The Ramey's

A few family pictures

2010-12-17T10:20:00.009-06:00

Holiday Madness

2010-12-17T09:48:00.012-06:00

Polar Express Day at school

It's a cho-cho train!

All my favorite kids with Santa!
If we could only get them all to look at the same time :)

Santa is here!

YUMMY!!!!

Our sad snowman (but Anna was so proud!

Take that Daddy!

"Daddy, it's cold in here!"

My little pilgrim

I have been a slacker and not posted lately. Could it be because December has flown by? Or because I don't even have time to sleep lately. The Ramey sweat shop (sewing factory) has been going full speed this month and won't stop until Santa shows up early Christmas morning! Since my last post we've had Thanksgiving, taken a trip to Nashville and attended many Christmas parties. Jump on the Ramey Party Train, it will be leaving the station again real soon. However, even with all the madness, I am so grateful for the fun filled year our family has had. We have made so many new frienships, our baby girl has become a big girl and Chad and I have gotten so much closer to God and each other. I look forward to a bright new year filled with fun, laughter, friendship, a DISNEY TRIP and hopefully a new addition to our family. Enjoy some pictures from the past month!

Cabbage Patch Fun

2010-11-23T14:49:00.006-06:00

Just a few pictures from our girls weekend (myself, Anna and my mother) to Babyland General Hospital. This is a magical place for me, as I grew up with Cabagge Patch dolls. I wanted so bad to adopt one straight from the "cabbage patch" but then thought about what else I could buy with the $210 it would have cost!

Savings...

2010-11-18T11:05:00.002-06:00

I love bargins and this has been a good week. On Tuesday, I purchased a Little Tikes bouncer for $122.50 off the retail price and got a free $10 gift card to use later. Later that night, I went to a coupon class and learned the system! I was so excited to do my grocery shopping yesterday. I went to Publix and spent $36, but saved $43! I have everything ready for my next trip and that is to Target for some Christmas gifts. Watch out cashiers here I come with my coupons and price matching policy printouts from your website :)

Disney on Ice and other fun stuff...

2010-11-11T14:56:00.002-06:00

Last Sunday we did a girls only outing to Princess Disney on Ice. Anna loved it! This made me realize that it's time to go to Disney World. I am booking a trip for mid-February and we are so excited. I can't wait to share this experience with my little princess. We also have another girls trip planned next weekend for a fun filled day with Santa at the Cabbage Patch Hospital in Cleveland, Georgia. After that, Chad and I are looking forward to taking Anna to one of our most favorite cities in the South, Nashville, TN! The first weekend of December we will make the trip three hours north to discover a land of Snow and Ice at the newly reopened Opryland hotel. We did Ice when I was 8 weeks pregnant with Anna and I am looking forward to it again. Lots of travels in the Ramey's future and I am looking forward to every moment.

So many cards to choose from....

2010-11-02T09:10:00.002-05:00

I plan to get our Christmas cards this year from Shutterfly.com. I mean why shouldn't I, because they have so many styles and sizes to choose from. I am still trying to narrow down my favorites. Do I want to go modern or traditional? One picture or mulitples? The choices are endless and there is a little something for all tastes and budgets. I mean they start at only 30 cents each. Yes, you read that right. My list seems to grow every year as God brings more wonderful people into my life so I can't afford to break the bank to send out cards.

www.shutterfly.com
www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards
www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/religious-christmas-cards

Shutterfly is offering 20% all holiday cards, just visit http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery to get started.

Halloween Fun...

2010-11-01T14:54:00.015-05:00

Fun at the pumpkin patch. Yes, it was very hot that day and my child is in long sleeves and corduroy pants!

Mommy and Daddy, I want this one! We took it home and carved it that night and it rotted in a week :(

Halloween Dance Party!

Yellow Fairy does the Daycare Fall Festival!

Loves playing those games! Our favorite is always the Cake Walk. Johnny Ray's chocolate pie two years in a row! Daddy's favorite :)

She didn't really like the slide after she climbed all the way to the top!

The bouncy castle was a hit though!

Mimi found Uncle Jordan's old Winnie the Pooh costume so Anna decided to try it on. She looked so cute! I wish she had just worn that and saved me all the hard work on the fairy costume.

Class Party Time. These little party's are always so adorable. They all looked so cute in their matching spider handprint shirts. Thanks Ms. Kate :)

My mommy is the best and always comes to my party's.

Anna and her doggie friend Will on a wagon ride!

Anna's friend Handy Mandy

Anna and her cowgirl friend Mabes!

What great daddies we have!

The Ramey family had a fun filled October! I bet November and December will be just as exciting. We have trips planned to the Cabbage Patch Hospital and Opryland Hotel in Nashville. Got to start getting ready for Santa's arrival! This is a huge deal at our house and takes lots of planning. I wonder if it's too early to start decorating?

Life is such a gift...

2010-10-29T11:02:00.002-05:00

Life is such a gift that we take for granted. We are rushing around everyday making trips to the grocery store and sitting in traffic and hardly even think about what our purpose is and how quickly it can be taken away. I lost a dear friend this week to a act of service. Yes, you read that right. He was trying to do a good deed and was killed in the process. I am a woman of faith, but am struggling with this one. I know my friend is in heaven (to be honest, I would not be surprised if he is running around buck naked up there) but I still want to question why then and why him? He was a true provider for his family and they need him. Why has their support been taken away? I know I will never know the answers to my questions in this life, but have faith it will one day all be reviled. In the mean time, I will hug my daughter for a extra second or so and cherish the moments that I get to spend with my husband. When someone (a believer) is taken from us on earth, it's not goodbye just see you later!

My new favorite store...

