A Look Inside Our Life

Believe

2010-12-19T14:15:00.009-06:00

Since when did we become so blessed?
Well, as you can see, the kids are growing up quickly.

Boo is 7.5, he plays football for the Franklin Cowboys (he is the center for the c-blue team), he loves to practice hip-hop and break dancing at the DC dance factory, he is an amazing reader (4th grade level), and loves to learn as a first grader.

Tay is 6, she is an amazing artist, is a wonderful kindergartener, loves to dance and tumble at DC, has a great fashion sense, loves being a big sister, and really enjoys her quiet time w/o others around.

Squirt is 3, she LOVES the color purple & her Big Daddy, is very sensitive when it comes to her five senses, has two boyfriends, always wants to be first for everything, and she loves to dance with her friends at DC.

Bubbles is 15 months, she hailed her name b/c of all the spit bubbles she created, she is walking, talking, loves her silky night-night blanket and giving shuggies (ie kisses), such the cuddler & climber, and she absolutely adores her big brother and sisters.

As for Chris and myself, we are pinching ourselves. Well, not everytime...

I am very into my Zumba workout and have lost almost 80 lbs since having little bit. I enjoy spending time with my girlfriends, my children, and driving the mini-van all around town. Learning how to cook for six people, stay up on the laundry, dishes and keep the house clean. I am figuring out how to tap into my crafty side and still stay on top of it all. Not too much, right?

Chris is a fantastic husband. He really enjoys his job and that makes for a very happy man. He also loves his children. It really is amazing to watch him and listen to him when the babies are around. They just adore him and the feeling is mutual. He is spending time with his friends and going to the Titans games as well.

We both ran in the Country Music Half Marathon this past spring and we really enjoyed it. Kind of thinking we will do it again this next year.

And for those wondering, the Reid Crew has hit it's max. We are so pleased with the four children we have and can honestly say, we are and always will be a family of six. Six very healthy, happy, and blessed Reid's.

Thank you for checking up on us. It is my goal for 2011 to journal on here with the daily in's and out's of the Reid Crew.

Let us know what you think. We'd love your feedback.

Has it REALLY been almost ONE YEAR?!

2010-08-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

This is so hard to believe!!!! I am going to vow to be better now that school is starting back. I sure did love the blog. It was a great way to put all of my thoughts onto "paper" and reflect. I will post lots of pictures soon and let you see how we have grown. Here is a photo from Fripp Island of the four of us. Love you all!

Tweeking The Blog

2009-08-19T14:34:00.004-05:00

So, I have been wondering how I could make the blog more inviting for me to want to add posts. Well, this is one attempt. I am going green. Feeling a little froggy...

Here are the kiddos a few months ago playing in Tay's bed.

Bella Flora Photography

2009-08-13T15:02:00.009-05:00

On one of the HOTTEST days in August, we met with our photographer, Stephanie Drummond, for our maternity photo shoot. We LOVE her work! She somehow knows how to capture our family's true personality.

Stephanie suggested we take photos all along the Downtown Franklin street scape and I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised with how well the photos have turned out so far. We usually take our photos out in a field or somewhere grassy, so this was a nice change.

Please feel free to comment below and let us know what you think.

The children are in awe of the parade of motorcycles going down Main Street.

Now they are ready to smile.

Notice how different their personalities are...

Chris and I are, of course, critical of our lower halves. However we love this one of the babies!

Are you kidding me?! LOVE this photo. This is our Moses basket that we have used with our other babies, the blankets in the basket are symbolic to us, and the three stuffed animals represent our three babies holding the ultrasound of their newest sister. Stephanie did an amazing job with this idea.

Our sweet Tay Tay. This is SO her! Gotta love the Lilly dress!
Our little Squirt Muffin in her Lilly dress. She looks so precious!

Our Kindergarten boy. Piggy Toes, Buster Boo Bear giving us his best look.Last, but not least, the Mama. Notice my non-make-up face. Gotta love the natural freckles.
Thank you Bella Flora Photography for letting me post these first few proofs.

Mountain Juliet & Friends for Life

2009-07-28T15:31:00.003-05:00

Below are photos with our friends, the Hodges. I have previously posted about our friendship before, so I will just sum it up here. We will be friends for life. They are the kind of friends you don't have to talk to everyday, you just have a bond that goes deeper than that. We LOVE them!

I love Jennifer! She called me out of the blue one day asking how I felt about having three kids. That only ment one thing...

I am 33/34 weeks & she is 29 weeks along. What FUN!

Here are the Hodges' and Reid's.

When they called us to let us know they were driving into town for a weekend, we said we would move a mountain to see them. Just name the date, time and place. They said game on. The location was set and Mt. Juliet it was. When we told the kids where we were going, Tay promptly started calling it Mountain Juliet. Love the new name!

Egg Hunt Anyone?

2009-05-06T16:48:00.005-05:00

Wow! It has taken me quite a while to get back to my blog and for that I am sorry!

Below are pictures from our Easter Egg Hunt at Fluffy and Giggy's house.

We sure did have a BLAST looking for the egg with money. :)

Best Buddy looking for eggs
Fluffy with her camera ready to a-t-t-a-c-k

The Bissinger Bunch (with the new little Isaac Calvin)

My little Squirt-Muffin-cup-a-roo-roo and her excited face

Her serious face

Can you see how tight her legs are wrapped around this basket full of nummie-nummies?

My ever-so-handsome husband of mine

Can anyone spot the diva-divine in this photo?

The Reid Crew

Love this picture! We sure do love getting together and when we do, it looks like this. You can only get a couple of us to look at the camera. Heaven forbid we all what is asked of us. This is the perfect picture of happiness. Notice how the boys wore white shirts and the moms have some sort of black on and the little girls have pink on. Not planned one bit, yet love it!

Reid's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-04-23T14:35:00.006-05:00

We had so much fun at Reid's birthday party & Easter egg hunt.

It was great to see the family as well.

G-Pa with Boo, Tay and a sweet girl who is a friend of Reid's
Reid, Squirt, Tay and Boo

Qwirters

G-Pa, Uncle Daniel, Daddy and Boo

Me-Me and Eli

Tay Tay and MeMaw

Boo and MeMaw

Tay and Granddaddy

Eli, Reid & Tay with Mike, Granddaddy and MeMaw

Boo with Granddaddy

Where is Mary Poppins?

2009-04-23T14:12:00.002-05:00

Good Friday brought some serious storms to middle TN this year. One positive thing they brought to our house was a very windy day and excellent conditions for kite flying. Papa brought over an awesome kite for Boo and he to say he was chopping at the bit to fly it would be an understatement.

All I could think about is when the winds change Mary Poppins moves on to another house...maybe mine was next.

Spiderman was scaling the tallest building...i.e. tree
Check out the clouds

The view from our front porch. Boo was LOVING this weather!

(Just ignore Bonnie on the street.

We were working in the driveway and needed the room.

I swear we don't keep her there.)

He had a blast tugging the kite and making Spiderman dance!

So we are in the process of moving furniture and the china cabinet is part of the process. Needless to say, I had all of our Wilton out and the girls took a liking to it. Not only that, but the glass beads used in the bottom of flower vases...they found a LOVE for those as well.

Where is that Mary Poppins?

I need a spoon full of sugar right about NOW!

Anyone Up For An Egg Hunt?

2009-04-16T14:09:00.011-05:00

We were SO EXCITED to go to the Brentwood Academy Alumni Easter Egg Hunt this year. This is the first time we were able to attend and we were so glad we did. Uncle Matt-Mew and Aunt Peaches had baby Isaac Calvin the weekend prior to the hunt, and we wanted to lighten their load by inviting Ella Grace to come along with us. Fluffy and Giggy brought this sweet angel along for the fun and we were ever so thrilled to have her!

Here the three of them are right before the festivites began.

All three, ever so pleased to be with the Easter bunny.

Squirt giving Ella Bella her lovin's & Fluffy's doing something funny in the background

Squirt is trying to figure which toy would be the most fun

The pink bunny of course!

Boo showing off his cool new tattoo

Boo and Ella with their matching tat's

Boo about to catch some eggs

Tay's on a mission for some eggs

She is elated to find so many!

Yippee! More eggs!

Daddy and his dear friend from high school, Matt and his daughter

Tay and Ella rocking

Boo and Ella rocking

Daddy and Squirt with another great buddy, Ryan and his little girl

Daddy and Squirt with another friend from high school, Russ.

The three sweet babies walking hand and hand

beautiful baby girl, Ella

Squirt with her Fluffy

Daddy and his Qwirters with the exact same face

Qwirters at the bunny toss

Qwirters looking precious

Holding her two favorite things.

This One's For G-Pa

2009-04-01T13:15:00.004-05:00

Our sweet babies LOVE sitting by our back window when the weather is beautiful. We can not get enough of the 70 degree days! Also, one of our favorite things to do is to use the magnetic pads for drawing and practicing our letters.

This is usually how they chose to sit every time as well. Squirt loves being in the middle of her big brother and big sister.
Daddy loves his babies. This is a perfect example of how they love him back. Squirt, of course, thinks daddy hung the moon. When she catches him sitting down (which is rare), she climbs up next to him and soaks it up!

Here is a precious picture of Tay with her daddy. They are all dolled up getting ready for the Father/Daughter dance at our church. She had the BEST time with her Hero. He also had the BEST time with his Princess.

Check out my man in his boots and hat! Tay was in a "twirly" dress and was the bell of the ball. This was a night to remember. When the song "Cinderella" started playing, Chris said you should have seen her face. They were playing HER song!

This Must Get Easier

2009-01-27T15:55:00.005-06:00

So sorry for my lack of posting. I really don't have a great excuse. I can't even use the excuses of parenting, cleaning, sleeping, or exercising.

Without further ado, here are some photos to update you all. :)

This photo is of Tay. She asked me to take her photo and I was surprised at how much she looks like Farah Faucet as a Charlie's Angel. Scary!

