The Montgomery Family

Ford

2012-02-01T14:32:00.000-08:00

Maybe because he's my last baby... or maybe because he's my only little boy... but this little rascal is the sweetest baby ever! He loves to be talked too and loves to laugh. He loves his sisters and his Praise Baby movie. He weighs somewhere around 18 lbs and has been the healthiest of all my kiddos. He loves to snuggle and rock at night and to be held tight and have his bottom patted when tired.

We are very thankful for this little boy!

playing with his giraffe that the Ueltschey's brought him from Peru.

this is how he snuggles every time he's tired.

love this little man!

On to the Zoo...

2012-01-06T15:23:00.000-08:00

Pun intended.... it's always a zoo when we head to Yazoo City! But a fun zoo at that!

All Allie has asked for since September from Yaya is a locket with a picture of her great grandmother and grandfather in it. She was so excited!

A cardboard house that gets to stay AT Yaya and Dink's house!

We're not sure how many people it takes to put a cardboard house together... or how John Murry got stuck inside it!

Yaya telling the girls about the pterodactyl that lives in the back yard! (how many people knew you spelled that with a P?!) Its actually a gray owl that screeches when you walk outside, it terrifies the kids!

All the excitement wore John Murry out!

Merry Christmas

2012-01-06T12:45:00.000-08:00

We got to spend our Christmas Eve and Christmas morning in Tupelo with Mimi, Poppi, Carley, Brady and Chase. Our neighbors treated the whole neighborhood and in fact, the whole town to a beautiful display of lights and Santa, Ms. Claus, Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, Buddy the Elf and Zoey for all the kids to enjoy. Our kids loved it (Mary Elliott was a little skeptical) but it was SO cute! The grinch made a special appearance at our house... stole a present... and apologized because he remembered he has changed his ways!

reindeer food!

cookies for Santa!

ta da... she lives in her own little world

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2011!!!

December...

2012-01-06T12:11:00.000-08:00

We had a very sweet, busy fun filled December... class Christmas parties, class plays, neighborhood parties, lots of places to be and lots of things to do!

I didn't get my camera to everything but my favorite was Allie and Knox playing Mary and Joseph in their sweet Christmas program.

A South Carolina Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T14:32:00.001-08:00

We all packed up and headed east this thanksgiving. A very special man turned 70 and Mimi planned an awesome surprise trip to Hilton Head to celebrate. After flying in five states and four airports and running through two security checkpoints with three kids we finally arrived and celebrated Poppi's birthday in Hilton Head! We met up with his sister Nancy, Uncle Jay, their two kids Suzanne and Jamie, their spouses and five kiddos. So all together we had 21 people and a lot of thanks!

A Happy Birthday Man!

Three Frank Hoy Montgomery's

Suzanne and Bubba's six month old little boy who is also a Ford... what are the odds right?

Mary Elliott and Tucker... two middle children and two peas in a pod... they really don't need to live five states apart. These two had way to much fun!

(look at those eye lashes??!!!)

Way too much fun.... all tuckered out...

Allie and the birthday man...

We think she's going through a growth spurt. She fell asleep alot!

The first cousins. Jamie, Suzanne, Carley and Frank.

The birthday boys

Jamie and Trish's youngest, Alex, also celebrated a birthday while we were there. Isn't he a cutie?

Putting our game faces on. Mimi had lots of activities planned!

Alex, JJ and Fisher. My girls had to hold their own with seven little boys!

The Montgomery's

The Thorndike's

Counting our BLESSINGS!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pre-Thanksgiving

2011-12-07T13:15:00.001-08:00

We spent the weekend before Thanksgiving at my parents house while frank enjoyed a guys trip to Chicago.

This place is my retreat, my getaway, my calm place... it is such a comfort to go there and watch my kids enjoy being out in the open. I hope they make memories here, grow up together with cousins here, learn how to ride horses, drive jeeps and stickshifts, dig for arrowheads, jump in bails of cotton, bake yaya's biscuits and chocolate pie and most of all learn how to enjoy an easier pace of life while here.

I hope everyone has a retreat...

feeding the ducks...

I would be scared to know what they are talking about!

Ford is the sweetest of all my babies! Such a happy and gentle little spirit!

I hope I never forget how sweet his tiny, little, fat feet are!

Mary Elliott and my dad walking into church.... melts my little heart.

I am very very thankful

Happy November.

We've Moved...

2011-11-09T13:38:00.000-08:00

...and that's my explanation for lack and future lack of posts... It's hard moving with three kids. Much much harder than I anticipated. But what can I say... I still love a fresh start!

And we LOVE our house... it is fabulous, old, has 12 foot ceilings, comes with a big set of skeleton keys, will need some loving and we are so excited!

I pulled the almighty... 'I think we can live with a few things for now... I mean everything is fine, lets just get through the holidays'

And now I'm having basically the whole downstairs painted.

Its a mess.

Painting with three kids is a big fat mess.

And don't EVEN get me started with paint colors. wow. As if it's not hard enough deciding between the gazillion million colors that every paint store offers.... the now wonderful blogging and pinterested world we live in makes it a bazillion times harder. I go to bed mind set and made up on one color. Get up the next morning, take a look at one more blog, throw my hands up in the air and go grab one of six paint decks I have and start all over.....

NOTHING looks the same on a chip that it does on someone elses wall much less on your own. I spent $$$$ just on the small pints they sell to sample. The lady at our Benjamin Moore store finally told me to throw all my pints together and maybe then I'd find the color I was looking for.... nice!

So, I'm typing this so that when I go to read my handy dandy blog family book I can remember why Frank and I are saying 'We will NEVER move again!!'

Frank Hoy Montgomery IV

2011-10-12T08:27:00.000-07:00

We baptized Ford on September 25th, 2011. It was an awesome day celebrating the sacrament of baptism with family and friends. We pray that Ford grows up to love and glorify Jesus Christ with his life!!

We are so thankful for this little bundled up surprise in blue that God chose to give us!!

Acts 1:5-8

For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

look alikes?

2011-10-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Frank's mom brought some pics of Frank when he was a baby to compare if Ford is looking like his daddy.... what do you think?

I think yes!!

Frank Hoy Montgomery IV

Ford with his big sisters:)

Frank Hoy Montgomery III

Frank with his big sister:)

Cheering... and Go State!

2011-10-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Allie has been in full force cheering mode.... She is loving her squad and the cheer coaches and helpers are so great!!

These little two tag along for the ride...

We've also been trying, trying being the key word, to cheer on the bulldogs. Apparently we aren't very much luck!

We went to the beach...

2011-09-25T19:34:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach on labor day.... but you wouldn't know it! Those glowing end of the season tans I was planning on us all coming back with weren't exactly acquired! Tropical Storm Lee had other plans for us.... Good thing we went with great friends!

I took a few quick pics of the one time we actually saw the gulf, then lots of pictures of the fabulous house we rented.

Ford took lots of naps:)

the upstairs porch...

the bathrooms...

the pantry... oh that door! love!

the pool... back porch...

have i mentioned the porches?

and that tongue and groove ceiling....

and those doors and hardware....

can you tell I like some strange things???

a not so great pic of the breakfast room and kitchen.

It was a great house! and I hope we get to go back soon!!

Happy Birthday Mary Elliott!

2011-09-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

I'm only two weeks late in posting Mary Elliott's birthday party pics. Everything seems to be running a little late around here these days!

I think the party was a success. A BIG HUGE THANK YOU to my mother in law who came up the night before and handled everything. My dad had a heart attack the day before and I missed my sweet little mar-mar's party:( Frank was super dad for two days so between them both they totally had everything under control and I'm sure she never even missed me! (My dad is better and home making what we hope to be a full recovery!)

