The Barclay Family

No Problem Mon...

2011-04-13T13:23:00.007-05:00

Jamaica. What can I say? Absolutely georgous!!!!!! Amazing. So different than I had imagined. Relaxing. Fun. Adventurous. Perfect. The list goes on and on...

I won't bore you too much with the details, but we had a terrific time, missed our babies terribly, and were able to have a lot of wonderful food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, see the native people of Jamaica, learn a little, and go snorkeling, kayaking, and on a catamaran. We also watched an amazing Tin pan drum group. Amazing...

Enjoy the BEAUTIFUL sights...

Here batter, batter, batter....

2011-04-03T19:52:00.005-05:00

Addison began t-ball practices about 2 weeks ago, and had her FIRST game yesterday! She was very excited to get started, and seems to really be picking up on the sport! They have been putting her in the pitcher position, so she is able to field the ball a lot. We are obviously biased, but she throws the ball pretty darn good, too! So excited to see how she progresses through the season.

The only problem, she HATES the socks for the uniform? Crazy kid...

And...it wouldn't be a complete post without pictures of the little brother that idolizes her...

No. No. No. Daddy undies...

2011-03-30T13:55:00.002-05:00

So, potty training with Quenton is a completely different ball game than it was with Addison. Quenton will go pee-pee on the potty almost every single time that you put him on the potty. The only problem...only once in the last 3 or 4 weeks that he has been doing this will he tell me on his own that he actually needs to go. So, we are still in pull-ups/diapers.

Aside from that...he REFUSES to wear big boy undies. I'm not sure why? I have this terrible feeling that it is because his poor little thighs are kind of chunky, so it bothers him. So, yesterday, I tried to put his big boy undies on, since we were going to be around the house for the rest of the day. He said, "no! no! no! Daddy undies!" Very adamant, and almost frustrated with me. So, since they don't make boxers for toddlers...ANYWHERE, I found boxer briefs today at Target. He was so excited! Huge grin on his face, and absolutely refused to take them off for nap time. We'll see how that goes...

Beach bums...

2011-03-25T09:34:00.004-05:00

We were lucky enough to be able to go down to Carillon Beach last week with my mother-in-law, sister and brother-in-law and their kids, and their sister and brother-in-law. So, all in all, there was 6 adults and 8 children under 6!!!! Wow! The kids had an absolute blast! The house was wonderful, and so was the company! Thank you again Mary Margaret and Justin for inviting us down!!!!

Would you be my Valentine?

2011-03-24T13:56:00.002-05:00

Once again, better late than never, right? Here are some pictures from Addison's preschool Valentine's Day party...too cute!!!

Happy Belated Birthday, Quenton!!!!

2011-03-23T20:58:00.007-05:00

So, once again...long time, no post. I keep promising myself I'll get better...but no luck. So, I'm going to stop pressuring myself...I'll post as much as I can. So, here is Quenton's 2nd Birthday party! Even if it is over a month late...

He had just a few friends over, and had an absolute blast. Nana and Papi were able to come up also. The little man is obsessed with Elmo...

I CANNOT believe he already has 2 years under his belt. He is such a happy little man, and absolutely ADORES his big sister, and kisses his baby sister goodnight every night! He does, however have a little bit of a temper, and is in full swing of the terrible two's!

He had his 2 year checkup, and we found out that he is in the 90th percentile for height at 36.5 inches, and the 95th percentile for weight at 33.5 lbs. No surpise to us! He's a hefty little monkey. The doctor even told us to lower his milk to 2% rather than whole milk. Too funny. But, he is happy and healthy!

Movin' on up...

2011-03-21T14:59:00.001-05:00

to the big boy bed!!!

Well, I finally took the pediatrician's advice and changed Quenton's crib into a toddler bed! I was so sad. Especially considering the week had been very emotional already...with my dad having bypass surgery on Tuesday, and registering my sweet girl for Kindergarten on Wednesday. What a week!

Quenton got out of his bed about 4 times at the beginning of his nap, and I kept standing at the door waiting for him to come open it. Every time, each a little more aggressively than the last, I told Quenton to get back in his bed before he got in trouble. Then, that was it. It only took about 10 minutes, and he was out! Now, to see if he continues on this path...

Checking in on the little munchkin...

2011-02-09T14:28:00.006-06:00

I had my OB checkup this morning, and everything is great! The baby's heart rate was 160, and I am measuring at about 20 weeks. Nothing abnormal. I was also able to go to my ultrasound today, and we were SO excited! I was just hoping the baby would cooperate! Here are the pictures of the little munchkin. Too sweet! Little lips and nose just like Addison and Quenton...

And...it will be another......................GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again, you'll have to mute the IPod on the left side to hear the video...

A Parade of Crazies...

2011-01-30T14:01:00.003-06:00

For some reason, the kids have been very in to marching and parades lately? I can't figure out why, but...they walk around the house for at least 20 minutes at a time chanting "march, march, march". This is how we found them on Friday. Marching.

Friday's Firsts...

2011-01-28T14:18:00.004-06:00

So today was filled with a couple of firsts...

What are they, you ask? Here's a hint...

Still don't know? Potty training. (the top picture is his new "Toy Story Potty", which he so affectionately calls his "woo-wee pottee" (woody potty) and the second picture is his new toy story undies...)

First of all, Quenton has been peeing in the potty here and there for the last month or so. Today, I decided we would start actually trying to potty train the little man. I would LOVE for him to be out of diapers before the one in my belly gets into them! So, he walked around all morning completely naked until his naptime. He only had one accident, and pee-peed in the potty about 5 or 6 times. So, we'll see how this goes...

Second, I made the kid's lunch and got them in their seats, so I could run back to Quenton's room and put clean sheets on his bed. When I came back, I found him with his applesauce and spoon (which Addison had moved from counter to the table so he could eat it!) Normally, I feed him his applesauce, for fear of a giant mess. But, I was pleasantly surprised!!!