This is a photo of Squirt muffin. Qwirties as we affectionatly call her is smiling in this one. Yes...that is her smile. She makes this face when she sees her #1. That would be her Daddy for those of you that are wondering. I am chopped liver.

The sweet angel behind her is her cousin, Addie Rose. Uncle Matt-Mew and Aunt Peaches littlest one...for now.

This is a photo of my sweet buster boo bear! He is all grows up in this one. Boo really does smile. Promise. Looks more like his Daddy to me every day. :)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2008-12-23T16:33:00.002-06:00

The Reid Crew would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.

May you enjoy every memory and moment you share with your loved ones.

(I know we aren't really smiling, but I'm still posting)

Snowy Day

2008-12-15T23:12:00.003-06:00

I know I don't post much, however please know it's because I am spending my days and nights being a mommy and a teacher to my kids. I am cherishing every moment I get with them and I am not taking it for granted. I love my time with Daddy as well. Thank you for all being so patient with us and I will start to update more often. I have got some updating to do! :)All three in the snow.

Squirt enjoying the moment outside
Tay loves the snow

Boo had the most fun I think!

I will post more pics soon. :)

Squirt's First Birthday Is Around The Corner

2008-11-09T23:59:00.001-06:00

I will be back on here soon. I promise. Squirt's first birthday is Saturday, November 15th. Pictures will be up soon as well. Things around here have had to move infront of the blog. I can not wait to share with you the most recent photos of her standing unsupported. I will also have to take some photos of her 9+ teeth. We still do not have any hair. Actually, I am great with that. I can not stand hair bows. I am a closet freak about that. Thank you mom for not making me a bow head. I really do love you for it! :)

I'll see you all soon. Going to bed.

Sweet Prayer Warriors

2008-10-21T11:33:00.004-05:00

To all our sweet prayer warriors,
A BIG thank you! Squirt Muffin Cup is taking a turn for the better. We are now have two nights behind us of no poopies (during night time hours) which in turn is allowing her hiney to heal ever so slightly. During the day, she still is having diarrhea, so the healing process gets slowed down. I am now bathing her in baking soda which helps. And every time I allow her to roam around the house without her diaper as to allow her hiney to breathe, she allows her hiney to poopie. This never ceases to amaze her Daddy that I haven't caught on.
So, to summarize, we are so very appreciate of your prayers. I have really enjoyed having you stop me and ask how Squirt is. You all warm our hearts! Also, that you for all the offerings to help. And for those of you who did...THANK YOU! The dinner (b/c you know I had to hang up my Superwoman cape for a day or two), grocery shopping (b/c who wants to clean up isle 7? Really? Not me!), calls, messages, and prayers...they all mean the world to us! We are so blessed to have wonderful family and friends! You all are the best!
Much Love In Christ Who Strengthens Us,
The Reid's

We Need You!

2008-10-20T02:49:00.006-05:00

Prayer Warriors

We need all of you to pray for Squirt

She isn't feeling well

I am writing this at 2:51am because she has the worst diaper rash I have ever seen

Chris and I are to the point of tears

I am watching her sleep on the floor of the den without a diaper on

-in hopes that the open air will work wonders

This is because we cannot change her diapers fast enough before she has another bout of diarrhea

Her skin is so raw-it is open and oozing

She screams in pain when we go to clean her

She also has a rash all over her trunk and back

We suspect that might be from her 103.1 fever this past week

We were on our knees praying to God for Him to heal her and please show us what to do

So, please prayer warriors, this might sound petty to you however we need you to pray for healing for our sweet muffin cup a roo-roo

Six Things About Me

2008-10-16T08:49:00.005-05:00

I have been tagged by Jamie for the Six Things About Me.
Without further ado:
Things:
1. I am a vegan. My whole family is vegan. We love it! I never knew how many alternatives there were until I started shopping at Whole Foods. Maggie Moos is missing their best customers...who will take our place?
2. I would love to start my own vegan bakery. With the dairy/egg allergies & people wanting alternative options, I think it would be great. Nashville was ranked 9 on the worst cities for vegans. A bakery couldn't hurt.
3. I have a crazy eyebrow-the left one (my left). It turns blond in the summer and remains lighter throughout the year. I know...you wish you had the same.
4. I would rather have my eye poked with a pencil than clean my house. If you know me well, you know this is true. Speaking of, I am writing on the blog instead of cleaning...see, I can be productive and still not clean. Wishing you were me right now...
5. I can pick up almost everything with my toes. I love going barefoot! Don't get too jealous...
6. Born and raised right here in middle TN. Nashville, Brentwood & Franklin-it's quite odd really. This area has changed so much, yet still has the same feel to it. So many want to be musicians and career changes bring in a new crop of people daily that it's hard to find those of us that were born here. I did move to Lexington, SC for the soul searching time in my life. It was way to brief and I am still dreaming of moving back to the SC beaches. That will have to be when the kids are all in college...thanks to Vandy. :)

Tag, you’re it
1. Kaci
2. Mandy
3. Beth
4. Sara
5. Jennifer
6. Sherry

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on the blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know they have been tagged.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Angels in Heaven

2008-10-15T23:20:00.010-05:00

I went to Angie's blog and I started to cry. Let's just get an AMEN that it's 11pm at night and everyone is in bed or else I would have so explaining to do. AMEN!

Some of you that know me know that I have an all-out-there kind of personality. I try to be as open as I can to some extent because what is there to hide really?. Well, I was not prepared to be so vulnerable.

For those of you that do not know, October 15th is the National Day of Remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss. This includes all babies who have died because of miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or any other infant death. I was unaware of this date on the calendar as well. Maybe you are thinking why did this get to you? I am a sucker for my blessing from God. I love my babies! When Chris and I were married back in September of 2002 and found out we were pregnant Halloween 2002, I was stoked! We couldn't wait to get started on enlarging the family. Then we found out we were preggers with number two 8.5 weeks into the pregnancy and were excited as well.

At this point Daddy was in anesthesia school when Tay was born and we were living down in Spring Hill which was a massive amount of time on the road for him. We were trying to make my stay at home business work (which was actually causing us to go into debt, but that is another post) and swallow the reality of him gone a lot with me home with two babies under the age of two. Looking back, I can totally see God's hand carrying us the entire way. Our marriage got stronger as we leaned on Him to hold us and to care for us. We had an amazing family living across the street from us and they quickly became our friends and helped us keep our sanity. We also had a good amount of family help as well. Don't get me wrong, I would not change a thing! I love having my children close in age and these times in Spring Hill will always be dear to my heart.

While all this was going on, we found out we were pregnant again with our third child in early September 2005. I was having some female issues and called my OB/GYN's office to speak to a nurse I had known for quite a while. She advised me to take a test if I had one lying around (again, if you know me...they are always around). I did and it was positive. My heart sank. I didn't know whether to cry or laugh. I ended up doing both. This was the first and only time I didn't tell Daddy. I kept it a secret because on so many levels this was the one more thing he didn't need on his plate. I shuttled both children in the double stroller into the ultrasound room and much to my wondering eyes did appear, but a baby with a heartbeat. Now my wondering ears didn't have to wonder any more because right next to them were two small little babies age 9 months and age 26 months talking and caring on. Tay and the soon-to-be baby were going to be 16 months apart the tech said. I didn't know what to do at this point. We were so financially strapped, yet God had a plan I kept telling myself.

So, what do I do...pray. I strolled the new photo of the baby and my two other ones out the door and to the car. Then I decided to call Daddy. We met at a close by fast food joint he hopped in my car and I handed him the pictures. I figure at this point it's better than telling him. Let the pictures to the talking. I can remember sitting in the car in silence. God has a plan. We have faith, so let's just keep praying and we'll save the freaking out for later. We begin to start embracing this new baby and plan ahead for what the future will hold for our new & quickly growing family.

Away we go into the next week and something isn't right. I feel different all of a sudden. People can ask if you know you are pregnant. I always say no/yes. Somethings just different. I was experiencing a different kind of feeling. One would liken it to a grandfather clock that just stops ticking. Everything just felt off. Like all the parts don't have a job to do anymore. Very empty.

I made an appointment to see the Dr. again for a check-up. All four of us go this time. I lay on the table and await the sound of the baby's heartbeat. Still waiting. The Dr. says that by this stage of the pregnancy, we should hear the heartbeat externally. My heart starts skipping beats. I feel it racing. What's wrong? Oh, it's just worrying for nothing. Surely. He tells us to go and have an ultrasound done for this might still be to early.

I do believe we had the most insensitive ultrasound tech in the building. She would not let us look at the monitor and was way to quiet. I was trying to occupy my thoughts with talking to the kids and Daddy. Finally, I give Daddy a look to let me know what's going on. He looks at the monitor and has a very sad look in his eye. I will never forget that look. One of hope that is fleeting. I hope to never see that look again.

The tech finally shared the news that our baby did not have a heartbeat. I now know what I had felt that day in those moments were the peaceful moments of our baby ascending into heaven to meet Our Father. The baby's physical body was left behind in me to serve as a reminder of his/her time here on earth, yet his/her spirit was now in heaven. Those moments there on the table, changing back into my clothes, going back to the Dr.'s office, trying/not trying to listen to him speak of a d&c, walking to the car, getting into the car, and the drive home were the hardest moments for me. Forget previous episodes in my life...this topped those.

One of my dearest friends, April, and I were discussing the conversation we had in the car after my news. It is seared into our brains. We share a common bond and one day if she blessed me to share the story of her sweet Molly's journey to heaven I will. It is a very powerful one.

Daddy and I spoke of having our baby the natural way and in God's time because we felt that is what He wanted us to do. The Dr.'s office called us and said that we needed to make an appointment, yet again we sat at our dinning room table and said that we were going to not take that option. You know when you feel God tugging at your heart strings like he is playing a harp...well that was what was leading me to stay strong on the outside while the inside was falling apart. I was wanting to have that baby. We were wanting that baby. We had come to peace with adding a baby to our mix in April. Now, it was September 23rd and we are looking to give birth at 10 weeks. What did I do wrong? Why this? Why now? Faith. That's why. As Angie has told me, "God is for me. Not against me."

