Saturday, December 31, 2011

Louis's First Christmas

Louis had a great first Christmas! Santa was very good to him, and he had the chance to see ALL of his family members. On Christmas Eve, we went to church and then to Rob's parents for dinner. My parents and Andy and Ellen were there as well. After dinner, we went home and Louis opened his Christmas Eve pajamas. You know how when you were a little kid and you couldn't sleep on Christmas Eve because you were so excited? That was me this year. I was so excited for Louis's first Christmas and to see how he would react to everything that I couldn't sleep for the longest time. The next morning all the grandparents came to see what Santa had brought. At lunchtime both sides of my family came over to eat and exchange gifts. It was so much fun to have everyone together! After lunch we went to Rob's parents to eat and exchange gifts. Casey, Sam, and Gracie were there, too. Louis and Gracie had a great time playing together. It was a great day!
Opening Christmas PJs

Louis's gifts from Santa


I love having a reason to use my Christmas china!

And my other Christmas china...

Guess who loves to be pushed around on his train for HOURS? Legs, please grow so he can push himself!

Louis and Gracie playing together

Chrsitmas cards- one of my favorite parts of the holiday!

More cards on the garland!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

December

It's hard to believe that we are already in mid-December. Christmas is right around the corner. I have mailed Christmas cards, almost finished my shopping, and my house is decorated. Garden Club is at my house Thursday, so I have been working hard to make sure it looks nice. This weekend was my mom's birthday. Today, our family ate lunch at Anchuca. It was delicious as always. After lunch, we went to look at their beautiful Christmas tree. They have a great collection of ornaments, and literally every branch on the tree has an ornament on it. We tried to get a family photo. Louis didn't cooperate. After lunch, Louis and I went to the St. Joseph's Orchestra Christmas Concert with my friend Christin and her precious daughter Jane. Louis really enjoyed the music. I highly recommend this to all of you for next year! Only 7 more days of school before Christmas break!
Take 1

Take 2

Take 3- this will have to do

Perfect, except Rob's missing :(
*P.S.- Say a little prayer for sweet Louis. He will be having tubes put in his ears on the 21st. I know this isn't major surgery, but it is a big deal for us. Thanks!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Thanksgiving

Yesterday we celebrated Louis's First Thanksgiving. In honor of the occasion, he cut his first tooth! We are super excited about this because we have been waiting 10 1/2 months for a tooth to come out. I was beginning to think he didn't have any teeth under his gums. Luckily, it hasn't been bad yet. He hasn't cried too much and he seems really happy. Hopefully this will be a trend. Another big accomplishment this month is pulling up. He can now pull up on to all different things....his bed, the ottoman, coffee table. We had to move his bed down to its lowest level because he is so tall (go figure). It's so cute to walk in his room in the morning and he is grinning and standing up. Precious.
I have been off work all week for Thanksgiving Break, and since Garden Club is at my house in December I figured this would be the best time for me to decorate. I am completely finished. We decided to get a fake tree this year instead of a real one because Louis has asthma and we didn't think a real one would be good for him. So that meant I got to decorate early! Louis loves the tree. If we aren't looking, he scoots in there as fast as possible to try and touch it. Luckily, we are still faster than he is. We just have to pay good attention!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Park After Dark

Last night Rob and I went on the Haunted Vicksburg tour through the Military Park. Sadly, we didn't see any ghosts or anything remotely scary. I say sadly, but if I had seen I ghost I probably would have had a heart attack. The main reason we went was so we could see the park at night since it closes early. It wasn't nearly as dark out there as I expected. Growing up in Vicksburg, we all heard the ghost stories of Hookman Bridge and The Five Faces. We drove over Hookman Bridge last night and nothing happened. I'll admit- I was hoping he would drive a little faster at that part. We didn't even go to the Five Faces, so who knows what we might have seen.
Although it's a little hokey, if you live in town you should really try and go the next time he does a tour. At least it's something to do here in town!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

All I Do Is Win

This weekend, Rob and both our dads went to the lake to spend the night. So, my friend Alana came to Vicksburg to spend the night and visit with Louis and me. Since the grown men were gone, my mom, Alana, and I (plus Louis) spent Saturday night watching the LSU/Bama game. It was everything we were expecting, and more. Thankfully, LSU won! I love close games like that one, and I can't think of a better opponent to beat at their field in overtime. Now we just have to pray that LSU wins out so they can go to the National Championship Game. And no, there is no need for a rematch of last night for the BCS Championship. Bama had their chance and they lost.

