The big three-zero...

Happy Birthday Jared! Today Jared turns "30". Remember when that seemed so old? I'm just glad I have a couple of years before I have to come to terms with not being in my twenties anymore. So far Jared's taken it quite well!

I love you Jare Bear and am so grateful for all you do for your girls! Our favorite part of the day is when we hear your car pull up into the garage. I do have to say that you're a pretty lucky man to come home to three girls who absolutely adore you and spoil you with more hugs and kisses than most know what to do with. Happy 30th babe!

bum cracks...

I went to get the oil changed in my car this week. I took my car to this speedy oil change place where you don't even have to get out of your car. I pulled up in the garage and the guy told me to pop the hood. I couldn't find the lever to pop the hood so I got out of the car and squatted down so I could find it (I knew it was hidden under the steering wheel somewhere). The mechanic was standing right next to me obviously ready to help the girl who knows nothing about cars. Right when I found the lever Katy yells, "mom, you have a little bum crack"! Yes, the mechanic heard and probably saw and yes I was very embarrassed. Stupid low rise jeans.

Who dat?

Go Saints!!! Let's be honest. I don't watch football. I don't claim to be a fellow Louisianian. I thought that when people were saying "who dat" they just had horrible grammar. However - I am so proud of the Saints and so happy for our state! Go Saints!!!

Pre-K camp out...

I now have 24 witnesses that Jared snores! Ya'll might think we're crazy, but in order to register Katy for Pre-K we had to camp out in front of the elementary school for 17 hours. Yes, you read that correctly...17 hours. Down here in the great state of Louisiana each elementary school has one or two pre-school classes that accepts 18 kids each year. The bad news is that that it's open enrollment for the whole city. We are zoned for one of the best schools in Baton Rouge, but since it's such a great school you have people from across the city who camp out overnight to get their kids into our pre-K. Therefore, in order for Katy to get into the pre-k at the school we are zoned for Jared and I had to camp out in front of the elementary school for 17 hours. Let's be honest, Jared did most of the camping. I got in line at 3:30 pm on Monday afternoon and was the 14th person in line - meaning there were only 4 spots left and registration didn't even start until 7:30 am the next morning! I only stayed until 7:00 pm and then Jared took over and actually camped outside in line like he was a groupie waiting for concert tickets. I relieved him at 6:30 Tuesday morning to finish waiting. As soon as he left I was informed by many others that Jared slept better than anybody else and that he snores profusely. I'm so glad I finally have 24 witnesses that my husband snores, because he is in denial and always says (and I quote) "I don't snore, I just breathe loudly".

Anyway, there was a news team covering the little pre-school camp out so I thought you might want to get a glimpse of Jared and me. You can't see either of us very well, but we're in the background in a couple of shots. Jared is wearing his blue rugby warm-ups and I'm wearing a brown and creme striped sweater. I'm so glad it's over and that our little girl got in!

Click here for the video

Trip to New Orleans...

Well I've never been to New Orleans and I'll just be completely honest - I've never really had a desire to go. However, since we had family in town and they came all this way, we thought it would be fun to make the one hour drive down there. It ended up being a lot of fun, but I think I'll only go back if I can leave the kids at home. It is a fun city, but it is definitely a dirty city and there are a lot of things in plain sight that I don't want my children to see, smell or hear!

It's creepy enough walking through a normal graveyard. Imagine walking through one where all the bodies are buried above ground...

We took a carriage ride through town. It was the perfect way to see a lot without having to walk with the kids.

This is a beautiful Catholic church in Jackson square

The architecture was amazing

Lastly, we went to Cafe Du Monde for their world famous biegnets (it's a fancy doughnut covered in powdered sugar).

Christmas...

This year we celebrated Christmas Hickman style! We were lucky enough to enjoy a visit from all of the Hickman clan. This was quite a big production as people traveled from Utah, Virginia and Connecticut to visit us here in Baton Rouge. Here are some pictures from the festivities.

All of the cousins decorated Christmas cookies

The cousins re-enacted the nativity. You can tell by the picture how well that went =)

Keeping with the Hickman family tradition, Santa came to visit. Just a little traumatic for Lex!

Katy enjoyed the snow white doll that Santa brought her. Notice how I'm still soothing Lexie in the background.

Lulu loved her cozy coupe!

All Katy asked Santa for was a "dolly castle". I think he pulled through.

I love when my girls will take 2 seconds to smile for a picture with me!

I had to include this picture because Lex is such a momma's girl and the little stinker would not let anyone hold her for very long without crying. Thanks for not giving up Nana!

The other night I finally got out of the house by myself. I was only running a quick errand, but the excitement of being alone, out of the house, without any kids was pulsing in my veins. I turned on the car stereo to rock out. I immediately start singing to whatever came on. About 10 minutes later I realized I was rocking out by myself to my daughter's favorite cd - The Laurie Berkner band. How embarrassing. Enough said.