On the following morning, September 24, 2005, I woke with my bed sheets red. I rushed into the bathroom while everyone was asleep and gave birth to my third child. Daddy soon woke up. We looked at the placenta which was amazingly beautiful. Such rich colors. The umbilical cord was a rainbow of wondrous colors. But the most awesome of sights was our baby. Baby Angel was perfect. Daddy dropped to his knees in awe and wonder with tears in his eyes and down his checks. The baby made the moment real. You know when you see things on a screen and/or in pictures...they don't seem real. It's like a soap opera. It's not real. Well, this is what we needed to make it real. God knew that we needed this. Not every family does, and if you had a d&c, I am not discounting your experience. God knows your needs are different than mine. Our families are different. This is what we needed.

I will spare you any other details other than we hadn't told our families the news until later. Daddy's sister was getting married the following weekend and her bridal shower was that day, so we pulled ourselves together and pretended we were fine as to not take anything away from her special day. We later informed the families and it wasn't mentioned further. Sometimes it's hard to bring up subjects that make people uncomfortable. Death isn't pretty. It's hard and hard isn't good conversation.

One happy note: Whenever we see white butterflies, they serve as a reminder of our baby angel. One day, I was praying to the Lord, letting him know that I believe we are all the better for having baby angel in our life and just then the most beautiful white butterfly flew up around the window I was sitting next to. The window isn't covered with flowers...actually we don't have any flowers in our yard. Just started crying and truly felt God's presence all around me. I really believe that he sends messages to those that are looking for one. I am a big believer in signs...and not like the krispy kreme hot-now signs (although, at one point I did think that was a great sign). My mom use to tell me that God can't call you on the phone, nor send a postcard, so you have to listen closely and keep your eyes open. Well, that was all the sign I needed that day that baby angel is doing great and that he/she watches over us until we meet him/her in heaven. Boo was playing in the yard a while back with Daddy & Tay and he came in to tell me that baby angel was playing baseball with him. I looked quickly up to Daddy and he nodded his head at me. He said, "Sure enough, a white butterfly (baby angel) was flying around us while we were playing." God is good. He is for me and my family and all who believe.

October 16, 1999 is another day that is one to remember for the Amick side of the family. My dear sweet grandmother, Dorris Amick, better known as Baca went to be by her Father's side. It is hard to fathom my mother has been without her mother here on earth for 9 years. I really don't know what I'd do without my mother. It's been hard enough to not have my grandmother. She was always one to make us laugh. My brother, my cousin and myself are all better for having her in our lives.

Thank you Baca for teaching me that it's okay to wear two different shoes with two different size heals at the same time as long as they are the same shade of black, to try getting out of a car with my seat belt still attached, to flip words around in a sentence and make it sound correct, and one of our favorite memories...to greet your neighbor with a burp as you pass them on the street. I can see you now making your slim fast shake with real ice cream just to make it taste better. :)

I've Been Tagged

2008-10-11T21:44:00.003-05:00

My dear friend Jennifer tagged me to go to our file folder and post the fourth picture. Well, here it is.

And yes, Squirt is messing with Boo's ear & Tay is looking somewhere else.

Don't laugh, this might be in your mailbox in December as our Christmas card if we can't find anything better. :)

So, now I tag Kaci, Mandy, Beth M., Sherry, and Tanya.

Really there are many more I could list, I just thought I'd pick five.

Anyone Up For a Ride On The Float?

2008-09-25T12:38:00.006-05:00

Daddy and I were having a blast in the pool at our house on St. George Island. Needless to say, I was watching him try to get on a float and could not get the video camera fast enough. If you want to see it on break(dot)com click here.

Working on Vacation - Watch more free videos

Take Me Back to St. George Island

2008-09-25T11:03:00.004-05:00

This is why I am 21 days behind on our blog.

I am mentally stuck.

The title says it all.

Chris and I have bee saying that life is just different there.

Even though dishes needed to be done, laundry had to be washed & folded, things had to get picked up, and children didn't miss a meal nor a nap...things didn't seem overwhelming.

There is something about this Island that is closer to heaven. Time didn't move as fast. You didn't mind waking up early because you knew it ment that you were going to be outside.

The children were angels.

Fluffy and Giggy were able to join us last minute, so that might be why the previous statement was true.

Needless to say, St. George Island, we will be back.

There will be more pictures to follow.

I need to tend to this house now.

No more denial.

First Day Of School

2008-09-04T14:57:00.004-05:00

My sweet babies were so excited for their first day of school yesterday.

Boo is going to be attending pre-k at the Reid Academy & Tay will be at the day school.

Boo and Tay were told to smile for the camera & they decided to pose this way.

I just love it when they love each other so much!

Tay Tay and Kay Kay are the best of friends!

We are so thankful they are in class together.

These girls are just precious when they play with each other.

Tay Tay's Teacher this year is Ms. Nancy. We are looking forward to our year with her. She is going to be perfect for our little Tay Tayter Ree!

Here is a photo opp for the ages. I asked Ms. Nancy if she could take a photo of us three. She did and I am so glad. I realized I don't have many photos of the four of us. Much less the five.

Squirt rarely smiles for strangers due to her studing them until she feels like she can figure them out. If Ms. Nancy can make Squirt smile, then she is going to do great with Tay! Thank you Grammie for the kids clothes for their first day of school.

Wedela Baby

2008-09-03T10:25:00.001-05:00

Tay is now offically a Wedela Baby.

This is the miracle Shampoo & Body Wash + Calendula Cream

that has transformed her skin to an even better level.

Daddy & I were trying to figure out what was causing Tay's skin to be so bumpy.

We then decided to rule out the citric acid found in the shampoo & body wash products.

Amazingly, we couldn't find a single product at Publix (it was so late at night, I couldn't shop at my wonderful Whole Foods) until we came upon Wedela Baby.

I am so glad we found these products. They have changed my Tay Tay's skin!

TN Titans & Boo

2008-08-22T07:44:00.008-05:00

G-Pa took Boo to one of the TN Titans pre-season games.

Titans vs. Raiders

These two were made to go to the games together that's for sure.
We are so very thankful to have such wonderful grandparents that want to be plugged into our life. Boo, Tay and Squirt are so blessed!
This game started out with a pre-game tailgate in G-Pa's Prius.
Since we are now vegan, I made Boo his supper for him to take to eat prior to the game.
I was so excited to find vegan chicken-free nuggets!
Thank you Whole Foods and Plumgood for our great vegan foods.

Look at my sweet boy watching the game like a big boy.
He was born for this stuff.
This sure beats watching it on tv.

Here is Boo and his G-Pa.
G-Pa, thanks for taking care of little G.
He adores you and loves the time you guys spend together.I really love the photos JK took with her camera.
If only she would send them to me.
hint...hint
She is pictured below and I love her to pieces.
JK is an excellent mother, a great wife, a fantastic friend, a God-fearing woman, fashion forward, hosts a top notch bed & breakfast,
and she loves full-on make no bones about it big-time kind of love.
God knows just how thankful I am for those nights on the soccer field when, as a family, we became friends.
You are such a sweet soul & I will always cherish the times we had & will have together.
Here are some great pictures of Boo and JK's son, little E.
These boys love being around each other and it shows.
I love their faces when they are together.
They have the best time!
Here they are in the press box.
I promise little E does have a left eye.
I will make sure I post a photo with proof.

Shameless Scrapbooking Plug

2008-08-20T08:18:00.007-05:00

Urbanite + Preppy = The Urban Prep

A New Off The Runway Collection From Scrap In Style TV

For the first time in SIStv history they're offering this brand new collection for pre-sale (but,only until 8/24 so order now). Why? Because they are having a super sale and they want you to be able to take full advantage of it! This week only, every order of $50 or more will receive a $10 gift card to the SIStv Boutique (does not include gift certificates or digital products)! That includes all new Jenni Bowlin, Cosmo Cricket, American Crafts, and the new Urban Prep Collection! So take advantage of this special offer! It's a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious kind of deal. :)

The Urban Prep Includes:

(4) 12x12 Sheets of Bazzill Cardstock, (2) 12x12 Sheets of American Crafts Paper, (3) 6x12 Sheets of American Crafts Paper, 2 Bazzill Scalloped Edges, 1 Sheet of Green Handmade Paper, 1 Set of Black Glitter LAX Thickers, 1 Set of Green Making Memories Puffy Alphabets, 1 Set of Heidi Swapp Circle Masks, 1 Set of Fontwerks Chipboard Houses, 1 Set of Fontwerks Chipboard Circles, 1 Set of Tim Holtz Metal Numerals, (1) 18 inch lengeth of Maya Road Sheer Plaid Ribbon, 1 Red Jenni Bowlin Die Cut Mini Label Paper, 1 Fontwerks Acrylic Stamp "Ringo Star"

SIStv Exclusive Price: $34.95

Order NOW from the SIStv Boutique

*For the local gals who read my blog, this is a company that is right here in Franklin, TN. I have really gotten to know the owner and other wonderful gals that go to pack the latest collections (myself included) and they are some of the sweetest most genuine ladies you have ever met. The products are top of the line as well. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me and I'll answer them.

Non-Toxic Tots Giveaway!

2008-08-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

Who doesn't need this (esp. if you live in TN)?

There is a new shop for all things safe and natural for wee ones called Non-Toxic Tots. They carry so many precious things from organic outfits to safe sippy cups. And, there is a giveaway for a gift certificate going on at Mama K NJ's blog. Its only open until August 30th so get over there and enter for your little one!

Watch Out If You're On I-65

2008-08-14T08:06:00.003-05:00

We have a new driver.

Squirt Muffin loves the steering wheel.

Even as I type that it sounds like an understatement. Here is the Squirt Muffin Cup standing on her daddy's legs.

Here is the view of my sweet babies from the passenger seat of the car.

I love my sweet babies!

