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!!!

Friends, friends, wonderful friends!

Usually whenever one of the kids have someone over to play, they all get to join in on the fun. They have really come in to their own around here. Always interested in meeting the new neighbors that are moving in or having friends from school over. This is Samantha and she is one of Julia's school friends at Southwest.

This is Liam's friend Walter. He goes to school with Liam at Clemmons Moravian. They typically like to do boy things so we try to give them time alone. Walter has an older brother so he isn't used to having girls around at all!

Liam and Aynsley both get great enjoyment when they have Jake over. He has been loads of fun to have here at our home. I can remember a time when I couldn't even hold him for one second and the last time he was here, he fell and I made it all better. He is the same age as Aynsley and a great little buddie.

Carson is Jake's big sister and is just about everyone's friend. She is sweet, fun, and considerate she takes after her mom, who is one of my best friends. When Carson is around all of my kids want to be with her. We are so fortunate to have so many friends and family in our lives so I am reminded to thank you all for being part of our lives. You brighten it, make it better, make it stronger. Thank you!

Ready for my Close up

I told everyone about Julia's many teeth popping out (four with in a few weeks of each other) now she is growing in her adult teeth and man is she looking as cute as ever. She is just the smartest, sweetest, cutest big girl I have ever seen in my life. She loves school but sometimes says she gets bored. I don't know. She is so looking forward to Christmas, she is counting down the days and thinks she will explode if it doesn't get here soon. I think this is the most exciting year for her yet. Liam seems a little excited and Aynsley really doesn't care too much, I say this becuase I don't have a tree up yet but most importantly there aren't any presents laying around or she would be excited and opening presents that aren't even hers.

jump for my love

Up and Running, Better than Ever!!

We're back and Mama's got a brand new bag....Well camera that is. Ross took me today and we have it up and running. I have been snapping away ever since I got the battery charged. I have so missed taking good pictures of the kids and all of their friends while they are playing.
Thanksgiving was great and now it's crazy time. Just a few short weeks until Christmas, the kids really don't know what they want, I guess that is why they are asking for everything. I can't wait to have our family here with us for the holidays. It is going to great!
The weather here is very warm and sunny and has been for around four days in a row. Great for the break from school. We are always playing outside and making good use of our Scooters, trampoline, and playground equipment.

Today Liam had his friend Gasan over, they are just about the same age and play very well together. He is a cute, sweet boy that lives in our neighborhood.

Let's not forget little Miss Aynsley Cole

She contemplating on whether she really "did" want a PB&J or if she just wanted to pick it apart on the table. Either way she is the cutest little almost 3 year old I know.

Paint ball anyone?

Yesterday Ross met up with a bunch of co workers and headed for the country to play paint ball. I guess he had a wonderful, fun, exciting time because he is still talking about it. I couldn't go to see or play but really want to know what all the hype is about. He is talking about getting my parents to use some of their land to build a paint ball park. We shall see what the future holds for that endeavor.
(this picture is of Ross and his friend Sean, who just was married a few weeks ago)



As far as the children they are all out of school for a week for fall break.

Julia has lots of plans which include; seeing as many of her friends as possible, eating lots of junk food, playing outside,(all things that can be done with her friends. Liam just wants to go go go and Aynsley is fine as long as she knows I am near by.
I am going to just roll with it, we have multiple neighbors moving in right now and can't wait to see what the dynamics are going to be like between everyone. Julia is just excited to have more kids her age all around her. I am just excited to have the construction trucks that were constantly blocking my drive out of the way and Ross is excited to have the Port-a Jon away from across the street from our front door. Yes it will all be nice and we will all be happy.
So until the next time ciao Baby

UPDATE? It's about time!

It has been quite some time since I was last on here. If you couldn't tell school has started back and the days are shorter and shorter. The kids keep me busier than ever, with playdates and the introduction to homework every night. Julia is a spelling bee and is reading around two books a day.
Liam and Aynsley are closer than ever with the three hours of time they have together with out their big sister around. Then Aynsley and I still have our time with no one but each other on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. She is growing up so much, melting my heart just like the other tow have done to me. I kid you not they are addictive. I love these crazy, wild, silly, and sweet kiddies. They really are the best.
Ross is busy with work and supporting us when he is around. He loves to play with the kids and spends time every night with Julia reading. He is enjoying the age everyone is at I think. They adore him too. When he is home there is almost always a wrestling match going on and if that is over they always save time for a tickle contest, if in fact, that didn't all happen at the same time. They are all a big MESS!!!!
I have been working more than I would like but we just got a Honda Mini van so I have to play catch up for now, it will soon get better I hope.
Oh our upcoming events include having Marissa, Jon, Mom, and Dad here over Christmas from NY, PA and NJ. That is going to be a blast. I don't know who is more excited about it, Me or them. Anyway we can't wait to have them all here for our first Christmas in our new house.

Missing Tooth!!!

Julia is missing a TOOTH!
She lost it today in the parking lot of the airport picking up her Daddy.
She literally lost the tooth very soon after I plucked it from her little mouth. She was worried about loosing it so we found a lunch baggy in the car and very carefully placed the front left tooth in the bag for her to go around and show random people who were coming in and out of the building. Well then her Daddy got off the jet and Julia ran to the fence to tell him about it and he had to walk through the building to get to us and when he did she ran over and jumped on him catching the bag on his briefcase ripping the bag open and causing the tiny tooth to fall and become unfound. I then soothed her telling her we would write the Tooth Fairy and letter explaining what had happened and darted off for my long needed hair appointment. When I got home she hadn't written the note but has now and is tucked away in her bed awaiting the hopefully understanding Tooth Fairy. I have a feeling she will understand and compensate her for her loss.