tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302831582024-03-13T07:51:09.410-05:00Triple Playwife, mother, and coachJameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.comBlogger324125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-41663213696692197872012-06-04T20:40:00.001-05:002012-06-04T20:40:04.305-05:00Braden's FallToday we took the kids to the Mickey pool for an afternoon of swimming. Avery was being her normal fish self, swimming all over the pool by herself. We were watching Braden splash around and practice "swimming" in the shallow end. He was also enjoying the slide. At one point he climbed up the ladder to the slide smiling. He gave me a big thumbs up, and when I looked at Kenny to see if he saw the thumbs up, I heard a thud. Braden had fallen from the top of the ladder and hit his back, side and head on the concrete. Kenny never runs to hurt kids, but he ran to pick him up. After we checked him over, he only had scrapes on his back and head. I am so thankful that God protected our little guy. I honestly believe that there were angels there catching him. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X06RKnHIvQM/T81jcmuupjI/AAAAAAAACVg/zm0aCOgYCS8/s640/blogger-image--2073016956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-X06RKnHIvQM/T81jcmuupjI/AAAAAAAACVg/zm0aCOgYCS8/s640/blogger-image--2073016956.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-61372761592589002802012-05-24T08:27:00.001-05:002012-05-24T08:27:54.205-05:00Tball TimeThe kids had their first tball game Monday night. They were so cute, and both did a great job of hitting and running. Avery isn't as interested, but is one of the best players on the team. She played the catcher position the first inning, and stopped every ball that came to her. She still needs a little practice throwing, but is doing very well to have not wanted to play in the first place. Braden of course is excited. He doesn't like playing in the field because "no one ever hits a ball" to him. <br />
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I love my kiddies, and it sure is fun watching them embark on new activities! <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E_u_fizY-7w/T743V-fEPhI/AAAAAAAACVU/I6ZgMmDLIk0/s640/blogger-image-601620646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-E_u_fizY-7w/T743V-fEPhI/AAAAAAAACVU/I6ZgMmDLIk0/s640/blogger-image-601620646.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-27939909113796043222012-05-19T21:58:00.001-05:002012-05-19T21:58:03.894-05:00My Baby Is Turning 7!My Avery:<br />
You are still as smart as ever, and you excel in math. You are reading on a third grade level, and you only just graduated from kindergarten! You are not interested in sports, but you have recently embarked on playing TBall with your brother, and you are one of the best ones on the team. This just goes to show that you are going to excel in whatever you put your mind to in the future. I am glad for you to go to school everyday, but am also glad to have you home for the summer. All seems right with the world when you are around. You are still a good big sister even when your crazy brother tries to drive you nuts. We only have about a month left until your baby brother arrives and you seem to be excited. You keep telling me that you don't want to have kids when you get older, that you want to adopt someone who doesn't have a momma or daddy. You like to play computer games, and are especially good at the strategy ones where you have to figure out which moves to make. You seem to be going through a growth spurt because I can't seem to keep your stomach full. You still love to swim, and look like a little fish in the water when you have your mask that covers your eyes and nose. <br />
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Your daddy and I still love you as much and more as we did the day we met you. We pray everyday that you grow up to continue to love God even more than you do now. You have such a tender heart, and I hope that never changes. We love you Avery Dean. I just can't believe you are turning 7!!<br />
<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e5AtM7Vm-gc/T7hduc4cP0I/AAAAAAAACVI/zkeqrqZmNe8/s640/blogger-image-1561874055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-e5AtM7Vm-gc/T7hduc4cP0I/AAAAAAAACVI/zkeqrqZmNe8/s640/blogger-image-1561874055.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-13827125886049446532012-05-11T21:00:00.001-05:002012-05-11T21:00:52.022-05:00BennettWe got to have an ultrasound yesterday to see how big the baby is getting. He is about 5 1/2 pounds already and still is measuring two weeks ahead! Our ultrasound tech is awesome, and she gave us a glimpse of our sweet baby in 4D! The second I saw his sweet, chubby cheeks I barely could hold back the tears! It was amazing how it looked exactly like a picture or him! We are supposed to have seven weeks left, but they said to be preparing for more like five. <br />
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Avery graduates from kindergarten next Tuesday! I can't believe how fast this year has gone! My first sweet baby is growing up! My parents and brother are getting to come for the graduation, and mom is bringing all of Bennett's bedding that she has sewn! I look greats to getting it all put together! <br />
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Braden and Avery are both enjoying tball. They have had a few practices and will have their first game in a little over a week. <br />
