But, he forgave her...

with lots of smootches!

When the birthday sundae arrived she said, "I'm going to eat this whole thing."

And with the help of her little sis, she did just that.

House Update - Interior Shots

2011-05-25T08:07:00.000-05:00

Exterior...duh.

Garage

Morning Room

Kitchen

Family Room

Mainfloor Hallway

Hardwood Flooring

Steps to Upstairs

One of the upstairs bedrooms

Upstairs hallway

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

House Update - Old Pics

2011-05-24T14:31:00.001-05:00

I'm behind on my house updates. Things are moving right along. Here's a few old pics that show the brick up on the front. These are actually a few weeks old now. Inside is now fully drywalled and painted and the floors are going in and being stained this week. We're looking at a June 27 finish date at this point.
Our rep took these shots so they are they greatest but they give you an idea.

The Four Year Old

2011-05-19T20:55:00.000-05:00

A Sleeping Treasure

2011-05-11T08:06:00.001-05:00

Doesn't she look like an angel? Can you be a liar while you're sleeping?

Randall Oaks

2011-05-10T11:27:00.000-05:00

While the boys were away ~~drinking heavily~~ working on their golf swings, Jill and I decided to throw together an impromptu picnic, park and petting zoo ~~exhausting day out~~ extravaganza. Here are some visual fruits of our ~~efforts~~ great day out.

ERRRRRRRRRRRRRK....scan right over that pic up there did ya?

Well, let's back up to that first, seemingly innocent and somewhat boring shot for a sec, shall we? Nothing much going on...just Jake and Ellie kinda standing around looking rather unimpressed with the silly sleeping goat their Mommies just paid good cash for them to stare at, right? What's that in the pic? Right there - in the right hand corner? A creepy guy rubbing his belly? Let's take a closer look...

Why yes it is - its Mr. Creepshow right there in person and he is definitely rubbing his Buddha belly for my camera...unbeknownst to me. W.O.W.

I bought each kid got a peacock feather. Awesome choice that was. Seriously, worst thing I could have purchased. For as much fun as they had with those ~~damn things~~ beautiful man made representations of nature there was 4 times more arguing about so and so hitting him or her or she took my pink one or he stepped on mine and broke it, etc...plus Ellie whacked me in the back of the head with that thing about 162 times on our drive home. I think I just finally threw them away this morning...when neither kid was watching, of course.

Our little Safarian, Ms. Emme herself decided to wake up and enjoy the fun.

And below we have one Elliott C. Campbell feeding Billy, one Keaton A. Campbell whacking Billy in the head with (what?) her peacock feather and one Jake B. Rojas supervising!

My horse and goat...

Lost the horse, gained a male antelope...

MOOOOOOOOOOO! Cutest cow I've seen this side of the 'Sippi

Best seat in the zoo...

Pretty sure they're looking at an empty pond here...gotta love how kids see the excitement in everything.

Little picnic

HORSEY RIDES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm doing it all by MYSELF!

Whoa, lady...where are you going. Get me off this thing now!

Patiently watching as 'lil sis gets a turn.

Jakey and Jill

House Update - Two Weeks of Progress

2011-05-09T18:49:00.000-05:00

They are still trucking right along on the house. Two weekends ago they framed the porch and put in all the metal tubular venting stuff (technical term) and this just past weekend the porch was unwrapped and the brick had arrived. Our dates have slipped to the beginning of July thanks to Mother Nature and her boyfriend the Rainman. Its all good though cause we'll still be in by mid-July.

Here are a few pics...2 weekends ago

Couple days ago - we got to do a walk through with our sales lady. She's totally over the top. One of those people that you can just tell doesn't like kids because they are so OVERLY fake nice with your kids it make your stomach do flips. She once suggested to me to install "one of those curvy metal light thingy's" and even since then I've kinda been down with her.

Oh, and it was crazy ponytail day, btw. How cute are my two mini Gwen's?!?!?!? They make my love Rock Steady!

Looking down into the family room from upstairs balcony

Ebells in front of mud room, panty, powder room area

I have 13 rocks in my truck. I'll give you one guess why...

"There are yellow flowers everywhere!"

"BASKET TOO! Found BASKET!"

Twins

2011-05-05T15:44:00.000-05:00

Yogi Bear

2011-05-04T13:49:00.002-05:00

Guess what? I joined a yoga studio (or as Ellie likes to call it - a Yogi Bear studio). That's me right there on the left! Don't I look balanced and happy and in shape. Oh, and tan. Its me, I tell you! THAT IS ME! Haha....

All jokes aside, Ive been attending classes regularly for a couple of weeks now. And I'm really getting into it. No, I'm not coordinated yet and I know what you must be thinking - "wow Jess is the next groupie to jump on the yoga bandwagon - awesome!"

