life's random moments

Don't you just love life interruptions/unplanned happenings?

Yep, this flat tire was waiting on me after work one day.

This is the picture I sent Chris asking him "what to do?"  LOL
(I've never changed a tire in my life and honestly do not know where to start)

I ended up calling a tire shop down the street, who sent a guy up to change it for me.

It ended up raining cats and dogs.  (poor guy)

I tipped him well for his troubles and went on my merry way as planned.

My cousin, Logan, and his head-less girlfriend.  =)

I love the smirk on his face.

This picture is from a fun day out with the girls (and two little guys).

Shopping AND Olive Garden!

I needed this shirt a few months ago.  LOL

Laurel and Aubrey came over and spent the night for a little "hoorah" before Josie arrives.

They wanted to sleep in her room and play with her toys and hang out with Chris & Livy. 

They went along with us to a family Mother's Day cookout at my Granny's.

Aubrey wanted her picture taken on this little old tractor.

On the way home from the cookout the sunset was beautiful.

Laurel said "Livy, take a picture of that!"

The picture doesn't do it justice, 

but I was delighted that this 9-year old found simple beauty in God's creation.

Also, Laurel asked how she was related to my Granny (maternal).

It was hard to explain and she didn't really get that she wasn't related to her as well.

She also wanted to know how to spell my Granny's name, Exie.

Here Aubrey was "spelling" a word on my fridge.

When we asked her what in the world she was spelling,

she insisted "It says, "Exie," ... see there's an "X" in it."

(see yellow "x")

I love the fun, little moments of life.

They make life good.

#4

How does time fly so quickly?

I can not believe I cradled this little baby girl in my arms four years ago.

Look how much she's changed!

Today is her 4th birthday!

She is one spunky, lively, insistent 4-year old.

She knows what she wants.  And she wants it now.

She is a girl after my own heart --- lover of junk food!

Two hands in the Dorito bag!  Yep, you get more that way!

 

She loved her Minnie Mouse cake.

And loved everyone singing "Happy Birthday" to her.

After we finished she said, "Everybody sing to ME!"

She always has a hug and a "kish" for me and Chris.  

And she loves to jump in Chris' lap, cuddle and snuggle, and say "Look, Livy!"

My heart swells when I think of how much I love her.

I look forward to watching her grow and see the amazing plans God has for her life.

Tuesday tidbits

• Friday I came home from work to find a dozen roses from my sweetheart ... for "no reason" except love.  :-)  Goodness, I love him so!

• This past weekend wiped me out.  Friday night, Chris and I went shopping and had dinner with my mom afterwards.  Chris needed new boots; which was a difficult task.  He looked at every pair and tried on several before making his final choice ... it's a good thing he doesn't need shoes often.  We also picked up the last few items needed for decorating and sewing the bedding and such for the nursery.  Saturday, our Bible study group served lunch to the needy at our local Salvation Army building; which took up most of our day with preparation and cleaning afterwards.  We took a 2-hour nap Saturday afternoon.  I worked a few hours Saturday evening.  And we enjoyed dinner from our favorite Mexican restaurant and waffle cones from our favorite ice cream spot.  In the crazy weekend rush, our house started to look like a tornado came through.  Sunday, between church services we found a few minutes to tidy up a bit.  We enjoyed Sunday lunch with my mom and Sunday supper with Chris' parents.  We were in bed by 9:20 PM Sunday night.

• Sunday was my niece, L's, 9th birthday.  I got a little nostalgic and sappy while looking at her baby photos.  It's hard to believe that next year, she'll be two-digits ... and only 4 years until she's a teenager.  Time flies so fast.  She was the first to call me "aunt."  I babysat her as a baby.  As a little toddler, she begged to come to my house and even wanted to "live with me."  She would cry when we parted ways; sometimes hysterically.  Broke my heart (and her mama's, I think).  And the sweet thing ... she still calls me aunt, she still begs to come over, and she still gives me a "goodbye kiss and hug" EVERY TIME she sees me.  I love her to pieces.

• I'm so over this weather. I'm not trying to rush the days or be ungrateful; I know we need winter and rain. But, I'm longing for warmer, brighter days.

