House of Mack

There's no way to catch up...

2011-09-17T18:19:00.001-05:00

for all the things that have been happening since our last post. I really don't have time to do this now, but I wanted to post something.
So here's a little post about Everly's big girl haircut. She is almost 27 months old and has never even had a trim. I really didn't want to get her hair cut yet but I was getting a little stringy at the ends. She had two layers in her hair and Brett and o agreed to cut it even with the top layer, which meant all the baby curls were gone :(
Everly acted like a complete pro after a little bribery from me. I promised her that we would walk down the street when we were done to see a giant Pooh bear in a store window.

Yeah...I'm typing this on my blogger app. I may have to back and rotate the pictures when we get internet at our house. We've lived here for almost two months and haven't had time for them to come out to set it up. Yes, we are that busy!

In one of the pictures Evie is chewing her finger. That is her nervous habit.

I Can't Sleep!

2011-07-27T03:45:00.001-05:00

It's now 3:28 am and I've been awake for an hour or so. Now that I am awake I can't go back to sleep. My mind is racing. So many huge events are going on with us right now. We're moving from the only house we've ever lived in since we have been a married couple. We weren't supposed to close until August 9th,but all the paperwork is complete so they want to close this week. Luckily we have 10 days after closing to move. I am excited about moving. We're moving near our farm land and the whole family will get to see each other more often.

School is also about to start back. I have to start on Monday...yikes! I thought I was going shopping on Friday for my "back to school" clothes. Not that it's a big deal...but when exactly am I going to make that happen now. Then there's my classroom. I think of something new everyday that I want to do or needs to be done. I am in the process of painting my desk now. I am so thankful that one of my former students,Meg, came over today...check that yesterday to help keep Everly company while I worked. She's actually a pretty good painter too.

I thought maybe typing some boring random post would make me sleepy...no such luck. Sorry to bore everyone. I guess I'll go back to playing this Sushi Bar game on my phone. I'll probably stay up all night trying to beat it. Oh yeah and if there are any typos please forgive me. I always go back and read my posts and find several...yeah reading teacher who can't spell. That's the way to make our future brighter...ha! I just don't know of a spell check on the Blogger app. If you do, info me please!

Our Summer in Photographs

2011-07-25T07:30:00.001-05:00

This summer has been filled with probably not as much fun as it should, but I had a big task to complete...a new classroom. Unless you are a teacher, you probably don't understand all that goes into that task. I am so very grateful that I had to work on it this summer. We've tried to sprinkle in some fun along the way.

This sweet girl turned TWO in June. I still can't believe it. Here she is riding at her party. She doesn't like anything motorized, so this was perfect for her. This sharp ride belonged to the skating rink, but I found her a brand new one at a flea market for a third of the price of a new one. So proud!

Glad she likes to come to school with mommy. This is her leaving one night. She takes that baby every where. She is still lovin' her pink boots...as you can see!

First movie for Evie and her friend E.I. (Eli). They saw Winnie the Pooh with the SES camp kids. I was thankful the movie was less than an hour. Everly was not really into sitting still! I think they sat in this chair for about a minute.

Swimming with Daddy. We tried to swim as much as possible this summer, because someone was taking swimming lessons this summer and she loves to show off her skills.

Celebrating the last day of swimming lessons with friends with popsicles. We can't wait until next year!

At school with Mommy. A future teacher in the making? This is her new cheese face!

Mrs. Mack is back!

2011-07-09T20:01:00.001-05:00

After crying my eyes out for while about not being rehired at SES, I proceeded to enjoy my summer. I secured a part time job for the fall and knew that I could substitute every day. I prayed about the situation. About a week or two after school was out I got a call from the principal. There was going to be a fourth grade unit added because of the number of students. This teacher would only teach reading...which I love! She told me that I was being considered for the position along with several others. Exciting news but I didn't get my hopes up. I also got a call from B's alma matta...Opp. They also had a fourth grade position open. I interviewed with them, but their position was temporary. A few days later E and I were on our way to shop in Dothan when I got them call that I got the position at SES. I was so thrilled. We went to the teacher store that day just to buy something, anything that I could use in my room. Later that week I volunteered at Kids Kamp with a civic club I am a member of when I got a call from Andy, another local elementary school. I ended up not interviewing with them because the board meeting to approve my employment was that night. I told the principal that I would hate to waste her time. God is so good. I went from having no hope to having three opportunities for a job within a matter of weeks. I'll leave you with a picture of my room in progress. It is right next door to the room I had last year. I am so excited to be back at SES with my wonderful students and coworkers. I hope Miss E will be going with me when the time comes for her to go to kindergarten.

Summer fun!

2011-07-01T07:18:00.001-05:00

Summer is flying by! I've been spending most of my time with a very busy TWO year old. I'll have to do a complete birthday post soon. We've been swimming alot, had playdates with friends, gone to story time at the library, and playing with her newest obsession Baby Doll. I am so blessed to have gotten another job at the school I love so E has started going back to her school a little more while I get me room ready....yeah need more posts for these things too. Right now E is taking swimming lessons with two of her future classmates. They are learning things like floating on their backs, holding their breaths, and "picking apples" (paddling). Wednesday after swimming I asked her what she wanted for lunch and she told me pizzzza. We went to Pizza Hut for the lunch buffet. It was our first time going to eat just the two of us. We had so much fun. We'll definitely do it again soon. I'm ready to get my classroom complete so I can spend more quality time with my big girl before the crazy fall begins.

The death of me!

2011-06-01T08:51:00.000-05:00

Yes, these little babies right here are going to be the death of me! E's Gimme ordered them for her back in the fall and they finally fit. I let her wear them on Memorial Day and she pretty much hasn't taken them off since...well except for yesterday morning when she took off her black Crocs and threw them across the floor and marched to her room to get her black polka dot mary janes. I did not fight this battle! I just let her wear them...at least she picked something that matched.

Last night she slept in these Teva sandals and right now she is prancing around the house in them. I think she's beginning a new stage where she wants to pick out her own clothes. She sticks firm to her choices too. If she would only learn how to put these shoes on instead of following me around holding the right one (it won't stay on) in her hand screaming "Shoe off!!!!".

School's out...seriously!

2011-05-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

So, I knew when I accepted my position in December that it was an emergency hire and I would have to reinterview for a position in the spring. Our school earned almost two additional teacher units on top of the positions that another emergency hire and I were working in. I love the school I worked at. It is where I would love to see Everly learn and grow. As spring got closer the more nervous I got and the more excited the students became. I interviewed in early May. By this time we were informed that there would only be one position total at our school, mainly because of proration. My emergency hire co-worker and I (who I also graduated with) knew that one of us would definitely not have a job in the fall at our school. Both of our interviews went wonderful, so we thought if we didn't get a job at our school maybe we get one at another one of the county schools. Either way, we were going to be happy for one another.

We had to wait almost two weeks after our interviews to find out the verdict. My poor students...that was the most stressful two weeks all year! We were called into the conference room at the same time. I already knew what this meant...neither of us got the job! I do not know the person that got the job, but I've seen her around. She looks nice and hopefully she will do a wonderful job. It just stinks when you've poured your heart into something and it's gone. I described it as being broken up with...it's the only thing I could compare it too. I cried all night and woke up at 2 am and cried some more. I cried the next day and woke up at 2 am the following morning. Heck, I'm crying right now!

My fellow co-workers and the parents couldn't have been more supportive. I am so thankful to each and every one of them. They made me feel loved and reminded me that this is all in God's hands and he has a plan, even if I can't see it yet.

SES will definitely always hold a special place in my heart. I went to observe there a little over two years ago when I was very pregnant with E. I remember walking in the halls and the smell hit me. It was the same spell as my elementary school. Then and there I knew this is where I wanted to intern. Low and behold I ended up interning with the very teacher that I observed with, who is now a wonderful friend. I was ecstatic when I was offered a job even before I graduated, this is unheard of. The children are wonderful and the faculty like family.

Teaching is my calling, that I know. It's what I have wanted to be since I was 9 years old. So many great people and opportunities have led me to this occupation...finally. I got a job at the Elmore BOE when I was 17 and worked there six years while I was trying to go to school part time. Finally, 12 years after I graduated high school I finished college.

One of my parents came to talk to me after school one day. She said that she had prayed daily that I would get the job. She quoted a very fitting scripture. I know it was from Jeremiah and I remember the gist of it...but of course I was crying again!!
I think this is it-
Jeremiah 17:7-8
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8 He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."

If this wasn't it...it's what I needed to read today. As of now my plan is to substitute a lot and keep my faith in the Lord...and pray!!

Camping Days 2 & 3

2011-04-12T14:48:00.001-05:00

On day two of camping I had to go buy a swimsuit...yeah...couldn't find my one that fits(long gone are the days that I had a draw full to choose from) and we needed to go to my favorite store Target to buy a few items that first time campers didn't know to pack. While we were out we also went to eat at Shuckums. I had a delicious baked oyster trio and B had an oyster po boy. E will pretty much try anything that we do. She ate crackers and cocktail sauce. Healthy...I know! We got back and headed to the beach. At the state park they have two swimming areas. We chose to swim at the pass. It was so clear and beautiful and we felt really safe having E there. The water was really shallow for a long way out. I was really worried about how she was going to like the beach. Last year she had a breakdown in the sand when we went to Orange Beach. No problems at all this year. She loved it! I'm talking about making sand castles and everything. We were only out tree about an hour. It looked like she was getting sunburned but thankfully she didn't. We headed back to our campsite. E took a nap and B went fishing. I sat out under our awning and did yesterday's blog post. The weather was absolutely perfect. When B got back he started a campfire and I took E across the street to the playground. She was fearless! She went on all the big slides, ladders, and tunnels...until she tripped on a step and bit her tongue pretty good. It took a while to stop bleeding.
We had camping favorites hot dogs and fire roasted corn for dinner.
After dinner E and I took a walk to the shower house. She got her second ever shower. The first was also here earlier in the day. When we got back B made one of my all time favorite foods s'mores!
Last night E and I really didn't sleep so well. She slept between B and I since fell off of her bed the night before. We feared she would so we had lots of pillows on the floor. I was freezing and B thought E was too, so we slept really close to her. I felt her and she was burning up. She and I got up to sat on the sofa. I was afraid she had a really high fever and I didn't have anything to treat it. After I held her for a few minutes she cooled off. So we got on the single bed with her Disney princess comforter. My gosh...I was still freezing. This popup has the most powder AC I've ever felt. B says he offered to turn it down but I refused...I really don't remember. Evie seemed to wake up every thirty minutes. Neither of us rested well last night. We woke up to a completely cooked breakfast. Yummy! B took E back to the playground while I went to shower. He said she was still hesitant. We packed up and headed home a little later.
Before we go camping I would really love to get a granny bike with a wicker basket and baby seat. Everyone rides bikes A LOT while camping. I think E would love it too. Also I would love to start C25K. A very fit family had their popup in the spot next to ours. The father and daughter would get up every morning and go for a long, long run. This girl was so fit. Brett noticed that I would just watch her. He reminded me that I could do it too...I used to do it all the time.

I know this is very, very long...but I wanted to make sure to include lots of details of our camping adventure...including this stynx lizard that appeared when we pulled and funny enough when we left.

Camping Day 1

2011-04-11T17:17:00.001-05:00

Yesterday right after church we set out for PCB. It only takes about an hour and a half to get here. We decided to get everything set up before we headed out to the grocery store. The pop up is really is easy to setup and we got everything unpacked. We decided to just pick up some steamed from my favorite Buddy's seafood, but we were 10 minutes too late. They were closed. So we went on to my very favorite grocery store...well besides Fresh Market...Publix. We had their seafood department steam crab legs and shrimp. We got some crab dip and key lime pie (one of my very favorite desserts). We sat out under our asking complete with rope lights and devoured our meal. I think we were all in bed by 9:00. I don't think a baby could be more happy than Evie was last night. She filled her little Vera Bradley purse full of rocks and went to town. I can't wait to watch her around the campfire tonight. Today has been amazing also. I'll post about it soon. I hope this looks good. I am typing on the new Blogger app on my phone. E is awake and B is back from fishing.

Vacation Home

2011-04-09T08:31:00.000-05:00

This coming week is my spring break and we have bought a vacation home! Ha! Probably not exactly the kind you imagined when you read this blog title. We bought this pop-up from Brett's friend at work.

We had a Mexican beach vacation all planned out when Brett came home with this idea instead. For the same price we were going to spend on one vacation we could have many, many vacations. So we went last weekend and made the purchase. It sleeps seven if you can believe that. It has a queen bed on one end, a full on the other, the u-shaped table lets down to make a full bed and the booth table lets down to make a single bed (Evie's bed). My only requirement was that is has AC...which it does and a heater with a thermostat. It has an awning that lets out in the front and you can cook inside or bring the gas stove outside and it hooks on the side of the camper. Who knew that pop-ups could be this nice? I am so excited about it!! My parents had a pop-up and we always loved camping.

Our first family trip will start tomorrow and I CAN NOT wait! We're going to St. Andrews in Panama City Beach. Perfect timing too, because our Realtor is showing our house to a young couple after church (please pray it sells soon!!!). We're spending our day today cleaning and packing. I think we're even going to spend the night at B's parents tonight to start the vacay a little early. I might even give a little update from the wilderness...ha ha. I got the Blogger app for my phone now. Maybe I can keep up with this thing a little better now!

Lately I've Had the Strangest Feeling...

2011-04-06T19:43:00.000-05:00

Remember that song? I think it was by Jodeci...
Anyway, lately I have been really down about Daddy. Maybe it's just seeing pictures of his headstone and knowing that it truly is real. He won't be here to see Everly grow up. Now that she is talking so much more and showing her hilarious personality I can imagine them interacting. If you knew my daddy, you know how much of a character that man was. I think it rubbed off on me alot. I would rather be known as a little crazy than a stick in the mud.
Another reason I'm probably so down is because Easter is upon us. This was a holiday that we always celebrated with the whole family. What to do? What to do? Should I try to plan something here at our house or is it easier for us to travel? No one has even mentioned it. I think we are all a little scared!
We bought a pop-up camper over the weekend and I am so proud of it. I have so many wonderful memories of camping with my family. No it's not a luxurious vaction (I gave up a trip to Mexico to buy it) but the memories we make will be more meaningful to me.
I guess I just needed to get a little of this off my chest. Take pictures with your loved ones this Easter. We didn't take a whole group shot last year. I would give anything to have had one more family photo.

What's Up with Us?

2011-03-28T18:47:00.000-05:00

Over two months and no post! I guess nothing really exciting has been going on and we've been so busy that I haven't had time to post. I've been getting adjusted to my teaching position and all that goes with it. Last week and this week we've been completing testing in the fourth grade. Funny, I have been posting on my class blog. You can check it out at Mrs. Mack's class. It is a useful tool for parents I think.

