Our Little Family

Photo Challenge #7

2012-01-27T09:33:00.003-06:00

Today's photo challenge is favorite.

#1 Favorite TV show--First of all, there is really not much on TV and what is on is not good quality. My new favorite is The Big Bang Theory. It may not be the best for KL but it is HILARIOUS and it comes on after her bed time on TBS. :)
#2 Favorite Internet past time---PINTEREST. If you have not tried this, well don't. It is addictive!!! I have found the best ideas from cooking to parties to holidays to teaching ideas. Katie Lee even asked for a board to pin her favorite things.

#3 Favorite Make Up Product. This is the best eye make-up remover. I use it daily because mascara is one make-up item that I never go without. This is great at taking it off.

#4 Favorite drink--Sweet Tea from Chick-Fil-A. Enough said.

Photo #16

2012-01-26T07:14:00.000-06:00

Morning

You would think that I would have a picture of a beautiful sunrise, little ones waking up smiling, morning rountine or at worst the alarm clock. Nope, worse than that......CHICKENS and ROOSTERS!! That's right. They are in our flower bed just about every morning with their lovely wake up call (insert sarcaism). They belong to the house two doors down and they drive me crazy!!!! By the way, there is no law in the state of Alabama that says that farm animals have to be fenced. They ate all of our food from our garden back in the summer and they are just gross. If anyone knows of something that will keep them out of our yard, let me know. In the mean time,

Cockadoodle doo Good Morning!!

Photo Challenge--#3

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-06:00

Today's photo challenge is something your adore. I selected my slide bracelet. It is one of the most special pieces of jewelry. Each slide has a family story behind it. My newest slide is the third one from the left, the little boy. Donnie gave it to me for Christmas to represent Daniel. I have just a little room left and it will be complete.

Love It

2012-01-24T21:45:00.003-06:00

Today was one of those wonderful days that makes me so thankful that I am not working right now. It also makes me sad with the thought that I have only a little time until I have to go back. Yes, I have been begging to just get to stay off for the next 5 years. My plea is not working too well.

Seriously, who would want to leave this cute little face.
He must be growing today because he has slept about all day.

Katie Lee and I have been super busy today playing, baking, and painting. We made our ToDo List this morning. She loves a list more than I do. :) I think the only thing that we can successfully mark off our list is playing. She wanted it on our list three times. So much for dusting and cleaning the bathroom. I guess that can be done tomorrow.

We made cupcakes for her to take to school tomorrow. I gave her six that we were not sending and let her decorating them by herself. She had the best time.

This afternoon, we went outside for a while. This was Daniel's first time outside besides getting in and out of the car. The sun was so bright he could not open his eyes.

On the other hand, Katie Lee loved the sunshine.

Grammie and Langdon came for a visit, too. He was so excited to see Katie Lee. He just loves her.

WHAT A GREAT DAY!!!

Photo Challenge #22

2012-01-24T06:56:00.000-06:00

Today's challenge is shoes. I love shoes!! I especailly love boots in the winter. They are my go to shoes because I get quickly dress them up or down plus they keep my toes warm on these cold winter days. (HA HA It is 60 something degrees here today and it is January.)

#23--Something Old

2012-01-23T15:42:00.002-06:00

Today's challenge is something old. I selected this chest of drawers. When Donnie and I got married I inherited a house full of things. I had moved into to his house that he was born and raised in until our house was finished. I got the good with the bad. :) I knew that we would only be living in that house for a few more months so I just used what was aready there. I did change the border in the kitchen and painted the foyer. I tried to make his house become our home. It worked for the time being. Anyway, I did save a few things from that house to be used in our new home. One of items was this chest of drawers. It was in his mother's room. I was a light brown color that matched her bed. I painted it and changed the hardware. It holds my table linens. I used it in our dining room at our first home, kitchen area at the rental and now it is in our kitchen of our home. I would love to paint it a turquoise shade and put it at the top of the stairs but I have nothing else to put at that spot in the kitchen so it will have to stay put until then.

Wonderful Teacher Blog and a Give Away

2012-01-21T19:56:00.003-06:00

Check our 4th Grade Frolics. It is on my side bar. She is having a great give away because she is almost at her 800th follower. Ths is giving away a cute esty necklace.

It's A Deal

2012-01-21T16:10:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I stopped at Dirt Cheap. A co-worker had talked about getting some things from there and then I read on someone's blog about finding diapers super cheap, so I decided to stop. I had heard that Target and some other stores things are sent there. When I entered I really thought this was a complete waste of a trip. It was NOT appealing but I decided to walk around. I saw a lady digging in a bin that said 20 cents. She had several cute things that could be used for goody bags. I recognized several things from the dollar bin at Target. Anyway,I did not see anything that I must have. I walked on around and saw this cute picture frame. It came from Target and was Dirt Cheap for $13.00 and 80% off of that. I'll take it. I also found this workbook for Katie Lee for $1.

I started toward the check out when I noticed a girl with an arm load of clothes. They were actually cute clothes. I then decide maybe I should look over the clothes too. Anyway, I found this dress and green top. I think both came from Sears.

Anyway, I ended up getting those 4 things for about $25.

I don't think that I will be rushing back anytime soon but may have to check it out from time to time. I think it is probably a very hit or miss kind of store with a lot more misses than hits.

#9 Daily Routine

2012-01-21T07:18:00.000-06:00

Today's challenge is daily routine. This one just cannot be done with one picture so here are several from our day.

This is a typical MWF day. Our day usually begins around 6:45. (Love getting to sleep in since I am not working right now.) I get ready and get KL ready for preschool. I drop her off and return home a little after 8. Daniel is usually is asleep when I pick him up from his bed, in the car to drop her off, and returns to his bed until about 9 when he is ready to eat again.
In the mean time, I do laundry (NEVER ENDS!!) and clean.

After Daniel's bottle around 9, I get him cleaned up for the day, we play a little, and then he is back to sleep.

We pick KL up from preschool. I love how she always says that everything was her favorite part of preschool every day.

We pick up lunch.

The rest of the afternoon is playing until about 2.
At 2 it is nap time. So far, both of them have nap at the same time.

Then it is supper time (often at Mother's).

Back home for baths.

Then it is bedtime.

When My Sister Is Away....

2012-01-20T16:01:00.003-06:00

I get to play on her bed.

Today I was cleaning her room and he was having tummy time on her bed. He looked so big to me and he was holding his head up so I grabbed my camera, but of course, by the time I returned he was finished holding his head for the day. It just took too much out of him.

Happy Friday!!

#27--Lunch

2012-01-20T07:34:00.000-06:00

Today, Katie Lee had a round lunch. I have found that you have to get creative with food for this little one. She is very picky and gets tired of the same thing every day. This seemed to work for her today because she gobbled it up.

#25 Something You Made

2012-01-19T07:13:00.000-06:00

Remember that burlap and wreath that I got a few weeks ago. Well, I finally got a picture of the finished product. It is not exactly the way I wanted it but it will do for now. I had some burlap left and I am working on a Valentine's wreath using the left overs. I will post it later.

