A Day in the Life of the Diggs Family

My little Avery, so sweet

2009-11-13T06:56:00.000-08:00

Here are just a couple of photos that Avery wanted me to take. Her motto is are you thumbs up or down??? Of course she is always thumbs up if you ask her!!

A little tumbling going on

2009-11-13T06:44:00.001-08:00

The girls finally started gymnastics about 5 weeks ago. Really Avery is in a little tumbling class, but Payton is in the real deal. She took tumbling when she was 18 months-3 but then we stopped after I had Avery. Payton is doing great for really very little experience. Shs is on that balancing beam and on already doing flps on the bars. I can tell that she gets nervous but she is catching on well. She is of course very shy do this has really helped her out. She really likes it and that is what matters. We go on Tues nights and maybe next session we will go to Tues & Thurs. Here are just a couple of pics of the girls gettng ready to leave. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-13T06:38:00.001-08:00

The girls had a great time for Halloween this year. As you can see from the pics that Payton decided to be a bumble bee and Avery a little butterfly. The weather was great this year.

Celebrating 11 yesrs of marriage in Paradise.....Punta Cana, DR

2009-10-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Stan and I celebrated our 11 year aniversary on Oct 3rd, 2009. We decided to take a vacation to celebrate. We went to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. We stayed at Excellence Luxury Adult Resort, All-Inclusive. It was an amzing resort. Everything was beautiful. The pictures will speak for themselves. The staff were nice and the other vacationers were just as pleasant. This was the first time we left the girls and they did well. I have to say I did not realize how life can be so busy. It really is important to take the break and to take time to relax. I do not think I give Stan enough credit for how hard he works and how much stress he can be under at times. I saw him relax in a way that I have not seen in a very long time. It was really nice to have him for myself for 6 days. We had a great time. Well, we made it 11 years and counting. I have to applaude the 2 of us for never giving up on one another when things got tough. Cannot wait to see what the next 11 bring.

Our first night there. It was a full moon.
A night out for dinner and entertainment

Our room away from home.

One of the 8 resturants

What we did most of the time

Our home away from home for a week

what we drank plenty of............yummy!!

My 35th Birthday Bash Celebrated with great friends!

2009-09-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

Well I turned 35 on Sept 12th, 2009. At first I found myself a little sad. I was thinking where has all the time gone. And then I thought to myself, it has gone by starting a career as a nurse, which I love deeply, being a what-i-like-to-think-a-wonderful wife of 11 years to Stan, and my proudest, most-challenging role, a mother to Payton & Avery. I am 35, no turning back. I have accmplished alot in those years and most of them in the last 10. I could not ask for a better husband,(he may tell you that I say otherwise) a prettier house, or 2 cuter kiddos!! Then look at these pics, I have great friends that are there when all the above seems to not be!! We celebrated at Power & Light with dinner, sangria, and lots and lots of dancing. All the calories burned made Taco Bell at 3am possible......thanks ladies, had a great time!

All the girls, Bridgette, April, Amy, Devin, Denise, Kara, and Emily

You look great Kara!
The three amigas!!!

April celebrated her 31st b-day as well. Here we are blowing out our candles....what else is left for a girl to wish for????

What April tired of taking pictures????

Akward & Sassy

2009-09-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

Payton is 6 and is entering the akward phase of childhood. She has lost both of her front teeth. I have to admit she looks much better with both gone vs just one missing. She lost the second on picture day of school but not til she came home. That is why I chose to buy the $7.45 package. Not thinking they are going to be her best yet. Then you have Avery just entering her sassy phase of childhood. She loves to dress up and more importantly "LOOK BEAUTIFUL." Here she is striking what she calls the Miley Cyrus pose.

Not a bit of it matching but who really cares right??? Not Avery.

Please do not mix the two, request from Avery

2009-09-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

One morning after taking Payton to school Avery and I came back home and heading back to bed to watch a movie. When we got upstairs she decided that she wanted some milk. No chocolate just regular milk. I said okay. As I walked away I heard her say something but really did not pay that much attention to her. When I came back up she said, "did you hear me when you left?" I said honestly, "no." She said, "I told you to keep an eye on it." She looked at the bottom of the milk cup and said, "I guess you did keep an eye on it the whole time, cause you didn't make chocolate milk, just regular." Good job mommy. See if we all would just keep an eye on things maybe we could always do things right!! Wish it was that easy, and in her eyes it is.