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Louis really enjoyed his first Halloween! He mainly liked watching all the other kids. A kid in a scary mask came up, and he actually laughed. Go figure!


Friday, October 28, 2011

LSU and Pre-Halloween

Last weekend I went to Baton Rouge to stay with my good friend Alana and her husband Keith. They were married in April, and bought a new house right by campus. It is a great house. The best part is the adorable play house in the backyard. I wish I had taken pictures of the interior!

LSU played a great game vs. Auburn. It was awesome to be back in Tiger Stadium. We had great seats- right in the corner where all the action occured.

On Wednesday, we took Louis to the Y's Men's Halloween Party. Louis really enjoyed seeing all the other kids and playing with the balloons.

Andrew, Elizabeth, and Louis

The playhouse at Alana and Keith's for the sweet baby coming in April!



I can't wait for Trick or Treat Monday!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

3/4

Yesterday, Louis turned 9 months old. I cannot believe it. Time is literally flying by. I know everyone says that, but it is so true. My good friend Jennifer had a baby a couple of weeks ago and he is so wonderful! When I look at him I almost can't remember Louis being that small. I'm a little scared to hold Jackson.
This month we have made some big steps in the baby world:
Louis is very mobile now. Not quite crawling, but he could beat you in a race scooting.
He can sit forever when you put him there, but on Thursday night he sat up alone! Rob and I like to think this was the first time because we were both there and saw it. But I have a feeling he is doing it at daycare too. He smiled and laughed because we were so excited!
He is getting on all fours and will probably be crawling soon.
He likes to do "headstands". He will put his head and hands on the ground and stand up with straight legs. He basically looks like an upside down V is the only way I can describe it. He thinks this is so fun and will bounce up and down in this position.
He is eating 3 meals a day now, and a nightime bottle.
The past 3 nights he has slept all night!!! Please, please keep this up. Of course time change is soon so who knows what will happen then...
He can hold his bottle. I think he could have done this much sooner, but I've been doing it for him. Oops.

A non-improvement:
Still no teeth. Not.Even.Close.

On Monday he had a check-up. Louis weighs 19 lb 12 oz and is 29 1/2 inches long.
He is in the 50% for weight and 75% for height. Tall and skinny. Go figure....

Have a great weekend!
So cute

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Photo Update





Louis goes to school


Look who can crawl/scoot!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Too Old

Dear Facebook,
        As soon as I get used to the format of your page, you mix it up and I have to start all over again. I am too old for this. Thank you.
                      

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Our Duty

We all know that our lives changed forever on September 11, 2001. Sadly, sweet Louis and all the other
children born after that day will never know what it was like to live in an untouchable America. I think that it is our duty as Americans and as parents to teach our children what it means to be an American. We cannot let our babies grow up without the pride for our country that we all have and that so many have fought and continue to fight to preserve.

At church today I heard a verse that I have heard many times in my life. However, it really struck me to hear it on this important day: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Friday, September 9, 2011

Five for Friday

Five things that make me wonder "Am I a Bad Mom?":
1. I find Louis trying to sit up terribly funny. Instead of helping him learn, I just watch.
2. When he wakes up in the middle of the night and hasn't started to cry just yet, I lay (lie?) in bed and pray that he will fall back asleep.
3. Sometimes I leave the house without a diaper bag.
4. Today I dressed him as if it were already February. Oops.
5. He is just as addicted to pinterest and FB as I am.

Let me know if I've done anything wrong...

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Prediction

School is back in session, and my sweet 2nd graders are so fun! The other day we were discussing prediction in Reading. I have a snow globe that students look in and predict what will happen in the future. This was the first time using the prop, and the kids were really in to it. They kept making great predictions and were really excited when it was there turn with the snow globe....except for one boy. He got the "crystal ball" and shook it. Then he shook it again. Finally, he looked at me with the funniest expression and said "I don't see nothin' in there"! Poor baby had no idea it was all imaginiation. Thank the lord I didn't laugh out loud.