Mary Elliott and her new bike

At school... daddy had cupcakes for the class!

Getting nails done at her party at Little Diva's!!

Two little surprises from Memphis came down!

And this little fella joined in on the fun!

Happy Fourth Birthday Mary Elliott! You are one of a kind and keep us on our toes!!

We love you so much!!!

Cheering and Bedtime

2011-09-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

Maybe by the time christmas rolls around I'll have the rest of my summer pictures on here. Three kids has taken its toll on this mama and any free time I get is spent falling face first into the sofa wondering how the heck people have any more than three.... but anyway...

Allie has started cheering full force recently and has her first game tomorrow! Here are some pics from eons ago at open house.

Ford gets some snuggle time each night with the girls... Maybe soon i'll have a pic of all three in something other than pj's!

Back to School!

2011-08-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Well even though it still feels like the dog days of summer and I'm ready to pass a law that says school needs to start at labor day and end at Easter we are all back in school mode and the fun ~~or nasty morning~~ ~~routine + whiny worn out kids + exhausted parents~~ has begun!

Here are some pics from open house and the girls first few days of school.

Don't ask me how Allie had a stain on her shirt before we even left the house. I swear it didn't show up until pictures???

Laura and I may or may not be planning some arranged marriages

Regardless of the fact that no one asked me when school should start and stop... (did I mention it should totally start at 9 instead of 8?).... We are thankful for wonderful schools, wonderful teachers and wonderful friends!

Mary Elliott...

2011-08-10T19:18:00.000-07:00

We really don't know where she came from. I find her with her clothes off daily. I hope this isn't any indication of her future and I really hope she doesn't do this at school, but hey... if it keeps her happy at home then we're all good.

Yes those are my dish gloves.

Not sure why her animals are face down and build a bear apparently got a bare bottom spanking and is in jail.

No doubt she keeps us on our toes :)

End of Summer Pictures

2011-08-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

I'm Alive :)

2011-07-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Well I'm still alive, Ford didn't kill me over completely, although I will say I've never had a baby scream like that for two days straight.... whew. But it's over and he's been a sweetheart since Friday!

Here are a few pics from lately.

We had a good visit from cousins two weekends in a row!

Link and Ford.... on my side of the family this is the oldest grandchild and the youngest. Sweet boys 11 years apart

Waiting on our shrinky dink's to bake... Thanks Ms. Catherine!

There's wine in my diaper bag...

2011-07-15T17:36:00.000-07:00

...And that pretty much describes how Ford has been since Wednesday morning. I hope to be back sooner than later with a happy post. If not, you know why:)

Gum, Bedtime and Feathered

2011-07-07T17:14:00.000-07:00

Allie got gum stuck in her hair on Tuesday. This was a first for us. I quickly realized it was not going to peel out as fast as I thought. Gum really, REALLY likes to stick to hair. Thankfully alot of peanut butter followed by many rounds of shampoo and conditioner did the trick.

Tuesday was a really long day and I'm pretty sure I snapped at the kids, the walls, the ground and anything in my sight, then Allie redeemed herself....

When I found her tucking Mary Elliott into bed and reading her a bedtime story.

It quickly reminded me of what my job is and how snapping at anything is only going to hurt me and accomplish nothing.

So today we decided to go swimming. We invited Allie's precious friend Charlotte, love these two girls by the way!

Anyway.... we get a sitter for the wee little man, get loaded up, get to the pool, get sunscreened from head to toe, jump in, take one lap around the pool and then the bottom fell out of the sky. It poured and the wind blew the chairs, umbrella's and a few small kids away.

So here I was with 3 little girls that were planning on a really fun morning. So what to do other than get feathered!

They were SO excited and debated for 10 minutes over which color and which side to put it on.

They all chose purple and love them! I think they checked 900 times in 10 minutes to make sure their feather was still in!

I'm sure with all the picking and pulling they won't last long, but it was a fun day after all!!

Happy Fourth of July

2011-07-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Fourth of July!

I love this holiday. Although this one isn't spent doing too much outside of changing diapers and making bottles, I still love it. It reminds me of our cabin growing up, spending time with family, the sweaty sticky skin of kids playing hard and finishing it up with home made ice cream and fireworks.

So I hope yours is filled with a colorful show in the sky...

Some sweet, sticky, red white and blue treats...

Spending time with family...

Spending time with friends...

Snuggling with loved ones...

And taking a good hard nap!

Happy Fourth!!

Life...

2011-06-27T16:41:00.000-07:00

TIRED: Adj. : Drained of strength and energy: fatigued often to the point of exhaustion.

This is my life these days. Lots of coffee, diet coke, swiss cake rolls (because who doesn't feel better after a Little Debbie snack?) an occasional shower, diaper changing, bottle making, more diaper changing and then more coffee.

Ford is growing and is almost six weeks old. Hard to believe when I feel rested... other times it's very easy to believe.

A big gigantic, huge thank you to our families who snatched the girls away for a much needed break for them and us!! My body thanks you as it has been able to go a little longer between caffeine injections since they've been gone.

Here are a few pictures from lately...

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Allie, 5/31/05

Mary Elliott, 8/30/07

Ford, 5/21/11

Happy Fathers Day to someone who isn't afraid to carry a diaper bag, push a stroller, change diapers, have a tea party, play dress up, play baby dolls, or play anything for that matter... hopefully some baseball, basketball and many other games will now be in your future!!

We love you! Happy Fathers Day!

Some recent pictures

2011-06-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

I haven't had the camera out too much for Ford lately. I mean who has time to take pictures right? Hopefully I'll get better!

You would think by the third child I would be able to swaddle better... why do the arms always come out??!!

Poor baby... I told him to smile and he went cross eyed!

Big sisters reading to him :)

American Girl

2011-06-16T15:21:00.000-07:00

Mimi and Poppi gave Allie the best birthday present ever this year. A trip to Atlanta to the American Girl doll store. She has been begging for over a year to go... but only with Mimi! She didn't want me to take her, not sure exactly how that makes me feel but she said I could take her back so I guess I'll settle for that! They had a fabulous time having tea, a trip to the baby doll beauty shop and getting new clothes. It was a very special birthday!

Milk and Cookies waiting in the room at bedtime.

Family friends Carla and Katherine joined the girls!

Back at home and worn out!

Thanks Mimi and Poppi!!!

Not for the light hearted:)

2011-06-14T14:59:00.000-07:00

My friend Marty shared this with me and I cannot stop reading it.... let's just say i'm overdue for a good laugh and since all of this is really fresh on my mind it struck a close cord!
I'm not posting the actual article because I don't really want some of the words in my blog-book! So if you've never given birth I suggest you don't read this!
And if you have given birth... sit back and laugh!

http://www.pregnantchicken.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/9/23/happily-after-giving-birth-10-things-they-dont-tell-you.html

Newborn Delirium

2011-06-12T15:15:00.000-07:00

That is the phase we are all in right now... Ford is starting to wake up and we are starting to get more tired! He is such a sweetheart and I promise to post pictures soon! I've blog hopped to Clover Lane before but just found this; how great this is and I know any mom of more than one can relate!

With every single baby, but the first (because I was clueless), I had TOTAL new baby anxiety. When I'd find out I was pregnant, I'd be overjoyed and blah blah blah, and then morning sickness would set in, my house, schedule, EVERYTHING would become more and more unraveled and I'd just panic. What the heck did I do? I can't handle the kids I have already, I'd think. Why did I think adding another to the mix was a good idea?

And then during the second trimester I'd feel all good and Pottery Barn Kid-ish, where I'd picture everything going so smoothly and color-coordinated and smiley.

