Martin Family

Emory's First Haircut

2011-11-02T16:06:00.001-05:00

I finally broke down and got her hair cut. Well, I had the ends trimmed so you can't really tell it was cut at all. She was so excited about going so I decided to give in!!! Maybe next time I can cut a little more...baby steps!

JDRF walk

2011-11-02T10:47:00.002-05:00

Rachel and me after the walk.

Courtney and Emory with her balloon Winnie the Pooh.

Jack got tired of running so he hitched a ride with Hope.

Back at the end of September, Chase and Emory and I joined with some friends of ours to walk in the JDRF walk. It raised money for Juvenile Diabetes. A few months ago our friend's son Jack was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, so a large group from our church volunteered to walk and help raise money for "team Jack Attack." We had a great time and could not have asked for better weather for the event!

UAB Football

2011-11-02T10:22:00.003-05:00

This was the 3rd attempt at trying to get a picture of all the kiddos.

At the Alumni house

Future UAB blazers

Over the last few days I have learned that the board of trustees, that has screwed UAB over before, has done it again!!! I understand that our football team isn't great but those boys try hard and just want to play football. No, we aren't Auburn or Alabama or any other SEC football team for that matter and in some ways that is awesome. At least our boys heads aren't so big they can't walk through the door and they genuinely just want to play football, they aren't searching for fame and fortune. After all they are only 18-22 years old!

Our football program needs a boost and the on campus football field is just what we need (and maybe a new coach)! Except UAT thinks otherwise, or maybe I should say Bryant Denny, Jr. thinks otherwise! I have never been and Alabama fan and never will be! When we first moved to TN, the first question people usually asked was "are you an Alabama fan?" When we would say no they would say "oh so you must be an Auburn fan?" Our response, "actually we are UAB fans!" And as a UAB fan, it is heart breaking to see people (ie the BOT) or someone, continue to belittle us and stop our progression. We will never be a football program as big as Alabama or Auburn so why not just give us our little stadium and be on our way!!

My family bleeds Green and Gold and always will!!! GO BLAZERS!!

Labor Day Weekend

2011-11-02T09:43:00.004-05:00

So not even tropical storm Lee could keep Chase away from High Falls on Labor Day weekend. It was very nice having the WHOLE park all to ourselves!! Chase LOVES this place! Honestly I don't get it. Don't get me wrong, it's pretty and I enjoy spending time with my family, but jumping off rocks all day long isn't fun to me! Although I would jump more if you didn't have to scale the rock face to get back up!

Chase showing off.

The girls and Ian preparing to jump.

As you can tell by my shirt it was raining slightly!

Ian caught a fish/minnow with his hands.

The whole group!!

Happy Birthday Sammy!!

2011-11-02T09:40:00.001-05:00

So I'm 2 months late in posting this but I'm not surprised so you shouldn't be either!! :) Can't believe our little Sammy is 1!! Your Uncle Chase, Aunt Erin, and Emory love you VERY, VERY much!

Back in July...

2011-10-03T11:06:00.008-05:00

Chase and I visited Asheville, NC for a business trip with his company. It was awesome. It was the first vacation we had taken, just the 2 of us, since Emory was born, and it was very much needed! We left Nashville on Thursday and started the beautiful drive east to Asheville.

We stayed at the historic Grove Park Inn

These would be awesome in the Fall. There was one on each end of the lobby. Since the Inn was built in the early 1900s there is not AC in the lobby, so it was a little warm in July. It would be wonderful in the Fall and early Spring! We will be going back...maybe not soon but it WILL happen! Oh and the dork in me, the first thing I thought of when I saw these HUGE fireplaces...DIAGON ALLEY! :) I did say I was a dork...no denying it here!

Thursday night was a meet and greet with all the managers from his region followed by a night in the dueling piano bar...fun times!! Friday morning I slept in and had breakfast in bed because Chase had a meeting from 8-12. I had intentions of going to the spa for the day but waited too long to make a reservation...next time...I heard amazing things about that place!

Friday night was the "banquet" dinner at the club house. Good food, good drinks, and good company...couldn't have asked for better.

Saturday was a free day. We opted to stay the extra night and do a little of Asheville on our own. We were able to explore a little on Friday afternoon after Chase's meeting, but not much. So Saturday we decided to explore a little....of man made creations...

Biltmore

Us in front of the Biltmore Estate...Chase wasn't thrilled about this tour but he went anyway.

How would you like this to be your backyard?!?!

And a little of God's creation...we went about 30 miles up the blue ridge parkway, which in itself is a beautiful drive, to find a swimming hole I had heard about. Chase was very excited about this adventure. The only part that worried me was watching the temperature drop almost 20 degrees as we climbed the mountain.

That water was cold!!

One of the lookout points on the blue ridge parkway.

Some sliding rock we were told about while we were at the swimming hole. Chase tried it...not me. I was already warmed back up from the swimming hole and didn't want to go into the 50 degree water again! It looked fun though!

It was a great trip and we look forward to going back. Maybe next time we can do a little more of the outdoor stuff and stay a little longer!

4th of July

2011-09-09T20:49:00.007-05:00

I intended to included all the summer activities in one post (see below) but we went too many places and I took too many pictures...so here is our 4th of July weekend trip to the farmhouse in Copeland, AL. Never heard of it...well if you have you are probably related to me...it is a map dot but is a great escape from reality...

not sure what the boys are doing here...either shooting, playing golf, or shooting rockets...don't worry there is about 65 acres of land...not many people around other than us!

Katie with Payton and Will

Emory, Tripp, and Katie doing a bit of night riding on the 4 wheeler.

watching out homemade fireworks show

Again...long weekend but we had a great time...looking forward to our next trip. Maybe next time it won't be so hot. A house with that many people in it and no central air can get a little stuffy!! (5 new p0sts below)

Various Summer Activities

2011-09-09T19:41:00.011-05:00

To start off the summer we headed to Jacksonville for the Memorial day weekend. This weekend also happen to be our anniversary and definitely one I will NEVER forget...(if you were following me on Facebook that day you already know what happen)

We left Nashville late Friday night hauling 4000 pounds of roofing material behind Chase's truck. Now the truck was fully capable of pulling the heavy load, however, the trailer was...well, a little off the job!! Around 1030pm at the bottom of Monteagle and in the middle of NOWHERE, we blew a trailer tire. Did a mention we were in the middle of NOWHERE! After making serveral trips back and forth to walmart (15 miles down the road) and driving to serveral truck repair shops (for 18-wheelers mind you) to see if by chance they had a trailer tire the same size as our, we settled on the side of the interstate around 230am to spend the night with our pricey cargo! Well in the summer months the sun rises at 530/545 and had I not just spent a restless night on the side of the interstate, it would have been beautiful. So EARLY Saturday morning (our 6th anniversary) we headed to fort oglethorpe, GA (eastern time zone--they opened earlier) an hour down the road and found a tire shop that was open. By 930am we were back on the road and headed to Jacksonville, AL. Well so we thought...an hour down the road we blew ANOTHER trailer tire. At this point we had this process down to an art and not to mention, this time we were within 5 minutes of civilization. So within an hour we were back on the road. We finally made it to the lake house at 1230. We were exhausted but wanted to spend time with Chase's family, so we forfeited sleep (for a few hours) to lay out and eat good food! So our 4 hour trip ended up taking close to 15 hours from start to finish. Unfortunately in my sleep deprived state I didn't take many pictures...

Later that night we went out to dinner for our anniversary. Honestly I'm surprised we made it through dinner without falling alseep! After it was all said and done though it was probably the most memorable anniversary we've ever had!! We will always be able to remember what we did on our 6th anniversary!!!

I love you Chase Martin!!

The rest of the weekend was spent in Jacksonville relaxing and spending time with family...

The first weekend in June we traveled to Florence, AL for Lindsey and Andy's wedding. Lindsey and I were roommates and sorority sisters at UAB.

Sisters

We went to Jayden's birthday party...Emory's friend from school...(sometime mid June)

Celebrated one of our friend's birthday's...(also mid June...i think)

all the girls...it was tara's birthday...the girl on the end in purple

Me and Tara

Christy, Rachel, and Me

I don't know why...but I love this picture...very typical!

Had a church fellowship or two...(July maybe)

Me, Tara, and Rachel

Jordan and Katie came to town and we went to the zoo...

