The Sweet Things in Life

Flip Flop Sunday

2012-02-13T10:20:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was a "flip flop" kind of Sunday, in case you didn't know!! The weather is the coldest it's been all year but my sweet girl finally found her flip flops that we had been hiding since the Fall. If you know her, you know that she was infatutated with flip flops this summer. It didn't matter if they were hers, mine or Lydia's, she wore them EVERY day. I didn't care much because I am a "pick my battle" kind of mama. But when the cooler temperatures came, she and I went round and round about her wearing flip flops. Finally one day, I just put them up high in the closet, so that she wouldn't see them. That worked until this past Saturday night...she seen them, climbed up on the shelf and got them down. She was so happy to have found her "fip fops". So yesterday morning as we were getting ready for church, she came to me and asked if she looked pretty, with her flip flops on, I just looked at her and said YES. So off we went to church - with flip flops! Thankfully she didn't mind wearing her leggings with them!! Of course, everyone at church told her how pretty her flip flops were.

Pretty girls!

And because we can't take a serious, smiling, normal picture without a silly face!

This and That!

2012-02-12T20:53:00.005-06:00

Guess what happened while washing dishes a couple of weeks ago...Lay Lay jumped in. When I say jumped in, I literally mean jumped in. I was so tired this particular night, I didn't have a fight in me. I told her to hop out and let me finish my dishes and then I would give her a bath in the sink.

She is the BUSIEST little girl I have ever known. She gets faster with every passing day. I'm not complaining though, I wouldn't take anything for her. She is full of personality. She tells me at least 10 times a day that she "oves me sooooooo much".

We celebrated Daddy's birthday last week. He turned 37. The girls and I bought him a new pair of boots. I feel so blessed to have Dave. He is the best husband and an even better father. He is everything we need and would ever want.

While walking through the hallway yesterday I noticed a new sign on Lydia's door. I don't know what exactly prompted this new sign but Layton didn't abide very well but being the good sister Lydia is, she didn't fuss about it!

Honor Roll and Tattoos!

2012-01-30T21:21:00.003-06:00

Lydia had her second awards program at school last week. She received the Honor Roll award. She received three A's and one B on her report card. Her B was one point from an A. She works so hard in school and it shows. She was so excited when she received her award. Way to go Lydia!

This is Lydia with her sweet friend Harley.

Saturday morning I was cleaning out cabinet drawers and found these tattoos. I don't like tattoos at all but my girls sure do. When I called them in the kitchen and told them to pick which one they wanted, they screamed at the top of their lungs with excitement! They were proud to show them off. Layton walked around all day Saturday with her pants leg pulled up so that her tattoo could show!

How does this happen?

2012-01-25T21:38:00.002-06:00

My sweet baby 2 years ago. She was just beginning to sit up by herself and would smile at me every time I looked at her!

My baby today! She's on the move all the time, even at night. She will come into my bed and tell me that she needs to sleep with me because she loves me. Most of the time she runs from the camera but today, she stopped and smiled for me.

Big Sister, Little Sister

2012-01-22T21:05:00.002-06:00

Lydia's bird project

2012-01-19T22:20:00.002-06:00

Lydia has her first REAL project tomorrow. She had to pick any type of bird and present it to her class. She picked the penguin. She wanted to make a penguin out of a plastic bottle. So, with the help of her crafty daddy, we now have a penguin made from a water bottle, a sock, a tennis ball, lots of electrical tape, a little paper painted orange, yarn for the beak, and furniture cushions for the eyes. I think they did a fabulous job. She loves him and is so excited to present him to her class.

She had to make something representing a penguin habitat. This was my part! After making the penguin Dave said his brain was fried!! So, with a basket, paper, a rock from our flower bed, her Barbie camper pool, and some homemade fish, here's his habitat!

For her presentation, she is telling her class 5 facts about penguins:

1. Penguins live in Antartica.

2. Penguins cannot fly.

3. Penguins have webbed feet.

4. Penguins eat small fish.

5. Penguins have tall bodies and short legs.

I sure wish I could go tomorrow and listen to all her class' presentations. As excited as she is about it, I know she will do a wonderful job. Good luck baby girl!

My "sugarbear" turned 7!

2012-01-17T19:55:00.008-06:00

I have had the hardest time with Lydia turning 7. Seven seems so big! She's isn't a little girl anymore. She doesn't talk like a little girl or act like a little girl, she's growing up fast. But she is still my baby and she doesn't mind letting you know! She still crawls up in my lap EVERY night and wants to rock. I love that she still loves to spend time with me, even though she does sometimes think I'm crazy!

This year she wanted to have a sleep over, so that's exactly what we did. The girls had a blast. We had Haley come over and do makeovers! She did their hair, nails, and makeup. Afterwards, we went out for pizza then home again. As a party favor, I gave each girl air jam guitars, so they performed for us all night. They sang, danced, flipped and giggled all night. Layton had the best time being with all the big girls.

Getting her makeover!

Layton and Evie

Beautiful girls!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

Here's a little note to my "sugarbear" since she can read now!
Lydia,
You are one of the best things that has ever happened to me. You have such a big heart, which makes you a beautiful person inside and out. You are always happy. I love when we sit and talk. I love when we cook together. I love you more than you will ever know and am so thankful God choose me to be your mama. I love you sugarbear!

Christmas 2011

2012-01-02T21:49:00.009-06:00

Layton, Lydia and I were all 3 in our church's Christmas program this year. Lydia actually sang 2 solo's. During practice, she would walk all around the stage and sing without looking at her paper but her nerves got the better of her during her actual performance because she kept her eyes down at her paper the whole time without looking up. Afterwards she told me her stomach was hurting. Bless her heart, she did so good. I enjoyed every minute of hearing her sweet voice.

We started our Christmas celebrations on Friday night. My daddy and his family came over for us to celebrate together. We had a wonderful dinner then opened presents.

Lay-Lay is excited!

My sweet Lydia.

Daddy opened a new jacket.

The girls both received dress up clothes. Needless to say, they were in love!

The girls with Papa Randy and Debbie.

On Christmas Eve we went to Mawmaw's for lunch, then Mimi's for dinner. Lots and lots of fun and lots and lots of presents!

Papa had too much fun!

Christmas night, everyone came over here and we did it all again. We all played games and had a wonderful time. The best thing about Christmas day, was we didn't leave the house. The girls were able to run and play with all their new things all day and night!

Playing dress-up.

We were REALLY good this year!

2012-01-02T21:35:00.005-06:00

We must have been really good this year because Santa brought a lot of great presents this year. As always Dave was the first one up and was too excited to get things started but I wanted to see Layton's expression so I made him wait! She woke up around 8 and came into our bedroom with the biggest eyes. I asked if Santa had come and she said "he sure did"! She didn't know what to think about it all. We went and woke Lydia and started looking at our surprises! For the first time in a long time, I had the biggest surprise...an IPad. Lydia received her Barbie camper she had asked for and Dave got his bumper and top for the Ranger he had asked for. Layton loves playing with cars and little people so she got a little people race track. I think it is safe to say that we had a wonderful Christmas morning and the best part was that we were able to stay home ALL day.

Sleepy Heads!

She was amazed at all that was going on!

She loves her babies!

Lydia and her Barbie camper.

Letters to Santa 2011

2011-12-07T21:18:00.001-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2011-12-06T09:53:00.003-06:00

We have started all of our Christmas time festivities. The weekend after Thanksgiving, I always get the tree and most of the decorations up. This year was no different, we put the girls tree's up one night then worked on the big tree all weekend!

The weekend after Thanksgiving we went to see Santa. Layton was like a soldier in his lap. She would speak to him and would barely look at him. I don't think she was scared, she just didn't know what to think of him. Lydia asked him for a Barbie Camper and she asked for a pony for Layton! Afterwards we went outside and I attempted to try and get a decent picture of the girls. This was the best one and I actually think it's pretty darn cute! For our family right now, this is us. The girls are always acting silly and Dave and I just sit back and watch.

Layton getting a "piggy ride" from Lydia!

We made our Gingerbread house last week. I always love making one but my wonderful husband usually takes over the whole project. This year he had to share with Lydia, she really enjoyed it. Layton did care much for the decorating part but she did try and sneak in a few bites! They are so proud of it.

Crazy Weather

2011-12-01T15:32:00.001-06:00

We are upon that wonderful time of year again when it will be 70 degrees one day and this the next.

We got our first snow of the year this week. It left almost as fast as it fell but it sure was pretty.

Knock-Knock

2011-11-29T13:00:00.002-06:00

Layton: "Knock-Knock"

Me: "Who's there?"

Layton: "Meeeeeee"

Me: "Meeeeeee who?"

Layton: "Layton Smith"

Afterwards she will just die out laughing as if it's the funniest joke she's heard all day!

Happy Halloween 2011

2011-11-28T21:34:00.005-06:00

I realize that it is already past Halloween but better late than never, huh! Our Halloween didn't quite go as planned but that is life! The previous week our church had our annual fall festival. We had lots of fun with food, games, hayride and a bonfire!

Minnie Mouse and Miss Diva

Two Minnie's that are too cute!

Nemo and Minnie

Lydia golfing!

The night before Halloween, Layton got the stomach virus. I was bummed that we wouldn't be able to do our old fashion, walking from house to house, trick or treating but late that afternoon she acted like she felt better and said she was ready to go. We decided at the last minute to go to a church down the street from us to their trunk or treat rather than actually trick or treating. That was a wise decision because it wasn't very long until she started getting sick again. She was able to have fun for a little while though. Lydia had fun too!

Last minute dress change...Princess's!

Lydia's field trip

2011-11-28T21:03:00.003-06:00

Lydia's grade went to the Children's Museum of Memphis earlier this month for their yearly field trip. She begged me to ride the bus with her on the way. I was hesitant but gave in and rode with her. I wish I would have taken a picture of her expression sitting beside me, she was all smiles! In the end, I was glad that I rode, it brought back many childhood memories. It was fun telling her stories from my bus riding days. It was special time for just us. The museum is wonderful and she had so much fun running from one area to the other.

The dress up area was fun!

Climbing on a fire truck.

Future dentists?

Supermarket shopper!

Playing in the "Mississippi River".

In the middle of a storm.

Lydia's 1st grade class.

The "Smith" Tower!

2011-11-16T09:00:00.001-06:00

Playing around

2011-11-08T12:51:00.004-06:00

This happens at our house almost every night.

I love every minute of the giggling, laughing, screaming, dancing, counting...

We love Taylor Swift!

2011-11-05T21:02:00.008-05:00

Lydia and I went with some friends to the Taylor Swift concert on October 30th. We have been waiting on this day for 6 MONTHS! Needless to say our excitement level was very high!

Lydia and Jade decorating posters before we left that afternoon.

Dakota, Lydia and Jade showing their posters off!

We headed downtown early so that we could eat before the concert. As we walked down Beale Street, the girls were in awe at the crowds. Lydia thought someone was having a birthday party but I explained that Beale Street is just a big party all the time!

The girls watching the crowds on Beale while waiting for our meal.

After eating, it was time! This cute picture set up was in front of the forum leading into the concert.

The crowd was deafening and our excitement was over the top!

We even ran into Keeton while walking to get a snack!

This concert was THE BEST concert I have ever been to. Her stage changed scenes almost every song. The setup to every song was similar to her videos so Lydia knew what song she was going to sing before it even came on. She came out about 8:15 and didn't finish until 10:40. At 10:00, Lydia couldn't hold her head up any longer so we left our seats and walked around. I am so glad that I was able to share this experience with Lydia. Hopefully next time she comes Layton, her biggest-smallest fan, can go with us!

One Proud Mama!

