Beau & Avery Kate

Whew...

2012-01-31T08:03:00.000-08:00

LIFE is finally getting back to "normal". We had a wonderful Christmas, enjoyed our family and lots of great food.

Then we hosted friends for 2 weeks, they came to hunt with Ben. Both of which go a deer or two for the year. Then we decided to list our house for sale and have been working, cleaning, and organizing.

Check out our listing HERE

We have pressure washed, stripped and re-stained, pulled and planted and man our house looks awesome!!

We have another home in mind in Betton. It is rented through August and are hoping our house will sell by then. I will be a little sad to leave our home, but our new home is a little larger, in a wonderful neighborhood with lots of other children and parks, and is in wonderful school zones. not to mention the home is a great deal, about 20% off the current market value!!

So now we are in the sit and wait stage for a while which I am perfectly content in. I plan on spending my time waiting in my yard playing with the kids, at the beach with the family, and just relaxing. In the last 6 months it seems like my babies have grown so much and I am going to spend the next 6 months soaking the up!!

Cajun Christmas

2011-12-09T07:02:00.000-08:00

Isn't this amazing!! Pawpaw made this tree for Beau's room for the holidays, how fun. It is a net shaped like a Christmas tree and decorated with all things Cajun!

Beau LOVES his Christmas tree and I can imagine he will love it just as much when he is 15 as he does today.

I was so impressed- what a work of art!

Big Announcement

2011-11-10T09:31:00.000-08:00

Beau is officially Potty Trained!!!WOOHOOO

It has taken a little longer than I had hoped (we have been wearing pulls up and pee-peeing on the potty for quite some time) but we are in big boy underwear and loving it.
Beau just wasn't ready a year ago, he wouldn't tell you when he needed to go and really didn't care about going in his pull-up/diaper. Potty training is like loosing weight- you have to be self motivated. You can't do it because someone else thinks you should.

*We encouraged Beau's motivation first with this:

We were at Sam's and I made him promise that he would start pooping on the potty if I bought him this huge bucket of cheese balls.... And so it began.

And then it ended with this Cars Movie, Mack Truck and Lightning McQueen. He saw something liek this and LOVES the Mack truck from the Cars movie and so we promised if he had a good week with no accidents he could get this. So he would go 4 days and I would be ready to go get it and he would have an accident (my heart broke several times). This happened a few times- Once he told Avery- "AVERY- we gotta' pee and poo on the potty today- Mack Truck s one the line!" No kidding so funny! So this past weekend he was great and had no accidents and he did great on Monday so I went out and go it and he was SOOO excited about it. It is the only thing he wants to play with. So I have also gotten Cars II for his stocking and I can't wait to watch it.

I am so excited about Christmas this year.

Halloween

2011-11-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

We had the best time on Halloween. We attended a party with a bunch of our friends and their children. Beau was super excited... can you tell...? This picture was taken after the treating and Beau was well sugared and Avery ate a while tootsie roll pop (see it on her shirt). Beau was Buzz Lightyear and successfully lazered several people and Avery was a ballerina and everyone loved her- including the blue monster Levi!

Levi is only 3 month older than Avery and since us parents are good friends, they "hangout".

Levi even tried to sneak a kiss or two, and Avery put him right in his place- look at that face!! Ha Ha
These pictures really will be funny if they every date or get married. Which for the record would be just fine with me, Levi will grow to be a fine boy and his father is full of wisdom!

Beau was so funny, he brought his flashlight trick-or-treating, and toward the end of our jaunt he says to his friend Josh, (also in the wagon):

"Hand me my flash light so I can seem dem rack-a-roons!"

I thought I was going to die- so funny!! I love that child!

Race Day

2011-10-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

My girlfriend Erin and I have been running for about 3 year together. She first convinced me to run my first 5K - and I did horribly but it motivated me to work harder. I have never been a big runner and NEVER thought I would run a long distance. A few tears ago I made a goal to run 10 miles. At that time even I thought I was nut. I am happy to say I have achieved my goal and then some. Erin and I ran a half marathon this past weekend in Apalachicola, Fl.

Erin did a great job and ran the 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 30 min, which was our goal. I made the first 10 miles in 2 hours and then got some really bad leg cramps in my thighs. I knew if I stopped at all the cramps would take over and I wouldn't be able to move. So I kept going walking and jogging a little. It was pretty painful. At the very top of the bridge, my family just happened to be driving by and got these pictures. I pointed out the finish and stepped up my pace jogging m,y last 1/2 miles. I finally finished in exactly 3 hours. Not exactly meeting my goal, but under the circumstances I was happy with my finish.

That bridge was steep too- you can see how high in the air we were at the peak of the bridge.

Erin and I after our finish! Way To Go!!

This is a picture of me on that first 5K run- about 3 years, 300 miles, 1 baby, and 30lbs ago.

Pumpkin Festival

2011-10-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

Havana has an annual pumpkin festival and it is always wonderful! There are all kinds of goodies to eat (I enjoyed a snow cone), there are bounce houses, pony rides, various games, and even a fire truck to play on!

Beau really enjoyed the pony ride- he didn't want to get off!! Chip off the old block!

The Next Tim Tebow

2011-10-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Now I realize I am his mom- but I think this is pretty impressive. Beau is fairly accurate with his passes when he wants to be. Maybe the next Tim Tebow....

This is Avery in the woods this past weekend, we went for a walk and she really enjoyed it. I thought it was so cute- all that pink in the woods.

Phone Pictures

2011-10-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

We have been doing a bunch of nothing lately which has been wonderful!

A few weeks ago we went out for lunch after church and began talking to a few EMTs sitting at the table next to us. (mostly b/c Beau was making googly eyes at them - he LOVES EMT's) They were so smitten with him they let him sit in the ambulance and turn the lights and horn on. He was in heaven! Sorry I couldn't get his facial expression- he was to busy checking out all the buttons and lights.

Since the weather has been nice I decided it was time we made better use of our back porch. So I bought this outdoor rug and (plastic that look like ceramic) pits from Wal-Mart. I would also like to screen it in and hang a few strings of lights. I am very excited about my back porch! I have used it a lot more and I can see Beau on the swing set from here which is nice.

We have also spent a lot of time at the hunting club, Ben has been mowing and chopping firewood. So we have had several picnics and walks which has been wonderful. Beau always loves playing with Ben's hat, mask and ear plugs. Cute!

I have also perfected this recipe "stickies"... this is a fourth generation recipe handed down from my great great grandmother on my mothers side. They are kinda like cinnamon rolls but are made of a flaky pie crust instead of doughy yeast.

**Also I have been training for a half-marathon which has seemed like it was a long way off. WELL IT's HERE. I will be in Apalachicola October 23rd to run 13.1 miles. So far I my longest run is just over 8 miles. But I am confident I will finish the race and I am very excited about the challenge!

It's been a while....

2011-09-20T06:23:00.000-07:00

since I have posted anything. Not because we haven't had much to post about but because I haven't been taking any pictures.... matter of fact- I don't even really know where the camera is right now. But Avery has done some funny stuff lately that I have to share!

*The other day she was walking with one of Beau's cars in her hand and fell and the car must have pinched her hand in trying to catch herself. So she was crying and Ben picked her up to comfort her. We were getting ready to eat dinner and there were tater tots on the stove. As soon as Avery spotted the tots she quickly shut off the crying and was reaching for the tots.

*Last night we put the kids in a for a quick bath. I grabbed Beau out of the bath and handed him to Ben and then turned back to get Avery. In the meantime Avery decided to climb out of the tub but instead slid right out like a slippery fish onto the floor. She wasn't hurt but was a little upset- but boy was it funny!!

Avery is really growing up! She is climbing up onto everything and saying uhho- Her hair is really growing and most days she is sporting pigtails!

A Long Relaxing Weekend

2011-08-16T10:00:00.000-07:00

We spent the weekend in Grayton Beach at the state park. If you haven't heard they have nice clean cabins you can rent for only $130 a night. Which is CHEAP for that area. It makes for a very affordable beach trip!

Beau thoroughly enjoyed the beach and woke every morning yelling he was ready to go to "Da BEEECH"

Avery also had a wonderful time.

This little girl was fearless, she would walk right toward the water.

We played in the waves, flew our kite, built pools and castles in the sand, and ate alot of snacks. I even managed to steal away for about an hour everyday for myself. Early in the morning I tiptoed away to the beach or Seaside to read, and once jogged from Grayton State Park to Seaside. It was wonderful, such a beautiful place to spend outdoors!

On Sunday before we left we took the time to take a few pictures in Watercolor. If you have never been you MUST go. I am already trying to plan our next get-away!

This borders a park in Watercolor- "the Park District" the park is in the middle of some beautiful beach homes. ( I am going to rent a home on this park next time we take a big family vacation)

Isn't this the most precious of all!!!!!!!! I was hoping to capture a moment like this!

Beau & Avery's Birthday Party

2011-07-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

Beau and Avery has their birthday party last weekend. I was so excited about their double birthday I decided to go all out and decorate and rent a HUGE water slide. Everything turned out well and the slide was fun (even in the rain).

This was a crab themed party, the kids had matching crab bathing suits~ I absolutely hate I didn't get a picture of them together in the suits before the party and I may just dress them back up and take a picture this weekend.

Homemade Devil Dog Cakes~ YUM!

Favors, complete with Marti-Gras necklace imported from Louisiana.

Avery got the cutest little tutu for her birthday and she loved it! Isn't she cute!

The slide- I think I enjoyed this ~~more~~ as much as the kids.... Check out Beau's expression, priceless- he loved it~!

Sweet Baby Girl- it is hard to believe my baby is almost a year old! Both of them are growing so quickly I feel like I am going to wake up tomorrow and they will be 8 & 10.

Phone Pictures

2011-07-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

These were taken a while ago and I just discovered them on my phone!