And then during the third trimester I'd be huge and tired and crabby and impatient, especially at the end. Those last two weeks (and I mean weeks 38-41...many girls don't get there, and let me tell you, it takes you to a whole new level of pregnancy), I'd really be freaking out. I would look around at my house, at the toys I'd have to kick to the basket, because I couldn't bend down to pick them up. At the laundry basket I couldn't carry. At the meals I didn't have the energy to cook. At the same time I could have pulled that baby out myself. Better out than in, I'd think. I'd be haunted by those words weeks later.

And then again...those first 2 weeks after the birth I was still on a high. "Oh look at me, losing weight, and handling it all so well, and I'm dressed cute too, with my baby in the Bjorn and my clean shiny toddlers at my side!"

And then CRASH, sleep deprivation really catches up, my milk comes in, my mood crashes down, my appetite can't be satisified, my weight goes right back up, my clothes are all dirty, maternity pants are my only option, my husband can't do anything right, and don't even think about touching me mister, a trip to the grocery store sets me back days, a shower is my biggest accomplishment, and I would think, "I am a miserable no good mother and everyone else does this better than me."

I followed this exact pattern every single time. You'd think I'd learn, don't you? Everytime I'd say, "Oh it's not going to be like last. I'm really going to lose that baby weight right away, I'm really going to stay on top of that laundry, I'm really going to be super sweet to my husband even though I want to say a million sarcastic things about how he gets to sit down and eat lunch and go to the bathroom by himself. I'll make sure I have cute post-baby clothes, wear earrings and makeup and have great meals all set up and that will change everything."

And it never did.

The only thing that changed is that I stopped being so hard on myself for feeling this way.

Stop fighting these feelings and most importantly stop feeling like there is something wrong with you for having them! Maybe some women handle all this new baby stuff, and ups and downs, and back and forths, without merely a bat of the eye. Or maybe they just say they do and really don't. Who knows, and who cares.

The most important thing you can remember is that every stage of bringing a new soul into this world does NOT last forever. I know that in the midst of morning sickness, or the last trimester or the first 3 months of adjustment I would forget this. I would think, "I can't do this forever!" forgetting completely that I didn't have to! Things would change, get easier, or just get to be a new normal. Change isn't change when you get used to it...when it becomes regular.

You are afraid that your routine won't stay the same and your schedule won't either?
You are right, it won't.
You will need a new routine and a new schedule.
With the experience you gained with your first newborn, you will have that much more knowledge to add and find more quickly what works and doesn't for you.

Pay attention to what works and what doesn't.
If going to a playgroup makes you all crabby and out of sorts, you toddler tired and your baby fussy, then don't go for a couple months or forever if you want.
If it makes you feel energized and happy to go, then make it a priority.
Start thinking about what makes your day easier and what makes your kids peaceful.
Stop thinking about what others outside your family want, need, expect during this time.

If it makes you stress to have a dirty messy house, most people would say, "Oh we'll just have to get used to letting it go."
Well, I'm the same way, and I tried to be laid back about it, all it did was make me miserable and panicky and depressed.
I gave a couple of very specific jobs to my husband so that he could help me, and I made keeping my house cleaned and straightened a priority. I found places for the new baby things, and I made sure to pick up a room whenever I got a chance.
It was the only order I had in my life at that time, and I craved it.

You are afraid that you won't have as much patience?
You won't.
You will be tired.
Who has patience when they've been up all night?
But you know what?
Every first child needs a little less patience in his life.
Really.
And he will share the importance and love and thank God for that.
When I think of how much my husband and I were both in my first son's face all the time, I think probably the best thing that ever happened to that kid was his baby sister.
Don't ever ever entertain the idea in your head of "poor Jack". Every kid can see, sense, smell, pity in his/her mother's eyes and not only does it scare the crap out of them it's a recipe for disaster. The smart ones will manipulate like crazy because they can. This could lead to never ending behavior issues. No pity!

Here are some practical tips:
With each of my babies, I handed over the bedtime routine of the older ones to my husband. Maybe the kids had to get used to that at first, but we were very consistent with it and in days it was no big deal. He did bath, books, bed, whatever it took, so that I could either go to bed early, feed the baby peacefully, or maybe even run around the house and pick up if I had a burst of energy. My husband also would give me a break after his work day...he'd take the kid(s) outside or just keep them entertained for a little while so I could shut my brain down and just be with the baby.

Keep the things that don't have to change as consistent as possible. Mealtimes, bedtimes, etc. At the same time, lighten up a little too. You have to find that new schedule, and this might mean tweaks to the old one here and there.

Start now saying "OUR baby." Everytime. Include your son in picking outfits out, giving baths, putting on diapers, almost everything. Ask him what he thinks. Brag about him so he hears you. Not "he's handling it so well" like it's a shocker, but little specific things. It's so hard but make an effort to spend time with him alone, even if it's for 5 minutes on the floor. Ignore jealous attention getting behavior...the bigger deal you will make of, the more it will continue. Pick your battles. If you feel guilt or pity, like I said, you will wallow and whine and NOT be self-assured and matter of fact, which is what all kids need.

Don't do things that stress you out. If I had a pediatricians appt. then the rest of the day, sometimes the rest of the week, I did nothing. Anticipate your breaking point, and try to stay below it. Make changes, be brave!, say no, cancel plans, don't feel pressure to keep up with what it seems like everyone else does.

I know everyone says "sleep when the baby sleeps" but I never ever could! The more I'd try the more I'd stay wide awake with the pressure of trying to get my "one and only chance at sleep". Sometimes I would just sit and relax, but what made me feel best, was catching up. Straightening up, running through the house and doing a quick vacuum or something like that. That would give me the peace of mind and more energy.

Most importantly, remember those that have gone before you in this motherhood journey. I would sometimes think of my grandmothers, mothers of 7 and 9, and how just down-to-business, matter-of-fact they were, and with tight times, and very few of our modern conveniences to help them.

I once asked my Grandma Beilein, with desperation, after I had my first two and just felt so overwhelmed, "How did you do this with 9 kids?"

She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Well I didn't have them all at once!"

"That's it", I thought? That's all the advice you are going to give me?

And to this day, I think it's the best thing I've ever heard her say.

You learn, you grow, you find your way as a mother, one child at a time.
Being a mother of one is different from two, and from three and so on and so on.
Be open to the change, and that means not beating yourself up along the way.
You can listen to others, read books, ask advice, but really it's YOUR journey.
Listen and trust yourself most of all.

Its A Boy!!

2011-05-24T15:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome Frank Hoy Montgomery IV 'Ford'

May 21 12:35 am

5 lb 9 oz

I was three weeks from my due date. But I knew something wasn't right. I started having contractions Thursday night around 9 p.m. and was pretty much up all night with contractions every 10-15 minutes. By 10 am Friday morning I told Frank to pack his bag, then of course, the contractions slowed down. Such a roller coaster! By 5 that afternoon they started up again and were regular. We got to labor and delivery around 8:30 and 4 hours later I heard the words "It's a Boy!"

I was shocked. Couldn't cry, couldn't really talk, just flat out SHOCKED!

He barely cried and just immediately looked around and stared at Frank and I. It was so sweet. Children are a precious gift from God and I am daily speechless that He has seen fit for Frank and I to have three.

Happy Birthday Ford! We're glad you're finally here!

The girls finally get to meet their little brother!

Three generations of Frank Hoy Montgomery!

Welcome home Ford! Now the fun can really start!!

Happy (Early) Birthday Party Allie

2011-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Allie's SIXTH birthday a little early last week! Wow... SIX??!! Where does time go? She and her precious little friend Mary Mize had a duo party at JUMP in Tupelo. I cannot thank Mary Mize's mom enough for letting them celebrate together... I had this eery feeling that I was going into labor soon and really wanted to have her party early just in case! Glad I did!

