The life of a hobo

As I mentioned before, my mom came to town over the past few days to help us pack up. I should mention that we played more than packed during her visit. We ate and played at Gattitown, went shopping, swam, and unpacked many of the boxes I had previously packed so that Nana and the kids could find something they REALLY needed to play with during her visit. Despite all the playing (and unpacking of previously packed boxes), I did manage to get everything done because in the coming days, we'll be moving out of our apartment and living the life of hobos until we close on our new house in Madison. Thankfully, our family has agreed to take us in for the next two weeks so we won't really be homeless. Anyway, with all this moving going on, I won't have internet access and will not be part of the blogging world for a few weeks. When I return, however, I'm sure I'll have plenty to catch up on because life is never dull with our clan. Until then, please keep us in your prayers as we move out of our apartment, jump from house to house in the interim, move out of our house in Dothan and finally settle into our new home in Madison.

Playing at the park

Since we've lived in Jackson, one of the many things the kids and I enjoy doing is playing at the park that is near our apartment. Each morning I pack up the stroller with all of the essentials and off we go! I've had to explain to Caroline that we take turns when going to the park because before she can play on the playground, I take the kids for a jog on the trail. By the time I finish 2 miles, I am whipped! Despite going early in the morning, it is still so very hot. That coupled with pushing two kids in a stroller up some little hills can wear somebody out (not to mention the workout I get from just getting the kids to the park in the mornings)!

Anyway, after my jog, it is Caroline's turn to play until her little heart is content. Well, maybe not because I don't think she can ever get enough time at the park. Since my mom came for a visit to help us pack (that story is for another blog post), she took some pictures of us at the park. If you are wondering, I do not jog in this outfit...I took the day off!

Ice cream anyone?

Well, there is no doubt that Will takes after his Daddy when it comes to ice cream. He absolutely LOVES it! Since he is still a "baby" in my book, I won't allow him to have much, and this really disappoints him. But beggars can't be choosers and he'll take whatever he can get at this point.

No, Daddy...it's still my turn to take a bite!

Hey, where do you think you're going with that?

That was perhaps the best thing I've ever tasted!

When will we enjoy that tasty treat again?

Squeaky Clean

Since Caroline and Will can take baths together now, bath time has become one of my favorite times of the day. Maybe it is because I can keep both kiddos corralled into a small space for once during the day. Anyway, after bath time, the kids slip into their cute little robes and you know me, I can't resist taking a picture.

Take me out to the ballgame

This past weekend, Matt's parents (aka Mamaw Kat and Pappaw) came for a short visit. Matt and I seized the opportunity to run errands and enjoy a kidless lunch. Afterwards, we all loaded up to go to the Bass Pro Shop. I must mention that this is the 2nd weekend in a row we have shopped there. I'm not a personal fan of the store, but Matt and his Dad foam at the mouth when they get within 5 miles of the place. Caroline also seems to like going there because of the fish tank and wildlife they have. I don't think it has registered with her that the bears, deer, alligators and other animals at the store aren't alive and have actually been stuffed so that we can enjoy seeing them. Anyway, my favorite thing about going to the Bass Pro Shop is getting to aggravate Matt as he is shopping just as he has done me for years. My favorite line is: "Is this a want or a need?"

Well, after we left the store, we realized the Mississippi Braves game was just about to get underway. Since the stadium was located across the street, we thought we'd give it a try. Though we didn't stay for the entire game, we did make it through the 6th inning with both kids enjoying the game. My only disappointment about the game was that it wasn't planned into our schedule and therefore I didn't take my camera to get pictures. Matt said I would get over it.

Welcome to the South, Eden!

On Sunday, Caroline and I attended a Sip & See to welcome Eden Brooks Bodie to the South, as it was her first visit to God's country. Eden is the first born child of my college room mate, Ashley, and her husband, Graham. Caroline was so excited to go to a tea and couldn't wait to meet Baby Eden. (Caroline puts the word "baby" in front of all little kids names that are smaller than she is.) While at the shower, I was pleasantly surprised to see some old friends (Jill and Jennifer) from MC there as well.

Our family is so excited that the Bodies are moving to Baton Rouge in August. They're moving back just in time to enjoy the South's unbearably hot summer weather! Hopefully once they move, we'll be able to get together more often.

Made with Love

For Caroline's 2nd birthday, Mamaw Kat made her a cute little summer halter dress. To top things off, she even made Reese a matching outfit. I think both little girls look precious in their outfits, and we hope these are not the last outfits Mamaw Kat sews for Caroline and Reese!

