Karen & Russ Ayers

monkey girl

2012-02-13T07:35:00.000-08:00

I was looking back at some pictures from just after Christmas (which reminded me, I never posted any Christmas pictures) and found some funny ones of baby girl acting like a lil monkey...nothing unusual. :)
They sure make me smile and not to mention, show so much of her personality....

and going along with the monkey theme, this is how we found her one day after her nap:

oh, how I love my little monkey girl!!

pure sweetness

2012-02-06T19:46:00.000-08:00

I love being a mom. There are so many little things to find joy in each day as I am home with my little one. I remind myself of this often...to look for the little moments, the simple pleasures of raising a child and not take any of this privilege for granted. Not that it's hard for me to find the joyous times; I just want to soak in all the sweet moments I have with her and all the ways she brings joy into my life. Of course, not every day is picture perfect, there are hard days. There are weary days. But I love this role of being a mother to my sweet girl and I love watching her learn and grow each day before my very eyes. It sure goes fast.
She is almost 15 months and pulling out all kinds of little tricks. She is also doing sweet little things that just melt me..sweetness that I don't want to forget. What she's doing at fourteen months and what I'm just loving: the sweet sound of her little feet pitter pattering around all over the house (and the girl's all over the place), the way she LOVES for us to chase her around the house and "get her". She even moves her hands around in excitement like she is tickling herself and gets ready for us to run after her while we say "get you". One of my favorite things is the way she is now giving kisses. She used to give them but it was pretty rare although she would blow kisses a lot. Now, when I ask for a kiss or her daddy does (not all the time but a lot), she will lean her face in close with a little smile and want me to kiss her...either right on the lips or the nose, or she'll open her mouth for an open-mouth kiss. Usually a drooly kiss, but I'll take it. I love how she cuddles me at night before I put her to bed. It's such a sweet time to just hold her tight. The way she loves loves loves her teddy that grandma brought for her. She is completely attached to teddy bear and has been able to say "teddy" for awhile now. She gets so happy to see him. I love how she reaches up for me when she needs me or just wants me to hold her and I love how she will squeeze my leg and hold on to it. I love her babbling...she could just talk about who knows what all day long. And lastly, I love taking her little hand in mine and how she will just walk around with me...hand in hand.

It's moments like these that I want to soak up and always cherish. I know there will come a time when she won't want me to hold her, or take her by the hand and guide her, or kiss her again and again. So, I'll take little moments like these and hold them close to my heart. Always.

*all pictures by Anna Leigh Photography

random happenings...

2012-01-26T10:48:00.000-08:00

catching up in pictures.
from the phone of course...

ella's friend (best friend) :) came over the other night. they had tons of fun together

we went to the asheville area for the medical campus outreach retreat the other weekend. we were without our little one but enjoyed our time together and with others. it was kind of a whirlwind weekend as most retreats are..constantly doing something but it was good. we really enjoyed the speaker and the topic of "engaging brokenness". kind of hit home with me and really got me thinking. i hope it will continue to stir my heart and challenge me in new ways. in new ways that won't be held back by fear.

anyway, i was kind of hoping for snow, like a lot of snow since we were going to be freezing anyway. we only got a little "dusting" of it though during the night. and, i didn't bring my camera so i only have these few pics from the good ole iphone...

i love these girls. they are sweet and have such servant hearts.

and lastly, pop, granny and my mother-in-law came for a visit last weekend. russ' grandparents are just the sweetest. this was their first visit since we have moved back and we are very thankful they could make the trip and enjoy their time while here. ella sure did enjoy their company as well.

(please excuse the red eye and blurriness in some of the pics..wish i had taken some with my nice camera).

we even managed a dinner out with baby girl. she did so good at the restaurant.

lovin on her favorite teddy and granny

special memories with granny and pop!

my happy

2012-01-09T19:39:00.000-08:00

my little family makes me the happiest. no, its not perfect and there are hard times but i'm so glad i get to go through this life with them. i wouldn't want it any other way. we are learning so much together, going through the ups and downs together and growing our faith together. thank goodness this is nothing we do on our own.

thanking God for the little things in life that make me happy...like going to the park and enjoying the day with my two favorite people.

start of 2012 in pics

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

russ got the new iphone4 for christmas and it's pretty awesome. this is a big deal for him seeing that he has been attached to his 1980's flip phone for a long time. but, he finally caved and got a smart phone. if it wasn't for the clinic helping to pay for it, he would still have the good ole' flip phone i'm convinced. i think you could say i'm slightly obsessed with its camera and all the neat little tricks it can do....no need for a DSLR :))...

baby girl is one busy toddler making it harder and harder to get any decent pictures of her so having the iphone camera around is a little more convenient for capturing some of her cuteness and craziness. anyway, here are some random photo's to kick off the new year...from baby loving to a date night.

here's hoping 2012 slows it down a little...can't take this growing up so fast!

2011-12-19T14:39:00.000-08:00

a birthday party

I can't believe I am just now getting around to posting about baby girl's first birthday party. We had a lot of fun celebrating her special day. Her party was actually the day after but I remember on her actual birthday, Russ was home and when 1:19 pm rolled around, we went into her bedroom where she was waking from a nap and sang happy birthday to her. She didn't have a clue what was going on but enjoyed the attention.

Anyway, back to the party, I'm so thankful for all the friends and family who came over to celebrate with us. It really means a lot when others really love and care for your child. Baby girl is well loved :) For the party, we just made it simple and did some different little treats and of course her smash cake. I was excited to see how she would handle her cake but she wasn't all that interested. It was cute because she didn't seem to want to get all sticky so she just had a few licks and she was over it. She didn't last long for the party either. After all the attention from the cake and birthday singing, she was exhausted. Whats a girl to do? But, I'm glad so many could come to the party and celebrate with us. I got a lot of pics with her cake but not a lot of the guests (or of all the family...kicking myself for that one).

some of her aunties that she loves

someone remembered the party hat

The first birthdays are always just for the parents and family/friends. Obviously, a one year old could care less about all the craziness but birthdays have always been a big deal in my family growing up and I think it is important to celebrate the ones you love on their special day. This day was certainly very special to us!

***thanks pinterest for tons of party ideas :)

starting traditions {& gettin' crafty}

2011-12-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

I love starting new traditions especially now that we have a little one. Although she is still too young to understand it all, it's important to me that we have special little moments as a family that we do year after year. It reminds me of my childhood and the ways my mom would make each holiday special and meaningful. It's just special little moments that will always be cherished and looked back on and remind you of sweet family times. I know in all the craziness of the season, we can easily get lost in the unimportant things and miss out on the real reason we celebrate so I really wanted to make an advent calender this year. I was looking around for ideas and found a really cute one on pinterest and here. I definitely procrastinated so mine turned out a little different than I had in mind but I'm sure it took less time. I just grabbed some Martha Stewart gift tags that were on sale and then wrote a Christmas activity on the back to do each day as a family. Cute and simple and sure to create some memories while reminding us to stay focused on Christ during this busy season.

And not that this has anything to do with traditions, but I made a Christmas yarn wreath in my spare time ;) Well, I say Christmas but afterwards, I think I'll just take the red ribbon off and keep up in the house (since it is gray and white...typical).

I have seen these cute yarn wreaths all over and found this tutorial that is so easy. I think I'll be making more of these.

O Christmas Tree

2011-12-12T12:21:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, our friends invited us to the Christmas Tree Farm with them. We were excited to go to an actual "farm" instead of our usual Lowe's trip to get a tree. I decided that this year I wanted the "charlie brown" look rather than the perfect all put together tree. Just wanted something a little different and I knew it would be a challenge having a Christmas tree in the house anyway with a little one running around. So, after looking around a bit and seeing what was left, we found our perfect little charlie brown Christmas tree! I love it because it is different. It reminds of the Christmas trees that Russ grew up with when his parents would just go out on their farm and chop one down. It looks even better in its little spot in our living room...I need to take some pictures of it with all the lights on and ornaments before it dies! Anyway, here are some of our first Christmas tree farm adventures, which we will be making a family tradition from now on!

our tree in a lopsided picture :)

one year pictures

2011-11-29T12:05:00.000-08:00

This little one year old apparently has much better things to do than be still for a photo shoot. Hmm, really?
She was way too into the leaves and grass and all that nature stuff to pay any attention to her parents looking like crazy people trying to get a good picture.
Anyway, here are a few. Still can't believe this little girl is already one!

my baby is one

2011-11-22T19:54:00.000-08:00

My baby girl turned one just a few days ago. On her birthday (and the days leading up to it), I found myself looking back on all the pictures and videos of her first year of life. I could remember so well the day she was born...the anticipation and waiting, knowing we were soon to find out if our baby was a boy or girl. Russ and I kept saying it was like Christmas Eve. But really, we had felt like it was Christmas Eve for a few days now. About two weeks earlier, when my doctor checked me, I was already pretty well dilated and he thought I was going to have that baby within that weekend. So, that meant he thought I was going to have it within a day or two. We were sure this was our "Christmas Eve" as we kept saying. Family got ready, came into town and we were anxiously awaiting for something to happen; water to break, consistent, painful contractions....nothing. Boy or girl, boy or girl?!?! The excitement and anticipation was overflowing. Well, baby held on and family went home to wait longer. My sister had made me some "push pie" to help get that baby out but apparently the babe was pretty comfortable, taking its sweet little time on the grand entrance. After waiting about another week, the big day was finally here! This time for real!! After another doctor's visit, we decided it was best for him to break my water the next day so we knew for sure our little one was coming. I remember after the doctor visit, we called family and close friends and then we went to Russ' work place and I remember the complete joy and excitement he had as we told everyone our baby would be here the next day. He was so proud and had a smile on his face like I had never seen...or so I thought :) The next day would prove me wrong.
November 18th 2010 came...the day my baby would come into this world. It was a prefect day, an amazing delivery. Everything went so smooth and we had amazing staff around us. I couldn't believe that within only a matter of minutes, I would be holding the little one we had prayed for. The little one we couldn't wait any longer to meet. We were so close to finding out whether we would have a son or daughter! I can't even put into words the emotions that were running through me. Russ was amazing throughout the whole process, just loving me and holding on tightly to my hand while giving me ice chips. I remember being so thirsty and just wanting something to drink! My sister (also my photographer that day) was cheering me on and rubbing my hair. What a great sister :)
Then, I knew it was my last push...I knew my baby was here! I can't remember if there was crying right away but I remember looking up, trying to sit up to see whether it was a boy or girl. I looked, kind of like in a daze but the umbilical cord was in the way so I couldn't tell the gender so I looked up at my doctor and he was holding the baby up so I could see and he was smiling so big and says, "It's a GIRL!" Aw, I couldn't believe it! All along I was sure I was having a boy and it was a girl?!! I was in complete shock but in a very good way. I wanted a little girl so bad and there she was. So perfect and healthy. They immediately put her on my chest and she was breathtaking. Here is this little baby girl lying right on me in my arms and to think the Lord has given this gift of life to us. I just couldn't stop thanking Him for what He had done and for what He was giving us! I looked into her tiny face and the love I felt that moment is a love I have never in my life felt before. I knew I didn't deserve such a precious gift but God has allowed us the privilege and honor to care, nurture and love this little helpless being lying in my arms. There is absolutely nothing like it. Nothing like that feeling I had then. It was the moment I had been waiting for and believe me, it was every bit worth the wait. I would do it all over again.

