On the Anniversary of Becoming a Mother....

The very first picture of my very first baby!

...and I couldn't wait to look pregnant!

A week before he was born...

You see that big umbilical cord around

his neck?

Yes, I prayed without ceasing

until he was safe in my arms....

My sweet, precious, perfect baby boy....

Happy Birthday Reeves....

I love you now more than ever before!

On the Eve of His 7th Birthday

Reeves will be 7 tomorrow.  

S.E.V.E.N!

I can hardly believe it myself!  Other than making me feel quite old (don't even get me started on that!  A trolley driver in WDW made a comment that made me feel really old last week, and I'm still not over it).  He has really seemed grown up this week (what with the ordering off the adult menu and such), and I am starting to see him as a big kid *gasp*.  

So tonight, I was grateful to get lots of cuddles and stories out of my "almost" big kid.  He still loves a good snuggle, and has the most tender heart you can possibly imagine.  This boy would spend every Sunday (well, every day for that matter) serving the under-privileged kids breakfast at our local church for the homeless.  He has more compassion in his little "almost" seven year old body than several adults I know combined!  How am I so lucky oh yeah.....I KNOW!

So tonight, he asked me a really important question.  One that really got me to thinkin'!  Maybe I have failed my first born.....

"Mom, is Nana a boy or a girl?"

Meet Nana!

"Nana is a girl, baby!," I told him.

"Was she a girl when we got her?,"  he asked.

Looks like we'll be having a discussion about basic anatomy tomorrow.  If you know me well enough, you know that honesty is my policy when it comes to anatomical/sexual/physical education.  

It's the hazard of having a labor and delivery nurse for a mom.  

Sorry, Reeves!   Oh, and Happy Birthday!  Guess what?  Daddy is makin' pancakes for your birthday breakfast!  

In case you're looking for us....

This is where we will be....

all summer long!

It's a pretty sweet life, if I do say so myself...

and I thank my sweet Father every day for my blessings!

Maybe I'll manage to get a smile out of Greer

at some point...

We call this her "duh" look!

And since it's summer....it's time for easy summer suppers! Tonight we're having grilled chicken (marinated in a balsamic vinaigrette) and roasted rosemary/olive oil potatoes. I always have a salad fixed and ready to go (we're all big salad people....well, all of us but Chris!)....and of course I have fresh Ranch dressing ready to serve with it! Yummers!

Wanna come join us? We have plenty!

Wordful Wednesday

I am still sorting through all the pictures and souvinirs from our Disney trip, and I will probably have a few more tips and tricks to share in the coming days. This one couldn't wait!

Sorry for the poor quality of this picture. I managed to pirate it off our photopass account, and if I purchase the higher quality picture I'll replace this one. When we were visiting with the princesses one morning, one of the sweet photopass photographers told us about this cool trick!

All you gotta do is ask for "Magic"! After the picture is taken, the photographer will magically place Tinkerbell in your sweet little princess's hand! Isn't it so cool? Lucy fah-reaked when she saw it.

Head on over to Angie's blog for more Wordful Wednesday moments!

Hope you have a magical day!

And just like that....

....it's Summer!

Reeves and Lucy ~ circa Summer 2006

It's really weird to think that it's actually summertime. We skipped the last week of school, so upon our arrival back to Birmingham, we morphed our little selves right into Summer 2009! I can hardly believe it.

Last summer was a little too busy. We had activities and vacations planned for almost every day. This summer is the complete antithesis to last. We basically have NOTHING planned....

And boy, does it feel good.

Don't get me wrong....

There'll be a lot of long days at the pool, late nights watching movies in the park, cook-outs and picnics, a couple of trips down to the panhandle of Florida....

Popsicles on the porch swing, afternoons at the zoo, mid-days at the library, and playdates with the neighbors.

We'll catch fireflies, go to vacation bible school, take afternoon naps, and draw with chalk on the sidewalk.

There will be kick ball in the cul-de-sac, running through the sprinklers, and fireworks on the 4th.