Home Make-Over

2008-08-13T08:03:00.002-05:00

Here is the house that Boo built.

That was the house that Boo built.

Now we have involved Cinderella & Daddy.

Cinderella is all perplexed because Daddy and Boo want to take her house apart to make theirs look better. Now if you notice her house was unlivable, so it needed to be condemned anyway. They did add some equity back into the community.
Three heads are better than one.
One might ask, why no final photo?

Well, if your house got condemned, wouldn't you want to retaliate?

Lower That Crib

2008-08-12T07:57:00.003-05:00

Squirt is now a big girl.

We tried to keep her from crawling and now look at what she has done.

That little rebel.

She is so excited with her new found hobby that we lowered the crib last night.

*The black stripes on the back of the crib were suppose to hold up the bumper.*

Hook & loop didn't stand a chance with Squirt.

Hi Boo & Tay!

She is going to be 9 months on Friday.

I am so missing the little baby phase, yet I love having this sweet angel look at her daddy and get so excited. She has always been a daddy's girl and I sure hope she stays that way.

Random

2008-08-02T21:27:00.004-05:00

These really are random photos put together because I didn't want to have to write different posts for them.

#1 - Squirt is enjoying a bath for the first time.

Since she has fallen in love with sitting up & can sit up well, she is now bathing this way.

We were just holding her in the shower because we couldn't stand for her to cry in the tub.

#2 - Squirt eating at Tossed

She loves eating in her seat.

Squirt also loves eating Cho-Cho's.

#3 - My sweet Boo Boo and Tay Tay having a shoe sale in our messy basement.

This is a precious memory for me. We were having so much fun just letting them play and not caring about the mess they were making.

Our conversation went like this:

Boo: "Mom, we are selling these shoes for a $1 a pair."

Me: "Really! I can buy every pair. I am so excited! I have never been able to purchase EVERY pair of shoes in a store before."

Tay: "Well, now the shoes are $10 a pair"

Me: "What? How did that happen so fast?"

Boo: " I think they are $100 a pair now, but you can still buy them all"

Me: "Man, inflation affects everything!"

#4 - Squirt is eating everything!

I mean everything!

I can not take my eyes off of her these days.

She puts everything in her mouth.

#5 - Squirt is also starting the crawling phase.

She does the worm instead of the crawl.

I think I am the reason she isn't crawling yet.

I am totally NOT wanting her to crawl yet.

Every time she starts to show signs, I am putting her in the sitting position. :)

#6 - Evidence.

Here is one of the many pieces of evidence.

Squirt is into eating books, baby dolls, food, cars...etc.

You get the point.

Keep things away and off the floor if you don't want her to eat it.

You're What?

2008-07-30T23:03:00.011-05:00

Edited on 8-01-2008:

Do you know what I am talking about when I say somethings just stare you in the face?

I am having that moment right now.

I received this email today. It relates to my post and the following quotes were included in the story.

Proverbs 12:10: "A righteous man regards the life of his animals" (NKJV)

"I give you every seed-bearing plant and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food" (Genesis 1:29)

"the lion shall eat straw like the ox," and "they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain" (Isaiah 11:7 and 9, NKJV)

So I'm careful to communicate I'm a vegan (I changed this word) because I believe "'all things are lawful' but not all things are beneficial" for my body and the current state of the world (1 Corinthians 10:23, NRSV).

I will also add this part:

I knew God gave the animals into Noah's power after the flood, perhaps for him to eat in a vegetation-impoverished landscape. Later, God provided quail for the Israelites in the desert. Then Jesus came to earth and undoubtedly ate Passover lamb with friends and family. He also cooked his disciples a fish breakfast, part of the regional and cultural cuisine.
I understood both meat and vegetables were part of everything God gave his children for life. He asked only for good stewardship of his gracious gifts: body, earth, and spirit. For some people, fulfilling this command meant picking up meat with their forks.

But for me, by the end of my research, I knew caring for God's creation meant doing the unthinkable. I had to betray my meat-and-potatoes roots and become a crunchy granola woman.

End of Editing

VEGAN!

There...now I've said it.

This is the word that makes people look at me like I have just lifted up my shirt to show them my belly. Oh, wait...too much information for you to handle all at once. I see. I'll break it down for you.

I am reading the above book, Skinny Bitch, and it has transformed our lives. I have been reading this for a while because even though I have been dairy-free & egg-free for almost NINE months (wow! Even I had to have a double take), I have yet to give up meat.
Many of you know that our girls (and myself if I am honest) are very allergic to both dairy and egg, so that is what prompted this quest for a healthier lifestyle. Now, mind you, Daddy & boo have taken this path with us because as the old saying goes, "Mama is only going to cook one meal around this house."

Well, the meat was our biggest hang-up until I got to that part of the book (which was a couple of nights ago). You Are What You Eat. I thought about this title and was thinking, "Yep. I am what I eat. However, what I eat isn't all that bad now. I have cut out the fast-food restaurants, ice cream joints, & high fructose corn syrup (if you don't know why that's bad, click on the link & read health effects)." Once past the title, I was fully engaged in what seemed like a tug-o-war with my head. *Keep reading - Quit reading. Once you know, you can't claim ignorance. Type of battle*
I kept reading and what I read has changed me & my family. You see, I read it aloud to Daddy and he said, "You need to quit reading this to me, it's making me sick." Exactly my point. Now we both can't claim ignorance.

I understand that many of my readers are not ready for this jump, therefore I will not post what I read, just if you are curious, clink on the link, check out the book at the library, or purchase the book.

It's been SO good for us all to live this way! I can see such a change in all of us. I myself have dropped 50lbs ( I work-out maybe once a month), have much clearer skin (without washing it but one time twice a day), haven't had one single allergic reaction to the seasons change nor have I been sick in general (dairy adds to mucus build-up), and might I say that Dr. Oz would be proud of my bathroom behavior (enough said). Daddy and Boo feel better and look better also. Tay and Squirt are MUCH better and have a much better demeanor.

I really didn't realize that a simple change in eating would make such a difference in our minds, body, and spirit. I sound like a YMCA advertisement.

Well, now you know the scoop on us. We thought it would be better received if it came across in the form of the blog. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them. I welcome them all.

By the way, we aren't built to be meat eaters anymore. I use to use that as my excuse, however our species have evolved. Our teeth aren't razor sharp, our fingernails are dull, etc. We do not need to drink milk from another species. We really don't even need our own mother's milk (unless you are a baby, and if you are, you can't read this anyway). *my head is telling me to stop telling you this unless you asked for it* I will stop.

Can't We All Get Along?

2008-07-29T15:04:00.005-05:00

Their reflection is on the wall.
They truly are larger than life.
I looked over into our entry way this morning because the children were being awfully quiet.
Boo had lined up all of his toys on the table and was having a discussion with the men.

Batman said, "Isn't it great we can all get along?"

Whatcha think batman?
Isn't the monster truck cool?

"Come in Star Command. This yellow bird is creeping me out. He claims to be Big, yet he is shorter than my knee cap." said Buzz Lightyear.
The Hulk says, "I will crush you with my very long arms."

We will be holding hands and singing later in the day.
You should all stop by for tea with Batman.
I hear he has a great gathering.

My Interpretation

2008-07-27T08:33:00.000-05:00

You all know that I adore my husband.

With that being said, I have found these pictures on our camera & I want to attach a caption to each photo using my understanding of why he took such pictures.
It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words.
I really don't know if some of these are worth that many.

Red Shirt guy,"Hello fellow SAE alumni, I am here to pay my dues."
Alumni at the table, "Let the hazing begin!"
Red shirt guy, "Dudes, I am also an alumnus."
Alumni at the table, "Oh, right...right...right. Does that really matter?"

Red shirt guy is paying his dues.
Fellow alumni behind him, "Sweeeet! We love a good goat ride! Did you bring the beer?"

Oh look, Reid Dogg is here!

Everyone is too busy getting there drink on to notice orange-stripe-shirt guy thieving a hat.
Thanks Dogg for catching this on film!

I don't know...maybe...prof that grown men can do three things at once.
Drink, smile and stand up straight at the same time.

Oh, wait this group is having trouble with the above task.

The natives are getting restless.
Starting to wonder if they are ever going to actually play golf.

Blue shirt guy,"Hey we are suppose to be standing.
Get up before the others see you."

Quick! Hide your can!
The golf cart police are coming!

Man, That was a close call!
I bet they won't find it now.

Now, this one could go many different ways.
One:
How many slightly intoxicated men can drive/ride safely in a golf cart on a blistery hot day?
Two:
Does the above photo look like the parade is near?
Three:
The Tin Lizzy's must be back at Opryland!

Do you have 1-800-safe-auto?
What about Aflac?
You will need it if you wreck into my cart again going that speed!

Dude, my underarms are so sweaty!
Did you bring your antiperspirant or a fan?

My secret with dry underarms is to hold one arm up and one arm out.
Try it, it works.

Now is this a butt shot or what?
Oh, wait, we are looking at the form...right?

The peanut gallery.
Not doing much, that I can see.
This is a golf game, right?
Then how come the blue-hat-guy doesn't even have a golf club in his hand?

Dude still doesn't have a club in his hand.
Maybe he is exempt from this hole...yeah, that sounds good.

Oh, this is a great picture.
I am thinking...beer cart.

Someone famous?
Must get magnifying glasses...

Guys in cart, "Dude, that's the women's tee?"
Guy walking back to cart, "Shut up! It was my second shot!"

Who else is thinking micro-machines?
*Seriously, Reid Dogg had a great time hanging with his fellow man on Saturday. He was also happy to be home from his 3rd and final golf outing this year. Well, he did say that he will take Boo to play & of course, I chimmed in, "me too!". Who knows if he thinks I serious.

