Two Shakes of a Lamb's Tail

Fifth Sunday Church Lunch

2012-01-29T13:24:00.000-06:00

This was from the week before at children's time. Sutton likes to get up and walk around and Sophie tries to be the mama and make him sit...you can see that goes over real well!

Sutton was loving on Brigham in his car seat. He was being a little mischievous and wanting his paci, but giving us a sweet and innocent look.

The deacons celebrated everyone's birthday during our fifth Sunday lunch. Sophie was enjoying her balloon!

Sutton helping himself to chips in the cabinet...boy knows what he wants!

Winter Wonderland Party at The Wilderness Station

2012-01-14T21:59:00.000-06:00

Nanny saw that The Wilderness Station was having an event for toddlers on Saturday so we decided we would take Sophie and Sutton since they don't get to go on Wednesday mornings now that I am working. It was more for Sophie's age, but Sutton and I enjoyed looking at the animals in the aquariums while Sophie and her Daddy worked on the art project. She had a great time and Chad enjoyed getting to watch her in this setting. She has grown up so much since we were going to Wild Things this summer!

Celebrating Mammy's 75th Birthday

2012-01-13T21:58:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Mammy's birthday at Aunt Deborah's and Uncle Bill's house. What a great blessing that we are all able to be together for these special occasions.

Notice Sutton trying to "blow out" the candles too...he is such a smart little boy!

Mammy and the grand and great grands:)

Grandpa's Birthday Dinner

2012-01-10T21:12:00.000-06:00

No luck getting the kids to pose for the picture...Sophie was the only one cooperating

Everyone worked on coloring the playhouse Dustin and Andriana gave the kids for Christmas

Grandpa was pretty tired

Sophie's First Time at The Movies

2012-01-08T20:56:00.000-06:00

We had been seeing commercials for The Chipmunk movie and Sophie seemed interested. We decided it was time to take her to the movies. We went to the matinee after church while Grandmama and Grandaddy watched Sutton. Sophie loved the movie and was very good in the theater. She said she had to pee during one part so I took her (even though I didn't think she needed to). As I was waiting on her to go we were talking about the movie and if she liked it. She said she did, but didn't like the part where that chipmunk was falling in the water and that maybe he would be out when we got back in there. Smart girl. She didn't even need to go, but figured that was a good way to avoid the part she didn't like. It had been forever since we had been to the movies...I don't know how teenagers can afford to date...it is expensive these days!

Happy Birthday Uncle Dustin

2012-01-07T22:17:00.000-06:00

We met up at Granny Fish's (in Shelbyville) to celebrate Dustin's birthday. Sophie had fallen asleep on the way and it took her a little while to warm up.

Sutton LOVES hats

Yellow, Green and White Flower Centerpieces

2012-01-07T22:02:00.000-06:00

Chad made flower arrangements for Mama Vassie's (his Aunt Joyce's mother-in-law) birthday party. The family got the event together and wanted to give it a special touch with the decorations. She loves yellow and they also requested that he incorporate her love of birds. It is hard to tell from these pictures (in our messy kitchen), but he put bird nests and birds in the twigs. He was able to reuse some of the containers he had made for Mac and Erika's wedding and it all turned out perfectly. He put the arrangements together on Saturday during the day for the Sunday party.

Lamb...Party of 12

2012-01-07T21:50:00.000-06:00

We decided to get an impromptu dinner together on Friday night and as Carrie, Amber and I were going back and forth talking we decided to not even attempt going out to eat with our PARTY OF 12 (six adults and six kids)...and just pick up take out and meet at Amber's. It is hard to believe that we have gotten to this point. Anytime we do anything with all our immediate family it is 12 people. It really is easier to be at someone's house.

The kids loved playing in the play room and we had time to actually visit and talk. The only downside is we actually have to clean up the mess after:)

This is why we still haven't put Sophie's washer and dryer together that Grandmama and Grandaddy gave her Christmas before last!

Katelyn loves to be read to

Grandaddy Playing Barbies

2012-01-03T13:33:00.000-06:00

I love my Dad! He is the most patient (had to be living with 4 women) and fun loving person. He is so good with the kids and I had to grab the camera when I hear him talking in a girly voice about "do you like my shoes?" Sophie has him wrapped around her finger!

We do dress our children sometimes, but Sophie rarely has clothes on when I come home from work and as soon as we walk in the door she starts taking them off. I have to blame it on Grandmama (those of you who know her would understand).

New Years Lunch and Cookie Decorating

2012-01-01T23:25:00.000-06:00

We had New Year's Day lunch at Papa's after church and the kids had fun playing with their cousins.

After lunch we headed down the road to Mammy and Pappy's to make cookies with the McClaran cousins. Mammy had already made the dough and the kids had a blast rolling out the dough and cutting out the cookies. We ALL had fun eating them:)

Sutton loves to climb up on the chair and get Mammy's phone...he does it every time we are there!

Daddy helped Sophie with her cookies

I attempted to help Sutton, but you can see we just made a big mess

He was tired (and so was I) so we went in the living room and took a nap:)

I hope I'm as active and in as good of shape as Mammy when I'm 75! Probably not since I don't think I could keep up with her now:)

Starting the Year off Right...at CHURCH

2012-01-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T21:55:00.000-06:00

We met up with Jennifer, Brian, Grant and Luke to have dinner at Carrabba's. We really didn't make any definite plans since the kids had been sick, but we had talked to Jennifer and Amber during the day about maybe going out to eat (early). Amber ditched us to go to another friends house (she blamed it on James). Just kidding...it wasn't a big deal, but it did work out to eat with Jennifer and family since they were going to be in Murfreesboro.

We had a great dinner (as always) and got home by 8:30pm. The kids fell asleep on the way home and stayed asleep...should have known it was too good to be true. Chad and I got to enjoy a few hours of watching TV and just relaxing on the couch before Sophie woke up and we fell asleep on the couch. I watched the ball drop and then shortly after Sutton woke up and that woke Sophie up. Neither of them felt great and it ended up being a long night of sleeping on the couch with sick babies.

New Year's party at the Lamb's:)

Christmas with The Truitts

2011-12-29T22:13:00.000-06:00

The kids who call her "Nanny"

We met up with the Truitts at Dustin and Andriana's house on Thursday night to celebrate Christmas one last time.

They got the kids hats with their names on them and they loved them!

Nanny and Sophie at Wild Things

2011-12-28T19:53:00.018-06:00

Nanny took Sophie to Wild Things on the Wednesday after Christmas. I was so glad that she was able to go b/c I know she misses it now that I am working. Katie was there with Nate and Becca, but I think the class was much smaller than usual given the holiday week.

They painted a rainbow with water colors...looks like Sophie was working and really hard

The weather was even nice enough for them to take a "hike"

Nanny wasn't really planning on eating at Toots, but when they drove by Sophie said "hey...that is Toot's! I want to eat there." Girl knows what she wants:)

Sophie and her cat that she got from our neighbor, Mrs. Jones. She had to take it with her to eat at Toots.

Christmas at Mammy and Pappy's

2011-12-26T21:40:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Christmas for the 5th time on Monday night at Mammy and Pappy's. The kids were still having fun and just as excited to open gifts as the first night.

