One year ago...

we moved to Mississippi. In some ways it feels like yesterday, but mostly it feels like forever.


Look how small David is?


We are so glad we choose Ole Miss. The people are so friendly and we have great friends. We know with a righteous desire and a smile the Lord takes care of you.

It is so green and beautiful here. I actually like the humidity. I don't think twice about killing a black widow, or having to mow the lawn twice a week.

You can be happy anywhere!

This & That

Paul started his second year of law school yesterday! His three weeks off was great. Now it's back to business!



I finally did it...I joined a gym! I have been going every morning. The daycare is what sold me. I am loving the classes...not so sure about yoga. I think I will stick to step aerobics and piliaties for now.

I do love the tile however I am surprised how hard it actually is. We only have a few glass things left...which I guess is easier anyways. We are going plastic. If you come over for dinner and we serve you on a fancy plastic plate...don't take it personally.

I purchased the Swiffer last week. It is great, BUT (you had to know the BUT was coming) do I have to buy the clothe refills? I don't know if I'm ready for that kind of a commitment. I have been using my own clean rags (attached to bottom) and a trusty spray bottle of Mr. Clean. I think it is great. Does anyone else do this? I have been looking for coupons online...but nothing great yet.

Missouri again?

We aren't usually spontaneous, but this weekend was an exception. Paul talked to his mom on Saturday, she reported that Joe & Julynn (Paul's brother) had decided to extend their vacation (which started in southern Utah) and were heading to Missouri that day. We called Joe and told him we were coming. The next morning we got up early, packed, went to church and headed out. We met Joe's family in Osage Beach Resort and had a blast! Joe & Julynn really know how to have a good time...they never disappoint! Boating was a huge success. Julynn is one of my favorite people to shop with, she always finds great deals. The highlight from the outlet mall was finding the cutest dress from BCBG for $36.00 (originally $120). Thank you J&J for letting us crash your vacation. We just couldn't resist. When you live far away from family...you will do almost anything to see someone with your same last name! It felt just like old times. Now for the pictures...
We love Jerryck, Kay, Ky & Bryn.

David liked the tube.

Eden needed some convincing.
Julynn & Bryn. David driving with Uncle Joe. Ready for take off...the kids a little nervous.
David in all his messy glory. Don't worry, we left a good tip and cleaned up.

32 months...

Eden:
- I LOVE dresses. I cannot twirl without them. Sometimes my mom convinces me to wear a skirt, but I still perfer dresses.
- Some of the phrases I say several times a day: " I don't want to." "Which hand is it in?" " Lets all go together." "I have an idea..."
- I love to play with my dollys (polly pocket). I sing and dance with them.
- I like to dress myself (I don't care if it is on backwards).
- I am sleeping in my own big bed. I know I am not suppose to get out and play but most of the time I do. When I hear my parents coming I always run and jump back in bed.
- Of course I LOVE anything princess and wish I could live in the barbie/dolly isle at Wal-Mart.
- I also LOVE movies. If I could choose, I would watch movies everyday all day. My mom saids I shouldn't watch a lot of movies...Barbie movies are my favorite ( thanks Abby & Sarah :)).
- I am a typical girl, I can be crying one minute and laughing the next.
- Besides Mom, David is my best friend. He likes to sing and will even twirl with me.
- Sometimes I like to wrestle with my daddy (depending on my mood). I like it when he chases me around with a big scary voice.

20 months...

Day-Day:

- I love to pick my nose. I do it when I am bored or tired. It soothes me. I usually pick my nose while sitting in the car seat looking out the window.
- I call my cars "baby". I love to hold and play with my cars.
- I am a great eater! I always finish my food. Once I am done I will empty Eden's plate onto mine and finish hers.
- At the moment I am sleeping in a crib, although I climb out whenever I get the chance.
- I also LOVE to climb up and empty all the salt out of the kitchen cupboard.
- I usually scream and throw my body back when Mom takes me away from something I like doing (which is pretty much everything I'm not suppose to).
- I give kisses while humming, "hmmm".
- I can parrot almost any word that is reasonable to say.
-I still call mom "Ninny" (Cyndi) and love to cuddle with her.
-I LOVE playing with Eden. We play and fight all the time, it is the best.