(once again, you'll have to mute the IPod if you want to hear the video...)

Star Student of the Week

2011-01-28T07:45:00.003-06:00

In Addison's preschool class they have a "Star Student of the Week" each week. This week was Addison' turn...and she was SO excited she could hardly stand it. Activities that are special to that student are things like: taking home their class stuffed animal, Buddy, and journaling what they do with him over the weekend, being the line leader, giving the weather, choosing the blessing for lunch, being the teacher's helper, bringing in a poster about themselves, and finally, bringing in your favorite person to eat lunch with you and read your favorite book to the class.

Addison chose to have Jae come in and eat lunch with her and read her favorite book. (Which is super cute considering she and Jae have the same favorite childhood book!) I was so excited that he was able to go visit her class. Most of the time the class sees me coming in and out, but not Jae. By the looks of the pictures her teacher took for me...they were all VERY excited that Jae was there!

I love it...

Jae probably won't admit it, but he quite the happy grin on his face when he was walking out himself!

Motor Skills

2011-01-27T14:57:00.004-06:00

So, every Thursday at Quenton's preschool class, they go to a session called "Motor Skills". They practice and learn about coordination and movement. His teachers have been telling me all year that he ABSOLUTELY LOVES it. They giggle at him all the time and says he has the most energy they have seen in a while...

So, I finally decided to sneak in there today. It was kind of hard, since I didn't want him to know that I was there. I was afraid he wouldn't participate like he normally does. But, wow...he was HILARIOUS!!!! He is the one in the grey polo shirt...

(You'll have to mute the IPod a little further down on the left in order to hear the kids in the video)

This is one of the songs they do...

This is Quenton jumping on the trampoline and walking the balance beam...

This is how Quenton's class gets from one place to another at school. Too cute!!! (He's at the very front of the line.)

Little Monkey goes to the Little Gym...

2011-01-24T14:11:00.007-06:00

The little monkey, or as some may say...the big ole monkey, started taking classes at the Little Gym today. He absolutely LOVED every second! I have been waiting for the day that Quenton would be old enough that I could take him to do an activity while Addison was at school. This is perfect for him! He needed a way to get rid of some of his energy.

Of course, we had our normal comments...

"So, he looks to be almost 3?" and I replied, "No, he turns 2 in about 3 weeks..." OR,

"Wow, look at those little thighs! He's a solid little boy!" OR, the best one...

"Look at his little red cheeks! He must be hot from carrying that little body around."

What can I say, he's a little chunk-a-munk. He's not roley poley though...just solid. Like a brick. But he's a sweetie of a brick!

Pump. It. Up.

2011-01-22T08:15:00.001-06:00

Addison's teachers gave her class a trip to Pump It Up (an inflatable play place) for their Christmas present. So...yesterday, the class took a field trip! They ran and played for an hour and a half straight! They had a blast!

Snow day (part two from two weeks ago...)

2011-01-21T14:28:00.003-06:00

Addison Ovechkin

2011-01-21T13:59:00.006-06:00

Addison started her long awaited "learn to play" hockey class this past wednesday. She was SO excited! She has been watching Jae's hockey games recently and really wanted to play herself. The first step of playing hockey? Learning to skate! Addison had NEVER stepped foot on an ice rink!

She had such determination! We were SO proud of her. Every time she fell she had a giant smile on her face, and she would try to get right back up. By the end of the class she was able to get up from the ground on her own. She LOVED it!!!

All suited up and ready to play...

Sweet brother waiting patiently...

Sibling lovings!

First step on the ice!

Getting carried over to the wall...

Update on the little munchkin...15 weeks

2011-01-12T18:08:00.002-06:00

I went to the doctor this morning to check on the little munchkin. I am 15 weeks today, and was actually measuring 16 weeks. This is not surprising at all...Addison measured bigger throughout my entire pregnancy. Quenton on the other hand, measured small the entire pregnancy. Who knows!

The baby's heart beat was 150 bpm, and I head back next week for the quad-screening blood test for down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities. Then, I go back in Feb. 9th and schedule our 20 week ultrasound!!! I can't wait for this ultrasound! The baby was so tiny at the first ultrasound. We couldn't see anything, other than a little peanut. With the first two, I didn't have ultrasounds until 10-11 weeks, so they was a little more to see. We are still debating whether to find out the sex or not...

11 new posts...

2011-01-11T22:19:00.001-06:00

I have had a 4 month hiatus from this blog, and I am sorry. I let it keep backing up and backing up. I have GOT to get better!!!! So, here are the last 4 months, in the following 11 blog posts...

And...baby makes 5.

2011-01-11T22:11:00.003-06:00

So, if you haven't already heard...we are expecting baby number 3! It came as an ABSOLUTE and complete shock. We had always thought about having a third, but had never decided if, or when. After our initial shock, we are more than excited to be making our FINAL addition to the family. I am 15 weeks pregnant, due July 6th.

This little one is putting me through the ringer, reminding me that we should be done with three children. I am finally feeling better, morning sickness-wise, and am beginning to grow out of the fatigue. Addison is beyond excited to be having another sibling and is hoping for a little sister. Quenton, on the other hand, does not really understand what is going on. He knows there is a baby in my stomach, but has no idea that it will actually come out, and live with us. He is a very jealous little monkey, so this will be an adjustment for him.

I am betting on a girl, just because of the way this pregnancy is treating me, but we really aren't partial to a girl or boy, just health...

This ultrasound was from 6 wks, 3 days. We have heard the heart beat since then, at 160 bpm. I will hopefully go back in the morning, weather permitting. I'll update the blog soon!!!

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The "Blizzard" of 2011

2011-01-11T22:02:00.007-06:00

When the weather forecast starting showing the possibilities of snow and ice for sunday night and monday, I was pretty excited at the thought of having a long with weekend with Jae and the babies. But, now we are on day 3 out of school...and I'm getting a little stir crazy.

