The Weatherly's

Too Flooded to go to Work

2011-04-27T09:02:00.000-05:00

We were hit hard last night and early this morning with Server Thunderstorms and Rain, just like the rest of the State of Arkansas. We are so blest, that we still have our home and our lives and we thank God for answering our prayers of protection.

I walked out while the kids were still sleeping to show you our yard. I've not been down the driveway yet, but Chad said it was really bad and not to get out until later this morning. My friend Karla and co-workers Woody and Ricky are stuck at the out skirts of town due to Hwy 79 flooding.

Water running under our deck

The pond, view from our house. Chair looks like it is floating on water, it is lying on the deck
that is under water.

Bridge underwater

This is the shallow end of pond. Usually this part is just a creek that feeds into the pond

Water rushing from our back yard down to the pond

This is usually dry until you reach the cat tails.

This tree is on the edge of the pond, you can usually mow around it.

Emergency spill way

The dock underwater

We mowed this last week

Water coming through the emergency spill way

Yard we mowed last week

creek down the power line

Happy 5th Birthday Anna!

2011-04-24T11:12:00.001-05:00

Jordan blew her candles out!

nothing like a redo

Look how you have grown! We love you so much! Happy Birthday, Nans.

Love,

Mom, Dad, & Collin

My Babies are Sick!

2011-02-28T17:37:00.000-06:00

Anna came down with a sore throat on Tuesday. Followed by a low grade temp on Wednesday. Then Thursday we went to visit Dr. Walley where she was diagnosed with an upper respiratory infection. Friday evening her fever spiked and off the ER we went. She has the flu.

$236 dollars later we are all under treatment for the flu.

On Saturday, Collin began showing signs of the flu and we began treating his just as if he had tested positive. He is very attached to me. In fact he said my favorite sayings from a baby. Hold you, hold you a minute. So I have.

We have been up most of the nights since Friday from horrible coughing spells to just not feeling well.

Today Anna began complaining about her ears. We went again to see Dr. Walley, where she now has an ear infection in both ears. Can this baby possible take anymore?

My once hyper child is now a glued to the couch. I hurt for her. I want her pain her sickness. I want my babies well. All three of them.

Chad is now showing the signs...Please God heal my family. Amen

A splashing we will go Part 2

2011-02-22T21:26:00.000-06:00

I'm having trouble posting the video I wanted to this post, so that is why I have a Part 1 and Part 2.

The kids had a great time enjoying the warm weather and playing in the mud puddles. Collin reminds me of a video of my nephew Michael. I think Michael was a little older than Collin, but he was playing with the water hose, laughing and splashing. The wetter he got the harder he laughed. Oh the memories!

Anna thinks she is mud riding!

Collin thinks he is a big boy!

Man, nothing like a chocolate sundae to finish off a Sunday.

A splashing we will go Part 1

2011-02-22T21:19:00.000-06:00

Who needs flowers on V-day when...

2011-02-17T21:33:00.000-06:00

A sweet little girl has a wonderful surprise for you. The conversation went something like this.

Hey Mother (pronounced mothder) I didn't get in time out today.
You didn't Anna, I'm so proud of you.
Hey Mother I have a surprise for you.
You do Anna, Can I see it?
You have to wait until we get to mamaws

Few minutes pass...we arrive at mamaws

Ok Anna can I see my surprise
She grabs her jacket and starts digging in the pockets
First she pulls out a silly band that Breanna gave her.
Here mother, can you put this on your desk?
Sure Anna
Then she starts digging again and pulls outs the smallest flowers.

You know the little white flowers that start to bloom around the first of spring. Well she picked them for me on the play ground. I thought it was so sweet and I really wished I had an IPhone then because I would have taken a picture of them and immediately posted it to facebook with the title that said, who needs flowers on Valentine's Day when you can get flowers for no reason from a special little girl.

Thank you Anna Grace for making your Mother's day. I love you!

OK Just One More Time...

2011-02-10T08:18:00.000-06:00

Well it snowed again here to day. We probably got around 5 inches or so. It began around 9 am and stopped around 6 pm. Anna and I played some this afternoon, but it was so cold we came in for hot cocco. Collin was fast asleep and probably could have cared less if we were in or out.

When Chad got home we went sledding. It was a lot of fun. I got so tickeled at Anna, she would get down the "hill" and would say ok, just one more time. Over and over again she would keep saying the same thing ok, just one more time. It was so funny.

Collin really liked it to. He loves the outside so much. He loved the snow and even got to do a little sledding as well. I guess you could call it a sled. It sorta looks like a lid. It was only $9, but it was $9 well spent. It served it purpose and made my family smile and laugh and that is all that matters. What great memories?

7 years ago today

2011-02-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

7 years ago today I married my best friend and the love of my life. Looking back at these old pictures of the rehersal, rehersal dinner, and the wedding day brings back so many memories and emotions.

I've ahhh and smiled and said man I was thin. It was one of the best days of my life. I'm going to post a lot of pictures because so many of you that read this blog were there to share our joy.

I love you Chad Weatherly and look forward to many many years to come.

Sleeting/Snowing All over Again!

2011-02-06T10:56:00.000-06:00

Today (Friday) it began sleeting more than snowing here again. I did not go to work today. It was just too cold to get the kids out again. It was so nice this morning.

I got my laptop, bible, house phone, cell phone, and my new Pioneer Woman Black Heels to Tractor Wheels book and I curled up in my bed with my little Isabelle and we really enjoyed our morning.

I even fixed myself a bowl of cereal and had breakfast in bed. Ha!!!!

I checked the road conditions via facebook statuses. Texted a few friends, visited with God, watched tv and then began reading this love story. Ahh it is WONDERFUL and I can't wait to get back to it.

When Anna awoke, she came into my room. She was so excited. Momma it's snowing. She climbed in the bed with me and she ate her breakfast in bed, while watching Tom and Jerry. She loves that show.

It wasn't long before the lil man was up and about. Drinking his morning cup of milk and playing and getting into things he doesn't need to. He went to the pantry and started saying, Cannie, Cannie. I said how about peanut butter. Would you like a sandwich, Cannie, Cannie he said. I said no how about peanut butter, in a little louder voice Cannie Cannie he said. No Collin, how about a peanut butter sandwich with jelly. Yeah jelly he said. So he had a pbj sandwich for breakfast.

Collin and his daddy love candy or cannie cannie as Collin puts it.

Today I am really enjoying myself. Enjoying my home, my kids, no stress, just awaiting the arrival of my one true love to come and enjoy a nice meal. Well I hope it is nice.

I have deer steak thawing. I hope it thaws as cold as it is.

God has bless me and my family so much and with that I am SO thankful.

I may even make banana bread.

Look how cute this little boy is. He is so cute he could even pass for a girl at times. Look at this hair.

Happy Birthday to Me!

2011-02-04T06:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my 34th Birthday. How exciting was that? I had a wonderful day. My co-workers fixed an array of wonderful foods, from Red Velvet Cake to Cheese Dip. Strawberry cookies to a fruit tray and homemade biscuts. Yum Yum.

Then I went to my moms and she made potato soup. It is always so yummy, birthday or NOT.

And then, my wonderful husband took me out to dinner. We went to the Sandbar. It was delicious. BBQ bacon wrapped shrimp for an appetizer. Salad with homemade croutons and homemade fried onions. (that was new to salads since we have been there last). Then if that was not enough, a yummy natural ribeye with a loaded baked potato.

When I got home, Mimi had made some yummy pink cupcakes. These were mostly for Anna, because she thinks you are suppose to have balloons and cake if it is your birthday. She has been asking me several times now, mom are you old. Yes Anna I am old.

But like I said, it was a Great birthday and I'm not eating anymore until the super bowl. ha!!!

Anna loves to take picturess. This is my favorite. :)

Scared to death before the morning light

2011-02-01T21:35:00.000-06:00

This morning I was so scared. It started around 5:15, the alarm went off followed by a loud clap of thunder. That part for me really wasn't that scary, but Collin on the other hand was shaking so bad that I thought he had a high fever.

I rocked the sweet little thing until he settled down. I laid him back down and went to go get ready. By then Chad was up and about and getting ready to head out the door. He went on his daily morning check on the kids and guess what, Collin was up and Anna was up. Yeah for me I thought. This should be real interesting.

It all worked out fine and it was sweet to have the kids eating breakfast together. It was sweet holding Collin when he saw lighting or heard thunder. What was not sweet was when the hail came?

Yes, hail. It was so loud that it scared me to death. We (me and kids) were in the bathroom and I immediately shoved them in our closet and then went to try to catch Isabelle. She was running around crazy.

I have never seen it hail as much and as fast as it did this morning. Within two minutes, which felt like two hours, our yard looked liked a fresh patch of snow had just fallen.

I'm sure I scared my kids, but all I could think of was a tornado. I called Chad to tell him and that there had to be a chance of roof damage. We are hoping that is not the case.

Here are the pictures of the hail. They are not very good because I took them looking out the window.

Birthdays and a Baby Shower

2011-01-31T21:29:00.000-06:00

This weekend has been very busy for our family. Saturday was a beautiful day and it was so nice to see the sun shining our way. We had a baby shower for one of my good friends from school, Brigette Hopkins Rose. She is going to have a little boy in March and his name will be Jackson Blake and they will call him Jack.

She had a wonderful shower and got lots of nice things for his arrival. She is very nervous becoming a mother, but I'm sure she will do a great job.

Me, Traci, Brigette, & Kristen

Anna also had a birthday party the same time as the shower. She had a really good time. They got to watch a magic show and play with some of her friends. She told me that she got to be a shelf. I said well Anna what do you mean you got to be a shelf. What did you do? She said well Dylan ask me to make him a pizza with tomato and cheese on it and I did. I said oh you were a chef. She said yes, I'm a good shelf.

Today we got to celebrate my grandmother's birthday. We had lunch for her and just had a good visit. She turned 82 years old. Happy Birthday Mama Boone.

GG and Bubba must have really out did themselves.

Not sure what Lynn is telling Kelli. Mama Boone is playing with Collin. And speaking of Collin....

Is this not the cutest little boy on the whole planet.

Lipstick and what it can do for you?

2011-01-28T21:23:00.000-06:00

Ever since my growing up experience I had a few weeks ago, my outlook on life is totally different. I've begun doing things I haven't done since I became an adult in the working world. Heck, I didn't even do it in my college days.

What am I talking about? Lipstick, yeah you heard me lipstick. I've started wearing lipstick more throughout the day. I use to be the girl that put the lipstick on in the morning during my daily makeup makeover. Now, I'm the girl who has an extra tube of lipstick, compact of powder, and eyeliner in her office bathroom.

I usually refresh my lipstick mid-morning, before I go to lunch, when I come back from lunch, and before I go home. Then if I need to, I put on a little extra powder and eyeliner.

This may sound strange, but it has made a world of difference in me. I now hold my head high when I walk down the hall and especially when I walk to the next building. This could be dangerous on my part because I've never been the one to hold my head up, I'm a look down at your feet kinda walker. I'll probably fall down, but that's another post.

Now I have this urge of confidence and pride. I walk and smile looking around and I can't believe how strange it feels, but it is a GREAT feeling.

I think if you are woman of course, go buy yourself a new tube of lipstick and wear it like it is going out of style and see if it helps your self confidence. I'm sure its just one of those crazy things I'm going through, but I like it.

I love wearing spice sachet lipstick, by Merle Norman. It is a great color.

This picture was taken in October by Anna. It's the only picture I could find with the "lipstick".

Ready for Spring or Summer?

2011-01-26T19:27:00.000-06:00

I think I'm ready for some warm weather. It has been cold and rainy/snow for weeks now. Today the sun was shining and it was so nice. Almost made you want to break out the shorts. Well not really, but it was a nice thought.

As I was sitting here I had a flash back of this past spring and our trip to the beach. It was so nice and so relaxing. I can't remember if I blogged about it or not. Probably not, so here are a few pictures to warm you up.

Collin Dancin the night away!

2011-01-24T19:47:00.000-06:00

Collin did not want to put his jams on after his bath. He started doing this little high step run in place dance thing. It was so funny. Then he went and got this Disney music player and started dancing to it. It made me and Chad laugh.

Kenli comes to visit

2011-01-23T16:19:00.000-06:00

Kenli spent the night with us on Friday night. She was such a big help on Saturday. She played with the kids outside and I got my pantry organized. It was so nice to feel comfortable having the kids outside and know that they are having a blast.

They rode the Gator, played on the swings, and rode in the wagon. I think they had a blast. I fixed taco soup for lunch and we all enjoy a bowl of soup.

Anna blowing bubbles while being pulled by the gator in the wagon.

My pantry told me a lot of things.
1. I have an obsession with peanut butter chips. ( I have like 6 bags) don't know why!
2. I need to bake more cakes or lemon cookies or both.
3. I have no vegetables in my pantry. I thought I had a lot, but come to find out I have about 20 cans of cream of chicken/mushroom soup. again don't know why
4. I collect cereal boxes.
5. I need to be making a grocery list instead of a "my pantry told me list"

Sometimes...

2011-01-20T19:32:00.000-06:00

you just gotta go with the flow.

