The Stone Triplets

Here are a few pics from our party at Monkey Joe's.  The place was CRAZY, but we think the kids had a blast!
This year, they each requested a DIFFERENT birthday cake, so it was granted. Morgan wanted Sponge Bob, James requested Angry Birds, and Madison chose Hello Kitty - perfect matches for 3 very different personalities!

3 little monkeys

Birthday cakes

Making a wish

This one cracks me up... Madison telling James not to put his finger in the icing :)

Not exactly where the time goes, but it has been a YEAR since I posted!  I thought life would get a little "easier" as the kids got older... I was wrong :)  Nothing is "easier" - just different --- we're starting to drop the afternoon naps, which means we are busy from 7:00 in the morning until 8:00 at night (then it is time to put the house back together).  No more time to jump on the computer & update the blog. Seems like every time I try to clean, they are right behind me, pulling out the exact same things that were just put away!
Don't get me wrong - I love them dearly! I love the time I am allowed to spend with them on a daily basis.  I still find it very hard to believe that they will be enrolling in kindergarten in just one year! 

Here is the latest photo from our bluebonnet session.  Love the smiles.  Love the laughs.  Love the way this picture makes me feel each time I see it :)

Need more photos?  Feel free to follow us on Facebook - I can usually manage to upload a pic from my phone at some point during the day - I have given up trying to sit at the keyboard and type/update anything.  my hands + 6 more little hands aren't successful at doing anything on the computer :)
OR feel free to send me an e-mail and razz me about my blog - or lack of!!!

Thanks for checking in!
Pam

Been WAAAAY too long since the last time I posted! I have no idea where the time has gone! We've accomplished so much since our last entry - here are a few highlights:

Our basket filled with colored eggs - James' fingers were blue for DAYS - liked using them better than a spoon!

Morgan at our Easter Egg hunt in school - she was FAST... and had lots of eggs to prove it~!

Madison showing off her dress for the party! She is definitely our fashionista!!!

James had his eyes set on ONE special, yellow egg. Once he opened it, he was interested in the 2 chocolate pieces inside.  He never tried for more eggs, but his generous sisters made sure his basket wasn't empty :)

James LOVED sliding down the big slides!!!

Morgan like jumping in the arms of Grams!!!  She definitely preferred to be held this day :)  ... and I don't think anyone was complaining :) Madison blowing out her birthday candles --- bless her heart, she kept making the "fff" sound, so it took a while! She does get an A+ for effort! Happy Birthday to US!

We discovered that Monster trucks are never seen on all 4 wheels - so why play with them in the same manner? They are usually found in large piles around the house -- unless Dad sets up a cool Monster truck track!

Dad created a new "waterfall" with PVC pipe... we love it! We catch the water and throw it down the slide, use it to water plants, or drench each other. We enjoyed painting the driveway with cornstarch paint... and I was VERY glad that a good rain washes it away! 

James trying to be VERY still for the nurse taking vitals - notice the bribery piled around the table. Good thing he had on pants - love his little "man" look!



Curled up in bed, watching the Wonder Pets on Daddy's IPad, Monster trucks close at hand.



Shelby loves playing with the kids, but SHE takes advantage of naps, too!

We celebrated Father's Day with time outside--- and fresh sand in the sandbox! We discovered that cinnamon helps keep away the ants... and leaves the kids smelling like Cinnabon! And my little Aggies are learning to pose more for the camera - you can almost hear the unspoken conversations - "the faster we do what she says, the more quickly she'll leave us alone!!!" Nap time is almost over today -- not sure where the time has gone.  I guess that's true about the last 3 years... where HAS the time gone?  Hopefully I'll post more later - and it won't take as long!

