Bamber's Blessings

Tea Time

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I had the privilege to head up my sister-in-law’s bridal tea. She wanted a Tiffany’s blue theme. It turned out so pretty.

I had a LOT of help and am so thankful for them helping. I hope she had a great shower! I can not wait to see her walk down the aisle in 3 short weeks.

Rang in a Happy New Year!

2012-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

This year our GNO girls decided to get our families together to ring in 2012. We had so much fun and were run over with kids but it was a blast.

We had 9 kids total there (Drew had a prior engagement, LOL). They were all rocking their PJs.

Some of the guys watching the Auburn game. I did not get any pictures of the girls, we were too busy talking.

Sparklers!

Who cares if it’s pink, it’s a CAR!

In baby jail. Such a sweet little face.

Little monkey is FREE!

Of course none of us made it until midnight but who needs that anyway. Just to be around all of our friends and their kids was fun enough for me. It was a Happy New Year indeed.

Warm Days in the Winter

2012-01-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

The past few weekends have been so warm, it has been so nice. I took a few pictures of the boys playing outside the Monday after Christmas. Colyn was enjoying his new birthday present.

The sky was so beautiful that I of course had to play with the settings on my camera.

Thirteen Years

2012-01-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Thirteen years ago today Jarred and I went on our first date. We have come a LONG way since then. I wrote this post about us last year and I really don’t think I could say it any better than that. Looking back through the pictures on that post are hilarious! I can not believe we were ever that skinny! Here are a few of us from this past year.

Family Pictures in November

Easter

Morgan’s 80’s Birthday Party in August

Alabama vs. Tennessee game in October

Our GNO Christmas party

Jarred, I love you so very much and you are my everything. Thank you for being such an amazing husband, friend and father to our precious boys. Here’s to growing old 4dctogether.

I love you!

So My Baby Turned Two

2012-01-14T19:29:00.001-06:00

I can not believe that my baby boy is already two, it seems like yesterday he was born.

Colyn 1 day old

1 year old

2 years old

Colyn had a great Mickey Mouse birthday party, so many of our friends and family came.

I know it is a little late but happy birthday buddy, you are such a big boy. You are my little mini me and I love you so very much!

December In Review

2012-01-14T19:04:00.001-06:00

So apparently I missed the whole month of December, it was BUSY! We had so much going on from Christmas parties to birthday parties, it was full. Since I missed so much here is our month in review with a “few” pictures.

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Santa Success

2011-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

This past Sunday we went to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops. The boys always have so much fun there. We went right after church so had to wait in a little bit of a line but they enjoyed walking around.

Waiting to see Santa

Running to sit in his lap!

Jacob made sure to tell Santa EVERYTHING he wanted. Santa reminded him to leave a list, which we have and that he would bring him SOME things on his list and a few surprises. Thank you Santa for that!

Jacob’s list to Santa. He tried very hard! Mommy made notes incase Santa couldn’t read it.

I think we had a successful Santa visit!

Enjoying the Warm Weather

2011-12-06T06:01:00.000-06:00

The past few weekends have been so nice that we have been enjoying them outside as much as possible. The boys love being outside and since it has been in the 60’s and 70’s it has been nice.

Hopefully we will have a few more weeks of warm weather!

An Elf Named Cup

2011-12-05T20:47:00.001-06:00

We have a visitor that showed up last week, a cute little elf. This is our first year with our elf. Jacob named him Cup. Jarred calls Colyn fruit cup, because he likes fruit, so that is where that came from. Yes, I know we are very creative LOL. Any who, Jacob is really having fun finding Cup every morning in different places. He said it’s a game! Here are a few places we have found him hanging out.

We have a LONG few more weeks with Cup, we shall see where he ends up next!

Thankful–Day 30

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-06:00

So today is the last day of my 30 days of thankful. I think I saved the best for last, God’s beauty.

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Psalm 19:1

Thankful–Catching Up

2011-11-29T22:28:00.001-06:00

So I obviously missed a few days because of the holiday and spending time with family. I am now going to catch up.

Day 25 – Family

I am so thankful for all my family: cousins, aunts, uncles, nephews and in laws. We have a pretty big family but it is so nice to get together with them.

Day 28 – Southern Tradition: The Iron Bowl'

If you live in Alabama you pretty much pick a side when you are born or move here. I love the rivalry and the traditions that come with it. I have a ton of Auburn friends but it is the one day a year that we really do not talk, LOL (just kidding). No matter what happens each year in the game it is THE GREATEST game in college football!

Day 27- Jarred’s Grandmother, Poopee

She is such a wonderful, kind, giving lady. She has always been like my own grandmother and treats everyone as family. We love her so much.

Day 28 – Hope

She was our FIRST baby! She was a wedding gift from Jarred’s groomsmen (they got permission from me) and we have loved her ever since. She is so loving and is so good with our boys. We love her so much!

Day 29 – My Life

I thank God everyday for the life He has given me. I am so blessed with a loving, hard working husband and the sweetest little boys I know. At the end of the day my family and friends, my health and my God are all that matter to me. None of the “stuff”. As the Beatles once said, “All you need is love.”

Thankful–Day 24

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for having Freedom and living in a FREE country. I know that freedom doesn’t come free so not only am I thankful for our country I am thankful for the men and women that fight for that and protect our country daily. And I am thankful that I am FREE thanks to my God above. I know I will be celebrating in Heaven one day because he sent His Son to die for me and you.

Thank you God for this beautiful day and that we get to celebrate this day every year and that we are free to be thankful for whatever it is we want to be thankful for.

Thanks!

Thankful–Day 23

2011-11-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my beautiful Sister in Law,

I have watched Christina grow up from a precious baby girl to a beautiful young woman. I can’t wait to see her graduate next month from UNA and marry her prince in February.

