Happenings...

Pictures from Christmas

2007-01-04T17:13:00.000-05:00

Live Nativity

2006-12-21T12:30:00.000-05:00

Madison was an angel in a live nativity this week. She was so good. She just sat there for 45 min. and never even talked.

Love

2006-12-19T16:17:00.000-05:00

I heard this on the radio this morning and it spoke to me. So I just wanted to share it.

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love, I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails.

Video games will break, pearl necklaces will be lost, golf clubs will rust, but giving the gift of love will endure.

Visit with Santa

2006-12-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

We had a birthday party for Jesus at church tonight. Santa was there and Marina got to see him for the first time. She did good. Madison told Santa she wants her teeth back and a pink rocking horse.

Our little cheerleader

2006-12-02T19:35:00.000-05:00

This is a picture of Madison cheering at her first Upwards game.

Thanksgiving Pic's from Oklahoma

2006-11-29T16:50:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from our trip to Okla for Thanksgiving. My grandma got to see the baby for the first time. We had a great time with our family! It had been to long. We were not able to go last year. Steve did ALOT of fishing and I got to go to my cousins hair salon,Salon Rebel and eat as much Mexican food as possible. Ted's Cafe Escondido is my new favorite Mexican restaurant. I used to have to have Chelino's Mexican Restaurant. I got to eat at both this time in the same week I have a agree with everyone, Ted's is the best. If you are ever in Ok City make sure you eat at Ted's Cafe Escondido!!

Too Funny!

2006-11-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

We got a little messy with our veggie stew, but it sure was yummy!

Halloween Pictures...

2006-10-31T21:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween from our little Mermaid and Belle!

6 month update

2006-10-25T18:01:00.000-04:00

Marina is...
14 lbs 13oz
24 1/2" long
Drinking from a sippy cup and holding it
Cries if you take the cup from her
Sitting up by herself
Sucks her thumb ALL the time

Weekend in the Mountians

2006-10-22T21:12:00.000-04:00

This weekend we went to Montreat, NC with Aunt Sharon and Uncle Dave. We had such a good time in the mountains!!! Madison has been studying Johnny Appleseed in school so we took her to the Apple Orchard at Altapass to pick apples. We had alot of fun picking apples together! We drove down the Blue Ridge Parkway to get back to Montreat from the orchard. It was SO beautiful!!!!!!! If you ever go on it just know there are not to many exits off of it. We drove FOREVER and then got lost. But it was so pretty! Here are a few pictures from our weekend.

Sleeping Beauty

2006-10-18T17:48:00.000-04:00

The Tooth Fairy Came To Visit

2006-10-10T17:45:00.000-04:00

Georgia Camo

2006-10-08T15:05:00.000-04:00

The first outfit Steve buys Marina and its Georgia Camo. She does look cute in it. I guess I'll have to get her a OU Sooners outfit.

Loving Peas!

2006-09-28T11:30:00.000-04:00

5 months 8 days old Marina eats peas for the first time this morning. She loves them! So far she has had rice, barley, and peas. She has liked everything so far. She is so different from Madison who didn't want to eat much of anything and still doesn't. Marina also wants to help feed herself.

Stuck!

2006-09-14T17:47:00.000-04:00

This morning I went to get Marina and I found her stuck and smiling. She looked so cute and funny I had to get a picture of her.

Baby eats cereal...

2006-09-11T17:40:00.000-04:00

Marina ate cereal for the first time today. She seems to like it by the smile on her face.

Madison turns 5

2006-08-26T22:38:00.000-04:00

Yesterday I went and ate lunch with Madison for her birthday. They eat at 10:45 am. Now I know why she is so hungry when I pick her up from school! I made her class Candy-Topped Cupcake Cones. I got the idea from Amy. She made them for Mckenna's class last year. They turned out so cute! All of the kids and teachers loved them.

Today we had Madison's Birthday party at the pool. We all had a fun time swimming!

Marina 4 month update

2006-08-20T22:54:00.000-04:00

Marina is now 13.04 oz. She started rolling over on Aug. 3rd. She loves to laugh at her sister!

