Fish Fry

Abbi (my niece) got to come spend the night with us! We had so much fun. Aren't they cute?
Although it looks like A is jumping on Allee, they were having a blast.
Outside the smallest jumping thing. It was a castle.
Us on the hayride. Missing Daddy...always. He hates hayrides and was cooking fish for all of us to eat. We went on the early ride so the small kids wouldn't be so cold! When we got back, most of the crowd in line to eat had cleared so it worked our perfectly.


Our annual Fish Fry was at the church last weekend. I have NEVER seen so many people. There were more people there that I didn't know than I did know.We had a hay ride and the kids really had a good time. We also had 3 blow up jump things (don't really know what to call them) inside the gym and that was a huge hit. I think my kids would have slept on them if we had let them.

It has been a while since I updated, so make sure you scroll all the way down for the latest pics. Our house has been so busy. Aiden, Allee and I made rice crispy treats for our trunk or treat last night. Aiden helped put the marshmellows in the pot to melt. He is such a big boy now. I can't believe how both of them are growing.

We have our first true evaluation night for Upward BK and CL tomorrow night. Please pray that we will be able to bring others in to learn more about Christ. We are very excited about the opportunity, but I can already see that we need lots more help!

(As I am typing, Allee is standing beside be trying to count to herself...one, two, three, eighteen, thirteen, fifteen....) So cute. She has also learned the Audio Adrenaline song..."I get down" from her brother. I didn't even know she knew it until I heard her walking around singing.

Bowling Trip

I had a Friday night off from Football, so I called MiMi to see what her plans were, since Rick was traveling with NHS FB team as the Chaplan. The twins were going to a bowling birthday party and Tyler was left alone, Uncle Jeff was working. We decided to go eat Chinese. To make a long story short, we ALL ended up going bowling after supper. This was my kids first time. They had so much fun, but got tired really quick. We used the bumpers, so I actually broke 100. I am a horrible bowler. Allee would get so excited when the bll would roll. Aiden would yell, "I scored" every time. They were so cute.

TyTy and Allee
Aiden was so proud of the shoes!
He did it ALL BY HIMSELF!
Aiden yells, "I scored."

NaNa's Farm

Allee and I made a trip to Nana's farm the other morning. Aiden is convinced he wants to be the Grinch for halloween and we have looked all over and no costume....NaNa to the rescue. She made him one out of a fleece blanket, so Allee and I went to help. Mom has all kinds of animals and Aiden loves them all, but he was at school. Allee is a bit scared, but loves to look. We had a great time. Here are just a FEW of the animals she has...

One of the two turkeys. I used to love turkey hunting with my dad, so when I drove up and these two were strutting and drumming and dragging their wings, it was a very familiar sound...got me a little excited.
This is the newest colt. Her name is Diamond. Her mom is in a picture below.
This is the newest calf. Her name is Smiley because she will walk right up to you and give you a big grin, showing all her teeth. She is bottle fed, so she is not scared of people at all.

This was a surprise. PaPa Gene found this kitten left behind in the barn during a stray cat's move of her litter. I guess he scared her. After 3 days, the mom didn't return, so MY MOM to the rescue. She bottle feeds the kitten and keeps her in the house. Allee was TERRIFIED of the kitten. It was quite funny.
This is Mama horse Dolly. She is very friendly too.

Long Time

Wow! It has been a while so I am going to try to update and keep it all in perspective. I have been REALLY busy at work and church, therefore I have only been able to do the things on my list that were TOP priority....like showering, for instance. LOL.

A couple of weeks ago, we went to the Fayette Co. Fair with MiMi, the boys, Crystal and Shelby. We had so much fun! The kids had never seen anything like it. I am so glad Shelby went so my kids would have someone to ride with. They played so hard and of course did not want to leave. Aiden cried a couple of times because he wanted to ride the rides that he wasn't big enough to ride. Thanks to MiMi and Crystal, they all got to ride the roller coaster cause a 7 mo pregnant lady should not be on that thing....for that matter, I am not real sure my babies should have been on it. This was the kids favorite ride. They rode in various pieces of it all night. The last time to ride, Shelby and Allee were in a helicopter together. Allee was so sleepy and had gotten her pacy. She was going around with it hangin half to the side...then the next time around SLT had taken it...the next time, Allee was trying to get it back...SLT holding it up in the air...Allee begging for it...SLT holding it behind her...Allee holding out her hand for it...SLT drops in back seat....Allee begging for it...SLT retrieves from back seat and holds in front of Allee's mouth...ride coming to an end...Allee's pacy back safe in her mouth and SLT with a big innocent smile. Funniest thing I have ever seen.