Sophie loved using her new digital camera and got right in on the picture taking

Chad's cell phone kept Sutton entertained during pictures. He really wanted to be up and running around!

Sophie is Mammy's girl:)

Pappy and Mammy

The little boys getting their horse rides...can be a bit of a work out

Mammy helping Sophie get some of her famous green punch

Happy boy!

Getting her money from the money tree

Sutton getting his money from Mammy

Christmas at Papa's

2011-12-25T21:33:00.000-06:00

We spent Christmas night at Papa's house. It was our first Christmas without Granny and she was definitely missed. Everyone seemed to be holding it together and about the time Leslie leaned over and made the comment to me that it was going pretty good we look around and everyone had started to cry. I think the family pictures without her were the hardest.

Sophie is a mess making faces in the group picture

The gift opening was a little out of control with the amount of gifts all the kids get. They really did a great job considering it had been a long day already.

Loving her Daddy!

Sophie is really into her babies right now. She is a good little mommy:)

Christmas Morning - Part 2

2011-12-25T17:35:00.002-06:00

When we got home from church we put our pajamas back on and got started opening gifts. The kids were so excited, and were so appreciative and thankful for everything.

Sophie has loved getting ornaments this year...we are going to have to get another tree soon!

We got Sutton a cowboy hat b/c he loves wearing Sophie's (even though it is pink). He loved it!

Sophie feeding her "big baby" - I had no idea the baby alive was going to be so big when I ordered it online. She talks to her, drinks her bottle and uses the bathroom.

Love this excited face!

Sophie even loved her t shirts we gave to her

Giving Daddy a big hug and kiss....so sweet

As soon as Sophie opened the doll crib Sutton was climbing in. He was so cute.

Sutton loved his Rock n' Roll Mickey and Sophie enjoyed playing with it also.

Chad and I did give gifts to each other also, but didn't manage to get many pictures...we were focused on the kids!

I can't believe we were able to get a decent picture setting the camera to take the picture. I think the flashing light and ticking got their attention so they were both looking.

We had a great Christmas morning with our little family. It really is a fun age with the kids.

Big hug!

Christmas Morning at Church

2011-12-25T17:25:00.013-06:00

The church service got moved to 9am with no Sunday school so we got ready pretty quickly after opening Santa gifts and headed to Eagleville. Sophie lit the candles and sang Happy Birthday to Jesus after the service (on her own...she knows how to turn on the mike and get up on the chair to sing).

I thought it was pretty special to see Chad in the choir between Mammy and Pappy. They weren't in their usual positions since the choir was smaller so this wasn't the norm.

Happy Birthday to Jesus.

Christmas Morning...Part 1

2011-12-25T17:25:00.000-06:00

When we got home from Grandmama and Grandaddy's on Christmas Eve Sophie was pretty wired and we had a hard time getting her to go to bed. Nothing was working. Even the threat that Santa wouldn't come didn't phase her. We ended up letting her fall asleep on what she calls "my white couch" and then Chad took her upstairs when he finished putting the baby doll crib together. I had fallen asleep on the couch also, but got up to help Chad get the doll house in from the garage. When he went to bed I stayed up to get his Christmas gift ready it was about 1:30 or 2am at this point.

I thought I would take a picture of the table before I put it all away for my gift...

I had bought Chad a 4 place settings of the Lenox China pattern called "floral fusion." If it had been around when we got married we would have definitely gotten it and have admired it in magazine ads for awhile now. So the gift was something I love to, but not something we would just buy ourselves for no reason. I decided the best way to give it would be to set the table and use the turquoise milk glass vase I had also gotten for him. This was a very Chad way of presenting the gift and was kind of proud of myself for the effort (I'm not usually the one to set the table or decorate). It took awhile to put away the decorations he already had out (while trying to be quiet so he didn't know what I was doing) and get the other out. I even got a dozen roses and arranged them in the vase...again, not something I would normally do.

Chad was very surprised when he got up and loved the gifts!

Sophie and Sutton left Santa cookies and milk and he left them a note before he left. Sophie still refers to the golden oreos as "those cookies Santa likes"

The first time we had presents under the tree this year...just before we opened them. It was hard enough to keep Sutton from destroying the ornaments (notice how the bottom of the tree is looking bare).

Santa brought Sophie a Barbie Doll House

Sutton's Santa gift was wrapped, but it was a race track thing (at least that is what Sophie called it)

Standing on the chair to play on the rooftop

Sutton hugging Daddy while he was putting it together

The kids got to play with their toys for a little while, we ate breakfast and got ready for church. So they only opened their Santa gifts before church. It worked out and there wasn't any drama about wanting to open everything.

We got the reindeer from Aunt Deborah a few years ago...makes for good decorations at Christmas.

Thought we would take pictures of our decorations outside. We hadn't done much before, but Sophie was obsessed with Christmas lights and wanted to know why we didn't have any at our house. She would point out everything at houses as we drove by at night. Candy canes, snowmen, santas, reindeer (she learned that you still say reindeer even if there are more than 1). It was cute when she told her Daddy that it is two reindeer and then thought for a minute and said "is it 3 reindeers?" We explained that there could be 100 and it would still just be reindeer.

Christmas at Grandmama and Grandaddy's

2011-12-24T15:18:00.017-06:00

We celebrated at Grandmama and Grandaddy's on Christmas Eve. Once again, very wild with all the kids opening gifts. It is organized chaos to say the least. Mom cooked an amazing meal and didn't ask that we do much at all...I think Chad made a pumpkin roll and that was our contribution. Thank you to our Mama for taking on all that hard work!

Mom had to get in on our sister picture:)

Of course there has to be a little drama. No one wanted to eat before opening gifts...

The newlyweds:)

Katelyn was so sweet with Chad and just crawled up into his lap and hugged him.

More riding toys....we are going to have fun with this in the spring/summer!

Sophie got a karaoke machine and a basketball goal (to share with Sutton)

Sutton trying out Sophie bicycle helmet

Chad's cute wrapping:)

Chad got a new iron from Amber...he really was excited even though the picture doesn't show it.

Christmas at Nanny and Grandpa's House

2011-12-23T15:03:00.010-06:00

We celebrated Christmas at Nanny and Grandpa's on Friday night (a day before Christmas Eve). Grandpa made breakfast (for dinner) and we exchanged gifts. It is getting wilder every year. Now Sutton and Luke are right in all the action...it is hard to get pictures while trying to help two kids...here's our attempt.

Sitting in front of their "stockings"

The cook!

Sophie decided she needed to feed the nutcracker eggs...I guess she found a reason for the mouth to open:)

Standing in front of their "big gifts." They both got an art easel

The little boys got "Cars" ride on toys...they loved them!

Look at Chad's excellent presentation with the wrapping. How did I get so lucky?

Nanny was reading to Sutton...look at those tired eyes!

Pictures with Nanny's Santa

2011-12-22T12:28:00.001-06:00

Pictures from Nanny's Camera

2011-12-22T12:21:00.000-06:00

I had to get some of these adorable pictures that Nanny took during the fall of the kids. I love them!!