Three Stooges

2008-07-26T20:08:00.001-05:00

They are so precious to us!
Boo and Tay are "glued" to the TV because it is rarely on & Squirt is having a blast playing in her tub o' blocks.
The older two love being around the littlest one & I believe the feeling is mutual.
*Yes, Tay is topless. Sometimes we wonder where she gets her sense of fashion.*

No Words

2008-07-25T20:31:00.017-05:00

No Words.
My mind is racing, yet standing still.
I wish it would stop, yet the pain of spinning is keeping me at peace.
I am afraid if it stops, my tears would flow freely.
You see, my pastor, Dr. J. Howard Olds, is in the arms of his Father.
Dr. Olds went to see Jesus, and was cured of cancer, on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at 4:30am.
His caring bridge website has more details than I want to offer with my fingers.
However, you may go here yourself.
Brentwood United Methodist Church has been my home church since 1982.
It's what I know.
It's comfortable.
It's my home away from home.
My children go to the day school there.
Chris and I worship there.
We attend Sunday School there.
All three of my children were baptized by Dr. Olds at BUMC.
Just last Sunday, I was speaking about how I was protesting moving back to Brentwood when Chris and I lived in SC and he got accepted into anesthesia school.
Today, I ate my words.
I looked around that church and all I saw was LOVE.
Love for a man that was one of the most kind, sincere, generous, tender, powerful, giving, forgiving, loving, nurturing, seed-sowing, fruit of the spirit, down to earth, hand on the door of heaven, showing you the compassion of Christ - kind of man.
The church was filled to the brim with people.
This was not like Sunday.
On Sunday, the church was almost empty - Summer Vacation.
Well, the vacations were cut short.
Even the Sunshine Choir came back from Choir Tour early to sing for Dr. Olds today.
That brings a tear to my eye just thinking about it.
If you know anything about High Schoolers - it's not like them to cut their once-a-year vacation early.
Comfortable.
I saw some of my friends today and we just waived.
No words.
No words needed.
We knew.
Dr. Olds had the ability to just stand before you without saying a word and you knew what he meant.
These last three months we had with him were something else.
His cancer had progressed (he was diagnosed 11 yrs ago with colon cancer).
He was preaching from his soul.
As I sat in church today, I was enveloped with love.
My former pastors, Bishop Spain and Bishop Pennel, were preaching and it was like old times for me.
I felt like a little kid again.
Comfortable.
As I sat next to my mom (Chris was at work and could not get off), I was reminded of the simplicity of life.
I take it for granted that everything in my body works without the need of medication, that I can get out of bed each day just fine, that my kids are extremely healthy, that each and everyday will be about the same.
I actually look forward to this routine of life.
As a former teacher, I love routines.
Now, I do not take for granted my marriage nor that everyone lives forever.
Those two things I do not take lightly.
If you know me, I will tell you how I feel & I mean it.
I was once told not to tell people you love them unless they are your family members.
Well, you know that's not how I feel.
I love big-time and I will let you know it.
My parents are divorced.
My mom's parents have passed.
My dad's dad has passed & my dad's mom has alzheimer's.
I do not take those two things lightly.
Back to simplicity, I loved watching both of my former pastors speak about the man whose voice I so longed to hear today.
Today was simple.
The sermon was simple.
The service was simple.
It was routine.
The one thing I didn't like about BUMC when I left is what drew me in today - like a nice warm bath with lots of bubbles.
Comfortable.
When I was walking out of the service, mom and I were holding hands, I then waived to my friends, saw lots of familiar faces with many tears down their checks, quietly exited the narthex on the way to get the children.
Once at their doors, a smile appeared on their faces and on mine and moms.
Routines.
Comfortable.
This gave me great joy and peace.
I still have many thoughts and if you've read all the way to this, wow!
You are like my husband.
He somehow can take my all-over-the-board thoughts and make them into a straight line for him to follow.
In closing up my thoughts for this post, Dr. Olds has touched our hearts and souls in this family forever.
My children would rather go to the Awakening Service, than go to Sunday School.
Why?
Because of Dr. Olds.
I was listening to his last sermon (6/29/2008) tittle "Don't Stop" when we got home from church today.
Immediately, Gavin and Taylor Marie rushed over to the computer and said, "That's Dr. Olds".
They know this because they love hearing him preach.
I love that my babies want to go hear the sermon every week.
Dr. Olds will forever hold a place in our hearts.
He opened our minds to places we've never dreamed of going.
My children already know The Lord's Prayer & say it proudly every week in church.
Chris and I are a stronger couple because of Dr. Olds preachings and teachings.
We have made amazing friendships with other families in the church because Dr. Olds made you want to be better Christians, Parents, and Friends.
We will miss you Dr. J Howard Olds.
You are in a better place.
Thank you for making me a better wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend, relative, and an overall better person.
No Words

William Key Cortner

2008-07-24T09:56:00.004-05:00

Welcome to the world, Key Cortner!

This sweet angel was born July 13, 2008.

Look at how beautiful he is.
He is just waiting for a kiss from me, isn't he?Seriously, I am in love with these toes!

Here is Key's sweet mama, Kate.She looks so beautiful!
I told her you put my "pajama's for two weeks" rule to shame. :)
And yes, Tay had to get in this photo.

How do I look as a mom of four?
Squirt is looking at me like I'm crazy, so you don't have to.
This is Blake.
He is Key's daddy. Key's mama is holding squirt muffin.
She kept saying, "Wow, this is what we will be doing in 8 months."

Here are some photos of Key's nursery.
Kate is an interior designer, Mary Kay director, & a new mom,
so she has her "stuff" together.

Key has the coolest room in the house!

Now for the kitchen.

I am in love! This is the cleanest, most beautiful post-pardom kitchen I have ever seen.
For a first time mom, Kate you get the I have my Sh*t together award!

Cupcakes Anyone?

2008-07-22T11:57:00.005-05:00

Some of my Hip Mama friends came over to indulge in some of

Pamela's Products and to support The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

The Hip Mama's gathered together to indulge in some Chinese Chicken Salad and Chocolate Cupcakes with Confetti Icing.

Did I mention everything was dairy-free & egg-free?

It was and it was SO good! We had a fabulous time chatting, eating, & letting the babies play.

The babies loved the kid friendly table, plates and...wait, are they trying to share food? Well, that wasn't part of the plan.
Boo and Tay are loving the cupcakes!
Some of the Hip Mama's eating and watching their babies
More Mama's eating and watching their babies.

Wait...who's in the door with that pose?

Oh, that would be my "daisy duke" posing girl. Someone needs to tell her to not grow up.

One of the mama's feeding her little boy a cupcake.

Another mama fixing a cupcake for her and her boy.

This hip mama is looking precious with her sweet little angel.

Do you see anything in my teeth? No? I didn't think so.

Here are some mama's and babies

I love this photo. We so enjoyed the cupcakes!

Thank you Pamela's Products!

Squirt

2008-07-19T15:38:00.002-05:00

This photo was taken with my phone.

Sorry for the poor quality. :)
Many of you have asked how our little Muffin Cup is doing. She is MUCH better! Thank you all for your prayers of healing. When the Dr. said that this can be caused by an allergic reaction, Daddy Bear and I thought that we had "sterilized" the house of all egg and dairy products. However, come to find the "Natural Flavor" in the margarine is a milk derivative. Well, needless to say, we were pissed! All the hard work and effort on our part and now THIS?! So, back to square one in our efforts and a more careful eye when shopping and eating out.

By the way, Olive Garden is not careful in the kitchen with the allergies like other restaurants we have been to. Thank goodness we are not deathly allergic to dairy or else I wouldn't be here.

We are now back to eating dairy-free and egg-free and all is well with the Reid's.

Spiderman and Darth Vader

2008-07-15T16:06:00.000-05:00

Spiderman was wearing his pirate hair and carrying his light saber when he mysteriously found Darth Vader carrying the pirate sword.

Coincidence? I think not.

WHAT? Spidy, that's not Darth!

That's Conner!

Nice Dreads though, Spidy.

One would think this photo is precious.

Don't let her fool you. She is sitting in time out for pushing this most precious little boy, Will. For no reason. Well, I must say, that even if she had a reason, it wouldn't be good enough. She still should not push. Tay needs to learn not to look so darn cute in time out.

HGTV: Design Star

2008-07-10T07:54:00.002-05:00

I love this room!

I snagged this photo from the Nashville Design Star Blog.

The contestants listed below the photo made over this suite in the Opryland Hotel.

They got to spend time (in her house) with country music star, Sara Evans, in order to gain inspiration for the look of the suite.

Now, if I could just get permission from my main squeeze...

Oh, well, just picture this next time you come over instead of what is in it's "place" now.

Trish, Mikey V. and Tracee's shabby-chic design

Water Baseball

2008-07-08T14:52:00.003-05:00

Boo and Tay have been having a great time playing water baseball.

Boo received this game for his birthday party and they love it!

We would highly recommend this outdoor fun for any child.

I just hope the mosquito's won't come with your game.

Needless, to say, it comes with ours.

Boo is posing and Tay is trying not to eat her hair
He is so precious to me
This is a perfect shot.

He hit that ball out of the yard!

I love how the water looks like it was cut with the bat.

Tay is trying to drink the water and wet her hair.

Not concerned with the bat and ball.

The look before he hits the ball out of the yard.

Tay with her best attempt.
Back to the licking of the water
Tay finally getting the hang of the sport.

This game is a hit!

(No pun intended)

Fourth at Fluff's

2008-07-05T17:07:00.009-05:00

What an awesome Fourth of July we had.We hung around the house, unloaded the POD in our driveway, worked very hard getting ready for our yard sale the next day.

That night at 5pm we arrived at

Fluffy and Giggy's for fellowship and food.

We love both of those can't you tell?
Getting back on track...

Boo, Tay, and Ella donned bathing suits and went out into the backyard after we ate a delicious meal prepared

by F & G.

The three of them were absolutely precious!

Fluff and Uncle Matt-Mew were the helpers out in the yard.
Daddy was holding Squirt while Aunt Peaches was holding Addie

No need for them to get wet. They really just wanted to talk to each other.

I was talking about Addie and Squirt, you know.