#6 Makes You Smile

2012-01-18T11:02:00.003-06:00

Today's photo challenge is Make You Smile.

Well, guess who is full of smiles in the last few days.

Sweet Daniel is really beginning to smile more often when I talk to him.

Yesterday, Katie Lee was playing with him which doesn't happen often. Anyway, as soon as he got his eyes focused on her he just smiled the sweetest little smile.

On a completely different note, we had to take Daniel for a Barium swallow test yesterday. He is a noisy breather, but lately it has seemed worse. Monday, I took him to the doctor. She first checked him for RSV because she said that it was running wild. He did not have it, so she wanted him to have this test run to make sure he did not have anything blocking his air way and did not have acid reflux. We had to take him the the hospital for the test yesterday morning. This is the picture of him in his little hospital gown. He did great and drank the drink with no problems. He even smacked his lips a little so it must have tasted pretty good. He was fine. They think that his muscles in his neck was just not strong enough yet and should improve in the next few months.

#1--You

2012-01-17T07:58:00.000-06:00

Here I am after church Sunday night. Picture taken by Katie Lee.

#10--Childhood

2012-01-16T07:53:00.000-06:00

Childhood is full of play and imagination.
Katie Lee turned her toy ironing board and the bottom of one of our little tables into a drum set.
Playing with her Loving Family and dollhouse is a favorite past time.

Photo # 21--Reflection

2012-01-15T07:12:00.001-06:00

Katie Lee and I were playing around to get a reflection picture with the dressing table in her bedroom. She was all about taking pictures so I have several that I think are cute.

Sweet innocence.

Excitement--I left her another note on her mirror. She thinks this is the neatest. Today's note says "You are my sunshine."
She did not know that I was still taking pictures on these last two. She is playing with her tea sets. I wish I could just bottle up these years because time is moving way too fast.

Photo #11--Where You Sleep

2012-01-14T07:01:00.001-06:00

Here is a shot of our bed. I changed the bedding over the summer. We had had the same bedding since we got married and even though it still looked really good I was ready for a change. Originally I wanted something very neutral. I am always afraid of those neutral pallets. They always look beautiful in magazines but I am afraid that it would just look bland if I tried. Anyway, I went with this more bold bedding and I LOVE it.

This is the other little bed in our room for right now. Daniel's little bed. When Katie Lee was born, Daryl, that Donnie works with told us that we could just have the bed. I guess after 4 or 5 kids they had used it enough. HA Anyway, Katie Lee used it with a pink ribbon, then Langdon used it, and now Daniel is sleeping peacefully in it. By the way, he has been sleeping from about 10 to 5. :o)

Photo #2--Breakfast

2012-01-13T07:48:00.000-06:00

Here is Katie Lee's breakfast before preschool. I have found if you cut food into shapes and add a dash of sprinkles food is better eaten.

Photo #20---Someone You Love

2012-01-12T07:46:00.000-06:00

Photo #13 In Your Bag

2012-01-11T07:37:00.000-06:00

The photo challenge did not say what kind of bag. I picked a favorite bag. Hobby Lobby. I always find great things at Hobby Lobby. So what is in my bag?

A wreath and burlap.

Check back later to see what I am going to do with these.

Photo # 4 Letter box

2012-01-10T08:29:00.000-06:00

I am sure that this is not what the creator of this challenge had in mind for Letter box, but it is my version. I found this adorable mailbox in the dollar bins at Target. Not exactly sure what I will use it for but thinking that it would be cute to fill with goodies for Katie Lee's preschool teacher for Valentine's Day.

Photo Challenge #18

2012-01-09T08:22:00.000-06:00

#18-Something You Bought
Saturday, Donnie kept the kids while I ran to Decatur for a little shopping. I am wanting to decorate my laundry room. Maybe that will help me keep it from just being the dumping ground. HA. Does anyone else have a messy laundry room? Anyway, I digress. While shopping I ran into Ross thinking I might find a great bargain for the laundry room. No such luck. I did however find these two dresses. I thought they were both pretty cute and the price was great. I don't understand why manufactures think that all dresses should be sleeveless or short sleeves even for winter. I prefer sleeves when it is cold. :)

Photo # 24 and #17

2012-01-08T08:04:00.000-06:00

Photo Challenge # 24 is Guilty Pleasure.
Mine would have to be soft drinks. I love them. I could drink a days worth of calories easily. While I was pregnant with Daniel I did really good about not drinking them and if I did I really limited my intake. Well about a week and half after he was born, I was still doing OK with not getting carried away with them. I had dropped all my pregnancy weight except for a couple pounds. Then Donnie came home with a two liter Cherry Sun Drop. I adore these!! I finished the 2L in less than 24hours and sent him after another one. That is all it took. My will power was gone and I drank as many drinks as I wanted. NOT EVEN THE DIET ONES!!! This lasted for about two weeks. Needless to say those last 2 baby pounds has now turned into about 5lbs. That is really ridiculous if you think about it. I really have to think that it is all because of my intake of cokes. I have not eaten that much more than normal.
So there you have it, my guilty pleasure.

Now since I have confessed my pleasure, it brings me to Photo Challenge #17. WATER!! This is what I am trying to increase. I really like water and drink a lot of it at school, but I have a hard time drinking it at home. So this is my challenge, to stop my soft drink consumption and go to all water. While pregnant I was craving it and was drinking about a gallon a day. I am hoping that if I go to all water those 5 pounds will drop. Then I will work on my usual 10 pounds that I would like to drop.

#30 Nature

2012-01-07T07:34:00.000-06:00

Child's Play

2012-01-06T19:32:00.008-06:00

I love to watch Katie Lee play. Her imagination is too funny. Tonight she is playing with notepad and a pencil. You would think that she would be drawing or writing but she wasn't. At first she was "reading" our to do list and checking to make sure that we had completed all "34" tasks for the day. She said that it said, " Children, help your mommy and daddy with cleaning house." Then this same notebook turned into a chart using an easel so that she could play school. She loves to play school and being the teacher.

Then it became an eye chart. It then became a doctor's charts and she was the nurse. She was calling the patient back to see the doctor. "Helums, H-e-l-u-m-s, are you in here."

Checking out her patient.
The sweet little "patient/ student/baby doll" or whatever else Katie Lee decides he should be is already loving his sister. She thinks she can calm him down when he gets upset and most of the time she can.

#14 What You're Reading

2012-01-06T07:31:00.001-06:00

Not a deep read, but this is what I enjoy reading.

#8 Your Sky

2012-01-05T07:28:00.001-06:00

Edit: Sallye, I am not going in a certain order. I think I will just do whatever one happens to work on that day. Glad that you are going to do it, too.

Even if it is cold, the blue sky is so pretty.

#12 Close Up

2012-01-04T07:22:00.000-06:00

Photo A Day

2012-01-03T12:09:00.002-06:00

I found this Photo A Day Challenge on Pinterest. Don't you just love Pinterest. I have a long list of things that I want to make thanks to it. This one I found and I think that I will be very easy to do. I am a few days behind so a couple days I will have two pictures. If anyone is reading this, I think it would be interesting if several of us did it and we could see how similiar or different we think. Anyone want to join?

