Tanks are TWO

I cannot believe my sweet babies turned TWO on the 14th. I may be wayy behind, but here are some bday pics, and some FALL stuff too. More to come!!!

We had a Halloween Party, complete with a pumpkin patch and a costume contest!

Pumpkin Decor!

My Favorite, the Mantle and the Candy Corn Birthday Banner I made.

Cupcake!!! He loved it!

He wouldn't touch it!

Another Trip Around The Sun

"Here I’m singin’ happy birthday
Better think about the about the wish I make
This year gone by ain’t been a piece of cake
Everyday’s a revolution
Pull it together and it comes undone
Just one more candle and a trip around the sun"

In two days, I will be 32. When I was younger, I used to think 30 was seriously old. Imagined myself married, settled house, kids... 3 out of four isn't bad, right? I have this thing about birthdays. Its a love/hate really. On one hand, I love them, its a day about me, right? Celebrating, cake, presents, people.. What's not to love? On the other hand, there always seems to be a melancholy that surrounds me. Its a time to look back over the last year or so, to think of what is to come. To re-evaluate. And don't even get me started on expectations. I have alot of those, and they never quite seem live get lived up to. ( too high perhaps?) The last two years most certainly have been difficult. By far the most difficult of my 32 years. But I started thinking about all the things I have learned, seen and done. And I started making a mental list, as I do with anything. I like lists. So, I thought I would share it, one more to mark the year gone by.

So, here it is, David Letterman Style.

TOP TEN THINGS I HAVE LEARNED SINCE TURNING 30

10. I like lists

9. I have an awesome family. No really, I do. Like above average, loud messy, get in your business, going outta our way to help you family.

8. I am really really lucky to work where I do, with the people I work with. People who rotate through our department are always saying what an awesome and unique bunch we are to enjoy working with each other so much! I know it nots always easy, but seriously.. its a weird little family, and I will keep it, thank you!

7. I need to stop and rest more. I am really really bad about just sitting, putting my feet up and chillin. I really do need to do this more. I need to write that down.

6.I like teenagers. Its a weird, smelly, bratty group, but they have my heart and I love them. If you are a ground zero kid or warehouser that I know and you are reading this, you pretty much rock my face off. Love you, mean it.

5. I have some really really good friends. Sometimes when you go through a whole lotta crap, people just "poof" out and disappear. I can't say that hasn't been the case, I can't say that friendships haven't changed or ended, that I haven't been hurt or judged by those I loved the most. But I can say that I have such an incredible group of people walking with me, surrounding me and loving me and Nathan and Noah that it literally takes my breath away sometimes. I really hope and pray that I am the same to all of you!

4. A best friend is priceless. I have been blessed to have called several of you a best friend. And while I have lots of best friends, I think every girl needs a Bestest Best Friend, one who doesn't have to ask how you are, they know. They see through your mask and call you out and you them. They celebrate and cry with you. You could see them all day for 8 hours and call them on the way home because you forgot one more thing. They bring out the Jesus in you and you in them. Jen, I thank God for you every day!!! Love you, but you knew that already.

3. I go to a weird church. Yep, its weird, its unconventional. But its not plastic or legalistic. It is a come as you are, is that all you got? kind of place where people are for real and speak truth into my life. I love you GLC.

2. My children are the best parts of me. They are funny and delightful, they are sneaky and smart. They are inquisitive and make no bones about what they need and what they want. Their faces light up a room and light up my heart. Without them, my life would be boring.

1. GOD IS GOOD. No really, He is. If I can say that despite the circumstances that I have walked through, it MUST be true. I see it every.single.day. His Grace, His Mercy, His Plan for each of us. God is good, ALL THE TIME. ALL THE TIME, GOD IS GOOD.

So, bring on 32.

"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Phillipians 3:13-14

Love, Lacey

Tank-lage

Also known as Turner Tank Language.. We definately have our own..

Here is a list, you know, so I don't forget!

