Mitchell's Pirate Party!!

On Saturday November 7th Mitchell had a few friends over to help celebrate his birthday!! It was a BLAST! We kicked it off with a treasure hunt.....they wondered all over our property until at last they found the buried treasure! Then we had to split up the "booty"?!? We then came inside to open gifts and have cupcakes. Then it was back outside to play and just be boys. This was by far the easiest party!

Something is missing?!?!

Yep.........You guessed it! Little Miss Tammara lost her first tooth........although it is all a BLUR to me! WHEW what a little wrestler I have on my hands! I think maybe just maybe the rest of the teeth can fall out on their own! After it was all said and done........she had the nerve to LAUGH and tell me it was no big deal! I did remind her that isn't what she had said just a FEW moments earlier! AHhhhhhh............the JOY of parenting! Oh yeah and guess what........Yep we have another loose tooth!

Happy Birthday Mitchell!!

Each year on November 1st, I take a few minutes to remember what an exciting, scary, crazy day it was.........then I look at my Little Man and feel so very blessed to have him call me mom. Mitchell such a tough little guy from the very start he fought so hard so that he could join our family. Labor and delivery since it was my first was all new and a bit scary. I had NO clue that there were any complications until finally after an hour and a half of pushing and with the assistance of the vaccum, Mitchell Bailey was placed on my tummy practically lifeless....SO SCARY. He was whisked away to the NICU and I had ablsoluetly no clue what was going on. I think that I try to push those scary memories away each year, but this year I really began to think about the courage he already had, his strength and his strong desire for life. Although he was the biggest baby in the NICU and they nick named him the "Little Giant" we like to think of him as our Little Man! So Happy Happy Birthday Mitchell Bailey! My life has been so very blessed! We celebrated his special day with family, but he will have his very own friend party on saturday!

Happy Halloween

OH THE FUN WE HAVE HAD.........................

Tammara's Costume Party

It has been a busy few weeks.....thus I have not posted a few SPECIAL events.......so bare with me and all of the NEW posts to come!

We had Tammara's Costume Party on October 30th. What a BLAST it was. We had MANY friends come to celebrate with us! We started off with a little Halloween craft, then moved on to opening gifts.....and last we had our traditional friday night PIZZA, but let's not forget about the cupcakes! YAY.....to turning 6 and having a wonderful Birthday costume celebration!!

Happy Birthday Tammara!

Today Tammara is 6! I can hardly believe that, it really does seem like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. She has such a sweet and caring personality. She loves to learn, helping out with chores, helping in the Kitchen, or just snuggling. I am lucky to have such a loving kind sweet girl to call my daughter. Tammara started the day off by getting woken up to kisses and hugs and a sweet Happy Birthday by Mom & Dad. She enjoyed a wonderful Birthday breakfast of French Toast. She picked out a new outfit for school and got dressed for the day. I made cupcakes for her class and Nana had lunch with her at school. Then when she got off the bus and came in the front door she was shocked beyond belief. The dinning room was decorated and ready for a Birthday Celebration! We had Nana , Uncle Bailey, Uncle Perry, & the Missionaries for dinner. Pizza night tradition carried on 3 pizza's later! WHEW! Then it was time to open the presents...........WHAT FUN! She even let me take pictures to document this special occasion. Once presents were opened and guests were thanked ..........Tammara had to add a funny little comment......."thanks to everyone.....well except the missionaries" followed by laughter! What a silly little girl we have! Then it was Cake time..........THE cake that I had worked on in between decorating for the party, and fixing dinner......the BUTTERFLY cake! I think it turned out beautifully and I can honestly say that I would do it again! She loved it and I had FUN doing it. So this Birthday goes down as a TOTAL BLAST! Yeah..........now for the friend party NEXT week! Keep and eye out there will be a post on this.......oh yeah and did I mention that Mitchell has a birthday the DAY after Halloween.........this is gonna be a busy few weeks! All well worth it........the smiles and joy that it brings to them!