Avery crawled in here all on her own, after dinner I was loading the washer, I look down and this is what I find! So cute!!

Daddy's hardhat, so serious.

Colorado Wedding

2011-07-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

I am way behind on my posting (this birthday planning is taking all my time)- we have a lot of pictures from our amazing vacation! Colorado was beautiful!! The picture above was from the rehearsal dinner, which was beautiful, BBQ at a log cabin on the side of a mountain! This is Ben and all of his college buddies~ they had a wonderful time telling stories and reliving old memories.

Beautiful setting

This is all of us at the wedding~ we were by far the loudest table in the place.... but we really enjoyed ourselves.

Probably the best picture of the two of us ever~ and for sure the best one of Ben I have ever seen. Such a natural smile!

We are in Colorado

2011-06-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

Right now Ben and I are sitting listening to the rain fall in the nicest hotel we have ever been in, Devil's Thumb Ranch in Tabernash, Colorado. We just each just ate a wonderful New York Strip and are stuffed so we thought we would share our day!

Today we started in Estes Park, Co and took a 4 hour horseback ride. It was long even for me, but we saw some amazing sites!

We stopeed half way at the top of Beaver Mountian to take a few pictures and streach our legs. ( which will be sore in the morning)

This was the view from th etop of the mountian. We are out of focus but the picture is still neat!

These were all the horses at the ranch. We didn't actually get a picture of us on the horses, the terrian was actually rough up and down the mountian and I didn't want Ben distracted with the camera.

We spided a chipmonk after or ride. These litte things are so cute and we saw several today, they are prevelant here.

Then we headed into Rocky Mountian National Park, where we found some snow! I threw this snowball at Ben after the picture, it was pretty funny.

The views in the park were amazing.

We also saw this marmot climbing the rock ledge and evidently we were as intresting as he was.

Check out how little the roads look in the side of the mountians- these mountians are so big!

This was taken in the alpine area where the glaicers start, beyond the tree line. The park ranger there told us some of the flowers in bloom bloom only once every 30 years. They were pretty but very small and not worth a 30 year wait in my opinion, but we still didn't step on them.

I have to tell you right before this picture was taken we were walking out onto the snow and Ben had the camera and bag in hand and slipped down on the snow- it was the funniest thing I have every seen. Ben looked like he was running backward on a treadmill!!! HA HA HA!! After I grabbed the camera I laughed so hard!! Ben and the camera were fine.

We saw this big ol' Elk on the tundra, by far th ebiggest we saw today.

Overall the Rocky Mountain National Park was amazing and I would definantly recommed it as well as this ranch!!

Tomorrow we plan to be up with the sun, which rises at like 5am here, as we are going to visit the baby cow here are one ranch as well as walk off some of dinner, visit the ranch coffee shop and head on to Aspen, Co for some after hiking!!

Beau loves his mask!

2011-05-27T10:08:00.000-07:00

Isn't this picture so funny- it looks like he is miserable.... but really Beau loves his mask. He just can't smile with it squished to his face. :)

He loves to wear his mask around the house, in the tub, and swimming. "Mommy I a scuba diver!" "Dadddy?? you a scuba diver??" It is so cute.

We are trying to teach him how to use the snorkel- but that is still a work in progress. Beau even took some of his swimming lessons in his mask this week.

Of course Beau wanted Avery to enjoy the mask too- and she seemed to like it- a pool maybe in our future!

Have a wonderful Memorial Day- we will be finishing some chores in the yard, heading to the beach on Sunday in honor of my birthday on Tuesday, and enjoying some pool time on Monday. I am really looking forward to a productive and relaxing weekend!

Next week I begin training for my half-marathon scheduled for October!!

Beau's swimming lessons!

2011-05-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last year beau took his very first swimming lessons with ISR instructor, Julia Duam. He did a great job last year and has started his refresher lessons. This is day 5 of his refreshers lessons and apparently it is like riding a bike for him; he is doing great! Check out our little fish, he has even swam with his mask (thanks Aunt Eilene) and Ms. Julia's flippers!

Avery got her ears peirced!!

2011-05-16T06:01:00.000-07:00

Isn't she precious!

Easter Clothes

2011-05-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up my mom always made our Easter dresses. Krysti and I always had matching dresses made out of coordinating fabric, mine was usually pink and hers was blue or yellow. So naturally since I have a little girl- I made her an Easter dress, and I couldn't leave my baby boy out, so I made him some shorts, and while I was at it I made me a dress too! Even Ben conformed and wore pink for Easter. Aren't we cute!!

This is Krysti, my sister, and Avery. Aren't those some great smiles!!

The Naval Airstation

2011-05-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Ben's Grandfather as well as uncles are buried in the cemetery at the Air station. It was by far the most beautiful cemetery I have ever been in. What was most striking to me is as you walk along looking at the graves you can help but notice that some of the stones have writing on both sides. After further inspection I noticed that most of the time it was the wives of the soldiers; it would say His Wife.... so and so and then the date and whatever commemorating thought the family inscribed. It spoke volumes to me that the wife was inscribed on the back, symbolizing the backbone of the families while some of these men were away at war. The strength that these women must have had to endure life with there husbands in other parts of the world. I thought it very fitting. They didn't hold any fancy titles like many of the husbands- just "His Wife". I really loved it and I think one day whenever I am buried next to Ben I think I will just have them put His Wife Karah.

At the museum there were a lot of co-pits for the kids (and Ben) to sit in and they all loved it!

Beau loved this helicopter!!

See Beau pointing... he did this with everything. He was so excited and made sure to tell me to stand back everything was dangerous.

Beau didn't want to stop for the photo op.

After this Beau wanted Avery to sit with him every time. (He made sure to tell here not to touch the switches- they were dangerous)

This was a big plane- Ben said this was the kind he wanted to fly, saying "see I fit- they told me I was too tall." noticed he sat in the front moving his son to the back- Beau enjoyed it just as much.

Avery got plenty of flight time herself.

Sneak peek-

Sunday we took some pictures in Granny's yard and I think they are great!

Avery wasn't thrilled about the tractor photo shoot- I think she might have been hungry.

Don't worry more to come!

Easter

2011-04-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

Avery loved Easter Eggs!! I put jellybeans in them and she loved shaking the eggs as well as eating the jellybeans.

I have family pictures- they are on my home computer and we are having internet issues at the moment. I made us all matching outfits for Easter and we were super cute!! I will post the pictures as soon as I am able! I am sure these cute pictures of Avery will suffice.

NOTE: there are none of Beau and his Easter basket b/c I was in the shower when he woke and daddy was ~~not doing what he was supposed too~~ manning the camera.

Ben spotted this in our yard on Easter, so Beau and I went to get a closer look. Beau was so excited- Mommy I see his FACE!!

Ben and I worked in the yard on Saturday, I have been wanting to redo our flower beds in the front. This past winter everything looked dead (see picture below from Feb) we had no evergreen plants. So my parents helped me reshape the beds and I planted all new plants in the front. It looks much better!!

Beau was telling me to not go bother the turtle- he was going in to get his gun. Beau spent the day shirtless- he was wearing a white linen shirt and after a while it was damage control time and I decided to just take it off.

Going inside to get his gun... he is his fathers son!

We had a wonderful Easter and really enjoyed entertaining our family and friends.

Crawling 2

2011-04-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

Avery's crawling has improved so much just over the weekend. She is on the move all over the place- following her brother the best she can!! These two are so funny!

AVERY CRAWLS!!!

2011-04-15T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sweet thing, she has learned to crawl out of desperation to get to whoever she wants! Yesterday when I picked her up from playschool she saw me, fussed, and crawled her way toward me.

Our little girl is growing up! It is hard to believe...

The Beach

2011-04-04T07:30:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend! Saturday morning I ran my first 10K (6.2 miles) in an hour and 18 minutes. I was in the back of the pack but in my book I had done well!

After the race we headed to Bald Point Beach and had a wonderful time.

This was Avery's first trip and Beau's first memorable trip- he was so excited! He played in the sand, looked for crabs and shells, but mostly enjoyed his freedom- walking wherever he wanted in a new place.

Avery had a wonderful time to, she really enjoyed the sun- we didn't even need to put up the tent. Just lots of sunscreen and her hat! She got into mine and Ben's lunch, a cold chicken pasta salad with zucchini, corn, and cherry tomatoes. (See the tomato seeds)

At one point she grabbed a cube of zucchini and quickly put it in her mouth (much to big for her to chew) I let her gum it for a second but then took it out- she wasn't too happy about that! ( I cute it in pieces and she was able to enjoy it)

This girl loves to eat!

Then everyone played in the sand.

I didn't get any pictures but Avery ate handfuls of sand! She would reach down grab a handful and pop it in her mouth just like it was a snack! YUCK, she just kept going like it tasted wonderful- so she and I went back to the blanket to play.

Beau had a wonderful time with his new dump truck- Thanks Erin & Brad!

Sunday after a wonderful nap time (mommy had a few hours to herself- even daddy slept) Ben and beau mowed the yard.

Avery and Beau love this sandbox, they play in it all the time- thanks Poppie for building it!

Saturday was so relaxing and Sunday was so productive. I was able to cut out my Easter dress ( I am making us matching outfits), read, made a great dinner with lots of veggies for Ben as well as dinner for Monday night! I hope everyone else had a wonderful weekend too!

Opening Day

2011-03-23T10:10:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was opening day of turkey season and Ben and I were out hunting early. He is going to let me shoot a turkey and opening day I had a wonderful opportunity, BUT I MISSED!

To my defense I was shooting Ben's 12-gauge which is very big and extra long and always seems to shoot high for me (it is hard for me to hold). As I waited for this big turkey to step out from behind the palmetto I lined up my shot well but forgot to aim for his neck and shot at his head :), so I shot right over his head and missed him.