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I've never been one to do well with change, and my world is going to be flipped upside down in a few weeks. I'm sure though it will soon become the new norm. I remember looking back trying to remember how life was with just Avery, and it's all fuzzy, so I'm sure the same will happen once Bennett gets here. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MUgtuxsREow/T63ETdCHOeI/AAAAAAAACUs/aOoi7uUHS_Q/s640/blogger-image--879772794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MUgtuxsREow/T63ETdCHOeI/AAAAAAAACUs/aOoi7uUHS_Q/s640/blogger-image--879772794.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twRTwKzT6ko/T63EUGj1lWI/AAAAAAAACU0/5cFtG3LmbfE/s640/blogger-image--119002058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-twRTwKzT6ko/T63EUGj1lWI/AAAAAAAACU0/5cFtG3LmbfE/s640/blogger-image--119002058.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2-xS9nLGNvA/T63EUXOFPwI/AAAAAAAACU8/IzpR3Svma3E/s640/blogger-image-1374994311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-2-xS9nLGNvA/T63EUXOFPwI/AAAAAAAACU8/IzpR3Svma3E/s640/blogger-image-1374994311.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-14037188500836110042012-04-29T20:57:00.001-05:002012-04-29T20:57:18.414-05:00Happy weekendI just love weekends were we don't have anything planned, but end up spending so much family time doing fun stuff together. We took the kids by a safety fair where they got to look in firetrucks, get balloon animals, play with puppies, and jump in a bouncy house. On the way home we stopped by the humane shelter and let the kids play with more animals. Saturday night we went to some friends house and had dinner and played games. <br />
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Sunday has been as equally good. After morning service, we enjoyed potluck then Braden led a sing during the afternoon service. He is always so proud if himself, as are we! The kids spent the afternoon playing with our neighbor's great grand kids and Kenny and I rested. Tonight we ate out at Wendy's then Kenny took us for an ice cream treat. Such a fun weekend. I love my family and feel so blessed to have them!<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dWlbQgNfi4I/T53xfNS6LHI/AAAAAAAACUg/Lnk85SlusKM/s640/blogger-image--1711549902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dWlbQgNfi4I/T53xfNS6LHI/AAAAAAAACUg/Lnk85SlusKM/s640/blogger-image--1711549902.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-75782279419888448912012-04-24T13:42:00.001-05:002012-04-24T13:42:39.803-05:00These days...The kids and I have been enjoying this perfect weather. They've wanted to take lots of walks and bike rides, and it seems we pick up some playmates along the way. <br />
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The baby is growing to be a healthy big boy! I'm 31 weeks along, but at the doctor today I measured 33. I've been measuring two weeks ahead the while time so they are going to do an ultrasound next appointment so we can see if he's getting big. <br />
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I've been sewing up burp cloths. They are so simple and it has been fun creating. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yYm7X9B10DY/T5b0Cp95kGI/AAAAAAAACUA/E70aVfKIgso/s640/blogger-image--425159124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yYm7X9B10DY/T5b0Cp95kGI/AAAAAAAACUA/E70aVfKIgso/s640/blogger-image--425159124.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-POI6E1S2ZLM/T5b0GEbnQCI/AAAAAAAACUI/qTe6eK4Eou8/s640/blogger-image-356521392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-POI6E1S2ZLM/T5b0GEbnQCI/AAAAAAAACUI/qTe6eK4Eou8/s640/blogger-image-356521392.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFX9YfANiWw/T5b0GiKSLrI/AAAAAAAACUQ/pngD1p3ExSM/s640/blogger-image--84806310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFX9YfANiWw/T5b0GiKSLrI/AAAAAAAACUQ/pngD1p3ExSM/s640/blogger-image--84806310.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjY80u7cvxI/T5b0HTYbtWI/AAAAAAAACUY/bJcX8hDB_nc/s640/blogger-image--2132920659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CjY80u7cvxI/T5b0HTYbtWI/AAAAAAAACUY/bJcX8hDB_nc/s640/blogger-image--2132920659.jpg" /></a></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-20381525924576392822012-03-28T15:39:00.001-05:002012-03-28T15:40:51.901-05:00Artistic Avery<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohO_sPBmVAU/T3N3Q2vjl7I/AAAAAAAACT4/_WSs_xJiIWE/s1600/school%2Bday139%2BA.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725050682774624178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ohO_sPBmVAU/T3N3Q2vjl7I/AAAAAAAACT4/_WSs_xJiIWE/s320/school%2Bday139%2BA.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div>Who's proud of this gal?! I am! Avery's art teacher entered a piece she did in the contest at ASU museum in Jonesboro, and we just found out she placed! We won't know which place until the awards ceremony this Sunday! Go girl!! {Am I secrectly pleased she's turning out to be artistic? Why yes, yes I am...} </div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-86450939789050137082012-03-15T09:17:00.003-05:002012-03-15T09:26:25.778-05:00Braden-isms<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVS2csTZEmA/T2H6aIrLEPI/AAAAAAAACTs/vUaEB5CXKRw/s1600/school%2Bday112%2BB.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5720128328649347314" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LVS2csTZEmA/T2H6aIrLEPI/AAAAAAAACTs/vUaEB5CXKRw/s320/school%2Bday112%2BB.JPG" /></a> I'm behind; far, far behind. Here are a few things Braden has done lately that I want to remember.<br /><br />The kids were playing outside when I heard Avery yell her famous, "BRAden!" Seconds later the door swooped open with Braden stating, "I'm telling on MYself." Avery soon trudged behind him, hair and face dripping wet, speechless...