I kept looking at my husband and seeing the joy radiant through his whole face...he was so proud. The tears in his eyes and smile on his face...this was sure to be the happiest I have ever seen him! Complete joy! I knew he was already in love all over again with his new little girl. He was wrapped up tight from the beginning.
And things haven't changed since. This daddy loves his little girl like nothing I've seen before. Their bond is so strong and special and that means the world to me. She has every reason to feel secure in her daddy's arms. I really hope she grows up a "daddy's girl." I have a lot of hopes and dreams for my little girl. I hope and pray that she will always know how much her mommy and daddy love her, believe in her and support her but most of all that she would always know the love of Jesus and not follow the ways of this world but look to Him in this life.
So, we've had an amazing first year. We've had ups and downs, challenges, sleepless nights, tired days and the sweetest moments as a family of three. I look at my baby and constantly remind myself to soak up all the little moments and to cherish this time now of raising a little one that the Lord has entrusted us with. I always want to remember the "shift" work Russ and I would take turns with during the nights at 4 am, walking up and down the hallway or watching 19 Kids and Counting at the wee hours of night while rocking her to sleep. I want to remember nursing her, bath times and the kisses she would give after. I want to remember Russ singing her to sleep in our bed and the time she first smiled...at her daddy. I want to remember all the sweet memories as these days just fly by and she grows right before our very eyes.
Our little girl has been such a blessing to so many and I look forward to watching her grow each day. We truly are so thankful for the gift she is!

Of course, I couldn't end the post without a look back on her first year:

I can't believe how big she looks in this last picture!! She has filled our hearts with such joy and one thing is for sure, she will always be my baby!

~ I hope to get around to posting some pictures of her party soon but this post was of more importance to me...to look back on her first year and document it...

her first halloween

2011-11-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

Baby girl's first Halloween was a fun one. We did a lot of things including sticking her in a pumpkin, pumpkin carving, dressing up, a little bit of trick-or-treating and eating some yummy chili when it was all done with.

Sticking her in a pumpkin-thing: so, I saw this picture of a baby sitting in a pumpkin and I wanted to try it with baby girl. She did good considering what the inside of a pumpkin is like.
The things a mom will do for some good pictures :)

we even managed some clapping:

then we had enough of the sticky, slimy stuff:

we also did our annual pumpkin carving:

had some treats:

and then it was dress up and trick-or-treat time:

my little ladybug :)

trick-or-treat with friends:

elvis and ladybug

then back in the warmth for some yummy food:

Now on to the next holidays!! Is it crazy that I'm already excited to listen to Christmas music and have been searching for my Christmas CD's?!?!

eleven months

2011-10-27T11:36:00.000-07:00

can't believe i only have one more "monthly" sticker for baby girl. that makes me pretty sad to think about. the fact that next month, she will be ONE!! what?!? where did the time go?? i find myself thinking back a lot to the past year...the memories, the challenges, the sleepless nights, the milestones and some of the sweetest moments i have ever come to know...just in the past year. it's been an amazing journey, this parenthood thing, and i wouldn't trade one single thing about it! i could go on and on, but i think i'll just wait till that time comes since i know i will be a bit emotional anyway.

so, eleven months she is! she is doing all kinds of tricks...walking, talking about who knows what, getting at least one molar in (i knew something was wrong with her when she was fussy/cranky for one week straight) and my favorite new thing she is doing- pointing at things and saying "dis" like she is trying to say "this." the girl loves to walk...she will walk all around the house like she is doing laps or something. i call her "little bit" now along with all the other nicknames she has because she has gotten taller and thinned out some.

the other day, we went to get a pumpkin so we decided to take her monthly picture there. well, we attempted but she was not gonna have it. she basically fussed the whole time we were there, not acting like herself. she usually loves to smile for the camera and even grandma and grandpa were there to help...didn't matter. so, we snapped a few(well, we did get a smile or two), got our pumpkin and got outta there. turns out, it was the beginning of a nasty little cold. sorry lil bit, for making you sit with all those pumpkins so i could get some pictures :(

that's a lot of pictures of basically the same but oh well. happy pumpkin carving!!

fun on the farm

2011-10-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

we took ella to her first "pumpkin patch" the other weekend. it really is a dairy farm about 20 minutes from where we live. our sweet friends went too and their daughter and ella just happen to be best friends (at least that's what we like to think). they do love to "talk" and play together.
we had a really good time before the rain started our way. we were able to do/see everything just in time. the girls were so cute standing by the pony, playing with the pumpkins, and seeing all the different animals. we went through the corn maze thinking it would be a piece of cake to get through. yea right...i think we were in there for close to an hour trying to find our way out. tricky it was. good thing we made it through though before the rain came! there was also this big blow up trampoline huge thing that us "big girls" just couldn't resist. it was so much fun. it rained on us but we didn't care...we hardly even noticed until our husbands started running back to the cars with the little ones. it was fun times and made for some sweet memories!

a special day

2011-10-24T09:37:00.000-07:00

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalms 100: 4-5

My baby girl was baptized in August (August 28th to be exact, yea I know). At this point I didn't think I would blog about it but then I thought it was too much of a special day not to. It was special for many reasons. This day reminded me of His promises and those to His precious covenant children. We faithfully pray that she will come to know Jesus at a very young age and cling to the truth of what was done on the cross for us all. By making this visible pledge before the church of His faithfulness, we devote this child of the covenant to Him. I always love how our pastor speaks on the biblical meanings of infant baptism.
I am so glad that our families were able to join us and celebrate with us. Ella wore her very special baptism gown which my dad and I were both baptized in. It just barely fit around her arms :) How I wish my dad could have been there to see her. Because she was 9 months when we did baptize her, I was worried that she might cry or get upset when the elder or our pastor took her before the church but she did great. No crying, she only fussed for a few seconds when the elder took her but as he was walking her down the aisle, she was checking everyone out and did some clapping and smiling. She was a cutie. After church, we came to the house and had a little celebration. Nothing like food, family and friends! Although Ella was much too tired from all the excitement so she slept through the whole thing. Here are some pictures of her sweet day...

sitting with aunt staci before the service

checking out all the people

she LOVES her sweet friends (aunties)

uncle curty and aunt staci

summer catch up: round 2

2011-09-28T13:59:00.000-07:00

catching up from the summer...
we went to New Jersey in early August. why there? that is where a lot of my mom's side of the family lives. we try to go once a year but didn't make it last year since we were expecting around the time everyone wanted to get together. it's not bad though considering my aunt and uncle live about 10 minutes from the shore. anyways, i was looking over the photo's and realized i really didn't take that many. the excitement about our trip was going deep sea fishing so that's most of the pictures. it was a short trip and we drove. yep, we drove..with a nine month old. it was fun times. here are some pics of our trip...

we did some swimming:

sadly, this is the only picture i have of her playing with her cousins

our deep sea fishing adventure:

my sister catching her first fish

his first fish

catching my winter flounder fish

my cousin and russ

the crew and the fish we caught

we took them home and cooked them for dinner!

our boat

ten months

2011-09-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

her ten month birthday day kind of came and went without me realizing it. i had some of my days mixed up. so, a few days ago we decided to go to the park and let her walk around (in her new little walking shoes) but she is funny. she doesn't know what to think of the grass. we put her down and she just sits there and will study and look at it but won't move. i guess that is one way to keep her put and not have to chase her around. :) and getting her monthly sticker picture is no easy task. she loves to pick and pull at the thing and try to get it off. but, we managed to get some.

studying this grass stuff

what she is doing at ten months: she is starting to walk some (she can take about 10 steps by herself before falling to a crawl position), her favorite word is by far "dada", we have been trying table foods but she is being a little picky and usually will just play with them and then throw it on the ground, she still loves to wave and says "bye-bye" a lot, her new word she has starting saying is "hi." she says it so cute though in a soft, drawn out voice with a big smile. she loves to dance. anytime she hears music she will start moving up and down and sometimes move her head side to side. i have to say, this has been my favorite stage so far, around 9 and 10 months. she is so fun and starting to understand things better. she is a little gem and i am so thankful i get to spend every day with her. that i get to watch her grow and do new things day in and day out is such a blessing. i am forever grateful to the One who has allowed me this privilege to be her mommy!

for the love of a vacuum cleaner

2011-09-23T06:24:00.000-07:00

she is passionate about many things at such a young age and a vacuum cleaner is just one of them...

summer photo catch-up

2011-09-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

i realized i never blogged about either of our summer vacations so i'll just tie them both together in one. in july, we went to harbor island (right near hilton head) with russ' family. it was the first time baby girl got to experience the ocean (we went in march to hilton head but it was too cold to get in the water).

not really sure what she thought of it...

there she is out in the ocean in her floatie

a lot of playing with daddy

the water wasn't crystal clear, but it was still pretty

we saw some wildlife:

did some bike riding (in the heat of the day for some unknown reason)

woke up really early one morning and watched the sunrise with my mother-in-law

and enjoyed some family time

well, i lied...this post took too long and now the babe is up so gotta run. will post more summer pics later!

she is my little helper

2011-09-19T14:51:00.000-07:00

if she wasn't so stinkin cute, i would might put her in her jumpy or exer-saucer or wish daddy was home to entertain her. but, every time i look down at my feet while cooking and see her right under them or feel her little fingers tugging on my pants and following my every move, my heart tugs a little bit and i can't help but smile and enjoy times like these. it won't always be this way... where she wants to be with me constantly, right under my feet. so, i will take it while i can.

and just cause, here she is trying hard to get her shoes off and looking too much like a big girl..

oh, and she is her daddy's little helper too, of course..

love this little stinker with every ounce of my being.

getting sooo close...