On the Road Again

2012-01-02T13:18:00.005-06:00

Well, Tuesday is the day that Donnie has to go back to work. He has been off since the Friday before Thanksgiving. Before Daniel was born I knew that he was planning on being off for all of December, I really felt that it was way too long and not needed. I figured that I would be just fine and could just jump right back into normal ways and December is a big month for UPS which means lots of overtime money which would have been nice since my check will be cut. Boy, was I wrong!

I have so enjoyed the last month with all of our little family together. I gladly give up the extra money and I really am thankful that he was off. We have never been home together as much as we have been. I was really afraid that we would drive each other crazy because we are both so use to our own routinue, way of doing things, and being gone lots of the time. Wrong again!! It has been great. Donnie has gotten in several days of sitting in a tree. I would call it hunting but he saw only a couple of deer and they were not big enough to kill. I have loved not trying to jungle home and work. Donnie has helped out at home a good bit, too. He was able to go to Katie Lee's Christmas program at preschool, Virg's Christmas, and we did not have to wonder if he would get off early on Christmas Eve. We've had time to watch movies in the middle of the afternoon, play games with Katie Lee, and just talk rather than communicating on the phone or with notes. Katie Lee has really loved having both of us at home. She has decided that I should just retire. Sounds good to me.

I am sure that these two little ones will be very happy to see their daddy when he comes home tomorrow night.

I guess all good things have to come to an end.

I really dread Donnie going back to work. If he could just get off at a normal time like 5 or 6 it would not be so bad. I dread those days when he works 12 hours plus an hour drive to and from work.I hope UPS is kind (insert laughter) and will let him off at a reasonable time everyday.

Ringing in the New Year

2012-01-01T10:29:00.005-06:00

Hope all of you had a wonderful new year's eve. I spent it with my favorite people, my family.

Katie Lee made this fancy banner as our decorations.

Nothing says new years like wearing a cute hat.
Everyone was bright eyed.
Who knew, that this year would bring our family two new baby boys. I just love them both.
They had fun playing together.
We even watched a fancy fashion show.
We rounded out 2011 with a kiss,
all of our family, and
a little sparkling grape juice.
I hope that 2012 is a wonderful as 2011. Wishing all of you happiness and health in the new year.

One Month

2011-12-29T16:10:00.004-06:00

I cannot believe that a month has already gone since Daniel was born. Time is really flying by. He is such a good baby.

He is on a good schedule of eating every 4 hours (about 4oz), sleeping good at night (only up once around 2 to eat), and just overall an easy baby. Last night he slept until 5 so maybe this is what he will begin doing all the time. According to our scales he weighs 10 pounds but according to the scale at the doctor he was about 9lbs a week and half ago. I figure he weighs a little over 9lbs. He likes to ride in his car seat. He has only had a few outings to ride around. He has been to Grammie and Poppie's a few times and to Aunt Kitty and Uncle Wez's once. We are trying to keep him as well as possible so we are not getting him out for awhile especially since it is winter. The first bath that he got, he really loved it but hasn't liked it since. I think he already likes Katie Lee especially when she snuggles up with him.

BIg and Little

2011-12-28T19:38:00.002-06:00

A little while before Daniel was born, I asked Carolee, from Peppermint Porch, to make Katie Lee a big sister outfit. She made a super cute outfit and surprised me with a little brother onesie for Daniel, too. Yesterday, they both wore them. I think that she did a wonderful job.

I took several pictures trying to get a good one that shows both shirts and Katie Lee's pants.

Gifts from the Heart

2011-12-27T10:41:00.003-06:00

The week before Christmas we were busy making a special gift for Grammie and Poppie. She was so excited to make it with her hands and decorate it special for them. I think they were excited to recieve it.

Katie Lee also had a special gift for me. Early last week, Mother had taken us to town to do a little shopping. Katie Lee spotted something that she knew would be perfect for me. She quickly told me not to look at her and took it over to Grammie. She told Grammie her plans, but she just needed some money. Anyway, she got it and wrapped it by herself. She was so excited to give it to me. It was a pair of earrings. She told me that they were very special because she got them special for only me just from her. They were the most special gift because they came from her and her sweet little heart.

Over The River and Through the Woods

2011-12-27T10:05:00.005-06:00

Not exactly....More like across the road to Grandmother's house we go. Sunday night, we headed to Grammie and Poppie's for Christmas. After a delicious supper it was time for Katie Lee's favorite--GIFTS.

Our First Christmas as a family of 4.

There first Christmas with a baby, too.

Along with a toy and book, Donnie gave Langdon a knife for his collection.

Daniel got the cute blue bear and lots of other cute things from Grammie and Poppie. Aunt Kitty, Uncle Wez, and Langdon gave him a bowl, plate, and cup.
Katie Lee loved her new computer from Grammie and Poppie.

Daniel loved his new Vtech book. This was the only thing that he paid attention to.

Katie Lee practicing her ironing skills.

Christmas Morning

2011-12-26T19:19:00.006-06:00

We woke up Sunday morning to great excitement, Santa came!!

We woke Katie Lee up and the first thing she did was look under her tree. She asked to have a gift under her tree too. It was one of her hippos. She was very excited that a hippo was found. Little did she know that another one was in the living room.

Daniel and Katie Lee's loot. I think both have been very good this year.

Katie Lee was surprised and excited over her very own Super Market.
She was so much fun watching opening all of her gifts. She would hug everyone of them. She later told us that it was the best Christmas ever because all of our family was together.

Daniel, who usually goes right back to sleep in the morning after eating, stayed awake the whole time we opened gifts. Doesn't he look cute with his first gift?

Katie Lee is crazy about her little brother.

From the looks of it, I think we had a wonderful Christmas.

After church, we spent the afternoon watching Katie Lee play and snapping a few pictures of Daniel in his stocking.

This was the best Super Market, everything was free and you get change back.

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T21:24:00.006-06:00

Today has been a wonderful Christmas Eve. This morning, Katie Lee and I went to Betty and Steve's house our annual Christmas breakfast. The breakfast was wonderful. After eating, the ladies played Dirty Santa and the little ones opened gifts.

Ready to open gifts.

My aunts

Grammie and Langdon

Katie Lee loved the piano and singing Christmas songs.

Later this afternoon, Donnie brought Virgil to our house for Christmas. This was the first time that he has gotten to see Daniel. He could not wait to hold him and was in no hurry to give him back. :)

Katie Lee was excited about the gift he gave her.

The Sutton's came over to share Christmas too.

Finally, Katie Lee and Donnie went to McNatt supper at Aunt Mary's. Daniel and I hung out at home finishing wrapping a few gifts and watching Water for Elephants. It by the way is a great movie.

Daniel was very content just watching me wrap gifts.

