Day one of limited TV time

I've decided that we watch too much TV. It's my fault, really, because it is such a good babysitter! But I'm starting my New Year's resolutions early this year and top of the list is to cut back on TV. I'm stepping it up on planned activities and crafts to keep jack occupied (Kate could care less about watching TV!). Feel free to suggest ideas ... I'll be running out soon! John turned off the TV this morning after one episode of Mickey Mouse and Jack was totally fine with it. I looked at John and said "I think we were the ones addicted to Mickey Mouse." Wish us luck!

Kate's first haircut

We tried to wait until her first birthday, but I gave up. She was so good and patient while Leslie was trimming ... Our baby girl is growing up so fast!

Franklin Cruise Open House

Today is my favorite day of the year at our store. It is the kick-off to our holiday season, the Christmas decorations are up, customers are everywhere, and we are fully stocked with merchandise. Jack and Kate wore their Christmas outfits this morning (way to go Gigi!) while greeting customers. Jack grabbed a cookie every time he walked passed the table--he was in heaven! Sweet baby Kate took a nap in the midst of it all. A wonderful start to my favorite time of year!

Kate and her first carved pumpkin

Kate was asleep during the pumpkin carving. However, she did manage to destroy the most fragile part of the design within seconds of putting her next it. Anyone that has spent any time with Kate should not be surprised ... She has quick hands. Almost super human!

Carving pumpkins

It is one of my favorite Halloween traditions. This year, I gave up trying to do it the old fashioned way (hand drawn pattern with kitchen knives ... That was an ER visit waiting to happen!). We bought a kit at Walgreens and one hour later ... Voilà! Mickey Mouse!

kate in the 1800s

kate in the 1800s

John's mom, Karen, gave this antique lace dress to kate. Isn't it beautiful? She looks like she is from the 1800s.





BTW—Paige made the beautiful quilt that she is sitting on.

My sister and I found these vintage hats at the flea market in Montgomery. Kate wasn't a huge fan, but she humored us!

The netting tickled her a bit.

Jack's Third Birthday

I realize that Jack's 3rd birthday passed without even a mention on this blog. I think the week of festivities wore me down and I've just now recovered! First we had Gigi's birthday celebration and a homemade meyer lemon crepe cake straight from Martha Stewart. I've only made this once before because it is fairly time intensive, but it is worth every minute (or hour in this case!). You can tell I am pretty proud of it because I have two pictures of it here!






Jack's birthday was on Saturday and the entire family was here to celebrate. I started a tradition last year that on their actual birthday, we weren't going to have any parties . . . just a day spent together doing fun things and not stressing over cupcakes, etc. So we ate waffles, went to the playground, played with his new toys, and had hamburgers and cake with the whole family. As if you couldn't tell, Mickey Mouse was the theme for the week . . . Jack LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! Laine was here to capture the whole day on film. Click here for the slideshow.







It was a great week!

9 Years Ago Today . . .

There are days we live that forever change us . . . We are truly blessed!

Halloween Costumes

For the past month, all Jack has wanted to be for Halloween is a giraffe. He found his giraffe costume from two years ago in the closet and he was dead set on being a giraffe again. So I was on the search for a larger costume (He wanted Kate to be a Hippo or a Pig, by the way!). Last Monday, we took a family trip to the Memphis zoo. He was pumped about seeing the giraffes, but when we got to the exhibit, Jack started holding his nose and complaining that they smelled. I have to admit, it stunk, but Jack (being his dramatic self) was coughing, gasping for air, and would not stand anywhere near the giraffes. See picture below and note Jack in the far left of the shot holding his nose.

Not thinking anything about it, we went to Sam's and saw some Halloween costumes. Lo and behold there was a giraffe costume in Jack's size! I said "Jack! Here is your costume!" He said to me "I want to be a dinosaur." I was amazed that he no longer wanted to be a giraffe and proceeded to buy the dinosaur costume.

Jack hasn't talked about giraffes since the day at the zoo and then it finally hit me . . . He no longer wanted to be a giraffe because he thinks they smell bad! So I guess Kate gets to be a giraffe for Halloween this year . . .

As an added bonus, when I tried Kate's costume on her this morning, she happened to have just had a dirty diaper. Jack sat down next to her and said "She sure is a smelly giraffe!"

Burnsville Waterway 5K

This past Saturday all four Frames ran in the Burnsville 5K. In an effort to be healthy as a family, John and I have been "training" for this race. My goal was to actually run the entire way (a feat in itself for me since I am not really a runner) and John pushed jack and Kate in the stroller next to me for encouragement. We made it in 33:57 and I ran the whole time!!

He's getting better

Afternoon Nature Walk

We were going a little stir crazy this afternoon and decided to go on a nature walk. Jack was all about it! He was mostly interested in picking up rocks and acorns, but we found a few flowers for Kate. I'm just glad he didn't want to pick up any bugs!

Hope you are having a great weekend!

Good times

Movie night is a hit!

Movie Night

We are all set for movie night at the Frame household--freshly popped popcorn on the stove and homemade Rice Krispie treats. Feature presentation? Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Road Rally! Jack is beyond excited!!

Bathtime fun!

Is there any doubt that these two love each other?

Last day...

On our final day at the beach, the girls went to the outlet mall and
Jack and dad spent all day together at the beach. We played in the
sand, ate lunch under the tent, and listened to a little Jimmy
Buffett. Jack especially enjoyed the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise"
which he pronounced "Cheeburger in Pagadize". We spent the entire
late afternoon in the pool. He was so tired during dinner he could
hardly keep his eyes open. No nap today but he will sleep well
tongiht and on the long ride home tomorrow. Bye Bye Beach... See you
next summer.

Jack at the Beach