2010-10-26T12:29:00.002-05:00

A used book store opened last month in the old Goody's location in Hoover called 2nd and Charles. It is quickly becoming my new favorite location for books and dvds. I just purchased a barely used Study Bible there for only $7.99! I checked and it retails for almost $30 brand new. I purchased four dvds for Anna last week for under $15. I am envisioning several trips there between now and Christmas to stock up on Santa's behalf. Also, not all items are used but may be priced higher. Check it out!

Mother Daughter Tea Party

2010-05-05T13:36:00.002-05:00

I took Anna to a Mother Daughter Tea Party at Cherub's Clubhouse last night. That was our first time there and she LOVED it! I had to promise her the world to get her to leave. They have lots of play equipment and toys for the kids to play with. The ball pit and sew-saw were a big hit. I just wish they opened more at night or on the weekends.

Family pictures

2010-04-06T16:07:00.008-05:00

These are a few pictures that we took on Morris Avenue a few weeks ago. It was cold that day and Anna did not want to cooperate at all. I was lucky to get a few pictures out of the whole deal. We will try again soon to see if my "little angel" is in a better mood!

Easter 2010

2010-04-06T14:39:00.007-05:00

Okay, so does that little girl look like her daddy or what!

This is a classic Anna expression

It almost looks like she is praying...This after she refused to go to church earlier that morning. Maybe she is asking for forgiveness :)

A little flowering picking on Saturday afternoon. Good thing it is almost time to plant new flowers in the front yard!

The Easter Bunny may have gone a little over board this year. I bet he shops in the Target dollar section a lot!

It has been such a long time since my last post. I have been so busy with Anna and all her sinus problems. Hopefully we have figured out the problem and are now trying to find a solution. I have also been very busy sewing and appliqueing. My sewing blog is http://mydarlingdivadesigns.blogspot.com/

I downloaded a new technique called reverse applique that I can't wait to try. I am taking a break for a few days to enjoy some family time and play outside in the nice weather. Off to the park tonight before it decides to turn cold again!

Beth Moore

2010-02-10T13:11:00.004-06:00

It was so exciting to meet Beth Moore this afternoon, even if just for a minute. What a godly women she is and fashionable too! She told me my bangs were "darling" and won my heart forever :) I can't wait to start reading her new book. I also found out she is coming to Birmingham in December! I am going to purchase my tickets right now!!!!

Mixed Feelings

2010-02-04T09:38:00.002-06:00

I found out last night that my BFF since middle school and Anna's godmother is moving to Florence. I am happy for her but sad at the same time. We don't get to spend as much time together as I would like and I guess I take it for granted. She isn't married and her lifestyle isn't as fast paced as mine. I am always so busy and try to make time to spend with her. It is hard trying to stay close to someone who's life is so different from yours. At least this will give Anna and I an excuse to travel to Florence some during the summer when Chad is so busy or during the winter when he hunts.

Emotional Morning

2010-02-02T09:10:00.002-06:00

Anna has been out of daycare for almost a week and had to return this morning. How do you explain to a two year old about finances and why mommy has to go to work? She has been to my office many times and I think understands that is where mommy goes everyday. She doesn't understand what mommy does there and why I go. I tried to explain it's because they give me money so we can buy things. All she did was continue to cry and ask why we couldn't stay at home together. We finally got in the car and sang songs all the way to school, but the tears started again as soon as she saw the building. After much negotiation, I got her to start eating breakfast and we said our goodbyes. I then went to the car and started to cry. I just wanted to take her back home and curl up and love on her all day. She told me the other day that I was her little baby and she loved me. Sometimes I think I need her more than she needs me. I love that little girl so much and wish I could be with her more.

Surgery and Recovery

2010-02-01T13:11:00.002-06:00

My little baby is five days post surgery and doing well.

When we finally decided to do surgery, I was terrified! How was I going to cope with all of this and what if something went wrong? I waited patiently for several weeks and finally got my answer.

Surgery day went very well. The people at Children's South are wonderful! I can not express how comforting it is as a parent to have such caring people around you during that difficult time. We had a nurse blowing bubbles to distract her while they took all her vital signs and another nurse brought a stuffed animal and coloring pages by our room. We played with the numerous toys and push cars they have in the hallways during our long wait. Of course I cried when I had to give her to the nurse at the surgery doors, but recovered well. After what seemed like a short 45 minutes (thanks to my mom, the Today show and People magazine), the doctor came back with a good report. Thirty minutes later, my baby was finally back in my arms. She was upset, but went right to sleep as I rocked her. She even slept through the nurse removing her iv.

She has been loving all the attention and being showered with gifts, cards, ballons and flowers from grandparents, family and friends. Her energy level has reminded high and she has had trouble following the restricted activity rules. The hardest part has been cleaning out her nose with saline solution each day. She screams in pain and it breaks my heart :( We have to do this until we return to the doctor on February 16. I pray everyday that it gets easier on her.

Better late than never...

2009-12-07T11:17:00.004-06:00

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

2009-08-04T14:10:00.006-05:00

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

2009-08-03T13:07:00.005-05:00

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

2009-07-15T16:25:00.003-05:00

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

2009-07-08T12:44:00.007-05:00

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

2009-06-16T09:32:00.006-05:00

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

Vacation Day 4

2009-06-11T07:56:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-09T21:58:00.001-05:00

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

2009-06-08T18:26:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-28T17:35:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-21T13:32:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-19T21:00:00.002-05:00

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

2009-05-06T17:36:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-28T16:58:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-24T14:43:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-17T12:35:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-16T14:30:00.007-05:00

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

2009-04-14T14:48:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-09T08:57:00.002-05:00

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...

2009-04-08T15:11:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-07T21:24:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-06T09:12:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-03T09:15:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-01T07:59:00.003-05:00

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

2009-03-23T10:51:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-20T09:06:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-19T15:49:00.005-05:00

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!