Oh well- I guess I will have a few more weeks of turkey hunting!

2011-03-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful weekend,Friday Ben's boss gave him some tickets to the FSU baseball game! So we found a sitter and Ben, Beau and I headed out to the game. We had a wonderful time. Beau was the entertainment of everyone around, she started cheering (yelling Go Gators at the FSU game...), he was yelling at the ref, and calling the game "foul ball'.

Saturday morning we headed out to the the Red Hills Horse Trials. This is an Olympic class event that happens every Spring in Tallahassee. There is Dressage, Cross Country and Event Jumping; we attended the Cross Country Jumping on Saturday morning and had a wonderful time. This my first attendance- silly I know, being a horse lover I had never been!! I would highly recommend it. You can get very close to the jumps and horses. The horses were AMAZING!! The kids loved it and we all enjoyed the time outdoors. It was beautiful! ( I forgot the memory card for my camera and got no pictures, bummer.)

Sunday afternoon after naps we loaded up and headed to the hunting club. Beau requested a picture with his glasses.

Beau loved fishing, Ben would catch the fish and let Beau reel them up, several got off but we caught 3 brim.

Check out the smile!

The official Cork watcher.

Avery played with some toys while we fished, but she also watched some fishing herself and was very focused and much quieter than Beau. We may have a future fisherwoman on our hands!

Check out those teeth!! Pour girl, she has had a very runny nose- the pollen is so bad here.

There is that huge smile again, Beau did this every time he pulled up a fish.

Beautiful Profile!

After fishing we rode around to look at some wildlife. We busted a large covey of wild quail. A few years ago there were no quail on the property but after a few quail hunts it seems that the stray quail have regenerated themselves!! We also so 3 wild turkeys which was very exciting. Turkey season opens next Saturday. We already have the kids staying at my moms and we will be heading out to chase the turkeys next Saturday!

Bodreaux ran around following the truck and Ben and Beau walked him down to the creek for a drink. This will be our swimming hole in a few months when it gets a little warmer.

This is Avery's normal stance these days, she wants to crawl so badly but at 16lbs I am not sure she is quite ready to move that chunky body around. Give her a month and I am sure she will be mobile!

Beau drove us back to the gate, it was a dukes of hazzard experience, he rarely watches the road when he drives and Ben tends to let him steer until we are about to hit something and re-corrects.

Avery road in Beau's in carseat and really enjoyed it- it will be a while before she can face forward, but she enjoyed riding at the hunting club.

With a cool breeze and Beau's bumpy driving she was asleep in no time, still chewing on her toy!

The Itsy Bitsy Spider

2011-03-10T05:51:00.000-08:00

Erin's Wedding

2011-03-08T10:32:00.000-08:00

A good friend of mine Randi Erin was married this weekend and Beau and I were honored to be in her wedding party. Beau was the ring bearer and I was a bridesmaid. Beau was precious!

He was actually pretty excited about the wedding and had a lot of fun with Catlin the flower girl. Beau has been talking about walking down the isle with Catlin for a few days now. I think he really enjoyed the experience.

Beau did a great job walking down the isle, he walked down (without the flower girl at one point) shaking the ring pillow the whole time. (It was a good thing that the rings were not actually on the pillow) Ben was videoing the wedding and was set up behind the officiant and beau walked right to him and then joined me later in the ceremony.

Then Chris (groomsman), Beau and I all walked out together. Beau was so cute- this is one proud mommy in this picture.

We had a wonderful time at the wedding, Erin was the most beautiful Bride I have ever seen! Thank you so much for including us!

All Things New at the Rush Home!

2011-03-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

A few Saturdays ago Beau and Avery enjoyed a morning of playing and reading books in Beaus room. Avery loves to sit and play in Beau's room. She is old enough now that I feel like I can take my eyes off of her for a few minutes at a time.

She and Beau played for about and hour!!

Avery already loves reading just like her brother!

Ben got the new lawn tractor he has been dreaming about for his birthday yesterday (belated)!!

The tractor he had was an old Murry mower we purchased with our first house. It was small and never cut the grass well, not to mention it took him about 3 hours to mow our acre lot.

Beau was in awe with the new machine! Ben picked him up from school early to get it and Beau was speechless!

The proud owner of a new John Deere.

( I think the person who will be most excited it our neighbor who keeps an impeccable yard and gives Ben "looks" when he overhears him cursing his old mower...)

UPDATE: Avery has 2 new teeth!

She was fussy and clingy all weekend- we were just thinking she was getting spoiled.... and discovered 2 new teeth yesterday evening.

I had to get a picture of the new teeth- we took pictures of Beau's first teeth... Avery had other ideas. We practically had to wrestle the girl to get pictures!

Poor Thing!

What a weekend!

2011-02-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Beau is in a friend of mine, Erin's wedding the first weekend in March. We have finally completed his ensemble and I wanted to get and idea of how it was going to fit him ( I am going to alter it...).

Beau loved the outfit and was quick to tell me to get a picture!

Then of course he started fooling around....

Silly Boy!

Sunday was beautiful! Granny came over for a visit for the weekend and we thoroughly enjoyed her, thank you for coming Granny! We spent almost all day Sunday outside and after naps Beau, Avery and I went for a jog around Havana in our new stroller (love it!). After out jaunt we came back for some play time in the sand box.

Avery loved it! (little girl slept a lot of the day so I decided to leave her in her jammies all day...)

Isn't this precious!! I am looking forward to a Spring filled with family time- I am starting my lidt of things to do today:

Prepair and Plant garden

Reshape flower beds

Plant tress in the yard

Sand and Paint Rockers on the Front Porch

Repaint and update Beau's Bedroom

Organize the Garage

Hopefully Spring will be here soon- it sure looked like it this weekend!

Hi

2011-02-09T06:27:00.000-08:00

How are you, I am 6 months old.

Avery weighs 14.8 lbs and is 25 inches of happiness. She is enjoying eating rice cereal, boiled eggs, bread, crackers and sweet potatoes. She enjoyed a few bits of a sloppy joe last week but it didn't like her. She can feed herself a cracker and is working on picking up small pieces of food. She love water and gets so excited when she sees her water cup!

She is a quiet baby compared to Beau (who is super loud- I wonder where he got that trait). When you smile and talk to her often times she will smile back and then bury her face in my shoulder. She only fusses when she is hungry or tired. Avery LOVES her brother; he is her constant entertainment and she is his favorite toy. In the past few weeks they have really started playing together. They both love to play with Beau's Thomas the Train set; Beau will send the trains down the track and Avery will try to eat them! Beau loves to include Avery in everything and even offers her his food at meal time. It is SO SWEET!

Here are more 6 month pictures for your enjoyment!

Beau's 6 month pictures

Avery Kate's 6 months old!!

2011-02-01T07:58:00.000-08:00

Today was Avery's 6 month check up. She weighs 14 lbs 8 oz and is 25 inches long, she is about 25th percentile which is a little better than Beau was at this age. She is sitting up all on her own and last night she enjoyed some Chicken Parmesan!! (really just the noodles) She is ticklish and is starting to laugh at us and Beau! It is so sweet. It is time for 6 month pictures!! We will be getting that underway in the next few weeks!

We're back!

2011-01-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

We have been sick- thank goodness we are better now. Beau and I had the flu for a few days and somehow Avery and Ben were able to avoid the sickness!

Avery is 6 months old now- shocking I know. She can sit up on her own now and love to sit in her high chair! Her favorite thing to do it sit up and watch her brother. She is so entertained by him and when he notices she's watching he kicks it up a couple notches for her.

She is teething, so she has been chewing on everything!! It makes for cute pictures. Daddy is going to have her hunting ducks in a few years!

Her baby blue eyes are still as clear as a Spring Day.

She loves to watch her brother do silly stuff, it is so sweet to see them laughing together.

She would hold the drill and he would hold the button so it would spin and make noises and they would both laugh at the other laughing.

Cheese!

Boat Ride!

2011-01-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

This past weekend we went to Pensacola for a visit with Granny. Sunday we had a wonderful lunch at Hall's, fried Shrimp our favorite!! After filling our tummy's we went to Ben's Aunt Eilene's shop for a visit.

Captain Gene announced we were going to get a Boat RIDE.... YAY!! So we bundled up and headed out to the dock. Beau was so excited, this boat is huge, like 50+ feet!

Ben put Beau up on the front (bow...) of the boat which is like 5 feet from the deck with is like 8 feet off the water. Needless to say I would have been a little intimidated. Beau looked around for a second and then decided he was done.

But you can see he wasn't upset about being that high just ready to get down. It looks like boating is in his future.

I have already planned for us to go on a longer ride this summer, maybe we can ride along one day when they take out a dive charter- when it is warmer. I can't wait!

Beau wanted Avery to ride his truck- so sweet. He said "I sharing mommy" What a good boy!

Bath Time

2011-01-04T12:36:00.000-08:00

Avery is working so hard on sitting up. She can sit supported by pillows now. The other day I was buying her baby food; the Gerber foods are separated by age groups, infant, support sitter, crawler, toddler, ect; it is hard to believe my baby girl is now in the support sitter category!! Time sure flies.

Beau and Avery enjoyed their first bath together last night. Ben was feeling a ~~little lazy~~ like Avery and Beau were able to bathe together. So we went for it....

Beau was so excited his little sister was in the bath with him, he tried to share his toys with her, wanted to splash, and even showed her his foam numbers and the number sandwich he makes almost every night. Avery loved it- Mom on the other hand was a little stressed, our tub is slippery.

It is hard to believe Avery Kate is big enough to be in the "big tub".

Christmas

2010-12-27T07:19:00.000-08:00

Getting the tree

We had a exciting time picking out our Christmas tree. We found a beautiful 9' tree at Wright's Christmas tree farm! Beau carried the measuring poll.

Our tree smelled wonderful!

