A Southern Girl....

16 Months

2012-01-27T09:31:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe you are 16 months old. Where has the time gone? We have your 15 month appt next week ( just a bit behind) so I am excited to see what your stats are. You are walking everywhere. You love your brother and sister. You think Austin is so funny and he loves to entertain you. Daddy was playing "boo" with you last night and you were laughing your head off and you started saying boo back to him....which you thought was so funny. Well..this morning you get up and stand up in the crib and looked over at your Daddy when he came into the room and said, "Boo!" It was so funny. You are very smart and very funny! You love music and to dance. You also love to practice your quarterback skills and love to toss things.You are such a sweet blessing to our family!

2012-01-13T19:27:00.002-06:00

Austin finally lost his first tooth about three weeks ago. Then he lost his second one this week at school and we had to write a note to the tooth fairy. The other tooth that is in the middle all by itself is very loose but has not fallen out yet. Poor boy won't be able to eat corn on the cob! :)

Breakfast with Santa

2011-12-15T12:48:00.000-06:00

We got to go to Breakfast with Santa at James' work. It was fun. The kids got to do crafts,face painting, play in the bouncy house, see a magic show,see Santa and got a gift. Christian did not like sitting on Santa's lap...I had to take a pic anyway!! LOL

15 months

2011-12-15T12:00:00.000-06:00

Christian you are 15 months old today! We got permission from your doctor to turn your carseat around (since you are so big!) and you love it! You are 32lbs (can we say future line backer?!!!) and are 34 inches long (you will probably be taller than your big brother!) you are wearing 18-24 months. You love eating yogurt, bananas, pancakes, cheerios, puffs,and muffins. You will try almost anything and if you don't like it you make this face like what is this? You are taking lots of steps on your own (and laugh as you do it) but you are not completely walking yet...you are so laid back that you just take your time on things...you are pulling up everywhere and are crusing along the furniture. You can say hey, bye, mommy, daddy, dog, tide (we say Roll and you say Tide!) You have started to blow kisses and wave. You love watching your brother and sister get off of the bus....you just laugh and scream because you are so excited to see them. You are very good natured and for most of the time a very happy baby. :) We love you!

Catch Up

2011-11-01T10:23:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe it is Nov. 1st. Time is just flying by...and life is busy!! On Friday we went to two pumkpin patches. The first one was at a farm and it was such a disappointment and we really did not get the pics we wanted. So we decided to go to the one in Dothan that we had found last year....much better. And well....trying to get all three to take a pic can be madness at times!

Christian did much better this time sitting in the grass. He just looked around and played with a leaf for ever. I could not get him to look up much to take a really good picture.

After the pumpkin patch we decided to go to the park. The weather was awesome and it felt so good to be outside. Christian loved the swing. He just smiled and laughed. Later he decided to take some steps on his own walking back and forth between James and me. It was such a blessing that we both got to see him to his first steps. He just laughed and laughed while he did it. I tried to take some pics but he was so fast...I should start calling him Dash! LOL

On Saturday we went to the fall festival. The group that organized it did an awesome job and everything looked so good. Austin even won a cupcake at the cake walk. He was so happy about that. Em went as Dorothy and Austin as Indiana Jones. We had a shirt on Christian that had a mummy on it and said "I love my mummy."

We have been busy taking Austin to doctors/specialists. He is ADHD. We will also be testing for audio processing disorder. He is doing well in school...grades and behavior wise. He has great teachers that are willing to work with him. He does not care for spelling so that is like pulling teeth to get him to study...LOL. It breaks my heart when he gets off the bus sometimes as says kids make fun of his voice or his speech. I am hoping that gets better soon. I know that God has a plan for this special boy. We just want to give him the tools he needs to get through this life. Em is doing well in school and loves science and math. I cannot believe how fast she is growing up.....we are getting too close to double digits....sigh. Christian is growing by leaps and bounds. He is wearing 18-24 month clothing. I really think he will be walking or make that running by Thanksgiving. He has another molar busting through so he is not sleeping very well at night....so neither is momma....so I am thankful for caffeine!

James is currently the interim student minister at our church. I love our church....it is really a family. We have awesome people to count as friends. I love seeing what God is doing with the youth and the church. It is such a blessing to be there. Really all of the trials that we have been through the last couple of years and been so worth is to be here at this place and turned out to be such a big blessing.....a total "God thing" that we ended up here. I am so thankful for the way God has really blessed us.

Just Because He is so cute!!

2011-09-23T15:50:00.000-05:00

One year

2011-09-15T09:45:00.000-05:00

I took this pic of baby boy sleeping in his crib last night....it was his last night as a "baby" .....of course he will always be the baby no matter what! I can't believe he is a year old today....sniff...tear...sniff. He don't even realize it I am sure....but this momma is a bit sad today....while I am excited that he is growing up and changing...I can't help but miss that sweet newborn and those little baby days. Here is a look back a year ago today...

Happy 1st Birthday sweet baby boy! I just hope this next year slows down a bit!

This and That........

2011-09-08T08:46:00.000-05:00

Yes...I am a terrible blogger. Life is CRAZY ya' all. Here is life in a nutshell these days:

*Em is loving third grade. I love that she is excited about things...she loves reading and science. We already have had the discussion over and over again about the solar system and Pluto. James and I don't care that "they" (whoever they are!) have decided it is not a planet....it has been a planet forever! I mean how can you learn the planets if you can't do the "My Very Educated Mom Just Served Us Nine Pizzas" bit? That was always my favorite bulletin board to do! I am praying she does not have to do a model this year....it could get ugly! She is growing up too fast....she starting talking yesterday about college, getting married and having kids...so as I am proccessing what she is telling me....she then says but it all has to wait until she is 30 to date anyway! Good girl...she remembered the rule! LOL

*Austin is doing well in first grade. His reading is much better....or should I say getting him to read without having a tug of war about it....he loves math so doing math homework is no problem for him. We have had some testing done with him and will get the results in about two weeks. More about that later. But he loves his teacher and his friends so that makes school fun.

*Christian will be a year old on the 15th....7 days from now.....this momma is not ready!!! Wasn't it just yesterday this sweet bundle was born? I can't believe how fast it has gone. Sniff...sniff...tear...babyhood is gone and enter toddlerhood.....so bittersweet when it is your last baby. He is crusing big time in the playpin and around the furniture. It won't be long before he is walking! And since football season has arrived I have taught him to say tide after I say ROLL........he says is so sweetly...Tide! Then I say touchdown and he throws his hands up! Gotta start early!!! Still haven't decided on what to do for his birthday yet...I guess I need to get on that! He has also been fighting a double ear infection..so some nights are just not fun....but I would not trade it for the world....I love power rocking with him (hmmmm...that could be a new sport!) Sleep is overrated anyway.

*I had gotten word last week about a friend that had passed away suddenly. I was so shocked and heartbroken ....and were so many of our friends from the youth group days. I had been trying to get up with him for a while...I just wish I had tried harder. I went to the funeral on Sunday....drove through some very bad weather thanks to tropical storm Lee ....but so thankful I got to go. I got to see so many from my "Carlisle Family" that mean so much to me and I got to say goodbye to a sweet friend. His funeral was one of laughter and tears. Many funny memories of him............he was so full of life and loved to pull pratical jokes. He has the best smile and laughter. I think he would of loved it. I know he loved Jesus and I know where he is and that I will get to see him again someday.