Just for the record, by the time we made it to school she did not have the bow. :)

We enjoyed the Christmas Holiday!

2011-01-16T13:02:00.000-06:00

We had a blast this year with two kids. It was so much fun. The excitement of Santa coming. Opening presents and the look on their faces. It was so much fun. Here are some pictures to express our excitement.

Life Lessons

2011-01-16T10:55:00.000-06:00

This week was a week of trail and era. I've learned so much and it is so funny, I thought I was grown and pretty much "knew" just about everything about work and life in general. Boy was I wrong. This week I let my emotions get the best of me. I should have separated my family life from my work life. I failed at this. I put my family first. I was looking out for them for they are the ones who will ALWAYS be there for me.

After getting home I realize that I had not separated my family from my work and I needed to go and tell a friend, who I took my emotions out on. I needed her to understand where I was coming from and why I got so upset. Chad told me just to let it lie and not to worry about it. It was better if I kept my mouth shut. I wish I would listened to him, but I thought I was doing the right thing to explain and to apologize.

So I went to this friend and told her that I needed her to understand how I was feeling and why I got upset, because that is what your suppose to be able to do with a friend, Right? Wrong! You see I learned that you can only explain to those who chose to listen. It was clear by the second sentenced that my "friend" was clearing NOT wanting to listen. In fact it was clear that I had been "told on" to the office manager, when he came running out to let me know if anyone had a problem with this then they can take it up with him.

Now back to the beginning I was there to apologize not to start anything. So at that point, I pretty much felt like I was back in high school. That I had been told on to the teacher for hurting someones feelings, that I had been reprimanded for something that I was there to fix. Yeah, a little betrayed. It pretty much sucks.

I found out that there obviously this friend had issues with me far beyond this matter and they all came out, in a matter of 10 minutes.

So what did I learn from this.

1. Listen to your husband
2. Doing right is not always the right thing
3. Never trust anyone

Our Family!

2011-01-11T08:41:00.000-06:00

I would like to introduce to you the newest members of our family. Please meet Doris and Me-maw. Doris and Me-maw came all the way from the Cracker-Barrell restaraunt. Nonna found Doris and Me-maw and just knew that Anna Grace would make a wonderful friend for them.

Doris is the blue fish and Me-maw is the orange fish with stripes. Anna says they love to excerise and get fresh water. She takes very good care of them.

Our next newest member of the family is Belle. Aunt Lynn found Belle and just knew that Anna needed to have another playmate. Belle loves to read stories with Anna and have snacks and play dress up. She even stays with mamaw while Anna is in school.

Frosty the snowman!

2011-01-10T21:20:00.000-06:00

Anna and I made a snowman ~~today~~ tonight. It was a fast job, but fun. After a stressful day of work, I needed some baby time. We ate dinner and Chad stayed in with Collin, while Anna and I hit the snow for a little snowman fun.

No laughing please...we did the best we could with what we had. No he/she does not have the red eyes, he just has cherry tomato eyes.

Memories, Memories, Memories, that's all I need.

Playing in the snow!

2011-01-09T18:53:00.000-06:00

We had a fun afternoon playing in the snow. Here's a few pictures of our fun day!

Snow? What snow?

It's Snowing!

2011-01-09T13:50:00.000-06:00

It is snowing in South Arkansas! Can you believe it? I can't. But it is coming DOWN. The kids are so excited and I am too as long as our power stays on. Very seldom do we get snow here. We usually just get ice and sleet, which leads to trouble.

Right now we have a mix, but it sure is pretty to watch it come down. Anna is anxiously awaiting on going out to play. She wants make snowballs, snowman, ice cream and snow angels. It still needs to snow a little more before all that can happen.

The weather man is predicating 4-6 inches or more in our area. That is a lot for here. I went and did grocery shopping yesterday and it was CRAZY! For some reason when the word SNOW is spoken in the south everyone runs to the grocery store for milk and bread. I got both! :)

Collin looking at the snow!

We look like the kid off of The Christmas Story!

Hi, I'm Darrel, this is my brother, Darrel and my other brother Darrel.
Remember that off the show New Hart.

Here are a few pictures of the kids all bundled up before we went to Mimi's for a chicken and dumpling lunch. It was very good.

Chad went to Texas to go deer hunting at the Media Luna. It is a ranch that my boss owns and as a treat each year Chad and his dad get to go hunting. This year the trip was cut short by a day because of the weather. Chad still managed to get a management kill 8 point before he came home. We are so proud and excited. This is not a very good picture, but after we get the skull mount back I'll try to post a picture.

CLEAN

2011-01-08T10:57:00.000-06:00

I've been listening to K-Love radio station a lot lately. I'm not sure why, it just makes me feel good to have God around me all day, either through word or songs. This past week their topic was mostly on Resoultions.

It seems around this time of year some people begin to make resoultions. Some keep them and some do not. I'm usually fall in the second half of the do not keep them.

I always say I'm going to lose weight or do more in church or BLOG more or keep my house cleaner or save money and I never do. I always get side track and most of the time fairly quickly in the game.

K-Love suggested that instead of making a resoultion, to chose a word. Chose a word that you can use on a daily basis that will define you or the areas you want to improve (like you would if you were to make a resoultion).

At first I thought, cool idea, but what word will I chose and if you know me. I'm not a decision maker. I always just go with flow. Example, where do you want to eat lunch? Answer: doesn't matter. (when in the back of my mind I probably wanted Mexican)

So how can a NON-decision maker pick a word. But then it just was there. In my head. It was weird. My word, CLEAN.

First, I want to be CLEAN with myself. I want to know what I can do and not try to take on things that overwhelm me. I want to be the same person around everyone. Sometimes it is a lot easier to be more GOD loving around other GOD loving people than those that aren't so much. I want those people to see me and say wow look how CLEAN for GOD she is and that is just her.

I want to be CLEAN, in my home. With two lilttle kids and working 40 hours a week, I'll will have to say, my house is not clean. I mean we don't live in filth, its just..........well cluttered. toys, laundry, toys, laundry...never ending. But I love it but still hate it! See NON-DECISION maker. I have issues I know.

Next, I want to be CLEAN, in my heart and in my mind. I want to stop and think before I speak. I want the words that come from my mouth to be CLEAN and honor GOD. I want to have a ~~open~~ CLEAN heart and mind with every decision I make. I want GOD to be there saying is this what I would do or say. I want to start and end my day with a prayer that says Lord ~~take~~ Clean my sins away.

Next, I want to eat CLEAN. I don't want to diet, but I want to be aware of the food that goes in my mouth. I want to think twice when I go for the Snicker Bar @ 3:00 and grab the grapes instead. I'm not one of those organic eating, calorie counting people. I LOVE food and I LOVE to eat, but I just want to be more aware of the good verses the bad. I want to cook CLEAN for my family. I want to fight that feeling of just picking up the sonic or pizza because I'm tired. I want to cook them something, even if it is a hot dog or grilled cheese sandwich.

Next, I want to make CLEAN financial decisions. Just like before, buy the $1.00 pack of hot dogs and $1.00 pack of buns and $3.00 bag of chips. That's $5.00 verses $20.00 for pizza or burgers. Wow see I clean the table and I have $15.00 of CLEAN money.

I'm sure none of this makes since to anyone that reads this but me. But that is ok, because sometimes I need to write things down to stick to them. Kinda like making a list of to do things. I find when I make a list my day or project flows a lot better.

I really thought about taking pictures of the letters C.L.E.A.N and putting them up at work and home as a reminder that I need to be CLEAN.

I may just put these pictures of Collin up as a reminder to be CLEAN. Ha.Ha.Ha.

Christmas Past and Present!

2010-12-18T12:48:00.000-06:00

This year we decided to keep our Christmas as Simple as possible. Meaning less gifts and more love. Our kids get all the time and it really is so sad that we have done that to them. When Christmas comes around it is really hard to decide what to get for them and for each other. So this year we are just making it simple.

We love teaching Anna the true meaning of Christmas and it totally excites me when I hear her tell people that it is Jesus's Birthday. Collin just gets super excited to knock all the Christmas balls off the tree.

Our tree is kinda sad because there are only balls left from the top to the middle. I'm sure after this Holiday season is over I will still be finding Christmas balls throughout the house.

We didn't do a Christmas Card this year. We just decided to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Below are pictures from our Christmas pasts to our Christmas present. Merry Christmas!

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Anna decorated the Christmas Tree

Collin undecorated the Christmas Tree.

Collin making his hand print, trying not to eat the paint.

Reindeer hand print plates

Anna and Collin with Santa, Collin not so excited.

Operation Christmas Child!

2010-11-22T16:33:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we collected are yearly Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. We had a total of 85 boxes with the help of Bearden 1st Baptist, Holly Springs Baptist, and 1st Assembly of God Bearden. It was awesome as each coordinator from each church brought the boxes to us. We loaded the Sequoia down and off to Camden Kenli and I went.

When we got there we took each box into the Operation Christmas Child room, where I filled out the paper work and asked a few questions for next year.

Today I got a phone call from a lady who wanted to know to know if it was too late to make a sizable donation. I called Calvary Baptist and they said to come on down. When I got there they were finishing packing up the boxes and loading them in the trailer.

From Camden, they will travel to El Dorado and will be loaded into something larger and then shipped all the way to North Carolina.

Next, week volunteer workers from all over the United States will carefully inspect each box. They will make sure there are no liquids, war items, or chocolate candies in them. They will also add to the box if they need to.

In the packing facility, you are assigned to an area and you will be told where you box will be going. So for instance if you packed a hat and mittens and your box was in the ship to Africa area, it will be reassign to another area that the hat and mitten can be used. Nothing is ever taken out of the box, but they do sometimes add to it.

They lady at Calvary tried to explain to me how many pallets of boxes were in this facility and she just smiled and shook her head and said it is just too hard to even imagine.

Operation Christmas Child started in 1993 and has been growing ever since.

This is the Tally sheet and she was still working on packing up one more box. 869 boxes totaled so far. Can you believe that is 869 kids that will hear about Jesus Christ for the first time ever? Can you believe that 869 kids don't even know what a color is and they will be amazed when they color for the first time? It truly is a wonderful ministry to God!

The Salvation Poem

Jesus, You died upon a cross

And rose again to save the lost

Forgive me now of all my sin

Come be my Savior, Lord, and Friend

Change my life and make it new

And help me, Lord, to live for You

I pray that you will pray that pray with meaning and love and ask Jesus into your Heart today if you don't know him.

Give Thanks!

2010-11-17T11:23:00.000-06:00

So on the way home tonight, Anna sees that someone has put Christmas lights on there house. The conversation goes as follows:

Anna: Whew! Mommy look look Christmas lights. Can we put our Christmas lights on our house?
Mommy: No Anna not yet, we have to be Thankful first
Anna: Dear God, I'm thankful for my puppies, my Mimi, my Daddy, my Mamaw, my pawpaw, and oh yeah my mommy. Now can we put up the lights.

Looks like I still have my work cut out for me. She is just too cute!

I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving and I hope after you read this post, you will stop and thank God for everything he has blessed you with. Remember God will only give you what He knows you can handle.

Give Thanks to the Lord for he has given YOU countless blessings. Stop for just a minute and name them, you will be Amazed!

Back again!

2010-11-13T18:24:00.000-06:00

Wow! I've been so busy that I have neglected the blog once again. I have several fun things to blog about so I'll probably be playing catch up this weekend. Well maybe.....

Halloween weekend was a lot of fun for Anna. Poor Collin had a terrible runny nose so he stayed home with Mimi and Pawpaw, which I'm sure he loved as much as Anna loved Trick-or-Treating.

That day the kids went to Nonna's for a few hours while I did a photo shot with the Gambill Family and with Michael. It was so much fun. They are all naturals when it comes to taking pictures so it made my job super easy.

When I got done, I rushed home and made a big pot of chili and picked up marshmallows for s'mores later that night. I got Anna dressed and Mimi and Paw came over to watch the lil man aka superman for the night and me, Chad, and Anna headed to Nonna's house for a hayride and wiener roast, cheese dip, chili, and s'mores dinner.

Hay Ride, she said Whew I'm nervous!

Chad and Anna roasting wieners for the first time!

Pawpaw and Anna enjoying a S'more, loved them

Collin waiting up on us in his PJs

While we were roasting wieners the kids and my mom enjoyed a little time on the dance floor with the Monster Mash of course. Too Funny!!!

Anna was exhausted by the time when got home but I think she will tell you it was so worth it.

5 lil punkins sittin' on a gate...

2010-10-27T10:42:00.000-05:00

Anna has learned so much since she started school this August and we would love to tell Mrs. Shanna and Mrs. Denise Thanks, so much!

Anna came home from school yesterday singing this song. I got it on video and this is her version. I asked Mrs. Shanna this morning how it went and these are the words...

5 little pumpkins sitting on a gate the 1st one said oh my it's getting late, the 2nd one said there are witches in the air, and the 3rd one said well we don't care, the 4th one said I'm ready for some fun and the 5th one said lets run, run, run.

Ohh with the wind and out with lights and 5 little pumpkins rolled out of site.

Click play to watch Anna's version...

