Fall 2011

I was reading some blogs the other day and I realized a hadn't updated since Phoenix's 2nd birthday in JULY! We've been busy and any free time I have is spent on this:

That would be my Coupon Stockpile of Health and Beauty items. I also have a stockpile of certain Food items and a Household Stockpile (toilet paper, cleaning supplies, etc.). I'm not "Extreme" but I do spend 3-5 hours a week (in the evenings) working on my coupons. Because of Phoenix's therapy schedule I am able to go to a few different stores a week to get some great deals. We're really seeing a difference in our grocery budget and it's really nice to have that extra money. I still have to go to the grocery store every week to get our produce, milk, meat, etc.

I thought since it has been so long since I blogged I would give a rundown of our weeks. I also like to do that so we can look back someday and see how it was when Mommy "stayed at home."

On Monday morning we typically get up and take a walk/jog. I got this Double Jogging Stroller for $40 at Duck Duck Goose (a huge consignment event that takes place twice a year)! We love it! I've lost about 50 pounds since January and I wanted to start jogging, but it was just too cumbersome with our regular double stroller. I was SO EXCITED when I found this at such a great price! I still have 10 pounds I want to lose before 2012, so we better put lots of miles on this thing before then!

After our walk we play outside until lunchtime. Then we come in, eat lunch and get ready to take this little guy to therapy!

I can't believe he is getting so BIG! He is SO sweet and lovable, but also a little WILD GUY! On Mondays he does 1 hour of Physical Therapy with Mrs. Katie and 45 minutes of Speech with Ms. Nicole. He is doing so great! He barely qualified for PT, but we opted to keep him in with the hope that he would completely test out when he's 3. His Speech is really coming along, he is where he should be as far as Receptive Language (understanding us, being able to complete tasks, etc.) but is still significantly delayed in his Expressive Language. While he is in therapy, Violet and I enjoy some one-on-one time. We go couponing, go walking, go to the park and play, or work on her HIPPY "homework." Once a month, we have MOPS Steering Team Meeting and Bible Study on Monday mornings.

On Tuesdays we get to STAY AT HOME! It is SO nice and makes me long for the days when I would get cabin fever from staying at home!

Our Wednesdays are normally like Mondays. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we have our MOPS Meetings. Phoenix goes for 1 hour of Developmental Therapy with Mrs. Amy and another 45 minutes of Speech with Ms. Nicole. Wednesdays are great because after therapy we get to go pick Veronika up from school! We get home around 4 so the kids get to play for an hour, then it's time for showers, dinner and getting ready for AWANA! Phoenix is a "Puggle" this year and Dodi, Steve and I teach his class. Violet is a "Cubbie" and Veronika is in "TNT". After AWANA it is time to come home and get everyone ready for bed!

On Thursdays we get to hang around home all morning! We love going for a long walk and playing outside. At 1 o'clock, Mrs. Mary from HIPPY comes. HIPPY stands for "Home Instructions for Parents of Pre-School Youth." It is a State-Funded program that supplies us for Pre-School Educational Activities. Violet loves doing her "homework" through the week and loves to sit at the table with Mrs. Mary and I as we go over the week's activities. After Mrs. Mary leaves we get ready to go pick up Veronika and head to dance!

I am so happy we found "Little Rock School of Dance" this year! It is run by 2 red-headed sisters ( I like to think Amanda and I are just like them...beautiful, slim, red-headed sister dancers!) The girls both take a class at 4pm which makes it really convenient! Violet's class lasts for 1 hour and consists of Tap, Ballet and Gymnastics. Veronika's class lasts for 1 1/2 hours and consists of Tap, Jazz and Ballet. Phoenix and I get to spend an hour together, then we go pick up Violet. The studio has a great area for kids with coloring sheets, crayons and a great DVD selection! We hang out there for the next 1/2 hour until Veronika is finished. After that we head home for dinner, homework, bath and bed.

Fridays don't have any regularly scheduled activities, I try to make that a day to stay at home and relax! It also usually involves some housework and laundry to get the house ready for the weekend!