We now volunteer as small group leaders for sixth grade at our church. Last night was our first official meeting as solo leaders. We had the boys last night. I don't have brothers...so wow! was this eye opening. We really enjoy the teachings of our youth pastor. We feel like we're learning as much as the students are. We're also involved in a small group book study of David Platt's book Radical with three other couples. It has been truly life changing. It is so nice to be able to share and learn in this small group setting. Another big deal for us is our house is officially listed! I have been praying that it sells sooner rather than later. I am still commuting about an hour each morning even though the school I work at is only eight miles from our home. I take E twenty minutes away from home to her school. I know the easy thing to do is to change her school, but I won't do it. These ladies have kept her since she was seven weeks old. I am comfortable with her there and I feel peace knowing that B's mom works right next door. Her care is much more important that my convenience. We bought 42 acres between my school and her school. Hopefully we can get out of "town" and out to the country soon.

Brett has been gearing up for another busy hay season. Right now he is getting all the equipment ready and some odd and end projects that needed to be done around the farm. He's also the chairman for our county Young Farmer's group. We have a petting zoo for all the kindergartners in the county. He's held several meetings for that and we attended the state young farmers conference in Huntsville in February. We always have so much fun at those with all the families from our county and the others that we have met from throughout the state. He has also gotten to go turkey hunting a few times.

E has probably had the most going on. She has been battling allergies. We thought she had RSV, but were so thankful she did not. Miss E weighed 24 lbs. 2 oz. at her appointment. I can't believe it!! She is growing so quickly, even though most people still think she is tiny. I love being her mommy. She is my world. Her personality is so bubbly. She loves to sing and dance. About two weeks ago we went to the zoo. I was talking to B and telling him how I need to learn to bake a coconut cake. She starts singing patty cake!! This is the second time I "accidentally" found out that she knows a song.
These are her favorites as of now-
Hokey Pokey (or Pokey Pokey) as she says
Pattycake
The Wheels on the Bus
Jesus Loves Me

She has counted to nine without making a mistake. She recognizes several shapes, especially a circle. We're working on recognizing letters and numbers now with flashcards...kind of like a homemade "Your Baby Can Read". I am amazed daily at all the things she knows and learns. I worked with some children while interning in kindergarten that came to school knowing less. That just breaks my heart.

E still loves books and likes to "read". She really seems to be studying her books. I know this is getting extremely long winded, but I just wanted to give a general update on us.

Shoney Bear

2011-01-23T13:21:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I was pretty sick. I had fever off and on all day. My momma called to check on me last night and we started reminiscing. Here birthday is coming up pretty soon, so I invited her to come stay the night with us and we'd take her to dinner wherever she wants to go. She said that she would as long as no one sang to her! She began talking about one time that my dad took her out for her birthday and she was so embarrassed when the staff began to sing. She was talking about how dad had set all of this up. A few hours before he passed away my dad was talking to my uncle on the phone. He said that he had a special surprise set up for he and my mom's anniversary (he passed away three weeks before their 3oth anniversary). As momma talked I was taken back to a very happy time in my childhood...birthdays! We didn't have a lot of birthday parties, but we did usually go out to eat...complete with singing! We were members of the Shoney Bear birthday club. You would get a free meal during your birthday month. My birthday is on the first so we'd always have to go the weekend after my birthday. The staff brought a hot fudge cake (I'd love to have one RIGHT now) and sang. Gosh, I miss those carefree, happy days. Hopefully Everly will have as many fond memories of her childhood as I do of mine. I can't wait to host my Momma soon at our house...who knows? maybe we'll have her surprised by singing. I know she really would care at all now! I think we've all learned in our family to live life to the fullest.

Also, a huge thanks to my sweet husband this weekend! He's done it all (I mean down to sweeping and mopping floors and making pumpking bread)and taken care of me. Thanks honey! Love you :)

How many words?

2011-01-15T10:36:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago when we were at Dr. E's he asked me how many words that E says. I said alot, but that wasn't exactly the answer he was looking for. I guessed between 30-40, but I really think it's more than that. Here's my attempt to see exactly how many...

People
Mama, Dadda, Daddy, Pop, Gimme (still only seldomly...wonder what's up with that), Mamaw, Papaw, Rah-Rah (Sara her teacher at school), Weesa, Huhsen (Hutson), Embeth (Emma Beth), Nick, Ka care (Katy Claire), Mafhue (Matthew), Mary, Danny, Soosie (Susie), Rose, Pooper (Cooper), Zane

Places
home, cool (school), Auburn, Bama

Things
Micka Mouse, Mimmie, boo (what the cow says), Oso, nana (banana), bites, bubbles, jacket, shoes, Crocs, Nikes, socks, pants, tree, Jesus, bible, book, Aubie (she loved watching the National Championship game), touchdown (with her hands in the air), W'gle (War Eagle!), teeth, bwush (brush), bow, wet (pointing to her diaper), cup, duece (juice), milk, yo-gurt (two syllables), banket (blanket), bye-bye, wuv (love), teese (cheese), Nemo (but she means Elmo), Abby (Abby Cadabby), buce box (juice box), cookie, chips, bubath (bubble bath), baby, keys, trac trac (tractor). fen toast (french toast)

I know that's not all, but that list includes about 70. I guess I should count again before we go to her two year appointment. She is so much fun now and I am so proud to be her momma!

18 months

2011-01-10T11:37:00.000-06:00

This sweet thing turned 18 months old on December 23rd. Her 18 month appointment was on the 28th. She is such a big girl now and wants to walk every where. The nurses had a fit over her new Vera Bradley bag that she got for Christmas. They took her all around the office to show it off, because she was not going to let it go! She didn't even want to let me hold it while the nurse weighed her. She had it loaded down with her doll bottle, cell phone, and keys and of course we couldn't leave Mimmie at home.

She now weighs 21 lbs. 14 oz. ( I never thought we'd make it over the 20 pound mark)- 20th percentile
and is 31 inches tall-40th percentile. Dr. E always makes me smile when he says most ladies prefer to be on the slender side. He even commented on her purse. He said, "That looks like a Vera Bradley. Aren't you just a Gucci baby!" I love it when he is in a good mood and we can joke. E did great with her shots and didn't want me to comfort her...she wanted her purse! Can we say girly girl? I love my priss pot! I have had the best time staying at home with her yesterday and today (we have a weather day today).

We're about to get out in the cold and buy a few ingredients to whip up some game day grub! Our team (yes E's too...she's in a house divided) is playing in the national championship tonight. I've taught E to say Aubie and War Eagle! She'll be dressed in her #2 Cam Newton shirt tonight, made by my sweet friend Mandi. She has a new Aubie shirt to wear to school tomorrow. She'll wear it either way, because I am so proud of my Tigers...but we're ALL IN for a victory!!!!

My Christmas Vacation...

2011-01-10T10:54:00.000-06:00

was spent in my classroom. I would try to get there before 9:00 and sometimes I would be there at 9:00 at night. I just wanted it to be perfect. I took over for a teacher that retired mid-year. I went through tons and tons of stuff. Brett and his dad cut down a bookcase and hung up my television. Brett built a coat rack. I sorted and filed and threw away old things. It was a job! I could have had all summer and it still would have been a job! I am so proud of the way it turned out. I officially started on January 3rd and the students came back on the fourth. I am teaching fourth grade Alabama History, which is ironic because my very favorite teacher ever taught fourth grade Alabama History and it was then that I decided I wanted to become a teacher. I was hired for an emergency position, so I probably won't have this job next year. Hopefully, I will get to stay at the same school. It is a wonderful place and I would love for E to be a Tiger one day!

Before

After

Two checks!

2011-01-10T10:16:00.000-06:00

I can not believe that I did not blog about one of the most exciting times of my life. They say pictures are worth a thousand words...so I'll post lots of those and maybe that will make up for it.

Well....I thought I would post a lot of those. I can't find my "real" camera. Here are a few from my graduation (the others are on my MILs camera). It was December 10th. It was such an exciting day. I couldn't believe that it was real until they called my row to walk to the stage. I have wanted this since graduating high school, but life (and choices I made) kept getting in the way.

I knew this day was going to be hard for me. I cried on the way there and didn't do my eye make-up until I pulled up in the parking lot. I knew how much this day was going to mean to my dad and how proud he would have been of me. When they lined us up in the auditorium, I had to sit next to this girl who really, really drives me nuts. All I wanted to do was sit and listen to the directions. She came in with three bags of stuff and was doing her hair and make-up while we waited to walk. Isn't it funny how God can send you a blessing when you least expect it? As we walked into our graduation ceremony, I like everyone else was looking around for my family. I found them and it looked empty, someone was missing. My dad was supposed to be up there with a big grin on his face, waving so much it would be embarrassing....but he wasn't. Tears started to fall from my eyes. I didn't want to cry, but I couldn't help it. The girl who drives me nuts looked at me and said that this was happy and I shouldn't cry. She was right, it was a happy occasion. I had to hold back tears several other times. Then, I had to laugh out loud when I tripped on the way down the stage ramp. At least it wasn't on the way up, that was my biggest fear!

Also, while on stage we had to shake hands with Chancellor Hawkins and several other men. The last one asked me, "Do you have a job?" I replied with a huge smile and "yes!". He said that he could tell by the smile on my face. It was (and is) a wonderful feeling to know that I graduated and got a job within days of one another. That only happens to a very small fraction of graduates. Two of my life's goals happened in one week.

Graduation was such a fun day. My momma and sister came down (and they didn't even get lost). We all went to lunch afterward. We don't all get together often enough.

I have thanked the Lord many, many times in my prayers. I have also thanked my husband and in-laws. I hope they all know that I couldn't have made these dreams come true without their help. I got to check two things off my Bucket List and I am absolutely thrilled!

Day 18-My Wedding

2010-11-07T17:00:00.000-06:00

I totally stink at this!! I am WAY too busy to try to keep up with a blog everyday! Right now I have about 30 minutes. I'm sitting here with hair color on...yep! too busy to get a professional dye job too! I hope my hair doesn't turn green. I have an interview tomorrow :)

So here goes my wedding...my dream wedding!

First dance with my husband...giggling like fools because we hated everyone looking at us!

Sunset wedding-November 17, 2007 I always wanted a fall wedding. We got engaged on June 30th and I didn't want to wait over a year to get married, so we planned really, really quickly! Our wedding was at the Macks house. It was really informal and fun! The rehearsal dinner was freezing cold, but our wedding day was just about picture perfect weather considering it was November.

My dad and I making our way to the aisle. I wish I could have videoed or recorded the words he said to me moments before this. It was the sweetest conversation I ever had with my daddy. He told me that he waited for this a long time and he was so proud of me. That he liked Brett alot and I made a good choice. We both cried and hugged. Then he kissed me on the cheek and it was time for us to go. He looked so handsome in his tuxedo. I miss him so much!

My matron of honor, bridesmaids, junior bridesmaid, flower girl, and bell ringer. Don't they all look gorgeous? I loved those bridesmaid dresses, especially the color. All of my nieces wore those pillowcase dresses with matching ribbons. Brett's mom did the pretty bouquets.

Sitting out back on the swing catching my breath for a moment right before the ceremony. I got to sneak a peek at our wedding and groomsmen cake from Sugar Rush. They were awesome!

My blue satin shoes and dress. I love those shoes! I danced the night away in them and they were so comfortable. I have them put up. It looks like Miss E is going to have a small foot too. Maybe she'd like to wear them at her wedding for her something blue.

Our wedding colors were chocolate brown and cornflower blue. I made the invitations by handstamping blue cardstock and printing chocolate words on white linen. Brett helped too! I love our invitations. I should take a picture and post it. Maybe I will soon. The Blairs (if you're from here you know them) catered. We had a sit down dinner. It was delicious! We had pecan crusted chicken and whatever meat Brett chose and lots of sides...complete with yummy Sister Schubert's rolls. Brett chose to have a band that he loved from college for our entertainment. They did not disappoint! Never in my life would I have thought I would be doing the hokey pokey at my wedding, but it was so fun. They also played lots of other great dance music, including my request for "She's Got Legs" to take off my garter! The evening was exactly what we wanted with lots of family, friends, and fun in a country setting.

Now I gotta run before I fry my hair!

Day 16-Art

2010-10-20T20:44:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite artists is Grandma Moses. I love her folkart style and that her subjects usually have something to do with living in the country, farming, and family fun. I would love to learn techniques like this when I have time. She had no formal training and I think I could do this too! When we move and if we have room to set up an office, I would love to include a little area for a studio. I could see this as a little release for myself.

Here is one of my favorites. I would LOVE to have an original Grandma Moses, but I know I will have to settle for a print. That's ok...I'll make my own in her honor soon!

This one is call A Country Wedding and it was created in 1951. I think it reminds me of our wedding, which was also a "country wedding". It was such a wonderful day.

Day 15-Dream Home

2010-10-20T20:26:00.000-05:00

Nothing fancy, but nice. I'm not a fan of brick homes. I really like this craftsman style, but I also love a farmhouse style. I think it will really depend on the land that we buy. I have started saving pictures of interiors that I like too. It will be a few years before we build, but I want to make sure it is just right. I hope it will be our forever home. I think it will be wonderful to build memories with B and Miss E and future Baby Macks in our family home.

I really want hooks and places for shoes and boots in our mudroom. Being married to a farming man brings lots of dirt into our home. I hope in the future to at least contain it to one room.

I love this island. I think I would rather have a different countertop, maybe butcher block or concrete. I will also want a white farmhouse sink, instead of the black pictured.

Day 14-Non-Fiction Book

2010-10-20T20:11:00.001-05:00

A wonderful non-fiction book that I have blogged about before is my bible. I have the Zondervan NIV Women of Faith Study Bible. It has easy to apply lesson included as well as many reference verses to relate to other verses. I chose the violet leather edition and really love it.

Bible

Day 13-A Fictional Book

2010-10-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

I haven't really had time to read a good fiction book in a few years. I've had my nose in textbooks any chance I could get during that time. A favorite that I read a while back is gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson. If I'm not mistaken this was her debut novel. Of course I picked it because it was set in the South. I love to read books that have southern settings. I noticed on her website that I linked above that she has several others out now. I'm definitely going to have to check them out. Gotta go! Mad Men is about to be one! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Day 12-Something You Are OCD About

2010-10-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

Easy answer...my child's closet! I have everything organized by size and season. She has clothes all the way up to a size 4T. I have to be OCD about it or we could miss things that are her current size and she wouldn't be able to wear them. Have you checked the price of children's clothes? I would hate to not get lots of wear out of all of her clothes. I'm also OCD about getting hers put away immediately. I can leave ours in a basket for days.

Day 11-A Photo of You Recently

2010-10-16T07:58:00.000-05:00

I have to give you an IOU for this one. I have left my camera somewhere...hopefully in Brett's truck or at school. If it is found, I will post some from Papaw Mack's 80th birthday bash today!

Day 10-A Photo Taken Over 10 Years Ago of Me

2010-10-14T21:26:00.000-05:00

Ha ha! Please excuse the grainyness (if that is a word). These was scanned about 10 years ago. These was from college my first go around. These are a few of my sorority sisters. I LOVE these girls. I am so happy to say that most of us stay in touch and get together every few months. Lately it's been for our children's parties, wedding, and baby showers! How about that blonde hair? I am seriously considering going blonde again, but not that particular shade!

