A very cute pillow

So cozy!

So, after I finished my blog post for the night, Garrison woke up for just a few minutes. I think he had a dream that woke him up. Anyway, he told me he loved me, smiled at me and then scooted over and snuggled Keyton. I asked him if he loved Keyton and he said, "Yep, a big bunch!" Well, just a minute later I looked back over there and the above picture is what I saw! How adorable. I guess he needed a better pillow! I can't wait for Keyton to hear about this and see the pictures! He loves it when I show him pictures of them snuggled up together in their sleep. This one will really bring a smile to his sweet face!

3 Generations

Fun with Pa-Pa Hawk!

Pa-Pa Hawk came over this evening and hung out with the boys for a little bit. We all had fun just hanging out in the yard and watching the boys play. They were very excited to get to play outside with him. He watched them climb on his 4-wheeler, jump on their trampoline, and haul some stuff with their toys vehicles. This was some good quality guy time for 3 generations of Dowdy boys!

Rainy Day Laziness

The doctor will see you now!

Snuggle time!

After church yesterday, we were lazy! Garrison fell asleep on the way home and I took a nap with him. Dana and Keyton went in the other bedroom and Keyton played doctor to Dana. Keyton has his own official Doctor's coat with the words "Dr. Dowdy" on it. He even has his own paramedic bag full of medical supplies! Needless to say, we get doctored quite often! Dana must have fallen asleep on Keyton , because he came in there where I was at and wanted to doctor me awhile. So, I woke up and got my check-up and when Garrison woke up, he had his check-up as well! I am happy to report that the whole family is just fine....we were only suffering from Rainy Day Laziness!

What's wrong with this picture?

One good pull desreves another!

What's wrong with this picture? Well, the obvious...the big brother is usually the one that pulls the little brother in the wagon. It started out that way... This evening the boys and I went for a walk. I pushed Garrison in a stroller and let me tell you...it was a workout! I didn't think I would make it up my long hill of a driveway! He weighs 36 pounds! Anyway, when we got back, Keyton pulled him around in the yard in the wagon for awhile. Then, of course, Keyton got tired. He was joking with Garrison and asked him if he could pull him awhile. Garrison thought that sounded like a fair trade. Keyton winked at me when he got in the wagon. He was going to play along and push himself with his hands so Garrison could feel "big!" But...surprise! Garrison didn't need any help! You should have seen Keyton's eyes! He just kept yelling at me and asking me if I could believe my eyes. I was laughing and Keyton screamed, "Are you going to go get your camera for this or what?" So, I did. Keyton said Garrison was the strongest baby ever! Garrison's head was swollen for quite awhile from all the bragging from his big brother! If we are already having this much fun on these warm spring days, can you imagine what excitement we will have this summer when we are out playing EVERYDAY? I cannot wait!

Sweet Brotherly Love

I adore these handsome little guys!

This morning for some reason Garrison was wanting to go to school with us really bad. He often asks if he can go with me and "Bubba" to our school, but he seemed to be wanting to be with Keyton really bad today. Then, as I was dropping him off at my moms house, he said to Keyton, "Bye. My uv you Bubba." Keyton said, "Bye, I love you too, but I sure wish I could stay here at Aggie's house with you today!" Then, when I got back in the car, Keyton said his stomach was hurting a little bit and he thought he might need to stay there. He never wants to miss school!After talking to him about it, I discovered his stomach was indeed hurting a little but he was also just really wanting to be with Garrison today. I thought this was so sweet and a little neat that for some reason they were both wishing to be with each other today. Then, Keyton asked me what I think is one of the sweetest things I have ever heard. He said, "When baby brothers get old enough to start to school, are you allowed to give them a kiss if you see them in the hall?" My heart just melted. He is so excited to show Garrison around the school and he is only 2! It will still be a few years before he gets to give him that kiss in the hall! How sweet the love is that these two share! I was worried that with the age difference being 4 years and 4 months between them a that they wouldn't be close. Boy, was I wrong! They adore each other and I am certain that they will be best friends forever!

Super Saturday

Well, we went out today and bought a few groceries and necessities for the house. My mom went along for the trip. Poor thing, it is always an adventure shopping with two boys! We visited both Wal-Mart and Sams. The boys are all about the free samples at Sams! They get so excited when they see the sample carts out. Funny! Tonight, as we were getting ready for bed, Garrison said he wanted me to take a picture of them again. Keyton said he wanted me in the picture because I was so cute. ( I think I will make him an eye appointment first thing Monday morning!) Anyway, I decided that this picture was a accurate description of my SUPER life...two precious boys glued to my sides! I wouldn't have it any other way and I know one day I will be wishing for these days back so I am loving every single moment of it!

P.S. I just finished an entire week of daily blog posts. This is proof that there are many blessings that surround us each day if only we take the time to notice them!

Fantastic Friday

I was egged!