Tee Tee- What Nate Calls Noah

Nay Nay- What Nate calls Nate

Arnie- Barney ( I despise that dinosaur)

Arnie Happy a Barney episode about feelings, (I am not kidding)

Arnie Butter - a Barney about bugs and butterflies

Siiid - Sid the Science Kid, said in a whiny voice

HALP! - Help me, usually Help me get on the couch or to put food on a fork

Eggs and Oddage - Eggs and Sausage, favorite breakfast

Nyugnet- as in chicken nugget

Mimondae- LemonadeIchair-highchair

UUUPPP! Usually demanding to be picked up :) Sometimes, sweeter- "hold u"

Offie- our babysitter Kathi

Achey- Katie

Yayyay- Haley

Aisa- Alissa ( my sister)

Wain- Rain, I just figured this out today!

'mote- the remote, usually thrust in my face demanding sid or arnie ( see above)

Minute! -said with hand out, mimicing what we say when we can't handle anymore arnie 5 MINUTES!!!

A-side -outside

pop ubble- bubbles!!!

Gog- Nathan's frog and love of his life

Most of these are said by Nathan.

Here are so Noah-isms..

Whoa! - usually when he throws something

Oooo- "what does the cow say?"

Happy- heard by offie and achey

NoNo- he hears this enough, so he should be able to say it :)

Gotta love toddler talk!

This one is not about the boys

Well, not yet anyway :)

I have been thinking alot about "bullying" lately. Seems funny, huh? Not really. I spend alot of time with teenagers and I watch the news. Seems like its everywhere, and not with just teenagers. I think sometimes we, as adults experience it too. In preparing to teach Sunday School to our church high schoolers, I have thought alot about my "teenage years " ( they seem forever ago, right?) I can't say I was "bully-ed" but I can say, as almost every teenager can, that there were some really mean people who said some really mean ( and untrue things) I won't go into details or use names b/c that was forever ago, and who knows, they may read this. As and adult, I can say that I still know people who belittle or manipulate others, to feel better about themselves. You know those "friends" The ones who are still the "mean girl" The ones who have to feel like they are number one, the best, the most popular, haha. I think we as Mom's sometimes do this, and NURSES are notorious for this, you know, like "nurses eat their young"

My friend Jen and I have been reading a book called "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick. Not sure if I like it yet or not, but it talks alot about finding your "vision" For me, that means what is God giving me glimpses of ..where has He put me, what or who has He put on my heart. My high schoolers, oh how I love you stinky kids! If I had to say I had a vision ( and I really don't like that term) I would say it is for you guys to know who you are, as in WHO Christ has made you to be! That you are loved, beloved, important, complete... I wish I could go back to tell myself that, 12 years ago. That no matter what stupid thing people say about you, that Truth in the form of your Creator Himself is inside of you, and that you would know how powerful it is. That each of you could stand firm with that knowledge. That you would never feel inferior, left out or like the new kid :) That you would remember your emotions don't line up with the TRUTH of Who you are! I pray this for my Sunday Schoolers, my Ground Zeros, my Sister and my Perry Girls, and my girlfriends and new baby nurses!

And for me , the same.. :) And for you , the same :)

From Summer To Fall..

Can you smell it? Fall is coming! My favorite time of year. We have been super busy, as Summer is winding down, but I can't complain. The boys started preschool a few weeks ago, at Bascomb United Methodist, and they love it! They are in a young two's class, with 2 other little girls ( one for each) I think a few more are joining their class. I feel really blessed to have to have them their. Our sweet friend Ms Ann from church works there, and they boys love seeing her. (especially Noah) They really seem to like their teacher, Ms Di. In fact, when I drop them off on Thursday mornings, they literally RUN down the hall to get to their class. :)

Here's some pictures from the first day!!

We have started a new routine in the evening of walking down to our neighborhood playground. They start asking for the "slide" as soon as dinner is over. It WEARS THEM OUT. I love that sweet time playing with them. I feel like I miss so much being at work four days a week, so its my time with them!

Nathan is talking up a storm repeating so many words. Every morning he does this roll call. He lists off people..its like a list of people he loves :) Mama, Offie, Dee Dee, Ran, Daddy, Mimi, Papa, Yay-Yay and Achey ( Haley and Katey) Bob, and Andrew ( Katey's BF makes the list lol) Sometimes he'll add more people, like Nolan, my friend Jen's little boy, because we skype'd with them, or Manna ( Amanda) haha, such a sweet loving little guy!!