Allie and sweet Charlotte. Born 6 weeks apart and such sweet friends!

Sweet Evelyn stopped by for a little while. She was the hit of the party... all the kids were begging to hold her!

Allie and Mary Mize

Happy Birthday Girls!!

Kindergarten Graduation 2011

2011-05-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry.... but where did my baby go??!! Did I really just fit her in a cap and gown and let her graduate from kindergarten? I know she will probably have no idea how much I wanted to run up on that stage and yell 'pause! please stop this madness!' but hopefully one day she'll watch her own baby do the same and will get an idea. It was a sweet, small ceremony and we are so thankful that God picked this class out for Allie to have been a part of for her first year of school.

Allie and William Henson all lined up and ready to go!

My big girl! Love you Allie!

Thanks YaYa for coming, we love you!!

Allie, William and Knox Waterer. Is it ok for a girl to have two arranged marriages? I mean one is bound to fall through and there is no way I could pick. These two are so sweet and kind to her that it melts me to watch them together. Knox told his mom the night before they started KG that he was going to take care of Allie since he knew how it felt to be starting a new school.... He politely walked to the door that first day when we walked in put his arm around her and took her to her table. Miss Dennis and I were crying before they sat down. Seriously... how precious he is.

And William.... oh that boy gets me! In his rolled up sleeves, khakis, and wallaby's.... melts me every time. He won the fruit of the spirit award, which is big. I cried. And he could teach my sunday school class for that matter. Every sunday he knows the lesson already and still sits and listens. He is so kind.

So.... arranging a marriage with both just to be safe wouldn't be all that bad would it?

Miss Dennis.... oh how fabulous you are!! You have really set the bar way to high for other teachers. Allie has never been so attached to anyone that has taught her anything before. This fabulous lady loved on Allie from the first day... through the entire fall when I was laid up with morning sickness and I'm sure the school wondered if Allie even had a mother though the craziness that I always seem to bring on my family and pass on to my children and still loved on her to the end of the year! We love you and could not have picked a better teacher!

Allie won the character award for carefulness. This alone tells me that Miss Dennis knows her really REALLY well! She is all too careful, very intuitive of anything that she is about to embark on that might be new and definitely follows the rules.

For example, Allie wanted to ride without a car seat the other day and Frank quickly nipped it and told her it was against the law. Fast forward two days later... I am huge pregnant, two kids in tow, two melting milkshakes and leaving toys r us with a cart load of baby things because I'm convinced I'm going into labor soon. When we get to the car I find fire ants all over Mary Elliott's car seat. So here I am sweating to death in the middle of the parking lot, two kids with chocolate milk shakes all over them and ants crawling all over me. I hit the wall that most moms hit every now and then... ripped the car seat apart, threw it in the back of the car, told Mary Elliott to get in Allie's booster seat and Allie to just buckle up. Now wouldn't most kids be afraid of a crazy pregnant woman having a complete meltdown in a toy store parking lot? Nope... not Allie, she quickly reminded me it was against the law. She wasn't going anywhere without a seat because daddy said the police would get her.

Thanks Frank... there were alot of words going through my head at this point, none of which were nice!

I told her the police might get mommy for acting crazy if she doesn't just buckle up.

We made it home...

All that to say.... she is very CAREFUL and this award suited her perfectly!!

The ceremony was only for the two kindergarten classes which made it small and sweet and those kiddos up there were just precious. The guest speaker (that's not him... didn't get a pic...) was Chad Thompson, the youth pastor at Calvary Baptist Church. And I must take a moment to say how fabulous his talk was. He talked and prayed about our roles as Christian parents, how even if we send them to church every time the doors open and even to a Christian school are we really doing enough? What type of impact will our child have in the kingdom of heaven if we simply rely on the basics? Our role is to raise these kids not simply to be "oh she's such a good girl, or oh he's such a great guy" that will get them no where in their life with Christ. I am number one guilty of saying that phrase all the time... especially in the South we love to be loving a 'good ole boy.' I don't know about you but I need that reminder every day. These little folks will be out of our influence all too soon so to bind Christ's word on their foreheads every day is a job that we as parents need to not take lightly.

So thank you TCPS for reminding us of what our true calling as a christian parent is, thank you for hiring Christ loving teachers who love on our kids every day. And thanks for a wonderful first year of school.

Gumtree 2011

2011-05-18T20:36:00.000-07:00

The girls and I were so excited to see Frank run his first 10K!! He did great and we were so proud of him. He finished his best time ever and had quite the cheerleaders on the side!

these four are waiting patiently!

Aunt Carley came to run also, she did great and finished in an awesome time!

Go Daddy Go!!!!!

Proud Kiddos of their parents!!

Mary Elliott focusing pretty intently on her m&m's

We're proud of you daddy! Not sure what the girl scouts honor sign Mary Elliott is doing, but I guess it's her way of saying congrats!!!

End of the Year Parties

2011-05-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Both girls recently had their end of the year parties. They had a great time, thanks to all the parents and teachers who made it all happen.

Mary Elliotts class celebrated at the Thompson's house. It was a great party complete with bunny rabbits and feeding the ducks and fish!

Allie's class celebrated at Chuck E Cheese. They played their little hearts out for two hours!

Miss Jessica cried the whole time at Chuck E Cheese, she has made this year so awesome!!

A Little Piggy, A Spring Program and A Nursery....

2011-05-06T18:28:00.000-07:00

We have had a busy week with both of the girls spring programs. They were so cute and sweet and I was one proud mama!

Allie's kindergarten play was "Harrison's Grandpa's Farm." I'm not sure how the teachers got four different classes on stage for an hour long play but they did it without a hiccup and it was great! Allie was the mama pig; she sang her heart out and did so good. She was a cute little piggy!

Singing their pig song!

Trying to get all the kids for a photo-op! Not an easy task!

Thanking God for a fabulous year at TCPS

Allie and Mary Mize.... I didn't know pigs could be so cute!

Thank you Mimi for coming!

Allie and Lizzy.... one fabulous and patient babysitter!

The best kindergarten teacher EVER! Thank you Ms. Dennis for an amazing year :) We have gained some great knowledge and a great friend!

Next we had Mary Elliott's spring music program. I forget how cute 2's, 3's and 4 yr. olds can be on stage. Lots of wondering around, dresses pulled up, tears flowing and a whole lot of cuteness.

Squishing up her baby bumblebee!

By the third song they had lost a tad bit of interest. We are still working on keeping our fingers out of our nose:)

Thanks Calvary Preschool for another great year!

Finally, the nursery is DONE! And this mama is READY! I'm sure I'll be wanting to put the baby back in after a few restless nights but for now we are all set!

Oh how crisp and clean everything is!

Thanks Sarah for teaching me how to mat these photos. Beatrix Pottter books were my favorite when I was little so I thought I would incorporate something sentimental.

Thought I would take a close up picture of how clean and fresh the bedding is... I know it won't last long!

Hurry up baby Montgomery, we are ready to meet you!

More Easter

2011-04-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

We pulled out the sprinkler for the first time this year. It was hot and the girls and our neighbors jumped right in. Me and my huge self felt really tempted to get in with them... if only no other adults had been around :)

Then the Easter Bunny came.

My little fashionista/punky bruister/picky picky dresser Allie was super excited about her Toms. She has been begging for them since Valentines day so she was thrilled to see them. Mama is thrilled that we might actually agree on a pair of shoes for once!

And Mary Elliott looks pretty cute in her purple sparkly ones I must say!