Emory and I traveled to Birmingham for a wedding...(end of July)

Katie and I on our way to Abby's wedding

We went out for Chase's birthday...(August 11)

Me and the birthday boy...I promise he had fun...he was just boycotting pictures!

Rachel, Leslie, and me

We went back to the zoo a time or two...we have a membership...can you tell we go a lot?! (also mid august)

Emory and Kolton

Emory and Garrett trying to decide what to go see next

Emory and I drove to Birmingham...again...for Bid Day...(end of August)

After being away for 7 years, it's still pretty exciting to see the girls run across the street to the sorority they love and meet the girls that they will make lifelong friendships with. :)

And finally we had a few more playdates...with Garrett of course...

Kate and I want to know if an arranged marriage would be out of date! hehe!

We had a busy summer and this doesn't include 4th of July weekend and our alone trip to Asheville, NC. (separate posts to come) (4 new posts below)

Strawberry Pickin'

2011-09-07T11:29:00.005-05:00

So my new hobby is making jam...i love it. It's much easier than I thought it would be. Of course I have help, Jessica and I have started this project together and keep coming up with various things we want to try. I even bought the Better Homes and Gardens canning magazine...I know, I'm a dork...at least I can admit it! Projects in the future are going to be apple butter and pepper jelly...can't wait! (3 new posts below)

Beach Trip 2011

2011-09-07T11:08:00.006-05:00

There's a funny story behind this...

Cute kids!

Their daddies built a wall so the water wouldn't get them

Katie must have gotten all the Native American blood!! I always think I have a nice tan until I stand next to her and look pale!

It took nearly the entire week to get them near the water!

Sammy's first time in the sand.

I. LOVE. THE. BEACH. Plain and simple. Of course, it's not nearly as relaxing when there are 2 preschoolers and an infant in the house, but that certainly makes it more entertaining!! (2 new posts below)

Next up...Emory turns 3!!

2011-09-07T10:25:00.008-05:00

The Birthday girl and her baby!

Watching airplanes with mommy and daddy

Chase: "who sent Emory gifts?"
Me: "umm actually those are all from us."
Chase: "Erin!"
Me: "well, she's an only child!"

Her birthday was on a wednesday (our lifegroup night), so Miss Amanda, our babysitter, made Emory a birthday cake and we all sang happy birthday! She loved it!

Singing to her at her party on Saturday at the park. Hiding in Ms. Tara's arms.

Courtney loved the cupcakes!!

It was a little cold and windy...ok, maybe a little more than "a little" cold

Emory with a mouth full of cupcake and Kolton

Emory and Jayden, her buddy from school

Sunday we had a party in Birmingham for the family. Much easier this way!

Dude and Gabriel and Haley and Shawn

Tripp with Sam

Sammy...look at those big blue eyes! Love this boy!!

Opening gifts!

Payton helping Emory blow out her candles...that cake was YUMMY! Thanks mom for getting it!

So Emory got to celebrate her birthday for almost a solid week. Chase and I were able to take off that day so it was all about Emory. She wanted to eat tacos and go watch airplanes so that's what we did. The weather was beautiful that day which made sitting in the back of Chase's truck watching for airplanes, quite pleasant! Later that night we had our weekly lifegroup meeting and of course Em's birthday didn't go unnoticed. Thank you Amanda for making a cake for Emory! Saturday was Emory's birthday party for friends. We had it at Charlie Daniels Park in Mt Juliet. It was a great idea because then my house wasn't destroyed, but it was freezing! It wouldn't have been so bad if the wind hadn't been so fierce. Needless to say it was a quick party, fun but quick! Saturday, immediately after the party was over, we headed to Birmingham. A friend of ours was making his rounds before he left for his second tour in Iraq. Since we were going to be in Birmingham that weekend anyway, we decided to have a family party at my parents house Sunday afternoon. It was a great weekend celebrating the birth of our beautiful baby girl!! (new post below)

I guess I will start with Easter...

2011-09-07T09:29:00.006-05:00

We were having a few issues with the dress

The train she loves so much!

Ms. Christy!!!

"Hunting" for eggs

She loved the bounce house...after a few minutes of reassurance!!

Her Easter basket...the Easter bunny was very generous this year!

Egg hunt at home Easter Sunday

We went a friends house for lunch. Most of our friends are "transplants" to the Nashville area, so we were each others family for the day!

We travel a lot...that's no surprise to anyone...but every once in a while we like to stay home and enjoy TN and our amazing friends here. Easter was one of those times. I have mentioned our church, The Bridge Fellowship, before. We love our church and the community of friends we have here. Well every year we have a big egg hunt at the school that we currently meet in. Each lifegroup stuffs up to 1000 eggs with candy--hopefully not chocolate, it melts. There are 30+ lifegroups I think so we get quite a few eggs. There's no hiding the eggs, we just divide the field up into sections by age groups, then throw the eggs into the field and let the kids at it! Emory learned very quickly last year that she needed a 2 handed approach to grabbing the eggs quickly!

The church also provides the big inflatable bounce houses and a train, along with other games! Emory looks forward to the train every year. For a few weeks after the big egg hunt, she thought the train would be there every Sunday at church. I have to say, it would be nice having it pick us up at our cars and bring us to the door!

Blue Turns 3!!

2011-03-25T08:12:00.004-05:00

Apparently it takes me a week to get anything posted these days....

So last weekend was our niece's birthday party. I can not believe she is three!!

The Birthday Girl

All 4 Martin Grandkids

Blowing out the candles

The newest family...Haley, Shawn, and Baby Gabriel!

Meeting Baby Gabriel

2011-03-06T17:42:00.006-06:00

So I'm a weekend behind in posting this but who's surprised?! Grabriel Anthony was born February 21, 2011 weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20 inches long. We were able to go down to Jacksonville the following weekend to meet him and give him some lovin'.

Emory was so proud of her new cousin!

I had to give him a mohawk...it was too tempting!

Of course while we were there we were able to spend some time with Chase's family...

Emory, Blue, and Bennett

She loves the tire swing!

Blue and Emory took turns pushing each other.

Dude with his girls.

Let's Recap...

2011-02-21T16:03:00.012-06:00

Wow it has been WAY too long since my last post so...here's what's happened in the last few months...

Thanksgiving was spent in Jacksonville...

Chase and I attended a Garth Brooks concert with some friends...it was AWESOME!!!!

Christmas was spent...well a little bit all over the place...

This is at one of the many Christmas parades we attended

All the Rigney grandkids

New Years was spent at our friends house...VERY low key...

This is where I found Emory...buried in the ball pit!

Emory and Garrett on New Year's Day

Then it snowed...WAY too much and and WAY too long...

Then we went to the circus...

Chase and I went skiing with Jessica and Wes...

We had a few playdates...

Then Payton turned 3...

The kids getting ready to watch Hazel and Gretal

And here we are, all caught up! I can say I will be better at this posting thing, but I am making no promises!! :)

Movie Review by a 2 1/2 yo: UP

2010-12-08T22:35:00.002-06:00

UAB Homecoming

2010-11-07T20:14:00.004-06:00

I LOVE football season!!! It might be my favorite time of the year. I would be perfectly happy sitting on my couch on a Fall Saturday watching football all day long! Now I prefer to watch an SEC team play but really any team will do! Some might think my husband is a lucky man...nope...well he is :) but not because I like to watch football...he doesn't really care to sit and watch football all day. I didn't realize this when I married him! :) Anyway. This past weekend was UAB's homecoming. The game didn't turn out they way we had hoped but hey, we're UAB fans what can we expect?! We did however get to spend time with friends and family at a tailgate.

So the weekend started out with Emory and I driving to Birmingham on Thursday afternoon. My mom wanted Emory and Payton to ride with her in the homecoming parade on Friday at noon. Emory loved the parade and getting to throw candy to the people on the street. Now granted they had to wait for the car to move to get the candy because she was only throwing it about 6 inches away from the car; but they thought she was cute doing it!! We were only a few cars back from the band and Emory loves the drums! We froze but we had a good time and at least the bad weather waited until we were on our way to lunch. As soon as we were warm in my car it started raining and then it started sleeting. It's like it decided to suddenly be Winter...I think we may have skipped right over Fall. Oh well!

Riding in the parade with Tita.

Friday night we went to a basketball game...now this is one sport UAB seems to do well in. And the Blazers didn't disappoint we beat West Alabama 81-65 in the first exhibition game of the season! Go Blazers!