Happy 2nd Birthday Little Man!!!

I can't believe my baby boy is 2! His birthday was July 17th and we celebrated on the 16th with our family and a few friends! It is hard to get a picture of Phoenix recently, he runs and hides whenever he sees the camera, LOL! This pic is from Veronika's party in June!

Lucky Phoenix had lots of pretty little girls at his party! Jackson and Tucker couldn't be there so Gabe was the only other boy there! Here is Evie, Rylie, Violet and Veronika. Rylie is my friend Randi's little girl. Rylie and Violet are 4 1/2 months apart and their youngest, Sophie is about 3 months older than Phoenix! My friend Becky and her baby Gabe were also there!

We had dinner, presents, cake and went swimming! A funny story about his cake...I ordered it the previous Saturday at Kroger MarketPlace. When we arrived to pick it up they couldn't find a cake or order sheet. The woman helping me told me she could have something ready in 15 min. so we went to get the rest of our groceries. When we came back I saw a very pretty pink and purple cake!!! HaHa! The woman said she thought Phoenix was a girl because of his pretty curls (and in her defense he was wearing a red Disney shirt that had lots of Disney characters...including a princess;) She fixed this cake up for us in about 5 min and gave us a 50% discount! And it was a yummy cake!Phoenix Logan Tripp, you are 2 years old and YOU. ARE. A. STINKER!!! Right now I spend my days following you from mess to mess...literally:) You love to turn on Mommy and Daddy's sink and fill a cup up with water, as soon as you know you are caught you pour the water on the floor and run. While I am cleaning up that mess I can hear you in the trash. By the time I get there you have found some discarded snack in the trash. While I am picking up the trash you make your way to Veronika's bed (which you know you are not supposed to be on) and laugh when I catch you! When I get you down you run away to make some other mess! And that is just a sample of the things you do!!! Your favorite things to get into are art supplies, Connect Four (you love to dump the entire box on the floor), cat food, trash can, sink, refrigerator, sink, toilet,sandwich bags, plastic spoons, clean and folded laundry, etc. You wear me out but I am so thankful that you are healthy and FULL of ENERGY!!!

Height: 3ft, 1.25in. (98%)

Weight: 30.625 lbs. (79%)

Head: 21 inches (99.96%) Sorry son, you get that big ole' noggin from Mommy:)

Being your Mommy is one of the greatest privileges of my life! Being a Mommy to a little boy is an adventure everyday and I am so thankful that I get to spend each day with you! I love you baby boy!

Locks Of Love

Veronika decided several months ago that she wanted to do "Locks of Love" We are so proud of her for deciding to do it! She got her hair cut at the beginning of July and she got a PRECIOUS stacked bob! As you can see from the pics, she is pretty fond of her new 'do too:)

Welcome Baby Wyatt!

Our new nephew/cousin made his debut on July 3! He was born at 3:20am and I had the privilege of being in the room for his birth. I also got to be there when his biggest brother Jackson was born, what an amazing gift! I didn't get a picture of Phoenix with Wyatt because the first thing he did was SLAP HIM ON THE HEAD!!! He was not allowed near him after that! I think he was showing his dominance! I am just thankful that is wasn't Brad and Paula's first baby because something like that would send a 1st time Mommy and Daddy OVER. THE. EDGE!!!
Wyatt is a sweet baby boy, he is the 8th Grandchild on both his Mommy and Daddy's side of the family. We love you Baby Wyatt!

VBS 2011

VBS 2011-Sunday Night...I don't have a picture of the last night but it would have been a much different picture! We were worn out for sure! We had VBS from 6-8:30pm on Sunday-Thursday night. On Friday night we had our closing program where ALL the kids performed some of their songs! I love VBS, most of the kids are kids that go to our church but there are LOTS from other churches or that don't attend church at all. I loved seeing SO many kids learn about Jesus' love for them! I am embarrassed to say though that by Thursday night of this week I was quite the grumpy leader!!! :(

Violet got to hold the American Flag during our pledges one night! I was so proud of her:)

The whole "Big Apple Adventure" Bible School

This was the 1st Year Violet was able to go to "big girl" Bible School! Phoenix was in the 1 year old class with Dodi and Veronika was at her mom's all week.