And I have to admit I kinda felt that way too since I'm always hearing people talk about it at work or reading about it on FB etc, but in the spirit of making positive changes in my life I decided to give it a try.

And guess what? I really like it...and it really surprises me.

Why? I've never been a fan of group exercise. I'm the kinda gal that likes to throw on my headphones and loose myself in the music and my run or routine of whatever I happen to be working out that day. And I don't like people. Or being around them. I'm still working on the positive changes, people. One thing at a time. Oh, and, I've always been pretty skeptical of various exercise fads that come and go. Yoga, however, has always kinda intrigued me.

B and I were talking one night after dinner and he mentioned that a few of his girlfriends on FB are always posting about it. Long story short, he messaged an old high school flame (I know, haha) and the next thing I knew I was meeting her outside the studio for a free pass to a 90min hot yoga class two days later.

(Aside: This former flame of Brian's turned out to be an amazonian goddess, btw. Tall, dark, tan, gorgeous! My first reaction was, "Wow! YOU dated Brian?" HAHA! Hi, Honey! Oh, and she was the valedictorian of Yoga. Knew every pose, every move, was doing extra stuff the teach didn't even mention. PRESSURE!)

I will not lie to you - it was NOT easy. And I thought I was in decent shape. I mean I run and lift weights 4 times a week and I got totally owned in that first class. First of all, its hot as hell in there - duh. 80% humidity. Its like breathing in steam for 90mins or a summer day in Kansas. And as soon as you start to move at all sweat starts running like a faucet out every pore imaginable. I'm pretty sure my hair was even sweating. It soaked out all the way to the ends that were in my pony tail. I was completely drenched head to toe when I walked outta there.

And the poses are very challenging. Balance in your feet and core is a must. Did I mention that I have two left feet and have a mommy belly? LOL! I wobbled and waved and got light headed off and on the entire class but I kept going. It really turned into more of a mental challenge more than anything and I think that's the part I really got into. My survival mode kicked in.

And to be honest, I think its really more of an individual workout than group fitness. You are in very dark room, on your own mat, present inside your own space talking to yourself, challenging your limbs and your mind to practice the poses. There's no judging, no talking - just the voice of the instructor walking you through the steps.

I honestly cannot believe how much I enjoy it or how happy I am that I stepped outside my realm of comfort to try it out. I am now going 3 times a week. At the end of each class the instructor asks you why you practice yoga. I'm looking forward to discovering the answer to that question for myself.

The Hunt - Last Easter Post, I Promise

2011-05-03T15:17:00.000-05:00

Finally, I set up an Easter egg hunt for the girls down the street from our place. It surprised the chocolate outta them. Later that night Brian overheard Ellie telling Gma, "And the Easter bunny even left eggs for us at the park!" Makes the effort entirely worth it.

Here's a few shots...

Easter Breakfast

2011-05-03T08:16:00.004-05:00

This year we celebrated Easter with a nice family breakfast. We put on our pretty dresses and tennis shoes and headed out WAY too early in the morning for only having chocolate in our bellies. That bunny was NOT stingy with the treats. Not before our usual holiday pics by the front wall though.

Per her usual fashion, Keaton refused to pose stomped off set...

I was able to entice Ellie's beautiful smile back with the promise of future candy...

but Keat's cheeks wouldn't budge - she was having nothing of promises.

I finally shoved a half-eaten chocolate bunny in her hand and that did the trick.

And here's the four of us - that's a flashlight making that bright spot in the bottom of the frame if you're wondering. The Easter Bunny found out Ellie wanted one just like Daddy's. "Its just like the one Daddy hides in the top cabinet except THERE'S PRINCESSES ON IT!!!!!!!!!"

The girls with Grammie - check out Keatsie's choco-holic lips! We call those "Rider lips"

And we finally made it out to breakfast...

The Girl's with Gma...

The whole family...minus Unc. Mike (WE MISSED YOU!) and Brian, of course, who happily volunteered to take the shot this year.

We saw the bunny and he still came!

2011-05-02T14:13:00.001-05:00

Yep, another year - another crying photo. This year Keat's is the one. Please notice that Ellie FINALLY smiled and they caught her with her eyes half closed. I was so proud of her anyway. And, yes...they're both wearing tennis shoes because this Mommy is not wasting another dime on dress shoes they never wear again!

"Look at my basket that the Easter Bunny left JUST FOR ME!"

EGG! Open it!

Lemon Heads jelly beans. That Bunny can be evil! Mwahahahah!

Keaton may have eaten so much candy that her head actually started to rotate in diabolical circle. Maybe.

