Better late than never...

Anna and daddy at the pumpkin patch


We love Santa!








Okay, so it's been months since I've posted, but I guess better late than never. My time with United Way has ended and I am now back during my regular job. I miss my United Way friends, but glad to get life back to normal. Life has been crazy at home and we may have to rope off our house if we bring home one more illness. I have spent more money in the past few weeks on doctor's visits and medicine than I care to admit. We have not been to church in three weeks due to the holidays, illness and a wonderful trip to Atlanta this past weekend (Roll Tide)! Chad and I got to relive our first date ten years later and had a great time despite illness on both our parts. When we started dating ten years ago, I figured it would last for a few months and didn't get my hopes up for anything long term. Well, here we are ten years later. We have been through our ups and downs, two houses, six cars, two sets of living room furniture (due to my need to constantly redecorate), several job changes, two dogs and one beautiful daughter! This has been a very difficult year for our family, but we are making it through and growing closer in the process. I find out as time goes on that we can change and morph into different people, which can be good and bad. Keeping focused and grounded is the key. Jesus Christ is my rock and foundation and has gotten me through these difficult times. All my praise and glory are with Him always and forever!

Just some fun pics

Such a big girl with her piggy's

Attitude, with my tutu and heels

Daddy has some big shoes to fill

I like to wear my hat backwards like my uncle

My little girl is growing up so fast. She is starting to say things like "Mommy, where is my purse and keys?" when she rides in her play car. She makes me wear a crown all the time while we are at home. I tell her she is a princess, so I guess that makes me the queen :) She is very good about saying please and thank you, which makes me very happy. There is something so sweet about your baby saying thank you mommy when you hand her a juice cup or snack. She is constantly drawing us pictures and is so proud to hand them to us. The fridge is full!!! Being a parent is the most wonderful thing in the world and words can not describe it. Children amaze us in so many ways and the smallest thing can be the most rewarding. Praise God for all the blessings in my life!

Birthday Party and Two Year Check Up

Checking out all my gifts


Jumping with my friends (and their parents)



Daddy and me

We had a great time at Anna's 2nd Birthday Party! Thanks to all our friends that came over to celebrate with us. It was a beautiful day and everyone enjoyed the princess castle moon bounce (I think Chad enjoyed it more than the kids). They delivered it on Friday night, so Chad, Anna and I got a little family jumping time in early. I wish we had one of our own, because it was a great workout! Anna received some very nice gifts and has been enjoying hours of fun since. It was great to get together with friends and family and celebrate my baby girl's special day. Everyone keeps telling me that she isn't a baby anymore, but she will always be my baby. She has brought so much joy to our lives that words can not express.

I took Anna this past Friday for her two year check up. The doctor informed me that she is perfect :) Just kidding, she is right on track for her age. She weighed 26.6 lbs and is 34 inches tall. That is the 50% for height and weight. We stopped using the pappy (pacifier) about two weeks ago and it has been a challenge. She still asks for it on occasion and I just try and change the subject. Our next challenge is potty training. I am bribing her with stickers and M&M's. Some days are better than others, but we are trying.

A week of deals

I hope I am not about to jinx myself, but I LOVE saving money. It's almost like a game to me. This has been a good week. I go on these streaks sometimes were I seem to rack up everywhere I turn. Here is a list of deals I have gotten in the last week:

Banana Republic online: $68.oo shirt for $10.00 plus free shipping

Publix: I paid $26.12 and saved $26.12. Exactly half off my bill!

Target: $56.00 worth of clothes for Anna for $17.50

TJ Maxx: $176.00 worth of items for $97.00. It includes 3 dresses, 1 pair of pants, 3 baby gifts, outfit for Anna and Crocs (the real ones) for Anna.

I have also gotten $50.95 worth of pull ups for $32.95.

I love coupons! I always get excited and tell Chad how much I saved. He always says "We probably didn't need it in the first place, so you didn't save me anything." He is such a party pooper.

