The Pyron Post

Splish Splash! Pyron kids love the bath!!!

2010-03-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

First time all three of them took a bath together. They had a lot of fun.

22 months ago...

2010-03-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

...this guy was born!

7 months later....

2010-03-07T09:17:00.000-08:00

Big boy!

2010-02-23T19:02:00.001-08:00

Jesse's first night in his big boy bed!!! *sniffle!*

Billy ate sweet potatoes for the first time

2010-02-22T06:00:00.000-08:00

Now that Billy is 6 months old (I know... I can't believe it!) he gets to try solid foods. We always start with sweet potatoes with our kids. He wasn't too sure about it at first. But he kinda got the hang of it after the first few bites.

I know! I knooooooooooooow! It's been too long...

2010-01-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Halloween & other milestones

2009-11-08T14:21:00.000-08:00

Joel was Billy Mays.

Jesse was an Elephant.

Gracie was a Circus Girl.

Billy was a Mouse.

Our sweet Billy Boy turned three months old yesterday!

And last but not least, Jesse turned 18 months old today.

Jessephant

2009-10-28T16:47:00.000-07:00

We tried Jesse's Elephant costume on him today. LORD HAVE MERCY! Get ready to laugh!!!

Someone's ticklish

2009-10-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's so dark.

Billy telling stories

2009-10-15T20:36:00.000-07:00

Blue-eyed Brownie

2009-10-13T17:42:00.000-07:00

Family Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-11T07:49:00.001-07:00

2 Months!!!

2009-10-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Billy Boy is 2 months old today. WOW!!!
Here are the stats from his check up:
13lbs 14oz
24.5 inches tall
Head circumference 16 inches

Family cook-out

2009-10-03T18:08:00.000-07:00

Joel got this awesome idea today to make a fire pit in the front yard. Gracie helped him dig the hole, gather big stones & surround the pit with them. We had one of the greatest family nights EVER!!! We roasted hot dogs & made s'mores.

Hello stranger!

2009-09-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Yeah, yeah, yeah! I know. I take a few weeks off to loaf around doing nothing but eating hummus & pita chips, watching Planet Green & everyone gets a bee in their bonnets cause I don't write like I used to before I had three kids. SHEESH!

Well, here it is.

Grace:
Turned 6
Started 1st Grade
Started a new season of dance
Started Girl Scouts

Jesse:
Not only started walking, he now RUNS!
Talking and signing a TON.
Has the greatest sense of humor I have ever encountered.

William (aka Billy):
Is now 6 weeks old
Weighs 12lbs
Smiles when he is awake (not just gas, not just dreamy smiles, although they are very dreamy!)

So here are their adorable mugs. I promise to try to write more often.

Sweet William

2009-08-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

William James Pyron
Born Friday, August 7, 2009 at 8:08 p.m.
Weight 9 pounds 9.4 ounces, 21.5 inches tall

So silly!!

2009-08-07T05:50:00.000-07:00

These kids sure are cute!

Wordless Wednesday.....Happy Birthday Opa!!!!

2009-08-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Mani, pedi, & tattoos

2009-08-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

A girl after my own heart!! Gracie wanted some new tattoos today. But she also wanted her nails done. She couldn't decide which she wanted more. Why decide?! She got to do both.

Gracie the photographer!

2009-07-25T21:42:00.000-07:00

I set Gracie free with the camera the other day. She is really good, actually. She centers the subject & everything. Love the self portrait!

These sweet babies of ours...

2009-07-17T18:46:00.001-07:00

(Not so) Wordless Wednesday..........Playdate with future husband & his adorable litte sister!

2009-07-15T19:53:00.000-07:00

Grace with Luke & Caroline Wilson

On a much happier note, super cute kids...

2009-07-11T14:41:00.000-07:00

Today, I took Gracie to a Sibling class at the hospital. I thought she might be the only one to not be a first time older sibling, but there were quite a few others. She was able to sit and hold a life-like baby while the teacher talked to the kids. Another little girl came late so Gracie shared her baby with her. The coolest thing was that Gracie's baby was black. She never once saw anything different about the baby. She just cuddled him & rocked him. All the other kids had "color appropriate" babies (for lack of a better term). But Gracie was perfectly happy with her baby. Nothing like love being blind, huh!

WORLD'S BEST BIG SISTER!!!

Jesse is getting so big & even cuter. Who knew that was even possible?!

This is what he does when we tell him to "get the bugga". He blows at the ceiling. HAHA! It's super cute!!!!!!!!

He loves to sit in the hall & play with his toys & read books.

Getting so big! He stands as high as my hips.

Goodbye sweet Dani!

