17 Weeks!

It's hard to believe we're approaching the half-way point in this pregnancy! I know the second half is the part that goes the slowest, but I look forward to every minute of it. I've been blessed so far with only a few, minor troubles, and we are thankful for that!

Vacation Ideas, Anyone?

We would like to take a family vacation soon...it doesn't have to be extravagant...we're thinking inexpensive; within driving distance; fun for us and Avery....

Anyone have any ideas?

Fun Was Had By All!

We had so much fun Saturday! Avery's party was a success!

Kids, young and old, swam, ran and played. The gifts were more than generous, and Avery had a good time opening them.

The cake was her favorite! Blowing out the candles was the highlight of the day for her. Later that night she thanked God for 'blowing out candles" and kept saying, "again pease?"

Some kids had so much fun swimming, they decided to go for a second dip..in their clothes..then in their diapers...then in their real birthday suit! Well..not some, just Avery and Griffin.

We're so glad we were able to share this happy day with so many friends. Thanks everyone for making it a successful time! Avery thought she was a princess for the day!

Avery's Turning Two

This was Avery last year at her first birthday party. She dug in and loved every minute of it.

And now, Avery's turning two on Sunday. I can't believe it. She celebrates with her party tomorrow morning. Oh how time flies. And this is just the beginning.

I have found myself fretting over small things that don't matter about the party, and hope everything goes well. The thing is, Avery won't know the difference even if things don't go as planned.

We're going to be surrounded with friends and loved ones. The only thing that would make it better is if family could be here. Long distances stink.

Here's to you, Avery!

My Little Helper Part II

Avery has helped me put clothes in the dryer for a while now. I'm beginning to think she's a perfectionist (or obsessive compulsive) like her momma because I'll set the clothes on the door to the dryer, and she'll shove them in. If they get piled up too high in the front, it bothers her, and she'll squirm until she's balanced on the door and arranges the clothes until they are all even from front to back.

The other day she ran up to the door of the laundry room while I was putting a load into the washing machine. "Avery do dat!" was what I heard, and she promptly started handing me clothes. For the second load later on, she was not pleased to just hand me clothes. She wanted to "do it self!"

So, I pulled a stool up to the washing machine and started handing her clothes. She was quick to arrange them in the washer just as even as in the dryer. At one point it started spinning before we finished putting the clothes in and she said, "close up!" and slammed the lid.

I'm glad she is already a hard worker at such a young age. I know these little chores will not be so much fun once she's 12 or 13, but I have pictures to prove that she once did enjoy it.

My Life In Pictures

I'm stealing this from Jason and Kenny. It's pretty neat.

Where I was born: Colorado

Where I call home: Dallas, TX

Where I live now: Montgomery

My name: Jamey Simpson...I sure hope this isn't true!

My grandmother: Virginia Jones...she looks nothing like this

Where I work: Home

Where I'd like to visit: Australia

Favorite food: macaronia and cheese..although this does not look too appetizing.

Favorite drink: root beer

Favorite smell: Spring

Where I have lived: Huntsville

A Top Ten Of My Own

For those of you who don't know, Kenny is King of Top Ten Lists. So, in honor of him, I thought I'd give my own list a try.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Kenny....Here's To You Babe.

10) You are a good example and encourager to others. Every student that you've ever taught has looked up to you. I know that has a lot to do with how you lead your own life.

9) You are always looking to better yourself. Whether it is moving up in your career, or wanting to learn about new things, I'm glad you're always looking forward.

8) You put up with me and my crazy moods! Anyone who can do that is a brave and patient. Thanks so much.

7) You are well liked and respected by others. A lot of this is because of your example and who you are, but it always makes me burst my buttons when parents and administrators come up to me and tell me what a good job they think you are doing.

6) You are funny. I always seem to forget that this is one of the main things that attracted me to you. Then I hear a comment that makes me laugh when I'm sad, or smile when no one else is looking.

