Our Little Princess Turns 3 :)

It's so hard to believe she's already 3!  The morning of her birthday we surprised her by throwing balloons into her crib (yes she's still in a crib - don't judge!) and singing Happy Birthday.  Here's the video....(sorry for how loud I am - the speaker was right next to me)...

Then it was time to get ready for her party.  She insisted on a Dora the Explorer party this year.  Not our ideal theme, but we did our best to make it cute and make her happy.  She had a ball.  Enjoy the pictures from her big day!

The cake I made her :)

She thoroughly enjoyed being sang to and blowing the candle out this year!

Lots and lots of fun.  She was sad when it ended.

Our big 3 year old!!

Playtime at the Park

Playgroup met at a great new park this week.  Addison loooooves the park.  She would run herself into the ground if I let her.  She gets that whole outdoor thing from her daddy.  Anybody that knows me is laughing right about now...  It was a little on the warm side, but we still had lots of fun.

Now we are anxiously awaiting some cooler weather.  Hopefully it's just right around the corner! 

Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning?

The lyrics to that Alan Jackson song get me every time.  Where was I when the world stopped turning?  I was in my Junior year at LSU and about 10 months into dating my then boyfriend Erik.  That particular morning I had skipped my first class because I wanted to sleep in.  I heard the first reports of the attack over the radio as I drove to my second class.  It was horrific, it was chilling, it was unbelievable. 

I'm somewhat of a naive person.  But that day changed me.  I realized this world was not necessarily a safe place.  I haven't felt the same since. 

I actually proceeded to my second class and told my classmates what was happening as my mom talked to me on the phone.  She described what she was seeing on TV for us.  No smart phones back then!  Erik had one of his athletic classes at that time in the locker room and was able to watch their TV and see the 2nd plane hit.  Back in my class my Accounting professor then said, "All right people, let's get to work.  We can't let this stop our pursuit of learning."  Really?!?  I was disgusted.  But, I actually sat through the class.  When it was over I headed straight back to my apartment to watch the news reports with my roommate Rachel.  I don't think we said much.  Just sat there watching with our mouths open.

A sense of panic ensued across campus that day.  I heard that a boy busted into several of the early classes where people had no idea what was going on and yelled, "We are at War!".  I'm sure most people thought he was joking...or looney.  Let's face it, we may have been in college, but we were mostly still just kids.  And we were scared.

I remember that particular morning it was a beautiful day.  Bright blue sky with no clouds.  On pretty days, it often seems to remind me of September 11th.  At how the blink of an eye things can change so quickly.  Can go from really beautiful to really ugly.  However, even as ugly as that day got, I have no doubt that God was with all of us that day.  To carry us through it.

This nation came together after September 11th.  Churches were full, friends and neighbors checked in with each other, and our sense of patriotism was revived.  I do not believe for a second that the terrorists accomplished all that they hoped.  While they killed many innocent people, they brought a whole lot more together.

To all of the families affected by the 9 11 tradgedy, may God continue to carry you through this.  As a nation we still grieve with you.  And as an Amercian family we fully support you.  May you rest in the peace of knowing that you will see your loved ones again.


Lyrics to the Alan Jackson Song....

  "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)"

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you in the yard with your wife and children

Or working on some stage in L.A.?

Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke

Risin' against that blue sky?

Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor

Or did you just sit down and cry?

Did you weep for the children who lost their dear loved ones

And pray for the ones who don't know?

Did you rejoice for the people who walked from the rubble

And sob for the ones left below?

Did you burst out in pride for the red, white and blue

And the heroes who died just doin' what they do?

Did you look up to heaven for some kind of answer

And look at yourself and what really matters?

[Chorus:]

I'm just a singer of simple songs

I'm not a real political man

I watch CNN but I'm not sure I can tell

you the difference in Iraq and Iran

But I know Jesus and I talk to God

And I remember this from when I was young

Faith, hope and love are some good things He gave us

And the greatest is love

Where were you when the world stopped turning on that September day?