Baking Cookies, I know not the way YOU make cookies

2009-09-21T07:06:00.000-07:00

I have to say that clothing with the girls is sometimes optional and at times negotiable. At times I just have to pick my battles and allow them a victory! Really running around without a shirt or pants is not the worse decision these girls can make. We will have to discuss it if they are going to make this kind of decision at 16! Wouldn't Stan love to come home and find me topless in the kitchen making cookies!!

Many, many things wrong with these pictures

2009-09-21T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here is Miss Independent at is again. I really can only think of 2 things wrong with these pictures. 1. She is painting on the carpet and 2. I am allowing it!! But on the flip side I can think of a million reasons why I think it is okay. I sound like a CMH ad with the millions reasons why. I will not bore you with them because looking at her I am sure it is not hard to come up with a few on your own!!

Payton's first day of 1st grade

2009-08-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

Aug 13th, 2009 was Payton's first day of 1st grade. It was just a half day and then the next day and every day after is all day!! This truly is a day that I thought would take a lifetime to get here. I could not wait for this day but now that it is here and really happening I have to say a little part of my heart is aching. I am happy for her and am ready to see her grow into the person she is meant to be, but I still am a mom that wants to protect her. I know this moment will pass and I will soon enjoy having some free time, but for now I am sad and am missing her. In a couple of weeks I am pretty sure there will be a post about how much she loves school and how much I am loving some mommy time! I hope she has an amazing year and really grows emotionally and socially! I have to say that I have been so lucky and grateful to have the job that I have. Being a nurse and working 10 days a month allowed me to be home and not miss much of her first 6 years. It has been so important to Stan and I to have me here as much as I can be.

Two things she is going to miss and really should not have anymore, the thumb and blanket

Just being silly.......

The Diggs Family Reunion in St Louis

2009-08-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we headed to St Louis for Stan's family reunion. It is a pretty significant event. They host a reunion every two years and is a all weekend event. We got down there Saturday afternoon and then headed to the dinner that evening. It was great. They had a really nice dinner with a dee-jay and lots of dancing. Do you think my girls go out and danced??? Heck no! They dance all the time at home but get them in front of an audience and they just shut down. Then on Sunday was the big family picnic. It is at Forest Park at the zoo. It is a big pavillion that is filled with so many people from Stan's family. It was a blast! Great food, lots of beer, and kids just everywhere! They had a clown there this year that did face painting and balloon making for the kids. My girls really liked this addtion. It was a quick trip but really worth it. I just love being around all of his family. It is loud but so much fun!

I just love this picture of us. I have no make-up on and hair is not done, but I think we all look great.
Here is Stan and his mother

Here are the girls enjoying what little girls love....cake.

Here is Stan's nephew Cortez, and his mother

Let the face painting begin

Me and Ave

The girls and grandma

My 3 favorite people

Welcome to Hollywood, what's your dream??????

2009-07-26T13:44:00.001-07:00

I think these pictures and this moment with Avery will go down in the history of the Diggs family. I have to give all the credit to Payton because she is who glamified this little beauty. They were upstairs playing and this is what those two little girls were up to. I have to say she looks pretty darn cute if I can say so myself. Man that lipstick could not be brighter, but she wears it all pretty well. Hmmmm, what do we have in the works, fashion designer and a model...not sure....cannot wait to find out!! Stan is going to be in for quite a ride, I am sure he is wishing he had kids when he was little younger. These little ones in your 40's, he is WORE OUT!!

This is what we do when it rains.....take pics!!

2009-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

So really nothing too new to report since the birthday weekend. Today I think we are all recovering. My nieces ended up staying the whole weekend so come Monday, everyone is pretty tired. Here are just some new pics we took today since it rained. They are cute huh??? At least I think so..........

Avery just being plain silly

There both are being silly

Happy 6th Birthday Payton Diggs!!

2009-07-18T07:28:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, July 17th Payton Diggs turned 6! We had yet another great party with friends and family. This year was pretty low key but still a great time. We had pizza and cake and then just hung out the rest of the evening. Of course their cousins stayed the night so it ended up being quite the evening. Payton's big gift this year was a TV for her room. I know crazy huh??? Stan said that when he was at Costco buying it the guy said I never got a TV when I was a kid let alone 6!! My girls really do not watch that much tv, especially Payton, but she really wanted one for her room so that her and Avery could watch TV before bed and in the morning. Look it makes every one's life a little easier. We are always up for that!! I have to say I was a tad bit emotional this week to my surprise. I still remember 6 years ago giving life to this child and now she is 6 and is heading to first grade. It truly does not seem possible. I have been so blessed to have such a sweet, kind, sensitive child. She truly is a gift and I so grateful that she was given to me!!

