"Smiling's My Favorite"

What a great weekend!

2009-10-10T13:14:00.003-05:00

Hiking down the mountain. It was quite slick and steep toward the top!
Taking a break!

How cute are they!!!!

Here we are making our way down Stone Mountain. We weren't quite brave enough to trek up the mountain, which probably was a smart idea because going down wasn't a cakewalk either! We were thankful for the nice semi-cool day and semi-cool water fountains at the bottom of the mountain!!!

Friends!

These are such precious children!!!

Our usual self-shot!!!

We spent the day yesterday at Stone Mountain Park in Georgia. We had such a great time! I haven't been since I was 11 years old and it has changed so much! The kids had such a great time. (I would have had pictures of this awesome ropes course they did.....but my camera was dead and I had to ask a lady behind a sales desk to plug it in for me. ARRRRRGGGHHH! Thankfully, that worked and I had pictures for the rest of the day.) Our time just flew by and I am sure we could have spent another day there. I am so thankful for such great friends. It just wouldn't have been the same without them!!!

I am loving baseball...esp. this cutie!!!

2009-05-14T08:49:00.002-05:00

This is James' first season of spring baseball and he loves it!

He is the lead-off batter and he gets on base every time he is up!

He is catching on quickly...I, on the other hand, do not know very much about baseball, but that has not stopped me from yelling.....um...cheering!!!

I am slowly learning the terms and Brian lets me know if I have called out, 'play is at 2nd', but in fact the play is not at 2nd. I am sure the coaches just love me!!!

Well, I am just trying to be supportive, so most of the time I stick with phrases like, '3 up, 3 down' and 'let's get this out', and 'way to watch the ball'. These usually work!

We are really enjoying the family time at the ballpark. It is just great!!!

Look at that form!Emma and Rose-just some of the adoring fans!
He is a lot more brave than I would be!

Emma is making sure James is not thirsty!!!

The Marathon!!!

2009-05-07T10:36:00.002-05:00

I cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful experience this was for me. I started training for this marathon the weekend after Thanksgiving. So, if you do the math, it took me about 4 and 1/2 months. In that time span, I have learned to both love and hate running... but I think I have ended up on the love end of it. Doing this has taught me more than just the love of running. It has taught me that I am capable of more than I think, and that it isn't all about winning or going the fastest, but doing your best and being happy while doing it. ( As Anna told me....Mama, you are not a Kenyan!)

My goal was to finish with no broken bones in my feet (which I wasn't so sure that was going to happen since I am EXTREMELY flat-footed), and to cross the finish line with a smile on my face! I accomplished both of these, thanks to my BFF, Monica, and had such a great time doing it! While this will probably be the one and only marathon for me, I will definitely keep running and I might just have a new running partner! Brian said he will do a half with me in the fall!!!!

I know we still look so fresh, but this is mile 9!

Mile 18... we had had a tough few miles!!! Thanks for the support girls!!!

Down the shoot!

Monica,

I don't even know how to say thank you to you!

You are such a wonderful friend and I am sure God has brought you into my life to show me how to be a better person. I never would have even thought about running a marathon if you hadn't suggested it! The half was going to be a push for me, but you said I could do the whole 26.2 and I believed you. Thank you for spending your Saturday mornings with me, running and talking. I don't think the training for this could have been more enjoyable!

You know you are blessed with a true friend when you are inspired to be better every time you are around them. I have that in you.
Thank you! I love you!!!

2nd marathon post!!!

2009-05-07T10:01:00.004-05:00

A hug for my biggest supporter right after the finish line!

Brian, thank you for taking care of our precious babies all of the long hours it took for me to train for this. I could not have done it without you!

I love you!!!

I am so glad my Dad got to come to this very special day for me!!!

Thanks for all of your cheers, Dad!!!

My support group!

Dad, Alli, and Mel,

Thank you for all of your support, your cheers, your smiling faces, especially on MILE 18 ( I really needed that!), and especially for the memories on the car ride to Nashville that I never will forget! You are all so precious to me and I can't thank you enough for being there for me!

I love you!!!

Wow! I can't believe it!!!

Phil. 4:13...as it says on the back of my shirt!!!

Here we go again!!!

2009-04-02T09:15:00.003-05:00

Last night, we were having dinner at church with the youth group and Luke knocked his front tooth out!!!
He is still the cutest 3 year-old I know!!!

That brings to mind something similar that happened with James.....at church. He knocked THE SAME TOOTH out at church when he was 2!!! I knew they were alike, but WOW!!! When it happened last night, James said, 'Luke, you knocked your first tooth out!' , like it is just supposed to happen! Well, I guess with my boys....it is!

Snow and Snakes!!!

2009-03-07T19:52:00.002-06:00

First of all, I don't think I will ever get the hang of this program! The snow pictures were supposed to be first, but we will just go with it!!!!
We all know we had some beautiful snow last Sunday and we did get a chance to play in it for a few minutes before church. It was very nice!
On Thursday, we went out to the Alabama Wildlife Federation place.......I don't really know what it is called, but I will definitely be going back. There was a live snake encounter and the kids just loved it!

Yep, I have to admit.....I thought it was called a 'bald' python. Just for all of you out there like me, it is actually a balled python.

This snake was pretty cool. I just held it in one hand while I had my camera in the other, trying to get the kids in position to take their pictures! Anything for the shot, right?

This one was my favorite! It is a corn snake and it is very pretty!!!!!

My fam!!!!

Yep, go ahead and make the one snowball for the year, James!!!

Happy President's Day!

2009-02-19T11:10:00.004-06:00

Who doesn't love chocolate icing?!!!
Our penny cake!

Yummy!

My little generals!

We had a great time Monday, celebrating President's Day with Monica and her children! Yes, we actually celerated the presidents on President's Day! We made George Washington hats, read books and made a chocolate penny cake! Fun, Fun, Fun!!!

Well, I did it!

2009-02-16T19:15:00.003-06:00

Monica and me after the race!

She is the best, and could have EASILY smoked me if she wanted to......but she didn't!!!!
I think my HUGE smile says it all!
13.1 miles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have to say, that was EASILY the hardest thing I have ever done. About 5 miles into it, I was thinking......I don't know if this is all I thought it was going to be.......I just don't know about this.......when is nap time????? Granted, I have only been training for less than 3 months and I probably shouldn't have ignored the days on my schedule that said 'cross train'. Also, I should have eaten something before the race! Yeah, I know that was silly!!!! All of that might have helped! And I KNOW could have been better on my diet! I guess I can call myself a runner now, and therefore I need to eat more like one!!! My official time was 2:17! If I continue to be blessed with good health I will be looking forward to more races and better times in the future!!! My marathon is in 8 weeks and I am going to do another half before then!!! I will keep you posted!!!

It is just amazing!

2009-02-11T10:04:00.003-06:00

Look how tiny it is!

Anna has now been taking violin lessons for 1 month. She just loves it! You know how you hope and pray that your child will find that one thing or talent that he/she was just meant for. Well, I think that Anna has found hers! Playing the violin just comes naturally to her. What a blessing! (and I am only a TAD bit jealous!)

What a blessed year!!!

2009-02-03T07:20:00.004-06:00

I already stated that I was training for a marathon, but I didn't say why. Well, I am turning the big 30 this year and I feel like I am at such a great place in life. I needed to do something that made me feel good about myself. I have always had great admiration for runners. Their endurance, hard work, discipline and even their nutritional values have always impressed me, so I thought I would try a 1/2 marathon. Well, when I told my great friend Monica about it........she convinced me that I could do a FULL MARATHON!!! Of course, I couldn't say, 'I can't do that!!!!!!' (After all, this is my year!) So, I started to train in November and with Monica's help I am getting there! I ran 10 miles on Saturday! It was the longest I have ever gone, and without even walking once!!! My 1/2 marathon is in two weeks and I am so excited. God has blessed me through my training. I am still feeling great and my children see what hard work and discipline looks like!

This is so sad...

2009-01-29T09:23:00.004-06:00

Christmas Day!!! Anna and her new bike. She didn't think she would be able to ride such a big bike, but she mastered it in a few minutes....like she does with everything!
We went for a family Christmas bike ride. He made it all the way to the park.....but not quite all the way home! He worked really hard!!!

Christmas morning!

Look how big he is! He loves FINALLY having a good bike!!! He is such an athlete!

Anna with her 'Old Papa'

My precious ones!!!

Well, here we are at the very end on January, and I just TODAY downloaded my Christmas pictures!!! Wow! I guess that is a testament to how busy I am....or how lazy, I am not sure which one! Well, we were very blessed this Christmas! We had a great trip down to FL and then came home Christmas Eve to wake up in our own home Christmas morning! Here are some pictures of our 'good times'!

An update on our fam!!!

2009-01-21T08:02:00.002-06:00

I know it has been a while, but here is where we are right now....
Brian- 1)Being a great youth minister 2)working hard on school

James- 1)very eagerly awaiting baseball sign-ups 2) after watching faulkner basketball games, he is now eagerly awaiting next year's sign-ups for basketball too!!!

