Tis the Season

It has been more than two months since my last blog but that is not because our lives have been uneventful...just the opposite. Yesterday was our last day of school so maybe things will settle down and we will all get much needed rest and relaxation...Yeah, right!
Okay, I'll try to do a brief overview of life since my last post with pictures where available.
October brought numerous family birthdays beginning with Luke on the 5th, Hayden on the 9th, Chelle on the 12th, and Tyler on the 30th. Dad and Mom also celebrated an anniversary on the 29th. Wade, Hayden and I also made a short weekend trip to the mountains. Great trip and wonderful new ideas and decorations for Christmas. Plus some really cute things for Kate.
We rolled into November with Thanksgiving, shopping and decorating for Christmas. Oh, how I love this holiday season. We celebrated Thanksgiving on Thursday with my family, Friday with Wade's family (Iron Bowl) and Sunday with my Dad's family. More decorating, shopping and sewing.



What a whirlwind December has been, but so much fun. I went to Montgomery to the AEA Delegates Assembly on the 3rd and 4th. The 5th brought the SEC Championship where Bama rolled over the Gators giving us the opportunity to play for our Lucky #13 National Championship. Can I get a big "ROLL TIDE"?
We visited Amanda and Kate on Sunday the 6th. She is the most precious, beautiful baby. All smiles! She loves her Mommy and wouldn't let us hold her but she did play a little chase, crawling around the couch with me. Luke was away studying for finals, but Amanda was a most gracious hostess.

I spent a lot of time embroidering for teachers at school. Shopped more, wrapped gifts, attended parties and impatiently waited for the last day of school. Today we had our annual cookie day at Mom's and made huge amounts of cookies and candy. This has been a tradition for several years and we have a great time. We plan to finish our shopping on Monday in Birmingham and then attend a play that Shaun and Ashley are involved in with their church. After that, I plan to realax and enjoy the season with family.
I wish all of you a very merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!

Life is Good!

We visited Luke, Amanda, and Kate as mentioned in the previous blog. I just didn't post pictures the next week as promised. Here they are...three weeks later instead. Sorry! Hayden, Vickie, Mom, and I made the trip this time. We had a wonderful visit, and as you can tell from the pics...Kate is precious. She is cutting teeth and chewing on EVERYTHING! She smiles constantly and is developing such a little personality. She loves her mom and dad, but was sweet enough to let all of us hold and love on her. We carried gifts for her and she just sat and looked at all of them like a little lady. Can't wait to see her in all her outfits. She will look like an angel. Now that volleyball season is almost over...full speed ahead. Look out sewing machine, I am ready to design and sew.

Hayden getting some Kate loving!!!
Kate teething on a cold carrot. I love this!
Kate and Mom.
Kate with Vickie
Luke listening and stressing to the MSU/LSU game
We spent the morning visiting, but because we had found out two days earlier that Hayden was chosen as the 11th grade Homecoming Maid, we had to shop for a suit for pictures the following Tuesday. We shopped that afternoon and then met Amanda and Kate for dinner. Poor Luke was having to write a paper for law school and wasn't able to join us. He is so dedicated.

Homecoming was scheduled for October 9th, Hayden's birthday, but was moved to Thursday because of rain. Turned out great. She was beautiful, and her dress was gorgeous. She was escorted by Elijah, who was her boyfriend for three or so years during the preschool/elementary years.
Hayden in her gown for the parade.
Hayden on the Queens Float
Hayden and Elijah
Hayden with Momo
Wade, Hayden, and Tyler

Life Is Good, and we are so blessed! Thank you, God!

Happy Fall, Ya'll

Well, Fall is here and all the busy, hectic, and fun times that go with it. What have we been up to?
Decorating for fall!

Pumpkins Galore


Tyler CarvingHayden carving...and a little too intense I might add.The finished project. Great job, Tyler, Hayden, Brittany, and Bailee!


