this is a major update!!!

This is some kind of major update!!!! Uggh It has been so long since I have had the time to get on here and let everyone know what the heck is going on here in Clemmons NC.

Let's see Julia has been cheering for the Lewisville Titians Go Green Gold and White!!!!

We had some away games but most of them were here in Clemmons. She made lots of friends and it helped her not be too afraid in front of a crowd. She has enjoyed it but the practices served to be too much for one little seven year old to handle. It put such a strain on her social life here in Meadow Glen and she couldn't have that. That is now over and she is of course thinking of her next trophy she wants to receive. So soccer is the next venture. I am not sure when. Julia has been doing Fantastically in school receiving 100% every test and in her class work. She makes us very proud. She still so enjoys reading. She has just finished all in the series of Romana books by Beverly Cleary. She has really enjoyed all the Magic Tree House books. They are great, they take her on an adventure every time she picks a new one up. She has read all but the newest one. I am always looking for books that she can be excited about so I am always in the library looking and asking for new ideas. Julia has made a great friend in the neighborhood, her name is Kennedy and she is over here practically everyday. They are like sisters, they even include baby Aynsley ( who by the way thinks she is their age) They spend time riding bikes, playing games on the computer, jumping on the trampoline, playing on the swings, and dancing to High School Musical Soundtrack. (it's good that her friend likes all the same things she does)

Julia had her hair cut to give to Locks of Love she was very proud to give her hair to a child who needed it for a time. I think she understands what cancer is and the effects it has on a person. Unfortunately she knows a little more about it from the loss of her Great Aunt.

These pictures were taken at a park while in New Jersey

Liam has really enjoyed being a big boy in school. He is doing well, learning to read has been fun. He has about two books a week that get sent home with him and he does a pretty darn good job at reading them with me.....especially because he is chomping at the bit to get out of the house to play with all the boys in the neighborhood. I have to admit it's a little hard watching him grow up and leave my loving arms that want to hold him tight, but in the same breath I grin from ear to ear watching him to big boy things. He is going to be a completely different child when Kindergarten is over. He is changing every day. He's becoming a great helper, listener, and athlete. He loves to run and help his daddy work out, he will help his sisters if he is talked into what a good thing he is doing, he helps me when we are getting ready for meals. Now this is not all the time, you have to understand, he is a five year old boy! He loves staying busy... when he gets home from school the first thing he does (well that is after he gives his mommy the best ever I missed you today kiss) is run to his room to change his clothes, I must say he is not as into putting on costumes as he used to be. Almost never.

Aynsley is just amazing, that is all I do is stay amazed at the things she says and does. She is spelling everyone's name is the house, she would rather write something than draw a picture, but she does that as well. She writes notes to friends. She, of course, asks me how to spell words but she knows how to write all her letters and can read some words. She has currently gotten on the Candy Land kick. in the last three days we have played about 40 times. She loves it. She is such a shining star. Her smile lights up my life. All my children do but she is with me most and I am gobbling up every thing she has to give me. She loves school, three days a week she ventures out to be with other three year olds and two great teachers. Today we took a trip to a pumpkin patch and she was a great little helper. She is still "hopper" hopping all over the place, still loves to cuddle and hug, still tells me she loves me without being prompted, still plays hard to get with her daddy, still thinks she runs the show, but she is getting better at not getting her way. She loves and misses her brother and sister while they are in school. When they get home she doesn't want them out of her sight, and if you think Julia is going down the street to get a friend with out her you are crazy. She goes where Julia goes. She is learning to ride a scooter like the other two but she is still little.

As far as the family we are staying busy, we went with friends to a real pumpkin patch where you go out in the field and pick your own pumpkins. The hit of the trip was the silo slide. It was pretty fast so the kids (and Ross) loved it. We packed a picnic and spent the day out in the fall sun. It was a long trip but afterward we were able to spend time with our friends that live close by. Ross has been doing this new workout that he loves. It is very different from conventional workout regime. It is quite funny to watch but you can't deny the results. He looks amazing and seems to feel even better than he looks. He has lots of energy and is in a great mood. He is doing the workout that the actors in the film 3oo did to get in shape. He gets all the plans for his workout from the website "gym jones" If you ever get him started talking about it it's hard to shut him up. As far as work he is currently back in Winston Salem at the Audi store so if you are in need of an Audi give him a call. He is busy drumming up business. If anyone can do it my husband can. I wish I could help out by having the Q7, Ross says when they come out with diesel, maybe. He did an awesome job surprising me for my birthday. He and my boss planned a surprise party for me and it worked. I was surprised. It was fun, my family and friends were there, we all shared some laughs and spent time together. Very Good Mr. Ross!!!

