It's happening

I got slammed at work. I mean, slammed. I'm talking working without lunch and not leaving until 8:30 and still having tons of work left for the next day. That's where I'm at. The 4th quarter came early this year, folks. Ugh. So expect lots of time between posts.

First, went to Georgia with my brother and dad. We had a blast. We rented a Toyota Prius and those cars kick butt! We filled up our tank a total of 4 times for the entire trip. If they weren't so awful looking, I'd buy one. But they look like space ships. Anyway, my grandfather was so happy to see us. And really the drive wasn't that bad. My dad is a bum who barely did any driving but we'll skip over that for now  :) We enjoyed some La Fin Du Monde beer while we were there and I have to say that this beer is definitely my fave, when I drink beer. It tastes delish and it's 9% alcohol so you don't have to drink much. If you haven't tried, do it. You won't regret it.

 

David, with his sleep mask for sleeping in the car. Nope, not gay at all.

 

Mmmmmm

 

 

Next, my babysitter's daughter turned 15 a couple of weeks ago so we dressed the boys up for her quinceanera that she had. We had a blast and the boys looked adorable.

 

 

 





FINALLY.......and I'm scared to say it cause I know it's going to somehow jinx us but next week we're putting our house on the market to sell. My seester, Naomi, has found us a realtor that will add our house to the MLS site but we are ultimately doing 'For Sale By Owner'. We did an inventory of our savings and we have enough to get out of the house now but not for the realtor fees for selling our house. We could wait until December (which we might have to do) to save up the realtor fees but we decided to try our luck at the 'For Sale By Owner'. Honestly, it stresses me out a lot but with the right training by Google, we should be fine. Fingers crossed. Double fingers crossed. Seriously everyone say a prayer that we sell this damn house. I want out. Like now. Hopefully the next time I write, we are moving.

I know

I know, it's been awhile. I wish I could say that I have an excuse other than being too busy. But, it is what it is.

First, my sister-in-law, Becky, threw my brother a surprise birthday party for his 30th. We had a great time. But the best is when the 3 cousins - Tristan, Caleb, and Gideon - discovered the photo booth and how to start it and take pictures. They went in there and produced somewhere around 40 strips of pictures. Seriously! I took pictures of some of the strips with my phone but my favorite is the first one where Tristan hits Caleb in the head, Caleb has to pose for the camera with him touching his head, and then for the last picture they crack up. Totally my kids.

Second, me and Tristan went to Kentucky to visit for 4th of July. We had the best time. Morgan's only child, Hunter, and Tristan became best buds. Then Jake watched the kids while me, Morgan, and our friend, Jessica (nicknamed Hips because of the magic she can produce with those things) went out on the town and had the best time. It really was the best time. Now, the 15 hour drive back was not the best but I had a great time with Tristan. He was just old enough to actually appreciate Mommy and Tristan time but not quite old enough for the road trip. He asked "Are we there yet?" at least 487 times. I threatened spankings after that.

  On a side note, we decided to get a rental car because Vincent didn't want the wear and tear on my Lexus and I would sooooooo recommend it. I was gone from Tuesday night till Monday morning and the rental car cost was $117 from Hotwire. Hotwire has the best deals on rental cars.

 

During our trip there we took this pic for Hunter

 

 

Then, next week I go on another road trip. My brother, David, and I are driving to Georgia to visit my grandfather for an extended weekend trip. We got a rental car from Hotwire too and for 4 days, it's only $65. Told ya! The trip was kinda random but we thought my grandpa would enjoy a visit and we wanted another break. For me, work begins 4th quarter in about 1 1/2 months so I'm about to get real busy. I try to squeeze in as many hours as I can before I have to work 50-60 hours per week. Booooooooo.

Summertime

So a couple weeks ago we had our annual Masdon family reunion at my aunt's house in Dallas. My grandpa flew in and we had a swim party with BBQ. It was so much fun. We got float vests on the way over there from Wal-Mart and bought the last 2. Of course, Caleb got a purple one - poor boy. But the vest helped Tristan because he was not afraid of the water at all. He was so proud of himself. He was paddling and putting his head under water. I was so proud. Last summer he was terrified of the water and if anyone let him go, he would flip. Total 180 this year. He now wants to go to the pool every weekend.

He also turned 4 on June 11. It actually makes me super sad to know that he'll be in Kindergarten next year. I can't believe it. I really do feel like I was just taking him home from the hospital not too long ago. On his birthday I wrote my thoughts about it on Facebook and I'll put it here for those of you not on Facebook (ahem, ahem).

4 years ago today, Vincent and I became parents for the first time. Tristan is the best 1st child. He is an amazing big brother. Brayden will never hurt himself because of Tristan. He makes all of us laugh all the time, even when we thought... we were supposed to be angry. He is so smart. Sometimes, I think my iPad already really belongs to him. His memory amazes me, even though, honestly sometimes I wish it wouldn’t. And I didn’t even know that a child could have such compassion but we have stopped to pick up dogs on the side of the road more times than I can count. It’s amazing that in the four years since he came into the world what a little man he has become. I wish I could stop him from growing but I am so happy for who he will become. Happy 4th Birthday to my sweet Tristan!