Noah is doing better with his speech. He is working on his "O" sounds, like Whoa, and OOOO,

and MOOO ( what does the cow say?) and Ruff, for the dogs! He is becoming more fearless, which can be bad, especially when his class can't go to the playground because he is TOO fearless on the slide (sigh)

All in all, they are making life so special right now :)

Shopping!

Our first football game, GOOO ETOWAH EAGLES!!!

Next up, I am working on our Birthday Party, can't wait.

Captured

Some of my favorite pictures right now.. I think it captures them, in their element! I want to do some kind of series framed with these.. I JUST LOVE THEM!!!

Things I don't want to forget

This is such a sweet sweet time ( and sometimes trying) with my double trouble toddlers. One reason I write this ol' blog is so I can look back and not forget. So here are the things I want to remember right now.

Nathan repeats everything I say! ( this is a potential problem ) This morning, he stepped on my toe, I said "Ouch buddy, thats my toe" And now TOE is his word of the day ! He also says "dude" alot lol, I think I call them both that.

Noah is snuggly in the mornings. No other time of day, really, but in the morning, he will lay in my lap, or beside me and just snuggle in. Completely melts me!

They miss each other when they aren't together. If Noah wakes up before Nathan, Nathan starts calling for Noah the minute he wakes up! This morning, I asked Noah, "do you want to go get Nathan up?" And he ran for the door. So sweet!

Nate calls Noah "Tee Tee" because I call him Noey T, and sometimes Tee Tee.. MUST STOP THIS SOON!

They know when I am getting ready to go, they (mostly Noah) gets needy, clingy. I can't say I don't love it! They wave bye, and blow kisses.

They want me to sing to them. Usually right before bedtime. I say, "do you want to sing a song" and Nathan says "Okay!" and Noah nods and smiles. We sing lullabies, and Wheels on the Bus, Deep and Wide, My God is So Big...( thanks for that last one Tin Tin). They love it, over and over.. until they are falling over and sleepy! Works every time!

They love pictures, they bring me pictures and we point out who is in them, and try to say the names.. this could go on for a while!

Enough for now!

Be still my heart

This has been such a sweet, sweet week with Nathan and Noah. After a couple of crazy weeks, and some travel without them, I needed some Mommy/Tank time!!! They are at such a fun age right now, well , except for a few disciplinary issues. I took some pictures of them sleeping, oh, sooo sweet and precious. ( they don't even look capable of mischeif, do they?)

Nathan and his "gog" aka the love of his life.

This is the only time Noah is ever still.

I love sleeping Tanks :) Melts my heart every time!

Crazy Fun, let loose style!

We have been busy, as usual! Last weekend, I went to Nashville with Kristin, Sarah and Vicki. Read about that here www.kotronis.blogspot.com It was an AWESOME weekend, and much needed let loose, have a good time like when we were in college time.

Then, as crazy as we are, Kristin and Sarah and I walked the Peachtree Road Race. I have wanted to do this fo-eva! I set it as a fitness goal earlier in the year and whooohoo! We did it! The 6.2 miles wasn't terrible, we kept a decent pace, even up the hills. Now, after, like once we stopped, it was kind of rough to start again, as in the looong walk back to Marta, but it was such a good feeling to meet my goal, it didn't really matter. I am so thankful for friends that will walk with me, could NOT have done that one on my own.

Next up, the annual girls and Mama's beach trip to St Auggie. I CAN-NOT wait. Mom and I made our list of what we need to get yesterday, and it really is coming!!!

Brothers..

Having a hot, fun summer. Did I mention HOT? ICK.

Just a few Tank Updates..

Nathan is pushing 30 lbs, tall boy! Wearing 24 month clothes, size 5.5 shoe and about to be in size five diaper. He is talking up a storm and loves to repeat. He calls Noah "Noey T" on a regular basis, and just babbles on and on about anyone and everything. Any time I pick up my phone, he says "DEE DEE" as in call her. I wanna talk!! He is pretty independent and wants to walk everywhere!

