Friday, May 30, 2008

My third child!

I often describe Andy as my third child. He has such a childlike way about him that draws kids to him like a magnet. He is just a really FUN person. I remember when we lived in our first house, before kids, when it was just him and I....I would be on my way home from work, thinking about us grilling out dinner together, sitting and discussing our day over a glass of wine while sitting out on the patio table. It seems like a dream now when I look back, thinking about all the "free time" we had. But in reality it rarely worked out that way.

The neighborhood kids caught on quickly that Andy was a lot of fun. He would play ball with them, jump on their trampolines with them, have them come in to play computer games, and take them sledding in the winter. I really think they thought that Andy was one of them. They would come to our house to ask if he could come out and play. I'm not joking people....this is all true. There were a lot of times when they saw his then pick-up truck driving down the street on his way home from work....the kids would come running from several yards (front yards) away to see him. Of course, I was the mean neighbor lady who would tell them, "guys, just let him come in to pee and change his clothes before he comes out." I rarely had a conversation with him until I would call him in to eat dinner. Some days I would get so frustrated, I felt like I was competing with these kids for my husbands attention.


Flash forward to today and I totally get it. He is the fun parent. I love that the kids can't wait till he gets home from work. He is the parent who will get the car shopping cart (remember my view on this issue) and then drive around the store like a crazy person. He is the parent who will let them eat dessert in the middle of dinner. He is the parent who can make a game out of anything. But most of all, he LOVES to just play with them. Now don't get me wrong, I also love to play with my kids. But you know how it is, you have to do so many things during the day, that when we do play, its a nice game of Uno or Candy Land. It isn't the rough house kinda play that dad does. It just isn't the same.

My point is...that I feel very blessed that God has given me this third child, this playmate for my kids, this wonderful Daddy for my children and this fabulous husband to me! God is so good.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

Playing in the Rain!

Monday was a beautiful Memorial day. It started out a little cool and cloudy, but turned warm and sunny by the afternoon. We had a great morning at a fun little farm park for our friend Dax's 3rd birthday. Here are a few pictures from that adventure.



We spent the rest of the afternoon outside, planting flowers, playing on the play set, daddy mowed the grass and just relaxing. It was so nice just having the five of us (Charlie, too) hangin' out together. We grilled out for dinner and then the clouds started to roll in. They came in pretty fast and just as we were finishing dinner it started to rain. It was the kind of rain I remember playing in as a kid. No lighting or thunder, just warm, clean rain. The kids had a blast running along the curb barefoot, riding their big wheels in the rain, and using their buckets and umbrellas. Then the sun came back out and a beautiful rainbow topped off the day. I was reminded how great God is and for all the beautiful things he creates.




God is so good!

What could be better after playing in the rain,
than a nice warm bath.


Tuesday, May 27, 2008

When Dad is Away, Max will...

Play dress-up with the girls!

Maggie had a friend over the other day while Andy went for a bike ride. When he returned, this is how he found his son!




Poor Max had to get his clothes changed and go play outside with his Dig-Dig!

I think I'll keep the first pictures for his wedding video!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Just wanted to clear things up!

If you have talked to Max lately, he will start telling you about our trip to Disney and that his favorite ride was Goofy's Barnstormer. He will then continue to tell you how Maggie is shy and that he got to meet Minnie.

Yes, he was the one who met ALL the characters, wasn't shy at all. Maggie on the other hand, didn't want anything to do with them. I knew that is how she would be, but I was sure hoping that she would come around. I even had a conversation with her about how it is a very nice person, just in a costume and that they don't talk. I tried to explain that it was just like Halloween when she puts on an outfit. She understood and I thought maybe if she saw Max visiting, hugging and kissing every single one he saw, that maybe she would come around. She NEVER did.

This is how she would wait in line. Max was up dancing around so excited.
This is Wendy from Peter Pan, she came up to talk to Maggie.
Notice how shy!


Max, not shy at all!


Max telling Chip & Dale that Maggie is shy


NOT a good idea!


I finally got her to get in the picture.
Although, she would only go if Max went with her.
Notice how Max is in the middle and the distance between them, oh and that face!

Here is what I have to clear up. Max has been telling people that the "Chip & Dales came to see Maggie." I just want to make sure everyone knows that he is talking about the chipmunks, NOT the male entertainers.