I have been busy with work and trying to keep the fam all together on all of our activities. I feel like I am getting a better grasp on juggling everything than I was in the beginning of the school year. Hey but there is always room for improvement.

Lazy 5 Ranch with our Friends

We decided that it would be a good idea for our Labor Day Vacation to go on a safari.......well the only one we could afford. We drove an hour to the Lazy 5 Ranch and hoped on a wagon to ride around and see animals like Zebra, Potbellied Pigs, Emu, Buffalo, Elk, Wilda beast, and many more. As you will see we all enjoyed ourselves. The kids had fun as well as the adults. I mean have you ever been as close to a Giraffe as we are. Most of the adults got to feed the Giraffe just the same way as Molly did. That was a hoot to watch but going through it I was a little frightened that the tongue may touch my face....it did touch Joe's cheek....Yuck! A few of the girls were able to drive the wagon also.

It was a great day that the kids will never forget!

Topsail Beach 2007

Bottom Left: Dad Stocklin, Julia Stocklin, Jon Parrish

Middle Left: Mom Stocklin, Lisa Stocklin

Top Left: Aynsley Stocklin, Marissa Parrish, Ross Stocklin, Liam Stocklin

I write Topsail Beach 2007 because after visiting I plan on returning . We had such a wonderful visit with each other and enjoying the absolutely gorgeous beach. Every day was filled with laughter, fun, boogie boarding, body surfing, watching Ross surfing, playing with the kiddies in the water, building sandcastles and memories. I think everyone there got what they came for. You'll see for yourself. Have fun, we sure did.

Quick Trip to North Myrtle

My Smokin' HOT hubby!

We did what we had planned. A short trip to North Carolina's coast to spend some Quality time with each other. It wasn't quite what you would expect on the trip to the Beach

but you be the judge....

I had to work the night before and left Liam with a slight fever but no other symptoms, gave him Tylenol and out the door I ran. I called to the babysitter later that night to find that he was fine. So we were still set to leave bright and early the next day. We made it out of the house by 9:30 and little Liam was feverish. Uggh well he couldn't get comfortable so I jumped in the very back of our spacious van and held his head in my lap hoping that would make him feel better. The girls were great the entire time. They were very supportive and helpful. By the time we got there Liam had a little spring in his step so we decided to hit the beach (even though it looked as if it could rain any minute) as soon as he put one foot on the beach it was as if he had never felt bad at all. So here we go....meeting little friends and building sand castles with them Mom and Dad enjoying a beverage from the Tiki Hut (beach bar) everything was going to be just fine.

Our Cute little Sand Crabs

The following days were fun and somewhat sunny.

Julia is getting better and better at the boogie board,

she loves to just get in the water and stay there.

That really is Julia in there.

Liam is a body surfer who also likes to play in the sand. Aynsley went in the ocean a couple of times and her Daddy even got her to ride the boogie board!! Way to go Dad! She enjoys running and playing in the sand. All in all it was a great little trip,aside the fact that Liam had a fever every night with no other symptoms. We stayed at our cute little house we have stayed many times now and it felt just like home. I have to say that being at the beach with my family is the best place to be with my family. They really become great friends while on the beach. Hoping to bring some of it home with us one day.

Hopper Hopping on the BEACH!
Until next time.....

Mamie comes for a little visit.

The kids couldn't have been happier to hear that their Mamie was coming to see them. I guess the only thing that would have made them happier would have been if Pap Pop were coming too. From the moment she arrived she was covered in hugs and kisses. She had every one of them on her lap a few times I am certain. It was a short visit and during the time she was here all three of the children were sick at one time or another. Not the most exciting visit I must say. Well except for the time we ventured out to lunch while Julia was still under the weather...I won't go into details but I have never experienced such a lunch.

The visit was a short one but just a teaser for the long vacation we have to come. (Topsail!!!)