2011-11-04T22:36:00.004-05:00

Lydia recently completed her first 9 weeks of 1st grade. This was her first report card with REAL grades. I was beyond proud to see straight A's. Her school has a program at the end of every grading period awarding students for their honors. At her awards program she received 3 awards. She didn't have a clue that the program was even going to happen and she didn't have a clue that Mawmaw and I would be there. When she walked in and seen us, her smile was priceless. She received the Principal's List award, Perfect Attendance award and Most Dependable for her class. The Principal's List was because she earned all A's. The Most Dependable award was a result of all her peer's in class voting for her. At parent teacher conferences her teacher told us that she was a wonderful student and a perfectionist. Dave and I had to laugh at this because we don't see the perfectionist part at home much! She loves 1st grade and has come such a long way since the beginning of the year.

Award day and hat day!

She was so excited! The smile on her face stole my heart!

I realize that I don't look real proud but I am!!

"Ruff"

2011-10-26T11:29:00.001-05:00

Recently Layton been pretending to be different animals, mostly a cat or dog. This morning she was a dog. The funniest thing about it is her barking is so low key and all she says is “Ruff”. I ask her lots of questions and all she says is “Ruff”. She did say her name was Reese. So this morning I introduced our dog Reece, to the new dog named Reece. She thought that was very funny and just kept looking at me. Maybe she was in disbelief that I would actually play along with her but I love watching her imagination. I even gave her a “treat” before we walked out of the door, her medicine!

Halloween's past

2011-10-24T11:09:00.005-05:00

I was looking through old pictures this weekend and found the cutest little Indian I have ever seen!

This was her first time she carved a pumpkin, she was so proud.

Let me tell you a story!

2011-10-20T11:45:00.007-05:00

As I loaded these pictures the other night, I couldn’t help but tell the story of what happened as I arrowed through each picture very slowly. This is my attempt at writing it down!

A few weeks ago my mother in law called and said she wanted to get the girls picture made in a cotton field this fall. It sounded like a simple task, although I knew with Layton it wouldn’t be! She doesn’t do well for the camera. She actually runs from it or wants to hold it herself. But I had lots of optimism that day and just knew this time would be different. I had visions in my head of what all we could do, how they could sit and stand, how beautiful the pictures would be. So one afternoon after work, I swing by and grab my camera then head to get the girls. I knew Mawmaw would go with us but to my surprise Pawpaw went too! I was a little nervous, he just doesn’t seem like he would enjoy a photo session but I am beginning to realize that anything involved with the girls, he enjoys! We get to a cotton field and the girls are amazed at its beauty. We get out of the truck and my father in law immediately starts telling them to “stand still, look at your mama”, ummmm that wasn’t happening. Although I did get some…

Then we decided to stand, Lydia was pouting and Layton was still looking around at all the free space!

Lydia pouting doesn’t last long when little sister gets her!

In the fun of playing, I get them to both look!

Layton was moving so fast, I don’t think her feet could catch up with her eyes!

While Pawpaw was wrangling Layton...

Lydia was posing for me. She loves to have her picture made.

Now-a-days she has to throw in some silly faces.

By this time, I had taken at least 100 pictures. I figured I had at least 10 good ones. I snapped as fast as my figure would allow. In the process of loading up, the girls end up in the back of the truck and because big sister was acting silly, little sister was too.

We start to drive off, heading home. Layton asks me if she can still have her piece of “cany” that I promised her earlier. I don’t mind bribing, I will bribe in any situation! Fortunately for me, my girls consider a peppermint a piece of candy. I personally don’t consider peppermint candy, so when the dentist asks if they eat candy often, I can honestly say “No”! Anyway, on the way home as we drive over some railroad tracks, my father in law asks if we want to stop and get some pictures. My mother in law and both say sure! I could not believe that he hadn’t had enough! So as I get out, I silently pray that no trains are in the distance. The girls cannot believe that we are letting them walk on a set of train tracks.

We start asking the girls to come over here, sit there, look at me, etc. I could tell Layton’s photo session was over! She wouldn’t even look in my direction!

Pawpaw went to give it a try but all we heard was “stand still, look at your mama”.

Lydia listened, Layton didn't!

Pawpaw gets a stick! I am sure he was playing around telling them to sit still.

But the both of them are too fast for him!

We all agreed that it was time to go home. Even though I may not have gotten the “best” pictures, we all had fun. I enjoyed the time spent with family, the stories my in-laws told, listening to my girls laugh and squeal and of course getting some new pictures!

Wordless Wednesday: Reese's new bowls

2011-10-19T13:39:00.003-05:00

Funnies

2011-10-18T13:18:00.002-05:00

Some funnies from my crew!

I had just rolled over to sleep the other night when Lydia came in a tapped my on the shoulder. Immediately I could tell something was wrong. She asked if I had turned on the security alarm because she heard someone whistling in the house. I told her it was probably the wind and to go back to sleep. She continued explaining how it sounded, etc… so I decided to get up and find out what was making the noise. When I walked into her bedroom I heard it, it was Layton. Her nose was making a whistle sound as she was breathing. I told Lydia what it was, she didn’t agree saying she had never heard it before. I thought I would just lie down with her until she went to sleep. After a few minutes she rolled over and asked if I was sure that it was her sister!

Another night same situation as above, except she heard a mouse. I told her it was our new pets, hermit crabs, walking around in their rocks. She said ok and went to look at the crabs. They weren't moving so she came back into my room and exclaimed that it wasn't the crabs because they were asleep! I finally just told her to get in the bed with us!

Recently, we have started playing “slug-bug”! Lydia really gets into it and at random now Layton will come find me and say “slug-bug, I got you”! Lydia has gotten really good at it. The other day we were riding and she yelled out, “Look there is a slug-bug with its head cut off”. It was a convertible!

Layton has learned mine and Dave’s name. When she is real serious and wants to get his attention she calls him Dave! This past Saturday Dakota was at our house and of course she calls me “Miss Candi” so all day Layton called me “Miss Candi”!

A couple of weeks ago, we went to a friend’s birthday party. It was a costume party. The girls, especially Lydia, enjoyed dressing up. She went as a witch and Layton went as Minnie Mouse. Dave even dressed up as “Joe Dirt”. He looked kind of gross! At the party, they had different games and things. One game was apple-bobbing. Lydia has never seen anyone bob for apples. She eventually wanted to do it. Me, being my family’s apple-bobbing champion, told her a few tricks before she started! She beat her first competitor, then the second and so on and so on. She ended up beating everyone she raced against, that included young kids and older kids and BOYS. She never gets motivated about anything so I was so excited that she was excited about something! Of course after all the kids were done, Dave challenged me. I AM STILL THE CHAMPION! As we were walking in the house that night, Lydia said “that was pretty cool how I beat everyone at something”!

We have really been working with Lydia, learning how to read. She has really improved over the past 2 months. Layton will now pick up a piece of paper, book, anything with words on it and pretend to read it, just as Lydia reads to us, slow and loud!! She does the same thing while we practice Lydia's spelling words. As Lydia spells out loud, Layton repeats her.

Layton has picked up the phrase, “I sure will”, when you ask something of her. For example, when I ask her to bring me something or put something in its place, she responds by saying, “I sure will”. Even though it is funny to hear her say that, it is nice to hear such a sweet response.

The other night, Layton was talking to someone/something. Since there weren’t any babies or anything else around her, I asked who she was talking to, she said she was talking to the Devil! I told her not to talk to the devil, he was bad. Last week Dave took off work to spend time with the girls for Fall Break. He was home with them for 4 whole days!! One of the days, Layton told him she was talking to the “Debil”. I think it kind of freaked him out!

Recently I have started noticing when Layton gets in trouble, tired, whiny, etc… she immediately says she’s sleepy! For example, after telling her several times to pick up the other night, I spanked her. She started crying and said “I seepy”.

When Layton screams she has to scream real quiet then loud. It is hard to explain on paper but it is really funny!

Lay Lay's 2!

2011-09-16T10:27:00.007-05:00

Lay Lay is officially 2, I can’t believe it. She has grown so much over the past 6 months. At 18 months, she was barely talking, now she never quits. At night when I rock her, I have to tell her to be quiet and even then she always responds with "otay", "why", or "sooop" (stop)! She sings constantly. I have never heard a child her age sing as much as she does. Maybe she be a singer when she grows up. She is constantly singing or humming a tune. Her favorite songs right now are the songs from our bible school this summer and “Jesus loves me”. Every time we get in my car, she yells “bible schoo”, meaning she wants to hear the bible school songs, then she yells which number she wants to hear, “7 peeaase”, then she yells, “turn it up”!

She can count to 15 but always misses the number 9. Funny story about what all she can say/sing. The other day I had the video camera out recording her singing and talking. She sang several songs, counted, sang her ABC, etc. I asked Dave and Lydia what else she could do so that we could record her, Lydia told her to sing “twinkle, twinkle”. I didn’t have a clue that she could sing “twinkle, twinkle little star” but she did and knew every word to it. Dave and Lydia both laughed because MAMA was wrong!

She has taught me a new meaning to the word independence. She doesn’t want you to do ANYTHING for her. And even though it might take forever, she really can do anything. Occasionally she will come find someone and ask “hep peeaase”, help please. She has very good manners, she says please and thank you often. I tell Lydia that she has taught Layton good manners because she has such good manners!

The girls continue to sleep together. I don’t know how Lydia gets any rest though. Layton kicks, slaps, hugs, flips, talks, giggles, bites, YES BITES in her sleep. Several weeks ago, Dave had to go to Nashville for school for 2 weeks. I let the girls sleep with me several nights while he was gone. One night Layton bit me on the hand. She never woke up but I sure did!

She is almost potty trained. She was doing so well but our camping trip set her back a little. Miss Darlene has been working with 2 other little girls during the day so that has helped tremendously. This week she has gotten back on track and done perfect!

I know this picture is horrible but I couldn't help it! She looks so darn cute in her Dora panties!

One of her favorite saying’s right now is “I see”. She wants to see everything. Even if she can already see whatever it is I am doing or watching, she still say’s “I see”. Another favorite saying is “Sooop”, meaning stop. If something happens, “sooop” is her automatic response. I hear it at least 50 times a day!

She has started pretend playing with baby dolls and us. She has really started playing with baby dolls more and more and she tells us all the time “see ya later, going work”.

This year we had 2 separate parties for her. My girls are very fortunate to have 5 set of grandparents, so we had gradparents over on Friday night and friends on Saturday. It worked out perfectly. She enjoyed showing out for all her gradnparents on Friday night then on Saturday afternoon, she enjoyed her friends being there. AT both parties, when we sang to her, she sang too! For weeks leading up to her birthday she sang "Hap Birthday to Ayton" a million times a day. I thought she would be shy at her parties and not sing but she proved me wrong. She enjoyed every minute of all of us singing to her!

Mamaw gave Layton some dollars! You would have thought she gave her a million dollars, Layton loved it. When she opened it and all the money fell out, she got very excited and starting saying "dollar, dollar"!

"Ydia" is helping pick little sister up so she can blow her candles out! Miss Darlene made her a Dora cake. It was so cute! Layton loves Dora. The funny thing is, she doesn't watch the show!!

All of her buddies on Saturday!

She continues to be a silly girl. She is always saying “watch dis”. It is 100% competition between her and her sister. She is always trying to get a reaction. And sometimes if you don’t react to her she says “sooop”! I cannot imagine my life without her. I am so grateful for my little monkey!!

Our first camping trip!

2011-09-07T14:07:00.004-05:00

I did it, I survived camping! This past weekend we were one with nature, staying at Jellystone National Park in Van Buren, Missouri. We went with about 35 others from out church. We left Friday afternoon and came back Monday afternoon. Lydia was so excited that after we picked her up from school Friday afternoon (2:45) she stayed in the truck, buckled up ready to go until 4:00! I’ll admit I was anxious because as a child, I HATED camping but this time was different. Lydia had enough excitement that it spread to me. After packing what seemed like everything we owned, we set out. We got there around 8 that night. By the time we set our tent up and unpacked everything we didn’t get settled until around 10. Layton and I went to sleep around 11. Dave sat around the campfire with all the guys talking and Lydia enjoyed playing spy’s with the kids. Before I went to bed, I told Dave to make sure their feet were cleaned off before they got in the tent. The next morning I woke up to see Lydia covered in grass. Her white shirt was no longer white. I could have sworn she had more grass on her than was outside. I asked Dave why he didn’t try and get her cleaned off and his response was that he cleaned her feet! She explained that when you spy on people, you have to crawl around in the grass. Needless to say, she loved every minute of it! Around 4:00 am that first night I remembered why I didn’t like camping. The first night was humid, hot, sweaty, stuffy, etc...