*James has had the opportunity to fill in working with the youth at our church. What a great group of teenagers! And what a blessing they are to him! I got to go in for a bit last night...love how they get into the lesson. We are really blessed to be apart of a great church and great people to be around!

*A bit of cooler temps have arrived....I am not quite ready for Summer to be over...just the high temps....give me temps in the 80's and this southern girl is fine with that...I am not ready to give up my flip flops yet!

11 months

2011-08-16T12:41:00.000-05:00

My sweet baby is 11 months old.......it just seems like yesterday that he was just a newborn. How times flies! I really need it to slow down!! LOL Here are the stats : *25 pounds *31 and a half inches long * says mama, dada, hey, ni-ni (nite-nite), ba-ba, and I know there is another one...but I can't remember at the moment! *gives kisses * can give you five * loves music * still rolls where he wants to go * loves to look at books * pulls up here and there * very calm and go with the flow * thinks his brother is very funny * loves to go in the walker * loves cups * rolls both of his feet at the same time * is wearing 18-24 month clothing * sleeps on his side * loves to throw things * thinks the dog is funny too * is pretty much happy all the time! I cannot believe my baby is going to be a year old next month. It is bittersweet. I am so thankful that God blessed us with this sweet baby boy!!!

First Day

2011-08-15T08:56:00.000-05:00

It is the first day of school!! They were so excited to go back!!

What I am loving Wednesday

2011-07-27T19:55:00.000-05:00

Have you discovered Pinterest????? Oh my...it is awesome!!! I love love all the DIY ideas that I have for Christmas....ideas for when I go back to teaching....and ways for organization! Like:

Love this idea of using scrapbooking paper in those plastic bins!

Love this bucket too! Would make great teacher gifts! And I can use my cricut ...as soon as I find the plug! AHHHHHH....I cannot wait to try this!!!!!

I even found a recipe for crust like Pizza's Hut. Cannot wait to try this! We love pizza at our house!

And this is some Bama stuff I need to try to make like this:

I would love to make this for some many people....and there are so many ideas of what to put in it too!

And I really need to learn to sew....there are tutorials too....because I want to be able to make some of these items to:

What I am really loving though.....is being able to spend time with the monkeys before school starts back up....I can't believe how fast the summer has gone by!!

10 months

2011-07-26T10:04:00.000-05:00

Little man is 10 months old. I really can't believe how fast the time has gone. If I don't document now what he is doing...I will never remember it! LOL

10 month highlights...*You weigh 25 pounds and are 31 inches long....you are in the 97 percentile *You are wearing 18-24 month clothing *You say da-da, ma-ma, hey,ba-ba (bottle), nii-nii (nite-nite), and your new one is uh-oh which is so cute the way you say it. *You still love Mickey Mouse and Phinneas and Ferb. You also love to watch chica on sprout. *You are still just rolling around to get where you want....you love to stand though! It won't be long before you are walking! *You have eight teeth....you are not quite eating table food but we are working on it....we have been trying some step 3 foods. *When you don't like a particular food...you stick out your tongue ...scrunch up your face and your body shudders...we need to get that on video...LOL. *You love to clap...especially when you are eating something you love or something makes you really happy. *You love cups...love to play with them...we are working on your sippy cup...I think you would rather play with it than drink it. *You still think your brother and sister are funny. You smile and laugh when you see them.*You are sleeping a bit better at night. You usually wake up twice on a good night...LOL. You still sleep on your back...sometimes on your side...you won't sleep on your tummy yet...you don't seem to like it. *You love to sit with daddy is the lazy boy when he gets home....you usually fall asleep there....so does daddy...LOL! *You love books and love it when we read to you.

You are such a joy and a treasure! We are looking forward to celebrating your first birthday soon!!

Still here..........

2011-07-24T22:36:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how this week has gotten away from me .....and that I have not done a post until now. I have a certain ten month old that is cutting teeth and is getting more mobile...so he is keeping this momma busy! Of course throw in the eight year old princess and his six year old superhero loving brother who loves to ~~bug~~ play with his sister....and well...life gets a bit crazy. Then this has been a busy weekend. We spent Saturday at the waterpark with our church family. It was so much fun...and no I did not take my camera and yes I wish I had. Little man did not like the kiddie pool...but loved the wave pool...so that is where we spent most of our time with everyone. Em and Austin did go down the slide a couple of times...and thankfully it wore them out later! LOL I am so glad we went!

I aim to do better with blogging this week ! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Thursday Ticker

2011-07-14T11:32:00.000-05:00

Tonight is date night!!! We are celebrating 10 years of marriage! Mrs. Peggy (co-worker of hubby) and her hubby have insisted that they watch the kids so we can go out tonight. How sweet is that? I cannot remember when the last time is we went out on a real date...LOL. Here is a picture from our wedding.....My father-in-law performed the ceremony!

Only 163 shopping days left until Christmas...LOL. I need to start early this year. I like some ideas that I have come across and think they would be awesome to make....this bag was from tidymom.com

I think it would make a great gift and it is easy to make!

Or this monogrammed canvas from artsy-fartsy mama.com (yes...that is the name of her blog!)

Or this...Ellen from Creative Passage actually printed on her canvas using her printer! I gotta try this!

The countdown to football season begins....51 days until Alabama Football begins. While I still love the Noles...it is just not the same without Bobby....sigh....but I still support them and cheer them on! But we are a divided household and I do cheer for Bama too....and Bama football is like a staple in our house.... (picture is from al.com).

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

2011-07-13T12:18:00.000-05:00

So glad it is Wednesday! It has been a busy week with Em and Austin at soccer camp everyday. So today's post will be short.

I cannot wait until I can get over to Dairy Queen and try one of these:

Triple chocolate....mmmmmmmmmmm.....when Austin first saw the commerical he said. "Bring it on!" LOL

Love Redbox rentals...yes I am late to that party...but we finally tried it and love it! We have rented the last Shriek movie and Karate Kid. If you buy Orville Redenbacher's popcorn you get two free movie rentals with redbox

I love that Christian loves these....we had tried the banana flavor first ...which he was not crazy about...so then I found strawberry and banana which he loves! And since he has two more teeth coming in (a total of 8 now)....he is doing better about chewing and trying some table food. His doc said he is in the 97 percentile of his height and wieight. (He is now 25 pounds and 31 inches long).

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

Totally Tuesday

2011-07-12T09:21:00.000-05:00

The heat index for today is 105....and 100% humidity. Oh my word....I don't remember it being this hot is a while. Thankfully the kids have soccer camp inside the gym! Of course I should not complain too much...I was 6 months pregnant this time last year! LOL And I would rather live here then say Alaska! I am tempted to show Em and Austin how hot it really is when they get home this afternoon from soccer camp by frying an egg on the sidewalk...but I can already hear the ewwwwwww....from Em (she does not like eggs...and then she is such a girl...LOL) and Austin would think it is awesome.. and lets do some more....but then I would probably have to clean it up....and then I would be like ewwwwwwwwww....LOL. Maybe I will just pull up a video from youtube and that way hubby still has eggs for breakfast in the morning.

It is a good thing that I have some of this hairspray! (You can get it at Walmart). It is wonderful to use in this high humdity. I will probably need the umbrella today or a boat too...LOL...I will be glad when we can just have a couple of sunny days....I really want to take the kids to the beach soon.

