Fun at Grandma's House

Yesterday the girls and I spent the day in Marion. We met Grandma Val and Grandpa Dave, Aunt Ande, Haley and Aunt Alicia in Albernette for the parade. You know how the girls love parades. Chloe and Haley were able to ride on a horse and carriage. They were even able to throw candy. Chloe said she wanted to ride ONLY if we caught some candy for her. I think she made out pretty well! The girls loved watching all the entries go past, and of course eating tootsie rolls. Next time you see Chloe, ask her how to get the horses to go and to stop, it's super cute how she says it. After the parade, we headed back to Grandma and Grandpas. We had a little gathering in honor of Aunt Alicia and Baby Will (due the 17th of September). We haven't seen her since she found out she was expecting Baby Will. She looked great! We cannot wait to meet Baby Will...the first boy grand baby! I know his cousins will love and spoil him. I can see them looking out after him already. We had lunch and played outside on the trampoline. Well some of us did. Chloe and Haley jumped and jumped and Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie took turns jumping with Aunt Ande. It was a fun day together. We did miss Daddy and Uncle Eli though (they were working).

Bad Haircut

Here's how the day went...Matt was home today. He spoiled me this morning and let me sleep in. So wonderful to sleep until 9:00 a.m. Thanks sweetie, I needed it more than you know. Then girls took a 2 1/2 hour nap this morning...Another wonderful thing. I went to a dermatology appointment. Went well, quick and easy. I saw a friend that works in the clinic next to my doc, got some friend hugs and chatted a bit. After that I had an appointment to have my hair trimmed. As you my remember, I went with my BFF a couple months ago and got the "mommy-do" which I have been loving, but I was due for a trim. You know just to clean it up a bit. My normal stylist recently moved to another state...not convenient if you need a haircut, so I when I scheduled I just went with the first available...big mistake. First of all, when I arrived it turns out I know this gal we will call "Annie" through a friend of a friend. Started out a bit weird...she was looking on her cell phone for a picture of her child to show to me. (That part was fine, however, when she realized she couldn't find her photos on her new phone she just purchased yesterday, she plopped into the chair next to me, and decided to call her cell phone company. Hmmm, excuse me, I am sitting here with this stupid looking cape on to get a hair cut, not to watch/listen to you talking to your phone company. Common sense would say, I will call them after I finish with this client. I mean it would be one thing if her child was hurt or scared or something like that. Then as it turned out, after she hung up with said phone company, she found the pictures. Next she goes on to tell me her entire life story. Not that I mind friendly conversation, but come on...more attention needed to be paid to my hair and the scissors she was cutting it with. I kept telling her I was VERY HAPPY with the style, just wanted it refreshed. She just kept talking and cutting. My hair trim took over 2 hours. Come on! I have had cut/color/style that have been quicker than 2 hours. She even washed it twice...because she put the "wrong product in" and couldn't get it to "do what she wanted". By this time I was feeling, oh so confident...not. Then she got the scissors out again, because "this sides longer" then it was "this side is longer". Finally she said "after you go home and wash it a couple times it should lay right." What??? You washed it twice and it still isn't laying right! In fact it was laying much better before I walked in here. You are the "professional". I think she could tell I was worried. It really was the first time in a long time I was having to fight back tears in the chair. When I got home, Matt looked strangely at me and said nothing. Then later he said, wow, it is screwed up huh? I went to the bathroom, washed, dried, and busted out the flat iron. Didn't help, not even a little bit. It is uneven to say the least. The "angle" really would be better described as "*!@()! short in the back" and then it drops into 2 longer pieces on the side. Not much longer. It looks more like a really bad "bowl cut" There is NO angle, it is a drop. It looks awful! Trust me, I am not just being over critical. Matt said call the owner (who I know as I have been going to this salon for a few years). Then he said, "It's just hair babe, it will grow back." The hug he gave me helped for a minute, then I walked past the microwave and caught my reflection. Believe me, I didn't need any help with the way I look these days, well not in that direction anyway. So next time you see me, please don't say "your hair's cute" or "it's not that bad" because I will know that you are telling a big fat "fibber".

Hot Hot Hot

With the temperatures soaring in the high 90's, we ventured out to meet some friends today. We met up with my friend Kristi and her kiddos Veda and Fisher. We gathered downtown in the Ped Mall. You guessed it...we played in the fountain! Ahh...it was refreshing. Molli had stayed overnight so we thought it would be fun to do something extra special. Whenever we go to the playground I never let Chloe play in the fountain. I know, I'm mean. But she is never in a swimsuit when we are there. Today Chloe and Molli donned their swimsuits under their clothes and we headed out. Big success. They had a great time. Jocelyn Farrah and Silvie hung out on the sidelines watching and wishing they could join their big sis, cousin and new friend Veda. They flirted a little with the new little man in the group. Fisher sure is a sweetie. Such a beautiful baby boy! Kind of makes me want to try again for that little boy...or maybe not! I'll just admire Kristi's and Molly's sister Sarah's. Some day I will have sons-in-laws. It was great to get out, even in the scorching heat. Great to catch up with Kristi too.