4th of July

Last year

This year

My baby girl is getting so big!!! Last year, she couldn't even walk and now she is cutting the grass :) We had a classic, redneck 4th of July complete with lawnmower races and a hayride. We went to Chad's grandmother's house in the country, so we had to fit in. I am happy to report that I did not participate in the lawnmower races. We had a great, but hot day and things were going well until "the devil" showed up. "The devil" is what we call the good ole stomach virus in our house. "The devil" has visited me about 7 times since Anna was 6 months old. If it wasn't bad enough for him to interupt my vacation a few weeks ago, now he is ruining my holidays.

Vacation Pics

Even with all the mishaps and sickness, our vacation was still wonderful! I love spending time with my family.

Vacation Day 4

All I can say is stomach virus!!! I woke up at 6 a.m. sick as a dog and stayed in bed all day, while everyone else went to the pool, shopping and dinner. Now I have to go to the beach, take lots of pictures and go shopping all in one day. It stinks to be sick on vacation :(

Vacation Day 3

Today was a great day! We took my parent's car to the shop this morning and they were able to fix it quickly. We spent most of the day at the pool. Anna loved it! She finally got tired and decided to take a nap. Chad was wonderful and took her upstairs so I could have some adult time. I just laid there and slept in my lounge car, got in the pool and then floated down the lazy river. I love it when the pool isn't crowded.

We then decided to go to dinner at Planet Hollywood. Anna had dessert and by the time it was over she even had chocolate in her hair. I had to change her clothes before we went to Ripley's Aquarium. Anna loved all the fish and sharks. She picked out a pink turtle to take home. We then headed over to an amusement park. Anna decided that the rides just weren't for her, but Chad and I rode the swings. This is my personal favorite! Chad didn't like it very much. He then decided to ride the pirate ship, which I hate. Anna thanked her Uncle Jordan for winning her a Elmo stuffed animal. We had to leave, because the place was about to close, but will go back tomorrow. It was a great place with hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment called Broadway at the Beach.

I also received some good news today from back home at work. My boss called me this afternoon to inform me that my department will not be affected by layoffs. This is such good news that makes our vacation that much nicer.

Vacation Day 1 & 2

Well, day 2 is almost over and we haven't accomplished much so far. Day 1 (Sunday) was just meant as a travel day and that was o.k. We wanted to stop and eat at the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle, GA. My mom and I are a big fan of their cookbook. Just some good Southern food. We got there at 4:00 on a Sunday afternoon for a early supper. I guess everyone else was thinking the same thing, because the wait was at least an hour. That wasn't possible with Anna! Who, by the way, has had explosive diapers the entire trip. We decide to go to our hotel in Columbia, SC and just eat when we arrive. It was late, so we settle for Captain D's and Pizza Hut.

We are thirty miles from Myrtle Beach today and my parent's car started to experience problems. It is something with the rear end. We looked for a repair shop, but no one can look at it until tomorrow morning. Since we now have 7 people and only one car, we are now limited to what we can do. My mother and I went to Walmart and picked up some groceries and dinner. Tomorrow will be a new day :)

War with a Two Year Old

I'm at war with a two year old and I don't mean Anna. There is a little boy in her class that is a bully. She has been bitten twice in the last two weeks and he pushed her down in front of me yesterday afternoon. I witnessed him picking on her once at a school party last year. I know it's hard for me to say anything since Anna went through a biting stage for a month or so, but she was only 15 months old at the time. This little boy is about 27 months old. I think he should now better by now.

Cleaning Day

Ok, is it sad that I am taking a vacation day to clean house tomorrow. I am talking about a deep clean. I am going to clean out and scrub areas that probably haven't been touched since we moved in a year ago. How do things build up so quickly and where does the time go? I wish I had the money to bring in a large cleaning crew and let them loose in my house. I would also invite some professional carpet cleaners. We could just have a good ole time. I may sound OCD, but I just like things in order. I hope I can get everything done in one day. It is rare that you get a day off when the daycare is not closed. Wish me luck!!!