The next day, we went tubing down Current River. After seeing a snake within the first minute, Lydia didn’t want to get back in the water. The scenery was beautiful and it was nice just floating down the river. After lunch, Layton fell asleep just like normal, in the tube on top of me! After we got back from tubing, Lydia got upset with me for making her take a shower. In her opinion, you aren’t supposed to take showers while camping! She was fine afterwards, when we walked out of the bath house and a face painting booth was set up! Both girls got their faces painted and of course Layton smeared hers immediately! That night we enjoyed sitting around the camp fire making smores and talking with everyone.

Sunday was a day of relaxing. The weather was cooler and the wind blew all day. It was perfect. We had cornhole tournaments all day. My girls enjoyed running freely from one place to the other. I couldn’t ever get Layton to take a nap so at 5:30 that afternoon she fell asleep standing up. She slept until 7:45 the next morning. We packed up and headed out Monday morning. Lydia was such a sleepy head that we just put her in the truck and she never woke up until we were an hour or so down the road! We stopped off by Lambert’s on the way home and had a delicious meal. It was a perfect way to end the trip.

I enjoyed being away from home; no laundry, no cleaning, no cooking, no tv, nothing but nature and friends. It was relaxing and I enjoyed watching the girls have such a good time. Our church has gone for the past 4 years but this was our first time of going with them but it definitely won’t be our last!

Cornhole Tournaments!

He must have won!

Layton talking to one of the youth.

Playing in the tent!

My baby was T I R E D!!

After a hayride one night. They made the kids balloon bracelets.

Summer Fun

2011-08-30T15:23:00.010-05:00

This summer we have had the best time at doing…not so much! We didn’t go on a week long vacation instead we split it up, Memorial Day weekend in Kentucky, Nashville in August (before school) and camping this weekend in Missouri! I missed a week long vacation but have had fun on our little adventures. I think this weekend, camping with a (potty training) 2 year old, will be the most fun!!!

Every weekend we've been in the pool. This year was Layton's first year to enjoy swimming. She would go from the pool to the playhouse to the swing set. She loves outside. I haven't taken a million pictures but here are some from the summer.

Shannon and Erin came for a visit in June. The girls just thrive on their attention. Lydia really was happy in this picture!

Layton didn't know if she wanted to talk at first but she quickly warmed up!

Pool time!

Lydia has always loved to dress up. Now, little sister loves to dress up.

The weekend before school started we went to Nashville to spend the weekend. Dave was already there for work. The girls and I left Friday morning around 9. We didn’t get to Nashville until 4 hours later! Layton was not the best traveler. She said the word “out” 5 million times. That night we went and ate with some friends at the Cheesecake Factory, delicious! Afterwards, we went on a tour of Nashville. Our friends showed us where several Country music stars lived, including Taylor Swift!! I think Lydia thought for a split second that we would see her through a window. Saturday’s plan was to go to Nashville Shores. That morning we woke to the sound of thunder, lots of rain and lightning! It was a blessing in disquise for me. I was able to lay around and enjoy time with my family and then around 1 the clouds passed and it turned out to be a beautiful day, perfect for a water park! That afternoon we were so tired that we just ran through a fast food place and went back to the hotel. We were all asleep by 8:30 that night. On the way home, we stopped by the Safari Park in Alamo! It's an animal park that you drive through. It was cool that the animals would come to your car, except the Emu’s. I DO NOT like birds, especially big ones! Overall it was a neat experience.

Silly Faces, yes Lydia can touch her nose with her tongue, such talent!!

Safari Park!

Like I said earlier, I didn't like the Emu's. Dave thought it was hilarious to lock my window when they would come near me. He and Lydia enjoyed laughing at me, mama who isn't scared of anything, scream at the top of my lungs. He thought it was real funny...UNTIL they came to his window!!

Golden Teeth

2011-08-29T11:35:00.001-05:00

So, Lydia comes home last week telling me about a little girl in her class who has “golden” teeth. I just nodded my head. I didn’t want to laugh but wasn’t real sure what to say. She then asks, if she could have golden teeth. At this point I couldn’t help it, I cracked up laughing and explained golden teeth to her! I love school stories!!

The big 2!

2011-08-16T15:51:00.002-05:00

Someone has a birthday in 4 days!

Driving Miss Daisy

2011-08-16T15:46:00.002-05:00

A few months ago, Lydia went from not ever driving anything to wanting to drive everything! Dave has this old lawn mower without a deck on it rigged up to his sprayer. Every time he has sprayed this summer, Lydia asks to drive it. So when he finishes, she drives it for a while. She drives in the front yard, where there aren’t many things to dodge! Every time she comes by us, even if it’s the 100th time, she waves.

Last night she was driving. Dave, Layton and I were on the front porch watching her and waving each time she went by! I had to run inside for a minute. I planned on getting my camera on my way back out. The first time she drove by herself this summer she had been playing dress up. It was late one Sunday afternoon. When she asked to drive, he said ok and she jumped on it, Snow White dress and all!! I was so tired that day and I didn’t have the energy to get the camera. I have regretted it ever since. So I intended on getting a picture last night. Before I could get back outside, Lydia came running inside telling me that she had run over the bushes. She was laughing so I really didn’t know what to believe. She was anxious to show me her work as she called it. On the way out, I asked what her daddy said and she said, “He just said, Lydia you got to pay more attention”. The funny part was that she sounded just like him while telling me. So I go outside and Dave starts telling me the story… She got too close to the porch and was waving and watching he and Layton, not where she was going, and BAM. She ran up on the front porch, through all the shrubs in front of the house. Thankfully no one was hurt and Dave was there to handle the situation! Layton is in a phase right now where she says Oh My Gosh for everything. Of course after it all happened she yells, ”Oh My Gosh”! I am so sorry that I missed it but have laughed thinking about it all day today.

Our Song

2011-07-27T10:57:00.003-05:00

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You’ll never know dear

How much I love you

Please don’t take my sunshine away

America's birthday

2011-07-13T16:21:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful 4th of July weekend this year. We went to two different firework shows and had a cookout at our house. The fourth of July holiday is one of my fondest memories as a child. I love getting together with family and friends and I LOVE watching fireworks. I think the girls had a lot of fun this weekend as well. I was anxious to see how Layton would do with fireworks, especially the big ones. She doesn't really like loud noises but she did fine. She sat in my lap during one of the big shows. I would say "wow" after each one and she would repeat me. One time she changed up on me and said "cool". It was too funny!

She used to pose for me, now this is what I get!

Dave sees the furture in this picture and he looks sick!

I don't think Dave intended on Layton having her own sparkler. However, when Layton saw him lighting Lydia one, she ran up to him and said "where's mine".

Sweet friends!

Thank You Jesus for WASHABLE markers!

2011-07-06T15:57:00.002-05:00

Yesterday afternoon while cooking dinner, Layton was very quiet. I looked in the living room and seen her standing still on the other side of the couch. I then thought she was just “doing her business”. About 5 minutes later Lydia came through and screamed. Layton had a brown marker and she had drawn all over Julie, Lydia’s American Doll girl. Lydia was getting really upset. After walking over to where Layton had been standing, I seen marker all over the fireplace, floors, her arms & legs, a basket that was sitting there and of course Julie. Lydia was panicked that Julie would not come clean. So we washed her off first. Since the markers were washable, we were able to wipe all marks off Julie. Her clothes on the other hand will have to be washed! I made Layton wipe the floors and fireplace off. All I could think of the whole time was Thank You Jesus for WASHABLE markers! I asked Layton who had written all over everything and she admitted that “Ay-Lay” (Lay Lay, herself) had made the mess. I was curious to see who she would say. Regretfully I didn’t get any pictures. It all happened so fast, when it was all over, I thought I wished I would have taken a picture! I am sure it will happen again one day! I just hope this time Julie is hidden!!!

Miss Serious

2011-07-06T15:44:00.001-05:00

Sometimes she is the most serious child I have ever seen!!!

Growing up

2011-06-22T15:39:00.004-05:00

In less than 2 months, my baby will be 2 years old, wow!

The big thing this month is that she started saying yes. Until recently she said no for the things she really meant yes to! Now she is saying “yes ma’am” and “no ma’am”. Teaching Lydia good manners has paid off with Layton too!!

She is a swimming machine. Dave and the girls swim almost daily. We went to a pool party the other night at the Ripley water park. She went down the slides and jumped off the diving board. She was just as big as all the others!

She has discovered the sand box and playhouse recently. She loves going in and out of the playhouse, and she has managed to dump almost all the sand OUT of the sandbox!

She asks “What’s this” and “Who’s that” a million times a day. When you tell her what or who it is she relies, “Ohhhhhh”!

She and Lydia are still sleeping together but most night she wakes up about 4:30 and comes to my bedside and hollers, “Hold you”, wanting me to hold her. She is back asleep before she hits the pillow!

She now has 7 teeth, 4 on top, 3 on bottom! She loves, loves, loves anything sweet.

She still has an allergy to tomato.

Her legs are so long. Recently, there have been several dresses that she could wear one week, then the next week, there were too short. I think she will be tall like her daddy!

She is EXTREMELY bossy. We have to scold her occasionally because if we are scolding Lydia for something, she tends to start scolding Lydia too, right behind us! She will fuss at someone if she knows they are doing something wrong.

We went "bishing" the other day. Even though it was so hot, she loved every minute. She liked getting the minnows for us to bait the hooks!

She is precious and we are loving every minute with her!

To the best daddy ever!

2011-06-17T14:10:00.005-05:00

Since my girls are not old enough to write how they feel about their dad on here, I will write about how thankful I am that they have such a wonderful dad! One of my biggest attractions to Dave was that I thought he would be a great father and that is so true.

I remember the night I told him I was pregnant with Lydia he cried like a baby. During my pregnancy with Lydia I never got sick, he did. He even gained a little weight with me! From the minute she was born, he has been so protective. After she was born, he asked the nurses if they had to be so rough with her! I remember when we got home on several occasions he would tell me that I was not holding her right. At the time I wondered if he was crazy, now I know he it was just love!

Two and a half years ago, he opened an early Christmas present and found out he would be a daddy again! He was ecstatic. Again he was sick occasionally during my pregnancy. My water broke in the middle of the night with Layton, when I woke him, he jumped up running around a hundred miles an hour which is almost the speed we did going to the hospital. When we arrived at the hospital, he brought me a wheel chair and RAN me through the parking lot, in the wheel chair, over speed bumps and curbs. He was a little nervous! I remember him saying after she was born that he didn’t think he could love someone as much as he loved Lydia but he does. He went down to the nursery and watched them give her a bath and started knocking on the window because they were so rough with her. I was told that the nurses just looked at him like he was crazy!

He and Lydia after she fell when she was little. She scraped her nose and he was loving on her!

He and Lydia acting silly!

He and Lydia before they went on a date one night.

He and Lydia last year during the Sugarland concert. He held her on his shoulders the whole time so that she could see over the crowd. It was at least 100 degrees outside. I think they were both delirious at this point!

One of their favorite things to do together. These two are both like fish!

Coaching a team of 4-6 year old little girls! I promise not every man could do this but he does and loves it!

We had to take Layton to the doctor late one night. She was so fussy because she didn't feel good. This is when he is at his best, he can always make them smile!

He and Layton at out Fall Festival at church last year.

Daddy and his girls! I love that Lydia has her hand on his face, so sweet.

