Amazing Grace

Big Sister

2012-01-07T17:22:00.013-06:00

Dear Grace,
I wondered what kind of big sister you would be. You have been so excited about being a big sister from the moment we told you. You would go back and forth saying you wanted it to be a brother, and then a sister, so I don't think you ever really cared either way.

I had heard the stories of older siblings asking their parents if they could just take the new baby back to the hospital and hoped you wouldn't feel that way. During my last trimester your excitement REALLY kicked into high gear as we were getting things ready for bring Jack home, receiving gifts ans more. After each doctor's appointment I would come home and you would immediately ask if "Baby Jack" was here yet. We would tell you he was coming in November, which meant nothing to you. You finally understood when we were able to tell you that he was coming out of my stomach tomorrow! You came to the hospital that mornig in your big sister shirt. You were so excited to have all your favorite people in one spot to play with and had a few presents to open, including two LaLaLoopsy dolls that you've been asking for. If this isn't an excited face I don't know what is!

When Daddy finally brought you into the delivery room to see Jack, you were in shock! I don't think you really expected him to be there and you were beyond thrilled to see that he was.

Since we have been home, you have been the most incredible big sister. You love baby Jack so much, and it is the best feeling for your Mommy and Daddy.

You love kissing, touching, holding and anything else that has to do with your little brother. You would lay down on top of him and smother him with your love if we'd let you!

Photoshoots with you two don't really work out right now but I'm hoping one day they will!

You are such a help to me. You are able to hand me diapers and wipes and when Jack cries you will talk to him.

Jack is already your biggest fan and stares at you and even smiles. I hope you've found your lifelong best friend in him!

Grace, I am so thankful for you. You are the most precious, sweetest daughter and we are such blessed parents. I am looking forward to watching you and Jack grow up together and I hope the two of you will always be close, although thinking about you at 13 and him at 10 sounds like their might be a time where you are not so close! We are in trouble!

I love you sweet big sister!
Love,
Mommy

Back to the Hospital

2012-01-07T17:13:00.006-06:00

Jack's well appointment revealed that he had lost a little too much weight and his billy rubin levels were up. They weren't sky high by any means but with Thanksgiving being in just two days and the doctor's offices closing, our doctor suggested Jack spend a night under the UV lamp.

This little man LOVED his trip to the "beach!"

By this point I was the most exhausted I do believe I have ever been. I missed Grace and being home and thought a lot about how parents of children with serious, life threatening illnesses must feel. It really humbled me and I said several prayers that night thanking God for our health and happiness and every blessing He gives us.

Jack's morning blood test proved that the UV lamp had done it's job and his billy rubin levels were fine and we could go home!

First Days at Home

2012-01-07T17:03:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures from our first days at home. Nanny stayed two days and then we were on our own, which I'm not going to lie was NOT easy at first! People always say that having one child is easy compared to balancing the needs of two and I am now a believer!

Jack was born on a Wednesday and Jon returned to work on Monday. Gigi was a huge help carting all of us around to Jack's first well appointment, getting Grace from school and errands in between.

Hospital Stay

2012-01-07T11:23:00.009-06:00

We finally made it out of labor and delivery and into a room by 6:00. I felt TERRIBLE after the birth but was feeling like myself again by then. We did let Grace come visit while I was still in the delivery room and she was beyond thrilled to see that Jack was finally here.

All the grandparents visited, which I must say I don't know how we would have ever made it without them! Grace had a ball with them just like we knew she would but it was still very comforting to know she was happy! Many of my coworkers visited and I don't think we got much rest but that probably just prepared us for what was to come.

and finally home!

Jack's birth

2012-01-06T19:37:00.011-06:00

When you have your first baby 3 1/2 weeks early, you just get the idea that all pregnancies are going to happen that way. WRONG! As my stomach grew and grew and I began to get more uncomfortable each day, we all thought Jack would be here before Halloween. That day came and we thought surely it would happen soon. I looked like this just before delivery

I felt like this!

Honestly I can't tell much of a difference between the two pictures! HA!
My due date was the 19th and before we knew it, that day was quickly approaching. Dr. Collins said we could plan for an induction or wait to see how things went naturally, but with Thanksgiving being the following week I felt better knowing that Dr. Collins would deliver Jack. He first checked to see if November 11th was available, but with that being 11-11-11 he said there were tons of mommies wanting to be induced that day so we took the first avaiable spot. After picking up Krispy Kreme donuts for the nurses station we headed to the hospital at midnight. Let me back up - before we left I had a minor meltdown. I started remembering the pain of having Grace, the 18 hours it took to get her out, and then already missing Grace, who was in good hands with Nana and Grand Dad was just more than I could take. There wasn't much time for a complete "come apart" and that was probably a good thing!
We arrived at the hospital, filled out paperwork and before I knew it two hours had flown by before they even got things going. Things calmed down around 3:00am and we both got some sleep. Some where between 4:00 and 5:00am my water broke. I slept a little more but by 10:00 or 11:00 I was really feeling the contractions! The first epidural I received worked wonders and I got another short nap, but once it wore off the following epidurals just didn't seem to take much affect. By noon I was at 6 cm and my mom and Jon's mom decided to go grab a bite to eat. I warned them not to and as soon as they left they checked me again and I was at 10cm! I think I started pushing around 2:00 and at 2:41 Jack was born!

Welcome to the World, Jack!

2012-01-06T14:05:00.002-06:00

Jonahan Robert Mills Junior
Born November 16, 2011
at 2:41pm
7 pounds 9 ounces
19 inches long

Halloween

2012-01-05T16:21:00.001-06:00

For the past several years we have had people over for Halloween because one, it's my favorite holiday and two, our neighborhood is known for a crazy amount of trick-or-treaters. But with two weeks left until I was 40 weeks pregnant, I was just not up to it so the Tigues volunteered to have us over and we were thrilled. I had a doctor's appointment on Halloween afternoon so Tiffany squeezed a third carseat into the back of her car and took Grace home with her and the girls for me. Grace LOVED this and talked about it forever! I came over and got Grace ready and then after lots of pictures I waddled with everyone else through the neighborhood to trick-or-treat.

If you can't figure out what Grace is, don't worry. When we asked her what she wanted to be she said a "Fairytale princess movie star lady." Sometimes this phrase would include "ballerina" too. So between Nanny and I, this is what we came up with!

Fall Fun!

2012-01-05T12:34:00.021-06:00

We had a very exciting fall with things to do non stop! Here are just a few of the things we did before our lives flipped upside down (momentarily).
School was back in session which means REALLY early mornings (I'm talking 4:30am for me and 5:45 for Grace and Daddy, HAVE MERCY!)

But it also means we are on a schedule, lots of cute outfits, crafts every single day and a huge milestone - Grace Mills knows just about all her letters! I have been blown away by how much she has learned in the 3 year old class. I seriously do not know what there is going to be left to learn in kindergarten. She is getting really good at writing her first and last name and draws stick figures to represent our family. It's precious!

In September Nanny bought Grace a pair of light up Skechers and I'm pretty sure Grace's life hasn't been the same since she got them. They really are great school shoes and hold up well on the playground. But I have to bribe her to wear any others so that has been a little tricky.
By far one of our favorite things about fall is Auburn football!
Even Grace seemed to really enjoy game day this year, which consists of us staying at home to watch the game with good food. Everytime she seems the Auburn emblem she yells "WAAAAAAAARRRRRRR EAGLE, HEY!" She found out who was an Auburn fan and who was an Alabama fan from everyone at school and would come home and tell us. It would go something like this "Presley goes for Alabama and we don't like Alabama right Mommy? EEEEWWW!"
We met Presley and her family at the Pumpkin Patch in October. What I remember about it is that I was HOT and MISERABLE at 9 months pregnant but Grace had a ball and that is all that matters.

Their favorite part was riding horses which scared me to death. How I went from being a girl who once loved being propelled towards the ground on the Skycoaster at the beach to being terrified of my daughter possibly falling a few feet off from a horse I'll never know but I'm totally there. They rode together first and then on the way out they each rode again seperately.

It finally cooled off and Presley had us over for a hayride and smores which was so fun!

Grace's school had a fun fall festival

We carved a pumpkin, which despite looking like she's having fun, held her attention for all of about 15 seconds.

And possibly my favorite thing we do each fall, JSU's homecoming. I was only up to going to the parade this year but that was more than enough fun.

She loved dancing to the bands and catching candy!

Our Summer in Pictures

2011-09-11T17:50:00.010-05:00

Because I'll never be caught up....

No summer vacation, just lots of trips to the pool, birthday parties and very few days that held an agenda. It was perfect and I loved every minute at home with my princess!

First Day of School

2011-08-13T09:24:00.004-05:00

I don't know if I can ever catch up for all the blogging I've missed so as much as I hate for this to be out of order, we have hit another milestone. Grace's first day of school! She is in the 3 year old class with a new teacher and one she knows well and LOVES it! This is Grace on her first day of school last year...

And this is now!

Although she is not too happy when we wake her up at 6:00am, she loves school is perfectly happy for me to drop her off which is a huge blessing! She usually asks me if she can come back the next day when I pick her up.

I'm Back!!