Twizzlers and Smiles (picture post)

The Hendricks Girls LOVE LOVE LOVE licorice. Can you tell?

"Save the Tatas"

Okay so I need some input. As many of you know someone very dear to my heart is fighting and winning the battle against Breast Cancer. She is so strong and full of courage. She is halfway through her chemotherapy. Then she will begin radiation. She and some of her cohorts are thinking that even though we are thirty somethings...well most of us anyway...that a bar crawl to celebrate the end of chemo is well deserved. The last 8 weeks and 8 more to go have been pretty rough for her physically and emotionally too. She needs to let loose...relax...let her "hair" down so to speak. What better way...let's get her hammered. Where the "help" part comes in to play...she would like to have t-shirts made to wear on the crawl, and of course to donate proceeds to the breast cancer foundation. Fun huh? She wants to do a top ten list on the shirt. Like, top ten reasons to do a breast exam...sort of thing...So I need some really good ones to relay to her. I know that a lot of you are very witty. I know how creative you are. I know you can come up with some great stuff. So lend a hand, a suggestion...just a plain old reason why you think you should...touch your boobies! She said she thinks the crawl will be called "Save Second Base-Big or Small, we drink for them all". So try to tie the ideas into that...I am counting on your creativity! Post them into the comments on this post. Also, let me know if you are interested in purchasing a shirt to support a great cause.

We miss Daddy

Today is Tuesday. A really good Tuesday. Yes, I am still lucky enough to be hanging on to that yucky cold, but taking otc remedies as well as an antibiotic for the sinus infection part. Matty had a day off today. The first one in...honestly I cannot remember when the last one was. Between the normal 12 hour shifts, the overtime on patrol, the overtime he is helping with in dispatch, overtime for Ragbrai, and the other part time rental company thingy, it has been a LONG couple months missing Daddy. The girls were in their glory today. Even with their running noses. Daddy fed them breakfast and played all morning. Put them down for naps. He helped with lunch...and for the BIG outing tonight...IHOP! Yes, we took the girls out to dinner. Now for all of you that maybe thinking, "Okay, what's the big deal about IHOP?" Have you ever taken 17 month old triplets and a 4 year old out to dinner? I didn't think so. I thought it was fairly successful. I mean, I did spill and entire soda all over the table and floor. Yes me, not the triplets, not Chloe, but Mommy. As Chloe said, "Aces Mommy". The floor was a bit messy when we were finished eating, however, I have seen and cleaned up much worse. I did pick up most of the large droppings and apologised for the mess several times. Besides we left a good tip. Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie had "pannicakes" fruit and some eggs. Chloe loves the breakfast for dinner as much as Mommy and Daddy do. She had a "pannicake" with a whip cream smiley face. Silvie and Farrah also enjoyed the "crayon appetizer". Why do kids eats crayons? They do not taste good. But every time you give our trio crayons, straight into the mouth. They actually chew them...gross. Matt and I ate so quickly, I forgot what we had. But at least we were all together. Being together is all that really matters. We love it when Daddy's home.

Being sick Stinks

I know...I shouldn't complain...I try not to...however...having a cold, or a "virus" (as the doc called it) really stinks. I have had this yucky CRAP since Friday. Sore throat, fever, cough, running nose, stuffy nose, green stuff, sinus pressure, headache...blah blah blah... I hope it goes away soon, and I really hope the girls don't get it. They all four have the running noses and have been a bit grumpy today, but so far, no fevers. Happy Monday. Here's to good health...yours and mine too.

Time for a larger table

We sat at the table all together last night, well, kind of. The little beauties did. Chloe, Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie had dinnertime together just like big girls! It was so cute. They all enjoyed sitting around the table together. They did some chatting and laughing. First time in awhile the triplets were not stealing food, biting or hair pulling. It was very nice. They dined on their favorites, mac-n-cheese, cheese dogs, carrots, mandarin oranges, cottage cheese and milk. Hmm, kind of an orange theme I guess.

Little Beauties at the fair

We made a couple trips to the fair this week. Tuesday is "kids day" so we went to see what all the fun was about. We visited the exhibit hall, collected lots of "junk". Chloe and Haley rode on the swings and played a few games. Haley got a tattoo and Chloe had to be rescued by a "carnie" at the top of the big slide. She would NOT slide down! She was so scared, poor thing! They wouldn't let me go up after her. So the "carnie" went up to help her slide down. Not sure how I felt about that really. Personally I would have rather slide down and be a bit frightened then slide down with a "carnie". Ice cream afterwards made everything all better and we went to visit all the animals. Chloe "milked" a cow, she wasn't sure she liked it. Can't blame her I am a city girl too. Leave the "farm work" to the farmers I say. One of the calves got a bit too close to Jocelyn, which she made sure she let everyone know that she did not like...be screaming as loud as she could. We saw sheep, and cows and some rabbits. Chloe said her favorite part of the fair was the giant swing ride. She went on it 4 times! Once with Haley and she suckered Papa Steve into it 3 times. Papa loved it! Farrah's favorite part was picking a duckie for a prize, Jocelyn likes the bunnies the best, and Silvie just liked it all...except when strangers came up and tried to touch her...she really doesn't like that! We saw some old friends and even got tattooed! All in all, the fair was good. Maybe next year we will attempt the State Fair...or maybe not.