My lumberjacks!

Christmas Eve we had a wonderful dinner, Prime Rib, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes, Salad, and Cheesecake. After dinner Beau made cookies for Santa with Aunt Krysti and Uncle Guy. ( Guy and Beau are eying the cookie dough)

Beau really enjoyed decorating the cookies.

Avery Kate posing under the Christmas tree.

"Santa ate all the cookies!!!"

Sharing the laundry basket.

I neglected to get a picture of the family on Christmas eve and Christmas morning :(, however we got a lot of video and I can't wait to watch it all. Beau got a Thomas the Train set from Santa, a pillow pet from his Meme and Grandpoppie, a tool set and take apart CAT tractor fro his Memaw and Poppie, along with various other gifts from us.

Beau was so cute opening his presents. He loved each gift so much he felt no need to open the remaining gifts. Santa left his Thomas the Train set up for him to play with and he played for almost 20 minutes before opeing his first gift. He did that with each gift- it took almost 2 hours to open everything. Beau even stopped half way and ate a homemade cinnamon roll (the were fabulous if I do say so myself).

I got a beautiful pewter measuring spoon set from Ben's parents and the Pioneer Woman Cookbook from my Secret Santa (Krysti). SO I will post a recipe and will make sure to get a picture of my spoon sets; they are beautiful!!

We had the most wonderful Christmas ever!!

Visit to Santa

2010-12-21T11:07:00.000-08:00

Beau was very excited to see Santa this year, but was a little intimidated once seated on Santa's lap. There were 3 little girl in front of us that were crying and I think Beau was concerned. Avery however was as happy as a lark and even looked at the camera!

Happy Birthday Granny!!

2010-12-16T06:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Granny- We love you!!

It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas

2010-12-03T05:58:00.000-08:00

Last night I spent some time decorating for Christmas, I couldn't get it to look quite like it did last year (a good friend of mind did my decorations last year- she is very talented), so I was looking back at the pictures of the decorations and I found these!! It is shocking how much Beau has changed in a year!!

This baby boy still loves his books though!!

SO I think our child is gifted....

2010-11-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

He can sing the Dukes of Hazzard theme song!!

HA HA HA HA

In all seriousness, he can sing a lot of songs, complicated songs. Beau can pick out a favorite song on a CD and ask for it or ask for other songs biased upon some of the lyrics. He can pick out a rythm and can keep the beat. Not to mention he can count to 15 and can count by odd numbers.

The grand-finally........................

He can almost say hippopotamus (and I am not sure I even spelled that correctly)

I hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-29T08:58:00.000-08:00

Avery had a wonderful time visiting family this Thanksgiving. Below is a picture of Beau at his first Thanksgiving feast. To me they really look different....

Beau was two weeks older than Avery at his first Thanksgiving and was defiantly bigger than she is. I think he was also a more stable sitter than she is. I just love these little pictures in Granny's laundry basket. Since their birth dates are so close it is great to commemorate their milestones with similar pictures.

This was to cute not to post- please note that she has the upside down U shaped mouth when she cries-courtesy of my sister Krysti.

The Bow Stealing- Beau is fascinated with Avery's hair bows and always asks to wear one....

Hair Bows and Camo

Avery enjoyed some sweet potatoes on Thanksgiving- she loves them!!

Me-Maw and Poppie brought Beau and Avery several gifts- one of which was a wash board for Beau!! He loves music and I am excited for him to learn to play. If he can learn to hold the beat he may even play on stage with Me-Maw and Poppie's favorite Zydeco player Geno Delafose!! He is excited already!

Avery enjoying some relaxation time on the couch.... I guess the turkey got to us all.

Beau dancing to some Zydeco Music

Beau loves his baby sister.

News Flash!

2010-11-24T09:08:00.000-08:00

Avery is 4 months old today!!

It's hard to believe, it seems like we were just in the hospital waiting on the epidural. She is such a wonderful baby- she sleeps though the night and rarely cries. This child is so good she barley spits up!! We have been so blessed by our beautiful babies and have to much to be thankful for this holiday season!! I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Christmas Card Bloopers

2010-11-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

They have the same expression in this picture- So funny!!

There was a crane in the lake and we could barley keep Beau's attention.

We took these pictures at Ben's hunting land- it is so beautiful and we have been spending a lot of time there. It is great to get the kids outdoors!! Saturday evening Ben and Beau flushed a covey of wild quail!!

Pictures

2010-11-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

We have started feeding Avery some rice cereal on occasion, I think she likes the idea of eating but isn't sure whether she is ready to eat anything yet.

Beau is very interested in her eating, he is always offering her some of his food at dinner. This morning he was eating his breakfast in the bathroom while we were getting ready for work. I left to get something in the living room, and Beau followed me out a few seconds later saying Ace ate his sausage.... (believable story), I walked back into the bathroom and found the sausage Ace supposedly ate right next to Avery!! I am going to have to be more careful with the two of them when Beau is eating.

Speaking of eating we are having a dufficult time getting Beau to eat. He is only wanting to he his yogart (sometimes 3 times a day). He used to be such a good eater even eating his veggies. In the last few weeks he hasn't been eating well- he is deciding he doesn't like stuff and is refusing to eat meals he usually loves!! It has been very frustrating for Ben and I- any tips would be wonderful!!

Hunting Club

2010-11-09T06:31:00.000-08:00

It was so nice here this weekend, I don't think it got above 70 degrees and we spend most of our weekend outside. Ben's hunting club is 15 minuets from our house so Saturday and Sunday when the kids got up from their naps we headed over for some family time in the outdoors.

Beau spent alot of time on the tractor and it was all he talked about yesterday at school. He was in little boy heaven.

Ben's hunting club is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!! It is about 700 acres (it think) it has a beautiful creek and large pond, hardwood bottoms, and beautiful pine fields. There are a lot of deer, BIG turkeys, and even wild quail. Until we can have a place of our own this is the next best thing!! I want to live some place like this one day!

Beau spent time riding his tractor at the hunting club too!! What a happy boy. Avery enjoyed her time at the hunting club to, she rode all over in the sling and watched the sky the whole time. Both our babies love the outdoors.

Look what I found in my towel

2010-11-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

After Avery's bath last night I had her all snuggled in her towel and she was just smiling and talking. It was SO sweet!! She looked just like a little puppy that had found it's way into a warm towel.

(the flash kept surprising her and her eyes would get hudge- this baby does have her mama's big eyes!!)

Halloween Fun

2010-11-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time trick-or-treating on Saturday!! Beau was a pumpkin farmer and Avery was a pumpkin.

Beau rode all over Pine Tip on his tractor, I think that was the highlight of his evening- riding the tractor in the dark!! The plastic tires on Beau's tractor on the asphalt was really loud (and we kept up a good speed) and above that noise beau was singing "BOB the builder, can he fix it BOB the builder, yes he can!!" It was so funny! You could tell he was really enjoying himself. We would be riding along and next thing you know- Roscoe P. Coltrane- at the top of his lungs!! Beau really enjoyed himself.

This picture shows Ben pulling him (mommy pulled him most of the way- next year I will wear my gym clothes) I am sure we walked well over a mile.

He did a wonderful job saying trick-or-treat, saying thank you, and bye to everyone.

I think everyone that opened the door to him was surprised at how young he was; is was apparent they hadn't seen small children trick-or-treat that evening. Most of the kids we saw trick-or-treating were at least 10 years old.

Avery also had a wonderful time, she rode in the truck around the neighborhood and had wonderful company. There were lots of loving arms to hold her!!

Avery wanted to take part in the festivities. (don't worry she just gummed this a little)

Surprise, I am a pumpkin!!

Pumpkin Festival

2010-10-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Last weekend there we went to the annual pumpkin festival in Havana. It was super bright so the pictures look a little funny- but Beau had a great time.

He checked out the fire truck

And tested out the helmet...

The fire department in Havana in volunteer and Ben knows one of the guys who proceeded to tell Ben that here were two spots open.... wonderful. Ben is actually interested when the kids get a little older.

Anyway, Beau loved the helmet- we could hardly get it away from him.

Beau was super excited to ride the train- he loves Thomas the train and insisted this was James pulling the train.

To me Avery and Beau look very different, but looking at these pictures they look alot alike. This picture of Avery (top) was taken last week at 12 weeks and this picture of Beau was taken in October of 2008- so about the same age. They really do look alot alike- check out the eyes and nose.

Avery is getting so big!! Wednesday night Beau and I were eating mashed potatos and steak for dinner. Avery was giving us the stare down so I gave her some mashed potatos, and I think she loved it. So we may start some ceral soon- it is hard to believe that she is old enough for food already!!

Just so you know

2010-10-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

No more passies at the Rush House!!!

YAY, Beau has always loved his passy and I thought it was going to break my heart to take it from him. We tried to take it away when he turned 2 in July but at the same time we switched him to a big boy bed and it proved to be too much at once; we caved and gave the passy back. Last week Ben put Beau to bed and they had a "talk "about being a big boy. Now that he can pee pee in the potty he is a big boy and only babies use passies. Beau was in agreement and ever since we have had no passies. I thought there was going to be crying and screaming.... but I was wrong, Beau has not once cried for his passy. Everyonce in a while he will ask about it and I will remind him that he is a big boy and big boys don't use passies- Beau will say, Oh Yea, Big Boy, and go on about his day.

One milestone down a bizillion to go....

He is a recient picture of Avery. The girls that keep her at playschool made a banner for October and put everyones picture on a pumpkin. This is Avery's picture, isn't it sweet- she was even smiling. They took more pictures yesterday, I will post them as soon as they email them to me. The girls that keep Avery are wonderful, they take wonderful care of the infants and spend time playing and having conversations with them. They have made returning to work a joy and I appreciate them very much.