But there are no schedules, no commitments well, maybe a few, and no absolutes. I wanna wake up late and sit down with my kids and make a plan for each new day.

It's gonna be a great summer, y'all! What do YOU have planned?

Settling in

No pictures for this post....I'm actually doing good to get a post up at all.

We had a tolerable pretty decent drive home (it actually seemed to go pretty quickly). The kids were not as amused with this drive, but it was "OK," considering. Chris got a bit outdone with Reeves kicking his seat, and I was not amused when I had to unbuckle to find the Nintendo DS and the green crayon, but all in all, it wasn't too bad.

I did make a pretty good dent in the second Twilight book....that was a big 'ole bonus ('specially since it is a recent development for me to be able to tolerate reading while driving....I have a bad history with car-sickness). I may have been a bit more snappy than I would normally be as I got deeper and deeper into the story. And, maybe I hit my "mommy breaking point" a bit prematurely!

Thankfully, before long we found a Chick-fil-a, some sweet tea, and remembered who was waiting for us back home. The further we got from Orlando, the more excited I was to see my sweet baby girl......it was almost more than I could bear.

I'd be lying if I said that her reaction didn't break my heart.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't cry.

She's 16 months old.

16 month-olds have major issues with separation anxiety and latch on to their immediate care-giver.

I know that.

But,

It. still. broke. my. heart!

Greer didn't want me. She didn't seem to know me. It took 30 minutes for her to warm up to me.

She reached for my mom and cried when I held her.

I cried.

But, she finally warmed up to us (Chris first....he wrestled with her on the floor), and before long, she was showing us all her new tricks.

Rocking her to sleep was bliss, and I can't wait to see her in the morning. I know it's all par for the course, but it still stings. It wasn't something I was prepared for, and I can't say I wasn't shocked. I just can't wait to spend some time with my baby girl, and I can't wait for her to really get excited about us being home.

But you wanna know what I am thankful for? I am thankful that she felt loved and cared for by her grandparents. For they love her as much as we ever could, and with them she felt safe. and loved. and secure.

That's what matters most.

Magical Moments

Here are a few of my most favorite pictures. Blogging has been low on the priority list this week, but I promise I'll be back to my 'ole bloggy self later in the week!

Tomorrow, we travel home. I am sad to be leaving Disney ('specially since it was not an ideal weather week)....but sooooooo excited to see my sweet G. Oh, how I miss her SO!

Please pray for safe travels, and know that I have lots of non-Disney stories to tell when I get home. Hope you are having a great Memorial Day Weekend!!!

"There's nothin' behind it..."

....that's the joke for our trip to Walt Disney World during the wettest May in Florida HISTORY!  What an honor to be a part of record breaking weather patterns.....but I digress.  

We keep looking at the weather map, and trying to figure out when the wet stuff is going to go away.  Everytime we say, "there's nothin' else behind this shower...."

Well, you get the picture.

As I type, it's coming one of the worst downpours we've seen all week.  We actually had a nice morning at Hollywood Studios, and ducked out just in time.  A quick trip to Wal-mart for some new ponchos (yes, we've gone through the cheap ones I brought, plus 6 expensive Disney ones)....I wasn't going to pay $30 dollars for more expensive rain gear, and now we're back at the lovely Wilderness Lodge for an afternoon break.  We are looking forward to an evening at Ohana's Restaurant and then plan to head over to the Magic Kingdom for the parade and fireworks.  I'm praying this storm blows through and that there really isn't anything else behind it!

Doesn't look promising, but we've changed our expectations.  As long as we don't have lightening and thunder, it's a good day.  We are used to being wet and stinky by now! 

Wanna see all the fun we had yesterday (cause we really are having a good time)....

Breakfast at Chef Mickey's

and then a dip in the pool...

Some sunshine at Hollywood Studios....

followed by a grand yes, wet finale at Fantasmic!

(which Lucy did not enjoy.....too scary for her)

And in the blink of an eye....

the rain came back....

Big Time!

And we had to find ways to entertain ourselves,

but it hasn't been too hard.