Anna- 1)has just started violin lessons and it is PRECIOUS!!!

Luke- 1) working hard at his one goal in life....making us all laugh!!!

Me- 1) I am enjoying school with my kids 2) spending most of my spare time training for a marathon!!! I am up to 8.5 miles. I never thought that would be possible. 3) making a resolution to be better at keeping up with my blog.....really.

So proud of my hubby!!!!

2008-12-17T16:01:00.002-06:00

Last Saturday, Brian graduated with a Masters in Biblical Studies and I am so proud of him.

I have no idea how he does it. He has so much going on in his crazy, busy schedule, but somehow he still puts so much care and concetration into every bit of it. 4.0, way to go!!! He is so blessed and I am too...and proud that he is mine!!!

Thank you so much for making the long trip up Granny and Granddad! We love you so much!

We had such a great visit with Mimi and Papa, and Leslie and Erin! We love you all and can't wait to see you this weekend!!!

Here we are with our good friends Michael and Amelia!

We love you!!!

Dr. Hilyer, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Two down.....how many more to go????

Something funny?...or are you just happy to be done???

Luke's Performance!

2008-12-15T09:18:00.003-06:00

Luke had a little Christmas party at his school and he was so proud!
He made me a present. Isn't is precious?!!!

His class sang songs and I was so impressed. They had to have worked really hard to get all of those 3-year-olds to learn all of that. After every song, Luke would look at me and clap real quietly. He was so serious about singing and loved every second of it!!!

Happy 7th Birthday, Anna!

2008-12-05T18:32:00.003-06:00

All I can say is.....I know how blessed I am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday, baby girl! I love you!

Thanks, Mel!

2008-12-04T08:10:00.002-06:00

When my sister was visiting a few months ago, I asked her to draw a picture on a canvas for Luke's room. She just drew this up on her own and I just finished painting it. I can not even imagine being able to draw like that. She is so talented. I LOVE the way it turned out. I can't wait for the ones for James' and Anna's rooms. I love you, Mel!!!!!!!!!

Wow! I almost forgot how to sign in!!!

2008-12-02T16:11:00.003-06:00

Granddaddy took the little guys for a ride on the tractor after the game!
The girls!

We started our first annual "Compton Bowl" flag football game this year. If you think the adults went easy on the kids......then you don't know the Comptons!!! Ha!!!

The first picture of the WHOLE Compton family!

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. Ours was wonderful! The kids ate and played and had a great time together. The adults were able to eat a great meal and then spend 2 hours just talking about everything we are thankful for. It is such a wonderful blessing to be surrounded by such wonderful people........we did miss being able to see some other wonderful people...Wakefields, get ready for us. We will be there in a few weeks!!!!

Trunk or Treat!!!

2008-10-29T07:45:00.002-05:00

Luke, Brian, and Brody....take a break from the hayride for a picture!

Anna and Brenli......Precious!!!

Candy AND Star Wars...could it get any better???!!!

'These people are just giving me candy!!!'

The Power Ranger, Little Bo Peep, and the Clone Trooper!

I can't say how great Trunk or Treat is!!! The kids have so much fun and it is completely safe! We had a great time!!!!!

In case you didn't know.....

2008-10-20T07:56:00.001-05:00

Punch balloons are still the best!!!!

Beautiful day at the park!!!

2008-10-03T08:17:00.004-05:00

We had so much fun at the park on Wednesday. The weather was BEAUTIFUL and the kids had a great time. James and I threw the baseball for about 30 minutes and it was really nice. It is just crazy that he is old enough to play baseball!!! Last night, at his game, he had two GREAT hits and his first NECESSARY clay stains from sliding!!! On the way home, Brian said, " James, when we get home, throw your baseball clothes in your basket and get a shower." I said, "Can you believe he is old enough for you to say that to?" He said," It won't be the last time I say that to him." That might not seem like a big deal......but it just goes by so quickly!!! WOW!!!!!

Anyway, it is so nice outside and it is such a blessing to be able to be with my kids all of the time!

More pictures!!!

2008-10-03T08:05:00.001-05:00

Happy October the 1st!!!

2008-10-01T11:21:00.002-05:00

I just love October! I hope everyone has a Happy Fall!!!

Come on, little guy....

2008-09-18T12:24:00.002-05:00

Luke and his gecko
He said, " Come on, little guy, let's go for a ride".

Of course, he was surprised when the 'little guy' crawled right out!!!
Look Mom, no training wheels!!!

We are just LOVING being outside in this beautiful weather we are having. And yes, I am aware that Anna's bike is a 'tad' small, but we are working on it...all right???!!

The BIG game.....

2008-09-16T20:13:00.003-05:00

Look at that concentration!!!
He hit a single here off of the first pitch and made his first run!!!
Go James!!!!!

This is so much fun!!!! I just love being his mom....he is such a special and sweet spirit. What a blessing....

My little boy......

2008-09-08T07:16:00.003-05:00

Well, here we go! We are officially the parents of a baseball player. Yes, it has begun for us and it really is exciting. James has started Fall Ball and he could not be more excited. I'm guessing Brian couldn't be either, judging by how much he spent at Dick's Sporting Goods on their way home from his first practice!!! I can't wait until his first game. I am going to try REALLY hard not to be that crazy mom on the sidelines, but you know me!!!!! Does a baseball field even have sidelines??? See, I don't even know what I am talking about! Well, I guess I am going to learn pretty quickly because James hasn't stopped talking about it yet. I made the mistake of calling his uniform an 'outfit' and was quickly chastised!!! Isn't he just too cute???!!!!

Waaaaarrrrr Eagle!!!!

2008-09-01T16:16:00.002-05:00

Happy September the 1st!

2008-09-01T15:52:00.003-05:00

Not too bad, for a self-portrait!
Waiting.......
We waited here for 1 3/4 hours for the tiger walk, but they didn't complain!
Brad Lester stopped to say hey to James!
Almost game time!!!

Happy September the 1st everyone!!!! James and Anna are outside in the 'almost fall feeling weather'. They are playing football. Well, James is playing football and Anna is the water girl, cheerleader, and baton twirler!

James is on cloud nine! He has been trying to get Anna to play 'Auburn' with him FOREVER! She now has a new love and appreciation for it since last Saturday. What happened Saturday, you ask? Well, Brian, James, Anna, Mimi, Papa, and I went over to Auburn to see the first game of the season...and can I just say, "Waaaaaaaaarrrrrrr Eagle"!!!!!!!!!

We had sooooo much fun. I had never been to a game in Auburn before Saturday and now I don't know why I waited so long. It was great! We went to tiger walk and everything. James was so excited. On the way home he told me,"Mom, the first half of the tiger walk, my legs were shaking because I was so nervous, and the second half my legs were shaking because I was so excited!" By the end of the night, we were very tired, but still smiling!!! We will definitely try to go to more games this season!!!!!!

A Little Choked Up!

2008-08-19T06:26:00.004-05:00

So, I am at the gym, running on the treadmill, listening to my newly downloaded songs and quite enjoying it. Dancing Queen kept me going, Super Trooper got me going a little faster, (if you can't tell, it's ABBA!!!) but then something unexpected happened. I had heard the song before, and cried my eyes out, but I thought, I am at the gym....I am running and sweating......surely it won't have the same effect on me this time!!! Well, the song starts, and 5 seconds into it, I start to breath differently, and my eyes start tearing up. Through strong will and determination, I made it through the song without slowing down, but I was determined to make Brian listen to the song when I got home, and see if he could hear it without crying. What is the song you ask? It is called 'Slippin' Through My Fingers'. It is a mom singing about her little girl growing up and.....well, I don't want to start crying again, but the song has already prompted a manicure appointment for Anna and me, a shopping trip for just us girls, and I am holding her in my lap a lot more. Sometimes it takes a song, or a poem, or someone else who has gone through it to make you realize how quickly they will be gone. I am so thankful for my little girl and I pray that I don't let our time together 'slip through my fingers'!!!!!!

Hooray for schedules!!!!!

2008-08-14T08:47:00.003-05:00

If you can't tell, it is supposed to be a tombstone!
Hooray for school supplies!
Luke, trying to be silly!

Well, we had our 1st annual family back to school bash Tuesday night. That means we made a cake and got cool school supplies! I am so happy to get back to having a schedule around here. That is just my personality. It drives me a little crazy to just get up every morning and say, "What are we going to do today?" It is funny how much more happy the kids are when the have normalcy in their lives too. If something doesn't happen when scheduled to happen then it is, "We aren't supposed to have snack until 10:30 and it is only 10:15." Am I making little OCD monsters out of them??????? But don't worry,of course, we schedule time for fun...........

A present from Luke!