Friday, August 19, 2011

Five for Friday

Five things I am in search of for fall:
1. A good pair of boots
2. Some skinny jeans
3. Thanksgiving john john for Louis
4. Louis's first Halloween costume
5. A weekend off- this means out of town.
I have a feeling that number 5 will be the hardest on the list to come by.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Cakewrecks and AFP

On crazy days I like to check two websites that always make me laugh. Awkwardfamilyphotos.com and cakewrecks.com.
Here are two gems I found today:
I seriously laughed out loud at this one

This is how I feel about tomorrow being Friday

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

It's Not Over Til It's Over

Have you ever had one of those "perfect" days? Today was my day. Everything was going great. My kids are getting into a routine. Louis slept through the night (and it was my night to get up to feed him). The Lean Cuisine I took for lunch was actually awesome. Everything was perfect. Until......
I get to my car at 4:45 and notice that 2 coke cans have escaped from the case. I thought this was really strange and the first thought in my mind was "Who in the world broke in to my car and drank two cokes?" If only. This is what really happened...I left the case of cokes in my car, in the sun, all day. Two cokes exploded. And when I say exploded I mean burst so hard they flew out of the case and across the backseat. They spewed all over the car, backseat, front seat, windshield, everywhere. To make matters worse, as I was driving home another one exploded and I seriously thought someone had shot at my car. I cannot believe this happened. I am so glad my day had been good because for some strange reason I found this whole experience wildly amusing. The car will be detailed tomorrow. Thank the lord.
Moral of the story: It's hot. Don't be lazy. Just unload all your groceries when you get home.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Five for Friday

Five pictures of the sweetest, cutest baby in the world. At least in our opinion! (A BIG thank you to Ollie Sumerall for fantastic photos yet again. You are great!)






Ok, ok I know- this is 6. Couldn't help it!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Back to School

Today was my first full day back working in my classroom. I actually got a lot accomplished! I moved around the layout of my room, and I think it will work really well with our new Reading block. Now that I have gone back to school, Louis has started daycare full time. He is a little stressed to say the least. Poor bebe is so used to being the only child around, and now he is having to share. Life lessons at such a young age. He cried ALL DAY Friday. No lie. All day. I felt so bad for Ms. Patricia. I think today was a little better. He only cried about half of the time. Thankfully, Ms. Patricia is so nice that she doesn't complain. She just tells me that he is a beautiful baby and that that's what babies do, cry. I think once Louis is used to the noise and other kids daycare will be great for him.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Five for Friday

I have finally decided on a theme for my classroom this year. Every Monday morning I read "Oh the Places You'll Go!" by Dr. Seuss to my class. So, I thought I would do a Dr. Seuss theme this year. I came across some great quotes from his books, so I've decided to make my Friday post this week my five favorite ones:
1. Be who you are and say what you feel. Because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.
2. Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
3. The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn the more places you'll go.
4. Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you.
5. Think left and think right think low and think high. Oh the things you can think up if only you try.

And my all time favorite Dr. Seuss quote: "Kid, you'll move mountains!"

For those of you non-teachers out there- make a point to visit or volunteer in a local school this year. You will be truly amazed at the great things going on every single day. Spending just ten minutes with a child makes a world of difference in their life. I promise. I see it every day.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Summer Lunches

Today I got to do something I love- have lunch with my friends! I try to do this a lot during the summer because I don't get many chances during the school year. In June and July we attended the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon. In June, the author of "Easy Entertaining" gave us some really cute and creative ideas on decorating for parties. Today, the new Miss Mississippi spoke and played the piano. I can honestly say that Mary Margaret Roark is an amazing girl. She is a great speaker, beautiful, and is a very entertaining and talented pianist. Mary Margaret spoke about her platform on Alzheimer's disease. It was an interesting and heartbreaking talk. I really learned a lot from her in the short five mintue speech. She has been to Washington to work with congress to pass bills regarding Alzheimer patients. Also, she has created a jewelry line to benefit her platform. After listening to her today, I think she has a great shot at being our next Miss America! We'll just have to wait and see!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Five for Friday

Five Things in Pop Culture That I Totally Missed Out On:
1. Harry Potter
2. Casey Anthony and her trial. Didn't really watch that much
3. Survivor
4. The Simple Life
5. Ole Miss winning the National Championship. Oh wait...

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Half Birthday

Today is Louis's half birthday! It's hard to believe that he is already 6 months old. So sad :( Today, we started eating level two foods. I think he enjoyed his corn and squash mixture. We went to see Dr. Weiland and Shelly Monday. He now weighs 16 lbs 12 ounces. He is 27 1/4 inches. I cannot believe how much he has grown. Still in the 50th percentile for weight, but 75th percentile in height. Go figure. We are still working on the whole tooth thing. You would think that two months of solid drooling would do the trick but nope. Not even close. He is close to sitting up on his own though! Exciting! And...his feet now touch the ground in his walker. It's so cute to see him move backwards and wonder how in the world that just happened. Louis is still loving Elmo and any type of music. His favorite person is Rob. Boo...
Here is a picture from his half birthday party. We got him half of a cake. He ate a little icing. Do NOT tell Dr. Weiland. She would not approve of the sugar...