Happy Birthday Veronika!

This picture was taken in the summer of 2006, either right before or after Veronika's 4th Birthday!For Veronika's 9th Birthday she wanted to go to Dorey's Catfish Buffet in Leola. They have an AMAZING Catfish Buffet but the kids really love the Petting Zoo! This is all 7 of the "Dowler" Grandkids! Now there are 8, Aunt Paula made the drive to Leola even though she was very pregnant with Baby Wyatt!

After dinner we all went back to Dodi and Poppa's for Swimming, Presents and Ice Cream Sundaes!

Happy 9th Birthday Baby Girl!!!

Big Cedar Lodge

For Memorial Day Weekend we went to Big Cedar Lodge with my parents. We all stayed in a cabin and then Saturday morning Brad, Paula and the boys drove up. I don't know why I didn't take more pictures at the Lodge. It was AMAZING!!! We drove up Friday nigt then woke up to a DELICIOUS breakfast buffet Saturday morning. We spent most of Saturday swimming. BCL has 3 pools, one of which has a baby pool, lazy river and water slide! Violet went down the water slide BY HERSELF!!! No one is sure what got into her, we think she may have been following Veronika down...thankfully Veronika was still in the catch pull and was able to quickly pull her up! She was so scared! She said, "I try to stop myself but I keep going faster and faster!" She is a VERY cautious and anxious little thing and she still gets upset when we talk about her slide experience!

Our friend loved the popcorn we left out for him!

Sleepy time was not going to happen with all 3 of them in bed!

Beauty and The Beast

For Christmas my parents got Steve and I season tickets to the Celebrity Attractions season at Robinson. When we heard Beauty and the Beast was coming we knew we had to bring Veronika with us! Brad and Paula came with Jackson and Tucker so we really enjoyed watching it with them!

Princess Wishes

Back in April, Mom and I took Violet to see "Disney On Ice: Princess Wishes" Viole went through a "terrible" period during her 2nd year; however, when she turned 3 it was like a switch turned on and she is such a sweet little girl! She loved having all the attention for the evening, we had dinner at Community Bakery and then went to the show. We had tickets through our church so we got to sit close to several of our friends! Thanks Dodi for such a fun, special night!

Dance Recital!

I can't believe I've let over a month and a half go by without blogging! We've been busy lately and I need to do several posts to update but I'll just start with the most recent! Today was Veronika's Dance Recital. This year she took at Rock City Dance Center in Little Rock. Veronika really has a natural talent for dance and we've been really happy with this year's experience at RCDC. She performed in three dances. These were taken last night at Dress Rehearsal and I forgot to get a picture of her in her Tap costume!

Jazz Number: "Born To Be Wild"

(Not Pictured) Tap Number: "Boogie Shoes"

Hip Hop Number: "Hip Hop Dolls"

I was taking pictures of Veronika and noticed Violet off to the side posing just like her "Sissy."

I love watching my kids love each other! Violet is already enrolled for dance next year at RCDC; she wants to dance just like Veronika:)

Phoenix's First Haircut

Phoenix's hair was just out of control! I love his wild, curly locks but he was definitely in need of a trim. He was not a fan of the apron or sitting in the chair, so wonderful Mrs. Jeane just sat down on the floor with him. He was too mad at me to pose for an after picture but it looks much more controlled and more "curly" instead of just "wild"!

Happy Birthday Violet!

I can't believe my baby girl is 3 today! It seems like yesterday I was holding her in my arms and now she is officially a "Big Girl"! We had her party this past Saturday at 'The WonderPlace' (I'll post pictures from that later). Today I had plans to take her and Phoenix out to lunch and spend the day at the park, however, she wasn't feeling well and Phoenix is sick with a double ear infection so we spent the day on the couch and at the doctor's office.