2008-07-30T08:29:00.005-05:00

Last night, as I was trying to get the house back in order after being gone for two weeks, Luke was helping Brian pull the GINORMOUS weeds in the front yard. I heard the doorbell ring and this is what I saw.....notice the gloves.....and then he insisted that I put it in my hair and wear it for the rest of the night.....which I did...of course!!!!!!!

Precious family!

2008-07-17T09:18:00.001-05:00

All of us!

Having fun at the beach!

2008-07-16T08:22:00.002-05:00

We did it!!!!

2008-07-15T07:53:00.003-05:00

5:30 in the a.m.
After the race! I don't know what the flexing is all about. I guess I was just proud of having a number on my arm and to know I did it!
Do you think Brian's bike looks about 3 minutes faster than mine? I do!!!!!

I think the triathlon experience was one of the best things I have ever done! The fact that Brian and I were together was so great...I can't even describe it. It was one of those things that just brings you closer as a couple. OK, they numbered us according to how fast our swim time was on the application. Brian started about 50 people behind me. So, I started pretty strong on the swim, I thought, and then I ran to the bike, rinsed off my feet, and headed out for the ride. As I suspected, the bike was the toughest part for me. People were just flying by on their 'road bikes'. I might as well have had a basket and a bell on mine....ok, it wasn't quite that bad, but if I plan on keeping this up, I will need to invest in a better bike. Anyway,just as I put my bike back on the rack and pinned on my number, Brian came in. I hurried off on my run, but was very winded! Just as I rounded the turn for home, with about 1.5 miles to go, Brian caught up with me. At first I though....."aaarrrrggghhhh, he caught up with me". But, finishing the rest of the way with him was absolutely the best way it could have ended. Remember, my original goal was 1.5 hours. We crossed the finish line at 1.27 hours. I was so excited. Then Brian reminded me that that was the start time for everybody. The clock that didn't stop. We all had to be spaced out to start the swim.....anyway, my official time with my ankle bracelet ended up being 1.19. YEAH!!!!!!!!! Brian's was 1.16! I couldn't be happier with that time for our first one! There will definitely be more triathlons in our future!!!!!!!

Happy birthday Ashlyn!

2008-07-08T21:05:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my new little niece, Ashlyn Grace Compton. My brother, Stuart and his sweet wife Kristy had their fourth precious baby this morning at about 8:30. I don't have any pictures yet, but hopefully I will soon. Thankfully, mommy and baby are doing great!!! Congratulations guys!!!!!!

...and the countdown continues!!!

2008-07-08T20:37:00.004-05:00

I would be able to be so much more excited about this.......

if I didn't get a pit in my stomach every time I thought about this!!!!

It's a good pit, though....if there is such a thing!!!!

Well, there are only four more days left! I just have enough time to clean the car, do the laundry, clean the house, weed the flower beds, water the lawn, pack and clean the house. Oh, I forgot one thing.....a whole lot of cardio!!!!! We go up on Friday for registration and the triathlon starts on Saturday at 7:00 in the a.m. Then, it will all be over in an hour and a half...or at least that is my goal. I will not be sad, however, if it takes a little longer than that because I will definitely try my hardest and that is all I can do. After the race, we will hopefully find somewhere to take a shower, drive back home to pick up the kids, and then head to the beach for vacation, where we will meet the rest of the family. Yea!!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Livi!

2008-07-02T13:59:00.002-05:00

The girls with the REAL BALLERINA!!!
It's not as easy as it looks!
Learning the dance is serious stuff
Perfect form Livi!
Happy 5th birthday Livi!

We love you!!!

The party was precious.

Matching Shirts!

2008-06-24T07:16:00.002-05:00

There is only one time during the year where the whole family looks so cute in our matching shirts. Yep, Vacation Bible School!!! Yes, even Brian was donning a purple shirt this week, but as you can see He did NOT want to document the occasion. VBS went great as usual. I taught the 2 year-old class....again. I love the little guys, but teaching that age is just not my forte! Anyway, we did make it through and I am looking forward to next year....when I can give some good advice to the next 2 year-old teacher...because it won't be me!!!!! O.K., it might...because I have a problem with not being able to say no!!!!!

A love/hate relationship!!!

2008-06-21T17:07:00.004-05:00

Here she is...it's a love/hate relationship!!!

Well, there are only three weeks left until the triathlon! I am both excited and, well, quite nervous. The swimming and the running, I have gotten pretty comfortable with. However, I was mistaken in thinking that taking spinning classes would be adequate training for the biking part of the race. I purchased my new bike last week and was so excited.....until I actually tried to ride the 9 miles. I thought...surely this isn't the right kind of bike....I am just going too slow...why is Brian able to go faster than me...his bike is better than mine...and so on! My goal of finishing the race in about 1 and 1/2 hours quickly went to 2...maybe 2 and 1/2!!! I am hoping that adrenaline will help a little bit! I have been either swimming and running, of swimming and biking for the past couple of weeks. This has been going great..I might have even gotten a little bit of false assurance in myself. Today was the first time I actually biked and then ran right after getting off of the bike. Wow!!! I didn't even do the whole 9 miles and 3.2 miles!!! I am so excited....every time I think about it, I get a little sick to my stomach...in a good way! The best part is that Brian is going to do the triathlon with me!!!!

A couple of kids and their shark!

2008-06-18T09:41:00.002-05:00

We have a marble jar reward system in our house. When they fill the jar up, they get a prize. James chose to get this shark outfit. I don't think I have seen him in the pool without it since. In case you didn't notice, James and Anna are riding atop a Hammerhead shark. 'Hammi' for short. It turns out my kids have the same talent for naming their animals as their mommy. Some of my animal names were, Patch, Tiger, and Midnight, and I bet you don't have a hard time picturing what they looked like!!!!

Hooray for Bible Camp!

2008-06-14T20:26:00.002-05:00

There were about 4 of 5 different churches there. This is a picture of who we brought!!!
One of Brian's duties...it is hard, but some body's got to do it!!!
Hangin' out by the lake
Spendin' some time in the 'mess hall'
Anna-showing us how much she likes canoeing....and how cute she is with just one front tooth!

Brian was a co-director at Bible camp a couple of weeks ago. We went and spent the last few days with the group. It is just as fun as I remember it..... though somehow not quite as carefree with a 3 year-old in your bunk with you. James and Anna just loved it and can't wait until next year. Luke, however didn't handle the midnight bedtime too well. One girl camper came up to me and said, "He sure cries a lot, doesn't he?" I almost told her...he is really tired, blah, blah, blah...but I just said,"Yep, he sure does", and figured she will get it one day!!! Do you know they still play the same games? It is so great! Anna learned the cup game. You know what I am talking about!!! She is as fast as I ever was! It just doesn't get much better than Bible Camp. Our group learned so much and said that they grew spiritually by being there that week. I am so glad that we were able to go. It was great!!!!!!!

Our newest project...or the completion of it!!!

2008-06-13T20:10:00.003-05:00

This is definitely NOT the way it started. We have worked for almost two years on this yard....ripping up holly bushes like nobody's business!! This is just the blank slate before the landscaper came. Hooray for the landscaper!!
This is where the sycamore tree and about 30 holly bushes used to be.
Look closely....no, your eyes are not deceiving you. We have been awarded the highly esteemed 'yard of the month' by the garden club!!!
WOW!!! So different.
Our backyard. It is definitely getting there!
Well, as many of you know...we have put many months, a lot of sweat, yes, a few tears...and even a little blood into the renovation of our landscape. This month, it has all payed off! I cannot tell you how happy I am and...well, just look at the difference!!! We had our landscaper friend come out and pull out the last few holly trees and landscape our front yard for us. The final touch for the front. We have worked on the backyard ourselves and I really have been enjoying every minute of it. Hooorrraaayyy!!!

It's a small world after all!!!

2008-05-30T19:56:00.002-05:00

Love the ears!
This is the only thing that mattered to Luke all day. He even got a stuffed Mickey and was hugging him so tightly! I didn't even know he really knew who Mickey was.
Taking a breather....a very short one, if you know me!!!
You just have to go on the Dumbo ride!
Oh no! The evil emperor Zurg!!!

It is just impossible to write about all of the fun times we had on our trip. We only spent one day at the Magic Kingdom, which turned out to be just enough for us. I guess that would explain why I felt the tremendous pressure to coordinate the day 'just so' so that nothing would be left out and we would feel like we got everything we needed out of the MK. I think what I ended up doing in tiring everyone out by lunch time. No, we really did have a great time. Here are some of the pictures of our fun-filled day. The only picture that I didn't get is the one of me....riding the rides....looking at the map....in the dark.......deciding our next move!!! I know. I have problems!!!!

The Magic Kingdom!!!

2008-05-30T19:43:00.002-05:00

Peter Pan...the best ride ever!
A little face paint and a kiss from the princess herself!!!
So precious!
Luke and me on "Pirates"
The fam at the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse and yes, that is a fanny pack. I am not afraid!!!

and....The Magic Kingdom!!!