2011-09-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

baby girl is a little walking talking machine. well, not really but she is definitely getting close. russ will hold her hands and off they will go. i was finally able to get a half decent video of them. she also loves to wave and clap her hands randomly. however, she is getting better with the waving. whenever we say "bye bye," she will wave and sometimes say "bye". not sure how i feel about all this big girl stuff going on but either way, she is always entertaining us and i always look forward to her new developments. here is a little video (arghhh, i hate my voice on it but whatev).

inse

she is ready...

2011-09-02T09:29:00.000-07:00

yep, baby girl is all ready to cheer on those bulldogs this weekend. she will be cheering at nana's house while russ and i go to the game in atlanta. we are excited about some football and really excited about having our little cheerleader! i have to admit, it is a lot of fun dressing her up in all the bulldog cuteness they have for the little ones. with baby girl, since we didn't find out what we were having when i was pregnant, i had to get her a little dress this season. and the good thing about it, this is the ONE dress russ was completely happy about purchasing. no questions were asked (well except for how much) and i only had to ask him once if i could get it for her. he replied with an instant "sure" and then "how much". i told him and no other questions asked. he even was maybe a little excited about the cute little dress even if it was only because it was red and black. now, if only purchasing clothes for baby girl were this easy all the time :)).
anyway, win or lose, you gotta love being a georgia bulldog!

this girl loves to do some clapping

five years and nine months

2011-08-31T12:24:00.000-07:00

so much going on right now and so much going through my mind. the end of summer has been a whirlwind it seems. and already, the countdown is on and the husband (and i) are getting very excited about some college football. only 3 more days...then its game time. baby girl is getting ready. although, she don't know what's about to come of her daddy!
anyway, russ and i celebrated five years together last week. i thought we were just going to pick up some steaks and grill at home since we didn't really plan ahead and find a babysitter. russ came home a little late from work and i was sorta in a grumpy mood but he was excited. he told me to hurry and get ready; that a babysitter was coming at 6:30 and we were going out to dinner. he wouldn't tell me who or where but i didn't hesitate. i got ready, our sweet friends came over to watch baby girl and off we went to one of our favorite restaurant in town. it was a great night to spend with the one i love the most :)
five years ago:

and five years later, here we are on our anniversary:

also, baby girl is getting so big and turned 9 months a few weeks ago. she is so funny. what she is loving at 9 months: clapping, waving bye-bye, saying dada and sometimes she can say mama. she can also say bye bye sometimes. she loves to giggle, put anything she possibly can into her mouth, crawling, standing on her own, jumping, and just "babbling." she knows what "puffs", "no", "come on", "dolly" and "bye" means. she loves to drink water and only water out of her sippie. she has another tooth coming in, making that 7 total.

here are some pictures at 9 months...

summer snippets

2011-08-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

summer has been flying by. in a way, i am so ready for fall yet, i am so not ready for the end of fall when baby girl will turn one. don't really want to think about that. we have been so busy and i feel like for the past month, we have been out of town every weekend. which we have. i really have 1,000 other things i need to be doing because we are about to go out of town again but i just wanted to post some summer pictures before i forget for journaling purposes. oh, and today is a really good day because it is russ' last day as a hospitalist! he will be full time at the clinic now. no more juggling two jobs. for that, we will have to celebrate tonight! anyway, here is some of our summer in photo's....


we have been enjoying our fresh blueberries from the farm


we had fun on the 4th. these are the only pics i took. none of the fireworks. i made some of these dresses for baby girl (with my mom's help) and this is what baby girl thought of it...

she had enough of it. don't think i'll be using this pattern again

july supper club with some fab friends!

widow's home dedication...brought the wrong lens so didn't take many good pics

beach trip with the whole ayers' family

more pics later

and just cause...baby girl cheesing it up for the camera. could eat her and her squishy face up!

and of course, a lot of pool days

wish i had taken more pictures of some other things we've done but that's it for now.

eight months

2011-07-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

i am really wishing time would just slow down some. my baby girl is growing up way too fast for my liking. she is already acting like a "big girl" with her standing up, trying to walk (yes, she is trying to walk) and becoming more independent. she is definitely keeping me on my toes at all times, maybe making my heart skip a few beats each time she bangs her head or gets into something that's a "no touch."

she is eight months old and she is so active. i sometimes find myself wondering if other babies are as active. she loves to get into anything and everything. she is crawling like a mad woman around the house and i have surely been getting some good exercise. she has a total of six teeth (the top four are still coming in). she loves most all of her baby food and is starting to learn to use her sippie cup. she is mostly just saying "dada" and working on waving bye-bye. the cutest thing she is doing now is clapping. she loves to clap and a lot of times after nursing, i will stand her up and she will clap with the biggest smile on her face. i feel like she is already starting to look more like a little girl than a baby. we just got back from the beach with family and she loves the water! she is mainly just taking one nap a day but sometimes, if lucky, i can squeeze in two.
here are some pictures of the little monkey at eight months doing what she loves...climbing, standing, crawling, going, going, going....

clapping girl


more clapping

on a mission

standing

climbing

what mom???

and just for laughs, this is how she fell earlier today....

happy eight months love! you are my heart!

going out in style...

2011-07-25T19:12:00.000-07:00

...of my twenties that is.
yep, i turned the big 3-0 the end of june (told you i was behind on my postings and this one i've been working on for days it seems so i'll keep it short and sweet).
it was a little crazy and we pretty much celebrated the whole weekend. complete with fireworks and sparklers (thanks to the 4th of july celebration being on my big surprise party night).
the morning of my actual birthday started out as sweet as ever thanks to my husband and baby girl:

nothing like some eggo waffles to start your day ;))

the three of us had a fun day together and maybe between the two of them, i got a little bit spoiled! :) for dinner, we went out to eat with some friends to a nice restaurant here in town. as simple as it was, we had a blast!

i told russ from the beginning that i in no way wanted a surprise birthday, that i just wanted to go out to eat with some friends. so, my birthday was a great day!
but, who was i kidding...
i guess it was payback time from his surprise party.
i knew my family was coming to town in a few days so i thought something might be up since we are all big on birthdays but had no clue as to what. my mom and sister took me shopping (hmmm) and i came home to a lot of friends eagerly awaiting to surprise me. whata ya know....

don't mind the hallway...paint job in the very near future

they were practicing my "surprise face"

stole these pics from friend mandy :)


russ in just an hour made a low country boil and grilled hamburgers/hotdogs for the party! pretty amazing!

the cake my mom brought for me


their main concern: cake and ice-cream!

***thanks to robert for taking these pictures since i wasn't at all concerned with the camera. and, thanks to my sweet husband, family and friends for celebrating my big 3-0 with me! whether by message, phone call, cards, or being with me to celebrate, you all helped to make it such a special occasion. and i have to say to my husband, you out did yourself! thank you for everything you did for my surprise party even though i told you not to do anything...little sneaky you!
later that night, after some sparklers on the back deck, we all walked down to the river for the 4th of july firework show. great way to end the night (unfortunately i took no pictures).
a lot of people have asked me how does it feel. well, not much different. i just feel grateful for the past thirty years and look forward to what's to come. i wanted to make sure i made time to reflect and think about all the blessings and all the ways the Lord has provided in my life. in simple words, i am just very thankful.

catch up: amazon & 7 months

2011-07-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

It's so hard to find time to blog these days. I always think of things I want to share/blog but never make the time. Goes to show why I'm just now posting on baby girl's 7 months when next week she will be 8 months. Oh well. She is napping so I will blog. Sounds better than doing the laundry or cleaning the bathroom anyway. But first, in June, Russ went with a team to the Amazon for two weeks. It was a different trip than any we had been on before. The team stayed on a boat for the two weeks in the Amazon and traveled down river to serve different villages. I asked him to take pictures for me...

love this girl!

While Russ was gone, baby girl turned 7 months! She is such a funny little girl. She has her two front teeth coming in. She is saying "baba" and sometimes "ma" and "da" without meaning though. At 7 months, although not stable, she was learning to crawl a little. Eating like a champ. She is pulling up in her crib to which we had to lower the mattress. My mom was with me for a week while Russ was gone and we attempted her monthly picture. This was no easy feat, as you can tell. This is the best we could do with a busy girl wanting to chew and pull on her sticker.
The many faces of baby girl...

this was my little dress

father's day

2011-06-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

As I'm sitting here thinking of this past father's day, I remember last years so clearly. Russ and I were lying on the bed at his parent's house. Russ had his hand on my belly talking to the baby. I was about 18 or so weeks along then. I had my hand on top of his and for the first time, we felt our baby kick. It was a big kick. There was no mistaken what it was and we both just looked at each other smiling. I guess we had been kind of waiting for that "first kick." The first movement that we could feel from the baby. And when it happened, Russ was so happy...just to feel his baby for the first time. It was special to us and that moment is forever engraved in my heart. Yes, I realize that that's what babies do in the belly and a lot of people will and have experienced the same. But, it was the look and joy that came from my husband...on father's day nonetheless.

It's the little things like this that always brings me back to the gratitude and thankfulness I have for my husband. It's the simple things that make me realize how blessed I truly am that God has put Russ in my life...as a husband, father, leader and friend. I know I don't deserve someone like him. But, I know God is good and He blesses His children. He also knows what He is doing...for someone with such little patience, Russ has all the patience in the world and puts up with me with a whole lotta love :)
There is so much I love about Russ and every quality I prayed for in a husband and father, he has.

