The King Family

Ashton

2010-06-29T22:24:00.003-05:00

Ashton loves her bath.

"Please get me out of this bed!"

Avery's Birthday

2010-06-29T21:44:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Avery!!

Avery turned 4 this month. She was very excited about it. On her birthday, she said "I don't feel 4". Apparently being 4 is a major milestone for her. She keeps reminding me when I say she is too small for something that she is 4 now. We had a family party at home. She is such a sweet girl and she is growing up so fast.

May Happenings

2010-05-12T19:53:00.009-05:00

A lot has been going on lately. Recently, Allie was one of two kids to represent her class in the Bible Bowl at school. She did well and we are very proud of her.

Jackie, my mom, Allie, Avery, and I went to see Mary Poppins at the Fox. It was a great show and my kids first time at the fabulous Fox. It was a long show, about 2 1/2 hours. Avery did great. It was a fun time and a special memory. We also made a stop at the Varsity on the way home. YUM!

Allie had field day at school. Jackie came and kept Avery and Ashton so I could be with Allie. It was hot. I think it is a rule that is field day is the hottest day of the school year. Allie had a good time. Tug of war is always the kids favorite game. Also, at the end of the day, Coach turns the sprinklers on the football field on for the kids to play in. They love it!!! The kids got their faces painted. That is what the black stuff is on her face.

Allie had character dress up day for Book Week at school. She went as Laura Ingalls. Her dress was Chris's mom's dress when she was little. She looked really cute.

Avery had Fun Day at preschool. She was so excited about this day. They had inflatable slides, horses, and games. The kids sang songs for us and got their certificate. It was really cute. She had a great day.

Ashton went with us to the Fun Day. She enjoyed watching the kids. She really loves kids, especially her sisters. She gets so excited when they come home. She took long nap in her stroller at Fun Day and was a really good baby.

Asthon is 6 months old

2010-04-13T21:14:00.004-05:00

Ashton turned 6 months old. I can't believe how fast she is growing. She is such a happy baby. She is starting to sit on her own and is rolling all over the place. She really enjoys playing with her big sisters. She is such a blessing to us.

Grandparent's Day

2010-03-29T20:58:00.004-05:00

Arlington had grandparent's day a few weeks ago. Chris' mom and my parents all went. Allie was so excited to have her grandparents there. My niece and nephew came with my parents from Alabama. The girls were so happy to have them too. It was a great day and we got some really cute pictures outside, thanks to Sally Ray.

Father Daughter Dinner

2010-03-29T20:52:00.003-05:00

Chris and Allie went to the Father Daughter Dinner at Arlington. They had a great time.

I'm back

2010-03-03T21:01:00.008-06:00

Ok. I am going to try and keep this up better. Life has been pretty busy with three kids. I never really thought of having 3 kids as a lot of kids, until I had 3 kids and now I don't know how you have more that 3. The girls are doing well. Ashton is almost 5 months old and growing so fast. Allie and Avery really love her. Allie is a big help and really enjoys playing with her. Allie is enjoying first grade. She has been cheering for Arlington basketball this year. Avery is having fun in preschool and is keeping us laughing. She is really a funny kid. Here are a few random pictures from the last few months.

The girls on Valentine's Day

Ashton

Go Eagles!!!

We have all enjoyed all the snow we have had this year!

Avery and Ashton playing tea party.

Allie likes to read to Ashton.

Ashton Rion King

2009-11-04T18:57:00.011-06:00

Well, we have a new baby! Actually she was born a month ago and I am just updating my blog! Maybe that tells you how well I am adjusting to having the third kid. Things have been pretty busy.

We had scheduled a c-section for the 13th. The last month of doctor visits they were monitoring my fluid level. It was normal, but on the lower side of normal. On October 8th, I had an appointment. I dropped Avery off at preschool and headed to Atlanta for my appointment. I had a bag packed at home, but I had a few more things to put in it. I almost took it with me, but I thought they won't keep me today. When I got to the doctor that morning I had to wait a long time. I was very frustrated because my cousin Andy and his wife Joy were one floor down with their new baby. They were going home that day. My plan was to get done with my appointment, go visit with them for few minutes, go pick up Allie from school, and then go pick up Avery. Well, when I saw the ultrasound nurse, she said, my fluid looked pretty low. Then when the doctor saw the ultrasound he said he didn't see much fluid at all and that we needed to deliver. I asked if I could go get my bags and kids, but he said no. I needed to go be monitored. He wasn't sure if I they would take the baby that day or the next day, but I had to stay and be monitored. So I called Chris at school and told him we were having a baby soon. He got Allie from class and headed home to pick up Avery and get my bags. It was about 11:30 am. When I was leaving that doctor, my OB doctor called and said there was an opening at 4:00. So I headed down to labor and delivery. I asked them before I checked in if I could go and see Andy and Joy's baby. They let me and I was very glad that I got to see them. He is such a cute baby! Chris and the girls got to the hospital petty quickly and Chris' mom came too. My mom was heading into work when I called her. She headed back home to get my dad and their bags. The doctor ended up taking me early and so Ashton was born at 4:05 that afternoon. She weighed 8 lbs and 8 oz. and was 20 inches long.

Avery holding her little sister for the first time.

Allie holding Ashton for the first time.

Me and my girls

Daddy and Ashton

Ashton on the day we were going home.

On our way home!

The girls after we got home.

A proud big sister!

Sweet Baby Ashton

This is a picture from yesterday.

Avery's First Day of Preschool

2009-09-01T19:40:00.004-05:00

Today was Avery's first day of preschool. She did great. She has been so excited about going. We went to meet her teacher last week. She has been so excited about going back. She is also thrilled that she has "homework". They have a get to know you project and she asks me almost everyday if we can do her homework. I thought that there would be a few tears today. She has been wanting to go to preschool, but she says she wants me to stay with her. She did fine and was not even sad when I left. She had a great time. It was a nice morning for me too. I was a little sad to leave her, but I kept thinking that I better enjoy the alone time while it lasts.

Here we go. Ready for preschool!

Avery with her new Tinkerbell lunch box.

At school

We had ice cream for her treat after school.

Baby Update

Our new baby will be here six weeks from today. They have scheduled my C-section for October 13th. Now I have started on the many rounds of doctor visits. I have to go twice a week for the next 6 weeks. We are almost ready with everything. We had a little shower last weekend. It was so fun and I got lots of great stuff. I have a few more things I need to get done. It just seems like things are so busy with doctor visits, picking up kids, homework and all the other stuff. I am sure this 6 weeks will fly by. I have a few pictures from the shower I will post.

Avery really enjoyed helping open the presents.

Mandy made the baby some cute clothes. She made the girls shirts. They are all so cute!

Growing up

2009-08-21T15:38:00.007-05:00

Happy 6th Birthday Allie!

Allie turned six on August 19th. Avery and I went to school and we had lunch with Allie along with Chris. I can't believe she is six. I seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home from the hospital. She has grown so quickly and is such a blessing to us. We are so proud of her!

Allie chose Texas Roadhouse for her birthday dinner.

We had cupcakes at home.

Allie and daddy

Grandma came to join us for the celebration.

No more Pacifier!!

Well, we had a special visitor come to our house this week. The "paci fairy" came to visit Avery. She took Avery's pacifier and left her a present. The paci fairy must have gotten lost on her way to our house, because it has been a long time coming. Avery turned 3 in June. Somebody suggested one time to cut the pacifier or put a hole it in. Well, I didn't have to do that Avery chews on it so she made huge holes in them. She still would use the ones with holes if I would let her. She is torn between being very proud of herself for being big and then still wanting her paci. Overall, she has done really well. The first day she cried a few times and Chris had to lay with her to get her to sleep. But, she is doing better. She still asks for it sometimes. I told her the other day that we don't have your paci the paci fairy took it. She replied "I don't like the paci fairy!". Then, she asked for it when she was going to bed one night. I told her again that we don't have it anymore. She said, "I am going to dream that I have a paci". I guess she did, because she slept well that night.

Here is the pacifier she chewed on. She would have kept it and slept with it just like that.

Avery with her new kitchen stuff the fairy brought her.

Allie's First Day of School

2009-08-13T19:08:00.005-05:00

First grade here she comes. Allie started school last Friday. It really was only a half day of school. Kind of seems like once I dropped her off it was time to pick her up again. She had a great day. She has a few new kids in her class. She was glad to see her old friends. She has two great teachers this year. We are really looking foward to a great year. She was excited about going back to school, but not getting up early. She told me the other day, she wished school started at 12:00 and then she would like it much better.

Our First Grader!!

Allie and Avery in Daddy's office

Ready for the day!!

Allie's Early Birthday Present and Avery's Trouble

2009-08-04T13:26:00.007-05:00

Allie's 6th birthday is coming up on August 19th. My mom and dad came down this weekend to visit and gave Allie her present early. They bought her an American Girl doll. We headed to Atlanta and met my brother Danny, sister-in-law and my niece. We had lunch and then headed to the American girl store. Mom and Dad got Allie a doll and they got Avery and Charlotte and outfit for their "Bitty Baby" dolls. The girls had a great time shopping. Allie already knew what doll she wanted. They have both been looking at the magazine for weeks. She got the "Julie" doll. We had ice cream and rode the carousel with their dolls. It was a great day. The girls had so much fun. And I will say I love the American girl dolls. They are so cute and they have such cute stuff to go with them. They have a restaurant there you can take your dolls to eat, a salon where you can get their hair done. It is really fun. I am sure we will go back sometime.

Allie with her doll

She couldn't wait to get it out of the box!

Here is everyone helping to dress Avery and Charlotte's babies in their new clothes.

Avery and her baby "Nina" in her new clothes.

The girls with Pop and Nana

Taking a ride on the carousel

Ready to go home with her new doll.

Avery's art work on Chris' car! One day we noticed all these scratches on Chris' car. Allie said something about seeing Avery with a stick scratching the car. So we asked Avery if she scratched Daddy's car with a stick. She kept saying no she didn't. We asked multiple times. Finally, I said "Avery, what did you scratch Daddy's car with?" She said "a rock, a colorful rock"!!! My guess is that she thinking it was like sidewalk chalk. Anyway we had a few discussions about not touching cars with anything! Who would think you should tell you kid not to write on the car with a rock. I guess I thought that was a rule that was just understood. I guess not.

Here's the little stinker eating Oreo cookies. You can't stay mad at her for long.

Girl stuff

2009-07-25T13:37:00.003-05:00

Well, today Allie got her ears pierced. She has been talking about it, so we took her today. They did both at the same time. I would definitely recommend that. She looked like she was going to cry, but she didn't. We let Avery pick out something from Claire's. She picked The Little Mermaid purple nail polish. She also wanted to do it herself. So, I let her paint her toes. They are something to see. I think we better not wear sandals to church tomorrow. Here are a few pictures.