• Monday night, we had our first of four childbirth classes  ... sort-of fun, definitely interesting, and quite "real."  Chris and I had both agreed this was something we want to do to educate ourselves more.  Don't misunderstand me, I knew what I was signing up for when I wanted a baby, but seeing delivery on video of a mama without pain medications was enlightening and slightly gross for my weak stomach.  After the class, Chris said he "enjoyed it" and he is glad we are taking the class.  We even learned stuff the first night.  (ie average contractions last 90 seconds each ... that's good to know.  LOL) 

• I locked myself out of my office today.  Took my car keys with me to the restroom instead of my office keys.  On the bright side, at least, I was able to drive my car and get a spare set from someone.  Of course, I had to watch my speed carefully since I didn't have my purse and/or license.  (While I can, I'll blame it on the pregnancy brain ... I guess, in a few months, it'll be the sleep-deprived brain)  :-)

• This week I've been wearing maternity clothes loaned to me from a sweet friend -- what a blessing!

December 2011

**Although, I wasn't blogging this month, I do want to include pictures from this month just for memory's sake. Here are pictures and a few thoughts from that month.

 

Adventurous fishing trip in the mountains, complete with boiled peanuts and reading material for me.  Oh, and no fish caught!  But we did have a good time together.

 The first bloom on our camellia bush

 Christmas at the SC State House - Jury Duty session Dec. 2011

 Beautiful roses from my sweetheart.

 How can Thumpy be comfortable?

 A little bowling fun!

 Chris had to buy this little magic trick worm for Laurel for Christmas.

Did I mention they were buy one get one free? ... so he has one too!

 Aubrey styling in her glasses.

 Ran into family at Wal-Mart after a Christmas family dinner.  Imagine that. 

 Our 2011 Christmas tree.  Which took a tumble in the middle of the night once and broke two of our special ornaments.  :(

 Me and mine at the Gaither Homecoming in Atlanta New Year's Eve.

 Happy 2012!!!

November 2011

**Although, I wasn't blogging this month, I do want to include pictures from this month just for memory's sake.  Here are pictures and a few thoughts from that month.

 

Taking a nap with my two. 

I took the picture (pretending to be asleep)

 L with Ava at mom's one Sunday at lunch.

 This silly little girl can make me smile anytime. 

She used this "scary face" to scare her doctor upon entering the exam room.  :)

 New t-shirt - I love the looks and comments that I get from others when I wear this!

 We took advantage of the vacation days at Thanksgiving and retreated to the mountains for a few days of much needed rest and relaxation.

Me with my sweetie at one of the mountain overlooks.

 Celebrating Chris' 30th birthday at Los Amigos - complete with sombrero, fried ice cream, and whip cream on the nose.

 Chris' birthday card from Thumpy - pawprint signature and all

   This was a quote that I repeated often and clung too during the rough days.

 



mid-summer's night swim

With the temperatures dropping lower at night now, the water is cooling off, but while we can still enjoy the warm water - we love to swim at night!  I love the way the lights twinkle on the water and it's not quite so hot.  Chris' favorite time to swim is at night.

A few Sunday nights ago we had friends over for hot dogs and a swim. 

 

Kolben and Klay both love the water ... and are fearless jumping straight into the water.

Jump!  Jump!  Jump!

Sweet Kenley didn't take a dip.  
She snuggled with her taggie blanket that my mom made.

Laurel enjoyed holding Kenley.  
It's been a while since her sister was this small.

Laurel and Aubrey took the recliner for a spin - round and round.

 

It's great to spend summer nights with friends.

funny faces

Smoochy-smoochy. 

Argh.

Check out my tongue.

Happy!  Double-thumbs up!

Attempting to wink.

Holding one eye shut.

These pictures were taken on the last night of camp.
The girls were up waaaay past their bed time.
And they were hamming it up for the camera! : )

nice long full weekend

Long 3-day weekends are always a welcome sight.

I truly enjoyed the extra day off.
It was such a nice weekend with people.
We also accomplished some tasks around the house.
And I'm very thankful for the freedom we enjoy -
thanks to God
and the many service men/women who sacrificed so much.

My cousin and his family were here from Alabama.
This is such a bunch of silly cousins.
They have so much fun playing when they are together.
Lori was in town for the weekend visiting family.
We grew up together in church. She now lives in Virginia.
She came to church Sunday evening and
it was so nice to see her.Monday we had family over for a BBQ.
We ate. We laughed. And had a good ol' time.

True Southern girl cooling off with a drink of water from the hose. Summer baby swinging in the shade.I love relaxing and spending time with my family. And that's what long weekends are for, right?