The Goodrich Family

Ava's Fall Ball

2010-10-21T12:42:00.003-05:00

Ava wanted to play ball again this fall, like she did in the spring. Except this time she is playing in the girls league, and its coach pitch. The season started out a little bumpy as she was learning to hit from a coach and not a tee, but now she is hitting pretty good, and more importantly enjoying herself.

thats her playing pitcher... the rest of my softball pics are still on the camera so i will get them off there and put them up too

Loni's birthday gift to Anna Kate

2010-10-21T12:36:00.004-05:00

On my way to take Anna Kate to her party, I get a panicked phone call from Loni... she is on her way to the hospital, argueing with me that the "PAIN" she feels in her stomach are NOT contractions - guess older sister was right for a change huh noni - They admitted her to the hospital and precious baby Hudson (or hut son as anna kate says) was born that night - What an awesome gift for your birthday, a baby cousin -

We love baby Hudson so much and are so happy for Loni and Justin - God is so good and very very faithful.

Anna Kate's Birthday Party

2010-10-21T12:31:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Anna Kate's Purple Polka Dot Painting Party! (thats what she called it). We had a couple of friends meet at the pottery place to paint and eat lunch and cupcakes. She had a great time and has talked about the party since that day.... It's hard to believe that my "baby girl" is 3 - Happy Birthday Bugs, we love you very much

Anna Kates Birthday

2010-09-20T13:47:00.004-05:00

Tomorrow 9/21/10 is Anna Kates 3rd birthday. She is so sweet and funny. She loves Ava very much, and tries her hardest to be a "big" girl. She likes her school, is learning to like her dance class (which she tries VERY hard at) and has started taking "cheerleading" at her school. She likes to have her toes painted, play outside, and sing. She is a blessing to all of us, and I cannot imagine life with out her.... We love you Bugser - Happy Birthday

Party pics to come after tomorrow....

3 days old

1 year - at the pumpkin patch

2 years - at the park

3 years - at avas 5th birthday

First Day of Pre K 3

2010-09-08T15:41:00.004-05:00

Today was another BIG day for kates, she got to start her "school". She loved it last year and could not wait to start back. Brannon went in late today, and we both took her to school. But first we stopped by McDonalds and let her have a "special" breakfast.... of breakfast taco and apple juice. She was all smiles when we got there and waved at us when we left. I am so glad she likes it....

Anna Kate does "Ba-La-Let"

2010-09-08T15:35:00.003-05:00

Kates got to start "balalet" as she calls it yesterday 9/7. They make you wait until at least 2 weeks before your 3 to start, so yesterday was her big day. She was so excited to go to "her" class and loved that she was doing what ava is doing. During class, she talked to all her new "friends" and tried her heart out. It was so sweet watching her try and do what the teacher was showing her, and in between she would try to look out the window to see me, and even if she couldnt see me, she would just wave. My little girl is growing up, makes a mommy sad......

August 31 2010

2010-09-08T15:31:00.003-05:00

Ava's actual birthday was Tuesday August 31st. Its hard to believe she is 5 years old. Where does the time go? She had to spend her birthday at school, so Anna Kate and I went and ate lunch with her and took her a piece of birthday cake. After school, I picked up Ava and her friend Madeline, and took all 3 girls to get "pedicures" Once their toes were dry, we went to our neighborhood pool ate pizza and swam. I think its safe to say she had a GREAT day.

We've started Kindergarten

2010-09-07T11:04:00.006-05:00

Ava started school on August 23, its hard to believe she is already in kindergarten. On the sunday before school started, we went to a "blessing of the backpacks" at church. The girls loved that. Then monday Ava woke up and was pretty excited to be starting school. Until Anna Kate woke up that is. Anna Kate refused to tell her have a good day, hug her or anything. She DID NOT want Ava to go to school. She started crying, then Ava started crying. We thought we had it under control until we got to the school, Anna Kate was crying really LOUD "i want my aya" no aya" I know the parents in Ava's class must think we are crazy. I got a few pictures of the morning, most after the tears started. I didnt get any pictures of Ava at her desk the first day, because Anna Kate was clinging to her crying and Ava was clinging to Brannon trying to figure out why Kates was so upset. It was a VERY emotional morning. In the past 2 weeks, we have done much better, and Anna Kate actually starts her school in the morning. Ava is loving every minute of it, and comes home every day ready to tell us all about it.

(FYI - we had picked out a very cute dress and new hairbow for the first day of school, but at meet the teacher they told us that they wanted them to all wear something RED on the first day of school, and that on mondays, her class has PE and they HAVE to have on shorts/pants and tennis shoes to participate. We wore our cute dress the 2nd day of school)

Ava's 5th Birthday Party

2010-09-07T10:57:00.004-05:00

This year, Ava and her friend Sydney decided to have a cmobined birthday party/end of year party. We invited all the girls from their class at the courtyard and then one friend each from outside of school. Neither of them had ever had a Sweet and Sassy birthday party, so thats what we decided to do, complete with a limo ride around Southlake at the end. It was GREAT hope you enjoy the pics

August 17-21

2010-09-05T14:53:00.005-05:00

Ava started her 3rd year of tap and ballet this week. Anna Kate is going to start her 1st year also, but they are making her wait until 2 weeks before her birthday. Also on Thursday of this week, we got to go meet Ava's kindergarten teacher. She was excited to meet her teacher and see her new school and classroom. Friday she "graduated" from her pre-school, complete with cap and gown. only one person from her pre-k class is going to her new school, so we are looking forward to meeting new friends, but will miss our old ones too. Off to kindergarten we go......

Summer 2010

2010-09-05T14:25:00.008-05:00

Here is a recap of our summer. we had Ava's 2nd Dance recital, then we went home for a week and celebrated my grandparents 60th anniversary. While we were there, we stayed with Loni and Justin, and then went to Athens to see Lacy Jeb Em and El. Brannon took the girls to ride horses, and we went to Tannehill. It was a fun trip. We went to a Rangers game, celebrated 4th of July with family and friends. Welcomed baby Will on 7/20, celebrated brannons birthday with a bowling party, I went home for baby Hudsons baby shower and thats our summer in a cliff notes version. I am going to try and post a few pics from summer, and I am going to make an honest effort to update weekly so those who care (my mom) can see what we are up too..

A "Lamons" Miracle

2010-05-03T16:08:00.003-05:00

For those of you who know anything about my family, you know there are no boys ANYWHERE in it. My poor dad, 3 daughters and 5 granddaughters... well not anymore

LONI IS HAVING A BOY!