Day 9-A Photo You Took

2010-10-14T21:07:00.001-05:00

So here's a photo I took last October. It makes me happy and sad. Happy that Daddy was here for me for my childhood and sad that he will not be here for Everly's. I cry all the time thinking about the things he would enjoy about her.

Day 8-A Photo That Makes You Angry/Mad

2010-10-14T20:56:00.001-05:00

Sad Photo

I have never looked at this photo closely. Just hearing about it makes me cry. The picture I'm talking about is referred to as "The Vulture". It was featured in Time Magazine. If you click the link above it will be close to the bottom of the page. I only glanced. I heard about this from our preacher. He used this example in one of his sermons. It is so sad. The vulture is waiting for a child to die. The photographer waited for his shot. He didn't help the child. The photographer later committed suicide. Fair warning, there are many disturbing photos on the link. I would not recommend children be around while you are viewing them.

Day 7-A Photo That Makes You Happy

2010-10-14T20:43:00.000-05:00

Three of my favorite things-my honey, my baby and the beach! Blogging every day is hard! I applaud those of you that do it. I'm playing catch up again!

Day 6-20 Favorite Things

2010-10-10T08:58:00.000-05:00

This isn't going to include the obvious things like my sweetheart of a husband, my pride and joy baby girl, or my family and friends. It will just be things in no particular order.

Autumn and all things pumpkin scented and flavored!
Snuggies
SEC Football
The Vikings!
Wages Sunday Lunch
Burt's Bees Original Lip Balm
Smocked baby girl clothes
Cowgirl Boots
Sittin' outside in the evenings
Yoga pants
Pedicures
Suntans
Philosophy Amazing Grace
Rick & Bubba
Lazy days
Christmas decorations
Sugar Rush macaroons
A-town wings
Sushi
Peace and quiet!

Can you tell I'm hungry? I have a stomach bug (hence all the catching up) and I can't eat! Happy Sunday everyone!

Day 5-Favorite Quote

2010-10-10T08:46:00.000-05:00

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Since I have become a mother it's more powerful to me that ever. Thank you Lord for your sacrifice to give a sinner like me everlasting life.

Day 4-Favorite Book

2010-10-10T08:41:00.000-05:00

I love, love, love to read so it's very hard for me to pick my favorite book. So, I'm going to choose some of my favorite children's books. These are books that I love to read with Everly or to my kindergarten class.

The first that I love is Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. It's about a little mouse named Lilly who gets in trouble and really begins to dislike her teacher. Such a cute story!

Another I really love to read to Miss E is Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney. It is the perfect bed time story. We have the board book edition. I could read this over and over to Everly as we sit in the rocker in her room.

My mom and dad got Everly the next book and we use it often. We used it for our bedtime stories for a while. I would read several of the stories each night. I really like this little bible. It includes discussion topics for moms and daughters at the end of each of the stories.

Here are a few other classics that I love-

Obviously I stink at this! Day 3

2010-10-10T08:13:00.000-05:00

Day 3-your favorite television program

Over the past two years I haven't had much time for television. When I was pregnant I started watching Teen Mom on MTV. I wanted to see what these young girls were going through, since I was in the same boat. I knew how it wasn't a piece of cake for me and I couldn't imagine being 17 and doing it. Also my sister was a teen mom and I wanted to try to understand what she had to go through raising a son at such a young age. Then when I saw the episode where Catelynn gave up Carly for adoption, I was totally hooked! Funny back story to that episode. I was in B's parents bedroom nursing E when this episode came on (she was about two weeks old) and I bawled and bawled. He came in to check on us and thought something was wrong. Then through all my hormones I had to explain!

Another show that I have recently started watching is Mad Men on AMC. I love it! I have been getting the past seasons on Netflix to catch up. I really don't like watching the new episodes yet because I don't want to spoil anything with the Drapers.

Day 2-Favorite Movie

2010-10-06T20:03:00.000-05:00

This one is really hard for me because I like lots of movies. One of my most recent favorites is Fireproof. Brett and I watched it some time last year. It is a wonderful movie. I recommend it to any one in a relationship, especially married couples. While B and I are not like the couple in the movie, there were little things in the movie that we realized we could also do better in our relationship.

Day 1-Favorite Song

2010-10-05T18:24:00.000-05:00

If you know me, you know I love music, all types of music. My favorite song right now is still Homesick by MercyMe. Since I just posted about that not too long ago. This is another favorite that is very high on the list. It's called Revelation Song by Kari Jobe. One of our youth at church (Callie Marie) does a fantastic job singing this song. I hope she sings it again soon. It brings tears to my eyes. Hope you enjoy!

30 Days of Blogging

2010-10-05T18:15:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a friend's (Abby) blog and thought it was so neat. In honor of our soon to be blogiversary I thought I would do it too. Now, I'm not saying I can actually keep up with this, but I will try my best. I would love to see you guys have it on your blog too. Write a comment and let me know if you're doing this so I can follow along!

Day 1-your favorite song

Day 2-your favorite movie

Day 3-your favorite television program

Day 4- your favorite book

Day 5-your favorite quote

Day 6- 20 of my favorite things

Day 7-a photo that makes you happy

Day 8-a photo that makes you angry/sad

Day 9-a photo you took

Day 10-a photo taken over 10 years ago of you

Day 11-a photo of you recently

Day 12-something you are OCD about

Day 13-a fictional book

Day 14-a non-fictional book

Day 15-your dream house

Day 16-a song that makes you cry (or nearly)

Day 17-an art piece (drawing,sculpture, painting, etc)

Day 18-my wedding/future wedding/past wedding

Day 19-a talent of yours

Day 20-a hobby of yours

Day 21-a recipe

Day 22-a website

Day 23-a youtube video

Day 24-where I live

Day 25-your day, in great detail

Day 26-your week in great detail

Day 27-my worst habit

Day 28-whats in my handbag/purse

Day 29-hopes, dreams and plans for the next 365 days

Day 30-a dream for the future

15 months! Time flys when you're having fun!

2010-10-05T18:03:00.000-05:00

Oh boy are we having fun! Everly is our never ending entertainment! Brett and I are so blessed to be parents to this amazing little person. I took her for her 15 month appointment last week. Dr. E says she is advanced for her age, which we of course thought all along, but it was great to hear it from a medical professional.

She now weighs 19 lbs. 6 oz.-10 percentile
length/height 29.75 inches-50th percentile

Her doctor says she is slender, which most women prefer...ha ha...why can't momma get her slender back???

Everly says tons and tons of words. I may have listed some of these before, but just to make sure I'll list them again.

Momma
Dada and Daddeee
Pop
PawPaw
Kitty Cat
Fluff (Gimme and Pop's cat)
Imme (Gimme and this is only ever once in a while)
Mimmie (She says this for both Mickey and Minnie)
Duck
Nack (Snack)
NaNa (Food)
Moo (really Boo when asked what the cow says)
Dotdog (as in Hotdog Dance) She says this any time she sees us open the laptop. She thinks youtube is the greatest because it plays the Hotdog Song over and over!

And the one we are most proud of Bible!!! She knows which book in her room is her Bible and she will go get it if you ask her too. She even showed out for Dr. E while he was in the exam room. I asked her if she could say doctor and she proudly said dot-tor.

She feeds herself pretty well with a spoon. We practice alot! We try to do that mostly with applesauce or yogurt so it will stick to the spoon and she can learn the motion. We gave her spaghetti Sunday night at Pop and Gimme's. She did pretty good and did not try to empty her bowl, until she was finished.

She can point to her bow, diaper, socks and shoes when asked. She loves shoes! She just started wearing them on a regular basis in the last three weeks and now she has about nine pair...ridiculous I know. At least a few of those are bigger sizes and two were bought at a consignment sale.

She spills Goldfish (her absolute favorite food at the moment) on the rug and eats them up! I usually give her a spillproof snack cup, but they were no where to be found...which is not unusual with this girl. We find things hidden all over our house.

I think I am being a good sport by letting her wear this "Lil Bama Fan" shirt. It's hard to live in a house divided. At least both of our teams are undefeated thus far. She'll be yelling War Eagle, before Roll Tide! Also, B and I have agreed that we'd rather her go to Auburn than Alabama...mainly because it's closer to home. So why doesn't he go ahead and make the switch now??? Also note the big girl jeans! I love them!

She loves to "help" me in the kitchen. I got her a farm magnet toy at the consignment sale too. I hoped this would occupy her some while I'm working. Last night she brought her Potsy and spoon into the kitchen and stirred away. She has this bottle of bubbles that she likes to shake into her pot. I guess that is her seasoning. I am so glad she seems interested in cooking. It is something I LOVE to do. Hopefully we'll spend many hours in the kitchen together whipping up lots of recipes. I am sure her Dada would be glad :)

Miss Social

2010-10-05T17:23:00.000-05:00

In the past two weeks Miss E (and me of course) has attended two parties for two great friends. The first was for Sylvie who turned one. She had a great yellow themed swimming party complete with the cutest first birthday cake I've ever seen and homemade ice cream (yum, yum!). I didn't take any pictures while we were there, but I did snap this shot of Everly before we left for the party.

Then this past Saturday we went to a first birthday party for E's BFF Annsley. She also turned one. It was an awesome Minnie Mouse themed party. Her mom and dad pulled out all the stops to make her first birthday party so special. I know Everly had a great time because she loves Mimmie!

We're going to have to invest in one of these wagons. Both Annsley and Sylvie got one for their birthdays. At each party Everly had to climb in for a test sit. It seems she really likes them. Maybe Santa will bring her one!

New Look

2010-09-26T17:12:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone! Our blog finally got a make over! The header hasn't changed in the almost two years we've had it. I think this is pretty cute and will do for a little while. The picture is from last Halloween when Miss E was a flower. The red polka dots of her favorite character, Minnie Mouse or as she says Mimmie. I have got to get video of this before she starts saying it clearly. It's adorable!

Quick question...I do not see where to change my blog title post colors. The pink I have now is totally clashing. I know this is an elementary thing, but for the life of me I can't find it. Leave a comment with help please :)

Mack Flashback-Simple was Better

2010-09-20T17:10:00.003-05:00

If you know me, you know I LOVED my childhood. There were so many things that I loved about childhood. The things I remember most were the simple pleasures. My big wheel, my bike, my Barbies, playing board games with my family, and our family time on Sunday afternoons.

One of my favorite times though was Friday afternoons. You see, my dad got paid on Fridays, so he would bring my sisters and I a treat. Usually it was ice cream sandwiches. I think they were 3 for $1.00 then. Sometimes though, he would come by and pick us up and let us choose our own treat. We loved to go to this little country store called Hall's. It was near the Lowndes/Montgomery county line...or down the road from the Montgomery Motor Speedway if you're from the area. Below are two things that I loved-

I hope Brett and I can bless Miss E with memories like this. As a child, I didn't expect to get something every time I walked into a store. We were there for a purpose, to buy something we needed not wanted. I catch myself buying her things now, just because they're cute. I really need to stop that. She will soon be old enough to know.

We love our little house in town, but I can not wait to move to the country. It will be easier for Brett to handle all of the farming business, but it will allow us a simple lifestyle that lots of townfolk miss out on. The simple pleasures! I'm talking about running around barefoot all day, chasing lightning bugs at night, eating peanuts on the porch, playing hide and go seek in the woods...just good fun. I can't wait! I've heard a saying recently..."go back to the woods". Believe me, we'd be more than happy too!

Yes, she's almost 15 months...

2010-09-14T16:58:00.003-05:00

but this is the 14 month post! I just wanted to jot down a few memories before I forget them.

Everly can say lots and lots of words, but only when she wants to.
These are the latest things she can say-
G'ee for Gimme
Moo when asked what the cow says
Bow
Baby
Bite

If her ask where her diaper and bow are she can point to each. She can find her cup when I ask her where it is. She says Nah Nah when she wants a snack.

She is now just about running everywhere. Everly loves to go in her room and get books off of her bookshelf and bring them to me to read. I love that she love books!! She also takes books to Pop and Gimme to read to her when she is at their house.

If she sees a pair of shoes sitting out in her room she will also bring them to us to put on her feet. She always brings the correct shoes too. She hasn't mixed up a pair yet.

Everly is an excellent shopper and a wonderful baby all together. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter child. We often say we're scared to have another because she's spoiled us so much!

First time coloring, but she was more interested in stacking her markers neatly on the paper. (Making magnets for Grandparents Day)

Cleaning the tables at Tacky Jacks-Orange Beach

Swimming makes her so sleepy! We're glad she's over her fear of the water.

Having a roll at Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll-Foley. I've got to get her back in the routine of eating lots of fruits and veggies. Lately she's been our little carbonator!

She does NOT like the sand! Maybe we can work on that next year!

Ice Queen

2010-09-07T22:05:00.002-05:00

That's what I felt like all day at my dad's funeral. His visitation began at 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 10th. His funeral was at 2:00. There were still loose ends to tie up at the funeral home. I stayed strong and tried to keep my mom from having to deal with anything. Sometimes she would go in the office and talk to the funeral home staff just because she didn't know of anything else to do. Sometimes I would cry silently as I looked at the pictures of my dad. I cried thinking of Everly and her not getting to know her Papaw. She wouldn't get to go on one of his camping trips and eat some of his grilled food. She wouldn't get to go fishing with him and listen to him tell jokes. But all-in-all I held it together. I felt like many people were looking at me thinking, "how could she not be bawling her eyes out?" Well that's just not me. I don't like for people to see me cry. I want to be strong. I don't want to make a spectacle.
As I sat on the back pew I was talking with my sweet husband and my papaw (who I love SO much) came up to me and talked about me being the strong, silent type like him. I told him I was just trying to do what needed to be done. Then my Uncle Barry (I have two Uncle Barrys) this was the one by marriage sat in front of us and talked. He talked about how much he liked my dad and the great times that we had when we were little. He was the easiest person for me to talk to there and he was so raw with his emotions. I just busted out crying. He wasn't trying to just comfort me, but he wanted to talk. I think that is what I needed...just someone to talk to. I don't know if that makes any sense at all, but it helped me.
The whole time I was trying to be unselfish and accommodating, but when was it going to be my turn to grieve. I did not want to see my dad in his casket. I wanted to remember him as the funny guy he was with a big smile on his face. Some people might have thought that was weird too...but everyone is different. I had no choice but to see him, but I didn't get close. That wasn't my dad in that coffin, just a body. My dad had already gone home.
I wasn't the Ice Queen that some have made me feel like I was. I just choose to do things a little differently than most. Recently a person has made me question my dad's love for me. How completely heartless is that? I have no doubt my dad loved me. We had our ups and downs just like every other relationship out there. If you think my actions showed otherwise, I'm sorry. I'm just different than you...not one is wrong or right...just different.

Reconciliation

2010-09-07T21:29:00.003-05:00

The Sunday after we came back from my dad's funeral in Kentucky our Sunday School message was about Reconciliation. Oh boy, I knew exactly who I need to reconcile with...this person is a member of my family. We have never been close. I just don't understand the reasons why this person does the things that are done. The message that morning gave me hope and I wanted to work it out. I mean we both should have learned something from recent events.