Munson Farm

Karrie had a fieldtrip to Munson Farm yesterday and here are some of the pumpkins she picked! Since the older two kids didn't have school I couldn't go but Mark was able to attend, I am told they both had fun! Now to get some of the details out of our little miss Karrie! I did get to hear all about the biggest horse and the carriage ride so I guess I should be happy with that. Fun was had and really that is all I needed to hear!

Karrie's Off to Preschool!!

We made it! Karrie started Preschool with Ms. Peggy today! It's official Karrie LOVES preschool. The wake up call began at 6 a.m. Yeah you read that right..........Preschool doesn't start until 8:45 but we have to drive daddy to work these days (another post all on it's own). So in order to get daddy to work by 7:30 the Tiller's are up early! Uncle Perry was talked into watching Mitchell and Tammara until the bus arrives at 7:30. Karrie made things So easy for everyone this morning. She decided to pick out her outfit last night and put it neatly on the bottom of her bed. Karrie LOVES clothes, shoes, accessories, well you name it Karrie is bound to love it. She is a total girly girl! We were in such a hurry this morning that I forgot to take my camera.......so I will have to take a picture tomorrow. So Karrie was up and ready by 7 a.m. and we were off to start the day! We had a little time to waste after dropping daddy at work so we decided that Ms. Peggy needed a little something special! Karrie and I went to Walmart and Karrie picked out the prettiest pink roses. Karrie LOVES pink so I knew that we would HAVE to get the pink ones but she was happy so I guess that is really all that matters. I was really lucky to get a good-bye kiss.....she was down the stairs and inside to show off the beautiful flowers! It was a great day..........I heard about it ALL The way home! I loved listening and I am sure that I will enjoy listening to many wonderful things ALL year long! YAY for Preschool!!

Construction Begins!!

The Chapman Elementary students will be attending a ground-breaking ceremony this morning at the new elementary location. All students and staff will be bused to the site. The news media has been invited to the ceremony. They ask all students to were their green tornado shirts from last year or a green shirt if they do not have one. This is an exciting time for all of the students and staff. We are one step closer to the future of Chapman Elementary!

First Day of School

I so thought that I had been ready for this day ALL summer long. We went to "Meet the Teacher" last night and that is when things really became real to me. I have known that this day was coming for well at least 5 years. I should have planned better and maybe this wouldn't have been such a emotional day. So back to "Meeting the Teacher" we made our way to Tammara's classroom and began getting her all set up for class tomorrow. We dropped off all of the school supplies, Kinder Mat and back pack. The last bit of business was to fill out a few more papers. Then we were off to meet Mitchell's teacher! It is hard to believe that he is already a 3rd grader. We got Mitchell all set up for his first day back at school. We put all of his school supplies away and took a quick look around the room. Then we were off to get ready for the BIG DAY! School outfits were all picked out and put on the dressers nice and neat the night before. Thus making the 6:30 wake up call that much easier! The storm that had been developing all night long decided to wake us all up with a bang this morning! We were up and ready for the day.......even if it was a bit dreary outside. The kids got up and dresses for school, had breakfast.....the entire time We were praying that the power didn't go out so that we could enjoy our yummy oatmeal. We didn't have any added drama........thank goodness! Then we of course had to take some pictures! We managed to get this done and have time to say a quick hello to our Nana! Then it was time.......the bus was here and Mitchell and Tammara were off to school for their first day! Karrie must have been looking forward to this day ALL summer long........as we walked back inside the house Karrie let out the loudest most hillarious, yet evil laugh you can imagine.........then she wanted to hear mine! That made my day.......that ended the emotional roller coaster and I was happy and excited for what the day might bring. Who knew that Karrie was such a character........really who knew?! I can't wait to hear all about their first day when they get home!

Night with Nana!!