Noah, is prayerfully pushing 20 lbs, still size 3 diaper, size 4 shoe. We are working with speech and OT still. He is into everything, he wants to climb onto anything he can( see below) and even stand up in this chair. (Lord help) He loves to play with my ipod, and knows how to change songs!

I am going to try to get them dancing on video, its pretty hilarious!!! We are looking forward to the beach in a few weeks, but first Mama gets a girls trip to go see U2 in Nashville! Whoo Hoo!!!

Sisters, sisters....

So my sister Alissa came up for a few days. We took the boys to Moes, and the pool. Then we had the rest of the weekend to ourselves. So we headed downtown to eat at Park Tavern.. you know, good view of Atlanta, Iconic Piedmont Park.. but on the way this happened.

Yep, having a flat tire on 75 ( aka the Autobahn) has been like a fear of mine forever. So there we were, it was ridiculously HOT. And I was wearing a dress! Thankfully, Atlanta has these awesome Hero Units that come to your rescue. 20 minutes later, there he was, and 20 minutes after that, we were on our way. Dinner was fun and Paolo's Gelato was even better!!!

The next day, after having tire fixed, we headed to the High Museum. I haven't been there in a while, but I loved seeing it with Alissa. And I think she liked it too! Here is the only picture I too, haha, we made this, obviously!

Here's hoping she comes again soon, for longer!

the norms

These pictures are actually from Easter morning, but I think they sum up the "norms" that describe Nathan and Noah's favorite behaviors.

This is how I normally find Nathan, waving a book in my face, crying for me to read it ( this is his favorite, just ask Kathi, his babysitter) I usually can't resist snuggling up in a chair with him and Bert and Ernie's opposite book! He looks so distressed in this picture! He is still so snuggly and loves a lap, and I love to snuggle with him!

And this is Noah, so focused on the figuring out of things, intense. Granted, here he is figuring out a carrot full of Reese's Pieces, but usually its something a little more difficult. He entertains himself for loong stretches. Love my little professor!

Play Dates

We have a pretty big group of friends around Atlanta. It seems we are more and more scattered, but we get together pretty often. When we do, it can be a hot mess, kids or no kids! Here are some pictures from our zoo trip a few weeks ago! Wish I had more, especially the petting zoo, and the train. The boys loved those the most I think!

Christy with Joshua, and Sarah with Ian and Elijah ( Sarah don't kill me for this one, you were just gonna give your booger a kiss lol)

Noah and Nathan and CoraLeigh and Amanda. Nathan's favorite animal was his frog lovey lol (sigh) And I love how CoraLeigh is posing! I didn't get a good one of Shanna, or me ..but we were there too!!!

This last week we had a fun pool trip and cra-zy trip to Chicfila after with 4 Mamas, 2 Aunties and 7.5 boys ( one on the way) No girls..whew!

Can't wait for the next one!

Playin' Outside.

The boys have discovered the great outdoors... and that is all they want to do! Thursday night, we had some major storms blowin' in. It didn't phase them, they were beating on the back door and crying, wanting to go out and play :) Ain't least they aren't afraid of thunder and lightning, like their Mama is! It took some work and distractions to convince them not to go out! Here are some pictures from our backyard.

Nathan was filling up his cup and helping me water the plants!! I think more water go on Nate than my Canna Lillies.

Noah is always moving, hence the lack of face pictures! Above, he was looking in the door at Ellie, our cat. And carrying around a plant in a cup. Below, just wanted you to see his dirty lil butt. He loves to sit in mud puddles.

We have a busy few weeks coming, Aunt Alissa is coming to stay, and the boys are going to stay with Dee Dee and Daddy Ran for a few days. Summer is here, and we are ready!

Road Trips Rediscovered..

Its been awhile since I embarked on a genuine road trip.. Sure I have gone on long trips with good friends.. but with a destination in mind... You know like a 2am trek to Charleston with Sarah and kiddos for Kristin's wedding. Or the journey last summer to St Augustine with my Mom for our annual girls beach trip. This one was different, however. We went to Asheville... For Biscuits.