As I type this, Reeves and Lucy are playing with a couple of souvenir toys that we found in the Mercantile here at the Wilderness Lodge.  Best $30 bucks I ever spent!  They haven't stopped for at least half an hour wish they played this well at home!  

Chris and I are enjoying the finale of American Idol and I am about to call Bethany to see how we can rearrange our next few days to fit in all the things we've missed because of the torrential downpours rain.  I think I've got a plan....just need to see what she thinks.  I think Mike would be proud!  I'll let you know how it goes. 

One personal request, if you don't mind.  I know it's selfish, and that there are little children all over the world who would give their next meal to have a chance at this vacation, but........

Would you please say a prayer for the rain to STOP!?  We are so tired of it, and we have been looking so forward to this Disney trip!!  I just hate to spend the entire vacation like this!

Okay, that's it.  Done complaining.  Cause seriously, it's really been wonderful!  On a sidenote, I can't say enough about the Disney Dining Plan....it is absolutely the greatest thing ever invented.  You just shouldn't even consider doing Disney without it (and I'm especially grateful for the tips Bethany gave me that make it even better).  We have eaten so well.....well, it's ridiculous really!  I'll fill you all in later!

So, we have ended another day all wet and soggy, but our spirits are still hopeful.  Praying we find some sunshine tomorrow.....or should I say praying some sunshine finds us tomorrow!

  

doesn't look like it bothers them a bit, huh?

and, I have to admit,

it's still breathtaking.....

Here comes the SUN....

Well, sorta!

It started out a little cloudy 

(what, with a couple of attitude adjustments and all)....

And the backdrop for the castle was all cloudy and ominous...

But, we weren't gonna let a few clouds rain on our parade!  Nope, we were set for a fun second morning at the Magic Kingdom.  We could handle the clouds (and the cooler weather).....as long as the wet stuff stayed put.  

And that it DID!  We had a wonderful morning all around the happiest place on Earth....it was practically perfect in every way!  We didn't feel our first drop of rain until we were leaving the park for our afternoon break (one of my favorite parts of the day). 

Here are a few snapshots of our smiles in sun.....

Reeves and Cole play baseball constantly....

seriously!  It is pretty funny!

And our girls.....

Yep, they're a mess!

In a word.

Wet….

That pretty much sums up our days so far.  Sadly, rain is pretty much in the forecast for the rest of our week.  Looks like today and tomorrow will be the worst, but the chances are pretty high for the rest of our vacation…..oh well. 

We’re all about making lemonade! 

Nonetheless, we’ve had a blast!  I may have forgotten to mention that we are traveling with friends.  What a wonderful treat it has been!  We met the Edgeworths in a rather unconventional way (we bought their house), but through that divine meeting, we have become great friends.  I don’t really believe in coincidence, and this one proves that God works in all things in my humble opinion.  It doesn’t hurt that our boys are best friends, our girls are best friends, and our babies were born just 3 months apart predicting best friendship there, too!.  All the same sexes, pretty much all the same ages…..with personalities to match!  What could be better?  See!  Divine intervention.  Did I mention how well we adults get along, too?  Yep, that’s a bonus!

Even in the cold wetness, we managed to have a great time.  And the plus side of rainy days?  NO LINES!  Woohoo!

Yep, we're still smilin'!

Room with a view....

We're finally here....Hooray!

If you follow me on twitter, you joined us in our adventures driving down to Orlando yesterday.  It was a pretty slow start (since we had to make not 1, but 2 trips back home to get things we left).....but we got here safe and sound!  We really did pretty well, considering, and made it here just in time for our dinner reservations at T-Rex in Downtown Disney (pretty cool place).  

In a nutshell, Lucy is blown away, and Reeves is showing her the ropes.  She has really never been on vacation like this before, and is in awe of everything.  When we were eating last night, she looked up at me and said....

"I never knew Disney was going to be so COOL!"  

To which I replied, "You ain't seen nothin' yet, baby."  I knew that if she was that excited about the restaurant, the parks would blow her mind!!!  I was right!

