random facts:

something in our house stinks and I can't figure out what it is. maybe it's me? dustin is out of town this week. I am not mentally prepared, we will probably all suffer. we are having our patio extended tomorrow.....dustin is out of town....which means I am going to have to schlep the kids and dogs around every time a dog has to potty, this should be fun. it's only monday and I'm tired. bryson is perfectly potty trained at school. at home he pees his pants constantly. the thought of going outside - in this wind - just to get the mail makes me cringe. I am over the wind.

that's enough griping for now! I'm going to go make my kids put me in a better mood. or else!

Bryson Turns 3!

The picture below was taken the day before Bryson's 3rd birthday, on the day of his party. He got this awesome new bike for the occassion and is now getting the hang of riding it!

Our Bryson is such a light in our family. He is hilarious, energetic, curious, STINKY, obsessed with dogs, rainbows and balls of any kind. He loves his "sissy", his lovie and his cups....preferably full of milk. He isn't the best eater but can smell out chocolate like a hound dog. He isn't really into potty training but has moved on from the bath-tub to the shower. We love you Bryson Andrew and can't imagine life without you!

For his birthday. we had a party here at the house. It basically looked like a Toy Story 3 monster came and threw up all over it, but I know the kids had fun, the clean-up was easy and (most importantly) Bryson LOVED it.

The Windy City.......

BOOKED!

It's official: we are headed to Chicago for a weekend getaway!!! I know, I know, this isn't some romantic beach resort vacation but I can promise you this is just what the doctor ordered for us!!! Plus, we are flying for free and staying for free! Doesn't get much better than that!

I am taking part in a book study with some of my girlfriends and it is about marriage....one of the topics that hit home to me covered "recreational companionship". Dustin and I have always enjoyed watching sports together...especially live...so this trip is perfect for us. With kids it's really hard to make couple time and when we do it usually isn't more than a few hours so our recreational companionship has taken a back seat lately.

We went to Chicago a few years ago and were snowed out of seeing the Cubs play the Astros......we are hoping since the trip is in May we won't have as much to worry about in regards to the weather! Plus, our good friends Wes and Lynsey will be joining us.....I can't remember the last time we hung out with them for more than a few hours without our kids around! Real adult time, real couple time, really awesome!

Anyway, I would love love love suggestions on places to go to get the "real" Chicago experience! We are staying off Michigan Ave and close to the pier but what else should we be doing!?!?!?!

So freaking excited!

What's going on....

So much has been going on and we have even more coming up! Here are a few things that have kept/will keep the Bettencourts busy for the next few weeks.

• My baby boy turns 3 on Sunday so his birthday will be celebrated with 24 of his closest friends and family members on Saturday....24 kids that is, plus many, many adults!


• I went out on a girls night on Saturday with my "Stonelake Ladies" and we had so. much. fun. Riding around in limo, drinking margaritas and dancing all night is still fun! just not so much the next day!


• Ramsey is still taking gymnastics, has one more game to cheer at and has already started spring soccer. That girl is so tired but she loves all of it.....at some point she is going to have to narrow it down but for now she does it all with a smile.


• Dustin isn't traveling this week at all.....at least no over-nights, for the first time in 7 weeks! We don't know what to do with him here so much!


• I'm "trying" to eat better and get back on the exercise train. That damn train is so easy to jump off of! Hoping to be bathing suit ready by June. Not that I will ever rock a bikini again (thanks to the glorious stretch marks) but I would like to at least not shy away from the pool this summer.


• I just bought 2 throw pillows for the media room for $6 each! That made my day!


• Kenny Chesney concert is in April and the rumor is Buffett is coming in May! WooHoo! I can smell the suntan lotion, beer and limes already!

Lots going on but we love it that way!

This made me smile!

Christmas 2010

A very typical picture of Bryson but I think Ramsey's bow should be a little bigger!

Days like today.......

the grass is always greener on the other side, but after a day like today I wish I worked. (I'm pretty sure my wallet and my husband wish for the same thing)

My FaceBook status today is: I've said "NO" at least 12,374 times today.

I swear this is true.

"NO, you can't have another gumball."
"NO, you can't have oreos for breakfast."
"NO, you can't wipe YOUR snot on MY shirt."
"NO, NO, NO, NO"

I LOVE my kids, to the moon and back, but sometimes it is so tiring to be the YES Mom and the NO Mom all the time. I think I need a vacation.....or at least a pedicure!

Dustin needs to hurry home.......

I think our little boy needs a strong male influence in his life! He will seriously hate me for this later in life but it was just too cute not to share! I love this kid and his belly!

In his defense, Ramsey dressed him.....he was just going with the flow!

I