But, Addison and Quenton were able to go sledding for the first time ever. After almost 8 inches of snow, check out the fun we had...

Christmas festivities with family...

2011-01-11T21:53:00.006-06:00

This Christmas was so much fun! My mom and dad, and sister and brother-in-law all came to our house for almost a week. Addison LOVES having family in town, and the two of them get more attention than they know what to do with. Everyone had a great Christmas, got more than they could have asked for, and Santa was good to us all...

Bucket list

2011-01-11T21:40:00.004-06:00

Okay, among many things on my bucket list, to include driving a bull dozer, was to attend a Garth Brooks concert. Once he decided to retire, I came to terms with the fact that this one particular part of my list would never be checked off.

UNTIL...my friend Jaci called on the Monday before Christmas. "Sierra, wanna go see Garth with Jodi and I on Wednesday night?" I didn't even have to think. I had no idea whether it could be done logistically, with the kids, Jae, and my sister coming in town...but I DID NOT CARE! I was going!

Needless to say...it was literally the most amazing night EVER!!! (with the exception of my wedding and children's births, of course...) He was the best entertainer I have ever seen, and Trisha Yearwood even came out for a few songs. I have never been to a concert where literally everyone new every word to every song...

Oh...and by the way, I was only like 10 rows back!!!!!

A handful of 4-year olds...

2011-01-11T21:31:00.003-06:00

had a Christmas party. And it was adorable. They helped their teacher read the story of the birth of Jesus with instruments, sang songs, stated bible verses, did a book swap, and just had FUN! Not to mention the always yummy food!

Dear Santa,

2011-01-11T21:25:00.003-06:00

we believe...

Dinner with Santa

2011-01-11T21:17:00.003-06:00

For the second year in a row, we went to the Early Works Museum to have dinner with Santa. Addison was so excited! Quenton, on the other hand had been pretty nervous around him, but was very excited that night...you can see it in his little face...

Addison's last preschool program...

2011-01-11T20:34:00.003-06:00

December 9th was Addison's last preschool Christmas program. I had such mixed emotions. Next year, she'll be heading to kindergarten, with an entirely different experience. But, since I can't stop the clock, I tried to focus on enjoying it...

What a stinking cutie pie...

This is what happens...

2011-01-11T20:32:00.000-06:00

When you allow your children to dress themselves...down to the silly bands.

Thanksgiving in D.C...

2011-01-11T20:23:00.002-06:00

For whatever reason...I did not take any pictures of Jae or I, the kids, or family while we were in D.C. Really, what is wrong with me. But, we did venture downtown one afternoon to see the White House. Addison was very interested in seeing where "Pwesident Obama" lives. The pictures didn't turn out great, since the sun was reflecting on the lens, but here goes...

Playtime at the Patch...

2011-01-11T20:05:00.005-06:00

A little fun at the pumpkin patch down the road...TOO much fun!

"Go Daddy..."

2010-10-11T20:22:00.002-05:00

"Go Daddy, go Daddy, go Daddy! Score!!!"

Those were the ONLY words that came out of Addison's mouth the ENTIRE game last week!

Last Sunday was Jae's first hockey game in 12 years! He was so excited to see how he would do, and he did GREAT! By the way, Addison has decided she should quit soccer, and play hockey. Crazy girl.

A little fun for the whole family.

2010-09-20T16:59:00.005-05:00

This past Saturday night we headed over to Redstone Arsenal for their Oktoberfest. It was great! For $15 a person, you got parking, entertainment, and as many carnival rides as you could ride...

Addison had a ton of fun, her best friend Natalie was there. She rode the ferris wheel with Jae and Quenton (which took a little persuading), the carousel a couple times, the Dumbo ride, a dragon ride, a giant slide, a clown house, and then finished the night off with a race car ride with Jae.

Jae and I were happy, I had pizza, Jae had a funnel cake, and we BOTH experimented with some german beer and had a beer mug as a souvenir.

Great time!!!

Memo Jammies

2010-09-20T16:17:00.000-05:00

Quenton absolutely LOVES Elmo (affectionately known as "memo" by Quenton). I found some fabric for Halloween with Elmo, and decided to make him some jammies. I used an old shirt of his and added the same material to the pocket...and he LOVES them. He was showing them off to Jae all night...

Wild Children

2010-09-20T11:51:00.000-05:00

This is a pretty typical evening at our house, after bath time, and before bed...

And, no...they are not on fast forward...they're just wild.

(you'll have to mute the Ipod on the left side in order to hear...)

It's all about the blessing...

2010-09-19T20:44:00.003-05:00

One night, Addison got ready to choose which blessing we did at dinner, and Quenton all of a sudden closed his eyes, and put his hands together...

It really may have been one of the funniest things he has done yet...

(you'll have to mute the Ipod on the left side in order to hear, and please excuse my voice...)

Wordless Wednesday

2010-09-14T14:41:00.002-05:00

I am hoping to get back to my regular blogging, now that I am on the mend. Here is our semi-wordless wednesday post...

Sweet Babies...

Soccer, Soccer, Everywhere

2010-09-14T14:28:00.005-05:00

Addison started playing on the co-ed soccer team a few weeks ago, and they have been practicing twice a week. This past Saturday was the "Trains" first game! Addison was so excited to play! She had scored two goals at the scrimmage game during practice, and was ready to score more. Unfortunately, she did not score any goals at the game.

She did, however, assist for a goal, and did very well!!!! We are proud!

And, Quenton is pretty happy at games as well! He got a cherry snowcone from the concession stand!

How to make limeade...

2010-08-30T15:06:00.003-05:00

out of limes... Quenton LOVES to gnaw on the limes from our drinks. He makes terrible faces, but just continues to chomp on them... Hilarious!!!

(You need to hit pause on the music iPod on the left side to hear the movie)

A day to celebrate...