A family shot for once! Why can't kids decide to make their grumpy faces in the same picture so that at least 1 out of 100 might turn out decent?

"He is not here; He has risen!! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again!!'" Luke 24: 6-7

Happy Easter!!

Country Club Egg Hunt

2011-04-25T13:45:00.000-07:00

I actually got pictures of one of the many egg hunts the girls went on this weekend... They took it all in at the Country Club on Saturday. It was fun and hot with lots of loot to be had!!

This picture is on here only for the blog book purpose, I am 900 weeks pregnant and HOT!

Can you tell this picture was taken with someone else's camera?

I really, really want a new one!

Happy Hunting!!

The Hole....

2011-04-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

We have waited quite a while for the insurance adjustor to hurry up and do his thing so we can fix this giant hole in our front yard. Well, we are still waiting... so my dad (Dink) and Frank did some patch jobbing this weekend. I think this might be why my dad doesn't hop up to Tupelo every weekend... we give him quite the chore list when he's here!

He repaired the hole, our master shower and our smoker while he was here!

Allie and our neighbor Sarah Foster didn't really like the chain saw...

They had two cute little supervisors to help!

Thanks Dink!!!

Nesting...

2011-04-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

NESTING: Nesting brings about some unique and seemingly irrational behaviors in pregnant women and all of them experience it differently.

And that has applied to me with all three pregnancies. All of a sudden most all of my chairs had to be painted. I nearly killed myself and induced labor squatting down painting, spray painting, any kind of painting you can imagine.

Kitchen Chairs...

Old accent chairs...

My red adirondack chairs...

The girls of course had to paint too, the driveway along with their paper...

And their feet...

A sneek peak at something for the nursery...

But the afters were very worth it!

After many backaches and contractions I think I am done!!!

...except for the nursery of course :)

Mary Elliott

2011-04-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

She can be so sweet and snuggly....

and such a mess and unpredictable at the same time.

On Masters Sunday with Daddy...

And doesn't everyone eat dinner with an eye patch on?

Playing with Evelyn.... and my phone.

2011-04-17T17:28:00.000-07:00

I think all of Tupelo is obsessed with our friends Amy and Patrick's precious new addition, Evelyn. And who can blame us? Me and the girls had a good time playing with her last week and I got some more time snuggling and kissing those cheeks!

And then I came home and did this to my phone. Only me....

Thankfully the CPR store for cell phones works magic and for $69 it's all shiny and new!

Hello Tooth Fairy!

2011-04-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time coming... but Allie has finally lost some teeth! Two to be exact! She has been wiggling the bottom two since before Christmas with not much progress. Our next door neighbors cousin who is a pediatric dentist (what are the chances right?) has been staying with them for a while and looked at them one day and said they really needed to come out since the permanent ones were breaking through. I calmly told Frank I couldn't make my first child lose her first teeth in the dentist chair. I mean that's a monumental event right? And I sure didn't want to leave any bad memories of the dentist this early in her life. Then we saw our friends Harry and Christine (who are our actual dentists) at the soccer fields and they too said 'eesh, they really need to come out'. I was so sad for her! However.... all you have to do is tell a five year old is that the tooth fairy pays double for the teeth if the dentist has to take them out. She said to call them in the morning because she wanted her teeth out! I was way more scared and worried than she was, she never even flinched, cried or acted scared. I was very, very proud!!

Apparently all you need is a little orange nose and everything is good!

All done and all smiles!

Look at the size of those roots! They look like shark teeth!!!

Hello tooth fairy!

Up Up & Away

2011-04-13T15:29:00.000-07:00

We participated in TCPS's Up Up and Away hot air balloon festival this past weekend. The girls had a blast and took part in most everything that it had to offer. I don't have too many pictures because Frank was volunteering at one of the gates and my hands were full of loot, prizes, junk food and anything else you can imagine. Then after 3 1/2 hours in the heat I realized my feet were swollen to watermelon size so Mary Elliott and I left. But you get the gist, jumpy things, snacks, petting zoo's, watching hot air balloons, more junk food, snacks and so on.... Needless to say the girls had fun!!

Dexterity

2011-04-08T20:11:00.000-07:00

I have a friend.... most of you know her, her name is Sarah. She is crafty, artistic and just all around talented. We tend to get into projects together, and when I'm in a project with her I tend to feel crafty. We have been known to dive into painting, house rearranging, flower arranging and lately jewelry making. I saw this cute hex nut bracelet on a DIY website. So a couple of nights later at church our conversation went something like this.

Me: "hey girl you want to make this cute bracelet I found online?"

Sarah: "sure... what do we need?"

Me: "twine and hext nuts"

Sarah: "great... sounds fun!"

Me: "oh, and dexterity... do you know what that is?"

Sarah: "no, but it's nothing physical so we're set!"

Isn't it cute? I mean who wouldn't want to spend 30 minutes with one of their best friends and crank out some new jewelry? I love it all layered up.

So the next Tuesday we got together, told our kiddos to play and sat down to make a bracelet.

We had all the tools but got off to a rough start... the kiddos weren't exactly cooperating and the hex nuts weren't exactly braiding onto the twine as easy as the pictures led you to believe they would.

After one and a half hours this is how far we had gotten. A half eaten pizza and maybe 4 hex nuts on one bracelet. Bitty Baby in the middle of the table helping, Griffin had eaten about 20 hex nuts but somehow managing to chew them and never swallow one. He's 21 months old remember. I still don't understand how he never choked. Wren had successfully gone down for a nap so we thought we were good to go and start over.

Wrong.

It looked like Mary Elliott, Griffin and Wren decided to make a bracelet.

Wondering now what in the heck was going wrong, and why two level headed somewhat smart thinking adults couldn't accomplish this, I looked at our friend Marty (who happened to be an English major and stopped by because we told her to come make a quick bracelet that was easy) and said "by the way... what does dexterity mean?"

Dexterity: Skill and grace in physical movement, especially in the use of the hands.

Aaahhhhh, No wonder it was under the list of needed items.

Three hours into our fun little morning get together drink a cup of coffee visit and project time this is what Sarah's bracelet looked like and mine was being torn apart all while I was about to pull my hair out.

Seriously????

Mary Elliott and I ate our weight in pita chips, Sarah and I gave up. Called it a morning. And we were done.

I came home and switched gears and decided to make a cute Easter centerpiece for my table. It was much easier and turned out much better!

I still couldn't get the bracelet off my mind.... why did the website make it look so easy?

I sat down two nights later, clear minded and kid free.

I got it... don't ask me what I did. Maybe no kids, maybe my hands were a bit more still, maybe just luck. But it worked.

I set it on my wrist and emailed a quick pic to Sarah telling her if we acted quickly I might be able to do it again and finish hers before whatever luck I had come across ran out!

Woo Hoo! Right?

And then the unthinkable happened.

I cut the string to short and it won't fit.

Twine, hex nuts, dexterity, a dictionary and a sedative.... these are the requirements for this DIY bracelet if anyone is interested!!!

Bye Bye Old Tree.....

2011-04-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

The storms that passed through the entire southeast Monday took our big oak tree with them. I had just pulled in the driveway and by the time I parked the car got out and went to look out the front door this is what I saw. A little scary. Bye Bye old tree!

