the dowdles

wondering what we've been doing lately?

2011-02-05T22:18:00.000-06:00

Sorry in advance to the Ellsworth fam for all the cotton...and jeans, heaven forbid (Dad, you may have to cover your eyes)...but that's how we roll in Texas!

iCandy handmade

2011-02-01T14:57:00.005-06:00

Go check out my sister Autie's new blog, iCandy handmade! She is so talented and creative...she is always making the cutest stuff...she's just awesome! There's a giveaway...so go!

thanksgiving

2010-11-24T23:02:00.003-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanks to my sister Autie for these awesome hats...the kids love them!

Just imagine...

2010-11-09T21:53:00.004-06:00

that I had my act together and you were looking at this on or before Halloween...

Woody and Jessie

2010-11-09T21:11:00.006-06:00

I realize that I haven't posted anything in forever...but what got me was when someone (you know who you are and I love you!) said to me, "I saw some pictures of Carter and Clara in their costumes on other people's blogs..." How sad is that??? So here, on my very own blog are Carter and Clara in their Halloween costumes...they love them, and are so cute as Woody and Jessie!

potty training...take one

2010-09-07T21:03:00.003-05:00

Clara is on week two of potty training...and she's doing great. There are a few issues still, but for the most part she does really well. I had planned on doing both kids at the same time, but when I asked Carter if he wanted to put undies on he politely said, "No thank you"...so I decided not to push it.

4th of July...yeah, I know it's September

2010-09-06T21:06:00.004-05:00

My Mom made Clara this dress, and Carter a matching bow tie for the 4th. We've been wearing these outfits to church for months now but I just got pictures of them. So these pictures are for my Mom...thanks for making these for me!

first day of preschool

2010-09-06T20:56:00.004-05:00

Carter and Clara had their first day of preschool on Friday...they had a blast! This is "Miss Michelle"...our good friend and their teacher. It was weird going to the post office by myself, cleaning the bathrooms by myself, just being by myself...but it was weird in a good way...and I can't wait until next Friday, and they can't either!

pioneer day

2010-07-24T13:32:00.007-05:00

I was talking to my sister last night and she reminded me that today is Pioneer Day. She of course had the whole day planned out with all things pioneer...very cute. One of the things she had planned for her kids, I did with my activity day girls last year...and so I thought I would do it with Carter and Clara today too.

First, I talked to them about what a pioneer was, and taught them the Pioneer Children song, you know, ...and walked and walked and walked and walked...

Then we did a Pioneer Day treasure hunt. I especially love Carter's authentic pioneer gear! They loved it, here are some pictures:

And I had one more picture of the two of them holding their treasure (also known as Smarties), and being so excited about it...and I accidentally deleted it...ugh! Anyway, Happy Pioneer Day!

happy 4th

2010-07-04T22:18:00.002-05:00

happy father's day...

2010-06-20T21:19:00.003-05:00

and happy birthday to...

2010-05-29T15:13:00.004-05:00

...my sister Erin! It's kind of crazy but all of my siblings were born the same week of May. Erin and I fought like crazy when we were younger, but over time have become really good friends! She's moving here in a few weeks...can't wait! Love you Er! Who's next to move to Texas???

Sorry, Kimball's not in this picture...can't wait to meet him!!

happy (late) birthday to...

2010-05-29T15:06:00.004-05:00

my brother Chad! He's the oldest in our family, and has always been a great example to me and to my sisters. Love you Chad!

happy birthday to...

2010-05-24T21:34:00.006-05:00

my sister Autie! I know she'll laugh when she sees this picture I found! She is awesome at everything she does...I love you Aut!

more bluebonnets

2010-04-27T22:54:00.006-05:00

We took these at the base of Mt. Sachse today...

a new cousin

2010-04-23T12:58:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the fam little Carson B! We love all 9 pounds plus of you!!! Congrats to Chad, Katie, Syd and Sam!!

bluebonnet festival

2010-04-22T21:12:00.012-05:00

We had a great time at the Ennis Bluebonnet Festival with Jeff's family. It was so awesome, we plan to make it a tradtion and go every year. The flowers were amazing!