2009-07-09T10:34:00.001-07:00

Our friend died around 3pm Pacific time on Wednesday July 8, 2009. Cause of death is "heart failure". It just stopped beating. I am in shock. I am sad. I wish I had known her better. She was more of a friend of a friend who became an online friend. But I feel the short time I did know her, she enriched my life. She was an amazing, creative, poetic force of a woman.

Dani & Will Thomas Long at their wedding reception.

Pray for Dani...

2009-07-08T17:36:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my friend Dani. She went to bed Monday night & Tuesday morning, her husband Thomas couldn't wake her up and he called the medics, who were able to temporarily revive her and transport her. She went into a coma at some point and isnt responsive at all. She is in ICU. The latest is "no change" as of this afternoon. Please pray for her recovery, for her husband to be strong and for her friends & family to get through this tough time.

Stay strong, Dani girl! The world needs you & your beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our American Girls!

2009-07-06T10:54:00.000-07:00

My sister Lisa & I took Grace & Georgia to the American Girls Bistro for lunch on Sunday. They had a blast. They got to pick out new dolls & have them in their special little high chairs at the table. Afterward, they road the Merry-Go-Round at the mall. My nephew Carson got to go to Monkey Joe's, an indoor jumping place, with his Daddy. The girls & I met up with them for a quick hour or so of jumping. Well, Lisa & I sat in the massage chairs while the kids jumped. It was great!

Freshly Showered!

2009-07-04T18:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was William's baby shower. It was really nice. My sister Lisa put a lot into it. She & her family drove down from Tennessee for a long weekend. My friend Christine hosted at her house & friends brought lots of yummy food & drinks. I am very thankful for those in my life. Thanks girls!!!
Enjoy the pictures.

The cake.

Lisa made some totally cute decorations.

Gracie girl & me.

Happy Momma!

Opening gifts. Lord! I am huge. Yes there is only ONE in there. Just a really BIG ONE!!!

Wordless Wednesday.....This time, last year/Homesick.

2009-07-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

Huntington Beach, CA July 2008

VBS part deux, monkey boy looks for food in Daddy's hair & the Princess goes Pirate.

2009-06-28T18:30:00.000-07:00

Gracie finished her 2nd week of VBS at a church her friends go to. She had a lot of fun. It was a little "spooky" at first. The theme was a kinda bayou scene. There was a snake on the front porch of one of the little houses that freaked her out. Even though I picked it up & showed her it wasn't real, it still irked her. You can see how nervous she was standing next to it on the last day. The snake wasn't there anymore. She was just SURE that it slithered away!!!

Super cool tree & lightning bugs greet incomers.

Ooooooooooooh how I love these boys!

And our girl! She is such the Princess. She wore this dress all day today.

Jesse started picking through Daddy's hair like a little monkey preening his Pappa! It was hilarious.

And Gracie the Princess decided to get all tatted up like Mommy.

Family fun!!!

2009-06-25T17:07:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday......Nostalgic

2009-06-24T19:43:00.000-07:00

2009-06-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Last week, Gracie went to Vacation Bible School (VBS) where she attended Kindergarten. She even had our beloved Ms. Eileen as her teacher. She had a wonderful time. She even participated in Music Camp. She loved it. They did a performance at Sunday's church service. Below are pictures from Sunday. We were able to walk through the rooms and see all of the beautiful art work the kids and teachers decorated the walls with. The theme this year was "Boomerang Express". The idea behind the name is that "It all comes back to Jesus". Pretty cool, I thought. When we got home, Gracie was surprised by a "new" swing set. Joel's cousin's kids had out-grown their set & passed it along to our kids. We now have a playground in our backyard. Poor kid wants to go out there all day but it's been soooooooooooo hot. She is also going to a different VBS this week where her friends Hope & Brooke go to church. She is doing a six-week dance camp that meets every Monday. We are keeping her busy! Last but not least, she had joined Girl Scouts. We went to a pool party on Saturday to meet all the girls and Mommas. It was really nice. Pur first official meeting is August 17th. Lots of fun to come and the pictures to show for it!
ENJOY!

Oh and Jesse is super cute as usual. He played himself to sleep again in his ExerSaucer!

Gracie the Farmer!

2009-06-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Gracie planted a little veggie garden. Her first bean sprouted & she "harvested" it & tasted it. She said it was really yummy!

Wordless Wednesday.....I miss my Daddy!