You can tell they like to get into shoes...Sophie loves high heels and is actually pretty good at walking in them.

from Mac and Erika's wedding

Saying "blah" from an Einstein movie they watch at Nanny's

Look at all those teeth!

Which is it going to be? A tomboy or a girly girl? Baby doll in one hand and football in the other!

Chad and Sophie have pictures on this little chair when they were about Sutton's age...I should get them out and compare

Morning fun with the cousins

Caught!

They were saying "choo choo" and pretending it was a train

Andriana's Cookie Party

2011-12-22T12:14:00.000-06:00

We went to Andriana and Dustin's house for her cookie party on Saturday Dec 10th. This has been a tradition of hers and now she can host at her own house! The kids had a blast playing together and we ate lots of yummy sweets.

Aunt Jennifer's Birthday and Prayer Connection

2011-12-22T12:09:00.005-06:00

This was on December 12th, but just got the pictures from Ginger's camera from Jennifer's Birthday dinner at O'Charleys. I got to spend a little time with everyone before I headed to Eagleville for Women's Prayer Connection.

We had a great Christmas celebration and enjoyed pictures in our Santa hats and scarves! It is such a wonderful group of women and I feel blessed to be a part of such a diverse group of women from different generations. We learn from each other and support each other through bible study and prayer. We found out that one of the members of the group has breast cancer. She has had surgery since then and starts radiation soon so please be in prayer for her.

Tacky Sweater Day at Work

2011-12-21T17:08:00.002-06:00

I borrowed my "tacky" sweater from Mammy and totally got called out. Jennifer and Chelsea had already borrowed it the weekend before and then she saw something on the news about how those type of parties were popular. I felt kind of bad, but she thought it was funny. She had just worn the sweater to choir practice the week before:) It really doesn't look tacky on her though!

Reading Bible Stories with Daddy

2011-12-19T17:04:00.000-06:00

Our Elf on the Shelf...Elfie

2011-12-18T19:48:00.000-06:00

When we got home from seeing Santa there was a special surprise waiting for Sophie. Elfie made his appearance. She had already seen the movie on TV so she knew what it was all about. Unfortunately, Mom didn't pay that much attention to the details and didn't realize his initial place was were he would have to stay b/c no one can touch him. Good thing we went in the other room and he flew to the bookshelf b/c he was right in front of the TV (and Sophie didn't like that).

On Sunday morning we woke up and found a mess. Elfie and Tinkerbell had teamed up and rolled the tree. Sophie got a big kick out of it. Chad didn't realize he was mischievous, but I had been seeing Facebook pictures of every one's ideas and that is why I wanted to do it:) I will say I'm glad he was just around for a week b/c I ran out of ideas. I'm really not that creative and didn't like getting up early to make sure he got set before Sophie woke up.

Elfie hung up our underwear on the light fixture the second night


Hanging out in our amaryllis

Rocky Glade Christmas Program - The Nativity

2011-12-18T15:22:00.000-06:00

Sophie and Chad participated in the Christmas program at church and it was a great performance. We have a member who does professional lighting and sound so it really looked good! Sophie was an angel and Chad sang in the choir and had performed a song with his Uncle Michael and Janet.

I was proud of Sophie for behaving during the program. She came in and stood where she was supposed to and was a good girl:)

She did stay occupied with the hay while they were sitting

Yes...this was during the show. Guess she figured she would do something to make us laugh since we were taking pictures and looking at her the entire time!

Sophie was really protective of "baby Jesus" and wanted to make sure he was okay and "took care of him."

Sophie and Sutton Visit with Santa

2011-12-17T20:40:00.006-06:00

We were running a few errands and trying to make it to Stones River by 2pm to see Santa when he got back from break. We had heard there was a Santa at the toy store at The Ave and decided to check before we left. Good thing we did! McDougal Photography had a Santa and were taking professional pictures for just $25 for the digital images. There wasn't a line and the kids had a lot of time with him before the next group came in. The kids did really well and we got some good pictures.

Santa even read a book to them. The photographers helpers were dressed like elves and they had snacks for the kids after. It was a great experience...glad we went there!

Sophie Eating with Chopsticks...

2011-12-17T19:43:00.005-06:00

We had hibatchi at Wasabi for lunch while we were out running errands on Saturday. Our server gave Sophie some chopsticks she had tied together with a rubberband. Sophie did a really good job with them...we thought her Aunt Amber would be impressed:)

FFA Christmas Party at The Haleys

2011-12-16T00:34:00.003-06:00

We had a nice time with friends (and several family members) at the Annual FFA Alumni Christmas Party. The kids came with us and were very well behaved. Sophie did spend a bit of time in the bathroom b/c she was amused by the bench in there. She also played hide and seek with Litton...it was pretty cute that they played so well together given their age difference.

Sophie got some dog kisses when she got too close!

Sophie experience the iPhone with Amanda...I think she is addicted. She pulled up some of the kid apps and let her play with hit. It could be dangerous if I got one.

Like His Big Sister...

2011-12-11T01:22:00.011-06:00

The kids were in the bedroom and Chad went to check on them only to find them both on the bed. He got Sutton off to see how he got up there by himself. Looks like he is pretty good at finding a way to get what he wants. Sophie is not the best example for him to follow. I have a feeling we are going to have many injuries due to his lack of fear!

So excited to get on the bed!

Working on getting down by himself too

Sutton has started putting my panties around his neck...just like Sophie used to do at this age. I don't think he has ever seen her do it so it just amazes me that he is doing the same thing!

Discovery Center with The Odoms

2011-12-10T20:47:00.010-06:00

My dear friend, Christy, text on Friday to see if we wanted to meet her and the boys at the Discovery Center on Saturday morning. We didn't have any plans so it worked out perfectly. We hadn't see each other since Sutton was born. It is hard to believe so much time has gone by! The kids had so much fun playing together. We stayed in the toddler area for the most part since we could lock the gate and somewhat contain them. You can imagine that they were going in all different directions.

I love these pictures! Sophie and Gaines were being so cute!


Gaines said they needed to pretend to be magicians as he stood up on the cylinder.	They were saying "Ta da!"

Love that look

Probably wasn't the best idea to let them play in the water since it was freezing outside. They were soaked!!!

Of course Sophie tried to drink the water!

I think Sutton would be happy playing in rocks all the time!

Sophie and Gaines changing tires...

Birthday Dinner at Maggiano's

2011-12-09T20:38:00.014-06:00

Amber, James, Chad and I had a wonderful, adult only, dinner at Maggiano's to celebrate Amber's 29th birthday. We had planned to go earlier in the week, but it didn't work out. Let me just say that this could be my favorite meal. We ordered the family style option and went with the upgrade to have steak and seafood. We loved the beef medallions the only other time we had eaten there and they didn't disappoint this time. We also enjoyed the crab cake appetizer...and pretty much everything else! We had so much to eat and still had enough left overs for lunch the next day (for all of us). It is a great celebration dinner, but couldn't do it too often (for the cost and the calories).