What about the look on E's face here checking out Keaton! Its almost like she's too cool to pose for a pic in bunny ears anymore? HA. Kid better recognize this will continue to be requested of her for many, many years to come!

Dyin' the Eggs

2011-05-02T06:40:00.001-05:00

We dyed eggs this year before Easter...I say it like that because I really can't remember if we did last year. How terrible is that. Of course we did, right?

We set the girls up at the table with 9 colors to choose from and set them loose to dye the eggs themselves. Keatsie in her chair and Ellie in mine. For some reason that kid gets a kick out of sitting in my chair...guess change is just THAT exciting. I get it.

Ell was up first. She chose a lovely shade of yellow for her first egg and carefully dipped and watched it change colors. A lot of "ooohs" and "ahhhs" and "I really, really, really LIKE dying eggs..." ensued.

The Bulldozer on the other hand scribbled a bit with the clear crayon and tossed the egg into the bowl like she was participating in an intense games of bags. And of course she selected the unmistakably purple dye.

Believe me when I say that my otherwise useless Lamaze breathing came in handy for letting this girl dye her eggs. STRESSFUL.

I have to say that face was worth it though. And how about that head of hair. Coming in nicely...although I think the peanut butter from her toast gave it a little of its body.

Oh, and here's what we got when I asked Daddy to take a few of the pics. A closeup of the other girls. Nice, right? RIGHT? And yes, I purposely fully made that photo b&w - it was 7am people.

Did I mention Keaton got really upset when I informed she couldn't actually hold and manhandle the bowl of carpet-staining, permanent purple dye? Well she did.

Ells got busy again dipping and dying. We moved everything out of reach of Keat's after her first performance. Plus, her arms get crazy when she starts throwing...she's like a Kansas windmill.

Daddy makes an eggcellent assistant. Get it? Eggcelent? EASTER JOKE!

A few of our crop...

Ellie adds her final egg - a Grammie-written Elliott. She loved it.

The End.

House Update - Last Weekend's Visit

2011-04-30T19:18:00.001-05:00

I forgot to post the pics from last Saturday's weekly visit to the new house. Keatsie calls it "New House Day." It pretty cute how excited the two girls get to go see the house each week...I think its all the stompin and jumpin around they get to do in mud and rocks and sand. Which is fun to watch since I'd love nothing more that for these two to be a pair of Tomboys.

I told them before we got out of the house that it was going to be chilly but they each refused to put on their jackets...I warned them I did not want to hear about it when we got out...

Yea right.

Just for You, Ma...I Love You

2011-04-30T18:22:00.003-05:00

House Update - Visit with Grammie

2011-04-22T16:28:00.000-05:00

Unpublished post/pics from April 2009

2011-04-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure what this post was supposed to be - there was no subject...it was just saved as a draft in my blogger dashboard. Am guessing it was for a newsletter...22 months? I dont know - what I do know is that these pics are from 2 months before Keatsie came along and changed everything. These are pics of a then only child. Its crazy how I can barely remember these days...

Look how short her hair was!

SLIDES!

choking hazard?

Still in her crib!

One of her first big girls experiences in the snow. I must have been a whale out there taking these pics with her!

She used to ask Daddy to drive all the time. HAHA.

Rainy day

She flashes me this look to this day!

This was at a PG doctor appointment. We all used to go together.

At swim lessons with Daddy.

OLD POST NOT COMPLETED - Keaton 9 Months

2011-04-16T20:23:00.010-05:00

Below is a post of pictures from what was supposed to be Keaton's 9 month newsletter post. Original save date was 3/24/10 and as you will see I never got around to writing the actual newsletter. But, the pics are too cute to delete so take a trip back in time with me and enjoy some pics of Bugs from her 9th month of life...


Solid foods!

Hittin' Up the Local Park

2011-04-15T13:35:00.019-05:00

The beautiful weekend continued with a visit to our trusty neighborhood park. Its the first time the girls have been out of their cages around here in a looooooooong time.

E's a pro at the rock wall now!

So excited to be outside.

Monkey see...

Monkey do.

Love the look on Keatsie's face!

Double pushing on the big girl swings.

Other climbing wall mastered!

Pee-pa-poo's!

I have no idea why they're doing this!?

Heart melting...

I DID IT!!!!

Building a "trash pile"

Grass time!

Yep - they're THAT white!

Heading home...

Walls!!!

2011-04-14T11:04:00.001-05:00

Our rep sent us some pics. We have walls. That was fast!

- XOXO, Jessica via iPhone4

HEY! HO! HEY! HO!