2008-05-30T19:30:00.003-05:00

The kids with Mimi and Papa at the castle.
I love this one!
Believe it or not...it is quite hard to take good pictures while driving! But this one turned out pretty cute.
This was the highlight of Luke's day! He just loved Mickey!!
A little chat with 'Cindi'

Our Trip--Arabian nights!

2008-05-28T07:24:00.003-05:00

Our Trip--At the resort!!!

2008-05-28T07:15:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday Luke!

2008-05-24T15:05:00.003-05:00

Luke-about 6 mos.-Look at the cheeks!
Happy Birthday Luke! (wake up Anna)

Monday, May 19 was Luke's birthday. No, I didn't forget about it....it's just that we were on the road all day long!!! My baby is 3 years old. Wow! Is this the official time that we moms say, "Are you SURE we don't want anymore children?" I guess that is just the way most women are made. There is just nothing like your baby.....I will always miss my children being small, but I receive so much joy and countless smiles, love and laughter from my growing children everyday. Happy Birthday, Luke....my little clown!!!

First Things First!!!

2008-05-24T14:46:00.003-05:00

Go team, go!
Wow! Look at that form!
Getting a little coaching done on the sidelines!
She isn't a baby anymore. Look at that lonely front tooth!!!
Last picture of my baby as a 2 year-old!
Well, we just got home from vacation last night around 11:30. We had the best time in Florida and we are soooo tired! We were able to spend time with family and yes, we did go to Disney World!!! But, first things first. I have been so busy lately that I haven't been able to post. Last Saturday was the last soccer game of the season for James and Anna. Also, it will most likely be the last time Brian will be their coach. It was special for them to be on the same team and for Brian to be their coach too! Here are some of the 'highlights' from the last game!

My 'Chinese Doll'

2008-05-16T07:17:00.003-05:00

Last night, Anna had her ballet recital. It was so cute. Her class dressed as little Chinese dolls and I absolutely loved the outfits. It is so much fun being a mom!

Mother's day

2008-05-12T18:41:00.003-05:00

This is an 'oldie but goodie'!
I hope everyone had a great mother's day. We had a nice day...busy as usual. The lesson Sunday morning was on parenting, and was very touching. I am so blessed to have three precious children who call me their mom. There is just nothing like it! I am trying my hardest to take every moment in because I know they will not be little for long. Luke, my BABY, will be three, in one week from today! Where has the time gone? Being a mom is the hardest, most draining, most time-consuming, most emotional...... most important, most beautiful, most precious....it is the greatest job wrapped in a blessing that ever could be imagined!!! Happy Mother's Day to everyone...especially my Mom and my 'other Mom' (Brian's mom). I love you!!!

Happy May the 1st!

2008-05-01T09:40:00.002-05:00

Wow, it is already the beautiful month of May, 2008! My favorite month of the year for many different reasons. I love the weather! I love the flowers! (Not necessarily the ones in my yard, because we have had ZERO time to work outside!!! Maybe this weekend....I say with fingers crossed!) I just love the time of year in general. I will be 29 this month and my baby will turn 3 six days later! I cannot believe either one of those things is happening. Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful month. Happy May the 1st!!!!!!!

Not really surprising!

2008-04-24T16:01:00.002-05:00

Well, the guy came out to grind the huge stump and 'ginormous' roots yesterday, and.....wouldn't you know.....the crazy huge roots broke the grinder!!! Yes, even the professionals are having problems with our tree!!! Well, Mr. Huge Tree....the man WILL come back for you....Soon. Yes, very soon!!!!!!!

Just not enough room for it!!!

2008-04-14T18:21:00.002-05:00

Do you see the man in the background? Well he is standing on a very large stump. No, I need to start at the beginning.......Way back, a year and a half ago, when we moved into this house, we very quickly noticed a problem......a VERY LARGE PROBLEM!!! No, I need to go back farther. When our house was built, 40 years ago, apparently the owners decided it would be a good idea to plant a sycamore tree in our yard. A good idea, right? Well, not if you are planting it in the 10 square feet of land between you and your neighbor's house. I guess they just didn't know what a sycamore tree was....that or they just didn't care!! Needless to say, in the 40 years since, this tree has grown, and grown, and GROWN. We decided, it was time, and we had it cut down. O. K., now we can landscape and everything will be alright, right? NO WAY!!! Over the years, this tree's 'anaconda roots', to put it lightly, had reeked havoc on our driveway and our neighbor's driveway. Every time we backed out of our driveway, it felt like we had just ended a small animal's life.....nope, it is just the crumbling concrete!!!! Finally, this past week, we had the concrete dug up and re poured. YEA!!!!!
Luke thought it was pretty cool!!!
Do you see how hard those roots were to get up? Is that thing supposed to be that high in the air? I thought he was about to tip over. The guy said, " Those weren't roots under there, those were trees!!!" It was unreal to see how big they had gotten, and they were headed for the house!!!
We had some entertainment for the day, but it was bright outside!
Here they are pouring the nice, smooth, concrete!!! Next step, new landscaping!!!! I am so excited!!!

For the past week.....

2008-04-09T11:05:00.003-05:00

Brian and James-headed for the A-Day game at Auburn!
Anna-smelling the last bloom on my Easter Lily
Luke-with his balloon
My latest accomplishment!!! I was asked to do the fruit for a shower and I said, "Sure, I will make a fruit mountain!" I didn't actually say that I had never tried this before, but I was sure acting confident enough, as though I had. Thankfully, it turned out pretty cute. Of course, I had to add the tinted dip served in a cantaloupe.....just for fun!!!

I am in TRAINING!!!

2008-04-04T17:00:00.002-05:00

Yes, for the past week, I have been training for a mini triathlon. You did read correctly. I......am training.....for a MINI TRIATHLON. You know, it doesn't seem like a big accomplishment when they put the word 'mini' in front of it!!! I am here to tell you, it absolutely is no 'mini accomplishment. The competition is in July. Brian and I are planning to race together, as well as my sister and her husband. I am so excited. I have spending most of my time on the bike, well the stationary ones they use in spin classes because I don't actually have a bike of my own. This does pose a problem seeing as how we have to ride one for nine miles in the race!!! Oh well, hopefully I will fix that soon. I also have been improving my time on the 5k. What's funny is that when I started, I couldn't even run a 2k!!! So, biking and running are going well, but swimming......oh, swimming!!!!!!! I don't know if there are many swimmers out there, but WOW! Today, I swam for the first time since I started training. I didn't even get a fourth of a lap swam with the correct form! My arms were doing alright, but my legs were doing whatever they could to get me there!!! I think this is going to be the killer!!! Of course, I didn't have any goggles on and I am sure that would have helped a little bit. I did end up being able to swim the entire 400 meters though. YEA!!! It may not be pretty, but I am at least going to try my hardest!!! Huh, 'mini' nothing. From now on, I will call it the 'special' triathlon........No, that won't work either......I will keep thinking on the new name!!!

A new month already!!!

2008-04-01T07:33:00.002-05:00

Happy April the 1st!!!!!!!!! Month 4 of 2008. Wow! I am loving spring. I am just going to act like it isn't 45 degrees outside right now!!! I can't wait to get all of my new flowers planted this week. I hope everyone has a blessed April!

"I have a frog in my mouth!"

2008-03-28T08:15:00.004-05:00

It was later than normal when the kids got out of their bath last night. They pretty much went straight to bed. Luke woke up with a cool 'do' this morning!!! Hilarious! We are all suffering a little bit here. I don't know if it is allergies, (which would make since, seeing as how my car has turned from a shiny black to a powdery yellow in color) or just a bad cold. Whatever it is, we don't sound very pretty!!! Luke said to me this morning, "I have a frog in my mouth". It took me a minute, but I got it!!! I love that boy!!!

Well, it is over!

2008-03-26T20:59:00.002-05:00

Tonight, I taught the ladies' class at church. I can tell how strong the power of prayer is because amazingly, I didn't even get a sick stomach at all today. I studied and knew pretty well what I was talking about. I actually enjoyed speaking to all of the wonderful women in the class. It was nice to look out and see their sweet, reassuring faces. I did, of course warn everyone that I was not blessed with the ability for public speaking....I didn't want it to be a shock to them. After class was over, several of the women came up to me and said I was wrong about my ability and I did a wonderful job. It feels really nice to overcome a fear and feel like I have done something meaningful. Thank you for all of your prayers today.

I finally have a little bit of a breather!!!