Friday, July 8, 2011

Five for Friday

Five things I enjoyed this week:
1. Rob being off for four days. We had a great long weekend at home with Louis, and cooking out with our family.
2. Rain. Finally.
3. Netflix.
4. Watching the final space shuttle launch. I can't believe it.
5. Lunch with a teacher from school. It's so nice to spend a long leisurely lunch with a friend. I wish we could do it more often!

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Some Kind of Wonderful

During the rain yesterday I discovered something amazing. Wait for it....Netflix. Stop laughing. I know this is nothing new. BUT- it's new to me! I just thought I could get movies in the mail but guess what- since Rob has the PS3 that he had to have we can watch movies and TV shows instantly. Can you believe it? A couple of weeks ago we didn't even have computers at our house, and now we are downloading movies on our TV. Amazing. The cleaners was closed yesterday, so Rob, Louis, and I watched 4 movies. Yes, 4. It was great. Today I checked the mail and there was a movie waiting for me there too!! I watched The King's Speech this afternoon. If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. I apparently have a slight obsession with the British royal family. Ever since I read "The Other Boleyn Girl" I have wanted to read and watch everything I can about the British monarchs. And although today's royals aren't descendants of Henry VIII (that's an entirely other blog post), I still am interested. I wonder if the royal wedding had anything to do with that?
PS- Anyone want to go to California and stalk William and Kate on their trip to the US?

Monday, July 4, 2011

4th of July

Because of the rain (which we are very thankful to have), we did not go to the fireworks downtown. Louis did wear his 4th of July outfit though!

Friday, July 1, 2011

Five for Friday

You knew it was coming...here is the pageant post.
My top 5:
These are not in order
Fenly Akers
Mary Margaret Roark
Kristen Beningo
Chelsea Rick
Stephanie Stanford

I also think that Elyssa Lassiter will make the top 10- if not higher. I am so proud of our two Vicksburg girls this year. They are awesome!

I love this week so much! Helping with the pageant is so much fun, and I really enjoy talking to the girls. They are so nice and down to earth.
Watch tomorrow night at 8 and see if my predictions are correct!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Stack, Stack....Brickwall

Enough already. The Bachelorette has officially hit a brick wall. I do not think it could get any more dull. The editors of this show deserve Emmys for being able to find "drama" in all the mess. To bring a little excitement to my life I read the spoilers. I'm not going to tell what I read, but I am a little unsure if I should believe it because Reality Steve was wrong last time.
Fashion Note: The dress Ashley wore at the Rose Ceremony was pretty, but I'm almost certain the bottom half was see through.
Bentley count: 45...or something like that. She was saying it so much I couldn't keep accurate count.
As if that show didn't make me crazy enough, I decided to set up a new wireless printer at my house today. I'm no techie, but I can read directions....usually. 3 hours later the printer was 95% operational. It just printed every other line. After speaking to tech support for an hour we realized that the problem was the ink cartridge. It was dried up. (Rob tried to tell me that from the beginning...)
FYI- Our computer company is a scam. I called their number and before they even knew the nature of my problem they said I would be charged for help. Uh- no thanks! He then informed me that they get 20-30 THOUSAND calls a day. Ok? So charging people for the calls is justified how? Maybe it just makes you not want to call. I seriously think that is the whole purpose. It took FOREVER to find the number. Luckily, I was given a number to Microsoft and I had the nicest and sweetest tech support person ever. No lie. Even though we got to the bottom of the situation, I'm pretty sure he gave everyone he works with my name and told them I am a lunatic. Between dried up ink, a crying baby, and trying to cook poor Kusha probably wanted to jump through the phone line and strangle me. Thankfully he didn't and I can now print anything I'd like. Isn't technology great?

Monday, June 27, 2011

Silver Spoon

It's not every day that you are fed by a queen....
Louis and Miss MS 2006, Taryn Foshee

Friday, June 24, 2011

Five for Friday

Now that I have a home computer (yes, I still live as though it is 1993-don't judge), I can update my blog with ease. Seriously, I love a smartphone but I had to get a contact yesterday because I've been looking at that tiny screen for too long. And no, that is not a typo. I just got one contact. Apparently only my right eye needed help. The left one is doing great. I got glasses too. I decided to go on and get regular ones even though a monocle wold have probably been cheaper. I know you are probably thinking, "What is a monocle?". He ya go:
Now you know why I decided against it...


On to my real post:
I've decided to list five things each Friday that I either love, want to buy, or seriously need. So, if this doesn't interest you. Don't read my blog on Fridays. Let's see how long this lasts.