Wish I knew what I was doing...

2010-10-26T10:57:00.000-05:00

I'm sure just like the rest of my post this will not make sense, but who cares. I have a post ready to go, but I want to add a video to it. I've done it in the past and I did it the same way, last night and again this morning. It will not upload.

I even loaded it to YouTube, thinking I could post the think to the video, nope it doesn't work either. I'm a little frustrated right now, because I can't figure it out. If anyone actually reads this blog and knows what I'm talking about, please let me know.

I'm sure it is some setting somewhere that I don't have checked or I need to unchecked.

As for us, Chad is totally disappointed that the Cowboys totally stink right now and Tony Romo is injured and out for the rest of the season. We just may never watch football again....

Anna is participating in Drug Free week this week at school. They are suppose to dress up everyday, but today she just wanted to wear her ribbon. She asked me several questions about drugs last night. Where do you get them? What do they look like? Why are the bad?

I'm sure I didn't do a very good job explaining her questions so she will understand I will continue to enforce how important it is to ALWAYS be Drug Free.

Anna is also going through this fit stage again. I was sure that she was over the outburst of anger and throwing things when she didn't get her way. I was wrong and so again we hope that this stage will pass and soon. I hate getting angry at her.

Collin is just his little care free self. He runs everywhere and will repeat anything. I mean anything. He was so funny this morning when he got to moms. He had to get down and go check on the tractor in the backyard.

And as for me, well I'm just here. Starting to get a little photography business. I haven't felt the best in about two weeks. I'm moody and things just get under my skin lately. I went through this before and the doctor changed my medicine and now he is changing it again. I sure hope this works. I'm tired of feeling so crabby. I think that is why I lose it with Anna when she melts down.

Wow! Thanks for letting me vent. I know I'm so strange.

A little post about Collin.

2010-10-22T13:04:00.000-05:00

It seems since I started this back all my post have been about Anna. So here is a post just about Collin. Look at this face, can you tell we had spaghetti last night. He loves spaghetti, but he loves any kind of food. He really loves fried potatoes and pinto beans. YUM!

Collin's vocabulary has really taken off this past week or so. He has been talking for sometime now, but if you say Collin can you say chicken. He will say chicken. He repeats EVERYTHING!! It is so funny.

Yesterday morning, I was getting him up and Isabelle was barking and I of course said shut up T and what did Collin say, Shut up T. Now I'm not very proud of the work Shut up coming out of my 15 almost 16 month old mouth, but what can I say.

He loves outside and loves to get dirty. He loves tractors, trucks, and any pair of car keys he can find. He loves chocolate milk and has a temper that can only be explain in person.

He had this cute little crawfish dance that he did on his own that was so funny, I think I have missed him doing it on video, because I couldn't find the dvds I needed for my camera. I hope to get it today, we will try again.

He loves his pacifier and his blanket. The tag on this blanket is just about gone, Lord help us.

He will go to sleep on his own if you lay him in his bed, but last night he let me rock him and it was so nice to hold my baby again and give him sweet kisses.

I love you Collin Brooks Weatherly!

Taco Salad and Boss's Day

2010-10-20T06:53:00.000-05:00

Friday was actually Boss's Day, but Anthony Timberlands celebrated it Tuesday. We decided to treat our bosses to a lunch of Taco Salad, cheese dip and all the toppings. Everyone said it was really good, but since I did most of the cooking, it didn't taste to good to me. I think I had just smelt taco meat for too long.

I cooked 7 pounds of taco meat Monday night and then warmed it Tuesday morning and then put it the crock pot at my office until lunch. Hmmm...think that is a bit to long for me.

I've made this salad 3 or 4 times and it is always a big hit. Here is the recipe.

2-3 lbs of hamburger meat, cooked and drained
2 pkgs of taco seasoning (add to meat, add water and cook just like tacos)
1 head of lettuce, shredded
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 purple onion, finely chopped
1 large tomato, finely chopped
1pkg of taco strips, (can be found near the croutons in the salad section)
1 bottle of Catalina dressing

1st layer taco meat
2nd layer bell pepper and onion
3rd layer lettuce and tomato
4th layer taco strips

Add Catalina dressing and toss until all combined.

We ate it plain or in a soft taco shell.

Try it sometime.

The Weekend!

2010-10-18T17:07:00.000-05:00

The weekend started with a huge win for the Bearden Bears. Anna and I made it home from the game and got a good night rest while Chad started the weekend by going deer hunting at the camp.

The kids and I decided to go down and visit Saturday evening and grill a great and yummy steak. It was so relaxing and Chad took Anna deer hunting with him. Kenli and GG went too and they all hunted in pawpaw's condo stand. It is a huge stand that 4 to 6 people can hunt in. Anna had a great time and they saw several deer, just none that were shooters.

We had lunch at Kelli's on Sunday and visited with my Aunt Donna and Uncle Ricky.

The kids were exhausted and i think I am as well.

The End!!!!

Homecoming Day 4 and 5

2010-10-15T11:12:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was super busy so I didn't get a chance to post. So here is Anna on Day 4 for Tacky day. She didn't really go all out. I guess her hair was probably the tackiest.

Day 5 is dress in black and white day. She didn't want to so she wanted to wear this. I love this shirt on her, makes her look so happy. Well she is pretty happy.

Today we are having a retirement party for Chad's aunt Cherynelle. I can't wait we are going to have a yummy lunch.

I'm taking pictures of the homecoming royalty and the parade and the game tonight so my plate will be pretty busy today.

Here are a few pictures, next week we will have to focus on Collin. :)

Homecoming Day 3!

2010-10-13T13:27:00.000-05:00

Wear your favorite Jersey Day!

Chad brought Anna this pink Romo Dallas Cowboy Jersey home from the ballgame last weekend when they went to watch the Razorbacks play Texas A&M.

Go Cowboys! I mean Bears!!!!

Why you should never cut your baby boy's hair?

2010-10-13T13:08:00.000-05:00

This is Collin. He is 15 months and 2 weeks old and he has a few things he needs to get off his chest.

When mommy says here Collin hold the comb and she starts to move toward your head with a foreign object, scream very loud. It will save you a lot of ahh poor baby who cut your hair in the future.

I use to look like this....

Then my mommy cut my hair and now I look like this...

What was she thinking?

I am still cute.... but I hope she takes me to a barber next time or my paw paw.

Homecoming, Day 2!

2010-10-12T15:46:00.000-05:00

Today is Dress your Best day because it was also picture day. I thought Anna looked really cute and we practiced different smiles. When I picked her up this afternoon I asked her how she smiled and well lets just say it was not one of the ones we practiced.

Smile Anna, take 1.

Smile Anna, Take 2

How bout this pose, mom? K Anna, say cheese

Bearden Bears Homecoming Week!

2010-10-11T14:10:00.000-05:00

This week it is homecoming at Anna's school aka my Alma Mata. Everyday they dress up. Here is the schedule for homecoming week.
Today         pajama day
Tuesday      dress your best day aka picture day
Wednesday jersey day
Thursday     tacky day
Friday         black and white day

Here are some pictures of Anna sporting her jams.

say cheese hamburger

side view, gotta see the poodle

funny face

The Mouse & the Ketchup packet

2010-10-11T13:54:00.000-05:00

The mouse has attacked the ketchup packets in my closed console of my car!!! I don't know how it got in there, but Friday morning when I went to get my chap stick out. I smelled ketchup. I just thought one of the packets has exploded.

It exploded all right. By the teeth of a mouse or possible mice. Who knows at this point?

Here is a picture.

So with this in mind, I've completely cleaned out my console. No more candy, ketchup, or bubble gum. My car is rid of all types or left over products of food. It is clean, except for.... Are you ready for this?

Rat Bait. Yes, I went to Parts Center, got a package of Rat Bait, put on rubber gloves, and very carefully placed 1/4 bar under my seat, 1/4 bar under my back seat, 1/4 bar in my console, and 1/4 bar on the hood of my car by my windshield.

On Saturday morning, I went outside with gloves on and discovered the bar on the hood was shoved down toward the motor and it was 1/2 eaten. There was mp (mouse poop) and the hood and their was no evidence of a mouse inside my car.

Yes, I think I got the little joker. I checked again yesterday morning and again this morning. Still no sign of mp in my car or bites taken out of bait. I sure hope he is gone!

PS I had a long talk with Anna about how dangerous this bait was. I will remove it in about a week!

Where oh Where, Could that lil' Mouse Be?

2010-10-05T16:04:00.000-05:00

Yes that is the question around my ~~house~~ car. Believe it or not, but there is a mouse somewhere in my car. I don't hear him or see him (or her), I just see evidence that she or he has been there. I have taken all the junk out of the car, including the car seats and vacuumed every inch possible.

There was a pile of Cheerios that I believe some little person spilled and I'm sure that is what lured the mouse inside my car. But as of this moment there is NOTHING to eat in my car so why does it keep coming in and pooping in Collin's car seat.

I looked in the motor to see if there was a stash of deer corn, dog food, or Cheerios and there was none of the above. One year when i had my gray Honda accord the guys at the shop were changing the oil and told Chad to come and take a look. My air filter was full of deer corn, from our feeder in the back yard.

Well we don't have any deer corn in the back yard, but we do have dog food. I'm not really sure how to handle this situation.

My two biggest fears!

1. The mouse will magically appear on the dashboard and I will freak and wreak.
2. The mouse will pop out of the air condition vent while chad is driving my boss and his wife to the Razorback game this weekend in Dallas.

I can see it now....

Chad says, so Mrs. Anthony do you enjoy watching football and the Razorbacks? Mrs. Anthony replies why yes I actually do then in a blink of the eye out pops the mouse as if he says Cheese. There are screams throughout the Sequoia and everyone begins to panic.

Months later...Front page story of the Showtime (company newsletter). John Ed Anthony, owner along with his wife, and Executive Vice President Rick Green escaped a close encounter when a mouse popped out of the air vent of the vehicle they were riding in startling the driver and causing panic throughout the vehicle.

The 2010 Sequoia is owned by the executive assistant to the president, India Weatherly.

Oh the shame...

I'll report more on this situation tomorrow! Hopefully post some kind of pictures!

Just another Manic Monday

2010-10-04T21:15:00.000-05:00

Monday's seem to come and go around here about like Collin's pacifiers. This Monday was very exhausting for all of us. Chad's brother was sick so Chad had to work @ Parts Center plus everywhere else. It is the beginning of closing week for me which means all the accountants wanted their information yesterday.

Mimi watches Collin for me on Mondays to help give my mom a break. I think she really enjoys it. She also gets my house in tip top shape. I love coming home to a clean house and all the lamps are on. It really gives it a homey feeling.

We are into Scentsy. If you never heard of it, you need to get one. It is a wax that melts in a dish and smells wonderful. It comes in all fragrances. Right now I have Cinnamon and Clove, which really puts you in the fall mood.

Facebook has now become my enemy. I mean I still get on there some, but I am going to try my best to stay away. It can be so negative and disappointing.

We had chili tonight and you had your choice, chili, chili Frito pie, chili dogs, or nothing. Anna chose the nothing and had a grilled cheese instead. Collin had two wieners and the rest of us ate some of all it was really good.

I'm pretty tired and I think I'll turn it. I sure hope my post become more interesting.

Oh yeah! Today Anna had mini corn dogs in the lunch room. I was trying to explain to her that if she opened the corn bread there would be a wiener inside and she would love it. She got it confused with the pancake on a stick and kept telling me that you have to put syrup on it.

she didn't eat the mini corn dogs, she ate the beans instead. Tomorrow they are having pancakes on a stick she will be confused for sure.

Anna before school one morning last week, she thought she was cool! Peace Mama!

Every night we have been working on writing our letters. She is doing a great job and enjoys bedtime. I enjoy the routine. It makes for a nice evening.

PS...my blog in under much need construction, please bare with me as changes may occur.

Weekend Wonders!

2010-10-04T16:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend was very uneventful, but like I said before, I would try my best to blog everyday. So here it goes exciting or boring, its all gotta start somewhere.

Right now I'm hearing the most precious little boy say MOMMMA. He likes to hold out the middle part and right now he is pooping and saying shew! i'll be back in a few...

ok now where was I, oh yeah the weekend. Saturday the kids and I played outside a lot, cleaned the house a lot, and the kids took a nap, I edited the first group of peewee football pictures and got them ready to order, ate at Mimi's and then took the kids to the park, and then Chad and I went to Mr. Robert Abbott's 75th birthday party.

Wheeew! That was a lot. Right now I'm getting ready to review some engagement ideas because JASON and HOLLY are on there way here for their engagement shoot. I'm praying the wind settles down. I'll save this post and hopefully add some pictures to it this evening.

It was a lot of fun and I have a ton of pictures of the happy couple! Congrats to both of ya'll.

1 Vacation Day Down 3 to Go!

2010-10-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

As of Thursday I had 4 vacation days left that I have to take before December. It always seems to amaze me that even if we have earned our vacation days, the company always seems to still dictate when you can use them.

After I started working, the office staff received a memo that basically said you can NOT take off during closing week, unless it was an emergency. Ok well that now left only 3 weeks out of the month that you could take off.