2008-03-25T16:59:00.003-05:00

Last week, Brian and I went on a youth trip over to West Virginia. We went skiing!!! We had a really nice time in the snow. I like those short trips to where it is cold. They really confirm my feelings about living in the south....I am thankful for the warmth. Brian, and pretty much everyone else did a lot of skiing. It took me, however, until after lunch on the last day to muster up the courage to go down a real slope. Up until then, the bunny slope was still pretty much owning me!!! Brian said I wasn't 'committing to my turns and stops'. Oh well, I don't have a problem admitting when I am not good at something....However, if I lived close to the slopes, maybe......Ha!!! Anyway, it was nice, after I got over the sheer terror of it all!!! Well, we got home on Friday night. We had a family day with the kids on Saturday and went to see Horton Hears A Who. It was cute, but I was actually expecting better. I liked the musical more! Sunday was Easter and was pretty low key. It was nice. Brian got some yard work done and it is starting to look 'springy' outside. Since then, I have been preparing to teach a ladies' class for this Wednesday night. I don't know why I signed up to teach. I know fully well that public speaking is not one of the talents that God has blessed me with. I get so nervous that I either get sick, or laugh my way through. I have really enjoyed the study, though. Please pray for me that I can get what I have been studying across to them. I hope everyone had a nice Easter!!!

Easter Happenings!

2008-03-17T06:35:00.003-05:00

This weekend, we had some Easter fun!!! On Saturday, we did a little Easter craft (thanks Kristy!) and it turned our so cute! Sunday, we had our Easter egg hunt. It was such a beautiful day!!!

'Coming to a Neighborhood Near You!!!'

2008-03-13T09:33:00.003-05:00

No crack in the sidewalk, no large stick that has fallen off of a tree, no large and overbearing, scratchy holly bush can get on the way of........"the scooter gang"!!! Yesterday, James, Anna, Luke and I took advantage of the beautiful day. In my mind, James and Anna would ride their scooters and I could push Luke in the stroller. Who was I kidding??? He, of course insisted that he ride his scooter also. I was so impressed. He was a little slower than the other two, but he pushed his little legs as hard as he could. He was smiling the whole time and saying over and over again,"I don't need help". It was adorable. We had such a great time. I am so thankful for spring and time to be able to spend with my precious children!!!

Our quick trip to Florida!!!

2008-03-11T18:12:00.003-05:00

This past weekend, our family took a trip to see our newest member! Little baby Erin was born on Feb. 26. It was good to be able to go down and see her as a newborn. The next time we will be able to see her will be in July and she will have changed so much. James and Anna enjoyed holding her. They could move her around so easily which made me- and I am sure it made her mama very nervous!!! Sorry Leslie, I was trying to keep a close eye on them!!! We left Friday afternoon and returned home Sunday evening. We had a nice time and it was good to see everyone. I can't believe that Thanksgiving was the last time we had seen everyone!!! Time is just flying by these days!

So Excited!!!

2008-03-06T17:09:00.004-06:00

Finally, something exciting coming out of the mailbox! Yesterday, right beore leaving for church, I checked the mail. A lot of times, I even forget to check the mail because it is pretty uneventful for me...sometimes even painful!!! You know, those big bills!!! Anyway, yesterday was different. When I saw this, I didn't even know I had been waiting on it, but I had!!! The catalog for the 2008 season of the Fox Theater in Atlanta. I was so happy that I stuck it right in my diaper bag so I could more closely examine it. I don't know when I thought I would have time to closely look at everything in this wonderful little booklet, on the drive there, or at church, but it was a good idea at the time. Well, when I arrived home, I actually had time to look at it. I AM SO EXCITED!!!!! Les Miserables, Mama Mia, Tarzan and several more are on the playlist for the season. The only thing I have to do now is decide which ones I simply can't miss being there to see. There is one problem....there are also several shows at Shakespeare I also simply will not be able to pass up. I guess the matter of $$$ is also a problem. Oh well, I am so excited anyway!!!!!

Trip to Mel's

2008-03-03T10:10:00.003-06:00

Wow, it has been a while! This past weekend, James, Anna, and I took a trip down to Mel and Ryan's house. Mel and I were going to take a shopping trip down to Destin so I could buy the kids' summer wardrobe. We arrived Friday afternoon and were so busy that I didn't even have time to get my camera out except to document Rose's first time in her bumbo seat. She loved it! She is absolutely precious. She reminds me so much of Anna at that age. We had such a wonderful time down there. Mel, Rose, Anna, and I shopped all day Saturday. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. We shopped, ate and talked...a perfect day! Ryan and ALL 5 BOYS (their 4 plus James) had a great time at their new house, playing in the creek, having tickle fights, and hot dogs on the bonfire at night...because the girls did not arrive home until 9:00! Thanks Ryan!!! It was great to be able to spend some time with the boys this weekend. They are all sweethearts!!! I had much success at shopping, thanks to all of Mel's help. Hopefully, we can make this an annual or even a bi-annual tradition! I had a great time,Mel. I love you!!!

I was sadly mistaken!

2008-02-21T12:31:00.002-06:00

Well, I was too quick to come to the conclusion that my family had escaped...narrowly escaped..but escaped just the same. Escaped what you say? You know, this horrible flu, or virus, or bronchitis, or whatever is ailing absolutely everyone around us! I was wrong. I woke up Sunday morning not feeling 'quite right' and by Sunday night, I was miserable. Of course, Brian preached out of town Sunday morning and Sunday night. We all went with him and it was going to be a great day. We spent the afternoon with the most precious family. There were so many of them that I still haven't figured out who went with whom. They were all so sweet. They made us lunch and took us in like we were part of them! It was a very nice day, except for the coughing, aching, fever and chills! Thankfully, I was able to keep medicated all day and didn't feel my worst until late Sunday night. (I sure hope I didn't unknowingly pass this stuff on to them!) I was out of it all day Monday and Anna started her fever on Monday night. Thankfully, we are both feeling much better now. I am just waiting on the boys to get it now. I feel so bad for James. He has literally been counting down the days until this Friday. We were going to go to a youth rally where we used to live. James little best friend lives there and he barely gets to see him. For the past month it has been,"18 more days...", "17 more days".... Well, now we can't go. I feel so sorry for him. He isn't even sick and he probably feels like he is being punished. He is devastated!!! He did perk up a little when I mentioned possibly getting him a new DS game!!! Part of me wants them to just get it and get it over with. But the other, more sensible side, knows how horrible it is and is praying that they don't get it at all. Surely, this is the end of it. Surely, it has gone through everyone in this city by now!!!
On the bright side, this gives us the excuse to sit and watch movies all day. As a matter of fact, the kids are watching one of my all time favorites right now. I need to go....Anne Shirley just broke her slate on Gilbert Blythe's head! Serves him right for calling her 'Carrots'!!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T10:31:00.004-06:00

I always tell myself that Valentine's Day is just a holiday which is made up in order to get everyone to spend more money. But, in reality, I get just as mushy as everyone else! I was so excited to see the handwritten letter stuck to the bathroom mirror when I got up this morning. This meant more to me than anything I could have ever gotten.....it truly IS the thought that counts. This letter took me back to the days when I would get a note in the campus mail from him. I can't believe this is our ninth Valentine's Day together! I never thought that I could really be so entirely happy! It is crazy to think back on EVERYTHING that has happend in our life together so far!!! I love you, Brian!!!

Finished Product!

2008-02-06T08:41:00.001-06:00

I think it turned out pretty cute! I painted the bookshelf, the bed, the mirror, and of course, the walls. The wavy line was so time consuming, but it turned out great! Brian did a great job as usual on the moulding. He was able to use his Christmas presents, the mitre saw and nail gun with compressor. I just love home projects. Next up....the upstairs bathroom!!!

Scary!

2008-02-05T09:31:00.000-06:00

Wow! What is with the plague that is sweeping over the city! Last week, church looked almost bare and I couldn't go to work this week because they are all sick. I heard a lady at the gym say that there were 17 kids from her son's fourth grade class out sick yesterday. I have to get on a little soapbox for just a minute. If your kids are sick....don't take them to church, don't send them to school and don't even take them to Target with you for, 'just a minute'!!! This is how it keeps spreading!!! I just don't see how moms don't 'get' that this is how their child got sick in the first place. The only place you should be taking them is to the doctor!!! When your child is sick...life does not go on as normal. Cancel plans, make some changes in your schedule. However, if your child is sick...I do hope that they get feeling better very soon. It is just scary how contagious this thing is. Very thankfully, we have not gotten sick....yet!

Good Teeth=Big Money!!!

2008-01-30T10:13:00.000-06:00

Well, James and Anna both had dentist appointments this morning and both had to have two teeth pulled. I have already been told by the dentist to start saving because they will both need braces! Yea!!! I was not prepared, however, for the enormous sum of money that I had to pay this morning! I have been used to the "We will bill you...see you next time." I did not hear those familiar words this morning. What I heard was quite the opposite. I said, " You are going to bill the insurance, right?" They said, "This is only what we think they won't pay, and since it is the beginning of the year.....deductible and all..." Again....Yea!!! Anyway, they are feeling fine and I have bribed them with a toy from Toys R Us. As soon as they are able to feel their little tongues again, we will make the trip to the store. I don't know why I felt the need to bribe them. They are always good at the doctor. I guess I just felt bad for them. I know how much I love having dental work done!!!

