Party on!

We had a great time celebrating Carsyn's birthday Sunday afternoon. I guess 1st birthdays (now that I have put on 3 of them) are more for the mommy's and for the smashing of the cake. We did however have a wonderful time with my parents and brother that were in town and to a few wonderful friends that came up to celebrate with us.

This year has flown by faster than any other year has and I know because I am told that before I know it, my children will be off and gone from the house.

Here are some things I have learned...... 1. All of my children love to swing. I have this same picture with all 3 of my babies. All 3 of them in this same swing. Yes, some of it has been chewed off by squirrels. The kids don't care!
2. My children, especially Aidan and Carsyn LOVE food. I guess you would never know looking at either of them..Carsyn weighed in at 19 lbs. 5 oz at her 1 year check up. She is pushing the 12th percentile. The girl eats anything. She devoured 3 pieces of pizza and lots of fruit.

(Carsyn and her Uncle Drew)

3. Kids will put their finger in the flame if given the opportunity. We learned that after Brenna put her finger in her candle. Hence the reason for me holding Carsyn's hands.

She was not quite sure she could dive right in. After a bit of help from Papa, she dove right in.
4. Watch out if you have a dog in the house and an American girls doll (or any doll for that matter). They love to chew the hands and feet. This is my parents dog Allie. Allie has chewed my Molly doll up from when I was younger and she has been repaired. We will be keeping her away from Carsyn's new doll.

5. Big brothers are the best. Aidan loves his sisters. I know later on that may be some tense times between the 3 of them, but for now, I am going to soak it all in!
6. Girls love cars too. This is Carsyn's gift from Grammie and Papa. A gift that her older brother and sister are to big to use.
7. Children, even this young know how to communicate with each other. Here are Landon and Carsyn watching the older kids on the play set outside.

8. Every child is different.

A note for first time parents.......throw out those books.

Ella Beth, Carsyn, Elise, Aidan, Landon and Brenna.

How I LOVE these times!

Birthday girl

Happy 1st Birthday to our Carsyn Joy.

She is the "JOY" of our house!

Easter

I hope everyone had a blessed Easter spending time with family and friends. I have realized more than ever after this weekend, that is near impossible to get 3 children to look at the camera at the same time, let alone smiling and looking at the camera at the same time. The 3 of them take great shots on there own, but people..we had to do some serious bribing. YES..those jelly beans came in handy! However, we did get a few good shots. The one at the top of the blog to finally replace the one from October is the 1 great shot of them together. Enjoy!"Doggie. JJ" is what Carsyn is saying in this picture. She loves her doggie.
Check back this weekend. Our baby turns 1 tomorrow!

WHOA! Are you in need of an update?

There are so many things going on in the Kudlas house that time is passing so quickly and I think I am due to give an update. While the kids are away on Spring Break at my parents, I thought I would have lots of time to squeeze in an update...so between spring cleaning my attic and a well needed pedicure this afternoon, I will bring you an update. Lots of pics..so hang in there.

Update #1:
Since moving to the new house a little over 2 years ago, Brad has not been able to start his garden back up. Many of you know and the ones that have eaten at our house (especially our old house) knew that we used lots of goodies from our garden. So we are finally to the point landscaping at our new house to finally plant our garden. Brad is the one that works outside and does all our gardening. He LOVES it and I let him do that with all the kids. So a bit over 3 weeks ago they started our "prep" garden in the dining room. Here is after 5 days....

Here is just a bit over 3 weeks.....they are getting close to be put into the big garden outside....

Update #2:

Brenna had her Easter performance at school last week. Temps outside made it impossible to wear all the cute Easter dresses and outfits. They still did a great job. Here are both Mon/Wed and Tues/Thur classes singing. Can you find Brenna?

Here is our sweet Brenna Caroline after her performance. We are so proud of her! Here is our little comedian's new joke. (Now remember she is only 3 1/2)

Brenna: "Momma, why did the chicken cross the road?"

Momma (me): "I don't know Brenna, why did the chicken cross the road?"

Brenna: "Because it pooped in the chicken truck."

She is always making us laugh! We love her!

Update #3:

During the month of March I prepared to throw a school baby shower for some good friends of ours that work with Brad. After 5 years of trying to get pregnant, they are expecting a little boy with in the next few weeks. With over 70 people invited, it was going to be quite an event with lots of food and lots of planning. Last week was the big event. Plenty of food and lots of friends!
Here is Aidan, Brenna and their best buddies Isabelle and Elliot Kinsey. (Elliot doesn't look very happy!)

Update # 4:

Our baby, Carsyn is going to be turning 1 next Saturday. Has it already been a year? Watch for posts later this week about the big birthday!

Update # 5:

The one gift the kids got from Daddy and Mommy this year for Christmas was a swing set. We told them it was going to be April before it would be set up and just in time for Carsyn's birthday. This past weekend, Brad worked all day and night to have it built. It was quite an undertaking...but we know that there will be many hours of fun spent on it!

Friday, Saturday and Sunday we had beautiful days in the 60 and 70's. Monday and Tuesday on the other hand was a different story. Thank goodness for Brad having Spring Break!

Before:

During:

After:

If you have been to our new house you know that we are in the wood on a hill. Not a great place for a play structure. However, we do have this great fenced in side yard that is on a large slope. We were able to level it off as much as possible to put the structure up. Grass still has to be planted and in the back left corner were all the dirt is, is where the garden will be.

Update #6:

SNOW! What? Isn't it spring time? Yes, yes and yes! 70's one day, 20's the next. O well the kids had fun looking at it while I packed them up to head to SC.

Update #7:

I met my mom at the Anderson/Clemson exit at ate dinner on Tuesday, packed the kids up and they are off to my parents for the rest of the week. From going golfing, to the park to eating icecream they are having a blast and enjoying every minute of it.

Update #8:

Brad has a new job..well another job..well another new job. He is the new Head Cross country girls/guys coach at North Forsyth HS. He is still doing basketball and all the other things he does best, this is just something he has added to his fall agenda! I am proud of him and know he will do a great job with the kids!

Have a blessed Easter this weekend with your families!