2011-06-28T17:55:00.010-05:00

Goodness gracious it's been forever since I've blogged! That is because this pregnancy has been SO different than my first. I remember being really tired, but the exhaustion I have felt this time around has been overwhelming. The last two months of school were hard and when I got home I just wanted to lay down and not move. Of course, with a two year old that is impossible so I'm sure that added to the tired feeling. I was also VERY sick during the first trimester and couldn't keep much down. I was never sick when I was pregnant with Grace. Most of the tiredness and all of the sickness has past now that we are in our 2nd trimester. I can catch a nap here and there with Grace now that we are on summer break and I'm feeling really good overall. Two weeks ago we found out why this pregnancy has been so different.... we are having a BOY!!! It was a surprise because I think we all thought this was another girl but low and behold it's a precious little boy and we are so excited to be parents of both a girl and a boy. I am now 20 weeks and everything looks good so far. God is so good!

Back in April we went to the beach with Gigi and Pop Pop. The ocean was freezing but it was nice to get away and play on the beach.

Sitting with Daddy

Nanny surprised Grace and I in a BIG way by coming down on Friday. We were thrilled that she joined us but we didn't get any pictures with Nanny. Boo!

It was a great trip!! This little fish had the best time!

Announcement

2011-04-18T09:59:00.002-05:00

Grace has an announcement to make! She is going to be a....

We are SO EXCITED to have our second baby on the way. God is incredible!! Our precious baby is due to arrive around the middle of November and we can't wait!

Georgia Aquarium

2011-03-17T19:34:00.013-05:00

This is some where we've been wanting to go for a while! We drove to Atlanta and then rode the subway to the Aquarium. Grace had a good time, even though at times she seemed more impressed by the moving walkway and stairs.

I love this picture! My two loves!

Grace fell asleep as soon as we left the aquarium and didn't wake up until the subway was almost back at our parking deck.

It was a busy but fun day!!!

Candle Lighting

2011-03-14T16:21:00.003-05:00

I am an adviser for the chapter of AOII that I was a part of in college and am still a member of today. I go to a few meetings each year but I never get to take Grace because they don't start until 8:00. The girls always ask where she is and how she's doing so when I found out that my next chapter meeting was going to be at 5:00 I wanted to bring her! She did so well through the whole meeting. Only one slightly embarrassing moment when she yelled out "Mommy! I bur-ped!!" At the end of the meeting the president pulled out a candle meaning that someone had some important news to share!!! The candle went around 3 times to "There's an AOII who is smiling..." and the president, Deanna, actually blew it out! She's engaged! Grace told her Daddy when we got home that she didn't get to blow the candle out. THANK GOODNESS!!! The girls were sweet to let Grace be in there picture!

Birthdays

2011-02-27T16:46:00.015-06:00

Three special girls turned 3 this month! Our friends Sophia, Caroline and Presley had parties and we were there to celebreate! Fifi had an Olivia themed party which Grace loved because she had just recently discovered "Owivia."

It was a "Paint Party" and the girls painted handprint flowers on canvases. Too cute!

This is where the fun ended for Grace. She didn't like her apron, she didn't want to eat cake, she didn't want to sit down, she didn't like the fact that hte presents weren't for her, and pretty soon she was crying and screaming and just acting AWFUL! I took deep breaths and then decided it was best for us to head home so the birthday celebration could continue is peace. I didn't know if I could handle two more! I told Jon I would never attempt another birthday party on my own again.
Caroline's party was one week later and we had some serious talks about who's birthday it was, who the presents were for and that there would be no getting upset or we would have to go home. It worked!
Caroline's party was a bring your favorite motorized toy and ride around kind of thing.

It was SO MUCH FUN!

This is Grace's friend, Darby, who goes to the school where I teach. Isn't she beautiful? Grace calls her blonde Barbie Doll "Darby."

This was really one of the best kid's birthday ideas ever! FREE FUN!

Grace liked the bouncy house, too!

Grace was so much better behaved at this birthday.
Presley's party was at a place with lots of things to play on!

Poor Cole (Presley's Dad) had to lay like this on the fun slide to help the little girls up. What Daddys will do for their daughters!!

Three years ago these three women and I were all pregnant. We didn't know Caroline's mom back then but I remember when Tiffany had Sophia and Crystal had Presley. I couldn't wait to meet Grace! I had no idea how close our babies would get to be. I love that they love each other so much. We are blessed to call all of them our friends!!

Happy Valentines Day!

2011-02-13T20:04:00.010-06:00

We are ready to celebrate Valentines Day!!

I came up with this idea on my own but then I saw Valentine Smores at Two Shades of Pink and my mouth dropped! Definitely next year!
I took some pictures of Grace outside in her Valentines outfit. It felt soooooo good this afternoon and I really got spring fever!

Happy Valentines, my sweet Grace!!! You teach me more about love every single day.

Black Valentine

2011-02-01T18:49:00.002-06:00

One of my favorite things about picking Grace up from school (besides hugging and kissing her!) is checking her folder to see what she did that day. There is always a handwriting sheet where she has practiced writing her name, a couple of coloring sheets and maybe a craft. On Monday she colored a Valentines picture, but apparently she doesn't know that Valentines colors are red and pink and instead colored it like this...

Daddy's Buddy

2011-02-01T18:39:00.006-06:00

A few nights ago Grace looked up at Jon and said, "Daddy, are you my buddy??" As if this little girl didn't already have her Daddy wrapped around her finger, this tied the knot! He just melted and told her that he was absolutely her best buddy. And it's true, they really are. They were from the very beginning (even if Jon THOUGHT he wanted a boy first)...
I hope they ALWAYS will be!

Shower for Erin and Baby Elizabeth Jane!

2011-01-22T13:30:00.009-06:00

Last weekend Grace and I headed to Decatur to host a shower for Erin and Baby "El." We gave it with some other old friends at the Point Mallard Clubhouse. The food was yummy and it was so good seeing people I haven't seen in years.

Cupcakes from Gigi's - divine!

Erin was so excited to see all of her gifts.

I did not get a single picture of Grace at the party. Probably because she wasn't exactly behaving. She was very upset because the presents were not for her. I was so glad my mom was there to wisk her away to McDonalds for a Happy. We did get out in the snow the next day right before leaving. You could actually play with this snow unlike the snow at home that was just ice.

Oh Baby!!!

2011-01-22T13:04:00.005-06:00

So many people in my life are pregnant right now! My oldest friend, Erin is actually in labor right now! She is having a little girl, Elizabeth Jane. I wish I could be there but she's too far away, tear!

My favorite cousin, Wes, and his wife, Andrea are having a baby boy, Wagner Royce, next month.

Erin and Andrea are both very special to me. I was honored to be a part of their wedding days and I can't wait to spoil their children! In addition, my AOII big sister, Tabatha has a little brother or sister on the way for her daughter, Claire, due in September.

Grace's sweet friend, Presley, is going to be a big sister in September and my prom date, Josh, who has been my friend just about my entire life, and his wife, Cindy, have a baby due in August. I'm afraid the baby bug has bit Grace, too. She has decided that I have another baby. This is REALLY embarrassing and MAJOR TMI but when I picked her up from school Friday she started petting my chest and saying "You have a baby in there!!!" Miss Katie said "GRACE!" and all I could do was laugh. No Grace, I do not have a baby other than you. Maybe some day!!

Snow Day!

2011-01-11T13:48:00.008-06:00

Sunday night the snow started falling and in just a couple of hours the ground was covered with three or four inches, a HUGE deal for Alabama! That meant no school on Monday and we got outside one time in it to play.

It was cold! The snow was covered with a layer of ice so it really wasn't the best for snowman building but Grace didn't seem to care.

I dislike this photo for obvious reasons but my two favorite people are in it, and I did make a resolution to take more family pictures.

We used a rubbermaid top as a sled. It worked perfectly!

I have enjoyed being "stuck" inside with my little family for the past few days. The snow has melted some but the temperature is supposed to be in the teens tonight and I'm not sure we'll be able to go anywhere tomorrow either. So much for spring weather days! I did some major grocery shopping last Thursday so we've been great on food. However, I forgot one neccesary item - Toilet Paper! We are almost out here. I guess it's a good thing I just bought a huge bag of paper towels! As I type this I see that it is snowing again!

Talking Tuesdays with Grace

2011-01-11T05:33:00.000-06:00

We're enjoying another day off because of SNOW! I'll post pictures of that later. Two things Grace has said lately that I want to remember: I told Grace she needed to pick her toys up and she told me "I don't know how." Also, I have no idea how I have gotten through 27 years of my life without having Grace to tell me "YAY, Mommy! You did it!" everytime I go to the restroom. Haha! There is no such thing as privacy anymore! And no, I did not pose Grace for this picture. She did this on her own!