I am so behind...but I have finally discovered Pinterest. Be still my heart. I have found so many ideas.... and love it that I can save it there and not on my computer!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2011-07-11T10:56:00.000-05:00

We had a restful and low-key weekend. We did watch the last Shriek movie...I thought the music was hairlarious. Hubby and I also watch the Karate Kid. Now we grew up watching the original one so of course we had to compare the two and I was not sure I was going to like it but I actually did.

Soccer camp starts today for Em and Austin. They were beyond excited. I hope they still feel that way at the end of the week! This is their first time really learning about soccer and to see if they want to play it as a sport. The funny thing is hubby ~~can't stand~~ is not a big fan of it....but will have to learn to be if they decide to play. LOL

I watched some of the Jaycee Dugar interview with Diane Sawyer. It just broke my heart. I realize there is evil in this world and how much times have changed from our childhood. A kids we were all over the base...without our parents....riding our bikes around till dark...riding in the back of trucks....riding in the car without seatbelts....etc. There is no way today I would let my babies do any other that! Jaycee had her innocence and childhood taken away....and much more. I think it is a miracle that baby girl survived and clinged to hope. I think the system failed her....those prarole officers failed her....I hope this changes how they check on offenders and search properties.

Little man gets his 9 month shots tomorrow. :( He has been so fussy the last couple of nights...well I realized this morning that he was getting two more top teeth! Hubby and I are like....duh...why didn't we think of that? LOL

Friday Photo Bliss

2011-07-09T08:46:00.000-05:00

(This was taken with my cell phone). Little man fell asleep while we were at Walmart. He is heavy to carry when he is sleepin..LOL...so we decided to see if we could lay him down in the seat part....and success....he didn't wake up until checkout! :)

Thursday Ticker

2011-07-07T11:00:00.000-05:00

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone....that it is July already! Time keeps ticking away....

1. This is about 39 days left until the start of a new school year. I can't believe I have a third and first grader on my hands. I really wish we could start school later in August...like when we were kids!

2. James and I will be married 10 years on the 14th of July. Somedays is seems like it has been longer than that...LOL. (My wonderful in-laws just celebrated 50 years of marriage!)

3. Christian will be 10 months on the 15th. That means he is getting closer to being a year old....toddler years....leaving behind the sweet baby years. I can't believe how fast this last year has gone! Not sure I am ready for that. :( Thankfully my niece Jordan and her hubby are having a baby girl in Sept so I will get to hold a precious newborn again.

4. Talk about time....time being served...and I don't want to get into a debate and I know she will face the ultimate judge one day....but I do believe it is an injustice that Casy Anthony will probably get out with time already served.

5. I think 40 in the new 30....especially since I will be facing that next year. I remember as kids when me and my bff use to think that was sooo old. Now we just laugh and think we are that! And we are not old! Especially when we had our babies in our 30's.

6. The new movie COURAGEOUS will be out in 84 days. I am a big fan of Sherwood pictures and I am really excited about this movie.

7. The Jaycee Dugar interview is in 3 days. I am trying to decide if I want to watch it.

Christian

2011-07-07T10:32:00.000-05:00

I entered Christian into the Gerber Facebook Challenge. If you would like to vote the link is http://apps.facebook.com/gerberphotosearch/entry/129422/Christian.aspx?source=10088947. Thanks!!!

What I Am Loving Wednesday

2011-07-06T08:51:00.000-05:00

I really love this...I got this britax car seat off of Craigslist for an awesome deal! And of course Christian seems to love it! It is so much easier to get him in and out of the explorer. RTR!

I really do love this....it has been too long since I have made a visit to Starbucks and I really really want one! LOL

And I really love this...and they do work!

I really love this too....they are hard to find anymore...walmart quit carrying them at the checkout...which might be a good thing for me! LOL

I really love looking at esty....especially for birthday party ideas. Since little man really loves....and I mean reallly loves...mickey mouse ...we are going to do a mickey mouse theme for his first birthday. I really wanted to do a sock monkey theme...but maybe we can do that next year. I know I can probably make some of the items myself. We were probably still do the invitations and a t-shir for him through them.

And I am loving the blog hop at Jenna's Journey! So that is what I am loving this Wednesday!

Thinking of...

2011-07-05T16:53:00.000-05:00

I am thinking about going back to blogger....but wordpress makes it so hard to export posts from them back to blogger. I just think I have more options with blogger. Anyone have any ideas or experience with this?

Tasty Tuesday

2011-07-05T12:41:00.000-05:00

So my kiddos have discovered little pizzas....since I can't find white pita bread anywhere to normally make them (like at McAllister's) I decided to try english muffins...and they love them. So it makes either a quick snack or lunch.My picky eater- Austin is so hard to find things that he will try or eat....alot has to do with textures. He will eat mac and cheese, sphaghetti, yogurt, pizza, bread sticks, rolls, bananas, apples and corn on the cob. I also get him to drink v-8 and ensure. And you can't "hide" stuff in anything...if he sees anything that looks out of the ordinary for a item then he is done with it. I am just hoping it gets better as he gets older about eating and trying things. He does stay pretty healthy and we do our best to get him to try things. If you have any ideas or any recipes that we can try please use comment! (I would make a link but it is not working.)

Blog Hop

2011-07-04T20:15:00.000-05:00

Jenna over at www.jennasjourneyblog.blogspot.com/ is having a blog hop. You can visit her blog to visit other blogs and meet some bloggers! The challenge is to visit 10 blogs to comment on a day for a week. :)

So a bit about me for those that are visiting:

1. I am a SAHM of three. I have taught 4th, 5th and 6th grade and middle school math. I do miss teaching and hope to be back in the classroom some day.

2. I miss sleep....LOL...apparently our 9 month old doesn't need much at the moment....but I won't trade it for the world.

3. I love to scrapbook and read. Yet right now I don't have much time for both. I am soooooo far behind on scrapbooking.

4. I am a military brat....married to a military brat and former reservist. My SIL and BIL are stationed in Hawaii (loving that ya know!) and my brother is currently overseas.

5. I met my hubby online in 2000 on a christian website. We talked forever by email....then phone...before we decided to meet and go on our first date. I had so many people calling me to make sure I was ok and that he was not a psyco when we went out. LOL...We got married in 2001. I was 29 and he was 33.....when you are that age...you pretty much know what you are looking for. Emily Grace was born when I was 31, Austin when I was 33, and Christian last year when I was 38 (gulp...I don't feel 38 or should I say 39 now!)

6. I love photography and have so much to learn. I have had the opportunity to work with some great families.

7. I wish I could sew. I would love to make burp clothes and cute shirts....sigh...I do have a machine that Dinanny gave me for Christmas...hmmm....a couple of years ago....I know I know...I plan on pulling up some videoson youtube soon to try somethings.

8. I love spending time with my kids and my friends and family. I wish I could see some of them more.

9. I love the beach...the pool....I am a southern girl and I love living in the south.

10. My baby boy is growing by leaps and bounds. It is so hard to find cute boys clothes. I LOVE jon jons for him. He is in 18-24 months. I wish we had gotten a baby shower (we moved in the latter part of my pregnancy) ...especially since he was our surprise baby and we had given everything away a couple of years before!LOL

11. I love to blog hop. I love seeing other's blogs...I don't always leave a comment...but Iam going to work on that!

12. I know I watch too much tv...usually late at night when I am rocking little man...love TLC and Lifetime.

13. I really wish I could go into a salon and get my hair done and trust the person with that. I have very thin hair and a big forhead so I have to wear bangs to cover it....basically the same style I had in highschool....without the perm...and yes...I grew up in the 80's.