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

"4 Things"

So I got tagged again! Colored with Memories tagged me with "4 Things!" Here goes!

4 Things I was doing 10 years ago (1998):
  • Spending quality time with Andy, spending weekends together hangin' out with friends, staying up too late and probably drinking too much.
  • I was working at a credit union, living in my own apartment, and dating a great guy, who I was hoping was "the one!"
  • I was dreaming about where I am now in life; happily married, a couple of kiddos and staying at home to take care of the little people.
  • I was wearing about 2 sizes smaller than I'm wearing now - gotta blame it on the kids!

4 Things I was doing 5 years ago (2003):
  • I was enjoying a wonderful, brand new (well, week old) baby girl!
  • Who am I kidding, I was crying a lot, nursing a lot, and crying some more. Think I might have had touch of postpartum.
  • Oh yeah, had married "the one" and what an AWESOME one I got!
  • I wasn't getting much sleep!

4 Things I did yesterday! (Sunday)
  • Skipped out of Sunday School (there wasn't an adult class yesterday) to go to a big flea market that is held once a month. Nicole @ Life in Progress skipped out with me.
  • Enjoyed great conversation, lunch and cocktail and then more shopping! What could be better!
  • Went to a Tupperware party, which I haven't been to one of those since the first group of 4.
  • Went to a couples bridal shower/cookout!
Wow...it was a busy day!


4 Shows I like to watch:
  • Jon & Kate plus 8 - Kate is amazing!
  • Medium - Love that one, I think its on tonight (Monday)
  • Nip/Tuck - Yes, I know its bad; that is why I like it.
  • Divine Design with Candice Olson - Gotta love that girl!

4 Things that I love to do:
  • Label things with my label maker - need anything labeled??
  • Organize - Ever been to the Container Store? OMG!
  • Scrapbook
  • Find great bargains

Now I have to tag others! Interested?? Well, here is who I tag: Domestic Accident, I've missed you lately! Finding Joy in the Journey, and Our Little Savages. Amy I know you are just getting back so no worries if you can't get to it. Just thought it would be fun! I would love to hear from anyone willing to share "4 Things", so please link back to me so I can read about you!

Monday, May 19, 2008

Grandpa!

Today, May 19, marks one year since my Grandfather left this earthly world to enter into his Godly haven. This is both sad and happy for me. Sad because I can't enjoy being with him here anymore and sad that my children didn't get to know him better. Happy that he is no longer in pain and happy that he is finally with his Lord which is where he wanted to be. In the last few months of his life, I can remember every time I saw him, he would say, " I wish God would hurry up and take me, cause I'm ready to be with him."

My Grandfather was and still is a very important person in my life. Growing up as an only child and in a single parent family, he was the biggest male role model in my life. I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. My fondest memories are not big and fancy. They are the simple, everyday, ordinary things that are the strongest in my mind. My grandfather always had Wrigley's Doublemint gum with the green wrapper and he always carried a red leather coin purse with him. It was the kind that opened into a circle (kinda like this). I always thought it was so cool. He always smelled so good too. He wore OLD SPICE aftershave and when he would hug you, that smell would linger with you all day. I even bought some for Andy, so he would smell like Grandpa (kinda creepy, I know, I almost think it was comfort issue for me) Andy didn't care for it, so it didn't work out, probably for good reasons.

My Grandpa wasn't always a Christian. My Grandmother would take the kids to church every Sunday. Grandpa finally decided that if he wanted to be with his family(which was the most important thing in his life) he better go with them. He listened, learned and years later gave his life to Jesus. And when Grandpa did something, he did it with his whole heart. Sometimes, I feel like he was the best Christian I know. He would share his experiences with others and he was REAL. I think that is why so many people could connect with him so easily. I still miss hearing his "AMEN" after every session of the choir, special music, program or sermon.

My mom and I would go over to their house for dinner at least once or twice a week and we spent our weekends together too along with many others in the family (aunts, uncles and cousins). We all seemed to be together a lot. Things are still that way. We actually like to get together. The family has grown a lot, so it makes it a little harder to get everyone gathered up, but we do it! That would put a smile on Grandpa's face for sure! He was definitely the glue that holds us all together.