I wish that I could take credit for this cake and cookies but I simply cannot. It was the cutest cake I had ever seen and the girls went crazy over it!!

As you can see High School Musical was the theme

From napkins to plates to cups and of course a pinata

Here are the cookies up close. They tasted oh so good too!! Such detail, Payton loved them....

Miss Avery eating her pizza

Bring on the gifts of course. She got some pretty cool gifts this year. One of her favorites was a remote control car. That was from Grandma and Papa. She says that she is really into boy toys right now!! Hey whatever is fine with me, the babies and the dolls get a little old.....

Opening the TV

You cannot go wrong with a pinata. It was filled with candy, gum, whistles, yo-yo's, toe rings and rings. That is always a hit with the party.

Last but not least we ended the party with cake and ice cream. Here is Payton getting ready to blow out the candle. I hope her wishes and dreams come true!!

Plain ole' summer fun

2009-06-25T08:10:00.000-07:00

Not too much has been going on in the Diggs house so far this summer. We have been spending time at the pool and Payton has joined her first t-ball team. We are hoping that this will help bring her out of her shell a bit. I think it has already. She really enjoys it and better yet, she is not too bad at it. We were suppose to have her first game last night but it got rained out. Hopefully next week will be better. Not sure what else lies ahead for us this summer. Payton will be turning 6 in July and then will be heading to first grade in the fall. We are just going to enjoy the summer and relax! Here are some pics on how we spend our free time. Enjoy!

This is Avery for you! We have some sidewalk paint and she wanted to paint, so I say sure. Got a bowl with some water and all her brushes. Leave her for a second and this is what I come back to......did you mean fingerpaint Avery??? An artist in the future...who knows

Here is the lawnmower that Stan just had to have last summer. No we do not live on a farm, an acre or even half an acre. But look how much we get out of it, or at least Avery does. He always has to take her for a ride after he cuts the grass.

Our trip to St Louis

2009-06-10T07:00:00.001-07:00

Over Memorial Day the family headed to St Louis for a mini vacation. All of Stan's family lives there so obviously we travel there often but we seem to never take advantage of all the sight-seeing. His mother got Stan and I tickets to the Cardinals game that Saturday. They were actually playing the Royals. We had seats 11 rows behind 3rd base. They were pretty amazing. We had a great time. Then we headed back and just hung out and had dinner. On Sunday we ventured to the famous St Louis Zoo with the girls. They had a blast. We were there about 6 hours and I think we saw everything. It did rain on us a little but it cleared up and turned out to be a pretty day. Stan played some golf, I went to the casino--not a big winner, and we had a big cookout on Memorial Day. All in all it was a great get away and the girls had a great time. It was nice to actually stay there for more than 2 days and enjoy some of the attractions St Louis has to offer. We are going to try and do this at least once a year for sure!

Not my favorite picture, but he is my favorite! We really did have a great time!

The monkeys and the chimps were probably a family favorite

Who knew that you could see GOD with your own eyes at Price Chopper at 135th St in Overland Park

2009-05-31T07:28:00.001-07:00

Many of you have already heard this story but remember I have to write about it so I will never forget it. Me and the girls went to Price Chopper one day for a little grocery shopping. Little did we know we were going to see something amazing. I was heading to the frozen food section and out of the blue Avery screams, "THERE'S JESUS, THERE'S GOD, LOOK MOMMY IT'S JESUS". I am thinking what in the world is my child saying and what are all these people going to think of her. So I look up and the pics below show you what she saw. Yes in her little eyes she absolutely was seeing JESUS. This is a painting that is painted all along the top of the frozen food aisle. This is the only Price Chopper that I shop at and beofre that day I had never even noticed this painting. A couple things: how amazingly innocent are children? They call it like they see it, second-- to think I thought it was amazing that the Lean Cuisines were on sale for a 1.50. Little did I know that in the next aisle over I could see GOD. Gotta love those kids!

A Trip to Deanna Rose Farm

2009-05-31T07:19:00.001-07:00

So we finally made it to Deanna Rose Farm. I will say this will be a place that we will be traveling to many times this summer. You really cannot beat it. It is free, beside the 3 dollar pony ride and the 2 dollar bottle of milk for the goats. No stories just a few pics to share.