14. My high school 20th reunion was last year.....I did not go since I was 8 months pregnant! LOL

15. We will have been married 10 years this July 14th....we have not been anywhere for our anniversary since 2004. I would love to get away for at least on night.

16. My favorite verse is Jeremiah 29:11....and it is my life verse as well!

Happy 4th of July!

2011-07-04T15:07:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July!! And don't forget about our men and women serving our country around the world.

A Glimpse

2011-07-03T20:04:00.000-05:00

So as I was taking pictures of my now 8 year old baby girl (tears...sniff...sigh...) I realized I am already seeing a glimpse of the tween and teen years...and I am not sure we will survive.LOL...This girl has a bit ....well maybe a lot of personality...a lot like her aunts....and maybe a bit of her mommy. LOL....All kidding aside I know God has a great plan for this baby girl and that He will give us the grace and wisdom to get through those teen years....

Awesome...

2011-07-03T19:35:00.000-05:00

My brother John is pictured here with Lt. Col Oliver North. He got to meet him and (my SIL) Holly said he got to sit by him at lunch. How cool is that? Keep him and the rest of our troops and families in your prayers this fourth of July weekend!

I will dance with Cinderella...

2011-06-29T10:59:00.000-05:00

My firstborn and only daughter is eight years old today. (sniff...sniff). It has gone by too fast for me. It seems like yesterday this nine pound bundle of sweetness was put into my arms and made us a family of three. I remember when we left the hospital that James drove home very carefully. LOL It has been a joy to raise a precious girl that God has entrusted to us. I have loved the bows, pink....well...pink everything...princesses...barbies...dresses....squeals...singing at the top of her lungs.....everything about this sweet girl.

So since I can't make time slow down....I will slow down and cherish every moment with my favorite girl...and dance with Cinderella....

The following is the lyrics to her favorite song by Steven Curtis Chapman

She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders

It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you

There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...

She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of the dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

She will be gone

Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"

So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

I just hope the next eight years don't go as fast.......

Where everybody knows your name...

2011-06-23T11:23:00.000-05:00

If you grew up in the 80's....then you know that song...from that show.....but if you stop and really think about it...especially if you have kids...we all want to belong to a place or have friends where everyone knows your name. Where people know the real you....what you like...dislike...friends that you can count on to be there no matter what. I am horrible with names....especially when I meet someone new...it takes me forever to remember....blame it on mommy brain (those of you that are mommies especially of young ones you understand!) I say all that to say this....I love the church we have been visiting....people know your name...they go out of their way to say hello and call you by name. People here are real....and you are accepted for you....they are honest in their walk with God...and let me tell you God is in this place and with the leadership of this church. We have been through churches where certain groups were running it and not concerned about letting God in.....where it was a country club and more about social status. We got to see a lot of what this church is about during VBS....and I love what I saw....this is a group of diverse people...middle class, military famiies, retirees, young families....etc. This is a place where everyone knows your name...this is truly a family and I believe how the body of believers should truly be. Do you have a place like that??

Heart of a German Shephard

2011-06-23T10:53:00.000-05:00

LuLu Bell is our "fourth child." LOL She is very entertaining to her little brother and will lick you to death if you let her. She also thinks she is bigger than she is. I really think when she looks into the mirror she sees a german shepard instead of a miniature daschund. This is why she has to bark at anyone that gets close to the apartment....whether they are on the road....on the sidewalk...if she can see them out of the door then she has got to jump out of daddy's chair and bark up a storm. While this proves she is very protective it is not always a good thing when baby brother is asleep and she scares him....

9 months

2011-06-23T09:53:00.000-05:00

Little man is 9 months old. I can't believe he is going to be a year old soon....sigh...it has gone way too fast. He has his 9 month old appt on the 12th. While I am not looking forward to his shots I am interested to see how his stats are. He is still on stage 2 food at the moment. We tried stage 3 but he still gets choked a bit...so I will try again in a couple of weeks. He has four teeth on the bottom and two on top. He still is not crawling.....he would rather roll everywhere. He is sitting up pretty good. He loves to watch his brother and sister and still thinks LuLu (our daschund) is so funny. He is saying dada, baba, and sometimes mama....working on the roll tide...LOL. He is in 12-18 month clothing and some 24 month depending on how they are made. He really loves mickey mouse....so I am thinking instead of the sock moneky theme for his first birthday we may end up doing mickey mouse.

Austin is finishing up summer school. He has one more week left. His reading has improved and we have been working at home too. He loves to get on the computer and work on star fall. He has had such a good attitude about school and going....I just hope it continues this next year. He loves playing the sega his daddy got out of the barn at his parents...and yes...it still works after being in there for about then years! LOL

Emily Grace turns 8 next week....(insert another deep sigh here). I keep thinking it is too close to double digits and the tween years...then teenage years and..........AHHHHHHHHH. I just think I have two more years of her letting me dress her in smocked dress, mongrammed shirts and bows....(insert another sigh here). At least we are getting another girl in the family (my niece Jordan and hubby Stephen are having Audrey in Sept.) since my other two nieces (Morgan and Maddie) are too old for those kinds of things. Em has been keeping busy this summer reading, teaching herself cursive writing, and waiting for school to start back up. She is really excited about third grade.

Summer Fun

2011-06-11T19:50:00.000-05:00

May Happenings

2011-05-30T10:24:00.001-05:00

Little man turned 8 months ...sigh...he is growing up way too fast!! He has finally gotten some teeth...3 on the bottom and now two on the top. He is sitting up pretty good. He will scoot around on his back on roll around to get where he wants. He loves mickey mouse clubhouse....he gets so excited to see Mickey. He weighs 23 pounds and I think he about 31 inches. He is also on his third round of antibotics for his ears....his left ear is still infected. I am hoping this antibotic will finally clear it up.

Austin finished kindergarten. He has come along way since January with his reading...we will continue to work on it. He is going to go to summer school 4 days a week starting tomorrow and is pretty excited about it. He will only be there from 8-12 and I think it will be good for him. He still loves superheroes and driving his sister crazy. LOL

Emily Grace finished second grade. Can't believe she is a third grader and is about to turn 8 next month. She is doing well is a house full of boys...LOL. She has been reading up a storm and loves the magic treehouse series. She is a great learner and loves to research things that interest her. She is looking forward to going to soccer camp ar FBC of Hartford this summer.

Only yesterday...

2011-05-11T15:51:00.001-05:00

Austin was born on Mother's Day 6 years ago....sometimes that seems just like yesterday that we brought him home. I cannot believe how fast it has gone by. Austin you are such a joy....you are 100% boy...you love your superheroes...your sister (sometimes...LOL)..you love to entertain your little brother...you are a walking commercial especially for places to eat....you are full of energy and love to run....you have a tender heart and love to help others. I love being your Mommy and look forward to seeing what God has enstored for you.

Sweet Home Alabama

2011-04-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

Pray for our state....so many lives and property lost. James and I watched 33/4o on the web as James Spann (who is the best meterologist ever!) and the rest of the staff gave us info on the bad weather as it was passing through were we had lived and where we have friends and family still. Thankfully I have heard from most everyone that they are ok. Pray for the rescue workers too...I imagine it is very overwhelming at this point. I love living in a state where people come together when it matters the most to help those that have lost so much.....I love sweet home Alabama!