2011-04-13T09:16:00.002-05:00

Last night things got a little crazy 'round here. I was coming down off a 45 minute high from driving home listening to an Old School Rap CD I got my hands on somewhere between now and forever ago. Biggie, Puff, Mase, Tupac, Naughty by Nature - all the major 90's players were present and accounted for. I was definitely THAT white girl jammin' with the bass cranked up car dancing all the way home. And I didn't have a care in the world.

Needless to say I was still bumpin' when I walked into the house and after we sat down to eat dinner I inspired my crew into a little HEY, HO, HEY, HO...check it out:

Snow White - A Short Story by Elliott

2011-04-13T07:54:00.001-05:00

In a beautiful cottage there were seven dwarfs.

When the seven dwarfs went to work, Snow White found the cottage. She found seven little beds, seven little sacks, seven little chairs and seven little bowls. Then Snow White fell asleep.

When the dwarfs came home and saw Snow White, they ran away. The dwarfs ran into the forest and explored it.

Snow White found an old woman and the old woman put the dress on her. Then Snow White fell down and she died.

The End.

3/4/11

Out and About

2011-04-12T16:18:00.000-05:00

It was such a nice weekend we just couldn't stay inside. After a morning of hitting up the new house and some shopping at an outdoor mall, we headed over to Potbelly's for a little grub.

Bugs washed down her crayon tips with a couple 'o swigs of strawberry shake.

And Marilyn here got some new metallic crayons...it's all sparkles all the time in her world! Ellie's outfit? All her doing. Almost every morning she asks to wear a "pretty dress" now. And then she accessorizes herself while I get the little one ready.

I think her look came together nicely - especially since you can't see the fact that she's wearing purple and pink Fancy Nancy socks with clearish purple jelly shoes. (Jelly shoes! Oh the memories!)

Doesn't B look thrilled? He insists that's just his face but I'd challenge him to find a guy in the Best Buy parking lot with 3 chicks more adorable than his! And, since I'm not pictured, I can guarantee you that I was a definite Hottie at that very moment!

At one point we had to do a little chair dancing - it's just what you do when you have two goofy little girls that like to get their move on and a mommy that loves to encourage.

Little hippie eats salt 'n vinegar chips. Will there come a day when she doesn't make mommy proud?

I sure hope not! By the way, it was like 80 degrees! We sat outside like that for at least an hour and I had on zero sunblock. I swear I got some color on my shoulders. My milky white flesh was totally cooking! Welcome summer, welcome!

- XOXO, Jessica via iPhone4

House Update

2011-04-12T07:34:00.000-05:00

We ran over to the new house today, of course. Its out standard Saturday afternoon thing now. We got there to discover that all the concrete flooring had been poured for both the basement and the garages. Brian found this to be Very exciting. The girls on the other hand were still mainly into the rocks...which they each grabbed a handful as soon as we set foot on the property.

April 9, 2011

Daddy and the Minions checking out the basement.

That's our basement floor down there!

Mommy, Keatsie and Pirate Ellie

This is the trash can on site...lots 'o empty Miller High boxes.

Just For You, Keats

2011-04-09T11:56:00.005-05:00

Bugs, Skeeter B, SKEETS!, No.2, Keatsie, Keats-

Hello my sweet Bugsy - its me, Mommy. I decided to write you a letter today because, well, I love you and also because, as I was going through streams and streams of unedited and unpublished pictures of you, I suddenly realized just how short your end of the stick has become with regard to receiving monthly newsletters.

Eyes that stare directly into my soul

Monthly newsletters I had every intention to write for you, about you until you blossomed into a bounding and delightful 2 year old. Newsletters I had hopes of you reading one day in order to understand just how thankful I am of the fact that you belong to me...and always will. Please note baby doll: all of the following pictures were taken during the months of February and March 2011.

Showing off your somersaulting skills

And yet here I sit today with no excuse as to why my second child, the baby (you will always be the baby, by the way...please get used to it now) has only 8 newsletters to make up her collection. Its certainly not due to a shortage of photos by any stretch of the imagination. I've taken just as many of you over the last 22 months as I did of your sister. And they are amazing...just like you. Its just that the last year has gotten away from me. That's what people say when they don't live up to the goals and expectations they've set for themselves, isn't it?

Rocking Cubbie's Gear

But its true. This last year has been full of growing and stretching, climbing and falling, laughing and crying. To summarize its been a somewhat tumultuous year for your Mommy although I expect and hope that you've had no clue. You see, your Mommy had a lot of internal struggles to figure out over this last year and, because I tend to go into hiding and cut myself off a bit from the things I love during these periods, my photography and writing suffered. And that's how we got here. One day, when you're older and I'm more your confidant than your Mommy I will share with you all the things I learned over the last year about myself and life and scars and happiness and healing and just what it means to wear so many hats...