Before

After

Avery loves to have her nails done!

I don't think this picture shows her paint job very well. It looks AWFUL!! But she is very proud of them, so maybe I can live with it for a few days.

July 4th

2009-07-13T21:47:00.010-05:00

We broke tradition this year. We skipped the parade and fireworks in Georgia and headed to Alabama for the fourth of July. We went to visit my parents and my brother, Jeff and his family. My other brother, Danny and his family came too. So we had a great time with everyone. The kids love going to Pop and Nana's house where they get spoiled and they love playing with their cousins. On Friday night, the town where mom and dad live has a kids carnival. So. we all went and let the girls and my niece, Charlotte ride the rides.

Here they are waiting for the first ride: the pedal cars. I chose this as the first ride,because it looked the least exciting. Thinking it would be better to save the more exciting rides for later. Little did I know that Avery couldn't handle much excitement.

Here is Avery before the ride.....

... and once it started she did not like it. I was going to tell the man to let her off, but Chris said to wait. It turned out to be ok. She settled down and didn't really love it, but was not so scared by the end. Really, how scary can the pedal cars be????

At the end of the ride she was ok,but still not really liking the ride

Telling daddy all about the scary ride!!

Avery with Mommy

Charlotte and Allie on the swings

Pop and Avery

Nana and Avery

Charlotte and Allie on the train

Avery with Pop

Allie on the big swings

Avery rode the cars again before we left to go home and she liked them this time.

Time to go home. Thanks Pop and Nana for the fun night.
Getting ready for bed at pop and nana's house

Fourth of July - We went down to my brother and sister-in-law's house and spend most of the day in their pool. It was so much fun and the weather was perfect.

Allie and her daddy

Charlotte and Avery playing in the pool. Avery really didn't like to get in the water, so she spend most of her time on the steps.

Is she swimming or drowning?

Enjoying some chocolate cake

Avery enjoying some watermelon by the pool.

Chris got the "biggest splash award" He kept splashing everyone as they walked outside.

Allie shooting some baskets.

Allie relaxing in the pool.

Avery fell asleep watching Dora after we got back home on Monday. It was a fun trip. We really enjoyed spending time with the family.

What we have been up to

2009-06-25T22:11:00.006-05:00

I can't believe how fast the summer is going. We have been enjoying our days with no real schedule. The girls love staying up late. I love sleeping later. We had VBS at our church in Newnan and then we went to VBS at our old church at Cedar Grove. Allie went to VBS for eight straight days. Avery was sick a few days. They really had a good time at both VBS. We have been to the free movies and the pool a few times. Allie was swimming so well last year, but she has be scared to try very much this year. Allie has been doing gymnastics and she really like it. We don't have a trip to the beach planned this year. I am a little sad we are not going, but I think this is a good year to take a break. It might not be so relaxing pregnant with two kids. Chris is taking two classes at Georgia State this summer and they are keeping him busy with school work.

I went to the doctor the other day. The baby looks good. They say she weighs around 1lb 9oz. I wonder how close they are. Allie is always complaining that Avery gets to go with me to the doctor, when she is in school. So this time I took her with me. She enjoyed the ultrasound part, but I think she realized she is not missing much when I go to the doctor. Also, the specialist doctor, sent me downstairs to meet with my diabetes doctor. My sugar levels have not be very good the last week or so, so she wanted to get that fixed. I didn't have an appointment, so we had to wait a while. After over two hours of doctors, we left Atlanta at 5:30, so we were right in the middle of traffic. It took us an hour and a half to get home. We were almost home and I had to stop for gas. When we stopped, Allie said, "Are we still in Georgia?". It sure felt like we had been around the world. We are happy the baby looks healthy and are really getting excited about meeting her. It still seems like I have a long way to go, but October will be her before you know it. Hope everyone is having a good summer!

Happy 3rd Birthday Avery!

2009-06-08T18:06:00.009-05:00

Avery turned 3 Sunday, June 7th. We went to church and then had a family party at home. She had a great day and was so excited about everything!!

Before we went to church Sunday

Avery getting an early taste of the cake.

How sweet!

Blowing out the candles! All the kids: Emily, Erin, Avery, Allie, and Charlotte Yummy!!!!!! My parents gave Avery a little pool for her birthday. So after lunch the kids went outside for some pool fun. And some slides on the Slip and Slide!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!!

Update (Finally!)

2009-05-29T12:47:00.006-05:00

Kindergarten Graduation

Well, I am finally getting around to updating my blog. It has been a busy end of the school year. Allie had Kindergarten graduation the other night. It was so cute. They sang some songs for us. I couldn't take many pictures, because the lighting on the stage made my pictures look dark. They had a slide show of pictures from the year. They had a reception. I took a picture of the cake. It was so cute. Each monkey had a child's name under it. When it was time for them to get their cake, they gave them the monkey with their name on it. We are so proud of Allie. She has really done well this year. Mrs. Cannon is a wonderful teacher and she has really enjoyed school. I can't believe how much she has learned. She is reading so well and seems to love it. I hope that continues and I hope every year is as great as kindergarten. She has made some great friends. Well, on to first grade. I can't believe how fast this year has gone!

Our little graduate

The cute cake

Allie getting her awards from Mrs. Cannon.

The girls and Grandma

Allie and Avery

New Baby News

Well, we are in the process of getting ready for the new baby. I have had several ultrasounds and everything looks good. She is growing well. The due date is October 17th. I am 20 weeks now. They told us that they thought it was a girl at 13 weeks. I have had two ultrasounds since and they said girl then too. So we are pretty sure we are having another girl. We are all very excited. So, now we are in the process of moving the girls to new rooms. Allie is moving to the bonus room upstairs. Avery is moving to Allie's old room. We bought a set of bunk beds for Avery's room. So, Allie has all her stuff upstairs, but she is sleeping on the top bunk in Avery's room. We are almost finished,but it has been a lot of work. Not much really has to be done to the nursery.

Well, the bunk beds had to be assembled by us. Avery was really into it. I think she is going to be like me and like to put stuff together. She went and got all her "Handy Manny" tools and "helped" me a lot. She actually is good at going to get stuff.

Allie on the other hand, only wants to help if I will let her do big things, like use the drill or hammer. She spent most of the time reading to me. She had been to a spend the night party the night before. That is the reason for all the tattoos.

The beds all finished. It took them both one hour to fall asleep the first night. They kept talking and giggling. Chris and I were thinking maybe them sleeping in the same room was not going to be a good idea, but it has been better after the excitement was over.

This is how we found Avery asleep. It looked like she was getting up and then just fell asleep. Next project is to get rid of the pacifier! I am really not looking forward to that. Any suggestions?

Well, that is what we have been up too. Today was Allie's last day of school. Summer break begins. I have mixed emotions. I am looking forward to not having such a strict schedule and all the fun summer stuff, but not so sure how it is going to be having the girls both together all day. They really like to play together, but day after day may not be so peaceful. We will see.

Nancy Drew and Fun Run

2009-04-22T12:32:00.005-05:00

FUN RUN

Arlington had a Boosterthon Fun Run last week. Avery and I went to cheer for Allie. The kids had a great time. Here are a few pictures.

Allie after the run

Avery with her water

Allie took her sister around the track. Avery thought it was great!

Allie on the move

Avery with daddy

Allie's class

What a fun day!

BOOK WEEK

Allie had book week at scool. (I am late posting). She didn't want to dress up, but when she found out she got a reward she decided she would. She decided to be Nancy Drew. Which I thought was great, being that it was the night before dress up day. I would like to say that I am a mom that could whip up a cute costume at the last minute. But that is so not me. So Nancy Drew was an easy costume. Allie like it because she does like to get dress up and look silly and I told her we could straighten her hair. (In the movie Nancy Drew the girl has long straight hair. I think the original Nancy Drew had short straight hair.) Anyway, Allie was so excited to have straight hair. She loved it!! She keeps asking if we can do again.

Spring Break and Easter

2009-04-14T20:14:00.012-05:00

Spring Break

Allie and Chris were on Spring Break last week. We really didn't do much. We spend a lot of time cleaning out stuff in the house. Avery was sick the first few days and the weather was not so good. So the girls spend a lot of time playing inside. On Thursday, the weather was great so the girls and I met my aunt Connie and her kids at the zoo. Everyone else in Atlanta was at the zoo too. Then we went for lunch at the Varsity. It was a lot of fun and Allie and Avery loved spending time with their cousins.

Allie, Emily, Erin, and Avery

Allie and Emily

Panda stamps

Aunt Connie and Avery

Allie and Avery

Avery and Erin

Easter Weekend

Saturday we went to the egg hunt at Cedar Grove church. It was fun to see our friends from there. The kids had a great time. Then, we went home and my brother and his family came in from Alabama. We really enjoyed spending time with them.

Avery getting her first egg.

Avery, Allie and Nina

Ethan and Allie

Allie and Avery with their eggs

Allie

Harrison, Brodie, and Avery ready for the egg hunt.

(Look how cute, Brodie and Avery holding hands)

Faith, Allie, and Emily

Family Picture

Easter Day

The Easter bunny came. We had a good day at church. Then we went over to a my aunt Cheryl and uncle Steve's for a great lunch. The kids had another egg hunt and it was great to be with family. My parents didn't get to come down this year and we missed having them.

The girls before church

Family Picture (Allie was not happy about anymore pictures)

Avery, Erin, Emily, and Allie

All the kids

Anna and Avery

Allie taking a break from the hunt to let mom get a picture.

Grandparents Day

2009-03-28T20:28:00.005-05:00

Friday was Grandparent's Day at Arlington. Allie was so excited to have the grandparents come to school. The kids did a little program and the grandparents visited their classroom. Chris' mom came and my parents came too. My niece and nephew that live in Alabama were on Spring Break, so they came down with my parents. We were really glad to see them. The weather was terrible! It rained the whole weekend, so we really didn't do anything but hang aroung our house. I got some good pictures if the kids with grandparents. (Thanks to Jackie.) I actually forgot my camera, but she let me use hers.

Jackie and the kids

Mom and Dad and the kids

All the kids and my parents

Alex, Dad, Mom, Hannah, Allie, Avery, and Anna

Allie was playing wit my camera and she took a cute picture of Anna and Avery.

Anna took a cute one of Allie and Avery.