I feel so proud that he is their daddy. I know they will look back some day and realize how blessed they really are. So here is to you daddy…for being YOU! We love you very much!

Memorial Day weekend in Kentucky

2011-06-02T16:22:00.003-05:00

We took our first road trip this past weekend as a family of 4. Both girls did great and daddy too! Dave has a little too much energy to be cooped up in the car for very long! But he drove the whole way there and home. We rode to see my step dad’s brother in Paint Lick, Kentucky. For years we have been told that they lived in the middle of no-where and that is the honest truth!! I just thought we lived in a rural area! We made our way to Lexington on Saturday. My step father took us many different places, showing us his original home, farmland, childhood church, etc. Everything was very beautiful and I enjoyed being apart of his past. I can’t imagine growing up 50 years ago. I love listening to older adults tell stories of how they grew up.

Keeneland Horse Track

Big sister trying to take care of little sister; little sister trying to get big sister away!!

The girls with Aunt Margaret.

Langraddy, the girls and Uncle Kenneth

My graduate!

2011-06-02T16:11:00.004-05:00

Lydia graduated from kindergarten on May 23, 2011. She’s super excited to be in first grade now. She had wonderful behavior all year; she earned a smiley face every day. She excelled in every lesson taught. She can read most things, when she wants! She said her favorite things were her teacher and all the new friends she made. I loved hearing her stories every afternoon of how her day went. I can’t wait to see what 1st grade has in store for us!

All the kindergarten classes performed 3 separate songs for us on graduation day. I have been hearing them now for months so I felt like I knew them as well as they did. During the program, Lydia was on the front row and knew every move and word to them. She performed great! AFter the graduation program, the school had a small reception with cake and punch for everyone.

Lydia and Piper. Piper was the little girl that called Lydia one night. It was so funny!

Lydia and sweet Evie!

Proud parents!

Lydia and her sweet teacher. Ms. Jamie made our first year of school very special.

Nanny and Mawmaw came with us to graduation!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T13:33:00.002-05:00

He gives the barren woman a home, making her the joyous mother of children. Praise the LORD! Psalms 113:9

I had a wonderful Mother’s Day this year. Lately I have been reminded by so many different things going on around me of how truly grateful I am to be a mother. I am so thankful for two beautiful daughters. Seven years ago on Mother’s Day weekend I found out I would be a mother for the first time. As a little girl I always wanted children. I had dreams of how wonderful it would be to have my own children one day. Each time I found out I was pregnant I began thanking God for the ability to have a child. I have given birth to two beautiful daughters and Jesus has kept one child that I wasn’t able to carry! I will always have a hole in my heart for the child I will someday meet but I try to live life to the fullest with my girls.

Each child has taught me in so many ways. Lydia introduced me to motherhood! She’s is a mama’s girl. She and I have a bond that I will never have with anyone else. My second child taught me the true meaning of God’s plan for me. I never dreamed of losing a child. I was devastated after losing that child but I know that someday he/she and I will be reunited. I look forward to that day! After losing my baby, I prayed that I could have another child. And one year later I found out I was pregnant. Layton has taught me about hope. Layton and I have had a special bond since the day she was born. She is really a daddy’s girl but I know she loves me like no other!

Each time I look into their eyes I see innocence. They inspire me to be a better person. I never tire of hearing Lydia’s thoughts and stories and have been in awe of Layton’s personality developing over the past year. My heart swells with love each time I see them bond as sisters. I love rocking them, BOTH, each night before bed time. Each time I hear “MAAAMAAA”, I smile and remind myself that they are one of the greatest gifts I have ever been given.

I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.
1 Samuel 1:27

Easter 2011

2011-04-27T13:51:00.009-05:00

We had a perfect Easter this year. Lydia and I dyed eggs on Friday night about 10:00. I thought she and I could do it then rather than Saturday and I thought it would be calmer for me not having Layton trying to drink the dye! Lydia didn't even worry about taking the eggs out with the little wire thing, she just reached in the cup and got them out!!

On Saturday we got up and went to eat breakfast with the Easter bunny. After lunch we were off for our annual Easter egg hunt at church. Layton really didn't know what to think of it all but after a while, she started picking the eggs up. Saturday night we ate at my mom's house. We had a wonderful dinner and a nice time spending time with them. The girls played outside on the swing set. They love being outside.

On the way home, after the hunt!

Sunday morning the Easter bunny came and brought lots of goodies. Lydia received a new bike and Layton got some things for the pool. Lydia is a little scared of the bike considering it doesn't have training wheels. After church we went to Mimi's house. We all had a great time. After the kids hunted eggs, the adults and kids played games. Some people had messages in their eggs, such as "you have to dance your favorite dance" , "Dave has to put lipstick on", and lots of other funny things. To say the least, we all had a blast watching everyone. The weather was perfect and I really enjoyed spending time with my family. Everyone is so busy we don't all get together real often but when we do we have a blast.

Lydia "just sitting" on her new bike!

Just like big sister.

All the great-grandkids, in birth order!

Daddy had to put the lipstick on! I will say, he doesn't look too bad!!

Mimi had to dance around the flag pole!

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

2011-04-25T08:58:00.003-05:00

Layton didn't LOVE him but she wasn't terrified. She wouldn sit in his lap until he showed her he had uckers (suckers)! She is a sucker for an ucker!!

Tooth #2

2011-04-25T08:56:00.000-05:00

Lydia lost her second tooth this week on Friday. Daddy flicked it out! It was literally hanging so he didn’t have to do much but I think she wanted someone else to get it for her. She was so excited. Her speech sounds a little funny because of the gap she has now. I think she has had a good week with spring break, a visit from the tooth fairy twice and the Easter bunny!

Layton 20 month

2011-04-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

In less than 4 months my baby will be 2 years old, I cannot believe it!

Layton turned 20 months old this week. She has the best little personality but also can be one tough little girl. She is definitely not going to let anyone run over her. She is very assertive but not in a bad way! She is always smiling, laughing and acting silly. She loves to run from us, especially if she needs a diaper change or a nose cleaning! She has a big giggle box. She giggles at Lydia a lot. Her speech has improved 100% over the past month. We can understand most of everything she says. If we can’t understand, she will show us. She continues to sleep with her big sister. I love seeing them sleep together. She loves to play outside and will just roam from one thing to another. No matter how long she has been outside, she gets mad when it’s time to go in. She has a big sweet tooth. If we would let her, she would eat sweets all day! She is very independent. She likes to do everything for herself and fusses at us when we try to help her. She has begun to imaginary play with her babies. She will feed them, rock them, spank them! She makes every move her big sister makes. We laugh because whatever Lydia is doing, Layton will observe her until she can master the same thing! I am amazed at how different she and Lydia are; their personalities are total opposites. I remember Lydia being this age and she was so different. It is neat to me to see the differences and embrace them! This weekend is Easter so we will be dying and hunting eggs. It should be fun trying to get Layton to not drink the egg dye and not squeeze the eggs!

Snaggletooth

2011-04-20T13:49:00.002-05:00

Lydia lost her first tooth yesterday! We knew it wouldn't be in there too much longer. She is out on spring break this week and was at mawmaw’s house. She was showing Lulu her loose tooth and Lulu just grabbed it and snatched it out! Lydia said it didn’t hurt and she didn’t cry! She was so excited when I saw her yesterday afternoon. She met me at the door with her hand over her mouth saying, “I have something to show you”. She looks like such a big girl now. Her permanent tooth is already coming in so she won’t be snaggletooth too long!

She had lots of questions about the tooth fairy last night. She said she was going to fake sleep so that she could see her when she came to get her tooth but she fell asleep in the living room, before her bed time! She has a little porcelain tooth that we put her tooth in for the fairy so when she woke up this morning she told Dave that the tooth fairy didn’t even come. She didn’t know to look in the porcelain tooth. Once she did, he said her face lit up. She received $5. I think the tooth fairy was very generous since it was her first!

great weather + my girls = PLAYGROUND

2011-04-08T21:53:00.005-05:00

My girls love, love, love going to the park. Even though we have swings, toys, and a playhouse in the backyard. The park or playground is more fun! Lydia has always enjoyed going and now Layton has realized the joy. I remember my daddy used to take me to a local school playground. Those are sweet memories that I will never forget. Last weekend Dave and I took the girls to Lydia's school playground. Lydia enjoyed showing off her skills that she has practiced all year and Layton loved the freedom of roaming from swings to the slides to the monkeybars. Both girls went full blast and were disappointed when it was time to go.

My big girl!

Lydia has practiced the monkeybars all year. She has finally mastered them!

She's my free spirited one.

And she is my monkey!

Daddy was trying to show them up!

My girls heart stickers!

2011-04-08T21:45:00.003-05:00

Lydia loves stickers. Layton has now realize the world of stickers. And even though I find them everywhere, on the floors, walls, doors, toys, clothes, arms, legs, heads, etc... mama loves stickers too! Stickers sometimes allow me 5 minutes of quietness!

"Lydia, why won't you answer the phone?"

2011-03-25T15:47:00.001-05:00

Lydia received her first phone call yesterday afternoon from one of her friends. The little girl left 3 messages on our machine. Apparently she gets home much earlier than we do! Her messages were so funny. She spelled her name and each time she would ask where Lydia was and why wouldn’t she answer the phone! After listening to all 3 messages, which took at least 10 minutes, Lydia asked to call her back. I don’t think she really understood what it meant to call a friend and talk. I told her to take the phone in her room so that they could hear each other and she could pay attention. I could hear her back there, “yes”, “no”. She didn’t have much to say. I remembered all those times growing up talking on the phone to my friends. My friends and I lived on the phone. I can remember staying by the phone, waiting on it to ring! I have a feeling in several years, her short answering will change and we will have to beg her to get off!

I got to meet the Pioneer Woman!

2011-03-23T09:24:00.003-05:00

We got to meet the Pioneer Woman!

And Marlboro Man!!

Winter 2011

2011-03-21T13:11:00.003-05:00

I am sad to say that this is the only "Snow Picture" I took this year. West Tennessee received a lot of snow this year, lots more than normal. On this particular morning we went sledding behind daddy's jeep!

Layton 19 mths

2011-03-21T13:03:00.003-05:00

This is my baby! This picture is perfect for this stage in her life. She is always a mess and always into something she shouldn’t be into and climbing is a daily thing for her. When I hear her counting (2…3…), I know she is about to jump off something. Most days I can’t keep up with her. Every night when I lie down, I thank God that she didn’t get hurt from her adventures of the day. Here are some fun stories/things I want to remember about her at this age:

1. She has a big girl bed now! She started climbing out of her crib last week. She hasn’t stayed in her bed all night yet, but hopefully… Lydia has been asking since the day she was born could Layton sleep with her. Last night Lydia’s dream finally came true! They slept together all night. My heart was full this morning when I went in to wake them. I think it is so sweet, sisters sleeping together!

2. Two weeks ago I was preparing dinner and heard Layton counting “2…3…”, by the time I got into our living room she had already jumped off the couch and hit the floor. She fell face first. Her eye immediately turned black. She has been sporting her shiner for 2 weeks now!

3. When we got home one day last week, both girls went to Lydia’s room to play…or so I thought. All of the sudden I heard the water turn on in the bathroom. I ran back there to see Layton, clothed and wet! She had climbed from the potty, to the vanity, then in the sink!

4. She sings “Jesus loves Me” and her “ABCs” but only we can understand!

5. She has started saying “love you Mama”.

6. She is a daddy’s girl. She gets upset when he leaves and if he leaves she asks about him a million times. She says the word daddy so sweet.

7. She has started using the potty occasionally.

8. Last week when I picked them up from Mawmaw’s, Lydia had a slushie thing she was eating. She brought it home and set it down once we got home. I went straight in and changed clothes because we had to go to the ballfield. I knew Layton was into something because she was very quiet. When I went to find her she had gotten the slushie and was eating it. I let her finish but her face was stained! I realized that it wasn’t going to wash off, it had to wear off. So off we went to the ballfield with her face stained and a black eye!

