My Joys. My Life.

Fair, Birthday Bash, and Halloween Festivities

To be completely honest, I'm so far behind, and I just don't have the patience to post a bunch of pics here, so I'm going to put more albums on my facebook account. Just wanted to put a few teasers here....

Alabama National Fair 2009

Braden's Birthday Party -- 2 Years Old!

Fall Festival at Church
Trick or Treating


Also going on: Volleyball season has come to a close. We made it to the State playoffs, one of the Elite 8 Teams present.

Kenny's football team is in the playoffs this year!

Just recently spent some time in Texas with my family. Although I was there for my Papa's funeral, it was a treasured time.

I have a lot to say, but I'm not in the mindset right now to say it all. I truly am blessed to have such a wonderful family. This is a joyous time of my life.

Oh Man!

I sat down in the salon chair with a picture of myself from college when I had my hair in a short bob. I said, "it could be a little longer than that, but I definately don't want it shorter."

The lady said, "Ok." then started cutting. She made all of the appropriate parts. Then began the cut. Her first layer was way shorter than I ever remember anyone cutting. When she was about to start the second layer, she called someone over (the managing cosmopolitan) and said to me, "show her your picture."

The manager looked and said, "ok?"

The first woman answered with a shrug.

Manager lady, "It's just a bob cut."

The original lady said, "but she wants it stacked..."

Manager lady speaks. "That's what a bob is; don't you know how to do that?"

Original lady: "No."

Me: "THEN WHY DID YOU TAKE SCISSORS TO MY HAIR IN THE FIRST PLACE AFTER I SHOWED YOU AN EXACT PHOTOGRAPH OF WHAT I WANTED, AND YOU KNEW FROM THE START YOU DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!!????!!!"

That was all in my head of course.

Then my heart stopped for a second.

I proceeded to move to the manager's chair for her to 'fix' me.

"It's going to be shorter than the picture," she states. "So sorry."

Non-confrontational me says, "Well, make it look as long as you possibly can. The picture was cutting it close to my too-short comfort zone."

Original lady continues to hover and "learn" during what has turned into a teaching sesson. "Never cut shorter than their hairline...."

I stopped listening at that point. I picked up a few, "that's because of that first cut you made..." and "see how your parts were crooked? that would have messed up the whole cut in the end."

Seems to me the cut was messed up from the beginning; not the end.

When it was all said and done. My neck had been shaved...yes, shaved, and I got to only pay for a child's cut. Lucky me.

I did, however, get Sharon's (manager lady) card because unlike original lady, she will be allowed to touch my hair again. She turned a disaster into an uncomfortable for me (and Kenny), but yet still ok hairstyle.

When asked about how she likes my haircut, Avery states, "Part of it is okay. I like the front, but the back looks like a boy."

Thanks, baby; that makes me feel so much better.

Tackle!

For those who may not know, now that we are in season, Avery comes to volleyball practice with me, and Braden goes to football practice with Kenny. It really has worked out better than I ever imagined, and it's hilarious noticing what each pick up from their experiences each afternoon.

Braden has become quite the aggressive one. He's a boy. He loves his sister. He watches boys tackle each other everyday. Put it all together, and you get the following: (Pardon Avery's nakedness.)

He used to wait until people were ready, but now Braden has started tackling people when they are taken off guard. It really is funny....hilarious actually when they don't expect it. As long as no one gets hurt, and it's usually the older kid who does.

Our Gymnast

Due to the crazy schedule of what is our life right now, Avery has had to take a break from gymnastics class. We fully intend to pick back up where we left off once I get out of volleyball season, but for now we just get to practice at home!

That's a pretty great hand stand if you ask me! (She accidentally flipped all the way over, but since there were no injuries, it was fun for all!)

A Boy And His Dog

Having a dog is tiring. Especially one who loves to chew. on. everything.

But everytime I see this.

Or this.

I remember why we have one in the first place.

First Day of School!