The verses we went over that morning were from Corinthians. The one that really hit home was 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.

Well, I was counting this person's sins against them. So I reached out in a way that I thought was easiest for us both, email. I voiced my concerns and that I was praying for her. I thought we should all try to do better.

Much to my surprise I received an email in return that was so negative and hurtful. Of course I retaliated with a few jabs of my own. I'm not very good at holding my tongue. Now that I am looking back over my SS notes I see something else that is so fitting. The question was asked, "How do you handle conflict?" My answer this time would be not very well at all. I'm sorry I said a few ugly things, but sometimes we deal with pain by being angry. Not saying this is right, but it happens.

I tried to follow what I learned-I declared my concerns and seeked to strengthen, but the negativity I received was extremely hurtful. I shouldn't have said the things that I did, but this person has ALWAYS been able to get under my skin. I am sure everyone knows someone like that.

I'll just start over with step one...Approach Courageously in Prayer and follow the biblical truth-Christians can seek and develop skills to improve relationships that are lacking. I really hope it all works out. I've prayed for this person for years.

Memorial Service

2010-09-06T15:16:00.002-05:00

I had to cut my post short yesterday. My little walker is keeping me very busy!

On Saturday morning Brett and I dropped Everly off at his parents and headed north to my parents' house. I knew there would be lots of things that my mom needed help with and we were all in unchartered territory. Not to mention just being in the place where my dad passed away. We handled the business that needed to be taken care of and through this I once again was reminded what a strong, caring husband I am blessed with.

My dad was buried in Kentucky where we are from, but as we found out after his death, he had so many friends and acquaintances from work that wanted to pay their respects and honor dad. My brother-in-law and dad have worked at several of the same companies. He helped alot too, by calling various people. As both my husband and BIL talked on the phone they both were asked about a memorial service in Alabama. It was late Saturday afternoon when we decided that we must have a memorial service. We wanted to honor dad and have a way for his friends and co-workers to pay their respects. My brother-in-law talked with the pastor at our childhood church and we were allowed to have a memorial service there the next day (Sunday) at 1:00 pm....less than 24 hours away. My sister and I went into action mode and started gathering pictures. This is all while talking to my aunt on the phone, many, many times (thank you Aunt Gaynell) and trying to make decisions about my dad's funeral and getting him transported to Kentucky.

I know my strength only came from one place, the Lord. I stayed up until 3:30 (and if you know me I NEED my sleep) working on the slideshow. It was by no means perfect, but I think it did the job. It showed Daddy with his family and doing the things he loved. My sister was talking about music that our Dad loved and Nickelback was one of the bands she mentioned. So the slideshow had music from Nickelback, Luther Vandross, and Mercy Me. I never would have imagined that I would ever do a Google search "music for memorial services". That is where I found the Mercy Me song. I like them, but I had never heard this particular song before. It's called "Homesick". Now I play it when I need a good cry. It is a beautiful song and is very meaningful.

The memorial service was a beautiful celebration of dad's life. The church was full of people that loved him and our family. I wasn't sure how the turn out would be since we just decided to have the service less than 24 hours before. I was so glad to see my best friends. These girls have been through it all with me. My sister, Susie and I read some thoughts that we wrote. I still have mine and maybe I will post those later. Mr. Headley also spoke. Our family appreciates the overwhelming support we've received from our family, friends, and my dad's co-workers. He has been gone for a month today and we miss him greatly. He was the glue in our family.

I've been dreading...

2010-09-05T18:55:00.002-05:00

this post. On the date of my last post, August 6th my dad passed away completely unexpectedly. He was alone at home. So many random things have run through my mind about that dreadful night. I've always used this blog as a family journal that I share with my friends, family, and maybe a few strangers. This is the hardest thing I've had to go through. I hate to live in the past, but their memories nonetheless. Odd things about that day...(they'll probably seem ridiculous to you, but once again this is a journal for our family).

I love to go to Happy Hour at Sonic. Everly and I went that afternoon before coming over to Pop and Gimme's. As I waited for my drink I saw a crow from my rearview mirror. I do not like birds...especially crows. I think it's something to do with the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds. Anyway, I moved so the bird would not be in my line of vision...the bird moved too. I know it's weird, but it was even weirder for me to see one in the Sonic parking lot.
I called my parents house as I drove to Opp. I didn't leave a message...and I always leave a message. I often think to myself...what would have happened if I did...would Daddy have called me back and told me that his chest hurt. Would I have called 911 and sent them to his house? I know that is purely torchering myself, but I can't help it.

Some other feelings I've had...

My sister, Susie and I planned on talking to my dad about salvation...but we didn't. We kept putting it off. You see in my family, we don't talk about feelings. It's just something that didn't happen.
My dad and I weren't on the best of terms when he passed away. I was selfish. I know he did the things he did out of the goodness of his heart...not as a jab to me. It just felt that way and I never talked to him about it. I had not talked to my dad in over a month. Yes, bad I know. I felt so much guilt for this for many days, but I have peace about that now. Only the Lord could have taken these feelings away from my heart. I know I have a purpose. I know my dad loved me and he knew I loved him. I know he was proud of me and I hope my future actions will be the same.

The best news throughout this event came at my dad's memorial service. The preacher, Mr. Headley shared news that my dad was saved. After hearing this news my strength came.

13 Months

2010-08-06T11:36:00.002-05:00

This was taken on Everly's 13 month "birthday". We had just arrived to our hotel. We were in Montgomery for the Alfa Young Farmer's Summer conference. Notice we have given the paci back to her since we think she is finally teething. I don't think it will be too hard to take it away again. She's not too attached.

This is where E and I spent most of our time during the conference...in the hall. She did get entertained by the President of Alfa, Mr. Jerry Newby for a while. As soon as the keynote speaker began, E decided she wasn't interested and began to squirm and whine. I was ready to head out. Mr. Newby was sitting behind us and reached out to take her from me. She sat with him for about ten minutes. I was shocked! She usually doesn't take well to strangers, but she liked him! While in the hall I noticed there has never been a female president of Alfa. Mr. Newby better watch out! I think E is out for his job!

This is how I found my loves on Sunday morning after I got out of the shower. When I started getting ready they were playing. I guess it wore them out!

New things I can do at 13 months-

Messily feed myself!

Shake my head yes and no when asked questions

Say new words-nack (snack) and I am sure there are others that I will add when I think of them.

Eat new foods-Baby Goldfish, fruit strips

Favorite foods-Peaches! Mickey cheese(but I can't have any right now)

New 'Dos

2010-08-04T19:45:00.002-05:00

Miss E is now 13 months old. She loves to laugh, learn, and play. We're still waiting on her to walk, but lately she has showed more interest by taking steps here and there. She still has no teeth, but we think she is finally teething. She is sporting something new though...'dos...hairdos that is!
Pigtails! Gimme says she looks so grown with her piggy tails. Also note the new "I can do it myself" snack cup! It is supposedly "no-spill" but Miss Smartypants knows how to hold back a flap with one hand and shake it with the other hand it create a huge mess.

Super Why! still puts Everly in a trance. I was looking at Halloween costumes the other day for Everly and saw a Princess Presto(one of the charters from Super Why!) and thought of getting it for E. I'm not sure many people would know who she was though. While at Wal-mart I also got E her first DVD...you guessed it Super Why! Sometimes I just need a few minutes to finish a chore...yes, I am stooping to the television as a babysitter. Anyway, she held onto it all through the store and handed it to me at the register. This girl knows how to shop! She loves to ride in the cart. I love her going with me too. I always ask her if she likes things and she responds with a definite yes or no shake of the head. Sometimes Mommy rules though and we get it anyway.

'Do #2-New big girl bows! I ordered these a while back, but was a little put off by their size when I received them. They got stuck in the drawer where next size up clothes go. She wore this little outfit the other day for the first time and I wanted a gold bow to go with it. The big one was the only one she has. I put it in and thought it was so cute! It's a true Southern girl thing! We got 'em, so we're gonna flaunt 'em!

Sickness, Slacker, School

2010-07-20T19:21:00.005-05:00

We've been sick at our house! For almost two weeks someone has had something. We've had our share of "the virus". We even made a 4:30 am trip to Dothan to take E to the emergency room. She had such bad diarrhea for days that we were scared she was dehydrated. We had to wait around for many hours for her to produce a stool sample. She is well now, but had a bad case of diaper rash...bleeding bad! Thank goodness for great friends and homemade remedies (we tried everything else including prescriptions). She now has a "happy hiney" (the name of the remedy). That should be bottled! Someone could make big bucks!

Now I've got what I think is a "summer cold". I cough and hack, my ears are so stopped up I can't hear a thing and have such sinus congestion I get sick to my stomach. That all started late Saturday night at Brett's high school reunion. I was the wife that could be found in the bathroom all night! I thought it was something I ate, but it continued for the next two days. Before any rumors get started...no, I am not pregnant (as one friend...Michelle...already asked)! There is no possible way that can be at this time. Brett asked me repeatedly if I wanted to leave, but this night only happens once every ten years. I didn't want him to miss it. I hung on as long as I could.

With all of this sickness I have been slacking! My school work was not at its best. Our house is a total wreck (and we've got two people that want to see it). I haven't been a good wife and probably not the best mommy. I haven't sent out thank you cards from Everly's birthday yet and I haven't ordered her last set of pictures. I feel like poo! I am catching up on the cleaning now (clothes and dishes washing) and folding will take place during my guilty pleasure...Teen Mom. I'll get E's pictures ordered when I can sit and view them. This is all so unlike me! I pride myself on taking care of my little family and our home. I have been so tired and really physically unable. Thank goodness for wonderful in-laws. E has been there a lot lately. We didn't want her to get sick again.

Today was my last final...ever! I missed my last weekend class in Phenix City. My teacher, Mrs. Collier, was awesome! She met me today to go over the last two chapters and take a final. We finished the chapters and she said thought that was it. I was all prepared for my final and she surprised me. She said all the activities and questions that she asked me during the review was my final and I passed with flying colors. Thank you Mrs. Collier!!

Just wanted to give a little update on the S's...I am ready to bid them all farewell!!!!

Welcome Tenley, Harper, Castiel and Bentley: The Hottest Baby Names of 2010

2010-07-19T12:49:00.000-05:00

Welcome Tenley, Harper, Castiel and Bentley: The Hottest Baby Names of 2010

My friend Margaret sent this to me this morning. Look at #20. Everly! Never would I have imagined this. I know I've already explained before, but I like the fact that our Everly has a special meaning behind it. I just thought this was interesting. Check out some of the others...how do you even pronounce them? Have a great day everyone!

12 month check up

2010-07-08T17:50:00.003-05:00

Here's Miss E at her 12 month check up today. Sorry the picture is so small. I took it on my phone and it's complicated to get it off and make it bigger. That is the only reason I think I need a smartphone...for all other reasons I would be addicted. I think an iPod touch can do the same thing. It's so convenient to snap picture with your phone.

Anyway, here's how it went...
Weight-17 lbs. 10 oz. 10th percentile-down from 20th percentile
Height-28 3/4 inches 45th percentile-up from 30th percentile

I thought that sounded ok...well I guess Dr. E thought differently. I got grilled about her eating habits. Those kinds of questions that put you on the spot and you feel like an idiot afterward!
Him-When did she start eating crackers? Me-Uh...about two months ago I guess. I really don't give them to her because she doesn't have teeth. I am scared she will choke. Who knew that crackers would be that important? No one told me! They really don't have much nutritional value, so I thought I was doing good.
Him-We must have changed her formula at six months. Me-No, she went from breastmilk and stayed on one formula the whole time.
Him-What is she drinking now? Me-Whole milk as you directed her to start at 12 months.

Don't get me wrong...we love Dr. E and trust him wholeheartedly with our sweet girl. I think I was just having an off day or maybe he was. I can only imagine the stress level at his office. If you read that it doesn't sound bad...but it was just very awkward to me.

E has also had bouts of diarrhea for the past few days. I brought that up and she actually had some in her diaper at the time. He checked it out and checked her gums. He said he thought it was from teething. It's disgusting! I hope this doesn't happen with all of her teeth!

So now E is on Silk Soy only (he also asked me if I knew what that was...come on really???). I know he's just making sure, because some parents are afraid to ask questions. His concern really did panic me. I started thinking maybe we aren't offering her enough food choices. We went immediately to WD to pick up a few things. I had a good chuckle when I saw E's friend, Sylvie's father on our grocery cart...for advertising purposes. Great idea Parrish! Anyway, I loaded the buggy with the mentioned Silk Soy, grits (all the babies are eating them at daycare, but I've never given E any), all natural oatmeal, grape tomatoes, bananas, yogurt melts, peaches, pineapple, and Florida's Natural nuggets (very odd like fruit snacks that provide 40% of your daily vitamin C). I also got some real butter to add to some of her vegetables. I am probably way over reacting, but I just want her to be healthy. He didn't say she wasn't, but for some reason I think he picking eating could be because we don't offer her lots of options. Tonight's option is chicken quiche. I better get to it! :)

PS-Also please forgive ALL of the grammatical and spelling errors in my posts. I hate it too, but I am just happy to get something posted at this point!

A Year...Really?

2010-07-06T20:23:00.003-05:00

Sweet E celebrated her actual first birthday with us at home. I picked her up from daycare early and we went to Walmart to pick up a few goodies. We've been playing ball with an oversized Easter egg, so knew a ball would be one of her gifts. Balls are hard to find in Walmart! I remember when I was little the balls would be in the center of the isle. I guess it's just a sign of the times. She's like her momma and couldn't decide between two balls...so we got both. A large purple bouncy ball and a small green nerf style ball. I love to hear my sweet girl repeat "ball" over and over again throughout Walmart. I think it made her day! We also got a Little People playset. I want to start getting her one for each holiday so she'll have a nice set to play with. This time we got a little blue SUV with a mommy and a baby in it. She also got a cuddly My First Madame Alexander doll. We named her Molly. She loves to love on her baby!

For dinner, I made Poppyseed Chicken casserole, noodles, and green bean bundles. She was most fond of the Sister Schubert's Parker House rolls. We also gave her a cupcake with a candle. She refused her smash cake and her cupcake. Go Babygirl! I don't mind one bit if she doesn't like sweets. She and I unpacked the rest of her birthday gifts and unpackaged everything. We had the best time just playing. I can't believe our sweet bundle of joy has turned one year old. Each day is better than before. We are so happy to be your parents. You are our world!

Sweet E Facts-
Words you can say-Dada, Momma, Pop, ball, nana(all food) and all kinds of other things that mommy can't understand :) Oh yeah, you said "thank you" the other day...or that's what it sounded like. It melted my heart :)
You haven't said kitty cat or fluff in a while.
Favorite foods-bananas, lasagna, english peas and carrots, cheese sandwiches, cheerios, and Earth's Best cereal bars
You've been drinking from your cup for over two months, but you've just got a taste for water which makes Mommy happy :)
You are still crawling everywhere. You can stand by yourself, but most of the time you like to hold on to things.
You love your dolls. It is so cute when we tell you to "love your baby". You will grab one and cuddle it.
You can climb on and off your Dora riding toy now. I love the look of accomplishment on your face!
You love books and turning the pages. I can ask you where certain things are on the page and you can usually show me.
You love to "cook". You got a pot for your birthday with foods, a blender for Christmas, and measuring cups for your birthday. We pull out everything and you cook for me.