Madison's first day of school...

2006-08-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

Madison started kindergarten today. She loved it, but when she saw me in the pick up line she started to cry. When she got in the car she said "I started crying because I was so happy to see you mommy". She is such a sweetie!! She LOVES Spanish and she came home telling us all the new Spanish words she learned today. Some of new words she learned in Spanish were orange, I'm here, and head. Here is a picture of her and her teacher Mrs. Bullard.

Beach Trip 2006

2006-08-08T21:01:00.000-04:00

We are back home from the beach. We were in a car accident while in FL. We are SOOOO thankful that none of us were hurt!!! Check out Derek's blog Lord Willin' and the Creek Don't Rise.

Here are a few pictures from our beach trip. And a picture of our car.

3 months old today

2006-07-20T21:39:00.000-04:00

Our little one is 3 months old today. I can't believe it. She is growing way to fast for me. I just want to keep her little. Here are a few pictures of her today in her Bumbo Baby Seat, which she seems to like.

We took Marina swimming last week for the first time. I put her in a AmazingBaby Water Carrier. She really liked kicking in the pool. Next time I will try to get some pictures of her in the water.

Marina has her first friend over

2006-07-13T20:00:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday my friend Emily stopped by to visit on her way to Charleston to spend the weekend with a friend. Emily's little girl Sarah Belle was born a week and a day after Marina. Check out the girls before and after shots. Aren't they cute? We had great visit!

While Emily was in Charleston her friend Jill who is a photographer did a beach photo shoot of Sara Belle check it out on Jill's Blog. The pictures are so good!

Picture from July 4th

2006-07-13T19:32:00.000-04:00

Sorry its taken sorry long to post this picture! We are still unpacking so I have not had much time to blog.

Our new home

2006-06-28T22:56:00.000-04:00

We are moving agian! Just down the road this time. Here is a picture of our new home.

Marina went to the doctor last week for her 2 month check up. She now wieghts 10 lbs and 13 oz.

2 months old today

2006-06-20T22:53:00.000-04:00

Happy 2 month Birthday Day, Marina!

2006-06-20T22:51:00.000-04:00

sweet little ones ready for bed

Smiles :)

2006-06-14T10:07:00.000-04:00

Smiles :)
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Marina...

started smiling at us on Monday.

lost ALL of her umbilical cord today. I think she might hold a world record or something (ha ha)

weighed 10 lb 5 oz last week

will be 8 weeks old tomorrow

Marina is one month old

2006-05-20T23:04:00.000-04:00

Marina is one month old
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Marina is a month old today. Aunt EE came to visit. Madison lots of fun with her!! We all enjoyed having her here for the day.

Mothers Day!

2006-05-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

Mothers Day!
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Mommy with her two sweet girls on Mother's Day.

My sweet Mother's Day Blessing's

2006-05-14T14:35:00.000-04:00

IMG_1835
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

James 1:17 Every good & perfect gift is from above.

Pulling Hair

2006-05-13T14:38:00.000-04:00

IMG_1824
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Marina likes to hold and pull her hair.

Marina 3 weeks old

2006-05-11T14:32:00.000-04:00

IMG_1789
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

I love this picture of her sweet little profile!!

Madison Graduates

2006-05-11T14:25:00.000-04:00

IMG_1811
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Madison had her preschool graduation today. I can't believe she is going to kindergarten next year! She is growing up to fast!!

2 weeks old today

2006-05-04T14:34:00.000-04:00

2 weeks old today
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Marina turns 2 weeks old and...

Happy 10th Anniversary

2006-05-04T14:33:00.000-04:00

Happy 10th Anniversary
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Steve and I celebrated our 10th Anniversary. Man time flies!! Who could have ask for a better anniversary gift than little 2 week old Marina Grace!!

Our two cuties!

2006-04-30T15:12:00.000-04:00

Our two cuties!
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Madison is such a proud big sister! She wants to hold and kiss Marina ALL the time! Yesterday she told Marina "You are the most beautiful little sister in the whole world"

2006-04-30T15:07:00.000-04:00

IMG_1738
Originally uploaded by shell_577.