Were you teaching a class full of innocent children

Or driving down some cold interstate?

Did you feel guilty 'cause you're a survivor

In a crowded room did you feel alone?

Did you call up your mother and tell her you loved her?

Did you dust off that Bible at home?

Did you open your eyes, hope it never happened

Close your eyes and not go to sleep?

Did you notice the sunset the first time in ages

Or speak to some stranger on the street?

Did you lay down at night and think of tomorrow

Or go out and buy you a gun?

Did you turn off that violent old movie you're watchin'

And turn on "I Love Lucy" reruns?

Did you go to a church and hold hands with some strangers

Did you stand in line and give your own blood?

Did you just stay home and cling tight to your family

Thank God you had somebody to love?

[Repeat Chorus 2x]

And the greatest is love.

And the greatest is love.

Where were you when the world stopped turning that September day?

Following the Tigers to Dallas

The first game of the year this year was in the Dallas Cowboy's new stadium.  LSU played Oregon and we pretty much whipped their booties!  Erik and I were so excited to be able to go. 

Beautiful sunset on our way into town (shot through the windshield and NO I was not driving...)

Tailgating with friends

The stadium was gorgeous!  I'm pretty sure Erik thought he had died and gone to football heaven.

This stadium had everything - even healthy food!

Of course that doesn't mean that we ate the healthy food...In fact I seem to remember the loaded nachos quite fondly ;)

My favorite part of the stadium?  The screens!  I've never seen anything like it.  In fact, I hardly watched the field at all.  And I didn't need my glasses or binoculars!

It was an amazing game.

Taking our little one out to the first home game this week.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!

Hummingbird Wars

So I'll be honest and say that I'm not really a fan of birds.  They bug me.  They wake me up with their chirping before the sun comes up and that's just NOT ok.  However, I do like hummingbirds.  They don't make much noise until they are fighting over the feeder on my back porch.  I really enjoy watching them.  They are't afraid of me either!  I went out with my camera and they let me get within 2 feet of them.  Here are some shots I got...

Mom has about 4 hummingbird feeders at her house.  It's like World War III around there right now!  They are trying to eat as much as they can before they fly south for the winter.  There was a gorgeous green one I was able to get some shots of.

What are your favorite animals to take pictures of? 

Family Matters

In July we headed up to Jackson to visit with my grandparents, aunts, and cousins for a quick day trip.  They just adore Addison.  And us :)  I totally cherish my time with them.  We are lucky that they are only about 2.5 hours away.

Addison playing with her great grandfather :)

Cousin Lindsey coloring with Addison

Cousin Dylan holding up his masterpiece from Addison.  Dylan is a college professor.  He has to grow a beard so he doesn't look 14 ;)

Addison taming the wild beast!

She loves Great Maw Maw's pretty plants

Addison & her Great Aunts

They have fought over her since she was born, lol

Our little family - check out those cheesy smiles!

Group Shot!

Family is very special to us.  They remind us who we are, where we come from, and how much we are loved.

My 30th Birthday Surprise

Let me start by saying my husband is totally a keeper.  He planned the perfect birthday surprise for me.  And it couldn't have come at a more perfect time.  Right when I was started to feel better.  2 days after my birthday, we boarded a cruise ship headed for paradise along with 2 of our best friends.  What an amazing trip we had!  We got to eat a fancy dinner every night, dress up, soak up some sunshine, take a daily nap, go to shows, sail through a tropical storm, swim with dolphins, and just have a great time!!  Warning...my pictures are terrible.  I was afraid of something happening to my good camera so we went to Walmart the day before and bought a cheap point and shoot.  Well the pics speak for themselves.  Next time I'm bringing the good camera.  And I hope that next time is sooner than later!!

The muddy Mississippi - true to it's name!

God sent this rainbow just for me.  I know he did.

One of my favorite things on a cruise - towel animals!  Next time I'm totally taking the towel animal folding class!

Dressing up!