This day was fantastic because it was the last day of achievement week and we have had such a good time at school this week with all of the activities! Today was the event we had all been waiting for...EGG TOSS! Keyton and his partner got out the first round! It is so much fun to watch them. They had a teacher category at the end and of course I was in it! I always do things like that because my students love it and it is fun! They cheered us on and I am happy to say we came in 2nd! However, I am not as happy to say that the egg broke all over me! Oh well, the kids really got a kick out of that! I told them that there had been much worse things on me than raw egg! Some of them said I was awesome for being so cool about the whole thing! Being AWESOME...what a great compliment for a teacher to get! I love my job and I love my life...it is indeed FANTASTIC!

Thankful Thursday

My greatest blessings!

I am always thankful for everything I have in my life. I have been blessed with an extraordinary family! I grew up with amazing parents and a great big brother. Then, I was lucky enough to marry a man and create an incredible family with him. Today has been a very hectic day, but I had time to snap few photos tonight as Keyton was having Garrison help him practice for the 6-person relay he is going to be in tomorrow. It was so funny to watch them run back and forth passing a snack bar to each other! As I was laughing at them, it made me realize that no matter how mean and hateful people in this world may be, I can do anything as long I as I know I am part of such a wonderful family. I am thankful to God everyday for blessing me so greatly!

Wonderful Wednesday

Splish Splash...Mommy's camera will flash!

What is so wonderful about a Wednesday? These two boys make anything wonderful! Today, when we were having outdoor achievement day events at shcool, I looked across the road and happened to see my mom and Garrison parked. They were watching and trying to get a glimpse of Keyton in some activities. I walked over and got Garrison and let him come over and see his big brother for just a few minutes. He got to buy a Tootsie Roll Pop at the concessions stand. It was a very hard task getting him back to the truck! He would have stayed the rest of the day right by Keyton's side. He thought he was "big stuff" being at school with Keyton like that and Keyton had a great time "showing him off" to his friends. They even posed for a picture for Keyton's teacher! They had such a great time playing together in the tub tonight. I think they could have stayed in there for hours if I had let them. I just had to get a quick shot of them in there! I love my 'wonderful' little guys! :-)

Terrific Tuesday

Look at those muscles!

Well, Keyton was in the free throw shooting contest today. He got one in! Yay! I was so proud. He was in the running for 3rd place but didn't get it. It didn't matter to me. I was just so proud of him for being in it and for actually making one! This evening, after Dana went to work and I got the kitchen cleaned up, we went down in the playroom to play. The boys had a great time. Before we came up, we decided to chunk up the fire. The boys wanted to help me carry wood. Keyton and I were both amazed at Garrison carrying big pieces of wood. Keyton said he was probably the strongest two year old ever! Garrison didn't want to stop. I think he would have tried to carry wood all night. Boy, do I have two terrific little guys or what?

Marvelous Monday

This is their idea of another goofy picture...all covered up together! Silly boys! :-)

Four things to talk about today: 1.) This morning when I was getting Keyton's lunch ready for school, (he insists upon lunchables...YUCK!) Garrison said to Keyton, "Bubba, can my have one of your lunchables?" Keyton picked him one out! Garrison thought that was a real treasure and was so proud carrying it to the car. He was so excited when he got to my mom's that he wanted to eat it for breakfast instead of the wonderful sausage, eggs, biscuits, and gravy she has for him EVERY morning. I found out later he ate some of it as well! :-) 2.) Keyton participated in his first ever achievement day activities at school. Today he was in tug-of-war. His team got 3rd place. They tried really hard though. I forgot my camera but I did get to borrow one from another teacher. Tomorrow he is in the free throw shooting. I will definitely have pictures of that! He told me he practiced during early morning recess. I asked him how many he got in and he looked me straight in the eye and said, "Not a single one!" I can't wait to see him in action! 3.) My boys must have really missed each other today because once we arrived home, they were not apart for even one second! It was like a zoo! I have never heard so much noise in all of my life. I tried to hear something on the news and I had to turn the TV up to a deafening level ans then I could barely hear it! But, their laughter is such a sweet sound. Last but not least... 4.) When we finally got in the bed and I was trying to get them to go to sleep. I told them I loved them both, and they both responded with the same phrase. Keyton's sounded like, "I love you more than you love me." Garrison's sounded like, "My uv you mo than you uv me." My heart melted, but boy are they wrong about the love, for I know they could not possibly hold as much love for me as I do them. Mine is overflowing. These four things definitely add up to MARVELOUS in my book!

Special Sunday

Ready to go to church!

A special hug for Daddy! Dana was loving this!

Exhaustion!

A chocolate treat! Yummy!

This Sunday was special because...we didn't do anything special at all! We got up a little early this morning so the boys had extra time to play and watch cartoons. They played especially sweet together this morning. Then, we got ready and went to church. Children's church was really good. (I should know because since my boys are so attached to me, I must stay with them!) They talked about Jonah and the whale and made some really cute things. After we came home, we all changed in to our pajamas to relax. Keyton said we need to start doing this every Sunday! I cooked lunch and then while Dana took a nap, the boys and I headed to the basement playroom for some Wii action! I beat Keyton pretty bad today. He didn't like it much. Garrison had took all he could take and he just went to sleep sitting on the couch. While he was asleep, Keyton got a treat of a Skinny Cow ice cream sandwich. Later in the night, Dana and Keyton went back to the basement for a Wii showdown. Garrison kept sleeping! It sounds like a pretty dull and uneventful day, but sometimes those are the best kind especially when you have such a wonderful family to share them with. I love these cozy days with my 3 guys!