When I was pregnant with Maggie and found out we were having a girl. I knew her middle name would be Ray. After Grandpa! Most people spell it Rae, but I knew she had to be Ray. I wanted him to know how important he was to me and I want her to always remember that she was named after a wonderful man.

I miss him very much, but am so thankful that God gave him to ME for my Grandpa!

Here are a few pics!

My Wedding Day!

At a wedding, July 02!
Grandma & Grandpa were married almost 62 years!
How amazing is that!

Grandpa Ray and Maggie Ray
May 2003

Father's Day 2003

Max and Grandpa Ray
October 2004

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Maggie's version!

We all know the popular saying, and it seems we are using it a lot these days to stop sibling conflicts, remember this:

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
Catch a tiger by the toe
If he hollers let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

My mother said
To pick the very best one
And you are not it.
Here is Maggie's version:

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe
Catch a tiger by the toe
If he hollers let him go,
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe.

My mother said
To pick the very ONE BEST
And you are not it.
I don't why she says it that way, but I have tried to correct her several times and she keeps going back to her way....and now I'm doing it too.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

New Design!

I'm loving my new blog design that Jenn at Blogovers with Love has put together for me. She was awesome to work with and my donation goes to a great cause. Check it out and give your blog an update. I would love to hear what you think of it!

Thanks again Jenn!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Last Day of Preschool!

Today was the last day for Maggie at Fantasyland Preschool. She is off to the big K in the fall. Wow! Where does the time go. Here is a picture of Maggie and her teacher.

No worries Tammy, we'll be back next year with Max and let me tell you, he has an entirely
different part in this Sullivan Sitcom. It will be fun.
Have a great summer!

Monday, May 12, 2008

More of Maggie!

A girl only turns 5 once, so here are a few more pictures of my "BIG"girl.

I bought this birthday shirt at Christmas, almost forgot about it! It was perfect to wear to school today! The hat is from her 1st birthday, from our cousin, Nicole. Did you notice there are five candles? I didn't till Aunt Cindy pointed it out at dinner.


Maggie picked dinner out...gotta love the girl. Here she is with Leah and Max!


What a beautiful girl!
Happy 5th Birthday!

Maggie turns 5!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures of Maggie:










Happy Birthday Baby Girl!
We hope you know how much joy you have brought to our lives!
We love you very much!
Mommy & Daddy

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happy Mother's Day!


It was a very nice Mother's Day today! Notice my very special beaded necklace. You want one for yourself don't you?!?! My little miss made it especially for me and I LOVE it!
Max gave me a flower, but he was more excited about his paper flower he made in Sunday School, his crafty teacher put the paper flower on a craft stick and then put it in a container of pudding. He couldn't wait to get home to eat it.

I hope that everyone had a great Mother's Day too!


My baby girl turns 5 tomorrow, where has the time gone!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Happy Birthday Papa! **Updated**


We had a great time at dinner tonight with Papa & Aunt Jodi,
and we even went to have ice cream at Dairy Queen too!
Love you Papa!


Happy Birthday Papa!

Today is our PAPA's birthday!

We want him to know how much we LOVE him, so here's a little cheer!

Papa, Papa our Tic-Tac Man!
If he can't fix it, nobody can!



Happy Birthday Papa!
We hope you have a great day!


Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Baby Sloan

The kids have a new cousin and we have a new niece. Sloan Joy was born while we were on vacation, May 1st to be exact. She is a tiny little peanut and absolutely beautiful. She looks exactly like her big brother did when he was born. She is doing great and so is her mommy. Maggie is happy to have another Sullivan girl and is planning to show her all the cool things girls do.

Here she is holding her for the first time.


Introducing Sloan Joy!

We're Back!

We are home. We had a fabulous time, but as with most vacations, it's good to be home. We got back yesterday afternoon, I got started on the many loads of laundry, got a few items at the store, just to get us through till I get to do the major shopping today and tried to get everything back in it's place. Today is a cloudy, rainy day, so I'll let the kiddos watch a movie or two and hopefully get back to our normal routine. Oh how I long for routine.

Here are a few more pics of our trip:

A great day!

Really not too many of these moments, here she didn't want to leave the pool!

I LOVE this pumpkin pic....perfect for M-town!

Watching the light parade at Magic Kingdom!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Few Disney Pics


Here are a few Disney pics!
We are having an AWESOME time!





There will be MANY more pics to come!