Spring.... Finally

2011-03-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

Aaaahhhhhh. I type this while sitting outside in this beautiful 80 degree weather, and as Allie says "God finally wanted us to have some sunshine!" Amen big sister! It has been a looongggg winter with nothing much to blog about. It was cold, then it would rain, then somebody would be sick... repeat all that about 5 times and you have our months of January and February. On top of that I made at least 5 trips to my hometown to help clean out my grandmothers house which was a feat for an army much less 4 people one of whom kept have contractions! SO HELLO WARM WEATHER AND HEALTHY LITTLE BODIES!
We started off the warm weather the right way by heading south to Point Clear for a few days and stayed at the Grand Hotel with my family. My sister and her 3 kids have had the sickness too. We jokingly said someone somewhere had a voodoo doll of us and our kids with pins sticking in it everywhere. So after cleaning out a house, planning an estate sale and making multiple trips to doctors for strep, flu and stomach virus just to name a few, we both decided it was getaway time! And it was just what the doctor ordered! I highly suggest going there for anyone who needs a long weekend break. Great shopping, kids activities and good food!!

The hammock was a big hit!

Can I pause for a second and talk about how sweet of a big cousin Link is? To put up with 4 little ones wanting you to do everything has got to get old, but he handles it with such a kind heart! One night at dinner Amanda was staring at Link with quite the furrowed brow.... when I asked her what she was doing she said 'i'm wondering why Link is tearing up half his salad on a different plate' We watched quietly as he tore up a whole plate of lettuce, picked off the tomatoes, poured his ranch on it gave it to Mary Elliott and then proceeds to help her eat it. All because he knew she loves salad with ranch. Melted my heart right then and there! Love that kid! ALL boy but yet so sweet to younger kids!

Thanks for letting me detour. :)

It only took her 3 1/2 years but she loved the sand and played in it for hours!

Frank and Allie thought they would teach Mary Elliott to ride a bike, it lasted 10 minutes!

Dink and YaYa

Sweet girls..... Most of the time!!

HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!!!

Winter Storm 2011

2011-01-31T14:00:00.000-08:00

Well I can say that we did enjoy the snow of 2011 but we are also GLAD to see it gone! The girls had so much fun playing in the snow, making snowmen, playing with our neighbors and attempting to sled (think they need a few more lessons and a little more meat on their bones!) Allie definitely enjoyed it more than Mary Elliott; she is alot like her mama in that.... I really prefer flip flops and mud puddles!

And Christmas Came To An End...

2011-01-15T21:03:00.000-08:00

We headed South the day after Christmas to celebrate (or trash my parents house would be another name for it) with my family.

As always, its chaos and I don't ever get the good pictures in the right moments. There are no pictures of any of the men.... they ran to the woods and the deer camp when they saw all the pink presents. It was wild and crazy and oh so much fun and here's a few pics to give a glimpse!

Ya Ya and Dink gave the girls a pogo stick.... and according to my 10 year old nephew it's not spring loaded whatever that means so they couldn't pogo hop anywhere. oh well

They could, however, blast all of our eardrums with the new Barbie stereo/cdplayer/microphone that all three girls had to get.... Wow is all we could say; and 'why don't you girls take those out on the front porch and sing?!'

And of course we had to dress up while we waited for all the men to come in from hunting. Every hunter needs to come home to a princess right?

Then all the crazy loudness drove YaYa to the wine where she laughed at her own jokes.

We love YaYa..... wayyyy to much!!

And then after all the trashing of the house, tearing open presents, playing dress up, singing, going to the deer camp, playing with the horses and pedro the donkey, riding four wheelers and running as fast as you can while doing all those things; these 3 little ones crashed on their newly received pillow pet unicorns.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas 2010

2011-01-10T11:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas Morning brought 2 surprises. One, around 12:30 am, the stomach virus for Mary Elliott. And two, snow! A first ever white Christmas for us!

Poor Mary Elliott got in our bed around 3 am after many hours of being sick. When it was time to see if Santa came she didn't even care. It was pretty pitiful.... Allie brought her Santa's gifts to the bed.

Allie was in shock to see all that was laid out! An art table, a just like you doll and even a note from Santa and Rudolph!

A few hours later Mary Elliott had enough strength to come see the snow. She only lasted about 10 minutes though and went back inside and went to sleep:(

Allie, daddy and their little snowman!

We were all feeling better by night time and made our Happy Birthday Jesus cake!

Merry Christmas 2010!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-10T11:20:00.000-08:00

We put out reindeer food late Christmas Eve. The girls were very particular in getting the food all over the driveway and the back yard by the chimney to make sure that all the reindeer were able to get a snack!

The girls with their American Girls and matching pj's!

Christmas Eve Eve in Memphis

2011-01-10T11:10:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Christmas with Frank's family a few days early this year in Memphis. The girls loaded up on American girl things which is right up their alley..... even the baby got in on the action with a sweet new gown!

Good Morning

2010-12-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

Sometimes.... well, alot of the time... Frank and I wonder how this little mind works.

For example, this is how Frank and I woke up this morning.

Mary Elliott (screaming from her bed): Daddyyyyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyyy, Daddyyyyyy

Daddy: What Mary Elliott? Daddy and Mama are sleeping. (note neither of us jump up when she screams... because we know something like this is coming)

Mary Elliott: 'I got one booger stuck'

Me: 'Serious laughter'

Frank: 'sighing... no laughter'

Mary Elliott: 'Daddy, I got one booger stuck!!!!'

Mary Elliott much louder: 'Daddy my booger stuckkkkkkkkkkkk!'

Daddy: 'Stuck where babe?'

Mary Elliott: 'Stuck up my nose, I can't get ouuuuuttttttt!'

One minute later we hear a big thud and pitter patter......

Mary Elliott is standing at our bed side:)

Mary Elliott: 'My booger stuck my nose Daddy. Daddy I thirsty'

And we were up:)

Lawndale Tea Party

2010-12-22T17:05:00.000-08:00

Allie got to go to our church 'Girls Christmas Tea Party' this year. It is a sweet tradition that some precious ladies in our church 'Chi Chi' and 'Star Judy' have done for years. You must be 5 years or older and Allie was super excited to be big enough! Moms can only come at the end to hear some caroling! I snuck in a few minutes early to try and get some pictures!

This is Allie and Anna Catherine 'AC'. One of our most favorite people, next to her mom.... Miss Coppie that is....

AC reading the story of the candy cane.

Allie and her friend Anna Lauren.

Singing while Mrs. Jones 'Chi Chi' plays the piano.

Mary Elliott and Farrow Kate taking over the place.

Then she found the M&M bowl and I didn't have to worry about her any more:)

Kindergarten Christmas Party

2010-12-19T21:26:00.000-08:00

Miss Dennis' class had the most precious Christmas party last week! They had all kinds of crafts, yummy food, christmas book swap and a movie to watch! The kids had tons of fun and went home loaded down with sugar!

Allie making reindeer food

I took Mary Elliott..... she made herself right at home.

She pulled up a chair right by her 'DeeDee' and went to work on her snack! Allie was so sweet and included her in everything!

(Mary Elliott has called Allie "DeeDee" since she could talk. We're not really sure where it came from but it really stuck. A few times this week we actually heard her call her Allie.... we were stunned!)

Miss Dennis' kindergarten class! We could not be more thankful for her and the wonderful Godly classroom that she has created and loves these children in every day!

Lawndale Christmas Program 2010

2010-12-19T21:00:00.000-08:00

Our girls have sang in our church's kids Christmas program every year since Allie was two. It is a precious (quick!) time of LOTS of children singing! They all did so good and were patient while the different age groups came and went.

My pictures aren't great..... my flash wouldn't work, the settings i needed kept delaying, etc... it was the final straw on what will be a new camera purchase soon. Any suggestions? i want a GOOD one.

All that to be said, the program was precious. I love seeing these kids move up each year and have a different role. We LOVE our church and are so thankful to be a part of all these special things!

Mary Elliott was watching Mrs Laura closely.... so when she sat down so did Mary Elliott. Big hand of applause to Laura for her direction of the 2's-3's. Good Job Laura!