Quick Update

Things have been crazy and stressful. I like a slow, lazy Summer, but this appears to be nothing but. My stress level is at an all-time high. Due to the current economic situation, things are very tense at work. It is hard to leave it at work and it is following me home. I feel like I am surounded with negative energy all the time. It is all anyone wants to talk about. I try to be positive, but everybody has a breaking point. The one thing I do have on my side is a strong faith in God. I keep telling myself and others that the decisions that are being made are not from man, but from God. He has a plan for all of us and we are just along for the ride. I may not always like the decisions that are forced upon me, but I will accept them with God's grace.

Update

It's been a while since I have posted. I can't figure out how we stay so busy. I am really having to learn to multi-task. Thank goodness for laptops, because I am doing this post while watching Anna play in the tube.

Last Saturday, we went to the zoo with a bunch of friends and had a blast. All the kids loved the animals. There is something special about watching them experience it for the first time. I had to stop Anna from jumping in with the kangaroos. She also felt the need to say hello and goodbye to all the animals. It was so cute!!!

My eyes are doing much better. Thanks for all the prayers. God is good and He lead me to the right doctor. My thyroid blood work also came back in the normal range. I go back in a month, but for now all is good. We are just so busy. I feel my house getting out of control. I really miss my cleaning lady. She only came every other week, but it was a big help to me. When I am home I would rather have family time, not cleaning time. It is rare lately that Chad and I are home at the same time anyway and it is hard to clean while you are watching a child.

The Lord continues to bless me with my health and the health of my family. He has taught me to trust in Him with the current economic situation. Every day is unclear, but as long as you have Him you have peace.

Eye Update

I just got back from a new eye doctor and was finally able to get some answers. I'm not cured yet, but at least feel better than I did yesterday. I am having some blood work done and will know more next week. I am looking forward to putting all this behind me and spending more time with my friends and family. It is hard to live your life not knowing how your eyes are going to be minute to minute. It's time to get outside and have some fun in this beautiful weather.

God continues to surprise me

I am continually amazed by God. My life is going through many changes and He keeps sending the same story my way. Abram and the unknown journey that God asked him to take keeps popping up everywhere. I love how He continues to reasure me that everything will be fine and to give it all to Him and never look back. It's a little scary and hard to do, but I am getting better. I was tested today, but He came to me again and gave me a sense of peace. We don't have to worry about anything once we give it to Him. I find that I am a much happier and mello person since I decided to live this way. God has blessed me in so many ways and I want to praise Him to everyone I know and those I am yet to meet. I pray everyday He will continue to give me this sense of peace and contentment.

Special Day

I was honored to spend my morning at Shelby County Special Olympics. What a blessing to watch all those beautiful children do something that brings them so much joy. During the Opening Ceremonies, we cheered the kids on as they entered the stadium. It brought tears of joy to my eyes watching there faces light up as we cheered for them. They are such a great example of grace and innocence. I wish I could spend all my days going around doing God's work in special places like this.

My little girl

Here are some pictures that a friend of mine took at Aldridge Gardens last weekend. My little girl is going up so fast. I still can't believe what a wonderful gift that God has given me in her. I see life in a totally different light and am loving it. Who knew what joy it would be just taking your daughter to the park. This beautiful gift has strengthened my relationship with Christ and with my husband. I can not express in words the wonderful blessings that Christ has shown me in the last 24 months. I was always a follower of Christ, but did not understand the impact he could have on my life until recently. All those years I was missing out on so much and didn't even know it. Just give yourself to Him and He will provide.

Easter Pictures

I don't have anytime to blog right now. Just wanted to upload some pictures. Hope to do a update later tonight. It has been very busy since my last update.