Christmas 2010

2011-01-09T14:20:00.003-06:00

For some reason I am having trouble posting pictures from Christmas on the blog. When I go to insert a picture, there is nothing in the file. Anyways, until I figure this out, here is a video of Grace on Christmas morning!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-01T10:28:00.007-06:00

Yes, I am sending out New Year's cards this year. I just couldn't pull it together for Christmas but I'm really happy with how these turned out. I still have some pictures from Christmas to post but I also wanted to take time today to talk about New Year's and list my goals for the new year. We enjoyed a nice dinner at Jon's sister, Kelli's house last night and were in bed well before midnight, just as we like it! I thought it would be fun to have sparklers for Grace and she and I held a few together and she loved the "sparklees." The fun came to a screaching halt when the tip of it flew off and hit her thumb. I just happened to catch this on my flip. Can we say DHR???
There are a few things I really want to accomplish this year. Last year I made a resolution to lose a lot of weight. I only lost about 10 pounds and it has all come back so today I will say that I just want to make a big effort in 2011 to eat healthier, to shop healthier and to stay away from fast food. I am going to have to pray about this one! Other things I would like to accompish in no particular order... -Paint/decorate our breakfast room. I've been saying I'd like to do this for a long time now. It's time to do it! -Find a church home. We have been to few churches in this area over the past couple of years and we enjoyed them but they just never felt like home. This is something Jon and I need to spend more time praying about and searching for. -Take more pictures of our family together. I take plenty of this precious face but if I don't have a full face of make up and cute outfit on I stay behind the camera. I know, so vain! No matter how chunky I think my cheeks are or if my second (or third!) chin is showing, I need to post more pictures of us together. This blog is such a wonderful and free gift for Grace to look back through one day and I want her to see what Jon and I were like when she was little. -My mom gave me this great book in my stocking for Christmas... I think it may take the entire year to fill out completely but I hope to finish it for Grace is 2011. I love the new year. I love getting a fresh start. I wish all of you blessings this year! Happy 2011!!!

Visit with Santa

2010-12-31T10:30:00.004-06:00

WOW! Am I ever behind in blogging?? The flu hit out house the first day of Christmas break. Grace was the first to go down and two days later I knew I had it, too. I am just now starting to feel like myself again. We had an amazing Christmas but before I get to that, I have some catching up to do! After having milk and cookies with Santa, we went down to meet him at his sleigh. With last year's Santa photo in mind, I totally expected the worse. I thought that maybe if her friends did it first, she MIGHT consider it. Well, this little girl never ceases to amaze me! Her buddies were having none of Santa but she walked right up and hopped in his lap like he was an old best friend!

She told him she would like a doll house for Christmas and did it like a pro!

Flip

2010-12-19T19:40:00.004-06:00

My wonderful mother gave me a Flip Video Camera for my birthday last September. I've made quite a few videos but haven't had the patience to put them on the computer until now. Which, by the way, takes very little effort or patience! Here are a few from gymnastics.

Milk & Cookies with Santa

2010-12-19T09:02:00.015-06:00

A couple of weeks ago we met up our friends at the mall to have milk and cookies with Santa.

These girls crack me up with how excited they get over seeing each other some where besides school! They had just spent the whole day together but being out in public was a THRILL! They got seated and started decorating their cookies.

Sweet Caroline

The Tigue Girls

"Pres-A-ley" as Grace calls her.

Then Santa came to greet us and the girls were ecstatic to see him (and know that the table was between them!)

Grace left her stickers on the chair, which I forgot about so I'm sure a mall worker enjoyed peeling those off!

The children gathered on the floor and listened to Santa read The Night Before Christmas.

I think Grace still had some icing on her lip because she kept licking it during the story!

When the story was over this precious little boy ran up the steps to the stage and jumped up in Santa's lap. It was so sweet!

I love that these little girls have so much fun together. They don't remember ever not being friends and I hope they'll be this close forever. I pray that Grace will always have sweet girlfriends who will build her up and be there for her.

Our Trees

2010-12-11T17:18:00.006-06:00

Welcome to Amazing Grace! This blog was named and started for my amazing daughter, Grace. I am looking forward to seeing more trees in blog-land this month and hope to get some good ideas for next year. Enjoy!

For the past two years I have done a "fireworks" topper and I love it!

Unbelievably, my busy two year old has not broken a single ornament so far this year!

Grace also has a tree in her room, pink of course!

Merry Christmas from our blogging family to yours!
I'm linking up to these blogs that I can't live with out!

Grace & Santa Through The Years

2010-12-07T13:48:00.004-06:00

2008 - Perfect, not a care in the world

2008 - TERRIFIED of Santa. This was taken at her school. I had hoped Jon and I could take her later on our own but after seeing her face I just couldn't do it.

2010 - I couldn't believe it, but Grace LOVED Santa! She hopped right up in his lap, talked to him about how she wanted a doll house and took a pretty picture. I was so proud of her. I can't believe how much she has grown over the past year. She is definitely a little girl now, not a baby at all. She is loving everything about the Christmas season... the songs, the decorations, everything!

Ornament Swap

2010-12-05T16:04:00.010-06:00

Last night we went to an ornament swap at Grace's friend Presley's house. The girls quickly found the toys and got busy. This gorgeous bedroom didn't stay clean for long!

Grace acted like she had never seen toys in her life and played for hours!

They stopped for just a few minutes to eat and were back to playing again!

I got a message from Fifi's mother saying that after we left, Fifi got very sick all over Presley's bathroom and nice bedroom rug. She said she thought Fifi had eaten a strawberry because it looked and smelled like that. Tiffany said she is allergic to strawberries. I started thinking back, and the girls were giving me orders for what they forgot to pick up through the "buffet line." Mallory and Fifi requested strawberries so I gladly grabbed two. And then when I looked through my pictures this morning here was the proof! I'm so glad she is ok!
This was the best group picture I could get. The big girls started singing Christmas carols to get the little girls to come sit by the tree. It was so sweet and I wished I had my Flip camera so bad.

I love how these girls can pretend play. Every few minutes one of the girls would get "sick" and have to sit in the "sick chair" while another one would be the doctor. I stopped in one time to hear Grace saying that she had a "fever." Haha!
It was a great night! I had so much fun visiting with friends and by the end of the night we knew Auburn was headed to the National Championship! WAR EAGLE!!

Talking Tuesdays with Grace

2010-11-30T06:00:00.001-06:00

Grace is calling Christmas trees "Christmas towers" and this makes me laugh everytime she says it. She knows I do not want her playing near the Christmas tree. The other day I walked into the living room and saw her with both hands all over the tree and I said "Grace Mills!" to which she replied, "I not touching it! I just looking." Our Christmas tree is very wobbly and in great need of a replacement so I'm just praying it makes it through its last year. I am going to get a new one the day after Christmas.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T11:31:00.006-06:00

Thanksgiving flew by! We enjoyed three delicious meals at Nanny's, Grand Dad and Nana's and Gigi and Pop Pop's. We truly have so much to be thankful for. Everyone I know is healthy. We have a big family who love and support us, sweet friends who we love dearly and a nice home to live in. God is so good!

Grace's adorable cousin, Grant, was here.

This made Grace want to be a baby again.

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

2010-11-27T19:43:00.007-06:00

I'm just a little excited about my door wreath this year...

For a girl who can't tie bows this is not that bad!

I'm linking up to these fabulous blogs:

Elf on the Shelf

2010-11-27T18:52:00.007-06:00

We are starting a new tradition in our family this year, Elf on the Shelf!
This is a lovely book that comes with an elf.

The elf shows up at your home around the holidays and stays until Santa comes. His job is to check on the children in your house and report back to Santa Claus each night. When he returns in the morning, he might show up in odd places like in the chandelier, the refridgerator or the car. He loves to show up in the places that will really catch your child by surprise! The story tells you to name your elf. Some examples are Jingle, Markley, Bizzle, or Crumpet. After some deep thought, Grace chose the name "Christmas."

You are not supposed to touch the elf, or he will lose his magic. Try telling that to a two year old!

Talking Tuesdays with Grace

2010-11-23T06:00:00.002-06:00

Grace is talking up a storm! No wait, she is talking up a tornado! It is unbelievable to her Daddy and me the things that come out of her mouth. I don't ever want to forget them and I'm so afraid that I will. I'm going to start doing "Talking Tuesdays with Grace" every Tuesday so that I can make note of all of these precious talking moments. I wish I had started this months ago. I hope you find them entertaining, too!

This week's Talking Tuesday...
Me: What do you want for Christmas
Grace: A TRIANGLE!!!!!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-07T12:59:00.018-06:00

Before getting sick, we celebrated one of my favorite holidays in a big way! Our family and friends, including Grace's three best friends came over for some Halloween fun.

I absolutely love anytime I get to see these four together outside of school. They get so excited when they are together and it is so much fun to watch! Grace was a kitty cat courtest of her Nanny who made the skirt of her costume. I really didn't think Grace would wear a kitty cat headband so I had some hair bows made for her from our favorite bow maker, Mini Lee's.

Please notice the cones from the AT&T truck in the background. It was football night and our new Userve cable was not working right and Jon was having NONE of it!

Oh precious Tigue girls, how did we ever get through life without you two??

We loaded up in two wagons and headed out to trick-or-treat!

Our first stop, the Cabalerro house!

Grace was SO in to Halloween this year. She easily said "Trick-or-Treat" and "Thank you" and was just so happy to have a bucket full of candy even though she doesn't know it's food. I don't know how I've pulled this one off but I'm pretty sure this is the last year before she knows what candy is!

Our neighborhood goes all out of Halloween and there are some pretty cute, and spooky things to look at.

We headed back home for Nanny's potato soup and a few more treats that I made.

This was without a doubt my favorite Halloween ever. It is so much fun to watch the joy and excitement come from our little girl. I know these precious years will not last forever, so I want to cherish every minute.