Chase attempting to show Emory that Blaze won't hurt her...it didn't work...oh well, maybe next year!

Emory and Abby

Abby knew how to keep the little ones happy...she was hiding skittles in her shirt pocket! Emory discovered it and was trying to get a few!

Emory and Payton

The kiddos kicked back in the box, eating their popcorn with Papa...he loved it! :)

So the Blazers didn't get a win this week but...Once a Blazer, Always a Blazer!! Maybe next week boys! :)

Halloween Weekend 2010

2010-11-07T18:23:00.005-06:00

Halloween was another busy but fun weekend. Friday night was a "birthday party" of sorts, it was more of a large get together with all our friends that happen to fall around Courtney's birthday!! Any excuse to get together!!

Friday night after the party we decorated cookies I had made...Emory loved eating the icing and sprinkles!!

Sunday was trick-or-treating. This year we went to a friends neighborhood and set up camp. The boys stayed at the house with the fire pit and the candy, and the girls loaded up the wagons with kids and made the big loop around the neighborhood!! Emory was a birthday cake! I had everything for her to be a cowgirl but when someone would ask her what she was going to be for Halloween, she would reply with "a birthday cake." I tried pushing the cowgirl costume but she wasn't having it and the birthday cake request was so cute I couldn't not let her be a birthday cake!! She picked out the whole outfit! Halloween is definitely more fun when you have a creative toddler!! :)

Let's get the show on the road!

Lexi, Kaylee, and Hailey, a.k.a. the band of pirates

Headquarters

The birthday cake

The kiddos, a.k.a. the candy getters!

The boys, a.k.a. the candy givers!

The girls, some might call us the candy eaters!

Emory and Daryn, a.k.a Birthday Cake and Alice

Grayson and Sutton, a.k.a Cinderella and Optimus Prime

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-11-07T17:35:00.007-06:00

Ok so I'm a little behind in posting but is anyone surprised?! The weekend before Halloween, we had a long but fun weekend full of wonderful friends and unforgettable memories...and we actually stayed in Nashville! Saturday morning we served the homeless in downtown Nashville with our lifegroup from church.

Saturday evening was date night with the Kate and Baxter, I didn't get any pictures but we had a wonderful time. We went out to dinner and took our time...we were there for 2 hours and and enjoyed every second! We kept all the kids at the Lee's house so after dinner we headed back there to the peace and quiet...because our wonderful baby sitter had already put the toddlers to bed and was giving baby Baxter his last bottle of the night, followed by bedtime!! It was wonderful! We were able to enjoy adult conversation and drinks without interruption!

Sunday was church followed by lunch and the Pumpkin Patch with our lifegroup. Emory loved it! If you ask her what she saw, she will tell you she saw the pigs race...nothing about the pumpkins!!

The pictures below are a little out order because blogspot and I are having issues but at least I have it posted!!

Family Picture...by this picture it might seem that it was easy it get the 3 of us together...not so much! We spent most of the time wrestling Emory to sit still!!

"I have pumpkins ALL over me!!"

Rachel, Me, and Christy!

About to watch the pig races!

Trying to figure out the FSI (farm scene investigation).

Such a cute little cow!!

This picture pretty much sums up our husbands!!!

The kiddos!

The girls serving at Laymens Lessons

The boys serving at Laymens Lessons

Music to My Ears!

2010-10-10T18:18:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday G and Dude!!

2010-10-06T17:27:00.002-05:00

Recruitment 2010

2010-10-01T19:39:00.004-05:00

AOII door...it made us proud!!

The oldies...but goodies!! :)

Emory on Bid Day.

AOII's and a little legacy.

Dancing with the girls.

Katie, Emory, and Alyssa

The girls didn't realize they were getting a new mascot!! haha! Emory ate up the attention!

In early September Emory and I drove to Birmingham to help out with Recruitment...and to eat at all the places in Birmingham I miss so much!! (seriously we ate at O'Carrs, Taziki's, La Dama, Nikki's, and Milo's) :) Anyway, Friday night me and some of the Alums provided a lasagna dinner. It was great getting to provide the food knowing how much they appreciate it!! Food at the end of a long night of parties was always the best part of the night!! Saturday, Mom and Claire and I went to one of the Theme Night parties. Not much has changed...they have updated some of the songs and dances...but it still kicked butt!! :) Made me proud to be an AOII!! Sunday was bid day. After running all over Birmingham trying to help my sister keep her wits, I met Mom and Emory at the Green and waited to see the girls run across the street and join their new sisters!! Gotta be honest...it brought tears to my eyes!! AOII gave me a wonderful group of friends for a lifetime and I love that my true sister is also my sister in AOII and enjoying it as much or more than I did.

Meet Baby Sam

2010-10-01T19:20:00.007-05:00

So Sam is actually a month old today, so I guess you could say I am a little far behind in posting...to say the least! Surprise, Surprise!

Samuel Holden was born September 1, 2010 at 3:43pm, weighing 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. We were not able to make it to Birmingham until the next week, but Emory and I had an almost week long trip planned for AOII recruitment (post to follow).

He's pretty stinken cute if I do say so myself!!!

Nita at the hospital with Sam.

Snoozing away.

Emory playing mommy!

The proud big brother!!!

Labor Day Weekend 2010

2010-09-17T21:43:00.005-05:00

Sunday on the lake

Haley, Lexi, and Jackson

Emory was all about the tube!

After tubing...Emory didn't want to get off!!

Captain Courtney

I left for 5 minutes and came back to see Emory driving this around the cul-de-sac!

Monday the Sevelius family came over...we ate BBQ and discovered a new game...FARKLE! So much fun! Especially since I won. (It's a dice game by the way)

Artwork by Emory, Grayson, and Jackson

Coloring their chalk outlines!!

Relaxing like her mommy!

Emory tracing Jackson!

A Week in Review...or maybe a few!

2010-09-07T23:06:00.010-05:00

I am SOOOO far behind in blogging!! I really need to be better and I have great intentions but by the time I get home from work I'm too tired and days I'm home, I read during nap time!! Oh well! So to try and catch up this will be several blogs rolled into one.

Rewind to August...David and Kimberly got married and we of course drove to Birmingham for the reception!! We had a great night hanging out with friends and being kid free for a few hours. Plus, Nita (or Tita as Emory says) and Papa always enjoy a little one on one Emory time!!

Groom's Cake...looked awesome and was pretty tasty too!!

A trip to Birmingham wouldn't be complete without a trip to Surin and time with our family!

Payton's "mean" face!

Emory's "mean" face.

Choking her cousin.

At this point is was still summer so we were not meeting for a "formal" lifegroup. Our group is very social and we love hanging out together. This particular Wednesday we decided to take advantage of the pool still being open. The water was freezing, but the kids LOVED it!!

I had to take this picture for future blackmail!! :)

Sweet Courtney, Grayson, and Gracyn

Emory and one of her many "boyfriends," Sutton

The following Friday night we combined forces with another lifegroup and went to a Sounds game. After 3 years in Nashville, we finally made it to a minor league baseball game. Honestly I don't really know what happened at the game because we were all too busy talking to pay attention. I do know we lost horribly!!

Best girlfriends ever!!

August 29th was the ground breaking ceremony for The Bridge Fellowship. We have been attending The Bridge for a little over a year and have loved every second!! It has been amazing to watch the church grow and we are thrilled that we will have our very own building soon!!!

Emory listening very intently to Pastor Phil

Honestly I was trying to get them talking, but she went to give a kiss as I was taking the picture!

She insisted on holding the shovel

We staked the ground with wooden stakes with the names of people we would like see come to Christ. The stakes will be buried below the entrance foundation.

Actually breaking ground.

What a crazy past few weeks!!!

Meet Baby Baxter

2010-08-11T13:05:00.005-05:00

I love this picture. It's like Garrett is saying "on the phone again?!"

We decided they were old enough to make their own lunch.

Baby William Baxter, 6 weeks

Aren't they the cutest?!

The proud big brother!

She's such a little mama! When we took Baxter back from her she cried!

Another playdate and more pictures! :) I love these kids, they are so darn cute! Kate and I are wondering if arranged marriages are still okay! We had a great time and I got to hold Baxter and and let him sleep on me, so sweet, almost makes me want another one! ;)

Reason #102 Why We Love Nashville...