James Hudson Hodge (hudson) will be here sometime in October and we are all so excited! Please pray that both baby and mommy stay healthy

Congrats Noni and Justin - we love you

April 2010

2010-05-03T15:45:00.010-05:00

The month has flown by... we had lots of t ball games, lots of rained out t ball games, 2 carnivals, dance pictures and a visit from Mimi & Pop. While they were here we celebrated Pop's birthday which was 4/9. The girls love it when mimi and pop are around and we miss them so much when they are not here, or we are not there...here are a few pics from the month.

doing crafts at the CCDC carnival

riding the "Train" at CCDC anna kate thought this was the greatest thing

Ava's Tap Costume - they are dancing to Uptown Girl !

Ava's Ballet costume

Having fun at the golf course with daddy

doing the Hokey Pokey in the pavillion in downtown carrollton, after leaving Babe's

(Where they got to do the HP with our waitress) Thanks mimi for teaching them the WHOLE song... :)

Were Driving ! Riding rides at the Mesquite Rodeo

Going to see Ava play ball Go Longhorns!

Happy Birthday Pop! we love you very much

April 2010

2010-04-05T07:32:00.001-05:00

Even though I did an easter post, i thought i would go back to 4/1/10 and start an April. On the first, we went to the arboretum. It was a beautiful day and grammy took off and we all went. Just wanted to post a few pics.. the girls had a great time running in the grass... and smelling the flowers.

Easter 2010

2010-04-05T07:14:00.012-05:00

Our neighborhood had the annual easter egg hunt on the 28th of March. The girls had a great time at the park, and found TONS of eggs. They got to play in the bounce house, pet the animals and eat snacks.... what could be better. (you can really see ava's hair curly good in these pics) Then on Saturday before Easter, we dyed eggs with our neighbors, and all the kids had a blast. Sunday before church the easter bunny came, and left some pretty cool stuff, Macy Shelly (our christmas elf) even sent a note to the girls reminding them to mind, with the easter bunny. Ava thought it was cool that they were friends :)
After an awesome church service (if its online yet, i will post a link to it, it was GREAT), we went to Grammy and Papoos house, ate lunch and hid more eggs. The girls had a really good time. And to end the day, we got to play with our friends outside.. Hope everyone had a great easter....

*poor ava is suffering something terrible from her allergies, so thats why she looks so swollen...

Ava #4 Longhorns, March Cont.

2010-04-05T07:11:00.003-05:00

Here are pics of Ava and her team at their first game

March Random

2010-04-05T07:00:00.002-05:00

With kids dressed up like this, giving me a free concert consisting of the chippettes version of "all the single ladies" AK LOVES IT, hannah montana, and a deep and wide, and a few made up songs altogether... HOW LUCKY AM I!

I sure do love these girls

March 2010

2010-04-05T06:54:00.005-05:00

This month we have been busy practicing Tball and we had our first game on the 27th. Ava got 2 hits, and was really excited. Anna Kate got to go to another friends birthday party which was a blast. It snowed again on the 20th, the sunday starting spring break, so we got to go out and play in that for a while. The only snow of 3 that we were actually here to see. We got @ 3 inches and it was gone by lunch... it was GREAT. Spring Break, ava didnt want to go to school she told me that "spring break your supposed to do fun things" so we did. We played and painted outside,i let the girls help cook, went to the park several times, went to the library for storytime, went to the movies, and lots of other fun things. She had a blast, now she keeps asking when is it gonna be spring break again. We also experimented with sponge rollers, I had rolled ava's before but it was too short to do anything. This time it curled up really cute, and she loves is. so i had to take a few pictures of her, and anna kate too, i can remember me lacy and loni looking like that every saturday night when we were little.... fun fun fun... Like i said earlier, she had her first GAME the 27th of this month, and now I have Anna Kate asking too, when she can do TBALL and who is her coach, and she also wants to be a ballerina... i can see that next year, we really are gonna be busy. Oh, and we have been working on potty training... and weve been doing really good in pull ups, but this month, we actually did it. Anna Kate is now a big girl... and she is so proud. *( this is more for my memory than everyone else sorry if TMI)

February 2010

2010-04-05T06:34:00.006-05:00

This february, we got the chance to take the girls to San Diego, CA. We went the week of the 8-14. We had a blast. We went to the beach (several times), went to the San Diego Zoo, and to Sea World. We also got to go with Brannon to his trade show, and i think the girls liked that just as much as anything else. They got all kinds of goodies, and got to play on all sorts of equipment. I was a great trip, but while we were gone, we did get a record snowfall for dallas, 12 inches... but when we got back, there was still plenty of snow left at the golf course, so Brannon took the girls down there and they made a sled and had a blast. and the last week of the month, Ava had her first T Ball practice. She is on the longhorns and is one of 3 girls. right now she is loving it.... Anna Kate got invited to her first birthday party, also. She had such a good time at Charlottes party, now she keeps asking when her party is gonna be... its gonna be a long time till sept, for her i am afraid. FYI, she HAD to wear a dress to charlottes party, because she told me Charlotte always wears pretty dresses, so i wear one too...

Since i am so behind on the blog, and we took like 500 pictures in San Diego, i am just gonna post a few highlights of the month.

January

2010-02-21T14:19:00.000-06:00

This january we were pretty busy. We got invited to a couple of football games, had a few birthday parties, celebrated our 8th wedding anniversary and just enjoyed spending time with each other. I have a few pics from the football game but nothing else, so this post wont have any pics.. :)

January

2010-02-21T14:15:00.003-06:00

This year, brannon got tickets to the cotton bowl, too bad AU wasnt playing. We took the girls since it was at the new cowboys stadium, and we had a really good time. here are a few pics

even more pics

2010-02-21T14:11:00.001-06:00

More pics

2010-02-21T14:09:00.001-06:00

More Christmas in Alabama

2010-02-21T14:07:00.001-06:00

Santa Came

2010-02-21T14:02:00.003-06:00

Santa was really good to the girls this year. We got a whole band set, microphone with stand, guitar, and keyboard, lots of clothes and skechers (our favorite) dress up clothes, a cash register... all sorts of things. And to top it off, when we got back to tx... santa had even left the girls bikes here. It was a great christmas...

Christmas in Alabama

2010-02-21T13:54:00.002-06:00

This year for the first time in 4 years, we were at "home" for christmas. We went to mom and daddys for christmas eve eve, then spent the evening of christmas eve, at mamaws (after visiting with bees and dot and learning how to play bridge) which is a memory i will always treasure, then we hit the road to Athens, to spend a few nights with Lacy and Jeb. I can tell you, that this was probably my most favorite christmas eve for MANY reasons, but the main one was being with lacy and loni again, together on christmas eve. We had a BLAST, or i know i did. We left there the day after christmas, went to lonis for lunch and it was delicious.... then we headed to Troy and Kaci's house for a visit with brannons family, and that was fun as always. my girls, loved the older girls and didnt want to leave playing with them. Then we got to visit with our friends will and aubry...and matt and ashley. we had a great time bowling and going to dinner..... its always fun to get the kids together. Then i guess we spent one more day in mccalla before heading back to tx. We had a great time and thanks to everyone who made that happen....