Marina has found her thumb.

Look at our sleepy girl!

2006-04-25T12:11:00.000-04:00

IMG_1733, originally uploaded by shell_577.

Sweet Feet!!!

2006-04-25T10:27:00.000-04:00

Look at Marina's sweet little feet!

Marina Grace is here...

2006-04-23T02:21:00.001-04:00

Marina Grace has arrived!!!!!
Born: 6:29PM Thursday, April 20, 2006
Weighing 6lbs 10oz – Length: 19 ¾

We are so blessed!! Thank you for your prayers!

One Happy Big Sister!

2006-04-23T02:16:00.000-04:00

IMG_1674, originally uploaded by shell_577.

One HAPPY Family!

2006-04-23T02:13:00.000-04:00

IMG_1669, originally uploaded by shell_577.

First family picture.

Milk Shakes! (yummy)

2006-04-12T19:58:00.000-04:00

Steve wanted Oreo milk shakes tonight. This was the recipe that I used...

12 Oreo Cookies
1-1/2 cups milk
1 pt. (2 cups) vanilla ice cream, softened
2 Tbsp. chocolate syrup

Chop or coarsely break cookies.

Place milk, ice cream and chocolate syrup in blender container. Add chopped cookies; cover. Blend on high speed until smooth.

Pour into 4 glasses. Serve immediately.

It was so good!! I added a little more ice cream to make it thicker.

I sure wish chocolate could induce labor because I would have had this little one by now (ha ha)!

Freezer Meals

2006-03-31T08:39:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to Dream Dinners and made up meals for my freezer. I made Chicken Mirabella, Parisian Chicken with Tomatoes, Garlic & Herbs, Flank Steak with Garlic, Rosemary & Orange, Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia with with Tomato-Garlic Aioli, Pork Roast glazed with Cola, Ginger & Lime, Calzones, and Pesto Cheese Ravioli. My mom came with me and help me put the meals together. It took us about 35 min. Since our family is small and Madison still does not eat much I was able to split a lot of the recipes into 2 meals. So I came home and put 11 meals in my freezer. It should be very helpful for when the baby is born!

My friend Rachel does freezer cooking and uses a website called 30 Day Gourmet. I'm going to try and make up some more meals for the freezer in the next couple of weeks. I found some recipes that were good for the freezer in the April issue of Southern Living that I want to try. If anyone has any good freezer meal recipes please post in the comment section or email it to me. Thanks!!

Fun Friday!

2006-03-24T14:36:00.000-05:00

Today we had fun Friday! We went to Canterbury Trails Equestrian Center with Madison's friend Emma for horse rides. They have 76 horses. I think we saw most of them. One that we saw was just born on Sunday. We had lots of fun but it was a little bit cold! We ended up having our picnic in the car. Here are some pictures from our fun day.

2006-03-24T14:35:00.000-05:00

Madison got to ride Buttercup.

2006-03-24T14:31:00.000-05:00

Here's a funny horse that sticks out its tongue.

2006-03-24T14:29:00.000-05:00

This horse is in the GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS for the longest mane.

2006-03-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

This is a horse like Spirit Madison's favorite movie.

34 weeks!

2006-03-18T16:18:00.000-05:00

I'm getting really big!

2006-03-18T16:15:00.000-05:00

So sweet! Madison kisses her sister all the time!

30 weeks (9 more to go)!

2006-02-19T14:30:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of me at 30 weeks with my sister Eden. I'm so ready for April!

Happy Valentines Day!!

2006-02-14T18:40:00.000-05:00

Glitter Girl!

2006-02-14T18:25:00.000-05:00

We gave Madison some shimmer powder and powder puff for Valentines. She spilled it right in front of me and got it all over her hand, face, hair, and the table. I had to get some pictures of it before we cleaned her all up. =)

EdVenture

2006-02-03T10:07:00.000-05:00

This week some friends and I took our kids to EdVenture Children's Museum in Columbia, SC. It was so neat! The kids loved it!! Right now they have "Snowville" there. This is a picture of Madison in the snow (it was really soap).