2010-08-08T16:29:00.003-05:00

There are 2 large lakes within 10 minutes of our house!!! Since Katie and Aylssa were coming to visit we decided to go to the lake today and spend some time relaxing in the water. It's been so stinkin' hot lately, it was nice to get out on the water and cool off a little. Emory LOVES the water now and wants to go swimming all the time. Works for me!! Now we just need a boat!

Kolton Turns One!!!

2010-08-08T16:05:00.006-05:00

Maddie and Emory chasing bubbles.

To get her to look at the camera, I told her Katie and Alyssa were here...they weren't, but she looked up!

HEARTBREAKER!!!

Not so sure about all this!

Once he had a taste of the cake it was all over after that...no stopping him!

Duck, Duck, Goose

Us and the Birthday Boy!!

Kolton turned one!!! I really can't believe that it has been a year already! That means we've know Cheryl and Travis for over 3 years now! Time flies! Happy Birthday Big Man...We love you!!

My Goofy Child

2010-07-27T19:51:00.003-05:00

A few pictures from the past few months.

She LOVES corn on the cob...can you tell?!

No idea why she did this!

"One, two, free..."

She was watering my leg to keep me cool!

She wasn't a fan of Chuck-E-Cheese. I can hardly blame her, I wasn't a fan myself!

July 4th 2010

2010-07-08T11:16:00.005-05:00

Blue was asleep shortly after this picture.

She was really excited about the fireworks.

Watching with her daddy.

Enjoying homemade peach ice cream after the fireworks.

It was a long weekend but a good one. Friday night...late...we loaded up and headed to Jacksonville, AL arriving around 12:30am. Did Emory sleep? No! In fact she was up until 1am visiting with Gee. I'm glad my child is so well adjusted. Saturday we headed to the lake around lunch time. Chase had gotten up early and gone fishing with his dad so it was just Nancy, Emory, and me. Once at the lake Jamie and I got lunch together, homemade BBQ and sides...so YUMMY!! Jamie and I decided to take on the food for the weekend to allow Nancy time with her grandkids. It was a lot of work but it was a lot of fun too and we out did ourselves if I do say so myself!! :) Saturday night was fireworks on the Lake. We took the boat out on the water to watch. I was little worried Emory would be frightened by the noise but she LOVED every second. She kept saying "that one was pretty!" or "that was cool." It was cute. Not a day has gone by since then that she hasn't ask to see more fireworks!

Sunday was much of the same, lake then good food. Monday we headed home after lunch. It was great getting to spend time with family, but like always, it was great to get back home!

The Next Piccaso?

2010-07-08T10:57:00.003-05:00

I don't know if she got more paint on herself or the board.

The finished product. The BBE is Bennett, Blue, and Emory.

A few years back, Chase got this idea in his head to make a disc for the lake. The first one he made, he painted white and let Will and Claire decorate it. This time it was Emory's turn to paint...and she LOVED it! I tried to help but she painted over anything I did. So the purpose of the disc? Well, we pull it behind the Seadoo very slowly, like 10mph, and the rider can sit on it or stand and spin around. It is actually fun. I wish I had taken some pictures of it in action, but since I was driving the Seadoo at the time, I couldn't. Oh well, maybe next time!

Summer Parties

2010-06-21T17:02:00.004-05:00

She ate a lot of marshmallows that night!

There's that love/hate relationship again! :)

and she ate a bowl of ice cream...i almost left her at Jessica's!! Surprisingly though she passed out as soon as we got home...despite all the sugar she had!

This is the child that hates the pool but LOVES the trampoline! I don't get it!

Emory LOVE her Coley!

Every other week this summer we are getting together with our lifegroup to fellowship, so expect more posts like this!

Is it too Early to Start Planning the Wedding?!

2010-06-21T16:37:00.004-05:00

Roughly once a week, Kate and I get Garrett and Emory together for a playdate. I love these times because it give the kids a chance to play and it also gives Kate and i a chance to have a little adult time! Two weeks before Father's Day, we took them to a new pottery place in Providence to make gifts for the daddy's. Both the kids picked out mugs and decorated them with their favorite colors. They turned out great and I think the dad's will always cherish them! What better gift can you get them, then something made by your children!! :)

This past Friday we drove out to Kate's house. She is a ticking time bomb at this point with baby Baxter and doesn't want to go far from home. Not to mention she doesn't really have the energy to chase a 2 year old out in public. I can't blame her, I hardly have the energy and I am not 9 months pregnant!! Anyway, we set up the baby pool and sand and water table, put our chairs in the shade and let the kids have fun! This may be the last one of these for a little while since baby Baxter will be making his debut next week!!! YAY!!

Our Pool Adventures

2010-06-21T16:23:00.002-05:00

As most of you know, Emory is not exactly the most adventurous child! She comes by it honest though, neither am I! However, I have NEVER been afraid of the water. I was "swimming" by 18 months. Emory on the other hand just wants to look cute in a bathing suit. We went to the pool the other day with a friend of mine from work. We were there for about 4 hours, and it took Emory about 3 to get use to the idea of being in the "big bath." She was jumping in and loving it until these big kids came in and paid NO attention to the 2 year old that was near by. I mean seriously, they were jumping in right nest to her. So needless to say, we didn't last long after that. Overall I think we are getting better at the pool thing. I just have to keep introducing it to her!!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-21T11:32:00.008-05:00

The boys being boys...

The girls being girls...

Emory had to do everything that Gracyn did.

Rachel fishing out the evidence :)

Because of this scene there is now a love/hate relationship between these 3! They are always watching their backs!

Rachel, after Chase dumped her onto the deflating wet slide!

Apparently the girls were not watching their backs close enough, Chase managed to drench both of them!

Courtney, Hailey, and Emory waiting on the movie to start.

So this post is a little out of order but I had forgotten that I hadn't blogged about this. I thought it had been my last post but I was wrong! Oh well! I know I have said this before but I LOVE our church family. We have truly made life long friends with these people and I know that I can count on them for ANYTHING!!! My favorite part is that we can be ourselves at this church! There's no fakeness and people are accepted regardless of their wrongdoings...which should be the case for every church, but we all know that isn't true!! Anyway...memorial day weekend was a nice relaxing weekend. We spent Saturday afternoon at a friend's house grilling yummy food and talking. Sunday of course was church and Sunday night we took Emory to see her first feature length film...at the drive in..."Shrek: The Final Chapter." It was pretty cute and Emory loved it since she is slightly OBSESSED with Shrek right now. (and when I mean obsessed, I mean I have seen that movie at least once a day for the last 3 weeks...sometimes twice a day!) At one point in the movie she yelled "mommy, shrek is naked!" He did have on shorts, but a bare chest to her means naked! Just what I wanted my 2-year old daughter yelling out for everyone to hear! The Parkers joined us at the movie. Since it was a late night Chase and I were lucky enough to have Emory sleep in the next morning until 1045! I know we're spoiled! Actual Memorial Day was spent with just the three of us!

10 Year High School Reunion

2010-06-21T09:16:00.010-05:00

I am SOOO far behind in blogging...oops! I plan on spending the morning catching up and getting everything blogged from the past month!

I am starting with my high school reunion. If I was honest with myself, I would say that I was a little apprehensive about this trip. I didn't really know what to expect and if it would be any fun. It was and I had a great time...Chase was a little bored but I think most of the spouses were in the same boat. That's ok I will be there next year when Chase has his. So late afternoon on Friday, Chase and Emory and I loaded up the truck and made the trek to Birmingham for the fun filled weekend!

I graduated with 270 students and we had close to 100 (+/- a few) attend. The first night was at the Wine Loft on 1st Ave North. It was a great atmosphere and gave everyone a chance to talk because it was MUCH quieter than our Saturday venue.

Notice Chris, Jess's husband, in the background.

Much better...no photo bomber!

Saturday afternoon was a picnic in the park for the families. It was nice to get together with everyone and meet their children. We've of course seen pictures of everyone's children on facebook but it was nice to meet them. Aside from the heat, it was a very nice time. We had to finish the afternoon off with a trip to Doodles...one of the many food/dessert places I miss most about Birmingham.

Saturday night was a banquet at the Rouge Tavern. It was the dressy-er of the three events and it was nice to get dressed up since I don't do it often. Two night in a row I was out until 2am...that NEVER happens! One night maybe but definitely not two! I was exhausted but I kept thinking, "I haven't seen most of these people since the night of graduation 10 years a go and chance are it will be another 10 years before I see them again!" So I stayed out late!!