I had planned on giving Katie Lee and Daniel a new book at bed time to read, but Katie Lee came home from Aunt Mary's asleep.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a GOOD NIGHT.

Let's Go To The Movies

2011-12-24T08:26:00.000-06:00

Friday morning, Amanda and Lillian picked Katie Lee and me up for some girl time. It was actually Lillian's 5th birthday. We headed to the movies. The girls really did well in the movies. Katie Lee made it for about an hour and then she was asking when it was time to go. That is pretty good for her considering she never sits and watches an entire movie. She is just not that into movies. We watched Alvin and the Chipmunks, and it was really cute.

Ready to go in.

Quick picture in front of the tree at the Monoco.

We also ran into this Jolly Old Man. He reminded them to be good and that he would see them tomorrow night. Katie Lee informed him that she would leave him some cookies and milk.

Around Our House

2011-12-23T21:16:00.000-06:00

We have been spending a lot of time at home here lately. This is not normal for us especially ALL Of us. It has really been wonderful, and I hope that we continue spending more time at home. We have been keeping ourself busy.

Katie Lee and I have been busy in the kitchen. We've made trail mix, snowman, and cookies in the last couple weeks. We also attempted to make a gingerbread house. Well, the icing did not turn our right for us, but that was not a problem. A glue gun works just fine.

Santa sent Katie Lee a special video message. She thought it was great and had to let Daniel see it too.
They have also "played" on the bed.
Daniel is staying awake a little bit more. He is such a good baby.
Katie Lee has been busy with her library.

Galaxy of Lights

2011-12-23T16:00:00.004-06:00

This week, we decided to go see the lights at the Galaxy of Lights. It was one thing that we all could do together since Daniel is too little to get out around people. Monday night was our night. We got ready, loaded the car, and started down the road. Daniel, of course, slept because it was not his awake time of 9-12 p.m. :) Anyway, he had no idea that we even went anywhere.

However, Katie Lee was really looking forward to it.

She made it to about Madison Co. line and she was sound to sleep. (It was only about 7 at night. ) I tried to wake her but she was out, so we turned around and came back home. She woke up at 2 very upset that she missed the lights.

Thursday night we decided to try it again. This time we left Daniel with Mother and Daddy, ate supper out, and then headed to the lights. She prepared herself this time so she would not fall asleep. She talked, sang, and colored in her book all the way there.

She was beyond excited by the time that we got there.

I wish that I had gotten a picture of her as soon as she saw they lights. Her expression of excited was worth it all.

She was also excited that she got to ride in the front to have the best view.

My pictures of the lights are not great, but here is a few.

The ducklets, Katie Lee's word.

Hope everyone else is enjoying their Christmas time too.

Class Party

2011-12-21T18:15:00.005-06:00

Wednesday morning, Katie Lee had her first Christmas school party. She was so excited. I love how they pray before they eat. She now sings this prayer at every meal.

I should have skipped the chicken and just put apples and chips with dip on her plate.

However, the boys loved the chicken and ate every bit of it.

Cookie decorating for dessert was a big hit. They all loved it. It was fun watching the different ways they did this. Some took their time, others used their hands, some ate more icing than they put on the cookie, some did not want to make a mess, but all had lots of fun.

Her gingerbread man was more like the Grinch with all of the green she added.

I love getting to share these special times with her. She seems to be growing up too fast. I wish that I had taken a picture of her journal for today. They had to draw a picture of what they want for Christmas. She drew a hippo. She is really set on a hippo for Christmas. The only thing that she has asked for. HA I asked if she has ever seen on in the store and she told me that Santa could just get one at the zoo. She said that it would probably take all of Santa's money. Her imagination cracks me up.

Sweetest Faces

2011-12-21T18:13:00.002-06:00

Silly Effy

2011-12-21T17:58:00.002-06:00

This year, Effy has been up to trouble. Every morning, Katie Lee can not wait to see what he has been up to over night. I failed to get pictures every morning, but he has swung from the chandelliers, drank coke from the 2 liters with a strawn, had a party with Lalaloopsy dolls, and slept in a diaper. I did manage to get a couple morning's worth of pictures.

This morning, Effy was sitting on Katie Lee's dressing table wrapped in toilet paper. It seems that he decided to decorate KL's room with toilet paper.
He even decorated her bed with her in it!!

Yesterday, he tried to get a ride on Daddy's deer making it look like Rudolph.

I am not sure who has had more fun Katie Lee or her daddy.

Smith Family Christmas

2011-12-19T11:06:00.001-06:00

Saturday night, Donnie and Katie Lee headed over to the Smith's Christmas.

Katie Lee ready to open gifts.

Singing with Freddy.
Langdon enjoyed getting gifts too. This will be a big 1st Christmas for Kathryn, Zeb, and Langdon this year, too.
I heard that these three had fun playing together.
All of the Smith great -grandchildren except Daniel. Kathryn is not a great but had to hold one. :)
Daniel was just fine staying at home this year. I am sure that next Christmas he will love it.

Cookie Swap

2011-12-19T10:56:00.002-06:00

We ventured out (or across the road) to Mother and Daddy's house the other night for supper and our tradtional Smith Girls' Cookie Swap. Somehow I missed getting any pictures of the cookies, but trust me when I say they were all delicious.

These three little ones looked super cute in their pjs.

Grammie and Poppie were one cloud 9 to have all their grandchildren with them.

This is the first picture of the four of us except for the one when I was kind of out of it in the hospital.

These two had fun climbing on Donnie.

Katie Lee's Preschool Christmas Program

2011-12-18T22:48:00.000-06:00

Friday morning, we headed to Katie Lee' preschool for their Christmas program. She was so excited to be wearing her pjs to school. I was not sure how she would be when she saw all of the people, but it did not seem to bother her at all. She has not wanted to sing any of the songs for us at home unless it was her own version of the song. I was very surprised that she knew all of the songs and I heard her over everyone several times. I think they all did a great job considering they were 3 and 4.

Away in a Manager may have been my favorite song.

Ready to sing.

Showing off her Santa.

Check-up

2011-12-17T22:44:00.002-06:00

Daniel had his two week check up this week. I cannot believe he is already 2 weeks old. He weighed 8lbs 15 oz. (75%) and was 22 1/4 in long(97%).

Wordless Wednesday--Just Because I Think They are Cute!!

2011-12-14T10:26:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday LIllian

2011-12-13T10:19:00.000-06:00

Friday night, Katie Lee attended Lillian's 5th birthday party. She had a snowman painting party. This was perfect for Katie Lee. She loves to paint and do crafts. She was so excited to go.

Her finished product which you can tell she did 100% by herself. I think it is very cute.

Lillian's cake was perfect for the party.
All of the masterpieces and the artists.

Best Buddies

2011-12-12T10:13:00.002-06:00

I think these two will be best of friends once they are both big enough to play. Langdon thinks that "Ba Ba" as he calls Daniel is the funniest thing. He just laughs everytime he sees him.
I think this is the sweetest picture. They are both checking on Daniel.

or maybe they are trying to decide if he really needs a blanket. Guess who won? HA HA

Grammie and her sweet grandchildren.