Why-Nicole Nordeman

2010-07-06T20:14:00.002-05:00

This is the video that was played along with a solo at our church on Father's Day. I could watched this repeatedly everyday and probably should. All I can say is wow! So moving.

Happy Father's Day Dada!

2010-07-06T19:36:00.005-05:00

Everly is so blessed to have such a wonderful father. He loves the Lord. He is kind, gentle, funny, and would do anything for his daughter. I love to watch them together and smile every time I heard her soft voice whisper "Dada". She loves for him to tickle her and when he lays on the floor for her to climb all over him. For his first Father's Day, I wanted to do something really special. I know he doesn't care about expensive items, so heartfelt was the key. I was going to get him the Willow Tree figurine to mark the occasion, but our local vendor was sold out. So one day our church bulletin provided the perfect opportunity. The choir needed pictures of children in daddy's shoes. The sang a song (please forgive me I just can't remember the name) about daddy's shoes. It was so powerful! I always cry at church and saw several daddy's doing the same thing. I won't name any names, but it couldn't have been a sweeter gift! They also did a special. I will attach the youtube in a separate post. It was amazing! Our heavenly father is the greatest of all men, but I feel Everly is pretty blessed too.
We love you Dada!

These are the pictures we snuck and too to include in the slideshow. I love how B's boots are as long as E's legs :)

Father's Day before church. It's like she knew that it was a special day for him. She clung to him all day.

He's so sweet! He said this was his father's day gift. Sweet hugs from a sweet baby girl.

Happy First Birthday Baby Girl

2010-07-06T19:08:00.003-05:00

So of course this was my first experience with planning a birthday party. I found all kinds of cute ideas on etsy and made them myself. I was so proud of the decorations...which I really didn't get a picture of. The cake was absolutely adorable, which I didn't get a picture of (and she didn't like it). The weather was hot, humid, and basically miserable. E didn't want to play with all the water fun I had planned.

Even with all the things that happened, we were surrounded by lots of family and friends that love us....but most importantly our girl.

This was definitely a learning experience for me. Next year, we'll have her party indoors. I thought it would be so cute, which it was, to have a water fun party. I planned every detail...down to the tarp for the babies to crawl around on. Also, I'll try to take pictures of everything before the guests arrive. Someone I know hired a photographer for her child's first birthday...now I see that would have been so awesome. I wouldn't have had to worry about the memory card in the Webbie being full...why I didn't give the girl taking pictures my real camera...I don't know. I guess I was just H-O-T. I also learned that my body is not ready to wear a spaghetti strap dress without something under it. I feel like some of the pictures are X-rated..ha!

Gimme and Everly

Our glowing family at the end of the party

E's friend Sylvie and her daddy

Friends Kim and Bella

Friends Margaret and Annsley, thank you again for driving so far to the party. You don't know how much it means to us!

Long, long, long overdue!

2010-07-06T18:33:00.003-05:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since May! This is my last summer of school and it has been a busy one. Not one post in June...and we had some very important memories made in that month! Brett's 28th birthday, Everly's party, Everly's birthday and B's first father's day. Hopefully I can remember the important details. I have been sick all day and I think my fever has finally broken. I am sweating like a pig...TMI I know! At least I've got a little time to post some updates. Expect lots of pictures to follow...I'm talking photo overload!! So here we go...maybe I can keep this in chronological order.

With Pop-First time at a Japanese Hibachi (sp?)

Wow! Look at the fire.

Playing with Dada on his birthday. Miss E and I got him a new grill. Sorry I didn't take any pictures of it :(

Singing Sweet B Happy Birthday...that pineapple was awesome!

Our sweet family! (I hate looking at pictures of myself...that does not look like me, to me). Oh yeah, something else new...I go a jogging stroller. E and I used it for the first time last night. She loved it and so did I. Today's sickness is not helping with the routine.

Dave says...

2010-05-21T10:56:00.002-05:00

I may have mentioned this in earlier posts but if not, Brett and I are participating in Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University being held at our church. We are a little over half way through and half lived off a budget for the first time in our marriage. I think it is going great! We are using the envelope system, which may be a little embarrassing for some to pull out of their purses, but has totally worked for us. I'm the free spirit (a Dave term) of the relationship, but I've also become a nerd (another Dave term). I think I just needed a little direction. I love the budget. We have built in BLOW money, entertainment, shopping...it's starting to sound like a vacation or something! This week Brett and I have used our entertainment money to go on a "day date". We walked nine holes...do you know how less expensive that is plus the added exercise benefit. Then we had dinner at the DQ...yeah, so it's not five star dining...that's not the point!
We've also done well with our grocery money. I have about half let for this pay period. Our grocery money also includes diapers and formula and our total is much less than others spend on groceries. We don't eat cheap meals either. I like to make casseroles that I know we'll eat leftovers of. Or I make something like say baked chicken that could later be used for chicken salad, steamed broccoli that could later be used for one of the mentioned casseroles. I can not stand to see food wasted! It costs too much money to be thrown away.
We also have the pleasure to eat with my ILs several times a week. This was a total lifesaver when I had night classes! This coming semester which starts Monday(boo hoo!) I will not have any night classes, which makes me so happy. I will get to cook dinner for my little family every night. I love to cook! My sweet husband and baby aren't picky (praise the Lord) and allow me to experiment with lots of recipes. I love making nutritious meals for my loves...ok! This turned way away from Dave!
The point is we've really enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone. We don't have any credit card debt and only one car payment. Comparatively speaking our debt is low...but in our class alone...of 25 individuals/couples there was about 3 million dollars in debt. That figure does NOT include housing!
Dave's program just helps you think before you spend your hard earned money. I think lots of people need to realize that life is not about keeping up with the Joneses!
We use all of the FPU forms, but I found this spreadsheet online to use on Excel.

Fun Now, Fun Later

2010-05-14T07:37:00.008-05:00

I think I am beginning to get addicted to Kelly's Korner Show Us Your Life Fridays! Today's topic is favorite books. I have always loved to read and hope to pass that love along to Everly. At my baby shower guests brought children's books instead of greeting cards. It provided a great start to Sweet E's library. I love to read those books to her along with their sweet inscriptions.

We've always tried to read to her and recently she seems to really enjoy it at bedtime. We started just laying her down at night to fall asleep, but first we get her dressed in her pjs and put some "purple lotion"...lavender lotion on her for a little baby massage. Then we settle down in the comfortable rocker in her room and read a little.

Last night we read her Take Along Bible that Pop and Gimme got her for Christmas. The only word she touched in the whole book was God. We read that word over and over. I thought it was pretty special! The Take Along Bible is great for really young children. The stories are short and sweet and include scripture references. We read the whole thing and a few of the stories a second time.

We also read Goodnight Moon this week, not one of my favorites, but it's a classic bedtime story.

I love this book! It is one of my favorites. I have a copy for E at home and I will definitely have a copy in my classroom. It teaches a great lesson. It's full of humor and keeps children's interest. I love to get into character when I read it aloud!

Those are fun for now...here are a few that will be fun later...

I loved these books in fourth and fifth grade. Our school library didn't have many, but Samantha was by far my favorite! These books teach many lessons about our nation's history, culture, and real life lessons. I can't wait until E (is hopefully) interested. We'll be going on a birthday or Christmas trip to Atlanta to visit the American Girl store to pick out a doll and have lunch with her. I hear they provide little highchairs for your doll at the cafe.

Then there are these girls...talking about addicted! I probably read 100 of the BSC books. Funny that this was Kelly's topic today. I just read in Instructor magazine this morning that Ann M. Martin the author of the Babysitter's Club series just released a prequel to the series and will begin publishing the series again. They have been out of print for some time. Talk about excited!! I can't wait to start reading these aloud to Everly...maybe in second or third grade...if she's even interested. Brett says I'll be living through her!

My mom didn't show a lot of interest in lots of things that I was into, so I want to be different. Maybe it won't be Molly, Samantha, Lilly, or Kristy...maybe it will be Junie B. Jones or whoever is around then. Either way, I hope Everly is interested in reading. I will definitely make trips with her to the library and bookstore to feed that passion!

Oh yeah, I get most of my books from Thrift Books. You can't beat the prices for library edition, quality used books.

Bye Bye Adenoids, Hello Tubes

2010-05-12T07:18:00.004-05:00

I've been meaning to do this post for several days, but I'm usually holding a clingy baby, so I haven't had time. We've started letting her put herself to sleep this week. She's resting better and sleeping later, which may have something to do with her surgery.

We got up at 4:00 and left our house a little after 4:30. E went right back to sleep in her carseat. We picked up Brett's parents and headed to Dothan. We had to be at the Surgery Center at 6:15 and we pulled in at 6:15 on the dot. This place was packed already! We didn't wait too long before we were called back. They gave Everly a little hospital gown with lions and tigers on it and a heated blanket. It was freezing in there! I thought it might be (I thought back to when they wheeled me into the ice box, I mean operating room for my c-section). I luckily, brought a fleece pullover. So Brett and I said and played with our girl as various nurses and the anesthesiologist came to speak with us. We were sitting in our little room probably about 45 minutes and Everly began to get fussy. This girl likes to eat, so I was worried she was getting hungry. Never fear, Dr. Nunnally had arrived. His sweet nurse took Everly and she didn't cry...that gave me relief. If she would have cried, I would have bawled until I saw her again! It was like the Lord was letting me know everything was going to be alright.

Her surgery took about 20 minutes. Brett and I occupied ourselves with coffee (really to warm our bones) and chatting with his parents. We were so glad that they came. Then we were called back to speak with the doctor. Dr. Nunnally said the surgery went great. He said her ears were filled with puss. Yuck! Then he said he was glad that he went ahead and took her adenoids out too because they were very inflammed. He said adenoids size are judged on a scale from 1-4 and her's were a 4+.

A few minutes later we were called back to post-op. I could have never prepared myself for this scene. Our Sweet E was unconsoliable. The nurse kept saying it was the anesthesia wearing off, but that doesn't make a mother's heart feel any less pain. There was blood coming out of her ears and nose. I just wasn't ready to see this. She screamed, cried, and kicked. All I could do was rock her. The nurse tried to take her IV out of her foot and she kept kicking. I had to hold the top of her leg and Brett had to hold her foot for the nurse to be able to take it out.

We got her loaded in her carseat and made the hour and a half trip back home. We had brought her blankie and I stroked her face with it for about thirty minutes until she finally settled down and dozed off.

When we got home we tried to give her a bottle and a sippy cup, no such luck. She did eat some baby cereal and yogurt melts. Later that afternoon my MIL brought some pedialite and I gave it to her with a medicine dropper. The last thing we needed was for her now to become dehydrated.

She's waking up...so I'm going to have to cut this off. We also have said bye, bye to something else...bottles! She hasn't wanted one for five days. I was going to take them away when she turned a year, so I thought it would be cruel to give it back and take it away in six weeks. I continued to give her liquid with the medicine dropper to keep her hydrated until Monday. Yesterday, I said enough! I figured this was something she liked and didn't really need. She is eating everything under the sun including crunchy foods, so I know it's not her throat.

I kept giving her sippy cups. I think I have bought five new ones in five days trying to figure out which kind she would take to. Last night we had the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace class at church, so I sent E to the nursery with a sippy. When I came back, she had drank 2/3 of it! Uh huh, just playing mommy. She's smart like that!

First Official Mother's Day

2010-05-10T08:40:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was my first official Mother's Day. Everly is still recovering from getting her tubes in and adnoids out, so we didn't make it to church. E and I got dressed up anyway to celebrate. Brett was so excited for me to open my present I opened it in the bathroom while he bathed Everly. It was a beautiful portrait of Everly taken by a local doctor. It was featured at LAAC Lower Alabama Arts Coalition. I was so thrilled. It is probably my favorite picture of her. It captures her natural beauty and innocence.

I wanted to reflect on a few things that being a mother means to me and changes Sweet E has brought to my life.

It's ok if-
You don't get a shower that day, as long as your child has a bath
You don't eat, but your child has had three meals plus snacks
You don't get your hair done as often
Pedicures and manicures are out
You spend your days in yoga pants and if you get time to iron your t-shirt you are doing good.
You watch PBSKids all day, because you think it's educational
You wear your hair in a ponytail all the time and when you finally wear it down you're amazed at how long it's grown
You never buy yourself anything and your child has a closet full of clothes
You cry tears of happiness because of the little things your child accomplishes
You cry tears of sadness because your child is growing up too fast

I love being a mommy! I always thought I wanted children, but now I can't imagine life without her (I know everyone always says that, but it's true). She did the sweetest thing last night. She just crawled over to me and laid her head in my lap and I just stroked her hair. Oh, it just melted my heart. I hope she will never grow too big to lay her head in my lap. I can just picture us in her teenage years when boys make her cry(don't do it boys...her daddy will get you) laying her head in my lap and us having a talk.

Sorry if this post went a little all over the place. The purpose of this blog is to record our family memories...so it can be like that sometimes.

Where did you come up with that name?

2010-05-07T10:34:00.004-05:00

As I sit here holding a sleeping baby (I'll post about her surgery experience when I can type...I am pecking now) I looked at Kelly's Korner blog. Today's Show Us Your Life is about baby names. Since I get asked about this all the time I thought I would participate. Our sweet girl's name is Everly Allyn. We had her first name picked out long before we were pregnant and I believe before we were even engaged. Everley is my great grandmother's last name. She is a true inspiration to me. She has the kindest heart and I've never heard her say a mean word about anyone. She has been a foster mother to many, many children through out her life. Everly is also named after B's mamaw, Evelyn. We thought that Everly could be used for both grandmothers.

Coming up with a middle name was a little more difficult. I was kind of leaning towards Ryann. I have always thought I would have a daughter named Ryann. It just wasn't clicking though. I don't know exactly how Allyn came about...you know pregnancy brain! It's crazy! I just remember thinking I really wanted something that would honor Brett. He is such a good husband and I knew he would be a great father. I remember thinking I probably wouldn't use Allen for a boy, because we have our hearts set on another name (which I will not tell. I would be heartbroken if someone stole "our name"! ha ha). So Allyn came about changing the "e" to a "y" to be a little more feminine. She is named after her Dada and Pop.

We love her name! It's meaningful and unique. It honors four wonderful family members.

MyRide or Roundabout 50

2010-05-02T19:26:00.002-05:00

Does anyone have either of these carseats? I am doing research for Everly's new carseat. The top is the Britax Roundabout 50 and the bottom is the Graco MyRide 65. We have a Graco now and have had no problems with it, so I am leaning more towards the Graco. Both of these have great safety reviews. The have high weight limits for rear facing babies. That is very important to me since it is recommended babies are rear facing as long as possible. I am wondering more about ease of use and space taken up in the backseat of a car (I have a Camry). If any of you have one, would you please leave us a comment. We'll be purchasing soon. I think we've got our money's worth out of the Graco SnugRide infant seat.