Christina I am so proud of you and couldn’t ask for a better sister in law. Love you Sissy!

Thankful–Day 22

2011-11-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for this girl!

Morgan and I go way back, to elementary school that is. We had all the same friends and hung out together but never were that close. That is until about 5 years ago when we both found out we were pregnant. She emailed me and we had not talked in years. We talked back in forth through email for a while and then once we both had our babies we met up for lunch. After that we have gotten closer and closer over the past few years.

This girl has truly become my best friend over the past few years. I talk to her every day and feel like I can tell her anything. She is more like a sister to me than she will ever know. I know I can call her at any time and she will listen. Our kids get along so well and we have already married our oldest two children to each other LOL.

I feel so blessed that God put her in my life 5 years ago when I needed a friend that was going through all the same things I was. It’s funny how life works out like that.

Thank you Morgan for listening to me when I need to whine and cry about all the things going on in my life. And thank you for sharing everything that is going on in your life with me. I am so thankful for you. Love you girl!

I am so blessed to have all the girls that I do in my life and they mean the world to me. Friends are so very important!

Thankful–Day 21

2011-11-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Gigi

Gigi is my Dad’s mom and my grandmother. She is such a sweet loving woman. She has worked very hard to get where she is today and stays busy with church, friends and family. I am so blessed to have her in my life.

My Kind of Lazy Day

2011-11-20T18:47:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday after church we came home and played in the yard and were just plain lazy.

I love lazy Sunday afternoons!

Thankful–Day 20

2011-11-20T13:57:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for my wonderful church, Church of the Highlands!

And our amazing pastor, Chris Hodges!

I can’t say enough about Church of the Highlands, Pastor Chris, all of the associate pastors and worship team. They have such a passion for God and it truly shows through every service, every project and every outreach that they are involved in. I am blessed to be such a small part of the Dream Team and just a part of something so much bigger than I could ever imagine.

God led Jarred and I back to COTH after two years of looking for a church closer to our home. After going to the marriage conference in February we knew that this is where we were supposed to be. Pastor Chris is blessed by God to bring such an awesome Word from God every time he speaks. I am so blessed by a church that has a passion to reach out to everyone not just by what they wear or the way they act. We are all sinners and fall short daily and they get that. They have a heart for everyone and just want people to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. Their outreach is amazing and they are building churches and missions around the world. I thank God that I get to worship and learn from such an amazing place. I truly hope that everyone that reads this has a place to worship and hear the Word of God but if not check my church, it’ll change your world!

Thankful–Day 19

2011-11-19T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Mother and Father In law.

I have known them almost my whole life and pretty much grew up going to their house being friends with Jarred’s sister, Kayla. I was once just a friend of their daughter, then the girlfriend of their son but then almost seven years ago I became a part of their family and they have welcomed me with open arms.

Since Jacob and Colyn were born they have become Nana and Papa. They would bend over backwards to help us with the boys and for that I feel truly blessed. Some people can’t say much for their in-laws and we may not always see eye to eye but I am truly thankful for them. I thank God every day that they brought my wonderful husband into this world.

I love you both!

Thankful–Day 18

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for our GREAT family pictures for my sweet friend that I have known since high school, Shannon at Studio 19.

Shannon did an awesome job! She is blessed with an amazing talent. She has three boys of her own so knew exactly how to deal with my crazy boys. Thanks again for such a great time during our session and for all the wonderful pictures.

Thankful–Day 17

2011-11-17T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my oldest, dearest friends!

April, Lynde and I have none each other almost our whole lives. I am so thankful that through the years and life we are still able to get together about twice a year and pick back up like we never left off. They are such dear friends and mean the world to me.

April and I have known each other since we were 3! We started 3K together and were instant friends. She was my FIRST friend. We did everything together, including convincing our moms to buy the same clothes so we could dress alike. We were inseparable!

Lynde and I met in 1st grade. We cheered together, walked home from school together, played together and ultimately became college roommates. If she could live with me in a tiny dorm room and still be friends with me I would say that is friendship!

Although we all did our own things and went different ways throughout high school and college we still always kept up with each other and would be there for each other no matter what! I love these girls so much! We actually went to dinner together Tuesday night and you would have never known that we hadn’t seen each other in 6 months! I am so blessed to have these two girls in my life.

Love you girls!

Thankful–Day 16

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Gran!

She is my mom’s mom and my inspiration. Seeing her go through everything she has in life, overcome it and be such a strong woman of Faith it amazes me. She fought lung cancer, had a lung removed and beat it eleven years ago. Lost her husband (my granddaddy) at a young age and continued to go on in life. And she has gone through so much physical and emotional pain over my lifetime alone and stays so strong.

I am so blessed to have her as my grandmother and my role model in life. Thank you Gran for teaching me so much in my life. Thank you for loving my boys and keeping Jacob the first two years of his life. I am truly blessed to have you in my life. I love you so much!

Thankful–Day 15

2011-11-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my ATL best friends!

Eleven years ago I met these girls at Alabama by chance when we pledged Alpha Gamma Delta and they have been my best friends ever since. We have been a huge part of each other’s lives for these past eleven years and it’s like they really are my sisters and feels like I have known them my whole life.

We have been there for each other for all of our ups and downs, during our most precious to our worst most heartbreaking and tragic moments. I love these girls so very much. They mean everything to me and I am so blessed to call them my very best friends.

Even though we have all moved miles apart you will always be dear and near to my heart! I love you Christy and Lynn!

Disney on Ice

2011-11-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I took the boys to Disney on Ice. They were so excited to see Me Mouse (as Colyn calls him). They LOVED it! I was really worried about taking Colyn since he is still so small but he was mesmerized. From the time we sat down until it was over he did not take his eyes off the characters. That makes me so happy because we are going to Disney World in March and I know they will love it!

Jacob loved every character and knew every movie. He loved singing the songs and asking what was next.