Hayden and the Lady Pirates have had a great season so far. This picture is taken at the WAC tournament where we came in 1st place.


Tyler and Brittany at the Braves game.

Tyler got lucky and was chosen to play a game on the jumbotron. Probably because he was rockin the mohawk. He won a $100 gas card, a $50 food gift card, a t-shirt, cap, and tomahawk. Brittany bet him that he wouldn't get it cut, so he also won dinner Friday night. I think it all turned out pretty well for him, especially since he only kept it for two days.

That's what has been going on here. I plan to visit Luke, Amanda, and Kate Saturday and hope to have new pictures next week.

How I Spend My Spare Time Part II

School is back in session, Tyler is back in Starkville, and Hayden's volleyball season is now in full swing. You might ask "When do you have spare time?" I learned years ago that you make time to do the things you enjoy, and I truly LOVE sewing. Especially for precious angel Kate. Sewing also helps me to relax and get away from life's everyday troubles. I asked Hayden to help me come up with a label for the clothes I make for Kate. So here are the latest additions to the Fall 2009 and Spring 2010 line of.....

"Kate's Kouture"

School Days, School Days!!!

I know I have been MIA lately, but school started back last Monday and I am having a hard time adjusting. My job is not that physically demanding, but I could come home every afternoon and stay on the couch til bedtime. Of course, that isn't possible, so I am drained. 75% of the children in the class I am working with this year, have special learning needs. This is difficult for teachers and everyone involved. But I am not whining...at least I have a job and insurance. Well, maybe I was whining a little.
In other news, Tyler goes back to school Monday, Hayden's volleyball season starts next week, Wade and I are planning a weekend trip to the mountains in late October, and I am ready to start decorating for Fall. Then on to my favorite holiday...notice my new ticker counting the days til Christmas.
Later...

You're Growing Old!!!

July is a huge month of birthdays for me! My dad, mom, sister, 2 brother-in-laws, several friends, and even our cat celebrate birthdays. But the one I want to mention now is my oldest sibling, Vickie. She turned the BIG 5-0 on the 27th. I wouldn't be shouting out her age if it didn't bother her sooo much. Her family left on Saturday the 25th for a trip to Vegas. I am almost certain she planned this to avoid harassment from family and friends. I don't know why it bothers her so much. She looks great for someone that is half a century old. I hope you have a great trip with your family in Vegas...but remember, you have to return someday!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Grady!!!

Today is the 1st birthday of a very special little boy. Grady Wallace. He belongs to our good friends, Jamie and Jennifer. He is the happiest baby and always has a smile for everyone he meets. Hayden and I were lucky enough to be able to babysit him on his birthday. We had our own little party with cake, balloons and presents.
I think he enjoyed throwing the cake more than eating it.Now this is how you are supposed to eat birthday cake!
Sharing with Hayden.
We gave him "Sing Along with Elmo". I think he likes it.
Grady, I hope you enjoyed your birthday as much as Hayden and I did. We love you!!!

Precious Pictures...As Promised!

We arrived at Luke and Amanda's last night around 7:30 and went to a catfish place for dinner. The food was great, but nothing compared to the company. It was so good to see all three of them...but let me tell you about Kate! She has changed so much since their last visit. She is really developing her own little personality, and is such a happy baby. She has beautiful dimples, just like her dad. She lights up when Luke or Amanda come in the room. She is also mesmerized by Bandit and will stare at him for several minutes at a time. I fall in love with her more every time I see her. By looking at the pictures you will probably agree that I am not the only one. Her daddy says she has him in the palm of her hand and I feel sure Hayden would be right there with him if we lived closer. We spent time at their house this morning and then went to Mexican for a late lunch. We shopped for a short while and then headed home.
Love the expression!
Hayden, checking out the competition.
Such an Angel!
Dimples like my Dad's
Kate loved walking with Wade.

Thank you so much Luke and Amanda for your hospitality and for sharing your beautiful baby girl.