Times Are Changing

2009-03-18T20:40:00.004-05:00

So I can't believe Avery is 2 and 1/2 already. She has been asking for a big girl bed. So, I decided to take the rail off her crib. So she was very excited about her "big girl bed". Which is actually the same bed, but with a small rail. Anyway, She has done really well. She went right to sleep the first night. It was kind of weird for me the next morning. I heard her wake up and then in one minute she was standing in front of me, very proud of herself. She didn't take a nap today, but she stayed in her bed until I told her she could get up! We will see if that lasts. I am sure in a few days she will realize she can get up and ask for water, potty, to get in our bed, and all the other things her sister asks for. We will hope she continues to do well.

All ready for bed

Silly faces!

She asked if Allie could sleep with her. "No way"

Don't you just love sleeping children? These are some of my favorite pictures. They look so sweet and peaceful.

Update

2009-03-12T20:40:00.004-05:00

I thought I would give some updates about what is going on here in the King house. Allie's cheerleading has ended for the year. She is enjoying kindergarten and I can't believe it is almost over. I am amazed at how much she is learning. Avery is now potty trained! We are very happy about that, but now we have to visit every bathroom in every store. We are about to make her crib into a big girl bed. She is growing so fast. Chris has been really busy with school lately. Arlington boys and girls basketball teams won the state tournament this year. We were all very excited about that. But the biggest news is that we will be having another baby in October! We are all very excited about this too. Please keep us in your prayers.

Alanta Zoo

2009-02-24T13:01:00.009-06:00

So we finally took the girls to the zoo. We have been wanting to go for a while. Maybe I should say the girls and I have been wanting to go. Chris could have cared less if we ever went, but he went with us anyway. He did have a good time and we even got a year pass so we can go back. Chris and Allie were out of school for President's Day and so went after Chris' doctor's appointment. It turned out to be right at Avery's nap time, but she was very good and didn't get tired until the very end. The girls liked seeing all the animals. We saw the pandas, but our favorite were the the gorillas. There were lots of babies. They were wrestling around together. Allie and Avery liked that. They talked all the way home about coming home and playing monkeys.

Valentine's Day and Warm Weather

2009-02-14T07:45:00.003-06:00

It has been a long time since I posted last. I just realized I had hardly taken any pictures in January. I am going to try to do better. We have been enjoying the nice weather lately. I took a few pictures when we were outside the other day. Also, Allie had a Valentine's party at school.

Valentine's Party at School

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Sunrise

2009-01-14T06:33:00.003-06:00

I read this devotional thought today and I thought I would pass it along.

Written byVan Walton
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete…" James 1:2-4 (NLT)
Have you ever risen early in the morning with one purpose, to watch the sun rise? I especially like to take time for sunrises, so I purposefully chose to rise early each day during my vacation.One morning I found myself sitting on the dock facing east, looking for the sun to rise up over the lake.
Another morning I sat on the long veranda of a century-old hotel gazing at the Ohio River, waiting for the golden glow that would announce the sun's arrival.
Days later, toward the end of my trip, I wrapped myself in a heavy blanket and curled up in the glider on the front porch of the cabin where I had spent the night. Peering over the Utah landscape, once again I searched the horizon.Soon a bright orange blaze appeared, forcing me to close my eyes because of its brilliance. In a few seconds, with wide-opened eyes, I continued my search for the morning's drama, only to see a half globe sitting on top of the mountains. I kept watching, not wanting to miss the spectacular sight. Then, in another blink of an eye, the sun lifted itself from the peaks, and hung there in the sky - a perfect golden circle.That was it. It went so quick. The sun had come up, creeping into the day, and now it simply dangled ��“ a yellow ball in the air, surrounded by blue, looking like a child's simple drawing.For a few minutes I pondered my disenchantment with this particular sunrise. Is there such a thing as an incomplete, imperfect sunrise? At that moment I believed there was. I had just experienced it. And, I remembered others like it, somewhat lackluster.Why had the sunrise not impressed me this day? Where was all the drama I had expected? Then I realized there is no drama in a sunrise without clouds.Clouds - they've been given a bum rap, but all along, these predictors of bad weather, these symbols of negativity, sadness, blues, and gloom really serve to expand light, reflect color, cast dazzling rays, and paint incredible scenes in the sky.A sunrise without clouds is like a life without trials and hardships. I do all I can to avoid challenges and difficulties, but the fact is the so called "clouds" in my life can cast me in a certain aura of God's splendor. A life free of complications and struggles can resemble a bland sunrise … little contrast, seemingly dull artistry, and little context in which I can reflect the Son.Truth is, the people I respect and admire most are those whose lives have been filled with "clouds" but they walk through any weather with God. These people walk in splendor, surrounded with a certain attractive and hard-to-capture beauty. They are people I seek out on a regular basis. I pursue them because I want to bask in their glow and confidence. They leave me in awe.One thing is sure. I'm never disappointed when I find myself in the company of those who have learned to rise up in the midst of clouds. They don't seek to avoid cloudy days; rather they stand up to walk in dignity, accepting the brilliant contrasts and magical rays God can create despite and through their adversity.It is in their presence I realize, a life free of clouds holds no attraction. Now I see cloudy days in a positive light. May I never shun them again, for I realize clouds build character, add color, and separate the bland from the brilliant.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-30T21:51:00.011-06:00

We had a great Christmas. My mom and dad came to Georgia Christmas eve. The past few years they have been spending the night with us on Christmas eve. Chris' mom also comes over and spends the night. So we have a house full. It is fun to have them on Christmas morning and they enjoy seeing the kids reaction to what Santa brings.

Allie showing us some ornaments on the tree.

Avery doing the same

On Christmas eve, we had dinner and the girls put out reindeer food for Santa's reindeer. We usually go out the next morning and it is gone, but we forgot to even look this year.

We put out cookies for Santa. What happened to Santa's cookies?

I think I know

Yeah! Avery ate lots of Santa's cookies. So we had to put out more. Then, on Christmas morning, when she woke up I told her Santa had come. She said, "Can I eat his cookies?" I said, "Santa ate all his cookies?" Then she said "Can you make me more?" I guess she might have been perfectly happy for Santa to bring her cookies instead of presents.

I didn't get many good pictures on Christmas morning. The kids were not too interested in stopping for pictures. I can't imagine why. We went to my aunt and uncles house for lunch and had a great meal.

Maybe we should have another baby. It looks like Avery could handle the diaper changes for us.

Our big family Christmas was Saturday after Christmas. I don't have any pictures. Why? Because Chris and I didn't get to go. We were at home with a stomach virus!! I was so disappointed. We always have a good time. This year we had to bring a white elephant gift. There is a pair of Grinch boxer shorts that show up in someones gift every year for about the last five years. That was of course among the white elephant gifts. The funniest gift this year came from my cousin Andy. Andy is an Auburn fan (of course) and he married a Georgia fan (We really like her in spite of it.) Andy took some of her Georgia Bulldog stuff and some of her parents Bulldog stuff and wrapped it up without her knowing it. They said it was so funny her expression as she figured it out. See all the fun we missed. I can't wait til next year, she will have a whole year to plan on how to get back at him. My parents took the girls, so they didn't have to miss it. Then Allie stayed at my aunt Connie's house and Avery and my parents stayed at my aunt Donna's house. I was so happy that we didn't have to take care of them while we were sick. Overall we had a fun Christmas minus the sickness. I can't believe it is already over. On thing I'm glad to be done with is Christmas decorations. I took down all the Christmas stuff today. The house looks sort of bare. And I love it! All that Christmas stuff starts to get on my nerves after a while.

Christmas in Alabama

2008-12-24T07:42:00.005-06:00

We went to Alabama this past weekend to see my parents and celebrate Christmas with my brothers and their families. We had a great time. The girls loved playing with their cousins and seeing grandparents, aunts, and uncles.

Mom and Dad with all the grand kids

Allie, Avery and Anna

Avery is getting stacking up her presents. She loved opening the presents!!! After she finished with hers she started trying to open other peoples.

Allie with a big present. It turned out to be a Hannah Montana keyboard!!

Avery got a princess set. She lined them all up and then stood in line with them. I have no idea why she took her shirt off. It was hot, but princesses sure don't dress like that!!!

Allie, Anna, Alex, and Avery

Avery, Allie, and Charlotte ready for bed!

Alex, Avery, and Allie

CALLAWAY GARDENS

So last night we decided to go to Callaway Gardens. The Nobles, Ms. Charlotte, Ms. Sandra and Madison went with us, so Chris had the idea for us to take a school bus. We all loaded up and went. Here is a tip if you want to go to Callaway Gardens, buy your tickets the day before. If you try to buy them online the day you are going, you will not be able too. We had to buy them when we got down there. $$$$ Anyway we had a great time. The kids loved the lights and they loved the bus about as much. It was a little difficult to get the littlest ones to sit still when they are used to being in a car seat. While we were on the lights trail, Chris let the kids drive the bus. We had a good time.

All the kids in the village before we saw the lights.

Avery driving the bus

Allie driving the bus

Gingerbread Fun and other stuff

2008-12-14T22:49:00.007-06:00

We have spent a lot of time at home this last week. Allie had a fever Thursday and Friday, so she was home from school. She really felt fine, so it was fun to have her home with us. The girls had a good time playing together. (Although I had to break up a few fights.) We made gingerbread cookies and a gingerbread house. Well, Allie and I made the gingerbread house. I put the icing on the house and gave the girls a bowl of candy to put on the house. Avery ate all the candy. Not even one piece got on the house.

We were going to go to Alabama this weekend to visit my parents and have Christmas with my brothers and their families, but my dad ended up having to go to the hospital. He has been having heart problems and we knew they were going to have to put a stent in, but we thought he could wait a few more weeks. He had a lot of chest pain on Wednesday, so they decided to go ahead and do the surgery. He had surgery on Friday in Nashville and everything went well. He is at home now and we will go visit him soon. We are so thankful that he is doing well and hope he will be feeling much better soon.

Here are a few pictures I took this week. Avery is in this phase now where she changes clothes all the time. In fact I had to move clothes so she couldn't reach them, because she would change clothes all day long. She still changes a few times a day and sometimes just takes her clothes off. She will absolutely not let you put the clothes on. She has to do it herself. So she made cookies in just a diaper. I know she has to be cold, its December, but I am not going to fight that battle. I guess if she gets cold enough she will put on some clothes.

cowgirl ballarina???

This snowman sings a Christmas song and dances. Avery loves to play it over and over and over again. Peggy Hamby gave it too us when Allie was about two. Thanks Peggy!!!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-07T23:14:00.010-06:00

This has been a very busy week for us. So this is a long post.

On Thursday, Allie had her Christmas program at school. It was called "Christmas at the OK Corral". Allie did really well. It was such a cute program. Here is our little cowgirl.