None of the kids were very excited...here are the cousins...

quite the week (or two)

2010-04-16T21:27:00.004-05:00

We've been sick around here...everyone but Jeff. I finally decided that I had had enough and took Carter and Clara in...and both had ear infections and Carter had a sinus infection too. So they are currently loving their pink medicine. You can really tell that Carter feels horrible in this pic, and of course I feel horrible because I didn't take them in sooner.

We started Soccer Tots again...and they love it again...and are obsessed with their coach, Coach Luis again! We have a little soccer ball at home, and it is not referred to as a soccer ball, it is a "Coach Luis"...love it! The video is at the end of class where they do a cheer and then get stamps on their soccer legs...

And Clara started baby ballet this week. She had a rough start, but loved it at the end. Clara is taking the class with her BFF Taylor, and they are so cute and hilarious together!

time

2010-03-31T15:47:00.002-05:00

I have been frustrated with my time management skills (or lack thereof) lately...and I came across this quote so I thought I would share...

We shall never have more time. We have, and have always had, all the time there is. No object is served in waiting until next week or even until tomorrow. Keep going...Concentrate on something useful.

-Arnold Bennett

Thanks Arnold, whoever you are...here's to something useful!

valentines day

2010-03-15T22:05:00.003-05:00

Yep, it's March, but I just got around to doing a photoshoot with Carter and Clara in their Valentine's Day attire. The suckers were a hit!

thomas

2010-03-15T21:41:00.004-05:00

We had such a fun day with Thomas! We had perfect weather and Jeff took the day off to go with us! Carter and Clara both loved it!

sheesh...

2010-02-28T10:04:00.002-06:00

...has it been a month since I posted anything??? Let's just say that we've been trying to stay busy and are desperately waiting for warmer weather (not that I have anything to complain about...it's not that bad here!).

And just for fun here is a Dowdle cousins picture from this weekend...so classic of Carter and Clara!

what month is this??

2010-01-23T16:07:00.005-06:00

We interrupt this normally scheduled January for...sidewalk chalk and bubbles?? We have had such a great week...the weather has been amazing! Loved the break from the normal dreary January weather, so glad we took advantage of it.

update

2010-01-19T21:44:00.009-06:00

The first night in big boy/big girl beds went well...both went down fine, and Clara only rolled out once and Carter just 2 times or so...we are hoping they will get the hang of it. If they keep falling out we will get a safety rail of some sort, but eventually they need to learn so we are going to stick it out.

They went down for their nap ok this afternoon, Carter did try to sneak out once, but other than that they slept for about 2 hours like they normally do.

The reason we converted their beds is because Clara starting climbing out of her crib, not consistently or anything, but she could do it and we didn't want her to get hurt (but it's ok if she rolls out of her bed...I know, doesn't make sense...). Anyway, we did her bed first and Carter got really upset when his bed didn't look like hers (or something like that), so we just did them both.

We had beautiful weather today so we met some friends at the park...I didn't get any pictures of the kids, but here are their jeans...they had a blast!

And I just wanted to give a shout out to our friend and neighbor Gary...he had surgery today and we wish him a speedy recovery! Carter and Clara will go through withdrawals without him around...we love you, hurry home!

so not ready for this...

2010-01-18T21:20:00.003-06:00

but here we are anyway...no more cribs!

a very merry

2009-12-25T23:05:00.003-06:00

Thank you Mandie for the picture...we only needed one and we totally got it! And thanks to Kim for the card design...you rock, I love it! Hope everyone had a very merry day, we did!

baby kimball

2009-11-23T14:55:00.003-06:00

My sister, Erin had her baby...here he is...Kimball Jack Smith. Love him already!

totally 80's

2009-11-16T15:09:00.004-06:00

Jeff and I never do stuff like this, so thanks to Del and Tina for putting this 80's party together...and thanks to Allyson for babysitting!

"daddy campout"

2009-11-16T14:58:00.005-06:00

Jeff took Clara to our ward's daddy-daughter campout. They roasted marshmallows and hung out for awhile...Jeff wasn't brave enough to actually camp (not sure I would have been either!)...maybe next year!

carter

2009-11-10T21:04:00.003-06:00

at the park today...

go cowboys!

2009-11-09T21:56:00.002-06:00

dallas zoo

2009-11-08T20:43:00.005-06:00

We had the best time at the zoo on Friday! Here are some highlights...

This was a spur of the moment shot that Ann took...my fav of the day!