2009-06-17T17:57:00.000-07:00

Gracie's trip to Jekyll Island, GA

2009-06-14T05:53:00.000-07:00

Gracie had the pleasure of taking a week long vacation on Jekyll Island on the Georgia Coast with Oma, Opa & Papa (Joel's parents & Grandpa). She had an absolute blast. She had not been to the beach in 11 months & had NEVER been to the Atlantic. We love that she had this opportunity to be showered with wonderful times & not have to share the attention with her brother. They went to the beach every day. They visited the Georgia Sea Turtle Center where Gracie learned about different turtles that they have rescued and are rehabilitating to release back into the ocean. She even got to have breakfast with "Scoot" the center's mascot. We missed her a lot but we love that she will have these memories for the rest of her life. She is even considering a career with Sea Turtles. Maybe that means we can move to the beach!!! Maybe.... Until then, enjoy some of the 195 pictures Oma took!

On the wagon!

2009-06-12T15:33:00.000-07:00

Things just aren't the same without Sissy here. Grace has been down at Jekyll Island with Oma, Opa & Papa (Daddy's parents & Grandpa) since Saturday. They will be home tomorrow. We miss her a lot. Most nights we have been able to talk to her on the phone, but the last few nights, she's been out painting the town PINK! She is a girlie girl ya know! But Jesse is trying to keep us all entertained. He is really quite funny. Here, he cleared out his block wagon & decided it better suited him as a seat. He is walking a lot now, holding on to the sides of his playpen & crib. It's really cute. Before we know it, he will be running around here ike a wild man. LORD HEP US!

Wordless Wednesday....Bro-mance at an early age

2009-06-10T21:00:00.000-07:00

Jump for joy, Gracie girl!!!

2009-06-05T10:20:00.000-07:00

Gracie's friend Mackenzie had her 6th birthday party at Jumping Jelly Beans yesterday. We had a blast. Here are some pictures from the fun!

Wordless Wednesday.....All played out!

2009-06-04T12:03:00.000-07:00

Fun hodge podge of pictures....

2009-06-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

My Mom had a layover in Atlanta on Memorial Day. We got to visit for a couple hours. It was nice.

Jesse & one of his lady friends Livvie.

Gracie planting her new veggie garden.

Jesse signing "DADDY" at the park. He would sign & then look around & say, "A-DA!" which meant he was looking for his Daddy. It was so sweet.

"Thank you for shopping Kroger"

Great picture of Jesse & Oma. We were watching the dump trucks dump the new gravel in our driveway. Not much to do around here. It's very exciting to watch! Jesse loved it.

Grace is just cute. That's all there is to it! Too bad she doesn't know it!

OOOOOOOOOOOOOh! Cute boy!

Wordless Wednesday....Pucker Up, Buttercup!

2009-05-27T03:28:00.001-07:00

Shake what your Momma gave ya! And a snake...

2009-05-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

This Saturday was Gracie's first dance recital. We have been really worried that she was going to pay the part of the "Deer caught in the headlights". We had a couple opportunities to watch during dance class with the rest of the parents & she would just stand there....looking like a petrified woodland creature. But on Wednesday, she showed her stuff at dress rehearsal. She was awesome. She was even better at the recital. She made us all VERY proud. Jesse had a blast watching all of the kids dance. He was rockin' out & singing along to all the songs. The kid's got some rhythm!

Getting ready...

Big, Southern hair!

Ring around the rosie with the girls

Gotta love the cheesy hat!

Ashley, Grace, Elleri, & Maggie. They are in the same Kindergarten class. Well, they were. Now they're big 1st graders.

Picture pose!

Have you ever seen a prettier profile?!

Gracie at home on the stage.

On our way to the recital.

Libby, Mia, Kaliegh, Lilianna, Grace, Makenzie, & Nicaya.

Super excited!!!

Yesterday was date day for Joel & me. When we got home from super yummy Mexican food, there was a Black Racer (snake) in the yard, sunning itself. This is actually a GOOD snake. They eat the bad snakes & rodents. They are MORE than welcome in our yard. So we got some cool pictures of me standing next to it. I had seen it a few weeks ago & got kinda freaked out & threw one of Gracie's toy pots at the ground near it to get it to go the other way....ya know, away from the house. But it didn't even phase it. So yesterday, I was apologizing to it for throwing the pot at it. I told it that it was allowed to be in the yard, just to stay off the porch. Hey! Guess where it went!!!! THE STINKIN' PORCH!!!!!!!! So, my ever-so-very brave husband had to get it off the porch & away from Gracie's play kitchen. The pictures are great!

***CORRECTION!***
The snake is actually a Bask Rat Snake. We were a little curious about some of the markings on it since Black Racers are just black. I looked up Georgia snakes & found this guy!

http://canal.mcmullans.org/black_snake.htm

So long, farewell....