We have been blessed with the fact that Avery is going to be attending K4 where we attend church. She is so excited that she gets to spend two days of the week feeling like a big girl. Her only problem was that she wanted to ride the bus to school! I had to tell her that there wasn't a bus to take her to school and that I would have to suffice.

The part I was not excited about this morning was having to wake both kids up! That is never fun to do. When they are sleeping...let them sleep!

The minute Avery's eyes were open, she remembered what a special day it was and ran to get her lunchbox then stood by the door....with no clothes on. Then she realized she needed to put the clothes on she had so carefully picked out the night before.

She was in such a hurry to get to school, she wanted to bipass the whole picture taking thing, but I insisted. The results are as follows. You can see the progression from not too thrilled to terribly excited once we got to her classroom.

Braden and I got to spend some quality time with each other. We aren't used to that, and I think it will be good for us.

Once we picked Avery up, she filled us in on how she wrote the letter A over and over and over and over. Then she wrote a lower case a over and over and over and over. She also mentioned that her teacher told them about snakes. Then she got to be the leader when they went to the playground. She also said she sat by a new friend named Adalyn, not her young friend Adalyn, but a much bigger one.

She also shared some thoughts that she had told her teacher. Kids really have no filters, but I love it. I'm sure her teacher will think our family is crazy by the end of it all. Oh well; we are so there!

Throw-Down In The Aisles of Wal-Mart

Today the kids and I ventured out to run a few errands. First stop Wal-Mart. I know people hold strong feelings toward whether or not they like that store. Personally, I don't have a problem with the store itself, other than the fact that they don't have some things in stock that I need/want (but that's a whole other post in itself).

Back to the story at hand. We had been there for probably an hour. We weren't there on a mission, just a leisurely outing to pick up a few items, plus look at the kid toys per Avery's request.

Of course I'm biased and think my children are beautiful, but I was backed with other comments throughout our shopping experience. We enjoyed our normal shares of "how cute they are!" and "what a basketful of joy you have there!" followed with "such sweet siblings!"

On the way to the check out lines something cute caught my eye, so I veered to take a closer look. That's when it happened.

A woman started walking toward us, staring daggers right at Braden. I was a bit confused, but prepared myself to say 'thank you' to her assumed oncoming, "what a cutie" remark.

Then a grouchy mumble ensued as she continued past us, now making direct eye contact with me.

My gracious smile disappeared as her words sunk in: "that child's hair is entirely too long for him to be a boy!"

My mouth dropped open, and I was speechless. Who. Is. She. That she thinks she has the right to tell me how my son's hair should be? As I gathered my thoughts, I stared after her wondering if I should chase her down and inform her of all of her unfortunate style choices she had made that day.

That would make me just like her, so I didn't.

Then I decided that she was probably just jealous that Braden's blonde hair is his true color, and she will never get such natural looking curly locks.

But the mother in me still wanted to take her out back and show her a thing or two.....

She's So Proud

My sweet Avery had a birthday party to go to today. So, as last minute as I am these days, we went shopping for the birthday present yesterday. Avery was very careful to pick out just the right toy for her friend. As we were on the wrapping paper aisle, we found some plain brown paper. I asked Avery if she would like to make her own wrapping paper. She was ecstatic about the idea. Once we got home, ate lunch, and put Braden down for a nap, it was time to create her masterpiece. Avery was very careful to decide what she wanted to draw, which colors she wanted to use, and how much space she wanted to take up. When she finished coloring, she wanted to help wrap. Once the packaging was complete, she proclaimed that she needed to have her picture taken with her work of art. She was so cute!

Suggestions....??

I am planning on participating in my first ever consignment sale...selling that is. I have participated in buying several different times!

What I was wanting was advice from those out there who have done this before...how should I price? I want things to sell, but I want to just give it away....Help!?

My Life These Days

Up and Down!

When we were in Huntsville, we ventured to the mall for a bit. When Avery saw this, she decided she really wanted to try it out. At first she loved it, then halfway through she got a little nervous, but ended her time with some very, very high jumps!