<br /><br />Earlier that day they were watching the workers pick up the trash. We talked about how hard they were working and that we should put our best into whatever it is we are doing. Braden then asked if he could be a 'trash trucker' when he grew up. "I don't know how to drive, so I probably couldn't do that part, but I do know how to pick up trash! I could do that!!" <br /><br />On the way to church that night, the kids were being crazy, and a little gross in the back of the van. I announced, "Ok guys; let's not be so immature. Avery asked, "what's immature?" Kenny answered, "It means you're acting like you're two instead of six." Braden added, "Heehee; toot toot!"<br /><br />After church on the way home, the kids were equally as hyper. I observed, "wow guys; you are crazy! Should we have cut out those cinnamon rolls you had for dessert?" {Long pause} Braden questioned with concern, "How do you cut them out?"Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-80062682472435961512012-01-09T13:40:00.006-06:002012-01-09T14:11:59.022-06:00Braden's Thumb Surgery<div>Our Braden has been putting up with a locked thumb for quite some time now. It never seemed to slow him down, and he just adjusted for the inconvenience. For a while I didn't even notice it was that way, then we put it off thinking he might grow out of it, then we waited longer so he would be a little older before anything major took place. One night he was wrestling and started crying. Turns out his thumb had been forced straight; once the crying stopped, his thumb was stuck back in its crooked position. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Once we moved to Batesville this summer, we had several friends who were therapists and others in the medical field tell us it was time to get it looked at so we could have a solution to his problem. We went to Children's Hospital in Little Rock and were told that he had a fairly common problem of trigger finger. The tendon that allowed his thumb to open and close had a swollen knot at the end, thus not allowing it to move through the "tunnel" that held the tendon in place. Therefore his thumb was stuck bent. So, after an explanation of a simple surgery to loosen the "tunnel" allowing the knot to travel through, the pressure would be taken off and the knot would disappear. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Surgery was scheduled for January 4th at 11:30 a.m. We were able to feed Braden dinner the night before, but other than that he was not allowed to eat until after his surgery on Wednesday. I was worried that his slight congestion would be a problem with the anesthesia, but it turns out that it wasn't a problem at all. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We dropped Avery off at her teacher's house so she could ride to school with her, and then headed to Little Rock for the big day. We arrived early (around 9:00), instead of the allotted 9:30 time. After checking in, we were quickly ushered to a private room for Braden's prep. I was surprised at how quickly things were moving, until we were told that there had been a cancellation and he would be going in early. Even though this was a standard surgery, the momma in me was frightened for the anethesia. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jey15tx7Qk/TwtJ4lBlD5I/AAAAAAAACTg/Jbd8IAYGe8o/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bnervous.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695727390100361106" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Jey15tx7Qk/TwtJ4lBlD5I/AAAAAAAACTg/Jbd8IAYGe8o/s320/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bnervous.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7qCWpW-y6A/TwtDCuRvasI/AAAAAAAACSM/3JBrJLZ7yz0/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bstickers1.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695719867801365186" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L7qCWpW-y6A/TwtDCuRvasI/AAAAAAAACSM/3JBrJLZ7yz0/s320/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bstickers1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mi0WEzw78rA/TwtDD8C1USI/AAAAAAAACSs/PYctvdjaTYo/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bfeeling%2Bbetter.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695719888676802850" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mi0WEzw78rA/TwtDD8C1USI/AAAAAAAACSs/PYctvdjaTYo/s320/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bfeeling%2Bbetter.JPG" /></a>After talking with several nurses, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist, we were set to go. Braden was a little anxious in the beginning, as was I, because things were moving so quickly. Once we were in the room for a while, and since everyone was so friendly, he settled in and became his talkative self. They gave him "goofy juice" to calm him a little and make the transition of us leaving and him going to the operating room a little easier. Once that kicked in, he was sillier than ever. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efdc6I6tRI8/TwtDDnJDDhI/AAAAAAAACSk/1jpmpUIYxHs/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bgoofy%2Bjuice.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695719883065724434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efdc6I6tRI8/TwtDDnJDDhI/AAAAAAAACSk/1jpmpUIYxHs/s320/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bgoofy%2Bjuice.