This father's day was bittersweet for me. Russ had the opportunity to serve with medical campus outreach to the people in the Amazon. Medical missions is and has been a big part of our lives and we both felt this trip was nothing to pass up. Although we were not together to celebrate his first father's day, I am happy and content with what he is doing.
So, I had to think of something special to do for him. I knew he was leaving with mixed emotions; excited about what the Lord would do in the Amazon but sad about missing his baby girl (and maybe me) :) I decided I would take some pictures for him to open on father's day with his cards. Simple and sweet. I definitely broke out in a sweat attempting these pictures. Ella had no clue what was going on but she was completely taken with the 1000 flashes that would go off since for some reason the camera would take five or so pictures in a row. But, it got her attention. So, on father's day, packed away in his luggage, he opened his father day cards. And, in baby girl's, he had a little surprise...

Russ was able to call on father's day after he opened his cards. It was good to talk to him even through the bad connection...we will take what we can get. We are excited to see him...only 1 1/2 more days!

a taste of summer...

2011-06-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

this little fish was living the life the other day

her first day in her new pool and she was having a blast! the water was a little cold but she didn't seem to mind. the days here have been so hot so we're excited to have this little pool on our back deck...nothing like a baby pool to help cool you off. she probably would have stayed in there all day she was enjoying it so. i definitely think she will have fun at the beach...

here's to the start of a fun, crazy summer!!

already looking back...

2011-06-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

ahhhh...times flies!!!! i really wish it would just slow down some. just thinking that my baby girl will soon be 7 months brings on a little sadness. i knew the time would go quickly but i didn't think i would want to stop it this bad. i was thinking back to her newborn days...they were certainly bittersweet for me. much of those days seemed like a blur and i feel as though i don't remember a lot of that time. like, when she was so so tiny and couldn't hold her head up or when we had to keep her little fingers covered all the time because she would always scratch her face. or the nights where we tried everything but only ended up swaddling her right up close to her daddy in the bed where she would sleep tight, not moving a muscle and i would find myself checking on her throughout the night to make sure russ hadn't rolled on top of her. he wouldn't move though. he was so good about that. but, there are certainly moments i do remember that i want to never forget. i want to hold on to those times when she would nurse and just lay there, not distracted or looking around wanting to play but would just nurse and usually fall asleep. that was our sweet bonding time and i knew then to soak it up as much as i could...i knew these days would not last forever. that was my sweet time of cuddling and snuggling my tiny little one. she would nurse and then i would hold her up on my shoulder to burp her and just listen to her sweet little breaths and newborn noises she would make. that time still pulls on my heart. and i remember those sleepless nights that all russ knew was to hold his little girl tight, walk her around and around singing her to sleep. he would sing her to sleep so many nights and if you could only hear the "lullabies" he would sing to her. needless to say, at times he was desperate. oh how he loves that little girl of his. its such a deep, real love and i never doubted he had it in him. that time created instant bonding between the two. it has been one of the sweetest things i have ever seen. those two together. i know i have an amazing husband. i can see it through his love for our daughter and i can't begin to tell you how much that means to me.
but, there was a lot of adjusting going on as well. in her first two months, she would hardly sleep. she definitely had her days and nights confused and even some nights that she didn't sleep, the days would be sleepless as well. we had a hard time at first getting her on a schedule and then realized it would be impossible until she was sleeping through the night. and then, around two months it happened. she slept through the night and we woke up checking the clock over and over and running to her room to make sure everything was okay. sure enough though, she did it! we felt like brand new parents that could conquer the world.

well, i guess you would think my baby is turning a year...just got a little sentimental.
anyway, as much as growing up too fast makes me sad, she continues to bring us more joy each day and more love in our hearts than we thought possible. her little personality is coming out in such a big way and she does so many funny things. she is sitting up on her own and scooting around. i think in no time she will be crawling. she is eating baby food and loving it. we're still working on "mama" and "dada" and she is still busy as ever! six months has been another fun stage. on her six month birthday we had to celebrate. so, what better way than taking pictures of course! so here we go...six month pictures (and then some)

and these are a few from 5 months i didn't get around to posting...

and just one more from mother's day. it was certainly a special day for me.

her first easter (and first bow) :)

2011-05-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

first, let me start off this post with a picture of baby girl wearing a bow for the first time...not a big deal to most but finally being able to wear a bow is a big deal here for this mama!!:) i mean, who needs hair, right!?

anyway...changing the subject, we had a great easter weekend with our families. for some reason, we always stress ourselves out during the holidays to see both families, but in the end, its always worth it! besides, it was baby girl's first easter! in the midst of all the easter fun and easter baskets, i hope she'll understand at a young age the true meaning of easter and celebrate our risen Savior!
while at the farm, we were able to visit with some sweet friends and baby girl finally met their little one...

they were amused with each other...toes, bows and all!

we took them out on the farm to play with some farm animals...neither one was really a big fan...

here are some Easter Sunday pictures we took after church (sadly, i didn't get any pictures of my family's easter)...

on a side note, i know i take a lot of pictures of baby girl and our little family but it is fun for me and i enjoy it so i just hope ya'll enjoy seeing them!

hope everyone had a very happy easter!

2011-04-18T13:26:00.000-07:00

guess who is 5 months old today?!?!?

this little girl is busy, busy, busy!!!
let me think of all that she is doing at 5 months...
she is rolling over on her tummy and sometimes at night getting stuck..in which we have to go in and roll her back over (she hates tummy time). besides rolling over, she moves all around her crib and you never know how you will find her in the morning. she really likes to sleep on her side these days. she loves to talk herself to sleep and will talk up a storm! it's like she really thinks you can understand her. :) she loves to spit and stick her little tongue out. she is constantly drooling...no teeth yet. the things that make her laugh: jumping in her jumpy johnny thing, when i do a "fake" cough, and holding her up high and making her "dance". she does her own "fake" cough which has just started over the past few days to get attention and then she will laugh at herself. she loves to be outside and in her stroller. loves to go on walks. she still loves to play with her toes! she smiles all the time now and i'm hoping soon she will start to cuddle us some! last night was her first time in the nursery at church and she did great!! didn't even seem to miss me :(
other things she has been up to:

playing in her exer-saucer

doing some tummy-time

jumping in her jumpy johnny

this one makes me laugh (after awhile of jumping, this is what she looked like)

and just being cute...

happy 5 months baby girl!!!! love you so!!

some days...

2011-04-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

some days, i find it funny at the things i amuse myself with. like this morning, taking pictures of my baby trying to "take" her socks off for about fifteen minutes and playing with her toes. i then realized i was spending way too much time taking pictures while she was sitting there in a big ole stinky. but, she was very amused herself trying very hard to get her socks off. i guess you have to appreciate the little things in each day..especially when you are home most days with a little one. i wouldn't trade it for anything though. she has completely stolen my heart and i can't get enough of her...

and some days, this is how i dress my baby...in knee-high socks (have to keep them all the way up cause she loves to take her socks off any way she can) i think she looks so stinkin cute in knee-highs ;) if only she knew...one day she will look back at these pictures and wonder...

working hard to get those silly socks off....

don't you just love a random post...

first vacation and 4 months

2011-03-24T13:17:00.000-07:00

so we went on our first little vaca as a family of three. russ thought it was time for some downtime and i agreed (you know, me and the babe needed to get out of the house for awhile)! we decided to go to hilton head, one of our favorite places to vacation. it was still a little cool out and the water was definitely too cold but the weather was still great...nice and sunny. baby girl did so good the whole time: the car ride, the pool side, our forever long "photo shoot" and sleeping at night. i feel another vacation coming on reallll soon :))
hope you enjoy ALL the pictures (you know i can't help myself)

baby girl also turned 4 months while at the beach so of course i had to get a picture (or two)...

she had her 4 month check up a few days ago:
weight: 14lbs 2ozs (50%)
length: 24 in (30%)
head: 16 in (70%)

she is such a joy and it just gets better each day. her new favorite thing to do is get her toes and try to put them to her mouth when lying on her back...cutest thing. she also has the sweetest little giggle that she does more and more. still loves her changing table and has her favorite little "bunny". she loves her stroller and going on walks and runs a lot with her daddy. she is still sleeping through the night, going to bed around 10:30, waking up around 6 to 7 to eat and then back to sleep until around 11! she loves her baths and loves to be around people and just watch what's going on....she is one busy busy baby for sure! ella girl, you are so precious to us and we love you so much!!!

pretty in purple

2011-03-07T11:55:00.000-08:00

its all about the tutu in these pics...just couldn't resist the babe in it...and yes, i got carried away again with taking 1000 pictures of the same. but, don't worry...you can tell in the last picture, she is having fun!!:))

and, looks like someone is getting excited about summertime...trying on her shades already just to make sure they fit good...such a diva she is :)

and, just to mix things up a little on this blog....
there are only 25 more days until the cooper river bridge run and i'm a little nervous. this is and has been my post-pregnancy goal and i have been training but running is not my most favorite thing to do. i'm getting better though and actually enjoying it more. so, we'll see. at least we have an excuse to go to Charleston!!!

three months

2011-02-18T12:17:00.000-08:00

baby girl is three months today!!!! what a sweetie she is! she is getting so big and is constantly changing (but that's what babies do)! she is now sleeping through the night although she still goes down pretty late and will nap most of the morning. i had forgotten how nice it was to get a full night's sleep!! she LOVES to lick everything and anything she can get to, especially her little hands and she also loves to look and follow her hands. she is cooing and squealing like crazy and still loves her changing pad! she is really good at rolling from her tummy to back and loves to have your attention at all times! :) i love her oh so chubby cheeks and little chubby thighs, her beautiful big blue (for now) eyes and her smile completely melts me....

here are a few pics because you know i can't just pick one (even if they do all look the same)

in her first tutu!!

i pretty much kiss her face off all day long...

my sweet little valentine

two months already?!?

2011-01-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

my baby girl turned two months two days ago and today she had her check up. we are so very thankful for a healthy, growing baby girl. we just adore her and in just these past two months, she has brought so much joy to our lives. thank you God for allowing us the privilege to care, love and nurture this little one!

Ella's two months:
weight: 10lbs 14ozs (50th percentile)
height: 23 inches (73rd percentile)
head: 15 inches (31st percentile)

just a few pictures of the babe at 2 months (i'm just a little obsessed with taking them)...

there was nothing quite like it...