Eventful Night

Chad had to work late last night. I needed to make a pound cake to take to work today, so I decided to put Anna in her high chair to color. The next thing I know, she has colored all over her p.j's and high chair. I then look down as Faith (our dog) finishes off a green crayon that Anna dropped. By the time Chad got home I was so "done" with everything. He didn't feel good so after we ate he took Anna to bed. I needed some alone time to get things done. I finally decided to organize my china cabinet and display my grandmother's china. I have lived in my house for almost a year and have not completley decorated a room yet. I look around every where and am unhappy. Oh well!

Maybe I am getting a little impatient...

I was at Hobby Lobby today and needed a yard and a half of ribbon. I rang the bell and waited and waited and waited. I rang the bell two more times and then went to look for someone at the florist counter nearby. There was no one there, so I came back. I rang the bell again and no one came. After about 5 minutes total, I decided to cut the ribbon myself. I wrote out my sales ticket and was cutting the ribbon when the sales lady finally walked up. She asked if I need help, but by then I was already done. Was I wrong??? I was on my lunch hour and needed the ribbon. I am getting impatient in my old age.

Daddy's Girl

Chad and Anna had a little father daughter moment this morning. She sat there in amazement while he shaved. She wanted to do everything that he did. I was running late, but couldn't help but stop and watch. I love to watch her develop everyday into this special little person. I am amazed everyday at all the new things she learns. Today she showed me her elbows, which seems so simple, but it was for the first time. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Easter Egg Hunt

Hunting eggs makes me tired


Yummy cookies




Anna and I had the best time on Saturday at the church egg hunt. She caught on quickly t0 the whole egg hunt thing and loaded up her basket. She decorated a cookie and got fudge icing all over her outfit, but mommy is always prepared with the wet wipes. We did crafts and I finally had to drag her off the slide. It was great day!

Chad and I were lucky enough to have a date night on Friday and Saturday. Friday night we went to dinner and did some shopping. On Saturday, we attended the NCAA Regional Gymnastic meet in Tuscaloosa. Roll Tide!!! It is wonderful to have some alone time every now and then. We are very blessed with three sets of grandparents that live every close.

Anna's First Pedi

I painted Anna's toenails for the first time last night. It was so funny! The first thing she said was "pretty". She was so excited that mommy had the same color on her toes. She saw her toes again this morning and said "pretty" again. I can't wait until we can go get mani's and pedi's together.

The joy of parenthood

This are some pictures from the park a few Saturdays ago. I have been meaning to post them, but with all the eye issues I haven't gotten around to it. When I look at these pictures it makes me happy to be a parent. As parents, how lucky are we to get to experience someone doing everything for the first time? The pure, innocent joy on the faces of our children is priceless. They know none of the stress or hardship that we as parents encounter on a daily basis. Although none of that stress matters when they look at you and smile or laugh. Or they might just stare at you with amazement. Anna and I sat in the dark last night and stared at each other while she drifted off to sleep. I just held her as tight as I could all the while thanking God as I do everyday for my little miracle.

Wonderful Weekend

My baby girl and I had a wonderful weekend together. I LOVE sending time with my baby girl. Daddy was busy most of the weekend, so we spent some quality time together. My mother drove us to the park on Saturday (will post pictures later). She had the best time, except all the bigger kids made mommy nervous. Some of them even cut in front of us at the swings and the parents said nothing. Oh well.... Yesterday, we played outside for 4 1/2 hours. We played with bubbles, sidewalk chalk and her Barbie 4 wheeler. I had PLENTLY to do indoors, but I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Five Year Wedding Anniversary

Today is our five year wedding anniversary. Chad and I promised each other on our honeymoon that we would be in Hawaii right now. Instead, we are both at work and I am left with an eye issue that makes it hard to even see his face. Oh how things can change! I am just so happy to be married to such a wonderful man that is a great husband and father. Who needs the beaches of Hawaii when you have the love of a wonderful Godly man.

Anna's first haircut

These are pictures from Anna's first hair cut on Tuesday, March 10. She got her first set of bangs! She can choose to grow them out when she gets older and wants to fight with hair in her face all the time. For now, Mom says the bangs are a must!