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>The final nurses that came to talk to us, and take him back to surgery were great. One was a male, who reminded us of a good friend, and I think helped put Braden even more at ease. They talked and joked with each other like they were old pals. I don't think Braden would have even noticed us leaving if they hadn't started waving at us and saying bye. <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xJ5IMCSIo/TwtDZsbbr1I/AAAAAAAACTI/_EbQAzpUMEc/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bwheeling%2Baway.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695720262442135378" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xJ5IMCSIo/TwtDZsbbr1I/AAAAAAAACTI/_EbQAzpUMEc/s320/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bwheeling%2Baway.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Kenny and I were sent to the waiting room, where I realized once again how blessed we were. There were families around us who had been waiting for several hours, and one family who's child had been in surgery for three hours. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mi0WEzw78rA/TwtDD8C1USI/AAAAAAAACSs/PYctvdjaTYo/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bfeeling%2Bbetter.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Before we knew it, the surgeon came out and told us it was all over. I finally heard the words I had been waiting for: "He's awake and breathing on his own.." This was only have about 20 minutes. We had to wait a while longer for him to wake up a little more, but then were able to join him in recovery. He said his tummy wasn't feeling very good so they let us go to a room to let him wake up a little more. <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f3k4Wnz7Pg/TwtDEH1r4nI/AAAAAAAACS0/l1KORb2LauA/s1600/surgery%2Bafter.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695719891842884210" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6f3k4Wnz7Pg/TwtDEH1r4nI/AAAAAAAACS0/l1KORb2LauA/s320/surgery%2Bafter.JPG" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>During his waking up time, his sweet little eyes were so drowsy, and he had so much medicine in his little body, he actually turned out to be quite the funny little guy. They gave him a popsicle to eat, and he kept missing his mouth. When nurses would ask him questions, his replies were delayed, and super funny coming from his mouth with slurred words. At one point, he replied to the nurse while throwing his casted arm around and slapping himself in the cheek with a popsicle, "I tell you what...I could eat popsicles All Day!" We imagined he was a bit tipsy, and it gave us all a good laugh. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xJ5IMCSIo/TwtDZsbbr1I/AAAAAAAACTI/_EbQAzpUMEc/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bwheeling%2Baway.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>After a while his emotions got a little confused. One minute he would be laughing, and the next he would be crying. Finally after some medicine to settle his stomach, we were released. Kenny took him to the car while I filled his pain prescription (which we didn't have to use at all!). </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>On our way home, we went by Chic Fil A, and Braden was almost back to his normal self. He was skipping and hopping with only a little stagger here and there. Once the medicine was out of his body, we laughed at how he had to adjust for the heavy cast throwing him off balance. We stopped by Target on the way home so he could pick out a treat for being such a trooper, then we headed home. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>We pulled into town right as Avery was getting out of school, so we were able to pick her up from Felicia's classroom, where she was waiting since we didn't know when we would get back into town. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T_xJ5IMCSIo/TwtDZsbbr1I/AAAAAAAACTI/_EbQAzpUMEc/s1600/surgery%2Bbefore%2Bwheeling%2Baway.JPG"></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Once we were home, Braden got sick, and I felt so sorry for him because he tried to clean it up himself, and just cried that he was so sorry. I hoped I made him understand that he didn't do anything wrong at all. Later that afternoon, his favorite football players, Levi and Dustin came over to sign his cast.<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6Nrfl6xXVA/TwtDZvYvLyI/AAAAAAAACTQ/4own81YhAoA/s1600/surgery%2Bsign%2Bcast.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5695720263236136738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G6Nrfl6xXVA/TwtDZvYvLyI/AAAAAAAACTQ/4own81YhAoA/s320/surgery%2Bsign%2Bcast.JPG" /></a></div>Avery made sure she was the first one to put her name on it; front and center. We are thankful the cast only had to stay for 7 days because it covers his entire hand like a club to keep the stitches dry and clean. We did laugh at how excessive it seemed because it goes up almost to his shoulder. Luckily the weather has been mild so short sleeves have been sufficient!</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Sweet Avery I think felt a little left out once she heard about the day that we all had together without her. Luckily the next day was my doctor's appointment and I checked her out of school so she could go too. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div>Braden and I leave early tomorrow to get to Little Rock for our 8:30 appointment to get his cast off. So proud of my little man. I think Daddy was hoping he could hone in on his left handed capabilities while the cast was on! We both were proud of how he compensated. </div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-23461937240535462432011-12-06T14:18:00.003-06:002011-12-06T14:26:59.324-06:00Baby Simp Number 3Today we made it known to all that we will be having another baby in June. To be honest, I've gone through the gammet of emotions. I really want to be happy and excited, but sometimes I worry that money, patience, or time will run out. The Lord will be by our side through everything, and so far He has blessed us with healthy children. As of the ultrasound today, this little one was strong and kickin'...literally. It was amazing to watch a tiny human being, that is only 4.4 centimeters long, roll, kick, and throw arms around. Baby's little legs were wiggling around like they were slipping trying to stand up. It's such a miracle.<br /><br />Braden started talking to the baby today, and Avery followed suit. I think getting to see it move around made it more real for them too. Braden would get shy and stop talking, but Avery just tells it goodnight and pats my belly. She asked if the baby was going to like her and if it would reach for her. I told her that it most definately would, and it would know their voices because it will have heard them talk to it for so long.<br /><br />I can't imagine my life without the two perfect children I already have. I look forward to meeting this new one and watching it grow into another wonderful child.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OP7T8aKX9_Q/Tt54ly2GsfI/AAAAAAAACSA/5YR-PZxX8bE/s1600/big%2Bbrother%2Bbig%2Bsis.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683112370487341554" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OP7T8aKX9_Q/Tt54ly2GsfI/AAAAAAAACSA/5YR-PZxX8bE/s320/big%2Bbrother%2Bbig%2Bsis.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-5300681340877839442011-12-05T12:43:00.003-06:002011-12-05T12:53:44.737-06:00Catch up as usualAvery had her Thanksgiving program at school, and she was just a doll! I loved hearing their sweet voices, and watching them sing their songs. It was so fun to join in with the feast at lunchtime too! Daddy even got to join us!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682717539105325074" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLSW0_P_TOo/Tt0RflVBQBI/AAAAAAAACRA/H1K1Ddp442Q/s320/IMG_6645.JPG" />Braden has had a few heros on Daddy's football team this year. Number 2, Dustin, was his first obsession. Dustin is a neat kid who takes the time to play with Braden when others don't feel it's a priority. He is a senior this year, and his mom was putting together a scrapbook for him. She wanted to surprise him with pictures with Braden, so we took an afternoon to get to snap a few!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682717544933264802" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bUEtj32bcJ8/Tt0Rf7CgjaI/AAAAAAAACRM/sXFsriDQIG8/s320/IMG_6666.JPG" />Since Jon and Stacy moved to Honduras to begin the new chapter in their lives, we had to find a new holiday tradition at Thanksgiving. We were able to go to Texas for a few days, and it was quite possibly the best visit we've had in a long while. The kids helped Gramee plant some flowers, mom and I got lots of good time together, Kenny and Pop watched football, and too many other things to remember! Such fun!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682717574434513906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ix_uBZvG1Qw/Tt0Rho8J4_I/AAAAAAAACRY/NgxRP2mwKSg/s320/pics%2B012.jpg" />I got a new camera as an early Christmas present for myself. I have enjoyed trying to learn the tricks and ins and outs of taking better photos. I've had some pretty good subjects to practice on! Although I'm afraid they might all be tired of seeing mom with a camera on her face!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia4xDpqPLf4/Tt0RiRG0f0I/AAAAAAAACRw/4Uv_ojLbdGk/s1600/pics%2B151.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682717585216667458" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ia4xDpqPLf4/Tt0RiRG0f0I/AAAAAAAACRw/4Uv_ojLbdGk/s320/pics%2B151.jpg" /></a> Kenny even cooperated with a smile here and there...love the zoom!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Ohz3NRHyQ/Tt0RiO999EI/AAAAAAAACRg/nZj_D7-l50c/s1600/pics%2B099.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682717584642667586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6Ohz3NRHyQ/Tt0RiO999EI/AAAAAAAACRg/nZj_D7-l50c/s320/pics%2B099.jpg" /></a> Big news coming soon! Can't wait to share.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-15552664603768526392011-11-01T13:35:00.003-05:002011-11-01T13:39:40.752-05:00Halloween 2011Avery decided she wanted to be an angel this year, and I actually had her outfit made about a month in advance. Braden was originally going to be a gladiator, but in the end he decided to go with Batman from last year. Still just as cute. Avery enjoyed her costume at school on<br />Friday, then they both got to wear costumes to the Fall Festival at church Sunday, then we went trick or treating with the Johnston's on Monday night. Full fun weekend!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670098283281519890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kS25jKZWCnA/TrA8WOCMFRI/AAAAAAAACQc/YRqIqoIqEFs/s320/IMG_6575.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670098514625948578" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j9TNe3panzw/TrA8jr2_66I/AAAAAAAACQ0/_B-dbWSHP6s/s320/IMG_6529.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670098507259318738" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mnhNM9GHUZ0/TrA8jQaqEdI/AAAAAAAACQo/fnDpxDghhkA/s320/IMG_6570.JPG" />Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-45941419496754970202011-11-01T13:15:00.004-05:002011-11-01T13:29:12.397-05:00Braden's BirthdayI can't believe my little man is 4 years old! He is still the loving, fun, energetic, active, happy little boy he has always been! We are so blessed that God chose our family to put him in. We love you little man. We had a smallish birthday party at the house for him, and we all enjoyed fun and time with friends. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095891148227314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4qPD-UWDao/TrA6K-pKwvI/AAAAAAAACPs/JhC1yOusg_Y/s320/IMG_1106.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095894343909954" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OO7rVgZ14jM/TrA6LKjFAkI/AAAAAAAACP0/C0YqFZNdRSg/s320/Picture%2B114.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095896048844674" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-trKqfV6gnQY/TrA6LQ5kP4I/AAAAAAAACQE/GOBaFAfOMco/s320/IMG_5165.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670095914206558962" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7NG779Dcz8/TrA6MUis-vI/AAAAAAAACQQ/Ldl7mgiCtTg/s320/IMG_6483.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-88987982603554253522011-11-01T13:11:00.003-05:002011-11-01T13:15:39.211-05:00Pumpkin PatchAvery had her first field trip to the pumpkin patch this year. It was so much fun, and Braden had a ball joining right in with her class. They got to play on the playground, go through a corn maze, pick cotton, go on a hayride, pet animals, and pick a pumpkin. I enjoyed getting to know some of the other parents on the trip as well.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670092394700536354" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x9lCunP0NzA/TrA2_dXE-iI/AAAAAAAACPI/NcBVJDlxGaM/s320/IMG_6425.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670092411746567458" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3pdvcVVu3k/TrA3Ac3KxSI/AAAAAAAACPg/5SWRLn18OxQ/s320/IMG_6427.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670092399019321394" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mg27hpPzEQA/TrA2_tcwaDI/AAAAAAAACPU/rtkl_syLCQ0/s320/IMG_6426.JPG" />Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-82375209814167758022011-10-15T13:23:00.000-05:002011-10-15T13:24:30.238-05:00Avery-isms<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZrYBd5jlsY/TpnPt9RquKI/AAAAAAAACO0/kddDkRe0PIU/s1600/school%2Bday38%2BA.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5663786394844838050" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WZrYBd5jlsY/TpnPt9RquKI/AAAAAAAACO0/kddDkRe0PIU/s320/school%2Bday38%2BA.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Avery had been playing with my phone during Braden's soccer game and didn't know I had taken it back. I heard her realize, "oh no! Where is momma's phone!?" she gathered some friends for a search party under the bleachers. One friend pointed out a flower with which Avery responded adamantly, "I KNOW it's pretty, but DON'T look at it because we HAVE to find this PHONE!!"<br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-48294261669727139942011-10-05T07:22:00.001-05:002011-10-05T07:23:30.888-05:00BradenismThis morning during breakfast Braden decides, "Momma, I'm don't like babies. I think I'm allergic to them."Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-16572323125271583272011-09-29T13:26:00.004-05:002011-09-29T13:32:19.750-05:00Soccer 2011Braden has started soccer for the first time this Fall. This will be his first organized activity to participate in, and he's loving it! I think his favorite part is his jersey because "it's sort of like the football boys' jerseys..."<br /><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><br /><div>He has had three games so far, and has scored two goals. One for his team and one for the other team! I love going to cheer him on each Saturday morning, and I can't help but imagine if this is a taste of things to come when he gets more grown up and plays other sports.</div><br /><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657850615509680530" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9rWP2DuhP-w/ToS5KIGuAZI/AAAAAAAACOc/kJDvfawy7ZM/s320/braden%2Bsoccer%2B3.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657850618677411586" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WdXe-nrsfSo/ToS5KT59vwI/AAAAAAAACOs/mAASvoJXgQQ/s320/b%2Bon%2Bway%2Bto%2Bsoccer.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657850620000792946" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2wTuYh6sPkU/ToS5KY1e8XI/AAAAAAAACOk/Q33iKQRUwaw/s320/braden%2Bsoccer%2B4.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657850613199391890" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XPtdTysIpPQ/ToS5J_f5zJI/AAAAAAAACOU/VWRWmgFqMPA/s320/braden%2Bsoccer%2B2.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657850604952222178" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-08shFfOgvLs/ToS5Jgxn-eI/AAAAAAAACOM/uNUdUZPoilY/s320/braden%2Bsoccer%2B1.JPG" /></div></div></div></div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-10103455106221591902011-09-29T13:18:00.003-05:002011-09-29T13:23:52.222-05:00My Great HelperThe kids always enjoy helping out wherever they can around the house. Today was no different when Braden and I decided to paint the front porch railing. He did such a good job following directions, and I was pretty impressed with his skills!<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657848113041424274" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6xO83I7YuSw/ToS24dryv5I/AAAAAAAACOE/uxpfXQdd4Bc/s320/braden%2Bpaint.