Decking the Halls

2011-12-09T17:32:00.000-06:00

It is beginning to feel like Christmas around here. I wrapped a few gifts this week. I am so thankful that I had gotten all of my shopping and trees done before Daniel came.

Elffy has a surprise landing each morning. Katie Lee jumps out of bed each morning to go find him. She really thought this was funny especially since he "wrote" her a note.

Trying to get a cute picture of two is a challenge, but this one turned out pretty cute.

Katie Lee is always busy making crafts. She found some old Christmas cards and is having so much fun cutting them.

Deep concentration.

Finished product.

Settling In

2011-12-08T17:20:00.003-06:00

Well, we have been home for a week and we are settling into a groove. I am sure that it will change once Donnie goes back to work and then again when I have to go back, but for now everything is going great. Daniel is falling into a wonderful schedule and wakes up once a night around 2. I am feeling better everyday, still very sore in my belly, but I am gaining strength daily. Katie Lee is adjusting fine and is really loving her little brother. I think Donnie is liking the slower pace and he is really helping out around the house.

Katie Lee was big help giving Daniel a bath.
Isn't this the cutest gown. A student of mine, Maddie, and her grandmother made it for Daniel. It has his name monogrammed across the front. Her mother dropped it by the hospital last week. She is a nurse there.
Tucking in at night has become extra sweet. This is always one of my favorite times at night--story, prayers, hugs, and kisses just got twice as nice.

Daniel's Room

2011-12-07T06:48:00.000-06:00

I forgot to post pictures of Daniel's room when I finished it.

Here is the banner that Kathryn made for Daniel's hospital door. I think that she did a great job on it and it turned out too cute.

Here is Daniel's room. It took me a while to find the perfect bedding for him. Boys things are just very limited. Anyway.....

This is the front side of his room.

His bedding was trains which I found from Pottery Barn. I had a teacher from school paint the pictures above his bed. They work wonderfully with everything else in the room. The red chest was an old brown one that I brought from my uncle. I painted it red and changed the knobs on it. I love how it all blended in so well.

From 3 to 4

2011-12-06T05:24:00.000-06:00

Our little family grew last week. It has been just the three of us for the last 4 years, and we thought that three may be as big as our family gets. The Lord knew differently and last week blessed us with another child. We are so thankful that we now have two healthy children.

Here we are right before they took me back. Katie Lee was beyond excited to be getting a little brother.

It was not too long until Daniel entered the world.
Katie Lee getting her first real few. Her response. " Grammie, I just love him. " Talk about love at first sight.
Soon Aunt Kitty and Langdon came. Katie Lee could not wait to show Langdon his new little cousin. He was the big cousin now.
Poppie and Grammie were all smiles with another grandson.

Kathryn and Zeb were excited too. Can you imagine how much fun Daniel and Langdon are going to have together. Being just 9 months apart, I think they will be best of friends.
Here is the proud Daddy. I just have to brag on him. He has been the best. He has been right by my side helping me so much. I had a couple of rough nights in the hospital, and he took such great care of me and Daniel.
Katie Lee could not wait to come see us everyday.
He loves his fingers.
Ready to go home.
Our little family of 4. What a wonderful thing.

Daniel Wyatt Helums

2011-12-01T10:31:00.006-06:00

Daniel came into the world Tuesday, Nov.29 at 7:11 a.m.

He weighed 8lbs 9 oz and was 21 inches long.

We are blessed beyond to have two beautiful healthy babies.

Lots more to share soon.

Elf Breakfast

2011-11-27T08:32:00.000-06:00

Guess who is back? Elffy!! He came back Friday morning to make sure some little girl stays on the nice list. Katie Lee was so excited when she woke up to see our table set and the Elf back.

She enjoyed a breakfast of muffins in snow, snow balls, snowflakes, and glaciers afloat.

She also had a little gift waiting for her. Holly Sleighbells.

Thanksgiving

2011-11-26T08:25:00.003-06:00

Hope all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We certainly did. We have so much to be thankful for this year. We began our Thanksgiving with our traditional breakfast at Mother and Daddy's. Delicious as always.

These three had lots of fun playing. Katie Lee was willing to share some with Langdon except for her Lalaloopsy dolls which he may " bite their heads off." He was not too concerned. He just about has this crawling business down so he was busy with that.

That night we enjoyed the McNatt supper at Aunt Mary's. These two had lots of fun playing together.

Tonight we will enjoy Thanksgiving with the Smith family.

Ducks in a Row

2011-11-25T10:49:00.002-06:00

Last Thursday, I went for my 37 week check up at the doctor. Baby Daniel is doing just fine. I asked the doctor if we could go ahead and schedule my c-section. He said sure and went out to make the phone call to set it up. They whole time I figured that it would be sometimes the week of my due date. Boy was I shocked when I heard him say Nov. What!!! That is not even the right month!! I was not expecting a Nov. baby. This really sent my in an over whelmed panic mode. I left the doctor's office very surprised and had a list a mile long of things to do going through my mind. The next day after I got over the shock, I finished all of my things for school that needed to be done and confirmed with my sub. I think she was about as surprised as I was. That night after working for several hours after school was out and completely exhausted, I made out my list of things at home to get done. It was a very LONG list. I had my little melt down and Donnie, who never gets in a panic or a rush about stuff, told me to get over it and that it would all get done. Well, he was right. With his help this week, most of the things have been marked off the list and everything that really needed to be done is done. I think I am good to go now.

Sneak Peak

2011-11-08T19:49:00.000-06:00

We are working on Daniel's room getting it ready for him. Here is a sneak peak of what we are using. I will post the entire room when I get it complete.

A co-worker of mine painted these for me. It is really fitting in nicely with the rest of the room. I cannot wait to get it all together.

Happy Birthday To Me

2011-11-07T19:36:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday and boy did my family make me feel special. Everyone treated me to special gifts. Mother made my favorite meal for lunch. Thanks to my family for making my birthday great.

Oh in case you haven't seen me, I am looking very pregnant. Only about 30 days left.

Halloween Fun!!

2011-11-01T21:00:00.004-05:00

This past weekend began our Halloween Fun. Friday, Katie Lee had her first Halloween party at preschool. She, of course, loved it.

Friday night, we had girls and one boy night at Aunt Kitty's house. They carved a pumpkin. Langdon was all about touching the guts of the pumpkin.
Aunt Kitty let Katie Lee decide what shapes to carve in the pumpkin. Katie Lee extended her fun night by spending the night. She even wrote Uncle Wez a note letting him know so he would not sleep on top of her. :)
Monday---Halloween!!
My little Dorthy was all excited about Trick-or-Treating.
The Cowardly lion was not too sure about his costume, but looked pretty cute!

By the time that we got to my aunt Betty's, we were able to get a shot of several of the cousins.
We had a wonderful Halloween and was completely tuckered out by the time we got home.