Grandma and Avery

Allie has been teaching Avery all the songs and the motions. Here she is putting on her own show after the performance.

Friday night, Allie got to cheer at half time of the girls varsity game at ACS. Then, Saturday morning we went to ACS for donuts with Santa. Avery loved Santa. She hugged him and waved to him. Allie on the other hand didn't want to talk or sit with him. They ate donuts and wrote a letter to Santa. They also got to shop at the Secret Santa shop. Saturday night Chris and I went to the church Christmas party, while the girls played with Grandma.

Here is Avery with Santa

Here is Allie not with Santa

Sunday, we had our children's Christmas party at church. Santa was there too!! He has been really busy in Atlanta this weekend. Allie still didn't want to sit with him, but she did stand by him so I could get another picture with Santa. The kids did a craft and decorated cookies. They had so much fun.

Chris helping Avery with her cookies.

The best part of decorating cookies.. eating them.

Allie and her cookie

Allie with her craft.

I usually like to have Christmas decorations up right after Thanksgiving, but not this year. I really don't get into lots of decorations so I really don't know why it took us this long to get it all up. We finally got the tree up and the girls started decorating it after church Sunday night. Allie brought in this stool so she could hang the decorations higher. I had a flashback to last year when the girls were playing by the tree and someone,we still don't know which kid, pulled the whole tree over. It didn't fall on anybody and nothing really broke. Maybe that won't happen this year. We still didn't finish the tree and the girls have small trees for their rooms that we haven't started yet. Maybe we will get it all done soon.

We also have a special house guest this year for the holidays. This is the first year we have had the elf on the shelf. He comes from the North Pole to watch the kids. He reports back to Santa every night on how they are behaving! Then the next morning he is in a different spot in the house and the kids have to find him. Sunday morning it was still dark when Allie got up. I came in the kitchen to find Allie looking for the elf. They really like finding him and hopefully we can get a few weeks of good behavior before he goes back to the North Pole. We named him Sam, but Avery keeps saying "Where is that shelf?"

The Pink Pig and Santa

2008-11-26T21:39:00.008-06:00

It is that time of year again. Ever since Ethan was a baby, Mandy and I have taken the kids to see Santa and ride the Pink Pig. It is something we look forward to every year. We usually go during the day, but Allie had school this week. So, we picked Allie up from school and headed up to Phipps Plaza. Mrs. Charlotte was with us and that was so so helpful. It is not easy with four kids at the mall. It was great to have the extra help!! I told Mandy we needed one of those ropes preschool teachers use to keep the kids in a line. You know where the kids hold on to the rope and the teacher leads them. Except, I think we would have needed to tie our kids to the rope!

Here is my best attempt at a group picture of the kids.

My girls were both so excited about seeing Santa. I wondered how Avery would do but, she did great. I don't think she looked at him, but she did talk a little. Allie just wanted to take him the list. She kept asking if she had to talk to him, but when she got up there she did talk. She told him all about her list and told him about Avery's list too. Ethan and Nina were so cute. Ethan looked like he felt right at home talking to the big man. Nina cried at first and then she was laughing. She was so cute. Now that we had seen Santa, we tried to get pictures for our Christmas cards. What a disaster! Allie was trying to be good, because she knows it is just easier to smile and get it over with than to fight it. So, she stands there with a fake smile. Avery still fights it. She refuses to look at the camera. So after a while of trying to get a good picture we gave up and went to ride the Pink Pig.

The Girls with Santa

Allie is telling Santa that she is 5 years old.

Allie is making sure he understands the list!

Avery and Nina

The Pink Pig was fun. The kids were so excited about riding it and that we were not making them take pictures anymore. (Well, not many more.)

After a fun night, it was time to take four very tired kids home. It was going to be a long ride back to Newnan, so what did we do. The Varsity! Mandy had the idea to get the kids milkshakes on the way home. It made them happy and quiet. We will definitely add that to the tradition next year!

"Who wants milkshakes!"

Allie after a fun night. She fell asleep with her pink pig on her lap.

Halloween

2008-11-03T06:12:00.006-06:00

TRICK-TREATING ON THE SQUARE

Newnan has trick-or -treating on the square for the little kids during the day. It is always fun with lots of cute little kids. We met the Thompsons for lunch and then took Avery and Hayden trick-or-treating. Here is Avery and Hayden checking out the costumes from the window of the restaurant.

Here they are ready to go!

TRICK-OR-TREATING HALLOWEEN NIGHT

The Brinkleys came over for trick-or-treating in our neighborhood. Allie also had a friend from school over. Allie wanted to be a cheerleader this year. It was great for me, because we already had the costume. I kept thinking she would change her mind, but she stuck with it this year. I couldn't believe it. We dressed Avery as a cowgirl. She really didn't care what she was. Jodi made Avery's little vest. She looked really cute and wore her costume all night. We went out early and stayed out for a while. Then we all loaded up and went to Chic-fil-A for dinner and free ice cream.

All the kids before we left.

Avery was a lot slower than the big kids, but she kept up pretty well. Sophie and Reagan were so sweet to help her.

CHURCH FALL FESTIVAL

Saturday we had our church fall festival. They had games for the kids and real horse rides!

Football and Pumpkins

2008-10-25T21:52:00.009-05:00

This has been a fun week. Avery finished her Puddlejumpers class. She will really miss going. She got a certificate and was very proud of herself.

Reading a book.

Avery with her certificate and the fake smile!!

Homecoming

It was Homecoming week at Arlington. The girls played in a powder puff football game Thursday night. We went to watch Hannah. The teams tied and it looked like they had a lot of fun. Avery kept saying she wanted to go watch Hannah "be a boy" . This was the first year they have had a football homecoming. The weather was terrible. It was raining and cold. They had to do all the homecoming stuff in the gym before the game. But, we won the game!

Allie and the little girl cheerleaders got to cheer at the pep rally on Friday. They did a pom pom routine It was really cute. I tried to post the video, but I can't get it rotated. So you have to watch it sideways.

Saturday, we carved our pumpkin. Allie and Avery had a good time. They spent a lot of time digging around in the pumpkin getting out one seed at a time. Allie wanted it to have a mean face. I am not the best pumpkin carver, so this is as mean as it gets. But, I will say I am better than Chris. Last year he cut all the teeth out. So I did the carving this time. Do you think he planned that? Probably so! Anyway the girls had a great time!

Go Eagles!

2008-10-11T06:51:00.006-05:00

Last night we went to Arlington's football game. They are doing really well this year. They won 6 games and only lost 1. They beat Heritage 42 to 13 last night. This year they have a little girls cheer squad for the elementary students. They practice once a week and they cheer at 2 football games and some basketball games. We signed Allie up and she loves it!!! Last night couldn't have come fast enough for her. She practices cheering all the time and has even taught Avery some cheers. They were really cute. I tried to put a video on here, but I can't figure it out. Maybe Chris can later.

All the cheerleaders. Allie is the first kid, on the first row.

This is what Avery does when you tell her to smile. Funny!

Avery actually loves this Eagle although in this picture she looks a little scared. She asked all night where the eagle was. When the eagle picked her up she said, "Take my picture".

Tagged

2008-10-06T20:54:00.005-05:00

Rules: Each player answers the question themselves. At the end of the post the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blog and leaves them a comment letting them know that they've been tagged and asking them to read your blog. Let the person that tagged you know when you've answered the questions on your blog.

10 years ago I:
1. was 21 years old!!!
2. just got engaged to Chris
3. was working at the YMCA
4. lived in Florence, Alabama
5. was in college at the University of North Alabama

5 things on today's "to do" list:
1. go to the bank
2. pick up Allie and Hannah from school
3. put away the laundry
4. start pulling out winter clothes
5. go to the grocery store

5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
2. grapefruit
3. Cheetos
4. grapes
5. granola bars

5 things I would do if I were a millionaire:
1. buy a bigger house with a huge toy room
2. hire a maid to clean up the huge toy room and the rest of the place
3. get a massage every week
4. take my kids to Disney world
5. go to the beach with Chris

5 places I have lived:
1. Lithia Springs, GA
2. Florence, AL
3. Peachtree City, GA
4 Montgomery, AL
5. Auburn, AL

5 jobs I have had:
1. teacher
2. I was the Easter Bunny at the mall ( so was Mandy)
3. babysitter
4. worked at a restaurant
5 worked at a clothing store

The rules say I have to tag 5 people.So I'll tag: Sandy, Heather, Mandy, Jana K. Alexa

WAR EAGLE!

2008-09-27T18:55:00.002-05:00

Fall Fun

2008-09-23T12:07:00.013-05:00

KINDERGARTEN TEA

Friday, Allie had a tea for all the kids in kindergarten and their families. The room was decorated like Noah's Ark. They had little PB&J sandwiches shaped like animals. Everything was so cute.

ACS FOOTBALL GAME

Friday night was another home game. Avery usually stays home with Grandma, but we took her this time. It is definitely more enjoyable without a two year old, but she was good. She loves the Eagle mascot. She gets so excited. I would have thought she would have been scared of him.

Allie at the game. She really loves to watch the cheerleaders. In October, she will get to cheer before two of the games.

Avery and Erin

PARK

Saturday it was so nice outside. Chris had the great idea to go to lunch and the park. The weather was so perfect. Avery was so proud of herself. Chris let her hold on to the monkey bars and he let go of her. She wanted to do it over and over. Here are a few pictures.

THE FAIR

Monday night we went to the fair with the Nobles, Ms. Charlotte, and Mandy's grandmother. I picked Allie up from school and we rushed home to get homework done so we could go to the fair. I also fixed the girls a hot dog. I was not watching Avery and this is what she did to her plate of ketchup! She was really proud of her finger painting on her plate. Just what I needed something else to clean up.

In the firetruck at the fair

Allie on the blow up slide. She and Ethan would have been content to stay on this the whole time.

Allie on the motorcycles.

Avery sad because she was not big enough to ride.

Avery finally gets to ride. I guess she liked it. She had the same expression on her face the whole ride.

Mark with Allie and Ethan in the spinning dragons.

Cheer Camp and Puddle Jumpers

2008-09-17T14:38:00.012-05:00

Allie had cheerleading camp last Saturday. She loves it! Mostly she loves that the varsity cheerleaders teach them the cheers. Here are a few pictures.

On the way home from cheer camp. We got in late Friday night after the football game. Then she had cheer camp all day Saturday. She was a tired little girl!!

Avery and I go to this class for moms and two year olds on Wednesdays. It is called Puddle Jumpers. Avery loves it! I am so glad we are able to go. She thinks she is so big, having her own class to go too. I can tell she misses Allie during the day. Every Wednesday when I tell her it is Puddle Jumpers day she says, "I ready go Mommy, I ready go!"