2010-12-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

my sweet baby girl will be six weeks in two days...i can't believe it!!! its true when they say time flies! i didn't doubt it though. i can't believe she will be six weeks and i am just now doing a post about her birth! then again, looking at my track record, i'm not the most consistent blogger there is. oh well...i have been completely consumed by my little one and i am completely IN LOVE with her. so, blogging can continue to take the back burner for now.
but i do want to share a little...
so, its no surprise to anyone who reads my blog or knows us that we had a little baby GIRL! Ella was born on November 18th at 1:19pm weighing 6 lbs and 14 ozs. i have to say my labor/delivery was pretty amazing. no pain, never felt a contraction. i was already 6 cm when i got to the hospital that morning and 90% effaced. i was originally going to share about her birth story but i think at this point, i'll skip all the details and just say her birth day was quite the experience and i know i'll never forget that day and everything that took place. it was such a great day...better than i ever expected! thankfully, my mother-in-law journaled the whole day of events and my sister was our "photographer," so we have everything well documented. one of the best parts was not knowing if we were having a boy or girl. there is nothing like having your first baby and being completely surprised of the gender. there is no other surprise like it! so worth the wait and i would do it all over again! i just remember the doctor holding her up and saying "its a girl!!!" and i was in complete shock! i thought for sure we were having a boy because that's what everyone would tell me so i just convinced myself of it. i just couldn't believe my baby was a GIRL!!! such a sweet sweet surprise!!! i remember they placed her on my chest wrapped in a towel right after, russ cut the cord and i just held her tight and thanked God for her. she was healthy, crying and absolutely beautiful! i remember thinking, "how did i deserve such a precious, perfect gift?" i don't, but God loves that much...He is good!
i am so thankful for my baby girl and love everything about her. i love her little smile she does in her sleep, her "big girl" stretches she always does when waking, her very inpatient cry when she is hungry and her little pouty face, her little leg rolls and chunky cheeks i want to squeeze all day and her little fuzz head. God created her perfect in His image...thank you God!

one more day....

2010-11-17T12:03:00.001-08:00

One more day until we meet our little babe! Russ and I are so excited...it feels like Christmas Eve right now! :)
I am 39 weeks and 5 days today. I had my doctor's appointment this morning and we decided the best thing to do is go in tomorrow and have the doctor break my water. This should happen around 9 am. I do not need to be induced because I am already dilated well. Hopefully, everything will go well and baby will soon join us to make a family of three!!!
I know I have posted this before but God has been so faithful throughout the whole process and we couldn't be more thankful for what He has done. We give Him all the glory.
To our sweet little one....we cannot wait to meet you and love on you and hold you tight! You are the one we have been waiting for and how worth the wait it will be!!!

all over the place...

2010-11-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

this is another random post...kind-of all over the place. kind-of how i'm feeling these days....

nesting has kicked in full gear (well, it has for awhile but as i'm slowly getting my house back its been crazy). not only have we been cleaning and finishing up the nursery, i have been baking a lot! and everything seems to have pumpkin in it. but russ doesn't mind.
a few weeks ago, i made this really good pumpkin roll which i think is on the back of the libby's canned pumpkin too.
it was good!

last night, i made some pumpkin cupcakes that looked too good to resist....and they were.

i saw these on a blog somewhere?? but they are also out of real simple magazine from last year.

along with the pumpkin theme, we carved our little pumpkin last weekend...

and roasted our pumpkin seeds which i now know i don't really care for roasted pumpkin seeds.

to totally change the subject, we had some maternity pictures taken (free of charge) by a good friend from greenwood. he had no clue that he would be taking pictures of us but i knew he was a good photographer and the area (asheville) was so pretty that i couldn't resist to ask him. i never was into the maternity pictures, really didn't want my big belly all over the place. but i think these turned out pretty good and still modest. it was so nice of him to do this for us!

i'm only going to post these two...that's enough

and lastly for this crazy post, here is a little peek of the nursery. its done for now but not completely done. i'm waiting for baby to get here so i can either add blue or pink and order some pictures i want. and also add curtains. these things will help give the room more color. the pictures aren't the best because of the poor lighting but this will do for now...

i know the little white dress makes the room look more "girly" but that is what both my dad and i were baptized in...very special!

time for some resting...this baby might come sooner than later......

this is that post....

2010-10-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

so, for anyone who might read this little blog, yesterday i almost went off about my emotional/roll-coaster pregnancy self. i could have done a whole post just about that. well, this is it.
i am today 37 weeks and term. so thankful to have made it this far with this little one still content inside (hopefully will remain content). i keep envisioning the day i meet my baby face to face and hear the words, "its a ----"! after waiting this long, the excitement only grows stronger and the surprise so much more real. lately for me, it has been hard to take all this in and realize that soon, i will have my very own little one to hold and love and kiss and squeeze. sometimes, this still doesn't seem real to me. i feel like my mind has been consumed with so many other things (most of the time things that don't matter like wanting my house to be perfect and completely organized before baby comes)that the cycle begins and i get anxious and worried about construction not going right or not being done on time, or the fact that we don't have a washer/dryer hooked up at the moment or the nursery is not completely done and spotless. i seem to take it all out on russ and then give him a billion "to do" things only after he has worked all day everyday. yet, he comes home, looks at his "to do" and immediately starts working hard all over again just to make me happy. then it starts...the meltdown. what kind of person am i? why can't i just be satisfied? why can't i just enjoy this time with my husband, just the two of us before things change? then, i'm mad at myself and really dislike the kind of person i am at that moment.
as if that's not enough,then comes the flood of questions, thoughts and fears of becoming a new mother and all the responsibility that comes along. i pray that i will be a nurturing, loving, PATIENT, God-seeking parent that is pleasing in His sight. that i will do my very best to raise this little one to know fully the love of Christ and what was done on the cross. that this baby will grow to never know a day without Jesus as his/her Savior. i pray for this wisdom but at times feel so incapable of being that mother. yet, i know His grace is sufficient for even someone like me.
just the other night, i had russ read me some verses because all these thoughts were going through my mind. this one came up and i constantly remind myself of this truth...

do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
philippians 4:6-7

i can't help but think of how faithful God has been throughout this whole process. even through all my fears and doubts, he has remained faithful to me. to thinking i was definitely going to have a c-section due to baby being breeched at 34 weeks and praying that the baby would turn and now being term with baby head down (turned around 35 weeks). always wishing i had more faith...
i still do realize that yes, i could still have a c-section for whatever reason and that things might not go as planned but God has and continues to show Himself to me in His timing.
so for now, i will continue to wait and continue to pray for a grateful heart. i hope i can take in these last few weeks (if baby doesn't come any earlier)and just enjoy this time and the time i have with just my husband and me. i know this time is so precious and i hate that i haven't enjoyed it more. i need to slow down and appreciate whats going on (like the fact that we are able to do construction and even as i type, they are about to finish up the bathroom). i still get a little envious of moms-to-be who have it all done; the nursery complete, the house spic and span, everything organized, thank yous done, check-list finished and just waiting and relaxing....is there really such a thing??? does all that really matter??
i kind-of laugh thinking about that now...
i am so so very excited about meeting our little one soon. just the thought of holding my baby for the very first time and kissing those little cheeks and holding it close brings many great emotions. and just at the right time, my friend emailed me this video that i watched this morning. believe me when i say it was just what i needed to see. whether you're a mom, mom-to-be or desire to be one day, this video is awesome. a few tears were shed...
please watch...very encouraging

so, this video is huge on here but i really have no clue how to load it otherwise. oh well, it works...sorry so big!

better than a babymoon

2010-10-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

i always hear of parents-to-be going on a "baby-moon" and i told russ (probably sometime in my second trimester) that we should go on one. he really had no clue what i was talking about so i had to fill him in. he wasn't so sure about all of it but i was thinking of places we could go before baby comes. well....we have been so busy with house renovations, work and who knows what else that time has just been slipping away like crazy (whatever happened to september...and now almost november)???? anyway, all that to say, the "baby-moon" planning was looking pretty dim for us seeing how busy things were/are right now ( i know, sad...too busy to take a break from "life" before things forever change).
but, then we realized we could make a very special wedding up in asheville! we had to wait because i would be just over 36 weeks and we wanted to make sure my doctor thought it was alright. so, he gave the ok and off we went. perfect place and time of year to go before baby and we were so excited to see many of our greenwood friends! we had such a fun time. the bride/groom planned a whole weekend (thursday through sunday) of events and although it was pretty busy and hectic at times, it was well worth it. so, maybe not so much a baby-moon after all but we would have gone anyway just to take part in the wedding and see everyone. it was beautiful, the leaves were changing, the weather was great, the food was delish and the company was fabulous!

friday night in downtown asheville waiting to eat

fun group of friends

on saturday, we went to sky top apple orchard with everyone. we didn't pick any apples but russ and i did get a pumpkin that hopefully we will carve before halloween.
they had so many delicious looking apples...

and lots of pumpkins...

sunday was the big day...

my friend tia and i...we were just like family sitting in the second row...oops!

with the newlyweds

now we're back and here come all the emotions and feelings and melt-downs again...i have to keep reminding myself that i am normal, this is normal...just a part of the whole pregnancy thing. hopefully, construction will be done within next few days and i can have my house back! can't believe my baby will be here in a few short weeks. i am praying that this little one will wait until around my due date and not any earlier but then again, this is out of my control. what i really need to be praying is that i will remain thankful for what the Lord has done/is doing...i pray for a thankful heart at all times (this is for another post, another day).

"oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever"
Psalm 118:29

pregnancy highlights

2010-10-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

i didn't think i would blog much on my pregnancy but i have seen some of these posts on different blogs and thought i would do one for the fun of it. why not...i'm already 33 weeks!! so, here goes:

how far: 33 weeks and 3 days

size of baby: last week i had my first ultrasound since 18 weeks...baby weighed 4lbs and 3 ozs!

total weight gain/loss: lets just say no weight loss here...

maternity clothes: even these are not always comfortable...still loving workout/bum clothes...what i wear 99% of the time

movement: i usually just feel the baby move at night, when i'm lying still. baby moves like crazy during this time and i can't tell between kicks and punches/etc right now

sleep: only a few hours a night usually waking up feeling exhausted. really ready for some good sleep...might be too late for that :(

symptoms: reflux and my third trimester came hand-in-hand. tums is now my must have before i go to bed

what i miss: aerobics, sleeping on my stomach, being able to bend over normally and put my shoes/socks on

cravings: ice, sweet tea

best moment this week: we'll go back to last week when i had my u/s and saw my baby's face...seeing those chubby cheeks melts my heart already! and i'll add the two baby showers this past weekend given by wonderful family and friends....leaves me feeling so blessed

what i am looking forward to: meeting my little one and knowing this little surprise (boy or girl) was well worth the wait!!!!

last of summer

2010-09-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

meant to do a post last week to recap our weekend but never got around to it. can't believe summer is officially over and fall is here...you would never know it. although i am thankful for the rain. and i have already been burning my pumpkin spice candle...mostly because it smells like construction/sheetrock in our house these days.

anyway, russ and i went to the georgia/arkansas game two weekends ago and although i can't brag on the dawgs, i did get the picture i wanted...we were standing in the perfect little spot when they plopped UGA russ on the bushes/hedges so this is as close as we could get. i was satisfied. the game was worth it just to get my russ and bulldog russ :) so much for the dawgs this season....
oh well, no fair-weather fans here

russ...still the cutest mascot in the land

we also managed to squeeze in a 30th birthday celebration/baby shower in carrollton with family. had a lot of fun! so thankful for our families.

can't get enough

2010-09-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

WARNING: random post

of this...

ice cream

or this...

cookies of any sort

or these...

my sister brought these back from crumbs bake shop in NYC and they were so so good. only lasted 2 days.

Totally feeling out of control when it comes to sweets and anything chocolate. I am in my third trimester but still, completely out of control. What happened to eating all healthy foods for my baby?? not sure...
Yesterday, I did use my pregnancy excuse to get not one ice cream blizzard but two (one for afternoon snack and one for dessert)!! When Russ needed to go to Lowe's after dinner, I googled Diary Queen in that area, didn't find one so Sonic Blast it was...definitely needed to go to Lowe's with him. That is crazy but they were oh so good! Russ thought that I would share one of my blizzards. I thought about it but then realized I needed it all to myself. I am, after all, eating for two??? He had to get his own and I think he was glad he did :) At this point, he just wants to keep me happy so he willingly gave into me and my need for something sweet...twice! Gotta love a supportive husband!
Any momma's or momma's-to-be know what I'm going through?? Reassurance would be greatly appreciated (even though, yes, i know this is normal...to at least some degree) :) I still think its a little crazy!

just typing this post makes me want to go to the gym...better go get ready

surprised indeed

2010-09-13T07:49:00.000-07:00

So, I wasn't sure how I was going to pull this one off....a surprise 30th party for Russ. He turned the big 3-0 the end of August and my mind was swirling for ways to surprise him. It was going to be hard because I knew he would think I was planning something so I had to throw him off. With the help of some close friends, my little surprise plan worked (not that his party was anything original, just a great time with friends).

Here he is on his lunch break on his actual birthday eating a "cookie cake" I put together for him to trick him into thinking that was his "birthday cake". He had told me the day before he didn't want me to make him a cake because we had had so many sweets in the house. He told me just to make him one when we celebrate with his family in a few weeks. I was glad he told me that because little did he know I already ordered a cake at Publix for the party!

Two days after his birthday was the big party. This was actually the day that worked best for many different reasons and helped to make it such a (tricky) surprise...he definitely wasn't expecting this. This was no genius/super creative surprise birthday planning...just what Russ thought was an outing to good ole Sticky Fingers with a few guys for some good food. When he walked to the back, there we were, twenty plus, excited, relieved (that he made it) and singing happy birthday to him!

Here he is walking into the room. He really is surprised, I promise...as surprised as he gets!!

singing happy birthday and watching his expressions

some of the guys

the whole gang minus a few

can't go wrong with a publix cake

pretending to blow out the candles that I left at home...oops!

Christ Community docs

party is all over...glad it turned out as planned

Thanks to everyone who helped make his 30th so special....and for keeping it a surprise!!:)

he's back....

2010-09-07T16:56:00.000-07:00

and still the only undefeated Georgia mascot (my husband makes a point to say that every time and thought that the blog was in need of a Russ shout-out).

Here is Russ in all his glory...too bad he is too old (and probably in poor health) to be named UGA VIII. We went to the Georgia game this past weekend and he was still holding strong but clearly not enjoying the heat. One day soon I am determined to get a picture of bulldog Russ and my Russ together! :) These are some of the things we get excited about around here...
Speaking of...I am excited about football season and thought the dawgs looked pretty good but of course we will know just how prepared they are this weekend playing South Carolina. I really hope they beat those crazy gamecocks!! GO DAWGS!!!!

celebrating four

2010-09-01T18:32:00.000-07:00

Wow!! I can't believe its been four years since Russ and I said our vows. Time has gone by so fast but its been the best four years of my life! I am so thankful and feel so blessed that God has provided such an amazing husband for me. He was and is everything I have prayed for.

Here we are four years ago on our honeymoon in St. John

This past weekend, Russ surprised me. I knew he was planning something and when we ended up in Savannah, I was thrilled. It was good to get away for the weekend; not having to think about all the house renovations and other odds and ends. We walked around River street, did some shopping, ate some good food and even slept in both mornings...something we haven't done in awhile. Got a few pictures but most didn't turn out too good...

Some scenes from Savannah

our summer fun

2010-08-24T04:33:00.000-07:00

As crazy as our summer has been, we had the opportunity (and really good excuse) to fly out to Denver for one very beautiful wedding and a few days of vacation. One of my best friends from high school got married (in June) and I was so excited to share in her special day. She made for such a beautiful bride.

Pictures can say it best....

rehearsal dinner

beautiful rainbow that night

all of the "fab 5" minus the bride...only one more to get married (can't wait for february)!!

log cabin where the wedding was held

wedding party

by request wearing the shades

girls with the groom

picture with the beautiful bride

me and my man:)

I have been to Colorado before but never to Denver so we tried to make the most of our time there. After the wedding was over, we headed to Estes Park for a few nights. This town is located right in the middle of the Rockies, near Rocky Mountain National Park, and is so so beautiful. We saw wildlife, did some hiking and exploring and relaxed. The last night we stayed in downtown Denver before heading back home.

oh how time flies....

2010-08-12T04:41:00.000-07:00

Back to the blogging world once again...its only been since May that I have updated and there has been sooo much going on in our little lives. If anyone is still out there reading our blog, I hope I can still remember things and fill you in. I think this has been our craziest, busiest summer yet. So much going on...so many exciting things that I don't know where to start.

On another note,as I am thinking of everything to blog, I'm wondering whatever happened to the summer???? I cannot believe summer is coming to an end and fall is just around the corner! Time flies when you're having fun and I can't deny that I'm really looking forward to THIS fall season (and college football kicks off in only a few weeks)!

Besides selling a house, buying a house in the downtown area of Augusta, packing and unpacking, conferences, vacations, getting new jobs, weddings and birthdays...one MAJOR event that took place beginning of this summer was Russ' residency graduation! He graduated on June 24th from the Montgomery Center Family Medicine Residency program and I just have to take a minute to say how proud I am of my husband. I look back over the three years of his residency and where we started from and can't believe the amazing way the Lord has really worked in our lives. Of course we had our good and bad but through it all I realize how God was and is shaping us for this new season in life. A new season including working at an inner-city clinic only a few years old that has a heart and desire to care for the under-served and share the love and hope found in Jesus alone. Russ makes only the third doctor at this clinic and I admire his willingness to serve in this way, even through the unknown and sacrificing what could be a "comfortable" lifestyle. Just yesterday the clinic, Christ Community Health Services, had its big groundbreaking day for the new site of the clinic downtown. Unfortunately, Russ and I both had to work (he has another job at the hospital) so we couldn't be there or else I would have taken some pictures, but this was an exciting day for many. The event made for an article in the Augusta newspaper. If you would like to read more on the big day, you can read the article HERE . It's short and sweet (it's really an article in preparation for groundbreaking; not actual groundbreaking day).
Anyways, I didn't realize I was going to write this much...I really just wanted to say how proud I am of my husband and all his hard work and dedication not only to his three years in residency (to which the man NEVER complained and he NEVER slept either) but also his excitement and hopes for the future of Christ Community and literally "stepping out in faith" to be where God would have him.
(hope he doesn't get mad I did a whole post on him)

Back to graduation, here are some pictures of the graduation party the night before and then pictures of graduation day....

greenwood friends

crazy fun friends

the whole 3rd year gang

YAY!!! he did it!

third year class

sweet friends

so proud of him

I didn't have a graduation party for Russ because we had to fly out the next morning to Denver for a very special wedding...which I was going to include in this post but don't have time now. So, that's coming up next post. Hopefully now I can keep this little blog of mine updated better!!

say hello to......

2010-05-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

little baby ayers!

We are expecting this sweet little one in November and couldn't be more excited! We praise God for such a precious gift!

We were able to see both are families for Mother's Day and by far...the best mother's day yet ( I know it will only get better). This is how we surprised our families....

to the city we went...

2010-01-07T10:57:00.000-08:00

I have a feeling this is a now or never post. I have been thinking of posting about our trip to NYC for weeks now but with all the craziness of the holidays and seeing how bad I am at keeping up with my blog...I am just now getting around to it.
So, we went to New York City the first week of December to visit my sister who moved there a few months earlier.

I'm not sure I even remember the order in which we did things but I think I will just use our pictures to recapture the adventures we had in the big city.

Ellis Island/Statue of Liberty

Times Square

Eating at Hard Rock

Crumbs. Awesome cupcake place. You can see the excitement on our face

Standing in front of Bloomingdale's christmas window display in the snow (flurries- hard to tell)

Famous Dylan's Candy Store

Eating at Max Brenner or "the chocolate restaurant"

Yummy desserts

Grand Central Station

Going to see the Nutcracker at the New York City Ballet

On top of the New York City Athletic Club overlooking Central Park

Eating at P.J. Clarke's. They have the best hamburgers

Columbus Circle

Upper West side Manhattan and Central Park

Central Park

Famous bridge in Central Park

Some shopping on Fifth Avenue

Busted! Caught trying to buy something on Fifth Ave= husband not happy

Enormous snowflake

Of course we made it to Rockefeller Center

In front of the snowflake display on Saks

That was a lot for one post but such a fun trip!

children's choir of africa (what they taught me)

2009-11-29T16:41:00.000-08:00

SO, I meant to post this last week before Thanksgiving…but you know how it goes….