Christmas Eve Services (tuesday)

2010-02-21T13:49:00.002-06:00

On the tuesday before christmas, we went to church. The girls were very excited because they got to go to "big church". They were blown away with the music and lights and were really excited that they knew some of the songs. Thank you God for sending your son, the real reason for the season.

Here are a few pics of the girls before we left for church

Christmas in Texas

2010-02-21T13:42:00.003-06:00

This year, we did christmas in Texas early. The sunday before christmas, Grammy Papoo Stevie and Leslie came over to our house. We all ate dinner and opened gifts. We had a great time. The girls each got "bitty twins" and strollers so they had to take them for a walk after supper, it was really cute. Brannon and Stephen also got photo albums of ALL of their pictures from birth to present. We had a great time looking at those, thanks grammy. All in all, it was a great day. I dont have many pictures from this day, because i actually got a new camera later that night.. and most of the pictures taken, were on brannons work camera.

Ava's School Christmas Program

2010-01-13T13:39:00.003-06:00

We had a busy week before christmas... on wednesday night, ava had her class christmas program at school....then on thursday she had her dance christmas program (no pics from that due to a dead camera battery :( ) She had been telling me all along that what they were doing was a secret but she was going to be Mrs Claus. I had to drop her off in her room and they got her in "costume" . I honestly thought i would die laughing when they walked out, but somehow i was able to hold it in. Despite her look, they did a really great job and she was SO excited she got to have "fluff" in her hair and be mrs. claus... i guess thats all that matters....oh and each prek class sang 2 songs... ava's 1st when she was dressed up was a combination of christmas songs and the macarena... (sp?)

The Gaylord Ice

2010-01-13T13:35:00.002-06:00

This year we went to the Gaylord Ice with Grammy Papoo Stephen and Leslie. The girls LOVED it and they looked so cute in their big coats.. both of them enjoyed the ice slide, but i think my favorite part was the nativity scene at the end... it was HUGE and so so pretty - what a great way to start December.....

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T07:19:00.005-06:00

I hope everyone has a great thanksgiving. I know that I sure have alot to be thankful for. The list would go on and on and on.... make sure you take the time to realize what you do have and be thankful for it. i am amazed at what God has blessed me with, not just things but the people he has put in my life.

For now i will leave you with two pictures of my pilgrims - ready for bed in pjs....i am especially thankful for them and pics of our "thankful turkeys" we made on tuesday -

Thanks Aunt Lacy

2009-11-26T06:31:00.000-06:00

Thanks lacy - for the girls cute AU outfits.... just wanted you to be able to see a picture of them wearing it.....

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T21:56:00.004-05:00

This was probably the best halloween so far. Both girls were really into it, and loved going door to door getting candy. Its obvious in the pictures that Ava was an Auburn cheerleader and Kates was a lady bug. She kept saying my bug my bug everytime she saw her costume laying out.
the neighborhood had a little party at the park (where both girls tried their best at the pinata - yes even kates) then we came home and ate and went out trick or treating with some kids of people that brannon works with. But that wasnt enough for ava - she came home got our bowl of candy to pass out, put her desk chair on the front porch and passed out more candy. She would call to brannon, "i have some more trick or treaters" then she would tell them, 'your welcome, happy halloween. I am not sure which she liked more, getting her own candy or giving the other kids candy. We finally conviced her to close the door and as she was getting a bath she was about to fall asleep and actually did go to sleep while i was drying her hair - We had a great day and i hope everyone else did too... cant believe tomorrow is November. I LOVE FALL and the holidays - oh yeah and WAR EAGLE too - it must have been the new cheerleader....

Just for Fun

2009-10-29T11:02:00.004-05:00

Here are pics of ava and anna kate at the same age at the pumpkin patch -

The Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-29T10:38:00.002-05:00

This weekend we took the girls to the pumpkin patch - they pulled each other in the wagons and bounced in the bounce houses and ava even went thru the hay maze all by herself - she was very proud of that - we came home and carved our pumpkins - then yesterday we went to a different pumpkin patch and they had a train we all got to ride - the girls loved it and we all had a good time.....

more pumpkin patch

2009-10-29T10:36:00.000-05:00

Fall Trip Home

2009-10-29T10:30:00.002-05:00

the first weekend of october - we headed back home, sort of. We spent 1 night at mimi and pops then the girls and i headed to lacys new house in athens and brannon went with the guys to TN for the game.
lacy had all sorts of things to do and we loved getting to visit with "emmo and rae rae" and I of course had a good time visiting with lacy -
we rented a bounce house for the girls and on saturday did our own tailgate party and had the game on a projector outside - it was GREAT - here are a few pics - now i am trying to talk lacy and jeb into a new years eve party - it would be so fun

thanks lacy and jebbie for letting us come visit -

OK

2009-10-28T07:59:00.003-05:00

so i updated - make sure you scroll down to where it starts - i made sure i included all the missed events since june - i also have pics from the trip to lacys and the pumpkin patch that i need to get onto the computer and once i do that we will be completly caught up - if anyone even checks this blog anymore since i am such a slacker....

Anna Kates First day of "School"

2009-10-28T07:48:00.003-05:00

This year - we decided to start Anna Kate in a school program. We decided on a church school close to our house. I wasnt sure how she would do, since she has only been with me and only been left at the church nursery - but she LOVES it. Noni bought her a backpack and a lunch box - so she carries her pack and walks in like a big girl. When we get into her room she quickly takes her stuff off hands it to me and gets into whatever they are doing at the time. and she says bye mommy - and waves. She is learning alot too and her teachers say they can see an increase in her vocabulary - since school started. They do art, circle time, story time, lunch, and alternate between pe and chapel the 2 days. Here are a few pics of her first day.... as you can tell in some she is too cool for the pics...

Anna Kate is 2 (and a shared bday party)

2009-10-28T07:36:00.003-05:00

This year since we were at home for Ava's birthday we decided to do her party with Anna kates we had it at WinKids and both girls really enjoyed themselves. I cannot believe that my baby is 2 years old. She is so sweet and loves her big sister so much. Since her birthday 1 month ago - she has really started talking - she loves to say "really?" and tell you to do something won time - she loves being outside and loves her bobby (blanket)

I love both of these girls so much - and i am so proud to be their mom.

the pics from the party are on brannons work camera so i will have to upload them tonite -

WAR EAGLE

2009-10-28T07:30:00.004-05:00

the last of our beach trip was also the begining of football season - we had a few friends with us at the beach - so we took the golf cart over to watch the game with several AU fans - it was fun and the girls enjoyed themselves....