5) You are very smart..to the point of brilliant. In previous relationships, I was used to being the smart one, (but now that I've adjusted!) it makes me feel secure that you will make wise decisions. It also is a plus that our children will inherit those genes as well!

4) You gave me a beautiful daughter and are a wonderful father to her. I couldn't ask for a better Daddy for Avery. I can see your personality and expression in her more each day.

3) You are a good leader. This is what helps make you the wonderful coach, father, husband and friend that you are. It comes natural for you to lead humbly.

2) You take care and provide for Avery and me. It makes me feel good that you sacrifice things and work hard so I am able to stay at home to raise Avery. We've never gone without, and I know it's because you would never allow that. Family is very important to you.

1) You are a strong Christian man who works for the Lord. I know this is the core of who you are, and is why you are as successful as you are. You are a very busy person, but you always find time to serve others.

Swim Time!

Our Online Adventure

Looking for fabulous finds?! Visit our new, easy to maintain site. Tell everyone you know! Spread the word.

"Hea Baby's Hotbeat?!"

With a gasp and wide eyes, Avery woke up this morning saying, "Hea baby's hotbeat?"

I've probably mentioned when we first started talking about the New Baby with Avery, she was not too pleased. "AVERY'S MOMMA'S BABY!" was the constant reply.

At last month's appointment we piled into the tiny office to hear the heartbeat for the first time. Kenny tried to keep Avery busy while the nurse searched with her doppler. Once the "whoow, whoows" were heard, Avery perked up. Kenny said, "Listen. Do you hear the baby's heartbeat?"

From that moment on, Avery would look around and say with big eyes, "listen; hea baby's hotbeat?" We were excited that she started warming up to the idea of new baby joining our family.

Now she proudly tells anyone who will listen that her heartbeat says, "bump, bump," while patting her chest. Daddy's and momma's sound the same too, but new baby's says, "whoow, whoow, whoow."

So, yesterday we started talking about how we were going to hear the heartbeat again this morning. Once piled in the office, the minutes ticked by during the search for the familiar sound.

This time, Avery knew immediately what it was. "I hea baby's hotbeat!" She told the nurse, the doctor, the appointment lady, and she still hasn't stopped talking about it.

Next month we get to hear and SEE baby! Avery's really excited about 'new baby's picture.' Everyday is an adventure.

"Find Goldbug?"

For those of you who grew up without Richard Scarry's Cars and Trucks and Things That Go, I must say are really missing out. If you take the time to actually read the book, it has a fun story, not to mention all of the interesting and wild kinds of cars, vehicles, people, animals and everything else that's included. But to me, all that was important was Goldbug. My brother and I grew up racing threw the book to find the elusive "Goldbug." Of course my brother was older and always seemed to win, unless my mom purposely put her thumb over Goldbug until I realized which page we were on so I could beat him to the punch.

After it was all said and done, we basically memorized every position, car, truck and pickle that Goldbug was in on each page.

Now we have introduced Goldbug to Avery. My mom knew how much fun we had with the book, so she purchased it for Avery last Christmas. The first time I cracked the binding of the new book, I wondered if I could still find Goldbug. With the turn of each page, memories rushed over me, and I found myself racing to find Goldbug. I shared the excitement with Avery, but for some reason she did not get into it like I did.

Until recently....

...I am now the proud mother of a daughter who can flip through the first six pages of Cars and Trucks and Things That Go and immediately find Goldbug. Let me tell you, he's not easy to find. On many pages, all you see are his eyes and antenae. And she can find him. Ah; I'm so proud.

Last night, she read "Goldbug" with her daddy, and I must say I enjoyed watching them race to find him together. Avery beat him for the most part. On the pages she has not yet memorized, if you tell her what color car he's in, she finds him soon after. (Kenny can too after a little searching.)

