Party with our pals

After much anticipation, Ellie and CJ finally arrived for dinner and a playdate. The girls got down to business and opened the beauty shop for moms. As I type, I am scratching an inch of glitter out of my scalp.

After dinner, it was time for a show...none other than HSM!!!!! Complete with 3 wardrobe changes and blaring music. SHOCKING! I know.

Every bit a Triple Threat, Ellie perfects her solo performance.

The boys got into the act by performing all the daredevil stunts.You know: The Boys R Back, Leap Frog & Stair Scaling, all in a feeble attempt to get CJ a matching cast.

Even Lucy played a role in the show as Super Baby.

The show ended with both Jackie and Cameron dumping a cup of water on their friends- sort of like Footloose. Good times.

Bed Time

On any given day, I love to put the kids to bed. Jackie and Cameron will pick out tons of books to read and I’ll happily oblige. We all snuggle in bed together and read until they start snoring. Or cough and scratch. But I digress. I love it because as a working mom, I feel like I don’t get enough time with them during the day. I want to be with my kids as they close their eyes, without all the talking. It helps me remember why I work, and how good we really do have it. And that when Dave and I wish for Lucy to walk and talk, it’s pretty sweet that she doesn’t just yet.

Is it summer already?

3 babies with fevers. Daddy's out of town. It's cold here again. Yes, that's Jackie coughing. And yes, she already had a breathing treatment. Need I say more?

Hmmmm

This is why my sewing machine was broken this morning.

Life with a cast

Hasn't slowed this superhero, rockstar down.

In fact, Dave caught him doing flips on the couch the other day. Give us strength.

Most Common Phrases This Weekend

Cameron: "Mommy, Can I take it off now?" (in reference to his cast) "Can I take it off now?"

Jackie: "Can I have a tea party? Can Hunter come over? Can I have a tea party?

Lucy: "Big Bird"

Pre-broken-wrist: This is how Cameron plays w/ Bendaroo's. And if you don't know what Bendaroo's are, please take ours. We have about 400 more.

If it's ain't broke...

Oh wait, it IS!!!

Cameron broke his wrist today. He was climbing up the pantry to get a snack for Tanner and himself and fell. He landed just right and broke his wrist. He'll be in a cast for ~ 3 wks, if he doesn't work it off first. It's already become a cool weapon.

Nearly there

Today we got the final paperwork to submit for Lucy's adoption. Many of the documents were in Korean. The last one had Lucy's birth mom's signature on it the day she gave Lucy up for adoption and terminated her rights as her mother. It was Sept 5, 2008. Lucy was 6 days old. I can't begin to imagine what she went through that day. But, obviously, we're thankful she did.

From Jackie, of course.

When I find out what exactly we're looking at, I'll share it with y'all.

It is sooooo cold...

...that the dogs' water bowl froze and cracked...

...and Cameron kept warm by crawling into a pile of laundry fresh from the dryer. We LEFT the cold Up North! STAY THERE!

Happy New Year!

We're hoping this year everyone is healthy and happy. And we're mostly looking forward to Lucy officially becoming a Paul!

Baby Cameron. For over a year, Jackie has pushed CamO in LeighO's baby pram. CamO loves to play the baby, and lets J feed him. And of course, J loves to be The Mom.

Occassionally, Lucy will be the baby. But she prefers a slower-paced ride, rather than CamO's Speed Racer.

Grandma & Grandpa are moving South!

We are holding GMa and GPa hostage and they will not be on their flight to Detroit tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas! Part 3

Christmas morning.

Whoppi cushion, roller blades and cowboy/cowgirl boots. What else does a kid need?

Biltmore

Grandma and Grandpa arrived on Christmas day and we've been on the go since their arrival. Yesterday, we spent the night in Asheville and enjoyed the hotel ammenities. Today we toured the Biltmore. It's an incredible place and was decorated for Christmas like none other!

Merry Christmas! Part 2

Robert and Ioana hosted THE party of the season once again. Besides getting everyone's Christmas cards, their party is my favorite holiday tradition. Clearly, everyone had a great time. Even Santa and his pregnant elf! As usual, there was enough food and wine to feed a third world country.

Lucy thoroughly enjoyed the festivities on her first Christmas Eve Party. She especially loved the never-ending supply of food. And DaddyO was more than happy to oblige.

The crowd got rowdy while waiting for Santa's arrival, so Amanda led them all in Christmas carols.

Here Santa and his helper elf are handed the Naughty List from seasoned elf Karen.

Like the final 2 contestants on American Idol, Cameron and Hunter wait with bated breath, hoping their names are not called.


Thankfully, all the kids made it to the Nice List. Anna Kate's Wish List is read from the Big Man, himself.

Cameron is not deterred by the giant beard and red velvet.

SCORE! Jackie got a rockin' pair of clogs. Man, Santa is GOOD!

Even Little Lucy wasn't afraid of Santa. Her 4 siblings taught her to be nice to the man who delivers presents.

Parents in awe of the amount of plastic crap coming home with them tonight.

Another wonderful party. Thanks Robert & Ioana!

Merry Christmas! Part 1

Our Christmas celebration began w/ church at newhope. Followed by PRESENTS! Here the MessiPaul family opened 12 presents in under 2 minutes. They shattered last years record of 3 1/2 min! Clearly everyone was happy with their loot.

Ready, Set, OPEN!

Afterwards, we scooted next door for The party of the season at Robert and Ioana's. That post will follow when I finish downloading the 300 pics...

Nothing good can come of this...

...and it wasn't at all what I expected!