My friend Laura has a gluten allergy. I have known her for almost 5 years, and have watched her drool over cakes and cookies that came into our office. ( I have seen her swipe some much coveted icing, but we won't tell anyone!) Well, Laura and her hubby Scott recently discovered a restaurant in Asheville that is organic and gluten free! Imagine her delight at discovering a gluten free biscuit that ..wait for it... tasted GOOD! Since her reserves of frozen biscuits were running low, she needed to go stock up. I, in need of a change in scenery, volunteered to make the trek with her.

We left around 8:30 and headed up 985, throught Clayton and Dillsboro, we passed the cabin in Franklin that has housed many a girls weekend, and kept going to Asheville. We had some pretty colorful stops and interactions.. on purpose of course!

My favorite, was the guy we will call wandering eye Joe.. He sold us some AWESOME boiled peanuts at the Tallulah Gorge overlook, and invited us to a party. (http://www.gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge)

We drove through the Warrior Dash Traffic.. umm. yeah.. not sure what the costumes are about, but it looks fun! (http://www.warriordash.com/register2011_georgia.php)

We did some "antiquing" ( both of us ended up with books.) And of course, we ate at Posana (http://www.posanacafe.com/).. GOOOD, so good!!!

We topped it off with some YUMMY chocolate from here. http://frenchbroadchocolates.com/

Yesterday was such a good time of sweet fellowship with a sweet friend. So I challenge you to go do something random, like we used too!!!

Little Boys Have Big Ideas

That quote is from Jim Duggar.. you know, the father of 19 and counting? One of the truest statements about boys... mine certainly do! Every day, they figure out another way to be sneaky, cheeky, or downright adorable!

Yesterday, we had our 18 month appt! Can you believe it? They are 1 1/2 yrs old?

They are hard work, for real. They are a worthwhile, albeit exhausting challenge.. They are good birth control for any teenager :) ( so if you know one, who needs a wakeup call, we can have a play date) WHEW!

This weekend, we headed to Perry for Mother's Day. I love my family, and I love my Mama. I love watching my parents and sister with the boys, and they LOVE my family!!! ( ok, will stop being sentimental)

Here are some stats!

Nathan- holy moly, he is 27 lbs... He is tall too, above avg height for an 18 month old.. We call him "the first grader " Nathan loves to run, especially if he is holding something he isn't supposed to ! His vocab skills are taking off! Yesterday he told Ellie (our cat) "Good Morning" so cute!

He has been calling Noah "noey t" ( his street cred nickname) and he will repeat almost anything you DON'T want him too! He loves a good snuggle and a good book!

Noah- gained a little more weight, is 18 lb and 9 oz.. He is small in weight, height, and head circumference ( at least he is proportional) (sigh) Noah is walking and trying to RUN. SO much so, that his body gets ahead of his feet, and he falls, alot. So, he is covered in bruises, and has his 2nd black eye in 2 months. Noah loves music..drums and piano being his instruments of choice!
He LOVES to say "yeah" or "nah" He is also a climber, anything and everything ..Lord help me.

Here are some pictures from Easter..

The small things..

Warning, random post!

Yesterday, after church.. I had to eat lunch fast, and I was on my own..so I headed to my FAVORITE sandwich place...

Here comes the best part... THEY HAVE A DRIVE THROUGH! Ok, ok, so its kinda ghetto... You pull up to the sliding glass door, and HONK... they take your order, then bring it to you.

BUT, I think this will prevent many a bad drive through choice on my part!

So, lets keep them in business! The new one is off of Towne Lake Parkway, right at 575.

If you have never had Roly Poly, you are missing out!

Serious Water Busines

So, I got a water table.. thinking this would be a good way to get them outside with something to occupy their busy little selves.

THEY LOVE IT! Noah is such a water baby, and since he isn't walking great yet ( but he IS taking some steps) I though this would be something he could grab onto! The picture below shows Noah, so serious... playing in the water.. This is serious professor business people!

Nathan loves the wheel and likes to splash and the loves to get me all wet, by climbing his wet little self into my lap. ( that is NOT a complaint!)

See what I mean? Serious business!

Because every kid needs an embarrasing tub picture.

Wanna come play in the water with us?

Snack time, Nathan was NOT gagging himself ( I don't think)

Love, Lacey

We moved!

Well, the blog did anyway! Still a work in progress, but here you go!