Sick

2010-11-06T10:17:00.006-05:00

Grace stayed home from school all week. After three doctor visits it was determined that she has tonsilitis. This is the first day since last Sunday that she has not had a fever so we are hoping the worst is over. Having a fever for so many days has made her tired and achy.
Daddy made her time stuck inside the house a little better by getting two of the Toy Story movies because she (and I) had not seen them. We watched 2 and 3 last night and laughed so hard!

Fall Festival

2010-11-01T17:11:00.010-05:00

Grace's school had an out of this world Fall Festival last Friday. I was off from work, so I got to enjoy the day with her and it was so much fun!

I found out that Grace likes to see-saw!

Grace's teachers worked so hard to make this event extra special for the children and their parents. They are the best!!

Claire Grace's 3rd Birthday

2010-10-29T19:38:00.005-05:00

We drove to Fort Payne, Alabama last Sunday to Celebrate Claire Grace's 3rd birthday, a Toy Story Extravaganza!

Grace was in heaven with another bouncy to play on for an unlimited amount of time!

The bouncy even had a slide!

Happy birthday Claire Grace! I wish I had gotten more pictures of you but you were such a busy girl. I hope your real birthday, on Halloween, is SPOOKtacular!

We're #1!!!

2010-10-29T19:36:00.000-05:00

WAR EAGLE!

JSU Homecoming

2010-10-23T14:57:00.022-05:00

We spent the morning "Painting the Town Red" at Jacksonville State University's Homecoming. We met up with out friends Tabatha (my AOII Big Sister), her daughter, Claire Grace and another AOII friend, Nikki to watch the parade.

The girls loved the floats, the bands, and especially all the candy!

We may be banned from future parades for asking so many different people to stop and take pictures with our girls.

Grace was mesmerized by Cocky and couldn't look at the camera.

One of the homecoming attendants, Kristie, who is also an AOII.

Another Kristi, who is also an AOII, and also on homecoming court!

These brave akumnae are in the homecoming parade every year and wear the same attire no matter what the weather is.

The girls had so much fun dancing to the Marching Southerners.

We then went to tailgate and found a bouncy to play on.

The AOII's had a cook-out so we got to meet up with lots of old friends including Erin and her baby, Ava Grayce. I really felt like my Grace needed a double name at this point. Grace was very interested in her and kept saying "I want to pet her!"

Ava Grayce wasn't sure about all the commotion.

I was very nervous that these letters were going to come crashing down with Grace playing around them.

One last picture before Grace's melt down...

This is Grace...

2010-10-16T18:46:00.003-05:00

.... being two, or maybe she is pretending that she knows whats it's like to be one of the many teams we have beat this year!!! WAR EAGLE!!!!!!

Jeffrey Earnhardt

2010-10-16T10:39:00.006-05:00

My class got a special treat yesterday. Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandson of the late Dale Earnhardt, made visited our school. There are some perks to being the closest school to the Talladega Super Speedway (such as getting two race weekends off each year!). Jeffrey was so nice and patient with my students and they were overjoyed to meet a real race car driver! I wish I could show you all my students because although I haven't mentioned it on this blog much, they are a big part of my life! Just imagine 21 adorable faces. You can visit my class blog by going here.

It Must Be Tough Being Two...

2010-10-12T19:27:00.003-05:00

We have been getting lots of boo boo reports from school lately. The one from today was for the minor scrape on her leg. She got to take her fall school picture with a nice red scratch above her lip given to her by a friend who shall remain nameless. It's tough being TWO!

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-10T17:20:00.009-05:00

It seems like I'm behind on everything! I'm behing on house work, behind on sleep, and definitely behind on blogging. We spent the weekend at my mom's and headed out Saturday morning for Tate's Farm. We had high expectations for a nice fall day at the pumpkin patch and hoped for some good photo opportunities. Grace did have a lot of fun, but Nanny and I were hot as fire because it was 90 degrees and we were dressed for, well about 60 degrees! This didn't stop Grace at all but we probably didn't stay as long as we wanted to. It should not surprise me one bit that when we go to these kinds of places Grace likes doing the stuff we can do anywhere the most.

Her favorite part was the Corn Crib!

What a difference a year makes (and 50 degrees!)

Our Weekend

2010-09-26T18:24:00.007-05:00

We had a nice weekend in Decatur! We watched a lot of football and thankfully, the Tigers pulled off their fourth straight victory! Grace wore her team colors to school on Friday.

This is a girl who does not care to have her picture taken!

We went to Krogers where they have cars for your small children to ride in and this is supposed to make shopping a pleasure. However, it was much more trouble than it was worth! I felt like I was pushing around the bread truck or something! Grace kept getting in and out and it was no fun for me at all.

Over the weekend Grace was put in time out at least 3 or 4 times. She is really trying to figure out what she can and can not get away with, pitching major fits when she doesn't get what she wants and making me have to take deep breaths and count to ten several times a day!! HA! Thanks Mom, for a nice, easy going weekend and delicious meals! And thank you to Meme for putting up with all of us! Poor Meme... a house full of people makes her nervous but she handled it well!

On a side note, I am loving this cooler weather and I hope it lasts all week! However, it is 66 degrees outside and I'm pretty sure that does not call for heavy Northface jackets and fleece pants like I saw in the grocery store today. I guess some people just got a little excited!

"GREAT Listener"

2010-09-20T19:08:00.004-05:00

I feel like bragging just a bit! Grace got this note with her happy face today at school and it just makes me such a proud Mommy!

This girl is always trying to find higher ground...

Pneumonia

2010-09-19T19:57:00.004-05:00

I took Grace back to the doctor (3rd visit in 3 weeks) on Wednesday. I could tell she was getting worse and even though she didn't have a fever, her chest sounded terrible. I was determined to get an answer to this ongoing problem and I did not want to be told "It just has to run its course." My mother's intuition was telling me that if it ran its course any longer we'd be in the hospital. This time we went to Dr. P himself instead of his other clinic. He is a fabulous pediatrician and is so detailed, I wanted to kick myself for not going directly to him before now. He was very concerned with why this had been going on for so long as well and after a second set of chest x-rays he felt like she definitely had Pneumonia. Her high white blood count confirmed this so he started Grace on a shot of something I can't remember, and all this medicine.

We went back to the doctor on Thursday morning to be rechecked and thankfully, she was already much better. She is barely coughing now and can go back to school tomorrow which I know she will be excited about. Dr. P is concerned that Grace may have allergies or even worse, asthma, because she gets chest congestion sooooo much. She will be taking a breakthing treatment every morning and night for the next couple of months and hopefully that will kick this problem. Although there are worse illnesses to have, I pray it is not something she has to live with! She doesn't mind hanging out with her penguin friend as long as Mickey Mouse is on!

"Nastics"

2010-09-16T18:33:00.008-05:00

Grace has started "nastics" at a new place. Everyone we talked to said THIS was the place to take gymnastics in our area and from what I've seen, they were right!

I feel like I'm watching the summer Olympics everytime we go. The older girls are amazing and have obviously been working hard for years. I love watching them on the bars! But my favorite little gymnast is this cutie, ofcourse.

She loves that I can watch her and isn't the least bit nervous since I can stay near by. I think it works out better this way because I don't get involved with the class but she knows I'm there (with camera in hand!)

Doing the butterfly...

A lot of the pictures I took are blurry because they have a sign saying no flash photography and I certainly wouldn't want to be the reason that someone on the beam crashes to the floor!

Grace loves Nastics, and loves doing it with her best bud Fifi!

A Beautiful Gift

2010-09-11T17:18:00.007-05:00

When Grace left the "baby house" for the "big house" her favorite teacher Mrs. Sonya gave us a gift. When she handed it to me she told me I better wait until I got home to look at it but of course, I could not wait. It was a beautiful book full of pictures from the beginning of her time at preschool until now. Many of the pictures I had never seen and I couldn't help but cry at how big our little girl has gotten. I knew the grandparents would want to see some of these sweet pictures. The quality is not great but they are so precious and I am so glad Mrs. Sonya did this for us.

Here are some pictures taken of her at school last week. I can't believe how grown up she looks!

Not happy about me leaving...

Cutting with REAL Big Girl scissors!

Happy Grandparent's Day!

2010-09-11T07:28:00.006-05:00

I'm just one day late. Happy Grandparent's Day!!!

Jon and I were both blessed with amazing grandparents. Amazing does not even describe how much they mean to us. We were the apples of their eyes and they will always hold a special place in our heart. Grace's grandparents are no different. Our parents are head over hills in love with Grace and are such big parts of her life. I don't know what we would do without them! So to Nanny, GiGi, Pop Pop, NaNa and Grand Dad and Big Daddy... thank you for being in Grace's life! We love you!!

WAR EAGLE!!!

2010-09-10T05:12:00.004-05:00

At 6:00 yesterday morning I thought it would be a good idea for Grace to wear her cheerleading outfit from last year on game day. I did not even notice how short it was until we got to school and it was too late! Bless her heart, it is past time to retire this one and buy her a new one! And Grace, I am so sorry! I will definitely check your shorts and skirts length from now on before we walk out the door. Still, she is the cutest little cheerleader I have ever seen!