Better Late Than Never! Month 9

2010-04-26T19:44:00.003-05:00

I've had Everly's nine month stats on the refrigerator for over a month with the intentions to post. Well...I have no idea where her ninth month went! This was the busiest yet for our family, or maybe it was just me!
She weighed 16.5 pounds-20th percentile, length 27 inches-30th percentile.

Does this show (Super WHY)put anyone else's child in a trance? She will stop whatever she is doing to watch this. Obviously this picture is over a month old. Pardon the snowflake pjs!

My sweet girl coming to get me! This was the night I got home from my weekend class in Phenix City. I was in her nursery getting her things together for the next day.

She may be small, but she sure can eat! We took full advantage of the fact that we are 60 miles from the world's most beautiful beaches and went to eat at AJs. Everly had ALL of the three containers of snacks in her Packin' Smart snack containers as well as a container of carrots. Oh yeah, it felt quite strange to me to be at AJs with my family. This place hold ALOT of memories of awesome summers past with my wonderful friend Margaret!

Dada and E enjoying the beautiful weather in Destin. She loves the wind blowing through her hair.

This is how we found her Friday morning. Happy 10 months sweet girl! You're definitely like your momma even if you don't look like her. Whatever it takes to get comfortable!

Words E says now-

Kicat-Kitty Cat

Fuff-Fluff (Gimme's cat's name)

Nana-Banana

Du-Duck

Mama

Dada

Papa-Pop

I feel like there are a few more that I am forgetting.

She's also started crawling to the highchair when she wants to eat.

Foods she likes-

Broccoli

Carrots-possibly her favorite

Sweet Potatoes

Puffs-Banana & Sweet Potato

Bananas

Apples

Pears are ok

Yogurt Melts-Strawberry

Butternut Squash

Eggs-scrambled...yeah, I didn't know they weren't supposed to have these until they are a year old. Dr. E said we could keep giving them to her since she's already had them.

Green Beans

Pasta is ok

Mashed Potatoes are ok

I'm still making all of her food in the Beaba Babycook. I love that thing! I think it is our best baby investment. I am a freak about the foods she eats! I thought I would be picky, but I am a freak! Have you seen Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution? This should be a whole other post!

Sorry for the length! I need to catch up. We've got a lot going on.

Enjoying Spring with Dada

2010-04-09T15:28:00.003-05:00

Everly's Pop (Brett's dad) put up her swing at their house on Easter Sunday. She loved it! Brett sat in front of her and kept her going. She would just squeal with delight! There will be lots more fun with Dada this summer. Yesterday, Pop and Dada got a new to them tractor with an enclosed cab and air conditioner. So Sweet E can ride around with them this summer while they're baling hay. I think she is going to love it! We can't wait to move closer to the farm soon. We're putting our house on the market and moving to B's hometown. It's only about 10-15 miles away, but will be a totally different life for us. We want to teach E values like work hard, love your family and your neighbor, and that she isn't better than anyone. We hope our move towards a full fledged farm life will help us grow along with her. I know I for one have been caught up in a materialistic world for far too long! Thanks Dave Ramsey! (We're in Financial Peace University right now). You've reminded me about the most important things in life...which are not the house I live in, the car I drive, the bag I carry or the clothes on my body.

Our Sweet Girl's First Easter

2010-04-05T13:18:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful day! Perfect weather, wonderful food and loving family!
This is the tree we got married under.

Little Brett coming to get the camera

It's hard to get a still picture with a crawling baby...how about that basket? :)

E got some sweet potato puffs, strawberry yogurt melts, a bathing suit, a life is good bib and The Story of Easter book. From my parents she got a prize egg filled with money and a stuffed bunny wearing a bonnet. Pop and Gimme got her some more puffs (we can never have too many!), a monogrammed snack container, stacking snack containers, and a monogrammed hairbow.

Brett & I also got baskets from them. I got some sweet jewelry and B got a LaCoste shirt. Brett has had his Easter basket since he was a baby. We wanted to do the same thing for Everly. We were going to order her a Beatrix Potter basket from Pottery Barn, but they were sold out by the time I got around to it. I like what we did much better! We went to T & C pharmacy in Opp. They have a ton of beautiful fabric. Brett & Everly visited...cause you know everyone knows everyone there and I narrowed the fabric choices down to two. Brett came over and made the final decision. Then we picked out a basket together. Brett painted the basket white. Then I took the basket and fabric to Kids Unlimited in Elba (I love that store and the people that work there). They sewed the liner, added bows, and monogrammed it for her. Now we have a treasure that is uniquely Everly's. I can't wait to fill it for years to come!

Easter at our church

2010-04-05T12:40:00.003-05:00

Ok, so this one has nothing to do with Easter at our church, but I forgot to share them with y'all. I accidentally, yes...seriously accidentally ordered Everly two bunny shirts. I like these because she'll be able to wear them all summer. The one on the left is from Smitten & Co. on etsy. The quality of the shirt is outstanding! It is so soft, I wish she made adults! The one on the right is from ifyousaysew.com.So anyway, on to the real reason for this post. We enjoyed a weekend full of events at our church, First Baptist Andalusia. Friday night B, I am so grateful for a wonderful Christian husband, worked the computer system for The Living Lord's Supper. It was one of the more difficult shows for him to work. I prayed the whole way through. It was such a moving performance. I was just bawling at the end. How could you not? Jesus died for us all!

Saturday morning I helped hide eggs for the churchwide egg hunt. My MIL (Gimme) brought Sweet E to our church along with her "souped" up stroller. I can take no credit for this...Gimme did it all. It was the sweetest ride there in my opinion! This is one of my favorite traditions. All the kids bring their bikes, trikes, pedal cars, and wagons. Lots of them decorate for the holiday and we make a trip around the church in parade fashion.

Afterward we gather on the steps of our beautiful church and listen to the Easter story. This year the church provided a sheet of stickers and construction paper for the children to follow along as Bro. Fred shared the true meaning of the holiday.

We didn't let E participate in the egg hunt, since she can't walk yet or eat the candy. When all the precious children were finished we gathered in the fellowship hall and enjoyed a delicious lunch. I am so happy to be a member of a loving church family. We are so proud that Everly will grow up in such a wonderful environment with people that love us!

Spring Day on the Farm

2010-03-30T14:21:00.002-05:00

Two weekends ago (yes, I am very behind on blogging) we went to Spring Day on the Farm at Landmark Park in Dothan. The weather was beautiful! We had a yummy lunch and looked at all the exhibits. This festival displays life on an early 1900s farm. I am so glad I do not have to do laundry the way those ladies did. We saw a beautiful farm house and heard some awesome bluegrass music. Sweet E loved it! She loves to ride in her stroller, but you better keep that baby moving! She and Dada tested out the digs in a new Case tractor. One day we hope to get one with a buddy seat so that she can ride with him. We put her in this one and put on her seat belt. She just played and played. I was glad I volunteered to go. I will be out of town when the Junior Woman's Club has the inaugural Three Notch Market on May 1st. The chairman had members visit other festivals for ideas. Come visit our quaint little town and pick up a piece of local art while you're at it!

I've been wanting

2010-03-22T14:47:00.003-05:00

to do this post for a while, but I kept putting it off. Maybe I'm to scared, embarrassed, lazy, busy...or a combination of several factors. Those things shouldn't be an excuse! What in the heck am I talking about? Accountability! I want to lose at least 20 pounds. I really would like to lose 25, but I'll start with 20. I only gained 27 pounds while I was pregnant, but I still drag about 15 of those around. Before I got pregnant I had about 10 pounds to lose to get to my "comfortable" weight. Everyone has their comfortable weight. Mine is 115-120. I am most comfortable in a size 4. I love when I wear a 2, but that takes lots of work. I love to workout! I really don't know where to fit it into my schedule at this time. There are no gyms with childcare in our tiny town. Oh if there were, you better believe I would be there. I used to be a gymrat! I would go for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening...I had abs, I had muscles, I felt great! I want to be that weigh again. I am tired of digging through my closet and finding nothing to wear. I'm tired of taking out my frustrations on Brett because I am not happy with myself. Here is where I stand now (I can't believe I am posting this!)
Weight-somewhere around 145-150
Waist-31"
Hips-42"

So my plan is to work out with Jillian and follow a "strict" no matter what, good for me diet. Gone are the days of eating whatever I want and not gaining a pound.

What is my reason all of a sudden? Sorry, it's not because I want to be healthy! It's because I want to look good...ha ha. I love summer-tank tops, bikinis, dresses...you know, the whole bit. I'm too embarassed to even wear a sleeveless top now. I'm afraid my dimples will show. I know this all sounds a bit shallow, but inspiration has to come from some where right???

Just Ducky Originals

2010-03-19T15:34:00.004-05:00

This weekend I am hosting a Just Ducky Originals trunk show. Starting in the fall I will be a consultant for our area. It is so fun to sit here surrounded by beautiful children's clothing. I just wanted to post in case any of you haven't heard about Just Ducky. There website is justduckyoriginals.com. The best thing about this line is the clothes are completely customizable(only at a home show)! It's what I would do if I could sew. You can change the fabrics, add a monogram or applique, and one of my favorite features of several of the outfits are that they are reversible. Get a little more bang for your buck!! Boys sizes are 6M-8 and girls are 6M-14. Let me know if you see anything you like. If it's shipped to me, shipping is free!

Here are a few of the pieces I have from the trunk, let me know if you want to stop by-

Reversible Orange Seersucker Turtle Outfit

A Whale of a Good Time!

I LOVE that white pique outfit for boys with the tan monogram. If we had a boy, he would definitely have this!

Ready for Independence Day?

Don't have children? Don't worry JD has a fabulous line of personalized jewelry(not the cheesy stuff) but great monogram pieces and Scout totes. What to see the jewelry? Email me and I'll send you a catalog.

Thank our soldiers and their families for our FREEDOM!

2010-03-18T16:54:00.003-05:00

Two posts in one day...I know! I saw this on twitter a few minutes ago and it really hit home. Today in the third grade class that I work in, we talked about why we love to live in the United States. The overwhelming answer was "because we are free". Please read the blog link below. It is because of soldiers like this one and his family that we enjoy that freedom. Please pray for our troops and their families at home.

A Little Pink in a World of Camo

Ears!

2010-03-18T16:23:00.002-05:00

Our little friend, Hadley had this same blog post title not too long ago. What is it with babies and their ears? Everly has been to the doctor every week for the last four weeks and will have to go two times next week. She started off with an ear infection, then double ear infections, then a check up to say she was better, yesterday her eyes were red and puffy. So she went to the doctor today. She has pink eye in both eyes. Also, her ears aren't better. She will go for an appointment next week to see if she needs tubes and her 9 month "well" baby check-up. I don't know how appropriate that title is. I just wanted to give y'all an update and ask for prayers for our sweet girl.

On a side note, I informed my professor that I would not be in class next Thursday( I told her the reason and that I could bring a doctor's excuse). I sensed a little attitude from her. What is it with college professors that they think their classes are the only thing of importance in your life??? I'm about to my wit's end with them! I'm afraid I my show my tail before too much longer. Hello!! I am human just like you! How about you ask me about my daughter and hope that she will be ok....instead of the make sure you let your team know! I am a responsible adult, that is why I am letting you know. I will not leave anyone hanging.

Sorry y'all thanks for letting me rant for a minute.

Will crawl for electronics!

2010-03-12T07:42:00.003-06:00

Last Thursday Brett called me while I was on my way home from class and we were just talking about our days and such then he said...Everly just crawled over here to try to get the phone. No way! I didn't believe him. He had to put his mom on the phone so I would believe him. Luckily they caught it later on video. We've had to tempt her with remote controls and cell phones to continue. Come to think of it, my cell phone was missing for two days and we found it under the sofa...that probably explains it! Now she will do the task more willingly for toys.

She's started liking puffs (sweet potato and banana). She's also had real bananas...finally. I made her sweet peas and cabbage yesterday. I'll report later how she likes those.

Also, she's been a sick girl. I took her to the doctor last Friday. The problems with her eating stemmed from double ear infections. She was put on stronger antibiotics as well as nose drops. Dr. E didn't think she ever got well from the previous ear infection. He wanted us to call on Monday to report how she was feeling and to schedule a follow up appointment. I noticed her "wheezing", so I told the doctor about it. Who knew it would bring about 2o Q's?

Dr. E-Wheezing or rattling?

Me-Long pause.......(I've never thought of the difference...we've just called everything wheezing) Uh, rattling...I think

Dr. E-Laying down or sitting up?

Me-When I'm holding her, so sitting up.

Dr. E-Does anyone in your family have asthma?

Me-No, not immediate

Dr. E-Do you have a breathing machine?

Me-Uh, no

I think there were a few more...but I don't remember. He ordered a breathing treatment for E. She took it like a champ. No fighting at all. I was totally surprised! It's like she knew it would make her feel better. Dr. E came back to check her afterward and said it did help her breathing. He seems to think it was all part of her congestion. So now she takes two breathing treatments a day for a week(with a little dinosaur mask). She has her nine month appointment (wow!) in a little over a week, so he'll check her again. We are so thankful for Dr. E taking care of our sweet girl. He has been taking care of children in our town for at least two, possibly three generations.

My mom came down yesterday and brought E her Valentine and Easter gifts. E and mom had a great time playing and I had lots of fun laughing.

Other milestones this week-

Clapping, lots and lots of clapping! With us saying lots of "YAY!"

Also, we think she is saying "ki, ki" for cat.

Moving from a crawling to a sitting position

Please pray for our little friend, Hadley. She is having lots of trouble with her ears. We pray that is able to see the doctors that know exactly how to treat her.

Home Day, School Day

2010-03-05T14:05:00.003-06:00

Kelly's Korner has Show Us Your Life Fridays. Today's topic is what is your typical day like...well, I don't think I have a "typical" day. I'll just give you an example of a day at home (the fun days) and a day at school (the gruelling days).

Fun day @home-Tuesday
Wake up at 5:30-help B off to work, iron if necessary
Take a few moments for myself (if the little one isn't awake by now) and have breakfast
Get Everly's breakfast ready and wait for her to wake up, throw a load of laundry in the washer
Feed Everly
Put Everly in the bouncy to watch Super Why! (her absolute favorite show)
Jump in the shower for five minutes, get dressed
Play with the sweetest girl ever!
Try to remember to put clothes in the dryer
Pick up all the never ending clutter!
Feed the sweetest girl ever again
Give her a bath and get ready for our playdate
Meet friends, have lunch and play!
Come home try to get Everly into her crib. She usually falls asleep on the way home.
Look over school work
Wait for Brett to get home and watch Everly
Drive an hour and a half
Sit in class for two and a half hours
Drive home and hour and a half
Get things together for the next day and go to bed---somewhere between 10:30-12:00

Gruelling Day @ school-Thursday
Up @ 5:15 take a shower, pray Everly doesn't wake up early
Iron, pack Everly's bag
Hair, make-up, feed Everly and get her ready
Make E's breakfast, to go
Get out the door by 7:00 at the latest
Take E to daycare
Drive an hour and a half to an elementary school
Teach a lesson to Third graders for an hour
Observe in the library for an hour
Drive 30 minutes to the university
Grab lunch and study for an hour and a half
Go to class for an hour and a half
If no homework go to Target....I heart Target
Call to check on Everly and how her day went
Grab dinner
Go back to class for two and a half hours
Drive an hour and a half home
Get things ready for the next day
Have about thirty minutes of me time
Go to bed between 10:30-12:00 depending on homework

Yes it's hectic! Yes, it's ridiculous! I go to class everyday of the week, driving at least an hour and a half one way when you count the detour time to take E to daycare. It will all be worth it in December when I graduate and get my dream job...a TEACHER! It's my calling and I can't wait to have my own class.

