Name Change

My poor, neglected blog will be looking for a new name in October. For those of you who haven't heard- we are expecting another baby around Halloween. I'm taking name suggestions. And no, we don't have a name for baby #2 yet because we aren't even finding out the gender until it's birthday. I know this sounds crazy, but I think there are so few surprises in life, that why not? I'm almost positive Rob is dying to know, but he has been patient so far.
Other than that, life has been pretty normal. Louis is almost 2 1/2 years old. I just cannot believe it! Now that school is out for the summer, I'm going to attempt to begin potty training. At first, Louis would just cry every time we mentioned the word potty. Now he will at least sit on it and watch TV. He also loves to wear his Cars underwear.
We went to the pool for this first time this summer today, and needless to say, it's going to be a long two months at the pool. Not only do I look super cute in my tankinis, but Louis insists on jumping in the pool a thousand times, which means I have to catch him and then help him out of the pool a thousand times. I'm not sure who was more exhausted at the end of the afternoon.

Have a great summer!

Christmas photos

Here are a few shots from our holiday shoot with Becca Stewart. I think she did a great job!

2012 Christmas Card Photo. Love this little guy!

I hope that you and your families all have a very Merry Christmas!

The Leader in Me

I am super excited for school to begin this year. Not only am I moving to 1st grade with the opportunity to work with a teacher that I look up to so much, but our school is implementing The Leader in Me. Some of you have not heard of this so I wanted to give a quick overview of the amazing opportunity our students will have at Bowmar (and also at Bovina Elementary) thanks to the Chamber of Commerce and some amazing community sponsors.
The Leader in Me is not a program. It is an entirely new way of thinking. It is based on Stephen Covey's bestseller "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People". If you have not read this book, I've heard it's awesome. The 7 Habits are: 1. Be Proactive. 2. Begin With the End in Mind. 3. Put First Things First. 4. Think Win-Win. 5. Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. 6. Synergize. 7. Sharpen the Saw. I'm not going to go into descriptions of each habit right now. But if you want more info, go to www.theleaderinme.org for a simple overiew and to see some awesome schools that have already implemented LIM at their schools.
If you have a chance, come visit Bowamr this year and see all of our amazing changes! I feel that just going through this training has made me a better person. I cannot wait to see what it does for our already awesome students. This is going to be so beneficial to each and every one of them.
If you live in the Vicksburg area and want to sponsor The Leader in Me, contact Christi Kilroy at the Chamber of Commerce. It is our hope that LIM will be so successful at our two pilot schools that other sponsors will want to help it grow to each school in our district. Thank you SO SO much to those of you that are already sponsors and to those of you who believe in this program, believe in our students, and believe that we as teachers have the ability to instill these habits into our students. It will all be well worth the extra effort.

On another school related note: our school district has moved from "At Risk of Failing" to "Successful" in just two short years. This is amazing progress and amazing news for our district! Being a part of a state recognized "successful" district is so awesome. Everyone involved with the Vicksburg-Warren School District has worked incredibly hard this past year, and the efforts paid off. Thank you so much to all of you that support our schools. You are greatly appreciated!

Now time to enjoy my last summer weekend! I hope you all have a great one!

Louis's First Trip to the Beach

This past week Rob, Louis, and I went to the beach. We left early Thursday morning, and planned to return on Monday. Mother Nature, however, had other plans. Because of The Great Monsoon of 2012, we returned on Sunday. After sitting in traffic in Mobile on Thursday and driving super slow in the rain on Sunday, we spent more time in the car than on the beach. But...Louis LOVED the time we spent on the beach. His face and his reaction made the trip a success. Plus it was really nice to get out of town for a few days. Enjoy the pictures!

First taste of ketchup!

It's the Final Countdown

As the 2011-2012 school year winds down, I thought it would be appropriate to share with you a few of my favorite memories of my 2nd graders.
This semester, we studied world cultures and ended with a study of our ancestors. My students were supposed to go home and ask their parents where their ancestors lived. Here are a few of the more memorable responses:
1." Some of my ancestors were from Africa. And some from China. I think you can see the Chinese a little bit, right?"
2." My mom said my ancestors are from Jackson because that's where my grandmother lives."
3." I forgot to ask my mom, but as far as I can remember my ancestors have always lived in Vicksburg."
4. "We are from England. And there is probably a little Pocahantas in me too."
5. "I was born in Jackson, but I live here now. That's all I know."
Apparently we need a refresher course in what an ancestor actually is...

One day, we were talking about President's Day, and more specifically Abraham Lincoln. We were trying to figure out how old he was when he died, and my students decided they needed to know how old I am. Most popular guess for my age: 19.

The Three Trees

Just in time for Easter I'd like to recommend a book to anyone that reads my blog. It is a children's folktale, but it has such an amazing message that adults will enjoy it as well. It is called "The Three Trees". I don't want to spoil the story for any of you, but I promise that you will not be disappointed.