Mamie took in a tennis lesson of Julia's, had a scrabble game with me,(which she beat me at) story time with all, chatted with everyone ( I don't know where my kiddies get it from) and lots of cuddling. We can't wait to see you again Mamie.

Just a little advice for those of you we will be joining in August, Get your energy level up......you're going to need it!! Ha.

Hiking at Hanging Rock

Our friends Paul (Julia's Godfather) and his wife Cathy came to visit with their son of four months Aidan from Thursday-Saturday. It was so nice to spend time with them and catch up. Little Aidan was the sweetest little one. I couldn't help myself, I held him, fed him, rocked him, tickled him, and talked baby talk with him. I did not, however, change his diaper, a nice change from having three of your own. It was pure heaven.
We woke up Saturday morning and after a hearty breakfast, headed up to Hanging Rock State Park to do some hiking. To preface this, Julia had gotten the coolest birthday gift from them in May, that included; hiking shoes, quick dry shorts and shirt, a camel pac, and a book of NC hiking trails. All of this plus a promise to take her hiking in July. Needless to say everyone seemed excited to go. We all piled in the car and an hour later we were there getting our gear on ready for a two mile hike (that's round trip). It was so much fun, Liam was a natural, he is so curious anyway so he just seemed to be in his element. As soon as we were there he had already found his walking stick. He was pouncing in the water getting drenched by the falls, and jumping around the rocks. He fell but he was sure to tell Cathy that he was fine so he could do it again. Cathy's remark was "Two hands Two feet" I am sure he conveniently didn't hear her because he never skipped a beat. Julia was adventurous as well, she went off the trail above a waterfall with her Daddy and had a smile from ear to ear. I think next time she will bring her bathing suit. I was completely surprised by my little hopper (a.k.a Aynsley Nicole) she walked almost the entire time and was really into doing everything everyone else was doing. She made her way across the rocks and in the water just like the "big girl" she claims to be. My family is surprisingly growing up before my eyes. I am not sure how to feel. It makes a part of me happy and a part of me sad. I guess that is typical.
Ross, let's see what can I say about Ross, other than Sexy, Sweet, Hot, yeah all those things and more. He was fun and a little unpredictable. He carried a big pack, helped with all the kids, took Julia on a makeshift wilderness bathroom hunt, made a cool cap out of a T shirt ( which was very hot) and finished it off by filling my gas tank on the way down from the mountain and taking all of us to lunch. What a trooper. He really enjoys being outdoors and having an activity, as I have said before. Let's just say it made me happy to see him that way.
I had a great time snapping pics and spending quality time with my family. Couldn't have been a better day in my eyes.
Paul, Cathy, and Aidan were troopers. It was hot and poor Paul had to carry precious cargo on his chest the entire time. He was cautious about walking too fast so little Aidan's head wouldn't bob around too much, was thoughtful of Cathy and even my big babies. Cathy was the ringleader at snack time and provided much needed snacks for all of us along the way. She was a watchful eye over my little ones and seemed to be having as good a time as they were ( well I don't know if anyone had as much fun as Liam)
Great trip to Hanging Rock and we leave tomorrow for the Beach. Just a short trip but sure to be a fun one. As soon as we get back Mamie will be coming in to town for a week visit. What a wonderful Summer Vacation this has been and it is only going to get better.
All for now.
Lisa

Summer is here.....at last

Picture of our babies with their Great Grandma (Ma Maw) Sanders

It was a mere one day into summer vacation and Julia says to me as I am tucking her in bed "I miss school" Who is this kid, I thought. The endless mornings she would get up and say UGGGGHHH I want to stay home with you. Oh well now you can and you want school. Welcome to the world that is mine. Children who never really know what they want. It has been a week since she made that statement and I think she is settling in well. She has had many play dates and more fights with her brother and sister than I care to talk about. Soon she will have other things keeping her busy. She has a tennis camp with the Youth Tennis League July 24th - Aug. 12th and a Cheer Camp before that. She will be taking soccer in the fall with Twin City Youth Soccer Association. Liam is just fine same as always (he has always fought with Aynsley now he's happier because he has Julia to switch things up with) He is still BFF with Ghassan but has a friend in my neighbors visiting grandson, Griffin. They are together from sun up to sun down (Ghassan is in Fl) Griffin is only here for a few days but they are very much alike. He is going to be in Gymnastics over the summer and we will see how he likes that. He has an enormous amount of core strength I think it will help develop his strength for sports and anything else. Aynsley, Aynsley, Aynsley she is still my little cuddler and so fun. Still hopping everywhere she goes. Happy for the most part and loves to mirror Julia. They walk around singing the same songs and she has been saying "No means yes" don't even dare ask me where she gets that from. Who knows.