Happy Birthday Laila!

Happy Birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday to YOU!
Happy Birthday little Laila!
Happy Birthday to YOU!
We love you sweetie!

We hope you have a super fun day.

"Baby be Blessed" Lovies

Here are the little beauties cuddling their new dollies. They just LOVE them. They even know which one is their own and which ones is each of their sisters. It is so precious. Jocelyn will go and get all of them from the cribs and distribute them to each of her sisters. Even Chloe girl. Smart as a whip I tell you. Tina, we LOVE them. You can expect to hear from us again! We will spread the word about "Baby be Blessed". Thank you for touching our hearts.

Let's Hula

It was a "HULA" party for Laila's 1st Birthday. There were plenty of smiles and fun! Here are a few photos of the "birthday girl" enjoying her chocolate cake! MMMMM is for messy! There is also a new couple in the mix...Zach and Jocelyn were flirting it up. Sharing the bowl of "chippies." Chloe and Jake were side by side too. (I am going to get into that Brown family somehow.) Hee hee.

m is for messy

Matt and I took the girls to the Farmers Market this week. They loved it. Especially Chloe. She really enjoyed walking for tent to tent to see what they people were selling. She picked a hand made Hannah Montana charm bracelet. Yes...they even sell those at the Farmers Market. We picked out some yummy tomatoes, cucumbers and zucchini. Daddy chose some Iowa chops and home-made strawberry jam. Jocelyn, Farrah and Silvie picked black raspberries. Yep add another fruit to the l-o-n-g list of fruit they like. Actually they LOVED them as you can tell by the photos. They could not get them into their mouths fast enough! They were a Mess. Capital M. Chloe didn't try them. But I will saw she has tried peas and blueberries this week. Of course she liked neither. Oh well at least she tried them, right? I think the Farmers Market will be a new frequently visited venue for us. We all enjoyed the picks!

She doesn't need me anymore

She doesn't need me anymore. I am to be forgotten. Set aside. Thrown away. Used. She loved me for so long. Took such good care of me. Always knew where I was. I stood by her side. Through good days and bad days and every single night. Oh how she loved me. But she is a big girl now. She needs me no more. She can do things without me. I will let her grow. Let her move on. Let her live life as a "big girl". I am proud of her too!

Shots Hurt

Chloe had her 4 year "well check" yesterday. She is doing fabulous, all but the 5 shots she received! Lucky her huh? She is growing right up. Weighing in at 34 lbs and 41.5 inches tall! She also has 20/20 vision! Yea Chloe Girl! The doctors were pleased and said everything looked great. We had to laugh though...the resident that saw Chloe first, came in and went through a list of questions. Things about family life, activities, meal time, etc. She asked if we felt stressed...duh! We are parents! Aren't all parents stressed? She asked "if we had guns in our home?" Actually, let me back up, Matt met us at the appointment, he came from work, in full uniform, yes, gun on hip and all, badge, gun belt, green and tan uniform. So she says, "do you have guns are home?" Matt says, "Yes". She asks "are they are locked up?" Matt says "yes, of course". Then she asks Matt, "What do you do for a living?" Um, yeah, you're going to examine our child? He is dressed in a full uniform! How many dumb questions in a row can you ask before we question your competence? I seriously wanted to look at her and say "he's a stripper! Those pants are Velcro!" But I didn't. Matt replied with, "I am a Police Officer." She still didn't get it. We were able to talk with Chloe's doctor after the resident was finished with her series of questions. After 2 plus hours there, the nurses came in with the needles. She had 5 total. 3 in one leg 2 in the other. I learned yesterday that Chloe is a very strong 4 year old! Poor kid...at least she will not have to have any before she starts school next year!

Washington County Fair

The girls were in a Triplet/Twins contest tonight at the Washington County Fair. There were over 50 sets of twins! Ages 2 months to 69 years. There were 7 sets of triplets. Ages 16 months to 19 years. They judges on several different categories, youngest/oldest, tallest/shortest, minutes apart at birth, looked most/least alike. I know they were the most adorable/cutest set there. But they didn't judge that. Hee hee. The girls were the youngest set of triplets! The were awarded $15.00 and a blue ribbon! It was fun! We met a couple other sets of triplets that live sort of close to us. There were even 2 sets of twin calves in the contest. Cute.

The girls had the most fun looking at all the animals after the contest. They LOVE animals. Silvie said MOO tonight! They were fascinated with the roosters and the sheep! They cannot wait until the Johnson County Fair next week, maybe we will see you there.