St. Patrick's Day Before

We had a wonderful St. Patrick's Day party on the vigil of St. Patrick's Day.  That's Monday for those who don't know what a vigil is.  ;-) 

 Gianna was in heaven with her pretty braid that Sarabeana (Sara Ray) did for her.

 Vodka jello shots....YUMMY!

 The booze corner.

 Kiara took a shine to Nate (Sara's husband).

 There was a moment or two of bonding and then Daddy came back into the room.

 The meal - thanks to Darren for the homemade artisan bread and Nate for bringing the smoked pork.  I made the rest.  I have to say that the cabbage was especially good this year and the corned beef was just the right tenderness.  We all done good!  ;-)

 The traditional (non-alcohol) rainbow for the kids, both big and little.

 Just. can't. stay....awake.  She was going....

 this one was gone!

 The lovely Miss Mary and Nate.  I really wish I had been thinking and took pictures of all our guests.  There was Miss Jenna, Miss Lindsey and Rowe, Miss Anna, Miss Hannah, Nate and Sara Ray, and all of us of course.

 Nate doin' his wife's nail art.

 Love that expression, Sara!

`Gianna's pretty nails that Sara painted for her.

Baby School in Session

Brigid - "Whad is dist?" 

Rex - "Gulf of Mexico."

 I saw a flash.  Mom, stop taking pictures of me.

Brigid - "Whad is dist?" 
Rex - "Texas."
Brigid - "Tekas?"
Rex - "Yup."

Knock on Wood, Please

Knocking on wood...

 It is after 8 AM.

(Kiara in the white crib, Brigid in the brown one.)

The twins are still asleep.

Wait...it gets better.

They have been sleeping all night long.

Wait...it gets even better.

This is the 6th night in a row!

YAH!!  I know...I never thought this day would come.  It is amazing what 6 full nights of sleep can do for an overworked, paid-with-hugs-and-kisses mommy.  I finally have the energy and patience to deal with big kid problems.

A wise woman once warned me, "Little kids, little problems.  Big kids, big problems."  I have a halfway big kid that causes halfway big problems.  This whole toddler twins with no sleep was really starting to wear me out.  There was no more "me" left for the somewhat big kid problems.  I am glad for a rest, recovery, and regroup blessing of sleep.  I feel normal? happy? like I could smile - all day!

The Lord does love me.  I feel it in all the little things that surround me 24 13 hours a day. ha ha ha

Just a Little Morning Reading

The twinnies wanted to put on their coats this morning. They wore them all morning.  Silly girls.

The Smoothie Joker

She's a bit scary with her smoothie Joker face.

OH, wait - there she is...my sweet Gianna.

Introducing...

Ham, formerly known as Kiara!

Both Kiara and Brigid walked around for a good 10 minutes saying, "Cheeze!" after that.

Sleepy Heads

 When you keep your parents up part of the night, you need to sleep in.

 Even if it is 8:52 AM.

Dreaming and snoring.

They are so adorable when they are sleeping.  

 I'm surprised that Brigid didn't wake Kiara when she "hit" her in the face.

 Still snoozing away....

 Awwhhh....

 This is as close to friends and getting along as they've been lately.

 I heard a little noise....

What could it be??

Two little girls who realized their mommy left her Kindle within arms reach.

 That's SOME bedhead, Kiara!

 I asked if they wanted a drink of milk and down slid Kiara off the bed.

 Brigid thought about it.

Then she decided she would wait until Mommy took her down.

Queen in all my Glory

Do you remember Princess Agnes from the Mommy & Me Valentine's day party?

She drew me a picture that day.

I told her it was very beautiful and colorful.

She told me it was a picture of me, Queen Karen.

Isn't she a precious gift from God??  

I sure have "big hair".  I'm hoping that is a picture of me getting ready to give hugs, otherwise I have really long arms. I love the hands, by the way.  Safety third, sorta.  (Sod farm joke.)

Fun With Miss Jenna

 The kids are in heaven with their new babysitter, Miss Jenna.  She's such a dear and quickly becoming a treasured friend of mine.  Darren and I went out for supper the other night so Miss Jenna came to watch the kids.  As we were getting ready to leave Gianna says, "Take our picture, Mom."  

I'm not sure who the winner was.  It was a lively game though.