Ross is very happy with work, and still working out as usual. He has been taking care of the lawn like that is his second profession. He has everyone in the neighborhood asking him what he's doing to make it look so good. Well if you haven't noticed, every time he is off from work he is doing something to it, that is the secret. Kudos to Ross for making us look so good. He is always searching for somewhere to play tennis like when we were in Ardmore but to no avail. We will keep looking.

I am super excited about going to the beach with The Stocklin's (Mom and Dad)and the Parrish's (Marissa and Jon). We have planned a trip to Topsail Beach NC in late August (the 18th-25th to be exact) in a house on the ocean. I am getting caught up in trying to plan everything we are bringing and what all we will do, but really need to realize that is only June and need to maybe plan a little visit to the beach beforehand to take the edge off. But I think part of the whole excitement is being with family that we don't see very often. I know it will be great fun.

Well we are off to one of the many scheduled birthday parties for the summer. Wish us luck.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful beginning to your summer and that your hands are as full as mine.

Walk the Plank into Liam's Pirate Room

She started out by drawing the picture out with pencil but man did she spend some time on

each and every one of them. (a little anal if you ask me, just kidding :)

Just a quick note about Nana Lynda's birthday present to Liam. She came one week and spent a few days painting and spending some QT with us in April. We loved having her but Liam especially loved how she transformed his room from poky to PIRATE ARGGGGHHHH!!

Just a few pictures to show you Lynda is not only beautiful she is talented too. We had so much fun watching and she even included a little mouse and hole. It was hard to get him to stop acting like a pirate, he even threatened to slit her throat but she somehow convinced him he would be better off to keep her around.

The girls were so impressed with her work they can't wait to have her do something in their rooms. Oops I guess she messed up there, creating more work for herself.

Great Job and it was just a wonderful present that he loves dearly. For weeks he has brought everyone to his room to show it off.

Alert the news Little Baby Julia has just turned 7

Bottom Left to RighJulia's Seventh Sleepover Birthday Par-tay!!!!!!

Whew! It was a lot of fun for the girls who were here. We started out with a Dance Party while we waited on all the girls to get here. While doing that all the girls got to showcase their special talent on the dance floor and Man can they Move!

Then we moved on to making our made to order Pizza, while that was baking we had time to play outside on the trampoline and swing set. While pigging out on Cheetos and Pretzels. After eating the girls were excited to see Julia open her gifts, She loved them all and played with some of them right away, she is still enjoying them. The next portion of the evening was designated to Karaoke (Miah's mom and dad brought over their machine) it ended up being and interview with all the girls and Miah was the host of the show.

A little after, heck maybe even during we had a silly face contest, just who could make the silliest face......well you be the judge. Who do you think?

Then we had a pin the kiss on Zack Effron the girls went CRAZY!!! They loved it. After all the laughing and silliness died down we put out all the sleeping bags all over the floor, popped pop corn, and put in a fun girly movie. Within the first hour there were two girls sleeping. I guess by 11:30 they were all sleeping sound.

The next morning we woke and made a big breakfast, painted our nails, and finished up our little goodies for the girls before they left ( we made pictures to go of all of them and their silly face and put in a key chain picture frame, and a canvas bag with their initials on them with some goodies to eat after they left.

I was happy with the way it turned out and all the girls got along so great that I would do it again.

Off to the Beach agian we GO!!!!!

We have been going to the beach at the ending and beginning of each month and let me tell you it has been fun!!!! The kids are perfect at the beach (makes moving there seem even more inviting, not that it's happening, just a thought) This time it was a very last minute decision, I had called my girlfriend Wendy to thank her for a wonderful morning the day before and she said "hey we are going to the beach and would love for your whole family to join us" Well I didn't even have to think about it I said we will be there. Poor little Rossie couldn't get away from his work and had to stay behind, I felt sorry for him for a minute but then started packing up the car. The kids and I left and were at the beach about four hours later. A good trip both coming and going I might add. We had so much fun frolicking on the beach with friends and the sleepover time for them was a wonderful treat as well. We went to breakfast at a place included in the photo show it was quite tasty but really don't understand how there is a place with that name. Oh well it is the South. It was a wonderful trip and I thank the Terry's for including us in on their fun. They are such nice friends, if you do not know them Dad is Carlton, Mom is Wendy, Son is Charles and Daughter Erika.

