Sick Day

I was sick all last week, although it felt like a year-John began to come down with it and in an attempt to prevent the spreading of germs and him getting it any worse his Mom talked him into staying home and sleeping today, Friday.

It actually ended up being a really nice day-I'm sure he'll get a little slack at work.

It was nice enough to have a picnic outside.

While we listened to the Oldies Tyler busted a move and broke out into dance.

She's the dancing queen for sure!

Shortly after these pictures were taken the rain actually began to fall...again.

Happy Spring!

36 Years and Counting

This year my birthday kind of snuck up on me with everything going on. I didn't even know what how to celebrate which meant low key was just fine with me...

Saturday morning I woke to meet Jorelle & Jenny for a run. It was a little cool, but the sun was out and it was beautiful and peaceful along the river. Then they surprised me with breakfast at Dixie's with Leslie & TD. It was fantastic! Giant Hot Chocolate's, Huge Breakfast, a Cinnamon roll with a candle and the whole restaurant singing Happy Birthday...Ok I was a lil embarrassed at that point, but I was very happily surprised by the whole morning.

On the drive home I called to tell the kids I was stopping at the store and they enthusiastically all 3 jumped on the phone to wish me Happy Birthday. It was soooo endearing and cute!

John did have to work in the morning but that gave me time to get myself waist deep in another disasterous birthday cake delima. As soon as he got home we jumped in the car and went and picked up the newest members of our family: Rainbow, Lollipop, Flower and Shiver. Our chicks.

The cake....well John tagged it as Typical Melanie...and sadly he's right. But I promised my girls a cake and although I was going to bag it at the last minute I just couldn't pass up Martha Stewart's Sweet and Salty Cake-Chocolate, caramel and Salt? It didn't look like much and it didn't taste that great until a day later so I guess all's well that ends well.

Luckily Leslie had my back with the YUMMIEST Trifle I've ever eaten-blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cream. What's not to like? Did I mention Y-U-M-M-Y!

That was another highlight of the day-that and the pizza John's Mom treated us to so I wouldn't have to cook on my birthday. It was a perfect Day!!!

Thanks to all the birthday flowers, gifts, calls, texts, and wishes from family and friends! The highlight of my life are those I surround myself with, you make me a better me!

Pickin up Chicks

Saturday afternoon we headed out to Reber Ranch in Kent and picked up the newest members of our family. 4 of the cutest lil Chicks you ever did see.

Hard to believe that Tate's favorite was not the popcorn, although he did love that! He found a display of toy horses that he went gaga over! Can't believe we made it out without one in hand.

The chicks we bought were named: Lollipop, Rainbow, Flower & Spec aka Shiver

Guess who named them?

The Man Cave Reformed-Barn Room

Wish I'd taken real Before pictures with all the junk, the exposed wood and that made up this little room.

As you can see not much room for much else besides John and his saw.

We then brought in the Big Dog to do the Decorating. We always put our guests to work and this time Grandpa had his work cut out for him.

The finished product:

The Artist: J. Don Payne aka Grandpa Payne

The Signing

Thanks Grandpa-it's better than anything we had ever imagined and the kids LOVE it!

While our cousins slept in their room the girls were able to break-in and enjoy the barn room as their sleeping quarters creating the perfect sleepover environment. They were soo excited!

After taking out the sleeping stuff and putting in Tate's Toys-he hasn't left the room and called his Dad up to show him his new play room and to have him play with him.

Like I said-the room is a HUGE hit and we Love it!