9. She has recently started throwing tantrums. Oh how I have not missed the toddler tantrum days!!!!

I love seeing her personality develop, even the bad parts. I love watching her grow. I love seeing her learn new things. I love watching her watch Lydia and make every move she makes. And most of all I LOVE HER!!

Basketball 2011

2011-03-21T12:59:00.001-05:00

Anyone who knows my Lydia, knows she likes to have a good time. I really wasn’t sure if I wanted to sign her up because she didn’t really get into it much last year but through lots of persuasion for her and her daddy, I signed her up with a local church. They were participating in a program called Upward. I am so glad I did. She learned so much more about the game as well as lots of Christian values. She had to memorize a bible verse every week. If she memorized it, she would receive a star to go on her shirt. At the beginning of the season, she has so much anxiety about memorizing the verses, some were short but most of were long. I remember at one practice she didn’t even want to go in because she didn’t have EVERY word correct but after talking her into it, she finally decided to go in and try. She went in with much anxiety but came out with a newfound spirit. She said her verse correctly and received her star! She was ecstatic and I was one proud mama! She also met lots of new friends which is always fun for her.

Please join me in praying for Lucy.

2011-02-28T10:50:00.002-06:00

I have never requested prayer on here and I know not many people read my blog, but if only one person reads it and prays for Lucy that is one more than before.
Lucy was diagnosed last week with medulloblastoma, a type of brain cancer. She had surgery to remove the tumors last Friday morning. They were able to remove some of the tumors. In the next couple of weeks, she will have to start aggressive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. She has a long road ahead of her and needs prayers.
I went to school with Lucy’s aunt. We were good friends in high school and because I live in a small town, I see Lucy and her family at several events. Even though I don’t KNOW Lucy, I feel like I do. I think when you live in a small town, eventually you feel like you know everyone! Since last week, I have been on my hands and knees praying for her and her family. I have prayed for Lucy but I have also thought about her mother a lot. I cannot imagine what it is like watching your child suffer in pain. I think of my girls as MINE but I have been reminded lately that they are the Lord’s children. I know the Lord has a special plan for Lucy. Please join me in praying for this sweet little girl and her family. I know they would appreciate it so much.
You can follow Lucy’s story through her button on this blog. Thank you!

Kate

2011-02-03T12:32:00.001-06:00

Well, Lydia has decided that she wants to change her name to Kate. She doesn’t like Lydia anymore. She thinks Kate is a better name. She informed me this morning that she will not answer to Lydia any longer, just Kate. She even said she will start working on teaching Layton the word “Kate” this afternoon. I told her that it might confuse Layton. She responded that it probably wouldn’t since she would have the same face!!! This all started because we have been discussing names and why women change their names when they marry. I guess she missed the part where I said that women change their LAST names. I wonder if she will remember any of the conversation this afternoon!!

17 months old.

2011-01-21T12:46:00.000-06:00

My baby turned 17 months old yesterday. Below is some things I would like to remember!

*She is starting to come out of her shell. She isn’t as shy as she has always been.
*She has started to dance. Poor girl has gotten her mother’s rhythum, which is none! She just sways back and forth. It is cute though and the instant she hears music, she starts.
*She weighs 24 pds., still wear size 3 diapers and is wearing 18 mth clothes.
*She is starting to talk much better. She is at least trying to imitate our sounds now. Some of her favorite words right now are “no” (but it sounds more like naw), “hot” and “bite”. I promise as soon as I wake her in the mornings she starts saying “bite” and doesn’t stop until I give her a bite of something. Lydia gets so excited when Layton says something new. The other day she called me at work to tell me Layton said “house”.
*She has started to bite! When you make her mad, biting seems to be her first defense.
*She still only has 4 teeth but she eats anything and everything. She can’t have anything with tomatoes in it though.
*She has started to play more by herself, which is a good thing for mama!
* She is a huge helper. She wants to help me do everything. She is always on my heels so when I tell her that we have to go put clothes in the dryer, she beats me to the laundry room. She knows exactly what I am talking about.
*She is just a silly girl. She is constantly jabbering and laughing. She will do anything to make you look at her!

She is just a joy to be around and I am so thankful to be her mama!

My sweet Lydia turned 6.

2011-01-18T15:21:00.003-06:00

My Lydia turned 6 on the 3rd of January. I am so proud of her. She is such a beautiful little girl, inside and out! She has the kindest heart. She is full of life and makes me laugh constantly. She amazes every day by just being HER. I tell her everyday how much I love her and how thankful I am to be her mama. And she responds by saying, “I know, I know mama” (with a rolling of the eyes).

Lydia and Layton with their Mawmaw and Nannie.

This year we had a birthday party for her and her friends at a new place in town called Playland Party Zone. It has all kinds of moon bounces for the kids to jump or slide on. The kids just ran around from one to the other for 2 hours. I think they all had a blast. Lydia repeated several times that it was the best birthday ever.

Welcome to Toddlerville!

2011-01-05T10:59:00.005-06:00

Layton recently turned 16 mths old. She is a very noisy little girl. She is constantly walking around looking for things to get into. When she finds a new treasure her little eyebrows raise and she will squeal with excitement. It is fun watching her experience things but tiring at the same time!
She has recently started throwing tantrums and stomping her feet when she doesn't get exactly what she wants.
She loves to write. She will put her paper in the floor and lie on her belly, just like Lydia! I am looking forward to the day when I find her artwork on my walls!
Below is a picture I took of her a couple of weeks ago. She came up to me with red all over her mouth. I immediately thought she had blood all over her mouth. My heart sank thinking I should have been watching her better. When I picked her up, she gave me the marker she had been eating! When I told her no-no, the tears started rolling! I think she has begun to realize the world of manipulation too!

She jabbers all the time. We don't understand 98% of what she says but we understand "No" and "Bye-Bye". She also has recently started saying the sounds that a cat and dog say! She understands everything she says and will carry on a conversation with us, we just can't understand!
She loves being a helper. Her favorite thing is to put clothes in the dryer. She laughs everytime she throws something in there!
She has recently started cheesing for the camera! Up until the last week or so she has ran from the camera or she just won't smile but now she will look directly at it and make the face below!

She has also started to love her babies. She likes to wrap them in blankets and rock them. It is so sweet to see a little girl with her babydoll.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-30T14:39:00.007-06:00

I love this time of year, all the Christmas lights, singing, eating, gathering together of family and friends. It makes for a fun time. This past month has flown by for me. However, it has been a very fun and exciting Christmas season for our family. We started the month by going to Nashville to see the SNOW and ICE exhibit at the Opryland Hotel. It was very nice to get away from home for a few days. Both girls and Dave loved swimming in the indoor pool at the hotel. Lydia thinks it is so neat to stay in a hotel. Layton slept both nights, all night, such a big girl! The exhibits were lots of fun and VERY cold. The ICE exhibit was 6 degrees! I, myself, enjoyed walking through the Opryland Hotel. It flooded back in May so it had to be renovated. It just opened back up in November. When we left Nashville it was snowing, that was the first snow we have seen this year, exciting!

Lydia had lots of fun things at school this month. Santa came for a visit, she was able to shop for some family members at a “gift” shop at her school and her class had a Christmas party on the last day of school. In regards to the shopping at school experience, I gave her $15 and she bought me a “grandma” necklace, Dave and Mawmaw a bouncy ball and Layton a Spongebob stuff animal. I found it all hilarious especially the necklace for me. She said she bought the necklace for me because it was the prettiest thing she saw and she knew I would like it! I will treasure it forever!

Lydia sang a solo in the Christmas program at church. I have to say she did a fabulous job! She was so excited that she was able to sing in a real microphone but a little disappointed that she couldn’t hold it and walk around while singing!

We have been to several family gatherings and ate lots of great food. Funny story about Layton, at one of our extended family events, Layton was being very shy. She didn’t want anything to do with anyone but me. When it was time for lunch someone came in the room where several people were and yelled “Let’s eat”, Layton wiggled out of my arms and immediately started walking with that person. She might be shy but she isn’t dumb!

And of course the presents! Both girls received lots of presents and new clothes. Dave and I bought ourselves a new camera and Santa dropped off new critters! We have had a blessed Christmas season and I am truly thankful for the special babe that was born so many years ago.

Now time for a NEW YEAR! I hope it is a fun as the last!

The Campbell Family

The Primo Family

The Smith Family

Christmas morning! Dave and Lydia reading Santa's letter.

I love the sleepy eyes!

Layton was super excited!

Lydia with her treats she made with her Easy Bake oven!

Thanksgiving and Santa!

2010-11-29T13:16:00.005-06:00

During this time every year, I try and stop in all the chaos and remind myself how blessed I am. I try to look around at what all I have been given. Recently I have been so thankful for my job as a mother. Not everyone gets this job and not everyone is good at this job. I feel honored to be a mother and thank God everyday for allowing me to be a mother. There are so many times I get caught up in the chaos and routine of everyday activities that I try to remind myself to STOP and spend QUALITY time with my girls. Just the other night I was sitting in the living room, looking down at the rug. You couldn’t even see it because of all the toys on it. As I sat there thinking of how I needed to pick it all up, I stopped and remembered that one day the toys, baby dolls, balls and whatever else won’t be there. My girls mess will be somewhere else and I am sure I will want these days back. Although I am very tired most nights, I am truly grateful for my little messes! I am very grateful for my two healthy, beautiful girls. And of course our family would not be complete without my wonderful husband. He takes such good care of our family. I am so thankful for my family of 4.

We had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We went to Dave’s family for lunch and mine for dinner. All the food was wonderful. After lunch Lydia and I snuck out and seen the movie Tangled. It was a great movie and Lydia enjoyed every minute. As it was going off, she asked could we watch it again! The girls spent the night with Nannie and Langraddy Thursday night in order for Dave and I to go shopping Friday. We didn’t start real early but we were able to get most of our shopping done. Dave and I had a great time just the two of us. On the way home we stopped and watched a movie, a perfect end to OUR day! Saturday morning we took the girls to see Santa. Lydia jumped right up in his lap and started telling him all she wanted. She is not shy one bit and has always enjoyed the Santa experience. Layton was VERY hesitant. She wasn’t really sure if she wanted to sit in his lap. She did sit there long enough for a picture and that was it. I was proud that she didn’t cry!! We enjoyed a nice lunch with Aunt Chris and her girls and then headed home. On the way home we stopped and bought our Christmas tree. The rest of the afternoon and night was spent decorating the tree. I have been very pleased that Layton has not tried to climb the tree…YET! She does bring us an ornament about every 5 minutes. I am sure once it has been up for several days she will leave it alone. I am getting excited about Christmas. Lydia wants EVERYTHING and Layton doesn’t have a clue what’s going on!!

Layton looking at Santa!

WHO are you?

Layton was "talking" to some Fuzzy Chinese chickens.

Sweet girls!

So thankful for my family!

Such beautiful girls!!

Layton was talking back to me in this picture. You can see one of her many bruises on her head.

This time last year.

2010-11-12T11:02:00.002-06:00

This was my girls this time last year. I love reflecting and looking back at ‘this time last year’ photos. It shows how much they have grown, matured and how prettier they have gotten! It makes me HAPPY and SAD. It makes me reminisce those days and think about the current ones. It makes me realize how much my Lord blesses me each day. It makes me grateful that I am their mama!

