Kids say the best things ...

Whenever we need to pass time while waiting we often play a game where one person thinks of a place and the rest of us have to name things that we would find in that place. So yesterday Reagan started the game with things you'd find in a store. Everyone is guessing and John started throwing out ridiculous answers such as mountains, oceans, etc., all to which Reagan said 'okay' without even questioning it. Then Bailey shouts out 'frenchfries' and Reagan stops, looks at her like she's crazy and says, "Frenchfries?? in a store?" I guess you had to be there, but it was great!!

A quick update...

All is well with the Cullen Family. I hope to have the Halloween photos up soon, but I can't promise. We enjoyed a good fun Halloween week, have been eating way too much candy and yet I can't tell that we've made a dent in the candy basket. I'll give it one more week and then it is going in the trash. Too much temptation for me. Bailey dressed up as a pirate, Peyton was a Diva Soldier (it was a camoflauge outfit with sparkles all over it??) and Reagan, being the drama queen that she is, had three different costumes on Halloween. For school she dressed up as a cowgirl, later in the afternoon she dressed as Snow White and later that evening she was Ariel, The Little Mermaid. I am no good at making my own costumes and too much of a procrastinator to put something creative together so I had to pay WAAAAY too much money for these outfits that will now be a part of our ever growing dress up collection. Ridiculous.

This past weekend, we had our Saturday Soccer game and then, a treat, Dad was home for the afternoon, so we went to see the Bee Movie. And believe it or not, afterwards we came back home and I cooked dinner. We are big on going out for dinner, but we are trying to stop eating out so much, so I actually cooked a nice dinner and ... surprise surprise ... everyone ate it, without complaining. Miracles never cease.

Yesterday, John's team were in the finals of their Conference Tournament so the girls and I decided to go and support the team. They were playing a team that they had lost to 6-2 earlier in the season. It was a fantastic game between the two teams. Neither team scored after two overtime periods and it came down to penalties. Unfortunately our girls lost, by missing two PK's. But what a game they played. They played with such heart, it was very exciting to watch, even my three, who usually are not that into the game, were yelling and cheering for the girls. Today John will find out if the team will get a bid into the NCAA Tournament. A little side note ... John was selected as the Coach of Year for his conference. Yeah Baby!!!

Happy Birthday Dad

Today, October 19th, would have been my Dad's 60th birthday. He died yesterday, the day before his birthday, four years ago. I can not believe he has been away from us for four years. There are times when I still forget he is dead. I have something exciting to share or a question to ask and just for a split second I think about calling him. Those moments don't happen quite as much as they used to and I feel bad, because I feel like I have forgotten him. And to be perfectly honest, I don't think of him as often as I used to. Am I a bad person for that? Or am I going on with this crazy thing we call life? But then there are those times when the hurt and pain of losing him is so raw that if feels like it just happened. I can't watch a movie with death or suffering without totally losing myself in the pain of Dad's death.

As of late, Mom has told me more and more that I remind her of Dad in my ways, personality and actions. I don't know if she means it as a compliment, but I like knowing that. I like knowing that in some weird way, my children will experience a little bit of my Dad through me. I like knowing that I will always have a piece of my Dad with me, that is part of me, what I am because of him. Stupid? Yeah, I guess, especially if you've never experienced loss. Poor John, he doesn't know what to do when I just start crying, out the blue, because some tiny little thing, that only I see or know, made me miss my Dad. He's learning though; all I need is a great big hug and a few minutes to collect myself.

So a big Happy Birthday to my Dad!!!! I love you and miss you more than ever.

Can I take A Moment

to brag on my hubby? He is a soccer coach (football if your from Europe). A damn good one. I don't think I have ever seen anyone so in love with a sport as this man is. We all eat, sleep, dream, and live by football (literally), whether we like it or not. But because of his passion, he gives of himself 100% when he is coaching, and it shines through in his teams.

Before I met John, I didn't know much about soccer, but I sure have learned a lot in the past 18 years of knowing him. I was there to watch him as he played for UNCC. I was there to watch him coach his first club team and move through the ranks of Director of Coaching of Club team and finally as Head Coach of Catawba College.

I have grown to hate the game at times. The game takes him away from his family a lot. And there have been a few rough patches. It has taken a lot of adjusting, but I think we (girls included) understand now, that this crazy game is a vital part of John's life. I don't understand it, but I know that he would not be the same person if I were to ever ask him to leave this game. And believe me, there have been many times I would have loved to ask that very question.

John is having a great season. He wasn't sure how it would turn out, his team is very young, but I didn't worry much. He just has an uncanny way of pulling out the best in his players. Maybe they see his passion and love for what he does and makes them want to be better, I don't know, but it is really fun to watch. I admire him, because it must be so much fun to do what you love and be really good at it.

So Hon, if you read this, please know, that even though I may complain and grump a lot about your job, I still am so proud of you and will always be your #1 supporter and fan. Go Indians!!

