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Dear M & M's,

I am not quite sure if I should give all the credit to you. You see, Bailey has been struggling with potty training for a LONG time. I started praying about it a little while ago, even though I felt like a weird thing to pray about. I read somewhere that M & M's worked for her child and since it was one of the only things we hadn't tried I bought 2 packages. Oh me oh My! Within 3 days Bailey went from having accidents every hour to going all day accident free!!!! Praise the Lord.

Thank you,

Bailey's Mommy.

PS- Isn't it funny that when we FINALLY place a struggling situation in God's hands, he does a better job then we could ever hope to? When will I ever learn to place everything in his hands first?

CRUISE DAY 4: Cozumel

Pier

This was my least-anticipated port of call. I have been to Mexico several times now (West coast, Cancun/cozumel, and a couple border towns).....it is safe to say that I never left anything there that I had to go back for :). I have gotten sick there and overall just not had great experiences. Because I refused to actually eat in the country, we decided to do Snuba (a combo of snorkeling and scuba) for a couple hours and then head back to the shipt o eat lunch. It was a great plan- we had a blast SNUBAing (I always thought I couldn't clear my air, but I did well after a few "wrong" tries!), made it back to the ship to change/eat and then went back out to do a little shopping. Thanks Cozumel for a better experience!

Going to Snuba!

CRUISE Day 1-3: Grand Caymen

So, YES. I am a procrastinator. We got back from our cruise 2 months ago and I am just now uploading the pics to the blog. BUT, our lives have been through a whirlwind in those 2 months....so I need some grace on this one :).

We have desired to go on a cruise together forever, but with 2 babies in 2 years with 2 deployments mixed in there, it just never was able to happen. God worked out all the details, and we were able to enjoy a 8 day, 7 night cruise in May on Blair's pre-deployment leave. My parents kept the girls for 4 days and then Blair's parent's kept them for 4 days. Thank you guys...this wouldn't have been possible without you!

I don't have any pics from leaving Tampa or our day at sea. Honestly, I just think we vegged out and relaxed by the pool most of the time. It took us a day to adjust to "de-stressing" from all the pre-deployment work we had been doing.

Day 3: Grand Caymen.

This is the town of Hell. Yes, we've now been to Hell and back :). LOL.

Seven Mile Beach. We just layed in the sun for awhile and rented a snorkling kit and saw some awesome fishies!

Turtle Farm

They had a ton of turtles, but I declined to get "hands on" !

Our driver, Rita.

Welcome to Grand Caymen! We took a tender boat from the cruise ship to shore.

Overall, we were a little disappointed with the Caymen's. It is really touristy. It was nice for a day, but we won't be going back for a full vacation.

Our cruise ship: Carnival Legend

Formal Night! My handsome husband on our balcony.

Me :)

Who says girls don't eat?!?

We had leftover spaghetti tonight...this is the third "meal" from this batch of spaghetti (this is what happens when hubby is gone- one meal lasts forever!!!). We've had a busy, fun-filled day and the girls each ate 3 helpings of spaghetti. My portion got widdled down to just the hamburger meat (they eat mainly the pasta). Don't have any fears for me though....I made sure to make up the missed calories with a half of cookie :).

Kitchen Remodel, DIY

Old Kitchen (before we moved in) Vinyl floors, laminate counters, yellow walls, wood cabinets with some damage..
DIY kitchen remodel over 3 1/2 years :). Sanded and painted cabinets. Installed hardware. New light fixtures, wall color, curtains. Tile floors done in 2008 and Granite installed this week! Completion!!

LOVE my new sink and faucet.

Swim Lessons

This week we have had swimming lessons every day from 9:30-10:00 for Bales. She did surprisingly well, although she in no means is "swimming" yet! I did it more for exposure to the water and water safety.

Here is her teacher Miss Susan with Bailey and another little girl

Bailey practicing her arms and kicks!

Doesn't she look like such a big girl?!?

Busy Bee's

Seen any cuter ladybugs or bumblebees around?
Pool time- a must in this weather!

"Cheese and Pickles!"

Indy Children's Museum

We went to the Indianapolis Children's Museum last week and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it!! It has 5 levels and each "exhibit" had something for Bailey and Taylor to do, even if it was geared to older kids. They loved the playscape area tha tis for 5 and under as well. Well worth the price....I see many future visits here!

Where is Bailey?

OOOHHHH...Barbie Dollhouse. Two of Bailey's favorite new things

Grandma helping Bailey draw a Barbie dress

Lookin' good!

Groovin'

Egypt

Tea Party with our closest Bear friends

Taylor looking for the fishies

Uh oh Daddy...her comes double trouble.

Toot Toot

AWESOME!!!!

Barnett Fun

Doesn't the above picture just make your heart melt?

Barnett's chillin'

Cousin Evan (who is a couple weeks younger then Bailey) having fun with the Bales. They played SO well together!

Bailey riding the go-cart with Kerry

Go America!

I love you Alexis!

"kiddie table" :)

Football...start 'em young, raise 'em right :)

Sean and his awesome grill. Thanks for all you did Sean and Beth!