Sutton's Obsession with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

2011-12-05T20:29:00.000-06:00

Sutton loves Mickey and knows he has to get the remote and find someone to turn it on for him...even though he tries to do it himself sometimes. He likes to sit on the couch with his milk and paci while drinking milk and watch Mickey. He waves to Mickey when he comes on the screen....so cute! What isn't cute is when he doesn't get his way:)

Visiting our "Cabinet"

2011-12-04T01:18:00.012-06:00

We decided we needed to go stay at the cabin before we started the year lease. It is such a blessing to have constant income coming in instead of going out for the cabin, but it is kind of sad that we can't just go anytime (not that we did). Anyway...Sophie loves it and enjoys playing "her ball game" aka pool and taking a bath in the jacuzzi tub. She slept upstairs by herself on the pull out couch both nights. If only we had a better option for Sutton. Maybe next time we go he will be big enough to sleep upstairs with Sophie...now that will be like a real vacation!!

Sophie sat on the chair on the screened in porch and said "It's a hot, summer day" even though it was probably in the low 40's. She has quiet the imagination:)

Sutton's eye injury...Chad found him upstairs with the ball racker thing over his head and stuck...not sure if Sophie "helped" him do that or if it was on his own.

Sophie and Sutton's First Trip to Dollywood

2011-12-03T20:04:00.000-06:00

We met my friend, Megan, and her family at Dollywood on Saturday. Even though I grew up in Sevierville, this was my first time to Dollywood for Christmas. It was a beautiful day and wasn't too cold when the sun was out. Megan's girls are 5 and 3 (I think Izzy is about 8 or 9 months older than Sophie). Ava, Izzy and Sophie had so much fun together! It was cute to see them playing and enjoying each other.

They were all about posing for pictures and even set themselves up for pictures and wanted us to take them!

We rode the teacups, the carousel, the elephants, ducks, and pigs.

Sophie didn't want to ride b/c she was scared of the scarecrow in the middle. Izzy and Sutton rode together instead.

We watched several Christmas shows when it got dark and the kids loved them! We watched the Christmas parade which was a little underwhelming after being at Disney. Megan, Jeremy and the girls left after that and we decided to go through the rest of the park and check it out before we left. Chad ended up riding some of the roller coasters (which he was impressed with).

Sophie warmed right up with Uncle Jeff...they were big buddies

I had a missed call from Devee and she was in the park to pick up Lexie. We met up with her and Jeff and they watched the end of the parade while I got a season pass. Megan had given us two of their day passes so we got in for free and they had a deal going that you could upgrade your ticket for $25 for a 2012 season pass. We both got one and spent less for the day and 2 season passes than we would have for just one entrance for the day. Thank you to Megan and Jeremy!!! Now we will be able to go back this summer and the kids are both free until they are 4.

Visit with Cousin Adam

2011-12-03T19:56:00.008-06:00

We decided to go into Sevierville for the weekend and stay at our cabin one last time before it was rented for a year (which is a real blessing). My first cousin, Adam, came to visit Saturday morning and brought his little boy, Aiden. It was great to see them and get to visit a little. I can't believe our kids are growing up so fast! David, Adam and I were born within six months of each other and had so much fun growing up together. We also got to spend time with them on Sunday at Aunt Joan's before we headed home (for some reason I didn't get pictures).

Sophie's 3rd Haircut

2011-12-01T20:57:00.008-06:00

Sophie went to the beauty shop with Nanny and ended up getting her hair cut too. She loves it. Cracks me up! She happened to be back two weeks later and was upset that she couldn't get a hair cut.

Liza's First Birthday Party

2011-11-27T23:57:00.008-06:00

Liza celebrated her 1st birthday a couple of weeks late after they had to cancel her first party when she was sick. She was a cute little "cupcake" and had a great time at her party:)

The cousin picture

The face may not show it, but Sophie was excited about her Gigi's cupcake

Aunt Joyce and I share a birthday:)

Happy Birthday to Me:)

2011-11-27T00:27:00.007-06:00

I had a great 32nd Birthday with my family. We had been pretty busy with Thanksgiving festivities and birthday celebrations so didn't get a big group together. We went to Liza's birthday party after church and decided to stay in that evening. Chad went to choir practice and picked up take out from Macaroni Grill. We had planned to go out, just the four of us, but it was so cold and rainy we didn't want to get back out. Sophie was cute b/c we were talking about how it was like my birthday party. She said..."our home is like a restaurant" and then "our home is like a party." All the time, Sophie!

Thanksgiving with McClarans and Becca's 1st Birthday Celebration

2011-11-26T23:54:00.000-06:00

We celebrated Thanksgiving for the 3rd time on Saturday night at Aunt Deborah's (after our trip to the vineyard). Chad made this adorable turkey vegetable tray (that he saw on pintrest).

We got a family picture for Mammy and Pappy to use on their Christmas card and then had cake for Becca's birthday (December 4th). It was a good time with family...as always.

Arrington Vineyards Birthday Celebration

2011-11-26T23:51:00.000-06:00

Chad and I went to Arrington Vineyards on Saturday afternoon to celebrate my birthday. Nanny watched the kids and had suggested that we might want to go on Saturday instead of Sunday since the weather was supposed to get bad. It was a gorgeous day and we enjoyed the time together with adult conversation:)

What Sutton is up to these days...

2011-11-26T23:50:00.033-06:00

Sutton is definitely growing up fast! On this night, he said cat without being prompted and called out for Nanny. He says Mama, Dada, sock, hot, bye bye, hello, hi, up, eat (more like eeeee), waffle (wawa), bath (baba). I am sure I am missing some words, but mostly he does a lot of pointing and saying uuuhhh. Of course we give him what he wants so it is easy for him to continue. Even though he isn't talking that much he definitely knows what you are talking about and can follow commands. I mention bath and he starts taking off clothes and heading for the bathroom...he loves a bath! He also loves milk (like his sister) and will go to the refrigerator with his cup and try to open the door. Lots of pointing and grunting and uhh...uhhhh. He is also obsessed with Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Good thing because it is all Sophie wants to watch too! He will sit on the couch for an entire episode and start uhhh uhhhing for more when the hot dog song starts. He will find the remote and bring to us pointing to the TV. He also loves socks and shoes and when we talk about leaving he will go get them and try to put them on himself and start saying bye bye and going to the door. Sometimes he gets upset b/c it is taking us too long to actually get out the door.
Sutton has been great at going to sleep in his crib on his own. He typically takes two naps a day (Sophie never napped on any kind of schedule). All you have to do is ask if he is ready for a nap and he will shake his head yes and point up and say "up" and we take him to bed and he lounges into the crib. It is pretty amazing. It is just about as easy at night too. He is more like me with his love of naps and sleeping:)
Sutton is a sweet little boy who will lean in and put his head against yours to give you "love" or kisses. This also turns into headbutting sometimes...definitely all boy! He has also developed a bit of a temper. He stomps his foot when he is mad (and when he is excited too). I guess he got it from Sophie, but he is just so little to have such a little attitude. Sutton knows what he wants and what he doesn't. If he doesn't want to eat something there is no use in trying. He is very headstrong. With that being said, he is still a really good kid and does well when we are out. He loves to laugh and gets really excited when he and Sophie are playing and being silly. His smile is so sweet and I just want to eat him up! He is such a joy!!!