Gabbi

We had a short visit with Latisha and her little munchkins this past Saturday. She stopped by while down here on a camping trip. They have both grown so much since Easter. My girls had a great time catching up with their cousins. Unfortunately I only have a picture of the little one. Sharing a couple of Gabbi.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Yesterday I met with Bailey and Peyton's teacher for their Parent/Teacher Conferences. And I was relieved to find that both are doing well thus far. I felt that things were going okay, no notes from the teacher and they have been doing their homework without struggle. But I was concerned with their reading. As you well know, I have worried about their reading abilities since Kindergarten. That is why we kept them back last year. But I am pleased to report that they are both above the average on their reading levels, which is a great relief to me. Their teachers said that both were good students. Yea!

The One and Only...

My Reagan Girl. She has many nicknames for herself, Penny (because she always finds pennies on the ground), the Talker (because she talks nonstop!), just a couple for ya. But to me she is Squirt. I tell her daily she is my favorite Reagan and she kindly replies "And you are my favorite Mommy." She is growing up daily, not my little baby anymore. Her personality is really beginning to shine through. I think she is going to be my most outgoing of the three. She is very confident in herself and has a style all her own. She loves singing and dancing and is very good at it, she has stage presence. I watch her in her room imitating Hannah Montana and I laugh until I cry. She loves clothes and changes her outfits at least three times a day. The girl is only four (well almost five), what am I going to do when she is 14?? Here are some photos I took of her today before pre-school. It is finally cooling off down here and I am able to pull out some fall clothes. She looked so cute I just had to snap a few. The other is a Reagan outfit, the hat is her signature. Even as crazy as she looks, she could pull it off. Gotta love it.

Triple Coupons!!!

Yes, I admit it. I have gotten into couponing and have become a bit obsessive about it. But it has made my used to be dreaded grocery shopping trips much more fun.

It all started this past summer when my neighbor invited me to go to a couponing class with her. I thought it a bit funny, but went out of curiosity. I was so overwhelmed by the class, but excited to give it a try. I came home, bought a notebook binder, some baseball card holders, and come Sunday, I bought four papers, cut and sorted my coupons. My husband laughed at me and didn't believe that 1) I'd ever really save as much as the Coupon Lady claimed (she said we should cut our groceries at least in half) and 2) I would ever commit to doing this.

The next week it happen to be triple coupon week at Lowes Foods, so my neighbor and the Coupon Lady (the lady who taught the class) went shopping with our coupons in tow. That night I bought almost $80.00 worth of groceries and paid a whopping $20.00! I was hooked.

I have been doing this now since the end of July and have most definitely cut my grocery shopping bills in half, if not more. Today was triple coupons again at Lowes and I did my best yet at saving. I bought $178.00 worth of groceries and paid a whopping $26.00! I bought only what was on sale and used coupons for everything. Needless to say I am pretty damn proud of myself.

I had to laugh at a recent post that my cousin-in-law (???) made on her blog about a woman who complained about a $.20 discrepency on her receipt. I am that woman. No, I don't think I would complain about $.20, but I have over $2.00. Hey, it all adds up. The more money I can save from my grocery shopping, the more money I can spend on my clothes shopping! :)

Happy Savings.

Coupon Update: I heard through the grapevine that some of the other shoppers were upset that we took a lot of the store items and that Lowes Food wanted to kick us out of the store yesterday because we were buying everything. For the record, we didn't buy everything. There was plenty of items left, but we got our behinds out of bed at 5am so that we could be at the store when it opened at 6am. So could have the others. Although there were a few other people shopping, the store was basically empty even when we left at 9am. Just like any other sale, if you want the good stuff you have to get there early. And as far as Lowe's is concerned why have triple coupon sales if you don't want people to use their coupons? Me just venting.

Just for you Shannon....

Ah, finally, I am posting the pics of my little cousin. Sorry it took so long, Shannon. Now to just burn them onto a cd and mail it to you.....

Just a Check-up

This past Monday, I had to take Reagan to the doctor for her Pre-School checkup. Before going I tried and relieved any fears that she had, by telling her they were only going to check her weight, height, hearing and vision. I assured her she wasn't going to get any shots. BIG MISTAKE!
The visit starts traumatically when we discover that Reagan needs to pee in a cup. She is totally freaked by this and to top it off, she is so tiny that the automatic toilet keeps flushing, which sounds as if it might suck her down the bowl. She absolutely refuses to cooperate. Next as enter the examining room, we are told that she needs to strip down to her undies and put on the paper gown. At first, she is on the verge of tears, but Daddy and I make a big joke about it being her beautiful dress up gown that she starts laughing and puts it on.
Finally the Doc shows up and announces that she is going to go ahead and do a Kindergarten physical and that meant that Reagan would be getting shots. SHOTS, not A SHOT. Reagan looked at me immediately and I thought I would cry for her. All went well with the check-up and the doctor said she would send in the nurse for her hearing and vision exam. I calmly explained to Reagan that she would have to get a couple of shots, but that it would be okay.

After, completing the vision test the nurse nonchalantly said "It will be four in the arm." Reagan, knowing exactly what she is talking about, looked at me and said "Four shots??!!" Oh geez, this tiny little child is going to get four shots in her arms?? So again, I calmly tell her that yes, she is getting four shots, and yes, they will hurt a little, but it will go so fast and she will probably get to go to the treasure box. That brought a brief smile.