The BEACH

2009-10-28T07:10:00.004-05:00

the day after the party we headed to the beach - we stayed in sandestin and had a BLAST - where we stayed we had access to a golf cart and i think the girls enjoyed that more than anything. we played in the ocean, built TONS of sand castles, chased sea gulls, played at the park, fed fish, rode in the golf cart and swam ALOT - the girls had a great time. one day i had ak in the ocean and she was in a ring and we were "riding" the waves, i noticed she wasnt making any noise and i look down and she is sound asleep - i got out of the ocean and laid her down and she slept for a good 2 hours right there on the beach- and i could have done the same thing.....we are already ready to go back....

More Beach Pics

2009-10-28T07:08:00.000-05:00

Ava's 4th Birthday

2009-10-28T07:03:00.006-05:00

for my actual birthday i got a really good deal - i got to go HOME... on the 29th we loaded up and headed for home. On sunday mom had a birthday party for emma, me ava and lacy since all of our birthdays are within 2 weeks of each other. my grandparents, brannon's grandparents, my aunts and cousin came and we had a great time. Ava LOVED opening presents this year, and loved it that emma was there with her. Thank you mimi and pop for throwing the party - we had lots of FUN.

Anna Kate loved "guarding" the gifts

The BIG 30

2009-10-28T06:56:00.005-05:00

For those of you that dont know, this was a big birthday year for me. I turned 30 August 28th - but the weekend before that August 22nd, brannon and my SIL leslie planned a surprise birthday party for me. We went went stephen and leslie and 2 other couples and spent the day at the Gaylord Texan - a nice hotel (but more than hotel) really close to our house. We got to hang out by the pool saturday then we met up with everyone from the golf course for dinner and the VERY first friend I ever made here who i used to work with but dont see alot anymore - Staci, then back to the gaylord to hang out and spend the night - We had a great time and I really appreciate everyone coming and celebrating this special day with me... the last saturday of my 20's -

First Day of Dance Year 2

2009-10-28T06:47:00.000-05:00

This is from her first day last year 0

This is ava ready for her first day of her second year of dance -

While we were out

2009-10-28T06:46:00.000-05:00

we had a pipe bust (luckily not inside) so we didnt have any water and we had to go stay somewhere while it was fixed- you would have thought the girls were on vacation - we definatly made the most out of the situation - her are some pics of the girls having fun (this was end of july first of august)

Loni and Emma Visit

2009-10-28T06:45:00.005-05:00

After we got back from the lake - loni and emma came for a much needed visit - we went to the childrens museum, baked cupcakes and tye-dyed some things - the girls had a blast - and it was nice to be able to catch up with loni without all the hustle of everyone being around - i really miss them all - we had a great time noni and emmo and cant wait for you to come back - and since its taken me so long to update- we area about due for another visit....

-

Where do i start.....

2009-10-28T06:38:00.004-05:00

its been a WHILE since i have updated as you can tell. not that we havent been up to some fun things around here, its just whenever i have a few minutes i dont really think to update - and i had gotten so behind i am not sure where to start

i guess to keep things in order, i will start with Fathers day - we went to Austin that sunday monday and tuesday - with some friends from the golf course. we stayed on lake travis - which was great - the girls loved all the swimming, ava and ak loved the fishing and riding the sea doos ---- We love our daddy- and are glad we got to spend time with him.....

2 Little Fish

2009-06-19T16:12:00.002-05:00

for a month now we have been swimming almost everyday. Ava does good with her floaties but doesnt really want to go under water. Anna Kate however, LOVES it. she will get in by herself, go down the steps until she cant touch then she starts kicking and paddling her arms. Mimi got to witness this for herself when she was here last week. She will also go down the slide at the activity center by herself, and not the baby slide. I havent got any pics of that yet.... maybe this weekend.

Ava's First dance recital

2009-06-19T16:05:00.003-05:00

Memorial day weekend May 23rd to be exact was the date of ava's first dance recital. This year we did tap and ballet. Ava had 3 other girls in her class and she seemed to really like going. Every week she would ask me if it was dance day. I thought she looked really pretty and did good for her first recital - of course i thought that - i am her mother.... enjoy the pics

Mothers Day 2009

2009-06-19T15:56:00.001-05:00

Ok - so i am just now getting around to updating the past month.... my last post was easter so next comes mothers day.

This mothers day was fun for me. we got up that sunday morning and headed out for family day at the zoo. The girls LOVED it. Anna Kate would have sat face to face with the aligators if we would have let her (pic below) and Ava liked looking at the animals from a distance especially the gorilla. After the zoo they took me to a place I had been wanting to try after seeing it on Diners Drive ins and Dives.... a favorite show of mine.... so we headed downtown to the Twisted Root Burger Company. It was excellent.... after that we headed down to the golf course - it was really HOT and brannon had to water greens - doesnt sound so fun for mothers day but it was... he would let the girls out of the cart to run around while he was watering and they had a blast.... needless to say we were all POOPED by the end of the day. I am just thankful God chose me to be these girls mom ! what a job i have... and thankful for my mom and all she did for me.

Pops Garden

2009-06-19T15:50:00.001-05:00

pics from pops garden when we went home in May

Jebs Graduation

2009-06-19T15:49:00.005-05:00

Well - HE DID IT. On May 5th Jeb graduated ! We went down to AUBURN on saturday night for a party lacy had for him which turned out GREAT and then back down on monday to spend the night and get ready for graduation on tuesday morning. After graduation and TONS of pictures we went to eat lunch and had a great time. We could not be any prouder of Jeb (and Lacy). They are proof that hard work does pay off.

This was Anna Kates first trip to AU although she didnt make it to toomers or j&m with me and ava.... she stayed with mimi and pop and watched movies.. she did however enjoy her first glass of toomers lemonade and she LOVED it.

Ava got to see where her daddy went to school and the library and samford hall, she said she was gonna go to that library one day and I didnt argue. we went to toomers got her some lemonade and got her a shirt. she cant wait to go back this fall for her first football game.....

Silly little girls

2009-06-19T15:48:00.000-05:00

here are some random pics from the past 2 months of the girls playing and being silly.... no particular order...

a few more

2009-06-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

8x8

2009-06-04T13:51:00.005-05:00

8x8

8x8 all about me!

I know there are lots of updates that I need to put on here but I will start with Loni's tag....

THE RULES: Mention who tagged you.Complete the list of 8's.Tag 8 other people.

8 THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO:
vacation
watching my girls grow up
being closer to home one day
football season
going home
our birthday months (august and september)
spending time with family
going to the lake

8 THINGS I DID YESTERDAY:
cooked
cleaned
washed clothes
played on the internet
took ava to school
got gas
took some things to get monogramed
talked on the phone
(yesterday was an UNEVENTFUL day - sorry for the boring details!)