The entire time Avery jumped, little man screamed the entire time! He acted like his feelings were hurt that we did not offer for him to have a turn! So, a turn he got. This picture does not show the sheer excitedness that his squeals told.

Braden's First Haircut

Braden has the cutest curls that sometime flip out, but other times decide to go to sleep, thus making him look like he has a mullet. I have been putting off Braden's first cut because once a child gets it, they lose their baby look and you can never get it back! After great urging from Daddy, I decided it was time to trim up the back a little.

I was happy with the finished product because he still looked like a baby, and was able to keep his curls, only without the mullet! We were not able to get the "after" picture because he was ready to "gi dow!" (Get down in Braden language.)

Nudy Booty Acrobat

Where To Start?!

So. Far. Behind!

Cruise was great! Pictures are on my facebook. I'm sure everyone has seen them by now. My goal is to post one video from dinner one evening..such silliness. It was such a nice treat to get away and enjoy alone time with my man. We met some really nice people along the way, experienced some very fun activities (para-sailing, snorkeling, Mayan ruins, etc.), and enjoyed great weather! It was nice to get back to see the kiddos! Here's to sending a GIGANTIC thanks to Kenny's parents for coming to spend time with them while we were gone.

For the past three months I have been working on a huge project for Kenny's football team. Gladly, I can now see a light at the end of the tunnel. When I'm completely finished, I will post about it. It's fun to see how far it has come since the beginning. Gives me a sense of accomplishment other than cleaning the kitchen and keeping the kids alive. :)

After the cruise, we were home for a few days, then headed to Huntsville for our yearly coaching clinic and reunion with sweet friends! It was fun to spend several days there catching up and letting the kids play with old friends.

We got back from Huntsville on Saturday, and I left for volleyball camp on Sunday. Camp was a great success! The girls clicked well, and played very well! We made it to the Gold bracket for the first time since varsity has been going to camp there! Avery and Braden had a great time with Daddy. He enjoyed getting to spend time with them too, but I'm pretty sure he was glad when I got home Tuesday to take back over mom duty. He showed his appreciation with beautiful flowers, a clean house, and a very sweet card with a nice sentiment written inside.

Kenny had to work a longer day Wednesday to catch up and get ready for football camp, which he left for today.

It's been a crazy month, and it's only going to continue from here!

We look forward to Kenny's brothers, Tom and Kirk, coming to visit next week. I have something for volleyball everyday as well, Kenny continues gearing up for football season. Somewhere in there we sign papers to refinance our house.

I'm sure everyone else has just as crazy, busy lives. I didn't know what to start posting about since everything deserved an individual post, so I wrote the Reader's Digest version. Maybe that will serve as my catch up and I will feel like I can pick up from here.

A Swingin' Good Time

Grammy and Pop came to visit this week! We had so much fun, and of course I had a project lined up for Pop! A Swingset was in the making! We had lots of good helpers....There are several other in between pictures, but I thought I would skip ahead to the finished product! (Two days later, I might add.)Let the fun begin!

Happy Father's Day!

I loved these pictures of Avery and her sweet Daddy! Braden was already napping, due to a long weekend full of late nights and short naps. Lately, Avery and Daddy have been enjoying special date nights to get ice cream, to see movies, or just hang out at Burger King. I love that her Daddy is special to her like mine is special to me!

Little Toughy

As we were heading out for our walk today, Barlow ran back up the steps on our side porch, pulling Avery down onto the 'carpeted' surface. Her elbow was scraped up. Tears ensued, but we perservered.

Further down the road, were minding our business. Braden was in the stroller (I was pushing of course), and Avery had her arm through the loop in Barlow's leash.

In a flash, Barlow took off after a squirrel, taking Avery with him. She was parallel to the ground, and landed hard once the leash came off of her arm. There were tears and a few scrapes.

Then I heard her a small voice, "I just want Barlow to stop making me fall."

We headed home at that point.

On the way home, still teary she said, "I don't want Barlow to run away; I want a puppy dog! I want him to say he's sorry when we get home!"