Last week Nana decided that she would take one child for one night. She worked monday and was off tuesday so that we could go to the Zoo. Then she worked wednesday and thursday and was off friday. Karrie and Nana decided that Monday night would be all about Karrie. It worked out well for me because that meant that I would only had 2 children to get ready for the Zoo instead of 3! Karrie spent the night with Nana, she slept in the middle of Papa and Nana....that was the highlight for her! Nana painted her nails PINK of course....is there any other color SO beautiful?! Nana made oatmeal for breakfast and of course hot chocolate. Nana even had the pleasure of fixing little miss Karrie's hair for the Zoo. It must be said that Karrie just loves her Nana! Thursday rolled around and it was Tammara's turn! She was VERY excited to say the least. I think that is ALL she could think about all day long. Tammara also slept in the middle of Papa and Nana....she promised me that she didn't even MOVE! Nana painted Tammara's nails pink also.........not sure if she was as thrilled as Karrie....but she loved to be pampered. Nana and Tammara ALWAYS bake together. So for breakfast Nana made blueberry muffins and bran muffins, and of course more hot chocolate. Then they were headed outside to water! Tammara loves to do MANY different things with her Nana. She also helped steam clean the floors. She was VERY sad to have to come home. Tammara really is a Nana's girl! Friday was Mitchell's night! They had planned a special night since Papa would be going out of town. Mitchell was excited but sleeping in the bed with Nana just wasn't something this boy thought should be done. He decided that he would sleep on her chase lounge! Nana made Mitchell a special shrimp dinner. He wants to try lobster and My understanding is that if he likes shrimp he will like lobster. If so then Papa and Nana will take him out to dinner at Red Lobster.....so this was a big deal for him. He liked it fried but not boiled. Then they went to Dairy Queen and he was treated to a thin mint blizzard. I am told it is really YUMMY! They watched the movie Willow and really that is all I know! This time they spend with their Nana really is special and I just can't get too many details out of them. I love that we live this close to my parents and that they each get to have some special one on one time with them. I am sure fun was had by all!

Oh what do you do in the summer time?? Zoo anyone?!

My mother informed me last week that I needed to pick a day and be ready for some fun. She wanted to take the kids to the Zoo! That sounds simple enough right?! We decided that we needed to head out as early as possible because it had been such a hot day on Monday. We wanted to leave the house by 7 a.m. so we could be there by 8 when the Zoo opens. Which means that is at least a 6:30 wake up call for the kiddos. Karrie had spent the night with Nana so I only had myself and Mitchell and Tammara to get ready, pack lunches and get on the road. We did have a few meltdowns early on but really WHO wants to wake up at 6:30? Kids and I ate breakfast, got dressed and then it was on to making the picnic lunch. We headed for the door and up to get Nana and Karrie. Then we hit the road. We did have to make one stop before the Zoo. We can't go anywhere without going to Wal-mart first! Of course we needed batteries so that I could capture my kids with Nana and proof that we in fact did make it to the Zoo. Then we were off to the Zoo! As we got closer the kids began to get more excited. Mitchell who had been there on a field trip was sure to let us know that we were in fact getting close. The kids were just so excited to see the signs pointing us in the direction of the Zoo. We arrived in one piece! The kids couldn't get out of the car fast enough. They were ready for this wild adventure! Mitchell would have to be the tour guide since he had already been there.....so we started with the flamingos. Although they were still sleeping that didn't stop us from watching them. Karrie LOVES pink so she didn't want to leave these beautiful pink flamingos! Mitchell wanted to show us the HUGE catfish next. We all couldn't get over how big they were. Lions, Leopards, Tigers, Bears, Camels, Rhinos, Monkeys, Lizards, Snakes.......oh the list goes on and on! As the kids got tired and hungry we just found a bench and had a snack here and there . To avoid a HUGE meltdown we decided to stop and enjoy our lunch while watching a Camel sleep. The last thing we had to do was go through the section called Kids Country..........that was a blast! They had chickens, goats, a cow, sheep, bunnies & ducks. My kids wanted to tell everyone that we had some of the same chickens at our house! They fed the goats and sheep. Then we headed to the gift shop to spend the money Nana had given them at the beginning of our trip. They each had $5 to spend however they wanted. Well that just didn't happen, $5 isn't much at the Zoo gift shop.....so we opted to save it and spend it at Wal-mart the next time we go. We loaded the kids up and headed back to Salina to hit the bread store before heading home! We did make another stop in Abilene at Dairy Queen. We had to end our wonderful trip with a BANG! It was a wonderful trip and fun was had by ALL! I am sure that we will venture back one day in the near future for the Museum! I am told that is the place to go next!