Playing in the bubbles

Playing

Painting

Avery's Masterpiece- She said it was Daddy

Going home

Princess Party

2008-09-17T14:38:00.007-05:00

I have been meaning to post some of these pictures. Allie went to Gracie's princess Birthday Party. The girls looked so cute. They had a great time. During the party, Hayden came over to our house to play with Avery.

Here is Avery trying on some jewelry and loving that I painted her toenails.
Allie in her princess dress. Allie and Emily all dressed up
Some of the girls from the party and Hayden.
Avery and Hayden at our house. Don't they look sweet. They really only did this for the picture. They didn't fight, but spent most of the time saying "Mine" about every toy they had in their hand. I guess that is the way two year olds play.

Busy Weekend

2008-08-27T09:11:00.005-05:00

We had a busy weekend last weekend. Mandy, Ethan, and Nina flew in Wednesday. Avery and I went to pick them up from the airport. She loves that. She always says, "Avery ride airplane too." Then Thursday night, my parents came in town for Allie's Birthday party. So we really enjoyed time with all of them. Allie had a party at the Jump Zone on Saturday. I didn't get as many pictures as I would have liked to. The kids didn't want to slow down enough to get pictures. I can't blame them. Avery can't really climb up to slide by herself. Thankfully Hannah, Erin and Grandma took turns sliding with her, so Chris and I didn't have to slide the whole time. They all had a blast!

Allie with her Hannah Montana cake.

This is the only picture I got of Allie sliding that wasn't blurry. Gracie, Allie, and Emily head first.

Birthday girl

Allie and her cousin Charlotte

A cute picture of Nina. She loved the slides!

Erin and Avery

Hannah and Avery

After the party, we went to a kids event for church. The weather was perfect. The kids got to fish and play outside.

Ms. Sally teaching Allie how to fish. She gave Allie the fishing pole for her birthday.

Allie fishing

Avery and Daddy fishing

Avery holding her fake worm. She kept wanting to put it in her mouth. Yuck!!!

Avery fishing. She would only hold the pole like this. Looks like she needs a lesson from Ms. Sally too.

Allie and Emily

The end of a long day. They were very tired and very dirty, but what a fun day!

Happy Birthday Allison!!!!

2008-08-19T11:46:00.005-05:00

Today was Allie's 5th birthday. She is having a party on Saturday, but she took Hannah Montana cupcakes to school today. I picked her and Hannah up after school and we went to Allie's favorite restaurant- Chic-fil-A!!!!! Hannah and Grandma went with us. Chris had class tonight at GA state so he didn't get to go. But he went and saw her at lunch. We came home and had some cupcakes and she got to open a present from us and one from Grandma. I just can't believe she is five years old!!

The five year old Allie this morning before school.

Allie with her cupcake

Blowing out the candle.

Avery said she wanted me to take her picture. Then after I did, she blew on her cupcake, which had no candle, but she didn't seem to mind.

Allie and Hannah with frosting on their nose.

I wanted to post a baby picture of Allie. Then I remembered that I don't have digital pictures of her as a baby. When she was a baby we had no digital camera. Wow! She really is getting old. I think she was not quite 2 years old in both of these. As I was looking through the pictures, I began to see that Avery is starting to look more like Allie.

First Day of School

2008-08-15T14:14:00.004-05:00

Allie started kindergarten today. It was a day full of mixed emotions for me. I am very happy for her, but there is a little sadness with each milestone that passes. It seems like time passes so quickly. While I had mixed emotions, Allie was just very excited. She even went to bed early. When I put her to bed she was asking me about the alarm clock and if I was going to set it. I assured her I would wake her up. She said, " No, I want an alarm clock in my room." So I got a travel alarm clock and set it for her. Then, when I got up this morning her lamp was on. When I went in her room at 6:30 she was already awake and laying in the bed looking at the alarm clock . (which had not gone off yet.) She ate breakfast, got dressed really quick, and didn't fuss about anything! It was so nice and I am sure it will not be like that again ever, so I tried to enjoy it today.

She had a really good day. She said her favorite part was the playground. They only had school until noon today, so she really wasn't gone long. We went and picked her and Hannah up. Today was Hannah's first day of high school! We celebrated by having lunch at McDonalds.

The girls with Hannah after school.

On the road again

2008-08-05T14:30:00.004-05:00

I took the girls to see my parents this weekend. Chris was going to go, but ended up getting too busy with work. So I just took the girls. They were actually both really good in the car. I don't know if I was just expecting the worst or what. Avery has a bad habit of dropping everything. But this time she did really well. Allie was a good helper. We got to visit with my parents and my brother and his family. My brother has a swimming pool. Saturday we went over there to swim for a while. It was kind of stormy so we didn't get to swim much, but Allie and Avery love playing with their cousins. After the rain, there was a rainbow in the sky. It was so pretty and you could see the whole rainbow. Here is a picture of the kids with the rainbow in the background.

Last week the girls were playing. Allie came out of Avery's room and said Avery was going to sleep. She had put Avery in the doll bed. Avery looks pretty comfortable.

The beach again

2008-07-28T21:08:00.005-05:00

We went to the beach again last week. My aunt Connie has a condo in Panama City so the girls and I went with her and her girls. My aunt Donna and cousin Hannah went too. It was fun. We went to the beach and shopping. What could be more fun for a bunch of girls.

Here are the kids on the beach.

Avery relaxing at the beach. (Look at those thighs!)

Allie on the beach. (not happy that I was taking her picture)

This is Allie's idea of a dive. It usually is a belly flop.

Allie and Avery

The kids at dinner one night.

The beach one night. It makes me want to go back.

More Beach pictures

2008-07-15T22:39:00.004-05:00

Here are a few more pictures.

Beach

2008-07-15T20:44:00.008-05:00

For the past few summers we have been going to the beach with my family. This year Mom and Dad went, along with my mom's two sisters (Connie and Donna) and her brother (Steve) and their families. We had 15 people total. (including the 4 kids and 2 teenagers). It was a lot of fun, although I my blood sugar levels were terrible the first few days. They got a little better at the end of the week and that made it more fun for me. I love the beach and it was much better this year with Avery. She loved the water and didn't care if she was covered in sand. We went to Fort Morgan Beach. It is near Gulf Shores. We have been there once before and we really like it because the beach is not crowded. It is fun to be at the beach with family, because you get to spend a lot of time together. Allie, Emily, and Erin played the entire week. Allie and Emily are only 4 days apart in age. They are great buddies. They would spend two hours on the beach playing in the sand. Then when we went back home for lunch they disappear for hours more playing Barbies. Avery tried to break in on the playing, but they would send her away. Erin was really sweet to play with Avery. Avery loves to play with Erin. My cousin Hannah and her friend Cassie were a great help with the kids. My girls absolutely love Hannah. ( and we do too!) The other best thing about vacation with my family is the food. Since there are so many of us. Each family takes a night to cook. So you only end up cooking yourself one time. We had great food!!! I think I gained 5 pounds. The very best part of the trip was the last night when my Uncle Bobby was baptized in the swimming pool. The women went shopping at the outlet one day. That day Bobby, Chris, Steve and Cheryl took the kids (not Avery) to the water park. Allie was barely tall enough to ride the big water slides. She loved them. The first one she rode she fell out of the boat and I think it shook her up a bit, but she kept going. Chris and Bobby played golf twice. All in all it was a great week. Sorry this post is so long. I still have a few pictures I didn't include.

Chris' birthday was Sunday, so we go him a cake to celebrate. Allie carried the cake in to him and she was so excited.

Ready to go to the beach.

Avery and Chris walking in the ocean.

I think she liked it.

I have about ten pictures very similar to this because this is what Emily and Allie did the entire time we were at the beach. Every once in a while one would get up to get water, but they played in the sand a lot.

Allie getting water for the castle

The girls and Pop building a sand castle.

My dad and Uncle Steve trying to teach Allie how to use her boogie board.

Her she goes. She did it a few times and then went back to the sand.

My dad and Avery

Avery

Our house was on the 8th hole, so I took a picture of Chris from our deck.

Allie jumping in the pool. She started out he week jumping with no life jacket and swimming to Chris, but by the end of the week she would only jump with her life jacket. Who knows why.

Hannah, Cassie (Hannah's friend), Erin, and Avery on the back deck.

I thought this was a cute picture of Hannah and Avery. It would have been better if Avery's fingers were not in her ears. What is she doing?

Avery and her buddy Erin

One night we went to eat at Lamberts "Home of the Throwed Rolls". It was great food. Every once in a while a man comes around and if you raise your hand he will throw you a roll from across the room. It was fun. Avery loved it. She kept raising her hand. Once the guy came by our table and very carefully threw her one. She was so funny. Here she is with her roll.

July 4th

2008-07-13T19:08:00.008-05:00

I know I am late with this post, but we left July 5th for the beach. We had a good July 4th. Chris usually runs the Peachtree Road Race, but this year he didn't, so he got to go to the parade with us. Chris' mom went with us too. The girls had a good time, although Allie started out a little grumpy. After a few pieces of candy she was fine. Phil got us a great spot. We were there with lots of church people.

All of us.

We are ready for the parade!

Grandma and the girls.

Allie waiting for the parade. (still a little grumpy at this point)

We walked down and saw Ethan at the end of the parade.

Chris and David so excited to see the parade.

After the parade we went home and finished packing and loaded the van for the beach. Then we heading back to Peachtree City for the fireworks. They are great fireworks and my favorite July 4th event. We met Mandy, Mark, Ethan, Nina, Ms. Charlotte, Romeo, Jodi, Sophie, and Jodi's parents down there.

There was a band playing and the kids really enjoyed this.

Sophie, Allie, and Avery

Chris and Avery

Allie

Nina and Avery really had a good time with the food. They were a sticky mess!

Chris and Allie

What a great day. We got home lates and up early the next day to go the beach. I have lots of pictures of the beach to come.

VBS

2008-07-02T22:34:00.008-05:00

All th kids at VBS.

We had a great VBS this year at church. The kids had a great time.

I tried to get a picture of all four kids. Avery would sit really nice until I held up the camera and then she would dive off the couch. So finally I just took one without her. Then she started to cooperate a little more.

This was the best I could do of all four of them.

My girls the last night of VBS.

Avery with her Bible. She really loves her little Bible. She has been sleeping with it in her bed. It is so sweet.

All the kids got to decorate cookies. Jana made all the cookies. (Thanks Jana!) The kids love it.

At the end of each night the kids went outside to play games. This was one of Allie's favorite things. This is Gracie and Allie ready to play something with hula hoops.