Your "smile for the camera" face

But not today. Today is about you and the amazing, tiny human with the GIANT, uncontainable personality you've developed over the last 14 months. You've grown from the quiet and easy baby in the corner to the invigorating toddler that runs circles around the family room screaming, "CATCH ME, YOMMY!" You are full of energy. One little glimmer or hint of excitement is all you need to get going - and to stay that way for hours. "Yunning" and hop-hop-hopping and stretching (thanks Gpa!) and bouncing - you do it all.

Nightly bed tossing game

And you giggle at yourself and every activity with the kind of delight and joyfulness that only the pure of heart can express. It certainly cannot be matched in adulthood. Its a sound so pure it melts my heart in an instant - and your Daddy's and that sister of yours too. "Isn't that Keaton the cutest, Mommy?" Ellie will ask whenever you do something so ridiculously charming that the entire family is compelled to stop and take notice. "Yes, she is, Ellie!" is always my reply and boy do I mean it.

Running upstairs for bath time

You're naked more than the average 22 month old and I have no doubt you learned that from your big sis - the princess of no clothes in the evenings. And I lurve it. "Shirt OFF!" you demand. Your tiny "S" shaped body gliding all over the house - rolls here and there jiggling blissfully with every movement.

Oh, man. Its amazing scenery, I tell ya. And speaking of that little body of yours - you have the best toddler belly I've ever seen. Not even the chubbiest of Ellie could compete and she was a H.A.M.

Its amazingly round and plump and full. I rub circles over that Buddha each and every opportunity I get - mostly at the dinner table when you can't get away from me. You have choice but to sit there and cringe in annoyance as I rub and rub and rub..."Yommy, no..." ha ha ha "Get me!" ha ha ha "Yommy stop!" ha ha ha...you see the trend.

Mac 'n Cheese, Milk and a big girl fork

You sit on my side of the table each night during dinner...or you sit on "our" side of the table. Every day you were in my tummy as a little "smush" I dreamed of the day I'd have a sidekick sitting next to me. Us bonding over animal crackers and laughing about pudding and Sponge Bob...just like Ellie and Daddy.

And then FINALLY one day it came to be that it was time to install your booster and set you up in a big chair just like the rest of us Campbell's - and this is the part of the story, Ms. Keaton, where I cannot tell a lie. You drive me nuts every single night during. YOU ARE SO ANNOYING! ;) Insert: I love you here.

You rocking the latest trend in hats

Its just that you're always touching me and poking me with your cheesy, ketchupy, chocolate-covered digits getting me all dirty. Do you know that I put on a sweater yesterday and realized when I got to work that I had dried sticky yogurt on my sleeve! GASP! And you're ALWAYS begging for my food. "WANT THAT!" TRY THAT!" HAVE THAT!" you demand even though you have the same exact food on your very own plate. You're worse than Kasey sometimes, I swear. But, you know my weakness - you just turn and puff out your belly and flaunt it for a few seconds and all immediately forgotten.

Speaking of flaunting - you're quite the actress. You throw out mad drama skills all over the place. BAM! You can turn it on and off in a split second just like THAT. And this IS a compliment, my dolly. A sense of pride actually washes over me when I watch you in action.

Especially when I observe you interacting with your Daddy - poor guy doesn't stand a chance. You've already out mastered him in the art pure persuasion at the tender age of two. As you will learn throughout your years, there are a few seemingly common talents a woman can master on a level to which a man will never reach. Its their glass ceiling.

K: "Wolli-pop!"

D: "No, Keats - no more lolli-pops."

K: "No wolli-pop? A-hah, a-hah, a-hah..." [not even a decent fake cry, by the way!"

D: "OK, here take one..." To me "Little brat's so cute what am I supposed to do?"

Snacking on cookie frosting

You love bath time. You ask for it every night and when you finally get green-lighted you go all CRAZY Bay-Bay on us (that's what we like to call you - you have a lot of nicknames Kiddo)...and literally take off running for the stairs...again you don't do a lot of wearing clothes around the house in the evenings...

Daddy chasing a naked you around the living room - typical

And what's super fantastic about you is that you will let us do anything to you. Dump water on your head, spray you with squirty toys, make cool designs outta your shampoo-covered hair - this is actually one of Ellie's nightly requests, "Mommy, when you get done washing Keaton's hair don't forget to make a shape outta it!"

Shampoo cheese face

Did you know you've never taken a bath alone? Never. Not even once. You've never entered our bath tub with our trusty big sister in tow. How cool is that? Watching the two of you play and splash around in there has got to be one of the best way to spend my time. You talk to each other - Ellie mostly spouts out commands and you mostly respond with "El-wee - NOOOO!!" And you've learned so much from watching her. How to put animals on the wall, to color on the tub with the bath time crayons, how to squirt Daddy with the squirty toys, and how to lay on yer tummy like a slippery fish and splash yer buns...