Sissy and Kyle went with us and they enjoyed it too!

See ya real soon Me Mouse!

Thankful–Day 14

2011-11-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for these girls!

These are my GNO girls and they are the best friends a girl can have. I know I talk about them all the time LOL. We have all known each other since high school and have gotten closer over the past four years. They are my rock! I can talk to these girls about anything and know that they would drop everything to help me out if I needed it.

I love each of them so very much! I am not sure what I would do without them. It is hard to find true friends and I am so blessed to have these girls in my life.

Here Lately

2011-11-13T19:00:00.001-06:00

So I haven’t really updated on what our family has been up to lately. We have had a busy three months with school starting and Jacob playing soccer. Our summer flew by. Now it is holiday season so we are busy bodies. I thought I would share a few (or a lot) pictures of the last few months.

Lake with Family

Jacob’s first dentist visit, no cavities!

First day of 4K for Jacob (Colyn is still in the under 2 class but he was too cute not to take a picture).

Soccer season started and ended. Jacob scored his FIRST and second goal! Colyn cheered him on saying, “go Bubba.”

Football season is among us, Roll Tide!

My sister turned 21 and Jarred turned 31.

Jacob’s class went to the Pumpkin Patch and had their PJ harvest party.

We had a Happy Halloween!

I think that gets me caught up to this month. Hopefully I can stay on top of it now, LOL. I know I say this every few months but I really am trying.

Thankful–Day 13

2011-11-13T06:01:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Daddy!

My Daddy is my look a like (maybe not so much now but when I was little I was called “little Charlie”. I am so much like my dad it is scary. When we get together we can argue about anything and everything but we love each other no matter what. I am such a Daddy’s girl.

My dad scared us to death almost 7 years ago when we found out he had a brain aneurysm. It was the scariest thing our family has ever gone through. To see my daddy hurt like he did and in the hospital after his surgery was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. He came through with no problems and was able to walk me down the aisle 4 weeks later. I love my Daddy so much and my boys love their Pop.

Thank you Daddy for blessing us with such a wonderful life! I love you!

Thankful–Day 12

2011-11-12T21:40:00.001-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Momma!

What can I say, I am so glad my mom decided almost 30 years ago that she wanted a baby and that her and my Daddy had me! She has been such a strong hard working mom. I am so thankful for everything she has done for me over the past 29 1/2 years. I can tell her anything and she still loves me no matter what. She is someone who will do whatever she puts her mind to and does not care what anyone thinks.

She is also a wonderful Nini and loves my boys so much.

I love you so much Mom and I am so blessed to have you as my mother!

Thankful–Day 11

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for my Sissy!!

To be 8 1/2 years younger she is more and more like my twin every day. It is so funny/odd that we do and say so much of the same stuff at the exact same time. I am so thankful that my parents had my sister. Everyone thought it would be hard for me since I was an only child for so long but she was like my baby doll. Of course we had our moments growing up but I can’t imagine life without her.

She is an amazingly smart, talented, artistic, athletic and loving person. I am so proud to call her my baby sister and my best friend. I love her so much. I am so proud of her and look forward to the day she graduates from Alabama and becomes an interior designer. Look for her name one day, she will be big. I believe in her!

I love you Haley Brooke!!

Thankful–Day 10

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for this sweet face!

My baby boy is the sweetest loveable little boy around. Not to mention that he is the cutest almost 2 year old I k now. He is such a momma’s boy and loves to be with me all the time. He gives the best hugs! He is talking so much more now and my favorite thing he says is “dank eww momma” (thank you momma).

God blessed me with the spit image of me in a little boy and I thank him every day for it. I cannot wait to watch him grow up but time can slow down just a little.

I love you baby boy!

Thankful–Day 9

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for the cutest little 4 year old I know!

Jacob changed my world forever when he was born. I felt love that I never knew I could have until I had a child of my own. He is full of love and a ball of energy. He is so smart and completely surprises me every day with things I had no idea he knew. He teaches me so much!

I am so blessed to have such a sweet little boy and love him with all I have.

I love you little man!

Thankful - Day 8

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

Today I am thankful for this guy right here! Where do I even begin.

Jarred is my heart and soul. I thank God every single day to have such a wonderful husband, who not only is a great father to our two little boys but is my best friend. He gets me. Even when we don’t see eye to eye I would never want anything different than to be in that moment with him. I do not know where I would be without him. I feel so blessed to have shared the past almost 13 years together and look forward to growing old with him.

I love you Jarred.

30 Days of Thankful

2011-11-07T20:51:00.001-06:00

So I wanted to start November 1st doing a post a day of something I am thankful for. Well, as we all know that did not happen. So, I am going to start today and list one thing a day (even if it is just a picture). This one will have seven since today is the 7th. These are obviously in no particular order and these 7 are ones I don’t really have to explain. I will get deeper later.

#1 - Diet Coke!! I drink at least 3 a day and cannot function without.

#2 – Internet….seriously do I need to explain

#3 – Pinterest, this girl right here has become Susie Homemaker (except I do not stay home). I am in love and have gotten some great ideas.

#4 – Fall, it is my favorite season of the year (although summer runs a close second).

#5 – My job! I absolutely love my job and am so blessed to have the opportunity to be doing what I am doing. I have also met some really great people through it.

#6 – The clinic I work for (not my job). The clinicians that work there are A-MAZ-ING and have such compassion for children with special needs. I am just blessed to be a small part of something that is for a greater good.

#7 – My TIDE….The University of Alabama!!! Roll Tide Roll

Okay, so obviously some of these are petty but I have 23 more.

Knee Deep in the Water Somewhere…

2011-08-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our annual GNO beach trip was the end of July. We went to Miramar Beach this year. It was crowded but we made due. We missed the girls that couldn’t make it but we had a blast. I do not know what I would do without these girls in my life. They are the best friends a girl could have.