This bird exhibit (or whatever it's called) was a blast, the kids loved it. We bought popsicles sticks with birdseed on them and the kids got to feed the birds and hold them too! This bird was after Ann and Taylor's snacks...

lovin' this November weather

2009-11-04T21:05:00.005-06:00

i want to win!!

2009-11-04T13:28:00.004-06:00

My sister has a friend who is doing a giveaway on her website, it's http://www.bubsiedesigns.com/. She is an awesome photographer, and also designs logos, holiday cards, etc. I think it would be really fun to win some custom made cards...don't you??? Go check it out!

trick or treat

2009-11-01T15:56:00.006-06:00

Carter and Clara totally got it, and had a blast going door to door. On more than one occasion when the door opened...Carter walked right in!

We had a fun party at Grandma and Grandpa Dowdle's house. Here are the cousins...

happy halloween

2009-10-31T11:08:00.000-05:00

twinkle twinkle

2009-10-30T21:40:00.003-05:00

just clara

2009-10-28T21:50:00.005-05:00

Mud Patch

2009-10-17T20:51:00.004-05:00

Ok, so really it was a pumpkin patch, but they had more mud than pumpkins. We still had a fun time though with Marji and her twins, friends from our ward and Lindsey and baby Blake. I didn't get great pictures, and didn't get ANY of Carter and Clara together...so we must go again...like next week!

cousins

2009-10-17T15:57:00.007-05:00

Carter and Clara got to play with 2 of their cute cousins while in Seatttle. Because my family is all spread out this is a rare treat!Thanks girlies for playing with Carter and Clara, and not getting too mad when they pulled your hair, messed up your playroom or knocked over your tower of blocks!

where have we been?

2009-10-17T14:56:00.011-05:00

Well, my Mom came for a short visit...and then the kids and I flew back with her to Seattle! We stayed for two weeks, and Jeff came up for the second week. We had such a fun time, had so many new adventures, and took so many pictures that I don't know where to start with posting.

Carter and Clara's favorite things about the trip were: MarMar, PawPaw, and BooBoo, the barn including: llamas, kitties and Willow, dirt, rocks, tractors, etc, and playing with cousins.

We also took them downtown to Pike Place Market, fed the seagulls at Ivar's, went to the Childrens' Museum, went to Remington Farm, went on a ferry ride, went apple picking...did I mention the weather was awesome??

Clara and BooBoo (her great grandma) picking squash. They also got to pick cucumbers, zucchini and potatoes.

This is Jeff and Carter feeding the seagulls french fries...after eating amazing fish n chips at Ivars.

At Remington Farm they have a steam train...we only rode it twice, but Carter would have only done that if we had let him. He loves trains!

Like I said, he loves trains!

Clara and my Mom on the ferryLlamas, llamas, and more llamas...Clara is quite the llama wranglerCarter helping my Dad feed Vixie

love this time of year

2009-10-13T13:26:00.002-05:00

sunshine on a cloudy day

2009-09-17T13:07:00.002-05:00

just playing...

2009-09-13T22:21:00.002-05:00

I haven't played in PSE for awhile, and have already forgotten things I learned in my class so I decided to just play...nothing fancy here, just frames and text. Love these pics!

storytime

2009-09-10T21:53:00.007-05:00

I took Carter and Clara to storytime at the Sachse library today. Today was special because the Sachse Fire Department came and read two books and let the kids check out their fire truck.

Carter and Clara were asked to have their picture taken with one of the firemen for the Sachse News...and Clara wouldn't do it, but Carter was all for it! So look for Carter in the Sachse News sometime soon!

sad to see summer go...

2009-09-09T21:00:00.006-05:00

I'm not going to miss the heat, or sweating all the time...but I am going to miss all the evenings out with our awesome neighbors, eating popsicles, talking and watching the kids run around.

the best neighbors ever

2009-09-03T15:55:00.002-05:00

hummingbirds rock

2009-09-01T21:21:00.007-05:00

it's about that time...

2009-08-30T21:47:00.003-05:00

...for football season that is...and we are ready!

This isn't a great picture but I had to post the full outfit...jersey, dress, pink converse...and don't forget the necklaces! These are a current fav of Clara's!