I wish I had more time to blog right now, but we're about to head back to Epcot for Dinner.  We're enjoying our awesome hotel room here at the Wilderness Lodge right now....resting up for a fun night out.  Check out our view!

Ground floor room looking right out on the pool...

the kids are in Heaven!

Catch ya later!

Nuff Said....

My pastor posted this on his blog, and I was so moved, I had to link you to it.  I originally had the video up on my blog, but for some reason it wasn't working (and videos don't look that great on this 3 column format).....

I'll just let Chris Goins' blog show you.  I'd love for you to get to know him more, anyway!  Awesome man (Chris that is)....


That's all.

Surfin' Saturday...Disney Style!

Reeves and Mickey, circa 2006

Just so you know, this blog is about to be hijacked by a bunch of crazy Disney fanatics! Consider this your only warning and apology. That means: no complaining about the content of my posts in the coming days!

From here on out, it's all mouse, all the time!

Tomorrow, we travel (via Honda Odyssey) to the most magical place on Earth....we couldn't be more excited! I promise to come up with some clever posts, and will try to have one really cool photo each day. I'm even thinking about posting itinerary tips and tricks. If you have a Disney trip planned anytime in the near future, it would behoove (is that a real word? I mean seriously?) you to check back here frequently this week (hey, and feel free to vote for me every time you stop by, ahem).

So, in honor of our forthcoming journey, here are a few links that have helped me in my planning (you knew I'd plan our every moment....right?). Most of the time, I am not a big fan of the detailed itinerary. But, when it comes to Disney, well, you can't be too organized obnoxious.

First and foremost: my one stop, cover all the bases, most wonderful site EVER created when it comes to Disney planning?

   

Meet Mike! 

V.I.P. tourguide, Mike Howell, has just about the greatest website on the planet when it comes to planning the ultimate WDW vacation. It takes a while to navigate the site, so sign up as soon as you book your trip.....it's the best 20 bucks you'll ever spend! This will be our 2nd Tourguide Mike trip, and we are even more excited this time (cause we know it actually works)!!!!

A few other great links....

All Ears Net is a wonderful source with tons of details about just about everything Disney. I love all the pictures and lists (of rides, restaurants, hotel rooms, you name it). Hundreds of reviews from other travelers, too. This site is a must see....especially if you are a first-timer!

Mouse Savers has some great money saving tips. Check this one out before you book a thing! It'll save you hundreds of dollars....trust me! This is the place to find all those discount codes everyone is always talking about.

Twitter much? There are lots of official and unofficial WDW tweeters out there. I can't tell you how many cool twips tips I've gotten by following this tweep....

And, if I may, I must make one personal recommendation! My precious friend, GranJan (well, Janice to me, but Lucy insists that she is "just GRANJAN"!) has done SO much to make me even MORE excited about this Disney Vacation.  First there was this, then she made the kids these awesome autograph books (which they haven't seen yet, so don't blow my cover), and to make things even crazier???

Do you know what she did? She brought over a gigantic gift bag full of wrapped goodies (individual ones for each kiddo) for them to open up every 100 Miles!!! It's gonna be like "Christmas Roadtrip"! Can you believe that? I even think I saw a couple in there for me and C!

I promised her I would tweet as we open them....great Sunday entertainment! If you don't already, you should follow me to get in on the fun. I think I am more excited about it than they are (well, maybe not).

Happy Surfin'!

Lucy, circa 2005

A Child of Many Names.....

....is a loved child!

For all of you who have prayed for our Sweet G, Bubbits, Big Baby, G-Money, Greer-goo, or whatever you feel like calling her....

Thank You!

We were so worried about her little eye this week, but she is practically all better.  Our new motto with Greer is, "If it's gonna happen, it'll happen to G!"

Isn't that the way it usually is with that 3rd baby or so they say!

What a blessing our little Greer Elizabeth has been.  We love her with all our heart and soul and mind and body!  

Life Lessons: Baseball

Last night was a really hard night.  And at the same time, it was a night of a million lessons.  I am immeasurably proud of both my husband and my son.  They fought their hearts out against a really great team, but in the end, they lost the game.  