Two fishies

This newsletter would not be an accurate reflection of the last 14 months of your life if I didn't take a moment to talk about the two loves of your life - Bee-bee and Buppy. In other words you're binky and your blanky.

The 3 Amigos

To simply say that you are utterly and completely 1000% obsessed with them is an understatement. You do not go anywhere (willingly) without them. And, if we happened to make it out of the house without one of them without you noticing, OMG. When you realize one of your friends is now with you we take a quick trip to meltdown city. The noises that proceed to exude from your tiny quivering body can only described as the harsh cry of a rusty gate hinge being opened and closed and opened and closed and opened...

"HEY! Gimmie...

"...back my..."

"...friends!"

You also have a thing for "fuzzies" - tiny pieces of string or cotton or strips of fabric - any tiny little thing that you can use to softly rub your cheek with. Once at a party at Auntie Tere's you walked around for hours with a piece of carpet fiber shoved in between you face and your bink. It was super funny and adorable but, I have to admit here that, I see a little bit of myself in you when you do something like that. And it makes my worry a little.

I worry that you're inherited a bit of the OCD Mommy has. Only time will tell but if you do. And if it does come to be that you've got a bit of the "particular" in you I'm happy that I'll be here to help you through it. I've never had anyone around that understands me or can relate to some of the things I think or do. I will be that person for you if you need it. Anytime, anywhere. I'll always be here for you - to support you through every difficulty large or small and you never have to be embarrassed to share those kinds of things with me. I get it and will never make you feel silly or alone. Period.

Playing at the Kohl's Children's Museum

Sometimes your Daddy and I also lovingly refer to you as the "Bulldozer" or "BamBam." You have a tendency to wander around the house banging into stuff and knocking stuff around with little regard to the destruction left in your wake. And you rarely cry if you hurt yourself...which is a lot, by the way. Sorry - you got the clumsy jean from Mommy. Ellie has it too if it makes you feel any better. We're like a trio of bruise-covered accidents waiting to happen. I find it quite endearing - you just have to be able to laugh at yourself. I sure hope you'll be able to do so too.

One thing I can guarantee is that your life's gonna be full of obstacles and tests and self-embarrassment - its just part of the package. (I still remember the time my dress flew up over my head on the playground when I was around the tender age of 5 and some little jerk kid started singing "I see London...") And I've learned that laughter can really help you through it. Its contagious too. Laugh it off and others will laugh with you, I promise.

A face Mommy loves

You love all kinds of activities - coloring with markers and crayons is one of your favs. Although I'm not really sure if its the actually coloring you like or the eating of said coloring tools. NOTE: I have lost count of just how many crayons and markers have met their doom in your mouth. You simply CANNOT be trusted alone with any of them. You tear all the paper off the crayons and then snap them in half with your grill. For the markers you get straight to business by biting the tips off and chewing all the ink outta them. We have like 3 markers to color with right now. Just sayin'. You also love playdoh. You once sat at the dining room table for 2 hours straight playing with the stuff. It was incredible. Stickers are also a good busy activity.

STICKERS!

Keats - you've become more than I hoped a daughter could be...already. You are the perfect combo of sugar and spice, naughty and nice. You're a cuddler and fighter. A tiny dancer and a chatterbox. And you make me smile every single day of my life. To say that I am blessed to have you in my life is an understatement. Every night I look forwarded to getting home to you and every morning I look forward to waking you up. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and giving me the opportunity to try every single day to be a better Mommy and person. I love you.

Always,
Yommy

We've Got Wood!!

2011-04-07T18:50:00.002-05:00

Ha ha ha! You have no idea how fun it was to type that!

Looks like the framing's gonna start soon! Our sales rep from the Home Builder sent us these pics - JENNIFER! We haven't been back out to the site since last Sat, thank you!! But we will be there bright and early this sat.

In fact, every time we get into the car now Keatsie asks to go to the "neuuuu houssse"! Wish you were here, btw, Bestie! I'd drag you're happy a$$ out there with us!

In closing...holy shit! We're really building a house!? We're really moving - REALLY! This hasn't all been a dream! Somebody pinch me please - no don't I'm delicate.

- XOXO, Jessica via iPhone4

Gma & Gpa's Little Construction Worker

2011-04-07T11:13:00.006-05:00

This kids already got a job! I like it! Now I just need to get my hands on a little of that incremental income!! And her partner, Elmo, he better pay up too! HA!