Aunt Cindy helps Aiden and Allee fish in the pond to get a trumpet that all 3 kids tooted on the way out!!!!

Pumpkin blahs

Well, our beautiful pumpkins that we spent all afternoon carving didn't last long. We went out of town this weekend to Madison, AL - Madison 1st Free Will Baptist Church, where Rick preached a revival on Sunday a.m. and p.m., and when we returned, our orange pumpkins had turned black! GROSS! I have never seen a pumpkin do this so fast in all my years of experience. I guess this good ol Alabama weather got to them! SO, they are still rotting on my front porch, although I have asked my dear husband to remove them. We will see how long they stay there!

We had a wonderful, but exhausting weekend. We went to the Fayette Co Fair on Friday night, I had to be at work Sat morning, then pack Sat afternoon, Rick had a wedding and we left for Madison at 7:30 p.m. hoping the kids would travel better. They did travel well, but did not fall asleep at bedtime before arriving at the room as we had hoped, so we got in the bed a little later than usual. We were so tired. The kids were so excited to be in a different place, I thought they would never go to sleep, but they slept in their own bed all night.
We got up early Sunday to go to church. Aiden went straight to Sunday school and children's church with complete strangers, and never missed a beat. He is my social butterfly. He told his Sunday school teacher when she asked, that he did not know how to sing Zaccheaus, so she tried to teach him. That is just so funny to me b/c the kid sings entire songs from the radio at random and has known Zacc. since he was old enough to walk!!! He has such and imagination and story telling ability....really concerns me a little.

By Sunday p.m. we were all very tired! When we got back to the rooms for bathtime, I just didn't want the kids naked hiney's on the hotel tub, so Rick gave them a shower! They love taking showers. They enjoyed running around the room and jumping on the beds (which they can't do at home) naked until dad was ready for them. Allee of course fell asleep before Aiden and he wanted me to sleep with him. When I said no and got in my bed, I could hear him talking. When I looked over at him, he had Allee all snuggled up and was kissing her and telling her that he loved her. It was the sweetest thing!

We got up early on Monday morning and drove home for me to get to work at 10. As soon as I got home from work we (me, Rick and Kayla) starting setting up for our first trial run of Upward Basketball registration. After registration and clean up, it was time for baths and bed again!!! WOW! I am running on borrowed energy today, but praise God He gives us that sometimes. Maybe there is rest in sight for tomorrow!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

P.S. Aiden had a really cute "Aiden story" this weekend, but I don't know that I want to tell it to everyone on the internet. Let's just say, my 3 year old is very observant of the human body and daily activities. He is so funny!

Carving Allee's first pumpkin!

Tons of updates today! Sorry it is all so long, but I have been busy and my computer at home isn't up to par with updating a blog! One other quick note before you browse all of the new pictures of what has been going on in our lives....The kids have slept through the night the last 3 nights in a row. Did you read that? Three nights in a row. I feel like a new woman. Some of you may think I am crazy, but I want to give God all the glory. After revival last week and messages from my husband Sunday, I realized my prayer life has been slipping! To make a long story short, as a mom, a very busy mom, I am often interupted by toddlers, phones, etc when attempting to pray, leaving bed time for prayer time. This works for me, IF I don't fall asleep. So, I decided that no matter how tired, I am picking a time and my prayer will have to be said aloud! For the last 3 nights, yes, 3 nights (same as the sleeping) I have been speding, not more time, but QUALITY prayer time with God and really petitioning to Him for my needs and the needs of others. I can feel the difference it has made in my life already!

Hope you aren't bored with the updates!

Thank you Rick for carving these!