Beach Bound!

Breaking News..........Liam turns 5!!!!!!!!!

Liam's 5th Birthday!!!!

I guess it's easy to see that Liam had a Fireman Birthday Party. Not that he didn't try to change it one day before. He decided he wanted yet another Pirate Party. but mommy said NO! I had already been shopping for everything and made all the goody bags. He warmed up to it after the fireman got there and he saw all the cool things on his fire truck.

My Dad brought this cool train like thing that the kids loved riding. It was as big a hit as the firetruck.

He had his friends and all of his family that lives near. He had a great time and the weather was pretty good to boot.

Meeting Friends At Historic Gold Hill

(Alexia, Aynsley, Julia, Luke, and Liam)

A few weeks ago we met up with some old friends of ours (Seth and Anna Cain) that we haven't seen in almost a year. It was great to find a place like this to meet and have a great brunch and let our kids run around and play. We later went to Dan Nicholas Park where there was a super playground, a carousel, and a little train ride, they even have a little zoo and putt putt. A definite fun place to go and have a picnic. It was nice to have a day of outdoor fun even if it was a tiny bit chilly.

Liam just having fun running free!!

Look at that face! Have you ever seen a more handsome, sweet, curious face?

Julia doing what she loves most. Monkey Bars! this is at Dan Nicholas Park
That is the first thing she wants to do, still, when she gets home from school. Then it is immediately followed by"can I have a friend over?" Everyday!

Aynsley having a brisk walk along a stone wall in Gold Hill (Mommy and Anna were shopping the cutest store while the daddy's had the kids) She loved being around Luke and Alexia.

Mardi Gras!!!! Whoo Wee!!!

Beads, Beads, More Beads If You Please!!

There was no lack of them let me tell you. There were beads coming in all directions, a few hit my face. It was absolutely the best parade I have ever been to in my life.....and that includes the Mocksville parade where they used to throw out candy when I was a little girl.....The atmosphere was just amazing, people so happy and carefree. Trying so hard to catch the bead bombs that were flying all around them. There was no lack of excitement. The floats were fabulous and so many. We were supposed to see American Idol Taylor Hicks but we stayed too long at dinner and missed the beginning of the parade, we were in Grand Stands so it was very easy to view the parade and did I mention BEADS? Way too easy to get them too. Ross and I left the parade wanting to stay another night to see a few more and to experience a little more of what New Orleans had to offer.

We started off getting there Friday afternoon, checked into the hotel and off we went on a search for gourmet.... we ended up at Lucy's retired surfers restaurant ( all the nice ones closed at 2:00, we tried Emril's and one other) we had fish tacos that were really good and I had two $5.00 Corona's (that is steep!) Oh well it is Mardi Gras. Then we couldn't handle it anymore.....we just had to run up to our room for something we haven't done in I can't remember how long.....(it's not what you're thinking)....to catch a nap before we all gathered for dinner. Oh how nice was that. I almost didn't want to get up for our dinner. We met some folks there that we jived with really well and found out that we had all planned the same activities and dinner for the following evening so we were excited about that. After dinner Ross and I went up to the roof top pool and jacuzzi for a little R&R and it was so beautiful and cold when you got out of the water but fun!

The next day we took a walking tour of the French Quarter. Very interesting and VERY COLD. we walked from 10am to 4pm. after the tour we shopped and how could we resist finding Brad and Angelina's pad...not too shabby but they were nowhere in site....the door was cracked a bit as if someone were out on the veranda but had stepped in, we didn't want to stalk too much so we left after snapping some quick pics. We saw some very interesting and or talented people along the streets and loads of wonderful art. It was like a museum of sorts along the french quarter.

some guy dressed up and acting like a robot (even the sounds he made)

When we got back to the hotel it was a rush to get ready for our dine around plans we went to a really nice dinner had drinks and a good time. Ross and I really appreciated the time we had together and couldn't believe it would be over the next morning. We thought, because we wanted to get some more shopping done and go out to Brennen's for breakfast that we would only stay at the parade for a few minutes but after we got there and the energy in the air got our systems we stayed the entire parade and had a blast.