Picking the Perfect Pumpkin

2011-10-23T16:23:00.004-05:00

Friday after picking KL up from preschool, we had lunch with Mother and Langdon and then headed to Isom's to selected the perfect pumpkin and for an apple slushie.

"Now which one should we pick?"
I love this one because we were trying to get both of them looking at me for a cute picture in the wagon. Langdon decided that he had rather kiss and pull Katie Lee's hair.

Now we get a good picture.

Grammie and her babies.

I Love Fall Break

2011-10-23T16:10:00.002-05:00

This week has been Fall Break for our school system. It could not have come at a better time. I was worn out from the week before that was so busy with school stuff including our long field trip to Montgomery. The trip went great and I hope to post some pictures from that soon. Anyway, I think with such a busy last week and having so many things at night that Katie Lee missed me about as much as I missed her. Saturday she spent most of her day right with me and often reminded me that she had not seen me in two days.

Anyway, our fall break week was wonderful. We had so much fun playing. I was also able to get out all of Katie Lee's clothes for a yard sale on Saturday. Boy has she collected a lot of clothes over that last 4 years. :) Donnie and I also began working on Daniel's room. Pictures to come.

Here she is before church Wednesday looking like such a big girl.
Thursday night we went with Jane to Athens' bonfire for Homecoming week. Last year she cheered right along and this year she was very bashful.
I have LOVED spending the week with her. She is so much fun!!
Saturday we had a yard sale and she had a lemon-aide stand. She talked about it all week. Even though it was about 35 degrees that morning, she was so excited to sell. She sold out by that afternoon.

Sweet Tooth

2011-10-19T09:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, Katie Lee had to have her "sweet tooth" fixed. She really did pretty good considering she had no idea what was happening to her.

Family Fun

2011-10-19T08:56:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday, we had an easy day at home. This was so nice since last week had been extremely busy. We ended our night with a bonfire with roasted marshmallows and s'mores.

We started out by grilling hot dogs.
Ready to roast.
Hayden, Mary Kaitlyn, and Anna came over for the fun.
I think KL ate more chocolate than anything.

Ultra Sound

2011-10-13T16:20:00.002-05:00

Wednesday, I had my 4D ultra sound pictures taken of Daniel. The best that we can tell from these, we think that he looks a lot like Katie Lee. I think he may be a typical boy. He wanted his face covered the entire time with his hands. :)

Happy Birthday Donnie

2011-10-12T09:05:00.002-05:00

We recently celebrated Donnie's 35th birthday. I cooked his favorites and we enjoyed a fun night with our family. He also got a new recliner which he has wanted for a long time now. I hope that he had a wonderful birthday and that he will have many many more.

Guess Who Is 40!!!

2011-10-09T15:37:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday night, we celebrated my cousin's, Scott, 40th birthday. We had a great party. Stephanie surprised him with a great video of his life. We also had yummy food. I hope that he has many more wonderful birthdays.

Katie Lee and "Uncle" Scott.

Whatever works....

2011-10-05T15:43:00.001-05:00

For the last several weeks, I have had the worst leg cramps and restless legs at night. It seems that the more I grow and the more I am on my feet at work, the worse it gets. A week or so ago, I was talking to some ladies about it and one (Jackie) told me to sleep with a bar of soap.
SOUNDS CRAZY!!! She told me the story about how she heard about it and how it worked for her. I WAS IN PAIN AND WILLING TO TRY ANYTHING!!!!. Donnie thought this was the most absurd thing ever! He completely laughed at me that first night when I put that bar of soap in bed with us. Well, here it is a little over a week and I have not had nearly the leg cramps that I was having. I have had the beginnings of two but I place my foot on the bar and it goes away. CRAZY, I KNOW, BUT IF IT WORKS AND HELPS ME TO SLEEP BETTER I WILL KEEP USING IT!!

Alice in Wonderland Table

2011-10-04T15:40:00.001-05:00

Here are some pictures of Kathryn's table from Saturday. It was just beautiful!!!

Time for a Tea Party

2011-10-03T14:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday, we participated in Jessica's Tea Party. This was our 3rd year for this. Kathryn designed another beautiful table. This year her theme was Alice in Wonderland. She amazes me with all the attention to detail that she brings to the table. She does not leave a thing out.

Sadly I did not get a picture of the table before we got our food, but trust me it was lovely.

Katie Lee ready with her fancy hat.
She skipped most of the food and went for dessert.
She and Kaylee decorating their cookie.
These three little ones loved playing together.
Our family.

H is for Hat

2011-10-02T13:56:00.001-05:00

This week Katie Lee's class learned about the letter H. Friday they had hat day. She was super excited especially since I got her a new hat. (She does not own a hat until now.) She was all smiles getting ready Friday morning with her cute hat.

Brown Bear Brown Bear

2011-10-01T13:59:00.004-05:00

Tuesday night Katie Lee and I went to the public library for a Brown Bear Brown Bear Party. They created their own brown bear book, read stories, and had a snack. She loved it.

When we walked in, she spotted Addie Mae. They were very excited to see each other.

Katie Lee with her finished book.

Weekend Fun!

2011-09-26T19:33:00.004-05:00

This weekend was yet another fun filled weekend. We started our weekend off with James' 4th birthday party. It was at Katie Lee's favorite park.

The Birthday Girl,
Having fun on the playground,
Lunch,
More play,
and fun with cousins and friends. What could be better?
After the birthday party, we headed home and changed for my cousin, Keith's wedding shower. He is getting married in a few weeks.
Katie Lee quickly decided that playing was the most fun.
Sunday night we ended our weekend with supper with our family. Check out these sweet smiles.

Buddy Lunch

2011-09-25T15:33:00.002-05:00

Friday was Buddy Lunch at Katie Lee's preschool. Poppie was her special buddy for lunch. She was beyond excited that he was coming to eat lunch with her. She talked about it for weeks. Her class made special gifts for their buddy. She told Poppie that he should take his to work to put at his desk. Thanks, Poppie for making Katie Lee's day special.

Katie Lee Funnies

2011-09-19T20:06:00.000-05:00

Katie Lee keeps me rolling about all of the time. You never know what she will say next or where she comes up with this stuff from. Here are some of her funnies lately.

Katie Lee spent the night with Grammie Sunday night. Katie Lee woke up Monday morning, saying "Cock-a-doodle, cock-a-doodle, Grammie your hair looks like a rooster. Let's go back to sleep."

We had deviled eggs for supper, and we save a few eggs out that had not been deviled. I told her it was like Easter eggs and she should try them. She asked, " where did Grammie find those Easter eggs."

Grammie called and Katie Lee answered the phone. Grammie asked her what she was doing. She said, " I am just standing here talking on the phone to you."

Katie Lee was laying in her bed "taking a nap" and she is singing at the top of her lungs. "A Rooster woke me up, a rooster woke me up, cock-a-doodle-doo, a rooster woke me up.

We were talking about different shapes. Just the basics. She says, "Mommy, make a parallelogram next."

We are walking through a store the other day. The speaker came on advertising the store. KL said, "Mommy, is that God talking."