Chad's 31st Birthday

2011-11-25T15:36:00.008-06:00

We celebrated Chad's birthday by going bowling at Lanes Trains and Automobiles near our house. It was our first time trying it out and it was a great, family friendly place. The kids had a great time and it was a good thing we had more adults than kids b/c it was a handful trying to keep an eye on them and keep them entertained (without them being in the middle of someone else's bowling lane).

Sophie was cooling off with the air that was blowing

We had a good turnout for last minute plans

Thanksgiving Day

2011-11-24T15:28:00.000-06:00

We hung around the house all day and enjoyed a day off with the kids. Chad, Sophie and Sutton enjoyed watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! We went to Papa's for dinner and enjoyed celebrating with the Lamb family.

It was wild with all the kids running around. All the little ones are walking/running now so there are 3 more on the move (and under our feet). You really have to be careful where you step!

Gotta love the one armed baby doll Sophie found to play with. She is really into dolls right now!

The grandkid picture was almost impossible. At least we tried.

Thanksgiving...the first celebration

2011-11-23T01:14:00.017-06:00

Grandmama, Grandaddy, Amber, James, Karlee, Katelyn, Morgan and Matt came over for Thanksgiving on the Wednesday night before. It was a lot easier than trying to do so much in just one day since we all had in-laws to celebrate with also. We all cooked something to add to the meal, but Grandmama made the majority. Chad decorated for the evening and added a nice feel.

The best thing Amber contributed to the meal was a bottom of wine appropriately named " Middle Sister...Goodie Two-Shoes"

The kids were very interested in all the ornaments. Chad had to give a little lesson on what they could and couldn't touch. We made it through the night without anything crazy happening!

Trey and Cooper's Dedication

2011-11-20T20:13:00.008-06:00

The boys were dedicated at New Vision on the Sunday night before Thanksgiving. Aunt Joan and Big Dave (aka Papaw) drove down for the day. Grandmama, Grandaddy, Amber, James, Karlee and Katelyn were also there, but we just managed to get this picture. It is so great to have David and Carrie back in Middle Tennessee and glad that we could be a part of this special event!

Trying to get a picture of Trey and Sophie together. It was cute when we told them to hug, Trey leaned over and hugged and kissed her! He is such a sweet little boy:)

Church, Lunch and Christmas Tree Decorating...

2011-11-20T11:06:00.011-06:00

Sophie and Sutton had a food collection in Sunday school during the month of November. I am so glad that Nanny is teaching their Sunday School class! Sophie really got into taking food for "the kids."

After church, we met Grandmama at B. McNeels in Murfreesboro for lunch. They have a great brunch that ends at 2pm. We got there about 1:45 and they were out of a few things and when they didn't have what they needed for my order of french toast they said lunch was on them...pretty nice treat:)

We went home after lunch, got into pjs and decorated the Christmas tree. Sutton and I helped in the beginning, but he and I took a nap while Chad and his "little helper" finished the tree. Sophie is really into the ornaments this year and gets really excited about every one of them! Sutton loved the Mickey ornaments and pretty much anything he could get his hands on. It is going to be interesting trying to keep him away from them:)

Aunt Meghan's Visit and Opryland

2011-11-19T20:31:00.013-06:00

My friend Meghan came to visit and we spent Saturday in Nashville. We had lunch at Calypso and then went to Opryland Hotel. Meghan had always wanted to watch the Rockettes so I went with her and Chad took the kids around in the hotel. They watched the Shrek show and made a gingerbread house and met Gingy.

Meghan and I had a great time at the show and then met up with Chad and the kids to check out the Christmas decorations in the hotel.

We were trying to be cute and pose like the Rockettes...not nearly as high of a kick! Meghan has a cute little baby bump. She is due at the end of March and having a little girl. Can't wait to meet Georgia!

We hung out for a little bit and enjoyed princess cupcakes from Gigi's! It was such a great day:)

Sutton's First Haircut

2011-11-16T20:07:00.012-06:00

Pappy cut Sutton's hair for the first time on Wednesday night after choir practice. Pappy gave Chad his first haircut and has been cutting his hair ever since. We knew we had to do something about the out of control curls, but didn't want to get rid of them completely (at least we thought we didn't).

Sutton did such a good job during the whole process. He seemed a little confused at times, but never even cried. I was so proud of him!

Then it was Daddy's turn to get his hair cut. Sutton was so cute watching. I love his little man haircut...he looks so grown up now!

Thanksgiving Tree

2011-11-13T20:01:00.008-06:00

Chad made a "Thanksgiving Tree" for Sophie and Sutton. He cut out "leaves" and he and Sophie came up with something that they were thankful for each night. It turned out to be a good opportunity to teach her about being thankful. She started off with family, Jesus and then food and then it got a little more random with - bed, her babies and chips (I think she just looked around the room and found things).

FFA Trivia Night

2011-11-12T19:48:00.011-06:00

Eagleville FFA Annual Trivia night was the second Saturday night in November this year (it will be back to the first Saturday next year). We missed last year because we went to a wedding so it was good to be back this year. Amber, James, Morgan and Matt played with us. Of course we didn't win or anything, but we sure had a good time! Nanny and Grandpa watched all the kids at their house and I'm sure it was a little wild.

Sutton playing his "drums"

For those of you who didn't know, Chad and all his cousins have been involved with the Eagleville FFA. He and his brother and sister have were president their senior years. I would have never thought I would marry the president of FFA:) It sure is a different organization that it was at SCHS!

Sporting our FFA Alumni t-shirts - we helped serve the food

Happy Veteran's Day Grandpa!

2011-11-10T19:42:00.006-06:00

We celebrated Veteran's Day by going out to eat with Grandpa at Captain D's (his choice...not mine). It really isn't that bad b/c there aren't many people and we didn't have to worry to much about the kids.

We gave Grandpa the Hallmark Ornament with the American flag. Sophie told him what it was before he opened it...we are going to have to be careful about showing her gifts before we wrap them.

Loving her corn on the cobb

Sophie's 3rd Birthday - Tinkerbell Party!

2011-11-06T12:53:00.024-06:00

Sophie wanted to have a Tinkerbell party this year and Chad took the idea and ran with it (as always). It helped that Sophie watched a few of the Tinkerbell movies (over and over) so she was very familiar with her friends and loved all the details Chad added.

When I showed up to the party I was amazed at what Chad (and his Dad) had done to the pavilion at the Eagleville Methodist Church. I hadn't paid a lot of attention to all the things he was planning since we had Mac and Erika's wedding the day before and he was so busy with that. I should have known it would be amazing!

When Sophie got to the party she went around to every table to check out the centerpieces. She is so much like her Daddy...pays attention to all the details!

Tinkerbell made a special appearance at the party. At first the kids didn't know what to think, but she became a big hit. We even had to let Tinkerbell make a quick getaway so that Eliza didn't see her "fly away." Morgan's friend, Abby was so sweet to do this for us. She wasn't even upset when the hairspray turned her hair green instead of yellow:)

I love that Sophie has so many cousins!!! They really love each other and have so much fun together:)

Morgan did a little face painting for the kids

All the little girls got wings and the boys got swords

Sophie got lots of fun presents. She loves to open presents!!