Mary Elliott and Caroline were so cute!!

Allie sang her little heart out! She LOVES Silent Night!

Mary Elliott's hit song was Go Tell It On The Mountain!

After a quick change of clothes Allie came back as one of the angel's in the nativity seen. She looked beautiful and made my heart just fill up with love for my baby!

Christmas Parade 2010

2010-12-19T20:42:00.000-08:00

We experienced our first Tupelo Christmas Parade this year! For some reason we have always been out of town or under the weather.... but this year we finally made it!

Thanks to the Shettle's for hosting lots of friends to watch the festivities and still have a warm place and a bathroom to use!

The girls had lots of fun with Santa of course as the highlight!

Laura sent me this cute picture when she was 'playing' around with iphoto. I still cant even get the red eye edit function to work properly and she does this?!!

There Once Was A Family Of Two....

2010-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

WHO GREW...

Welcome Allie Gray 5/31/05

AND GREW...

Welcome Mary Elliott 8/30/07

AND GREW!!!

Baby #3 Due 6/14/11

So this would explain the lack of posting and updating my blog with October pictures in December! I was on my death bed with morning/all day/almost kill me sickness and the blog was last priority. THANKFULLY it has passed for now and I hope to be better about updating!

The girls are really excited and I think Frank and I are still in shock. And to go ahead and answer the question NO we won't find out what the baby is! We were surprised with the first two so we figured we might as well continue with tradition.... what can I say.... we LOVE surprises!!

Fall Festival

2010-12-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mary Elliott and Allie (A ballerina and Dorothy) before our church fall festival. This was take 200.... why is it so hard to get a picture?!!

Mary Elliott is the culprit....

Mary Elliott and her friend Farrow Kate. Love the forced smiles!

Homecoming Week

2010-12-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Oh if every week could be Homecoming week!! To put it in a nutshell.... Allie doesn't wake up the happiest and puts up a small fight over what to wear. (even though TCPS has a strict dress code and we pick out our clothes the night before it is still a huge battle) So since homecoming week she got to dress up every day it was a blissful week full of blissful, happy mornings!

Hippie Day

Mis-matched Day

Pajama Day

Spirit Day

Fifties Day

All About Me Day

2010-12-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

We weren't quite awake yet :) And yes, it will always be Frank with the girls and not me if the picture is taken before school. There is no need for anyone to see what I look like when carpooling!

Soccer Games

2010-12-04T15:54:00.000-08:00

I know.... its been a while. I will explain why in the posts to come. Here are a few snaps from some of Allies soccer games.

Looking a little confused at her first game!

Playing her good friend Maggie's team. They wanted to run around and visit more than play the game!

Our team, minus the star player Molly!

In action, this was the game she scored her first goal in! Of course my camera was sitting in the chair at the time.

She wore daddy's old number... 22!!

1st Soccer Practice

2010-09-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

Allie had her first soccer practice last week. It was very interesting to see six five year old girls running around trying to play soccer! They were precious though.... and they definitely looked the part at least! They were pretty funny how they would break out in gymnastics or cheer routines in the middle of practice. The coach had to remind them.... 'ok girls, we're here for soccer remember!'

We are very thankful that her sweet friend Lindsey is on her team!

Having a heart to heart with Coach Chris

Hail Dear Old State....

2010-09-07T15:34:00.000-07:00

Football season is officially here... and there was a whole lot of cheering going on in Starkville... especially by these two little girls.

Allie cheered for Brady, the quarterback...

and she made some new friends along the way... Kate and Alli Umphlett...

they did lots of cheering together!

And I got to see some good old friends too... (Brooke JUST had a baby and Leslie is almost 30 weeks pregnant. yep... i said 30, not fair! they both look too good!)

Mary Elliott slowly warmed up to the cowbells and noise!

And Allie decided a few of the cheers were a little too loud!

But all in all it was a good start to what hopefully won't be near as long of a season for the bulldogs as the some of the past ones!!

Go State :)

Happy Birthday To You!

2010-09-01T10:51:00.000-07:00

Happy 3rd Birthday Mary Elliott! You bring us such happiness every day, you keep us laughing and definitely keep us on our toes! You have a very distinct personality complete with your own little language and a smile that melts a heart!

You are very much into books, music and your favorite movie is The Sound of Music! If we would let you, you would watch it every day.... at least once!

The past 3 years have been precious.... We love you!

We had a precious duo birthday party with Sophie Mulrooney at Flip Flop. So many precious little kids!

Our next door neighbor Sarah Foster... she thinks she's one of the sisters!!

We saved most of her gifts to open the actual day of her birthday, which by then a nasty fever virus struck so there aren't many good pictures. However, the most important is by far the guitar from Aunt Carley! She carries it around constantly singing 'Adelweiss' and 'So Long, Farewell' (from Sound of Music for all you furrowing your brow right now)

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

Blog...

2010-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'm supposed to be asleep right now.... however, I just read the most touching blog post and had to share it. Our precious friends Patrick and Amy O'mara are in the processing of bringing their daughter Evelyn home from South Korea!! I am SO excited she has finally started a blog! Check it out... http://ourgodisincontrol.blogspot.com
I know I am only one of many MANY people that cannot wait to get their hands on that precious, oh so squeezable little baby face girl!

Little of this and that....

2010-08-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

A few random pics from this past week and weekend, we headed down south for the weekend and had a good time on the farm!

I've been playing around with iphoto, it's a ton of fun but i'm still learning. I do love the antique setting!

Don't we all come to dinner in formal wear!

My dad and I decided to take the girls for a spin in the old jeep that I learned to drive a stick shift in.... it brought back quite a few memories! I love that jeep!!

We have a thing for powdered donuts around here.... they usually last about 2 hours.

Hello....

2010-08-25T19:19:00.000-07:00

From This:

AND IT IS FABULOUS!!!!!

And in 2012 when I have it all figured out everything will be great!

Kindergarten is going to make me FAT!

2010-08-18T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, so Mary Elliott and I are bored! We miss Allie and are trying hard to fill our days. Lately, its been cooking that has done the trick! I decided that after 8 years the KitchenAid mixer was ready to come out of the box. I apologize to whoever gave it to me as a wedding gift, but rest assured that it is about to be put to much use!

And now that I have some time on my hands I'm trying to figure out my camera.... I have a Cannon Powershot and if anyone can tell me WHY my pictures always have a weird streak, fuzzy look or just not crisp I would love you. I have read the manual 20 times (and I really hate manuals) and still can't take a good picture??

Anyway..... back to cooking!

I decided to start out with cupcakes....

And seeing as any woman can justify baking and eating lots of sugar when she has friends with her I invited Sarah and Candace over. We made chocolate sheet cake cupcakes and icing from Pioneer Woman.

I enjoyed the mixer so much I decided to bake my moms biscuits and rolls..... But my camera and I got in a fight so there are no pictures for that :)

Then Mary Elliott and I decided to take a little trip out to the Reeds farm and get some local produce. YUM!! Does anyone else have a okra fetish like I do? It's fabulous :)

And I've saved the best for last....

First let me say this picture doesn't do it justice. Nor does the name... fruit pizza. It's more like 'yummy crust so good that it melts in your mouth then top it with cream cheese and fruit then take a bite and moan' fruit dish

It's Darby's mom's fruit pizza recipe. And if your skeptical then let me digress for a minute and tell you how picky I am about fruit.

I only like it fresh... not in a fruit salad... not in some soggy juice... not baked and all mushy... just fresh! But here's my exception. This is SO good, run to the store and get the ingredients. You'll thank yourself!

