A conversation with Kate (on the toilet)

Me: Hurry up and wipe yourself well.

Kate: (whiny) But, Mama, I don't want to wipe my legs....

Me: Well, sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do. Like wipe our legs.

What did you learn in Bible Class?

*Last night, Scott asked Kate what she learned in Bible Class.

Her beaming reply was "We learned about Baby Jesus!"

Then, Scott asked her what she learned about Baby Jesus and she immediately followed with "Baby Jesus, he pooped in the potty!"

*And, when you ask her the memory verse:

"Children obey your parents. For this pweases the wLord"

*And, finally, when I asked her who came to visit Baby Jesus:

"The snowmen (i.e.- the Wise Men) came and brought Baby Jesus some pweasants"

Dum, du dum dum...

Yes, I had a client ask me this morning how our family was doing, and I said, "You know, I think we have escaped the worst of it". But, in the back of my mind I knew that wasn't completely true, because I had a sick husband at home. But, he just had a head cold. Yeah, right.

Scott went to the doctor today and he has the flu. Thank goodness I brought the kids to Mom and Dad's today while I worked. So, we are spending the night here, and hopefully will get spared this sickness.

For those who have had the flu, does anyone know when you don't become contagious - after you start the Tami flu?

Stars and Stripes

Kate and I were goofing off tonight after church. I have missed my girl today!

Busy at the Consignment Sale

Well, this year I decided to work one of the consignment sales to see if it was really worth it to get to shop early. Well, it was definately worth it! I bought some precious clothes Thurs night, and worked 4 hours last night and 4 hours this morning. Yeah, my area was toy world. I chose to do that to keep busy, and I definately was busy! But, I had a great time, met some other really nice Moms from the area, and got a good pick of the clothing ahead of time!

Other than that, it has been work as usual. The kids are feeling great, Brooks is saying more words every day (he just copied Scott saying, "Go, boy!") Thanks to Mom and Dad for helping me out last night by watching the kids until Scott got home from work (which was almost 8pm).

J (you all know what I am talking about) is next weekend and I am excited to hear Leah sing! That is a secret dream of mine - to be able to sing and entertain an audience like that. I just am not that talented OR that brave!

Until later...

Finishing the bills

So, I have been here for a while... balancing the checkbook and paying bills. Well, all this T*E*D*I*O*U*S work has my mind wandering...

1. My neighbor said today when your kids are little, you want to keep them forever. Eventually, God turns them into teenagers and somehow, you just begin to change your mind.

2. I can't find any return address labels on the internet that I like. How can that be.

3. I am listening to Pandora Radio - Contemporary Country. Ever heard of Josh Rouse? I don't think that he's heard of country music.

4. A crying baby can really cause your ear to hurt.

5. Did you know that Walmart only lets you cash a personal check for money for $20.00. Not $5.oo, or $500.00. Only $20.00.

6. I was so mad at one of my dogs this morning that I actually HOPED that he would get hit by a car before I got back home. Yep. Sure did. And, he didn't.

I think I need to go to bed.

We are fine!

Thank you to all of those who have called to check on us after yesterday's tornado in Prattville. Our house is fine, and my horse is fine, so we are just thankful. It means a lot for our friends to check up... please pray for comfort and strength for those affected. So many people lost everything. Know we love you all!

Happy Birthday Kate

Well, this was Kate's BEST birthday ever! She had the best time today and really enjoyed herself!

It started last night with Mattie, our adopted student from church, coming over to help decorate our house. She did a great job with inspiration and streamers!

Today, the bad weather held off and it was beautiful! Unfortunately, Kate fell on the driveway just before the party, and hurt her knees. But, she did OK. She was quite pitiful walking around like a gimp - but I think it was because of the bandaid!

She got some Care Bears and DVDs, a Doodle Pro, some Crayola Wonder Color Markers and books, a cooking set, a camera and some shoes for Oscar (her stuffed dog).

Afterwards, the kids played, and of course, I was outside taking lots of pictures! I got some really good ones, I thought. All in all it was a wonderful day, and we are so glad the everyone came!

Birthday cake

Trying to blow out the candles!

"Pimp my wagon"

Reilyn and Frank

Pretty Baby!

Getting ready for the party

Well, preparations are underway for Kate's birthday party! I was lucky enough to be able to get my shopping done for the decorations and her cake, so tomorrow I can spend the day preparing instead of shopping. She still has no idea that Saturday is the day!

I have most of everything that Kate has mentioned:

• a cake
• balloons
• goody bags (you read right)
• candles
• presents

Angie and Chris sent her a b'day present - and that was the first time she has actually ripped a gift open! She got the cutest horse outfit by Gymboree (love that brand) and a Dora figure with horse (she has already named the horse "Pony"). Brooks, of course, was in the middle of it. Saturday is going to be interesting...

So, on this Valentine's Day, Scott is working very late. I don't expect him home until at least 8:30... But, that is OK - he is such a wonderful husband and father. He works so hard for our family and we are so proud of him!

So, it's already started...

Before... sad, wrong prescription, didn't fit very well...

After! Happy, right prescription, fit very well, no headache!

So, I am at the eyeglass store and am trying on glasses. Brooks is in his stoller and Kate is sitting on their couch area. All of the sudden, she bursts out laughing, runs over to me, and exclaims, "Mama, you look SILLY!"

Could it be that it's already started? Is my 3 year old judging my style issues already?

Birthday invite

So, here is Kate's birthday invite for her baby book. I love making invitations, and would love to do it for anyone else if you don't have too many people to invite... :) Thanks, again, to Melissa L. for some inspiration for this.

I got some new glasses today! They are not only prettier, but I can really see better today. My head was splitting last night from wearing my older glasses. I'll put some pictures up soon. :)

Happy Birthday Kate

Today, my mind has been flooded with memories... "What was I doing this time 3 years ago?"

You have already heard our harrowing story of her impending birth. And, as I said before, I will never forget Dr. Waller telling me that I had done everything right, and everything that I could, and now we would have a daughter free from so many issues that could have affected her if she had come so early.

I think about that so often as we have watch her grow. I wish I knew how many times Scott and I have looked at each other and said how blessed we are with her, and what a wonderful daughter she is. And, today she turns 3.

I so look forward to more time with her. I only wish it wouldn't go by so fast.

Happy Birthday, Kate Reed! We love you!

More pictures, fun weekend

I love this one. If you blow up the picture, you can see the stains all over Brooks' outfit.

This one is so cool! This is a picture that I always wanted my old camera to do, but it couldn't.

I love taking pictures after church on Sundays because Faulkner does provide some places to take pictures and the kids are usually presentable! (except for Brooks today - he got Fruit Loops juice/mash all over his outfit) I took some pics of M and L's kids too. I love the pics of C, H and K together. One day, the younger 2 will get to join in on the fun!

Scott and I got our eyes checked Sat night, and did I get a good talking to by the Dr.! I have been wearing my old contacts WAY TOO LONG, and now I have to wear my glasses for 10 days. I am sad about it, because I just don't look myself in my glasses. Scott does love them, though - he says I look "studious".

Kate's birthday party is coming up on Sat. I need to show you a copy of her invitation! They turned out really cute - and I borrowed some of my ideas from Melissa. Kate is so ready for the party!

Hayes, Carson and Kate