Another girl!

2006-01-16T10:18:00.000-05:00

We went to the Dr. on Friday and they told us we are having a girl. Madison went with us, she was so happy!! She really wanted a little sister. Here is a picture of her profile.

Biking, Food, and Stuff...

2006-01-04T19:59:00.000-05:00

Biking...
Sunday we found the Savannah Rapids Visitor Center , which Steve had been looking for since we moved. Its part of the Augusta Canal. It was so pretty there! It reminded me a lot of Savannah (which is my favorite city), because all the trees had moss hanging in them just like Savannah. This is the only place around the Augusta area that I have seen moss in the trees. There is a bike trail along the Savannah River from the Savannah Rapids visitor center to downtown Augusta. I thought for sure Steve was going to take us home and go his bike and go back, but he didn't. I'm sure he will be biking there soon!! To any of our friends that bike, bring your bike when you come visit us!! This was such a neat place!

Food...
Steve came home from work last night and said lets go out for dinner tonight. I didn't say no to that!! He had been telling me about this great restaurant called Bonefish Grill that he had eaten at in Madison, MS. We have Bonefish here but had not had a chance to go. So he took us there. OH MY GOODNESS it was GOOD!! If you ever have a chance to go to a Bonefish Grill do it! And for you non seafood eaters they have stuff for you too! I had the Tenderloin Portabella Piccata. But don't leave without having the Crème Brûlée, its out of this world GOOD!!!!!!

Stuff...
I think I will have to save my stuff for later, Madison needs me.

Bubbles!

2006-01-04T19:49:00.000-05:00

Madison learned to blow bubbles this week. I think she has been trying for a year now. Here is a picture of one of her bubbles. She is so proud of herself!

2005-12-28T08:17:00.000-05:00

On Christmas Eve Madison turned us into the candy cane family! She went around hanging candy canes on everyones ears.

2005-12-28T08:15:00.000-05:00

G-Dad had to put his teeth in for this picture!

Busy Day!!

2005-12-21T17:54:00.000-05:00

We had a very busy day today. Madison and I have been gone all day! Went to Cracker Barrel for a late breakfast this morning, then went to The Cottage and met some friends for Tea with Santa. After that Madison and I finished up our Christmas shopping. On the way home I spotted a cute little place for kids to get haircuts. So we stop and got her hair cut. We made it home about 5pm. Here are some pictures from our BUSY day!

2005-12-21T17:51:00.000-05:00

Santa baby! And the baby gets its picture with Santa too.

2005-12-21T17:48:00.000-05:00

Picture of Santa,Madison, and friend Chelsea at the Tea with Santa.

2005-12-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

Picture of Madison and Mommy at the Tea with Santa.

2005-12-21T17:32:00.000-05:00

Madison getting her haircut today at YAMS (haircuts for your sweet potatoes). She really enjoyed this haircut!

Visit with Santa Claus

2005-12-14T19:06:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend Madison got to go see Santa. She told him that she wants a new Karaoke machine because hers is broke. This was news to me. I think I need to start waiting to buy her christmas until she visits Santa Claus.

Madison told Nammy after seeing Santa Claus that he was the real Santa because he didn't have a stick on beard.

2005-12-14T19:03:00.000-05:00

Madison and McKenna visit with Santa.

20 weeks! 20 more to go!

2005-12-08T21:23:00.000-05:00

We are half way there! Yeah!! Can't wait for April!

2005-12-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

Ready for Christmas??

2005-12-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

Steve's deer is ready!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2005-11-23T07:56:00.000-05:00

Here is our little Indian at her preschool Thanksgiving program.

2005-11-23T07:44:00.000-05:00

In the makeup again!!!

2005-11-01T08:10:00.000-05:00

Trick or Treat!

2005-10-31T12:38:00.000-05:00

Madison having fun trick or treating!

2005-10-31T12:36:00.000-05:00

She had so much fun she fell alseep on the way home!