2010-08-30T14:41:00.003-05:00

Addison is finally 4 years old! Her birthday was this past Wednesday, and she was able to celebrate her day at school, in chapel, where all the children in the entire preschool sang Happy Birthday to her! Jae and I came to eat lunch with her and bring cupcakes for her class, which was too cute! Finally, Nana came into town, and we headed to Addison's favorite restaurant "the peanut place" which is really Santa Fe Cattle Co. She finished off her night with a few more presents and a princess birthday cake that my mom made. She LOVED it! It had all of her favorite princesses on the cake, including a picture of herself!

(You need to pause the music iPod on the left side in order to hear the video)

Do you think she's excited about being 4??? Nahhhh. Not at all.

Quack goes the duckie...

2010-08-17T14:07:00.005-05:00

Today was Quenton's first day of Mother's Morning Out at Addison's school. He is in the "Duck Class", with other 18-23 month olds. His best friend, Evie, is in his class, too! He was happy as I was leaving his room, he even waved bye-bye to me! I was shocked. The sad part was convincing Addison to walk away from the baby gate and go to her class. She has been adament about walking him in all by herself. I watched Quenton on the video monitors up front, and Quenton was playing well.

When I went back to pick him up, he was being rocked in a chair by one of his teachers...because he was crying. I wasn't surprised. He usually has a cat-nap sometime in the morning for about 20 minutes, and they don't nap at MMO, so I knew he would be exhausted. When he saw me standing there, he burst into even more tears. His teacher said he did really well, all day, until right at the end. It seemed most of the children in the class were winding down, and approaching their breaking points, so, in a way...that made me feel better. I am hoping he will be VERY happy in his class!

All dressed up and ready to go to school! Addison was in heaven because she was matching her brother!

Big sister helping her "baby brudder" in to his first day of school...

Happy babies on the way home...

The absolute funniest thing,

2010-08-16T21:55:00.002-05:00

EVER! So, while I was emailing pictures from my phone tonight, I ran into a video, that I hadn't taken...

Okay, seriously...not only is it hilarious the things that Addison is asking Quenton to say, ball being the only one he can actually say; but it might be even more funny that Quenton stands there the entire time she is filming, and says okay at the end!

My big girl's first day...

2010-08-16T21:47:00.003-05:00

of her last year of pre-school!!!

Addison was definitely excited to start school this year! She knew 4 children in her new class, so that makes me happy. She did great going into school, and only got a little nervous right before going in the actual class. But, after a big hug and kiss, she headed in, and started the morning routine of hanging her tote bag, putting her lunch away, and putting her folder in her cubby. Then she headed off for table-time and play-doh!

She was SO excited when she got in the car at carpool today, and had SO much to tell me! We'll see how tomorrow goes, when my baby boy goes to mother's morning out for the first time...I may be in tears when uploading the pictures tomorrow!

A little play time

2010-08-16T21:40:00.003-05:00

We took Addison and Quenton out to the soccer field this past weekend with our friends, Jodi and Mike, and their kids Ava, and Tucker. Addison, Ava, and Tucker will be playing on a soccer team this fall, and Addison is SO excited! She LOVES her new neon green soccer cleats (which she picked out)!

Trying not to pull my hair out...

2010-08-16T21:28:00.005-05:00

During this crazy 12 weeks of down-time, I am trying to occupy myself. My first choice would be to take photographs of sweet children, but since I can't get up and run after them to capture them, I had to find something else. And, fortunately, I am enjoying it!

I made some outfits for the kids, and am also experimenting with some little do-dads on the side! I have a great friend with an applique/embroidery machine, which makes for a great combo! The appliques MAKE the outfits...

I made crayon rolls for the party favor at Addison's party, and decided to take it a step further. This bag holds two coloring books, and 22 crayons.

Addison and Quenton are wearing these outfits for their first day of school together...I LOVE them!!!! (I hadn't put the buttons on Quenton's yet)

This is the outfit Addison wore on HER first day to school. My friend appliqued a scalloped circle with her inital inside with the same material...

My friend is going to applique a tractor in the same material on a navy shirt for Quenton...

Sunday, Sunday...

2010-08-16T21:22:00.003-05:00

A typical Sunday around our house...

No Toys Left Behind...

2010-08-16T20:28:00.009-05:00

Addison's 4th birthday party was the weekend before last. (I know...I'm behind...) This is the first year that she has decided everything...from the decorations and theme, to the place, to the guests. So, she had a Toy Story 3 themed party at a local state park playground. It was hot, but everyone seemed to have a GREAT time! The kids played on the playground for quite a while, came back to the pavilion for hamburgers, hot dogs, cupcakes, cake, and cookies, played for a while longer, and then came in for the pinata.

Addison racked up in amazing gifts from her buddies, and is still opening them, one a day (not by her choice). My parents came to the rescue to help set up and run the party, and Jae played Grill-Master...

The sweet guests...

The yummy goodies...

The pinata...

The loot...

Addison had a great time at her birthday party, and had some really awesome friends to share her time with!!!

Under the Sea...

2010-08-15T09:54:00.005-05:00

We headed down to Atlanta for the 4th of July weekend, going to the Georgia Aquarium with the kids and Nana and Papi, and then headed to the Braves game that night with friends. It was a great weekend! The kids LOVED seeing all of the sea life, and then Jae and I had a ton of fun eating at the Varsity, and hanging out with close friends and NO kids!

Addison...

2010-08-10T20:36:00.002-05:00

As Ariel...

I love this kid!!!! Seriously. She has the whole song memorized. Silly, silly girl.

And...can you hear Quenton in the background? Singing along, with his obsession?

What can I say...

2010-08-06T16:13:00.003-05:00

the boy has a slight obsession with Ariel...

(you will have to pause the mixpod of music down on the left a little in order to hear him...)