Can’t wait for next year!

Family Beach Fun

2011-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

The week of July 4th we were able to enjoy a week at the beach with my family. We went to Navarre Beach in Florida. It was so nice, not as touristy as most places and not crowded at all.

The boys really enjoyed the beach and we had a great time!

Just Keep Swimming

2011-08-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Jacob has been so hesitant to get in the swimming pool since last summer when he thought he could just jump in and learned real quick that that isn’t the case. He loves the water and will go completely under but refused to get off the steps. So, we decided that he needed to take swimming lessons just so he would get comfortable with the water and realize it isn’t as scary as it seems.

We took a two week class and the first day was nerve racking for me because I wasn’t sure of how he would actual do. One of the lifeguards named Erin was so sweet and she did so well with him. She was able to get him in the water and prove to him that he could touch the bottom and not go under. So after the initial shock he did GREAT! I was so proud of him. By the end of the two weeks he was not afraid of the pool anymore.

And now we have a little fish!

Just keep swimming little man, by next summer you should be swimming with no floaties!

Is There Anyone Out There?

2011-08-27T13:20:00.001-05:00

Probably not considering it has been about six months since I blogged. And then I went and accidentally deleted almost all of my pictures on here (FYI, never delete your pictures from Picasa if you are on blogger). So here I am, sort of starting over. I was really sad and mad at myself when I discovered I deleted my pictures. I still have the pictures saved they were just deleted off here so I do not even know where to begin to put them back. Oh well, I guess it was only for me anyway.

The past six months has FLOWN by, we had Easter, our anniversary, mine and Jacob’s birthdays, beach trips and now school is starting again. There hasn’t been anything very eventful or life changing, we are still trucking. I never meant for so much time to go by without updating here. The reason I started this whole journey of blogging was for me to remember all of the memories our little family is making. So, here I am trying to get back into writing down those memories. Hopefully I will do a better job now that I am finally settled in my job I started back in December. So here is the past 6 months in pictures.

Well we got through June and it pretty long so I will save the rest for later.

Amber (apparently I lost my signature I made too)

Another Month Gone

2011-03-02T21:07:00.002-06:00

Well that month flew and yet I did not do any better at blogging. Hopefully everything at work will slow down in the next few months so I can enjoy life a little more. Here is a recap of February (in pictures of course because I am too tired to write).

Allison’s baby shower for sweet Alex (coming soon).

Colyn feeding himself (MESSY!)

Unusually warm days in February.

Lynde’s baby shower for Baby H (please come up with a name already LOL).

Jacob’s Valentine’s Day party at school.

Fun times at the park!

World of Wheels

Ignite 2011 Marriage Conference at COTH.

That pretty much sums up my February, besides work, doctor’s appointments and oh yeah baseball (but we will save that for March). Here’s to hoping March slows down a little.

Better Late Than Never

2011-02-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

So, Little Man, you turned ONE a month ago, but I figured I should put your twelve month pictures and update on here so I will have it to remember.

You got rid of your bottle and are LOVING whole milk. You would drink a gallon a day if I would let you.
You are not very picky when it comes to food and you will pretty much eat anything.
You say Momma, Dada, Ball, Dank Do (Thank You), Bye, Hey, and we are still working on Bubba.
You are so smart, you point out things when I ask you a question.
You are running around everywhere!
You like the toilet and to throw things in it and put your hands in it, which is disgusting!
You weighed 19 lbs. 9 oz. and were 29 inches long at your one year check up (smaller than we thought).
You still where size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes (a few 6-12 still fit).
You can’t seem to fight off a cold. You have been on eye and ear drops all month.
You had MRSA in your toe, but luckily we caught it early and Dr. Bill was able to treat it and get rid of it.
You still only have 4 teeth (slow like your Momma in that department).

We love you so much and you are such a sweet, loving toddler (aww, I want to say baby still). You will always be my baby. I can’t wait to see what this next year has in store as you grow more and more.

I love you Little Man!!

Yeah I Know

2011-02-03T20:09:00.001-06:00

It has been a while, life keeps me busy these days. I started a new job in mid December so it has been a big transition for me. Of course I have still taken a gazillion pictures of my precious boys and I figure that is all anyone wants to see anyway rather than me rambling. So, how about I just show a few (using that word loosely, here) pictures of our past month.

I know that was a lot! I will try to do better, but I can’t make any promises. If I only get here once a month to just post pictures than that’s okay because it is my blog and I can do what I want with it. HA! It is sleeting/snowing here AGAIN, I am so ready for spring!

Twelve Years And Still Going Strong

2011-01-15T21:10:00.001-06:00

Twelve years ago today Jarred and I had our first date. We were in high school, Jarred a senior, me a junior. I remember it like it was yesterday, we went to a friend’s house after the Erwin vs. Pinson basketball game.

We have had our ups, downs and bumps in the road along the way but who hasn’t. We were just a couple of kids that fell in love and nothing would stop us from making it work. We had a LOT of growing up to do over the years but we knew we could make it last.

Jarred, you are my heart and soul. I am so glad that all those years ago you took a chance and asked me out. Even though I had known you since 1st grade and you were “just” Kayla’s big brother, you stole my heart that January night in my grandmother’s driveway. I remember talking to you on the phone all night long, even though I knew I had to get up and go to school the next morning.

Who would have thought that all this time later we would be married and have two precious boys.

Through thick and thin we have made it work. I wouldn’t have it any other way!

These pictures are cracking me up! Sorry for the poor quality, but you know these were before digital pictures.

I love you more than words can explain. Here’s to twelve more (plus) years!