Here are a few "stats" on Violet

Violet Anne Tripp

Age 3

Clothes Size: 3/4 Top, 2/3 Bottom

Shoe Size: 8

Weight:

Height: (you're check-up isn't until next month so I'll update these later)

You love singing about Jesus, it is so sweet to listen to you! I am so glad that you have lots of little girlfriends at Church and our MOPS group. Evie is your Best Friend, you love each other like sisters but also fight like sisters. Right now you aren't sleeping so great; you really fight going to bed at night and only take a nap if I lay down with you. You aren't a big eater, you really never have been. Your favorite foods are fruit, cheese and granola bars. You have been potty-trained for awhile now. You wear panties full-time and you rarely have accidents. You LOVE your brother and sister! You think you are their boss but you can also be incredibly sweet and loving! I can't believe how fast your first 3 years have flown by! Before I know it you will be going to Kindergarten! I love you so much Baby Girl!!!

Violet's First Haircut

Violet got her 1st Haircut today. I love her long hair and sweet baby curls but she really needed a good trim. I made her appointment last week and have been talking to her about it since she has a tendency to be anxious about, well, EVERYTHING! She did so well, she has been talking about it all weekend and when she woke up from nap today she told me she wanted to go see Mrs. Jeane again so she could get another haircut. You really can't tell a huge difference which I'm really happy about...I just didn't have the heart to cut alot off yet!

BEFORE

AFTER

Snapshots

February So Far...

We are stuck inside for our 2nd BIG snow of the year. I didn't take any snow pictures today because the kids just need too much help in the snow to mess with the camera. It was VERY cold and Phoenix and I only lasted about 30 minutes outside. It is amazing to me that 2 weekends ago it was 70 degrees outside! Tomorrow will be Veronika's 5th day of missed school due to snow since January! She also missed 4 days with Chicken Pox and 2 days with Strep Throat! She hasn't had a full week of school since Christmas Vacation!
Last weekend was a fun but busy one. Saturday around Noon the MOPS Steering Team met for lunch at Olive Garden. It was so nice to eat with other adults! That afternoon was Ethan's 5th Birthday Party and that evening was Veronika's Father/Daughter Dance!

Ethan's Birthday Party was a Costume Party: Phoenix went as Superman in one of Jackson's and Tucker's old costumes.

Violet went as Tinkerbell

Veronika and Steve LOVE their Valentine's Father/Daughter Dance. They have dinner, dancing and crafts.

Mischief Makers

We've had a long month! The day after Christmas Violet got Chicken Pox, 2 weeks later Phoenix got them and then last week Veronika came down with them even though she has been vaccinated! Because of this and the cold weather we've been spending a lot of time indoors and the kids have been getting into LOTS of MISCHIEF! One day this past week I was on the phone with Amanda; when I got off the phone I walked into the kitchen to discover this:

What really surprised me is that Phoenix let Violet color all over him and didn't cry or make a sound to alert me! He was probably in on it...he has really become a STINKER! One night I was making dinner and I heard Veronika yell, "Mom! Come look at Phoenix!" I walked in there and saw this:

This is just one of his favorite things to do. Lately he finds enjoyment in doing anything he shouldn't be doing! Standing on the dishwasher door, climbing onto the top bunk and throwing all of Veronika's stuffed animals over, dragging a stool to the bathroom and playing in the sink or with our toothbrushes, playing in the toilet or throwing toys in the toilet, emptying any drawer he can get to, unloading baskets of laundry, emptying trash cans...the list could go on! It is really so funny to watch him because he knows he is being naughty and gives us a really mad look when we tell him "No."

Today was a BEAUTIFUL day! We have had 2 days in the 60's and 70's, it has been like a sneak peek of Spring! We went for a walk after breakfast this morning then spent the rest of the day playing outside and even had a picnic lunch! Next week Winter temps are supposed to return but we will be ready for Spring when it decides to return!!!