2009-05-23T04:34:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, our sweet little Kindergartner completed her first year of school. Her Daddy & I enjoyed a lovely "Beach Party" on the playground with the rest of the 5 & 6-year-olds and their parents. There was a big inflated waterslide, three plastic pools and tons of water guns. Much fun was had. The kids had a nice tropical feast of PB&Js, Chips & Fruit. I made the fruit platter. I was rather impressed with how it turned out! :o)

We just can't believe it's over. How is it that just yesterday, we were dropping off a very nervous yet excited little almost-5-year-old for her FIRST day of Kindergarten? In just a little over two months she will be a big First Grader. HOLD THE PHONE!!! How are these kids of ours getting so grown up, so fast?! Well, I guess that's just life...

These two women should be Sainted! They are mostly responsible for shaping the future of these kids' lives. They have given them an amazing start to their education. We can't believe how much Gracie has learned this year. It really is nothing short of a miracle!!!

Ms. Eileen, Grace & Ms. Kawin

Wordless Wednesday....Gracie Butterfly

2009-05-13T06:15:00.001-07:00

Let him eat cake!!!!

2009-05-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

On this day, one year ago....

2009-05-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

...our sweet baby boy was born. Jesse Charles Pyron came into the world at 12:22 am weighing in at 9 pounds 4 ounces. He stood at a tall 22 1/2 inches, well if he could stand at that point. He has gotten even bigger! Today, Daddy & Mommy took him to his 12 month check up. He is 21 pounds 8 1/2 ounces and STANDS at 31 inches tall. He is talking, identifying "Dadada" and "Mamama". He signs "more" when he would like a refill of Cheerios. He loves when his sister does anything funny. He's a big fan of slapstick/physical comedy. He is going to love the Carol Burnett Show! He is also sleeping in his crib (almost all the time). His birthday party is tomorrow. I can't belileve it's already here.
Happy Birthday, Moosey!!! We love you!!!!!!!!!

Dancing Queen!

2009-05-01T10:53:00.001-07:00

Check out the Roller Derby girl! All her friends are smiling sweetly. Not Miss Thang!

THERE'S our sweet girl!

I love this one!

And this is the one that made me cry. Look at that amazingly beautiful ballerina!

Twitterpated!

2009-04-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

Who has the most beautiful kids in all the land? Why, that would be Joel & Sierra Pyron, of course. I know, I know. Everyone we know has cute kids. Really! I don't think we have one friend or family member with a homely kid. But man! Ours are just too stinkin cute!!! Wait till I scan Gracie's dance portraits this weekend. You'll cry. I did. Yes, the preggo hormones are in full force. But really, other Moms were tearing up when they saw these pictures. One in particular will get the water works going. But for now, here is a sweet shot of our babies last weekend. **SIGH**

Easter 2009

2009-04-13T02:42:00.001-07:00

Saturday, there was an Easter egg hunt in a local housing tract. Grace had fun scooping up the eggs & playing in the bounce house. The kids got to see the Easter Bunny. It was so cute. Grace was actually a little apprehensive at first. So she told me to have Jesse go first & then she would join in. HAHA!! Throw the baby to the weird rabbit & if he survives, then I'll go in, too. Jesse loved the EB! He didn't realize who was holding him in the fist picture. When he looked up, he got the biggest smile on his face. I wish I had captured it. But you can tell in the second picture that he was happy to be in the big rodent's arms.

After all the fun, we drove up to Atlanta to The Varsity. It's this great, HUGE drive-in.

On Easter, we had a nice little breakfast and another egg hunt in the yard. Later, Gracie painted my belly like an Easter egg. Joel moved the bee hive with the help of his Dad. It looks really cool.

Grace left a bunch of Organic carrots and a note for the Easter Bunny that read,
"Dear Easter Bunny,
Enjoy the carrots. Happy Easter.
Love Gracie and Jesse"

Gracie's basket.

Jesse's basket.

Getting ready to go hunt for eggs.

Look at this BLUUUUUE eyes!

FOUND ONE!!!

And another!

Cute Pyron boys.

Doin' the wave.

There was a teeny, tiny green caterpillar on one of her eggs.

Easter preggo & the baby.

The artist at work.

Sweet boy. He's got us all wrapped around his little finger.

Mommy's Easter Belly.

Gracie's Easter Belly.

The proud & oh so very handsome beekeeper and his colony.

Wordless Wednesday.....Gracie Cotton Tail

2009-04-07T20:02:00.000-07:00

Catch up!

2009-03-29T06:48:00.000-07:00

Well here in good ol' Georgia people have wood piles in their yards. Once those wood piles get bigger than the house on the land, they get burned! Here is a prime example of Mother-Son bonding. Joel & his Mom Gail, manning the fire.

Jesse, being at least 12th generation Georgian, found this a great spectator sport & bellied up to a tray full of munchies to watch the action.