Beau and Avery go to the same school so they see each other often and go out on the playground together. It will be alot of fun next year when Avery can walk and actually play on the playground with Beau.

I never posted these...

2010-10-13T08:07:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of when Avery was first born....

Already sucking on her fingers.... this baby is going to be a thumb sucker... and I have decided I am not going to worry about it and we will just buy braces. No sense in worrying about something you can't control.

Isn't this precious, she has had him wrapped around her little finger since day 1!!

Heading home

Can you believe her 3 month birthday is next Sunday, it is hard to believe how quickly time flies.

YAY!! PIctures

2010-10-11T12:59:00.000-07:00

This was the view from our cabin, it was amazing!!

On our first day we were exploring and found this beautiful waterfall. It was a hike so Avery and Granny enjoyed the scenery by the car.

This was a taxidermy museum, you know that many dead animals in one place Ben had to go and he said he wanted to see Beau's reaction.... (i was scared just standing under this dead bear...)

Beau was most interested in the house cat... which apparently loved his furry non-breathing friends

Waterfalls are all over this place.... beautiful

The cabin we rented was amazing- I could really live up here.

This is the Rush plantation house. It was built by John Rush in the late 1800's descendants still live in this home. Behind this home was a very old grave yard where we found John Rush and his wife Martha's grave, super neat.

John Rush 1797-1862 this is Beau's great great great great grandfather- whew that is a mouthfull!!

Many of the men is Ben's family were carpenters and I believe they built these benches and the woodworking in addition to building this chapel.

Three generations, Beau's expression is so funny!!

This is George Rush's grave he was in the revolutionary war!! 1755-1831 that is 76 years old- which was ancient for the time period, good genes I guess.

GURRR....

2010-10-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

For some reason I can't upload pictures and I am getting really aggravated about it!! Check back in a few days for updates!!

5 Years and 2 beautiful babies.

2010-10-08T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today is our 5 year anniversary and we have been so blessed over the past 5 years. I am so lucky to have a loving husband. Ben has always been very encouraging and pushes me to become a better person. Today I have been reflecting on how much I have changed since we have been together, I am much more responsible and driven to achieve my goals. Ben is a very driven, goal oriented man, and those characteristics have defiantly "rubbed off". When we met I was 19 and had no idea where I was headed in life; today I have an amazing family and a career I love. I attribute much of my accomplishments to Ben, he is my encourager and my rock, I know no matter what the situation he will be there to see me through. It really is so easy to achieve if you have someone backing you all the way. I really don't know where I would be today without him. Ben is the most honorable, considerate, and loving man I know.

(and all of this has nothing to do with the beautiful plant he surprised me with to me this morning)

This has also been my first week back at work, and it has been wonderful!! Avery is at the same playschool that Beau attends and I love the nursery!! The girls that work with the babies are wonderful and pay special attention to each one (there are only 3 including Avery). On my first day back I had "world famous" brownies waiting in my desk and several baby gifts for Avery. The best part is I walk down the stairs twice a day to feed Avery, so I never feel any separation from her. I know she is sleeping while I work and when she wakes I go down to see her for 30 minutes or so. This is the prefect balance for me and makes work wonderful!

I am sure one day I will look back and remember this day as a high point in my life. I feel like I am back on the Blue Ridge mountains looking at my future stretched out like the blue sky in front of me. Life is wonderful- God in all his goodness has blessed Ben and I with much more than we deserve, 5 wonderful years and 2 beautiful babies.

North Georgia

2010-10-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

We have been with lucky this past weekend we have enjoyed a wonderful vacation with Ben's parents and his grandmother. We have been in Blue Ridge, GA and have visited all the surrounding areas, including Rome, GA, which is where Ben's family is from. We have been all over these mountains visiting Rush Chapel, Rush Cemetery, and the Old Rush family plantation home and cemetery. We have traveled back in time through 8generations.

Beau Henley Rush and Avery Kathleen Rush
Benjamin Henley Rush
Timothy Henley Rush
Charles Henley Rush
Charles Howard Rush
Hosea Camp Rush
John Rush
George Rush

George Rush was born in 1755 and was in the revolutionary war!! This was amazing to me, although I know someone knows, I know little about my family history. I wouldn't even know where to find my grandfather of 7 generations ago or even what his name was.... I have decided I am going to work on learning my family genealogy this winter. Sometimes you don't know where you are going until you know where you have been.

My family is also from this area, I was born in Chattanooga, TN and most all of my relatives lay in Tennessee. These mountains are a part of my roots as well and they almost beckon your name.

In addition to the history lesson, we visited several waterfalls throughout North Georgia and North Carolina. We also visited a taxidermy museum with animals from all over the world (Beau was more interested in the live house cat than the stuffed bob cat it was sitting with...), a gem museum, and several state parks.

New Post!!

2010-09-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

Avery is 9 weeks old!! Isn't it hard to believe!! We went to her check up this past Tuesday and she weighed 12 1/2 lbs and was 22 inches long!! She is growing like a weed and developing just as quickly! She can hold her head very well, can sit assisted, and can bear most of her body weight on her chunky legs!! The doctor actually asked how many times a day she is eating and of course I haven't kept count since we left the hospital.... he said, well.... you might want to take a day and count just to make sure she isn't eating to much. (she in in the 95 percentile for weight :))

Avery is growing into such a beautiful little girl, it seems in the past few weeks what has grown the most is her eyelashes!! I have been so thankful for this. Beau has the most beautiful eyelashes you have ever seen and I was hoping Avery had that same gene, especially being a girl!! Her eyes are still a very vibrant blue and seem like they will stay that way. Her hair is still mostly dark although seems to be lightening at the roots.... the jury is still out on that one.

Beau is doing very well adjusting to his roll as a big brother. He loves his little sister very much and is wonderful about giving her sweet kisses. He is still been attending school twice a week which has been good for him. He is almost 2 1/2 now and defiantly testing his boundaries.

Thankfully we are all settling in to our lives as a family of four as I gear up to go back to work. I will go back on October 5th and I am looking forward to it. Although this time with my babies has been amazing I am ready to challenge my brain again!! Having two kids at home is a totally different ball game from having just one, I have a new respect for stay at home moms!! Of course, we sold my car before Avery was born and haven't bought one yet, so I have been home with no relief for days on end. My only outings are to church on Sunday and sometimes to the grocery once a week or so. This experience as defiantly grown my patients and my character. I am a better mom because of it!! This time can never be relived and I am so thankful for my blessings.

New Pictures!!

2010-09-04T13:19:00.000-07:00

We don't have internet at home so it has been a while since my last post. (Dark Ages I know) Avery is growing like a weed- she weighs almost 10-lbs, and sleeps from 10pm to 5am most days!! We are all adjusting well to life as a famiy of four. Our family feels complete.

Beau Turn's 2!!

2010-07-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

Beau turned 2 July 3rd, he is such a big boy!! We celebrated his birthday on the 4th with our families but on the 3rd Beau and I did enjoy a Cake Shop cupcake!! Nothing better!!

Beau got lots of wonderful gifts

This fashionable camo hat...

He is modeling already....

Some Winchester ear muffs, Beau LOVES to ride the tractor (lawn mower) with daddy, now he has his very own hearing protection, which he loves by the way!! You wouldn't think that a 2 year old would like something over his ears, but he has watched daddy so much he knows that everyone wears ear muffs.

Beau was having so much fun at his party he decided he wanted to work a little on mommys flower bed and spray some round up (it was empty but he sees daddy do this alot- especially since I haven't been able to pull weeds since early spring).

He was walking around the whole time going... ssssss.... sssss... and shaking the handle just like daddy.

Beau also got this Massey Ferguson tractor for his birthday with a trailer, he loves this pedal tractor and is able to carry his tools with him (notice the sprayer in the back).

My blood pressure has stabilized since my last post and was never high after that one high reading!! So I have avoided induction (for now), everything is going perfectly and I will be 39 weeks this Sunday the 18th. Avery's due date isn't untill July 25th but I am hoping to meet her this weekend. I will keep you all updated!!

This Friday the 17th will be my first day of maternity leave so you will find me in or around the house for the next 12 weeks or so. As soon as Avery arrives I will be sure to post pictures!!

We Are Ready!!

2010-06-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

So this week at my doctors appointment they announced that my blood pressure was a little on the high side (139/76). With Beau I was induced at 38 weeks after having high blood pressure for about 2 weeks. I was hoping with Avery that I could experience going into labor on my own.... but it is now looking like her appearance will mirror Beau's.

Oh Well, really I am excited either way.

So after my appointment on Tuesday I was thinking- WOW I will be 36 weeks this Sunday and if she will be induced at 38 weeks that means I only have 2 more weeks to prepare!!

My office threw us a baby shower on Thursday (Target Gift Card- YAY) so today Ben and I went shopping on our lunch break!

Changing Pad
Changing Cover
Receiving Blankets
Front Zip Sleepers
Snap-Up Onesies
Bows (girls gotta have bows)
Brush
Trash Can

All Done- now there is just washing and ironing left for the weekend!!

When were we in the hospital with Beau poor Ben must have been embarrassed.... I looked like some kinda swamp creature!! I was so focused on learning to breastfeed I barely showered never less changed my clothes. My attire consisted of the webbed panties (they give them to you and they are see through) and whatever tank I had on hand... Doctor's would come in and Ben would look at me like... are you gonna put some clothes on.... I am sure my look back said.... seriously, I just had a baby- whats left to see really....

This time I am expecting the experience to be easier... (now at least I know what to expect...) so I am planning to make myself more presentable. So that means new clothes!! I have bought several new comfortable items to make myslef feel better in the hospital.

The Essentials:
Bravado nursing tank
AT Loft Terry Shorts
AT Loft Pull Over Lounge Sweater
Bravado Sleep Bra

I also have some of my oldie favorites:
Victoria's Secret Sweats
White Waffle Robe
Soft Long Sleeve Shirts (neck cut out)

AND

A new outfit to wear home, a sweat skirt, tank, and a light zip front hoodie.