Fall Wreath

2010-09-07T19:20:00.003-05:00

A quick trip to Hobby Lobby + 30 minutes of crafting = my favorite DIY so far!!!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-06T19:48:00.005-05:00

Happy Labor Day!! This weekend has been wonderful for two reasons: 1 - I didn't have to work today and 2 - we did a lot of nothing the whole weekend for the first time in I don't know how long. It was NICE! Grace has been kind of sick for well over a week now. We have been to the doctor twice and if she doesn't get better within another day, we'll be going right back. It is painful to watch her cough so hard and I just don't know why it won't go away. We've done antibiotics, a shot and around the clock breathing treatments and it really has not gotten any better. She spent Friday at home with Nana and then spent the night so I did enjoy some extra rest. Saturday I enjoyed a massage which was a graduation gift from a very sweet friend of my mother's. We spent Game Day at home and thankfully Auburn had a fabulous first game.

Grace finally decided that she loves her "mot-a-cycle" which was a birthday present from GiGi and Pop Pop. She has been scared of the noise it makes but for whatever reason she hopped right on it the other night and has played with it ever since.
Labor Day means one sad thing around here - no more white pants or seersucker! So I made sure to dress Grace in an outfit that we won't get to see again for a while...

Have yall seen the commercial for Pillow Pets? I have been talking them up to Grace for a while and I just knew Santa would bring Grace one or two for Christmas. Well, as soon as we walked in Martin's this morning there were shelves full of Pillow Pets and Grace. went. WILD! There was no turning back or telling her "We'll get it later." Heck no. So I figured Santa could bring one of the other 73 pets for Christmas and she could have this Ladybug for now.
She loves it! Took a nap with it and is falling asleep with it now. That is what I call money well spent!

Not Feeling Well....

2010-09-02T16:49:00.005-05:00

Grace was all smiles this morning...

But I should have known when she didn't want to sit by her pal, Nisaiah, she didn't feel well.

Just a couple of hours later I got an email from Mrs. Susan saying that she had a low grade fever (100) and had been crying all morning. She said she could stay at school but she just wanted to let me know. I was very thankful that she let me know because since this crud has been going on for over a week now, I knew we needed to go back to the doctor. I was lucky to quickly get a substitute and I went to get my sweet girl. It was obvious something was wrong when I picked her up. We saw the doctor who did x-rays and found that her lungs are just full of junk, which made sense because this afternoon she sounds like a coffee grinder. She got a shot and we headed home. I'm hoping the shot will fix her up in no time!

We're Still Here!!

2010-08-30T19:36:00.006-05:00

My blogging has gotten a little more spaced out since I've been back at work. It's not that I don't have time to blog, I've just been forgetting to take pictures so this morning I made sure to take the camera to school.

Grace is L-O-V-I-N-G loving the 2 year old class! I don't even know why I was worried about her. She is learning so many new things each and every day. She knows all her colors, shapes and can sing the ABC's all by herself. She rarely gets upset when I drop her off but is so happy when I return which is the highlight of my day!

Today we had to go to the doctor right after school. She has had the crud and it just won't go away even with nebulizer treatments. Grace was SO good at the doctor. I don't know if it's the doctor's kit she has at Nanny's that has made her feel a little more at ease but she let the doctor listen to her heart and chest and look in her ears with no trouble at all. She was so good that I knew she deserved a treat. I headed to a place where few of my friends and family like to go - Wal-Mart and knew I had found the right present as sooon as I saw it.

A T-Ball set!! Grace loves talking about Uncle Q and baseball. Over the weekend she had Nanny throw a ball to her and would hit it with one of her toys that she thought looked like a bat. She loved this!

She hasn't mastered her swing yet but I'm sure with a little more practice she'll be good.

Rush Week

2010-08-23T17:57:00.016-05:00

Sorority rush was this past week at JSU. The correct term for this is "recruitment" but it will always be "rush" to me. I love that we live so close and that I can stay so involved with my chapter. It was A LOT of work but very worth it.
Deidra is the rush adviser and is an outstanding alumnae!

I got to spend time with one of my favorite pledge sisters, Allison!

Our skit for Theme Day is called "AOII and the City." I bet you can't guess where we got that from. It is simply amazing, so fun and heart felt.

The gorgeous ladies of AOII!

Ok, so this is everyone's favorite part of rush - BID DAY! The new members open their bid cards in the Round House at JSU and then as soon as they see who they got they grab a shirt and run out on the quad. It is soooo much fun to watch because everyone is so excited!

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These two ladies are sisters and now they are AOII sisters, too!

It was a fun weekend but I am glad rush only comes around once a year!!

Kelli's 40th Birthday

2010-08-15T09:19:00.008-05:00

Aunt Kelli turned 40!!!

She didn't want a big party, so Gigi and Pop Pop just had the family over and we enjoyed a delicious dinner.Grace was in a VERY festive mood, and she usually is when her cousin, Thomas, is around.

This is what 40 candles looks like when they have just been blown out...

Happy birthday Kelli! We love you!!

An Injury Already...

2010-08-14T09:04:00.003-05:00

The two year old class must be ROUGH!

When I picked Grace up on Wednesday I noticed that her friend, Crimson, had a bloody lip and Grace was crying with a red spot on her forehead. Apparently they had just bumped into each other big time! I'm really just kidding about the class being rough. Grace is so happy in the "big house." She is learning to write her name and coming home with new tricks just about every single day.

Back to School Magic Snack Mix

2010-08-09T17:29:00.006-05:00

It's that time! My new students returned to school today! For 5th graders, the first day of school is still fun and exciting. They absolutely love seeing their name on different things in the classroom and organizing their school supplies. I gave my students a special treat for "Meet Your Teacher" night. Each student got one of these with the poem below:

Back To School
Magic Snack Mix

The night before school is exciting and fun,
there are always so many things to be done.
Your clothes are ready, your backpack is too.
Your classroom is full of fun things you will do.
There are so many questions that go through your mind,
all types of thoughts of every kind.
But sometimes we all get the jitters down deep
and that makes it hard to fall fast asleep.
So I've made you a magic snack mix, it really is cool.
It will help you be rested and ready for school.
Just eat the snack right before bed
On the night before school starts when you lay down your head.
The snack will help you sleep through the night
And you will wake up in the morning fresh and bright.
I’ll be sure to have this magic snack, too.
And remember, I just can't wait for school so I can see YOU!!!

This was a HIT!!! The students were excited and the parents just ooooh'd and ahhhh'd over them and all my teacher friends asked for the poem so they could do it next year.

Wedding Part II

2010-08-08T20:48:00.027-05:00

It was HOT!

Cousin Bella!

Here comes the Groom!!

Parents of the Bride

The Flower Girl!!! (One of them, the older one decided not to walk)

Grace LOVED this part! She walked so slowly stopping at every row to check everyone out!

Letting go of the balloons (that was her job instead of dropping flower petals).

And here comes the beautiful Bride!!!!

It was such a fun day and I'm so glad we could be a part of it! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Duncan!!!

Wedding Part I

2010-08-08T08:27:00.016-05:00

Aunt Lacey and Uncle Matt's wedding was yesterday. It was absolutely beautiful! It was very hot during the afternoon but it cooled off right before the ceremony started and it was perfect! Grace was a wonderful flower girl and did as well as we could expect a 2 year old to do!

She knew how dressed up she was and walked about 2 steps taller!

I couldn't help but think when I was snapping this picture that these two will be doing this again one day! A VERY long time from now!

The wedding was held at a beautiful farm not far from where we live. The actual ceremony was held on a peninsula and the reception was at the barn. Grace loved driving in one of the golf carts with Daddy!

Ceremony and reception pictures coming soon!!

We Did It!!!

2010-08-07T07:08:00.005-05:00

First Day of School

2010-08-03T19:01:00.005-05:00

Dear Grace,
This is one of those days I will never forget. I need to start by saying how much I have loved spending about every second with you this summer. I wish it didn't have to end! I had been talking to you for a couple of weeks about going to Mrs. Michelle's class. I told you that you were a big girl and were moving up but you like to tell me "No Mommy, I wittle!" I tried to take your picture this morning in a different spot but when I asked you to move you told me "I can't! I can't!" When we got to school we started walking up the steps and you asked "Where's Maw Maw?" When you saw all the bigger kids eating breakfast you got really nervious which made me nervous but Mrs. Susan assured me that you'd have a great day and you'd be fine once I left. 9 hours later I felt like we had been apart for days and I was so excited to come pick you up! You were happy to see me, but not ready to leave. I had to pick you up and carry you out to get you to come home with me! Your teachers said you had a wonderful day and loved all the new things to play with, and especially loved being with your old friends!! And yes, you got a HAPPY FACE!
***I would LOVE to know who taught Grace to be a "Rina" today (ballerina). She came home doing this "I a Rina! I a Rina!" and she twirls around like a ballerina.

Last Day of Summer

2010-08-03T17:23:00.008-05:00

Grace and I spent our last morning of summer playing at the local bouncy place with Mrs. Crystal and Presley.

I found out last week that this place has Mommy and Me Mondays for little kids 4 and under. I wish I had know this at the beginning of the summer! She had so much fun!

I should not be surprised that when we go to places like this Grace likes doing the things we could do at home the most....

....or that we have moments like these every. single. day.