8 THINGS I WISH I COULD DO:
lose 50 pounds
cook without having a mess
see my family whenever i wanted
forget about bills
see loni smile more....
see lacys new house
go on more dates with brannon
have a self cleaning house

8 SHOWS I WATCH:
greys anatomy
desperate housewives
friday night lights
chopped
diners drive ins and dives
law and order
the mentalist
throwdown with bobby flay

8 OF MY FAVORITE FOODS - (thanks for leaving that out loni - its the easiest one)
chips and salsa
guacamole
grits
tomato sandwichs
tomato gravy and biscuits
hamburgers
salads
lemon icebox pie

8 PLACES I'VE TRAVELLED: -
lake tahoe
jamaica
destin
orlando
new york city
new jersey
san antonio
oklahoma

8 PLACES I'D LIKE TO TRAVEL:
california
washington
new york again
colorado
hawaii
boston
maine
costa rica

8 PEOPLE I TAGGED-
amber clay
jill lane
lynn pruitt
angel hill
kelli smith
lacy jones
lindsay lovoy
kim davis

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T20:48:00.004-05:00

We had a great day despite the stormy cold weather.... the easter bunny came to see the girls Ava thought it was GREAT they he brought her some green flip flops and anna Kate loved her bubbles... then it was off to church for the 8 am service and over to Grammy and Papoos house for lunch with them and Stevie and Leslie. Overall it was a good day... except now that Ava is running a 103 temp..... Hope everyone had a good day celebrating the fact that Jesus is Alive.

*** please excuse ava's hair in the picture with her and her goodies... keep in mind it was 6:15 am and she had just pulled out her pony tail.. it was just the only picture i got of her and her basket ****

Decorating Our Eggs

2009-04-12T20:44:00.003-05:00

Ava's School Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-12T20:37:00.003-05:00

ON friday 4/10 Ava's class had their easter egg hunt... even anna kate had a good time.....

Ava and her friend showing off the eggs they dyed at school....

Thanks Mimi and Pop

2009-04-08T19:15:00.002-05:00

Thank you mimi and pop for the baskets full of easter candy... we LOVE it... love Ava and Anna Kate

Our 2nd Annual Bunny Cake Bake

2009-04-08T19:09:00.004-05:00

Last year, Ava and I made a cute little bunny cake for easter from a recipe my aunt deborah sent us.... she LOVED it. So this year we had to make another one. She helped me mix and pour and do the icing.... she also dedicated this cake to POP since his birthday is tomorrow. She told me that I would have to be very careful and would need to hold this cake all the way to Alabama and daddy could drive us... so we could sneak in and put this cake in mimi and pops fridge... "he's gonna be so 'cited" she said. So POP - here is your birthday cake 700 miles away.. i am sure Ava will let you know how it tastes - if she lets us try it... she has already told brannon that its pops cake and he cant have any....

We love you POP - Happy Birthday Tomorrow.....

Random Pictures of the Girls

2009-04-08T19:03:00.004-05:00

Anna Kates first pigtails....

sweet sisters before ballet class

The girls after their brownie last night...

Anna Kate in the washing machine this morning... ava thought this was so funny

We are still here .....mom.....

2009-04-05T18:45:00.006-05:00

Everyone has reminded me that I havent updated the blog in a while. Hopefully for some (you know who you are) this will make for a good start on Monday, since you have something to read to make you look busy :)

We havent really been up to much lately... we did take the girls to Disney on Ice.. they loved it.

Then today, our neighborhood had an easter egg hunt... with tons of candy filled eggs, games and a petting zoo.... neither of the girls were too wild about that... but they did love the eggs... If you ask Ava she got 25 9 eggs yes thats right, twenty five nine... whatever that means... i think its just ALOT

I will try to update more often....I promise. This week I am sure we will have lots of pictures, easter party at school, dyeing eggs, the easter bunny and numerous egg hunts around the house... Hope eveyone has a good week -

Lori Needs .......

2009-02-25T20:13:00.003-06:00

To a certain someone with clostrophobic feet - its not exactly a survey but an update none the less - i will try to find a survey soon - hope this makes you smile.....

Fun game I got from a friend's blog....

Google "your name" and "needs" and write the first six things you see.....
kind of funny....

1. Lori needs - a diet (actually it said angry diet - that sounds scary although true)
2. Lori needs - to vent (VERRRRY TRUE)
3. Lori needs - HELP - ok is this a joke, really - what are the chances this would say help - I am sure alot of people agree :)
4. Lori needs - loads of laughter - that would be nice
5. Lori needs - a gelato machine - no really i dont
6. Lori needs - magic - that sure would come in handy now wouldnt it.....

Try it!!! See what you get!

Maddox Elise Hodge

2009-02-20T15:59:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all my friends who have prayed - Please continue to pray for Loni and Justin and our family.

The following is from Loni's blog......

maddox elise hodge was born yesterday afternoon at 1:20p.m. weighing 14oz and was 12 1/2 inches long. this, of course, was when her body was delivered, but we were told her little soul and spirit met the Lord several days ago!

after the sweet nurses got her cleaned up and dressed in her beautiful pink gown, we were able to see and hold her, and get some beautiful pictures of her. our time together was sweet and beautiful, I held the most gorgeous baby i had ever seen and i thanked God for him allowing me to be her mommy. i am blessed so much by that tiny little girl.

God is truly amazing. He formed this beautiful little girl and made her perfect in every way. she had gorgeous light brown/blonde hair like her daddy and she also had his nose. she had the sweetest mouth and hands. i think the only thing she got from me was her feet, they were huge!!! she is truly a MADDOX, because my great grandfather, Leslie Maddox, who would be her great great grandfather had 2 webbed fingers on one of his hands...and don't know you that this little maddox had on her right hand her middle finger and ring finger webbed just like her great great papaw...and now they are in heaven together and he's lovin on her and they are fishing and she's also up there with my grand father, L.B. Lamons, and God only knows what kinds of stories he's telling her!!! But regardless of that fact, i know that maddie is heaven with some people who were much loved and still missed here on earth and i know that she will be well taken care of. our Father in heaven is the best father she can have and He's right there with her, loving on her, hugging her and keeping her safe.

arrangements for maddox elise have been made and they are as follows:
Grave side service tomorrow, Saturday (2/21/09) for family and friends at 1:00 at the Highland Memorial Gardens in Bessemer, AL (3115 18th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL 35020). We will have interpreter(s) provided. We have asked that in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alabama School for the Deaf - High School Department's Indigent Children Fund in memory of Maddox Elise Hodge. For more information on that you can contact Mrs. Renee Payne at 256-761-3246.

Thank you all again for the blessings that you have been to justin, our families, and myself. we'll never be able to repay you, but you'll always be in our prayers....

