Just A Swangin'

(For any fellow country music fans out there, my title is a reference to the old John Anderson song. Translation for non-twang speakers: swangin' = swinging.)

Daddy & Pops were kind enough to take on lots of projects when Mimi & Pops came to visit a couple of weeks ago. Here are Jake & Mal enjoying the results of one project - swings!

Jake wasn't sure about it at first, but we soon discovered it was more due to his dirty diaper than his dislike for the swing.

Mallory LOVED the swing!


Enjoy the squeals & shrieks!

I scream, you scream...

Okay, let the catch-up blogging begin! The kids & I are at my parents' house for the week, so I don't have any pesky tasks like laundry & housework to fill up their nap time!

A few weeks ago, we hosted our bible class' 4th annual ice cream social. We always have lots of yummy homemade ice cream & lots of fun. This year, we had vanilla, butterfinger, pineapple-orange & strawberry, in addition to other goodies.

Kimberlee, Vicki, Traci & Jenn
Haylee, Cari, Chris, Brian & Logan
The men have the right idea - hang out by the food!
Jordan, Jonathan, Kerry & Shane
James, Shannon, Mark & Mark (two Marks, not a typo)
The kids enjoyed playing outside while they ate their ice cream, so several of us sweated (hmm, is that a word?) it out with them. That weekend actually wasn't too bad to be outside. The temperatures hadn't yet reached the ridiculous numbers of recent days.

Andrea, Abbie, Mica, Ava & Macie
Hattie is always a favorite with my kids.
Me, Mal, Hattie & Jake
Thanks for coming, everyone!

Where's that bag to put over your head when you need it?

Today I enjoyed a luxurious afternoon at the spa with my wonderful friend, Hattie, compliments of our awesome husbands. I've had my gift certificate since Valentine's Day but just hadn't gotten the chance to use it. Mark gave Hattie the same spa package for her birthday, so we got to go together. We enjoyed being pampered with massages, pedicures & manicures.

My title relates to the very end of my spa experience. Hattie & I were not smart enough to figure out that we should have gotten dressed before our manicures so we wouldn't have to try to dress without messing up our pretty nails. Silly girls! I was trying to rush since we were running a little later than I'd planned & completely demolished the paint job on several of my nails. I was too mortified to go back in there & ask the technician to redo them, but Hattie urged me to do so. I really wanted a bag to put over my head as the technician examined my nails & marveled over how badly I'd messed them up. She was kind & fixed them, & I'm glad I went back, but I just don't handle those kinds of confrontation well. Thank you, Hattie, for helping me along!

I like this picture because the way my robe is folded against my arm sort of makes it look like I have spectacular biceps, which isn't true, but I can use this pic to pretend.
I also had some interesting conversations with the massage therapist & nail technician about my body's apparent state of disrepair. The massage therapist was kind enough to point out to me that I had cracked skin on my knees & elbows & suggested that I use a moisturizer. I'm still not sure if I believe her that my knees were actually cracked, but I have no hard evidence against the statement either. The nail tech actually asked, "Do you have lotion at home?" in reference to my severely neglected heels. Hmm, maybe Mommy needs to focus on general upkeep a bit more. I'll do that in my spare time.

Justin, thank you so much for my spa day! I loved it! I also owe a HUGE thank you to Haylee, along with Eleanor & Rachel, who watched my kids for the afternoon. They were brave enough to take them swimming, & the kids had a great time. I'm not sure what kind of magic happy pills you gave them, but they were perfect for me this evening, despite not getting an afternoon nap. A great day all around!

Welcome to the "Cool Blog Club"

I know I'm way behind, but I now finally know how to make cool headers & such for my blog! Sweet Hattie gets a big Chamblee Life shout out for showing me how to do it. Thanks Hattie!

Rub a Dub Dub

I have lots of blogging to catch up on, but for now, I'll just share some cute bath pics from a couple of weeks ago. I just can't resist them with their hair all slicked back when they're in the tub!

Jake frequently tries to escape from the tub, not because he doesn't like it, but just to remind you that he could get away if he wanted to.

Mal was being particularly funny that evening & made some sweet faces for the camera.


I am also happy to report that Mal pulled up all the way to her feet for the first time today. She did it several times & is so proud of her new trick. Now she can really keep up with her big brother!

More to come soon!