Sometimes things come into your life at the exact moment you need them. This book was one of those things for me. Love it!

Spring Sunday

Today was a great day! We woke up super early (thank you, Louis) and headed to Jackson. Rob was on a mission to find a golf club. We spent a long time in Dick's Sporting Goods and found what Rob was looking for. Then, we had lunch at Cane's, which reminds me of college and also of being pregnant. (We would stop at Cane's after every Dr. appointment during my entire pregnancy. Not my craving- Rob's). Louis loved the fries. Then, we went to visit Rob's sister, Casey, her husband, Sam, and their sweet baby Gracie. Louis and Gracie are exactly a year apart, and they had a lot of fun together. After we got home we sat outside, ate crawfish, and enjoyed the beautiful weather. Someone refused to take a nap....so we decided to go to the Country Club to play golf. Louis had a great time riding in the cart. When we would stop, he would jump out and run straight towards the ball and pick it up. So much for the golf game! This was the perfect way to end the weekend. Only 9 weeks left until summer!!

Spring Break 2k12

 Instead of going on a trip for Spring Break, we have stayed around town. This is pretty much the only time I have to get all of my appointments out of the way and spend time with Louis. Yesterday, my friend Christin and I took our kids to the Jackson Zoo. I haven't been since Elementary School, and I was really pleased. We went early in the morning, so the Spring Break crowd wasn't crazy yet. It was the perfect size for us to see all of the animals before the kids got fussy. (Well, just Louis was fussy). Louis's favorite animals were the giraffes. He kept pointing and talkng to them. We visited their habitat twice. Another favorite were the otters. You could watch them underwater and then they went down a slide and played outside. The kids really enjoyed being up close to the animals. Our little LSU tigers especially loved the tigers in the zoo. We were lucky that the tigers were right up at the glass of their cage when we went by, so the kids were able to get within inches of them. It was great weather, and a perfect day for the zoo. I can't wait to go back!

Too interested in the giraffes to pay attention to photos

Watching the monkeys

94.7

A couple of weeks ago, one of my favorite radio stations changed to what I've always called "Jesus Music". The only reason I realized the station had changed was because they played "I Can Only Imagine" and I couldn't believe 94.7 would play that song. Immediately after the song, the lady on the radio starting talking about changing your life. And she sent out a challenge: Only listen to Christian Music for the next 30 days and see how your life changes. I figured it was as good a challenge as any. I've started (with the exception of Glee on Tuesday nights) listening only to Christian Music. And I'll admit- I love it. The best part is that instead of ads in between songs, they have thoughts for the day, verses from the Bible, and stories of how God has changed the lives of others. In my short ride to work each day I really enjoy the inspiration 94.7 has to offer. I feel as though it helps me start my day on a positive note.
Also, I have recently subscribed to a daily devotional for women on my email. They send the email each night at 2am. Before I even get out of the bed in the morning I read the devotional. For the past few days the devotional has really hit home to me. It seems as though God always knows what I need to hear. This is yet another sign that God is always listening and is always helping me. Even when I least expect it.
So maybe take the challenge of the lady on 94.7....Listen to only Christian Music for 30 days and see how your life changes. It can't hurt!

Happy Happy Birthday!

Yesterday was Louis's first birthday. I can't believe it's already been a year. What a wonderful year it has been! We had a party at our house yesterday for family and some friends. Louis had a great time playing with all his friends and eating his cupcake!
Thank you to all our family for your help making the food.
Here are some photos from the party thanks to my sister, Caitlin!

Elmo, made by Lindsey Gilliland

Elmo cupcakes made by my aunt, Cathey

The cake, also made by my aunt. Isn't she awesome?

Kid Station- applesauce, goldfish, and cupcakes

Family pic

Happy Birthday Louis and Aunt Casey!

Best Friends

Before eating his cupcake

And after

Presley loves Louis's new ride

Jackson loved his first birthday party!

I love this sweet boy!

13-1

I had planned to write a blog all about LSU's amazing football season that ended with a third National Championship. Sadly, that won't be happening this year. As I'm sure you all know, LSU lost to bama Monday. It was truly heartbreaking. Don't get me wrong- I still love the Tigers and I am a proud LSU alum, but Monday was a little more than I can handle.
The funny part about all this is that I never thought we would see the day when LSU went 13-1 in football. I vividly remember LSU losing to UAB, barely scraping past Tulane, and considering Vanderbilt a true test. How things have changed. When LSU played in the Independence Bowl when I was in 8th grade we all thought we had died and gone to heaven. Now, I'm pretty sure that LSU wouln't even accept a bid to that bowl. It's truly a shame that we consider the season a loss when we end up ranked #2 in all the polls to a team that we beat once already in the season.
Ok, no more about LSU. I'm sure most of you stopped reading long ago. I just had to say something about my Tigers and that I really am proud of how well they did this year.
I'll leave you with this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiZoYQSqu-A
FOREVER LSU

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!

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!