He had this birthday party this last weekend at JumpMania. He loved it. It's this place with inflatable everything - slides, bounce houses, Velcro wall. He had a blast. His party was Ninja Turtles theme. I got him a Donatello t-shirt and he was in heaven. Then he opened his presents and he got some great ones. He was exhausted when he came home but insisted on sleeping with his ninja turtles. So I had to get them out of the packages and he took them up to bed with him. He's so silly. Of course, Grandma got him a LeapPad 2 and he's in love with the fact that he has his own type of iPad. He's been asking me if I can download more games, like he doesn't have enough already.

Here's some pics from the pool party:

 

 

 And the shirt picture from Tristan's 4th birthday party:

And this is a real picture, taken at night. Caleb was really sleeping under that sheet. He untucked the fitted sheet and crawled in. Maybe I should have lifted up the sheet and got a picture of his sleeping face? I just don't understand. How does he do this?

 

 

 

Ugh

So we’re back from our trip. Needless to say, it was quite the adventure. First, while driving there we got pulled over twice. No tickets, thank goodness but it did scare us a bit. Second, we were in Oklahoma when the tornadoes hit. All we had was really bad rain. But our electricity did go out in our cabin for like 15 hours. It was kinda annoying just because the kids got restless and wanted to be entertained. My dad and Vincent went to the store and got a ton of candles, battery operated high beam lights and some toys for the kids. So that seemed to work. We were lucky they came on when they did because we had just gone to the store to get ice to save the food. But all food was saved. The last day we were there we rented a boat and went out on it. Kinda sucked for the babies because they wanted to nap and there was no great place for them to nap. But the other kids had a blast! Tristan and Gideon even went tubing - at a very slow speed, of course! Then we packed up and drove our caravan back home. On the way back Caleb threw up all over the backseat. I mean, everywhere. Pretty sure because of all the junk food they had when riding with their grandparents’ halfway back. We just pulled over and wiped everything down right then and there. It was pretty gross. But the trip itself was fun and relaxing.  I don’t have all the pictures from the trip so here are a few.

 

 

 

 

Then on Memorial Day the boys begged for us to let them go swimming. And by swimming I mean, get out the baby pool, blow it up, put in the yard and let them play. It was cloudy but still kinda warm so we decided to let them.

 

 

 



 

And what would life be if we didn't have Caleb sleeping pictures? That boy cracks me up.

 

 



 

Countdown to VACA!

So on Mother's Day my longtime friend of 19 years, Ryan and his wife, Katie, had their first baby, Matheson. He was due on Father's Day but decided to come on Mother's Day. I was so excited for him and we went to visit him on Sunday. Since Sunday they put Matheson in NICU as a precaution but he seems to be doing well now. Congrats to Ryan and Katie!

And the other important thing....vacation next week! I am so excited and I totally need the break from work! Our family with my brother David and his family, my sister Naomi, and my mom and dad are all going to Broken Bow, OK to stay in a cabin together and hang out. I know, I know...Oklahoma, right? Well first of all with how young our kids are we didn't want to drive far. Second, we didn't want to fly. And we found some great cabins. Super nice. My parents are actually staying in a different cabin than us but our cabin is huge as it is. Below are some pics. I can't wait. I'm a little scared about packing because this is the first time I've actually had to pack for the whole family. A little overwhelming. But knowing the cabin comes fully stocked is nice. We just need to bring food and toys. We are doing a lot while there too - fishing, renting boats, going for a train ride, going to a winery (minus kids). Hopefully we all have a great time and we don't kill each other. I might need a vaca from my vaca when I get back.  :)

It's about that time....

So since we had our 3rd and final child, Brayden, and I had my tubes tied so that there will be no more children, I am now ready to crack down on my weight loss. I tried to do a weight loss competition at work. No go. Didn't work. No motivation whatsoever. But then I was thinking after the contest ended "what would really make me lose weight?" And the answer is to see my amazing Morgs and all my other sorority sisters in KY! Really, just to see everyone - guy friends included as well - and of course, Jake ;) I need a break from my normal life and visit my old friends. So I told myself that if I lost the weight that I want to lose then I will reward myself with a trip by myself to KY in either late June, July, or August. I'm watching for cheap tickets but I'm also busting my ass. I have been working out 3 times a week for an hour each time. I really, really, really want to stick to it. So, keep me motivated to go to KY!

Also, here is another picture of Caleb sleeping after 3 hours + of playing with Tristan. I really do want to know how he falls asleep like this. It's awesome.