My life today!

2008-01-23T08:21:00.000-06:00

James trying to teach Luke the love of football!!!

I just love this picture!
So, today I started my workout and diet!(1) I am smack dab in the middle of redoing Anna's room.(2) I mean door and window mouldings and baseboards and everything. The walls were in the worst condition of any room I have ever done! I had to sand every inch, spackle, and sand again and then prime. How quickly I have forgotten all of the work that caulking and sanding requires!!! I wish I had a before picture to post, but I always am so eager to get started that I forget to take one. I will post an after picture as soon as possible. I was elbow deep in caulking (literally) last night but it was alright because I had put 4 new songs on my MP3!! Wednesdays are my first day off of the week, so I feel like everything needs to be done on that day. Change sheets! (3) School! (4) And.....it's that time of year again! I need to get my clothes ready for the consignment sale. (5) I drop them off on Saturday. I am trying something new this time. I am not planning on working or going to the sale this time. You know, if you can cut something out of your schedule.....I just don't have time! I will see how it is to actually buy 3 entire wardrobes at the store. Well, I need to get going if I am going to get everything done! ....and they wonder what we stay at home moms do all of the time!!!

Let It Snow!

2008-01-21T19:06:00.000-06:00

We had such a great Saturday! I had just gotten home from a youth group girls' sleepover at 7:30 a.m. so I was taking a nap. Brian woke me up to the best news! "It's snowing!" I looked out the window and it wasn't those usual flakes that you have to squint to see and convince yourself it is not just a light mist.....these were real snowflakes!!! It was beautiful. So, we bundled up the kids quickly and headed outside...but not before I grabbed a cup of coffee. You see, I am not a person who really enjoys the cold. Anyway, the kids played outside for a little while...until my cup of coffee was gone... and then we all came inside and enjoyed the snow from there. I am so glad they got to see snow. That was the perfect amount for me. Just enough to enjoy it and not too much to where we would have to shovel walkways and scrape windshields and watch out for crazies on the road. We have enough of those around here without any help from the weather!!!

Horsin' around!

2008-01-12T20:17:00.001-06:00

Here is Luke playing with one of his favorite toys! He hasn't really stuck to any toy in particular that he really is attached to. Unless you count bead necklaces......which I don't! No, he is loving his "behooter" as he calls it. (Don't worry, that is 'Luke' for computer!) Also, his power tools and tool belt are a huge hit!!! He must take after me!!! Just kidding, Brian!!! Anyway, I think he just enjoys being right under my feet all of the time so anything other than that just doesn't interest him. He is getting so big!!! Now I can see how Moms think that their babies are babies forever. There is some problem with our brains that makes us think that they stay small no matter how quickly their pants are becoming 'highwaters'! How can you describe the joy that comes from your children??? I am so thankful for my 3 little blessings!

Really???!!!

2008-01-11T10:24:00.000-06:00

Can you believe it? You spend so much.....too much money during the holidays and then you just want to do a simple thing like put your decorations away. It cost me $55 to do so. Yep, that's right! Those great containers (which I did settle for grey colored) cost me $55!!! Apparently, it does not pay,..... it costs, to be organized!!! But I am sure when I get everything down next year....it will be worth it.....I guess it will!!!

Wow! It is finally over!

2008-01-08T20:27:00.000-06:00

You know......Christmas! I am officially putting my Christmas decorations away tonight. I usually use the ,"I just love to look at them", reason for not taking them down until early Feb., but I have just this year come to the conclusion that this is not a reason. It is, in fact, an excuse. I just plain don't like to take them down!!!!! I have been working all evening and have everything gathered and ready to pack away but I have hit a road block! I just have to get those red and green plastic containers for some reason. I don't know if it is just good advertising or the fact that my 8 year old cardboard boxes just aren't doing the job anymore. Anyway, I will be on the hunt for those great Christmas colored containers tomorrow...... but don't worry. I will settle for the grey.....if I have to!!!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2008-01-01T17:14:00.000-06:00

Anna and "Annabelle"
His face says it all!!!
I bet he has his Daddy's talent!
Mom made these shawls and hats for the girls. Precious!
Eleven of the grandkids!
The Carters!
The Phillips'!
Here we are!
Mom and Dad. I love this picture!!!

We were blessed with a wonderful Christmas this year. We missed not being able to be with all of the family this year, but it just isn't possible. We are just too spread out. I sent packages all over the U.S. this year! It was nice being able to start our own traditions and to have family come to our home on Christmas Eve. We had to go out of town on the 26th and didn't get back until the 30th so it has been crazy. Brian and I went to a youth camp that Brian was on the board for. He had a lot of stress and responsibility and I am glad I could be there to help him. Thank you to Mom and Dad for watching the kids for us! I am not much help to Brian on trips when I have the kids, so this was a treat! We picked the kids up on Sunday night and were looking forward to a good night's sleep. This was not in the cards, however. We ended up taking Luke to the emergency room at 3:00 A.M. that night with the same symptoms he had over Thanksgiving. What is it about the holidays that makes Luke not be able to breathe!! They think he has asthma. It is a scary thing when your child struggles to breathe! He is now on a lot of medicine and it makes him extremely hyper! We are praying that we can keep this under control and that he eventually grows out of it. Well, here we go.....Happy New Year!!!

A Wedding!

2007-12-22T20:13:00.000-06:00

Well, as if we weren't busy enough....Anna and James were in a wedding tonight! They were so well-behaved, and it was a very pretty wedding. It was the first wedding for both of them. They bought Anna a beautiful dress that hopefully she will be able to wear again....despite the tea stains from the reception!!! Oh well, that is what dry cleaning is for, right? Anyway, I was able to get some great pictures of them!!! James was so excited about the tie he had on before we left. He and Brian went to find one that would match Anna's sash. Unfortunately, it wasn't the right color so I successfully convinced him to wait until tomorrow to wear it. I couldn't help but think as I watched them walk down the aisle how quickly they will be grown up and getting married themselves. It seems like just yesterday that Brian and I got married and now my babies are 7, 6, and 2 years old!!!

Happy Birthday Emma!

2007-12-20T11:50:00.000-06:00

Emma Dean is 1!!!
Rose, Anna and Olivia!
Alli and her baby!
Tuesday night, we had my niece, Emma's, 1st birthday party. (Alli and Brandon's baby!) She was so precious, I just had to post some pictures of her! Melanie and her children were also able to come up early for Christmas and so they made it to the party. Anna had to be near Rose, or talking to Rose, or at least touching Rose...the entire time. She just loves babies!! Get ready Leslie...she is soooo excited about Erin! Well, that is all I have time for, and I didn't really have time for that. I am having the youth group Christmas party at my house tonight and haven't done much to prepare for it yet. Also, some friends are coming in from out of town and are spending the night with us tonight.....NEEDLESS to say.....I must be going! Merry Christmas!!!

A visit with Santa and some GREAT news!

2007-12-13T13:32:00.000-06:00

First of all, the kids had their annual visit with Santa last Sunday. Luke was not too happy about the whole thing. He was fine and actually liked the experience last year, but you know what they say about getting older and wiser....Anyway, he was crying and I didn't think he would go up there, but Anna and James came to the rescue. You can always count on siblings! After he saw Santa, he kept saying over and over as if to convince himself,"Santa not scary!" It was really cute!

And the good news is...........................I finally got my mantle!!!!!!!!

I still have to prime it, fill in nail holes, sand it, and paint it with a few coats of semi-gloss paint, but I am so excited. Of course, this will all take place BEFORE Christmas......what else do I have to do!? Yeah right. I am about to go crazy with all of the things I have to do (just like everyone else, I am sure) but there is always time for a 'project'!!! Especially one I have been waiting on for so long, and waiting very patiently, I might add!!!! Anyway, hooray for the mantle!!!

I've been "fairy" busy!

2007-12-08T19:37:00.000-06:00

Today, we had Anna's birthday party. We had a fairy theme and I went all out. I have never really had a big party for her, so I tried to make this one extra special. I took all of the furniture out of the school room and decorated it like crazy. We had 12 fairies in total. We played fairy limbo and had a treasure hunt to find our fairy dust. We also made fairy halos and painted their nails. It was a lot of fun and I hope Anna will remember it forever. However, I now lack the required "get up and get it done-edness" to get everything back in order. Therefore, Anna will have a fairy room to play in for a few days! I better get everything back in order soon though, I can only stand things being crazy for so long!!!

Happy Birthday, Anna!

