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!