Maybe B will have a tiny helper when he starts building our new Kiddie Cage, er...I mean fence this summer!

Also, please let the record show that Daddy came up with today's ensemble!

- XOXO, Jessica via iPhone4

Trees - A Short Story by Elliott

2011-04-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

One day with lots of food, there lived a little girl and her mother and her dog, Perry, and her cats named Edwin and Keaton.

Then one day a tree grew in a little town and then the little went outside and her mother picked her up so she could touch the leaves on the tree.

One day a princess came and then the princess picked her up and kissed her. Then she had a rope for her to climb a tree and the birds were flying upside down in her world.

And that's the end of the story.

The End.

march

House Update - Foundation Cleaned Up and Gravel In

2011-04-04T08:05:00.001-05:00

Random pics from the iPhone

2011-04-03T08:32:00.002-05:00

Was browsing back at a bunch of pics I have on my phone this morning and thought I'd toss a few (or a ton) of them up here for your viewing pleasure. It always makes me chuckle when I do this, by the way because I forget about all the cute things the kiddie do during every day life.

I have to admit that most of these pics are from Brian. He's really great about sending me random pics when I'm out of town. Nothing makes me smile more than getting a surprise pic of one of the lovelies.

When I got this one I was shocked this kid wasn't covered in ketchup...messiest eater ever.

Ah...look what Daddy taught her...

Extreme Keatsie closeup...

Ever since Santa dropped this Leapster off it's been her BF. Mandy, Tere- check out her gams! Cud she be another Milky in the making? Ahs Yea!!!

Double zzzzzzzssss....

Sign language

Dressed herself! Flowers and polkadots are natural pairing. Special shout out here to Daddy for letting Bells pick out and actually wear whatever she wanted - it goes against his slightly noncreative nature. I, on the other hand, always do because I get a kick out of seeing what she'll put together. Plus she's a kid and she's awesome!

Chinese CHEESE!!

Hanging in the ball tent. Remember how mad B was when I bought this?! Nothing says fun like picking up a hundred tiny balls every night- right Honey!!!!!

Smooch! Lurve her lips...

Gma Campbell sent me this one. Think it's from outside the library.

Keatsie's 18 month doctor appointment. Pre shots...

Post shots...poor baby!

My heart literally exploded when I got this one!!

Little Kanye and her big sis getting ready to perform. Take special note of the hairdryer...gotta get her hair did first!!

Kids always smilin when there's food!

"pee-pa-poos!"

I also have a rather fantastic pic of Ellie sitting on the pot...but I thought better of posting.

Coruring!

Playroom fun-times.

"Baf time!"

Bedtime...

This one I took...I think we may need to pick her up a new bonnet!

Isn't it hilarious to see pics of kids eating dinner nail head trim leather chair? OMG, I cannot wait to move!

First pony tail Eva!! Lurve it!!!

From the side...makes me giggle!

Kids kissable what can I say? I chomp her every chance I get!

Her futures so bright...

Ellie and Kase. They got on together like this for almost 15 minutes and then Ellie says, "OK, I'm done with this." ha! That's my girl!

Fancy!

- XOXO, Jessica via iPhone4

Rapunzel - A Short Story by Elliott

2011-04-01T14:51:00.002-05:00

Rapunzel, Rapunzel - let down your hair.

Then Flynn and Maximus find the castle.

Then Rapunzel and Pascal find Flynn and Maximus.

And then Flynn, Rapunzel, Pascal and Maximus wan to go explore the forest.

The guards found them and wanted to put them in jail.

The guards set them free and they all ran through the forest.

Then the guards all smiled.

The End.

3/4/11

Cookie Decorators!

2011-03-31T09:17:00.001-05:00

Ellie's new thing is to ask me to do "an activity." She'll casually stroll over to me and say, "Mommy, I think we should do an activity!" Think the long winter is really taking a toll on all of us and so I'm doing my best to have a variety of "activities" available for the girls to partake in. They're easy to please, by the way. They will do anything...painting, coloring, playdoh, stickering, cutting, etc. And they really enjoy it and thank me like a bazillion times the entire time we're doing whatever it is we happen to be doing. Kinda makes you feel like a hero for spending $4.95 on whatever the latest crafty thing you find at the local discount store. Gotta love that about kids. Bad day at work? Give your kid a paint brush, a stick of glitter and a piece of paper - that'll surely put a smile on your face!

When I was at Target the other day I ran across an Easter cookie-making kit and snatched it up. I mean anything to get out of actually baking the cookies myself! (Cut me some slack, please. I've been out of town more than in over the last month and I believe I decorated these cookies with the girls about an hour before I left for the airport to fly to CA for a business trip.) Here's a few pics from that "activity"

This one? She just eats in lieu of decorating...its all going to the same place anyway right?