Miss Independent and a side of lunch date and words

2010-03-02T15:07:00.003-06:00

Over the weekend we were out of town with the Alabama Young Farmers and Everly would not really eat well. Y'all know I am always bragging on her eating habits. I thought it was all the big kids and her being embarrassed...I know, probably not possible, but that is totally how she acted. She would eat her Mum-Mums, but nothing else. So this morning I chopped apples into tiny little pieces and steamed them. She ate them up! She also had a few sweet potato puffs, which she really didn't care for a few weeks ago. So now I call her Miss Independent and sing that Pink song...probably not the best song choice...guess it's good I don't know all the words.

Also over the weekend we got together with lots of friends for a lunch date at McAllisters. It was so fun to catch up with everyone. I do not see these girls nearly enough. I think we kind of aggravated the staff. We were there for a little over two hours.

The best thing about the weekend though was hearing the sweetest sound I've ever heard...our sweet girl saying "Mama!". She says it over and over now and I can't get enough of it. She also said Papa (Pop) and Baba(bottle). Three new words on Sunday! I can't believe how fast she is growing and how independent she is becoming!

I bless your name

2010-03-01T14:11:00.002-06:00

This is a family that is from Montgomery now living in California. Listen as they share their story. Katherine is exactly right! I feel all of the things she talks about. I snagged this from a fellow blogger, Joy Portis. We actually graduated from the same high school. She is a few years older than me and I always thought she was so pretty when she came to the middle school to sell booster badges on Fridays. Turns out she is just as beautiful on the inside. I enjoy catching up with her amazing family when I have a little free time. Isn't God Amazing? Through lifes ups and downs his love never fails us.

Our 8 month old...can you believe it?

2010-02-23T15:34:00.003-06:00

Sweet E turned eight months old today. Here's a few things she's up to

Loving all fruits and veggies, carrots and pears seem to be her favorites
She wears large six month clothes and nine month clothes.
She weighed 16.1 pounds at the doctor two weeks ago.
Eating "snacks"-We tried puffs about two weeks ago, but she didn't really care for them and I didn't think she was ready for them. I read about Baby Mum-Mums. They are rice rusks. I got the vegetable variety. I am bound and determined for her to make better food choices than I ever did. She loves them! I tell her they are "cookies".
Still scooting everywhere backward
Using different tones when saying dada...we know when she's mad!
She said "hey!" they other day when I said it to her. I'm not sure if she meant to, but it was cute nonetheless.
Going to her first official "playdate" with friends Bella, Sylvie, and Braylen
Shopping for new spring clothes. She is an excellent shopper! I think she just loves to ride in her stroller and people watch. I'll have to make a separate post about this later. I am in L-O-V-E of her new wardrobe! We got to shop lots of homeshows since she will be able to wear 12 month clothes soon.
She sits in a high chair when we go out to eat now and flirts with the boys....seriously! I had to go buy a high chair cover that I can wipe off and a placemat with suction cups. She also likes to chew on the table!
Pulling socks off and chewing on them while riding in the carseat or stroller, so they're wet by the time we reach daycare
Wearing SHOES!! I got her first pair of shoes about two weeks ago. I thought they may help keep her socks on to avoid the wet sock issue. I chose the all white L'amour Mary Janes style 3008. They are very flexible, but have texture on the bottom for when she begins to stand. At first I bought the Robeez Camellia, but they were WAY too wide for Everly.
She's never turned away any food other than rice cereal. I still use the Beaba Babycook to make all of her food. It's worked out extremely well for us. So far E has had carrots, sweet potatoes, yellow and red apples, green beans, zucchini, pears, and avocado. I'm going to make broccoli and cabbage this week. I know, no bananas? I wasn't quite sure what to do with them! After a little research I found out just to puree them, so she'll have those this week also. I add a little rice cereal to lots of her veggies and oatmeal to her fruits. She is a wonderful eater.
Her favorite toy at the moment is the Vtech Sort & Spin Blender

Every day just gets better and better (and more fun too!) with our sweet girl

Whoa Horsey!

2010-02-23T15:13:00.004-06:00

I know I said I always wanted a horse, but I am a little terrified of mine! He is so tall! I can't get on him by myself and I'm afraid if I fall I'm going to break something. Not to mention he is totally in L-O-V-E with Babe the other horse we take care of. She was penned up on Saturday and we got Gabe out to ride for a little while. All he wants to do is RUN straight back to her. I'm so inexperienced with horses I didn't know what to do. I just hung on for, what felt like to me, dear life! I told Brett I didn't know if I was a horse person, but I'm not giving up! I was so sore the next day, so it must be good exercise or extreme tension! Here are a few pics, feel free to laugh! Also you can see what E was up to while we rode.

Mommy's Girl

2010-02-16T12:20:00.002-06:00

Last week E was not sleeping well. She has been sleeping through the night since about four months old. After a couple of nights ending up on the couch with her we knew something was up. On Wednesday she was running a slight fever at daycare. We checked her Thursday morning and no fever. We still wanted to take her to the pediatrician just to make sure she was alright since the weatherman was predicting snow and it was almost the weekend. All they could say is nothing is wrong...right? So B (thank you Jesus for a wonderful husband and dada) took E to the doctor that morning (I have to teach a third grade class on Thursday mornings).This was her first time in the "sick" side of Dr. E's office. She was diagnosed with an ear infection. Brett went by the pharmacy and brought her home and took great care of her. I was able to come home early that day and you can't help but love on a sick baby. Well...I probably held her too much and let her sleep on me a little too long. She became a little bit of a mommy's girl over the long weekend. She is totally fine if I am not around, but if I am in the room she cries until I get her. When we are here alone I can't put her down to do anything! I am so glad that she needs me, but I like my little independent lady.

Sunday afternoon I was able to put her on her nursery floor while I cleaned out her closet once again(by by small six month clothes...tear). While on the floor we tried out this riding toy her Great Great Grandmother Everley got her for Christmas. It's really low to the ground so she can pretty much touch. She loved to be pushed back and forth on it! Seeing her on this makes her look so grown up! I'm not ready for that...I need to look on the bright side. Every day is more fun, adventurous and sweet with our girl!

E is feeling much better now, but still on antibiotics. I'm having to wean her from her "mommy's girl" attitude by letting her cry a little more and it seems to be working. She's starting to play with her toys a little more and cry a little less.

Snow Day in LA

2010-02-14T10:35:00.003-06:00

I'll mostly let the pictures speak for themselves. I've got lots of housework to catch up on! Friday it snowed in our neck of the woods(as in very near the Florida line). We are in LA(lower Alabama). No one ever imagined that the weatherman was right when he predicted snow. Boy oh boy was he right!! We had between 5 and 6 inches total. Our day included sitting on the couch watching the largest snowflakes fall while I held a sleeping baby (she has an ear infection-her first trip to the sick side of the pediatrician's office), B getting off work early and us heading to the farm to check on all the animals, getting stuck in the mud in the dually, sledding on a trash can lid, being pulled behind a four wheeler on an old tractor fender, and capturing a few treasured family memories in E's first snow.

We hope you enjoyed your weekend. Happy Valentine's Day!

It's a boy!

2010-02-10T07:08:00.004-06:00

he he...not a boy like you think...a gelding. I have always wanted a horse. A few weeks ago one of B's co-workers asked Brett if he'd like one. Hello!!! of course I was like yes!, but we had to go visit him to make sure he was really sweet and ridable. I was scared of him when we went to visit! He is the tallest horse I've ever seen in person. I don't have a clue about how many hands he is or anything. I just know he's tall! So Saturday B and I loaded up in the dually (her name is Candy) and pulled the cattle trailer to Geneva. He didn't give us any problems loading up. The caretakers told us all about him. His name is Gabe. I love it! We have another really old horse that we've been taking care of for several years. Her name is Babe. So now we are proud horse owners, but we really know nothing about caring for them. We know we'll give him a good home and it shouldn't be too hard to figure the rest out. So without further ado, here he is Gabe Mack!

Sorry about the shoddy photography. My camera battery died right after this, so this is the only picture I have so far.

Had to share!!!

2010-02-04T16:39:00.005-06:00

Oh, this makes me so excited! If you are a fan of Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn, Land of Nod or lots of other expensive furniture have I found a site for you! This site provides free, yes free!, plans to make those items yourself. I am HUGE fan of bargains and finding this makes me almost want to giggle out loud (I am in the TU library...these young college students would think I was a weirdo!). She has everthing from headboards to bookshelves to console tables to play kitchens!!! I can't wait to make this

for Everly one day! How exciting!! A pink kitchen! I've seen it in Pottery Barn for about $500 for the whole thing. I think I could make this one for about $50. Take some time to check it out. It's called Knock Off Wood. With a little work you could save big bucks!!

Simple Pleasures

2010-02-03T12:04:00.003-06:00

I just started reading Kelly's Korner about a week ago. Today she had a post for fellow bloggers to write about their simple pleasures. Here are mine...I know most of you can guess who they involve!

Watching Everly SIT up and play with her toys.
Hearing my favorite or good oldie on the radio.
A chocolate cake batter waffle cone from Bruster's.
Tickling Everly on her feet and belly and hearing her giggle!
Riding with Sweet B in the afternoons to feed cows.
Swinging...I love to swing!
Laying on the beach and hearing the waves crash.
Lemonade or a Diet Dr. Pepper from Sonic...it's the ice!
Cooking...anything. I love to cook!
Looking at my wedding set, it makes me smile
Relaxing with Brett
Tyler candles
Pedicures with hot pink polish
A good, lazy rainy day (movies, books)
Naps, oh how I miss you!
Surprises (good ones of course)
Looking at old pictures over and over
Reminiscing (hence the Mack Flashbacks!)
Strolling Sweet E. I love to push her in that stroller :)
Talk Radio (Faith Radio, Rick & Bubba, ESPN Radio, NPR-Dick Estell Radio Reader)
Singing silly duets with Brett

So what are your simple pleasures?

Mack Flashback-Mathnet

2010-02-02T12:04:00.002-06:00

Yes, I'm a nerd! Does anyone else remember the show Mathnet? I used to love it when I was little. Funny thing is, I've never liked Math!
Mathnet is a segment on the children's television show Square One, of which five seasons were produced (1987-88, 1990-92). This parody of Dragnet featured detectives at the Los Angeles Police Department who solved mysteries using their mathematical skills. There were two main characters: detectives Kate Monday (Beverly Leech) and George Frankly (Joe Howard). Mary Watson also had a regular role as the duo's technical analyst, Debbie Williams. Later on in the series, Kate Monday was replaced by Pat Tuesday (Toni DiBuono) one season after the show's setting moved to New York City in the third season. James Earl Jones played a recurring role as the chief Thad Green. He also briefly appears in season 4 and indicates he knows Pat Tuesday. When the duo was transferred to New York, Captain Joe Greco (Emilio Del Pozo) became their leader and undercover NYPD officer Benny Pill (Bari K. Willerford) became their semi-regular backup support. I got the bit of information below from Wikipedia...reliable, I know!

Each segment of the series aired on one episode of Square One, a production of the Children's Television Workshop aimed at teaching math skills to young viewers. Five segments made up an episode (one for each weekday), with suspense building at the end of each segment. A Mathnet comic briefly appeared in 3-2-1 Contact magazine, also a CTW production, but the magazine eventually stopped featuring Square One content.

Both Mathnet and Square One went off the air in 1994 (it ran as reruns until then after the final 1992 season was completed), reappearing from 1999–2003 on the cable television network Noggin, a joint venture of Nickelodeon and CTW.

You can find lots of videos of Mathnet on Youtube. I didn't want to post one, because most segments are about 10 minutes long. I remember getting so excited when the little dramatic music played. Oh how I love the internet! Now people don't think I'm crazy when I remember all the little details of my childhood.

The Children's Place promos

2010-01-31T15:41:00.004-06:00

Hey Y'all! I just wanted to share a few promo codes from The Children's Place. We love The Children's Place for comfy clothes. We will not be using them because we already stocked up on their yoga pants and tops. So here they are each is for 15% off your total purchase
Web Code
H79PA3KXAA
H79PA3KXAA
G79GT4KFAA

Two of them are the same, but I have two separate coupons with that code on it, so it should work twice. If you happen to use one just leave a comment so everyone will know. Oh,I just read the fine print. Each code is good for three uses. These are good until February 7th. Happy Shopping!!

Seven Month Sweet E

2010-01-25T16:42:00.002-06:00

This picture was taken on Friday before we headed out the door for daycare. Look how thick and long E's hair is getting! We'll be going to see Mrs. Lindsey before we know if for a shape up! I am happy to report B and I are better and we have our girl home. One day away from her was too long. I can't imagine leaving for her longer yet.

Sickness Stinks!

2010-01-25T08:20:00.002-06:00

Hello from Nurse A! Last week at Sweet E's daycare there was a terrible virus going around. Only two of the babies were at school E and one other. Luckily she only goes three days a week. Most of the babies had been sent home the day before. On Friday I took her like normal and handed her off to her sweet teacher Ms. Rose. As I was filling out her morning report(what time she ate and any notes they need to know about) a grandmother was waiting to fill out a report too. She proceeds to tell us that she though that she had the virus too. She had gotten sick that morning, but was feeling better. Hello lady!!! A daycare is not where you need to be!!! So anyway. We were fine until Saturday evening. Brett put E to bed and I got into bed myself. I was not feeling so swift. I woke up at 11 and it was all downhill from there. B got up at 2 am and he was sick too. I was burning up and he was freezing cold. I made my way to the couch and the ceiling fan. E usually sleeps through the night and we prayed that she would this night. At 4 am we called his parents to tell them of our sickness and requested a few items(gatorade, ginger ale, crackers). We were down for the count. B nor I ever get sick. This was really hard for us. They came over with perfect timing. I heard E back in her crib playing and they were here within minutes of her waking up. Pop and Gimme (as they are called) came prepared with all the goods, including a bottle made for E! How great is that!! I had sprayed all the doorknobs (inside and out) before they got here and wiped down her carseat. She stayed with them last night too. This is the longest we've gone without seeing her, but I would much rather her be away and not get sick. So far, she hasn't even been sick...knock on lots of wood!! I am so grateful for our health and having a loving family!

As promised!