Erin and Avery

Emily and Avery

Allie playing tug of war with the boys.

Allie still playing tug of war. She really liked this.

The kids really loved VBS and can't wait until next year.

Swimming Pool Fun

2008-06-27T12:14:00.008-05:00

So we had a busy week this week. Mandy and Mark went to Mexico for Mark's brother's wedding. While they were gone Mandy's sister Courtney had some pregnancy complications and they had to take the baby early. Courtney and Baby Hunter are doing well, now. I am so greatful he is healthy and that Courtney is better. I know there were lots and lots of prayers on their behalf. Charlotte had to go check on Courtney and the baby in Texas, so we got Mandy's kids. All the kids were really good, but I will say having 4 kids ages 1, 2, 3, and 4 is CRAZY! I was going to take a picture Sunday moring of all the kids dressed for church, but I forgot to take it. But we did make it with all our clothes, shoes, hairbows, and we were on time! I thought that was a small miricle. Monday, Randi kept Nina, so Allie, Avery, and Ethan went swimming in our baby pool. Ethan and Allie are almost as long as the slide, but they had fun anyway. Our church had VBS this week so I have some pictures of that I will post next.

Avery swimming

Allie pushing Ethan down the slide.

Avery trying to push Allie down the slide!

Here is my little helper feeding Nina her baby food.

Birthday Party

2008-06-12T12:10:00.006-05:00

It seems Avery's birthday party was doomed to fail. First, we had a terrible time scheduling it. It seems the first part of June is very busy. Then, Saturday Avery started not feeling well. That night she woke up with a fever. She and I stayed home from church Sunday, but when she woke up she had no fever and was feeling ok. So we met my family for lunch and the they came over to our house for cake and ice cream. She got a little shy when we sang Happy Birthday to her, but she loved the cake and presents. It was a fun party.

The week before when we would sing happy birthday she would act like she was blowing out candles. But when it really came time to blow out the candles, she was shy and so Emily and Allie were more than happy to do it for her.

She was a big fan of the cake.

Allie and Avery

Emily and Allie with Avery

Erin and Avery

Hannah, Avery and Donna

Cheryl, Steve, and Avery

Connie, Bobby, and Avery

We got Avery this Strawberry Shortcake doll and she loves it. It has been going everywhere with us and she sleeps with it. It is a cute doll and it smells like strawberries. It really smells bad. It don't know how she can stand to carry it around all the time.

Happy Birthday Avery!

2008-06-06T22:14:00.006-05:00

Our sweet baby girl turned two years old today!

Here are some pictures from the last two years.

On to bigger things

2008-05-13T14:02:00.007-05:00

Allie had her preschool graduation today. They did a little program where they sang a bunch of songs and they gave out diplomas. It was so cute. When the four year olds came in, Avery spotted Allie and she kept saying "Hey Allie" really loud. Lots of people were laughing. It was pretty funny. She was really good throughout the rest of the program. Allie has only one more day of school and a party day. It is sort of sad to think that her preschool days are over. Time goes so fast. She had a such good teachers and a great little class.

Allie's first day of preschool this year.

Allie on graduation day.

Allie getting her diploma from her teacher.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-11T19:41:00.004-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day! The other day Allie was waiting for the mail lady to bring the mail so she could go and get it. That started a discussion about different jobs. I asked he what she wanted to do when she grew up. She said I had to guess. So I named about very job that I could think of and then finally gave up. I asked her what she wanted to be. She said "a Mommy". I thought that was sweet and appropriate for mothers day. I told her that was a good choice, because it is the best job in the world. I hope everyone had a good mother's day.

Random Pictures

2008-05-03T12:45:00.004-05:00

I took a cute picture of Hannah and the girls that I wanted to post. Then I decided to post a few more random pictures that I have taken.

Making cupcakes

Spring

2008-04-22T08:22:00.006-05:00

Last Saturday Gracie and Heather came to watch Allie play ball . Allie was so excited that Gracie was there.

Here is a picture of Allie and Gracie

Avery with her cool glasses on

This Saturday my parents came to see the game. Grandma was there also. I took a few pictures. I know your probably tired of t-ball pictures. Only two more games left. It has been fun, but this week it was so hot.

Allie and Grandma

The girls with my parents

I love spring. We have been spending a lot of time outside. Here are a few pictures of the girls outside. Allie is really into riding her bike. Avery loves to play in the Barbie jeep, but she didn't know how to make it go. Last week Allie showed her how to press the pedal. I was hoping she wouldn't learn this yet, because she doesn't know how to drive it. She just kept driving into things. Then I had the great idea to turn the wheel, so when she pushes the pedal it just goes in circles. She loved it. It was pretty funny. She just rode around and around in a circle.

Allie riding her bike.

Avery going in circles in the jeep.

Memphis

2008-04-15T20:28:00.004-05:00

We finally made it to Memphis. You may have seen pictures on Mandy's blog. If you didn't you should look at them. They are much better than mine. It seemed like I never had my camera when I wanted it. We were supposed to leave Monday, but Allie started running a fever on Sunday! I took her to the doctor and he said it was a sinus infection. We left Tuesday to go to Memphis. Avery had a runny nose when we left, but ended up on antibiotics before we got home. So, if Ethan and Nina get sick, it will be all our fault. We had a great time. The kids loved playing together. We went to see the ducks at The Peabody. Chris went to graduate school in Memphis and he loves Corky's BBQ, so we had to eat there. I am so glad we made it this time. It was fun spending time with the Nobles.

The girls at The Peabody

All the kids

Mandy and I with the kids

Allie, Nina, and Ethan

Avery looking at the ducks

We left Memphis on Thursday afternoon and headed to my parents house. We pass though the town where my brother lives, so we stopped and saw them. Then we went to mom and dads. We were going to head home on Friday, but we decided to stay one more day. It was good to see them. The kids did well on the trip, except that Avery didn't sleep much in the car. On the way home from mom and dads (4 hour drive) she fell asleep when we were 10 minutes from home.

Easter

2008-03-25T20:58:00.007-05:00

The Easter Bunny
Chris was off from work Friday, so we went to the mall to see the Easter bunny. We ate lunch and then went to find the bunny. I really thought that Avery would cry, but she loved it. I guess a big giant bunny is less scary that the fat man in the red suit.

Church Egg Hunt

On Saturday we had our church egg hunt. For some reason Allie calls this "Easter egging". So we went "Easter egging". It was a beautiful day and the kids had a great time. My mom came in town for Easter so we enjoyed visiting with her. Dad had to preach so he didn't get to come.

Here is an ok picture of both kids. I was beginning to think that it couldn't be done.

Avery and her buddy Hayden.

Avery, Nana, and Grandma (I wish Allie was in this picture. She was off playing)

Allie, Kate and Gracie ready for the egg hunt!

Avery with her easter eggs.

Avery without her easter eggs. Daddy helped her pick them up. I could have taken this picture ten times that day. She dropped her eggs a lot.

Easter Sunday

We went to church and then to my aunt Connie's house for lunch. The food was so good and it was fun to visit with the family. The kids had another easter egg hunt.

Here are the girls before church.

All the little girls.

A family picture

T-ball

2008-03-13T23:16:00.010-05:00

Allie had her first T-ball game last night. Since the game was cancelled Saturday, they scheduled a double header! They are only four years old, so you can imagine after one game they were ready to for it to be over. The highlight for Allie was that Ethan came to her game. She had quite a big cheering section. Mrs. Charlotte, Mark, Mandy, Ethan, Nina, their friends from Memphis, and of course Grandma. She loved it! I know I posted a lot of pictures but I took a lot! (we were there for two hours). Allie played well and she got the game ball for the first game.

Here is Allie in her uniform.

Here are the girls together.

Allie's coach told her to play the pitcher position first. She doesn't actually pitch since it is t-ball. If you are the pitcher you have to wear a helmet with a face mask on it. Allie didn't like the helmet, so she didn't want to be the pitcher. So her coach moved her to another position and put a boy in the pitcher position. He got quite a few balls hit to him. In the second inning she wanted to be pitcher. After the game I asked her why she changed her mind. She told me that the boy got a lot of balls hit to him, so she thought she might like to be the pitcher after all.

Allie in the pitcher's helmet.

Allie batting.

Waiting for her turn in the dugout.

Here is Avery eating her snacks.

Avery and Ethan playing their own game of t-ball.

Allie and Ethan

Mandy, Ethan, and Nina came over for lunch the other day. Here are a few of the pictures of the girls with Nina.

Avery and Nina

Allie and Nina

Jump Zone

2008-03-10T21:14:00.007-05:00

We went to a jump zone place this weekend with people from church. It was so much fun. Allie absolutely loves these places. Avery really liked it also. Since Avery is so little we had to climb and slide with her. At first we were sliding with Avery in our laps, but by the end we would send her down alone. She loved it and wanted to do it over and over.

Allie stopping for a picture finally. It took a long time to get her to slow down. I guess she figured I would keep on until I got one.

Avery cooking in the kitchen with her favorite food- Ketchup

Allie on the big slide.

Avery's first slide with daddy.

Allie sliding head first.

Playing basketball with Gracie.

Allie and I racing down the slide.

Avery

2008-03-06T08:42:00.002-06:00

Allie and Avery were playing hide and seek the other day. Avery ran off to her room to hide. I went in a minute later to put clothes away. She was hiding with just her head under the bed. I thought it was so cute. I know you may see this picture and wonder what she is wearing. Well, she has a princess nightgown that she likes to wear. She put it all by herself over her clothes. She really did a good job getting it on. She only had one arm in, so I tried to help her get it on correctly, but she got very angry with me. So she wore it all afternoon like that.

Hayden came over played the other day. Here are a few cute pictures of him and Avery playing.

T-ball

2008-03-01T20:00:00.004-06:00

Allie is playing T-ball. She already had a few practices, but today I took my camera and got a few pictures. It was a great day to be outside. Allie really was excited about playing T-ball, but now that she is actually there she is a little unsure. She is really doing very well. As well as four year olds can do playing a game with lots of rules. Today they practiced fielding the ball. Then when it was time to bat one boy hit the ball and the chased after his own ball. It is pretty funny to watch. Allie is the only girl on the team. She has a pink glove. Then, Chris went and bought her a purple batting helmet and a pink bat. So she has no trouble locating her gear. Grandma came and watched her today. She loves to have people cheer for her. She also can't wait to get her uniform. Such a girl always worried about the clothes. Next week is the first game, so I am sure I will take more pictures.