CHUCK E CHEESE

You are reading this correctly......we ventured out to CHUCK E CHEESE!! We decided that since we had a 2 year old around for a while we NEEDED to have some fun. SO we loaded up the van and headed to Topeka for our FUN filled day. We decided to NOT eat at Chuck E Cheese's we ate at CICI'S instead. The kids LOVED it, that is once they found the kind of pizza they liked, oh and don't forget the desserts! Oh the fun could have ended there but nope we ventured across the street and headed to the FUN ZONE!! If fun was had by ONE it was had by ALL!! The ride HOME..........Not SO Much! I guess 2 can be terrible after all!! The kids had a great time and well so did we!! Unfortunately I forgot the camera SO we don't have any evidence that we actually did make it there and did infact have fun! I guess we will just have to make another trip! Stay Tuned for more excitement and adventure.........we are off to the ZOO this week!

Birthday Celebration Grammie Style!

On Saturday July 18th Lexi turned 2!! That's right Ladies and Gentlemen we officially have our hands full. The birthday celebration started on Saturday early in the morning. Birthday gifts were exchanged for a smile or two and a big TADA! This little girl is super cute and full of energy. We did have to share her with the other grand parents but hey we got to celebrate first and last. We ended the weekend with a BOOM......Swimming in the pool, birthday dinner and of course some cake! All in all it was great and what a way to end the day! Who says 2 has to be terrible?!

Date Night!

The night started just like a typical friday evening. Pizza night of course...........but it wasn't "MY" pizza. It has been a little too hot to heat up the kitchen for my pizza these last few weeks. Nana came and picked the kids and pizza up and took them off to her house for the night. The kids had been looking forward to an evening with Nana all week long. Papa has been gone to Texas all week with work and got home just in time last night to go and get Ice cream with them. An experience that Nana said "she wouldn't have been able to handle alone"!

Mark and I went to "Annie Get Your Gun" at the Opera House in Junction City. It was such a great show! Mark and I don't usually have date night but I think that we might just have to keep this up! I love my children but this summer has been a tough one on me. I have been a bit on the grumpy side......to say the least. It is really bad when your husband and kids start blessing YOU to not be so grumpy! Maybe it is the fact that I will only have Karrie at home this year. Tammara is going to Kindergarten..........I thought I was fine with it. I guess time will tell.

We came home last night to an empty house.....VERY ODD. We also needed ice cream last night and bought everything we would need for a sundae. YUMMY! It was just so weird not having the kids around it was really hard to settle down and get to sleep. I did enjoy the sleeping in part this morning because my kids didn't recieve the memo that on saturday we sleep in, so they are always up around 7 no matter what time they go to bed. I am lucky that I don't have to worry about an empty nest any time soon!

Easter Egg Hunt

The friday before Easter we the Tiller family hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for a few friends. We have the perfect yard and we decided that we should put it to good use. That is exactly what we did. We started out with a few friends and worked our way to 20 plus kids! 400 eggs + 24 eggs each = LOTS OF FUN!! I am sure that next year will be just as much fun. We tried to get everyone in the picture....but I think a few are missing! Maybe they were enjoying their loot!

Happy Birthday Karrie!!