It was a fun thing to do on our last day of summer and I'm so glad Presley could join us!

Dixie World Series

2010-08-03T17:09:00.007-05:00

We left for Dothan, Alabama early Saturday morning to see my brother, Quentin, play in the Dixie World Series. Grace was SO excited to see her "Uncle Q" again!

It was unbelievably HOT! For those of you who don't live down south and are not famliar with what sweltering heat is like, let me show you...

The complex we were at was very, very nice and had a tent with water misters so that helped, along with lots and lots of water to drink. I felt so bad for the guys playing!

Grace was so good despite the heat!

Team Florida beat Virginia, and Florida is in the Final 4 tonight.

I did not get any pictures of Grace and Q!! Hopefully it won't be long before we see him again.

Quentin

2010-08-03T05:12:00.002-05:00

Just a quick update on my brother, Quentin. He did not make the USA team last month, but he wasn't too heartbroken because that meant he got to be part of the Southeast Dixie World Series which is going on right now. We got to see him this weekend in Dothan (I'll post those pictures tonight!). His team, Florida, is headed into the Final Four tonight and he has done particularly well. It was so much fun to listen to the game online last night. The announcers were crazy about him! Here he is posing with some "fans" after the game against Mississippi last night.

Winding Down

2010-07-30T11:43:00.012-05:00

Our summer is fading fast. Grace's last gymnastic's class was this week. She'll start back at a new place closer to home in September. She loves it so much but she's really not sure about me leaving the room and coming back. She spotted me when the class was almost over and started crying immediately. Why do babies and toddlers do that??

Saying bye to Mrs. Starr

Yesterday was Grace's last day in the "little house." I am SO torn up about this!

She is leaving 3 angel teachers (I didn't get a picture with Maw Maw but we will!). I am so grateful that God put them at Grace's school. They have taken such good care of her for the past 2 years and she is just crazy about Mrs. Sonya, Mrs. Shirley and Maw Maw!! I know she has to grow up and I know she will be so excited to join her "big girl" friends who moved up months ago, but I'm still sad. Mrs. Sonya made a cute bulletin board for the girls moving up...

In other news, my classroom is just about ready for 23 smiling new faces! Postcards have been sent and I have written my new student's name on just about everything I possibly can.

It all starts Tuesday! I go back to work and Grace moves into the 2 year old class. I am going to miss our days together SO MUCH. I have the best job in the world for a Mommy.

Win

2010-07-30T11:43:00.001-05:00

Callie Jane

2010-07-25T21:08:00.002-05:00

Please remember the Roberts family in your prayers.

Today was Callie's funeral. Her sweet parents are hurting right now and I can't imagine what they are going through.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. John 14: 1-3

It's Not Your Birthday....

2010-07-24T17:13:00.005-05:00

I had lunch with my good friend Nikki and she gave me the cutest birthday present for Grace...

I let Grace open it when I got home, and this made her think it was her birthday again! Not having the heart to tell her that today was not her birthday (and she would have to wait quite a while for that day to come around again!) I went with it and let her wear her birthday bib again.

And this made her REALLY excited until she asked for cake...

...and I had to tell her that we didn't have any! I know, I was asking for it by letting her think it was her birthday. This was just a harsh reality that I didn't want her to have to face at 2 years old, but I learned a good lesson and thank goodness she is still easily distracted!

Goodbye Graduate School!!!!

2010-07-24T11:12:00.002-05:00

Did I mention that I passed my comps?? And now I get to throw all of this and more away!!!

I found out on Thursday and I was elated! I called my mom and told her in a very pitiful voice that I didn't pass, and then told her I was just kidding. The best part is my 3 good friends (who I have taken every single graduate course with) passed as well! We are so excited about graduation and especially getting to enjoy life with no homework, papers or research!!!

Hair

2010-07-23T10:09:00.006-05:00

Grace's hair is finally picking up!

Most people probably would not think this looks like much hair, but considering she had so little hair just a year ago...

I can't believe how much it's grown!

My Sunshine

2010-07-22T19:09:00.005-05:00

Callie

2010-07-21T18:28:00.004-05:00

Precious Callie went to Heaven tonight. Please keep her parents, Wesley and Jolie in your prayers and their families. I know God is in control. It's still hard to believe that on Sunday I was at Jolie's shower celebrating with her and now her baby is in Heaven. My prayer is that God is glorified through Callie's short life.

Baby Callie

2010-07-21T13:29:00.007-05:00

Callie Jane Roberts was born early this morning at 3:20, 9 weeks before her due date!

She weighs 3 lbs. 15 oz and is not out of the woods yet. She had a blood transfusion this morning and is having some kidney problems. Please keep her in your prayers! Callie's grandmother, Diane, and aunt, Tonya are two of my dearest friends.
***I just got a text from Diane. Callie is in critical condition.

Prayer Request

2010-07-20T20:47:00.003-05:00

Please pray for my friend Jolie. Her baby girl, Callie Jane, is not due until mid September but she is in labor and the doctors can't stop the contractions any longer. They say she'll be here tonight or tomorrow. The good news is that she's at a wonderful hospital with a NICU that knows exactly what to do in this situation. Please lift baby Callie up in your prayers tonight!

2 Year Check Up

2010-07-20T11:54:00.003-05:00

Grace her 2 year check up this morning. It happened to be on her due date - July 20! This was one of our more pleasent experiences at the doctor. She weighs 28 pounds (between 50th and 75th percentile), her length is 33 inches (25th percentile) and her head circumfrence is off the charts at 48.5 inches!! That is the 95th percentile and I know it's because she is sooooo smart! Here she is waiting on shots and holding her finger out like the end of it had just been cut off (finger stick).

Unless she is sick, she won't need shots again until she is 4!!!

We're Back!!

2010-07-20T11:21:00.007-05:00

My $0.99 camera battery came in the mail yesterday! I'm so glad I waited on it instead of paying the $40 Best Buy wanted for one. It seems to work just the same! But I have so many pictures to post to catch up since the end of June. On Grace's birthday we stopped by her school to celebrate with friends.
Here she is with her favorite teacher, Mrs. Sonya!

Her friend, Hailey blew the candles out for her because Grace wasn't sure about it.

Grace, just so you know even THIS made your Daddy nervous!

We celebrated that night with our family at our favorite Mexican spot. Grace loved the fountain!

Baseball Update

2010-07-14T16:30:00.001-05:00

This is straight from USAbaseball.com.

14U Trials: Team reports Tuesday
39 players arrived to Cary, N.C. to compete for 18 spots
CARY, N.C. - Tuesday marked a busy day for the 39 players who were selected last month to compete at the USA Baseball 14U Trials. The group arrived to Cary in various stages Tuesday, with players from each part of the country reporting to the team hotel.
The group of 39 will hold its first team meeting Tuesday night, and will hit the field at the National Training Complex Wednesday morning for its first workout. The trials team will hold its first Red vs. Blue game Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. ET. The club will play four games through Saturday before the final team of 18 is announced.

On Tuesday, each of the players arrived on separate flights, and picked up their room keys and uniforms before heading off to their respective rooms to relax before the night's meeting. They'll have an early wakeup call Wednesday morning before starting practice at 9 a.m. ET.

The 14U Trials consists of 22 players selected from the 2009 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) and 17 chosen after the 14U Championships, which were recently held in Fort Myers, Fla., and Glendale, Surprise and Peoria, Ariz.

Eighteen players will be selected to the 2010 USA Baseball 14U National Team, which will compete at the COPABE Pan Am 'A' 14U Championships in Managua, Nicaragua from July 23-Aug. 1. The team will be announced on usabaseball.com after the completion of the 14U Trials.

The club will train at the National Training Complex July 18-20 prior to departing for Managua.

What We Learned From Our First Disney Trip

2010-07-13T21:22:00.007-05:00

It's been over a month since our first trip as a family to Disney World. It was so much fun and Grace still talks about it from time to time, especially when Mickey Mouse is on the Disney Channel. I am hardly a Disney expert so if you are looking for advice from someone who really knows what they are talking about, go visit Sarah at Disney Mom Style. Here are a few things that we learned and want to remember for next time.
1. You can bring in a small cooler and you should not even consider going in without one. We packed ours with juice and waters and I was so glad considering how bad the humidity was that day.
2. There are lots of ways to do Disney. I did a little research before our trip but I really just wanted to experience it myself this first time as a family and then figure out how to plan an all out Disney vacation in a few years. So that brings me to walking into Disney... we had no clue where to start first! I noticed another family on the ferry with us who had their i-phone out punching away choosing which ride to do first. They were obviously Disney pros! I hope to be that Disney savvy by the time we go back so we can pack as much as possible into one day.
3. Get there early! We didn't actually get into the park until 10:00 and by that time the lines were already long.
4. If we ever go back when it's hot I will do what someone very smart did for their toddler's stroller: attach a battery powered fan even if that means I have to use duct-tape like these parents did. That child looked amazingly cool and I'm positive that mine was burning up... Exhibit A