2007-12-05T20:54:00.000-06:00

Lost her first tooth-May 2007
First ballet recital-May 2007
Soccer game with "coach"-May 2007
Vacation-July 2007

April-2006 Vacation- 2007
New Earrings!- Today
( I sure wish we would have gotten a digital camera when she was a baby! Oh well, we are up with the times....for now!)
Wow! My baby girl is 6 years old. Many different people have told me how quickly it goes by, but you really don't understand until it happens to you. I know my children are still young, but I am definitely getting a little taste of it. Last week, we watched some of our home videos from when James and Anna were little. It just made me cry to see how big they have gotten. My thought was I hope I savored every minute of it. I know I will think the same thing five years from now, when I watch the home videos we are making now. (which are not many) I like pictures more than videos. It is much easier to look at pictures of my babies, than to hear their sweet voices and see them in action. It did help me realize that it is so important to spend time and cherish every moment with our children.. They are such blessings!!! Anyway, Anna wanted to get her ears pierced for her birthday, so we took her to the mall. I think I was more nervous than she was. She was so brave. She just held the little teddy bear and squeezed my hand. She never ceases to amaze me. I don't know what I would do without my Anna......she is such a sweetheart and I am proud and blessed to be her "mama".

Peter Pan!

2007-12-03T20:36:00.000-06:00

Here is the Peter Pan group! We had a very nice time. The choreography was great and the actors were very entertaining. It was a really good show but it was a little long for children. I would suggest going to see an afternoon show if you are taking little ones. It was about 3 hours long. James, Anna, Ethan and Isaac were perfect during the show even though I know they were tired. They didn't move a muscle. They were absolutely precious. I am so glad we were able to spend some special time with Ethan and Isaac. By the way....... doesn't my tree look pretty in the background? Well about 5 seconds after this picture was taken, it fell down right on my mom with no warning. Water poured out everywhere, all of the ornaments fell off, and a few balls broke. It was pretty upsetting and embarrassing, but I held myself together, gathered the kids up and went to the show. I had to calm Anna down, of course. She thought her "favorite ornament" was broken and she came unglued! I don't even think she had seen that ornament until mom picked it up off of the ground and it wasn't even broken. Nevertheless, I had to console her before we left. Isn't it funny how things happen? I had put so much effort into it and then........kerplunk! Oh well, things happen. After we got home, I acted like it was good because we get to decorate the tree all over again and the kids liked that. Everything turned out OK and we had a great night!!!

Happy Dec. the 1st!!!

2007-12-01T05:33:00.000-06:00

Happy Dec. the 1st! My mom would always say that to us when we were growing up and it just puts me in a good mood. Well, it is 5:30 in the AM and I am waiting on my friend Shannon to come pick me up. We are going to Santuck. Santuck is like a year round craft show that happens the first Saturday of every month. I have never been but have always wanted to. I hope I find some good deals. I have no idea what I am looking for, but whatever it is....I hope I get a good deal! Also, I am taking James and Anna to see Peter Pan at Shakespeare tonight. Ryan is bringing Ethan and Isaac up and for them to go, and my mom is going also. I have heard that it is wonderful. I am so excited. I just love to see just about anything in a theater. I am so excited that James and Anna are getting to the age where they enjoy it just a little bit, too. Brian, Ryan, my dad, and Luke will stay behind and watch the SEC championship. I am sure they will also have a good time. Well, she is here.....gotta go!!!

A personal problem.....

2007-11-29T21:47:00.000-06:00

I have a personal problem and it is greatly intensified this time of year. I take all of the parties, and company, and beautiful decorations, and shopping, and gift-giving as invitations to completely obsess about everything! My problem is that I am an extreme over-achiever. This, coupled with the fact that I am a huge people-pleaser is not a stress-free way to live. I just got home from a ladies' night at church and I had such a great time. There was a short devotional and the lady who spoke, used the example of filling a bowl with big rocks. Then she added pebbles. Then sand and then she added water. She said you can always add more, but you have to put the big rocks in first. We have to prioritize and realize that the little things aren't as important as we think they are. Still, I am sure that I will be spot-cleaning my horrible carpet before my family comes for dinner Saturday night, and that I will have to get my tree up and decorated before they get here. Also, I will try my hardest to get Anna's bed painted before her birthday party next Saturday .... which I am sure I will obsess about when I have time . I am crazy.....I know!!! Well, I will pray about it.....but I guess admitting that I have the problem is the first step!!!

An update on "happenings"

2007-11-28T21:06:00.000-06:00

So, I took Luke for a follow-up appointment with Dr. Trumbull (who I love) and I was in for a little surprise. I told him all about Luke's symptoms and gave him the papers. He said that there is no way Pneumonia could have come on so fast. I told him that our other thought was that it could be allergies. He has always broken out in a rash when we are in different surroundings or for no reason that we can tell, and he had done this the night before. He said that was definitely it. This was both a relief and a little nerve racking. A relief because he didn't have Pneumonia, but apparently, he could just have an allergic reaction causing him to stop breathing at any time without any warning. He gave us a prescription that will help with his allergies, but I have to basically carry an inhaler with us at all times. I never know what he will have a reaction to and I still don't know what caused this one. I will just pray that he quickly outgrows this sensitivity to whatever is bothering him.......On a slightly less important note, (I hope you know I am kidding) my mantle is still not here. SHOCKER!!! I am still keeping up hope that it will be here soon!!!

Happy.....well, scary Thanksgiving!!

2007-11-26T07:28:00.000-06:00

Brandon and James
Matthew, Luke, James, Anna, Brandon and Grant
My sweet Luke!!!
We went down to Florida last Tuesday evening for Thanksgiving and were having a great time. We woke up Thanksgiving morning and noticed that Luke was having a lot of trouble breathing. He also had a fever and a horrible cough. The weird thing was that there was no sign of this the night before. Anyway, Brian and I decided to take him to a 24 hour clinic and "thankfully" there was one open that day. Well, they gave him a breathing treatment and sent him home. When Brian walked him through the door, I said, "You have to take him back." His lips were blue and he still wasn't breathing well. Brian took him back and they gave him another breathing treatment. They checked his O2 level and it was really low. They sent him by ambulance to the hospital. I pulled up just in time to see them hooking my little baby all up to machines and he had a breathing mask on. I had to follow the ambulance but Brian did get to ride with Luke. Can you imagine how I felt? It was pretty bad. My heart was lightened a little when they rolled the bed out of the ambulance Luke said, through his wheeze and the mask,"This is fun, Daddy". I love that boy. He had everybody smiling. A few chest x-rays and several hours later, they told us it was Pneumonia. Scary. They gave us steroids and an antibiotic. Thankfully, he is doing much better now. Sometimes, we get a wake up call as to what we need to be thankful for. I am thankful for our health!!! Anyway, we did have a great time in Florida. Thanks to Steve and Leslie for putting up with us last week. We had a great time with y'all, as usual. It was great to be able to spend time with Chris and Melissa, and the boys, too. We had a really great visit.

A New Tradition

2007-11-17T19:27:00.000-06:00

This evening, our family started something new and I hope it will become a family tradition. We decided that since we will be going out of town for Thanksgiving and will SURELY be in the holiday spirit when we return home, I decided I would like to have the house already decorated for Christmas. We started by going out as a family and letting the kids pick out their own decoration. They each picked a little nutcracker and they are absolutely adorable.( I love it when they pick something that I would have picked....alright, there might have been a little encouragement in the favor of the adorable nutcrackers, but can you blame me?) I picked out the cutest metal houses that hold a tea light. Anyway, after our shopping trip, we came back home and had supper and hot chocolate together. I could not find my Christmas CDs so I turned to the "Sounds of the Season" channel of TV. (we later found that I had "cleverly" packed them away with the Christmas decor) I love this channel by the way. So cool!!! We went on to decorate everything except for the tree. I just have to have a real one and therefore the tree will have to wait to be picked out until our return.....shortly, of course, after our return. It has been a fun family evening and I hope my family will remember it as fondly as I will!!!

Baby, it's cold outside....

2007-11-16T06:27:00.000-06:00

I am so excited about the weather. I am sitting here drinking my first "justified" cup of coffee for the season. Usually I just drink it because I like it, but today....it is cold. I know 50 or so degrees is not cold to some people, but I am a southern girl, and to me, a slight chill is COLD. I can already see that this Christmas season is going to be ......can we say......DANGEROUS for me. I have already spent so much time on amazon.com. It is great, but also a little bit addicting. Oh well, I will just have to keep my "holiday spirit" in check!!! Also, my mantle WAS ORDERED and should be in today or the beginning of next week. HOOOOOOORRRRRAAAAAYYYYY!!!!

My Mantle!

2007-11-12T08:20:00.000-06:00

Well, I think my mantle might actually be ordered tomorrow! I am so excited. This has taken so long and I am not exactly sure why. I guess I am seeing first hand how home improvements are not as easy as they seem to be. I was hoping to get my mantle before Thanksgiving so I could decorate for Christmas. I will be happy now if I just get it before Christmas....I know it is just about impossible but I can dream, can't I? I just have this "get it done now" personality and it is so hard for me to wait. Anyway, it is being ordered.....at last.....as far as I know!!!