Addison and Quenton have been watching The Little Mermaid in the car a lot lately. And...now it shows! My sweet boy that pretty much refuses to talk, sings to ALL of the songs in The Little Mermaid!

The Dad Life...

2010-07-21T20:42:00.002-05:00

Okay, a friend of ours, Corrie, posted this video on her blog, and I couldn't help but repost. Not only does it keep me laughing, but as Jae and I watched it, we realize JUST HOW TRUE everything they say happens to be! Seriously, Jae can TOTALLY relate to most of what they are singing about! Hilarious!

Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

What's been going on...

2010-07-21T15:29:00.006-05:00

NOTHING good, that's for sure!

So, while at D1 (my workout place) two weeks ago, I dislocated my knee. "How?" you ask?

Well, actually, sadly enough, it was nothing fantastic...I was doing a lunge. A "side-angle lunge" to be exact. Which was a really odd position. Anyways, my knee buckled under me, and I dislocated my knee. After I heard a "crack, crack, crack, crack, pop!" I was laying on the floor in tears. I went to the orthopedic doctor the next morning, and they sent me for an MRI, finding out that there was a piece of bone broken off of my kneecap, floating around my knee.

So, they scheduled a surgery for two days later, for a scope to remove the "foreign body" from my knee. So, once they got into surgery, they found much more damage to my knee than anticipated. When I dislocated my right knee, it popped to the outside with such force that it chipped a 1cm wide piece of bone off of the outside of my patella, and also broke off three pieces of major weight-bearing bone off of my femur. I know, kind of confusing.

Anyways, I have to have ANOTHER surgery August 5th, to carterize more tendons and soft tissue, and fill in the broken bone with Allograft, which is cadaver bone from a child, turned into cell form and inserted into my bone. At my appointment Monday, the doctor continued to refer to this surgery as a "salvage operation" for my knee. That doesn't make me feel too good.

In total, I will have to be totally off of my knee for 10 weeks! No weight at all. Then, I will have 3-6 months of physical therapy, and will not be able to do any exercising (running, squats, etc) for a year. I mean, seriously....ridiculous!

Fortunately, we have found someone to come in and watch the babies, and do laundry, and clean for the time being!

Below are some pictures of while they were in my knee during surgery. They are kind of blurry, but I have tried to label the different places...

Bad knee

Good knee

MY new obsession...

2010-07-02T17:23:00.000-05:00

SEWING!

Now, don't take that the wrong way...I'm not obsessed with all kinds of sewing. Just little outfits for the kids. We found this pattern that is super easy, and now...I can make matching outfits for the kids for literally 1/4 or less than what I would buy them for! Plus, Addison is in this phase where she just HAS to match Quenton, so why not take advantage of that, it won't last for long!

Here is my second attempt...(the first was a size to big for each of them, but I can't wait for them to grow into them!

Addison is going to be SO excited that I made a little purse to go with it! AND...I have a friend that has an embroidery machine and does really good stuff, so I am going to have their initial put on the pocket!!!

Sandestin

2010-07-02T06:14:00.004-05:00

This past weekend we dropped the babies off at Gamma & Boss's, and headed down to Sandestin Beach with some of our best friends. It was such a RELAXING weekend away. Short, but sweet. Great job finding this place Keener!

A little afternoon "Girl time"

2010-06-24T10:08:00.006-05:00

The older the babies are getting, (and yes...I know they really aren't babies anymore) the more I am realizing the importance of individual one-on-one time with each of them. Addison is getting to the age where she really enjoys crafts, and can play with toys that have really small parts. Quenton on the other hand, is not quite there yet! So, we save all of the big girl things to do while brother is sleeping.

Today's girly time was to make a homemade bird feeder, which she had seen on Special Agent Oso on Disney. So, the last couple of weeks we have been hunting for pine cones. Apparently, Huntsville doesn't have too many of them.

I loaded up the peanut butter all over the pine cone, and Addison rolled them around in bird food. She was SO excited!!! She has been waiting to do this for about 2 weeks...poor kid. We hung them in the backyard, and she checks on them every day to see if the birds are "liking them".

Gotta love her...

Little stinker...sneaking some licks of peanut butter. Good thing Addison is the only one that eats the creamy peanut butter!

Vacation Bible School

2010-06-23T07:27:00.001-05:00

Addison has been in DESPERATE need of some structured playtime now that pre-school is out for the summer. So, this week she is attending Vacation Bible School with a couple of her friends, and then, the next two weeks she will be going to her pre-school's Summer Fun program, which is actually the exact same thing as VBS, but spread out into 3 weeks of two days a week. She was SO excited to go Monday!!!

Too bad her brother threw-up EVERYWHERE when I went in to pick her up Monday afternoon. Ugghhh.

What a weekend...

2010-06-22T16:08:00.008-05:00

So, aside from the big movie theater opening on Friday (which, YES, we did take the kids to see Toy Story 3) we had quite the eventful weekend! Saturday was Jae's 28th birthday, as well as his brother's. We went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse with some friends to celebrate, and left the kids with a babysitter. Then, Sunday was Father's Day, and Jae's Dad's birthday. Jae chose to spend father's day laying low, relaxing, and playing with the kids. We played in the beach ball sprinkler, and then Jae and Addison rode their bikes around the neighborhood.

A picture of the "old man" as Addison so affectionately calls him, on our way to eat dinner for his birthday...

This is what happens when the kids are too hot, and stuck in the back yard...LET ME OUT!

Seriously...no wonder he can only be outside for 10 minutes at a time...look at those calves and arms...chubby-chunkers!

A new obsession for the babies...

2010-06-19T15:16:00.006-05:00

AIRPLANES!!!

Every time we go to visit my parents, my dad has taken Addison to the Aviation Museum at Robins Air Force Base. Now, on her 4th trip, her baby brother was able to join them.