It's now one of her favorite things to do, and I hear her say often, "Fine Goltbug?" while dragging the large, purple book my way...."wae's Goltbug?" she says...then, "Der he is!"

So, if you're ever in our neck of the woods, drop by to see if you can find Goldbug.

Can you find Goldbug? Avery Can!

I Did This To MySELF

Avery puts herself in the craziest predicaments, only for me to find shortly. Here are a few pics that are sure to bring some laughs.

In other news...

Today was such a pretty day that I decided to pull out the ole' swimming pool and let Avery have a ball. She was not too crazy about the idea of sitting down in the water, but had a blast kicking, swatting, marching, and exclaiming, "Ants!" everytime a small black object floated by.

We had fun and got a little sun in the process.

I Make Momma Laugh...

This morning when Avery woke up, I knocked on her door before going in to get her. From the other side I heard, "come in!" She's never said that before, and hearing it come out of her little mouth in her sweet voice made me smile.

When I walked in, she saw me, laughed, and said, "I just said come in..."

She's really growing up and discovering her language!

As I changed her diaper and got her ready for the day, she continued to amaze me and make me laugh, so I said, "You make Momma laugh!" She promptly answered, "ha, ha! I make momma laugh!"

These small incidents probably don't bring as much joy to others, but they sure do to me.

State Bound

This past weekend we were at the Sectionals Track Meet in Mobile. It was a great success with the girls bringing home first place and the boys with second place.

18 Girls will be heading to State this weekend, along with 13 boys. I'm sure Kenny will post more details.

Chocolate?

This morning Avery would wake up and talk, then go back to sleep for a little bit. One time she woke up and said, "ewww, yucky..." My mind raced through all the possibilities, but soon I drifted back to sleep. I eventually got up and took my shower. When I got out of the shower, Avery was crying and ready to get up. I started talking to her before I got to her room so she could calm down a bit. When I got to the door, I heard her say, "mommy, ewww, nasty!" I was really afraid of what awaited me on the other side.

When I walked in, she proudly presented her hand and said, "chocolate!" Of course during the night she had not discovered chocolate, so use your imagination for what the 'chocolate' stood for. Amazingly enough, it was not everywhere, just on her hand. I guess she had gone fishing for something!

When I told her it was not chocolate, she said, "ewwwww!!" even louder!

They Countered...

...and didn't budge.

God has something even better in store for us!

We're Waiting...and Waiting...and Waiting

We bit the bullet and made an offer on the house last Saturday. Now, we're just waiting for an answer.

I must say it's giving me time to evaluate and realize the world won't end if this is not God's will at this time.

...But it sure would be nice to have a pool this summer!

Get Off That Train of Thought...

Have you ever obsessed over anything? I think most people would say they have. My latest obsession....this certain house....

From the first time I read about it online, I thought, "This is the house for us! It has everything we've wanted!" Four bedrooms: check. Carport/Garage: Check. Nice neighborhood: Check. Brick exterior: Check. Pool, what?!: Check, Check!

Then we saw it and I got even more excited. I saw something that we could put ourselves into and make it truely ours. And maybe in the process, raise the value for re-sale down the road.

Kenny, however did not. You see, this house had been foreclosed on, so the interior was not in the best condition, bad really, and a certain smell lingered. Not a good one.

The day after we looked at it, our realtor called and said, "the price on the Pepper Ave. property dropped today. I also talked with the realtor and he said the price is 'definately' negotiable!"

You can just imagine my excitement! With this news, Kenny even hopped on the bandwagon.

So, for a few days now, I have not been able to sleep or get much of anything accomplished because I am making lists of things that would need to be done, and things that I would like to do but aren't necessary. So, I have the new flooring picked out, most of the colors, the pool re-done and landscaped, new fencing, and even a wall knocked out. All in my head of course. And this is for a house that we have only seen once! Not even put an offer on, or are even close to a closing date.

I tried to watch television the other night when I couldn't sleep, but the only shows that seemed to be on were home renovation genres!