Baby Belly

2005-10-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

Carving Pumpkins with Aunt EE

2005-10-25T11:36:00.000-04:00

Madison had lots of fun taking the seeds out of the pumpkin. This was her first time helping carve a pumpkin.

BIG NEWS!! We have a baby on the way! Due date 4/28/06

2005-09-27T17:40:00.000-04:00

2005-09-27T17:18:00.000-04:00

Madison in her Big Sister shirt, the day she found out she is going to be a big sister.

Madison's 4th Birthday Party!

2005-08-28T21:52:00.000-04:00

We had Madison's birthday party today at Angus Valley Stables. She we scared to ride so I ended riding with her. Here are some pictures from the party...

2005-08-28T18:54:00.000-04:00

Madison and Doc.

2005-08-28T18:52:00.000-04:00

Madison feeding Doc.

2005-08-28T18:50:00.000-04:00

Make a wish!

2005-08-28T18:19:00.000-04:00

Mommy & Madison riding together.

Home from the beach :(

2005-08-26T21:36:00.000-04:00

We just got home from a week at the beach with are good friends the Mooney's. We had a great time while there. Steve rented to kayak for 3 days and we all enjoyed it. Madison LOVED the kayak and always wanted to go see the jelly fish in it. Steve bought himself a saltwater fishing pole and did some fishing. He saw a shark while fishing and then a little later Amy and I saw a very small one (we think it was a nurse shark) come right up to the shore to try and get a dead fish from a crab. Madison was in the water just a couple of feet from the shark. Thankfully God was looking out for all us! Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Beach Pictures!

2005-08-25T19:40:00.000-04:00

Madison and her best friend McKenna

2005-08-25T19:37:00.001-04:00

Beach Babe!

2005-08-25T19:37:00.000-04:00

Daddy & Madison

Weight Loss Update!

2005-08-18T20:27:00.000-04:00

Okay, here is my weight loss update... I've lost 54 pounds and 38.3 inches since Nov. 2004. Someone said that I should put before and after shots up so here they are...

Before and After pictures!

2005-08-18T19:22:00.000-04:00

Before...

2005-08-18T19:16:00.000-04:00

and After

2005-07-30T23:34:00.000-04:00

Madison was having lots of FUN today!

Annabelle and Madison

2005-07-24T22:57:00.000-04:00

Cousins

Last week Madison and I spent a week at CSHC camp meeting. She went to Bible school all week and is still singing the songs. She also got up and sang a song at the children's singing night. She sang "Just Like Jesus" which she learned at our churches VBS back in June. She also got to spend a lot of time with cousins, aunts, uncles, all three sets of grandparents, and two great grandmothers. Here is a picture of her cousin Annabelle and her dressed alike.

My Little Cowgirl!

2005-07-12T23:01:00.000-04:00

My little cowgirl!

We went to Texas for a few days to visit our friends Jaime and Jason and their two children. Our little cowgirl had to ride a horse while she was there. She had so much fun in Texas! She went swimming every day at the pool, rode a four wheeler with daddy, jumped on the trampoline a lot, and got a horse ride.

2005-07-04T20:05:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!

Prayer

2005-06-14T23:04:00.000-04:00

Tonight Madison prayed for Jesus to be her "Center Life". It was so cute. And then she said "amen and be Aunt Eden's center life".

Musik Garten Classes

2005-06-14T22:47:00.000-04:00

Madison started Natalie's Musik Garten classes today. Her best friend McKenna also is in her class. They were so cute dancing together! I wish I would have video taped it. The class was really good and Madison really loved it. She keeps asking me to sing the songs we learned at the class.

VBS!

2005-06-13T22:30:00.000-04:00

This week we have VBS at our church. We are doing the Construction Zone Building Character like Jesus. We have a 2 and 3 year class this year, so Madison is be going. She really enjoyed it tonight. I will try and get some pictures up this week of her at VBS.

Happy Birthday Nammy!

2005-06-04T20:48:00.000-04:00

Madison gave Nammy a Birthday Party!

2005-06-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Mom! We love you!