The Class of 2000

The Cahaba Heights group

A toast to the weekend and the class of 2000

While I was at home I was able to locate a few pictures from the past. Since digital photography did not quiet exists while I was in high school, I had to spend time looking through actual pictures! Anyway, here are a few of my friends and me from high school.

Junior Prom

Becky and me the night of graduation

Senior Christmas Party...Jessica, Beth, Becky and Me.

It was a GREAT trip and I look forward to the reunion in another 10 years!!

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T19:56:00.002-05:00

This year we stayed at our home and it was so nice!! We had a wonderful weekend all together. Sunday I woke up to roses in a vase and cards on the counter. Chase made French toast for breakfast, then we headed to the late service at church. I am reminded each week how much I love our church! We spent Sunday lunch at 5 guys, then headed home to play outside in the beautiful weather!! I won't bore you with all the details of our day but we had a WONDERFULLY relaxing day.

I LOVE being a mother! Emory is the most amazing little girl and I am so blessed to be her mommy! This is by far the hardest, most exhausting, wonderful job I've ever had!! :) Thank you Emory for making me a mommy! I love you with all that I am!

Nashville Flood

2010-05-10T19:36:00.003-05:00

As many of you know, Nashville was hit pretty hard last week by LOTS of rain, 13 inches to be exact! All the rain brought significant flooding, where there were little creeks, they became raging rivers, the lakes filled and threatened to spill over the dams, and the Cumberland River resembled the Mighty Mississippi when it was all said and done!! Luckily we were spared and had no flood damage, but so many people were not. Nashville, however, was amazing! As soon as the raining stopped people were out helping where ever they could. Many people helping strangers. The devastation the rising waters left behind was astounding. To see the pictures doesn't give it justice. Chase took a few Sunday evening when he had to go check on things at work.

What kills me is that Wednesday, I got off work early so I went to pick Emory up from daycare. However, it took me twice as long to get there because the way I usually go was still very much flooded!! Crazy! Chase said the Volvo dealership by his office had cars piled on top of each other Monday where the water had just moved them around!! Despite all this, Nashville has been so positive and everyone has been willing to help out anyway they can!!

2 Year Stats

2010-05-10T13:57:00.002-05:00

So this is a little late, since we went to the doctor about three weeks ago!! Oh well, better late than never!

Weight: 29lbs 4ozs, 40th percentile
Height: 34.5 inches, 25th percentile

As far as what she's doing...everything! Her vocabulary astounds me some days and the things she can comprehend amazes me. Now, we might be a little partial! She loves to cook in her kitchen (as I type she's telling me she's making pancakes), color, work puzzles, and read books. Everything is a cell phone and she "talks" all day to her grandparents! I'm so glad the weather as gotten better because she LOVES to be outside and would spend all day out there, however, the bugs love her too! She's just too sweet!

It's been awhile...

2010-05-10T12:49:00.002-05:00

So the weekend before the flood we had a grown up game day planned with Kate and Baxter. Originally the plan was to come to our house and hang out there for the day. We switched to Kate and Baxter's house last minute because there were tornadoes predicted for Saturday, and they have a basement. Little did we know the weather that weekend was going to be mild compared to what was to come!! Anyway. The idea behind these days are to run the kids until they are exhausted, then put them down for a nap and then we get adult time without interruption. It is great!! We usually get about 2 hours of game time and adult conversation before the kids are up and ready to go again.

Two Years Ago Today

2010-04-13T22:35:00.004-05:00

Just minutes old!

1 year!

Today!

I seriously can not believe that my baby is 2 years old. I said it last year, but I can completely understand why my mother calls me every year to tell me what she was doing "__ years ago." I really did spend most of the day recalling where we were in the process of getting Emory here. I spent the rest of the day watching my 2 year old, in sheer amazement, at how beautiful she is and what a wonderful and perfect gift she is from God! He truly blessed my life in words I can not find, when he gave me her!!

She has grown up SO much and even in the last week she has learned so much and taught me so much more. We are trying to introduce potty training, which I can tell already, I'm going to hate!! Also having a 2 year old has shown me which words I say a lot around her...why? because she repeats EVERYTHING we say now. Her new favorite word is "ok." She must say it 50 times a day. But since she has started using the word, I have caught myself saying it a lot as well. Her independence is growing and I love to watch her discover she can do something without my help. Yes, It hurts a little but the amount of pride and joy I feel when I see her doing it, completely clouds the hurt!

Being a mother is the most amazing job I have ever and will ever have in my lifetime!

She's TWO!!!

2010-04-13T17:33:00.007-05:00

Both babies had to come with us to the zoo.

The fish were a BIG hit with these two.

Snack break.

Colt wasn't too interested in the animals.

Callie liked the petting zoo until one of the baby goats started to run towards both girls...they were over it after that!

We had to ride the carousel twice. She LOVES that thing!!!

Playing outside while daddy mowed the lawn before dinner.

"Happy Birthday to Emory..."

Little bit of sass in this picture!!

My Preschooler...that's what my email from Babycenter said today...my preschooler...it use to say "my baby," then "my toddler." Not sure I'm ready for a preschooler!! Ha! We had a great day! Emory and I met Rachel with Callie and Colt at the zoo and spent most of the morning there. We were suppose to meet at 10 but the birthday girl didn't wake up until 9:45 because that's when I finally I woke her up!

For it being April, it was pretty hot, but the Nashville Zoo is designed VERY well and has LOTS of shade! Since it was her birthday I did let her get a stuffed animal at the gift shop. It's a tiger but she calls it "meow" because she thinks it's a cat. I guess she right in a way!! After spending a long, hot morning at the zoo we both needed naps when we got home. I slept for 1.5 hours and she slept for 3.5. We ended the day with dinner as a family followed by cupcakes and ice cream. Happy Birthday Emory!!! We love you SOOOO much!

We had a Party

2010-04-11T08:44:00.003-05:00

I can not believe it...my baby is turning TWO!!! When did she grow up???? Yesterday was Emory's 2nd birthday party. I don't know if she really knew that all the people were here to see her, all she cared about was them actually being here. I had told her at the beginning of the week that Papa and Nita and Gee and Dude were going to be coming to see her, mainly because she asks about them on a daily basis. Yesterday morning when she finally woke up at 1030 the first thing she said was "Tita, Papa, Gee, Dude?" Not "hi mommy" or "love you mommy" like I usually get! All she was concerned about was her grandparents!! :) At last they know she loves them!!

The party was a Hawaii/Aloha theme and it turned out so cute. I went earlier this week to get decorations at Hobby Lobby and Party City and everything was on sale...it was a sign! Last year I cooked the food we had at the party, but this year I was willing to pay in order to keep my sanity intact and my kitchen as clean as possible. We ordered Corky's BBQ, which was SO good and my parents picked it up on their way into town. I ordered the cake from Publix and I was a little nervous about it but it turned out VERY cute and was VERY tasty. I thought we would have a lot leftover but it was so good we put a BIG dent in it! The leftovers are going to daycare with her on Monday.

Overall we had a great party and a wonderful time with our friends and family. Emory LOVED all her gifts and I was very appreciative of all the clothes she got...less summer clothes shopping for me! Thank you everyone who made the drive and thank you for celebrating this beautiful, sweet, baby...I mean big girl's, birthday!!

Easter Weekend 2010

2010-04-04T22:55:00.008-05:00

The Egg Hunt at TBF:

She had to ride the choo choo first thing!

And once again with mommy.

Emory was a pro at the Egg "grab." She quickly learned to set her basket down and use both hands to pick up eggs!!

Checking out her loot.

Dying Easter Eggs for the first time.

Look what the Easter Bunny brought.

We were running late, so we had to wait and do Easter Bunny stuff after church.

Kolton and Cheryl joined us for lunch.

What a WONDERFUL weekend!!! Since we've been out of town so much lately we, of course, haven't been to our church in awhile. I had forgotten how much I loved our church and didn't realize how much I've missed it, until today! It was a wonderful service and I got to spend the weekend with my little family and enjoyed EVERY second! He has risen indeed!

Gatlinburg...The Redneck Riviera

2010-04-04T22:16:00.005-05:00

This is what we woke up too! Absolutely beautiful!!

The Space Needle...the one touristy thing we did!

Yep that is snow and I'm wearing short sleeves!

Oh yeah and Chase skied and snowboarded...in short sleeves!

