Gus Turns 4!

 Time for another birthday celebration around here, and this time Gus turned 4!!

 My parents were able to be at our house which made the celebration even more special! Gus enjoyed his favorite for breakfast- a kolache! Maddie enjoyed one too.

Gus had been telling us for several weeks what he wanted for his birthday- a violin, a trumpet, and a microphone. He loves music, especially Riders in the Sky cowboy music. He was a happy camper when he opened his presents :) (and of course I had problems with the shipping of the microphone, but it arrived yesterday)

 Another gift was that Josh wasn't busy in the afternoon, and he was able to come home from work for a little while to celebrate with presents and cake!

  

I attempted to make a cow cake- it was a little funny looking. I haven't decorated cakes much, but I want to get better. And the only way to do that is to try! Gus told me he wanted the inside blue, so there you have it. 

We ended the day with eating Mexican food at home from our favorite place in town, and then watching a few videos in Big Daddy's lap. 

On Saturday we had a birthday party! We did a cowboy theme of course, and Gus looked so cute :) 

 

Maddie and Jack looked cute too of course. 

 

 

 

 

 I again attempted to decorate a cake for the party. I had learned a few things from making the cow cake, so this one turned out a little better. My goal was to make it look like a bandana. I was pretty happy with how it turned out, and it tasted good too.

My friend Whitney at Whitney Owen Designs made these cute invitations! They were perfect.

 Several of Gus's friends were able to come celebrate his birthday. We played pin the tail on the donkey, ate hot dogs, birthday cake, and ice cream, and had a pinata. They had fun. 

Gus, we are so proud of you! You are a sweet and kind boy and a wonderful brother. I am blessed every day having you in my life. 

~Mommy

Busy Days

I cannot believe that it has been over a month since I have blogged. Life has been so busy for us lately. Many of the days have just been spent at home, but those are still very busy ones with a 3, 2, and 1 year old. I haven't even had much time to take pictures either! So this will be just a summary of what has been happening around here.

One big highlight of our February was the anticipated visit from my sister and her family to our house! However, everyone in our house but me ended up sick and they had to cancel their visit. My mom was scheduled to come visit the next week and was still able to come. Then just two days after she arrived, Josh's dad became very ill and Josh had to make an emergency trip to Houston. Thankfully my mom was already here at our house to help me. We are blessed to work at a place that is flexible and takes good care of us, and Josh ended up being off an entire week. I drove with my mom and the kids down to my parents' house near Dallas, then I drove with Jack and spent one night picking up Josh in Houston. We spent a few days then at my parents snowed/iced in. Josh's dad has made a full recovery, and we enjoyed the unplanned time with family.

A few pics from the last month: 

A fun visit to a big grocery store with MiMi

 

Snow!! 

Maddie and My sister's little girl

MiMi, Gus, Maddie, and my sister's little boy

 

My sister and grandparents

My sister and mom

 

Jack and Big Daddy

Licking the spoon from the homemade fudge!

 

The Cooks (and that plate of fudge was completely gone within a few hours) 

Brothers

Sunny Day

 

Toothy Grin

Life with our three littles just keeps us running and tired most of the time. I am loving watching them grow and play together. Although the days seem very long sometimes, they are still filled with so many hugs and smiles that it is hard to get too frustrated. I am drinking up all these fun times with them while they are little and looking forward to all the things we will do together as they get older.

I've just started potty training Maddie, and I will let you know how that goes......

And when you wonder what I've been doing....I'm changing diapers, washing dishes, washing clothes, picking up toys, picking up toys yet again, breaking up a scuffle, getting juice, getting crackers, cooking breakfast, cooking lunch, cooking dinner, giving a bath.... you get the picture :)