Now we received a memo that says if you have vacation you need to take it as soon as you can because being off in the ending months of November and December would be nearly impossible because we are so short staff.

So that left me with 4 days, and I used 1 yesterday. Anna Grace was out of school because of a teacher workshop and so what better day to use a vacation day.

It was pretty busy but relaxed the same. We slept in well it wasn't 5:00 when I got up. ha! Then we cleaned the kitchen then headed to El Dorado to get the oil changed in my car. We took Mimi with us and we went and ate lunch where the kids were very, very good. Then we headed over to get the oil changed in my car only to find out it didn't need it.

It seems the last time (which was the first time) I had my oil changed @ Landers Toyota, that they put this new oil in that you only have to have the oil changed every 10,000 miles. Wow! that's nice but it would have been nicer if we knew that. The oil change sticker they put in my car was for every 5,000 miles, which I thought I was due.

Anyway, then we headed to Wal-Mart where it was "check" day and it looked like Christmas Time according to the parking lot. The kids were good there too and Anna got some school stuff (to help her learn to write and to use scissors). She also got a Punzel aka Rapunzel and Collin got a cool little dozer.

I had to take pictures for the Bearden PeeWee Football team and I was so excited. I guess really this is my first paying job, since I got my photography degree. Yeah! Can't wait to start looking at them. Anna is wanting to play Max and Ruby on the computer so I guess I need to do the laundry and house work first. :(

We are all battling snotty noses and sore throats, I guess it is the change of the weather, but it is so nice. I'm going to raise all the windows in a little while and get that fall air in my house.

Collin is saying new words everyday. He said donkey yesterday and rabbit the day before. It is so funny I will try to get it on video....more to come.

India

The Importance of Blogging

2010-09-30T10:29:00.000-05:00

I am notorious for starting projects and never finishing them. Prime example, this blog. Oh yes, I was going to blog everyday, which then turned to every week, which then turned to maybe every month, which then turned to yes you guess it, NEVER. Why am I like this, I have no idea.

Last night I discovered the "importance of blogging". Sure its fun to share pictures or cute stories, but the most important part is if you blog then you have a ~~hard~~ digital copy of your life.

Memories stored on here will last forever. Now I have read this on blog after blog from The Pioneer Woman or Kelly's Korner. They always say blog even if you have nothing to say. Blog even if it is just today I dropped the kids off at school, etc. Yeah that's not real exciting, but it told what happened and what you did that day. WOW!

So you ask why in the world would you want to know what you did on a particular day. Do you plan on doing something and you need an alibi? No silly, the reason why is what occurred to me last night. Reference paragraph 2. It takes me forever to get to a point. Sorry!

We were visiting with my sister-in-law Nikki and her little cousin Ada Beth, who is two. Now Ada Beth is the cutest little thing ever and Anna adored her curly hair. For some reason, Anna was having a hard time remembering her name was Ada Beth and she kept referring to her as Lilly.

Which made me think of when she was smaller (not that she is big now), but she had two imaginary friends. Lilly and ???, that's right I could not remember the other friends name. When I asked Anna she of course looked at me as if I had totally lost my mind.

I knew I had blogged about, there is even a picture of them on here somewhere. Finally I remembered the friend's name. It was JOY!!!! How could I forget Joy? What else will I forget about the things my kids do or I do or Chad does?

So that is it, I will make it a part of my daily routine to blog. Even if it is I just took the kids to school today!

The End
India

Weekend Fun!

2010-03-07T15:05:00.001-06:00

View Full Album

The weather was wonderful Saturday and we spent most of the day outside. We hung the baby swing on the big swing set and Collin swung for the first time and LOVED it.

Anna loves outside and we had to raise her swing 3 chain links since last year. Boy is she growing.

We pulled both of them in the wagon and the loved that too. It was such a nice weekend and the kids were exhausted by the time dinner came.

We BBQ at Mimi and Paws house and boy was it good.

I hope all weekends are this fun.

Look whose almost Crawling.

2010-03-06T15:51:00.003-06:00

Collin is 8 months old and 2 days. He has grown so much and is own his way to mobility. He usually rolls where ever he wants to go, but this afternoon he really wanted this balloon and Chad and I got a kick out of his new way of "crawling" so to speak. Man he is growing.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

2009-12-11T14:36:00.009-06:00

We may not get Christmas Cards out again this year and for that we are sorry, but we would love to use our Blog as a Christmas Wish for you!

The Weatherly's

Would LOVE to wish you a Very, Merry, Christmas!

and a Happy New Year!!

We love pictures and these are so funny! Anna is at the age where just about every picture she either has her eyes squinted as she is smiling or her mouth is open because she needs to tell you why she doesn't need a picture taken.

So needless to say a picture of her was hard, but a picture of both of them. Ahh! Almost IMPOSSIBLE!

Almost ALL the time Anna Grace is very sweet and loving to Collin...

and then there are times, Well... See for yourself

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Trick-or-Treat

2009-11-02T16:38:00.005-06:00

We had a great time Halloween Night with the kids. Here are a few pictures of our cute little witches and our smashing pumpkin!

Kenli & Anna Grace

Kenli, Collin, & Anna Grace

Collin, "Come on Mom your not seriously going to let me go out in public like this"

Collin, "Help me Daddy, don't let her do it"

Me, Collin, & Anna Grace (Collin, "Hmm is this really what pumpkin taste like")

Happy Halloween!

Two Negatives Equal a Positive

2009-11-02T16:30:00.000-06:00

That's right guess who tested positive for the flu. Me!

Anna became sick on Friday and I took her to see the doctor at SAMA although we could not get in to see her doctor we got to see the PA, which swabbed her for the flu and it came back negative.

Then on Saturday her fever spiked to 103.8 and we went to the ER where they did a flu test as well and it was negative.

So will someone tell me how I came out with a positive on my flu test.

I'm sure there is a rule out there in the Book of Rules for Mom's that says something like this.

Rule #1 MOMS DO NOT GET THE FLU
Rule #2 Mom's always allow their kids to wallow on you until every bit of their fever is gone.
Rule #3 If your kid needs to hark something lovely up and you don't have a towel use your gown to keep said kid from swallowing what they worked so hard to get out.
Rule #4 Never get upset when said kid refuses to take medicine
Rule #5 Do not get too upset when you have to send 4 month old kid off to grandma's because you cant touch him.

But when you hear in a small, weak, and soft voice whisper, "I wub (love) you mom" it makes you think all rules should be broken and that is what makes being a mom so great.

I'm not sure how we got here, but we did. We were all so careful to germex and wash our hands and not to play with toys in the doctor's/dentist office. But we are here and dealing with this. Getting much needed rest and some good bonding time with Miss Anna although we miss Mr. Collin very very much.

Chad has been such a wonderful help. He jumped right in there when he got the call and has been a trooper ever since. Thank the Lord he blessed me with a great husband and a good daddy for our kids.

My mom took care of Collin which I am so grateful for and Chad's mom cooked me and Anna delicious soups and dinners throughout the week, for which we are blest! Thank you both so very much!

I really didn't realize how bad I felt until I started feeling better. Hope everyone stays healthy!

Collin's Trip to the Doctor

2009-10-27T12:47:00.001-05:00

Well I skipped the 3 month old post and it is getting close to the 4 month old post, what can I say? Busy Busy or just Lazy Lazy. We took Collin to the doctor Tuesday and he weighs 16.8 lbs and is 24 inches long. He is getting so big and cuter everyday.

Anna checked out fine as well and she had a dentist appointment on Wednesday where she told me that she could do it by herself and for me to go in there, which meant the waiting room. The night before she slept in her room upstairs on her own and I liked to have passed out, my little girl is growing up. Soon it will be her walking down the aisle. Ahh!!!!

I don't have ~~too many~~ any pictures because like I said she kicked me out and I was so worried about catching something in the doctors office I did not stick around long enough for pictures. Guess I should have...see post later today to understand that.

Rain Rain Go Away It's Uncle Burk's Wedding Day

2009-10-27T11:30:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday October 17, 2009, Chad's younger brother Burk was married to Nikki Bernard. The wedding was held at Chad's parents house and for those of you that have been out in this part of the neighborhood our home as well. We all worked really hard preparing our homes for the big event. It was a very stressful time, but we all survived and it turned out to be very beautiful. We (Chad's mom and me) were getting very nervous because it has ~~rained~~ poured everyday until Friday. It poured so hard one day Chad, Russell, and I could not even get home. The road had flooded and we thought it was washed away.

Other than a few high heels sinking in the ground and a few squished persimmons, things turned out fine. Anna got to be the flower girl and she was just beautiful. Following are a few pictures throughout the day and a couple of pictures from the photographer.

Anna dancing at the reception, got to go low, low, low, low. She loved dancing with the big girls.

Anna praying, I'm so glad we raise her in church!
argin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 97px; height: 130px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lYaXDfwaHNc/SuDEQV8CBOI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/M9R3mZS5HqA/s400/prayingAnna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395528138635740386" />

Anna giving Uncle Burk a big ole smack!

Nikki and Burk, Olivia, Anna and Haden

Collin at the rehersal. My Blue Eyed Boy!

Anna photo by Trinity Ridge Photography

Kenli's Birthday Party

2009-10-12T18:50:00.001-05:00

I know it's been forever!

2009-09-27T17:17:00.011-05:00

Let me just start off by saying, I've returned to work and I have been VERY busy or just so tired when I get home that blogging is not my first priority. But I have SO much to share with all of you, I'm not really sure where to begin.

Hmm lets see... I guess first things first. I returned to work on September 8 and left my two precious little ones with the best babysitter in the world. MY MOM!!! It is really funny how GOD works in our lives and at times we don't even realize it.

Let me give you a run down of what I'm talking about. I really wanted to return to work on September 14th not the 8th, but my job had schedule to move my temp to another location, so I wiped my tears away sucked it up and returned a week before I had planned. With that being said and all, Collin refused to take the bottle for my mom so that first week I was making a couple of trips to my mom's for a few feedings. Good thing she only lives a few blocks away and my cool boss, so did not mind. I was most certain that with me not being anywhere around he would take the bottle wrong. I came home Wednesday and did a Google search for bottles and breastfeeding and I stumbled upon this....

Breastflow bottles by first years. I had them expressed shipped and Collin was taking one by Friday. Ahh.. the relief. I was so stressed from going back to work and then him not taking a bottle and wondering if my mom could handle both of them, that I was just on the verge of becoming insane.

Now back to the part of God working in our lives... The next Monday the 14th (When I wanted to return to work) my mom got a kidney infection and there was no way she could watch the kids so my other best babysitter in the world, Chad's mom, kept them. So you see, God knew my mom was going to be sick and God knew that Collin was not going to take a bottle the first few days. I mean what would I have done if Collin was in Fordyce and was starving. There is no way I could get here in 2 minutes. But you see God knew and HE provided. You see it was not my plan (which I SO wanted it to be it was GOD's plan.

AWANAS has started at church and Anna is old enough to go this year. They had a kick off party and the RAIN caused us to move it from the church to the Commons Area at the high school. They rented a huge blow up obstacle course. Anna loved it. We had grilled hot dogs and cake and ice cream. Look at this cute cake.

Anna had such a great time. She will be a Cubbie and she is learning her pledges listen... TURN UP YOUR SPEAKERS

The fair came to town this past week, well I guess you could call it a fair. A few rides and $20.00 later, Anna had the best time. She called it the Pin Wheel. She had seen the Farris Wheel and somehow associated it with a Pin Wheel.

She road the horses on the Merry Go Round and when it would stop she would say Wooo Wooo Girl! To Funny.

Then she road the little ~~Farris Wheel~~ Pin Wheel. Her daddy road with her on the swings, while I stood there about to loose my lunch. There my baby was going around in circles high in the air. She loved it. She was ready to get off before the ride was over, but Chad would reach out and touch her and she would smile SO big.

Then she road the caterpillars and she bounced in the bounce house and Chad had to go in and get her in the ball pit pirate ship.

Before we left she through 3 darts and hit 3 balloons ALL BY HERSELF and won this cute dog.

We didn't get to ride the ~~Farris Wheel~~ Pin Wheel because every time they started it it would pop and the workers started looking around. It just verified what Karla (my friend at work) said. "Do Not put that baby on a ride that they take apart and put back together." Never thought of it that way until she said that, I think she was right.

Here is Collin at the Fair.

As I was traveling to church this morning, I just thought about how blessed and wonderful my life is. Things are becoming a lot easier. We had such a great weekend. We stayed at home and worked in the flower beds and just enjoyed our family. We had great family time at the fair and a wonderful church lunch fellowship. I hope to blog more frequently, but for now to sum it up. I've returned to work, Collin is taking the bottle a little better each day, Anna is growing and starting AWANAS, Chad is working his tail off at work and at home and GOD has blessed us all.

Just a quick update...

