Snow Ball

We had such a wonderful evening of dancing, laughing, and chatting with friends we've known for ever and friends we made that evening.

It's January!!

Aunt Brooke with little Aynsley! Granny holding little Isabelle

What the heck....Christmas was a whirlwind of crazy and now it's O-V-E-R. I loved it once it arrived but leading up to I worked more than I would like....I had began to wonder what it was like to put my own kids to bed at night. Now that all that's over it is nice to reflect on spending time with family and sharing the gift of giving. We were excited to have Mom and Dad Stocklin stay with us over Christmas. They drove down and stayed with us for a couple of days before Christmas, so they were here to go to Ma Maw's for Christmas dinner again. I got to see Isabelle ( just like Julia's middle name) ,Jennifer's little one, for the first time. She looks so much like Jenn did when she was a little one. It's always fun to be around family but sometimes it gets too crowded because our family keeps expanding. Ma Maw only has her little rooms in her house so it's always nice when we can get outside to spread out some. We had a nice Christmas dinner with our families.(my parents and Rossy's parents, our kiddies ) It was nice to have so many people in the house. I know our children were spoiled to death with all their Christmas loot. They ran from package to package ripping and grabbing the next to see what's inside. Unfortunately Aynsley was a little sick over Christmas and ended up getting Mamie and Pap Pop sick on their way back to NJ. (we all got it) I felt so bad that they went home with a gift that wasn't such a good one.

All in all I would say everyone enjoyed themselves.

We celebrated New Years by me working and Ross going to bed early.....Wow! Hey I am usually in the bed before the New Year anyway so I was better off working anyway. The kids just thought it was another ordinary day. But Aynsley knew that it was January, and so began the countdown. Yes, to her birthday.

She had decided that she was to have her party at Bounce U (this indoor inflatable jump place) It's great fun but will break a poor woman.......that poor woman is me. So much fun for them though. Everyone from her class came and all of her other friends came too. Granny, Grandaddy, Brooke, Curtis, Dee, Jessie, Ryan & Scott came too. There were lots of people there. It was supposed to be for the kids but I think my dad, Gina, Brooke, and Curtis had just as much (if not more) fun than all the kids combined. It was nice to see everyone enjoy. Aynsley had a great time and that was all worth it for me. She is already planning out her next birthday party. Can you believe her?

It's Getting Closer!!

Liam making a Gingerbread house with his sisters and Eden (mom Jenny)

Christmas is on it's way, there is no stopping the spirit that everyone is in. The kids have made and devoured a Gingerbread house, purchased and wrapped their Christmas presents to their friends, had their Christmas parties at school, and just last night went to sit on Santa's lap to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. It is sooooo funny what Julia and Aynsley wanted. Julia: a Chia pet Aynsley: a cell phone with a Camera!!!!! I go into stitches every time I think about those two. (Liam was more typical he said he wanted a remote controll car (undertood that one) and a circle skateboard (don't know what that is?)

The kids are out until next year so of course they had sleep overs last night and now we are going to get ready for the arrival of Mamie and Pap Pop. Ross is off for a few days and we are so excited to have family time. With Ross and myself working we have had little time to do the cuddling and playing we like to do with our little babies so we are going to fill them up with love over the next few days.

Things will be busy but so much fun. Mom and Dad arrive Saturday and Ross wants to have a boys outing so I guess that leaves all of us girls to, oh I don't know.......shop or get our nails done. Who knows the options are limitless. (we will probably end up baking cookies or making some sort of meal) Well the thoughts are there maybe we can get away with splurging on ourselves. Who knows.

More to come......after the Christmas extravaganza

Aynsley's Christmas Musical

Hi Gang,
This will be a quickie but I just had to include the cutest performance I have seen, ever!!I really wish I'd had a video camera so I could have captured her the way I saw and heard for you to enjoy. She walked in shaking her jingle bells and had me captivated from Jingle Bells to Ring, Ring, Ring the Bells. All the children did a great job singing all the Christmas songs but my eye was drawn to our little princess. Short and sweet but the best Christmas musical I have been to in quite some time. Hope all is well out there with all our loved ones. I know it is a busy time of year for everyone. Take time to enjoy the season no matter how hard it may seem. More to come....... ( Oh if it seems odd that she is wearing a short sleeve and capri......it's because it was 76 yesterday!!!

Thanks for family, friends, health, food and.......Leaves?

We started out our Thanksgiving by heading out to Mocksville (always running a little late) then eating until we just about popped at Ma Maw's. Everyone in the family was there except Jennifer with her newborn, Jay, JT ,Lynda and Brad's wife, Jennifer. It was a glorious day in the warm fall sun. Lots of laughter (I am thankful for that) surrounded everyone you were around. That is one thing the Sanders family has perfected. There was the annual football game with the men (and the little man Garrison) and the who can fall asleep the fastest after eating contest (Ross took home the prize for that one) I had been thinking if it rained my poor kids would be so bored. Well (yet another thing to be thankful for) it didn't rain and the kids didn't need a single toy. They raked and re raked leaves into a pile to jump and frolic in for, I don't know three or more hours. The funny story about that is, My uncle Howie and Aunt Lucy had blown the leaves before everyone had gotten there so everything would be clean and tidy. Then Matt pulls out the rake and starts raking leaves from the neighbors yard into our yard to make a pile for his son Garrison and then that's all it took to get my three in on the mix. It was an all out leaf festival. We had family pictures in the leaves, leaf confetti, hide Liam in the leaves, I am telling you the games went on and on. (another Sanders trait is imagination) So that was well used in the game we made up for Liam. He had to wiggle his little arms and hands all the way down a branch on a tree to get it to drop him off to the ground. He did it too! What do you think of that? The kids had to be majorly cleaned up before our next destination.... Donna and Ricky's for yes you guessed it more food and family. This time it was more inside and meeting newest family members Jackson, and Morgan (whom they call Smorgan) little sweethearts. We spent time chatting and catching up with family we really don't see that often. It was fun for the kids too, they played hide and seek and all sorts of silly games on the swing. Great day of fun and family. We did however miss our family in New Jersey. We called the day before and the day of to let everyone know just how much they are loved and will be missed on this and every day we are apart. Marissa is getting closer and closer to her due date and is finally feeling good. She and Jon have picked out a name for their little peanut but I'm not tellin'. Dad and Jon are getting up and out the door before 4 am to go to Kohl's and do the door buster shopping on BLACK FRIDAY!! Good luck, hope you find what you are looking for.