Surprise

2011-04-01T16:12:00.001-05:00

These pictures are from my Holly (my SIL). My brother, John has been serving in the Air Force and has been overseas. He got to come home on leave and surprise Hanna at school. I love this. I am waiting on the news video to post on FB then I will post it. I think this needs to go on the show coming home on lifetime. I am sure this is one surprise Hanna will not forget! I love it!!!!!!

6 months

2011-03-14T10:50:00.001-05:00

My sweet baby boy will be 6 months old tomorrow....sigh...it has gone by way too fast. He is such a blessing and a joy to have (of course Em and Austin are too) and we are thankful that God blessed us with this little man...especially when we thought our little family was complete. He loves to laugh and sing. He thinks his brother and sister are hilarious. He has discovered he can squeal at the top of his lungs. He still loves to watch Phineas and Ferb. He loves to swing. He still needs a bit of help to sit up. He is about 18 pounds. I haven't measured yet..but I am sure he has to be close to 29 inches long. I know in a blink of an eye he will be crawling, walking, and talking...sigh...I wish time would just slow down a bit.

Sibling Love......

2011-03-13T19:51:00.001-05:00

Peace of Mind

2011-03-11T16:44:00.001-06:00

When Christian was born I really wanted the angel care monitor. It monitors breathing and movement when baby is sleeping and goes off after 20 seconds if there is neither. I knew that having a boy and being a newborn through the winter months increases the risk of SIDS. Since we moved towards the end of my pregnancy and did not get a baby shower I just knew buying it new was out of the question. Luckily James found it at the Kids Market when it came to Dothan for just $15. It is wonderful to have for peace of mind and I actually sleep better. Well about 2 weeks ago tje alarm went off about 11pm. I jumped up and turned on the light. Little man was not moving or breathing...(and the alarm is very loud) so I picked him up and called his name and he started breathing and just continued to sleep. So I put him down and turn the monitor back on (I have turned it off when it went off becuase it is LOUD). I don't think James really understood in his sleepy state what really happened (by morning he did...he thought it had malfunctioned which it did not). Now let me say this....we both have been certified in infant CPR and if he had done this again or if he was really having trouble breathing I would of gone straight to the ER..but since his color was good and he was breathing normally I felt he was ok and that we were ok until morning when I could call his doctor (and the ER would of had us check with his doc anyway) and see if they wanted him to be check out...which they did. Doc did not find any reason why..no respirtory infection or flu to explain why he did that. So we are to keep him on the monitor longer until the risk of SIDS is over. Now did I go back to sleep after that...no I watched the monitor for about two hours and just prayed and thanked the Lord that we had that and that he was ok...I don't want to think about what could of happened. So if you know any new mommas out there ....an angel care monitor is a wonderful baby gift! I plan to pass mine on when we no longer need it. And by the way we have not had any more moments like that...so thankful and counting my blessings!

Leaving on a jet plane...

2011-03-07T14:01:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow (my SIL) Rachel and Keith begin their journey to Hawaii-where they will be stationed for 3 years. Emily Grace wants her Aunt Rachel to pack her up in a suitcase so she can go too! I know they are going to have sooooooooo much fun....warm water....beaches....great food.....can I just say again the BEACH!! We are happy/sad to see them go...but you go where the Army sends you! Thankfully we have email and FB to keep in touch. We are also checking about skype too as another way. Hopefully we will get to see them at Christmas!!

Coming Home

2011-03-07T10:56:00.001-06:00

Have you seen the new show Coming Home on lifetime? Oh my word! It is so awesome!!! It is about surprise military homecomings. I cried throughout the whole show....especially when the dad got to come home and surprise his son on national football signing day. Love that it follows my other favorite (Army Wives). You should be able to watch the preview video on the following link. http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/coming-home

Silent Sunday

2011-03-06T19:23:00.001-06:00

Couldn't you just eat him up?

2011-03-03T11:10:00.001-06:00

Terrific Tuesday

2011-03-01T11:50:00.001-06:00

Someone has discovered his toes! Love those sweet baby feet!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T11:25:00.001-06:00

Ft. Rucker

2011-02-20T17:19:00.001-06:00

We ~~dragged~~ took the kids to Ft. Rucker this afternoon to the museum. It was such a nice day to be out and about. We had a good time and the ~~monkeys~~ kids got to burn off some energy. They get to go to school tomorrow to make up for the "snow day" in January. You know they are so thrilled about that! LOL

Spring Fever

2011-02-16T18:49:00.001-06:00

Yep....it is true...Spring Fever has hit our house! After dealing with the flu, the crud, and sinus stuff we are ready for Spring and to feel better!!!!! I am ready for flip flops! I am hoping we are done with the real cold weather!!!!! Christian turned 5 months old yesterday. He is holding up his head really well. He is teething big time. He wakes up happy and has started singing...it is so sweet to hear...even if he is singing at 4am you still can't help but smile. He is loving his roundabout more and is starting to play longer in it...sometimes he gets mad that he can't pull the toys off and put them in his mouth LOL. He also has the best giggle.

Pure Love

2011-02-06T22:04:00.001-06:00

I love this little man! I had a photo session today with an awesome family so I wanted to get a quick pic of Christian before hand. (Em and Austin were not in the mood for pics..LOL) I love the look on his face! LOL He is getting so big! He rolled over from his stomach to his back on Thurs. Then last night he was laying in the crib trying his hardest to go to sleep (or let Mommy think he is) and he started making kissy face noises...it was so funny because he was doing it so loud! He is such a ham!

Monkey Business

2011-01-30T19:32:00.001-06:00

Emily Grace and Austin were so excited to have mastered the monkey bars! We went to our favorite park, thinking that the weather man was going to be right with a high of 67...nope...cloudy and a bit chilly. But they had fun anyway and it was a blast to watch them!

Future Football Player?

2011-01-27T12:46:00.001-06:00

I think we have a future football player on our hands...LOL. Christian weighs 17 pounds and is 27 and a half inches long. His doctor joked with us that football recruiters will be calling soon. He did give the go ahead to start baby food. I had been feeding him just oatmeal with a bit of bananas, pears, or applesause in it....which he does not really like. His doc said I could do the bigger jars (step 2) and feed him half twice a day. Well what they have out for baby food sure has changed since Austin was a baby. So I decided to get just step 1 for now to see what he likes...some veggies, fruits, and some meats. Well last night I tried the sweet baby carrots...and oh boy...he loves them and ate the whole jar (it was just the little step 1..but still!) So apparently he is going to love veggies over fruits which is a good thing. Once he went down to sleep about 10:30 (after his pre-bedtime nap LOL) he slept until 3:15 before he woke up. I am hoping that will be a new trend..but since he is teething I won't count on it. :) He did pretty good getting his shots yesterday too....better than his daddy watching him..LOL.

Sock Monkeys

2011-01-25T17:44:00.001-06:00

I know ...he is only 19 weeks...yet I am already ~~obsessed~~ thinking about his first birthday party. He is our last baby and I know that even though he won't remember it...I will. James and I love love love...the idea of a sock monkey birthday. I even found a hat that I wish I could make (hmm....Aunt Robin??) and if I was really sew talented..I would be making him a blanket out of material with sock monkeys on it....sigh...I really need my talented MIL to teach me sometime. Anyway I found some pics of the ideas that we would like to do. What do you think?