Poor Little Fishy

MC Friends

Last night I had the rare opportunity to have dinner with my college roommate, Ashley Jones Bodie, and sweet mate, Mica Ballard Stevens. In addition, we had the pleasure of meeting Mica's newest addition, Belle. I say "rare opportunity" because since we graduated from Mississippi College in 2000, we have all gone our separate ways to pursue our career dreams and settle down to raise our families. When we sat down to the table, we took a moment to enjoy the fact that we were all finally in the same place for once! It is so funny how our conversations have changed over the years. In the past we discussed career aspirations, men (or shall I say boys at the time), and what outfit we should wear. Last night we talked about our husbands (for a few minutes) and then the conversation quickly shifted to our pride and joy...our children. Ever since we've been friends, I knew that we all would have great careers and one day settle down to raise a family. I did not, however, anticipate just how much our children would change our lives...for the better. It was great to catch up old friends and I hope that since we are all moving "Down South" that we will find the opportunity to get together more often.

Pulling Up

Yesterday, I went in to check on my babbling baby and found him standing up in his bed. While this is not the first time he's stood up while holding on to things, it was the first time he pulled up to stand by himself. He was supposed to be taking a nap, but since he discovered a new trick, he wasn't the least bit interested in napping. It is obvious from the picture that he is so proud of himself!

Happy Birthday Aunt KK!

Today is my little sister's 26th birthday, so we would like to wish her a very Happy Birthday. Kristin, aka Aunt KK, is one of the sweetest people I know, and I love her more than words can say. She has such a kind heart and is a wonderful aunt to my little ones. Though we don't get to see each other as often as we would like, and our phone conversations are often cut short by rowdy kiddos, she is still my best friend. I am so thankful God gave me such a wonderful sister and I pray that my children will develop the same close relationship my sister and I share. Happy Birthday, Little Sis! By the way, it took all I had within me not to put the "Lil' Reb" picture on my blog!

Geyser Falls

Yesterday, the kids and I made a quick trip to Philly to meet Pop at Geyser Falls (water park). This is the second time we've been this summer. The first time, Mecie, Hunter and Helen joined us in the fun. While to some it may seem that taking both of my little ones (especially Will) to the water park is a bit much, I strongly disagree. I load up my double jogging stroller (by far the best investment I've made since I've had two kids) with all the essentials, and we're ready for a full day of water fun. In fact, we are usually some of the first people in the water park and some of the last ones to leave. In total, we are usually there for 7 hours and when we leave, Caroline starts crying because she wants to stay longer.

Both Caroline and Will absolutely love the water park. Caroline's favorite things at the water park include the Lazy River, sliding down the little kids' slides, swimming and eating Dippin' Dots ice cream. Will enjoys sitting in the water, swimming, and the few bites of Dippin' Dots ice cream I allow him to have. If you're wondering why I don't have any pictures, it is because we were too busy having fun! A special thanks goes out to Pop for treating us to the water park. Pop, we're ready to go back anytime you are!

Weekend Fun

On Friday night, Matt and I dropped the kids off with Pop and Mimi and went to the Mercy Me concert at the Choctaw Indian Fair. Uncle A went along for the ride so that he could meet up with friends and enjoy the concert as well. I must say that the concert was better than we imagined. Matt and I are big Mercy Me fans, and their concert was such a great worship experience. Plus, we liked being able to sit in our own lawn chairs under the trees and enjoy the fresh air while listening to great Christian music. If you have never really listened to Mercy Me's music, I strongly encourage you to do so!

When we returned to Pop and Mimi's house, we were glad to discover the kids were fed, bathed and both in bed. Yippee...a night off! The next morning, Matt and I went for a ride on LL and Cody. Afterwards, Caroline informed us that it was her turn, so she rode LL with Matt. During this ride with her Daddy, she discovered that horses can run and boy did she like that! She kept saying, "Run, LL, run!" Before we left, Uncle A obliged our request to play us a tune on his guitar. It is amazing how good he is getting in such a short amount of time. While Will enjoyed Uncle A's music, he was more amazed by how much hair he has....maybe one day you'll get some hair, Sweet Boy!


Later in the day, we made a trip out to Mammaw and Pappaw's house. Of course we had to do what is becoming our usual summer routine at their house...check out the garden and get some fresh vegetables, make home made ice cream, see the cows, and cook out on the grill. Caroline and Will also discovered the organ in my grandparent's guest bedroom. As you can see, Caroline performed a concert for her little brother who thoroughly enjoyed the concert.