Now We Have SnIce

2011-01-13T20:41:00.001-06:00

So we have been snowed/iced in here for most of the week. I stole the awesome word from my friend LeAnn. I thought it was perfect! This past Sunday we prepared for what the meteorologist said was going to be the worst winter weather event since our Winter Storm of ‘93. Jarred and I had been out of town for one of my best friends, Christy’s wedding (more on that to come later) and stopped at several home stores to try to find a heater (because if anyone’s power is going to go out, ours will) and lucked up and found an indoor safe propane heater, but guess what, no propane! Oh well, we just went on the fly.

Right around dark it started sleeting. It was coming down really hard and really fast. Within an hour we had a lovely sheet of ice on everything. By 8 that night our street was covered with ice and snow. Everything has pretty much been shut down all week. Luckily our power never did go out. The schools are out and a lot of the roads are still really scary. I finally got to go back to work yesterday.

The boys really enjoyed it and this was Colyn’s first time to really get out in it. He liked it for a little while but was so bundled up he looked like the little boy from A Christmas Story, he could not move. He would just stand in the snow and not move a muscle. It was really cute! Jacob also got to get his truck out and had fun sliding on the ice driving down the road like Daddy.

The snIce is beautiful but let’s be honest, I am so ready for it to be gone. It is still covering everything, summer please come soon!

Snow Days

2011-01-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

The snow stuck around for several days after Christmas so Jarred and Jacob got out and played a little while Colyn and I stayed warm inside. Here are a few pictures from them playing around.

I hope you all are staying warm this winter!

Just Monkeying Around

2011-01-05T06:00:00.000-06:00

We had Colyn’s 1st Birthday party this past Sunday. It was the mod monkey theme. He had a great time and we were blessed with gifts from lots of family and friends. Thank you to all who came out in the cold to celebrate little man’s birthday and we missed those that could not make it.

Colyn, I hope you had a great birthday little man!

1st Haircut

2011-01-04T15:17:00.001-06:00

The week of Christmas I decided it was time to cut Colyn’s little mullet off. Jacob’s 1st haircut and every one since has been traumatic to him (although he has gotten much better) so I decided I would do Colyn’s myself since it was just a straight cut across the back. He did really good! He stayed still for the most part and there were no tears.

I think I did a good job for a first time haircut, and the best part, no more mullet!

Happy 1st Birthday Colyn!

2010-12-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

I cannot believe you are already one, where has this year gone. As I sat here last night and wrote this I remembered exactly what I was doing this time last year. I could not have imagined how beautiful you would be and how much your brother adored you from the time he laid eyes on you. Your Daddy and I are so blessed to have you and your brother in our lives. God gave us such beautiful, sweet boys.

I remember labor and all the pain, but it all went away as soon as I saw that precious face. You sure were stubborn and were not ready to come into this world, but once you did you made your mark. I love you more than words could express and you are my little monkey.

I love that little tongue you stick out all the time.

I love those big blue eyes.

I love that contagious smile!

I love that crazy hair!

I love your little laugh!

I love that you love to eat!

I love you little monster, more than you will ever know!

Happy 1st Birthday sweet little boy!

Love,

Momma

It Wasn’t a Dream!

2010-12-27T20:10:00.001-06:00

So we had a wonderful WHITE Christmas! It is the first time since I have been alive that it was actually snowing (and sticking) on Christmas in Birmingham. It was beautiful and half of our yard is still covered in snow (after 2 days, must be a record, HA).

Christmas started out kind of lousy for Jacob, he got pink eye last Tuesday, but by Thursday his eyes were starting to look much better. Miraculously no one else has gotten it. The boys were blessed with WAY too many toys and Jarred and I were blessed with our gifts as well. Most of all we were blessed to have two happy, healthy boys and a wonderful family and friends to share it with. It was such a joy watching them open all of their presents, even if it does look like Toys R Us threw up all over my living room.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2010-12-24T06:00:00.000-06:00

From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas!

Making Cookies

2010-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Every year we make cookies at Christmas time with Jarred’s mother, grandmother and sisters. This is an all day event full of baking galore. This past Saturday was the big, baking day. We struggled getting up and over to the DeGrado’s house, but finally made it there. We (meaning I watched and licked the batter most of the time, LOL) made all kinds of different cookies. The boys had fun decorating gingerbread men. Colyn had a field day with the icing.

We had so much fun and the cookies are yummy!

Happy Birthday Jesus

2010-12-21T06:00:00.000-06:00

Jacob had his Christmas program and party at school this past week. It was a busy week. He did so good in his program but was more interested in finding us and waving rather than singing.

Colyn had some crazy hair going on at the program so we had to of course take a picture of that as well.

And after the program, when we got home he was so tired he passed out in the floor!

Friday was the PJ Christmas party. Jacob was so excited to wear his Christmas Cars PJ’s to school.

Mrs. Tews

Ms. Jesse

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus!

Jacob had a great time at his party but was taught a valuable lesson when he got home from school. On his way home he devoured an entire bag of candy and as soon as he got home he got very sick. So, he now knows if he eats a lot of candy he will get sick. Although, as soon as he got done being sick he asked for more chocolate. Maybe he will learn one day!

Put One Foot In Front of the Other

2010-12-20T14:00:00.001-06:00

So Colyn is walking all over the place now. It is so funny to watch him walk because he still stagers around with his balance but he is doing great. He has been cruising for about a month and last week he finally started walking for a distance, now he is ALL over the house!

This was how we got him to walk, bribing him with a frozen go-gurt!

I am so proud of my little man!

GNO Christmas Party

2010-12-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

This past Friday night was our annual GNO Christmas Party with all of our husbands. This year we had it at Morgan’s house. It was so much fun! I love these girls to death and they are all like family to me. I hope they had as half as much fun as Jarred and I did.

Yes, I will admit we were getting WAY into it! I have no shame, LOL. And, just an FYI, we were not singing Sheryl Crow, it was Dixie Chicks on the iPod.

Love you girls! Can’t wait until GNO next month.