Photo of the Day

2011-01-25T12:34:00.001-06:00

I am trying to keep up with shuttercal (photo of the day). You can click on Photo of the Day under the blogroll on the right to see. I am going to try and do this the whole year...LOL. When you go to the calender you can click on the picture to see the comment to it. :) Enjoy!

4 month check up tomorrow

2011-01-25T12:29:00.001-06:00

Little man is almost 19 weeks old and is having his 4 month check up tomorrow which includes his shots....not looking forward to that part. I am interested to see how much super chunk weighs...LOL.

Trying Out

2011-01-24T15:54:00.001-06:00

I am trying out wordpress. With the new templates that Blogger has I have been unable to change or add things so I wanted something different....we'll see which is better.

Moving

2011-01-24T15:39:00.003-06:00

Our blog is moving...I am trying out wordpress. I have been having a hard time with blogger about adding items. So our new address is http://www.jotts.wordpress.com/

Stats

2011-01-22T17:00:00.004-06:00

You are 4 months old and growing by leaps and bounds.

Your stats: you are 26 inches long

- wearing 3-6 months clothing (mostly 6month)

- will find out how much you weigh next week when

we go to the doctor since our scale is broken...I am

guessing you are close to 18-20 pds LOL

- you love Em and Austin and love to watch them...

especially when they sing to you

- you love to watch Phineas and Ferb..cracks us up!

- love your swing and love the roundabout

- some night you sleep until 4 or 5 am ...some you don't

- you prefer oatmeal over rice cereal

- you love to rock with Daddy

- you love to ride in the car and usually sleep

- you are not too sure about the dog

- you love to giggle and wake up talking

I have already decided that for your first birthday we are going to do a sock monkey theme....since we call you monkey all the time anyway..it fits!

Stats

2011-01-22T17:00:00.002-06:00

You are 4 months old and growing by leaps and bounds.

Your stats: you are 26 inches long

- wearing 3-6 months clothing (mostly 6month)

- will find out how much you weigh next week when

we go to the doctor since our scale is broken...I am

guessing you are close to 18-20 pds LOL

- you love Em and Austin and love to watch them...

especially when they sing to you

- you love to watch Phineas and Ferb..cracks us up!

- love your swing and love the roundabout

- some night you sleep until 4 or 5 am ...some you don't

- you prefer oatmeal over rice cereal

- you love to rock with Daddy

- you love to ride in the car and usually sleep

- you are not too sure about the dog

- you love to giggle and wake up talking

I have already decided that for your first birthday we are going to do a sock monkey theme....since we call you monkey all the time anyway..it fits!

Moments

2011-01-22T11:41:00.004-06:00

I love this picture of all three of my babies...it is amazing how much they all look alike. I can't believe how fast they are growing up. Em just told me the other day that she will soon be eight...I told her not to rush it..LOL. I then realize how close that is to double digits...tween...teenager....ahhhhhhhh! I am not ready for that...not having ribbions in her hair...cute monogrammed dresses..all that too soon will be a memory. Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday she was just born. And I can't believe how fast the school year has gone already...of course I know spring break cannot come fast enough for some! LOL

Moments

2011-01-22T11:41:00.002-06:00

16 Weeks

2011-01-09T11:30:00.004-06:00

Christian is 16 weeks...sigh..time is going by so quickly. He is almost 25 inches long..not sure how much he weighs since our scale is broke..LOL..I am pretty sure he is close to 18 pounds. He is such a chuncky monkey! He is very calm..loves to laugh...watches his big brother and sister intently and loves to "talk." He also loves to watch Phinneas and Pherb. He is not to thrilled with rice cereal but loves oatmeal with bananas. Hates tummy time...but loves to lay on his back and play with his rattle. He is teething already and is chewing on his hands. He will take his paci some but not like he use to. He is wearing 3-6 month clothing. We are truly blessed to have this little man!

16 Weeks

2011-01-09T11:30:00.002-06:00

Hello World

2010-12-15T13:58:00.002-06:00

It has been a while since my last post...my laptop kicked the bucket and was unrepairable. Thankfully they were able to put all of my documents and pictures on disks for me. So that left James' laptop that needed to be fixed...we were hoping it was just the hard drive and the quotes we were getting for taking it to get fixed seemed too much. So after talking with someone at work James decided to get a hard drive and replace it to see if that would solve it or not. We could always take it back and he had gotten one real cheap. It took him less than five minutes to replace it and yeah it works!!! So now we are back online! You really don't realize how much you miss keeping up with friends by email or FB when you can't get online. Anyway life is busy and little man is already 3 months old.....I just wish time would slow down a bit. He is precious and has started "baby talk"and laughing. He loves to watch his big brother and sister...espcially when they sing to him. I love watching them together and cannot wait to see how they are together as they get older.

One month

2010-10-14T18:16:00.002-05:00

Christian is a month old...how time flies! He is so precious and Em and Austin just love him to pieces. Most of the time he is pretty laid back. We are really enjoying him and treasuring this time with our last baby.

Now a family of five

2010-09-22T16:14:00.003-05:00

Christian Gregory Otts was born on Sept. 15th at 7:47am. I was scheduled for a c-section on the 29th (his due date was Oct. 4) but due to preeclampsyia my c-section was moved up. He weighed 8lbs and 7oz...I cannot imagine what he would of weighed had we have been able to wait until the 29th! He is so calm and laid back. Emily Grace and Austin love being a big brother and sister. My doctor was great and the whole experience at SEMC was awesome. The nurses really took care of us. I cannot believe it has been only a week since he was born. Our little family is doing well and we are really enjoying this time.

PC Beach 2010

2010-09-06T10:24:00.003-05:00

We got to go to PC yesterday to my home church and then we took the kids to the beach. They had so much fun playing in the sand and the water. I loved watching their expressions. Of course Austin never looks at me when I take pictures...LOL. We went to Pier 53 and had a good spot sitting under it so that I was not too hot. And the beach was really not the crowded. We had lots of fun and look forward to future trips!

First Day of Kindergarten...

2010-08-24T15:25:00.002-05:00

Today was Austin's first day of kindergarten. He did so well! He immediately went to his desk to color his paper this morning. His class was going on a treasure hunt. He was so excited! Em had her second day of 2nd grade and loves it. She has had spelling and reading homework already. It was very quiet around here while they were in school...I could get use to that...LOL.

First Day of the 2nd Grade

2010-08-23T11:54:00.002-05:00

Today was Em's first day of 2nd grade at Kate Smith. The girl was beyond excited to start school! Austin starts kindergarten tomorrow...the let the first half of the class go today and the other half tomorrow...then his whole class will be together on Wed. We decided to go ahead and let them start school here even though we will be moving up to Dothan in about a month or so when we find a place.

Mixed Emotions

2010-07-25T19:24:00.002-05:00

Yesterday my SIL Rachel married her high school sweet heart. We were so excited for her and Keith. I got to take lots of pictures and am working on proofing an album and disc for them. As I was working on that and thinking about all that had happend yesterday I was reminded about mixed emotions...especially with Emily Grace. I don't think as I took this pic I realized the depth of emotion at the moment that I had captured. As you can see in the picture Em is hugging Aunt Rachel and crying as she realizes that while she is gaining an uncle and is so happy for them...she is sad that they are moving a couple of states away since Keith is in the Army. This broke my heart as I am sure Rachel's a bit too. Em has always been so close to Rachel. The family joke is that we got Rachel's child since they are so much alike. Thankfully Em has come to understand that she will get to see them and that we can keep in touch by email, phone. etc.