The whole group...Thanks Frank for being a good sport and letting us take the picture!

The chalet...all the boys have the same truck...too funny!

This made us laugh...as soon as we passed the sign though our GPS did say "recalculating" haha!!

Last weekend was our last weekend to travel for a while. Every weekend in March we were out of town for something. All things that we WANTED to do but after awhile traveling gets old. We had a great time in Gatlinburg. We met Katie and Frank up there LATE Friday night and stayed until Sunday morning. It was a quick trip but still fun and relaxing. I haven't been to Gatlinburg in a long time and I had forgotten how touristy it is. I think it's gotten worse since my last trip!! The best part was of course staying in the chalet away from everything, but getting to it always makes my heart skip a beat or two...geez those roads are windy! Waking up in the mountains is so calming and relaxing. Can't wait for the next trip!!

Spring Break 2010

2010-03-28T16:23:00.012-05:00

This post is long over due but we hit the ground running as soon as we got home!

So...Spring Break 2010 was wonderful. It was the first Spring Break we've actually taken since we graduated from college and it was a MUCH needed vacation. We left Nashville late Friday night and drove to Birmingham and left from there on Saturday to caravan to the beach with my family.

We were stopped in traffic for 45 minutes with the engine off so we thought we would Emory out of her seat. She thought it was great until we had to put her back in!!

The first night there was dinner at Mikey's, one of our favorite places, because after a day of traveling, no one wanted to cook.

The rest of the week was spent relaxing and eating in. We had great weather minus one nasty, cold, rainy day, which we spent shopping. The only other issue we ran into was wind! Since we stayed at a private house, there were very few people around, so we weren't in with the big spring break crowd unless we walked down the beach.

SUNDAY: Fishing on the Pier...A windy adventure! Emory thought the sand was snow! Sunday morning she looked out the window and said "Mommy it snowed!"

MONDAY: Beach Day

TUESDAY: Another Beach Day

My mom comes into my room and says..."There are 3 grown men blowing bubbles for 1 little boy!" He loved every second!

Another round of "ring around the rosie" before bath and bed. If only they knew what that song is REALLY about!

WEDNESDAY: Cole, Mandy, and Payton's last morning and Outlet Shopping day...also St Patty's day!

THURSDAY: Grant and Rand came to visit...Putt-Putt night

Katie Wins...by one stroke!

Grant was upset he lost!

FRIDAY: Best Day on the Beach...perfect weather and great company!

Goodbye Gulf Shores!! Until next year!

Choosing Battles

2010-03-10T20:53:00.003-06:00

So I thought this would come later, but apparently it starts at age two! We actually left the house with her dressed like this. It was pretty cute, but I felt like I needed to explain to everyone we came in contact with, why I let my child leave the house wearing her PJs over her jeans and t-shirt! This was not a battle I wanted to fight. When I was getting her dressed this morning she insisted on putting her PJs back on. Apparently she was not ready to be dressed for the day. If I tried to take them off she screamed! I've always heard "choose your battles" and this one was not worth fighting! At least it will make for a good laugh!!

Big Girl!

2010-03-02T11:23:00.001-06:00

This morning Emory insisted on having the EXACT same breakfast as me. Cherrios, banana, and milk. She ate every last bite and drank every drop of milk!

Date Night

2010-03-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

Saturday Chase and I had the opportunity, thanks to our babysitting pool and my sister, to have a double date with Kate and Baxter. First it was dinner at Bricktops with no screaming children, we actually tasted our food, and took our time!! So nice. The things you take for granted before you have children! Next was Dave and Busters at Opry Mills. We raced cars, played "pop-a-shot," and bowled. Now I know the scores aren't that impressive. The reason for taking the picture is to have proof that Kate beat both boys, I tied with Baxter, and beat Chase!! We had a great evening, it was LONG overdue!! Can't wait to plan another one!

One Warm Winter Day

2010-03-02T10:52:00.001-06:00

She was trying hard to help her daddy.

She couldn't wait...Daddy had gone inside to grab something and she hopped in...the door fell off when she opened it but she didn't care.

Ready to ride!!!

The weather teased us but it was SO nice while it lasted. Since it was warm last Sunday, we decided to put together Emory's Cozy Coupe she got for Christmas. It has been too cold up until last Sunday and everyday since to ride in it but she LOVES it and ask if she can ride everyday! Oh I'm SO ready for warm weather!!

Bedtime Routine

2010-02-25T21:01:00.002-06:00

With every admission at the hospital we ask the families a series of questions. One of the questions is "Does the patient have any bedtime routines?" Tonight I asked that question to my patient's mother and smiled because now I really understand the question. Emory has always been a great sleeper but this week she has started insisting she ride on her daddy's back like a horse! It is the cutest thing and it makes us laugh every time!!

Adventures in Babysitting

2010-02-20T21:30:00.004-06:00

The boys, Chase and Parker, didn't want to have their picture taken...so they hid!

Sweet baby Vance

Vance and Parker shootin' some hoops.

Haley, Courtney, and Emory playing in the kitchen.

Courtney and Haley
I think they were suppose to be making a funny face.

Isn't he so cute!?

Emory helping entertain Vance.

Addie insisted I take a picture of her like this!

Emory trying to be sneaky and get more Goldfish.

Our Lifegroup at our church decided to start a babysitting pool. There are five families with a total of 10 kids. We keep one Saturday then we have four Saturdays that we can have free childcare and a date! So, 4 hours of babysitting for 16 hours of "us" time! Not a bad trade. This was the first week and Chase and I were the ones to keep tonight. We had 6 of the kids this week. I couldn't help but take a few pictures of the kiddos. We actually had a great time and the kids were well behaved. It was a little overwhelming but not too bad. :) Can't wait for our date night next weekend!

Singing Sensation

2010-02-15T10:08:00.002-06:00

Please excuse my singing in the background!!

Big Weekend

2010-02-14T17:31:00.004-06:00

Last weekend was mine and Chase's first time away from Emory since she was born!! I know, I know she's almost 2 but I hate being away from her. That said, it was a MUCH needed night away and I don't even think she knew we were gone! Ha! We, Emory and I, started the weekend off by going to the art museum with Garrett and Kate. They have a children's section that allowed them to run around and paint and color and play with blocks. They loved it and were not thrilled when we made them leave to go eat lunch.

After lunch Emory and I drove to meet my parents in Athens (halfway to Bham) to drop Emory off with them. Friday night was the marriage retreat with our church, The Bridge Fellowship. Oddly enough the hotel we were staying at for the retreat happen to be the same hotel where the AOII Leadership Institute was being held! I had sister all over the place! Ha! Not to mention, my actually sister was there for LI. Small world! Anyway, 91 couples attended and we had a great time.

Our name tags told who we belonged to! Ha!

Scott, Rachel, Leslie, Artie

The group dancing...everyone knows I don't dance, hence the reason I am behind the camera!

Kim and Trey

Leslie and Me

After the retreat, we loaded up and headed to Birmingham baby and dog free!!! It was such a peaceful 3 hour drive! That night was Sue and Leo's wedding shower (no pictures, left the camera in the car, oops), then to my parents house to see our sweet angel. She was happy to see us but was quickly distracted by her previous activity!

Overall, it was a great weekend and a much needed break!

More Snow!!

2010-01-29T18:49:00.000-06:00

This was more of a snow day then the last! It has been snowing since about 9 this morning and actually started to really stick to the ground around 11! They say the real accumulation will be this evening and throughout the night. I can't wait to see what it looks like in the morning!! Our plan is to go to a friend's house in Brentwood mid-morning. Hopefully the snow won't keep us away!! Oh and the "sled" Emory is riding, is the top to a Rubbermaid container that Chase drilled to holes in and tied a rope too! Redneck sledding!! (He owes me a new container!)

The Past Few Days

2010-01-24T22:31:00.001-06:00

Emory and baby Colt. She absolutely loves him.

She has discovered the computer!!

Anytime I'm on the computer now she climbs up in my lap and request that I put the Elmo game on. What is it about that red, furry puppet?!

I don't know what got her started on doing this, but it's pretty cute!!

So Proud!!