Fluff holding Ella while Tay tries to drink the water

Addie sitting up like a big girl

Daddy and Squirt smiling at Mommy

Uncle Matt-Mew and Ella holding hands wondering what my two are doing
And there is the answer.

Tay is eating her wet hair. I am working on that one, I know.

Boo is holding the sprinkler trying to fix it.

This conversation was great.
They always make fun of me (side note*I know I sound twelve in that statement)for talking with my hands, however I captured it on film, they are talking with their hands too!

I love this photo of the two of them

Now we are done. It was the perfect way to celebrate The Fourth Of July.

We did not need to see the fireworks, just laugh at each other (we seem to be very good at that), play together, hang out with the ones we love, and then go home to a cozy bed.

Maybe next year we will throw in a couple of card games.

X-Rays and Breathing Treatments

2008-07-04T22:13:00.002-05:00

Yes.

The title is correct.

On Wednesday, July 2nd, Squirt had to go in for x-rays and breathing treatments.

No.

I did not foresee this happening when we went in.
It took two hours from start to finish.

*Side Note*

I have three amazing kids.

Boo and Tay had the best time playing with all the toys in the Dr's office.

Tay took the addition and subtraction game and pretended to make invitations for her birthday party in November.

Then she took the phone to call everyone she made the

invitations for and did follow up calls to ensure her guests were coming.

Boo was reading all the books, stacking blocks, etching on the etch-a-sketch,

and made sure his baby sisters were okay.

*Now on with the details*

Squirt had been coughing for over a month now.

She was getting worse over the weekend-think smokers cough.

Took her in Monday, June 30th, the Dr. thought bronchitis.

Went home with a z-pack and some Zyrtec (in case it was allergies).

By Wednesday, I thought Squirt was a smoker.

The Dr. personally called me back ( that's why we love him) and said he needed to see her.

Now you are caught up to the beginning of the post.

The x-rays came back clear so thankfully she didn't have pneumonia.

Now she has something labeled reactive airway disease.

So, we are giving her the rest of the Z-Pack, Zyrtec,

an oral steroid (to reduce the inflammation), and breathing treatments.

Man, that is too much for my little muffin cup!

Anyway, this is what we have to do to get her better.

*Update*

Squirt is doing better today.

She has had some rough patches, however she is trending in a positive direction.

Boo and Tay in the Dr's office
Squirt muffin holding the camera ready to take a bite
Here she is with her breathing treatment

Finally okay with it

Mommy Wearing Squirt and Teaching Science at VBS

2008-07-03T15:59:00.000-05:00

Daddy & His Tay Tay

2008-07-03T15:42:00.001-05:00

Lions, Tigers, and...Elephants, Oh My!

2008-06-30T11:19:00.008-05:00

Who doesn't love the zoo?

We sure do! I think we were made to hang around the animals.

On Friday, my good friend from BHS, Mandy, texted us to go to the zoo with her and her little girl, Lucy. We had so much fun! I am so glad she asked us to hang with her.

The children just love the elephants and look how close they are to us.

We were so excited to get to see them up close and personal.

A little too personal and we'll leave it at that.

Squirt was enjoying the stroller full of cho-cho's.

As you can tell, she is in the "relaxed mode" for the stroll.

This elephant was so beautiful. We loved how "she" stretched out her trunk and back right leg.

It was very fitting seeing as how, Mandy and I took dance back in the day and our girls seem to be following in our footsteps.

Mandy and Lucy looking cute together.
My two monkeys.

I told you we belong at the zoo.

Can you tell we are in awe of the meerkats?

Still relaxed.
The meerkat and Tay are having a conversation.
This picture was taken right before the meerkat fell asleep.

Mandy and I cracked up laughing at how easy it was for him to fall asleep.

Guess we weren't that entertaining.

In the above photo, the children are at the alligator pond.

Lucy is asking Boo for his hand to help her get down.

He eventually notices and does help her get down.

They three of them really do get along so well.

The Leopard is sound asleep and we were just happy to be able to see "him" up close as well.

Seeing "him" asleep reminded us to get ours home for a nap as well.

Lucy, Boo and Tay are all perched up on the Lion statue.

A little history as to why we wanted this photo.

Both Mandy and her husband Mickey, went to BHS with me. Mandy and I were ADPi's and Chris and Mickey were SAE's (these are both college sororities and fraternities) but at different colleges. What is so neat about that is the mascots for both are lion's. So, we really are lion's.

Papa's Lake House

2008-06-27T23:06:00.004-05:00

The weekend following Boo's birthday was quite eventful.

Uncle Matt-Mew, Aunt Peaches, and cousin's Ella Bean and Addie Rose joined us at Papa's lake house in Muscle Shoals, AL. We had a blast.

I stayed indoors and maned the babies so they wouldn't get sunburned, listened for the sleeping babies, tried to catch up on summer reading (ie... Skinny B*tch (eating vegan), Food Allergies, and The Great Man (never finished, though attempted)), and enjoyed being away from home.

The pictures below are just a couple of shots from the weekend.

Here is our friend Charlie Brown. He was perched next to the steps on the dock. We learned that if you respect Charlie Brown, he will respect you. Everyone needs some sun-time without being disturbed.

Papa is taking Boo and Tay out on the water in his new canoe. Notice how Gavin holds the paddle? He picked that skill up rather quickly.

All I can say...like father like son.

The love for the water, fast vehicles, shirts on, and great hair runs deep.

The princess. She loves the water as well. She just loves the quality time with Daddy. She wasn't yelling, "Faster Daddy" like her brother was at full throttle.
Humm....Addie Rose and Gracelynn Lee are thinking about something, just not sure what.

They both enjoyed jumping together. Keep in mind that they are three months apart.

They are both squirts in their own right.

Uncle Matt-Mew has Ella Bean out on the jet ski. I promise.

You just can't see her.

She is there.

Aunt Peaches and Ella Bean.

Uncle Matt-Mew, Aunt Peaches and Ella Bean.

Addie Rose was in bed asleep or she would have been ready for the photo op. Promise.

More Party Pictures

2008-06-24T23:01:00.002-05:00

Here are some great shots from Grammie's camera.

TM has a static problem as you can see.

Gavin is having a moment.

Who doesn't, right?

GL is wearing two hats.

One is the wrong one. Can you tell?

Boo's cake is perfect.

A sweet lady named Dimples made it for us.

Here is the final finally of the evening. Pirate Captain Gavin makes his apperance with Kendall and TM watching. Gotta love it!

All Pirate Outlaws Headed to Captain Gavin's Party

2008-06-20T09:18:00.009-05:00

Pirate Captain Gavin welcomed his friends to a fabulous birthday party on June 18, 2008. His 5th birthday was celebrated with most of his awesome and incredible friends and family members. Below are pictures from the event.
We are so blessed to have so many people love our sweet Boo Bear. His birthday party was held at a local park and what perfect weather we had.

Pirate Captain Gavin opened his presents and had an awesome time dressing up at the end of the party.

Here he is in the pj's that his Grammie made him while he is playing with his toys. You gotta love the boy for being so focused.

Thanks for all he memories and thanks to everyone who attended the party. You all made it very special!

Happy 5th Birthday - Gavin!!

2008-06-18T08:36:00.002-05:00

Wow! Can you believe it? Boo woke up this morning telling me his legs are longer, he has gotten taller, and that he can run faster now. He also told me that he was no longer a small number for now he can hold up his whole hand to tell me how old he is.

I am having to fight back the tears as I type this. God is SO good to Chris and myself. We are blessed beyond belief. This sweet angel, our first born is now five. I truely can not believe it! It feels like yesterday (sorry, here's where I sound like my mother) I took five pregnancy tests, Chris came home from the night shift and said, "honey, you can stop that, the tests are accurate you know?" Well, needless to say, you know the rest of the story. He's here, in perfect health, and the cutest boy I've ever known.
I ask them to smile for the camera and here we have the prom pose. ;)
And here is Squirt celebrating Boo's birthday. :)

Kim Schmidt Photography

2008-06-07T23:30:00.005-05:00

Can I tell you how thankful I am to have phoned this awesome photographer to come photograph my incredible family? Kim Schmidt is a fabulous woman who works very well with children and adults. We are so pleased with our photos, we ordered an entire album.

Boo and Tay's piggy toes
Squirt and Mommy
Daddy, Squirt and Mommy
my sweet angels dancing together
Kim took these photos of them dancing and I just fell in love with her custom storyboard. This is an awesome way to show how precious they are.
Thank you Kim!

If you are interested, please email her via her blog.

Please tell her we recommended her to you.

Art Class 101

2008-06-05T08:12:00.003-05:00

Today's Project:

The "We're Never Going To Use The Fireplace" Face-Lift

Who says you need to go to fabulous places for vacation?

Home experiences are WAY more affordable!

As you can see we just decided to prime the fireplace for painting yesterday. Oh, and the boys went and got the same "summer 'do". Back to the picture at hand. (No pun intended)

I wanted our friends to see what we are doing on daddy's vacation week. Notice daddy art work style is different from his children's. My two older children do exactly as told. When daddy said, "Paint the bricks", they both painted the bricks and bricks only. Daddy and I like to think of this as following good directions. :)

Some of you might be thinking, "Tay is in shorts. How did this happen?" We did have some melt downs, however anything is okay once you get to make a mess.

25 Weeks

2008-06-01T17:37:00.004-05:00

One of my best friends from BHS is 25 weeks pregnant with her first baby! :) Mandy and David were in town from Alabama to visit her mom. I was so excited to see her before they left to go back home.

They are going to be excellent parents to their baby boy, Tate. Of course I had to take some pictures of her sweet growing belly.

Mandy and David were saying how "behind" they felt when looking at our family. "Behind", I said with question in my voice. Please don't ever feel that way, nor compare yourself to us. God has the master plan. Not us. We just got an early start and haven't stopped, that's all.