9 Years

2010-07-25T18:25:00.002-05:00

On July 14th, James and I celebrated 9 years of marriage. He was 32 and I was 29 when we married. We now have a 7 year old, a 5 year old, and our surprise (and last) baby due in Oct. This year is also my 20th high school reunion...which of course I am not going since I am so pregnant..LOL. We are facing some challanges and changes in the coming days...I know that God is in control and things will work out...trying to be patient in the waiting!!

Love the Dress!

2010-07-05T19:08:00.002-05:00

Emily Grace got some great gifts from her Grandparents and Aunts for her 7th birthday. One of her favorite is the dress that Aunt Rachel got her. So today we went to the Aldrich Gardens so that I could practice taking some pics before Aunt Rachel's wedding this month. It was a nice walk and we got to see lovely flowers and dragonflies (Grammie's favorite). Em has always been a ham and easy to take pictures of.

Seven years ago...

2010-06-29T10:46:00.003-05:00

Seven years ago today our lives were changed forever when a nine pound precious baby girl was born. I cannot believe how fast these years have gone. It just seems like yesterday we were bringing you home from the hospital and not too sure what to do...LOL. It has been a precious journey to watch you grow into the sweet and loving girl you are today. We are thankful that God blessed our family with you and cannot imagine what life would be like without you. Emily Grace you are a joy to love and raise. Happy Birthday sweet girl! We love you!!

It's a Boy!

2010-05-13T10:25:00.002-05:00

We are having another boy! James is in shock...I think we all were...we really thought this baby would be a girl. It took Em a bit to get over it but she is excited about having a baby brother. We have decided on the name Christian Gregory (Gregory after James' brother-in-law that passed away in Dec). When you compare Austin's ultrasound to Christian's they look alot alike. I cannot wait to meet this little guy. I know that he is going to be such a blessing to our family.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T12:27:00.002-05:00

I am so thankful for my Mama Di, Mama Faye (and remembering my Granny too!) and my MIL for their love and example of a mom. They have taught me so much! And of course I cannot help but think of the best Mother's Day gift that I got five years ago...a 7lb 7 oz bundle of joy named Austin! (His baby pic is posted...he still sleeps like that! LOL) I am thankful to be a mom to him, Emily Grace, and baby #3. We do find out what baby #3 is on Wed...pretty excited about that!

Silent Sunday

2010-05-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

Spring Break

2010-03-15T13:52:00.002-05:00

I am a terrible blogger. I have some pictures to load but even that is too tiring at the moment. I have been so sick with this baby. I almost feel like I have the flu 24/7. And my food choice is so limited right now. I am also not sleeping well and the headaches have started. I do hope since I am almost 11 weeks that it will magically quit at 12 weeks....one can hope. Well, it is spring break. Austin and I are just hanging out. Emily Grace decided she wanted to spend a couple of days with her Grandparents Otts. I really want to be on a beach somewhere...LOL. Hopefully that will happen this summer. I can't believe the school year is almost over and I will soon have a 2nd grader and one going in kindergarten...how time flies. Em and Austin are excited about this baby. They are both convinced it is a girl...I think so too...so we will find out in about 10 weeks.

Today

2010-02-03T18:58:00.002-06:00

Today I am 38....I still feel about 34...LOL. Of course it is also closer to 40....ugh. It has gone by so fast. I was so looking forward to my 20th high school reunion...but now that has changed since we are expecting our third (and last) child. I don't think I want to go eight months pregnant. I just hope I can survive the summer too..LOL. I keep thinking of the scene in Father of the Bride II when they had the house so cold that Steve Martin was in his winter coat. I have been craving spicy foods. Tonight we used our gift cards to Outback...it was awesome. Everything I had was spicy and with a kick to it...I will probably pay for it later! Bring on the tums! LOL I am looking forward to finding out what this baby will be...of course we had already given away all the baby stuff (except the cradle) and my maternity clothes...so I guess we are really starting over!

Play Day

2010-01-18T20:31:00.005-06:00

We have so many things going on in our lives...so many changes and hopefully good things to come. I think sometimes as adults we get so caught up in everyday and don't always treasure little things. After all of the freezing weather and being stuck inside I knew we needed a bit of fun... sometimes you just got to go outside and play. The weather was sooooooo nice and we needed to take advantage of it and enjoy some time at the park. Of course it seemed everyone had the same idea and the place was so packed...but it was nice for Em and Austin to just run, climb, yell, and play.

Gingerbread House

2009-12-31T23:43:00.008-06:00

Grammie and Granddaddy brought Austin and Em a Gingerbread House when they came yesterday. James helped Em (er..Princess Em..she had her crown on..LOL) and Austin with the construction...LOL. I think Austin had fun eating all of the m & m's...LOL. They did a good job and it turned out cute! And I am getting better with my slr camera! Oh what did we do before digital cameras?

Christmas Part 2

2009-12-31T23:15:00.005-06:00

Grandaddy, Grammie, Uncle Blake, and Uncle Philip came up to Helena for a late Christmas. We had fun just hanging out and talking. Em got some Barbies, books, and a leap frog game. Austin got some Cars (from the movie), books, and a leap frog game. Grammie did play bingo with Em and Austin .Uncle Blake had the task of getting Barbie out of her box for Em...LOL. We did go and eat a late lunch at the depot....that place is so good! We enjoyed our time with them and can't wait for a road trip sometime in the future to Florida! Again I was taking pics with my Kodak and then my slr camera...you can so tell the difference..LOL. I have a lot to learn about shooting with an slr!

Christmas Part 1

2009-12-31T22:52:00.002-06:00

We started off the Christmas season with Austin's little preschool program. He did so good! I was not able to tape it since we were out of tape and I forgot how to record it on my Kodak Easy Share...LOL...oh well...at least I was able to get some pics! On Christmas Eve we went to Granddaddy and Grandmother Otts' house. We got to spend time with them, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Ruby, Aunt Robin, and Cousin Zac, Jordan and Stephen. Jordan got a new puppy and she was athe highlight of the night. (gotta get those pics loaded!)The kids had lots of fun playing with their new toys. Since I am still learning how to work my slr camera alot of the pics I took were blurry...LOL . So I copied the ones that Aunt Robin took of Em and Austin.
It was also a bittersweet night as I know we all were thinking of and missing Greg. Robin gave James a gift from Starbucks that Greg had picked out for him...what a sweet reminder.

The Otts side

2009-12-31T12:47:00.000-06:00

Greg

2009-12-09T19:03:00.004-06:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of my brother -in-law Greg. This was taken when Austin was just days old. We use to joke about their matching hairstyles. Sadly, Greg lost his life in an auto accident last night. He was hit head on coming home from work. There are things in this life that are so hard to comprehend...for me it is death. I know that we are not promised tomorrow. I know that one day we will see Greg again...I will see my sweet Granny who left us almost five years ago...but it is still not easy. I look at my sister-in-law and can't really comprehend her pain..I wish I could take it away. I had to tell my sweet babies that their Uncle Greg was in heaven...Em seems to comprehend it and handled it well....Austin being just 4 years old almost seems wise beyond his years...he understood what I was saying and stated so matter of fact. I know the next few days will be hard for Robin...to have to tell her soul mate goodbye for now...for Jordan and Zac to tell their Dad goodbye....for in-laws, parents, siblings, friends, and co-workers to say goodbye to a man that loved life, a man that loved his family and friends. I am not sure I really believe it myself...James and I were just discussing this week what Greg might like for Christmas...little did we know this life changing event was headed our way. I hope we never take life for granted again...I hope we know how precious each moment is...because again we are not promised tomorrow.