David in the car

Memphis Zoo

It was in the mid 80's today...is it August? We couldn't believe it! We packed up and went to the zoo. It felt like spring...well, maybe early summer. Since school is in, the zoo was practically empty. We had such a great time.

The many faces of Eden

Eden has a very expressive face. Usually it is a form of a "grouchy" look. I am always telling her to talk and look "happy".

She is telling me to put my money in the wishing pond.

Who isn't happy after an oreo?

Trying to keep still so a butterfly will land on her...never happened.

Not wanting to smile.


A sweet moment.

This is her "sad" look. When we say or do something she doesn't like; she sits down, folds her arms and puts on a sad face. We crack up everytime...she can be so dramatic.

This is why...

we went on vacation. Our landlord tiled the whole downstairs! Goodbye yucky carpet & stained check board linoleum.





Before
&
After

Family Vacation

It started with the Watermelon Carnival. It was so stinkin hot, sweat was the accessory everyone was wearing. There was lots of fun shops, overpriced fried food and good ole southern music.

We spent two days in Bourbon, MO with Aunt Sue and Uncle Roger. It was so fun to meet them and spend time together. Aunt Sue shared photo albums and we talked about Nana (Paul's grandma) who passed away several years ago. She sounds like an amazing women. They live in a beautiful resort with a lake & pool. We LOVED relaxing and soaking up the sun.

In St. Louis we spent the whole afternoon at the mall. I was a kid in a candy store...total heaven. Even Paul thought it was awesome, they had a fireplace in the dinning area. We took the kids to see Wall-e. It was cute but once the popcorn ran out the excitement for the kids was pretty much over.


That evening we went to the Cardinals vs. Dodger game. THANK YOU ebay for our $.99 tickets! They were great seats, especially when it started raining (we were covered). Earlier we walked to the arch and let the kids run around. Once the game came they were ready to sit (plus bringing bottles helped).

Six flags was fun, the weather wasn't too hot (thank goodness for an overcast day). We spent most of the day at the water park in the wave pool and the splash area. This was our first family only trip. We look forward to many more.

Two little monkeys...

jumping on the bed.

Birthday presents...

Presents are so fun to give and get! It is a chance to let people enjoy things they love. Here are a few fabulous presents from this year...

Amber made an adorable orange bracelet...which will match one of my skirts perfectly! Also, Gigi sent two fabulous dresses.






FABRIC! Marianne really knows me. Isn't that just perfect? I already have plans for them.

My FAVORITE mousee/gel combo. At $16.95 a bottle: it is definantely a present.

Isn't Paul so clever? I didn't even think of this...but totally need one. Anytime I sew I have to bring my machine downstairs on the kitchen table. All you ladies who have a sewing room are SO lucky. I would do more sewing...but the whole process of getting the machine and supplies out discourages any desire.

Katie Child makes the best frosting!
One is missing...I couldn't resist :)



I didn't get the Computer Armoire yet (notice the yet!). I decided to look around a little more...(well Paul said we should before making a final decision). I'm cool with that...as long as it isn't too long.

AGAIN, thank you to everyone for making my day so special! I love you guys.

27

My birthday is probably my favorite day of the year! Breakfast in bed, presents, cake...all good stuff. This year was no exception. Birthday cake:
Fudge Lover's Strawberry cake
You will LOVE it if you are like me: NO such thing as TOO RICH or TOO MUCH chocolate (if you do use strawberries, plan on eating it all that day...they won't stay fresh).
Thank you for all the phone calls, cards and gifts. It was such a boost and made me feel so special. Even though I don't want to get older...I sure do love presents :)


Lovin the chocolate!