As for me the day after Thanksgiving consists of doing laundry, making meals for my munchkins and leaving for work later. Yes, life as usual. That's the way I like it. I can always count on there to be clothes and dishes to be washed, floors to be cleaned, dust to be pushed around, and food to be prepared. I will always be needed and hopefully they will all be thankful for having me . I sure am thankful for them.
Press Play.
Lisa

Daddy Always Kisses EVERYONE Good Night!

Ross works long hard hours and is away from his family more than he would like but when

he gets home one of the very first things he does (if the kiddies aren't up) is head up the steps to kiss and tuck his babies into bed. He goes up in hopes to spend a little sweet time with each of them. It not only makes them feel good it makes his evening better. He treasures every moment with them and is always thanking me for them, as if I were the only one responsible. On this particular evening I surprised him by sneaking up the steps behind him to capture this "sweet time"I hope he knows how much we love him and appreciate all he does for us. He makes his days off all about kidding around, loving, cuddling, kissing, hugging, and being around one another. We Love you Daddy!!!!! Love always, your family

Halloween Spooktacular!!!

The kids really didn't seem super excited until today, Liam had a party at school that I brought Krispy Kreme Jack-o-lanterns for (YUM) So of course Aynsley was there for all the festivities in his classroom. All the kids were able to decorate a loot bag, hear spooky stories, sort of trick or treat in the classroom, bust a pinata, carve a pumpkin and play games. It was a long party for me but a fun one for them. I went down to Julia's class and got her out a little early so she could have a little fun too. We then took off to the store to find some vampire teeth for Liam's costume. As my list was checked off running all of my errands I seemed to forget a key ingredient to Liam's success as looking the part. When we arrived at home we were there for two minutes and in walks Granny and Grandaddy eager to get Halloween underway. Grandaddy entertained the little ones on the trampoline while Gina and I started dinner. The kids at this point had already had more candy than they have in a month so I needed to make sure they had a good meal before going trick or treat and eating candy along the way. So after having to literally feed my babies (all three.....me feeding them with a fork.....all three) we started to get dressed up.

At this point it seemed very rushed, it was getting dark and we should have already been out. Aynsley was the first one ready so she handed out candy while Grandaddy worked on Liam and Granny helped Julia. I felt like a chicken with my head cut off running from here to there trying to get everyone out the door with out stressing them out. So in a few minutes and some black hair coloring later we were out the door. Liam looked Awesomely scary and my angel Julia looked just as you would expect.....the angel that she is, Aynsley was hopping around casting fairy dust around the rooms. When they were all ready we headed out the door for some fun. This was the first year that Ross was home before we even left the house. I was so happy to have him here the whole time. So he and Granny took the kids around a couple of houses while Grandaddy transformed himself into......................................

It was crazy!! he said it was hot!! The Kids didn't know who it was, they knew it wasn't real but they weren't believing my story of Grandaddy is in the bathroom. Julia walked up and snooped around finally spouting out that "it has on Grandaddy's shirt!" He really played the part, beating his chest and walking funny. Great Job Daddy!!! Thanks for being a good sport. Some other children in the neighborhood got a kick out of it as well. I think it was great fun.

We met up with some friends and strolled the streets going from house to house and a few people didn't even recognize little Liam. They all seemed to have a great time and when we got back around to our house we took a group photo of a bunch of the kids. Other kids were off bartering candy, or gone to the next neighborhood. We decided once we went to all of our fiends houses then we would call it a night. It was tough getting all that make up and hair color off Liam but a few girly tricks and he was off to his room wanting candy before bed. They were all pretty tired but wanted to stay up and sort through all their loot. All in all it was a great Halloween and we expect each year to get more and more fun. Happy Halloween!!

Grandaddy and Granny Vist

I just wanted to mention that my Dad and Gina (Grandaddy and Granny) come to visit and play with the kids any chance they get. I mean just last week alone they came Saturday night, then again Sunday to the Surprise party and again on Wednesday (my real birthday). When they don't get out here I try my best to get to the "farm" the kids love it there b/c they take them on picnics, nature walks, rip roaring through the forest on the four wheeler, going to what they call the "hunt club", and when they aren't doing that they are playing play house. Sometimes Grandaddy and Granny get kind of tired from all the "fun" and then it becomes time to watch Pee Wee's Playhouse or Little Rascals. All in all the babies love to be around both of them because Grandaddy is a kid trapped in an old man's body.....that's right daddy I called you old. Ha ha!!! Granny takes care of them and keeps them out of trouble. She feeds them and makes sure they don't look too much like pigs. But then again, they are at the farm.

More pictures to come.

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.