Go Cowboys!

autie

2009-08-29T14:27:00.005-05:00

My sister Autie came to visit for 2 weeks while Jeff was gone...and we had a blast! We did so much and took so many pictures that I don't even know where to begin...so I thought I would post some fun pictures of Autie and her kids.

These are the kinds of pictures Moms need so that they know they are really, really good, fun Moms...even on the days when they think they're not.

Autie is such a fun Mom...and sister! Love you Aut, thanks so much for coming!

clifford

2009-08-09T21:48:00.007-05:00

I have such good friends, and one of them is Ann. She is great, and is always finding fun things for us to do. We took our kids to Barnes and Noble the other night for a pajama party with Clifford. They wore their jammies, had cookies, heard a few stories, got a few new books, hung out with Logan and Taylor, colored a picture, and met Clifford. Such a fun time!

Carter was super excited about Clifford...never mind that there was a line we were supposed to wait in to meet him...Carter just busted up there.

I didn't want to be in the picture...at this point I was sweating from corralling them...but Clara wasn't too sure, so here we are!

ta-da!!!

2009-08-06T22:50:00.005-05:00

I finally finished my PSE class...yeah for me!! Here is my final project...we just used our new skills to change up our 9 photo grid. I had such a blast doing this...I'm trying to decide what class to take next!

just chillin...

2009-08-06T21:13:00.002-05:00

clara's first pony

2009-08-06T21:11:00.003-05:00

popcorn popping

2009-08-05T10:59:00.004-05:00

Clara will introduce the song right before she starts singing and doing the actions. Just don't listen to my horrible voice, I've been sick the last couple of days and sound terrible!

lesson #13

2009-08-02T22:03:00.003-05:00

We did a 9 photo grid, and I picked pictures of the kids eating pop-cles (as they call them)...it has become a summer evening tradition.

exciting announcement...

2009-07-31T20:52:00.005-05:00

...no more binky for Carter...way to go Big Boy!

lesson #12

2009-07-30T22:11:00.003-05:00

This rocks...I can see me doing this all the time! We learned how to create a storyboard with 3 pictures. These are of Clara around Easter at the Dallas Arboretum...crazy how she's changed in just a few months.

lesson #11

2009-07-30T14:30:00.002-05:00

This lesson was on Selective/Spot Recoloring...very easy, and pretty cool.

lesson #10

2009-07-29T23:18:00.002-05:00

Well, so much for going to bed early tonight! I just finished lesson #10, it was a start to finish project combining tons of techniques...and it was fun and tricky and frustrating and rewarding all at the same time! I love this picture of Jeff and I during a really hard time in our lives...walking through the Sacred Grove.

Picking up where I left off...

2009-07-29T21:55:00.006-05:00

in my Photoshop Elements class...lesson #9 is called Edge Burn...very subtle. It darkens the outside of the picture and lightens the center or focal point of the picture. We did a color and a black and white. I should probably post before and after pics, but I'm not in the mood. :)

I took this one of Carter, it's a little blurry and his hair is crazy, but I love it anyway...him and his little truck book...

Mandie took this one, and it's just classic...

let's dance

2009-07-22T12:56:00.002-05:00

This was at a wedding reception on Saturday...classic Carter and Clara. It's kind of dark...sorry!

photoshop elements lesson #8

2009-07-16T15:18:00.005-05:00

Seriously, my most favorite yet...and probably the easiest! Adding type to your photos...love it!
A little Christmas in July...

photoshop elements lesson #6

2009-07-16T13:18:00.006-05:00

I love foot pictures...not sure why, I just do. This is a picture of me and my sisters feet...Autie at the far left, Er in the middle and me at the far right. This picture was taken by my cousin Michele, who is an awesome photographer.

i'm lame...