Such concentration. The bunny must have lots of jelly beans and sprinkles!

Um, Elliott will not sit still...I swear its not me or my beloved camera.

CHEESE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Surprise Visit by the Fam

2011-03-30T18:47:00.003-05:00

A couple Fridays ago, the fam surprised me with a visit to the Hammer Strength Clinic I was working in Northbrook. It was a Friday night and I had just gotten back from a weeklong work trip in Cali that afternoon. I drove straight from the airport to my hotel, showered and went over to the high school for the clinic. They were a site for sore eyes!

After some introductions to the coworkers (I believe one introduced himself to Brian as "the rep your wife is probably always bitching about" and another said, "so you're the lucky guy-lemme buy you a drink!" I swear I get no love for being the only female around these bullies all the time!) and some lap running by the girls up and down the high school halls, we headed to my hotel for the night for some R&R at the pool!!

Ever met a kid who wouldn't swim because the water's too cold? No? Well let me take this moment to introduce you to Keatsie Prissy Pants - the only kid I've ever met that wouldn't swim until her lips turned blue if given the opportunity!

Keaton requested to get out immediately after the pic below was taken. Apparently the double ankle dip was just too much for the warm-blooded kid to bear!

Daddy and Ellie made lots of laps like this!

Swimming looks so much fun to Keats...

Until you re/suggest she get in...

Daddy and Ellie tried to change her mind to no avail...

Post pool...we finally got her in for about 2.5 seconds. Just enough time to dunk her like a donut!

Thanks to the family for bringing some cheer to a typically boring clinic weekend! And for sleeping peacefully 4 deep in my king-sized hotel bed!!

- XOXO, Jessica...posted via iPhone4

Pizza - A Short Story by Elliott

2011-03-30T07:51:00.001-05:00

One day in a cottage that was not far, a little girl lived with her mother and her father, her dog Perry and Edwin the cat. One day her mother and father looked out the window and saw a princess walk by. Then the princess picked the kid up and then they kissed each other.

The End.

3/9/11

Another book! Another book!

2011-03-30T06:28:00.001-05:00

Knee High

2011-03-29T08:12:00.003-05:00

That's how we like our socks.What? At least I'm wearing a top!

Decorating the Morning Room

2011-03-28T13:01:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm already decorating the new house. The new house that doesn't even have walls yet. Does this really surprise any of you that are still around to read this? Good, then we're on the same page.

The new house comes with what they call a "morning room." It has 3 sides of windows - one being the sliding glass door out that goes out into the backyard. I'm pretty positive it will be my favorite room (although my closet will be a close 2nd) because

1.) we will no longer have to eat all our meals in the dining room on the nice table and chairs and
2.) the floor will be hardwood and I will no longer have to spot clean the carpet every night after Keaton eats. OMG that girl is messy like nothing I've ever seen. Oh and
3.) no more art projects on the nice table, chairs and no more cleaning carpet, etc, etc. PLAYDOH REALLY GRINDS INTO THE CARPET FIBERS!

That being said, it should come as no surprise that if we had no furniture for the new house except a table and chairs in the morning room I would be happy. Well, we bought a set and a chandelier. I am happy.

Chandelier - doesn't it look a bit like a bird cage? MOM - BIRD CAGE!! DO YOU LOVE IT?!?!?!??!

Here's the table. Its 60" round and comes with a leaf. Makes a pretty cute oval too.

The top of the table will be the brown color and the base/legs will be cream as pictured below...

And here's the chair...we got 6. They will be cream to match the base of the table. They are super comfy too - surprised me actually. Nice butt-notching detail! Anyway, we decided on 6 so that either Brian will give me 2 more children or the girls future dates will have a place to sit while Daddy polishes his guns.

House Update - The Basement Walls Are Poured!

2011-03-27T19:53:00.006-05:00

The girls pose. My what a difference a week makes... Check out the double pigtails on both girls, btw. Dream come true! Ellie keeps asking for another haircut...I keep pretending I do not hear her. But I digress...

Close up on the whiners. "We're cold...WAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Inside the walls...

That be our future basement...

That be our future garage floor...look at those two weird concrete globs...kinda looks like a pair of old, hardened balls! Am I right!? Am. I. Right?

Me and My Girls

2011-03-24T13:26:00.002-05:00

I sure wish they'd stop growing or time would freeze...who can I ask to make that happen?

I mean how grown up does Elliott look in the first pic? Its insane. More of that "kid" look in her face. And Bugsy below - OMG...she is she a little dolly er, um...devil. Or a pendulum swinging between naughty and nice!