Family Pictures

2010-12-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

My cousin, Savannah, took our family pictures a few weekends ago and I wanted to share a few of them. It was pretty warm outside and I had my boys (including Jarred) dressed in winter clothes so they were not in a great mood, but she did a really good job with what she had to work with.

Thank you Savannah for all the great pictures!

11 Months Old

2010-12-07T12:58:00.001-06:00

Again, I am a week late.

I love this picture, it looks like you are trying to show me how big you are!

Colyn-

In 3 short weeks from today you will be a year old (I am crying sitting here thinking about that and the fact that I have not done the first thing to get ready for your party). You have grown in the wink of an eye and with Christmas right around the corner I am not even going to have time to think about it. Geez, I need to savor these moments because you are not a baby anymore. SLOW DOWN!

This past month you have:

Gotten tubes in your ears, God love you. You did so good and you were in and out of there in a heartbeat. It broke my heart when they brought you to me because you just wanted Momma, but you were fine as soon as I got you.

You still weigh about 19 lbs and wear size 6-12 month clothes and size 3 diapers
You love table food, for the most part. Not so big on noodles but love sandwiches and oatmeal is your favorite
Doing better with a sippy cup, but still love your bottle (I have got to wean that the next few weeks).
You are walking pretty good, you can get half way across a room and stumble but you do it!
You got your first shiner the other night by falling into one of your walking toys (it was so pitiful).
You have 2 bottom teeth, 1 top and 1 more on the way.
You clap, blow kisses, wave, and give love.
You have a mean little temper and like to hit your head when you are mad (your brother did the same thing).
You know what “no” means and you get the little pouty lip when someone tells you it.

You are such a little blessing and we are so excited to celebrate your first Christmas and birthday. We love you so much!

So…It Has Been A While

2010-12-07T12:37:00.001-06:00

Life has really gotten in the way this past month, so I have not even really thought about blogging. We had a great November. several birthday parties, football parties, tubes in ears, soccer and Thanksgiving. I am so blessed to have such a wonderful family and friends and want to make sure they all know I am thankful for each and every one of them. Instead of a recap in words, how about pictures? No, too bad.

I sure hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving. Be back with more…

10 Months Old

2010-11-05T10:16:00.001-05:00

Last Thursday…yeah I know I am behind.

Colyn-

I know I say this every month but I can not believe you are already 10 months old. This time last year I was HUGE! We are so blessed to have you in our lives. Here is what you have been up to this past month.

You probably weigh about 19 pounds (we haven’t officially weighed you since your 9 month check up).
You had another nasty ear infection so we have decided it is time to get tubes.
You are wearing 6-12 month clothes (depends on the outfit) and size 3 diapers.
You are not very big on table food, you spit everything out except crackers and cheese puffs. And, you are not very big on the sippy cup (but we are trying).
You are cruising and starting to let go for longer periods of time.
You still only have those 2 bottom teeth.
You clap and wave all the time, it is the cutest thing.
You are babbling more and more everyday.
You intentionally try to get your brother’s stuff, it is too funny because it makes him so mad. I can already see y’all fighting!
You give open mouth kisses and laugh all the time.

We love you so much little monster! I am so excited for your first Thanksgiving and Christmas!

We Had a Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T15:00:00.001-05:00

We had a busy, fun filled Halloween weekend. We decided to trick or treat Saturday night with some of our good friends and go to the boys’ old school on Sunday night. I was so worn out last night but it was well worth it. Here are a few pictures from the weekend.

I hope everyone got lots of candy and had a Happy Halloween.

Life is a Highway

2010-10-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

I wanna drive it all night long! (Jacob’s favorite song)

Week Full of Birthdays

2010-10-27T15:27:00.001-05:00

This past week was full of birthdays and birthday celebrations. We started it off on Wednesday going to Olive Garden to celebrate Jarred and Haley’s birthdays. It was a yummy dinner and I had the best pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.

The birthday boy and girl.My sweet Jacob!

Thursday was Jarred’s 30th birthday and he wanted to keep it low key. So, we decided to go eat, just the 4 of us at a new restaurant by our house. It was pretty good but Jacob decided he wanted to be wild man that night so we ate and left pretty quick. You never know with 3 year olds.

Saturday we had Jacob’s soccer game and then a big party for Jarred and our buddy Brett. It was a busy but fun day! And rounding out the weekend we had a family party for Jarred and my sister. Her 20th birthday was on Saturday. After the party we took a trip to Bass Pro Shops because Jarred’s birthday money was burning a whole in his pocket.

They look so excited! Some of the gang from Saturday night.My sissy and Daddy

What a weekend. Now I am ready for another busy weekend with Halloween.

Show Us Your Life: Bama Nursery

2010-10-22T15:46:00.001-05:00

I thought I might join in on Kelly's Show Us Your Life again this week. I love Colyn’s nursery and am so glad I decided to do it in Bama colors. I am a little obsessed with houndstooth so I knew when I found out I was pregnant that I wanted to use that pattern regardless of the gender (although had it been a girl I would have used hot pink).

I have posted pictures on here before (obviously since Colyn is about to be 10 months old) but I thought I would share again in case anyone was looking for the same idea. I looked everywhere on the internet when I was trying to get ideas and could not find anything, so maybe this will be helpful to someone out there.

The extra bed that has never been used, HA!

I bought a red crib sheet after I took these pictures. It looks much better. My grandmother also made a houndstooth cover for the mobile. And I still need to hang something over his bed!

All the bedding was custom made by a lady here in Birmingham. My sister made me the awesome canvas with Colyn’s name on it and I made the wreath. I hope you enjoyed looking at our bright, bold nursery. Roll Tide!

* I should add that I would have put Jacob’s room on here but it looks nothing like any pictures I have anymore. Still the same colors but completely rearranged and FULL of toys, HA!