So, will someone please give me ideas of how to change my focus!

Monitorless

Have you ever been caught monitorless? We have.

I checked my email before I went to bed Monday night, and when I awoke Tuesday morning, our monitor had died. Gave no warning, just went black. May it rest in peace.

My initial thought was, "Great! Now we have to spend money on something like this!" Then I realized that at least we are blessed enough to have the money right now. I guess that's why it's good to have savings. Then I realized it was even better that it was just the monitor that went caput and not the whole computer! Then there's the feeling of hopelessness that the information you need is right there; I could even hear the computer scanning for viruses; I just couldn't see anything!

To some, a monitor may not be something that is imperative to have, but to me it is. Not only do I feel more connected to the outside world during my days at home, but I need the computer for parts of my business.

Did you ever realize how much you use your computer?

I needed to transfer funds from savings to checking...couldn't.

I needed to do research to see where the cheapest monitor might reside without driving all over creation...couldn't.

Really needed to check my email because I had people responding to a previous email I sent out...couldn't.

During the beginning stages of the search process, I realized that apparently flat screens are the only ones you can buy now. Who knew?

There was also a lot of irony in this escapade. Yesterday morning, we checked out Best Buy and the Wal-Mart on Atlanta Highway (of course they were out of everything, but had decent prices). Then, yesterday afternoon Avery and I could not go to track practice because of the rain, so we headed to the Wal-Mart on Ann Street to see if they had anything in stock. Did you know that the one on Ann Street's monitors were $40 more across the board...for the same product!

I saw there was an Office Depot down the way but decided not to go in, thinking that that particular area might be a tad more expensive than somewhere on East Blvd.

So, this morning, Avery and I headed out to check out more options. Since she woke up at 6 a.m. it would have been nice to get an early start, but those kinds of stores do not open until 10:00. Office Depot on Vaughn Road had the monitor I wanted displayed. Then I waited 20 minutes only to discover they were out of stock, "But the one on Ann Street has three" I was informed. Same price too. Yuck. Irony: This process could have been over yesterday.

I decided since I was close to Circuit City, I would stop by to check out their selection. Much more than the other places. As I looked down the way, there was another Office Depot! How many could Montgomery have within a 10 mile radius? I went in there only to find that they did not have the one I wanted on display, but lucky for me they did have it in stock!

So here's more irony. Why would one store display something they did not have, while another does not display something they do have? Just something to ponder.

So, after biting the bullet and driving all over creation yesterday and this morning, I found one. We are now the proud owners of an HP 17" flat screen monitor. And if you ever need to know what each store offers and what the best prices would be, I'm your man; uh, woman.

Hopping Eggs and Bunny "Tales"

My little girl is a very sweet girl. She has her prissy moments, running around the house with her purse on her arm, looking for her bracelets. Then she has her not so girly moments; running full speed down the long jump runway at track practice, only to end up sprawling into the sand pit at the end.

My hope for Easter was for Avery to have a prissy day. That way, she wouldn't get her dress, new sweater or shoes dirty so we could take lots of pretty pictures.

We tried before church to get a good picture, to no avail. Kenny's with her turned out okay. The look on her face in the picture with me was her mean face (not the pretend mean).

We tried once we got home to get pictures, but she was pretty riled up. She ran up and down the hall, screetching, hollaring, yet having fun all the same. Finally we just started snapping pictures, hoping to get one good one. Kenny caught her in mid jump. The look on her face is priceless.

That afternoon we went to Brooke and Jerry's house for an easter egg hunt. Avery had the whole yard, and all 62 eggs to herself! Upon finding each egg, she would gasp dramatically and announce to everyone the color she had just found. It was really fun following her around, listening to her talk to herself. Halfway through, she even had to trade in her full basket for a new one!

In the end, I finally got my sweet easter picture. It's just not in her pretty pink dress. Maybe it's a taste of things to come.