Jesus, I know you are watching out for my sweet angel, but please take care of us too. her mommy and daddy are down here hurting and sad and it's all we can do to carry on. Lord please hold our baby and tell her how much we love her and miss her and how excited we are to be her parents. we look to you to provide comfort and peace to us in this dark time of need. Lord, we cry out to you to heal our hearts and walk with us every step of the way. the healing process is only just beginning and we are lost without our little girl. PLEASE PLEASE hold us and heal our broken hearts. Jesus, I praise you in this dark time, and in this valley, for i have so many things to be thankful for. i praise you for a husband like justin, who is strong and encouraging and i thank you for allowing maddox the opportunity to have a daddy like him. i also thank you for the most wonderful friends and family that you have blessed us with. Lord for each person that has prayed (and we know many have been), for each person that has called, sent messages, cards, flowers, or visited- Lord i ask that you bless them in a supernatural way. that you would show favor on their lives for the consideration and love they have shown to us. keep us strong and together for the coming days. Lord be with BJ has he leads maddie's service tomorrow. please speak through him and use Him to tell the great news about Jesus! Precious God, i have no more words, only cries for help. i'm trusting you more now than ever before and i know that you are going to bring something wonderful out of such a tragedy. Lord, let Maddox's story live on forever, and let people know what a great and powerful miracle she was to so many. You work for the good of those who love you and we CLING to you now in this time....i ask all these things in the powerful, mighty name of Jesus.....AMEN

Scrap

2009-02-06T09:53:00.004-06:00

I was tagged by Lacy to "honestly scrap" about myself.

Who knew there were rules for "scrapping"? They are:
A. First list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!
B. Pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

Lori's Scrap

1. I cannot believe that I am going to be 30 years old this year. I dont feel that old, and i dont think I look that old. I just dont think the i have met my own expectations about where I would be at 30, but I cant tell you what those expectations are either... I know WIERDO

2. Even after living in Texas (away from my family) for 7 years, I still cry when I leave them to come back here after a visit. And in any conversation, if I say HOME i mean mom and daddys house.

3. I am hard on myself for not being the wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend that I think I should be.

4. Even at 30 years old, well almost, there are things that I wont do or say in front of my parents.... out of respect I guess, or fear they wouldnt approve... Lacy thinks that is the DUMBEST thing ever, she always says your almost 30...

5. When i say I love you, i mean it. Not just a little, not saying it to have something to say. I mean it and can back it up. And I get annoyed when I can tell people just "say it" and dont really mean it.....

6. I am turning into my mother... grey streaks and all...

7. I wish I could go back and do College again..... with the knowledge i have now..

8. I love 90210, the old and the new....

9. I want to be the example to my girls that my mom is to me, and a good mom to them like lacy is to Emma and Ella, and as strong and giving as Loni is with Maddie

10. I am hurting for my sister and Justin and Maddox more than I've ever hurt for anyone, but this situation has brought us closer than we've ever been...ever...and I'm thankful for that. This was lacys answer but is mine as well.....i have never felt this way before and dont know how to deal with it.

Let's see......how about:
Angel Hill
Lynn Pruitt
Lindsay Lovoy
Lyndsay Cunningham
Anne Yarbrough
Stephanie Drew

Be Patient

2009-02-02T14:55:00.002-06:00

I am trying to update the look of the blog and dont have all the time i need to finish it today - (or the know how)

January 2009

2009-02-01T19:29:00.003-06:00

Its hard to believe that the first month of 2009 is over. Its been fun since christmas... we have played with new toys and riding our scooter, and Anna Kate is learning to color and having a good time. Brannon and I celebrated our 7th anniversary on 1/19 - its doesnt seem like 7 years (ok, sometimes it does :)) Anna Kate got her 2nd haircut on 1/22 and I am posting pictures of before and after. Ava got a haircut too and it looks cute this shorter length. We have already been to 2 birthday parties for Ava's friends and have more lined up. I can tell this winter/spring is going to be busy. We already have our next trip home lined up as well and we cant wait. Ava keeps saying "when i wake up were going to mimi and pops?" you cant make a 3 year old understand time.. you know!

We are continuing to pray for Loni Justin and Maddie.... and hope you will do the same. We know that God is in control, and he has known the plan since before anyone was every thought of. Nothing is impossible with HIM

Hope everyone enjoys the pics - hope February gets off to a good start...

I..........

2009-01-29T13:37:00.004-06:00

Found this on another blog - thought I would do it too....

I..

I live: in Texas :(

I work: at home taking care of a house, husband and 2 kids. I worked in Accounting before them.

I smell: supper

I listen: to everything from country to rap - no heavy metal

I hide: money in special spots in my wallet

I walk: all over the house chasing 2 kids

I write: dumb blogs

I see: things that need to be cleaned

I sing: in my head... no one wants to hear it..

I can: listen really good

I watch: my kids play

I daydream: often

I want: my children to see me as an example of a strong christian woman, like i see my mom

I cry: about EVERYTHING - i am a crier

I read: emails and blogs

I love: with all that i have -

I rode: in the car for 10 hours to get home for christmas

I sometimes: replay scenarios in my head

I fear: lots of things, but death is way up there

I hope: the girls dreams come true

I eat: when I'm bored.

I drink: sweet tea

I play: school or make up shop with the girls

I miss: my family

I forgive: too easy

I drive: a 4 runner

I lost: my ability to make selfish decisions when i had kids

I dream: wierd things

I kiss: the girls all the time and brannon some.... :)

I hug: everybody - LOTS

I have: been Forgiven

I remember: everything.... I mean EVERYTHING - its really a curse

I don't: like 100 + temps

I believe: God can do the impossible.

I owe: God and my family for sure

I know: i am wierd

I hate: how OCD i am

I wish: I could stop people from hurting

I wear: jeans almost every day

My ex: is a good guy

Maybe I should: clean house

I don't understand: why good people always get the raw deal...

Life is full of: surprises

My past is: my past - behind me but i have reminders

I get annoyed when: people are in such a hurry to get places

Parties are: fun to plan

Tomorrow: is not promised

Never in my life have I: meant to hurt anyone or lead them astray...

When I was younger, I: wanted 3 boys.

When I'm nervous: I ramble and twiddle my thumbs

When I was 5: I was a big sister to 2

My life is not complete without: my family

If you visit my hometown: you could meet my grandparents :)

The world could do without: bad people

If I ever go back to school: I'd want to teach school or go to culinary school.

And, by the way: you should do this too. I would love to read it.

Long Overdue Update

2009-01-26T13:48:00.003-06:00

First of all let me apologize for not updating in over a month. There really is no excuse, except theres really not much for me to write about that anyone would really care to read.... but I am over that now. We had an awesome christmas, it seemed to last the whole week. We got to come home and thats always fun. Brannon and I had our 7th anniversary on the 19th of this month. Time flies doesnt it? And this month started the year of the 30's. I have a few friends who are already 30 ...you know who you are... then my bestest friend from high school turned 30 on the 15th and my one of my bestest friends from college turns the big 30 on the 31st. WOW - i still have a few months but its coming for me too.... I dont know about them, or anyone reading this blog, but I sure dont feel thirty. What does 30 feel like? To me its just as you are growing up, you have these ideas of what you will be doing at a certain age... and i dont feel like I am there. at 30 do you still miss your mom and dad so much you cant stand it? do you wonder what the next 30 years will be like? do you rejoice in new friends and wonder what happened to others? I guess so because thats what I feel like. In some ways my life isnt what I thought it would be at 29 and counting... but in other ways it is SO much better. So for all my friends who are 30 and are turning 30 this year - Happy Birthday. Hopefully these will be the best years of our life.