Play Yard

Well, I finally broke down and bought a play yard. When Caroline was little, I refused to buy one because I didn't want to put her in what some might consider a cage. Plus, I enjoyed watching her explore. However, since I now have two little ones, my oldest gives my youngest things he shouldn't have and my youngest is much more of an explorer than his older sister, I felt it was in the best interest for my mental health and their safety that I buy a play yard. Surprisingly, they both seem to enjoy playing in it. Though it was intended to keep Will out of the blinds, from tearing my plants apart and from chewing electrical wiring (yes, these are all things he tries his best to do when I am not looking), Caroline seems to enjoy being in it with him. We'll just have to see how long this lasts!

Scub-a-dub-dub

Just recently, Will has gotten big enough to take a bath with his big sister. Caroline couldn't be happier as she is more than willing to assist me in getting her brother clean, while Will loves splashing in the water. Since they play so well together in the tub, it makes bath time quite enjoyable.

Very Dangerous

As a mother of a toddler, you quickly learn that silence can mean only one thing: trouble. So, when I noticed that things suddenly got quiet in our apartment, I began searching for my toddler. I quickly discovered her in the bathroom...her favorite place to hang out and get into things. Perhaps this is because she LOVES playing with my makeup. Anyway, I didn't make my presence known immediately and notice that she is trying to get into my travel size mouthwash. As soon as she notices me, she throws the mouthwash down and says, "We don't play with that...it is very dangerous!" Kids learn so quickly what they should and shouldn't do, but temptation often gets the better of them, doesn't it?

Into Africa

Tuesday night we were glad to have the Trimbles (Alison, Mary, Will and Suzanna) stay with us before they left for Washington, D.C. to meet up with their dad, Joe. On Sunday, the Trimble family will be moving to Africa where Joe will serve in the foreign service for a few years. Since they had to be at the Jackson airport by 6:30 am, we were more than happy to have them spend the night with us so that Matt could drop them off at the airport bright and early. While they were visiting, we went swimming at the Country Club with Joe's Aunt Katie. Afterwards, Mary and I set up a blog for their family so that they can document their many adventures in Africa. While I'm sure they won't be blogging anytime soon, or at least until they get settled, you can check them out at Trimble Travels. We sure will miss this sweet family, and look forward to seeing them again soon. Until then...we'll keep up with them on their blog!

P.S...We also enjoyed visiting with Matt's Aunt Clay and Uncle Richard before they headed back to Louisiana after dropping off the Trimble clan!

Mercy Me Concert

I am so excited! Matt and I are going to the Mercy Me concert Friday night at the Choctaw Indian Fair in Philadelphia. Instead of listening to the radio or my ipod, I go to our blog during the day and turn up my computer speakers so that I can enjoy my favorite music. That being the case, I decided I would update the songs featured on my blog so that I can get ready for the concert. At this point, I don't know if I am more excited about going to the concert or going on a childless date with my husband. I hope you enjoy the music, and if you are interested in going to the concert, check out the details on this site.

Celebrating the 4th!

To celebrate the 4th of July, our family went to visit Matt's family in Louisiana. We had a great time seeing all of his family and the kids really enjoyed playing with Mamaw Kat, Pappaw, Aunt Erin and all of their cousins. We'd like to especially thank Matt's cousins, Sandy and DJ for hosting the entire family at their lake house on Saturday. They know how to throw a party! The ribs were out of this world and the firework show was spectacular! I took so many pictures that I thought the best way to share them would be through a slide show. I hope you enjoy!

I Love MoMo

Aunt KK gave Caroline the cutest little monkey blanket when she was born that somehow got the name of MoMo. Unfortunately, though, Caroline did not take to MoMo, but her brother sure did. Will LOVES playing with MoMo...just check him out!

The Garden

This past weekend, we made a quick trip to Philly to check out Mammaw and Pappaw's garden. We were surprised to find a bush full of blueberries, peas to pick, and a few tomatoes. Since we were a little late in planting the garden, we were pleased to find a few vegetables ready to enjoy. Caroline and Will even got in on the action. Caroline helped pick peas and blueberries, while Will watched from his stroller. When he got tired, he went inside so that Mammaw could help babysit him.

Caroline has a favorite pair of red short shorts that she wears while on the farm. They remind me of the ones I wore when I was about her age. As you can plainly see, Caroline does not look like me, but is the spitting image of her father!