Layton 15 months

2010-11-12T11:01:00.000-06:00

Layton’s 15 month checkup was yesterday. She is growing like a weed, changing every day. She weighed 23 pounds and is 31 inches tall. She is in the 50th percentile in weight and 75th percentile for height. She is perfectly healthy. Below are some things I want to remember about her at this age.
*She LOVES a ball. Just this morning while getting Lydia ready for school, Layton was in the living room kicking and chasing after a ball.
*She talks a lot but we can’t understand much! Sometimes it even sounds like she has conversations with herself!
*She eats anything you put in front of her. Funny story…Yesterday before the doctor, we ate at Chick Fil A. I bought each girl her own meal. Lydia ate all hers and Layton ate ALL (crumbs too) hers! She ate 4 chicken nuggets and a fruit cup! Sometimes her stomach is so tight I think you could pop it!
*She has gotten one more top tooth in the last month. She now has 2 on top and 2 on bottom.
*She is often mistaken for a little boy because of the hair situation! She has a couple little curls in the back but not much in front.
*She has started to throw tantrums when she doesn’t get her way. They aren’t too bad, she isn’t real loud and she mostly just melts to the floor! She quits as soon as we start ignoring her.
She is a very sweet girl. I want to say baby but she is not a baby anymore she is all toddler! I am looking forward to seeing her reactions with the Christmas trees this year. And can’t wait to see what all she does with her presents.

Happy Halloween!

2010-11-01T11:14:00.004-05:00

My two little witches!

We have had a busy Halloween this year. I feel like we have been celebrating for a week! We started off last Wednesday with our church’s trunk or treat, Friday Lydia dressed up for school, Saturday we went to another church’s trunk or treat event and last night we went trick or treating! Someone told Lydia last week what “REAL” trick or treating was so she came home and asked if we could go trick or treating this year. Layton was a witch this year and Lydia was a witch Wednesday and Saturday and a bride Friday and Sunday! I realized last night when I uploaded pictures that I didn’t get a picture of the bride outfit but she did made a bootiful bride!!! She has had so much fun this year. Daddy was out of town this weekend so Lydia and I stayed up Saturday night and watched a scary movie! All in all we had a great Halloween this year.

Even mama dressed up this year!

Lydia and Riley

Riley wanted a picture with a cowboy!

A cowboy and his little girl!

Cousins!

Mamaw and Layton

Mamaw & Papaw with the girls

Cuteness...bruised forehead and all!

Fall Picture

2010-10-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

We had some fall pictures made last weekend. I love fall, the colors are truly breathtaking. I don't know how you could look at all the colors of fall and not believe in God. The weather was great and Miss Cristi was able to do two things that are nearly impossible with Layton, sit and smile! I call her my 'serious' child and Lydia is my 'smiley' child! Poor Lydia had the stomach virus two days before and she will still real pale but she didn't want to miss a picture opportunity!

Lydia's field trip

2010-10-27T11:09:00.003-05:00

Last week I was able to go on Lydia’s kindergarden field trip with her. I think I was more anxious than her. It was so fun getting to meet all her school friends. I even got to spend time with girls I went to school with that now have children in kindergarden!

Haunted Trail and a second Pumpkin Patch this year!

2010-10-25T10:00:00.006-05:00

Last Friday night we took Lydia to her first Haunted Trail. I tried to prepare her before so that she would at least know what to expect. My mom and some friends of ours went with us. We rode on a hayride out to the trail and then we were set free to be scared! Lydia did great. She screamed and laughed the whole time. When we were done, she said she wanted to do it again.

This past Saturday we went to another local pumpkin patch. The weather was wonderful so we had a great time and Nanny got to go with us this time!

Layton painting a pumpkin or at least she was trying!

Layton and the mums.

Lydia getting her face painted.

The girls and I played corn toss.

Nanny & the girls.

Lydia feeding the animals until she seen a snake, then she ran back to the trailor and sat with me but she is NOT scared of snakes!

Candy-Corn Head!

My girls and I.

Grandparents Day

2010-10-23T22:10:00.004-05:00

Lydia with her grandmother's at her Grandparent's Day picnic at school in September. She had so much fun!

Lydia & Mawmaw

Lydia & Mamaw

Lydia & Mimi

Lydia & Nanny

Layton 14 mths

2010-10-20T16:11:00.003-05:00

Layton is 14 months old today. She wears size 18mth clothes, size 3 diapers and a size 5 shoe.

Here are some funny’s about her right now:

She is really turning into a Daddy’s girl. She loves it when he comes in, in the afternoons. She acts like she just can’t get enough of him. She loves it when he holds her up real high!

She and Reece play every night. Layton throws her toys and Reece fetches them.

She loves a ball and we recently bought her first truck!

She has 3 teeth now, two on bottom and one on top. The one on top just poked through last week!

She wakes up ready to eat. She still is such a good eater. She will eat anything. And she eats a lot. Recently we ate at Steak and Shake and we ordered her a kid’s meal. She ate every bite of her macaroni and a milk shake!

She is no longer on a bottle. Until recently she only had a bottle at night but we gave that up this month.

She talks all the time. And sometimes she will shake her head no.

She has started to dance when she hears music.

She gives us kisses all the time.

She is getting out of her shy stage. She will willingly go to other people now.

She is such a busy little girl but she has brought so much joy to our lives. I can’t even remember what we did without her!

Lydia's wish

2010-10-20T11:07:00.000-05:00

The other night we went to eat at a restaurant that had a fountain. As we were leaving Lydia asked for a coin so that she could toss it in the fountain. Of course I gave her one but I told her to make a wish first. As we were walking outside, she asked me if it would be alright if she told me her wish. I told her yes and she said that she wished that her Polly Pockets could talk to her.
If you know Lydia you know that she LOVES her Polly Pocket’s. She has played with her them since she was a little girl. She loves them. She sleeps with them, dresses and undresses them, talks to them and just plays with them constantly. There is never a time when we don’t leave the house that she doesn’t have some sort of bag with Polly Pocket’s in it. They all have names and jobs! They all have a story behind them and she tells us about them constantly. She has all different kinds, boys, girls, princesses. Some have real hair, some have magnetic clothes and some heads and arms pop off so that you can change them out with others. She loves them equally. But I guess she just wishes they could talk!
I thought about her wish all night that night and have thought about it several times since. Every time I think about it, it makes me smile. She is so innocent. I love watching her grow up and experience new things with her but I hate that as she grows she will lose the innocence that she has right now.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-09T22:10:00.004-05:00

We went to a local pumpkin patch today. Considering the dust and heat, we had a great time.

My little adventure girl!

2010-10-01T22:03:00.004-05:00

This is what happens when you leave Layton for 5 seconds.

I just personally think the pictures below are funny because she was so calm her first year. But here recently she gets very upset VERY quickly!

And just that quick she's over it!

13 months

2010-09-22T13:41:00.000-05:00

Layton turned 13 months old this week. I just wanted to write down some random things of which she has accomplished this past month. I love looking back and reminiscing about what she was doing at different ages.

This past month she started walking full time.

I find myself referring to her as a baby but this past month she has showed us that she isn’t so much of a baby anymore. She has started throwing little tantrums when she doesn’t get her way. She is a very determined little girl. She doesn’t give up easily. We have had to tell Lydia several times not to give in to her just because she is younger.

She loves to climb on or in everything. She has fallen out of chairs and even the swing outside because she stands and before I know it she has fallen. Luckily she hasn’t injured herself. She really hardly ever cries about it, she just gets up and goes on her way. Just this past Saturday night I caught her standing in the middle of the dining room table. She waved when I walked in the room.

She still enjoys playing with the dog. She has learned which toys are Reece’s and she will get one and give it to Reece. They play tug of war a lot with Reece’s baby! If Reece won’t let go of her toys, Layton manages to lay on top of whatever it is and gets it loose that way, pretty smart.

She is very loud. She really has started gibbering a lot more recently. She can say da-da, ba-ba, Yeeaa (Lydia), bye-bye, lay-lay and just this past week she has started saying ma-ma. She walks around saying ma-ma until I answer. She mimics a lot of the sounds that we make.

She can eat a popsicle faster than Lydia!

She is a mama’s girl but daddy’s is coming in close behind!

She still has 2 teeth!

She loves the telephone and knows just what to do with it. She puts it to her ear and makes a sound. It is the same sound every time but it doesn’t sound like hello! She has also called several people by pushing buttons on our phone.

She is never still, except when she’s sleeping. She is on the go constantly. And I am enjoying every step and fall along the way!

Tickle me Layton!

2010-09-21T09:34:00.002-05:00

Random pictures

2010-09-21T09:31:00.002-05:00

Just some random pictures of Layton outside.

What is this?

Her loving the frog.

Her rocking!

And then she stands!

It's fair time!

2010-09-21T09:25:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago Dave, Lydia and I went to the fair. I’m not sure why but I love going to the fair. It reminds me of my childhood. That is one thing I do remember about being little is going to the fair. I like going at night. I like to seeing all the lights and listening to all the noises. And of course eating the food, mainly just pronto pups! But my family’s favorite part are the rides. Lydia likes them all. However Dave and I can’t do any kind of ride that goes round and round. She did ride one ride that she said she didn’t EVER want to ride again, her seat spun and the whole ride rotated too, ugh! It made me sick watching her but she laughed the whole time, when she got off she said I’m not riding that one again. Dave and I got tickled. Because we weren’t able to go until the last day, there were some rides that we didn’t get to ride because the lines were so long. We were able to walk through the petting zoo. Lydia loves feeding all the animals, even though there are only cows and goats! Overall we had a great time. It was nice to be able to go. We even got to see ostrich races. I personally didn’t even know that there were people that enjoyed racing in little carts behind ostriches but there are…we seen them!

Sick/Funny

2010-09-03T09:49:00.002-05:00

Sick part first. Layton started running a fever Sunday and started getting really congested, so I took her to the doctor Monday morning. Fortunately it was only a viral infection. The doctor said her throat was covered in blisters, ouch. She said it would have run it course and that she should be better in 4-5 days. She really didn’t act like she was sick, just fever and lots and lots and LOTS of snot. :) So, she has been fevery and VERY snotty all week. Yesterday was the first day that I haven’t had to wipe her nose 500 times. However, now she is MOODY. Everything we do or don’t do makes her just fall apart, literally. She has been taking quite a few steps alone this week though. It won’t be long until she lets go and is running.I am hoping that by the time I get her this afternoon, she will be her normal, happy little self again.

The funny parts. Sunday in children’s church Lydia told the class that her dad pees in the yard ALL the time, which is not true! He doesn’t do it ALL the time. I thought this was hilarious because she doesn’t it a lot more than he does. But she failed to tell them that she did it sometimes. Then she sang “Don’t you wish your girlfriend was hot like me” to the class. I can see her know dancing and singing her little heart out. Thank God she only knows the first two or so lines and not the entire song. And she doesn’t even know some of the real words to it, only words that she thinks it says that are much nicer words, so I haven’t corrected her! I don’t know where she heard this song at, maybe from a school friend or tv??? We don’t know listen to that “type” of music. So of course the Sunday they ask her to sing something she would pick a song such as this one. These stories really caught me off guard because Lydia has always been quite in church. She has never told any humiliating stories about our family. We have always enjoyed hearing all the other children’s humiliating stories about their families!! Well, our time has come.  Dave did tell her that some stories didn’t need to be told outside of our house, like that is going to work.
Then Monday when I got home from work, I was asking Lydia how her day went at school. She tells me all about her day and them shows me a little white piece of paper that has a little boy’s name on it and HIS PHONE NUMBER. All I could do was burst out in laughter. Of course my first question was had she given him our number, she said that she didn’t. So I asked her why he had given her the number. She said she didn’t know but that he just told her to call him. So I told her to tell him that she wasn’t old enough to talk on the phone. I bet if his mother knew this, she would die but I bet his daddy knew he would be so proud! I can’t wait to see this little boy one day.
Then yesterday, she took a baby doll to school to sleep with at nap time. She said all the little girls around her have one so she wanted to take one too. So, she took her best looking, most cuddly baby doll. The first thing she tells that afternoon was that another little girl called her baby doll a “deadgum”. She said the little girl asked her why she brought her "deadgum" baby doll. Then she wanted to know what a "deadgum" was. I had to explain that it wasn’t anything specific, just an adjective describing her doll. I asked her what she told the little girl. Of course she said nothing to her. She said she didn’t want to be rude. Ha! I told her next time to just tell her she brought it because she wanted to and that saying that would not be rude. My poor child is so innocent, so kind-hearted. I do have to admit that I was proud that she didn’t want to be rude back to the little girl. She has such a sweet spirit. I hope school doesn’t change that too much!!

