It's been a long time since I've posted anything new on this blog, but I wanted to update it a little bit. It's been a busy year and it's almost over! Kelsey turned 1 and Ethan turned 6. I can't believe how quickly they're growing up. Ethan loves Kindergarten and is learning so much! Kelsey is walking, talking, and basically driving her brother crazy. She is so cute with her jabbering and toddling around. Our kids have made our lives so much fuller and richer. My family has never been happier.


Dreaming of a White Christmas! I finally got one!

Christmas morning-Waiting to get started!

Ethan and 151 marbles. Thanks, Aunt Trista and Uncle Brandon! PS...Are you mad at me or something?

Opening Optimus Prime. The most exciting transformer, ever!!! (Except for Bumblebee.)

Kelsey and one of her babies.

I am officially the mother of a six year old. I can't believe it. It was just a year or two ago that my water broke in the bathtub and Chris took me to the hospital. I brought home this tiny little boy and he needed me for everything. Now, he's a big grownup boy. This is the conversation we had just this morning:

Me: Let me help you zip your jacket.

Ethan: Look, I'm six years old. I can zip a jacket.

My baby's all grown up.

I know it's been a while! It's been a busy summer. Ethan finished summer school and headed directly to Nana and Grandpa's house. It was his first plane trip and he had a blast. He got to visit with his cousin Corban and his Aunt Trista and Uncle Brandon. While he was there, Grandpa gave him candy in church and he lost his first tooth. He brought it home with the intentions of putting it under his pillow, but decided against that at the last minute saying that he wanted to keep it forever and ever. In the end, he wrote a note to the tooth fairy asking if she would leave the tooth. He's a lucky boy, the tooth fairy not only left the tooth, but a crisp $5 bill, too. Teeth have gotten expensive! Kelsey turned nine months old. She is starting to walk and gets around FAST!!! She is also a very determined little girl and goes after what she wants! She had her 9 month check up and is doing very well. She is 16 pounds and is only in the 25th percentile for height and weight. She's my petite little thing. Ethan is starting kindergarten on Tuesday and is so excited to ride the bus!!! I plan to drive to the school so I can take a picture of him getting off the bus. There is also a breakfast called the Boo Hoo Rah Rah for parents of kindergarteners. They get to dry their tears together and lend support to one another. I get all choked up even as I write this with the thought of him starting a new chapter of his life. I know that in only a few short years it will be Kelsey that is starting kindergarten and I'll have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes then, too. I will try to be a better blogger and get new pictures up sooner. So Sorry!!!!!

Ethan lost his first tooth.

Ethan and Corban had so much fun playing together. I think all the "togetherness" was starting to wear on them both at the end of Corban's visit, though.

My sweet little nephew.

Corban climbing the rock wall. I was so impressed. This play structure is for kids 5-12 years old (he's not even 3 yet!) But, he followed Ethan right up the wall with no problem!

Ethan and Corban climbing the rocks.

Kelsey hanging out with Nana and Grandpa.

Kelsey climbing into my lap. So stinkin' cute! Look at those eyes!

Ethan and Corban baking a cake.

I love this outfit she's wearing. Ethan found it at Baby Gap. I love all the detail in the embroidery.

Kelsey just takes off now. She gets something in her sights and she's off. See the ball? That's what she's after.

Ethan at the airport.

Ethan and Nana-getting ready to get on the plane and head to Mississippi.

Pretty baby.

A little girl who is supposed to be sleeping, not playing!

Today was a big day for all of us! Ethan started summer Pre-K. I can't believe he's old enough to start school! Where did the time go? I missed him so much while he was gone. I kept wondering what he was doing and if he was okay. Would he remember that I packed raisins for his snack? What if he forgot to zip his pants after using the bathroom? What if no one sat by him at lunch? Would he know that the spider-man towel on the right side of the table was his? But.....we picked him up and he'd had a great day! He did remember that the raisins were his snack, he got to watch Clifford the Big Red Dog, he made friends, his pants were zipped, he brought home four art projects, and he did know the spider-man towel on the right was his. It's so hard to let go. I'm used to being the one to take care of all his needs, but he's growing up and I need to also.

One step at a time.

Special breakfast for my big Pre-K boy! Waffles!!!

Going to school.

All ready for school! My baby boy.

Ethan at his desk at school. He sat down and immediately started coloring !!! No tears as we said good-bye.

Big girl sitting in her high chair.

Kelsey's new favorite toy, HER FEET!!!

It's Spring!



No, I don't really give her coke to drink, but she really liked the bottle. A LOT.

Ethan, Kelsey, and Maranda on Mother's day.

My gorgeous baby girl. Look at those eyes.

What???

the view from my back door. Beautiful isn't it?

What a face! blowing raspberries.

playing on the deck.

How much we don't look alike!

sweet little chubby face.

Look what I can reach!

I really want these legos!!!

Got 'em!!! Now they're all mine--sorry Ethan.

We spent Easter 2009 with my family in Mississippi. It was so good to be with them and be in church Sunday morning as a family. We really enjoyed ourselves on our mini-vacation. Trista and Brandon, thank you for letting us stay with you and make a big mess of your house! We love you guys!

Kelsey on her first trip to Mississippi.

Corban helping himself to some corn on the cob.

Dinner at Mom and Dad's Saturday night. My dad is the grill master! We had the best seafood I've ever had! Even Chris, who is normally not a big fan of seafood loved it!

Ethan and Corban riding on Corban's motorcycle. (Made for only one)

The boys playing in the wagon.

Corban tried to pull Grandpa in the wagon and said "TOO BIG!"

Brunch!

Sisters after church on Easter Sunday.

Ethan trying to keep Corban in one place so we could take his picture.

Grandpa, Nana, and all the grandkids.

Grandpa and the boys.

My brother-in-law, Brandon, Trista, Corban, Chris, Ethan, Kelsey, and me.

Easter treats for Ethan, Corban, and Kelsey.

Digging a hole with Grandpa. It got so big that Corban could sit in it!!!

Aunt Trista helping the boys find eggs.

Hunting Easter eggs. Ethan found more than Corban, but Corban definitely held his own!

Nana and Grandpa swinging Corban around.

Corban and Uncle Chris. This little man wanted nothing to do with me, but he loves his Uncle Chris!!!

We went to the Mississippi state capitol in Jackson on our "mini vacation"

Little Miss Supermodel baby. She's cute and very well aware of it!

Nana and Kelsey. She'd gotten a lot bigger since the last time Mom saw her!!!

Nana feeding Kelsey the night before we came home.

Ethan loves to watch Grandpa play Xbox. I'm not sure if my dad's choice of games is always the best influence on Ethan, but what can you do? Grandpa will be Grandpa.

Corban hugging Ethan. Ethan not hugging Corban back...

Ethan and Corban playing the night before we came home.