I don't know what it is about new clothes but it always makes me feel good.

So hopefully when you come to visit I would look like the creature from the black lagune but a version of my normal self....

Avery's Room

2010-06-14T07:01:00.001-07:00

We are counting down!!
On Sunday I was 34 weeks and we pulled a lot of loose ends together in Avery's room! Mom brought over some furniture she has been re-doing for me, and I worked on the slipcover while Ben and my Dad put the vinyl monogram on the wall. It is really looking like nursery now!

I am almost finished with the slipcover and I am so proud of it!! Last night I finished some adjustments to the body of the cover and I almost finished the cushion. I still have to hem the bottom and have to attach the decorative ties across the wood areas (they will help to hide the orange you can still see). So I guess I still kinda have a lot to do... but at least it looks like a slipcover now...

Below was my inspiration picture for my slip cover. When I began I got a quote to recreated this slip cover for my very curvy chair- $400 (including fabric)! My fabric was $90- so I saved a bunch sewing it myself but it has been A LOT of work! It will be a while before I take on such a large project again.

This fabric looks like a linen or a light duct, where my fabric is a heavier woven fabric (that ravels a lot), I think that has made my project more difficult than a typical simple white slip cover.

Avery Kathleen Rush- makes a pretty monogram....

The bedding still needs to be washed and ironed... but we still have 5 or 6 weeks.

This is going to be her changer, beneath is her closet, and the small chest to the right will hold all her folded clothes as well as sheeting and blankets.

My mom painted this chest for me... isn't it beautiful!! This took several coats of paint and sandings!! Every little girl needs a picture of her daddy with his big kill- Ben's prize turkey from a few years ago (yes, that huge one in the house...) I got that Bible verse creation from: www.redletterwords.com. They really have some beautiful things if you have never visited the site you should check it out.

Mom also gave this table to us for Avery's room as well as painted it. It is made by Lane and is solid wood... she didn't sell it in her shop and I am so happy to have it! It is probably the prettiest side table in my house! Having a mom that is also an antique dealer definantly has it perks!!

Updates

2010-06-08T05:56:00.001-07:00

This is the before picture of the wonderful chair we have for Avery's room, it was Ben's Great Aunts chair, it rocks and swivels and is super comfortable. I know she would be so excited to know that her little niece was going to be rocked and comforted in her chair!!

This is what it looks like now!! It is still a work in progress, but I have completed the main body of the slip cover. This photo is of the cover inside out, you piece a slipcover together inside out, sew, and then turn right side out. I still have to cover the cushion and make ties to close the areas over the wood, but I am super happy with how it is turning out. Believe it or not, it hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be and this is a curvy chair.

Waiting on Me-Maw

We are all looking forward to Ben's parents visiting for the summer. His dad has been retired for a few months and his mom retired last week!! They are coming to visit the beginning of July for Beau's birthday and will be in Florida waiting on Avery for the remainder of July and will stay through August to enjoy their grand kids.

This past weekend Ben and I cleaned out Me-Maws and Poppies guest room. In the past when they come to visit they had to maneuver all the hunting gear and extra junk we had accumulated. This weekend I bought Ben 3 very large clear storage bins and we cleaned out the whole room! It was such a job!! By the end of the day Ben was aggravated (I made him re-arrange some pictures) and I could barely walk, but that is one more job off the list!

I bought some new summer bedding as well a candle for the room to help freshen and brighten the room. (It has smelled like Ben's charcoal sent killer) Beau is so fascinated with the room that I can't keep him off the bed- (and I ironed those sheets!!). He just wants to go into the room and look for Me-Maw and Poppie and jump on their bed.

I couldn't resist capturing the moment, Beau is getting so big!! Last night he was standing at the back door looking out and I asked Ben, is he standing on something... (his head almost reached the door handles) - NOPE. I was in shock I don't know where the time have gone. In a few more weeks my baby boy will be 2!!

A Full Weekend

2010-06-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Although the weekend was full it wasn't really all that busy. I tried a few new recipes, completed and started some new projects.

Above is one of my new recipes- Homemade Doughnuts- YUM one of my favorite things on earth. You will find the recipe here:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/02/homemade-glazed-doughnuts/

It was kinda a lot of work (you make the dough the night before, then wake up an hour early to roll it out and cut out the doughnuts and allow them to rise before frying) but it was worth it. They were so yummy and the recipe makes a little over 2 dozen so you will be sharing and eating them for a few days.

I also made this for a get together with friends and I would highly recommend it!!

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/09/apple-cake-in-an-iron-skillet/

I also completed my nursing cover. I am super excited about it! I didn't have one with Beau- I just used a blanket, which proved to be difficult, but I never forked out the $40 for one of these. Now that I have improved my skills I was able to make my own.... and reversible no less!!

I also started the very large project I have looming.... sewing a slipcover for my beloved chair.

It is actually coming along.... it won't be perfect but it will do the job and the fabric is super comfortable and was on sale!! I will have to take some work in progress pictures.

Ben and I have known this moment was coming. Beau has been able to climb in and out of his crib for some time now, but has elected to stay in the crib while sleeping/napping. Well, Saturday after lunch I put him down in his crib and went to sleep the floors. I was in the dining room when I see something out of the corner of my eye...

It is Beau with is passy (which he only gets when he is in bed) walking casually through the living room. We walks to the back door and looks out at his daddy... I follow him and look at Ben through the door.

So we all went into Beau's room and Ben and I sat there looking at his crib.... thinking what do we do?? We can't let him crawl over he could fall and hurt himself... We decided it was time- we were going to try and wait untill after Avery was sleeping through the night to begin this journey- but we removed the front of Beau's crib.

Whew what a journey...

The first evening I put Beau to sleep- he got up once, coming into the living room and (after several warnings) got a spanking. :( Then I took him back to bed and he slept all night.

Monday after lunch I put him to bed and I am in Avery's room working on the slipcover and I hear thud-dunk.... I pause and rush into Beau's room. There he is spralled on the floor in a sleepy daze. I quickly returned him to bed and he never even woke during the event.

Last night Ben went in to check on him before going to bed and found him spralled on the floor sound asleep. (I had had enough of this falling out of the bed and placed a king sized pillow in his way.) During the middle of the night I woke to "MMUUHHHA" (mommy with a passy in his mouth ) Beau is standing at my side of the bed sleepy duck and passy in tow. So I throw him into our bed and he is out. An hour or so later, Ben returns him to bed only for Beau to be back at my side King sized pillow in hand. (it was funny to see a child that small drag such a LARGE pillow) Needless to say I am tired today from being up in the middle of the night. However I am trying to think of it as training.

There are some upsides to all this trama... Sunday morning we hear Beau rolling around in his bed but instead of, "Babe, you go get em', no you go get em' " and so forth we hear the patter of little feet coming across the house and wake to a sweet smile and all of Beau's movable bedding (sleepy duck, blanky, and quilt). What a way to start the day!

Ben and I are hoping that this transition will only take a week or so and then transition him quickly to a twin bed. (which will provide for additional sleeping arrangements when family comes) Oh, and Ben is going to Wal-Mart this evening to buy a small protective bed rail to keep Beau from falling out in his sleep.

Our Little Boy Is Growing Up!!

We have made the decision!!

2010-05-20T07:03:00.001-07:00

Our Baby girl will be named Avery Kathleen Rush. We are so excited and can't wait for her to arrive!!

Nursery Updates...

2010-05-18T06:15:00.000-07:00

This is what I have been working on lately...

This is my diaper bag, I found the pattern online ( http://tinyseamstress.blogspot.com// ) and made this in about 3 days. It was fairly easy, the only difficult part was sewing the pink lining to the purse. I still have a big bow to make for the outside for it to be complete, but I am super proud of it!

We are converting this built in desk to her changer. Below the changer I have a rod for her hang up clothes and plenty of room for storage and I made these curtains to hide it all.

These storage bins are my project for the week. I was originally going to sew new covers (in pink) but now I am thinking about just sewing a band to attach around the center of the bins to give them some color. Any creative ideas are appreciated!!

The colors of the nursery are pink and green with touches of black, my Grandmother always said, "every room needs a little black" and I am a firm believer in that theory, however it now seems to be everywhere. (the large curtains, the storage bin on the changer as well as a small side table) Don't worry we have a big green amore' going in to the room and the green lamp shade you see. I think that will balance everything.

Also this week I am planning to make these:

In white and pink to hang above her crib instead of a mobile... we will see how they turn out!!

Next week I am planning to start my biggest project to date... A slipcover for my wonderful chair!! Stay tuned....

ISR Swim

2010-05-11T10:50:00.000-07:00

Beau is taking rescue swimming (Infant Swim Resource) and he is doing SO WELL! Who would have thought that he would be able to swim under water like 4 or 5 feet to you!! He loves it and everyday on our way to swimming he say "POOOOL" it s so so cute (he doesn't really pronounce the L so it sounds more like pooo??) He will also say swimmin' ?? we will tell him yes Buddy we are going to the pool, he always gives us a big smile.

ISR is really the neatest program ever... the number one cause of death in children is drounding. After this program you have almost completely eliminated the risk!! The first few days were kinda rough, but within the first week Beau was swimming pretty well. Now if he was to fall in the pool he can swim well enough to swim to the side of the pool and hang on.

Next he will master floating on his back. ISR teaches children older than a year a swim float swim sequence. So if they are to fall in the water they locate the exit, start swimming under water with eyes open, when they need a breath they roll over and float to rest and breath, then roll face down in the water and continue swimming until they can make it to the exit or side of the pool.

