Just the Weekend

With just a few days of school remaining before a much anticipated two-week holiday break, I got to spend some time with my favorite niece!  She came home with me after Friday night's basketball game. It had already been a long week, but I knew Ash was more than exhausted, and the timing was good.  We didn't get home until almost 11:00, but Saturday we went shopping. She picked out a couple of ornaments to hang on my tree and to take home to hers; it's a little sparse.  All in all it was a fun weekend with lots of play. We're on our way to Mimi and Chief's for Sunday dinner as soon as she wakes from her nap.

Saturday night with PJs on - coloring and making movies with the iPad.

 Purple snowflake of choice:

 

And Bug turned six months old yesterday too!  He's feeling and looking much better.

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

So, everyone was hoping that another year would yield a much better picture with Santa. Today was Christmas Pajamas Day at school.  Nerves in check, talk about happenings at the North Pole, more pre-Santa sightings this year, etc. At 3 years old, she should have been jumping for joy. Well, here we are. Is that someone's hand she's holding for a little security???? Terrible photo, but perhaps the photographer was just trying catch "something." Pitiful.

First "letter" to Santa with a little help from her teachers - A HOT MESS! Enough said...

Junebug? He hasn't been his chubby, slobbery self - actually a little under the weather - again. Not sure what's happening with him because Addi was NEVER sick her first year.  Maybe that liquid gold breast milk isn't all it's cracked up to be... I missed seeing them both on Sunday. I hate it when that happens, but Ash needed the extra day to get caught up from the week.

Sunday Fun Day

The Crew has been battling a little sickness the past week or so.  Lots of congestion, runny noses, fever here and there - even Ash hasn't been well.  Sunday before last they had to stay home, Addi missed a week of school.  Much improvement although all is not back to 100%.  Here's a typical evening at Mimi and Chief's.

Searching for that big screen TV...

Trick or Treat

Of course, this post is late, but this has been one LONG week at school!

Regardless, I got to take the crew trick-or-treating in Mira Lagos; Ash had a District volleyball meeting, and Red was still working when the festivities started.  Last year, Addi really didn't understand the concept, but this year was much better. By the end of the night, she was running up to doors (by herself) ringing doorbells and delivering those magic words in the correct order - "trick or treat" and "thank you".

There were a couple of extreme houses that caused Addi to jump into my arms, and some of the masks that the kiddos were wearing didn't sit well with her either. Bug slept through most of it; no costume for him, but I think he enjoyed the ride.

Before the night was over, Ash and Red caught up with us, and we finished with a bang. Lots of ground covered this year, and when it was all said and done, Minnie collected a stash that will last her for a while - that is unless her daddy eats it...

Courtesy of Mimi's iPhone

 My iPhone (And yes, some of these are real people!)

Grandma's Chair

I've had my great grandmother's chair for the last 10 years.  It was my favorite chair of hers. I vividly remember both of us rocking and doing various things. After she passed away, I convinced my Uncle Leslie to let me have it for my new house. I would restore it and make it beautiful again. Like I said - that was 10 years ago. So this fall, it finally made it out of the garage, was refinished & reupholstered, and then given to Addi - lol.

Bottom line, she needed a chair, so the glider could transition to Bug's nursery.  It looks great. Check it out!

Before everything -

After sanding, before new stain/finish and new upholstery -

 

After everything. Re-upholstery by Gilton Upholstery in Grand Prairie. H/T to my friend Gail Spencer for the recommendation -

In its new home with happy new owner -

Day with the Gang

Last Saturday I got the chance to keep the Double A's. Ash had to take her team to watch UTA play, so my afternoon and evening was spent with the crew. After Addi finally decided to take her long overdue nap, Bug and I spent some time making funny faces and playing together.  He's starting to smile and do some crazy things. All photos compliments of my iPhone, and no not iPhone 5 - yet...

Before lunch...

 After lunch...

And a little video...

 

Sunday with Ashton

Well, school has started once again, so I've been a little off with my postings.  Last Sunday evening, after spending two nights with Addi (has had another volleyball tournament), I got to spend a little time with Junebug.  He's growing so big.  Here's another video:

A shot Ashley took in his nursery via InstaGram -

 And another one of Addi's bug creations -

Sesame Street on Primrose

I'm definitely going to have to work at posting the same day certain events occur.  So hard sometimes! Anyway, YESTERDAY, Addi and I had fun playing with sidewalk chalk - one of many outdoor activities that she likes. I took the opportunity to emulate one of her favorite programs, so here's our version of letting writing on Primrose Street.  I think it was the first time she'd made the first letter of her name.  Will have to double check:

Addi's First Boat Ride

Yesterday Addi and Red joined neighbor and friend, Reese, and her family at Joe Pool Lake. It was quite an adventure because it was Ladybug's first time "on the water." Ashley wasn't sure how she would respond, but the outing was a success.  After all, she loves water, and despite being told by her mommy, (everytime they cross the bridge) "That water is dirty - has snakes and fish in it," she trusted her daddy and joined in on the fun.

After a good scrub-down bath that evening, she joined Reese at her house for pizza. Ashton, obviously slept through most of the fun.  His turn will come soon enough!