5. I wish I had packed Grace a sandwich. We paid $6 for an Uncrustable. You can buy an entire box of those "Lazy Sandwiches" as my mother calls them for less than $6!!!! I would still spend the $20 Jon and I spent on our lunches because it got us into cold air conditioning for just a little while.
6. Disney is such an amazing place. When Grace was taking a nap in her stroller Jon and I split an ice cream sundae and just sat back and took it all in. It's beyond any other amusement park in the world. No detail is left undone. I read that if a large tree branch falls off a tree during the night, Disney workers dig up the tree and replace it before the park opens the following morning. It really is the most magical place on earth!
Now, as for spending a long time in the car I learned a lot as well! Grace cried ONE time at the end of the ride home and we were so amazed at how wonderful she was.
1. Again, a cooler is a must. It saved us time and money.
2. I stopped by the Dollar Tree the day before we left and spent $10 on anything I thought Grace might find interesting like stickers, glow sticks for when it got dark, cars and more and it was the perfect thing to pull out when she seemed to be getting bored.
3. DVR player. Don't think about traveling without it.
4. Extra everything at an arm's reach. Extra, drinks, pacifiers, blankets, toys, you name it.
5. We left after eating a big lunch at our favorite Mexican place around 1:00pm. Grace quickly fell asleep and slept for almost 2 hours. Around 5 we stopped at a rest stop and she ran around for a little while, then we got back on the road. I think we stopped again around 8:00 and ate a late supper, changed her into pajamas and she slept until we arrived in Orlando at 11:00. The only problem with this is that when we got there, Jon and I were exhausted and Grace was full of energy. I don't think we got her back to sleep until after 2:00am. It was still worth it to have her not be miserable in her car seat for so long. It was a trip I'll never forget and I'm so glad we had the chance to do it!

Thanks Nanny!

2010-07-12T20:43:00.003-05:00

Thank you Nanny, for the new cute leotard!!

We had "nastics" again today. She was really unsure about it this time and I had to stretch with her for the first 5 minutes but then I snuck out and she was fine. She has been going strong ALL DAY LONG with NO nap! She has more energy than anyone I know! One of the only good things about the summer coming to an end is that we will be back on a much better schedule where she takes 2 hour naps and goes to bed before 10:00!

Houston We Have a Problem

2010-07-12T10:37:00.002-05:00

I have lost my camera battery charger!! I've looked all over the house and can not find it so I've ordered a new one and it should be here any day. While your waiting on another exciting post about Grace, visit Starfall.com. Grace LOVES sitting with me and playing on here. We just to the ABC part for now.

Bennett

2010-07-11T20:41:00.001-05:00

Bennett had a great week but tonight he is not doing as well. Please lift him up in your prayers tonight!

USA Baseball

2010-07-09T21:33:00.004-05:00

Many of you know about my brother. He is 13 years old and plays baseball.

What you don't know is that he is one of 40 baseball players headed to Durham, North Carolina next week for the 14 and under National Trials. 18 players will be selected to be a part of the 2010 USA Baseball 14U National Team which will compete in the Pan American Championship in Managua, Nicaragua at the end of this month. I can't tell you how proud I am for my brother for his athletic abilitiies. However, what I am most proud of him for is what a remarkable young man he is. I know I'm totally biased, but honestly he is so mature, kind and compassionate and it is truly a blessing to be his sister. I love you, Q!! Good luck!!!

Prayers

2010-07-06T18:49:00.004-05:00

I first want to ask you to lift this precious little life up in your prayers tonight. Bennett was born on July 3 at 26 weeks 5 days gestation. He is doing well and fighting hard. You can read more about him by clicking this button.

Tomorrow three of my friends and I will take our comprehensive exams to finish graduate school. I am so thankful to have had this opportunity to go back to school and complete this goal. I feel really silly asking for your prayers when there are so many other people who are in desperate need of love and prayers, like Baby Bennett. Just think about me around 12:30 tomorrow!

Happy 4th!!!

2010-07-04T14:24:00.006-05:00

We spent the morning at Point Mallard soaking up the sun and playing in the water. Happy 4th of July!!

We decided against being in the Wagon Parade like last year. They are holding it at 2:00 instead of in the morning and I have awful memories of it being hot as fire last year so I can't imagine how miserable we would be at the hottest part of the day. Playing in the water was much more fun!

Happy Birthday, GRACE!!!

2010-06-29T14:12:00.005-05:00

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday to you!

Happy birthday dear Grace!

Happy birthday to YOU!

To our Amazing Grace,
Happy 2nd birthday!! We love you and are so proud to be your Mommy and Daddy. God has blessed us with your life and we are so very, very thankful. You light up our lives!!

More Changes and MORE Tumbling!!

2010-06-29T10:31:00.012-05:00

After I said that Grace wouldn't go near her potty, how did she surprise Mommy this morning? By happily going to her potty and using it!!!! This is her second time to use it at home so maybe we are on to something. I could tell that she really knew what she had just done and was much more pleased with herself than last time, and of course, I made a HUGE deal out of it so she would know how happy I was!

We just took the side of her crib off but so far it doesn't seem to make her sleep better. Grace wakes up between 2 and 3 every night and yes, I take the easy route and just put her in bed with Jon and I. Our neighbor's flood lights stay on ALL NIGHT LONG and they shine into Grace's room. A trip to Lowe's to get black outs is in the near future!

Last night was Grace's second gymnastics class.

How sweet these girls are!!

Grace had a great time turning flips and I feel like we are definitely headed for the summer Olympics in another 12 years.

However, her bf, FiFi was not so sure about it this time and clung to Mommy for a little while.

Hurricane Chandler was having none of gymnastics but did love the water fountain!

In other news, Grace will be TWO tomorrow! Is it normal to be depressed over this?? I love that she is growing up and doing new tricks all the time but it makes me so sad that I can never go back to her being a little baby.

Changes

2010-06-26T19:37:00.006-05:00

I picked up Grace from school on Friday and to my surprise, she was not in the "baby house." They had taken her over to the "Big House" to see how she liked it. She will be moving to the two year old class in the fall and they were low on two years olds that day so they let her spend the day with them. She had a wonderful day and got a "happy face!"

It makes me both happy and sad for her to move up. She will be leaving three precious teachers who she has become so close to. She has been with them since she was 3 months old and loves them so much. But I also know that she can't wait to be with her buddies who have already moved up and I think she is going to learn so much in the 2 year old class! Some of her other 2 year old friend already know how to write their name, the months of the year (as long as it's in the song!) and how to speak a few words in spanish.

Now, for a potty update. We've bought books and DVDs and talked about pottying for a while now. She got a princess potty for Valentines Day and we've done a lot of looking at it, standing on it and taking it a part. One morning at the beginning of this month we woke up and I noticed her diaper was dry. So I took her straight to the potty and she filled it UP! We celebrated, took pictures, and made a big deal out of it. I just knew we were headed for big girl panties. My little girl never ceases to remind me that I don't know nearly as much as I think I do! HA! Since that morning, she does not even want to talk about getting back on the potty. She will even cry if I ask her more than once to please try and go potty. So I've been backing off, because obviously she's just not ready. We did pick up our first pack of pull-ups today and she is very proud to wear them!

What are your potty training tips??

Show Us Your Life - Summer Fun

2010-06-24T18:16:00.015-05:00

Thanks for stopping by! I love staying at home with my baby girl this summer! She's only 2 so it is VERY easy to impress her. She gets a kick out of the simple things (for now!) Here's what we've been up to...
Bouncing in the jumper, which she's probably too old for.

Painting with water colors

Taking care of all the babies

Reading

Lots of pool time

Playing with new birthday toys

Building tents out of furniture and a blanket

and naps in the boat!

However, if you are looking for something to do with a bigger kid on a rainy day - here's an easy crowd pleaser that I do with my 5th graders on the first day of school to get them excited about science.

What you need...
Milk
Q-Tip
Dawn Dish Detergent
Food coloring
Plate that you can pour milk in without it leaking out

Directions...
Pour enough milk in the plate just to cover the bottom.
Let your little one put a few drops of different colors of food coloring.
Dip the Q-Tip into the Dawn Dish Detergent.
Place it in the middle of the milk and prepare to be amazed!
This is what you'll get...

First Gymnastics Class

2010-06-21T19:37:00.005-05:00

Today was Grace's first day at gymnastics! I would love nothing more than for Grace to love tumbling as much as I did growing up - maybe this was the first step!

I think she was really nervous at first!

FiFi always knows when Grace needs a hug!

The parents are not allowed to stay in the gym for class. I hate that we can't really see what's going on, but being a teacher I know how parents can be a distraction when you're trying to teach, so I understand. I made the mistake of going outside a peaking in a window. Grace saw me and got really upset, REALLY upset! It didn't last too long, thank goodnes, and she enjoyed the rest of class. She was so excited to show me her butterfly stamp when it was time to go home!

Grace's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-06-20T18:05:00.016-05:00

Grace's birthday isn't for 10 more days, but my mom has a convention she goes to every year on the weekend before her birthday, and the weekend after her birthday is the 4th of July, so for the past two years Grace has gotten an extra early party, and she doesn't seem to mind this at all!

She bounced and played and had a BALL!

Eating some of the yummy food, like "straw-babies" as Grace says.

Her favorite people were there, like Nana and Maw Maw

and Gigi and Pop-Pop

and Grand Dad! Nanny, I don't know how we didn't get a picture of you and Grace. Thank you for all your help with food!!
Grace loved hanging out with her party guests at her new table and chairs (thanks Nanny!)...