I know! Carving pumpkins may be sacriligious (I am not sure how to spell that), but I love to do it. We did carve one that says, "Jesus Saves" which was very difficult and caused some frustration and a small fit pitched by my husband (and a few straight pins to repair the damage), but we also have a scary face, by request from Aiden! All in all, the kids enjoyed the afternoon of family time (which was an afternoon job) and the end result was good. Aiden loves to light candles. Allee attempted to eat the insides and was more excited about that than the carving!

This is the look Aiden got when he was told he could not pick the tops up and throw them or they would break and then the pumpkins would not have a hat to wear!

Aiden helps dad get the "guts" out!

Allee tries to destroy the other pumpkin!

Allee with the finished product. Aiden was in a mood and refused to get in the picture and Allee had come our of her pants by this point in the afternoon!

Family Reunion

We were invited to attend a church members family reunion on Sunday. They are so sweet and there was tons of good food AND a hayride for the kids. The hayride was extemely hot, but I think Aiden really enjoyed it. Crystal and I swapped babies for most of the ride. Shelby wanted to sit with me and Allee with her, so we didn't have to wrestle with our own! All was well, until Shelby saw her daddy on the Kabota riding by, in the shade might I add, touring the facilities at their own pace with my husband in the drivers seat. Then, for the remainder of the trip she wanted to know where daddy was!

Allee and Shelby! They are either going to grow up best buddies OR be so jealous of each other that they fight all the time! I hope it is the first. Right now they Allee ADORES Shelby!
How sweet. Sorry Crystal. This is probably what prompted Shelby's fever on Monday!
Typical of my two!

Aiden and Allee all dressed up

Unfortunately, we had to attend a funeral last week. Aiden has a cute suit from the summer wedding, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to wear it one more time. He loved getting to dress like daddy. Here is a snap of the two at church.

Alabama Homecoming Parade

We got to go to the parade for the first time ever! My niece, Abby, was marching in it as a majorette. I was still recovering from the stomach bug, but I am so glad we went. The kids had a blast and Abby was gorgeous, as always!

Aunt LeLe, Aiden and Allee anxiously await the start of the parade.

Aiden and Allee sitting on the nasty curb!
Aiden waved at ALL the girls when they went by!
Abby smiles for the camera while she twirls!

My kitchen set

I found Allee a kitchen set at a consignment sale and the outside storage room was as far as it made it to the house. We were cleaning outside the other day and the two kids wandered into the building. You should have seen their faces when they found a new toy to play with. This kept them well occupied while we worked.

Messy Allee

Rick and I had to run some errands and we had Allee with us while Aiden was at school. We had to make a quick trip to the mall and he is a sucker for the Cookie Company. While I was looking in another store, he bought him and Allee a cookie. Then, he thought it would be a good idea to give it to her in the car. Here is the result.....

Rest and Relaxation

This week, Rick suprised me with a trip out of town. We went to B'ham and did some shopping, lots of good eating and rest. He arranged babysitters and everything! I love my babies very much, but it was so nice to get two good nights sleep in a row and actually sit down to a meal to enjoy all by myself without telling the kids to sit or wiping up after them. We needed the time away and it may be our last chance for a really long time with the new arrival coming in a couple of months. Thanks to everyone who helped with our little ones while we were gone and thanks to my wonderful husband for thinking of me and getting me away for a couple of days. We had a WONDERFUL time.

We had a doctor's appointment on Thursday morning. I had to do my sugar test, which I passed. Dr. Allen said I was measuring perfect and everything looks good. I was convinced that the baby was a girl, but now I think I am changing my mind to boy! Who knows. I am sure I will change my mind next week too. I am still CLUELESS on names, so please feel free to make suggestions.

Weekend Blues?!?!?!?

I have pretty much been out of it since last Wed. Rick apparently brought a virus in week before, and after not giving him much sympathy, I caught it and was sick on Thursday. I am still feeling the effects of it today, although I am a good bit better. So, I did not accomplish a whole lot this entire weekend.

Catching up a bit...
Allee had some pics made on Thursday a.m. I took her to a place in Fayette where all the grandkids have had their pic made at a similar age and NaNa has one done with them. I was sooo sick, but thanks to Daddy and NaNa, we made it through. Allee doesn't like to smile for the camera, which is very frustrating because she has a beautiful smile, but maybe we got a few good shots.