I've been working on this blog since Sunday and just got finished because I'm at home today taking care of my hubby. Chad was admitted in the Dallas County Hospital last night with server vomiting and cramps. He had a low blood pressure, sweats, chills, nauseous, fever, weird white blood cell counts and pain everywhere. His color was odd and I don't think I've ever seen him look so bad. They started him on an IV and some meds. His xrays where good but they were concerned with his white blood cells count. Russell stayed the night with Chad and I went back first thing this morning. He is feeling a lot better and is at home resting now. He has no energy and lack of appetite. He was still a little dehydrated and he had to stay until he finished his IV bag. He will return to his doctor on Friday for more blood work. Right now they think it may be a bad virus but don't think it is the flu. Please keep us in your prayers.

2 months old today

2009-09-04T07:41:00.010-05:00

It is hard to believe that 2 months have past since we brought this little bundle of joy into this world.

It has been such a blessing. He changes every day. He is so sweet and loves to cuddle and he loves to talk to you. Look how much he has changed!!

One Month

Two Months

We love you Collin!!!

Here are some video's from this morning!

1st Ballgame of the Year and for Collin

2009-09-04T05:45:00.008-05:00

Last night we traveled to Arkadelphia to watch the Bears face Harmony Grove at Henderson State University. Hooten's sponsored two games and boy was that placed packed. Didn't seem to bother the Bears at all, came out with a 27 to 7 victory.

It was a lot of fun. We heard stories of when Pawpaw Russell played football there and Chad took us around and showed us where his old frat house ~~was~~ used to be.

Anna loved the popcorn and hot dogs and cheerleaders and Haawian Punch, although she really wanted a Dr. Pepper.

The weather was nice and it was great being around just about the entire family. Here are a few pictures from the night. If the quality isn't too good it's because I had my little point and shoot camera and I was 1/2 way up the stands.

Michael, showing us some action...

Football Ad Pictures

2009-08-29T08:58:00.007-05:00

Well it is that time of year again, the change in the season and temperature. You can almost hear the beating of the drums in the distance and the Voice of the Bears yelling "Touchdown Bears". That's right it is time for High School Football.

We are so excited. Bearden is suppose to have another really really good season. Games are fun to go to and especially fun when you have family to cheer on. Our nephew Michael, #81, is playing again this year and we can't wait for him to show out on the field. I would try to tell you his position but I would probably get it wrong. I do think he is a receiver???? He catches the ball, but that is about all I know.

I'm sure Chad is shaking his head right about now as he reads this and is saying as long as we have been married and that is the only term she knows. I'll have to get a refresher course as the season gets going.

Anyway, my baby brother aka Coach C, is also participating with the BEARS. He is an assistant football coach to the senior and junior high teams and now has been named the HEAD 7th grade football coach. We have a cousin Hunter Weatherly that plays on that team and his dad (Chase) says they will be the best team Bearden has ever seen. All I know is there is a lot of boys playing.

Anyway, again.... One of our family owned businesses always takes a football ad out for the home game programs. It is always a treat because we get to put our kids picture in the ad as well. Here are the shots from that day. I will put them in order taken and I just want you to know that by about the 4th shot it started to thunder. (Anna hates thunder) you will see her reaction. She said hurry everyone we have to go inside.

We wish the teams good luck this year! GO BEARS!

We love Pictures!

2009-08-26T11:24:00.005-05:00

What do babies, blue tongues, & boats have in common?

2009-08-24T15:49:00.007-05:00

A FUN TRIP TO THE LAKE!

For Collin it was his first trip. I can hear it now, you took a 7 week old baby to the lake. I did and yes he had a life jacket. See...

Anna loves the lake as you know and she also loves blue ring pops. Here she is sporting a blue tongue and her daddy's sun glasses.

We had such a good time. The weather was perfect. Nice and cool, especially for August. It almost felt like FOOTBALL WEATHER!

We took the jet ski. The kids really love it, especially Michael. It was also used for pulling Michael and Anna on the tube.

We always have a lot of good food. Mimi made us BBQ sandwiches, yummy! Anna and Pawpaw went for a ride in the ski boat. She needed to ~~drive~~ take a nap.

We also met up with Christy and Michael Thompson. Kenli showed out with her newly learned wake boarding skills. YOU GO GIRL!!

The girls were exhausted by the time the day was ending.

We all made it home safely. We can't wait to go back again, whether it is this summer or next.

I just love this picture. I love how it focuses on Chad and Anna and Michael are faded. Can you tell I'm taking a photography class?

Collin's 6 week checkup

2009-08-24T12:13:00.009-05:00

On Thursday, August 20th, my mom, Anna, and I headed back to El Dorado for Collin's 6 week check up. It was such a fun day. We took our time and just enjoyed our selves. We took Anna to McDonald's for lunch. They had a play room. At first she was very hesitant. She did not want to climb up, but she so wanted to slide down. She ate her lunch and got a little braver. She met a little boy and he showed her what to do. We couldn't keep her off of it then.

We let her play a little over an hour and then she got this yummy mini ice cream. They give them to the kids. I thought it was so cute and Anna thought it was so good. MMMMM she said.

Then we went to see Dr. Bevill. We first went and Collin was weighed and his temperature was taken. He weighed 13 lbs and 4 oz. WOW!!! Double Wow!!! We let him lay there for a minute to make sure that is was right and it was.

Anna weighed too, she weighed 38.8 lbs. She is growing up so much.

She also thought she needed to be checked out from Dr. Bevill. She laid on the table with her mouth opened. It was funny.

Collin measured 23 1/4 inches. We think that is not right but probably pretty close. He likes to keep his legs curled up. He got a good report and is in the middle of the chart when you cross his weight vs his length.

He is smiling and cooing more everyday. His face has cleared up and he is sleeping about the same as before. We love him and Anna both. It's hard to believe it has been 6 weeks.

We hail thee now, oh SAU. . .

2009-08-08T17:06:00.006-05:00

I have MASTERED the world, (of education)

Congratulations Kelli aka (Nonna, Sister, Momma, Mrs. Barner)!!

Friday, Kelli graduated from Southern Arkansas University AGAIN this time with her Masters of Education.

WE ARE ALL SO PROUD OF YOU!

Here are a few pictures of this exciting day!

Kelli walking in

Kelli with her family (Anna Grace took this, look at the angle)

Kelli with Dr. Willis, she was his student worker when she was getting her bachelor.

Kelli with me and Bud

Just Pictures!

2009-08-06T10:55:00.003-05:00

THE END!

It's been one month already????

2009-08-05T10:43:00.009-05:00

It is hard to believe that Collin turned one month old yesterday. He has changed so much. He really is a wonderful baby. He is very active and can be hard to hold, but he has the sweetest personality, and yes still has those heart melting BLUE eyes.

I'm still working on that perfect picture of him and then a perfect picture of Anna and him as well. Now I know why photographers charge so much. HA!

Collin is doing well. Growing everyday. He is smiling and trying to coo at us. He is really content unless he has a gas bubble. We have been using Gripe Water to solve that matter when it well, "bubbles ups." He is sleeping great for a one month old. The past two nights we are going about 5 hours and then he needs to eat, burp, and of course poop. Then he is back down for another 3.

We are struggling with one factor. If anyone has any suggestions I will truly appreciate it. Just email me or leave me a comment. Collin is nursing and he took to it so well, maybe too well. I will be returning to work after he is 2 months old so he is going to have to have a bottle. He hates the bottle. I have tried about 3 times and he doesn't like it or the pacifier. My goal this week is to pump and try a bottle everyday. I got on Babycenter website for some suggestions and I will start with that. This is the complete opposite from Anna. She struggled taking the breast, but finally got the hang of it.

I'm really enjoying being at home and things are getting easier for me as I adjust to being a mom of two now. My kids are truly a blessing from God. Yesterday, I felt like Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart. I had my two wonderful children, I got to work a little bit in our "Safari" flower beds, and I made two kinds of cookies for my hard working husband. I had dinner ready and the house was clean before he got home and I really was not a bit tired. Is this what it feels like to be a stay at home mom?

Anna now has two playmates that tend to ~~come over~~ live with us. She took a picture of them. Do you see them? Joy is on the right and Lily is on the left. There also seems to be a crocodile that loves to swing in Collin's baby swing.

Anna is so funny with some of things she says about Collin. I have a project I'm working on for her. I'm going to write a book of things she says about the little man. This is one project I WILL complete. I'm so bad about that. Starting something and never finishing it. Is anyone else like that, or is it just me?

I think she enjoys staying at home but she misses going to Ma maw's and Pawpaw's as well. When we go to visit she always ask for an Egg Sandwich, Cheerios's no milk, and to play in the sandbox. She has tested the waters just about everyday, but she is adjusting to not being the center of attention. I think I'm feeling a little better about that as well. At first I hurt really bad for Anna. I wanted to go beyond to make sure she did not feel left out, to make sure she had extra hugs and sugar. I think I needed it more than she did. Like I said each day we grow and become more used to a family of 4.

Enjoy the pictures and videos and may God bring blessings to your home as well.

Collin one day old in hospital

Collin first born and what Anna has to say...

Rainy Days are the best when....

2009-07-28T16:15:00.006-05:00

You can make chocolate chip cookie cake with your 3 year old.

And...

Just snuggle up with this little huggable snuggle bug.

(this is a newborn outfit...so cute)

Rainy Days are the best! Especially when you can spend the whole day with these two precious ones.

Baby Turn My Brown Eyes Blue

2009-07-17T15:07:00.005-05:00

Could it be? Will it be?

How can we have a beautiful Brown Eye Beauty Queen? and.....

A handsome Blue Eye Beau

If you can't really tell, just click on the picture it should enlarge it.

I know it is a little too soon to tell just being one day shy of two weeks old and all, but look how breath taking those BLUE eyes are. Will he keep them? Who knows, but I do know he's going to be a charmer, I can already tell that for sure.

We went for our two week doctor visit yesterday. He now weighs 10 lbs and 2 oz. Still 22 inches long. He is doing great. He is a little wiggle worm and loves to cuddle up close.

Anna is doing great as well. She is adjusting and tells me she likes him and we are all friends everyday. She loves to hold him and when he cries she runs in to tell me. "Mom the baby is crying, hurry fastest."

Keep us in your prayers as we continue to adjust to the life with 2 precious gifts from God.

India

I have arrived!

2009-07-05T19:14:00.013-05:00

Here he is Mr. Collin Brooks Weatherly. Born on the 4th of July, weighing in at 9 lbs and 9 oz and is 22 inches long. He entered the world at 12:22 p.m. to meet his Big Sister Anna and his mom and dad.

On July 3rd, Chad, Anna, and I and Kelli's family all took a trip to Hot Springs. We did a lot of walking in the mall and at Lowe's and then had a wonderful meal at Cajun Boilers. Yum!

I guess it all paid off. I woke up around 4:30 with a back pain and laid there to see if there would be another contraction to follow. Around 4:45 I got up out of bed and my water broke. Wow! It was really happening. I call mom, Kelli, and Chad's mom. Chad's mom and dad came over to sit with Anna until Kelli got there.

We were not even out of Fordyce and we met Kelli coming in, man she must have drove fast. My contractions were anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes apart. We arrived in plenty of time.

I reached a 5 and received my epidural. Undoubtedly, my body doesn't accept them well. I was so excited and was feeling absolutely no pain and then when the contractions were at there worse, I felt everything. Oh my! Anna was a big help she fed me ice cubes (while I was feeling no pain).

The nurse said that some people's bodies, just don't adjust to them and their nerves get the best of them. I suppose so because in 45 minutes he had arrived. Thank you Lord!

Anna also needed to checked me out (as she says) when I got to my room. She is so sweet.

We are at home and we are all doing great. I'm sore but I feel 10 times better than I did with Anna. I could not get my blood pressure under control then and this time everything went into place.

Collin is beautiful and doing so well. Anna is doing great too. She think she can do it all herself so we are really having to watch her close. In fact, at the hospital she was sitting next to me and was holding Collin and she said no mama I do it myself, leave me alone. Please pray for all of us!

We are so thankful that Collin arrived when he did. Everyone was able to there and we are back home and enjoying our new arrival.

Visit to the Doctor

2009-07-01T19:47:00.004-05:00

Today, Wednesday, July 1, I visited the doctor again. I knew for sure today that I would be admitted either right then or first thing in the morning. Sorry, not today!

I told the nurse that I was ready and prepared to have the baby today if he would let me. I heard her tell Dr. Ratcliff what I said and he replied with a chuckle. He checked me and I've reached a 2. I've had several contractions before reaching the doctor's office. He asked me on a level from 1 to 10 which number described how miserable I was. I replied with a 11. No sympathy here. He said well we don't want the baby to get too big. I asked what he thought too big was and he said well not much bigger than your first, which was 8 lbs 11 1/2 oz. He said I'll tell you what, if you don't come during the weekend, then come in Sunday night, I'll give you something that will help speed your labor and we will start first thing Monday morning.

I asked, was he going to be around this weekend, if I were to go on my own. He said he had no plans and just have the nurses call him, even though he is not on call.

Since leaving the doctor's office my emotions have been on edge. It doesn't take much to make me cry. I couldn't even call people with the outcome of the visit, I just sent a text instead.

I found out that one of my sisters can not be there Monday because of a workshop that she can not miss. I'm just trying to make everyone happy and things don't seem to be going my way. I feel depressed and of course hot.