If you have a child under the age of 3 I would highly reccomend this program!

http://www.infantswim.com/

Brooke's Nursery

2010-04-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

We finally received the final piece to Brook's crib yesterday!! Last night we finished assembling the crib and put the bedding in the crib to get the final look- (for the bed anyway).

Beau was such a big help, after dinner Ben went to look at the directions and I told Beau, "go help daddy, he is going to need someone really smart to figure out how to get Brooke's crib together". He smiled and ran to Daddy. I didn't realize how seriously he was going to take my comment.

" I Help, I Help, I Help...."

So Ben let him hold pieces to the crib, as well as screws and the screw driver.... he loved the screw driver.

All that work really wore him out so he had to take a quick power nap.

Back to Work

Play Time

Beau was so fascinated with the new bed... he thought it was for him... " I sleep, I sleep, I sleep"

Sorry for the shadows... I take up a little more room these days. :)

This will be her changer. I am going to put a changing pad on top of the desk area and I am will be sewing a curtain for underneath. I am planning to find a small curtain rod to install underneath the desk to hang her clothes up.

We also have an amore that is going in the room, it will be painted the sage green you see in the bedding and on the lamp shade and a great table my mom had in her shop and has painted black for the room.

The rooms is really coming together and I am so pleased with how it is turning out!! I still have alot of small decorative things I want to make and find. Right now the walls are bare and I don't really have anything in mind yet.... so if you see something great email me!!!

I Ride... I Ride.... I Ride....???

2010-04-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

We planted our front yard this past weekend and all weekend it was," Daddy, I Ride...? I Ride?" This boy was so interested in the tractor I think he even dreamed about riding the tractor!

So Sunday afternoon, Beau went for a ride. Daddy made the wait worth while, he took Beau all the way down the street and off into the property across the street.

Very serious...

"this is not fun and games mommy, this is real work and you have to concentrate!!"

Beau and Poppie were matching so I had to take advantage of the moment.

Easter Eggs

2010-04-14T10:18:00.001-07:00

Beau really enjoyed dying Easter Eggs this year. We attended the sunrise service (7:30am) on Easter Sunday so after the service we decided to dye Easter Eggs for Beau to hunt later in the afternoon. Ben and Beau dyed the eggs while I captured the moments and I am so glad I did!!! The two pictures above are priceless! I love that beautiful face... these pictures really capture Beau's personality, you can see that he really wants to grab those eggs. That smile and twinkle in his eyes melt my heart every time!!

Ben did such a wonderful job coloring eggs... I think he has been nominated as the official egg dyer.

Beau also loved his Easter basket... the Easter Bunny brought him a bubble gun, extra bubbles, an Elmo coloring book, some new shirts, and eggs filled with candy!! Beau's favorite was opening the eggs. He would grab them and say..."Ball" and then pop them open.

Ohhh... got one open!!

The dark blob in the middle of the road is a turkey strutting. That Saturday before Easter this gobbler put on a show for the family. He was accompanied by several hens that were still in the tall grass.

We have a lot of wildlife around our home. Since most of our neighborhood is still vacant and wooded, we have covey's of quail, deer, and groups of turkeys. In the late afternoons or early mornings you can relax on the back porch and whistle at the quail. Although Havana is about 20 minutes from Tallahassee, it is worth the drive everyday to enjoy these surroundings. Isn't God's creation amazing!!

Springtime Tallahassee

2010-04-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we headed downtown to the Springtime Tallahassee parade. After living in Tallahassee for 21 years I have finally attended this Tallahassee tradition. We all enjoyed the parade and Beau was especially interested in all the loud floats, the firetrucks, motorcycles, and loud music. We were able to catch him some beads and a ball.

Beau spent a few hours on his daddy's shoulders which was defiantly one of the best seats in the house.

I thought I would post these precious pictures from Easter last year. I love Easter! It is one of my favorite holidays- everything is so beautiful and I am always reminded of my greatest blessings; my salvation, my baby boy, wonderful husband and family.

Boy has he grown.....

Nursery

2010-03-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am excited to say we have accomplished a lot in a short amount of time. The last time you saw the nursery it was clear of furniture but very cluttered with junk!!

We have moved all the junk out and have painted the walls!! I love the colors I picked. The white almost perfectly matches the ceiling color and the pink is perfect, bright but perfect!!

These pictures was taken with my phone, in person the pink is a deeper raspberry than it shows here.

Her crib sheets are draped over the crib in this picture and although the pink is not accurate you can see that the wall color perfectly matches the color in the bedding. I also am searching for a white shag run to go in front of the crib.... this one I purchased at Target but will be returning. It is too small (24 inch round). The room has hardwood floors, and echos so a large rug is a must!! Ben is worried about her waking Beau in the next room when she cries. Hopefully when I fill up the room it will help to drown the sound.

This is the beautiful iron crib we have been so thankful to BORROW from some friends!! The picture really doesn't do it justice. Ben assembled it to this point this past weekend- however we were missing some pieces. Finding the missing pieces was a stressful fiasco for a day- but everything is on order and was surprisingly inexpensive!! I received wonderful customer service from Child Craft Industries. If you are in the market for a crib I would DEFINANTLY recommend this company!! So within 3 weeks or so we will have the crib fully assembled and decorated. Pictures to follow!!

For now I (and mom) have to:

Paint a small side table.
Paint the armorer (green- wait till you see that post!!).
Find a 48' round white shag rug for under $100.
Sew a slip cover for my comfy chair.
Sew and install a curtain for beneath her changer.
Find a way to create storage in this room with no closet! (still the least of my worries)

My mom will be quilting a blanket to match the bedding- and hopefully teaching me to quilt at the same time and my sister Krysti will be creating some art for the room... (she dosn't know that yet...)

Stay tuned for our newest nursery projects!!

Baby Girl Nursery

2010-03-16T11:59:00.001-07:00

I wanted to take some before and after pictures of the new "nursery". I wish I had done this with Beau's room- but oh well, that was before I was documenting our lives. So here it is the nursery.....

Yes those are fishing rods, golf shoes and a disassembled baby gate. The new "nursery" has served as out catch all room for 2 years. (if anyone would like that golf photo, let me know we have 2. otherwise they will be going to Ben's office)

At least now it is empty of furniture, there was an office desk and chair that I used for crafting and Ben's old futon. These 2 walls you are looking at will be a raspberry pink in a few weeks ( the other 2 walls will be white for balance).

Boy, do we have some work to do...

This is the built in desk in the room. When I drew our house plan this was actually a closet, but since there is no egress (window to the outside) in this room we could not have it labeled as a bedroom per the building code. (it's a fire hazard) This desk will be her changing table and I am planning on using the shelving for decorations and storage. I am also going to make a curtain to hang below the desk area and hang a rod for dresses and hang up clothes. I may have to invest in some type of storage system. We will see...

I know what you are thinking.... yes there will be no closet in my baby girl's room I am aware that this may cause issues in the coming years. I am thinking we will address that issue when we get there.... (there is another bedroom that now serves as the guest bedroom) until then we will use a small amore' I already have and will be painting it the green accent color you will see below.

This is the baby bedding which is my inspiration for the room; it is a raspberry damask and white pattern with soft green accents. I already had the lamp in the picture and found these perfectly matching shades at Target. On the right you see the bed skirt and 2 sheets and on the left of the lamp is the bumper pad. The crib we are using is a beautiful white iron crib. I also found the white shag rug at Target- however is is a 36 inch round and I think I am going to need a 48 inch round. I have planned to place in front of the crib and I want it to cover more of the hard floors. (If you find a 48 inch round white shag rug anywhere call me asap)

Bumper Pad

Lamp Shades- I bought the 2 colors because they are both perfect and were on sale for $7. I have an amazing side table that my mom bought at an auction to sell in her shop in Thomasville. She paid $5 for the table and repainted it yellow (which will not match) I think we will be repainting it black. My grandmother (mom's mom) said that every room needs a little touch of black and I am a firm believer in that theory. It seems to ground the room. Anyway, this lamp will sit on a black side table in a few weeks so I am leaning toward the pink shade however I want to make sure the green accent color isn't lost in the room. So I am torn- any input would be greatly appreciated.

Crib skirt and 2 matching sheets

Every nursery must have a great chair. Thankfully we have one!! I used it for Beau and it was given to us by Tim and Loretta!! The only problem is it is plaid-green and orange plaid no less. Although I love the chair, that color would just ruin the beauty of the room I have planned...
SO I will be recovering it!!!
Yes, you read that correctly. Well, not really recovering it just sewing a slipcover for it. I have been working on my sewing skills and found a tutorial on how to sew a simple slip cover. I am planning on useing a think white fabric (so it can be bleached as necessary and it will match the room). I will document my process, this should be interesting....

And so the decorating continues....

It's a Girl!

2010-03-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Ben and I are so excited to announce our addition that's due to arrive the end of July will be a baby GIRL!

We are very excited to have a boy and a girl. As much as I loved preparing for a baby boy, I am excited to welcome pink into our home. I already have some wonderful ideas for the new nursery and I will share pictures and we begin the decorating process. Maybe I will even be able to capture Ben with some pink paint on him....

I have been thinking this baby would be a girl- honestly I would have been happier either way but with this pregnancy everything seemed different. My hair and complexion isn't as pretty as it was with Beau, this baby seems to be carrying higher, I feel like I am gaining all over evenly and with Beau my belly popped out for miles (it seemed that way anyway). I think Ben was secretly hoping it was a girl... I am sure he is already looking forward to taking his baby girl on her first turkey hunt. However in the moment with he huge smile he said, " I feel poorer already!!" HA HA :)

We are so excited to welcome our baby girl!

Daddy's Deer

2010-02-04T10:07:00.001-08:00

Beau has seen deer on TV but this was the first time he had seen one in person. As soon as he saw the deer he said "DEER", it was so clear and cute. Ben was so proud that Beau recognized the animal without being prodded for the name.