Can you see Tay? She was trying to get in the photo. :)

Three + Three = Jackson's + Reid's

2008-06-01T16:56:00.005-05:00

We spent Saturday with our dear friends, the Jackson's. Wayne and Daddy were fraternity brothers and best buds in college, Lesley and I were in Education classes together and graduated together. Our children were all born around the same times. So needless to say, we have a great time when we are together. It's not nearly enough time, however it is so fun when we are. The kids have a good time together and so do the adults. The pictures below are from their middle child's birthday party.

OhLaLa...

2008-05-31T12:44:00.004-05:00

My wonderful husband and sweet children got me these beautiful flowers for my birthday.
Notice the card below.
Daddy said that Boo had to get this card for me. It is designed after the "city" girls. He must know the theme of the day.
The inside is what is most special. Tay wrote in cursive. Boo told me he wrote every letter correct except the W was suppose to be a M. That is what makes it more special than if it was all correct and we moms & dads know that.
Clothes. Enough said. No really, the black piece is the skirt, and the other two pieces are tops. Lately, I have this urge to be one with the earth and live a "cleaner" life for my children. Now comes the clothing relavance...the pieces are made from...
I know. Organic Bamboo? The clothes feel incredible. I can not wait to wear them! Thank you daddy and babies.
Now you are wondering what I am doing with this picture. It's my folding table. It's folded in half with the legs inside. I am so excited! It's the perfect table for all of my hobbies. :)
Happy Birthday to Me.

Happy Early Birthday To Me

2008-05-30T22:39:00.013-05:00

What a wonderful way to spend the night before your 31st birthday. (My real b-day is May 31st)

My most wonderful husband made me feel on top of the world tonight! I loved being on such a great date with my Mr. Big! I couldn't have felt any better. We had Grammie and G-pa watch the three kids, went to CVS to get our snacks, and then off to the movies.
This movie has helped me reach my 31st birthday without such a big lump in my throat. I have been dreading this day since the first of May. Now, it's not so bad.

Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte were incredible. The movie took me for a ride. Not at all what I had expected (if you go see it, you will understand). Although, the clothes, shoes and interior design in the apartments did not let me down!

I sure do love my life! Just as it is. Nothing more, nothing less. Chris and I were talking last night about why this birthday of all birthday's has been the difficult one. Thirty-One. There were many reasons, however I have so much to be thankful for that after a wonderful night and a great intro into tomorrow, I am looking forward to the next thirty-one with my Mr. Big and my most incredible children. Also, thanks to all my friends and family who have made me feel special by the phone calls, IM's, and email. You guys are the best!
*Photos from here

Long Overdue May Pole

2008-05-30T16:06:00.003-05:00

Gavin's end of the year performance was precious. His class had practiced for their May Pole dance and their songs as well.

Do you think his shorts are long? We don't either.
Gavin loves his friends.
They love him as well.
Cousin Ella and Gavin just love each other to pieces. It is a beautiful thing to watch. They are such great buddies. :)

Kickball Part Duex

2008-05-30T15:43:00.004-05:00

This is the photo of the Vandy Smooth Operators.

Here is a great photo of Uncle Matt-Mew and Daddy.
You know you are a kickball fan when...you need a good couple of stretches before the game begins.

Here daddy is practicing catching the massive kickball.
Now, Uncle Matt-Mew is doing the jive.

All the while, Peaches and Addie are looking for the bleachers with no luck. :)

Spring soccer

2008-05-30T15:36:00.002-05:00

We love Soccer! Tayter Tot's first soccer season is now over. The sweet little angel did a great job trying to grasp the concepts of the game. I can not tell you how very proud of her we are. She did great!

The Y was hurting for coaches this year, so they called me to volunteer. Now you know who's big hinney is in the background. Sorry!
Sweet buddy boo bear! He is the most improved by far! Boo did an excellent job this past season. We are so very proud of him. He scored three goals. And took two weeks of b/c of surgery, however he came back better than ever.

The Perfect Mother's Day

2008-05-28T10:58:00.002-05:00

I love the thought of baptising my sweet little muffin cup on Mother's Day and that's just what we did. We all laid our hands upon her sweet self and she did so well.

Cousin's Ella and Addie came to watch along with Uncle Matt-Mew and Aunt Peaches. Fluffy and Giggy were in attendance as well.
Here is our pastor Dr. J. Howard Olds. Dr. Olds also baptised Boo and Tay. We have a special place in our heart for Dr. Olds. He has been a wonderful pastor.

Where Oh Where...

2008-05-11T20:22:00.003-05:00

Has the time gone? It feels like yesterday since the Hodges' and the Reid's moved away from Spring Hill, yet looking at this picture I am reminded that it has been 2.5 years. Man how time flies. I so wish we were right back across the street from each other. We have missed you so!

Thanks for the memories! We love you guys and miss you so!

Kickball

2008-05-05T15:46:00.006-05:00

My brother, Uncle Matt-Mew, and My DH, Chris are actually playing on the VCH "Smooth Operators" kickball team. Yes, there is a true need being satisfied. :)
Ella is with her daddy while the men are waiting to kick the ball.
Gracelynn Lee is watching the love of her life, her daddy. :)
Taylor Marie is filling a need right now also. She is taking care of her babies.
So cute!
Again, a daddy and his daughter.
And the youngest girls relaxing under the sunshades.

Bubbles, a Pod, & a Trash Can

2008-04-15T13:17:00.007-05:00

Gavin and Tay have been so blessed this year to have met Emma and Katie Anne. Emma and Katie Anne are sisters and happen to be in the same Day School classes as Gavin and Taylor Marie. They are such great girls and love to play with my two. You gotta love the fact that the Pod and Trash Can are in the photos with the kids. I clean up real nice don't I. You also gotta love that the kids turn our trash into a photo opportunity. :)Okay, let's try this again!

Much better! Let's make sure that all hiney's are on the trash can.

And They're Off...

2008-04-15T10:24:00.025-05:00

Welcome to the First Annual Reid/Bissinger/Walker Easter Egg Hunt

Gavin is on a "roll"

Little Ella Bella is so precious in her Easter Rain Boots. :)

Fluffy is out on the hunt with the girls

Uncle Matt~Mew is blocking an egg from Gavin and they are both determined not to let the other one win. Boys will be boys no matter the age. :)

Aunt Peaches is taking pictures in her beautiful Easter robe/blanket from the couch.

Easter goofies with Giggy

Sugar Coma has set in

Happy Easter!

2008-04-08T14:43:00.009-05:00

Original Wine Club Girls

2008-04-03T16:19:00.011-05:00

Mrs. John Michael Motgomery
AKA: My Friend, Beth Findley Motgomery on her wedding day.

These are my South Carolina sisters. I am so grateful for these ladies open arms. When I moved to SC, Beth and I were placed at the same school for our first year. I am forever thankful for her friendship. She and I started the wine club along with her roommate Kelli and their friend Jamie. Then came Kelli's sister Suzy. In the picture below, it is Jamie, myself, Kelli and Suzy. Can anyone spot the only woman in the group that has children? Not too hard of a question...I know. But that is just one of the many reason's why I love these girls. They love me no matter my figure. :)

Now standing next to me is Jill. Jill is another teacher in SC. She is also a great girlfriend & preggers with her second child.
Stacie and Mollie are now members of the wine club.
Here is a group shot. Micheal and Beth had a beautiful and super fun wedding. It was well worth the trip from TN to SC. I have many more trips in me. These girls are extra special!

Here are Jamie and Trent along with Chris and myself. We just love them. Trent and Jamie are such dear people. They have a great heart and we are honored to be there friends.

New Duds

2008-04-03T15:55:00.004-05:00

My lovely husband took me shopping for two new Lilly dresses when my post pardom body wouldn't fit into the clothes I already had.

I really enjoyed our day of shopping without the three children. Thank you Mom!

*See Jennifer, I told you*

Whatcha' Lookin' At?

2008-04-02T22:03:00.004-05:00

Hey Boys...Whatcha Lookin At?

Wow! A dump truck!

Okay, so the dump truck is in our backyard getting ready to dump the dirt where the driveway use to be. My dad (Papa) had his crew take up the poorly paved addition and we are supplying the dirt. Fun!

*Future posts will show the older children enjoying the dirt more than their toys.

Any Takers?

2008-03-31T22:42:00.005-05:00

So this is the sign that was used A LOT two weekends ago. We were amazed at how many items traveled out of our house onto the curb. With the number of cars that pass in front of our house, we thought surely some of these great items can find a home. And to our amazement, they did. The sign worked! Our unwanted furniture was wanted once again.
The children were so excited to play outside.
Notice the ballerina with tap shoes. Isn't she lovely on her big wheel?

Squirt's First Bite

2008-03-31T22:35:00.003-05:00

Open up

Okay, would someone please tell her to stop growing! I am not having much luck.

At least she likes her oatmeal. She is a great eater!

All done!

Mom...Are You Sure?

2008-03-20T14:48:00.007-05:00

Are you sure he can fit in our house? Mom...really? He's Huge!
This is what they said right before taking this picture. I almost didn't know what to say. They really didn't want to go get their picture taken until I wiped out the bribery card. (OH, and don't tell me you've never done that before.)
They really wanted the FREE bunny ears, so I said only if you go sit and smile. What do you think they did? Yep. They smiled all right. Don't you love the bribes that are free and harmless. I do!
Oh, and to answer their question...Of course he can fit in our house. He will be there when you are sleeping. :)

Three Little Monkeys Sitting On The Couch...

2008-03-20T13:01:00.004-05:00

One fell off and broke her head.
Momma called the Dr and the Dr said, "Tell Tay-Tay-Torie to get off the couch".

So she did.
*I put the squirt squirt in her first pair of overhauls and she looks like a butchy boy. So, needless to say, I will have to glue in a hairbow if we leave the house. :)
*Oh and ignore the animal crakers in Boo's mouth
and the fact that only one is out of her pj's*

Nice and Warm

2008-03-18T21:26:00.005-05:00

Might I add to the previous post. Don't think that I would leave out the squirt muffin cup. She and I were nice and warm inside while the rest of the crew were outside in the cold.
She loves her jumpy-jump! We are very excited that our house has door frames b/c we can hang our jumper.
*Remember...it's the little things.*

Are you sure you're not too cold out there boo-boo, tay-tay, & da-da?