Thanking Tinkerbell for her present

Sophie got a Minnie Mouse bike from Grandmama, Grandaddy, Mama and Daddy

Somehow Aunt Jennifer got Sophie to smile really well for these pictures with the fairies...I love it!

Her mean Vidia look...so funny!

Mac and Erika's Wedding - Fall/Tree Themed Floral Designs

2011-11-05T13:26:00.033-05:00

Chad's cousin, Mac, got married on Saturday, November 5th. The wedding and reception was at the Historic Rock Castle in Hendersonville. They went with a rustic outdoor feel represented by the symbol of the tree. Chad did the flowers for the reception and the bridal party. He brought made boxes covered with bark for the table arrangements and incorporated moss and tree stumps. It really turned out beautiful!

The wedding ceremony and reception were outside beside the lake. It turned out to be a gorgeous day and we couldn't have asked for better weather for the event...it could have been really cold!

Sweet little boy!

The kids love dancing!!!

At every Lamb wedding we end up lining up and singing Family Tradition and Elvira...random I know.

Chuck-E-Cheese for Sophie's Birthday

2011-11-04T21:06:00.006-05:00

We met up with the family at Chuck-E-Cheese on Friday night to celebrate Sophie's 3rd birthday. We were having her party on Sunday after church, but wanted to do something with her on her actual birthday. We had done the same thing last year on November 4th. It really is a good place to let the kids play and have a meal...not many options in the boro. Sophie had a blast playing with her cousins.

Karlee saw Chuck E Cheese coming and was getting a little worried

Sophie is 3 Years Old!

2011-11-04T08:17:00.015-05:00

Sophie woke up on the wrong side of the bed on her birthday. She wasn't amused by our attempt to celebrate with a candle in her waffle:) There are times when she wakes up in the best mood, but there are times when nothing is done right!

I took her to her 3 year old appointment with Dr. Bigham. Mom stayed home with Sutton since we figured it wasn't worth it to have him around germs if he didn't have to be. Sophie didn't have to get a shot since she had her flu shot at Sutton's 1 year appt. She is so grown up and does such a good job at the doctor.

The gown was "choking" her...I wasn't taking a picture of that, but happened to catch her in her gagging. She is a little dramatic with things that touch her neck. I don't think she could stand a turtle neck at all!

This picture was in the exam room and Sophie says "that is from the Mickey show at Disney World that I didn't like." She was exactly right...it was from Mickey's Philharmonic! She amazes me with her attention to detail and her memory. It doesn't amaze Chad as much since that is how he is and he would be disappointed if she didn't pay attention.

Halloween

2011-10-31T13:01:00.013-05:00

As you can see, we decided to go with a theme for our costumes. Sophie wanted to be Tinkerbell so we thought Sutton could be Peter Pan, Chad was Captain Hook and I was Wendy (although Sophie said my "dress" didn't look like Wendy's). We started out at Nanny and Grandpa's (Ginger had watched the kids that day so I packed our costumes to get ready there). We went around to a few family members and then headed back to Murfreesboro to Amber's to see Grandmama and Grandaddy (they had just driven in from a trip to Sevierville).

Caught Sophie mid yawn...hilarious!

Luke was a chicken and Grant was Lightning McQueen

Peter Pan about to take "flight" off the chair

Eliza was Rapunzel

We all tried to end up at Mammy and Pappy's for the cousins to see each other

By the time we made it to Aunt Amber's the kids were not into the costumes anymore. Sophie was out of hers completely as soon as we got in the door. I had to convince her to put it back on for some pictures.

Pouty face!

Craziness!

Grandpa's Hayride

2011-10-30T19:54:00.000-05:00

1st attempt at pumpkin pictures were not successful...the sun was way too bright

After church on Sunday we had Grandpa's 2nd Annual Hayride:) I think this is going to be a good tradition. The kids love it, and as you can see from the pictures we have a good turnout!

Sweet boy...love that smile!

Sophie shared her suckers with her cousins...

Grandpa even dressed up for the ride...he was trying to look like Farmer Jason. Sophie asked him to sing the catfish song (NPT watchers might get this).

Had to get a picture of this crew!

Sutton had fallen asleep on the ride

A little better lighting...still hard to get the kids looking at the same time

Mammy and Pappy with the kids

Nanny and Grandpa with the grandkids

Playing at Aunt Amber's

2011-10-28T19:48:00.007-05:00

We had dinner at Amber's on Friday night and the kids had such a good time playing in "the playroom." Karlee had gotten several princess dresses and Sophie loved dressing up. They were so cute spinning and falling.

Katelyn the cowgirl:)

So cute of Katelyn giving her Mama a kiss

Wicked

2011-10-25T19:43:00.003-05:00

We went to see Wicked at TPAC on Oct. 25th. It was my 2nd time seeing it and Chad's 3rd (we had tickets 2 years ago and I had to go out of town so he took his mom). We saw in Chicago about 6 years ago the first time. We had 4th row seats and it was awesome! Katie rode with us and we got appetizers and drinks at Puckett's Grocery downtown. Wish we would have had more time, but it was still really good! I think we will try to take Sophie to see Mary Poppins this spring.

Sophie's Song...

2011-10-24T19:41:00.000-05:00

Oh Daddy, Oh Daddy, I Love Ya. Oh Daddy, Oh Daddy, I Love Ya. Oh Daddy, Oh Daddy, I Love YOU! Add a few more versus...

Sophie was singing her Daddy a song she made up...it was pretty cute.

This is as he is cutting out Tinkerbell and her friends preparing for her 3rd birthday party. She is so excited and really wants to help him with everything.

Kristen's Wedding at The Jersey Shore

2011-10-22T09:04:00.028-05:00

I flew to Philly to meet up with Alli (who flew from Singapore) to go to Kristen Quirk's wedding. Alli was in the wedding and Kyle wasn't making the trip with her so it worked out that I was able to come by myself and we rode together and shared a room. I even got to be her "date" to the rehearsal dinner:) The wedding was in Sea Isle City where Kristen and her friends had summer houses during college and for several years after. I had visited her there several times (can't remember how many, but at least twice after college). It was a beautiful October weekend. Lots of sun, but a little chilly. It was great to visit with sorority sisters and see Kristen's family and friends I had gotten to know on my visits to the "Jersey Shore."

I fixed Alli's hair for the wedding and helped with makeup (she pretty much did it all but the eyeshadow). I thought her hair turned out pretty good.

We stayed in a 3 story beach house with all the vandy girls and our house was connected to the house Kristen's family was in. It was soooo nice! Kristen and Tim saw each other for before the wedding on the beach and the girls were all watching from the balcony. Then the entire wedding party went down for pictures. It was so beautiful...can't wait to see all the pics.