2009-07-14T12:52:00.004-05:00

...for not letting anyone know where Marji and I are taking our class from...it is from this really cool website. It is a self-paced, easy to follow format, and Marji and I have both really enjoyed it, and have learned a lot. Neither one of us do much for ourselves these days, so it has been a real treat! I hope to take more of her classes, maybe a digital scrapbooking class (even though I said I would NEVER go digital)! There are a couple of photography classes as well...that could maybe help me not take blurry pictures...ugh!!!!!! So frustrating...these are both really cute of Clara (in my book anyway)...and both are blurry!!
But these make up for it...

super duper bonus challenge round

2009-07-13T22:02:00.004-05:00

This was really tricky to do...combining different techniques. Not sure I love it, but I'm pretty impressed I pulled it off...it only took me 2 tries!

another from lesson #5

2009-07-13T14:43:00.000-05:00

Texture plus a cool frame...

photoshop elements lesson #5

2009-07-13T14:31:00.006-05:00

All about textures...so awesome!

painting

2009-07-12T22:05:00.003-05:00

I got paint with water books for Carter and Clara, and they have had a blast with them! Aside from a little drinking of the water, and spilling of the water, and chewing on the paintbrush a few times, it has gone pretty well!

one more from lesson #4

2009-07-11T14:39:00.002-05:00

I took this picture while hiking with my family in Utah last year...notice the white scuffy edge...I'm very proud of it!

photoshop elements lesson #4

2009-07-10T23:20:00.005-05:00

I feel like I have used the word LOVE a lot in my posts about PhotoShop Elements...and here I go again, I love what I learned today! Can you see the white scuffy edge??

more from lesson #3

2009-07-10T23:13:00.009-05:00

I probably wouldn't add the stars myself because I love the picture just the way it is...but I love the black frame.

photoshop elements - lesson #3

2009-07-10T13:15:00.005-05:00

Ok, so I need to be cleaning my bathroom...but I just had to do one more lesson! This one was creating a vintage, hand-tinted look. This picture was taken by Mandie McMurdie (hope you don't mind Mandie!), and I absolutely love it!

photoshop elements class - lesson #2

2009-07-10T12:47:00.003-05:00

Today I learned how to use the Brush Tool...and I'm in love!

photoshop elements class - lesson #1

2009-07-09T21:10:00.005-05:00

Marji and I decided to take a free online course on PhotoShop Elements. Marji is ahead of me, no surprise there, but I had so much fun doing my first class today.

Here is what I did today...yes, I know, it's only a frame and a cute word art thing, but I love how it turned out, and can't wait to keep learning!

Happy July 3rd and 4th

2009-07-05T22:02:00.011-05:00

July 3rd...Our neighbor Lindsey's Dad is a pilot and has a hanger at the Addison airport. She invited us to the hanger for a BBQ and to watch the airshow and fireworks. It was so dang fun! Carter and Clara loved it! I wish I could have gotten better pictures, but they wouldn't look at me or sit still! Thanks Grandma for making the bandana dress...it was a hit!
July 4th...After yardwork we headed over the Grandma & Grandpa's for dinner and to hang out. We had planned on going to the Sachse parade, but there just wasn't enough time. I didn't get any pictures...how lame am I?? Luckily our neighbor Gretchen took this before we left...thanks Gretchen!

cars on the fireplace...

2009-07-03T12:55:00.006-05:00

...and crazy morning hair!

look what clara got today...

2009-07-01T21:56:00.005-05:00

another fun day

2009-07-01T21:43:00.010-05:00

Yesterday we spent the day with Marji and her kids...as always it was a blast! Both sets of twins slept for about 2 hours...all at the same time...so Marji and I were able to just talk. And Thomas entertained himself with pennies...that's for you Denise!

thank you kroger and diapers.com...

2009-06-29T22:28:00.008-05:00

...for giving me a little help in keeping the peace...even if it's only for 10 minutes...it's much appreciated.

uncle eric

2009-06-29T07:57:00.002-05:00

Carter and Clara love their Uncle Eric..and here's why....

summer lovin'

2009-06-25T22:10:00.009-05:00

I had such a blast taking pictures of my kids today and playing with my camera. Carter and Clara love being outside, and love playing in the water. I don't love sitting outside and sweating to death, but it's worth it! I sure love these little stinkers!

Some of my favs from today...

we love our...