Here Lately

2010-10-18T15:03:00.001-05:00

So it has been over two weeks since I last posted, where has the time gone? Well, my camera that I love so much has been broken so it is in the shop and I have only had my little camera. So, I have not taken many pictures in the last few weeks.

We have had the usual going on; soccer, Alabama football, sick babies and this past weekend the beach for Momma. Our month is pretty slam packed with things going on every weekend. I need to take more pictures! We have a BIG week ahead with birthdays and parties! So, for now, here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks.

Out!

Morgan, me and Allison at the beach for Bon Jovi

Colyn ridin’ with Jacob

I hope you all have a great week!

9 Months Old

2010-09-30T10:46:00.001-05:00

Colyn you turned 9 months old on September 28. Only a few short months and you will already be a year old. Here is what is going on in your world.

You weigh 18 lbs. 2 oz. and you are 27 1/2 inches long.
You wear mostly 6-9 months clothes but can wear some 9-12 months and still some 3-6 month onesies because you a skinny little thing.
You have started eating finger foods and really like cheese puffs!
You love your bottle but will drink from a sippy cup.
You have the cutest crawl, we call it the pimp crawl because you keep on leg up and crawl on the other leg, LOL!
You are pulling up on everything and cruising around pushing toys and holding on to things with one hand.
You FINALLY have two bottom teeth (I did not think they were ever going to come in). You cut them 2 weeks ago. It wasn’t too bad just a little fever.
You are such a happy, smiling baby.
You are mostly a Momma’s boy but Daddy can get you to calm down and fall asleep in a flash.
You sleep in your crib and will fall asleep on your own most of the time.

You love to stick that tongue out!

You look like you are cheesing here.

Daddy, Jacob and I love you so very much and could not imagine life without you in it. We can’t wait to see what all you have accomplished this month and the ones to come.

Don’t Jump

2010-09-29T14:20:00.001-05:00

Fooled you right, HA! After Colyn was poked and prodded at his doctor’s appointment he probably felt like jumping. They have these huge windows overlooking the city. Colyn liked banging on it to pass the time.

I am so happy to report that he does not have any more infection in his ear. I will be back tomorrow with his 9 month update. Happy Wednesday!

Me and My Boys

2010-09-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

I love my little men! I do not get my picture taken with both of them often enough so even if they aren’t looking I was happy they actually both sat down and cuddled with me. Even if it was for 2 minutes, HA! They are growing way too fast so I have to enjoy every chance I get of them being little.

Show Us Your Life-Master Bedroom

2010-09-24T13:23:00.001-05:00

Kelly over at Kelly's Korner has started the Show Us Your Life series back on her blog this fall and I thought I might actually participate this year in a few of them. This week is Master Bedrooms.

This past winter while I was on maternity leave I decided it was time for us to finally get a king size bed. I wrote about it here.

The furniture is dark chocolate so it looks almost black. The only thing that I do not like about it is that it shows dust pretty bad.

It was so hard to find something to fit in that little corner to hold our TV. It is an odd size so most chests and armories will not fit there.

This is looking in from the bathroom. We do not have a door going into the bathroom just an open frame. I also need to hang curtains, I just have not gotten there yet.

My favorite part of the whole room are the canvas prints I hung about my bed. The ones on the ends are the boys feet when they were newborns and the middle two are Jacob at 2 weeks and Colyn at 1 day old.

I still have a lot that I would like to do in my bedroom but so far I am pretty happy with it. Make sure you go see all the other bedrooms that are linked to Kelly’s blog. Happy Friday!

Firsts…

2010-09-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was full of firsts. Jacob had his first soccer game and Colyn finally cut his first tooth. Jacob did good for his first game, considering they had only had one practice EVER. He played the first two quarters then a little boy from the other team ran into him and that was it, HA! He said that he did not like that other team and he was done. He had another practice this past Monday and did awesome, so hopefully today will go much smoother.

To add to last weekend, Colyn finally cut his first tooth. He came home from daycare with a fever but acted fine, so I told Jarred that it might be his tooth. Sure enough, Jarred put his finger in Colyn’s mouth and the tooth about cut it off. That bad boy is sharp! He was a trooper going to Jacob’s game and then having all of the guys over for the Bama game. He is such a happy baby!

You can’t really see it, but it is the right one (looking at the picture).

Playing Catch Up

2010-09-17T20:58:00.001-05:00

So it has been a hot minute since I blogged so I guess I should catch up. These past two weeks have been crazy in my personal and business life. Now that I have a minute to catch up I will do just that.

Labor Day weekend was a busy one; we watched Bama stomp San Jose State, played on the lake and spent time with family. Here are a few pictures to capture all those moments.

I will catch up over the next few days and try my hardest not to get so far behind again. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Oh and Roll Tide!

8 Months Old

2010-09-04T14:17:00.000-05:00

Colyn-

You turned 8 months old on August 28th. You are getting too big too fast! I love how now when I take your picture I can’t just prop you up in the corner of your crib anymore. You will not be still to save your life! This is about the best I could get this time because you were too busy standing up and moving all around.

You weigh about 18 pounds and I’m not sure how long you are
You eat like a little pig! You love almost all baby food, we still have not really tried any solids because you have no teeth yet.
You have tried apple juice out of a Sippy cup but you prefer your bottle hands down (I am afraid we are going to have a hard time getting rid of it).
You did try Mommy’s ice cream the other night and you thought that was pretty yummy, LOL.
You still wear size 3 diapers and can wear 3-6 and 6-9 month clothes (it all depends on what it is).
You are non-stop these days; crawling, pulling up on everything and trying to cruise.
You still babble and say da-da pretty clear.
You love your toys but would much rather play with your brother’s and he does not like that very much, LOL.
You love your brother so very much! He makes you laugh all the time.
You sleep all night in your crib (something your brother never did).