I really thought Addison would still just be interested in looking at the big planes...but this time, she wanted to see EVERYTHING. The seats, the uniforms, the flags, the gear, the guns, everything! She was so excited. She was literally running from one thing to the next.

And, Quenton...well he walked through the entire museum screaming and making his "surprised" face. He truly LOVED the planes. It is so fun to see our babies with our parents. Something about the genuine happiness they have when they are with them, and almost having a glimpse into your own childhood.

Notice there are only 48 stars on this flag???

Shady play...

2010-06-18T15:28:00.002-05:00

I always seem to forget JUST how HOT it is in the summer. And, it's even worse in South Georgia! Ughhhh! Needless to say, I was trying to find somewhere shady to play with the babies while at my parents house. We found a playground that was completely shaded by trees. LOVE it! My kids LOVE playing outside, but they take after Jae and I, and you can totally tell when they are heating up...they are like little red tomatoes! Cracks me up.

One peach, two peach, three peach, four...

2010-06-17T10:12:00.003-05:00

While Jae was in UCLA for another surgery, the babies and I went to my parents in south Georgia to bide some time. One afternoon we headed to a place called Lane Packing, where they have acres upon acres upon acres of peach and pecan trees.

Addison and I have been there before, but never went on the tour of the farms and plant. Actually, it was much more educational than I expected! Although it was TERRIBLY hot, we all had a great time. The kids had peach ice cream, and peach lemonade, played on the playground, watched the peaches being cleaned, stickered, checked, and boxed, and went on the farm tour.

Hippity Hoppity Frogs

2010-06-15T16:28:00.003-05:00

Addison did WONDERFUL at her dance recital!!! We were so proud of her. She surprisingly wasn't nervous at all...which amazes me since we were in a HUGE auditorium FULL of people.

About 1/2 way through the performance, though...Addison's tap shoe came off. Yikes. EVERYONE in the audience started "awwwww, and oooooohing". She looked a little freaked out for a second. But, after trying to put it back on for a couple of seconds, Addison JUMPED onto her tap shoe, forcing it back on, and finished off her performance. Way to go big girl!

(By the way, these are from the dress rehearsal...they wouldn't allow cameras in the recital)

Fun in the sun

2010-06-15T08:23:00.002-05:00

Okay, so this one not one of those days where I was prepared...my children didn't have bathingsuits, or a lunch, or sunscreen. Pretty much I just showed up to a playdate with NOTHING. Oops. I guess we're all allowed those days here and there. Who would have ever known that 5 kids could have SO much fun...

At long last...the beach.

2010-06-14T23:58:00.007-05:00

I hope you guys like picture posts...because thats about all that this one is...

I couldn't narrow them down, I'm sorry.

We found all three of these cousins in the same cabinet/bookcase at one time...on three different shelves. Nice hiding spot...

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-05-26T09:32:00.003-05:00

A taste of what's to come...sand.

Wordless Wednesday...

2010-05-19T15:31:00.001-05:00

Water, water, everywhere...

2010-05-18T20:24:00.001-05:00

We headed to the Botanical Gardens in Huntsville to give the kids a place to exert all of their energy. (Mommy was in need of some peace and quiet, and this is a sure way to get a double nap!) They have a handful of areas that have water fountains, sprinklers, etc. So, we packed a bathingsuit, and a towel...and headed off. The kids had a blast, and I definitely got some peace and quiet that afternoon...

Quenton LOVED the rock fountains, and Addison was digging in the rocks EVERYWHERE!

End of School Luau

2010-05-18T14:35:00.006-05:00

Addison's last day of school is tomorrow. We are pretty bummed, both Mommy and Addison! I think Quenton is probably going to be psyched to have his "dee-dee" home to play with, though!

So, their end of school party was today, and they decided on a luau theme. As always, the mommies went above and beyond! They had a luau limbo game, a cool coconut game (like hot potato), and a pin the monkey on the palm tree game. They had pizza with ham and pineapple, beach cupcakes, leis, hula skirts, and palm tree and flower cupcakes! I don't remember EVER having a party this cool!

The kids had a lot of fun, and I'm sure will really miss the interaction and fun during the summer. Luckily, we have a few things lined up to fill our time for the summer!

Quenton also participated today, whether the older kids wanted him or not! He was hilarious. He always wants to be where his big sister is, and she is happy to oblige!

The newest addition(s)...

2010-05-06T22:18:00.006-05:00

About 3 weeks ago, I noticed a sweet little Momma Robin beginning her nest in our awning of our front porch. I quickly told Jae to take all of the grass, sticks, etc out of the awning. Last year, we had the exact same situation...and it only led to bird poop ALL over the front porch. Unfortunately, we did not catch her nest in time. Two days later, she had begun her little family in the nest...

Addison has taken a SERIOUS interest in this little Momma bird, and her eggs...so she had me climbing the ladder every day to check on them. The eggs began hatching last Sunday, only two to begin with.

Then, the other two hatched, making four baby birds in that tiny nest! Addison quickly named them all...Tinkerbell, Bubbles, Pumpkin, and Easter Bunny. Hilarious. Anyways, these are the babies and their Momma on Tuesday...

Their eyes are still covered by their thin transparent skin, they are slowly getting little fluffy feathers, and have yet to move...at all.

As of today, the babies are moving, and we can barely see their little beaks sticking out above the nest (unless I climb up the ladder!) Their eyes are still covered, but you can see a tiny slit where their eyelids will open, and they are beginning to get the hard feathers that cover their wings.

It is absolutely AMAZING what 5 days has done for these little guys!!! And I though OUR babies grew too fast!

A Girl with many Accessories...

2010-04-29T06:27:00.000-05:00

So we met Jae at Burger King yesterday for lunch. I had just picked up Addison from pre-school. She got one of those paper crowns from the lady at Burger King. When she got in the car, I realized the kid had more accessories on than I wear on a fancy day!!!

11 silly bands, a necklace, a handful of bows in her hair, a crown, and a pair of glasses.