5 Things That I Love:

#1: Louis...duh
#2: Summer Vacation. I am very sad that it is half over. Boo
#3: The Miss Mississippi Pageant. Yes, I LOVE it. It's next week, so I'm sure you will be reading a post all about it.
#4: My new computer.
#5: "The Other Bolen Girl". I just finished reading it, and now I am obsessed with learning more about the life of Henry XIII.

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Oh Ashley

So...poor little Ashley on the Bachelorette. She is sad. Bentley left and she CANNOT get over him. She is seriously missing out on some great (seemingly) guys- Ames, JP, Ryan, and Mickey (even though he wore man capris...uncool). But what I seriously do not get is the obsession with the Josh Groban twins. Yuck. Not only is this the most pathetic season yet, but Ash stinks at picking out dates. First, she had the guys roast her. Fail. Then they had to box. Seriously? Dumb. And poor, sweet Ames getting hurt. So sad. Can she just skip to the final two with Ames and JP. That would make me happy.
Side note...was anyone else under the impression that the Bentley hotel scene was going to be last night? Not funny ABC. Now I have to watch next week. Those producers are so smart.

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Friday, June 10, 2011

Nursery

Louis is growing so much! He can now prop himself up on his hands while sitting. Yesterday, he went to nursery for the first time. He seemed really happy. He was exhausted, though! He slept all night, ate at six and slept two more hours. He has taken three Naps today. I hope he gets a little more used to the action at Small World before August!



Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Summer...finally!

Friday was my last day of school, and I am beyond excited to be home with Louis for two months! To start off the summer, we went to the pool Sunday and Monday. Getting a baby ready for the pool is exhausting! Good thing he doesn't mind the sunscreen process. He loves to sit on the top step of the pool and watch the other kids play. He also loves to sleep in the shade. Go figure. I bought him a baby pool yesterday, so I figure we'll use that a lot instead of hauling everything to the country club. I know summer will fly by, so I'm trying to spend ad much time as possible with Louis before school starts back! It'll be here before we know it!
I don't have any pool pictures, but here is a random cute one...

Wearing Daddy's golf hat


Monday, May 9, 2011

Mother's Day

So you know how your mom always said "Oh you don't have to get me anything. You're my gift."? She wasn't kidding. Although Louis did an awesome job picking out my gifts (thanks Rob), I really couldn't ask for anything more than the perfect baby God blessed me with. Mother's Day should not only be a day to celebrate mothers, but it should be a day to he thankful for your kids.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

The Flood

As all of you know, our city is preparing for a major flood. Many places are already covered with water, and countless others are just waiting for it to creep up. Sadly, the lake house is feeling the effects already. I guess Louis will not spend his first summer at the lake :( however, I am very grateful that it is not our primary residence being threatened by water. Please pray for those who have evacuated and are so unsure of their future. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Made my day

As the school year nears the end, everyone gets a little wild. My class is so awesome, but we are ALL ready for June! Today I got the sweetest gift from a student. It was so unexpected, but it made my day:


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Mr. And Mrs. Cliff Herring

This weekend I went to Rosemary Beach, Florida for Nikki and Cliff's wedding. Everything was beautiful-especially the bride. On Saturday, we laid out on the beach for a while. The weather was beautiful. I just wish Rob and Louis had come.



Monday, April 25, 2011

Springtime

We have been so busy for the past month or so that I haven't had time to blog. A few weeks ago, Rob and I went to Memphis for Shannon and Joey's wedding. This was our first night away from Louis. I was really sad to leave him, but the weekend was really fun and we had a great time at the wedding. We were having to much fun at the wedding to take pictures, but I did get a shot of the Pebody ducks (I made Rob take me to see them).
Waiting for the ducks
The next weekend, my friend Alana got married in Baton Rouge. Rob didn't make the trip for this one, but Louis did. I had to get him introduced to his future college town at a young age. The wedding was perfect and Alana was beautiful.

My college roommates, Erin and Addie came to meet Louis!

The beautiful bride, Alana

We have had two weekends at home to enjoy with our sweet Louis and our friends. The weather has been nice, so we have had friends over the past two weekends to cookout. This is a huge perk of our new back yard/patio. It's so private. And, Rob did a great job getting the yard landscaped while I was out of town. He is awesome. Maybe I should start hiring him out....
Yesterday was Louis's first Easter. The Easter Bunny went a little overboard, and visited him at 3 houses. We went to church and then had time with our family that afternoon.
Loving everything the Easter Bunny brought...

especially his new elephant
Ready for church
We have had a busy Spring so far, and it's not over yet! Two more weddings before the end of May!!