Who wouldn't want to go to the dentist with all these perks

2009-05-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

Today I took the girls to the dentist. This was Avery's first visit so I could tell she was a little nervous. She has been with Payton so she was a little familiar with the process but when it was her turn she was a little unsure, but did great! She did everything she was asked and never shed a tear. That is the beauty of the second child. She wants to be just like Payton. But now let me tell you a thing or two about their dentist office. It is pretty amazing and offers many incentives for doing what your told. The waiting room is filled with fish tanks and games that the kids can play while they wait. Then when you go back each table has a DVD on the ceiling and you can pick what movie you want to watch while you get your cleaning. On your way out you get a token for a toy, a goodie bag with balloon, and then soft serve ice cream! What more could a kid want. And today being before Mother's Day they gave me a rose. Very sweet and thoughtful. And, by the way we really like our dentist as well.....not just the perks!

Here they are on their way out.
Payton getting her teeth cleaned

Not too sure but ended up doing just fine. Who wouldn't with watermelon flavored teeth cleaner

Payton's done and just making sure Avery is okay

All the goods

Yeah, new toothpaste and a toothbrush

Here they are in the waiting room playing a game

Babies playing babies, a fun way to pass the time

2009-05-02T10:42:00.000-07:00

This is truly one of the girls favorite past time. Playing baby. Avery usually is the baby and Payton is the "mom". The stroller that you see Avery in is actually a baby stroller not a real one but somehow they are bound and determined to make her fit in it. They always tell me the only thing or person that is missing is their little brother. Well, little ladies I have news no little bothers or little sisters........EVER!! Although to watch them there are many times that I would love to see them as older siblings. I tell Stan all the time we could have another because I think they would raise him/her. He's not buying into in at all. It is fun to watch them and it is hilarious to watch Avery get out of the stroller.

Here Avery is pretending to be a crying baby, little does she know that is what she is....a crying baby!! Love her much though!

This one is pretty cute. Payton put a blanket over the top and this is Avery peeking out. She looked like ET with the blanket on top like ET with the blanket on top of the bicycle basket.

Pretending to cry again. Love the creativity.

Payton being goofy!

The words that can come out of this sweet little face. You said What?

2009-04-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

Like I stated in my first blog entry, I decided to join the blog world so I would not forget moments with the girls. This is one moment that cannot be forgotten. I will admit that writing the story is not as near as funny and entertaining as telling it, but it will have to do because I do not want to forget it. The other day Payton and Avery had a couple of the neighbor girls over. They were all inside and one of them did something to make Avery mad--I know shocker. So Avery comes flying in the living room crying--I know shocker again. I asked what is wrong? She said with her head hung low and arms folded--SHE'S RUINING MY LIFE!!! What??? Ruining your life??? How do you even know what that means?? Obviously she doesn't because as an adult I can think of 100 real things that could ruin your life. Yes, she is still 3. She did not grow up like they do on soap operas. She is the drama queen of the house and although we laugh now, I am not so sure how funny she will be at 13.

A Funny Story About a tiny Pair of Flip Flops

2009-04-11T15:50:00.001-07:00

The picture below is actually a pair of flip flop magnets that were on Payton's birthday cake from last year. Since then they have been where else? The fridge holding up papers right?? A couple of weeks ago we were getting ready to leave and of course we were running a little late and I am telling the girls get your shoes on!! Avery comes over and says okay mommy I am ready. And I notice she is scooting on her feet laughing. She says got my flip flops on and am ready to go. I look down and she has these magnets on the floor and her big toes in each magnet!! This is typical, funny, little Avery. She always is playing tricks and never seems to amaze us!

Easter Egg Coloring Festivities

2009-04-11T15:15:00.000-07:00

Today the girls decided that we needed to color some eggs to help celebrate Easter. Here are some pic from the fun filled event. I have to say it is a little messy and a little smelly, but that will soon fade and the memories that we created will forever stay. A poet too.....wasn't even trying. A know a little corny but I am going to leave it because someday it will be hilarious!

The TV was starting to be come a distraction to Avery. WOW WUSBY was on.

How about a little community service?

2009-04-07T14:40:00.001-07:00

When Payton first started kindergarten we, as parents, were asked to support the school by being a part of different committees. There was a community service committee and I thought right up my alley. And, yes it was. For the past week and a half all the kindergarten classess at Payton's school were asked to donate items to help make "spring baskets" for kiddos on 4 Henson at Children's Mercy Hospital. Donate. That is exactly what they did. We collected more than 250 items and were able to make 25 baskets that will be delievered this week at work. We also had 3 extra bins left over that we were able to give for future donations. These pics were taken last Saturday. There were many people that headed up to the school and helped make the baskets. It was a great experience and I am of course so glad that we were able to give to an amazing place---4 Henson!