Not much time to write, but just had to post a few of my favorite pics :)




The 3 were wearing overalls together for the first time. James LOVES his, Morgan was happy that it wasn't a dress, and Madison had a FIT!  She didn't want to wear them at all, so I was lucky to get a picture!  I did take hers off soon after this shot :)  Thanks Grams & Aunt Suzy for the wardrobe!  Morgan and her cart.  Bless her little heart - she is my hoarder-in-the-making!  She likes to fill her dollhouse with odds & ends, then transfer them to her grocery cart for easy toting.  I've often tried to remove one item to see if she would notice, and she DOES! Amazing memory!  And yes, Uncle Scott, with a cute face like hers, it is hard to deny her of the cart of treats! Nothing beats footed pj's and monster trucks with dad!  We've discovered a few short Monster Truck videos on YouTube, and James could spend every waking minute watching them (if we allowed it). Here is his "Puppy Truck" - he has a toy one as well, and amazed to see the REAL one in action!

 

Every weekend, we have a "date day" with the kids. This means they each get a special day alone with either mom, dad, or Grams.  The kids love the individual attention, and we love being able to take them special places - a task not easily done with the entire gang in tow.  Here, Madison enjoys a photo-op on the carousel at the Downtown Aquarium. As soon as the ride started and the shark began moving, the ride was OVER.  Not a happy girl, but I'm glad she poses for pictures before meltdowns!

Have a blessed day!

Here we are - the latest photo with the kids! We all gathered at the Stone's house... we took a million photographs, hoping to get one good shot.  This is one of my favorites - Little James was in my arms, squirming to break free... when it finally happened, he posed - maybe he just wanted a little time  in the spotlight!  The girls were happy being nestled with Grams and Pop, and Uncle Jon got in on the fun as well!

I also realized this week, just how FAST they are all growing up.  Seems like only yesterday they were born, all in the NICU under constant care and supervision. We all prayed for healthy babies - ones that would grow big and strong.  We feel SO BLESSED that our children are all doing FANTASTIC - absolutely no complaints here...

except...

Maybe they ARE all growing up just a little too quickly for my liking!  I get teary eyed just thinking about kindergarten registration.  Yes, I realize that is still 2 years away - but we're almost 3 years old!  I only have 2 years left with my "babies" until they go to school for 5 days a week, making so many more friends, and loving on sweet teachers.

Several milestones we've reached (well, maybe not physical, but big events in my book):

*Eating off regular plates - no more plastic plates for us! No sippy cups or plastic forks/spoons.  Madison is ready to ditch the booster seat as well, sitting in "Daddy's Chair" as often as possible!


*Separate baths - yep, you heard it --- we can no longer fit our "3 men in a tub" anymore - they are just too big!  SO we have have "stations" - someone starts in brother's room watching a Dora or Diego video while the other 2 are in the tub. As soon as someone is finished in the tub, they switch places with the person watching TV, and I am able to add that 3rd body to the tub.  By this time, bather #2 is finished, ready to be dressed, and off to catch up on Dora/Diego as well... then the 3rd one is finished.  Sounds confusing?  it was until we practiced a few nights...  It now only takes about 20 minutes to have all 3 bathed, hair combed with teeth brushed - a routine that once took at least 30 minutes - and usually ended with someone in tears or unhappy.  Now we have 3 very happy, CLEAN kiddos!

*Once Upon a Time Stories - Once upon a time, Mommy and Daddy would tell the story right before we tucked everyone under their big "cover blankies" --- luckily, James still likes for us to tell a story while he fills in the characters and events.  But now the GIRLS like to make up their own stories!  WE LOVE THEM!  Usually filled with a long list of people and animals, ending with everyone playing in the sandbox.  The end.  I need to find a way to record their stories.  I know I will miss these as well some day.

Don't get me wrong - I pray (and always will) that my children grow up healthy and strong - just wish I could press the "pause" button every now and then.

Here are a few pics from January :)

James would LIVE in the dirt if we let him.  He can always be found with SOMETHING making tracks!

Morgan, playing with squirrel corn - and of course, her favorite blankie.

Madison watching the fun - right before she took off running!

Morgan enjoying her gingerbread man from Naegelin's bakery (special delivery from New Braunfels :)

My laughing boy - what a hoot! Wearing (of course) a favorite Thomas shirt.

My giggling princess - twirling, smiling, and laughing.