For dinner, we had a crawfish boil!

Time for cake!

Notice the outfit change - it poured earlier in the day and that made for a messy time on the jumper!

Grace got lots of great presents, lots of babydolls and some big things from her grandparents like this water table from Grand Dad and Nana, a slide from Nanny and a four wheeler from Gigi and Pop-Pop. Don't worry - I think it tops out at 2 miles per hour!
I especially enjoyed seeing my AOII big sister, Tabatha, and her sweet girl, Claire Grace. They drove down from Fort Payne and we had so much fun playing with the girls!

The birthday girl was exhausted by the end of the party and slept until 9:00 this morning!

Days like this I'm reminded how blessed we are to have such a wonderful family and great friends! We're so thankful to them for celebrating Grace's 2nd birthday with us and for being a part of our lives. We love you!!

Mallory's 4th Birthday

2010-06-12T21:21:00.012-05:00

What a fun night! We celebrated Mallory's 4th birthday with a backyard cook-out.

When it comes to parties, Tiffany and Phillip don't leave any details out.

Tiffany made ice cream cone cakes and they were a hit! Grace kept right on playing with cake in hand.

Their backyard is better than a lot of playgrounds and Grace had a BALL!

The birthday girl running her cash register...

Two peas in a pod!

The only party guest who would stop and pose for me!

I know Tiff will appreciate this next part... Tiffany and Phillip got Mallory a house for her birthday. Here it is on the day it "opened for business." Isn't it breath taking??

And now, after the girls had played "house" for hours (or a tornado came through, I'm not sure which one!)...

It was such a fun party! Grace had no nap yesterday and fell asleep as soon as we got home and she layed down on her Daddy. Happy birthday Mal-Mal!!!

Show Us Your Life - China Patterns

2010-06-11T08:38:00.007-05:00

Jon's favorite color is purple. The first china pattern that jumped out at me had a royal blue trim and I just knew Jon would love it. For whatever reason, he did not and said that we needed something that would go with everything. What a GREAT call on his part! We ended up choosing Lenox Corrinet Platinum.

Honestly, I thought a few times "Do I even need fine china?? Aren't there other things I should be registering for?" However, my Mom, who is always right, reminded me that this was the only time in my life where people would buy me such nice things for my home and I would probably regret not registering for it. In our three years of marraige we have only eaten off these dishes ONE time and that was this past New Years Eve. I guess this means I need to have my friends over for dinner!

Now, for my everyday china... We chose Vietri Incanto.

I instantly fell in love with these dishes. They were expensive, but they were dish washer safe and so many other Brides in my hometown had registered for them, I figured they were a good thing! Wrong wrong wrong!! They are NOT dish washer safe no matter what the company says. Half of my pieces are chipped and yesterday a light plate fell on the one I was putting dinner on and guess which one broke into pieces?? The Vietri plate. I desperately need to buy a new, cheaper set that IS dish washer safe! Thanks for stopping by - let me know if you have an everyday set of dishes that you love!

Disney World

2010-06-10T21:11:00.011-05:00

WHERE DO I EVEN BEGIN?? This was definitely the most anticipated part of our trip. Over the past few months I turned the Disney channel on whenever I could to introduce Grace to some of the characters. It didn't take her long to fall in love with Mickey and Minnie! Jon and I tossed around the idea of staying at Disney for two nights so that we could leave during the middle of the day and come back at night. I got lots of great ideas from Sarah at Disney Mom Style and will use many of those in the future (This girl knows her Disney stuff so if you are thinking about going anytime in the next year or two, visit her blog and read her tips.) In the end, we wanted to be able to spend more time with our family and decided to go for one day and hang out as long as we could. We were pleasantly surprised by free tickets from a friend of my Dad's who works at Epcot. We met him at Epcot at 9:00am and then we were on our way to the Magic Kingdom! Here we are waiting on the monorail or "choo-choo."

After getting on two fairies (had to get off the first for a minor emergency with another guest) we finally made it to the Magic Kingdom!! I know that Grace's head had to be spinning with excitement. There is just so much going on the moment you step in that it's about impossible to take it all in.

Before we could get any further into the park, a parade started and we had a perfect place to watch it.

I'm so glad we saw this parade because this is the only time we saw Minnie Mouse! We were told by another guest we saw in line that she was at her playhouse but when we went there and asked a cast member, she told us "Sorry, she's probably out baking cheese cakes today." Um, ok. Jon and I really did not know how to reply to that so we just laughed! That is one thing I will do better next time - figure out where the characters are and/or go to a character dinner. Grace couldn't have cared about who she saw but I can see where a 4 year old would DEFINITELY mind!
More of the parade...

Grace's Nana made her dress and it was perfect! Several of the cast members commented on how cute she looked in it.

We only rode two rides - It's a Small World and Pooh's Adventure. Although it was not that crowded, the wait time was about 45 minutes for all the rides and you can't take a stroller through the line, which means Jon held Grace most of the time and she didn't like waiting.... nor did she like getting off of the ride and pitched a fit. You can see how Disney World can be quite confusing for a two year old!

Not surprisingly Grace's favorite part of the day was doing something you can do just about anywhere!
After lunch she took a long nap while Jon and I had an ice cream sundae. We stayed until about 3:00 and took one final picture before calling it a day...

Note: I know that I have no business wearing a halter top!! However, it was HOT and HUMID and I figured I wouldn't see anyone I knew. I guess I wasn't thinking about taking pictures!
It was such a fun day and I will try to do another post about tid-bits I learned and things I want to remember. Next time we are absolutely spending time at one of the resorts so that we can enjoy more time at the park! My favorite photo from the day...

Tampa Bay

2010-06-09T14:47:00.013-05:00

On Saturday we headed to Tampa for my youngest brother, Quentin's (aka Precious Angel) baseball tournament. His coach invited us to stay at his beautiful water house on the bay and of course, we jumped at this opportunity!

Grace loved being in the water! As soon as her Daddy got in the pool with her she said "I like it! I like it!" at least 100 times.

Grace jumped on a trampoline for the first time! She loved it!! Great practice for gymnastics which starts in a couple of weeks.

Quentin's tournament lasted two days.

I could be partial, but he is REALLY good at baseball and it is so much fun to watch him play.

He usually pitches and stikes guys out left and right!! (By the way, going to a sporting event and a graduation has definitely told me that I need to purchase a lense for my Nikon ASAP!)

Quentin's team won the tournament!!

Way to go Hurricanes!

Quentin won the "Team Ball" for Sunday night and being the sweet Uncle that he is, he gave it to Grace! Here we are in all of our ballpark glory - I totally wanted a shower at this moment! We didn't get back to Orlando until midnight and had our big day at Disney the very next morning but I must say, it was totally worth it.

Graduation

2010-06-09T14:32:00.006-05:00

The real reason for our trip to Orlando was to attend my stepbrother, Carlos's, high school graduation.

We made a last minute call for Jon to stay at my Dad's with Grace and I'm so glad we did because there were 650 graduates - HAVE MERCY!!!! On top of that, it did not begin until 8:00pm, so we knew taking Grace (or any small child) could spell disaster!

It was held at the Amway Arena where the Orlando Magic play. It felt more like a college graduation than your usual high school graduation on the football field.

Carlos on the Jumbo-tron!

Dad and Carlos

Congratulations to my oldest brother, Carlos!! We love you!

Orlando Trip Part 1

2010-06-08T10:29:00.018-05:00

We're back!! Our trip was wonderful! I don't think I've ever packed so much into 5 days! The drive down only took 9 1/2 hours and that was a few less than I expected. We stopped just twice and Grace was a perfect angel the entire way. I don't think she cried the entire time and this was a blessing to her Momma who was fearing the worst! Friday afternoon we arranged for Grace to be the Honorary Duck Master at The Peabody Hotel.

We had planned to take her just to see the ducks walk back to their penthouse. My stepmom said that you could call few months ahead of time and be the Honorary Duck Master and walk right beside the "real" duck master and help him. Wishfully, I called the hotel and to my delight they did not have a child to help them that evening!! So we quickly got dressed and headed to The Peabody!

Grace LOVED the fountains, the water and of course, the DUCKS!

The Duck Master was so nice! He went out of his way to make this an over-the-top event for us.

Here we go!!

It was hard to get pictures of Grace because the hotel guests crowd the red carpet as if the President was coming through! You can tell Grace is taking this job very seriously.

We then got on the "Duck-evator" to take them to their home.

The ducks speed up BIG TIME once they get off the elevator because they know they are getting close to dinner.

Good night, duckies!!

The duck master gave Grace a big, nice certificate and an official Peabody Hotel rubber duckie. This was so much fun!!!

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T09:11:00.006-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! Today I would like to tell you about someone who has a special place in my heart. His name is Josh Rath and I got to know him well when we were lifeguards at Point Mallard Waterpark. He was outgoing, friendly, hilarious and extremely handsome! Most importantly, he served God his entire life and this was evident to anyone who spent five minutes with him.

After high school he enlisted in the Army with a good friend. His time in the army was almost done when God called him home on January 8, 2009 when a bomb exploded in Afghanistan. He was 22 years old. My words can not begin to adequately thank his family, his fiance, Kim, or Josh for his life. He made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! He touched so many lives while here on earth and I will never forget him.