Ballet 101

2009-04-03T10:38:00.001-07:00

Well, I think we have a little ballerina in the making, and a fine one she is. Music and dancing are part of the daily routine in the Diggs house. The girls love to listen to music and I have to admit in the car when we play Hannah Montana I know every word.....never could I have imagined. Avery loves to put on her little dance outfit and put on a ballet DVD and go at it. This was our morning while Payton was at school. I have some video that I will try and post.

Striking a pose. I am sure it has a name but I was never a ballerina.

Streching

My first mistake as a new blogger, Joining Facebook within a week of creating this BLOG.

2009-03-31T13:34:00.001-07:00

The new additions to our family.

This picture does not do Payton's new haircut justice. We recently cut all of it off and it just looks darling!

So sometimes shirts are optional, you have to pick your battles and besides they are washing the dishes, who care what they wear right??

Bundled up and ready to go outside.

Stan, Payton & Avery outside making a snowman. Mommy stayed in to keep warm, I know what a wimp!

I have to say that when I created this blog Facebook was not part of my world. Well a few things have changed and joining the Facebook world has been one of them. I have to admit I was hoping that this blog would be my new found obsession, and as it should, it has not!! So hard to admit. I am going to get back on track since I have slowed down my obsession with FB.

A few new additions have made there way into the Diggs house, or should I say one addition into the garage. Stan has a new love. She is shiny, black, and beautiful. She is a 2009 Acura TL. Am I jealous??? No, just a little irritated that he really does not want me to drive it. I thought at first it was a joke but he is pretty serious. I have managed to drive it twice for about 10 minutes combined.

The other addition to the home. Fish. We had 6 one has died and we have now added 3 more---so that makes 8 right. Someone is counting right?? This was a gift from Stan to Payton. She has had some struggles in kindergarten with speaking and this was a prize that was given to her from daddy. They have made a lovely addition and are very little work.

I will leave with some pics and will update some more and more often. Thanks for checking in!

Sleeping Beauty

2009-01-12T06:41:00.000-08:00

And she sleeps. Who wouldn't? I even had my 2 nieces all night but Avery had to take a cat nap before she could begin the second part of her day.....ahhhh 4 little girls 6 and under. They have so much fun together but man it can be exhausting! I think this picture shows the one and only time Avery was this quiet.

happy new year and happy birthday miss avery diggs

2009-01-11T14:06:00.000-08:00

Her brand new ride from mommy and daddy....

Here she is right before she took a nap with her new Tinkerbell blanket and pillow, courtesy of Ashlyn Dziura!

Here she is blowing out her candle

Taking her little ride for a spin

Here she is turning the corner on her new little scooter from Grandma and Papa

Opening gifts

The goodie boxes for the girls

and of course their own special glass

This was Avery the morning of her party just hangin' out watching a little tv...sassy pants

I hope everyone had a great new year. We just hang out at home and was fast asleep well before midnight. No regrets here. Our little Miss Avery has celebrated a birthday already this year. Her birthday is Jan 4th but we celebrated it over the weekend on Saturday. From the pictures you can see that we had a Tinkerbell theme going on this year. We had a great time. I always enjoy the girls birthday parties. It is a wonderful time to have friends and family over and enjoy one another. Avery got some great gifts as you can see. I will say it is difficult to have a birthday right after Christmas, for many reasons. I am exhausted from the holidays and I really did not know what to buy her. I think wow we just had Christmas what else could she need or more importantly want! Well, I managed to find something and she actually loves it! Now Payton and her both have a ride that they can play on outside. She also now owns her very own scooter. She has been riding around on Payton's so she is excited to have her own. We have already started out the new year with a party! Happy Birthday, Avery!

Why I thought I should blog

2008-12-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about blogging for some time now and really have not gotten around to it. Every year I have the same New Year's resolution, to start a journal for myself and to take more pictures. If you are a parent you know first hand how many funny and amazing things happen on a daily basis and you do want to miss them or worse, forget them. Although I claim that I would never forget any of those, guess what? I have and I am sure I will continue. Time has flown by since both Payton and Avery were born and the thought of not remembering any more special and honestly hilarious moments makes me sad. So it is time to take the writer's plunge and begin to blog. So here I am and not too much to say. We had a great Christmas this year. The best part had to be when the girls walked down the stairs and glanced at the fireplace. The little looks on their face and their bulging eyes was all to real. They really cannot believe or understand how that Santa came last night and ate all the treats we set out for him and his reindeer. We spent the day with my family and ate great food. Here are a few pics to start off a new year. Hope you all had a great holiday and thanks for taking a peek at our life.