Last week, the Daraja Children's Choir of Africa came to town to perform at a local church. This is a choir based out of Kenya through The 410 Bridge organization. They had been on tour seven nights straight at that point. I was tired and it was after work but I went. And I'm so glad I did. They are AMAZING!!! God used His perfect timing to put in perspective just how much I have to be thankful for. And this was done just by listening to Kenyan boys and girls sing and dance to OUR Risen Savior! The same Savior that we sing to and worship. Although I might have an abundance in materials, money (not really, but you get the point), and temporary things, it is these children that have been given an abundance of joy, peace and most of all, hope. A hope that overcomes all the trials, all the losses, all the unknowns and all the doubts that this world has thrown at them over and over.
I think having been to Kenya myself before made it a little more real and emotional. I could just picture the scenes I witnessed while there. Scenes no one should have to see, much less live in. I have been there. I have been amongst the trash-filled slums overflowing with raw sewage with little kids playing and searching, urinating on the ground, dogs and pigs roaming and disease running rampant. And the smell…I don’t even have the words to describe how awful. Millions and millions of people in one slum, living crammed in a little shanty (tin roof/hut) that they call home. This is all they know.

But not for these kids. They know of the smell and the sewage. They know what it is like to search among the trash to find food just to stay alive. They know what it is like to wonder if they will have a meal to eat or water to drink. They know what it is like to lose a mother/father to disease. They know what it feels like to not have family at all. They know what it means to have nothing. They know and live in these circumstances. They have faced their hardships and are able to look beyond their trials and sufferings. All of this while singing, dancing and shouting to the King. This is just a testimony of God’s redeeming love. They know and face their daily circumstances but their faith remains unchanged. Their smile says it all.

If these Kenyan boys and girls can worship their Creator all while in their current circumstances, then why can’t I, being right where I am…right where God has me, worship my Heavenly Maker just the same. Through the eyes and the hearts of these children.

"Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." Psalms 105:1

Hope ya’ll had a Thankful Thanksgiving !

here and there

2009-11-22T18:56:00.000-08:00

We've had a busy past week going to Louisville Kentucky, Athens for the UGA/Auburn game and then to a B&B in Dahlonega GA for some relaxing (minus the hiking) downtime.

First, Louisville. Every year, there is a medical missions conference held in Louisville. The program residency here sends a group of residents/spouses to go and recruit and also helps with future decisions concerning mission work. I didn't get any pictures from the conference (that would have been boring) but we did go to a beautiful park while there and practiced taking pics with our new camera!

(just a little photo shoot :) )

After the conference, we went to Athens for the Georgia/Auburn game! I'm glad we went last weekend and not this one...what happened??
Oh well, this game was a blast!

They won!!

We walked around campus the next day and took some random pictures.

the victory bell...we were sure to ring!

Last stop, Dahlonega GA. We went up to the North Georgia mountains to a Bed and Breakfast. It was fabulous with beautiful views and really good breakfast each morning! We also did some hiking and saw some waterfalls.

We also went to the apple orchards and picked out some (only good pic I could get- through the fence).

On a side note, sometimes I wonder why I blog??? Thanks friend for the encouragement this morning!

fun on the farm

2009-11-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

Russ and I went a few weekends ago to visit his parents and spend some time on the farm. Its always fun to go this time of year, with the cool weather and changing of the leaves. I'm just now getting to write about this...it already seems like we went months ago. Anyway, here are some pictures of our adventures on the farm...

playing with the kiddos

feeding the rabbit

my favorite part is riding through the pastures in the evening...this time I got out and fed the very hungry cows

trying to look excited while hoping not to get attacked by one of those cows (my husband would laugh at this...because cows are so mean and all)

hungry cow

eating and watching

lake

always gotta have a bonfire and s'mores

perfect way to end the day....

needed grace

2009-11-11T08:53:00.000-08:00

More and more I realize the need for grace and the dependence upon grace in our every day lives. During worship on Sunday, this song reminded me again of this. I love the truth to these words...

Grace Unmeasured
Grace unmeasured, vast and free
That knew me from eternity
That called me out before my birth
To bring You glory on this earth
Grace amazing, pure and deep
That saw me in my misery
That took my curse and owned my blame
So I could bear your righteous name
Grace, grace, grace Paid for my sins and brought me to life
Grace, grace, grace Clothes me with power to do what is right
Grace, grace, grace Will lead me to heaven where I'll see Your face
And never cease to thank you for Your grace
Grace abounding, strong and true
That makes me long to be like You
That turns me from my selfish pride
To love the cross on which You died
Grace unending, all my days
You'll give me strength to run this race
And when my years on earth are through
The praise will all belong to You

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope- the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:11-14

ruffled pillow

2009-11-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

I finally made this ruffled pillow a few weeks ago. I got the idea from my friend over at City Grace. She has some great crafty projects that I love to steal!:)

famous in a small town...

2009-11-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

or so we can pretend when you're dressed up like this....

We went to the annual resident's halloween party. Can you guess who we are dressed up as...

You guessed it (hopefully)....Elvis and Priscilla! I really didn't get any great pictures but I promise at one point my hair was BIG with bumpit and all. Of course, everyone knew who Russ was...I was questionable at times if I wasn't right next to the "king" as Russ liked to call himself all night.

Some pictures with friends...

Fairy God Mother, Priscilla, and Carlos

Hope ya'll had a happy halloween!

pumpkin cheesecake bars

2009-10-22T20:14:00.000-07:00

This is a really good pumpkin dessert. I think the chocolate topping helps to make it so good :) but I highly recommend this one.

Pumpkin cheesecake bars with chocolate topping

1/2 c butter
1 17.5 oz package oatmeal cookie mix
2 8-oz packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 c sugar
3 eggs
1 15oz. can pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 c semisweet chocolate pieces
1/4 c butter
48 pecan halves (I skipped this one)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 15x10x1 inch pan with foil, extending foil over the pan edges. Lightly grease foil. Set pan aside. In a large bowl, use a pastry blender to cut 1/2 cup butter into cookie mix until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press mixture evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until set.
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and sugar. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until just combined. Stir in pumpkin, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Pour pumpkin mixture onto the hot crust.
3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes more or until mixture is slightly puffed around the edges and just set in center.
4. In a small microwave safe bowl, combine chocolate pieces and the 1/4 cup butter. Microwave on high for 30 to 60 seconds or until softened; stir until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over the cooled bars and carefully spread evenly. Gently press pecan halves evenly across top (optional). Cover and chill for 2 to 24 hours.

a greater purpose

2009-10-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I was encouraged the other day when I was driving to work and the singer from Casting Crowns was talking about their new album/song, "Until the Whole World Hears." He was talking some about the ministry he is involved in but also the fact that we're called to so much more than just the everyday living that easily consumes our lives. I know for me, it is easy to do what I know is comfortable and routine forgetting even some days what my real purpose is. Although I may not fully know that yet, I know, as a child of God, there is more than just what I am doing now. I have to remember to slow down and look at the opportunities placed before me and take full advantage of each one. Not for my glory, but for His. This is not always easy especially in a fast-moving, all about me world that can easily suck you in. Some days I come home from work and am frustrated and think how did I even show/share the love of Jesus...just because I didn't slow down and make time. I think of missed opportunities and negativeness (is that a word??) that I showed throughout the day. But then I remember how big a sinner I am and how great a Savior I have.
Because of this, because of renewed mercy and undeserving grace and the hope I have not in this world...I have a purpose, just as everyone saved by grace, to share this...until the whole world hears.

Here Casting Crowns shares their meaning behind their song...

pumpkin candles...

2009-10-06T13:28:00.000-07:00

Found yet another little project on the cover of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. It was too cute not to do and perfect for the start of the fall season. Of course, there is not much to it but its so fun to decorate this time of year!

Back with a pumpkin dessert recipe soon!

It's Fall Ya'll!

2009-09-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

Who does that sound like...none other than Paula Dean herself. (I hope nobody read this last night because yes, I did change the title).
It's fall time!! Time for pumpkins, pumpkin spice candles, cool weather, mums, football, and chili (and another season of So You Think You Can Dance)!!

Anyway, on to the Paula Dean part....this is a must try dessert (unless you don't like coconut, then you are missing out)! Its straight out of her dessert cook book so you know its full of all those wonderful ingredients that make a dessert worth eating again and again...just when you think you had enough, you have to go back for one more bite! This recipe is so easy:

Cool and Creamy Coconut Cake
1 box yellow cake mix (plus ingredients to prepare)
1 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
1 15 oz. can cream of coconut
1 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, thawed
2 1/2 to 3 cups flaked, sweetened coconut

Preheat oven to 350. Grease a 13x9 inch pan. Prepare cake as directed on package. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for time indicated on package. Remove cake from oven and, using a fork or skewer, poke holes in entire cake. Mix together condensed milk and cream of coconut and pour over warm cake. Cool cake completely. Frost with whipped topping and sprinkle top with coconut. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. This cake is best prepared a day or two before serving.

Couldn't be much easier than that!