2009-11-20T10:55:00.003-06:00

Sneak Peek

2009-11-03T17:07:00.003-06:00

Ok family and friends...here is a sneak peek!!! (from Molly Bridges Photography)

Terrific Thursday

2009-10-29T15:42:00.003-05:00

I love when the weather is in the 70's and I really love when Austin will smile for a picture (Em is at school). He had fun playing in the leaves and I had a blast watching him. He is so full of energy and loves life. I love looking at the world through his eyes. Sometimes I wish time would stand still...my babies are growing up too quickly!!

What a terrific day is has been with my little man!

Pumkpin Patch

2009-10-19T13:38:00.002-05:00

We went to the pumpkin patch yesterday to let Em and Austin pick out a pumpkin. The weather had warmed up but was a touch windy. I had the hardest time getting Austin to pose for pictures!! LOL But they had fun and picked out a pumpkin to decorate sometime this week.

Fall is in the air!

2009-10-05T16:54:00.002-05:00

Fall is in the air! While I do love fall I don't look forward to winter...LOL. I have been taking some pictures of the kids and working with photoshop. Taking pictures of Austin is a challange though..he does not stand still!! LOL Em is still liking school and has started reading chapter books. Austin loves going to MDO and I am sure he keeps his teacher busy!! LOL

Fun Run

2009-09-04T16:39:00.002-05:00

Em had her fun run (school fundraiser) at school today. The girl ran 30 laps! I could not believe it!! I really expected her to do between 20-25 laps. I am so proud of her! She kept going even when she got hot. Thank you to Grammie, Granddaddy, Dinanny, Grandma, Granddaddy, Aunt Rachel , Aunt Robin and Uncle Greg for sponsoring her!!

2nd day of school and the bus

2009-08-14T13:22:00.003-05:00

Today is the 2nd day of school and the 1st day on the bus. Yesterday morning we waiting for the bus after we were told by some middle schoolers that it had already came...even though we were at the stop at 6:45 and the bus was suppose to come at 6:57. So I ended coming back and waited when someone says is comes back again...we waited until 7:15. So I drove Em to school...and parked and walked her in...which I was able to take some pics of her in her room and with her teacher. I also checked with the office about the bus time and even had two phone conversations with the assistant principal even discussing my address. So at 3:00 I decided to walk down to the bus stop because Em was suppose to get off the bus at 3:15. Wrong move...because buses came and went...her bus came with middle school and she was running late and had not picked up elementary yet...by this time it is 3:20 and we are so stinking hot...so then about 3:35 the bus comes back by...but NO EM...they had taken her off the bus because she was not on the list! I was furious! So I still had to trek back to the house with Austin to get the explorer to go to the school to pick up my child who wanted to ride the bus. So by the time I get there about 3:50..she is in the office and had been crying...so of course I start to tear up because I was so upset about all this mess. I am sure those ladies in the office wondered what in the world ...LOL..So anyway..her bus time changed to 7:24 and about 7:30 came the bus. Emily Grace was so happy and excited to ride. Hopefully this afternoon will go smoothly! (If you notice the subdivision sign behind Em is missing the L again..someone keeps stealing it from both sides! )

First Day of First Grade

2009-08-13T11:57:00.003-05:00

Today was Em's first day of school! She was suppose to ride the bus..but the time they gave us was wrong. So I ended up taking her to school ...and was able to take her picture with her teacher and at her desk. We will try the bus again tomorrow. Thankfully she has an extra 30 minutes before she has to be there. I also got Austin enrolled in MDO and he starts tomorrow. I will have to take some pics of him too.

Lazy Days of Summer

2009-08-04T14:22:00.001-05:00

We went to my inlaws this weekend and the kids had a blast swimming in the pool. Austin is like a litte fish..LOL. Emily Grace loves to jump off the ladder doing a cannon ball (I should of taken a pic!) She also loves for James to toss her into the water. We had so much fun watching them. I can't believe summer is almost over and back to school in about 8 days. Em is looking forward to 1st grade and I am hoping to get Austin in MDO.

Baby Stellan

2009-07-29T11:21:00.002-05:00

Please pray for Baby Stellan. Check out his family blog at mycharmingkids.net.

Show your wedding dress

2009-07-25T14:15:00.008-05:00

Kelly's Korner is having show us your wedding dress. (Kellyskornerblog.com) Check out her website and see others who have posted their dresses!! Next week is show your wedding party and flowers! I love my wedding dress. The funny thing is I really thought it would not fit when I tried it on because it was a size 6 and I was a 9/10 then (oh...those were the days!) But it did and it was on sale!! We got married on July 14, 2001 at Mt. Gilead in Dothan, Alabama.

2009-07-25T14:00:00.001-05:00

Kelly's Korner is having show us your wedding dress. (Kellyskornerblog.com)

McWane Center and Vulcan

2009-07-25T12:50:00.003-05:00

We took the kids to the McWane Center and Vulcan Park. They had such a blast at McWane Center. I don't think Austin slowed down one bit. LOL When we went up to the Vulcan they did ok until Em realized she could see down through the floor...it was time to go! LOL But we had a great day!

Surprise

2009-07-18T09:32:00.003-05:00

The youth group left us a surprise this morning! LOL James had work me up this morning about 6:15 to come and see something. My first thought was..did it snow ...since we had a "cold front" coming in. Thankfully it was not that! LOL The youth group did come over and help clean things up before heading back to the youth conference at Samford. Now we know we are loved! LOL

Sophie

2009-07-13T13:26:00.002-05:00

I will confess...I have been looking at Craiglist several times a day for a dog....it finally paid off! Sophie was FREE to a loving home!! She is a Jack Russell Terrier and Beagle Mix. She is precious, sweet, and loving. She is very gentle with Emily Grace and Austin. She loves to play with her toys by tossing them up and going after them. She does have a pink plus toy she loves..and of course her collar is pink and brown..LOL..Em loves all the pink!

Busy June 2009

2009-06-30T12:47:00.008-05:00

We have been very busy this June. We had VBS at the begining. Then last week Em, Austin, and I went to Grammie and Granddaddy's in Florida to celebrate Grammie's and Emily Grace's birthdays. Grammie and Granddaddy treated us to Five Guys, Burgers, and Fries at PC beach. Em and Austin also got to ride the train and the carousel while we were down there. We had so much fun spending time with everyone!

Day in the pool

2009-06-01T18:37:00.002-05:00

We spent the day playing in the pool and eating popsicles. Little Emily came over from across the street to swim also this afternoon. They all had so much fun!!

Slip-n-Slide

2009-05-31T18:19:00.002-05:00

We got a slip-n-slide for Austin and Emily Grace. It was so much fun to watch them learn how to slide down it. Emily Grace got the hang of it pretty quick. I think Austin was more interested in the water coming out of the sides of it. They must of played on it for over an hour...hopefully that means they will sleep good tonight!! LOL