All Better

2008-02-27T13:12:00.005-06:00

We laided around most of the week, but on Friday we took the girls to Chuck-E-Cheese. I really wanted to do something else, but it had rained Thursday and Friday, so it had to be an indoor activity. The girls love Chuck-E-Cheese, so they had fun. I took a few pictures, but the girls were not in the mood to stop for pictures. They had rather play. They had a good time playing and so did Chris and I. I love that ski ball game! The only bad thing was that they used to have a toddler area where Avery could climb and then slide. They took that part out. There wasn't that much that Avery could do, but she didn't care. She liked having us chase her around the play area. Allie wanted to stay and eat lunch, but we convinced her Partners had better pizza, so we went there for lunch.

This was Avery watching Chuck-E-Cheese sing on stage. She really liked it.

2008-02-19T12:12:00.007-06:00

Well, It seems like everyone is sick. Allie and I got sick this weekend. I rarely get sick, but this has been bad. We have both been running a fever and generally feeling terrible. I don't excatly know how, but Avery and Chris seemed to have escaped it so far. Avery does have a runny nose and so she has been a little grumpy. The worst part is that Chris and Allie are out of school this week, so we had planned to go to Memphis to visit with Mark and Mandy. We were hoping could get well and leave on Monday, but that didn't happen. So we have been stuck in the house. It is starting to drive me a little crazy. We have been well taken care of though. Peggy send us home some fried chicken and mashed potatoes on Sunday (Thanks Peggy). Then, Jodi brought over a delicious meal last night. Along with some of the best brownies I have ever had! (Thanks Jodi) Maybe, that is why we are feeling better today. Allie had to go back to the doctor today. She is now on an antibotic, so maybe she will feel better soon and we can get out of here a little bit! I hope everyone else that is sick is better soon also.

Valentine's Day

2008-02-15T10:22:00.006-06:00

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day.

Here are the girls opening up their Valentine's gifts from us. Look at Avery's concentration!

It sure is hard to get a good picture of both of them together. This was the best I could do.

Allie had a party at school. They decorated cookies.

Avery went with me to the party . She loves to play in the classroom.

Parent's Day at Preschool
They have a parent's day at preschool, where parents come to visit. They had snacks and we went to Allie's classroom. She made us gifts for Valentine's Day. Here are a few pictures.

Daddy with his girls.

I thought this was a funny picture. Remember how I was saying I can't get a good picture of them together, well this is more proof. As soon as I sat Avery down she hit Allie in the head(on purpose and for no reason). This was the reason for the pouty face from Allie.

Allie with her gifts for us.

A day at the park

2008-02-04T18:16:00.000-06:00

Today was a beautiful day here, so we went to the park down the street. Avery really enjoyed it. Last fall she was just learning to get around and this time she was climbing on everything. So you know what that means. I had to climb a lot too. She used to not like the swing, but today she loved it. Allie loves the park, so she had a great time. She was also excited that I let her wear her Auburn cheerleading outfit. I bet she puts that cheerleading outfit on 5 times in a week. She loves it. She wants to wear it outside all the time, but it has been too cold. So today she finally got to wear it somewhere other than in the house. I tried to get a good picture of the two of them together, but I decided that it is impossible.

Rambo

2008-02-02T20:48:00.000-06:00

Well, It has been a while since my last post, but not much has been going on. I also was without a camera for a while. Anyway, I thought I would share what I did today. A while back, Chris got a handgun. So he has been wanting me to go to the shooting range with him. Well, his mom kept the kids today, so we did some shopping and went to the gun range. What a date. I know. I was not really excited about the range. I am not a fan of guns. It is very loud and a little scary to be in a room with 10 people shooting guns, but after a while it was kind of fun. I was unsure what to expect and nervous about the kick since it is a .40 caliber. It wasn't too bad. I shot at two targets. We kept one since it was my first time shooting a gun. I pretty much hit the target, but I don't think I will be the next Rambo!

Jack Frost comes to Visit

2008-01-19T13:09:00.000-06:00

It's snowing in Georgia! It didn't snow a lot, but it was enough to throw snowballs and make a snowman. Allie has never seen snow on the ground before. She loved it. Avery was pretty funny. She didn't know what to think. The girls played outside for a little while. We all threw snowballs for a while. Then Chris took Avery inside, while Allie and I built a snowman. Here are a few pictures of our snow adventures. It was really fun today, but I don't know if I would like to live where it snows often.

8 Things

2008-01-14T15:03:00.000-06:00

I really like reading the 8 thing blogs. It is interesting to see all the personalities of the kids. Well, here are 8 things about my girls.

8 Things About Allie

1. I love to play with my friends and am very social.

2. I am very independent. I like to do things on my own. I am very proud that I can call daddy on his cell phone all by myself.

3. I love my sister and am very protective of her. I don't like for her to get in trouble, even if she is mean to me. I like to boss her around. I have lots of things to teach her.

4. I don't like to sleep. Never have. I can play in my bed for hours when I am supposed to be going to sleep. Most nights mommy has to clean out all the toys from my bed after I fall asleep.

5. I will try most any food. However, my very favorite food is chicken nuggets and french fries!

6. I change my clothes about 5-10 times a day. I love to dress up and I love to wear pajamas even if it is the middle of the day.

7. I am a daddy's girl now. Almost every morning, before I say anything else I ask if daddy is home.

8. I love to play with Barbie dolls.

8 Things about Avery

1. I love ketchup. I dip everything in it, including my apple slices!

2. I don't like juice. I only drink milk and water. I do like to drink a sip of mommy's diet coke if she will let me.

3. I try to do everything my big sister does. I love her, but if I get mad I pinch her.

4. I have a temper. If I don't get what I want, I find something to throw!

5. I love to get kisses. At bedtime I lay in my bed and get lots of kisses from mommy!

6. I love to dance. I dance when ever I hear music. I like to dance with Allie.

7. I love to play with baby dolls.

8. I don't like to have my clothes changed. If I see new clothes coming, I run away and laugh. It is so funny when mommy and daddy have to chase me.

2008-01-11T19:59:00.000-06:00

Allie has been saying so pretty funny stuff the last few days so I thought I would share.
- She was very mad at me, because I wouldn't let her go out and play with the neighborhood kids. She was sitting at the window pouting. She said, "Nobody talk to me, not you or Avery". I was happy to not talk to her, since she had been whining for 10 minutes about not going outside. However, in about 30 seconds she asked me a question about going outside and I answered. She didn't like the answer. She said "Mom, don't talk to me. Even if I ask you a question, just don't talk to me".
- Today Allie and I were playing with the doll house people and she was telling me their ages. I thought it would be interesting to see her perspective on age. So I asked her how old is someone who is old. She said, "Do you mean they have a stick they walk with?". I said " Yes, how old are they?". She said "20"!
- She was talking about New York City for some reason. I told her I would take her there someday when she is older. I also added that Daddy doesn't like New York. She asked, "Is it because there is a lot of shopping there?" Oh how she knows her daddy.

Crazy Kids

2008-01-09T12:55:00.001-06:00

This morning, Avery came out of her room (I thought) and was pointing and telling me something I didn't understand. She lead me to the bathroom and this is what I found!

This picture was after we came out of the bathroom.

She sure looks guilty!

Here are a few more funny pictures of Avery I have taken recently.

Avery wearing Allie's boots.

She found all of Allie's play jewelry and put it ALL on.

This is Allie and Emily putting on a concert for us.

Christmas

2007-12-27T12:01:00.001-06:00

We had a great Christmas this year. The girls really liked opening the presents. Allie was very excited about Santa this year. When I put her to bed Christmas eve, she asked if I was going to bed. I said no, that I was going to clean up the house before I went to bed. I said that we didn't want Santa to see our house in such a mess. She agreed. But in a little while, She said, "What happens if Santa comes when you are awake?" I thought she meant if she was awake, so I said that he would not come in. She looked at me really serious and said, "Then don't clean up, just go to bed." I guess she thought that if the the adults were awake Santa would skip our house. Well, he came and they loved it. My parents and Chris' mom were here, so we all had a good time watching the girls with their gifts. Allie got a Hannah Montana outfit from her Grandma and Nana and Pop gave her a guitar. So she had a great time with those things. Santa brought her a Baby Alive doll. That thing is really amazing. She talks a lot. She eats, drinks, and wets her diaper. Today, we feed her and she was yawning. Allie went to rock her and when she came back the doll's eyes were closed! It is really a little scary how realistic it is. It doesn't look real, but it acts like a real baby. I am amazed by it. Avery got a riding toy and a Cabbage Patch baby. She opened the baby first so all the other presents she opened with one hand, because she wouldn't put down the baby. I hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Family Christmas

2007-12-24T22:44:00.000-06:00

Well, Saturday night we my family's annual Christmas get together. My mom has 2 sisters and 1 brother so it is quite a large crowd. We always have a good time. We ate great food, watch the kids open their presents and then the adults play a game. We play that game where everyone brings a gift and you can steal presents. This year Donna added a twist. We had to keep the presents wrapped and steal based on a clue. Well, I wish I had taken a picture of Chris' gift. He was warned that it might be a girl gift, but took it anyway. He ended up with a robe and bath set. It was a girl gift. Everyone had a good laugh and then a even bigger one with he said he actually liked it (and he really does). Donna brought this funny gift as a gag. It was a fish tank/sail boat/clock. Also, The Grinch boxer shorts were give one year and they appear in someones gift every year. It was really funny! We had a great time with family as usual. Can't wait until next year. I didn't take nearly enough pictures.

Who Needs Toys?

2007-12-16T00:27:00.000-06:00

Well, I am afraid that we have wasted money on toys this year. Allie and Avery had rather play with the Christmas decorations than toys. Allie found Christmas salt and pepper shakers and other Christmas figurines when we were decorating for Christmas. She has played with them ever since. She lines them up and pretends they are people. It is pretty fun to hear the adventures of the salt and pepper shakers. We have been laughing because she will ask, "Mom, can I play with the salt and pepper shakers?" I told some of you this story so last Sunday, Randi brought Allie some more salt and pepper shakers to play with. Thanks Randi. Allie has really enjoyed the addition to her collection. Avery has taken up with this Santa Clause decoration. She plays with him, kisses him good night, and as you can see rides on him. Maybe when Santa brings new toys they will give up on the Christmas decorations.

This weekend we went to visit my mom and dad in Alabama. My brother Danny and his family came also. My oldest brother Jeff and his family live near my parents so we were able to see them also. My mom loved having all the kids at home at the same time. She cooked us some of her vegetable soup which, never turns out as good when I make it. We had a good time with everyone. We dressed the kids for a Christmas picture with my parents. It turned out cute. We also took one of all of us. But as you can see Chris and I spend more time on dressing the kids, than ourselves. I really wish we had been dressed better, because it turned out to be a pretty good picture. It is nearly impossible to get everyone looking at the camera at the same time, especially with 3 small children.