I am looking forward to my 3 day weekend. Our weather is turning cooler and less humid. So we are looking forward to spending some time outside. We have plans to work in the yard some tomorrow. Dave and I are going on a much needed date tonight. Not really sure what we will do but it will be a nice break to get out without the girls. And it will be nice to wake up on my time in the morning! And then it will be nice to go get them and see how excited they are to see us again. :)

Layton is 1 year old!

2010-08-26T15:40:00.010-05:00

We had Layton's party on Friday night. We had around 40 of our family members and close friends to come. It was so nice and I think everyone had a lovely time. Dave grilled hamburgers and we had chips and fruit. After the presents were open we had cake and ice cream. Layton was in the best mood, she played and was so pleasant all evening. I think she enjoyed all the attention. She received lots of fun toys and cute clothes. We were so thankful to everyone that came to spend their Friday night with us. I say it all the time but I don't know what we would do without our family. I love having such a close family.

This is what we got her. She loved it. Dave gave it to her earlier that day and she really didn't know what to do when he put her in it. She just smiled and keep staring at him.

Of course after a few minutes she realized she could stand up in it, that made it more fun!

I think she was trying to show some of her "skills" but was being shy at the same time!

Miss Darlene & Layton

She loves fruit!

Nannie & Layton

Present Time!

Miss Darlene made her cakes! I thought they were so cute. They were strawberry flavor and very yummy.

I really meant to get a family picture BEFORE the party when everyone was all neat and clean but oh well!

An end to a terrific day!

T I R E D

2010-08-26T11:09:00.001-05:00

This is how we have been at our house this week.

Layton 12 months

2010-08-23T15:29:00.004-05:00

My baby girl turned one on Friday. We had a fun party for her with lots of family and a few friends attending, more details & pictures to come later.

Here are some things to note about her this month:

*At her 12 mth checkup she weighed 21 pounds and was 29 1/2 inches tall.

*She is on cow's milk all the time now.

*She only has 2 teeth, one showing and one still coming in.

*She eats & drinks anything we give her. If anyone around has food, they'd better be willing to share!!

*She has started saying bye-bye and bot-bot. She will say ma-ma but only when she is fussy and tired.

*With strangers she is very shy and serious. She doesn't smile at them much.

*She recognizes when we walk in the nursery at church now because she clinges to my arm, poor baby. She cries at first but she stops shortly after we leave her.

*She is VERY close to walking.

*She still sleeps very good, from about 830 to 7.

*I would say her favorite toys are babies and a jumprope! She rocks & kisses her babies, it is so sweet. And she carries a jumprope around all the time.

Look, no hands!

Uhhhhhh!

She has the crazy thing where she puts her head back like this and then falls back onto the bed. She thinks it's hilarious. She does it over and over.

She continues to be a very happy baby. These days she is so busy discovering new things. It is amazing how much they grow in a year. I am so grateful to have her in my life. I can't imagine what we would do without her. I love you Layton!

My baby is turning one.

2010-08-19T16:22:00.003-05:00

My baby will be one year old tomorrow. I can’t believe a year is already over. I prayed for so long that God would allow our family to have another babe, and he did, and I am so thankful. She has made our family whole. She has such a calm personality. She has the sweetest, happiest little spirit. This time last year we were anxiously awaiting her arrival. She arrived so quickly, I often can’t remember life without her. As an infant she was always content and quiet. Over the last 6 months, she has grown curious and is a busy little girl. She is very determined at whatever she does. She is full of personality and smiles. Most of the time she looks very serious but she is also very playful. She is everything I imagined and more. I know all mothers think this but I didn’t know I could love another person so much. We are having her a party tomorrow night. She will love all the attention. And I know she will enjoy her some cake and ice cream. Happy Birthday to my Lay bug, I love you more than you will ever know.

Her birth story… (Just for us!)
August 19, 2010 was a Thursday. I worked all day, came home prepared dinner, cleaned the kitchen, washed clothes and cleaned around the house a little. I felt really good considering I was 30 pounds heavier and had a BIG belly! I hadn’t dilated any so I was afraid that I would have to be induced. We went to bed at our normal time. Around 3:00 am my water broke. At first I thought I may have peed on myself but then realized what had happened. I woke Dave and told him my water had broken. Of course he was in a stage of panic! He jumped straight out of bed and started getting clothes on. I couldn’t move much because water kept coming out. We called my mother in law to come and get Lydia. She was sound asleep. I hated to wake her with such big news. I was very calm about my being in labor but felt so heartbroken when I had to leave my (at that time) baby. She looked so lost when we pulled out of the garage. I knew that would be the last time we would be a family of 3.
We raced, literally, to the hospital. Of course we didn’t see any cops and being 3 am traffic wasn’t bad!! We got to the hospital and Dave asked me if we needed to go into the ER door. I hate to be the center of attention so I told him no, that I could walk in by myself. So he parked in the parking lot and when I stood up I realized that I would NO T be able to walk because of the water leaking. So he went and got a wheelchair. He was still in a stage of panic so once I got in the wheelchair he wheeled me across the parking lot like NASCAR driver, over speed bumps and all. (Maybe he helped her “come down”) When the doctor checked me, I was 3 cm dilated. So we thought it would be a long process. Around 6 Dave started calling other family members, telling them I was in labor but to just take their time because I would probably be in labor all day. It started to storm outside right at daybreak so we sat in our room watching the wind blow and rain. My doctor came in around 6 and I was around 4/5. I knew that Lydia would be down soon, so I opted to go ahead and get an epidural. I didn’t want her to see me in pain. Once I got the epidural I couldn’t feel my legs at all. I remember my leg kept falling off the side of the bed and Dave would have to get up and put it back on the bed. I never experienced much pain at all. My doctor came in around 730 or so and checked me. I hadn’t changed much at all so he said he would probably see me later in the day. The anesthesiologist had to re-adjust my epidural and after that I progress really fast. Around 8 they had to call my doctor back in. After 3 rounds of pushing I had a beautiful, 7 pound, 10 ounce baby girl at 832 am. Once I heard her cry I knew everything was okay. She looked a lot like Lydia did when she was born. Dave cried more than he did with Lydia. At the same time as I had started to push, my mother in law and Lydia knocked on the door. Shortly after Layton’s birth, Dave went and got Lydia and brought her in by herself to meet her little sister for the first time. She was so excited and very quiet. She crawled into the bed with me and met Layton. I know that at the moment Lydia fell in love with her just like Dave and I had. Layton’s fingers were a deep purple color. Lydia asked me who had painted her fingernails! After Layton met Lydia, she met my mother in law, my mom and my Mimi. Later on that day we had lots of visitors. She stayed in the room with us all day and night. The next day at noon, I was released. We were home by 2 that afternoon. She slept, nursed and pooped like clockwork. Everything was perfect about her!

Lydia meets Layton!

"Stuck like glue"

2010-08-16T09:56:00.006-05:00

Lydia's sign, she worked so hard on! And I worked hard the next day getting glitter out of my backseat. I love glitter!

Such a good dad! He held her up for at least an hour!

By the end of the night, my people were NUTS over Sugarland!

This past weekend we took Lydia to her first concert. We went to go see Sugarland. She has been so excited about it for months. She made a sign before we left. We were hoping that we might get a signature but no luck! It was outside at the Snowden Grove Amphitheatre. It was only 100 degrees outside, ugh! We definitely were sweaty but we had a great time. There were 2 bands that played before Sugarland so Lydia was tired by the time Sugarland started. Once they started she came alive again! She danced and sang along with the songs. On the way home she asked who we were going to see next!

My Kindergardener!

2010-08-16T09:52:00.002-05:00

Tuesday, August 10th was Lydia’s first day of kindergarden. She was so excited. The night before I told her that we needed to go ahead and lay her clothes out to prepare for the next morning. She told me that she didn’t want to wear anything normal. So, she wore a “teenager” shirt, a cut-off blue jean skirt, pink leggings under the skirt and her twinkle toe shoes. In her words, she looked like a rock star. Even though I would not have picked it out, I do have to admit she looked so cute. Neither she nor I were emotional about her first day. I still can’t believe that my Lydia is in school EVERY day but I know she is learning new things and having a blast so that helps me when I might want to get a little emotional! She was really excited to tell me about her day when I picked her up that afternoon. I think she thought it was neat that she knew lots of other kids and adults that were there. She was tired and hungry that afternoon. Needless to say she didn’t have any problems going to sleep that night!!
Her second day was Thursday, August 12th. She enjoyed that day as well. Her favorite part of that day was art class. She made something special for us. That afternoon she told me that she wished I would have forgotten to pack her lunch. I asked why and she said that the school had fish sticks and she wanted them. I thought that was funny.
She started full time today. She will go everyday now. This morning I dropped her off at the door instead of walking in with her. She was anxious about what all they would do today and she will meet everyone in her class today. I can’t wait to hear her stories today.

Flower-Girl Lydia

2010-08-12T10:49:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Lydia was the flower girl in Annie’s wedding. She has been so excited for months now. I am not really sure what she expected but it was definitely more than walking down the aisle! After the wedding I told her she did a great job and she said, “All I had to do was walk down the aisle; that was not fun at all!” She did enjoy all the wedding festivities and she had a blast at the reception, where she made her singing debue . She sang Taylor Swift’s song, Love Story, all by herself, on the dance floor, with a microphone. She danced around the entire time. She wasn’t shy at all. I loved every minute of it. It brought tears to my eyes. I hope she has the same level of confidence throughout her life. All throughout the night I would see her on the stage talking to the dj. When I asked her what she was doing, she would say that she had asked to sing again but the lady wouldn’t let her. She is a little social-bug just like her daddy! Around 10:30 Dave and I noticed her sitting in a chair all alone yawning so we decided it was time to go home. The minute she got in the car, she laid down and it was 5 minutes later and she was fast asleep. I am so proud for Annie and Daniel. The are a sweet couple and I wish the years of happiness. Welcome to the family Dan-o!

The Naked Cowgirl

2010-07-29T22:10:00.000-05:00

Summer 2010

2010-07-29T11:15:00.004-05:00

Our family loves to spend time outside but due to Layton's breathing issues, she can't go out too much which means I don't go out much. We did get a break from the hunidity a couple of week ago so the girls and I went outside a while. I think Lydia could stay out all the time. Her little face gets so red but she has so much fun.

Layton loves being outside.

Lydia was trying to run fast as she could to get the bubbles to blow. Then Reece started running with her.

Lydia and her tricycle that she is "giving" to Layton.

Layton was very interested in the tricycle.

I love this picture.

U-oh, I think Lydia stole her jumprope again!

Co-Sleepers

2010-07-26T09:22:00.001-05:00

One morning last week I went in to wake Lydia up and she wasn’t in her room. So I went into Layton’s room and this is what I seen.

I know there are a million safety concerns with Lydia climbing over into Layton’s crib with her but I don’t ever think about those, I just smile and my heart swells! I am so thankful that Lydia loves her little sister. Lydia is so helpful with Layton. She loves to teach her new things. And when Lydia isn’t at home we notice that Layton looks for her. It is amazing for me to see that such a strong bond starts so early between siblings. I am so proud that my girls will one day have each other.

Daddy Daughter Date Night

2010-07-26T09:03:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday I went to Annie’s bachelorette party so Dave decided that he and Lydia would have a date night. She was excited all week. He told her that he would take her to a movie and to eat and that she could choose where they ate. So, they went to see The Last Airbender and went to eat at Buffalo Wild Wings. For some reason Lydia loves to go there, maybe because of the busy atmosphere. On the way home Dave said she fell asleep in the seat next to him. However when I got home, she was in the bed with daddy awake! He was asleep but she was waiting up on me! She told me all about their date. I am so glad that my girls have a daddy that is so hands-on and that enjoys spending quality time with them.