The group discovering Hula Hoops:)

"Have you had your picture taken with Santa yet?"

It's a question we get asked many times.  I just haven't had the courage to try recently.
A few weeks ago we had our first encounter with the Jolly Old Soul - we were playing in the castle at Memorial City and paid a visit as we were leaving. We walked by, gave him high-fives and hugs, then left.  Didn't want to put the kids on his lap quite yet... just wanted them to SEE Santa.  Great first visit.

Well, yesterday morning we were all in the van headed home from errands, and received a phone call from Grams. Santa was paying a quick visit to the YMCA! The kids were used to the location since they've been swimming there before.  I didn't have my camera, but we thought, "why not"...

We arrived to find a sweet Santa ready in the lobby, a line that wasn't very long, and several tables set out for Christmas activities for the kids!  James was happy to be amidst the crowd, but the girls were clinging to my pants as they tried to figure out what all the noise was about!  The kids made their first stop at the cookie table! Then off to color a picture of Santa... I decided to avoid the "glitter" craft table at all costs!

Finally - it was OUR time to see Santa. 
James jumped in his lap before we had time to grab him! He gave Santa high-fives, told him he wanted a train and a digger... even gave him 2 kisses before he left! We were ALL surprised - thought for sure he would be the one to shy away... we were SO wrong.


Time for Morgan - and she was NOT going to be leaving my lap for ANY reason --- so I decided to sit a little closer to Santa so they could at least be in the same picture.  Meanwhile, James, who thought the photos were all finished, was headed for the door... we called him back over to join the group, and he did so in protest.  Not being a very happy boy, he flopped his body over my right shoulder.  The sweet camera lady asked if we wanted to try moving him, etc... I just told her to take the picture - this was a great shot of a typical day ... but this day just happened to be with Santa.


So here is the group photo - complete with uneaten cookies and business cards from Santa (not to drum up business, but explain a little about the true meaning of Christmas).

On the way home, I asked Morgan if she liked Santa, and she said Yes! She also said she wanted a baby crib, too!

Love you lots, Santa! We look forward to seeing you again!

Trick or Treat at every door!

Princess Morgan - the crown lasted about 2 minutes :)  Glad we got a shot...

Princess Madison - she actually tried to pose for this :) Crown stayed on FOREVER...and I have a feeling this will be a part of her daily wardrobe...

James, the train conductor.  He wears his costume as long as he can... and as often as possible!

Neighbors, the Gibsons - one of the first houses we hit... at 4:30 in the afternoon!

Trick-or-Treating at Maw-Maw's house.  Good thing she gave us some candy from the "good" basket (containing real chocolate) and not the "other" basket (containing tootsie rolls, Dots, and lollipops!)

Grams helps James into his chair so he can see his candy from the night (and I am hoping he didn't notice the Butterfinger that has mysteriously disappeared since this photo!!!!!)

SURPRISE, MORGAN!!!!!

Uncle Jon helps James get a little closer to the airplanes!

Madison relaxing by the pumpkins - and trying to figure out how to reattach the pumpkin stem!



Our best TREATS EVER!!!



Waiting for next year....

Last night, we had our very first pumpkin carving! What a blast!  Kids LOVED it!!! Here are a few shots from the evening.

Madison watching Dad !

Morgan reaching in and grabbing seeds - we were surprised she did it! She usually isn't fond of getting dirty :)



Madison cleaning out the pumpkin.



James reaching in for seeds.

Although James liked the pumpkin carving, he was REALLY interested to see if the pumpkin could be hauled by his trains, Thomas and Bill.  (the trains did go through the dishwasher that evening).

Happy kids - happy dad - all looking at their first Jack-o-lantern!

Earlier in the day, we spent time outside enjoying the amazing weather. Madison found a toad by our tree and CAUGHT IT!  I was amazed that she was so quick ... and showed no fear!  The toad was not harmed and hopped away as soon as he got the chance :)

Madison peeking from around the tree - gotta love the dirty face!!!

James - lately he is fascinated with airplanes flying overhead!!!

Morgan eating goldfish.