So hhmm, that makes cupcakes, biscuits, rolls (honey butter rolls, even better) fried okra, and fruit pizza.

Now I'm off to the gym I guess...

FRUIT PIZZA {yields 2 pizzas}

CRUST:

1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup Crisco {butter flavored}
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

FILLING:

16 oz cream cheese {room temperature}
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons milk
Assorted fresh fruit: strawberries, bananas, blueberries, kiwis, peaches {you will also need lemon juice for bananas & peaches}
Chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 400°. Cream butter and shortening together, add sugar. Beat in eggs. Stir in dry ingredients. Grease two pizza pans or tart pans {12″}, spread dough on pans and bake at 400° for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely. Cream together all ingredients for filling and spread on cooled crusts. Top with fresh cut up fruit and pecans. {Bananas & peaches should be dipped in lemon juice to prevent browning.} It is best eaten the day it is assembled.

Here We Go!

2010-08-12T14:16:00.000-07:00

School days have begun! There's no turning back! I can't believe the time has come for Allie to go to 'big' school! We have been out at TCPS quite a bit lately, between open house, and first few days of school. Allie loves her class and her teacher, Miss Dennis. She is precious and we are very thankful for a kind, Godly teacher. Here are a few pics from her first few days.

It's HOT People...

2010-08-04T20:11:00.000-07:00

Although I'm not exactly sure who I'm talking too here... since clearly I have one blog reader! (thanks Amanda, we are definitely leaning towards a MAC, now laptop or desktop?) Anyway... since the whole purpose of this blog thing is to print it off in a book then I guess I'll keep at it... for now!

IT'S REALLY HOT! I've said it before and I'll say it again, I don't know HOW I carried a baby until the end of this month. I feel like I'm suffocating every time I walk outside. Poor Allie when I was prego, thankfully she doesn't remember it!

We were very, VERY briefly outside the other day trying to release some energy. The girls were suffocating in the heat along with me when they heard Mrs. Nancy's sprinklers come on. Needless to say they were immediately there. Thank goodness for sweet neighbors!

Beach... Round 2

2010-08-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

We went to the beach (several weeks ago) with the Montgomerys and had loads of fun! Note that I said several weeks ago.... this post should really be called, 'technology, will make you nuts, crazy and sometimes cuss, but can't live without it'

I digress.... but after camera and computer failure, here are some pics from our great trip!

No Oil!!

BP or our Tax Dollars, not sure which one... but they are really hard at work don't you think?

They stayed under a tent for about 30 minutes, came out and picked up a gum wrapper or two for about five minutes then went back to the tent.

First technology failure... my camera decides on the night we are taking pictures to do this??? what the ??? Really Cannon? I paid WAY too much for you to do this....

Thankfully Poppi paid more for his camera and it worked great!

dancing queen...

Poor Mimi and Poppi's glasses... hope they still work!

LOVE this pic!

Now on to Second technology failure... Our computer decided to die when we got home. Thanks to a guy named Ted we are temporarily up and running again but a new one is up for grabs, so PC or MAC people?

Fourth of July

2010-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

We celebrated part of the holiday at the Country Club July 4th bash. We've gone every year since Allie was 6 weeks old! The kids had a wonderful time as did the parents. I didn't get any fireworks pics but they were fabulous as always!

Mary Elliotts first sour apple candy.... of course she devoured it!

I know she's thinking 'mom, this is my cheesey smile.... this is what you get for taking 1900 pictures.'

Thanks Mary Elliott!

Allie only popped about 10 balloon creations... poor clown, i hope he got paid well. I don't think he got a break all night.

She has a mean right hook...

These little cuties were all born within 8 weeks of each other... Their mommies have gotten alot of advice from each other throughout 6 pregnancies and 5 years! We have had their picture made at every July 4th. So sweet!

Thank Laura for taking our only family picture of 2010!

Happy Summer everyone!

Santa Rosa 2010

2010-07-06T13:56:00.000-07:00

Although I didn't pull my camera out much, we did go on vacation with my family in June. It was wonderful, loud, chaotic, oil free(except for an occasional tar ball) and all around great! As you can tell by the 1st picture Frank got wrestled into the water and taken control of by 2 little people daily. Mary Elliott wasn't too crazy about the sand but was fearless of the waves... go figure...

It was alot of fun and as always, we are looking forward to next year!!

Allie and Lexie tried to make sand castles... they eventually gave up and decided to go look for snails. Not exactly girlie girls:)

These are a few sad attempts to get a cute picture! These were the only 2 times we actually got dressed. We pretty much went from beach to pool to bath to bed!

Happy Vacationing!

Swim Lessons :(

2010-07-01T11:56:00.000-07:00

There is just nothing like swim lessons.... the good the bad and the ugly come out while forcing your child to learn to swim!

This angelic woman right here holding Mary Elliott is fully responsible for teaching my girls how to swim! I would have jumped fast off her diving board and not come up if it weren't for her.... I've told her before and I'll tell her again, she DOESN"T charge enough!

She even let Allie wear her swimsuit one day and swim because she knew that would help calm Mary Elliotts nerves. How sweet is that?

We LOVE Miss Hayley.... she is truly the bomb! Thanks dear friend, we love you!!

Shrinky Dinks and Fish :)

2010-07-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Watching our shrinky dinks cook!

Bringing home the fish!

These were one of Allies birthday presents. The girl (left) was Anna Elizabeth and the boy (right) was Sylvester. Apparenty gold fish.... still (I think I had about 15 when I was 5).... are hard little critters to keep alive. We are now on Sylvester IV and he is on his last fin.... maybe next we'll try a hermit crab!

Finally...

2010-06-15T12:37:00.000-07:00

Finally! It has taken me quite a while to upload pictures from Allie's 5th birthday! We have had quite a hectic few weeks coupled with my computer having 1,001 viruses (technology and I aren't friends).

Anyway.... Allie had a swimming party at the Tupelo Country Club and had a blast! Thanks to all her friends and family that came!

My baby is FIVE!!!

After the party we came home and opened presents with our cousins.... One of Allie's many favorites was the shrinky dinks. Can you tell Mary Elliott loved the mermaid barbie?

Then we danced in the rain!

Happy Birthday sweet girl! We love you!

Or A Daisy A Day....

2010-06-01T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sarah and I somehow got the job of doing the flowers for our church's Midsouth Theology Conference. While we were humbled that anyone thought we were creative enough to do flowers, it was very scary seeing as neither of us have ever arranged a petal, EVER! Here are some of the small creations.....

Nevermind the diet coke can.... although that does sum up our afternoon!

And this is how we kept a few of the kids occupied!!

An Apple A Day....

2010-06-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

Allie is convinced that if you plant the seeds out of an apple you eat that an apple tree will grow. Hope I'm not setting her up for serious disappointment!

School Days...

2010-05-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

1st day of school 2009

Last day of school 2010

A Day In The Life...

2010-05-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Since I am blessed with a geriatric back, quite often it 'goes out' on me. That is when I humbly call our next door neighbors who are both physical therapists and they come do their work.

Which involves me wearing a tens unit. or as my friend Christine says... 'you and your battery pack just go on home...'

So what does a woman do when she is laid up watching her kids wreak havoc on the house? Of course she gets bored with her current hair color (i'll save you the pictures) and colors her hair.

Did you know that Tide (after many washings) will fade your hair color??

And it takes alot of washing so go ahead and buy that four pack...

And last but certainly not least, if you think it sounds fun to 'design your own' tennis shoes on Reebok's website PLEASE refrain. This is what you will end up with.

Apparently whoever in Japan that placed my order felt I needed white patent leather tennis shoes. If they had just a little more high top to them I could seriously fit in at the closest pick up game.