He is enough

2009-09-22T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last night, I was quickly reminded once again, just as the Lord gives so graciously and freely, He also takes away just the same. I've thought about this a lot before, reading through Job, wondering why certain things happen the way they do and trying at the same time to see how God is going to work through such sufferings. I know I will never understand, nobody will. I know all I can do is put my hope and trust in Him, no matter what the circumstance. Although my faith has been tested, I know during these times it is when Christ is shaping us into His own and refining what we have come to believe and hold on to.
My friend called me last night to give unimaginable news about a friend through the MCO community (Russ knows him better than I do) that lost his two little boys earlier that day so unexpectedly. The first thing that came to mind when I heard about this was the passage in Job 21. I have lost a loved one and this is the verse that would always come to mind when questioning/doubting. This family is going through true suffering and is learning what it means to suffer for Christ. I pray God will reveal Himself more than ever now to them and meet their every need during this season of darkness as He promises us He will.
It is times like this that I have to take time and question/think about my own faith. Just as God can take away, is He alone enough for me? Am I still completely satisfied in Him and only Him? I've had to ask myself this a lot...sometimes I wish the answer was more clear. I have to remember that we are never promised another day on this earth and nothing I have is mine. I never want to take a day I have here for granted or not tell those I love what they mean to me. I want to stand firm in my faith, even through the hardships and even when the world around me is constantly shaken and unstable. I want to look to Christ for hope, not to anything this world can temporarily offer. I want to know in my heart that my Jesus is enough for me...my Jesus alone. The one who took my place on that cross so that I could live and know His goodness, mercy and grace.

Please pray for this family as they suffer, grieve and cling to the promises of Him who brings comfort, peace and hope.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised. Job 21

its that time again...

2009-09-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

With fall soon to be in the air and football season starting up, there is much to be excited about! Fall is my favorite and if you know my husband, you know our lives are soon to revolve around this....

The Georgia Bulldogs.

I don't mind though because I enjoy college football. Here's to a new season and new start for the dawgs!

three years ago...

2009-08-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Three years ago (would say today but really yesterday), God made me the happiest person when He brought Russ and I together in marriage. We made a covenant before God to live a selfless, Christ-centered life together and love one another as He loves His own. We have been through a lot, but what an amazing journey it has been!

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2

This is such an important truth in the role of marriage. I hope that this verse will reflect our lives, not only in our marriage, but in all we do as God continues to work in us and through us.

Celebrating our third year anniversary!

peach enchiladas

2009-08-16T18:31:00.000-07:00

I have another dessert. The name might not sound too convincing but I promise, this is a good one. I made this dessert awhile ago for my husband. I wanted to make a "healthy" dessert and something he would really like. He likes fruity stuff, I don't. But...I thought I would try something new with good intentions on making something that would be good for us. So, I went to a roadside stand in town and got some of these...

The lady that was selling these peaches gave me a list of recipes and told me the peach enchiladas was the best one. I saw all the ingredients and there goes all my good intentions. I couldn't resist though. So, I thought I would try it. It sounded easy. And it was. Here is the recipe:

4 peaches quartered
2 8-oz. cans crescent rolls
2 sticks butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 12-oz. Mountain Dew

Mix melted butter, sugar and cinnamon. Roll 1/4 peach in crescent roll section from large to small end. Place in 12x10x2 pan or casserole that has been sprayed with Pam. Pour butter/sugar mixture over this. Pour Mountain Dew over all. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
So, it wasn't exactly a "healthy" dessert. But...it sure was good.

oreo truffles

2009-07-14T18:30:00.000-07:00

Found a great little recipe in the Better Homes and Gardens magazine for any truffle/chocolate lovers out there. This one is too good not to share. I made them for some birthday parties we were going to (its dangerous to keep them in your own kitchen) and they were a huge hit. Here is the recipe:

1 18-oz. pkg. chocolate sandwich cookies with white filling, finely crushed
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 lb. white baking chocolate, melted

In large mixing bowl combine crushed cookies and cream cheese. Beat with mixer on low speed until well blended. Form 1-inch balls by hand. Dip balls in white chocolate; place on baking sheet covered with waxed paper. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm. To store, cover and refrigerate.

trinidad trip in pictures

2009-07-08T13:05:00.000-07:00

We had a great time in Trinidad. We have been back for almost 2 weeks now so I better update before I forget everything. Its storming pretty bad here and making me sleepy so I hope to make it through this post. I do love a good storm though...something about it brings on excitement...especially when you are in the middle of doing your grocery shopping and a major downfall occurs and then you have to run fast through all the muddy puddles and crazy rain with grocery bags in hand trying to unlock the car doors. Needless to say, it was quite the adventure for the day.
On to the purpose of this post....

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:9

Here are some highlights of the trip:

some of our first patients

sweet old couple. this man was 96! he asked us the same questions over and over and over again!!

our first clinic site

mighty fine d-group

another clinic site

landscape pic...trying to get the mountains in background

a day at the beach...nothing like some bake and shark!

hike to the waterfall

russ thinking he can play the steel pan drums...what trinidad is known for

we ate this one night. don't remember what it's called but it was no good (I was one of the only ones who thought this)

sad little baby

eating some yum-yum food

another clinic site

look at this cute bundle of goodness...nobody could resist this little one

this was our room

and here are our roomies (minus their daughter..she stayed in another room)

I would post more pics but that is enough for now. I'm so glad we went on this trip. God did some amazing things during our time there and really worked in our lives. I feel blessed to serve in this way...even though HE doesn't need us, HE calls us to further His kingdom to bring Him all the glory and praise!

oh, the joy.....

2009-06-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

...of packing.

Is this blog worthy...not sure, but I know its stressing me out. I really dislike packing. It is my day off and I have been trying to pack ALL DAY! This has been a very long process. I realized I have stalled it with other fun things like cleaning the house, washing, drying and ironing clothes, cleaning the stove top(hmmm)...scrubbing the floors (that's when you know its bad) and working out extra long at the gym. Oh well. It will get done. It will be worth it.

Another picture of pretty flowers. Our friends gave us these...

Trinidad time!!

2009-06-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Here we go again!! If you keep up with our little lives, then you know what summer time brings...a medical mission trip. So, its that time to start packing (or if you're like me, think about packing until the night before) and get ready to go...to Trinidad! When we tell people we are going to Trinidad, most are not familiar with where this little (and very HOT) island is located. I didn't know until I found out we were going. So, for all you readers out there, here is a little map:

We are going with the same group out of Augusta (MCO/MTW) and are excited about going. We will be taking a lot of pictures so stay tuned!

On another note....we have some pretty little flowers in full bloom around here. Here are some pics....

window mirror

2009-05-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

I got this DIY idea from here and the instructions from here. I found this very old window frame in an old barn (in-laws old barn). I decided to go for the antiqued look so I left it the same but did spray some krylon matte finish for protection.

Nicole, here are some pics...it was hard to get good ones with it already hanging this high. I have extra frames if you want one.

fun in the sun and more...

2009-05-11T17:59:00.000-07:00

We had fun on our quick get-away to Edisto beach with our friends. Of course, I wish we could have stayed longer but...back to the real world we go. We grilled shrimp one night and also made some home-made strawberry ice cream. Oh, so good! Here are some pics... ( I found a new setting on my camera and got a little carried away)

making yummy strawberry ice cream..

grilled shrimp

As you can see, I got a little too much sun, even though I used copious amounts of sunscreen...
thank goodness for aloe...

thats it for this random post!

going to the beach...

2009-05-08T07:23:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sitting here waiting for my husband to get home so we can go to the beach. I have been packed since Wednesday night, ready to go (maybe just a little anxious to get there). Our friends are already there and the weather is beautiful! Even if it is only for the weekend, I'm still excited! Just think...in a few hours, we will be on the beach...laying on the sand and baking under the sun (of course with layers of sunscreen on).....

alligators and egg plants

2009-04-09T18:17:00.000-07:00

Russ and I had some time off last week so we went to one of our favorites, Hilton Head. We were only there for 3 days and it rained the whole time. We did get to spend one cloudy/drizzly day riding bikes. This is what we saw a lot of....

Russ definitely got a little too close for comfort with some of these guys...

We also went to Loganville and spent some time with my family. Russ went to the UGA spring practice so my mom and I spent the day together and did this little craft straight off the cover of Better Homes and Gardens . This is a great magazine by the way.

We also went to the Georgia baseball game

To wrap it all up, we went to the farm to spend time with Russ' parents where it decided to snow (well, just little snow flurries). It was very cold and I was hoping my little plants in G'wood would survive the frost/cold. I was also hoping to come back after our little vacation all nice and tan...so much for that!

Now, back to the nitty gritty...doctor's offices and hospital work. Screaming, fighting kids that just love to see you. Shots, medicines, phone calls, needles, shots and more shots. But that's okay...this is how I can serve the Lord and make the most out of ALL the opportunities He places before me. I desire to show compassion and kindness to everyone I interact with even though I struggle with this. It's not easy...especially in this kind of profession but what an awesome one to be able to show the love of Christ. I hope this is the impression I leave on all the patients, parents and doctors I work with. This verse always comes to mind when I struggle...

Whatever you do, work at it will ALL your heart, as working for the LORD, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

Austin adventures....

2009-03-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

We went to Austin Texas and stayed with good friends while Russ did a CME (something for continuing education for residency) and got completely spoiled during our stay. Our friends really know how to give a tour around Austin (especially when it comes to food)!! So many amazing places to eat (note: amazing...we do live in small town G'wood..not too many options). Anyways, I now have many favorites after my visit and needless to say, none of these places exist where I live. So sad :( Here they are:

1. This place: hey cupcake! Amazing!!! I got the "Michael Jackson" cupcake...chocolate cake with cream cheese icing and a little whipper snapper (whipped cream injected in the middle of the cake). Not a Michael Jackson fan but the cupcake was delicious! And yes, it is in a little camper trailer!
Rebecca and Nicole...ya'll would love this place!:)

2. Gotta love Whole Foods. There is one in Greenville but we don't get there often. However, the one in Austin is the Whole Foods Mecca! It is once again, AMAZING! You can even make your own peanut butter there. I love this place...

3. This organic sweet tea. It's so good!

4. Amy's Ice cream! So good! Lately, my favorite ice cream is chocolate or vanilla with sprinkles on it. Has to have the sprinkles.

I could really post so much more but I won't. This is enough for now. Anyways, here is a picture of all of us at the Austin rodeo...

let it snow....

2009-03-01T16:38:00.000-08:00

We got snow!!! A lot of it (for us in the South that is)! It's not the first time since we've been here but its definitely the most. It was so pretty we had to take some pictures of our little snow cottage!

2009-02-15T17:05:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day is always a fun little holiday. This year we didn't do anything crazy...we stuck to the simple things. Although we try to eat healthy, I had to make some cute little cupcakes for my sweet valentine (most are in a heart shape...just hard to tell):)!