I dont really have any new pics... i know mother, i am terrible. So i thought i would go through some OLD pics and share those. Hope you enjoy.

More pics - Singing Happy Bday to Jesus

2008-12-23T14:14:00.001-06:00

And enjoying chocolate cupcakes with sprinkles....

more pics Ava School party

2008-12-23T14:12:00.001-06:00

More Pics - pictures with santa

2008-12-23T14:10:00.001-06:00

more pics - Ava Dance Program

2008-12-23T14:06:00.002-06:00

more pics gingerbread house

2008-12-23T14:03:00.001-06:00

More pics parade pics

2008-12-23T14:00:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

2008-12-23T13:55:00.002-06:00

Well since 12/8 (my elf post) we have been very busy. We have had breakfast with Santa at the firestation, the Flower Mound christmas parade, school christmas party. We went to the Gaylord to see all of their decorations and even saw LIVE reindeer.... we had our picture made with santa at the mall and Ava had her christmas program at her studio as she says it.... here are a few pics. Hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS.

Our Elves

2008-12-08T21:44:00.001-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Better Late than Never Halloween Pics

2008-12-04T10:46:00.001-06:00

Ava and Anna Kate were both Cinderella for the school carnival and then on halloween Ava was Cinderella and Anna Kate was a pumpkin - as if you wouldnt have been able to tell that from the pics.....

War Eagle Anyway

2008-12-04T10:41:00.001-06:00

pics from the game

Thanksgiving

2008-12-04T10:23:00.003-06:00

Well, we made the trip and got back sunday night... we all were exhausted but had a great time and enjoyed being with family and friends we dont see all that often. On friday me and my mom went shopping (5am) just like old times and I really enjoyed that. Its not often that when I am home that I get to spend any one on one time with mother or daddy... so that was a treat. On Saturday Brannon and I headed to T Town with some friends for the game. and despite the score, we had a really good time... i can only imagine how much fun it would have been if we were winning.

Here are a few pics from the weekend.... i will post more this weekend because our neighborhood is having breakfast with Santa on saturday... anyone want to bet on how that will turn out? will we be brave or scared to death? i guess we will have to wait and see...

hope everyone is having a good week... only 3 more until Christmas.

Happy Thanksgiving and My Pre New Years Resolution

2008-11-26T09:14:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone has a great thanksgiving...I know I sure have ALOT to be thankful for. As for my pre new years resolution.... i promise to be a better blogger after we return from AL. I will have pics of the girls from thanksgiving with emma and ella and I will also have pics from the AL/AU Game.... hope that turns out for us....

anyway - hope you all have a great weekend and WAR EAGLE....

No Matter the Outcome

2008-11-04T21:28:00.003-06:00

2 verses of comfort.....

Proverbs 21:1 The kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, and like the rivers of water, He turns it wherever He wishes

Jeremiah 29:11 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

We need to remember to pray for our leaders, no matter who they are.

regardless who wins, history will be made. Hope everyone voted....

Will post pics tomorrow -

Trying to post pics

2008-11-03T18:59:00.004-06:00

I am trying to post pictures from Halloween but its not letting me. I will continue to try if not tonight tomorrow.

Remember to pray tonight and tomorrow for the election.... it isnt over yet.
"I know you are sometimes unsure, but I can to immeasurably more than all you
ask or imagine according to my power that is at work within you. So honor me
in your life and you will make a difference in the church, in the world and for
generations to come." Eph 3:20-21

15 Things I am not afraid to admit...

2008-10-08T12:22:00.002-05:00

I saw this on Stephanie's blog a couple of days ago. I thought it was pretty interesting so, I decided to steal it and see what I could come up with.

Here are 15 things I'm not afraid to admit...

15. I'm not a pet person

14. I'm really not an "outdoor" person either... i do not like to smell like "outside" i know someone reading this has to know what I am talking about

13. I loved being pregnant - and i love babies and would have more if Brannon would let me.... :)

11. I love "To Do" list...and if I do something that is not on my "to do" list....I will add it just so I can mark it off.

10. I have a hard time spending money on things for me.... even if I need clothes and stuff - I am NOT normal huh?

11. I really dont care to watch movies at the theatre. I never have really liked going to the movies

10. I have an extremely messy car. and no matter how much i try to keep it clean it just never happens....

09. I do not like help when cleaning the house, I like it done MY WAY in MY ORDER...

08. If I could go back and do the 12th grade and college over, I would. Not to change this exactly, but alot of it was fun and I missed it.

07. I could eat chips and salsa at EVERY MEAL, in fact that is how i rate my favorite Mexican restaurants

06. I keep the alarm on and doors locked even when we are home, Brannon HATES that.

05. I love baseball and football but NOT professional...

04. I have an unhealthy fear of dying and leaving behind family...even though I know heaven will be SO much better....

03. I dont read my bible as much as I should, I am trying to get better with that.

02. I am nervous about the upcoming elections....

01. I miss ALABAMA and all my family and friends there...( and you too Jill in Kansas...and both Lindsays in Florida and Georgia.....)

Now, what about you? What are some things you aren't afraid to admit??

New Photos

2008-10-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

On Sunday September 21 (ak's actual birthday) we took the girls to have their pictures made. We did the same thing for Ava on her first birthday and I love those pics so much. We got the CD back from the photographer this weekend and I wanted to share a few of the photos with you. Ava 3 Anna Kate 1

Hope you enjoy

Finally Anna kates Birthday Pictures

2008-10-05T16:15:00.002-05:00

Prayer still needed

2008-10-05T16:06:00.002-05:00

I found out today a little information on the little girl in the prayer request below. On thursday they admitted her into the hospital and she is there still today. She has acute lukemia. So needless to say her family is scared. She is on an aggressive medicine and they were told she could possibly lose her hair as early as friday.... they are also checking into going to St Judes.

Please continue to prayer for this little girl, her parents and her doctors. Drs are very smart, but God is a healer.

Exodus 23:25 And ye shall serve the LORD your God, and he shall bless thy bread, and thy water; and I will take sickness away from the midst of thee.