I'm tired and tired of worrying when is this actually going to take place. I just knew last night that today would be the day because I took Tuesday off, well sorta, and got all my errands ran. Anna went home with Kelli aka Nonna and spent the night. Chad and I had a nice evening together despite the storm that had us sitting on pins. I had a pedicure and I got my hair cut this morning.

Everything in place, just need a baby.

Doctor Day!

2009-06-24T18:04:00.005-05:00

Today I went to the doctor being very optimistic, since last Wednesday he said not to be such a pessimist. Anyway, I even put my bags in the car, ~~hoping~~ being optimistic that he would say lets just go over to the hospital and get this show on the road. I even had my mom get her bag, ~~just in case~~ being very opimistic.

Well guess what, I'm blogging from my favorite spot in my living room. The love seat! I just got out of a very very cool bath, soaking up the A/C and having a rather large glass of ice water. Enjoying the heat of the summer.

Come back next week he says. Ahh! I'm only at a 1 1/2, ahh, I just knew (being optimistic and all) that I was at least at a 3. See why I would rather be pessimistic instead, and not get my hopes up. But I will put a smile on my face and just say, "Well Collin needs another week to grow."

I said a prayer before the doctor came in the room that His will would be done, so be it. Lord, I hear ya.

I'm exhausted and hot! I don't think I see myself working a full day from here on out, but we will see. I did get to rest at my mom's when we returned from El Dorado and Anna went home with Nonna, so I'm enjoying and resting here in my favorite spot.

I've had several REAL contractions, but none in any kind of sequence. My blood pressure is great and I'm not really swelling, like I did with Anna and with that I am thankful. I guess I should also be thankful to have this opportunity to have carried him thus far. There are so many women and babies that never get to experience this opportunity. So Thank you Lord for this blessing. I'm just getting excited and ready to see his little face.

So many people have suggestions to get the ball rolling so to speak. Eat lots and lots of HOT Salsa, walk 2 miles, do other things that are too embarrassing to blog about. I'll just wait until, nature takes place.

So staying cool, resting, and staying cool is my plan for the next 7 days until I return to the doctor. If something happens before then, I will try to get Chad to post, if not I will send something out next week regarding the doctor.

Blessing to All!
India

Swimming Lessons should be 2 weeks long, please!

2009-06-22T07:00:00.001-05:00

Wow! It is hard to believe it has been almost a month since my last post. Either we lead very dull lives or we have been too busy to sit and post about what is going on in our lives. I'll will bet on the latter of the two. This past week Anna started her second year of swimming lessons from Mrs. Sonya. (actually the week before, it's taking me a week to post about it) Boy, did she love it. Everyday she would ask, "Go to Mrs. Sonya and swim." She did so well and by Sunday at Nonna's house she was swimming under water, "doing the bullfrog", and jumping off the sides. Kelli said, "Don't you wish swimming lessons were two weeks long." I'm positive we will take again next year to perfect our technique and maybe the year after that for diving lessons. We will see! Monday of course, everyone was a little nervous. Not sure what to expect, anxious on how your child will preform, proud when they do something you weren't sure they would want to do, thankful no tears today or if there were tears they soon were over it. Anna got to be the leader because she took last year and sorta remembered what the bullfrog was and the bob and how to blow bubbles. She had just turned 2 last year when she took so I'm surprised she remembered any of that. Kenli had been reminding her when they would swim how to do each of those.

The bob & the bull frog!

Bubbles!

Tuesday, seemed to be a bit more relaxed. There were 7 kids in this class so Mrs. Sonya put them in alphabetical order. Anna, Emma, Ian, Kaylee, Lilly, Lyndi, and Madalyn. Anna of course was super excited because she got to go first, but then her patients grew thin because she had to wait. I could hear her saying Anna's turn, Anna's turn. Bless her heart, she is the only one not in school and the other kids were older and either attended daycare, pre-k, or had older siblings and knew what it meant to "wait your turn". It was a good lesson for her and she survived.

Wednesday, hump day and oh my gosh I wish I could get in the water day. It was so hot! The kids jumped off the diving board today. Anna wasn't so sure, so she had help off the board. I tossed her in the first time and then realized how a large 9 month pregnant woman had NO BUSINESS throwing her first born in the deep in. I let Amy (Ian's mom) and Sonja (Lyndi's mom) take over from there. I did not force Anna to jump and was really shocked when she kept going back down there. We got in the car and she said, "People threw Anna in, I'm okay, I'm okay." I started laughing.

Ian! Thanks Amy!

Thursday, lead to some tears from me, Anna, and Kaylee. Like I said before, Anna is the youngest of the class and she can't touch the bottom of the shallow end either. Mrs. Sonya had just got finished putting the kids on her back and swimming out to the deep end. All the kids by now are more relaxed in the pool and have ventured out along the sides and off of the steps. Well, Anna thought she could do the same, then realized she couldn't touch. She grabbed poor Kaylee by the neck and hopped on her back. Well they both went under and Anna did not let go. Sherri (Kaylee's mom) was a little closer than I was and she jumped in and then I got in to the steps to get Anna. It scared me so bad that I just started crying my eyes out. Kaylee cried from being scared and Anna cried because me and Kaylee were crying. I didn't know really how to handle the situation. Anna didn't know she was "hurting" her, in fact she told me that she just wanted to ride the girl's back. I knew I had to tell her that it was wrong, but I wasn't sure what to do. I took her over to Kaylee to tell her she was sorry, even though I'm not sure if she understood why? I just sat there the rest of the lessons, wiping tears from my checks, while my little swim fish carried on. Sherri even told a mutual friend that I was more upset than she was. Post one up for the hormones. Ahh!

Friday here at last! Kelli and my mom came to swimming lessons with us. Chad had to work and couldn't come. Anna was doing so well, she was going under water and swimming to the steps. Getting out in the deep with a noodle and Mrs. Sonya of course an then pushing the noodle away and swimming under it. Amazing!!! The kids enjoyed pizza and a Dr. Peppers afterward then Anna went back in again. We had to bribe her to get out of the water with a present for Collin, that Emma's mom brought.

She did so well! In fact she did GREAT! I'm so proud of Anna!

Thank you, Mrs. Sonya! See you next summer! Here are some videos of swimming throughout the week.

The Best Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe Ever

2009-05-27T15:10:00.002-05:00

I bet you all were thinking you were going to find out baby brother's name! I just wanted to share this cookie recipe. It is SOOOO good! I think it has something to do with the special ingredient.

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/4 cup all purpose flout
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
The secret ingredient (See Below)

Step 1
Heat oven to 350 degrees

Step 2
Beat butter, sugar and peanut butter until creamy

Add egg and vanilla, beat well

Stir together flour, baking soda, & Salt in a separate bowl

Add to butter mixture very slowly
Beat until well blended

Step 3
Add secret ingredient

So there you have it! Collin Brooks Weatherly will be the name of our son, just as soon as he gets here. Come on soon!!!!

Miss Anna would like to know what you think about her baby brother's name and to tell you this is the best part of making cookies!

SWAHA Lake Greeson, Arkansas

2009-05-22T14:54:00.027-05:00

We celebrated Chad's 33rd birthday this past weekend at Lake Greeson. It was so nice. We rented a cabin at the SWAHA lodge & marina. It was very relaxing and we all had a great time. We met Brian & Misti Eudy there and Kelli, GG, Michael, Kenli, & Destiny all came along with us. The cabin was just the right size. It was 3 bedroom with 2 full bathrooms and an open kitchen, dining, and living area. The couch let out to a sofa bed and we brought an air mattress as well. There was a huge wrap around porch and since the water level was SO high, we had a view of the lake as well. As most of you know, the weatherman once again predicted glorious rain for the entire weekend. Bummer, but we went out like troppers anyway. We arrived Friday evening and enjoyed grilled hamburgers and chips on the deck. After getting everyone settled in, we all turned in for the night. Brian & Misti in one room, GG & Michael, in one room, me and Chad in the other room, and Kelli had the living room with all the girls. I think all the adults were awaken by hail hitting the roof at 4:30 that morning. Ahh! Looks like the weatherman was right again. Good thing we brought card games and the wii. However, we never could get the wii hooked up to the tv.

But luck was in our favor. Kelli & I fixed breakfast and by 10:30 the skies had cleared and we were in the water. Well we were on the boat. Crazy as it may sound we were pratcially the only ones on the lake. Let me show you why.

This is the Big Dam, from the lake view...

and this is the Big Dam from the road.

Here are some trees. If we got close enough I think we could have touched the tops.

High waters or low there was still no stopping Miss Anna from swimming. Misti knew for sure that as soon as she got in the water she would not want to stay there. NOT ANNA! She has been dreaming of this day ever since we put the boat "night night" last year. Day after day she would ask, "Anna go swimming in the lake?, Anna go in the boat?" and we would reply, "Not yet you will freeze your butt off."

READY?

SET?

GO?

So I ask, "Anna are you cold?" she replied, "I freeze my butt off!" "Do you want out?, she replied, "No, I'm swimming!" So in and out she went. Each time a little further from the ladder. Chad put his wet suit on and got in to play with her.

He said it was too cold. We let her play a little longer then she got out and did a little dance for us.

Sorry it is sideways, I thought I could flip it.

Kelli, Kenli, Anna, and I went back to the cabin around 3 and we drove into Murfreesboro to meet Mimi and Paw. They were in the area and we wanted them to see the cabin, so hopefully after Baby Brother arrives we can go back and "camp". Misti & Brian boiled shrimp and crab legs for us. Yummy! Thanks Eudy's! We had a wonderful sunshine day and we enjoyed the company of our friends and family.

Sunday morning we awoke to a very very chilly morning, even for a 32 week pregnant woman. We ate breakfast, loaded the car, and we headed home. Anna and Chad were exhausted, but it was a nice exhaustion. They took a nap and I got caught up on Grey's Anatonmy and gave myself a much needed pedicure.

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the weekend!

As for a baby brother update, well...
I went to the doctor Wednesday, May 20. He said things looked great. Great blood pressure, good heart beat, come back in two weeks. I said, hey, but I'm having some pains. Good he said that is suppose to happen. Ahh! So I go back in two weeks.

But........ WE DO HAVE A NAME!!!!! YEAH!!!! SO BE SURE TO CHECK THE BLOG IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO, IT WILL BE REVEALED.

PS Those of you who are Kris Allen fans. Go to http://www.kellyskornerblog.com Go to her Friday's post, entitled American Idol, May 22. Watch the video and read what she found out below. I have to agree with her 100%. Thanks Kelly for sharing!

Rolling Down the River

2009-05-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well for those who don't live in South Arkansas, here is a glimpse of what we have encountered the past few weeks. THUNDERSTORMS AND FLOODING!!!!! Oh how I am sick and tired of this rain. Day in and day out it seems. The thunder seems to be the loudest I have heard in all my 32 years of life. Sometime it feels as if the whole house is shaking.

In the "Baby Brother Post" I mentioned how terrible the driving conditions were that day. Well Sunday was not as bad, but it was not good either. Here are two pictures from the inside of my car as I ~~attempted~~ succeeded to make it to the paved road.

Chad went down and checked the end of the driveway before Anna & I left for Sunday School. He said to take it easy. I did, but what he doesn't know is it was A LOT higher than that on Wednesday.

This is our driveway!

I'm sure in a few months we will all be wishing for a little rain. Say a Prayer for us, as the weather plays a huge part in our business, both my job and our family business as well.

The Weatherly's River House!

Chad's dad takes great pride in his river house aka camp. We all love it and it is a great way to "get away" without really having to leave. It is located on the banks of the Ouachita River, close to the Sparkman area. We all hang out there a lot. It is very peaceful. Usually, you could walk to the middle of the river, but lately that is not the case. Chad & I actually lived there the first 3 or 4 months after we got married, while our house was being built.

Chad and Russell went down to the "camp" on Friday afternoon. They boated down of course and this is what they found when they arrived.

As of Friday, the river was about 4 foot in the bottom, which technically is not a bad thing, but it is still not a good thing either. The water tanks are down there and a few odds and ends. If you look closely, we thought by putting stuff on the picnic table that it would be okay. I'm sure by now it's a good chance it is "Rolling down the River".

Here are pictures of the camps that surround ours. There is blue ford ranger that Joe put up on a what he thought was a high spot. Sorry Joe! Joe is what we like to call a "River Rat". He lives down there and the river is his source of living. I'm sure he knows the high and low spots of that area. He also knows the river like the back of his hand.

This is the view from the road if you got to drive to the camp.

This is a view from the upper level of the camp. See the night light.

The Sorrell's Camp! (at the main entrance)

Joe's house (at the main entrance)

Front view of our camp

Burris's camp (behind ours)

This is a view from the upper level, looking back to the main entrance.
See the picnic table!

The Abbott's camp (to the right of ours if inside) See Joe's truck!

Chad said last night that his dad had went back to the camp and the water had gone down, but guess what, we are expecting MORE RAIN. KARK did a news special on the Ouachita River last night as well. The city park is completely under water and the Sheriff's office said they had not seen the water at flood stage like this since 1990.

Here Fishy Fishy!