Gracie got to bring home the class mascot Gordon again. He got to try out Jesse's new Exersaucer.

These two are a match made in heaven! Look at them. Melts my heart!!!!

Jesse loves the Exersaucer. Tons of fun at his sweet little finger tips.

Joel has created a beautiful water feature in our front yard. This is a rain chain that is in place of the gutter spout. It makes the rain go down the chain into a bowl of pretty rocks that then drains into a 55 gallon rain barrel. We are harvesting the water for our future veggie garden.

Sibling loooooooooooooooooove!!!

2009-03-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

There is nothing in the world more beautiful than watching your children love each other. I am constantly convinced of this fact. Look at these two. Jesse is amazed by his sister. Grace loves her brother & is so quick to help him in any way she can. I can't wait to see how their little brother adds to the pot 'o love!!! What lucky parents we are to be their audience. How much we will learn from them & their unconditional love.

Wordless Wednesday...fresh love

2009-03-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

Joel & Sierra March 2003, Huntington Beach, CA

Bowl-O-Rama!!!

2009-03-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

Friday was Gracie's first bowling experience. We celebrated her friend Hope's birthday at the glow-in-the-dark bowling alley. It was so fun. She did great. She bowled a 58! It was a great crowd. We also did putt-putt golf, skee ball & Dairy Queen. What more could a girl ask for out of a Friday night out on the town with her friends!?

March snow, so fun......while it lasted!

2009-03-03T04:23:00.000-08:00

Gracie's snow person! This is the first one she ever made all by herself. After I took this picture, she dropped a huge chunk of snow on it & let out a frightening cackle.

My sister Heather seems to think that she gets that from me. But she forgets that I was tormented by two older sisters who had 5 & 10 years on me. It was self-defense! What would you do after learning to crawl in the confines of an inverted laundry basket?! How would you react after purchasing an invisible unicorn & a magic growing bean only to find out that they were merely a string with a loop at the end & an old soup can with kitty litter & a weed shoved into it?! Grace is just, well a little twisted! HAHAHA! Just enough to make her even more interesting.

This is my snow ________. Fill in the blank. All I know is she likes flowers. But hey, what girl doesn't?!

Making a snowball behind her back! Little weasel!!!

Then, she threw it at Mommy. BIG surprise!

Mooshy, smooshy, mudding snow angel.

Watermelon-flavored snow! Yummy & CCCCCCCOOOOOOOLD!!!!

I love this. It just looks so pretty. The snow flakes were so big!!!

Wordless Wednesday...generations...

2009-02-25T09:49:00.000-08:00

A lovely day for a walk

2009-02-22T16:34:00.000-08:00

Hail storm, curly girly, baby boy feeding himself/finger painting, the headache-curing hat & a sweet painting by a sweet girl!

2009-02-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

We had a HAIL of a storm blow through the other day. Joel hadn't even see anything like this here. It was pretty crazy. We had hail up to the size of baseballs. We had some minor damage to the van. Dimples are only cute on baby butts! Not mini van hoods!

Grace had her hair curly for a day. This was a mid-night trip to the potty & I couldn't resist the photo op of utter cuteness! Besides, she looks three again here.

I decided to let Jesse "feed" himself. It was pretty cute. He ended up painting with it more than eating. But he had fun.

Grace had a headache the other day. She SWORE that this hat helped her feel better so she wore it to bed. I really do pick my battles carefully.

And last, Grace had a lovely play date at her friend Samantha's house. The girls had a blast together. They ended up painting beautiful masterpieces. Here's Grace's.

Love is in the air!

2009-02-14T08:13:00.000-08:00

Once again, the 2008-09 Kindergarteners hosted a beautiful party. Valentines were hung from the ceiling, stapled to the walls and exchanged with L-O-V-E!

Grace & I made heart-shaped sugar cookies and I monogrammed them for each kid. Who knew how exciting it is to a 5/6-year-old to see your initials in shimmery red icing could truly be?! OK, I got a couple, "WOW! It has my initials!" comments. But really to a Mom, any recognition of the extra mile is a freakin' academy award!!!

Grace also got her progress report from school. She was tested on what she has learned throughout the year, as well as accessed on her social skills. Well, we are BEAMING with pride! The only thing she really fell behind in was knowing her phone number and address by heart. She used to know it when she wore her ID bracelet. But she lost it somewhere in her room. Sooooo....this week is winter break. We will be working on drilling that very important knowledge into her sweet little skull. Enjoy pictures of the festivities.