The next day we did just as we had planned. Brennen's for Breakfast was a little more than I thought it would be. A two hour Breakfast!!!!! After that we had to rush back to the hotel and ride off to the airport with a few of the other guests.

Our kiddies were back at Nana Lynda's having a great time and probably not even missing us at all but we were eager to get back to them once our flight plans started taking their course. By Sunday at 7:30 everything was pretty much back to normal we were cleaning up and the kiddies were getting ready for bed, it was almost like the whole thing was just a nice dream....but I have the 50lbs of beads to prove it was all was real

who do I look like

http://www.myheritage.com

This was so funny and easy to do. I did Ross's Dad and him he didn't get anyone I was expecting, I have always thought that Ross looked like a cross between Matthew McConaughey, Chris Cline, and Heath Ledger; or looked more like one on some occasions. None of those names pulled up some off the wall ones(Dean Cain) for the most part . So have fun seeing who this site thinks you look like, I did.

Happy Birthday Three Year Old Aynsley!!!!!!!

In the south we like to Monogram everything from our towel's to our cupcakes.

Aynsley looks older today than yesterday! Last night as I was tucking her into bed I decided to cradle her in my arms rocking her back and forth singing her all the bedtime songs to her that I did when she was a baby. I was telling her she had to let me treat her like my baby one more time (don't tell her I said this but I think she liked it).

So when we woke up on her third birthday there was a light blanket of snow on the ground and it was still snowing, too bad it turned out to be more rain and sleet than snow. She really wasn't acting herself, a little grumpy as if she didn't want a birthday to be turning three. So we headed off to school where they were all afraid that they would be closing early so we went ahead and had cupcakes at 9:30!! It was great finally after cupcakes I got my first smile of the day from my littlest Stocklin.

still no smile

Let's see if she gets any happier after she gets her cupcake??????????????Maybe?

We are all home right now, because of the weather we are staying in, we had plans to go out and do all of Aynsley's favorite things, including meeting Daddy out for Pizza. Daddy is coming through for us by bringing pizza home early to spend time with all of us.

We are just celebrating at home tonight she will have a tiny gathering this weekend.

As far as everyone else.......

Julia is riding her bike like a champ with no training wheels Wow oh wow she has impressed us all and you will never guess who is trailing right behind with just a little more effort......Yep, Liam Alexander. By this summer I think we will be hitting the trails at Tanglewood. It's going to be so much fun. We are really getting to a point that we can all do activities as a family. So nice I might add. Julia is also reading five or more books a day and seems to like silly ones, right now she is hooked on Amelia Bedelia she loves to read them and tell me of all the silly situations she gets herself into. Liam is writing his name and knows his ABC's but can't write them all yet, Aynsley just picks up whatever they are doing and either runs with it or doesn't care. That is who she is.

We are having the after Christmas Blues!

Merry Christmas to all!!!! Happy New Year too!!!!
We are all sitting here after a wonderful, fun filled visit from our Parents in New Jersey and Sister and Brother-in-law from New York, missing them all. It was so much fun having the house full at Christmas time and always having something to do. The kids will suffer the most. They started their day off with climbing into bed with their Mamie (for the girls) then sitting on the couch cuddling with Pap Pop, jumping on Uncle Jon's shoulders, and getting pampered by Aunt Marissa. It was very nice sharing the holiday together. They are all on their way home or home now and life here is slowly creeping back to normal. I am taking down the Christmas tree and all the decorations around the house. Getting everything down is not as much fun and getting it out I have to say.

a picture of Garrison and his Dad having a laugh.

The entire family went to My Ma Maw's for Christmas Eve Lunch, thank goodness it was nice outside because we had 36 people there and her place is tiny. Everyone had a great time there eating, playing football, watching football, and spending time chatting. Did I mention eating?

We had Granny and Grandaddy, Aunt Brooke and Uncle Curtis( they had to leave to go to their third but not final destination of the day after opening gifts) here for Christmas day they came for brunch we all opened presents then they spent the rest of the day playing with the children's gifts with them. Julia even got a mani pedi from Granny and Mamie.....What a treat!!!