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!