Jesse had his 9-month check up on Tuesday. The week before, he had the *flu*. He had actually lost a couple pounds, so right now our Beef Cake of a baby is more like Tofurky! But we are feeding him more & boosting that BMI up! He is still healthy & happy so that's what really matters to us. He also tried carrots & LOVED them. But not as much as he LOVES snuggling his big sis!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T13:04:00.000-08:00

Idea borrowed from other blogs....

Inner Child....literally!

2009-02-04T12:56:00.001-08:00

Here is our sweet BOY!!!! Can you believe it? ANOTHER PYRON BOY!!! Here he is. We are still kickin' names around, but I'm pretty in love with William James, Billy for short. William comes from my Dad (William Francis), his Uncle who passed away as a baby, Joel's Dad's Maternal-Maternal-Great Grandfather (Mom's Mom's Dad) & his (here's where it really gets tricky!) Paternal-Maternal-Paternal-Great-Great Grandfather (Dad's Mom's Dad's Dad). James is mainly for Joel's Uncle Jimmy who passed away July 1st, 2008. He was a great man and should be honored as such! James is also a family name on Joel's Dad's side and my Mom's Dad's Brother's name. Sooooooooo.....there ya have it. I love the name and I hope it sticks.

I love the "thigh, thigh, back, BOY!"

Pajama Jammie Jam

2009-01-29T06:49:00.001-08:00

As promised, here are some pictures of our sweet Grace. Yesterday was PJ Day at school. Even the teachers & directer donned their evening garb. And I don't mean sparkly gowns. Miss Eileen was lovely in her flannel jams & matching robe. Miss Kawin, our wonderful teacher's aide wore a very cute pair of pink plaid flannels. All the kids had on their fun footsie jammies, matchy matchy two-piece numbers and lovely footwear. I joined in on the fun for a couple hours. Grace loved it. The kids thought it was funny to see Grace's Momma in her Jams & slippers. If only they knew how I am dressed most days I drop her off at school!

Story time before snack!

We all need a HUGE bean bag to snuggle up in!

Gracie's job this week is Snack Helper. She takes pride in her work!!!

This week, the kids are studying winter & quilts. Gracie designed this pattern herself! You can see some other the quilts that her teacher, Miss Eileen made on the walls around the room.

Gracie was excited to bring her own quilt that Auntie Heather made for her when she was a baby. Here's a picture of it when it was brand new. It STILL looks amazing! OF COURSE!!! :o)

Jesse updates...

2009-01-28T19:46:00.000-08:00

Knocking blocks over is fun!

But very loud!!!

This is how you scratch your nose when you can't be bothered to put your toys down.

Apple juice is a new favorite!!!

Will post Gracie fun tomorrow. Momma's tired.

A picture is worth a thousand words?

2009-01-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

Well good thing cause these kids are so cute, I'm speechless.

Bun in the oven

2009-01-17T18:46:00.000-08:00

Here s/he is:

Baby #3 is A-OK!!!

2009-01-14T19:34:00.001-08:00

I had my first prenatal appointment today. Everything looks really good. The estimated due date is July 31st. But I tend to be a slow-cooker so my estimation is August 8th. I had an ultrasound. As soon as Joel gets the scanner set up, I'll post it. Till then, you'll have to be happy with pictures of our other two kids.

Gracie & Jesse! BFF!!!!

2009-01-08T18:45:00.000-08:00

The video is dark, but you can hear Gracie making Jesse laugh. You can even see him throwing his head back in hysterics!!! Enjoy!

Strawberry Smiles Forever!!!

2009-01-07T07:01:00.000-08:00

Jesse tried Strawberries for the first time today. HE LOVED THEM!!! Joel was doing a National Geographic narration of the wild baby devouring the wildebeest. It was hilarious.

And here are some great shots of Grace. She is such a sweetie. She and Jesse have a blast together. The first one is her version of Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer she created with her bath markers.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

2009-01-04T10:10:00.000-08:00

Here are some updates....

Grace went to her first birthday party for a classmate. It was awesome to see the girls running up to each other, hugging and talking about how much they have missed each other since they parted nearly THREE WEEKS ago. That's an eternity to a 5/6 year old. They party was held at Jump 2 It. It's one of those cool inflatable jumper places where angsty teen-aged boys walk around "supervising" the kids playing while they take pictures & then fix their hair that has managed to unfeather itself. I just like that they have t-shirts that say things like, "BOUNCER" and "PAID TO PARTY!" on the back. Like these kids really consider wrangling up to 30 monkey children a good time. HA! But I had a good time sitting and talking to a few of the parents who I had never really done much socializing with. Totally different worlds in some cases, but they were still really nice to sit with & joke about our drama queenies screaming with delight as they jumped & chased each other. I am so bummed though. I forgot to take my camera. But I am hoping that the Birthday Girl's Mom got some good shots that she wouldn't mind emailing me. I will update this post accordingly. Gracie did spend some of her Christmas money on a big-girl bed set!