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657848106824690594" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X1Pd_zPvJCU/ToS24Ghm66I/AAAAAAAACN8/ZTFcdp25M1M/s320/braden%2Bpaint1.JPG" /> <br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-31957852443484083222011-09-27T08:06:00.004-05:002011-09-27T08:21:16.112-05:00My Little Tree Hugger<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag8YkE7gZkA/ToHLBbewZ0I/AAAAAAAACN0/BTkAmgVVES4/s1600/school%2Bday25%2B%25281%2529.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657025832371119938" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ag8YkE7gZkA/ToHLBbewZ0I/AAAAAAAACN0/BTkAmgVVES4/s320/school%2Bday25%2B%25281%2529.JPG" /></a> Avery has always been my little conscientious one regarding all things earth. Whether it's concerning recycling, not littering, or wasting natural resources, Avery will be the first to correct you.<br /><br />(On a side note, I think her fabulous teacher, Mrs. Cummings, added even more brownie points in Avery's book yesterday when she told the class, "The Earth is NOT your trashcan..")<br /><br />But I digress.<br /><br />Today while on the way to school Avery told me of all the things she and her friends did at recess yesterday. During the part where they all gathered up rocks, sticks, etc, she remembered she found a humongous piece of bark. "Oh man!" She sputtered. "I should have saved that bark and given it to the paper makers to use since that tree was already cut apart. I really, really don't want them to have to cut down a whole other tree! Especially those trees because they are so beautiful!"Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-52847587969129013052011-09-18T21:02:00.003-05:002011-09-18T21:05:13.699-05:00BuddiesRemember <a href="http://jameysimpson.blogspot.com/2008/10/bradens-buddy.html">this</a>? <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 297px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653885405861617202" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJkJJNUpa0c/Tnai0jElnjI/AAAAAAAACNk/zXJV7sotw6w/s320/braden%2B%2526%2Blucas%2Bcropped.jpg" />Well, this picture was taken, three years later, at another football game. Lucas and some other great kids from ACA came up from Harding to support Kenny's football team. I love that they still somehow have their little bond! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 315px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653885407384094274" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8LbItNUXsTk/Tnai0ovkxkI/AAAAAAAACNs/Q10NRdyoN5k/s320/lucas%2Bbraden%2Bcropped%2Bolder.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-67247443262705091322011-09-18T20:41:00.001-05:002011-09-18T20:42:36.388-05:00More BradenismsWhile watching the beginning of Tom and Jerry, where the lion roars, Braden states: "Momma, if that lion were here in the living room with us, I would.....I would....well, would you pick me up and run?!"Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-521499764000514312011-09-17T21:02:00.005-05:002011-09-17T21:08:10.365-05:00Braden-isms<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAUrguKPkfw/TnVSMgU0nSI/AAAAAAAACNc/1c_bQ1zsN_E/s1600/school%2Bday19%2BB.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5653515282022702370" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAUrguKPkfw/TnVSMgU0nSI/AAAAAAAACNc/1c_bQ1zsN_E/s320/school%2Bday19%2BB.JPG" /></a> <br /><div><br /><br /><div>Tonight Avery and I had such a good time having girl time getting her ready for bed, and we of course had to primp after her shower. </div><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>When we re-joined the boys, Avery told Braden we had been "primping."</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Braden looked at me and questioned, Momma...do boys 'print' too?" </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-34569405720977860612011-09-12T09:41:00.003-05:002011-09-12T09:44:06.581-05:00Catch upAs usual, I've let Facebook get in the way and haven't kept my journal up to date. <br /><br />Grammy and Pop came to visit for my birthday. It was so much fun.<br /><br />Braden has started soccer.<br /><br />Avery starts gymnastics today.<br /><br />Kenny has had two football games, and won both! <br /><br />We are settling in to town now. It's fun that you can see people you know and wave now. We're not outsiders anymore. <br /><br />Last night was our first small group meeting with a new group of friends. I look forward to building stronger relationships with each of them.<br /><br />Jon and Stacy and the kids are coming this weekend for their last hurrah before moving to Honduras.Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-11899010831154051752011-05-20T08:10:00.007-05:002011-05-20T08:44:35.857-05:00Sweet 6<div align="center">One Year Old Avery</div><br /><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608790626411033090" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BiypbvQ0p0U/TdZtW6rFMgI/AAAAAAAACMY/gMStv4-0gpM/s320/DSCN5053.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Two Year Old Avery</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608790631878388434" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s2UjfyI7KKM/TdZtXPCmatI/AAAAAAAACMg/mpfuF7jvqVM/s320/DSC03359.JPG" /></div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Three Year Old Avery<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608790630377763730" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeHDWvJpZ6s/TdZtXJc0s5I/AAAAAAAACMo/DHbUaf6P6fY/s320/DSCN9788.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Four Year Old Avery<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608790635067391778" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dMm6JNrCtB4/TdZtXa66vyI/AAAAAAAACMw/_cqfgIlCcUo/s320/IMG_2210.