Highlights From Our Week

Football practices everyday as usual.

Volleyball practices on Tuesday and Thursday.

House closing set for Thursday morning at 10:00; postponed to Thursday at 3:00. Annoying.

Thursday night: rip up carpet in new house; sweep and mop floors. Kenny goes to 7 on 7 at the field.

Friday: Paint, Paint, and More Paint. (Thanks Dawn and Chris for all the help!)

Saturday: Trip to Lowes for more paint, then more painting at new house.

Saturday evening: Anxiously awaiting the arrival of my parents! Avery can't wait to show "Grammy and Pop what a big girl I am!"

No time to chat any longer; gotta pack more!

Cheesin' Good Pictures As The Weeks Go By

I've completed 21 weeks of this pregnancy, and am feeling great! Tired spells still hit me every now and then, and I seem to have to practice my patience a little more than usual. All in all, I'm feeling great and enjoying my family!

This morning we finally got a good picture of Avery and me. Normally, she cheeses with me and smiles pretty with Kenny. This morning it was visa versa!

Whew!

There have been some ups and downs this week regarding the purchase of our new home. We even thought we caught a few glimpses that it all wouldn't work out.

To make a long story short (and not bore you with all the details in between) God has smiled on us, and things have worked out. A week from today we will be the proud owners of our new home!

To add to the excitement, my parents are getting to come help us with minor repairs and updates! We haven't seen each other since Christmas, and a visit is long overdue. Avery looks forward to her Pop and Grammy's visit. She relates when they will be here with the fourth of July and fireworks. It's cute to hear her talk about how "Grammy and Pop will hear and see the loud fireworks, but it will be okay because Daddy is here to protect us from the scary noises."

So, if anyone wants to come help paint, rip up carpet, move furniture, caulk, trim trees, etc., you're more than welcome! ;)

Happy Father's Day!

What a difference a year can make! Notice last year's father's day picture vs. this year's!

(On a sad note, it does make me sad to see her baby bracelet in the old picture. It was among the things that were stolen when our house was broken into a few months ago.)

Avery's growing up! (Kenny looks the same...and he likes blue shirts...)

Seriously, it was good to once again celebrate the fact that Kenny is the father of our little girl and soon to be little boy. He's a great daddy!

The Name Game

Kenny and I have been tossing several baby names around in our minds for a while now, but since we now know the gender, we've kicked it into high gear. Last time when we were deciding, school was in and Kenny got ideas from them; then took polls of the kids' favorite names. Since it's summertime, there aren't as many opportunities for that.

So, I wondered what other people's favorite names were. Some may be saving them as secrets for their own children someday, but I love hearing other ideas and options.

Let the name game begin! Tell me what you like for a little boy!

It's A.....!

I asked Kenny if this was too graphic to post online, and he didn't seem to think it was inappropriate...so, here's a not-so-modest view of our new Baby BOY!!!

Thumbs up!

Scary face....will sure be a sweet one in real life!

Answered Prayers!

On June 28th, we will be proud homeowners again!!!!! YEAH!!! Thanks for all the prayers.

New Home?

We put an offer on this one....we'll see what happens next!

Vacation Time!

Kenny has already posted the highlights of our trip to Stone Mountain, so I thought I'd just add a few pictures.

Wednesday included a day of travel, but included fun stops along the way. When we got checked in, and after dinner at Mama Mia's Pizzaria , we stopped in The Family Fun Center to try to get a few games of bowling in. They were booked, so Avery enjoyed playing arcade games instead. Her reaction time to bopping the sharks on the head was a bit slow. She hit every one that popped up, just a second after the fact!

The next day was a full day of Stone Mountain sights. We enjoyed watching Avery take in all of her surroundings. She talked about the big mountain and how we were going to go way up high. She also talked about how she was going to pet the goats and sheep, and oh by the way David took care of sheep. Then he got Goliath. Little bit of a sidestory, but at least she's learning in Bible class! Kenny already mentioned the 4-D show involving the snake...but we all had fun taking silly pictures before the show began. (Why can't they make cute glasses?)

Also, who knew a tree could grow on top of a giant stone mountain? Avery also enjoyed "riding the choo choo tain..." and requested another ride the following morning. While we waited to board the big boat, we decided to go for a short paddle boat ride. Avery had fun, but not as much fun as when we fed the ducks. According to her, there was a momma, a daddy, and an Avery duck. It did look like a family with two adult ducks, and two baby ducks. I guess she assumed the last duck was the new baby. Other people started watching and feeding, so more and more ducks swam toward the crowd. Then, the fish got in on the action. Avery thought it was funny when they jumped up to try to beat the duck to the precious food. We decided the biggest duck was a bully because he kept turning and lunging at the other ducks who tried to get close to his feeding ground.

After a full morning, afternoon, and dinner, we headed back to the hotel for a break and a swim. We promised Avery since she had done so well all day that she could go swimming. Well, we know for the future to check out the temperature of the water before making such promises! It was frigid, but she held us to our promise. After a warm up bath, we rested in the hotel until the night laser and fireworks show. We warned her that it might be loud, but it would be okay and pretty. She talked all the way there, "be loud; but ok..." After the show which ended around 10:30, Avery fell asleep on the 4 minute ride home. After she was tucked into her pack and play, Kenny and I hooked up the headphones to his laptop and watched a $1 movie we purchased from Wal-Mart earlier in the afternoon. Cheesy movie, but a fun memory, all huddled under the covers so Avery wouldn't wake up from the light on the screen.

Avery slept in until 10 the next morning, so we bypassed our plan of playing a rousing game of Putt Putt before heading home. Once we were packed up and ready to go, it was almost lunchtime, so we got on the highway and headed home. We made a few stops here and there, but Avery had been patient long enough. She was ready to get home. We finally made it home in time for her to take a nap, then head back out for dinner. We were determined even though we were home, we were not going to let the vacation be over (especially since our anniversary is today!)

I'd say we had a fantastic time with each other, and Avery was a trooper as always. And now we know she doesn't turn into a terrible monster even if she doesn't get a nap!

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!