Jesse cut his second tooth a couple days before he saw the New Year in. The funny thing is, Grace lost her first tooth on the left & then he cut his left tooth. After Grace lost her right tooth, Jess followed suit with cutting his. Monkey see....monkey do! The kids are having a great time together. Grace is such a wonderful big sister. She really knows how to nurture and love her baby brother. I asked her last night what she thought the baby in the belly was going to be. She said, "I look at your tummy & I just think 'BOY!'" So, we shall see. Jesse LOOOVES peas!!!

Bungee cords are not my friend!!!!

2009-01-01T11:44:00.000-08:00

Mommy was not the sharpest tack in the cork board the other morning. While letting the dogs out, the redneck leash (bungee cord) that was hooked through the aluminum ring (which was supposed to be hooked through the strong, metal part of the collar) yanked the ring apart & the bungee SNAPPED back into my left hand. Willie the dog got away & I screamed the most blood curdling, unholy scream ever. The hook smashed my thumb nail and the knuckles of my thumb, middle & ring finger. I had to get my wedding rings off quickly. That finger was swelling fast! So, needless to say, my hand ended up looking like a bad Halloween prop. Enjoy the carnage!

Cozy Toesies, Santa pops in, Gr(inch)acie has a laps of judgment and we all have a mostly Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T19:43:00.000-08:00

Heather made these AMAZING slippers for the family from an old wool sweater. Sooooooo amazing!!!!! They are lined with Heather's formerly loved Kashmir sweaters so our feet wouldn't get itchy. Such love and care! AMAZING!!! The slippers & the sister.

Santa came and filled the stockings. Grace got to sneak a peek.

But in the morning we woke to see that she had pillaged not only her own stocking but also her brother's. I was NOT happy. Actually, I bawled my eyes out. I was so sad that she would do that.

Before Gr(inch)acie:

After!:

But, we got passed it and had a pretty good time at Joel's parents' house with his Papa & Aunt Lee. It was nice. It was quiet. Well, till Jesse started screaming & we took that as our sign it was time to head home.

Hey Jesse! Guess what!

2008-12-24T11:41:00.000-08:00

YOU'RE WHAT?!?!?!

Yep! Jesse is going to be a big brother! We found out on the 15th. Joel wanted a second opinion, so a few days later I took another test.

....yeah! I know!!!!

Cheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

2008-12-22T20:00:00.001-08:00

Is there anything in the world better that a smile this HUGE!?

A Christmas tree, a lost toof, and a BBQ sauce-lovin baby!

2008-12-18T09:00:00.000-08:00

Oh Tannenbaum! I love our tree. It's the one that Joel's family used for years. As much as I love the tradition of a natural tree, I love the little bit of nostalgia this one brings. And, I don't have to remember to water it!

Grace's 2nd tooth finally fell out...when I wiggled it....while I pulled really hard. BAD MOMMY!!! But that thing had to go. It was hanging by a toothy thread & it was freaking us all out that she might swallow it. So, here is our lovely little Grace-o-lantern!

And last, but certainly not least....Jesse is a Georgia Boy through & through. He LOVED BBQ Sauce! OK, it's really prunes. But doesn't it look like BBQ? We were cracking up. He's such a good eater.

Party Hardy Kindergardy!!!!

2008-12-14T20:19:00.000-08:00

Friday was the Christmas party at Gracie's school. I had the honor of helping out. I almost volunteered to be the class Mom, but even I know my own limits. But I had a great time. Gracie's teachers are awesome. The whole room was oozing with Christmassy loveliness. There is something extraordinary about her teacher, Miss Eileen. She loves those kids so much. She makes each one feel like they are her her favorite without causing any jealousy. She has made Gracie LOVE school. I LOVE that. So, here are some sweet pictures from that day.

Seven

2008-12-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

Jesse turned SEVEN months old yesterday (the 8th). To celebrate, he cut his first tooth. That little bud on the bottom left finally bloomed into a very sharp little tooth. Poor little dude! Thank God for Hyland's Teething Tablets. They are wonderful. I have even used them on canker sores. If you are the parent (or caregiver) of a child who is teething, get Hyland's. Target has them at the pharmacist's counter for under $5. They are way better & SAFER than numbing gel. That can cause a gagging hazard.

Grace has lost one tooth & has another that is literally hanging on by a thread. The new teeth are growing in already. How are our babies getting so big, so fast?! NOT FAIR! We went to see Santa last weekend. He was great. She was a little shy. But she told him that she wants anything he would like to give her EXCEPT for Barbies or Bratz. I'm so proud.