2009-05-07T15:31:00.004-05:00

Before the ~~rain~~ THUNDERSTORMS came AGAIN (Saturday May 2), we had a chance to go to Mimi & Paw's for a fishing adventure. Anna and I were outside waiting for daddy to come home from work, when Anna spotted her Paw. She had to run over there and tell him that there was a big old squirrel on the bird feeder and he needed to get a "pow" and shoot it. She is not happy with this squirrel by no means. He eats all the food plus he is mean to our blue birds. We have had about 10 blue birds at our feeder. They are beautiful. Anyway back to the fishing trip. Mimi and Paw have a huge pond that is stocked with Georgia Giant Brim and Catfish plus a few bass here and there. Anna loves to go out there and feed the fish. Well Saturday was her lucky day because not only did she feed the fish, but she got to watch Mimi and Paw catch little brim right and left. They would let her hold them then throw them back. She loved it. Of course we had to leave because the rain was coming. It rained so much at our house. Oh what a long and boring Saturday. All I could think of was the nursery rhyme song, "it's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring." Well not at our house. It thunder so much and little t had to let us know about it. My nerves were petty shot by the time the evening finally arrived. Here are a few picture of the Here Fishy Fishy Day, plus a short video of course. I am loving my little digital camera/recorder.

Baby Brother Update

2009-05-06T17:22:00.000-05:00

Here is a quick update about Baby Brother (AKA) still has no name. I headed back to the doctor today, May 6. The visit prior to this was was my sugar test visit plus routine visit. He then put me on every two weeks.

Wow! Kinda puts things in perspective huh! The weeks are counting down and he will be here before we know it. Soon I'll be posting about the days are counting down. I'm feeling great. Getting a little tired in the afternoons, but since my mom and dad live so close, I go over there at lunch to ~~take~~ TRY to take a nap.

Anna thinks she needs to give me kisses and cover me up about every 30 seconds or so. So sweet.

My sugar test came back perfect and I am so relieved. I've had a few pains here and there, but nothing major to speak of. No swelling yet, just a ~~small~~ HUGE issue with HEAT. I told Chad he better just dress in thermal under ware, but DON'T TOUCH THE THERMOSTAT.

I continue to drink water like a camel. I also make very frequent trips to the potty room. So far, I'm resting pretty good at night. Chad says I snore like a man. I've tried the breathe right nasal strips. They work pretty good, then I bought the cheap ones and they are not so good. I've also offered him with the bed upstairs and the sofa. Love you babe. :) Why do we snore more when we are with child? Hmm!

Dr. Ratcliff says things look and sound great, so I guess I will be checking in with him in another two weeks.

Each day we prepare a little more for his arrival. I think we are getting closer on a name. Yeah! I can't wait to post that. He is so active. He is turning flips in there. I bought a coming home outfit today. What do you think?

Anna decided to take a picture of me. This is my kind of picture.

She loves the camera. She stayed with Mimi today while I was gone and she is running low on fuel.

She refuses to sleep for Mimi. We all have been up since around 4 this morning. It has rained so hard here. I liked to have not got out of our driveway. I wish I would have grabbed the camera when I left. I thought about it but walked right out without it. It was horrible horrible driving conditions today. But with the grace of God looking over us we made it to and from safely.

My friend Karla at worked shared this recipe with us a few weeks ago. Yummy! Let me tell you it is amazing what you can do with a cake mix. I'm sure mine will not taste like hers, but I attempted it off the top of my head. Here it is, if the chocolate monster attacks.

1 butter cake mix
2 eggs
1/3 c oil
1 pkg chocolate chips

Mix together, put on greased cookie sheet. Bake. Now I had to bake mine for 16 minutes at 350, but you may want to just watch yours.

More post to come with changes to our house and of course the answer to the question we hear daily....Do you have a name yet?

Anna turns 3!

2009-04-27T17:57:00.000-05:00

Well believe it or not, Miss Anna Grace turned 3 years old on Friday, April 24, 2009. Listen to what she has to say.

I first want to stop an send out a thanks to my mom, sister, mother-in-law, and wonderful husband for all their help "getting the party started", I guess you could say. My mom came up and mopped my floors for me. Yeah! Chad took care of the yard as usual. Looked beautiful. Kelli took care of the transformation of the office to somewhat Anna's room upstairs and Barbara vacuumed for me. Thank you all so much! I love you all.

The Birthday Girl!

We had a wonderful time. It was so much fun. We celebrated ALL weekend long. Isn't that what you are suppose to do? I worked for the most part on Friday and Anna got to go home with Nonna and Sissy, while I went to get the cake, plus a few more odds and ends. Sissy came home with us and we planted flowers, blew bubbles that Mrs. Shelia gave her for a gift, and swung on the swing set. The girls had a great time and Chad and I enjoyed watching them and taking a break from the week we had had.

Saturday morning the girls slept in and I started getting ready for the kiddo party at 11:00. The guest began to arrive and we were excited to see and have Kristen and Cade Parramore join us in our festivities. That is one cute little boy Kristen. Thanks for coming and Anna thanks you for the princess gifts.

Anna had Sissy of course, Miss Emma Beard and Mr. Jordan Jarvis as guests. Emma brought baby brother Noah as well. It was funny to watch Anna interact with the babies. I'm afraid I may have my hands full. She kept taking the toys away from Cade. She has told us three or four times since the party that she took the baby's fire truck away. Remember Anna in your prayers that she adjust well when baby brother arrives.

Do Meteorologist really know what they are talking about?

I say that with a smile on my face. We were expecting a warm, scratch that, in a pregnant state of mind a HOT day with lots of sunshine. We got everything together, tablecloth on picnic table under the canopy, presents outside, the kids were loving the swing set and out of no where a huge clap of thunder sounded. So it didn't take us long to move everything back inside. Ahh! The stress of a mother trying to throw the perfect party. It just sprinkled off and on, so I'm thankful. The kids did get to go outside and jump on the jumper and of course play bubbles. I think they had a great time.

What do you think?

Here is a group shot of the kids at the party. Emma, Jordan, Kenli, Anna

We had to eat lunch inside, but we did get to have cake and ice cream and presents outside. It was so funny, you all know how Anna is all about some cake.

Well Jordan is all about some blowing out the candles. So.... as you can imagine, we were not half way through Happy Birthday! When.....

you guessed it. Jordan blew out the candles and Anna was not happy. Look at this reaction.

I'm laughing just looking at it again. Look at poor Jordan looking at his mom, like what did I do.

We ended up singing Happy Birthday again, so Anna could blow the candles out. Look how she is not letting anyone get close to those candles.

We did sing Happy Birthday, like four times so Jordan and Emma could blow the candles out as well. We are making a mental note to serve cupcakes with individual candles in them for each kiddo next year.

She loved all her presents as well. I think her daddy surprised her with a big girl bike. I wish you could have heard her scream.

We had a really great time and thank everyone for coming!

After everyone left, Anna and I took a much needed nap and then we were ready for Party #2! The family party....

The Family Party

2009-04-27T16:19:00.013-05:00

We had a great time at the family party as well. We grilled burgers and hot dogs and just hung out and had a wonderful visit. Anna was thrilled with the gifts she received at the family party as well. This is what she did after she opened each gift, whether it was clothes or a cool toy.

Look at this cool new life jacket. She is going to love this when we get to go to the lake.

We had cake and ice cream again and she blew her candles out.

She even took time to cheese for the camera. Look how dirty her little face is. She played so hard.

We did manage a fast family photo. Now usually I would never publish a picture like this, but Anna just looks so cute. For the next couple of months, I will remain seated for all photo opts. I will post mine and baby brothers updates in a few days.

It wasn't long after the party that she was in the tub for a good scrubbing and off to bed. She was exhausted and slept to 9:00 Sunday morning. That was the first time Chad and I slept in that long as well. Ahh! It was wonderful.

We were going to take her to Disney on Ice, but we couldn't get tickets through the internet. We tried to call and they said you might get them at the door. We didn't feel like going to Little Rock and not be able to get in. I'm sure we will take her next year. I'm not sure if she could have sat through a two hour show.

We decided to take a trip to Lowe's instead. We went to Pine Bluff and had a late lunch at Chili's. Anna was wonderful and enjoyed her Cheese Pizza. Then we went to Lowe's to get sand for her sandbox. No such luck. I guess you could say, we just got out of the house on a beautiful Sunday. Happy Birthday Anna Grace, I hope you had a good one.

Rainy Days are here again

2009-04-18T15:27:00.005-05:00

Yes it is raining again. What a boring day? Just me and Anna and of course little T. Let me pause a minute as I read to Miss Anna and as the rain comes poring down and Isabelle thinks the rain and thunder are out to get her....

No nap times here. Every time we start to close our eyes, little T starts her quest to find the thunder man. She is fixing to meet the "waterman". A water bottle that she gets squirted with, when she misbehaves.

There are so many things I need to be doing, other than posting a blog or watching DVR movies. Things like a load of laundry, cleaning the house, preparing for Anna's birthday next weekend. So many things, but I just feel like sitting here, listening to the rain (and little T) and feeling baby brother move everywhere in my tummy, as I post my thoughts for the day.

I can't wait to meet him. I wonder how he will be. His actions, looks, behavior. We have 77 days until he arrives and we are not prepared for him at all. No name, yet either. Still not sure where Anna will sleep. Are we ready to move her upstairs? Are we ready to take down the pink and purple butterflies and put up little trucks and trains? Decisions, decisions. Something that I am not good at by myself.

We are ready, however, to start fixing the upstairs bedrooms up. When we moved in it was hard enough to decorate the living room, more less the rest of the house. In fact, and I am somewhat embarrassed to say that until a few weeks ago, we just got our bedroom decorated. We have lived here for 5 years. I'll be posting before and after pictures soon. I'm still waiting on one more piece of furniture.

We are going to repaint two rooms as well. The breakfast room and the master bath. When we built the house, picking colors out for the rooms were exhausting for me. In fact, as I got to the rooms upstairs I just said off white everywhere. It is like a blank canvas up there.

I wonder what Anna would like. Is she old enough to tell me what color she wants the walls to be? To her right now everything is green. She know what a color is, like red, purple, green, yellow or (wellow). But if you ask her what color is this she will say green every time.

Can you tell how board I am? Plus I'm missing my husband terribly, but thanking God he was able to get away from the trucking business for a few days. He works so hard and worries about the business so much that he rarely takes time for himself. Even the Saturday he is suppose to be off, he shows up to make sure things are going like they should be.

Anna and I had an invitation to take a trip to Hot Springs with Mimi and Pawpaw, but we decided to stay at home and play toys and read a lot of books. She really loves to be read to. I enjoy it as well, plus it is good for little brother. I needed the rest, a day off my feet and the stress of work. So I guess I should thank God for the rain today.

1st Trip to the Dentist

2009-04-16T15:27:00.010-05:00

Today Anna went to the dentist. She was pretty excited. I'm sure it was because she didn't really know what a dentist does.

I went first and she watched in amusement. They gave her a coloring sheet to color. She colored it really well, but she was more intrigued with what they were doing with her mommy's teeth. It was her turn next.

She is getting a little nervous....

No, I've changed my mind. I'm not doing that...

Okay mommy, if you say so, but why do I have to wear this...

I'm not happy about this at all, plus these sunglasses make me look silly.
They gave her sunglasses to keep the light from being in her eyes.

Ms. Nikki, will you please stop counting my teeth? Please!!
She has 20 teeth. They didn't tell me if that was good or bad, I'll say good. :)

That does not look like my Elmo toothbrush.
Poor thing looks scared to death in this one. She didn't much care for the cleaning of the back teeth. Everything else was okay. She also didn't like the spit vacuum. Ms. Nikki had to wipe her mouth out each time.

All Done...

Doctor Moseley came in to check for cavities. We were both good in that department. He really bragged about how pretty her teeth were. I'm so glad, that for now she has straight teeth. Anna was glad to get out of that chair. He said to continue to do what we have been doing. Anna left that place with a balloon, Dora Toothbrush, Sponge bob Toothpaste, Sunglasses, colors, a ring, and a sticker. She then wanted to go to the bakery for a cupcake. They were out so she settled for a mini chocolate donut and a sprinkle cookie instead.

Today Anna especially looks like her daddy. Everywhere we went, people said, man she looks just like her dad. I'm glad because for the longest, she looked just like me and I know that hurt his feelings when people said that. All in all we had a great time for our first trip to the dentist. Next time maybe a different story.

We want to tell dad, we are proud of his big 24lb turkey, with the 1 1/4 inch spurs he killed this morning. We can't wait for you to come home. Be careful and we love you.

Where to begin?

2009-04-13T10:30:00.031-05:00

Okay, I'm just going to let you know, this is a long post.

A lot has happened in this past week. First, Miss Anna became really sick on Wednesday.

She was running fever and just laid around all morning. That afternoon, mom and I took her to the doctor. He said she had a slight pink throat, not red, but just pink. He is treating her for Strep Throat, but we did not do a strep test. We didn't get to see our normal pediatrician, we saw Dr. Callaway instead. He was really great with Anna and purple dog (her stuffed animal). I told him that she was NOT a good medicine taker, but he assured me that this medicine was orange flavored and did not have a bad taste to it. Obviously, he has not tried it lately.