Today Karrie turns 4. That just doesn't even seem possible. Where has the time gone?! I look at my little girl and can't believe that she just isn't so little anymore. We have a week full of parties and fun planned. We had our Nana and Papa dinner on Sunday. Nana always goes all out for the kids special dinner! So I will have to work on my decorating skills! Karrie and I went to walmart yesterday and picked out some special decorations for our family party tonight! She thought she was fooling me when she picked out everything that Nana had on her table! We will just have to see if My table looks as good as Nana's! I spent the afternoon decorating and getting ready for this party. I just wanted everything to be perfect for my little girl and her birthday. I know that nothing can be perfect and well lets just say that I learned that little lesson very well today! I wanted my party for Karrie to be just as special as the one my mother gave her on Sunday. I guess that is where I went wrong. Never try and out do your mother! Be humble and possibly things will work out better. Well I started the day off with just the ordinary chores...and moved on to the major chores. I had an entire room to decorate so after lunch the girls were put down for their afternoon naps. I put on some music and headed into the dinning room........this is where the fun begins! I put up streamers and balloons and decorated the table . Then I moved into the Kitchen where I began to make cup cakes. I have made cup cakes a millions times.....but today for some reason(perhaps trying to one up my mother) they just didn't turn out like they usually do. I was just upset and wanted to give up.......but I have a Birthday Girl and she needed her special treats! So the next batch came out a little better. I decorated them and finished working on dinner. Time for the guests to arrive.......and the Tiller house gets a little crazy. I know silly huh?! Time just goes by so quickly once we begin. I can't even remember what I was complaining about earlier today or what the big fuss was....it seems like a big blur now. Except for the fact that today is Karrie's Birthday! I am sure that next year I will just throw something together and forget about out doing my mother! I feel so blessed to have such a sweet,energetic, silly & loving little girl in my life! Happy Birthday Kare Bear!!

Pinewood Derby

This was a few weeks ago....but I had to share! Mitchell placed 4th! He also got first place for most creative design! Mitchell and Papa worked very hard! Mark has many talents but this just isn't one of them. He said all he could see out of this block of wood was a pile of dust! So Mitchell asked Papa to help him with this awesome car! Mitchell is very proud of this car. We look forward to many more Pinewood derby races and the many different cars to be made!

Valentine's Day Celebrations

Valentine's Day has come and gone. The LOVE is still in the air! Mitchell and Tammara decided that they would give Valentine's and cookies! The teachers needed more than one cookie...right? I found the cutest containers and couldn't pass them up....so the teachers got a few more cookies than the kids! I should have just made all the cookies at once and been done....right?! That would have been WAY too easy. I decided to make things difficult for myself and only make one class at a time. Silly me! It just took longer and WAY more time than I really had. Better luck next time! The cookies were a big hit. The teachers loved them and so did the kids. Tammara and Karrie LOVE to help with anything in the kitchen so they helped decorate the Valentine's Day cookies! We had some left over and they were very yummy! It was such fun to watch the creative juices flow in these two little girls! They sure do LOVE sprinkles! I have to say these had a lot less sprinkles than the ones they helped their Nana make the week before! I did learn something! I guess this family tradition has stuck!

Gettig Started......

I decided that we needed to have a blog! Technology isn't my friend......somehow i have already created TWO blogs! Go figure! This week is off to a great start. Tammara had been going to p.m. preschool but that was just hard on Karrie. Karrie is still needing her afternoon naps! At the end of January we were told that there was an opening in the a.m. class....I jumped up and down for joy! Although Tammara will only go 3 days a week instead of 4! Mondays, Wednesdays & Thursdays! Tammara says 4 days is WAY better than 3! She enjoyed her first day of a.m. preschool! Made a few new friends and ALREADY has a BEST FRIEND! Mondays Karrie and I go to aerobics at the church! The wonderful Kathia MOTIVATES us to exercise our bodies and we are so BLESSED to have her! We still have to find an activity to keep us busy on Wednesday.....looks like that could be our library day! Thursday we have playgroup at the church.....that is enough said! We are SO blessed! Nap time has been re-established in the Tiller Home!! YAY!!!! Karrie will No longer be able to tell me how MEAN I am .....Because I don't EVEN let her have a NAP anymore! Who knew this little 3 year old (soon to be 4) would MISS her nap time this much?! I thought that she would enjoy all of this time away from home.....with JUST her mama! Sadly mistaken.........but glad that we have found something that works for us!