In comes the nurse, asks me to hold Reagan in my lap, wrap my legs around her waist, hold her arms down, pinning them in place. Talk about freaking a child out. But I stayed calm, telling her I would cover her eyes and she would not have to see. The nurse, on the other hand, was loudly pronouncing that it was going to hurt and she could cry as loud as she wanted, and that Mommy would buy her a treat when we were done. What??? Oh well, there goes the little treasure box trinket.
In goes the first needle, Reagan laughs. Second, third, and fourth...."That one hurt Mommy." That was it. No tears, not even welled up. Wow!! Poor John, was in the corner, not able to even watch. Reagan looks at me, "Can I get a Barbie?" Yes, baby, you certainly can. What a brave little girl.

Oh and by the way, she is now 41~1/2 inches and 33~3/4 lbs. Doctor said she is always going to be petite. There goes my super model....

Hero in Training of The Year Winner

You may remember from a previous post that earlier in the year Peyton was nominated as a Hero in Training for starting her Little Hands, Big Heart Fundraising Project. Well, last Saturday she was invited to attend a Luncheon at Concord Mills in honor of all the Heroes for the past school year, where she won the huge title of "Hero of the Year"!! What a great surprise! She received a certificate, a plaque with her name as well as a $250 gift card to Concord Mills. She said later that when the speaker was describing what the winner would receive, she thought to herself 'Wow, I wonder who will win that money.' So needless to say, we are so very proud of our littl PeyPey.
And call me a bad parent, but I let her spend her money. She was very thoughtful in her purchases. She bought some too cute outfits and shoes. She even bought Reagan an outfit (with Peyton's help in choosing the perfect one) and Bailey a pair of earrings she had been wanting. The photo is of Peyton with her teacher, Ms. Smith, who nominated Peyton as a Hero. Thanks Ms. Smith.!!

Back To School

This past Monday, Bailey and Peyton started back to school. I can't believe the summer is over already. I am torn between being glad to have some peace and quiet and missing the constant chatter of little girls in the house. It has been a great summer. Although we didn't get to go away very much, we truly enjoyed our neighborhood pool. And with all the new friends we met, we had plenty to do.

This year we made the decision to put the girls in our neighborhood school instead of CIS. It was a tough decision, the girls loved their old school and I felt we were so lucky to get into the school when it first opened. However, after much discussion we decided to make the switch. So now instead of driving nearly 2 hours everyday to drop off and pick up the girls, we are now walking 10 minutes to school!!! And instead of getting home at 4:30, we now are home by 2:15.
At first the girls were none to pleased to be leaving their friends behind, but after the first couple of days of seeing the same friends that they saw at the pool in their classrooms, they think its pretty cool! Already, Peyton has a playdate with one of her new friends who lives just down the road. In their words "It's sweet!" Another bonus, no more uniforms! I will probably be missing those uniforms shortly, but I love shopping and I have to admit it was fun shopping for cool school clothes instead of boring navy blue and white.

So now the home is quiet, well not completely, I still have Reagan for one more week and then she will be off to pre-school. And then, an empty home (for the morning hours anyway). I've forgotten what that sounds like.

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Photos from the Lake House

Last weekend we visited our Aunt and Uncle's lake house. My cousin and his family came down from Virginia. We had a lot of fun. It is amazing how quickly children become friends. My girls hadn't seen their children since Easter, but within five minutes of us being there they were fast friends, ready to play. As always, it was great fun. Relaxing on the boat, or at the pool, or just sitting at the house playing cards. It was the perfect little getaway before the girls go back to school. Sharing the photos....

Happy Birthday To You...

Today is Peyton's birthday. She is turning 7. How can this be? Where does the time go? I can remember getting everything ready for her arrival. She was scheduled c-section, so we knew exactly when she was coming. It was kind of strange, because there was no labor at all. But what a cutie. Before having Peyton, I couldn't imagine loving another child as much as I did Bailey. But as soon as I saw her, my heart grew with a love I never knew was there. Peyton Michelle Cullen. The child her Nana called an angel. At times she is the most difficult of my three, but this child has a heart of gold. She takes everyone into her heart. She has the uncanny ability to know when you are hurting and need one of her special hugs or kisses. When I look at her, my heart swells so much it hurts. As we all do, I often get caught up in the days and forget how lucky I am to have her in my life. Thank you God, for bringing this special child into my life. She brightens my day just seeing her sweet angel face. Happy birthday sweet Peyton Girl. I love you so very much.

Butterfly

Walked outside yesterday morning and found this beauty feasting on my flowers.

My beauties...

Aly & AJ Concert

Photos from our beach trip

Every summer we go to the beach. Just Cherry Grove (North Myrtle Beach), but we always have fun and as the girls get older we get to enjoy more and more things together. Mostly we hang out at the beach or the pool, but in the evening we usually try to enjoy some of the activities. We play putt-putt, ride the rides, go shopping, see a show, ride bikes. Its just great being together without the daily distractions.