The fight was on.....Remember how I told you in the Poop in the Potty post how strong willed she was, well she is just as strong willed when it comes to medicine. In fact I think she is worst!!!! Anna has been GREAT ever since she came her. No problems, ate well, slept well, but guess what SHE DOES NOT TAKE MEDICINE WELL! I stayed home with her on Thursday and called the doctor back to see if a pill might work. Chad and I thought we might could get a pill down her better since the liquid was just ending up in her hair or back on the floor, (if you know what I mean). We got the pill and it did not work either. What was I thinking? Try to put your fingers in an almost 3 years old mouth. Ha! I would get the pill in there and you would think that you would just naturally swallow. NOT Anna! Here it came back up on her lips. I finally think it dissolved and she may have gotten a tiny bit in her. I'm exhausted just replaying it as I type. My mom said Anna acts just like her Aunt Lynn times 2 or 4. Thanks Aunt Lynn! I told my mom that my sister Kelli needed to try to give it to her. Because, #1 Nonna (aka Kelli) is number 1 to Anna, #2 Kelli has raised just about every type of kid around, (since she has been babysitting since she was 11 until she finished college with her teaching degree), so I figured she could do it right??

WRONG!!! She said she has never seen a kid refuse medicine like Miss Anna does. We finally tricked her sorta. Since she was so upset with Kelli and me, amazing Kenli, said here Anna do you want juice? (the medicine was dissolved in the juice) She drank it, no questions asked. Ahhh! So I thought we had a plan and Kenli could just give it to her. You guessed it! It did not work Saturday at all. She was not falling for that again. So needless to say, aggravated, upset, and Why God will she not take this medicine? was just a little of how I was feeling. It's been awhile since I've cried but believe me it was worth crying over. I decided Saturday night, that I would crush 1/2 of the 1/2 pill very fine, dissolve it in a tiny bit of water over night and mix it with her morning milk. So far so good, I'm sure 1/4 of the pill a day is not near as effective and 1/2 but we will finish all the medicine. Which leads me to my next point?

WHY HASN'T SOME MOTHER OUT THERE DEVELOPED A NON TASTING AND FUN WAY TO TAKE MEDICINE? ONE IN WHICH THE CHILD DOESN'T EVEN KNOW SHE IS TAKING MEDICINE. AHH!!! THAT WILL BE THE DAY

Our next trip to the doctor, I'm not leaving until we have a shot. As mean as that may sound, hello, it will only sting for a minute.

Throughout this whole ordeal, I do have to thank God that Anna is as healthy as she is. That I don't have to go through this day in and day out. There are far more kids out there that are very sick. That have to take medicine 3 or 4 times a day. Their poor parents. My heart aches for all them. Take for instance, my friend, Traci. Here she is 2 weeks due before me and they had to take her baby at 30 weeks because she developed HELLPS. As of today, they are doing okay, but my goodness, I go on and on about Anna refusing medicine and here she is could possibly loose her child and her life. Please pray for her. Then there is baby Stellan and Zoe. Stellan has to have medicine around the clock. His mother's faith is so strong. She is so encouraging. Zoe, 4 years old, will be starting her 2nd round of chemo this week. Check out their updates on the left sidebar. Please pray for them as well.

Like I said, where to begin.... Friday night Kenli came home with us. She stayed with us all day Saturday. It was such a nice day. We didn't get out of the house much because the wind was so strong. In fact the girls stayed in there PJs all day long. Anna and Kenli played but then Anna tired out and she slept most of the afternoon on my bed. Kenli played on the computer and I stayed in the kitchen, boiling eggs to dye, making cookies, feeling the nice breeze blow through my kitchen windows and just thanking God for the blessings he has given my family. After Anna woke up, she and Kenli, iced LEMON Cookies and put sprinkles on them. Yum! I can taste them now. We also made peanut butter cookies, double yum! I wish I had one now.

Then we dyed Easter eggs. That was fun! Only one mess, Anna spilled yellow dye all on Kenli. I threw her pants in the washer so maybe the dye came out. I didn't look when I tossed them in the dryer. The eggs turned out super cute. See!

Easter morning here was wet and nasty. Anna looked precious in her Easter dress although she told me it hurt. She is sorta moody from being sick. I told her let's take a picture and she forgot the complaint.

Mimi made her hair bow, which got a lot of compliments at church.

Anna got the camera and she took a few picture of her favorite things. I asked her what was she taking picture of she said purple dog, T, ball, and tri-cycle. See!

Too funny. We did pose for a second and let dad take a picture of us.

He came to church with us later. Thanks daddy!

Anna was the only one I had for Sunday School. We had finished our lesson and she was sitting there and started singing Jesus Loves Me! I thought I was recording it, but I wasn't. I got her to do some of it again. In the middle she says she wants to play with the toys and that was that. Go for it sister. We will try to get the whole song later.

That afternoon, we went to Leslie's house for dinner and an "indoor" Easter egg hunt. Anna was so excited to go to Jayce's house. She even started eating there. Asked for seconds on the ham. yeah! The first signs of feeling better. She found a lot of eggs with candy in them. She also found the grand egg that had $1.00 in it. She had a little help, but hey, she is the youngest. for now.... She found some bubbles and asked GG to blow them. He said, "will you take your medicine," she said, "Don't blow it GG." Smart Girl!

We came home and opened our Easter basket from Mom and Dad and Mimi and Pawpaw. Her favorite is this singing pig. It sings My Girl! She played it so much last night I feel like she will be asking me to sing that song to her when she goes to sleep, along with the other 5. That will be okay with me.

The Easter basket were really neat. It was a fund raiser the Bearden school put on to raise money for new playground equipment. $15.00 for a huge bag of books, stuff animal, candy, and a few toys. I mean like 6 to 8 books. It was well worth $30.00.

I hope you all had a happy Easter as well.

As for an Anna update. Today she is feeling better. She started laughing on our way to Mamaw's house. She told me her daddy was silly. She also said momma I miss you. She's not said anything like that in days. She was also a little mischievous when I went to put her socks on her. She keep trying to keep me from getting them on. I'm glad to have my old Anna somewhat back.

As for a sadder note, my great uncle Elmer, passed away this morning. He lived a long life well into his 90s. Just remember Aunt Ruby, (his wife) and their children, and grandchildren as they deal with his passing.

I think we finally made it to the end of this Where to begin post?

PS Still no names for baby brother!

Power of Prayer

2009-03-25T10:27:00.002-05:00

I've come across a few blogs that catch my eye on a daily bases. They are in need of PRAYER. If you have time, please check out their links by clicking on the button. If you don't have time, in your daily prayer just say please pray for the list on India's blog. God knows who and what these families need. Thanks!

Dress for Success

2009-03-23T13:36:00.005-05:00

Anna was up a little early this morning. I thought she had got back in the habit of sleeping late (7:00), because she slept to 8:00 both Saturday and Sunday morning. Yeah for me! Anyway, we started our normal morning routine, getting daddy off to work, feeding T, and of course having our first cup of milk. After I got ready, I got Anna out of her beloved Princess Jams and into some shorts and t-shirt. I fixed her hair and started picking up the house a bit. She wanted to wear her Princess dress, so I accommodated and put it on her. In the process for looking for the missing slipper, so to speak, she came across her Elmo helmet and pads. You guessed it, we put that on over the princess dress. It was so funny! She got on her scooter and I could hear her saying, "Go fastest, the crocodile is after us." Her imagination has grown so much lately. We got ready to head to Mamaws and this is what she decided to wear.

Also, last night, as we attempted to try to poop on the potty again, we got a pedicure. Anna is now the flip flop queen, thanks to Nonna & Mamaw's shopping trip. We of course needed painted toes and nails. She loved it.

We decided this morning, for a pregnant mom and big sister photo opt. It's not much but I thought it was cute of the two of us. I don't think I realized her eyes were almost as dark as mine. We wonder what little brother is going to look like.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Princess, PJs & Pizza

2009-03-19T10:57:00.008-05:00

Anna Grace loves her Princess PJs. We come home and if she hasn't stayed in them all day, she ask for her Jams. Monday night we decided to order Pizza.

She LOVES cheese pizza and not to mention it helps mommy out for the evening. I think Anna stayed in her jams most of the day so that department was already complete. We ate our dinner and then decided to make Daddy's favorite Lemon cookies.

We were going to cut them into Shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day but the cookie cutter I had was plastic and didn't work to well.

We just made round ones with green icing. Yummy! Anna was in charge of the sprinkles. She is getting really good at that and stirring the dough.

Here is the recipe if you ever have a taste for the Best Lemon Cookies ever. They remind me of the Jackson Lemon Cookies when I was a little girl. They are so soft they just melt in your mouth. Yumm! Yumm! Yumm!

1 Box of Lemon Cake Mix (I use Pillsbury, the recipe is on the side)
1/3 c oil
2 eggs
Hand mix above ingredients together. Form into 1 inch round balls. Take a glass and and dip it in regular sugar then flatten the balls to about 1/4 inch cookie shape.
I think the oven temp is 350, but double check the box for sure. I bake my cookies for 7 minutes, then let them rest for 1 minute before removing from cookie sheet.
Icing
1 c powder sugar
2 TBSP of lemon juice
1 TBSP of water or milk
add food coloring if desired Mixed well. Spread on cool cookies and add sprinkles if you wish.

We had a lot of fun!

Baby Brother on the other hand is becoming very active. He loves to kick and move around. It is so funny. However, if you put your hand down on my tummy to feel him, he will stop. I guess he is shy. Chad finally got a chance yesterday morning to feel his Son move around. We still don't have any names. We are taking suggestions.

Tag, Tiger, & "T"

2009-03-19T10:45:00.004-05:00

Yesterday, Anna Grace was a little lazy. She snuggled up on the couch to have her morning milk and Isabelle aka "T" also found a snuggle bug opportunity. Anna loves her Tag, (a little pink blanket with a tag that is hanging by a thread), her Tiger, (a Tigger and Winnie the Pooh blanket her Aunt Donna made) and then of course Little T, (our 5 year old miniature dachshund). I told her we needed to get up so we could go to Mammaws, she told me very politely, "No, I'm watching Franklin." She is becoming more and more vocal every week. Her new thing is, she crosses her arms and says "No, I'm mad." Usually there is nothing to be mad about, she has just learned something new. Anyway, I thought it would make a great photo opt. Enjoy!

Sunday School Class

2009-03-13T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is Anna's Sunday School Class. I'm calling it the Sunshine Sunday School Class. This past week was week two on our new adventure. Anna really enjoys it. In fact, last week she said. Oh Thank you Mommy! Thank you! I think she was just so excited that there were two other little girls to play with. I think I have really enjoyed it as well. Our lessons have been on Look at what God made. I think the girls really enjoy it. We even have time for a little bit of playtime as well.

We did it! Yeah!

2009-03-10T15:46:00.002-05:00

Well this is not the most appropriate blog and I'm sure Anna will get very upset with me one day when she finds this out, but I just had to share. She pooped on the potty for my mom today. This has been such a challenge because she is SO strong willed, and did I mention strong willed. Anyway, yes, she did it. I'm so proud. Never did I think I would be proud of poop, but yes I am. So her Aunt Lynn gave her this huge tub of play dough for Christmas and I told her when she did it she could have it. Tonight we are playing play dough. Yeah! I'm also taking her to Wal-Mart to get a prize. I'm so excited and so proud. Thought all my loved ones needed to know about the poop as well. Go Anna Go! Thanks Mamaw!

It's a Boy!

2009-03-05T10:53:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, Chad and I went for our ultrasound to see if we could find out what this little one was. "BOY" was it obvious!! We were excited to find that it is a Boy. Yeah! Anna is going to get a baby bubba, although I think she doesn't really care either way. We do not have any names yet, but we will be working on that soon. We are mostly just thankful and blest that the baby is healthy and right on track. More post to come when a name comes to mind.

Catching up!

2009-02-16T16:31:00.000-06:00

I wish this was something I had started a long time ago. I think I will start by adding some of our favorite pictures. Sorry if you have seen these before. I'm new at this and I'm sure it will take some time to figure this out. I hope to post new pictures weekly. Maybe this will help me with taking more pictures to record the joys in our life. Sometimes we get so busy that some of the funniest moments we miss capturing. Enjoy!

Anna's Playset

2009-02-16T16:10:00.008-06:00

Chad and Gary aka GG put this play set together in record time. This is Anna's early birthday present. She loves it. We are awaiting the days to warmer weather so she really can enjoy it. This play set is going to come in so handy when the baby arrives. Anna loves to be outside, now she will have something to play on.

I think Chad likes it to :)

Sunday School

2009-02-16T15:54:00.004-06:00

Anna has been attending Sunday School these past few weeks. She really likes song time and going to class to eat gold fish aka Fishies. She is the youngest that attends. The class she goes to now is for 4 to 5 years old. So I am thinking about starting a class from the ages of 1 to 4. There are 3 little girls including Anna that attend church that are these ages. I think Anna would have a great time with the other little girls.

2009-02-11T11:50:00.000-06:00

Anna and Kenli enjoying the tire swing at the pumpkin patch.