Big demands from such a little person.

Expressions

Everyone has seen Avery's crazy expressions, but have you seen Braden's latest?! He has always been entertaining, and I finally have proof.

"cheese!"

He discovered this one on the way home from church tonight!

You will also see how smug he is with his favorite past time of sitting on Barlow. This was before Barlow tumped him off!

Birthday Money

This year Avery received a little bit of birthday money from Grammy and Pop and our good friends from church. It has been burning a hole in her pocket for a few days now, but she has been patient with me. She helped me do the grocery shopping tonight, so I told her she could look through the toy aisles and use her money if she found something she really wanted.

I was so proud of her during the choosing process. She saw something right away that she said she wanted. I asked her if she was sure, and we continued through the aisles so she could look at her other options. She stuck to her guns and was very decisive that she wanted the My Little Pony Amusement Park. (It helped that it was in the clearance section; when we got to the checkout, it was marked down even more!) Now when we go back, she has a few more dollars to buy another little pony to add to it.

She was patient while we finished our grocery shopping and during the trip home. Once home, she had to wait through supper, but was a trooper and hung in there. Daddy helped her untie and cut out all the pieces. She was very protective of her new treasure, yelling at Barlow and Braden each time either got within five feet of her. We had to have a few chats about tone of voice, etc, but the evening ended with her enjoying her birthday present that she bought with her very own money!

Cakes By Brooke

Check her out! www.cakesbybrooke.blogspot.com She is currently hosting a giveaway!

Avery at 4

On May 20th, Avery turned four years old. I knew it was coming, we have been talking about it for a while now, but when it got here it hit me really hard about how much she has grown up over the past short years.

There is a different, loving bond with each child, but Avery is extra special because she was my first. During the first pregnancy you check week to week to see what is happening, how the baby is growing, changing, etc. I remember aching with impatience, wondering what she was going to look like. Then the moment came. I will remember it always. The first time I saw her, held her, loved her. She put her messy little hand on my chest, and we cried together.

In that moment there was an instant connection; one that will never be broken.

She has always been a Momma's girl. Sometimes that wears me out, but mostly makes me proud and honored. We have a lot in common, which I know will haunt us during the teenage years of disagreeing, but for now it's fun.

Avery is a pistol in every way. She's fiesty, spunky, hilarious, beautiful and brilliant. I told her yesterday that if she continued to love Jesus the way she does now, and paired that with all of her other qualities, she will go far in life. I know she didn't understand what I meant, but she listened and filed it away to ponder.

Even though she's still young, she is so mature. When you have a conversation with her, it feels like you're talking to a mini adult. I have to backtrack sometimes and remind myself that she is still a child. She continues to amaze me and remind me of that through her innocence. I truly wish that we could all still hold the innocence that children do. They are so clean and pure. The world is a better place through the eyes of a child.

Princesses continue to be at the top of Avery's choice list of toys to play with, now accompanied by Barlow. He has taken to Avery almost more than to any of us. She enjoys taking him on walks with his leash.

Avery is a fantastic big sister. I find her tending to Braden (sometimes sweetly, sometimes not so sweetly), but it's normally when she is afraid he is going to hurt himself. When I tell her something might be dangerous, she immediately shares the information with Braden. They do play well together for the most part, but there are times when Avery wants to be alone and makes it well known.

She still helps with laundry, cleaning the kitchen, putting her dishes away, vacuuming, and now feeding Barlow and letting him out. She's going to be a great little momma someday. Sometimes I feel like she's growing up too fast, but then I realize she thinks most of those "chores" are games. The world is a playground for 4 year olds.

Kenny brought home balloons for her yesterday. She carried them around most of the afternoon, then that night after church. It is neat to me that she is creative and can take any item and turn it into something even more exciting than what it is meant to be.

I could write for days about how fantastic Avery is, as well as all of the wonderful things she does, but for now I will close with some words of advice from one of our happy books Bee Smart:

"Never stop learning or thinking things through; and you will be smart in whatever you do!"