2009-06-22T20:20:00.007-05:00

cars & trucks

2009-06-21T08:40:00.006-05:00

Carter loves cars, trucks, tractors and all things that go...we love this about him! A few weeks ago as we were leaving church, a friend of mine said she had helped in the nursery that day. She said that Clara had a sad moment where she cried for a minute but then was fine. That made me sad...Then I asked if Carter was sad at all, and she said, "No, he just played, trucks in the microwave, you know..." Love it! Anyway, here is Carter playing with his cars and trucks in our playroom...

rats

2009-06-19T21:12:00.004-05:00

In my family, we call snarls or knots in your hair rats, not sure why that's just how it is. Just some pics of Clara's little curly rat's nest. Love it!

c&c 18 month stats & a fun friday

2009-06-05T20:56:00.008-05:00

We had Carter and Clara's 18 month doctor visit today, so I thought I'd share their stats:

Carter -

Weight: 25.4 lbs, 50%

Height: 32 1/2, 50%

Head: 48, 75%

Clara -

Weight: 25.2lbs, 50%

Height: 31 1/2, 50%

Head: 46, 50%

We also took them to the Wylie Library summer reading kick off...

And we finished the day off with grilled hot dogs and our first swim of the summer!

randomness...

2009-06-04T20:21:00.014-05:00

Here is a snapshot of the last 3 weeks...

Kenny Chesney concert with good friends, doesn't get any better than that!

Cue Simon & Garfunkel song..."slow down you move too fast, got to make the moment last..." Seriously Clara...you're too little to be climbing this HUGE slide!

A new driveway...I don't think Carter left the window the entire time they were here. He is obsessed with cars and trucks...we love it!

Lots of playing outside in the water...

...and sand (which as of today is no more...too messy, although they loved it!)

And lots of help scooping Abby's poop...

Carter and Clara have been sick, are getting some huge teeth, and are switching from two naps to one, so there have been some rough spots, but overall we're still alive, and things are good.

such a fun day

2009-05-13T22:12:00.010-05:00

We went to Marji's today, and Carter and Clara had a blast. It was their first experience on a trampoline...they loved it!

Warning: These pictures are really bad, but are really great all at the same time. See what I mean??

Here are my twins and Marji's twins playing in her water/sand table. Which despite the fact that it is really messy...the kids love it!

And I swear we barely made it out of Marji's driveway and...see ya! Such a great day...Marji, remind me again why you moved??

happy mothers day

2009-05-10T23:01:00.003-05:00

dancing

2009-05-04T21:25:00.003-05:00

goodnight moon

2009-05-02T09:17:00.003-05:00

just can't get enough

2009-04-24T23:07:00.009-05:00

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

2009-04-22T09:44:00.007-05:00

ok, so maybe not the most wonderful, but right up there. One of my favorite things about Texas is spring, and with that comes the bluebonnets. I tried to get some pictures yesterday of Carter and Clara in a really great field (thanks Mandie!), it was tricky, and I need to go back again just a little later in the day, but here are some of my favorites...

just because

2009-04-20T11:32:00.003-05:00

This is what you get...

2009-04-17T20:40:00.008-05:00

when you refuse to take a morning nap...Mom puts you to work! Carter would not take a nap this morning (and he fought me this afternoon too...love that!) so I brought him downstairs and figured he would play while I dusted and did a little laundry. But I guess he decided he wanted to help, so go Carter! Love the Swiffer!
Also, I made a new lasagna recipe the other night...and it was a total hit (yeah me!), as you can tell...

happy easter...

2009-04-15T13:57:00.003-05:00

It really was a happy, fun day! Just thought these were classic!

oh happy day

2009-04-13T21:24:00.005-05:00

good friday

2009-04-11T22:10:00.012-05:00

Jeff was home on Good Friday so we took the kids to Spring Creek Farm in Richardson. The kids had a blast! They got to feed goats (and Carter helped himself as well...gross!), pet a horse and a pony, hear a turkey gobble and open its feathers, hear a rooster, see a longhorn, go on a hayride, and see and hear lots of birdies including geese and ducks!
Carter fixates on random things sometimes...this trip it was this green grate.

Arboretum

2009-04-08T18:56:00.011-05:00

We waited and waited and waited for a nice day to go have our pictures taken at the Dallas Arboretum with a REAL bunny...and we finally got to go this week. We are waiting for our picture to arrive in the mail, I will post it when I get it. I let the kids run wild for awhile, and took some fun pictures. Marianne and Zachary were there along with some girls from my ward.

Here are some cousins pictures, which were nearly impossible...

Here are a couple of Clara...

And a couple of Carter...

Love that pink tie!

a new baby...

2009-04-02T09:57:00.003-05:00

yep, we have a new baby in the family...her name is Ivy Elle Mousser. She was born yesterday...congrats Mousser fam!