Before their date!

Layton at 11 months

2010-07-22T16:20:00.006-05:00

My baby turned 11 months old this week.

*She is wearing size 4 diapers.

*Eating everything in site, despite just one tooth!

*She jibber-jabbers all the time. She can say u-oh, da da, and lay lay. I do think we have another talker on our hands. Recently she has started to repeat the sounds we make. She has also started talking back this month, baby style!

*She can stand alone for a few seconds.

*She climbs on everything. She loves the refrigerator, anytime it's open she tries so hard to get in it. I do foresee an ER visit one day.

*If ever you can't find her, she is in Lydia's room. Lydia is very good about not kicking her out though. Most of the time she gives her a toy and lets her stay. Sometimes I do hear Lydia yell to get out though!

Guess it's time to start working on a birthday party! I can't believe that she will be 1 in less than a month.

Layton didn't really want to look at the camera this month. Lydia had the idea that she would help her look but between Lydia wanting to pose for the camera and her sister's strongwilled nature, it didn't work!

It ended up with Layton getting made because she thought Lydia was stealing her jumprope, which is her favorite thing now. The jumprope goes everywhere with us!

After Layton started getting mad, Lydia pretended to get mad which made Layton stop!

FINALLY...a tooth!

2010-07-08T09:57:00.002-05:00

Layton has gotten her first tooth! Miss Darlene noticed it yesterday afternoon. Lydia is so excited. Hopefully I can get a picture by the weekend.

Mama is TIRED!!

2010-07-01T15:12:00.005-05:00

Our summer is going by very fast. The weather has been extremely hot so we have enjoyed the pool. I can't believe in a month Lydia will be in school everyday.

Lydia has enjoyed going to several different church's VBS programs. I know she has learned a lot but when I asked her each day what she learned she would just say they learned about God! She is looking forward to our church's VBS at the end of July.

Lydia at one of the programs!

Layton had another 'episode' with her breathing about 3 weeks ago. We had to go have x-rays and they seen that she had bronchitis. So they put her on a z-pac for the next month. We are giving it to her ever 5 days, then off 5 days, then on again. It has made for some VERY LONG nights at the Smith household. She is feeling much better though. She is so giggly, she tickles me giggling at everything. Her giggle is one of the best sounds in the world! She has really slimmed up this past month. She is into everything and climbing on everything. I just don't think Lydia was this busy!

After a long night!

Layton and her buddy!

Yes there was water in the bowl, luckily not very much though!

My sweet baby.

2010-06-23T13:50:00.003-05:00

Here are some recent pictures of Layton. On this particular day the weather was very humid and hot. She was not really happy with the idea of getting her picture made. She did cooperate for about 10 minutes, then she was done. Of course on the way home, she was giggling and smiling.

Layton 10 Months

2010-06-23T13:34:00.004-05:00

My sweet Lay Lay is 10 months old.

*She continues to be a mama's girl, secretly I don't mind because I know there will probably be a day when she doesn't want to stay on my hip!

*She still has NO TEETH. This is a first for me, I have personally never seen a baby this old toothless! She really doesn't like for us to feed her, she prefers being able to feed herself. We have started cooking some veggies for the garden and she loves them.

*She loves interacting with others.

*She loves the pool and doesn't mind getting splashed.

*She has two new tricks this month. She can make an Indian sound with her hand over her mouth but she does it with the back of her hand. She also has started making a funny sound with her tongue, Lydia is taking credit for this trick.

*She has started waking at least once a night, she rarely sleeps all night. Booooo!

Lydia's first time tubing!

2010-06-21T08:59:00.005-05:00

Yesterday we went boating with my brother-in-law's family. It was the first time I have been in a boat in years and Lydia's first time in a ski boat. We had a blast. After Lulu and Ali tubed, it was time for Dave and Lydia to get in on the action. I even had to see if I could still do it. Surprisingly I am not too sore today!

Ali & Lulu, pretty girls!

Lulu, Dave & Ali

Lulu, Lydia, Dave & Ali

Ali, Lydia & Lulu

We heart the pool!

2010-06-08T09:15:00.003-05:00

We have welcomed the summer time at our house. Lydia and Dave have been in the pool everyday. If I'd let Lydia eat in it and bring a tv out for Dave they would be in it more than they already are! I have enjoyed some Saturday and Sunday afternoons out there as well. Layton has enjoyed it too. She just floats around in her float. She doesn't mind getting splashed in the face, she laughs at Lydia and Daddy playing around and every once in a while she ducks down and gets her a drink.

Lydia showing her skills!

Layton showing her's too!

We DO NOT pee in the pool!

I'm a little pony!

2010-06-08T09:02:00.003-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we brought down some of Lydia's old toys. One of the toys was Mr. Pony! Lydia has rode many miles on him! He sings and make lots of noise. Dave and I know his song by heart. Nannie and Langraddy gave it to Lydia her first Christmas. I hope he's had a good rest. Layton rides him a little everyday!

Lydia riding Mr. Pony at one year old.

Layton riding him at 9 months old.

Sisters

2010-06-07T09:52:00.002-05:00

I have been waiting now for 9 months and it has finally happened. Last night Layton woke up at 12:30, she was crying very loud which is not real common for her. I went in there to get her and Lydia was balled up in the corner of her crib sound asleep. I think it confused Layton, maybe that's why she was crying so loud. Once I picked her up she just kept looking at Lydia. I had to go get Dave to get Lydia out. When I was pregnant Lydia would say she and her sister were going to sleep together. I told her that she wouldn't be able to sleep with her until Layton was older, because she might hurt her. This morning when I woke Lydia up I asked her why she got in Layton's crib she said she just missed her!

Layton 9 Months

2010-05-20T09:25:00.003-05:00

My baby is 9 months old! This past month has been a big month for her. She has been really sick at times. Her doctor has finally put her on Singular. I think this is going to resolve a lot of the problems she has been having. Through all the sickness, she's been happy!

*She can crawl on her knees but most of the time she does her army crawl.

*She pulls up on things and stands there for several mintues.

*She eats EVEYRTHING you put in front of her, still no teeth but that doesn't stop her.

*She is wearing size 12 month clothes, size 3 diaper.

*She still sleeps all night when she feels good.

*She is very curious.

*She has learned how to play patty-cake and does it all the time. Thanks to steroids, I have even seen her do it in her sleep.

*She loves a babydoll.

*She will give us a kiss and her babies.

*She loves anything of Reece's, toys, bed, food!

Looks at those gums!

I feel Jesus in my heart!

2010-05-19T13:32:00.003-05:00

Since Lydia will be starting school in the fall, she has to get screened for kindergarten. She should know her address, phone number, etc… So over the last year we have been working on all her ‘school stuff’ as we call it. We go Thursday for her appointment. Last night as I was bathing her I was asking her all kind of questions and she was answering. I asked her where her heart was and she point to the middle of her chest. I don’t think she knew a specific location so I took her hand and placed it where her heart is. All of the sudden she said Momma do you feel that. I assumed she was going to say something about her heart beating, but no. She said I feel Jesus in my heart, right here. She took my hand and placed it on her heart. I smiled and hugged her. It was definitely one of those proud mommy moments!

He's a sucker.

2010-05-14T14:33:00.003-05:00

Anyone who know Lydia knows that she has funny sleep habits. As a baby she didn't sleep in her crib much, she sleep in our extra bed. At 18 months we bought her a twin bed. She still has her twin bed but she often gets up in the middle of the night and comes and gets in our bed or somewhere else. She trys to sneak in our bed without us us knowing. Some nights I don't have the heart to tell her to go back to her bed but others I tell her to go back to her bed. Generally I let her sleep with us 1 or 2 nights a week. For about the last 6 months she has been getting up and getting on the couch or Dave's recliner or my rocking chair. You never know where we are going to find her in the morning. We have asked her a million times what is wrong with her bed, she just says it's lumpy.

I think if it was up to Dave he would let her sleep with us everynight. She use to come into our room and ask me to get in our bed, I would say no (most of the time) and then she would go back to her bed. Then she started trying to sneak in our bed, I would tell her to go back to her bed. Now she comes in there and asks daddy to get in the bed. At first he always tells her no then he gives in. We put her to bed between 8:30 and 9. Most of the time by 10 she has been up to get a drink, ask for something to eat, or tell us something VERY important. This past Sunday night she came running in our room like someone was chasing her. Then she asked if we fed the fish. When I was pregnant she would hear me up in the middle of the night and come in there and just start talking. Sometimes we would just talk other nights I would tell her to go back to bed.

As a mother it is comforting to roll over and see my sleeping beauty but I have to admit it is not very comfortable! Not to mention, it is MY BED! That is the only time I feel like no one is crawling all over me, jumping on me or just simply touching me!! Some say she will grow out of it and others say it is the worse sin ever to let her sleep with us. I am okay with letting her sleeping with us a couple nights a week but daddy says she can sleep with us as long as she wants! Below is how the arrangment went last night! Dave and I were laying in the bed talking, enjoying each other's conversation. At 11:00 we hear Lydia's feet coming for our room.

Lydia: "Daddy can I get in your bed?"

Dave: "No, go back to your bed."

Lydia: "just for a little while, pleazze"

Dave: (after a long pause) "Ok, come on."

Lydia: "Can I sleep with you tomorrow night too?"

Dave: "Yeah baby."

Most of the time I just lay there silent. I can remember sleeping with my grandparents as a child and feeling so warm and cozy. Even though my granddaddy snored louder than thunder, I still slept so good. So I know when she sleeps with us, she is happy and content and comfortable. And that makes me happy and content and comfortable. :)

Mother's Day!

2010-05-11T09:34:00.003-05:00

My Mother's Day presents started on Saturday this year. The main thing I wanted this year was a picture of all of us together. So after having to reschedule for several weeks, Saturday was our session date. The wind was blowing very hard to say the least, but the sun was out and the kids were happy! When we got back in the car on the way home, both kids feel fast asleep. Who knew pictures were so tiring! Later on Saturday afternoon, the girls and I attended the Mother/Daughter banquet at church. We were served steaks, salads & baked potatoes. It was delicious. Lydia and daddy presented my with cards and flowers later on that night. Lydia got to sleep with mama & daddy and Layton sleep all night, in her bed, for the first time in like 2 weeks. Sunday after church we went to Mawmaw's and then to Nannie's, then home for mama to take a nap! I have had a terrible sinus infection, so a nap was well deserved.

I am so thankful that I am a mother. As a child, I always dreamed about being a mama. I ahd no clue what it would be like, I just knew that I wanted to have babies and have a family of my own. I am so fortunate, my husband is so good to me and both of my girls are so fun. It is the hardest job in the world but also the most rewarding. No feeling in the world is better than when you children giggle with you or when they say I love you! I am so thankful to my husband and so proud of my girls.

Kindergarten shots!

2010-05-06T09:58:00.004-05:00

Lydia had to get her kindergarden shots recently. She had to have 5! She was such a big girl. She did cry but not very long. Her daddy was worse than her. And once she started crying, Layton started hollering! I think she was telling the nurse to quit hurting her sister. Ha! Overall she was a very BIG girl. Since she was so good the Hannah Montana fairy came, see her new bedding. (We may or may not be trying to bribe her to stay in her bed at night, too!)

She is all ready for kindergarden now, watch out Brighton Elementary!

Layton does NOT like shoes!

2010-05-06T09:53:00.004-05:00

I thought all girls liked shoes! Well, not many things make her mad but shoes are one of them! I had to clean her closet out a couple of weeks ago and she had a ton of shoes, so we had to try them on and see which ones fit. She was NOT happy about this. I don't have many pictures of her being mad or upset about something. Lydia and I thought it was funny that she got so upset. :)