2010-01-19T16:07:00.006-06:00

The green beans were a hit as you can see! Please excuse my country voice in the background. I've got to remember to shut up!! I hate my voice on video. Anyway, our girl definitely has a new favorite food. She ate it all then ate a helping of oatmeal cereal. So far we've had success with butternut squash, carrots, zucchini, and sweet potatoes. I am going to make pears at some point this weekend. I am so glad she is a good eater. That will be her first fruit.
Before you watch...WARNING...my voice is extremely annoying!

Mack Flashback...makes getting

2010-01-18T21:22:00.003-06:00

clean almost as fun as getting dirty. As I lay here tired as a dog what I would really love to do is take a good bubble bath. This brought back memories of one of my favorite things to do as a child. Get out the Mr. Bubble powder and fill the tub with bubbles. The bubbles lasted a long time and you could let your imagination run wild making them into things. I used to get in lots of trouble for sloshing the water out of the tub by sliding back and forth. Oh to be that carefree again! I know adults always told me to enjoy my childhood, but all I wanted was to be big and have my own checkbook and carry a purse with things that were actually useful in it. I am sure my daughter will think the same thing one day. She already only wants to play with real remote controls and cell phones. I hope she will take full advantage of her childhood and play until her heart's content. Those days can never be brought back. I might have to pick me up some Mr. Bubble and just try to have the feeling back for about 30 minutes...well probably more like 15. I haven't had a 30 minute bath luxury in quite some time.

Wholesome Baby Food

2010-01-17T17:31:00.005-06:00

If you're a homemade baby food making momma (or daddy)like me, you may be having a hard time thinking of new foods for your baby to eat or in my case how to prepare the foods. A great site to visit is www.wholesomebabyfood.com for ideas. Tonight we are trying green beans. Dr. E said after Miss E has yellow foods for three weeks she could try her greens. I'll be sure to video and post her reaction. So far her favorite is definitely carrots, so I'm going to make her another batch of those again tonight.

I bought new baby food storage containers from www.onestepahead.com. These are great! You can freeze, microwave and travel with these babies. They have a screw on lid that won't pop off and ruin the inside of that great diaper bag or purse you shove all of baby's stuff into. They are also stackable to save room in the freezer. They snap together. I love them! Gosh, the simplest things can make me so excited. We hope you all had a wonderful weekend. We sure did...nothing beats a great Sunday School lesson, homemade veggie soup and watching Brett Farve and the Vikings kick the Cowboys butt!!

Mack Flashbacks...

2010-01-12T10:14:00.002-06:00

I've decided to do a little "segment" on our blog. It will highlight times in the past that make us smile. They could be pictures, videos, or songs. Our first is from two decades ago...I can't believe that! I was in fifth grade at Prattville Intermediate and that was the "it" song at our Valentine's Dance. So enjoy yourself and everybody do the Bartman!!!

Things we love most...

2010-01-05T15:23:00.002-06:00

First, let me start off by apologizing for any mistakes in this post. I'm typing on B's netbook again. Our computer is gone!! It cost $150 to repair it last time and we're not going to pay that again for a five year old computer to be repaired. My friend Margaret a post of all the things she loves about her sweet girl Annsley and challenged her friends to do the same. What a great idea!! So here we go....
What we are loving about Sweet E at 6 months...
1. The way she will repeat dada over and over while riding in her carseat and then giggle!
2. I love how she will reach for me to pick her up now and turn away if she doesn't want to be taken from the person that is holding her.
3. I love to watch her "chew" her sweet potatoes and cereal and explore with her sippy cup.
4. I love watching her get on her hands and knees and rock.
5. I love how she notices the big whatever he is on Big, Big World and squeal and giggle.
6. I love how she moves her eyebrows as if she's concerned.
7. I love how she can keep hairbows in now.
8. I love how she's happy ALL the time!
9. I love to watch her splish, splash in the bathtub. She sits up in it, but not on her pallet.
10. I love when she wakes up before us and just plays in her crib. We love to listen to her play.
11. I love that she's sleeping through the night.
12. I love to watch her explore with all her new toys.
13. I love when she gives me a hug even if she doesn't know she's doing it.
14. I love that she is a good car rider. We can take long trips with her...she's really portable.
15. I love to just hold her even after she's fallen asleep and just stare at her angel face.
16. I love to have conversations with her about our family while I give her a baby massage. I'll tell her something and she'll "talk" back.
17. I love to read books to her.
18. I love when she gets her little boardbooks and holds them like she is really reading them.
19. I love to sing silly songs to her and watch the expressions on her face :)
20. I love her baby belly button! So cute!!

Adventures in Babyfood making...

2009-12-31T08:06:00.003-06:00

I got the Beaba Babycook for Christmas. Last night was my first adventure. Can you say easy peasy??? My first batch was sweet potatoes. I bought one for 50 cents. It made 13 servings (about 1 oz. each)! Economical and easy...I think I'm in love! It makes me feel so good knowing exactly what E is eating, knowing there are no preservatives or additives in her food. The Babycook steams (B chopped them about the size you would do if you were going to boil them) and purees all in one container, so clean up is a breeze. She and I are about to go have breakfast, so I'll let you all know how she likes my cooking :)

Here are a few shots from the process last night.

Generosity...

2009-12-28T07:14:00.004-06:00

we were overwhelmed with it at Christmas! Seriously, we were given far too much. It's hard to express our gratitude for everything. We wanted to let everyone know that our simple "thank you" is coming deeply from our hearts. B and I sat and discussed this the other day. We don't think we could say thank you enough for everything we received and all the love from our families.

Here's a little peek at a few things we received...

The big daddy! We can't wait to watch the BCS Championship game in HD. I never knew what all the fuss was about until we had this set up in our home. 52 inches in our little house looks like we're in a theatre.
Love, love this gift! So easy to use to capture lots of memories of our girl...bonus...it's HD too! I will probably overwhelm y'all in the future with videos from the Webbie.

Love my new cowgirl boots too! Thanks Gimme and Pop!

This is really all I wanted. It's for Sweet E and I. I'm going to adventure into babyfood making and I think this Beaba Babycook will do the trick.

Also love my new bling Sorrelli ring...so pretty. This doesn't even begin to list all of the generosity of our families...but it's just a quick start on our deepest appreciation!

Our six month old

2009-12-26T09:33:00.003-06:00

Has it been six months??? I took Sweet E for her six month appointment on Wednesday.
She now
weighs 14 lbs. 14 oz.
is 25 3/4 inches long
She is in the 5oth percentile.

While waiting in the exam room at the pediatrician I noticed a dry patch on Sweet E's arm near her elbow. I thought it was some dried on cereal I missed while giving her a bath that morning. I got out a wipe and rubbed and rubbed it. Then the doctor came in to check her. He noticed the patch during the examination and determined it to be baby eczema. I told him I had just rubbed it with a wipe because I thought it was dried cereal that I missed while bathing her...ha ha...poor first time mother!!! She got her first prescription and we are treating her with the cream three times a day. He didn't act like it was a big deal, so we're not going to make it one.
We could not ask for a sweeter, happier baby. Seriously! She sleeps through the night a majority of the nights, she is so happy (except when she is wet, hungry, or tired). I love how inquisitive she is...she is so curious. She wants to try everything. She's gotten her first "no-no" from me for pulling hair. I know she probably doesn't understand, but I don't want her to get into that bad habit. Her reaction---smile!! Just a quick update on Sweet E. I'll post pictures of our Christmas once I located my camera somewhere in the aisles of Toys 'R Us...I mean, our home.

We hope everyone had a blessed Christmas. We sure did!

She was right...

2009-12-21T11:28:00.003-06:00

Here is the other bit that I wanted to share with you from this past week's church bulletin.

Small children were putting on a Christmas program. The entertainment proceeded without a hitch until near the end of the event. Each child held a large card with a letter printed on it. The letters were turned away from the audience. One by one each child turned the card he or she was holding to reveal a letter. First was the child with the "C", then the one with the "H", and so on down the line. When it was time for a little girl to hold up the "M" it was upside down. The "M" appeared to be a "W". Quiet giggles rippled through the audience. Nevertheless, the kids continued one by one to reveal the rest of the cards. When the last card was shown, the cards were meant to spell out"
CHRISTMAS LOVE
Instead, they spelled:
CHRISTWAS LOVE
What first seemed to be a mistake wasn't one after all.

I just thought that was sweet and wanted to share. I know it's hard this time of year with all the running here and there, but take a few moments and thank Christ for his love. After all, he is the reason for the season!

Giving too much...

2009-12-18T08:35:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we received our weekly church bulletin, you know the usual goings on and such. I had the mail in the car with me when I went to run a few errands yesterday evening. I was sitting in the drive-thru at the pharmacy so I read my normal sections of the bulletin...well the lady in front of me must have had several things to fill so I had a lot of time. I began to read the Student Ministry (Jr. High and up) section written by our youth leader, Michael. I am so glad I did! I want to share with you his thoughts on Christmas.

"Is it possible that we give kids too much? Wise and thoughtful parents should pause to think about the need to give their kids the best life, rather than giving them the good life. Our lives and actions should communicate that the best life is found in living in relationship with God by God's will and way, according to His standards of success, The best life consists of directing all that we have, do, and are toward loving God in every minute of our lives. And then, because of our love for Him, we should love those around us rather than treating them as competition or the means to material ends."

Well said Michael! I never read this section, well because I don't have a child in the student ministry. It was really refreshing to read this and it really hit home. We've been trying to do activities to give E a good start to the meaning of Christmas. I've been reading her The REAL Christmas story and this week we attended the Happy Birthday Jesus party at our church as a family.

Since I've become a mother I've been struggling with who I am. I know I have characteristics that I do not want to pass on to my child. I hope that she is a generous, giving, kind young lady. I think B and I are both becoming better people knowing that every move we make is being watched by our little darling. It's tough sometimes though to break your habits...mine is definitely gossiping...I don't mean too...total habit! It's not malicious...more of a he said, she said...blah, blah, blah...

I have another great story from our bulletin this week that I hope to post soon. But for now...Merry CHRISTmas, teach your children the real meaning!

I'll give it a whirl...

2009-12-03T19:03:00.002-06:00

typing on B's netbook that is. It was sitting here on one side of the couch and a pile of laundry on the other side. I, of course, chose the netbook! E and I are sitting here waiting on Dada to get home. He had an unexpected late meeting out of town and we're going to have to take him to pick up is truck from the dealership when he gets back. Sweet E is playing with a book on her pallet, where she seems to be happiest these days.

So much happened in November...and I didn't make one post! We've got a mover on our hands and it's more fun to play with our sweet thang than to post...sorry y'all! She's rolling all over the place and pushing off of anything in site. Oh, Monday she reached for me for the first time...talk about melting my heart....

She's already outgrown all of her three month clothes and is wearing only six months. A few weeks back I separated the six months clothes into "small" six months and "big" six months. Well this morning her momma didn't remember to put her clothes in the dryer so she had to wear one of the big outfits...well I'm glad I tried it on her...hello! almost too small!!!

Dada just got here, he just told E he feels like he's looking at a photo album each day when he gets home because she changes so much in just a few hours. It is truly amazing! Welp...gotta run! Hopefully it won't be a month before we update again.

First Halloween

2009-11-02T17:04:00.000-06:00

On Sweet E's first Halloween, she dressed as the most beautiful flower I've ever seen! She loved that costume! It was nice and cozy and she didn't fuss with it at all. Our plans got a little crazy late in the day because it was all rainy and cold. So we made the executive decision to just go take E to see all her grandparents and visit the assisted living that B's mom manages. Well on my way to pick up E's costume from our house, the weather turned sunny and pretty!! We had already changed plans...so since we were in the O-P-P we went down to their City Halloween festivities. It was so nice, even if we did get there RIGHT when it was over! While at the assisted living E got the distinct opportunity to me the King of Pop himself (I thought he had gone to the happy hunting ground(as my memaw would say)). That cutie had won two costume contests for his costume. I LOVED it! I am a huge MJ fan! B took me on our first date since E has been born to see the documentary, Michael Jackson:This is it. It was great and that would have been one awesome concert to attend. That night also brought E's first time to spend the night away from home...tear! She did great though. B and I didn't do so well! E wakes up each morning around 3:30 to eat and we woke up at that time also...only she wasn't here :(

All in all we had a great Halloween weekend and hope you did the same. We can't wait until E gets a little older. We're going to be hosting the biggest Halloween bash around out on the farm! Hayrides, smores, bonfires and more...gets me excited just thinking about it!

Stats for Memory

2009-10-27T19:56:00.003-05:00

Today was Sweet E's four month well baby check-up. I knew our sweetie had grown, but I didn't realize how much.

She now weighs 12.6 lbs...up 4 pounds in 6-7 weeks.
She has also grown 1 1/4 inches.
Today she started rolling over both ways...over and over again. She even rolled over on the changing table. No more walking away from there for a second!
Also, on Friday or Saturday...I think Friday...she started making razzes...yeah I know...what? That is what the baby book calls that noise you make by pressing your lips together...like when you're playing boats or something.

I can't believe how much our little blessing has grown. Dr. E gave us the go ahead to start cereal whenever we're ready and three weeks later we can start baby foods. It's blowing my mind how fast she's growing up. We have more fun and more love everyday!

Sweet E's Dedication

2009-10-27T08:45:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, we had the most meaningful day for our little family of three. It was Sweet E's baby dedication. E got all dressed up in her pretty Castles and Crowns "Faith" smocked dress and sweet little pearl bracelet. At our church, they do a slideshow of pictures of the child. Then, we promised to raise E in a Christian home and our fellow church members vow to help us along with our journey. It was a very special day for our little family. We were so happy to have Everly's Gimme, Pop, Papaw and Mamaw in attendence. Afterward we had lunch at our house. A delicious meal of potato soup, homemade bread, and a Dean's caramel cake (I am not that talented in the baking department!). I love to have family in our home, especially on such a joyous occasion! Today is Miss E's four month appointment. I'll post stats as soon as I can. I know she has gained a ton of weight. I can't wait to see exactly how much, the shots on the other had are a totally different story!

Busy Macks

2009-10-20T09:21:00.004-05:00

Her favorite place to swing-in front of the door. I think she loves it outside! She's actually asleep there right now.

Fall has brought about a busy time for us. B and his dad have been restoring a tractor COMPLETELY! They are now finished. I hope to have pictures soon. It looks amazing! I have been busier than ever at school. This semester has been FULL of projects. By this time next year I will be almost done with my internship and that makes me excited! E, well she may be more busy than any of us! She's busy jabbering, rolling over, chewing on everything in site, and playing with her playmat and swing (great for a busy mommy). Miss E has become quite the social butterfly. She's been visiting new friends Bella Lynn and Ocean Thomas. She and OT even had a lunch date this past Sunday. Check out those cuties! She's also preparing for her baby dedication this Sunday. We can not wait to share in this special time together as a family and be able to share it with you guys soon. Hopefully Gimme will take video and we'll be able to post a snipbit.

Pumpkins and Cousins

2009-10-13T08:29:00.004-05:00

E's sweet cousins-Emily, Nicole and Anna

With Grandmaw and Papaw

Helping dada pick the perfect one...