Yikes, wonder what we're in for!

And, yes...it has been brought to my attention that a lot of Quenton's pictures include his paci. What can I say, the kid likes his paci? If it makes him happy, I'm happy!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

My child's FAVORITE show...

What a trip!

2010-04-26T21:30:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I've posted pictures of our trip below, but wanted to tell you a little bit about it also...

It was nothing short of amazing! We had an awesome time, and have decided we will try to go back once a year. It was worth every penny we spent! We got there on Wednesday night (they are two hours behind us, so 3 hours for you east-coasters). We gambled that night (which I found out is NOT my thing...I don't have fun AND I lose money!) Thursday we visited a lot of the hotels, and did a LOT of walking. Friday morning we got up and went to Caesar's Palace to spend some time at the spa, which was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! I really just can't even describe it. Just to give you an idea...they had an "Arctic Ice Room" which was set at 52 degrees, and snowed moisturizer on you as you sat there! What!!! Crazy! Anyways, after the spa, we headed out for an afternoon of shopping in the hotel. Talk about high-end shopping. Whew.

Friday night we went to a restaurant called Switch. Every 30 minutes, the ENTIRE atmosphere of the restaurant changes...walls, lighting, music...EVERYTHING! Next, we headed over to XS, the largest and most expensively made night club in the country. Once again, just like everything in Vegas, it was over the top. Gold walls with statues, dancers on little stages throughout the club, an outdoor area with a waterfall and pool. Ridiculous. Tony Romo was there that night!!!

Saturday, we ate lunch, headed out to the pool, went to dinner at a Japanese steakhouse, and then went to a show, La Reve. It was fantastic!!! It was like Cirque de Soleil on steroids. Parts of it under the water, stages that came in and out of the water, tons of dancers, acrobats, etc. Seriously...it was amazing.

Then...we flew home on Sunday. It was the perfect amount of time to be in Vegas. Jae and I agreed we couldn't have made it another day. We were exhausted. But we enjoyed every single second we were there! Totally worth it!!!!

And...I don't think the babies had any idea we were even gone! They had so much fun with my mom and dad. Don't forget to check out the pictures in the post below!

Viva...Las Vegas

2010-04-26T21:03:00.010-05:00

Our hotel, The Wynn...

Our hotel room...it was amazing! A great view of the strip, and huge!!!

The outside of the MGM Hotel...

The outside of New York, New York Hotel. It has a roller coaster on top of the hotel!

A "Statue of Liberty Jelly Beans"...

A delicious Irish Pub at New York, New York Hotel where we ate...

The Paris Hotel...

The ceiling of the inside of another hotel (can't remember whether this was the MGM or Bellagio).

The ceiling of the inside of the Venetian Hotel

Random sights of Vegas...

Vegas, Baby...

2010-04-22T06:56:00.000-05:00

As of last night, Jae and I are in VEGAS!!!!! Wahoo! Here is an idea of what we will be seeing until SUNDAY! 4 1/2 days in Vegas! We are so excited. I'll post pictures of our ventures soon! Until then, just hope and pray we don't relive the movie, The Hangover...

One Phrase Wednesday

2010-04-21T07:49:00.002-05:00

Just a normal day in the Barclay house...

Having a hard time...

2010-04-19T19:55:00.004-05:00

SEEING!

So, at Addison's 3 year well-check, the pediatrician informed us that her eye check results showed she was a little far-sighted in one eye. He recommended that she see an eye doctor. So, we went the following week, and they confirmed the pediatricians diagnosis, and decided we should wait about 3 months and re-check before putting her in glasses.

We headed to a new eye doctor today...and he literally told us the EXACT same thing. All children are supposed to be a little far-sighted, and it begins to correct itself as they get older. Addison, however, is twice as far-sighted in her right eye as she is in her left. This is a problem...they don't want one eye to work too hard to see, especially during these crucial years of brain development. So...he told her she had to wear glasses.

She is SUPER excited! I, on the other hand, am worried. Kids can be mean. But, my little girl is tough! She will be fine. And she is absolutely ADORABLE in them.

She was able to pick them out ALL by HERSELF. Literally NO help from me. I wanted to direct her which way to go...but refrained considering she will be the one wearing them day in and day out. She has to wear them at all times, unless she is at gymnastics or dance. She may grow out of them eventually, and she may not...we'll see.

But...here is a look at my sweet baby and her new glasses. These are the samples...so they have stickers on them. And, no...she's not frowning in the pictures...she had just had her pupils dilated, and we were standing next to a window, so she was having to squint.

Look how cute the sides are!!! She did a good job picking them out!!!

Just Tri...

2010-04-17T19:43:00.004-05:00

Jae did a handful of triathlons last year, and had his first of the season today. It was the Frank Maples Triathlon in Scottsboro...a 2 mile run, 15 mile bike, and 200 meter swim. This was the first one that the kids and I have been able to go to, so we were excited! There is a group of guys in the neighborhood that go together, and they all did really well! I am so proud of Jae!

And, finally...

2010-04-16T07:41:00.000-05:00

Our last Easter celebration!

Addison's preschool class had their Easter Party and Hunt the Tuesday after Easter. They had their hunt, where they had to find all different eggs with numbers 1 through 6 on them. Addison was so excited that she found them all except the number 5. Next, they came in for lunch, and then created a bird with eggs in a nest...all edible! Needless to say, our class mom is awesome! They played games and then Addison told me "you can go, momma...you need to get in the carpool line to pick me up!" I asked her if she wanted to just come with me, and she said, "no, mommy...you always pick me up carpool...go on. Go ahead."

Ahhhh, she cracks me up.