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center">Five Year Old Avery</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608790641779779810" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y9BpkuIYnHQ/TdZtXz7RqOI/AAAAAAAACM4/JyzB4JRTmBA/s320/IMG_4295.JPG" /></div><br /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Happy Birthday 6 Year Old! My strong, determined, brilliant, quirky, lovable, kind, considerate, spunky, pleasing Avery. You have truly blessed the past 6 years of my life. I'm glad I get to be your momma. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 255px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608793039855889714" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dqw6_LPfqf0/TdZvjZdLLTI/AAAAAAAACNI/eCgu3LJAkz0/s320/IMG_5920cropped.jpg" /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div>Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30283158.post-90687135372261424032011-04-21T09:45:00.000-05:002011-04-21T09:45:38.557-05:00Ode To Barlow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fea9SaSNHmw/TbA7jLWjaMI/AAAAAAAACLo/ChpOrKS2dso/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fea9SaSNHmw/TbA7jLWjaMI/AAAAAAAACLo/ChpOrKS2dso/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7p9aOHSbqs/TbA9aHpcXjI/AAAAAAAACMI/14vq8ohTiPo/s1600/IMG_3066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7p9aOHSbqs/TbA9aHpcXjI/AAAAAAAACMI/14vq8ohTiPo/s320/IMG_3066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iaUhV9DtRk/TbBCtZvvhsI/AAAAAAAACMU/3kJ47l7bWgI/s1600/barlow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_iaUhV9DtRk/TbBCtZvvhsI/AAAAAAAACMU/3kJ47l7bWgI/s320/barlow.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvyBwCOPQn8/TbA9m6cU2QI/AAAAAAAACMQ/rLAJZ4YPzEE/s1600/IMG_3921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AvyBwCOPQn8/TbA9m6cU2QI/AAAAAAAACMQ/rLAJZ4YPzEE/s320/IMG_3921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Barlow has been in our family for almost three years now. We used to have a Pekignese dog, and when he passed away we decided to wait on having another pet for a while. When Braden was very small we could tell he was an animal lover, and Avery has a gentle spirit with animals too. Enough time had passed for us to 'mourn' Curtis so we decided to visit the humane shelter to pick out our next family pet. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>We told the people there we wanted a dog who was already trained, but still young enough so he could grow up with our family. I'll never forget the first time I saw Barlow when she brought him out. He was so handsome, a great size, and a bit goofy. The kids were immediately drawn to him, and loved chasing and playing with him in the 'meet and greet' yard. We brought him home, and he has been part of our family ever since. <br />
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Since Barlow was already trained, we could tell someone had spent a lot of time with him. I've often wondered what his story was before he had us. He walks excellently on a leash, even letting Avery walk him when she was only three years old. Barlow has let Braden waller all over him from the beginning, and hasn't ever snapped at him. He spends a lot of time inside with us, but also loves being in the yard. Gladly he hasn't been a big barker, only warning us when people are approaching or another animal walks by. In the evenings he likes to curl up beside me on the couch or the floor. <br />
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It has been fun watching him grow with the kids. He started in his chewing stage, but has since outgrown that. He is still relatively young so he has his excited, hyper times of the day, but does calm down and sprawl out in the sunshine for naps. He loves his time with the kids, but he also enjoys being alone when he needs to be outside. When it's bedtime, he knows to go to his crate, and oftentimes we will find him in there before we even tell him it's time. <br />
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Barlow has been a blessing for our family. <br />
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I write all of this because unfortunately, situations have arisen where we will be moving soon. Normally this wouldn't be a problem, but since we will be renting, the house we have found does not have a fenced yard, and the people have said no animals inside the house. Barlow is truly a part of our family, and this seems to be a deal breaker for Avery. She says she just doesn't want to go if Barlow can't come with us. We've used this opportunity to teach her that sometimes situations arise and we just have to roll with the punches. We have also taught her that we did make a committment to take care of him as our pet, but we will continue to take care of him by finding him an excellent home. <br />
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So, I write this to record our memories of him, and also send a plea to those out there who might be thinking about bringing a wonderful animal into their home to become part of their family. Barlow needs to have a home where he will be given lots of attention since that is what he is used to, and since he is near and dear to our hearts, we will make sure that a good home is found. <br />
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<strong>As much as I hate to think about saying the words, please contact me if you are interested, or if you know of someone who might be interested in welcoming this sweet dog into their hearts and home.</strong> Jameyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15961212351890146534noreply@blogger.com3