We love you so much and love watching you grow and do new things every day.

Punk

2010-09-03T06:00:00.000-05:00

Rock on Colyn!

First Day of 3K

2010-09-02T14:29:00.001-05:00

Jacob’s first day of 3 year old Kindergarten was this past Monday. He was so excited! I am so excited for him too. It was a lot easier dropping him off this year since he has been going to daycare for a year now.

His new school is on the A Beka program and it is amazing what they say he should know by the end of the year. I am excited that he will be learning Bible verses and stories along with everything else like he did at his previous school.

It is really hard to believe that my tiny little boy is already three and learning so much.

(Love that fake smile! He had to have his monster truck in the picture.)

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6 ESV)

Obsessed

2010-08-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

With the air vent!

He likes the way it blows his crazy hair.

Lazy Saturday

2010-08-28T09:00:00.000-05:00

I thoroughly enjoy my lazy Saturday mornings. I know they will not last much longer because of soccer, but I love to just lay around with my boys. Moments like these will not last forever.

Hi!

2010-08-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Colyn just wanted to say hi to everyone out there. LOL!

Soccer Mom

2010-08-26T09:18:00.001-05:00

Well I am officially a soccer mom, Jacob started soccer practice this past Monday. At first he was a little hesitant to wear all his gear but when it came time to get out there and actually meet his team he put it on.

We had a good first practice (with a brief meltdown, HA). His coach is one of the little boy’s dads and has all my respect! He has a great deal of patience to coach six 3 year olds. Jacob loved listening to him and chasing him around.

Jacob is really good at kicking the ball (just like his Daddy) but still thinks he can pick it up whenever. Hopefully by the end of this season he will know that you do not touch the ball with your hands in soccer. Here are a few pictures from his first practice.

The kids named their team the Trussville Tigers. I am not real sure why they chose that, but that will be the only Tigers I will ever cheer for, HA. And not to leave the little man out, here is Colyn hanging out at Jacob’s practice.

There first game is in a couple weeks and I am sure it will be pretty funny watching a bunch of three year olds play a soccer game.

Clean Boys

2010-08-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

Little Crawler

2010-08-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday night I was in the kitchen fixing dinner and put Colyn in the floor to play. Jarred started hollering for me to come see where Colyn had crawled off to, the little bugger and gotten in his car seat and was playing with the buckle.

I guess it is time to put the baby gates back up. He is getting quick! Here are a few more pictures of my little men.

Happy Friday!

1st Annual GNO Beach Trip

2010-08-12T13:17:00.001-05:00

Let me just say, I had the most fun and laughed more than I think I ever have this past weekend. Our girl’s beach trip was so much fun and we are already planning for next year.

I had so much fun and am so thankful to have friends like you in my life. We rant, talk about our children and husbands, pick on each other, have heart to hearts, make up questionable phrases and laugh nonstop. You girls are the true meaning of friendship. Thank you for an awesome time!

Bloggy Beach Break

2010-08-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

I currently have my toes in the sand chatting it up with the best friends a girl could possibly have and plan to stay that way through the weekend. I will be back next week.

Wordless Wednesday: My Cuties

2010-08-04T14:38:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday post check out 5 Minutes for Mom.

10 Years

2010-08-02T13:01:00.001-05:00

My 10 year high school reunion was this past weekend. It was stressful (at times) preparing everything but I think April and I pulled it off. We had a blast! And might I mention we had a pretty awesome turnout. We did not really know what to expect and I for one was so nervous to see how everyone reacted to the whole event. All in all I think everyone had a great time.

The family picnic was yesterday and it was WAY too hot to be outside but we had a good time anyway. All of the kids played really hard, so I am pretty sure they all slept good last night.

My kiddos at the picnic.

Thanks to all that helped us pull this reunion off and to everyone who was able to make it out this weekend. We sure did miss our classmates that were not there. Only 10 more years until the next one, I need a break!

Resemblance?

2010-07-31T06:00:00.000-05:00

Colyn 7 months

Jacob 8 months

Bob the Builder

2010-07-30T06:00:00.000-05:00

I do not really have much to say, I have been really busy getting everything together for my 10 year high school reunion. It is tomorrow night and I am really excited and hope everything goes as planned. I will have pictures and I am sure stories to share next week. Here are a few pictures from our week.

Have a great weekend!

7 Months Old

2010-07-29T13:00:00.001-05:00

It is only getting faster, the time that is. Colyn turned 7 months old yesterday.

Little man, here is what you are up to these days:

You are in size 3 diapers and mostly 6-9 months clothes, but you can still wear some 3-6 month things. (You are still pretty small)
You are loving baby food but you have this wonderful habit of spitting your food at me ALL.THE.TIME! It was cute at first, but you can stop any time, ha.
You started crawling two weeks ago and you are crawling everywhere and getting pretty quick!
You have been really attached to Mommy this month, I can’t walk out of the room without you screaming for me to come get you.
You are now sleeping in your crib all night. I can even lay you down and you will fall asleep on your own. Your brother NEVER did this!
You say Da-da all the time and you say MAAAA when you are crying for me. I swear you have said Bubba too. It is probably all just blabbing but it sounds like words to me.
I am not sure how much you weigh, I would say about 17 pounds.
You still had a blasted ear infection when we went back for your recheck, so you are still on antibiotics and have to be re, rechecked in a few weeks. I so hope it is gone and you feel much better.
No teeth yet!

We love you to the moon and back!

Mommy, Daddy and Jacob

Picture Madness

2010-07-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

It was a difficult task to get a three year old and a 6 month old to cooperate for pictures so we tired our hardest. Jacob kept saying, “when we get done, we can go ride go-carts”? He had got to ride them the night before so he thought we could do that every night. We did not go ride again but we got ice cream instead. I think that was a great alternative!