My Baby

2007-12-06T21:10:00.000-06:00

Today my baby is 18 months old! I can say that I am a little sad about it. It seems like she is growing much to fast. She is really starting to become a toddler and all the things that go with that like testing limits, throwing her food, and getting into everything. She is also talking a lot. Well, at least to me. I am quite sure know one else can understand her, but I usually know what she is trying to say. She is a really sweet little girl and I am enjoying watching her grow and learn new things everyday. Here are two recent pictures of her. ( Not like you haven't seen any lately!) I tried to get a good picture of her today, but she is not into the picture taking. She sits down like she is going to cooperate and as soon as you hold up the camera she just gets up and leaves. I guess that goes along with being 18 months old.

Here is Avery dressing her baby doll. Notice she dragged out all the clothes to find a pair of her pants and diaper to put on her baby.

Santa Came to Town

2007-12-02T20:23:00.000-06:00

We had our Christmas party at church for the kids today. They were able to decorate cookies, make crafts, and see Santa! We had a good time. Here are some pictures.

A family picture

Avery is still not so fond of Santa. She did blow him a kiss as we were leaving, but she was still crying. Allie did great.

Avery decorating her cookies.

Avery checking out her decorations.

Avery with Hannah, Erin, and Emily

Allie and Emily with the picture frames they made.

Allie decorating her cookie.

Avery and the Christmas Tree

2007-11-26T12:10:00.000-06:00

On Saturday, we pulled out all the Christmas stuff to decorate. I love Christmas decorations, but I just don't like actually doing the decorating. (or cleaning up afterwards). While Avery was sleeping we decorated the tree. I was thinking the whole time how it was going to be a nightmare keeping Avery away from the tree. Well, the nightmare has begun. She was awake about 5 minutes, when I turned around and she had 3 ornaments in her hands. Sunday night, right before we were leaving for church I heard the sound of many ornaments clanging together. Even though I was in my room I knew what had happened. Sure enough Avery pulled the whole tree over! Really nothing was broken and the girls were not hurt. Maybe since we got it out of the way early, she will leave the tree alone. Last night, she seemed a little scared to go near it.
Here are a few pictures from Saturday night.

Traditions

2007-11-24T19:41:00.000-06:00

I love traditions. Maybe that is why this is my favorite time of year. Well, this week the holiday traditions started. On Tuesday, Mandy and I took the kids to ride the Pink Pig. We have been going since Allie was about 2. We also saw Santa. Avery was not very fond of Santa. She didn't scream, but she did cry a little and was pointing at me saying "mommy" the whole time. We got a picture anyway. Allie was a very big this year. (Last year I had to sit in Santa's lap with her) She sat with Santa for a while and gave him her list. Then we went to ride the pink pig. All the kids had fun. I even think Nina liked it. Mandy's mom and grandma went. Thankfully, because we were like a walking circus with all the kids. It helped to have some more adults!

Here are all the kids.

Who knows why Allie looks like this. I think it was

because she didn't want to take anymore pictures.

On Thursday, we spend Thanksgiving with my family. My mom's sisters and brother and their families all get together, so it is a pretty large gathering. We had a good time. I don't know why but I forgot to take any pictures. It seem like the day went fast this year. We had lots of great food and a fun day with family. Allie loves it because she gets to play with her cousins all day. I love it because the Erin and Hannah played with Avery all day. They are great babysitters!

Then, on Friday the women of my family participated in our other Thanksgiving tradition, shopping on Black Friday! We start when the stores open. Kohl's opened at 4:00 this year. So we went a little after 4:00. I really hope they don't start at 3:oo next year. I don't know if I can get up that early. We had a great time and of course got lots of good deals. I can't wait for next year.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving.

Wee Feast

2007-11-15T14:08:00.000-06:00

Allie had a Thanksgiving feast at school this week. They invited the parents, so Chris took off work and came. It was really cute. We were the pilgrims and the kids were the Native Americans. The kids had a little program prepared. I had a bad feeling about Allie and the outfit she was supposed to wear and I was right. She walked in behind her teacher with a pouting face. As soon as she saw us, she took off her hat and then her shirt. All the kids stood in a circle to sing. All the four year olds, but not Allie. She wouldn't sing or put her outfit back on. I don't really know why she didn't want to do it, but there was no talking her into it. For those of you who know Allie you know once she makes up her mind, you can't change it. And she made up her mind she was not wearing that shirt or hat and she was not singing. Anyway I took a few pictures. She did put her shirt on for a picture with us (and even smiled like she was happy). All in all we had a good time. She was really cute in her little costume for the one minute she had it on. She enjoyed the food and playing with her friends. Last night before dinner she put on her stuff for me to take picture and then played in it!

Pictures with mom and dad.

Isn't this a happy face?

Here is Chris trying to talk her into wearing the shirt.

Here is Allie before dinner, playing in the same shirt she wouldn't wear at school!

Last Soccer Game

2007-11-10T13:40:00.000-06:00

Today was Allie's last soccer game. We all enjoyed the soccer experience, but I think we are all glad it is over for now. She got a trophy and was very excited about that. This afternoon she took her trophy for a ride in her Barbie Jeep.

Avery watching the game from my chair. It was cold today.

Halloween

2007-11-01T09:05:00.000-05:00

Here are some Halloween pictures. Allie got to dress up for school. So, she didn't want to be Ariel. ( the costume we bought for Halloween). She wanted to be Belle. They had a party at Allie's pre-school and so Chris and I went with Avery. Then I took the kids Trick-or Treating on the square. It is always a lot of fun. Lots of little kids in cute costumes. Avery just loved watching all the kids. We went out for a little while last night before we went to church. Allie changed her costume choice again! She was a Auburn cheerleader. The Brinkleys and the Kellys came over and another family that they are friends with. That made it so much fun for Allie. She ran and ran with the big girls. I think she had more fun running around that getting the candy. Avery walked for a little while and then Ed pushed her in the stroller. She just rode around looking at everything and trying to eat candy through he wrappers. She loved her princess dress! All in all we had a fun time. Can't wait until next year!

Allie and Avery after Trick-or- Treat on the square.

Halloween night

All the girls. Aren't they cute!!!!

Fall Festival

2007-10-28T14:10:00.000-05:00

We had a fall festival at church on Friday night. The girls had a great time. Allie was Ariel and Avery was Ariel's fish friend, Flounder. They were cute, but let me tell you Allie has been a nightmare about the costumes. She changed her mind on a hourly basis, even after we bought the Ariel costume. She finally agreed to be Ariel but only with clothes under it, because it scratches her! Chris suggestion is to wait until the last minute and then buy a costume next year.

Avery enjoying her cupcake!

Allie and her cousin Emily

Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

We carverd a pumkin last night. Actually, Chris did all the carving, but we cleaned it out. Allie had a good time. She loves a mess. Chris cut no teeth in the pumpkin, so it looks funny to me.

Avery kept trying to eat it!

The toothless pumpkin!

Fun Weekend

2007-10-22T21:36:00.001-05:00

This weekend my mom came to visit. My dad couldn't come this time. We met my brother Danny, Elizabeth and Charlotte for dinner in Atlanta, on Thursday night. Here are some pictures of the kids and one of my mom and Avery.

Saturday, Allie had another soccer game. Here is a picture of the girls with the grandmas!

Avery has been so good at the games. She just would sit in her stroller and eat her snack. But not this week. She was all over the place.

Then on Saturday we went to the fall festival at Chris' school. Allie had a great time. Hannah took her around to play on all the stuff. I don't know what I would do without Hannah.

My Man

2007-10-22T21:13:00.000-05:00

Mandy tagged me to do this, so here it goes...

1. Who is your man? Chris King
2. How long have you been married? 8 years ( I had to count. Isn't that sad)
3. How long did you date? 1 year 4 months, engaged 8 months
4. How old is your man? 32
5. Who eats more? Chris
6. Who said "I love you" first? Chris
7. Who is taller? Chris
8. Who sings better? Chris, I get my singing from my dadl
9. Who is smarter? Chris
10. Whose temper is worse? Mine
11. Who does the laundry? I do
12. Who takes out the trash? We both do.
13. Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? Looking at the bed, I do
14. Who pays the bills? I do
15. Who is better on the computer? Chris
16. Who mows the lawn? We both do, but I do a much, much better job!
17. Who cooks dinner? I do, but Chris grills. I don't know how
18. Who drives when you are together? Chris. I hate to drive with him. It is like you are in drivers ed all over again! (Watch out!, Are you going to stop?....)
19. Who pays when you go out? Chris
20. Who is more stubborn? I am
21. Who is the first to admit when they are wrong? Chris
22. Whose families do you see most? Chris' mom lives closer, so we see her more.
23. Who kissed who first? Chris kissed me
24. Who asked who out first? Chris
25. Who proposed? Chris
26. Who is more sensitive? I am.
27. Who has more friends? Chris does and he talks on the phone way more than I do
28. Who has more siblings? I have two older brothers
29. Who wears the pants in the family? Chris
30. Who is the biggest pushover with the kids? Me

I tag Jana again,because she hasn't done it yet.

Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-10T13:01:00.000-05:00

Allie had a field trip with her preschool class. We went to Uncle Bob's Pumpkin Patch. We had a good time. They have animals the kids can pet and a hay ride. It was a beautiful day, so it was nice to be outside. Heather kept Avery, so it was just me and Allie. (Thanks Heather!) Here are a few pictures. The preschool teachers made the cute shirts. I don't know if it is a spider or a bat, but it is cute either way.

This is a picture I took of the girls the other day in the front yard.

Sleeping Kids

2007-10-09T14:07:00.000-05:00

I don't know exactly what it is that I love about sleeping children. We have a lot of pictures of them asleep. I guess one day they will think it strange that I took so many pictures of them when they were asleep, but they are some of my favorites. Maybe it is that they always look so peaceful or maybe that no matter how difficult they have been that day you can't help but want to give them a little kiss when you see them sleeping. I took these pictures this week of the girls when they were sleeping.

Allie with her dog. The belt around it's neck is his leash. Allie usually plays for a while before falling asleep so you never know what or how much you will find in the bed with her when she falls asleep. Sometimes I wonder how she can sleep with so much stuff in her bed.

This is how Avery fell asleep at nap time.

More Soccer Pictures

2007-10-08T20:47:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures from Allie's soccer game last Saturday.

Fun at the Park

2007-10-08T20:28:00.000-05:00

We went to the park with Heather, Gracie, and Hayden. Here are a few pictures.