2010-01-24T16:21:00.002-06:00

I didn't take a picture...which now I'm wishing I had...but Emory pooped and pee peed in the potty all by herself last night!!!! For the last month or so she has been interested in sitting on the potty but not so much going on the potty. She just wanted to pretend to go and then wipe. Well, last night, while we were watching the UAB basketball game she wanted to go sit on the potty. For whatever reason, she is under the impression she needs to be naked to do so. Anyway, she come up to me and said "mommy, I want to go tee tee." I said ok let's go. She then proceeded to try and take her shirt off, which I told her was not necessary, then she tried to take off her diaper and pants together. Anyway, she walked down the hall and she sat on her potty, then she got up, then she'd sit back down. I asked her if she was done and she said no. I told her I was going to go finish watching the game and left her on the potty. I didn't really think she'd do anything. She came into the living room a few minutes later and said "all done mommy." So I put a clean diaper on her and didn't think anything of it. Five minutes later my mom went back to the bathroom to get ready for bed and said, "Umm, Erin, there's poop in her potty!" We were so proud of her and I think she was a little confused as to why...we did have a little bit of a delayed reaction! Ha! She hasn't wanted to sit on the potty since last night but at least we're getting there!

21 Months

2010-01-14T23:14:00.002-06:00

I know I skipped the 20 month update but not much has changed. I really do this for me so that I can look back and say when she did what. So here it goes...

-Wt: 26 lbs
-Ht: 33.5 inches
- She celebrated her 2nd Christmas and it was SO much fun!
- Favorite phrase: "No Mommy!" Not cool by the way!!
- I want to start potty training her but I don't know that I have the patience for it right now. We have a little potty but all she wants to do is sit on it and pretend then use the toliet paper to wipe. At least she's somewhat interested.
- She has recently started dropping food off her highchair, looking down at it, saying "uh-oh" then proceeds to call for Belle (our little dog). Smart kid.
-On the flip side of that...she also likes to intentionally put food on the floor, as if she is offering it the dogs, and then gets angry and yells at them when they eat it. Poor dogs, they are so confused!
-She's still obsessed with the phone. Anything is a phone! She will have full conversations with herself. It's pretty funny to listen to. I really need to get it on video.
-One more thing I need to get on video...her singing her "ABC's" She must sing that song 30 times a day. As do I!
-I started to purge us of the toys in our house the other day and Emory kept coming up and taking things out she hadn't played with in months!! She would grab it from me and say "No Mommy." When she wasn't looking I would take it back and throw it in the bin!! They are now safe and sound in the attic. She hasn't missed them one bit!
-Recently she has become hard to get to bed. I guess we were due at some point since she's been so good up until now. For instance, tonight I put her in her bed at 8:30pm and I don't think she actually fell asleep until 10pm. Tonight was actually a good night. There wasn't any screaming and crying. Just fussing and calling out to us every minute or so hoping we would come and get her! The nights before she's slept in our bed or gone to sleep in her bed only to wake up screaming in the middle of the night and moved to our bed! It also takes A LOT of reassuring that we are still here. The door has to stay open now and the lamp in the bathroom has to be on because it shines into her room. I also have to stand by her crib and sing songs then slowly walk out of her room! Any suggestions!?!?

I think there is more but I'm getting tired and can't think straight.

The past 21 months have been wonderful and I thank God for her everyday! She has been such a joy and wonderful blessing to our lives!!

Welcome Back Merriss!

2010-01-14T22:58:00.004-06:00

Patrick came home safe and sound in mid-December and last Friday night we were able to get down to Birmingham to see him and Meghan and celebrate his safe return with wonderful friends. These are the times I miss Birmingham!!!

Time with Friends

2010-01-14T22:47:00.004-06:00

They had so much fun riding around on this thing. I promise we didn't even stage this. Emory got on the back all by herself.

Last weekend we spent the day over at Kate and Baxter's house to let the kids play and let the adults hang out during nap time. As always the kiddos were so cute and played very well together. They even took a pretty good nap and gave us time to play Sequence...I forgot how much fun games can be!

After nap time we built the kids a fort out of the pillows on the couch and let them run out any energy they were storing for later. Then it was snack time...grapes and cheese. They both insisted on eating their grapes with a spoon!

Snow Day 2010

2010-01-14T22:40:00.004-06:00

Chase and Emory's snowman from the night before.

She was trying to color the snow with her sidewalk chalk

Well, it was a snow day to the state of Tennessee at least. I didn't think that Emory would have any interest in playing in the snow. Mainly because I would make her wear her hat and gloves, and she's never been a big fan. I was wrong. She found her hat and gloves while I was ironing an pack our clothes for our trip to Birmingham and insisted she put them on. She kept telling me "snow mommy." I told her we would go after I was done packing everything for our trip. The third time she come to me I gave in and we went and played outside in the freezing cold!!! Apparently she is impervious to cold, mommy however is not, so we didn't stay out too long!

Bath Time Fun!!

2010-01-06T19:23:00.002-06:00

We had to do something with all that hair!!! These are the pictures that we will use to embarrass her later in life!! Haha!

Happy New Year and Happy Birthday to Me!

2010-01-03T21:11:00.002-06:00

I haven't really considered what my New Year's Resolutions are going to be this year but I feel the need to make a few. So I'm going to make it up as I go...

1) Start a devotion time. I have the book but it's finding the 15 minutes to do it everyday. It makes my day SO much better when I do sit down to do one. you would think that would encourage me to do it everyday. I'm kinda hoping that since I'm writing it down that I will be held accountable now!

2) I could say lose weight but I usually get an eye roll when I say that one so I will say...start a work out routine...or at least do something everyday. I really just want to get my energy level back up. Chasing after a toddler everyday is wearing me down!! :)

3) Be more money wise. Enough said.

I think that's enough for right now...I might come up with more as the month progresses.

Anyway...moving on! Today was my 28th birthday and it has been a wonderful day. Katie and Jordan and another one of Katie's friends came to town Saturday night so they have been here today too. This morning Chase cooked breakfast, French Toast and waffles and bacon, it was so yummy! We just laid around most of the morning then headed out to have lunch just the three of us while the girls went shopping. Now, the advantage to Katie being here...DATE NIGHT!! Chase and I went to see Sherlock Holmes and then went and had a quiet dinner and took our time eating. It was so nice to get out and spend quality time with each other! The movie was very good, the only issue was the theater was freezing. The high today was only 28 so I guess it was too cold to truly heat the big theater the movie was showing in. We kept our coats on the whole time...my feet are still trying to defrost! Dinner was sushi...yummm! I've been wanting sushi for a while but it's hard to go get sushi with a little one...mainly because there usually isn't anything she can eat too!

It's been a great new year so far and we are looking forward to the rest of 2010!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

4 Christmases

2009-12-31T20:54:00.011-06:00

***WARNING: This is a VERY long post with LOTS of pictures!!***

Yes we had 4 Christmases, starting the weekend before Christmas. In an effort to see everyone we drove everywhere! I think next year we are staying put! I say that now but I know it will be different when the time comes. Anyway...

We started January 19th in Cullman, AL. This was my mother's side of the family. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch then spent time as a family opening gifts. This Christmas was so much fun this year because Emory actually enjoyed opening the gifts herself and then playing with the toys she got. My favorite gift from the Cullman trip were my Twilight books!!! Now I can read them anytime I want and I don't have to bug anyone to do so! Thanks Gran.

This was the second attempt at this picture. The first one had more of the picture above the sofa then us! Oh Mom...I guess we know Katie didn't get her photography skills from you!

If you turn your head to the side, this picture is perfect! :)

She stole a Hershey's Kiss when she thought no one was watching!!

Mom had a little trouble opening this gift.

Mom asked for a bird bath for her backyard...this is what Gran gave her...and the real bird bath she said was too heavy to wrap and bring in the house. Mom's reaction was priceless "Look Doug, we got a birdbath." Hehe...clever Gran, very clever! :)

Cheese!

Bailey and Emory.

Yep...Katie got a Snuggie!!

Next was Our Christmas. I had to work Christmas Eve but was lucky enough to be off Christmas Day. Christmas Eve I was giving Emory a bath before bedtime and asked her if she knew who was coming to see her. When I told her Santa, she said "no mommy" I guess she was having flash backs from the picture attempt with Santa! Christmas morning she seemed to think this Santa guy was getting better! She loved her Barbie ATV. I thought she might be a little timid on it at first. I mean the Sunday before she was scared of the bouncy blow up thing at church and Christmas morning she went "off-roading" in her ATV...go figure!

She was so excited to see that it moved!!