Aiden at it again ----- Aiden and Allee both went running errands with Daddy on Tues., one stop was to renew a pistol permit. They ran into a lady cop that we know from NHS and she showed the kids her car. They were so excited. Aiden told his Daddy when they were leaving that he saw a girl car and a boy car. When daddy asked how did he know he said, "The girl car doesn't have any lights on it and the boy car does!"

Allee is just getting started----One of Aiden's favorite teachers at school and church is Ms. Sherry. She taught Aiden last year at school and is now the Sunday School teacher for Allee. She thinks he is just so funny and often laughs at different stories she tells from church and school. Well, yesterday, after church, she said..."I didn' t know Allee was so funny, too." Apparently, they were studying creation last month, so as they reviewed on Sunday, Ms. Sherry asked the class (17 and 18 mo. olds) who made the stars. She said Allee said very boldly and matter-of-factly..."Aiden did." The girl probably really thinks Aiden did, she loves him so much.

On a more serious note...Allee started a runny nose this weekend, so I had started giving some cough meds. Well, she woke up last night with a horrible cough, more of a wheeze and loss of breath. Really scarred us. She could not get her breath. She ended up in our bed for a very restless night. We took her in this morning and apparently she had suffered an asthma attack. Of course, she is too young to diagnose for sure, but we are going to treat her for it for now plus an antibiotic for upper respiratory infection. I work with lots of athletes and asthma, and it is scarry in teenagers and sports, but I can tell them to calm down and control their breathing. A baby is so much different and I know she was scared. Rick said when he went to get her after she had woke up crying, he found her in her bathroom with her head over the toilet coughing, trying to catch her breath!

Thank You All

Yesterday was one of the best birthdays I can remember having. I had several phone calls and cards from many wonderful friends. A friend at work brought me a Big cookie and balloons. Thanks to everyone that thought of me on my birthday. I love you all! May God Bless each and every one of you throughout the day!

Allee is Growing up!

These pictures of Allee were on a roll of film I just got developed. They were taken at the beginning of the summer. I was saving to do a smilebox with, but my computer is just way too slow. Hope you enjoy them. Her hair has grown soooo much since June.

Allee gives Daddy a sweet kiss!
But not as sweet as Mommy's.

Allee waves to the camera!

Baby BUMP

Courtney asked for pictures of the baby bump! I took these with my new camera this morning. Can't tell a whole lot because I was already in my work clothes, but I thought I would post anyway!

Here is the side view at 25 wks and 2 days of pregnancy!

For those of you who haven't seen me lately, I was growing my hair long for locks of love, but my hair gets extremely thicker when I am pregnant, and with the length, I was having really bad headaches, so I caved and got it cut off. Rick likes it much better short anyway!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Today is my 31st birthday! WOW! I can't believe I am getting that old. Rick had me a cake with candles this morning AND my new digital camera. YEA! The kids were so excited. Aiden helped Daddy sing to me and they both helped open the present. THEN they wanted to stick their fingers in the cake. So, because I had to go to work, we all had cake for breakfast. I wasn't feeling to well this morning, so Rick had gotten me a Mt. Dew (caffeine free, which it usually is not). As soon as he sat it down on the counter, Allee said, "I ont Mtn Dew, MaMa." So, yes, they both got Mt. Dew and cake for BREAKFAST. I feel like they were at Aunt LeLe's house. I did warn the babysitter b/c after breakfast, they were chasing each other around the house as fast as possible. Thank you to my wonderful family for such a great birthday morning.

My sister took me to lunch and for a massage yesterday and got me some cool new work pants, etc. We had a great time relaxing together, although her massage therapist really made her sore. I, on the other hand, feel great!

We had opening night of revival last night and it was really good. I didn't feel too well after church so Rick put the babies to bed. Once again, they went to sleep on their own. They did wake up at some point, but he said he went and patted them on the back and they went right back to sleep. Aiden came to our room at 6:30 this morning and said,, "Hey, it's daylight. It's time to wake up!"