After a few pictures Beau became real interested in the deer. It is almost like you can read his mind here... ya know those deer on TV have legs, bodies, and the run around. I think something is wrong with this one.

After the analysis, he began posing for the camera with his trademark face- the scrunched nose. This boy has so many faces- it is amazing.

The Best Not Fried, Fried Chicken I Have Ever Had...

2010-01-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

Last night for dinner I decided to try something new, Baked Fried Chicken and it was wonderful! Here is the recipe for those of you wanting something to try something new with your plain chicken breasts.

4 Skinless Chicken Breast (boneless or bone-in just adjust cooking time)
3/4 Cup of Mayo
1/3 Cup of Mustard- yellow or spicy

2 Cups of Rice Crispys (can be substituted for other cereals, Chex or Special K)
1 Cup of Italian Bread Crumbs
1 TBSP Olive Oil

Paprika
Red Pepper
Salt & Pepper
*these are to taste, I used about a tablespoon of each

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray drip pan with non-stick spray.

Mix mayo and mustard together in a bowl. Pour cereal and bread crumbs into a gallon Ziploc. Crush cereal until the pieces are small and uniform. Add olive oil to gallon bag and mix, set aside.

Dredge chicken into mayo/mustard mixture so there is a liberal amount covering all sides of the chicken. Drop chicken into cereal one at a time to coat. Place chicken on drip pan. Once all pecies are coated lightly spray the chicken with the same non-stick spray.

Bake for 30-40 min for boneless chicken and 45 min to and hour for bone-in chicken.

This is wonderful and quick enough for a week night meal!

18 Months

2010-01-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Beau turned 18 months old on January 3rd. It was kind of surreal for me because I realized that in 6 months I will have a newborn and a 2 year old. Kinda shocking- I am 12 weeks now and at our last appointment they announced that at the next appointment we will schedule our ultrasound appointment to find out we are having a boy or a girl. So mark you calendars for the end of February, we should know- blue again... or pink...!

At Beau's 18 month check up the doctor said he is 21lbs (still a feather weight) and 32 inches tall... that is more than half my height already! Apparently he has his daddy's tall gene, thank goodness! He is really talking now- duck, bird, ball, dog, ace, gugo( bodreaux our dog), crow, boom(gun), nacks(snacks), turkey, baby, and I am sure there are some I am forgetting. He has also said his first phrases- "My Passy" and "Crow Call". Beau, along with everyone else, is in LOVE with Taylor Swift. If her new "15" song comes on the TV he will run to the living room and dance directly infront of the TV. The other day he heard the beginning of the song from our bedroom and ran so fast toward the living room he fell and almost slid into the door frame... whew... he is full force all the time! Beau still loves reading his books, playing outside, and throwing his ball.

Sweet Potato Pie

2009-11-24T06:39:00.000-08:00

Like a true Southerner Beau loves Sweet Potato Pie!

He is doing a great job using his spoon, most all of the food makes it to his mouth! He is growing up so quickly it is amazing!

Beau is really looking forward to Thanksgiving at his Great Granny's in Pensacola. See you soon!

Daddy's Boy

2009-09-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

Beau did this all on his own- I did not put his daddy's hat on him!

He was so sweet and wore it around while I could got his picture!

The Bonnet Look

Antique Toys

2009-09-14T05:53:00.001-07:00

Ben's "antique" toys- 1970's vintage....

Are You Ready For Some Football.....

2009-09-04T07:45:00.000-07:00

Your typical Gator Redneck.....

Gator Shirt and Jean Short (Jorts)- style no no......

Beau loves shoes!!
He is not discriminate in his choices, he loves my sandals as much as his daddies Camo Crocs...... He has even braved my red heels!! He will actually walk around with these huge shoes...... yea I dont' know how he dosn't fall!

Bath Time!

2009-08-28T10:32:00.000-07:00

SWEETNESS!

mohawk

showin' it off!

So sweet. This child is so precious, we are so thankful for our wonderful blessing! He is always smiling!

Going to get the trash can.

2009-08-20T06:02:00.000-07:00

Beau loves to walk all the way down the drive way with Ben to get the trash can on Wednesdays.
And we have a long driveway.

I thought these would make the cutest pictures- but it was a little hazy.

Updates:
Beau is 13 months old
He weights about 19 lbs ( we are hoping to turn his car seat around any day!)
He can run short distances
He and Ace are learning to chase each other- the laughing is music to my ears!
He can climb on and off his toy truck and plane.
He is starting to sit and read his books and is repeating sounds.
SNAIL- he says NAIL
We have introduced the potty before bath time and he loves it! (He has pee pied in it once!)
His favorite snacks are Cheetos puffs
He loves to throw ball and we are working on his golf swing!

AND he is the sweetest boy on earth!

A Very Fun Birthday Party!

2009-08-17T07:18:00.000-07:00

We had a very fun weekend! On Saturday we had our first birthday to attend as a family!! The first Birthday of Isabella Hanselman! It was a wonderful Princess Party! Isabella sure looked the part, isn't she beautiful!

Beau Pushed Bella in her new car so she could fully enjoy her new toy.

And Beau took him turn in the car!

They played Chef with Bella's new kitchen, Beau loved the knife.

Cupcakes for dessert!

YUMMY!

FOR SALE

2009-07-23T08:03:00.001-07:00

Ben and I have been thinking about selling the house and we have finally taken the plunge!

Although home prices have dropped in the recent year; Havana seems to be holding it's value fairly well. Our short term plans are to sell and rent in the Downtown/Mid-Town area where we will be closer to work. We are both very excited about our decision. Right now we have the home for sale by owner for $345,000. Our home was built in 2007; has 3 bedrooms 2.5 baths and an additional office/bedroom. In a few weeks it will be listed with Mattice & Mattice. If you know anyone looking for a newer home in Havana- send them a link!

Please pray for us while we sell and hunt for a new place to live- we feel like this is the next step in Gods path for our family!

Kitchen Nook/ Sun Room

Fireplace

Family Room

View into family room from the kitchen.

Kitchen

The afternoon view- this is great hammock time!

Beau playing on his new truck!

Beau's First Birthday!

2009-07-16T10:50:00.000-07:00

Beau's first birthday was July 3rd! It is amazing how quickly time flys- it seems like we were just bringing him home from the hospital. Ben and I have been so blessed by his sweet smile! This child never ceases to amaze me! He is learning so quickly and is more proficient in pronouncing "Ace" than "Momma"- I shouldn't be surprised really....

His birthday shirt- we had to loose the shorts. (they were falling off- 6 month shorts on a 1 year old child....)

His Plane from Grammy and Grandad!

Working the gears...

Beau and his best buddy "Ace"

Beau got lots of presents and enjoyed playing in the tissue and paper.

A ball- Beau loves to throw ball!!

Birthday Cake- and I made it! Beau wasn't sure why everyone was singing...

YES, that is a frog- I knew what you were thinking. I am not exactly Martha Stewart- but it is the thought that counts right??

At first he was just eating icing. I think that was his favorite part- Buttercream!

Yummy CAKE!

On Wednesday Beau and I went for our 12 month check up-

Beau...

Weighs 18.6 lbs- mind you he was stomping on the scale, accuracy???
27.5 inches tall
Percentile: 5% still a little ball of muscles.

He is babbling all the time, eating anything you put in front of him, holding all of his own bottles and sippy cups, walking and sometimes attempting to run, and my favorite milestone- HUGGING!

Ben and I both are looking forward to this next year!

Daddy Diapering!

2009-07-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

The Brazilian Diaper

Beau is going to kill us one day but this was too funny.....

This past weekend I went to the beach with some girlfriends. Beau and Ben stayed home over the weekend- you would have thought Daddy would have gotten enough diapering practice!

Fireworks

2009-07-08T10:43:00.001-07:00

BIRTHDAY GIFTS

Beau playing on his new plane! (Daddy loves the plane too!)

Beau playing on his new train!

Squash

2009-06-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

A normal dinner time!

Big surprise... but Beau loves to eat (runs in the family I think... HA HA). Last night we had some amazing apricot glazed chicken, squash casserole, and eggplant dressing. Beau loves eggplant dressing (a Louisiana tradition) and squash casserole. Beau was cramming the food in his mouth so fast he got it all over himself. He would actually pick a wad of food up in his hand and proceed to place it in his mouth, however the wad was often to big to fit all at once so we would follow up by placing his whole hand over his mouth so that the entire handful fit. It was hilarious.

He made such a mess I had to capture the moments.

Notice the squash in this nose...

And in the hair...

UGH I got it between my fingers!

Get this off!

I love squash!

The clean up crew. Ace has actually been a blessing during dinner time. I never have to clean food of the floor!

You can tell beau is done eating when he starts to play in his food.

What.... I didn't throw my cup on the floor... that was Ace.

1st Haircut!

2009-06-15T06:53:00.001-07:00

Pre-Haircut

At 11 months, Beau was starting to look like a little dust mop!! Ben and I decided it was time for the 1st haircut. Beau was beginning to need a clip to hold the hair out of his eyes. Ben decided we better get a hair cut before mommy put a hair pin in his hair.

So the haircut began...

We gave Beau some yogurt snacks to eat as a distraction. It seemed to work.

But then he started noticing a clipping sound, and that someone was tugging lightly on his hair.

What is this clipping sound???

Before we knew it the hair cut was over and Beau has a cute new style!

Beau and Da Da, so cute!!

As soon as Uncle Guy saw Beau on Sunday he said, wow he looks like a little German!! I was like you know what he does!! Just more of Ben's Family traits showing through!!

1st Project

2009-06-09T06:09:00.001-07:00

Although this dress isn't all that flattering it is my first project and I am proud of it! Now I have so many things I want to make: a sewing machine cover, an apron, pillowcase dresses, and the list goes on. I just wanted to post so everyone can see my progress.