She had to wear her boots the second she got up

Opening her pots and pans for her kitchen.

She really wanted to open her Lipsmackers!

After we had a relaxing morning at our house, we loaded up and headed to Jacksonville, AL to visit Chase's family. Emory has a DVD player to entertain her during trips. The last trip we took she insisted on watching "Favorite Nursery Rhymes" over and over again...this trip was no different. Even though she was so excited to get an Elmo DVD and a Thomas DVD in her stocking!! Chase and I entertained ourselves with my iPod. We started in Murfreesboro listening to "Alligator Pie" by Dave Matthews on my iPod ( a song for Chase) then we were going to switch to the radio but I wanted to hear "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz. So we started our quest. There are 884 songs on my iPod...808 songs later (after we had stopped to listen to other songs along the way) and we are pulling into my in-laws driveway, we find my song. We stayed in the car just to finish listening to it!!! Emory really racked up on gifts here and we had a great time with our family! Friday evening was spent with family and friends and Saturday morning was for shopping!

She stole this from me on the way to Jacksonville!

Emory's loot!!

Blue and Emory saying hello.

Bennett teaching Emory how to play his new game.

Aunt Haley with the girls Saturday morning.

Saturday afternoon we loaded up again (putting Emory's gifts on the 5x8 trailer we brought down with us) and headed to Holly Pond, AL to start round two with my side of the family. After a short stop to shop along the way we ended up at my aunt's house just before 6:30pm. Every year the Freeman side of the family (my mom's mom's side) meets to spend time with each other and celebrate Christmas. Later that night we loaded up again and made the hour trip to Birmingham to sleep and wake up again to have another "Christmas morning." After opening gifts, the girls decided to go spend their Christmas money and pick out some cute clothes!! I was able to get a lot of really cute things, but now I don't know what to spend my birthday money on because now I don't need clothes...don't worry, I'll think of something!! :) After dinner we made a bonfire in the backyard to try out Katie's funky flames we gave her. Then it was time to head back to Nashville. We had a wonderful time and hated to leave so soon!

Emory and Payton's picnic in Amelia's living room floor.

Rawlin wasn't too happy that Emory decided to join him in his car!

During the annual family picture at the Freeman Christmas, Emory and Payton entertained themselves by jumping up and down on their daddy's shoulders!

Lining up all the cars he received.

Checking out her fruit cutting kit from Mandy and Cole.

Will and Payton

Doing what kids do best...jumping on the bed!

We told them to lay down and take a nap...they listened fairly well!!

Trying to stay warm while they built the fire.

Emory wasn't to thrilled about this picture!

If you look closely you can see the green flames at the bottom!

After the bonfire, the kids came in to warm up...this is where we found them.

Cheese!

And finally a family picture for Christmas 2009. Emory wasn't happy about this picture either!!

It was a long and exhausting Christmas but a WONDERFUL and family oriented Christmas as well and I wouldn't have traded a second to be anywhere else!! It was so great to see everyone we did. Thank you so much for everything! We love you! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Past and Present

2009-12-22T13:41:00.004-06:00

Christmas 2008

Christmas 2009

So last year Santa wasn't a big deal. When I say big deal I mean, Emory didn't mind him last year. She even smiled in the pictures. This year was a COMPLETELY different story. This child is SO NOT adventurous (I blame myself for that). The picture above is the second attempt at a Santa picture. The first time was at our church at the beginning of December. I had to work but Chase attempted without success. I thought that maybe he wasn't trying hard enough (well, I guess being mean enough really) and that I would be able to get the picture, no problem. Well, with minimal tears. HA! So Nancy (my mother-in-law) and I went to Bass pro shop at Opry Mills yesterday to get the yearly Santa picture. We waited in line for about 40 minutes and the whole time Emory was talking about Santa. Not necessarily that she wanted to see him, but she would tell you that Santa says "Ho, Ho, Ho." When we got to the front of the line I passed off my purse to Nancy, in case I had to be in the picture, and then the tears started. She had a clear view of Santa and a clear picture of what was about to happen...She was going to have to sit in that scary man's lap!! He was a great Santa and very understanding. I guess he has to be when part of the children population hates to sit in his lap!! At first Emory just cried but as I started to walk towards Santa, the tears turned to screams, LOUD screams!! I think the whole store went quiet, because you would have thought someone was trying to kill her, not try and get a picture with Santa. I wish I had had the video camera so that I can show her next year how crazy she was. As you can see I ended up in the picture as well. There was no pealing her off of me to get her into his lap. She wasn't having any part of it!! Hopefully next year will be better! :)

Tis' the Season

2009-12-16T13:59:00.003-06:00

I think I'm done...decorations are up, presents are bought (not wrapped, but at least purchased), goodies baked to send to Chase's work...I think that was all on my list!! Today is also my mom's birthday so I had to get her a birthday present too! I tell myself every year that I am going to start getting gifts for people in October, and every year I wait until the last minute and spend entirely too much money at once!!! Ugh!

I also have tried to take Christmas pictures of Emory but she thinks it's hilarious to be all cute and smilely when the camera isn't around and then run the other way as soon as I get it out! If only I had my sister's camera! The pictures above are an attempt to get a few cute pictures. I was going to put one on our Christmas card but never got one that would work, so the card is just a picture of the three of us...which I finally ordered and will hopefully have in the mail next week.

Apparently, one paci wasn't enough!

The last two pictures are just because. Isn't she a cutie!! A complete mess, but SO much fun!

Baby Fever

2009-12-10T09:32:00.000-06:00

For Emory not me!! Ha ha! She has recently become obsessed with babies and loves anything to do with them. Last Saturday, while Cheryl and Travis were at our house, we decided to let Emory try and "hold" Kolton. She was so excited!! She kept trying to give him his paci and kept saying "mommy, baby!" Isn't he the cutest thing...look at those thighs!!

Turkey Day 2009

2009-12-07T13:30:00.010-06:00

I know, I know, Thanksgiving was almost two weeks ago, but we were out of town SO much that when we got home I had SO much to do here, that blogging was not at the top of the "to do" list.

Ok so our Turkey Day was actually a turkey week. We left Wednesday night after I got off from work and drove to Jacksonville, AL (that's a 4 hour drive). We slept for a few hours, dropped the dogs off at the in-laws and headed out again for another 4 hour drive to "the middle of nowhere", AL. Seriously, it's the middle of nowhere but so peaceful and so much fun. It's actually Copeland, AL and it is where my granddad's farmhouse is located. It was his mother's house and the rest of his siblings still live in the area. Emory's favorite part was riding the 4-wheeler around the property. She wasn't too sure at first but grew to love it. In fact, just two nights ago she asked to ride the "vroom, vroom" again. So now instead of a slide for her big Christmas present, Chase is insisting on getting her the Barbie 4-wheeler Powerwheels!

Skeet shooting.

The cousins playing together.

Tripp and Cole wrestling...over what, I'm not sure! I think Tripp won!

ALL the kids!!

Tripp and Katie.

Payton playing football.

Scary...I know!

We spent Thursday night at the farmhouse making smores and enjoying the time with our family. Friday we left Copeland around 1130 or so, to head back to Birmingham (a 3.5 hour drive). Friday night Katie and Chase and I went and saw New Moon. It was the second time for me and Katie and the first for Chase. It was just as good the second time as the first!! Saturday was the last UAB home football game for the season. We lost but we finished the season 4-4 in the conference and we were suppose to go 0-8 for the conference, so I guess we can't really complain. Maybe next year we can have a winning season.

Helping Gee cook dinner.

Bennett discovered a new toy...my Nintendo DS! He played Mario for hours...until the battery died.

After the football game we headed back to Jacksonville, AL to spend some time with Chase's family (a 1 hour drive). Nancy kept asking us what we wanted to do...our answer...absolutely nothing!! We had driven so much it was nice to just sit back and relax a little and enjoy the company of family. We spent two nights there which meant that we didn't have to drive anywhere on Sunday except to the park.

Throwing rocks into the river.

Monday ended our Thanksgiving trip. Poor Emory didn't sleep well at all the entire trip so when we got home at 4pm on Monday she took a 3-hour nap then went back down at 9:30pm and slept until 9am! She was worn out from all the excitement of the week. We had a great time but traveling all that way with a 19-month old was NOT fun. She hardly slept in the car and the only video that really kept her attention was the "Favorite Nursery Rhymes!" At least she can sing her "ABC's" now!!