Thanksgiving 2011

We headed out to Poppy and Gigi's to celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Nana came over to enjoy lunch with us.

All of the food was so yummy and we enjoyed spending tine with the family.








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Such a fun evening!

I just got back from such a fun evening with my sweet kids and Mother-in-law. My precious friend Andrea sent me a text earlier this afternoon to let me know that she had 3 free tickets available for St. Jude's Zoo Light's Preview Party. Well, I jumped at the chance and decided to get a little extra help from my MIL and head out this evening. Although the weather was a bit frigid, we all bundled up and had the greatest time.

I have some great pics on my big camera but wanted to add a couple I took with my phone.

We loved looking at all the lights, coloring at the many stations they had available, decorating sugar cookies and yummy cupcakes, and even ice skating. I have a great video I will try to upload soon. Such a fun night!!










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Now we just wait ....

Today was the last school tour / open house that I plan to attend. Today I took Little Love with me and they allowed her to go into one of the Jr. K classes and observe and participate. It was so precious to see her interacting with new friends and just going along with all the other Jr. Kindergartner's. The teacher actually said that she fit in just fine this year and was so smart. Made my Momma heart so happy to hear that.

When Little Love walked into the classroom I wasn't sure whether she would participate or not but sure enough, she walked right over to the carpet with all the other boys and girls and joined them for bible time on the carpet. She even participated when the boys and girls were saying their bible verses as she recognized one of them, "Children obey your parents as in the Lord." I think I may have said it to her just a time or two. It was just precious though to see her raise her little hand and want to join in on the fun. She had fun playing on the smart board, and made a necklace out of fruit loops. Actually, it was all I could do to get her to leave with me. She was ready to stay at school and kept wanting to go back into "her classroom".

I am so glad she had such a positive experience and like I said before Clay and I want to try and involve Little Love as much as possible during our decision making and I was glad she had such a great time today!!










Now that all the applications are in and fees have been paid, we just wait. Hopefully we will hear something by January for assessments and testing at that time. When I mentioned to Little Love that she would have to do some testing she said, "don't worry Mother, I will listen with my ears to what they tell me to do and be obedient". Hopefully she realizes how important this is come time :)

How can it be???

I have no idea how it has already been almost 4 years since I brought this little bundle of joy home from the hospital!! She is the best big sister and makes me so proud for the sweet young lady she is becoming. She has the most precious heart, and so much love for others. I look forward to watching her grow up and can't wait to see what all God has in store for her precious little life. As my mom has always told me, "great things come in small packages!"




Of course, we are in full swing with birthday planning. We are throwing a home party this year and the above picture should give you a hint as to what we have up our sleeve. :)

A few more family pictures ...

Here are some of our favorite pictures from our most recent photo session with the fabulous Elizabeth Wiggs. I was so pleased with them and I have greatly enjoyed using Elizabeth for our family pictures over the last 3 years. She is by far the best, and I can't wait to watch her family continue to expand. Thanks again girl, we just absolutely LOVE them!!

Decisions, decisions ....

For what seems like the past year, but especially, the past 3 month's, Clay and I have been scouring the city of Memphis in search of a good Jr. Kindergarten for Little Love to start at next Fall. I feel like I am planning out her entire school career and life based on where we choose to send her for Jr. K so I am not taking the decision lightly. I know that in the end, whatever decision we make will be best for our family and for Little Love but it has been totally stressful and at times, all-consuming of my time. I believe I have toured almost every private school within a 30 mile radius of our house and at times, my mind was spinning.

I told Clay that I would tour all the possible schools and then narrow it down to just a few and then I wanted him to come with me and tour. Again, I don't take this decision lightly and I really wanted his input along with Little Love's. I know she is only 3, but I want her to go to school at a place that she genuinely loves also. She is going to spend a lot of time there and I just didn't want to leave her out of the decision making process.

After much consideration, we have chosen to apply at 3 schools. I know that sounds a bit ridiculous, but to be honest, I feel that if we go ahead and apply at our top 3, hopefully we will know the best option for our family come mid March.




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A girls weekend

Last weekend some of my best girlfriends from college came in to town. It was so nice to get together and catch up on all our happenings and just reminisce about the old college days. At one time or another, all of us lived together and we had great fun!

Jennifer and Angie both live in Nashville and Rachel and I don't get to see them nearly enough. It was also nice to finally meet Julianna, Jennifer's little girl that was just the sweetest thing. Little Love was in heaven having her sweet friends over at her house and they all played well together, at least for the most part. :)

The girls all came over to my house on Friday night. We ordered pizza, let the kids play and then Rachel brought us some yummy Muddy's cupcakes to enjoy for dessert.

On Saturday morning, we all met at the Zoo and it was such a beautiful morning to be outside. It started off somewhat cool but after just a bit it was nearly perfect. Sadly, they had to head back to Nashville after our morning at the zoo but since I had to work Saturday night it worked out so that I was still able to get an afternoon nap in.

Thanks so much for coming girls and I hope we are able to get together again soon!!

Is it really November ....

With this crazy weather we have been having lately, I am starting to wonder if it really is the week before Thanksgiving! We have been spending a lot of time outside and just enjoying the warm weather while it lasts. To be honest, I am kinda sick of it being so warm but at least it has made for some nice afternoons outside.

Today we decided to enjoy a snack outside while Little Love set up a tea party for her dolls. She is so into imaginative play right now and is becoming really good at independent play also.

Little Man and I just tried our best to stay on the quilt and I attempted to keep him occupied with chocolate chex. He is so busy these days and is trying so hard to walk but hasn't taken an official step yet. Still doing lots of crawling and cruising on the furniture or anything he can get his hands on.