Farm Life...

"Aww! Look how cute they are!"

"Look! We are holding chicks!"

The Baby Chicks

The Goats

I grew up on a farm and always loved it. I may not have liked to do all the chores, but I still loved the peaceful feeling of living there. I was lucky enough to marry a man who loves farming just as much as my daddy did. Now, we have our own farm. We only had cows until recently when Dana brought home 2 goats. Yesterday, he got a bunch of baby chickens. We have had them before but not in quite some time. The boys didn't get to go look at them yesterday, so we all went down to the chicken house to see them this evening. They were so excited!!! They just kept saying, "Aww!" It was so cute. Dana let them each hold one for a little bit. They they got to help feed them. They are excited to watch them grow up. I will be glad when we can start getting eggs. They are so costly right now at the grocery stores! We had a good time with the new baby chicks! We love our farm life!

Bedtime Bloopers

Funny face, funny face...say cheese!

They each think the other is the funniest!

Starting to get tired...FINALLY!

Tonight after I gave the boys their baths and got them all ready for bed, they got themselves up in the bed side by side and told me they wanted me to take some "funny pictures" of them. Of course, my camera is always ready! They are so funny together! Can you tell that I am head over heels in love with them? I can honestly say that I cannot remember what I ever did before I was a mommy! I must have been so bored! They complete me!

Laughter & Tears

A lesson in patience
Our sidewalk art

Watching over us

Flowers for my daddy

Today was a day full of mixed emotions for me. We went to church which uplifted me, and the boys made me laugh all day long with their funny ways and clever words. They were excited to have beautiful sunshine to allow them to play outside. Dana stayed outside with them while I went for a jog. When I got back, Keyton tried to teach Garrison how to ride a tricycle. It was so funny watching him try and be patient with him. He did a pretty good job. When he would start to get mad at Garrison, he would end up laughing instead. It was such a sweet moment. After that, they asked to draw on the sidewalk, which I of course let them do! Garrison wanted me to write all of our names. Keyton wanted me to write my daddy's name like he was watching over us. That really touched me because I have been having an especially emotional week of missing my daddy. As Dana left for work, I had him follow us to the cemetery to put some flowers out that I didn't get to earlier in the week because of the rain. I had such a hard time down there. I just completely had a breakdown. My boys held me and "made me better." I think I needed to get all those tears out. Even with all the tears shed today, it was still a beautiful Sunday full of blessings and I just have to remember that I am very blessed to have had all of the happy times that I did with my sweet daddy.

Happy 33 to ME!

These two are a new "present to open" every day!

I am so thankful I am their Mommy!

The beautiful flowers from my sweet friend, Lindy! :-)

Oh my! I am 33 today. I feel like my friend Heather...I still feel like I am 18. Honestly, sometimes I think I have only been out of high school a little while. Then, I sit down and think of everything that has changed in my life since I was 18. Some people would love to relive their youth....not me. If I were 18 again, I would not be in the wonderful marriage that I am in nor would I know the joy of being a mommy to such precious and beautiful boys. I always knew I wanted to be a mother, but I really didn't understand how much love your heart could hold when that moment becomes a reality. It truly amazes me...

Today was just an ordinary Saturday around my house, except for the fact that when we woke up, the boys started singing "Happy Birthday" to me. It was so cute. We just played and talked and had breakfast and lunch together. We went downstairs and played our new "Wii." We got it last week. I love it as much as they do. It is really good exercise. I got lots of calls, emails, and txts throughout the day with birthday wishes. This evening, my mom baked me a cake and took my family out to eat supper at the Farmhouse. As I finished eating, every employee there, came out to sing to me and give me a piece of cake. I was so surprised...

Also, yesterday at school, I got a wonderful surprise from my friend, Lindy. She had her mom deliver me a fresh cut bouquet of beautiful flowers. She is such a dear. I love her like she is my family. And, the last thing I want to mention is that I was so happy to turn on the computer this morning and find that Heather had sent me a sweet award saying that reading my blog "Makes her day." How great is that! I may be getting older, but the blessings keep multiplying! Happy Birthday To Me!

Spring Fun

We have been enjoying the little bit of warm weather and sunshine we have been blessed with lately. When I went for a jog, Dana and the boys went for a short walk together. Then to keep them occupied until I returned, he gave in to their requests to ride on the trailer that he had hooked to the lawn mower. He only rode them around the front yard a few times very slowly, but they LOVED it! He is such a sweet daddy! As I was coming up the driveway, they were waving and grinning ear to ear! Keyton was holding on to Garrison like a good big brother and Garrison looked like he was proud to let Keyton hold him. Even though it was a very short ride, it was not short on fun for them. We cannot wait for more warm weather and we are especially excited for summer vacation! Oh, what fun we will have playing outside together!