Psalms 30:2 O LORD my God, I cried out to you, and you have healed me

Urgent Prayer Request

2008-10-02T14:48:00.002-05:00

When I was dropping off Ava at "school" this morning, one of the moms of twins who are almost 5 came up to the office and was telling us that one of her daughters would not be in for a few days at least because they had found a mass on her lung. They were going for a CAT scan today and she is having a biopsy tomorrow. Please keep this family in your prayers, they say her possibilities are cancer, TB, or just a bad virus.... the fear in her moms eyes brought tears to mine... what if that was one of our kids? we would want the prayers....

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us." (Ephesians 3:20)

thanks and below is worth a repost.....

I have to Believe - Rita Springer

I have to believe
That He sees my darkness
I have to believe
He knows my pain
I have to lift up
My hands to worship
Worship His name

I have to declare
That He is my refuge
I have to deny
That I am alone
I have to lift up
My eyes to the mountain
It's where my help comes from

Oh yeah
He said that He's forever faithful
He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

Oh, I have to stand tall
When the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong
When I'm weak and afraid
I have to grab hold
Ahold of the garments
The garments of praise

I know, I know, I know
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to sing praise
When the hour is midnight
He unlocks these chains
That bind up my soul
My sin and my shame
He has forgiven and made me whole

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to believe
I have to believe
He's got everything under control
I have to believe
Lord, I believe
Help my unbelief
I have to believe in You
I have to believe

Happy 1st Birthday Anna Kate

2008-09-21T13:53:00.002-05:00

Well - today is the BIG day for my baby. It doesnt seem like a year has past since she made her grand entrance. She is such a blessing and has added so much to our family this past year. We have had a busy week, last week we were home and we had a party at Tannehill for both girls which was SO much fun, but my camera was broken and I havent gotten the CD from lacy yet to be able to post pictures. Today we got up and went to have Anna Kates 1 year pictures made at the Arboretum (ava had hers made too) and then we came home and had Grammy Papoo Stevie and Lele over for hamburgers and cake and ice cream. She got to open her presents too and she LOVED what sister got her. :) Tonight we are going to more see more friends and have more birthday cake..... so Anna Kate will have had a FULL day of partying. Right now she is asleep and resting. I will post pictures tomorrow of ALL the festivities......

We love you sweet Anna Kate and hope you had a GREAT Day......

Happy 3rd Birthday Ava

2008-08-31T13:52:00.003-05:00

Well - today is actually Ava's birthday. In approximately 37 minutes she was born 3 years ago. That was one of the BEST days of my life (the other best day will be in 3 weeks) She is a sweet girl most of the time and is really a "little girl" now more so than a baby. I am so grateful that God chose me to be her mom and I love her with all my heart.

Yesterday, we had her birthday party at WINKIDS with all her school friends. She had a great time (anna kate did too) they were both pooped by the time we got home. She got lots of nice gifts and has been playing ALL day. Thank you to all that came.

We are going home in 10 days to have another birthday party for her and anna kate, for our family and friends at home. We cant wait.

Here are the pics from yesterdays party -

Happy Birthday Ava Grace.....

The 3rd Birthday Bash - Friday

2008-08-29T15:22:00.003-05:00

Well today marks the first day of Ava's 3rd birthday weekend..... I LOVE birthdays and have always considered the week of my bday my "birthday week" so I chose to pass that on to the girls... Today I took Ava and Anna Kate to Ava's school and we took pizza and brownies for her and her class.... they seemed to enjoy it... 9 3 year olds devoured 2 LARGE pizzas from CiCis..... and 2 packs of Capri Sun... they must have been HUNGRY.

It was all worth it when we were leaving and Ava said "Mommy that was the BEST pizza party EVER" I cant wait to see what she thinks about her real party tomorrow...

Enjoy the pics

One of the Best Birthdays Yet

2008-08-28T20:31:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my sweet girls and Brannon - i had a GREAT day. Except for Brannon reminding me (and lacy too) that this was my last 20's birthday.... Oh well, if the 30's are as good as my late 20's i think i will be alright.....

heres a pic of the girls today - on my birthday with my card they gave me....

also thanks to mom dad, don deedie, lacy, loni, leslie, mamaw and papa, and nana angel, lynn, lindsay, who all wished me a happy birthday as well - its because of yall that my day was so special....I love you all....

Another New Addition

2008-08-25T20:56:00.001-05:00

Someones having a baby - and NO its not me this time. Please keep Loni and Justin in your prayers as they begin this awesome journey.... its still early yet, so pray that everything goes as planned and that mom and baby will remain healthy.. we are so excited.... they have NO idea what they are in for..
We LOVE YOU NONI & JUSTIN

Encouragement for the Week

2008-08-24T18:26:00.004-05:00

At church this morning they sang this song to close... it really made me think and gave me hope..... thought someone else might benefit too... hope you all have a GREAT week... and get ready for pictures, we have Ava's 3rd birthday this weekend love you all -

I have to Believe - Rita Springer

I have to believe
That He sees my darkness
I have to believe
He knows my pain
I have to lift up
My hands to worship
Worship His name

I have to declare
That He is my refuge
I have to deny
That I am alone
I have to lift up
My eyes to the mountain
It's where my help comes from

Oh yeah
He said that He's forever faithful
He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

Oh, I have to stand tall
When the wind blows me over
I have to stand strong
When I'm weak and afraid
I have to grab hold
Ahold of the garments
The garments of praise

I know, I know, I know
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to sing praise
When the hour is midnight
He unlocks these chains
That bind up my soul
My sin and my shame
He has forgiven and made me whole

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Cause He said that He's forever faithful
And He said that He's forever true
He said that He can move mountains
If He can move mountains
He can move my mountain
He can move your mountain, too

I have to believe
I have to believe
He's got everything under control
I have to believe
Lord, I believe
Help my unbelief
I have to believe in You
I have to believe

Pretty amazing - He says he can move mountains - I have to believe

Our Tiny Dancer

2008-08-20T10:36:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Ava started her first dance class, ballet and tap. To my surprise she enjoyed it, but it was the first day so we will see. There are 3 other little girls in her class and she is the youngest! Hope you enjoy the pics

Random pics from the last week

2008-08-10T12:41:00.002-05:00

Brannons Birthday Weekend

2008-08-10T12:36:00.001-05:00

Friday 8/8/08 was Brannons 32nd birthday - and we started early ! On friday, the girls and I went to see him at work, then came home and made him brownies. We sang happy birthday and they helped him open his gifts. On Saturday - we were supposed to have a Surprise party - but he found out like he ALWAYS does... but it was fun none the less. We had about 25 people here and we ate and had a really good time. I think he enjoyed himself very much. We love you Brannon - and hope you had a really special day. Happy Birthday

The Circus 8/1/08

2008-08-10T12:28:00.002-05:00

on friday August 1 we took the girls to the circus for the first time - it was GREAT. Both really enjoyed it. Anna Kate just waved her arms and was so excited... Ava loved all the animals especially the dressed up dogs - and she is still asking how that big man got out of that little bitty car - It was a good family day.