It's My Birthday

Well, today's celebration was for me. Turned 42, and despite not being able to see as well as I used to, life is good!  Mimi, L, Ashley, Addi, Ashton and I went to Chuy's for my birthday dinner. Chief stayed behind with Gran; she wasn't up to another outing after church, and Mexican food isn't her favorite anyway. After dinner, we had cake at Mimi and Chief's house. As usual, everyone sang, and Addi blew out my candles - lol. So, Chief re-lit them, and I got another chance to make a wish.

Great evening watching team USA at the Olympics, topped off with a few phone pics from Ash! Addisyn wasn't in the mood for pics - a rare occasion.

Birth Announcement

Long story, but I finally get to post Ashton's birth announcement!

Bev was back with me this time; we concluded that boys don't dig props as much, so we struggled with getting a variety of quality shots - lol. No video this time, but a great 2-sided card thanks to Bay Photo, Photobucket, Gimp (a free, compatible version of Photoshop because I'm cheap and need lots of practice), and of course Beverly!  I couldn't have done it without her.

First Visit to Tainty's House

Addi has become a regular, but yesterday was Ashton's first visit to my house - one of many more to come, I'm certain. Ash had a doctor's appt., so I had the crew for a bit.

Making Progess

So yesterday, Ashley called me after picking up Addi from school. She wanted Addi to share some good news with me. However, all she could get out of her is that she "was mad at Junior." Junior? Some kiddo in her class with braids whose momma thinks Addi likes him... :-/

Anyway, Junior apparently pushed some kids in class and got in trouble, so that's why Addi was mad. Toddler drama. What I finally learned was that Addisyn received a glowing report. For the first time since starting summer school, she didn't cry ALL DAY! This was a big deal. Though she had become accustomed to school last fall, there was something about Ashley dropping her off (with Ashton in tow) instead of Chief that didn't sit well with her. Like Ash abandoned her every Monday and Wednesday; like a party at home went on without her - lol.  Problem solved: Chief is back again taking her to school. Time for more learning, fun, and Junior???

They went for ice cream to celebrate!

And Here We Are Today

Back on track, it's July 15, Addi's actual 3rd birthday and Ashton's 1-month-old birthday. I'm furiously typing trying to "catch up" and get everything posted. It's Sunday evening, not typical though. Momma took a trip with some friends to the casino, Les stayed at home, but the rest of the crew is here.  Addi and Chief are outside watering plants, Gran is watching TV (Secret Millionaire), and AshLEY just finished feeding AshTON.

This BEGINS the journey of Tainty's Crew. Keep in touch!

Thanks for these pictures, Daddy!

Addi's 3rd Birthday Party

After the last affair, Ash vowed not to host anymore parties at home, so this year's site was at The Little Gym in Arlington Highlands. It took her a while to warm up to the joint (and the "teachers") but she had a blast!

Here's a recap.

4th of July

Addi is still getting used to sharing Ashton with Mommy and Daddy; some days are better than others, of course, but she really does love her little brother.

 

And on Independence Day, it was all about HER fireworks! Thanks Nay-nay!

Adjustment Period

Needless to say, Addisyn's new world was rocked. For almost three years, she was princess of the kingdom, and now - some new prince was demanding everyone's attention.

Not good - can you say rebellion? Anxiety? Confusion? Anger?

No one was getting any rest in that house, so after talking with my sister, I thought it would be good for Addisyn to stay with me for a few days. We went to the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and watched "One World, One Sky" at the Noble Planetarium.  She enjoyed seeing and hearing some familiar faces, Big Bird and Elmo, talk about the sun, moon, and other stars. I really liked it too. We also went to the park, and played outside, and played games, and watched more Sesame Street, and colored, and made more digital bugs.

Terrible iPhone pic - I know.

 
After two nights away from home, Addi was refreshed and ready to return.  Ash missed her terribly, but both were able to get a lot of much-needed rest.

The Next Few Days

Lots of visitors strolled with Harris Methodist Hospital.  Ashton Davon Allen was the center of attention, and everyone wanted a piece of the action - even Addi.

She was finally able to hold her brother for the first time.

 

And Ashley's plan to leave the hospital in 3 days worked. On June 17, they all went home; Ashton wore his first real clothes - though they were a tad bit snug...

 

He's Here

I was concerned that something would happen, and Junebug would have to be delivered while I was in Washington, D.C. But, he waited for me! I created another Twitter account to capture all the details again - this time cross posting to Facebook as well.  Something happened with the hospital's wifi, and a big chunk of my posts got lost in cyberspace.

Junebug's Twitter

My Ladybug was struck with a bug - fever actually, so that through a loop in everyone's plans. She was supposed to spend the night with me, but ended up staying with Mimi and Chief, so I could be at the hospital early that morning. It was another fun and exhausting day for all.

I really can't believe she let me take these!

And here he is... all 9 lbs. 1.7 oz

Back in the room -

My first hold with the chunky monkey!

And he just thinks he tired now - LOL...

Later that afternoon, Junebug gets a little tending to by one of the nurses.




Addi's fever breaks temporarily, and she gets her first peak at her baby brother.  Her life changed FOREVER!

And builds another bug on my iPad