Gorgeous Views

One of my top 10 life experiences - swimming with dolphins!!  Seriously - it was amazing.

Soaking up some sunshine

My eye candy ;)

Loved this slide!  My camera lens fogged up on this pic - but I think it made it look neat.

They also showed movies on the big screen out on deck at night.  This night was the latest Harry Potter movie.

Sunrise on our last morning

New Orleans welcomes us home

Thank you so much to my husband and our friends for planning this great birthday trip.  I will NEVER forget it :)

Father's Day

We were able to make it out of the house to go to church on Father's Day.  My poor husband ended up taking care of me most of the day.  I'll have to make it up to him soon ;)  Since it was a pretty day we took advantage and decided to take some pictures before we left.  There's nothing like a daddy and his little girl.  Or a mommy and her little girl for that matter.  Enjoy the pictures  :)

Stay tuned for a post on my surprise birthday trip.  Happy Monday everyone!

The Aquarium & the Green Goddess

In June, we decided to take a ride to New Orleans and take Addison to the Aquarium of the Americas.  It was her first trip there and she loved it.  We went on a weekend so it was pretty crowded, but other than that it was an interesting and fun place for her to be.  She wants to go again soon.  Some pictures from our day...

After the Aquarium we met up with my parents and went to eat at the restaurant where my brother works as a Sautee Chef.  It's a fusion restaurant which in my understanding is where they pair some weird or unusual ingredients together.  I'm one of those poeple that gets the same exact thing every time I go to a restuarant.  But this time we let Matt pick our meals for us.  Every single thing he brought us was awesome!  Seriously - I loved it all!!  Especially the caramel bacon ice cream for dessert :)  I can't wait to go back and eat there again!  Would you like to go yourself?  Any time you are close to the French Quarter in New Orleans, check out the Green Goddess.  You won't regret it!

Here's a picture of "Uncle Matt" with Addison...

We miss you Uncle Matt!!  And Happy Birthday!!

Welcome Sophie & Sadie!

Our family likes dogs - and big dogs to be specific.  Mom has a German Shepard named Scout that is 12 years old. 

We got her while I was still in highschool. She has been the family "baby" for a long time. Since she is getting older, Mom decided to get a puppy that she can "train". Sophie was welcomed into the family in early March. She was adopted from a local breeder. Erik and Addison went with mom to help pick her out (I was feeling way too bad to go). She is now known as their dog. While she lives at my mom's house, she is very much Erik and Addison's puppy.  She's beautiful - and huge!

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The vet says to watch out once she grows into her paws.  She looks like Rin Tin Tin and is very energetic.  I joke that she has ADD.  She was basically worrying Scout to death.  Following her every second, chewing on her legs, trying to eat her food.  Just the normal mischevious puppy stuff.  Mom decided to adopt another German Shepard puppy to keep her company and take some pressure off of Scout. 
 
I wanted so bad to go and help pick her out.  I have a reputation in my family for choosing the best animals.  Although I totally believe that they choose me :)  Well, I wasn't able to go with them, but they brought her straight to me after picking her up from the breeder.  She was terrified.  Wouldn't make eye contact, wouldn't make a sound, wasn't panting, and was trying to be as still as possible.  I stuck my fingers up to her nose and she sniffed them and her little tail started thumping.  She licked me a few times and finally looked up at me.  It was love at first sight :)  I was at a very difficult point in my recovery and I think we both needed each other.  She is to this day very gentle and very meek.  I make no bones about the fact that she is my very favorite.  There is just something very special about that sweet girl.  It's a good thing we don't have a fence around our yard, because I might just have to dognap her.  
 

These girls have brought a lot of joy and happiness into our lives over the past few months.
We've all had a difficult year, but animals have a way of soothing the soul - at least that's what I think.

Nana & Addison with Sophie

Sophie & Addison

Sophie & Sadie at 3 months old & 40 pounds!

A girl and her pups - all three of them :)

Now for obedience training....I wonder if they would take Addison too?  ;)