This one is the funniest because she did not miss a beat.
Katie Lee asked Donnie if he could lick his elbow. He tries and tells her that he cannot. I then ask if she can thinking she would try to lick her own elbow. She says sure and licks his elbow.

Fun Saturday

2011-09-15T19:53:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday was the perfect day to be outside. Katie Lee and I were outside playing by 8 that morning. She decided that she needed her wagon attached to her jeep so that she could pull her critters.

Then it was off to Athens for Art on the Square. Crafts are at the top of this little ones favorite things to do list, so having all this art to make was the BEST!!
She made this little butterfly thanks to the help of the volunteer. There was no butterfly cutouts so he just made her one. She thought he was the best.
After lots of fun on the square and lunch, we came home for a little more play time and a nap. Katie Lee also went next door to play and quickly came back home to back her bags telling me that she was just going to move in with them. I did make her hang her clothes back in the closet, but she took a big suitcase full of her most important things.

This was a wonderful Saturday. I look forward to many more fun weekends outside with Katie Lee in this fall weather.

Weekend Get-Away

2011-09-08T20:01:00.002-05:00

This past weekend, we headed to Nashville for a short shopping trip. We had a wonderful time. It was so nice just having fun with our little family without having to work or take care of other things.

We ate lots of yummy food.
Of course, Katie Lee had a ball in the hotel.

We had planned on doing some fun things outside, but it rained so we headed to Build A Bear. She got a big Hello Kitty, and she just loved it!!

I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM

2011-09-03T12:40:00.003-05:00

THEY ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!!

Yesterday, Katie Lee and her preschool class had their first walking field trip to the drug store. For anyone reading this that is not from around here, the drug store down town has an old fashioned ice cream parlor. Katie Lee's class walked to the drug store for ice cream. Katie Lee was so excited all week for this trip.

Donnie had to take off yesterday to get new drivers license and hunting license. This gave him the perfect opportunity to spend some time with Katie Lee. He got the chance to go with her so I sent the camera along. He told when we got home that he was the only Daddy with a camera. HAHA

Baby Daniel Update

2011-08-29T19:49:00.002-05:00

This afternoon, I headed to the doctor for my checkup.
Pregnancy Highlights:
How Far Along: 25.5 Weeks
Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 2 pounds since last month
Maternity Clothes: some and some big dresses
Gender: BOY!! Daniel Wyatt
Movement: lots
Sleep: I'm sleeping pretty good except he wakes me up every night around 4 to move around
What I miss: Nothing really - maybe sleeping on my stomach?
Cravings: nothing
Symptoms: nope
I measured right on track and his heartbeat was 155.

I am ready to get his room decorated. I have a few things in mind. Now if it will just all work out like it does in my head.

Fun at Grammie's

2011-08-28T20:31:00.001-05:00

Staying with Grammie is so much fun. Katie Lee and Langdon are two busy little bees. They are having a ball together.

Riding on roller skates and walking her puppy.

Listening to music. How many kids these days know and use a record player?

Strolling Langdon outside.

Pulling Langdon.

Just having fun making ice cream.

All About Me

2011-08-28T20:16:00.005-05:00

Katie Lee's first week of Preschool was a huge success. She is loving it!! Friday was her day to return her homework. It was an All About Me poster. She made hers with pictures of her family, buying books, and painting. Some of her favorite things to do. She also added Lalaloopsy and Hello Kitty. She dressed herself in pink and white polka dots with yellow curly hair since Wez says she has yellow hair.

It's a Big Day!!

2011-08-22T19:10:00.005-05:00

Today was Katie Lee's first day of preschool. Talk about a big day. It was her first day to stay with anyone other than family. It was her first time to be in a "school" setting. It was the first time that she will have to make the right choices when we are not around. It was the first time that she will make friends with children that we don't already know. It will be her first time to learn and do new things. It will be her first time to have adventures. It will be her first time to learn and play at school.

Katie Lee was one excited little girl when we woke her up this morning. She could not wait to get to preschool.

She was ready!!

Katie Lee walked right into class, found her seat, and was ready for the day.
She had a wonderful day!! She told me bye and to have a good day before I was really ready to go. Katie Lee was waiting on me when I got to Grammie's. She jumped in my arms and told me that she had a great day!! I asked that her favorite part of the day was. She said,

"EVERYTHING!! It was all awesome."
I am so thankful that she had such a wonderful day and did not have a single tear. I cannot say that it was the same for me. I hope that the rest of the year will be this wonderful!!

Happy Birthday Daddy

2011-08-20T13:56:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was my daddy's birthday. We celebrated with dinner with the family.

Recipe for Success

2011-08-20T13:41:00.003-05:00

The first week of school has been great. I have a sweet class and they worked very hard. Our theme for the year is Cooking Up Success, so yesterday we wrote recipes for a successful 4th grade. They loved it especially when they realized that I had a snack prepared for them.

Recipe for Success
1/4 c Hard work (pretzel sticks)
1/3 c Responsibility (Cheerios)
1/3 c Humor (marshmallows)
1 spoon Kindness (M&M)

You can see their reactions and fun on my class blog. www.helumsclass.blogspot.com

Happy Birthday Kathryn

2011-08-12T22:09:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we also celebrated my sister, Kathryn's birthday. She is the best sister ever.

While we celebrated her birthday, Langdon got to try a new first, squash.

Katie Lee and Langdon sitting at the table for her birthday supper.

Ready for a New Year

2011-08-12T17:48:00.005-05:00

This was my first week back to school. It has been full of meetings. Here are a few pictures of my room. The theme for 4th grade is Cooking Up Success.

This is the outside of my classroom. I will display student work here.
Writing/Language wall
Science and AL History area.
My reading Focus Wall is behind my small group reading table.
Math wall
This year my students will apply for class jobs.
They also have a behavior chart that they can go up for good behavior or down for wrong choices.

Letter to Daddy

2011-08-12T17:43:00.002-05:00

Katie Lee has been asleep several nights this week when Donnie gets home. Last night we were playing with her little white board, and she wanted to write a note to her daddy. She told me what she wanted to write and I would spell the words for her. She left her letter in his chair so he could see it when he gets home. Here is her letter.

These are some of her favorite things to do with him at night.

Happy Birthday Celebration Continues

2011-08-12T16:40:00.001-05:00

Sunday night we continued Katie Lee's celebration with a little family party at our house.

Katie Lee loved all of her gifts and having lots of family at her house.
Grammie and Poppie

We also surprised her Sunday afternoon with her gift. The Loving Family Grand Dollhouse. She was so excited to get this. Good thing we got it home from vacation back in June without her seeing it.
Part of her gift from Grammie and Poppie was Roller Skates. She could not wait to try them out.
All of Katie Lee's favorites came to celebrate her birthday.

Happy Birthday Katie Lee

2011-08-11T16:37:00.000-05:00

Saturday we celebrated Katie Lee's 4th Birthday. I cannot believe she is 4!!

She wanted a pink and white polka-dot party.