The wedding was a Catholic Ceremony at 1:30pm. It lasted for almost an hour and after the receiving line there was about an hour break before the cocktail hour at the Yacht Club. I haven't been to many Catholic Ceremonies, but it seems to be the norm since you can't have the wedding too late in the day because of Mass. The reception was very nice with lots of great food and fun dancing:)

I had a great time and so glad I was able to be there for Kristen and Tim's big day. I did miss my babies (and Chad). Morgan was watching the kids the day I left and drove me to the airport. Sophie didn't even make it home before she threw up all over the place. She got sick another time that night and ended up throwing up 5 times on Saturday. Chad had his cousin's bachelor party that night and had tried to take the kids to his mom's, but she got sick on the way and then again once he got there so he just turned around and brought them back home. They didn't even go to church on Sunday morning b/c she got sick again. His mom came to watch the kids while he came to the airport to pick me up...he had already had to clean the carseat twice. We don't know what was wrong with her, but Sutton never got it thank goodness. Made for a rough weekend.

The "Lamacs"...they were all in the same AOII family

Aunt Morgie's Puppy

2011-10-18T22:55:00.000-05:00

Morgan brought her puppy, Pippin, over to the house for the kids to play with. Sophie absolutely loves dogs and cats. She is a little rough with them at times. I think Pippin was hiding from her at times:)

Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-16T22:46:00.000-05:00

Michael and Elizabeth had the family over to carve pumpkins. Everyone had a great time...a little wild at times, but lots of fun.

Sophie didn't like getting the stuff out of the pumpkin...she doesn't like getting her hands dirty

Chris and Katie's Wedding

2011-10-15T22:36:00.013-05:00

We went to Chris and Katie's wedding on Saturday night. Made for a busy day with homecoming in Lebanon earlier in the day. The wedding was beautiful and the kids had fun dancing. Wish I had gotten a picture of the bride and groom:) We were busy chasing the kids around.

Cumberland's Homecoming Tailgate

2011-10-15T12:39:00.010-05:00

We met up with Chad's friends from Cumberland to tailgate for the homecoming game. Sophie and Hayden (his buddy Brian's little boy) had a great time playing together.

Sophie doesn't really get how to play cornhole!

Daddy had to show us the animals on display in one of the buildings. Sophie really wanted to pet them all!

A Spoonful of Sugar...

2011-10-14T12:35:00.001-05:00

Does not help the medicine go down!! We had a rough week with the kids being sick. I had to take Sutton to the doctor on Wednesday and he had the croup. Sophie woke up in the middle of the night Thursday night with it too so they just called in the medicine of Friday. It was hard to get them to take the steroid...must have been really bad! They were fine during the daytime with this, it was just bad at night and kept them up.

Disney on Ice

2011-10-09T12:31:00.005-05:00

We took the kids to see Disney on Ice in Nashville and they loved it!!! Sutton really got into the characters and was ready to jump off my lap he was getting so excited! Sophie was cute afterwards when she said "but I didn't get to get their autograph." Disney spoiled her:)

Sunday Lunch with Papa

2011-10-09T12:23:00.006-05:00

We had a pot luck lunch with the Lamb side on Sunday. We have started trying to do something at least once a month all together. The kids have such a great time playing with their cousins!!!

The Discovery Center with Trey

2011-10-08T21:41:00.009-05:00

Carrie's grandmother passed away and we offered to help out and watch Trey for the day while they took care of some things. Sophie and Trey had a great time playing at the house. I had read that Clifford (the big red dog) was going to be at The Discovery Center on Saturday so we took the kids over to see him. We walk in the door and there is a sign that says it was a misprint in the paper and it was really the weekend before.

The people were great and didn't make us pay and brought out a chinchilla for the kids to pet. They had so much fun they weren't even phased that Clifford wasn't there!

Annie

2011-10-07T21:56:00.006-05:00

Chad and I took Sophie to watch Annie at The Towne Center Theater in Brentwood. This was her first experience with a musical (if you don't count watching Nemo at Disney). The show was great and the kids were probably the best performers in the entire cast. They did an outstanding job! We sat on the front row and Sophie sat on our lap. She did great besides being pretty tired (the show started at 8pm on a Friday night). It was fun to see the cast after the show. I think we are going to try to see Mary Poppins at TPAC in the spring. I'm excited that Sophie is into watching shows!

Sunday at Church

2011-10-02T13:25:00.001-05:00

Nanny's Birthday Party:)

2011-09-29T13:15:00.009-05:00

We celebrated Nanny's birthday with dinner at their house. It was a great alternative to going out to eat with our bunch. Grandpa had put up a tent in the back yard and they had fun playing in the tent with Nanny. They had flashlights and sang songs...pretty cute.

Sutton didn't want to wear his hat...Daddy wasn't being too sympathetic. The kids ended up being super cute in their birthday hats...even if they didn't like wearing them.

Sophie Reading Herself to Sleep...

2011-09-26T13:09:00.001-05:00

Sophie's night time routine can be exhausting (for me). I have to read 2 books, sing 2 songs and say 2 prayers. Then I have to give her 2 books so she can read when I leave. This is how I found her when I went up to check on Sutton before going to bed. This is about what I would look like if I tried to read in bed:)

Erika's Bridal Tea

2011-09-25T12:48:00.005-05:00

After church we went to the community center for Erika's Bridal Tea. Mac is Chad's youngest cousin on the Lamb side and he is getting married to Erika on November 5th. This is the last of the weddings on that side. We had quiet a few this year!

The kids had fun playing with their cousins during the shower. Sutton is right there with them getting into everything!

Happy Birthday Grandmama!

2011-09-24T20:05:00.002-05:00

Morgan got married on Mom's birthday so we didn't really have a separate celebration. Mom and Dad left for the beach the next day so we didn't even see them for a week. She got a great birthday present...Matt as a son-in-law:)

Morgan and Matt's Wedding - The Flowers

2011-09-24T19:54:00.015-05:00

Chad did all the flowers and decorations for Morgan's wedding. I thought it turned out beautiful!!! The orchids gave them a great look and as always the hydrangea are gorgeous.

Morgan and Matt's Wedding

2011-09-24T12:42:00.039-05:00

Things were a little crazy trying to get ready for the wedding with all of us being in the wedding and Chad doing all the flowers. Morgan had friends from beauty school doing our hair and a friend from Ulta doing makeup. Sophie was really good at sitting to get her hair fixed. I was gone for something and I come back and Grandmama had tried to "fix' it. She sprayed it with hairspray and had it pulled back tight off her face. Good thing I was able to brush it out, but it ended up looking pretty normal.

Morgan was a beautiful bride!

The kids did pretty good considering it was a really long day and they hadn't had much to eat (and no milk at all) since they had been sick the night before. I wasn't taking any chances of them throwing up again. Morgan didn't have them in any of the pictures before the wedding so they just ran around and wore themselves out. By the time we got to the reception Sophie had no energy and was crying that she just wanted to go home. Normally I can get her to snap out of it, but I had to put her in Amber's car to watch dvds for a little while and then Nanny and Grandpa took her home and she stayed the night with them (first time staying away from home). She did great:)
Sutton took little naps and got to pass out on the coats at the end of the night. Wish I could just sleep anywhere like that:)

Looks excited doesn't she:)

The wedding was gorgeous and the reception was a lot of fun. I didn't get to really dance and enjoy it like I would have liked since Sophie was requiring a lot of attention and only wanted me at the time. Morgan and Matt's friends had a blast and they danced all night long!!!