Our group of underdogs fought the good fight.  They came into their own late in the season against some of the best teams in the league.  They gave it their all, and they loved this game.  Their coaches cared about building a team and molding their character.  The focus was on the basic skills, respect, life lessons, teamwork, and discipline.  

When they fell short, they were encouraged.  When they did well, they were exalted.  When they were hurt, they were shown mercy.  When they got too big for their britches, they were reprimanded.  It was the perfect example of what our Father in Heaven wants for us in this thing called life.  

Team sports teach lots of lessons.  In my opinion, team sports are a must for every child.....  

But, it still breaks your heart when your little boy cries! 

Thank heavens Daddy was there to tell you how awesome you played.  How proud you make him.  That the loss wasn't because of you sure feels like it when you're the last one up to bat.  That you fought the good fight, you never gave up, and you gave it everything you had in that little body and soul!

And when it's all said and done, your Daddy takes you out for ice cream.  I bet God wanted to take Jesus out for ice cream a few times!  

Great Game, Reeves-y!  We love you sweetheart!  

In our hearts....You are the greatest 1st baseman who ever was!!!

Head on over to Angie's place for more

Wordful Wednesday pictures and stories!

Have I mentioned that I love Chick-fil-A?

....and I do believe that Tim Hawkins loves it as much as I do (or my sister, Erin....she is more obsessed than me)!

Scroll down and pause my playlist at the bottom of the page.  This is precious (meaning competely, hilariously perfect)!  Sorry the video takes over the whole posting section....promise you can still see everything in the video.  I tried and tried to make it not do that.  I am a bit of a challenged blogger, ahem.

P.S.  If you don't have a Chick-fil-A near you, well, you're missin' out on a little piece of heaven on earth.  Make it your mission in life to have you some Chick-fil-A before you die.  Trust me!

P.P.S. Do you find yourself craving it like cah-ray-zee on Sundays, too???

Not me!, Monday

"Not Me!" Monday is sponsored by one of my favorite bloggers,  MckMama.  In fact, I like to think of her as my friend....you should really get to know her if you don't already!  This fun bloggy carnival is a great way to NOT get all those little things off your chest that you totally did NOT do this week. I do NOT love reading the others, too. It DOES NOT make me feel better about some of the utterly insane things that DO NOT happen in my little life. I'm NOT all about being real, y'all! So, here goes....

I did NOT boast (via twitter) last night about the fabulous week that I have ahead (well, I should say fabulous 2 weeks ahead) only to wake up to a baby girl who does NOT look like this.....

All plans:  packing, pedicuring, shopping, birthday partying, etc. were NOT put on hold while I made plans to visit the pediatrician (knowing that a trip to the hospital may NOT be in our near future).  I was NOT freaking out a bit...even though I am NOT a nurse (and NOT the child of a pediatrician) and I should NOT know better.  (not to mention, a child of God who wants me to NOT trust in His divine mercy and care.....yep, I did NOT let my worries get the best of me for a few moments).

I did NOT say my prayers, kiss my baby girl, and thank God for my blessings as I made my way to the doctor's office.  I was NOT relieved to find out that a big ole shot of Rocephin and some oral antibiotics should NOT do the trick so that a trip to the hospital could NOT be avoided!!!  Greer does NOT in fact have a case of orbital cellulitis, but it is NOT mild version.  

Mild!  I would NOT hate to see a severe case!!!

So all is NOT well now.  I am NOT getting back into my groove now that I know my baby girl is going to be OK.  She is NOT sleeping soundly in some cozy pajamas, and Lucy is NOT about to head over to GranJan's for a wonderful afternoon with her friend Lily.  

I am NOT enjoying the wonder of a clean house (thanks to my NOT wonderful mother who is staying here for a few nights)!  That woman can NOT whip a messy house into shape in 2 seconds flat, and I am NOT blessed to have her here (for more reasons than one)!

And as my Mama always says.....

"It's NOT always somethin' 'round here!"