Trip to Helen, GA

2007-11-07T21:30:00.000-06:00

This past weekend, our family, my parents and Allison's family went on a trip to Helen, GA. The plan was to actually see Helen. But once we saw the cabin, we decided to stay in....and around. We all stayed in a cabin together. We enjoyed the place so much that we only left once. This, one time, of course, was for a good cause...THE CABBAGE PATCH FACTORY!!! It sure did seem like a bigger deal when I was 5 years old. I don't think they have changed one thing about it since then. I am not quite sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing!! No, we had a good time there. The best part of the trip was where we stayed. Brandon did a great job picking the cabin! It was nice and secluded, and there was a beautiful creek right outside. The kids just loved it! We played in the creek(well the kids did), watched football, played cards, and just had a great time. It was really great to be able to spend time with my parents and Alli and Brandon and their kids. It is good to be home though...wow, that relaxation really wears me out!!!
The Cabbage Patch Factory!
Anna and Olivia- Aren't they cute?

Priceless!!!

This bench is right by the stream. It was so nice.
My baby girl and me.
Look Mom....no hands.(and not too sure about it)
I am glad I was the picture taker!

My Little Nerds

2007-11-02T07:02:00.000-05:00

Anakin and Yoda, ready to defend the force!

The kids have been excited about Halloween for about 5 months and they knew exactly what they were going to be. Luke was going around telling everyone,"I be Yoda". I don't think he knew when or why he would be Yoda.....he just knew that some day......he would be Yoda!!! We had our trunk-or-treat on Sunday night and it was great. I think that this trunk-or-treat idea is genius! Get everything done in one central location....plus blow up jump things and hay rides!!! Great!
Padme and Yoda
My little Star Wars junkies!!!

Happy Birthday James!

2007-11-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

I just can't believe that it has been 7 years. It has been such a blessing having James in our lives. He truly is such a sweet spirit. It is just so neat to see how he is turning into a little man right in front of our eyes. I am so proud to be his mom! I love you James Clark Wakefield!!!
My precious James!

James' Seventh!

2007-10-30T16:20:00.000-05:00

How do you like the cake? I have to tell you...those cake makers are way underpaid. Making a cake is not as easy as it looks. Anyway, the party was a lot of fun and it was a beautiful day! My Mom and Dad got James a flag football kit and we put it to good use. Everyone had so much fun. There is just something about having flags....it makes the game WAY more intense!!! James' actual birthday is Nov. 1 and I cannot believe that it has been seven years already!!!

Getting ready for the weekend!

2007-10-26T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well, we have a big weekend planned....again! It all starts today. I have to run too many errands to count, make a football field cake, clean my house for company, wrap presents......all along with the normal tasks such as school with the kids, dishes, laundry, and so on. Tomorrow, we have James' last soccer game. It is going to be fun. We have really enjoyed this season and have been able to see actual improvement in their skills. After the game, we are having a backyard football game at Mom and Dad's house in honor of James' birthday. He is so excited and I am too!! Mimi and Papa are coming in town for the occasion and the kids' can't wait. We also have trunk-or-treat at church Sunday night, so I have to get last minute costume items and food for that event. I woke up dark and early this morning thinking...OK,what do I do first?.....and then I slept another hour. Why is it when you have soooo many things to do, you just can't take that first step towards doing them? I think it is that I thrive on doing things last minute. No, I really don't have the time to do it any other way!!! Extra things just have to fit in where they can. It is sure to be a family-fun-filled weekend.....and I ALWAYS look forward to those.

Fall Fun!

2007-10-18T11:36:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my mom, dad, Melanie's three oldest boys, my children and I made the trip up to Clanton to visit the "Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch". The trip went off without a hitch....well I guess you could say that! I followed my parents up and we listened to Ramona and her Father all the way there. We have lately been listening to books on CD in the car and we just love it. Anyway, about 35 easy miles up the interstate and we turn towards Clanton. We find the pumpkin patch and pull into the parking lot. Great trip so far..... Well, we unload 5 kids and then I have to put Luke's shoes back on. As usual I throw my keys on his seat while I attend to him. This time I was a little distracted by all the excitement. I pushed the lock button and shut the door. I immediately realized what I had done. I had to call poor Brian up from Montgomery to open the door for me. It worked out though because he arrived right in time to see the kids have their first pony ride. Also, he took a few pictures for me. Thanks Brian, sorry I am a little flighty sometimes!! Anyway, we had a wonderful time. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time. I would rather do that than Disney World any day! The kids had a wagon ride, rode ponies, jumped in the blow up things, ate some junk food, and played in the huge haystacks. They even came home with souvenirs......James, a skeleton straw, Luke a orange lollipop, and Anna some squishy thing. Could you ask for more? I don't think so!!!

I Love My Man!

2007-10-15T17:57:00.000-05:00

I took this tonight. Brian was playing football with James and Luke.

He is so good-looking!!!

1. Who is your man? Brian Clark Wakefield
2. How long have you been together? 9 and a half years!!

3. How long did you date?6 months and were engaged 4 months We met when I was 15 and were friends until we started dating

4. How old is your man? 31

5. Who eats more? Brian

6. Who said "I love you " first? Brian!

7. Who is taller? Brian

8. Who sings better? I do, but Brian is a wonderful guitar player and sings a lot better than he thinks!

9. Who is smarter? Probably Brian. He has had all of the "book learnin'"

10. Whose temper is worse? Mine, for sure.

11.Who does the laundry? Me, but Brian has been helping out a lot lately.

12. Who takes out the garbage? Brian, and I help out when needed!

13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I switch it up. Brian never knows where I'm going to be when he gets in after staying up late studying.

14. Who pays the bills? I do, unfortunately. Neither one of us like it, but I guess I have more time!

15. Who is better with the computer? Brian for sure! He had to show me how to copy this survey. I was about to copy it down on paper!

16. Who mows the lawn? Brian

17. Who cooks dinner? When supper gets cooked, it is usually by me.

18. Who drives when you are together? Brian, he is not very comfortable with my driving!!!

19. Who pays when you go out? Brian

20. Who is most stubborn? This is a hard one....we are both stubborn, I am just louder about it.

21. Who is the 1st to admit when they are wrong? I think we are both getting pretty good at communicating!!!

22. Whose parents do you see the most? Mine.

23.Who kissed who first? That has never been decided to this day. Brian says it was me! I was going to kiss him on the cheek and he thought I was going in....therefore he kissed me!!

24. Who asked who out? Brian asked me to Broadway under the stars at Shakespeare. It was the perfect first date. That was when I realized I loved him!!!

25.Who proposed? Brian.

26.Who is more sensitive? Me

27. Who has more friends? I am not sure.

28.Who has more siblings? Me.

29.Who wears the pants in the family? Brian......thankfully. I wouldn't like it any other way!!!

An update on the update on the baby!

2007-10-12T17:21:00.000-05:00

Melanie and Ryan didn't feel that Mary was the right name for their little girl. They decided on Melanie Rose Carter. They are going to call her Rose. She sure is precious! That is all for now!!!

Preciousness!

2007-10-11T21:48:00.000-05:00

Brian came home from work tonight and picked up Luke. He came in and said to me,"He feels a little bit hot, is he sick?" Before I could reply to him, my informative little 2 year old looked up at his Daddy and said, "No, I not sick.....I 2 and a half!" I wish I could remember everything my 3 precious children have said to me in their short lives so far. I don't know of many more things that bring such joy to life than children's' innocence and absolute preciousness!!!

Update on the baby!

2007-10-10T17:01:00.000-05:00

Here is Anna with the proud big brothers! (from left to right- Levi, Micah, Isaac, and Ethan)
Ryan with Mary

They decided on her name, Mary Anne Carter. They will call her Mary. I just love it! A beautiful name for a beautiful little girl!!

Baby girl Carter!

2007-10-10T08:09:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, on Melanie's 30th birthday, she received a very special gift. Around 3:30, Melanie had her sweet baby girl. She was 6lbs 13 oz. She has a lot of dark hair and she is just precious. Alli and I were able to go down to the hospital and visit with them for a little bit. As of last night, they haven't decided on her name but the ones I saw on the list were all beautiful. I will let you know what they decide on! We went to see her 4 proud big brothers after we left the hospital, they are excited to see their new baby sister!!

"Soccer Mom"

2007-10-01T07:30:00.001-05:00

I don't know if the term "Soccer Mom" is suppose to mean a mom who loads the kids up in the 'so cool' mini-van, gets the perfect snack, has the perfect socks with no holes in them, gets the coolest cleats, and everything else..... or it means the crazy woman yelling at the top of her lungs at the 6 year-olds trying their best to play soccer......I am not going to say which one I am exactly, but I just love being one!!!

James with his buddies, Bo and Micah Lyons after the game. Who says you have to win to be happy?
Here is Luke enjoying his pack of donuts!!

Here is "coach" giving the pregame pep talk!!

Here is Anna cheering the team on!!

James getting in on the action!!!

(This is where I would be screaming......um....cheering....."get it out of there", or "follow it".)

He is the sweetest little guy, I just love him so much!!!!