Chillin with Cousin Jeffrey before the wedding

Lexie and Jeffrey are all grown up...hard to believe!

Gorgeous!

Think we look alike?

Daddy and his baby girl. Last one married off!

The attempt at a picture with the kids...wild to say the least!

Dancing with her daddy...

Only attempt at a family picture. Bad timing. The kids were wiped out after the wedding

I can't tell if that was crying or singing. They were all over the place before the reception really got started

Taking a little nap with Nanny

Mama and Daddy looking good

Sutton was so cute in his tux. I don't know that I got a picture when he had it all on...not the easiest thing for a 1 year old

Sutton is a dancing machine:)

Watch your hands Sutton...

Sutton got to rest while we were cleaning up.

Karlee's Pinkalicious Party

2011-09-23T12:44:00.006-05:00

We celebrated Karlee's 3rd birthday on Saturday, September 17th. Chad was decorating for a wedding in Nashville so I took the kids and then left early to meet him for the wedding. We managed to get some pictures on Amber's camera. The cousin picture turned out okay...I figure we might have a chance of them all looking by the time they graduate high school.

Karlee said the prayer and it was so cute. It is amazing to see God in their little lives.

Really getting into the prayer

Amber had a table of pink foods and some homemade strawberry cupcakes. In the book, pinkalicious turns pink b/c she ate too many pink cupcakes. The doctor tells her she has to eat green foods to get back to normal, so Amber also had a table of the green food.

Morgan and Matt's Rehearsal Dinner

2011-09-23T12:17:00.015-05:00

Morgan and Matt got married at First Baptist Church in Hendersonville in their beautiful chapel. Chad works in Lebanon and it was better for him to go straight from work and I got the kids ready after work and headed that way. Luckily, I went the way that would take me the same route as Chad b/c halfway down 840 Sophie threw up all over herself. Chad stopped at a gas station and waited on me so he could "help" clean it up. I ended up with Sophie in her underwear in the gas station restroom cleaning her off. We didn't have any other clothes so the plan was for her to ride in Chad's car (the carseat in my car had throw up all in it) and he would stop somewhere on the way to the church and buy her something to wear. We almost made it to Hendersonville and she threw up again...another stop at a gas station and we were still on the plan for him to get her something to wear. I made it to the church and Sutton threw up everywhere before I got him out of the carseat. At this point we figured it was definitely some kind of stomach bug and we cleaned them both up and Chad took them home. I stayed for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Chad got the kids bathed and cleaned up and they only got sick one more time before bed. Luckily they made it threw the night okay.

The rehearsal went smoothly and the wedding coordinator was great at getting it all organized. The rehearsal dinner was just down the hall and we had a barbeque dinner catered in. It was great!!! I have never been to a wedding rehearsal that went so quickly and smoothly...especially the food part that was in the same building and ready when we got there! We had some great stories from friends and family during the rehearsal dinner. I guess I got all my crying and emotions out then!

Abby and Sarah...aka "the girls"

The Sevierville girls

Aunt Joan and Big Dave

We had some entertaining stories from friends and family

Happy Birthday Uncle Brian

2011-09-20T21:54:00.002-05:00

We met up with everyone at Toot's on our side of town to celebrate Brian's birthday. Toot's is such a great deal and you can't go wrong with the free kids hot dog and fries with my kids:) It is a fun atmosphere and the food is great!

Sophie as "A Runner"

2011-09-18T21:40:00.003-05:00

Sutton is on the move and into everything. He climbs up the stairs and can get down them without much problem. He turns around and scoots down on his belly. Still scares me and he has fallen (under Grandmama's watch) so we have to be real careful. That is why you see our chair in front of the steps in most pictures!

Sophie put my panties on and stretched them up over her shoulders and started running back and forth in the kitchen saying she was a runner. She is too funny. Then she said she was a "go getter." There is a recent Mickey episode where they were dressed in tank top looking outfits and they were competing. She is too funny!!!

Sutton love to "talk" on the cell phone. He also "talks" into the remote, the monitor and anything else that resembles a phone in the least bit. He will say "hi" real quick when he puts it up to his ear, but for the most part he just grunts and says uuuuhhhh.

Monica's Wedding

2011-09-17T21:46:00.002-05:00

Chad's friend from college, Monica, asked him to do the flowers for her wedding. She got married at a Catholic church downtown and the reception was at The Cannery Ballroom. I went to Karlee's 3rd Birthday party with the kids and left in time to make it to the reception (I took pictures on Amber's camera and will post once I get them).

She didn't have flowers for the ceremony, except for the pew markers. The church is so ornate and beautiful it doesn't need much decorating.

Chad did a great job creating the look for her bouquet based on the magazine page she gave him to go by. Her color was purple, even though the lighting and our camera makes it look blue. The flowers really were beautiful!

Eagleville Homecoming Parade

2011-09-16T21:34:00.003-05:00

Grandpa and Nanny took the kids to the Eagleville Homecoming Parade on a Friday afternoon. They had a lot of fun catching candy and watching the floats go by.

Uncle Dustin was an extra hand. I'm sure they could use all they could get with the four kids running around!

The two little boys were wiped out and fell asleep on the ride home. I'm guessing they didn't stay asleep long after they moved them.

I took the kids to the game that night while Chad worked on flowers for his friend, Monica's, wedding. It was a good way to keep the kids out of the house so he could get some work done.

I guess Sophie thought she would try to lick Sutton...don't know what that is about. Sutton wanted to be down with the big kids...he is growing up so fast!

Sophie was completely exhausted and fell asleep sitting on my lap. I carried her back to Nanny and Grandpa's like a little baby...she is getting too big for that!

Happy 1st Birthday Sutton!

2011-09-13T21:42:00.008-05:00

Look at how sweet Sutton is with Grandaddy!!! He loves him so much:) Grandmama and Grandaddy came by to visit Sutton on his birthday and then we ended up going to dinner with Nanny and Grandpa at Cracker Barrel that night. Sutton had a good birthday considering he got 5 shots....

Sutton's 1 Year Appointment

2011-09-13T21:29:00.010-05:00

I ended up taking Sutton to his 1 year appointment on his actual birthday. I hadn't really thought about the fact that he would have to get shots on his big day. He had five and it was pretty painful. Sophie got her flu shot even though I hadn't planned for her to get it that day. She hid under the chair when I told her she would get a shot...not fun!

As you can see, Sutton made a bit of a mess with the paper on the table. He was really good for the exam. You can see that he was even smiling at Dr. Bigham when he was listening to his chest. Sophie was lots of help too:) We made it through the shots and it wasn't too bad after.

Grandparent's Day

2011-09-11T14:10:00.008-05:00

Sunday School with Nanny

We went to church and then to lunch at the mexican restaurant in Eagleville with Nanny and Grandpa to celebrate Grandparent's Day. We were going to go by and visit Grandmama and Grandaddy, but they were in Murfreesboro. We are fortunate to have such wonderful grandparents and great-grand parents!!!