Okay, it's your call!

I'm GREAT!

Snow+Sled=Backyard FUN

2008-03-18T21:14:00.013-05:00

How odd that just two days after the trip to the zoo we have the most snow all year.

Wonder what Tay is about to do?

Of course...eating snow

zoom out and you see just how tiny she is

Wee!

Daddy had so much fun!

You use it, you pull it

Gotta love the snow!

Wash & Go

2008-03-17T16:08:00.010-05:00

Time to wash Bonnie Blue...

I love that part of playing in the snow, is about "washing the car".
*Can you tell I am inside?*

Walking gingerly down the driveway

Oops! Man overboard!

Oh No! Two men overboard!

Glad to know all three didn't fall down

Cinderella & Her Prince Charming

2008-03-17T15:27:00.007-05:00

Click on the link below to imagine the children dancing to this song.
Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman
This song brings tears to my eyes and I just welled up when Gavin asked Tay to dance with him. Chris and I were playing this song on our computer when he asked her. All I could think about was, "God sure knew what he was doing when he gave me a boy and a girl 17 months apart."

Who Needs Toys?

2008-03-17T15:16:00.003-05:00

I have always been told that a box is more fun than a toy. Oh, what joy it brings to see them so happy...in a box.

Play and Pretend

2008-03-09T21:27:00.010-05:00

I love it when she plays

I love it when they pretend

High Ho, High Ho, It's Off To The Zoo We Go!

2008-03-03T13:46:00.010-06:00

What a gorgeous day it was in Nashville! Daddy and I were more excited about the Zoo than the children, I do believe. As you can see below, Daddy and I were accompanied by a cheerleader, a pink squirt, and a soccer player. We were the talk of the zoo with the cutest children. We were also 1 of 1500 people there. We had a great time anyway.
And for the record. We had a snow day on Wednesday followed by 77 degrees on Sunday. Gotta love Nashville!

Squirt Squirt is in the stroller w/o her car seat for the first time and loving it!

We love the giraffes!
Looking at the birds. I love the bamboo forest behind them!The bamboo adds the best background! G-man is telling daddy all about the monkeys.

This is the non-smiling portrait.

Hold-on tight!

The caution tape adds a nice effect-don't you think? Or wait maybe the minivan?

Grammie & G-Pa @ Fluffy's & Giggy's

2008-03-03T13:31:00.006-06:00

With that title, one might think I was writing a children's book. And with that idea, I just might. However, I am just describing a weekend night with the fam. Very interesting I might add. You see, we always have a great time and are very appreciative that our families get along as well as they do. We are also very blessed to live so close to all of them. Close = within 15 min to be exact. Needless to say, we love watching the grandparents interact with each other and with their grandchildren. What a treat. I told you in the previous post, she always knows the camera is on. Too precious!
You might be wondering what the pile of close is for in the first and second photos. My dear friend, Amy S., has two wonderful little girls who have out grown their clothes. It is now time for the excellent consignment sale at our church and before she consigned the clothes, she let me pick the ones I wanted to purchase from her. What a HUGE help that was on our budget! So, needless to say the pile was the awesome amount of "new" clothes for Tay Tay. Do you think she is happy or what? I know I am!

Up and At-em

2008-03-03T13:24:00.005-06:00

There is nothing better than hanging out at the house in your pajamas. We love to start our day school days in the kitchen while I am making their lunches. This is a great picture to show you how we are before our day "begins".
*Note* Strawberry Shortcake always knows when the camera appears out of nowhere.

Our Sleeper-15 weeks old

2008-02-28T15:38:00.003-06:00

Here is our muffin cup, precious baby girl, sweet angel plumpkins, and also known as the little squirt squirt. She is 15 weeks old and loves her routine. She is a thumb sucker. She also loves to SLEEP. Squirt sleeps anywhere from 11-13 hours (continuously at night) depending on what time we finally get to put her down. She has been doing this for quite a while now.
This is the only one of our three children who actually fusses to go to sleep. Tay Tay would ask to go to bed, however it was not at this young of an age.
She is napping as we speak, hence why I am typing so much. :)

Hangin' At The House

2008-02-28T15:26:00.003-06:00

"Everyone look at the camera and say, "Cheese".""Let's try that again"

"Good Job!"
*Now, don't go judging my Tay Tay's clothes or the fact that Squirt won't look at the camera. Sometimes we just go with the flow.
Tay's desire to change clothes 100+ times a day wears her daddy out.
I am now having her layer them and this is what we get. Gotta love a girl!

14 Weeks Old

2008-02-28T13:55:00.002-06:00

Here is my Squirt Squirt at 14 weeks of age.
Yes, that was last week, however I am trying to keep you all updated.

Today I'm A BIG Sister!

2008-02-20T15:50:00.007-06:00

Here is a picture of my niece Ella Grace. Behind her is her mom, Shelly. My kids call her Aunt Peaches. Today, Aunt Peaches and Uncle Matt-Mew (my brother, Matt) went in to have baby Addison Rose.

These pictures below are the ones I took after Fluffy called to tell her she is officially a BIG SISTER. Addison Rose "Addie" was born today, February 20th around 3pm.
Addie weighed 7lbs 7oz and was 19.5 inches long.
We are so excited to have little Addie here with us now!

Snow Day-January 17, 2007

2008-02-14T14:34:00.003-06:00

As you can tell, we don't get much, but when we do get some, GET OUT THE BOOTS! We can go out and play like we did!

We Have Another Thumb Sucker! January 15, 2008

2008-02-14T14:32:00.002-06:00

Squirt Squirt-January 7, 2008

2008-02-14T14:13:00.009-06:00

Sleeping In Her Crib-January 3, 2008

2008-02-14T14:02:00.004-06:00

I know that I have not been the best at updating this thing. Thanks for being patient! When I get a chance to have all three in their beds sleeping I am going to start updating this rather than clean my house. I feel that will be better for my sanity.Here are some pictures from January 3, 2008 of my Squirt-Squirt as we affectionately call her. She was sleeping through the night (10p-5a) at 5 weeks, so we moved her in the room with Tay Tay at 7 weeks of age because we knew she could do it. Now at 13 weeks today, she is sleeping 12+ hours at night (6:30p-6:45a). I know we are blessed!

Christmas at the Skating Rink

2008-02-14T13:47:00.007-06:00

Tay with MeMaw (12/16/2007)

I have to say that until I married into the Reid family, I had never heard of Christmas being done in a skating rink. Now, I have and actually it was a rather incredible tradition. I am sorry to report that this might have been the last year for the entire Reid side to get together at the skating rink. You see, MeMaw sold the rink this past year (2007) and I am not sure we will get to carry on the Carthage tradition. Nevertheless, we had an excellent time and not to be forgotten.
The above picture warms my heart for many reasons. You might know why if you know my husbands background with roller skating. He is one heck of a roller skater, however it goes beyond that fact. He is teaching his children how to skate on the same floor he learned to skate on. And from the stories I hear, he was even younger then these two are. Whenever you get him near a wooden surface with wheels under his feet, he can show you come moves. (I have been wanting wooden floors in our house and now I am questioning it per the above sentence.)
Nevertheless, I am posting pictures from our Christmas memories.

Got Some Catching Up To Do

2008-02-05T15:17:00.007-06:00

Two Little Rascals eating Apples

Laying in bed reading with Daddy (11/21/2007)
15 days old (12/1/2007)
Posing in her new "big girl" bed (aka-my old "big girl" bed) (12/2/2007)
Gavin in his "big boy" bed (aka-Daddy's and G-Pa's bed) (12/2/2007)
Hold on Bro! (12/4 /2007)

More Pictures of Birth

2008-01-08T11:59:00.000-06:00

I am finding pictures on our camera and wanted to archive them in our blog.

You see, I am just now surfacing. I didn't even know we had these.

Chris is the best labor partner!
We are so in love with Gracelynn Lee Briana!Ready to go natural all over again! I seriously felt like I could run a marathon after I gave birth. Talk about a serious rush! I don't even run!

Belly Shots

2008-01-08T11:44:00.001-06:00

November 14, 2007
I am still in shock that my body can do what it does. And do it not once, but three times! Now, many of you have heard me say that I can gain some weight. Well, here is proof. With each pregnancy, I have gained 50lbs. No not total, that is 50lbs with each one. Yep. These pictures are proof. I know that to some- my stretch marks might be more than you can handle, however it is what it is.
If it means three healthy babies, then it was all worth it. It's all in how you look at it.
Then again, God must have heard me ask for a reason to get out of wearing a bikini. :)

Do Daddy's Really Dance?

2008-01-07T20:48:00.001-06:00

They can square dance!

Here are the pictures from the parents part of the day school program.
(Note: Mom had just delivered, so I was able to get out of this one) :)
This one is of Daddy and Gavin's Teacher, Miss Jenny. Daddy had a lot of fun showing Gavin how to be a good sport.
Gavin enjoyed watching his daddy dance!

Pilgrims in January?

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Boo Bear the Pilgrim

Gavin had a wonderful time (back in November) being a little pilgrim for his day school program. He even got to dance with his friend, Anna. They learned to square dance (very popular here in the south).

I don't know about you, but as you can tell by my body language, I am rather excited!
(Said with much sarcasm.)
I must not see my mom.
Found her!!!!

Home-November 19, 2007

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Tummy time with DaddyI love my swing

Labor and Delivery-November 15, 2007

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So here I am giving you a picture update.
This will be the easiest way to catch everyone up without taking a lot of time.
Here goes:Took the boppy and a towel (to cover my eyes and ears-I became very sensitive to light and sound) to the hospital. My nurse and OB rocked! They didn't mind me standing up and laboring (less than two hours mind you :) ). I was very relaxed and enjoyed the entire process of a natural delivery. Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Welcome Gracelynn Lee Briana!!!