Our Annual Easter trip to Scottsboro

2010-04-15T21:00:00.003-05:00

Jae's Aunt Becky has had us over the last two years for Easter lunch, and an Easter Egg hunt. There are quite a few 2nd cousins around Addison's age, so she was really looking forward to going this year. Plus, any chance to see her "Ki-Ki" (Jae's grandmother) is excitement enough! The food was delicious, and the kids had a blast. Once again, Addison didn't take her time hunting. And, Quenton found his first egg, and called it a day. Seriously, I love it...

Easter Morning

2010-04-15T06:22:00.004-05:00

It is so neat to watch the transformation of a child...from one holiday to the next. Addison is understanding a lot this year. She is learning the real meaning of holidays, and enjoying the fun sides of them. She was so excited to come out of her room and check on her basket. You can tell by the way she's rounding the corner in one of these pictures! She was also allowed to eat some of her candy this year, which we hadn't let her do in years past. I am really enjoying these ages! Quenton is OBSESSED with "Toy Story". Probably because it is the first non-princess movie he has watched (poor kid). Really, he giggles, and points everytime he sees Buzz or Woody. It is just too cute.

A Hunt with Friends

2010-04-14T16:25:00.002-05:00

A sweet friend of ours hosted an Easter Egg Hunt for all of Addison's school buddies. It was adorable! They each had a little gift basket with bunny ears and goodies, ate pizza and cupcakes, and had a hunt! This year was far different that the Egg Hunts from last year. Addison was sprinting to find eggs, and really understood how to look for them. Quenton, on the other hand, was content with the one egg he found! I loved it! It was so much fun to watch them!

Sweet Athletes...

2010-04-14T10:09:00.002-05:00

Addison goes to gymnastics once a week, and LOVES it! Here is Addison and her sweet friend Ella Grace...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-24T16:27:00.001-05:00

Dance class pictures...

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-17T08:26:00.000-05:00

A new way to entertain...

Tremendous Treehouses

2010-03-16T13:15:00.000-05:00

The Botanical Gardens has a huge display of about 13 different treehouses. I really thought they would be fairly small, and definitely not extravagant. Well, Huntsville proved me wrong. We went Monday morning, the first day of spring break, and it was about 50 degrees outside, just a little chilly. We made it to four of the treehouses, and then headed inside for a free art activity. I was absolutely amazed, all of this was free to members. I had packed the kids a lunch, so we sat inside, ate lunch, and then headed back for one more treehouse. We hope to make it back when it is a tid bit warmer to finish the other treehouses!

Apparently...

2010-03-15T21:40:00.005-05:00

my children love to dance...

(you'll have to pause the playlist down at the bottom to hear the videos)

HILARIOUS!!!!! These babies make me laugh at least a hundred times a day!

There ain't nothin like...

2010-03-15T21:29:00.004-05:00

a beautiful day, a family jog, riding your bicycle, and sidewalk chalk!

Cool dude...

2010-03-11T16:00:00.000-06:00

Quenton has a double crown, which makes his hair stand up like Alf-alfa. So, when we went to get big sister's hair trimmed, they showed me a temporary alternative for Quenton...

You guessed it...a MOWHAWK!!!

It is the absolute cutest thing...he looks like a little rockstar!!!

It's gettin sunny!!!

2010-03-11T07:54:00.001-06:00

Everyone needs a little UV protection...

Wordless Wednesday - Almost

2010-03-03T16:31:00.002-06:00

"Backwards and Upside Down Day" at pre-school!

So, Addison wore her skirt, shirt, sweater, and her HAIR backwards! She had the most fun! They did everything backwards, from walking down the hall to chapel backwards, sitting backwards, and doing their carpool line backwards. (All in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday)

And, NO, my daughter is not a ham!

Head, Elbows, Knees and Skates, Knees and Skates...

2010-03-01T19:53:00.003-06:00

Addison's Gamma got her some Princess rollerskate/blades this past weekend. She was so excited, and knew that she couldn't put them on until she got knee and elbow pads. So, she has asked me to go buy them about 50 times in the last 24 hours.

Needless to say, when we got home from the store with them, she was ready to jump right into skating. I felt like a TERRIBLE mother, but I literally could not hold myself back. When she stepped onto the hardwood, she immediately busted it...falling to the floor, and I absolutely died laughing (after making sure that she was okay!)

She looks TOO cute in all of her "protective gear". And, I can't forget, Quenton was such a sweet brother, cheering (or screaming) her on!

Oh.......

2010-02-25T15:08:00.003-06:00

the joys of having a 3 year old little girl...

You get to have "Marine Scene" blue toe-nails. Awesome.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-02-24T07:15:00.001-06:00

My little monkies...

Nah....they aren't related...

2010-02-23T09:02:00.002-06:00

1 Year Well Check

2010-02-22T21:47:00.003-06:00

Quenton's 1 year well check was delayed by our Valentine's Day snow, and he was able to go back this past friday. The pediatrician was very pleased with his growth and development, and he is right on track! He weighed in at 23 lbs 15 oz, which is the 75th percentile, and was 30.5 inches tall, which is the 63rd percentile. So, just like his big sister was at this age, he is a tinsy big for his age...but all the more to love!

He is walking EVERYWHERE. Boy, it makes shopping a whole new experience...and I will ALWAYS have one of them in the grocery cart!!! What would I do if one bolted in one direction and the other in the opposite direction? I don't even want to think about it!

He is saying "momma, da-da, dee-dee (Addie), uh-uh (uh-oh), and na-na (no). He signs for more, please, all done, thank you, and almost has milk down. It cracks me up, and I LOVE watching him interact.

He is big enough to tackle his sister now, and definitely knows how to defend himself or his toys if need be.

Quenton is completely off of the bottle, has 3 sippy cups of 8 oz of whole milk a day, and his diet consists of all table food...no more baby food. Whew. It is SO much easier now!!!

We also saw his GI on Thursday, and he feels Quenton may hopefully be at the "beginning of the end" of this acute reflux. He is still on Prevacid every day, but is not nearly the yacker he used to be. Thank goodness.

Here is the little man at his one year appointment.