She also wanted a pink and white polka-dot cake with her initials on top. Thanks to her Aunt Kitty she got exactly what she wanted.
She was a pinata full of candy.

She wanted lots of friends.

I think all the little ones had a great time playing on the water slide.

All About Katie Lee

2011-08-10T18:17:00.000-05:00

Happy 4th Birthday Katie Lee!!

In honor of Katie Lee's Fourth Birthday, I decided to interview her. I found this on another blog and thought that it was very cute idea.

Katie Lee's All About Me Interview

What is your name? Katie Lee Helums
When were you born? August 10
How old are you? Four
Who is your mommy? Leanne Helums
What does your mommy do? She teaches at Harvest
Who is your daddy? Donnie Helums
What does your daddy do? He works for UPS
What is your favorite color? Pink and purple
What do you want to be when you grow up? A dollhouse maker
What is your favorite food? Macaroni and cheese
What food do you not like? squash
What is your favorite animal? a cute little froggy
Where do you want to live when you grow up? with a husband
What do mommy and daddy do after you go to bed? they get ready for the next day
What does daddy say? Look at that bird
What does mommy say? I love you
What is your favorite song? Daisy Doll
What is your favorite show to watch? Olivia
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream? Strawberry milkshake
Where is your favorite place to eat? Chick-fil-a
Who is your favorite person? Grammy
Who is your best friend? Lillian
What is your favorite book? Sleeping Beauty
What is your favorite thing to do? play outside

Let's Skate

2011-08-03T21:35:00.003-05:00

This morning, we went along with some of our friends to the Skate Castle in Decatur. This was Katie Lee's first time to attempt to skate. It was a neat set up and something fun in the air condition to do. The kids played on scooters, moon bounce, and other climbing areas for the first hour or so, then snack, music/dance games, and then about 20 minutes of skating.

Scooting along
Chicken dance
wipe out
Time to skate...or try. :)
After our play time, we had lunch at our favorite place.

This and That

2011-08-01T09:10:00.000-05:00

Playing with Langdon

Tea party with Poppie

Catching up on some reading

playing dress up

Growing UP

2011-07-31T12:03:00.000-05:00

Katie Lee woke up a few days ago and decided that she wanted her ears pierced. She was all excited about the idea of it. I told her it would hurt a little but it did not change her mind. She had talked about it a while ago. I just did not say anything about and neither did she. Well, she has started talking about it again in the last week or so. Yesterday, was the day.

She got her ears pierced!!

We Can "Bearly" Wait

2011-07-30T07:53:00.001-05:00

Last night Mother and Kathryn hosted a Gender Reveal Party for us with some of our family. Their theme was bears. The table was adorable.

The table was set in a cute bears with pink and blue ribbons.

The delicious cake.
other yummies they made
Take home bags to remember the day with.
Now, lets get to finding out what baby is. I came up with a puzzle game that each couple had to do. Each couple was given a bag with a piece of paper, glue stick, and a bag full of letters that spelled out a message to reveal. The couple that figured out first, won a prize.

Katie Lee kept the secret all day. She did a great job. She is super excited. She got to read what we are having off the ultrasound machine.
Each group began trying to decipher the puzzle.
Eager grandparents could not wait to see what we were having.
Donnie's aunts.
Everyone working hard to find out.
Kathryn and Zeb worked hard. They have a competitive streak in them.
Scott and Stephanie have a competitive streak too. They figured it out first!!

Katie Lee is getting a brother!!!

Donnie getting some practice with a little boy.

I think Langdon was very happy to get a new little boy cousin. Can you imagine what fun these two little boys will have?

Friday Fun--A to Z

2011-07-29T15:45:00.003-05:00

I have decided to start something new. I found Summer Fun A to Z on several other blogs and thought that it was a cute idea. Since summer for me is about over, I decided that Katie Lee and I would have Friday Fun Nights. Our weeks will begin getting busy and routine again in about a week, so we will do something special every Friday. I made a list of things to do from A to Z,but we will not go in alphabetical order. Some weeks will have more than one letter covered and other weeks will only do one. This will depend on the activity.

This is our first Friday Fun.

D--Date with Daddy
We had the chance to have a lunch date with Daddy. He was off today to go to the doctor with me. We had lunch at Bridge Street Red Robin.

U--Ultrasound
This morning I had an ultrasound that also revealed the gender. (This will be told in a later post.) Anyway, we let Katie Lee go with us too. She was so excited. On the way she told me that she thought it would be a boy or maybe a girl. I think she is right it is one of those. :) She was amazed at the pictures.

Apple Dip Recipe

2011-07-28T15:58:00.002-05:00

This morning, my grade level team came over for a back to school meeting. I cannot believe that it is already time to think about going back to school. I have one more full week before it is back to the school routine again. Anyway, I had Cream Cheese Danish, apples, and apple dip as a snack. This was the first time I had ever made this apple dip. It may be my new favorite. It was like eating candy. It was also super easy which is my way of fixing things.

Apple Dip

1 10 oz. tub of soft cream cheese or 1 8 oz. block softened

1/2 C brown sugar

1/4 C white sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 pkg of a 8 oz. bag of SKOR English Toffee Bits

6-9 Granny Smith Apples cut into wedges for dipping

Mix together with a spoon until smooth – cream cheese, sugars and vanilla. Fold in toffee bits just before serving so they don’t get soggy. (soggy is yummy too!) I cut the apples just before serving to prevent them turning brown.

I forgot to take a picture of mine before we dug into it, so here is one from Taste of Homes.

Take the Survey

2011-07-26T20:41:00.003-05:00

Friday is the much anticipated day. We find out if we are having another girl or a boy. I think we are all excited to find out.

Please leave me a comment with your prediction. I will reveal sometimes on Friday or Saturday.

Do you think it will be a GIRL?

Do you think it will be a BOY?

Shopping Trip

2011-07-24T14:56:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, the girls and Langdon had a shopping trip to Florence. It has been a while since any of us have been. We had a great day. Langdon loves riding in his stroller looking at everything.

While we tried on some clothes, Katie Lee entertained herself in the 3-way mirror.
She sang and danced and counted how many of Katie Lee's she could see.
They were also having a talent show. By the time we finish shopping, the show was over except for one special talent.
On a bargain note, I lucked up on several things to wear. I don't like spending a lot of money on maternity clothes. I am just going to wear them for a few months and then I will yard sale them. Luckily I ran across several things on sale. I got a pair of shorts, two pair of pants, a dress, and a tank for less than $55 total. I felt very successful!!

We finished our fun day with supper at Texas Roadhouse. We rolled in exhausted around 9:30. It was a great day!!

All Bug Eyed

2011-07-21T17:31:00.002-05:00

Sometimes, Katie Lee gets a little bug eyed! :)
Especially when she is surprised with a friend. Sunday night, these two were so excited when they say each other at Cracker Barrel. You would have thought that they had not seen each other in a long time.
Katie Lee gets all excited when Langdon comes over too. Monday, he got to spend some time with us while his mommy had a dentist appointment. These two had so much fun playing. He loved watching every move she made.