We are finally almost over our gross cold/flu/parvo. That was not a fun bug to catch. Well, much love to all. I added a picture since my sweet Betsy's Girl requested me to do so. Till next time...

Sick baby birds

2008-12-03T19:40:00.000-08:00

Joel, Grace & Jesse are still sick. My body keeps trying to tell me that I am also getting sick but I refuse to believe it. Grace is definitely on the upswing of the bug. Jesse's poor little nose is still stuffed up but seems to be clearing up. Joel was feeling better but then another Mack truck hit him last night. Have I mentioned how thankful I am for Puffs Plus with Vicks?!

Today I looked at Grace & realized just how truly, amazingly, naturally beautiful she is. I just wanted to share that with whoever reads this. As sassy & unruly as she can be, she has such a beauty to her that I honestly feel sometimes like there really is no other person in the world as beautiful as that little girl. Lord help us all when she hits 16!!!

Catch up!

2008-11-29T08:30:00.000-08:00

Well, here are some long overdue updates on the family.

Grace is about 1/3 of the way through Kindergarten. She loves it. She is learning so quickly. She is READING! It's so awesome. Her brain just soaks up the information like a sponge. She is also taking a Ballet/Tap class at a local dance studio. Last week was parents week where we all came in and watched the girls dance. But poor Grace got stage fright & just stood there & stared at us the whole time. Soooooo the recital will be very interesting. Poor girl has been sick for almost a week now. She brought home the class mascot, Gordon the Silverback Gorilla. I thin with him came some pretty nasty germs. She has spent her entire Thanksgiving vacation on the couch. She says, "Being sick is BORRRRRRRRIIIIIIING!!!!" At least she isn't missing any school. She seems to be on the upswing of the nasty cold. We are hoping we can send her back to school on Monday. Gordon is supposed to go home at the end of each week with a different student. We'd hate for the next lucky family to miss out on that. Anyone now how to sterilize a Silverback?! She lost her 1st tooth a few weeks ago & has another wiggly one just begging to be pulled.

Jesse is also making leaps and bounds. He will be 7 months old in just a little over a week. How did that happen?! I have only have FIVE months to plan his Birthday party. Just kidding. We have already decided that we will have a nice backyard party here at home. On Saturday the 8th Jesse started trying new foods. The first one was rice cereal. Although he too to it right away, his digestive tract had other thoughts on it. We have decided to stick to veggies for now. So far he has had sweet potatoes and avocados. He is really good at gnashing his gums to "chew". He is babbling a lot. It's all "Blah blah blah" and "Dadadadaaaaa". I'm still waiting for "Mamamama", but I'll be patient. At his 6 month check up he weighed in at 19lbs 5oz and measured 28 14/ inches tall. He still hasn't cut any teeth yet. THANK GOD! I personally am not looking forward to that day. He is a sweet, loving little boy that we are sure is growing into a wonderful little man.

Joel started keeping bees in the Spring. We were hoping to be able to harvest some honey but it looks like they really only had enough for themselves for the winter. We are hopeful for next year. They are now tucked away for the rest of the year. We are still looking into getting some hens and goats. Eggs are insanely expensive these days so we figure a few Rhode Island Reds will give us what we need. We are looking forward to have around 48 total. They tend to produce an egg a day. So with the surplus, we can make some money. The goats will be good as Environmentally Friendly bush hogs. We have a few acres that are overgrown and in desperate need of clearing. They will also provide wonderful milk for us to use in cheese making and soap. We are hoping by this time next year we will have the farm up and running. We are also going to be growing Organic Buckwheat for Heather's company Blessed Nest. If you aren't familiar, click on the link. She has created some wonderful products.

Well, I think that brings you all up to speed with the craziness that is The Pyrons. Rest assured, more to come as more comes!

Here is Gracie with Gordon on Thanksgiving.

Cute family photo op!

2008-11-27T18:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2008-11-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for:

My Parents (all of them)
My Siblings (all of them)
My Husband (just the one)
My Daughter
My Son
My Pets
My home that my lovely in-laws have provided for us
Puffs Plus with Vicks (if you haven't tried them, do! you won't regret it)
The beautiful orange, red, yellow, purple & brown leave on the trees that surround us.
My dear friends who have stuck by me through thick & thin.
I am even thankful for the humid, buggy summers of the good ol' South because they make me love the other three seasons of the year even more.

Welcome to the rantings of Mrs. Sierra Pyron!

2008-11-26T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

This will be the new place to come and see and read what the family is up to. I will be posting pictures of the kids as well as posting about their milestones, funnies and all around rantings about our little branch of the family tree. Hopefully, this will be a fun gathering place for you to find updates on the four of us.

Lots of love,
Sierra