Louise Rainey Masdon

It's been a little while because I found out that my grandmother passed away on April 18. Some of you may have known she suffered from dementia. She wasn't doing great the last few years. And although you want someone to be at peace, their death is still hard. Immediately after finding out, my first instinct was to fly out to Georgia where my grandparents live. But my grandfather assured me that there were tons of people already at the house taking care of him. Really, we were waiting on my Uncle Steve. He had just flown to Afghanistan, only to turn around and fly back. So we had to wait on his schedule to plan the funeral arrangements. We found out Friday she would be buried on Sunday, April 21 - my birthday. A little rough but special all the same. I don't want to talk about the family drama that consumed my poor grandmother's death but I will say one thing. If you don't get along with a person before and up until their death, you should not be allowed to speak at their funeral. Never. And be respectful. Keep your mouth shut. Don't wail at the burial. Be quiet and support the family that did love this amazing woman. I will share the speech that I gave at my grandmother's funeral. I think my grandmother would be proud. And I was honored to do so on my birthday.

"For those of you that don't know me. I am the oldest grandchild of Jerry and Louise. My name is Carmelle. We called our grandmother, Gumma, because apparently I had a really tough time with the word "grandmother" as a child and the name stuck. So Jerry and Louise became Gumma & Poppy. They were really the only grandparents that my brothers and sisters had and I can honestly say the best. Gumma taught us all of the most important life lessons. To us, Gumma was the true example of a southern belle. She was an excellent cook who always had a home cooked meal ready and waiting for any visitor, even the last minute ones. I can say that her love of cheese was passed on to all of us. And every time she served us cheese it came with our favorite quote "A day without cheese is a day without sunshine!" She was one of the classiest ladies we knew and always looked her best wherever she went. I think my five brothers and sisters can admit to being firmly scolded on several occasions with a "don't be ugly" that we now can be quoted to saying to our own children now. She and Poppy loved us more than I can describe and we never once felt like we were missing out on having other grandparents for a minute. Gumma embodied the definition of southern hospitality and when we came to visit she made sure to do all of our favorite activities, which included a lot of golf cart rides and she cooked all of our favorite meals, which included a lot of her famous spaghetti. She taught us so much about enjoying lie, and making the most of every minute together. We are so thankful for that. She will be missed. I can just see her now up in heaven admiring all the beauty and glory with a reaction of "Hot Dog!" 

We love you, Gumma."

Here are some pictures discovered while out in Georgia.

 Me trying on Gumma's glasses for silly purposes

 Me taking a nap with Gumma and looking exactly like my son, Caleb

 Tamarah riding a horse with Gumma

 The embarrassment we can never get over - the stupid sign on the back of the van -  with Gumma and Naomi and Galen

 Gumma, David, me and Nate. Also present: Dad's beard. Geez, louise, look at that thing.

 Gumma and Naomi.

Crawlin' By

I could not think of one single update that has happened in the last couple weeks except Brayden is a crawling fool. I mean, he is all over the place. He was sorta crawling in the last video and then overnight he was doing relays all over the place. I had to buy a gate for upstairs cause he almost went down the stairs. I put him down for a sec to do something for the other boys and I look up and homeboy is looking at me from across the room, about to put his hand down the stairs. Yikes! So here's the video I made of him. He's so big!



Also, he is doing this really cute thing where he sticks out his tongue - but only to the right side. Makes him looks a little slow but it's still adorable. Here's a video of me trying to get him do it.





Other than that, we have been busy. Work seems busier than it was in the 4th quarter. Plus, these kids are getting bigger and mouthier. Caleb's vocabulary has shot up overnight. He tells me off all the time. And I do mean all the time. Ugh.

My birthday is coming up on Sunday and I can't say that I'm thrilled about 31. I'm taking it harder than 30. I don't know why. I guess it just seems so different than 30. Like I've hit the blah years. Oh well. Then in a few weeks we go on family vacation. I'm super excited about that. We are going to a huge cabin in Oklahoma by the lake. I think it'll be a blast. Not excited about packing but I think the stay will be a lot of fun.

Voilà

So we got our floors done!! They look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Seriously, I actually like my home now instead of hating it with every part of my body. I have the before and after pictures below. But first, another sleeping position of Caleb after playing with Tristan for 3 straight hours at bedtime. Love it.

Now for the pictures of the floors. Seriously, if anyone needs a contractor, please use our guy. He is a great guy and has very low prices. He is the same one that did the kid's room too. I would recommend him to anyone. E-mail me for his contact info.
I honestly don't think these pictures do the house justice. I think it makes a difference in person but here are the pictures anyway.

Living room BEFORE (yucky concrete):

Living room AFTER:

Here are the stairs BEFORE. I really don't think these pictures do it justice on how awful the stairs looked. Trust me, they were awful. I didn't really want to zoom in on the stains.

 

Stairs AFTER: (again, I don't think you can tell in the pictures):

Upstairs hallway BEFORE:

 

 

Upstairs hallway AFTER: