Morris Family

Annual Memphis/Mississippi Summer Trip

2011-08-25T17:17:00.006-04:00

Mom, Me, Elizabeth
John Henry rocking on the horse

Sweet......

Libby's 3rd Birthday party

Libby Lou announcing that she is 3!

(holding an onion ring and ranch dip on her face, LOVE her!!)

Moo Moo LOVES John Henry

daily reading with Pop was always a fun time

Bubble bath in MiMi's SUPER sized tub

We went to YoLo for a sweet treat!!

Play date fun at Lizzy's house

Jana and 2 of her 14 great-grandchildren!!

Me and my best big girl!!!

We had a GREAT summer visit this year in Memphis! The girls were able to go to Hattiesburg and stay a week at Grandmama and Granddaddy's house. I am so glad we were able to visit with so many friends and family while we were down there. The girls had a blast in MS. It was a princess theme this year at Camp G&G. The girls went swimming daily, read stories, played sword fight, acted out plays/stories, cooked, went to Chuck E. Cheeses ECT........

They really had a ball. It was back to reality when we made it back to Ohio. They were so used to having so many fun things planned everyday that they had to adjust to normal like when we got back. We were there for John Henry's baptism, Libby's birthday party, went to the movies, went swimming, had play dates, played with cousins they had not seen in years........it was great time!! I also got a week off which was AWESOME. It was really fun to be in Memphis so that I could hang out and spend quality time with everyone!!

Julia started riding a bike this summer (no training wheels) and it has been VERY exciting. Pop went out and got her a new bike and all the gear the second day we got there......she had a blast and keeps getting better every time she rides. Next year it will be time for her to get a bigger one so she is pumped!!

The summer has just flown by!! I can't believe it is time for school and I will have a 1st grader!!

1st Day of 1st Grade

2011-08-25T16:52:00.005-04:00

Flash back to exactly a year ago on her first day of Kindergarten!!

1st grader!

sporting a new messenger bag

Her teacher is Mrs. King and she has at least 3 friends from last year in her class this year!!

Well the BIG day finally arrived!! Although hesitant at first about going to school all day everyday Julia is now excited about 1st grade. Maggie on the other hand has been dreading this and is NOT ready to have sissy be gone all day leaving her with no one to play with........She will start preschool next week and she is very excited for it to be her turn.

After reassuring Julia that "everyday" means Monday - Friday and that she still gets the weekends off (like Daddy) she felt much better about going everyday. I know she is also sad to be missing out on what is going on at home with out her.

So the summer routine is over (boo for me I was getting spoiled BAD). Julia now has an alarm clock that gets her up and she gets dressed and comes down for breakfast. So far after 2 mornings it has been working out great........that may change next week when she is completely worn out from a full week.

I cannot believe how fast she has grown up!! I feel so old saying that I have a 1st grader. And I will say even though it has only been 2 days it is really quiet and weird around the house with out Julia being here. Right now I have an ever present side kick (Moo Moo) who does not let me leave her sight for long but she starts Monday and will go 3 mornings a week.

So far our school year is off to a great start!!

Mexican Vacation

2011-06-24T10:39:00.006-04:00

The view from Mimi and Pops villa (ocean front)

The ocean view from our villa

The pool view where we spent 90% of our time with the kids

The beach was VERY windy

Mimi, Julia, Maggie, Libby, Pop

We could not go without matching sun hats!!

(thanks Elizabeth and Mimi)

These 2 spent alot of time on Mimi and Pop's balcony

Pop and Mimi

Maggie the mermaid

Me and my girls

Maggie, John Henry, Julia, Libby
Mimi and Pop LOVED having all 4 together

Our little family

The Crew

Mimi and Pop with the grand kids

We really had an AWESOME trip!! The weather could not have been better. Bright and sunny everyday the only raindrops fell the day we left!! The kids had a blast!!! Julia, Maggie and Libby stayed with Mimi and Pop in their villa every night and it worked out great!! Especially since it was the first time my girls have shared a bed but they were worn out every night. The guys were able to golf one day and then a few adventurous ones attempted a fishing trip. All of the kiddos traveled well and there were no major mishaps so in my book it was considered a VERY successful trip. I will say I am missing the family AND the poolside guacamole and shrimp taco delivery!!

We will haul it to Memphis in 3 short weeks to visit some more and I will be sending Jules and Moo to Grandmama and Granddaddys house for their summer visit!! They are so very excited to go and Julia cannot wait to show off her new swimming abilities she has acquired since last summer. She is really doing great!! Hopefully summer will show up in Ohio soon so we can utilize our pool membership before the summer is gone!! I think I'd almost rather have the heat at least it would be consistent!!

Next week the girls have VBS and Julia finishes up soccer camp today!! So far the summer is flying by and we have been super busy but I wouldn't have it any other way!! I love having my girls at home and playing and being kids with out the hectic school schedule.

Happy Summer!!

Spring Break Visit

2011-04-04T11:01:00.006-04:00

Mimi, Pop, Elizabeth, Libby, and John Henry came to visit for Spring Break!!

Mimi and Pop with ALL 4 grand kids!!

This little man had TONS of attention all week there was always a little girl hugging, holding, kissing, and loving on him!! (how could you not?)

The girls!!

Julia was soo good with him.....

Uncle Wyo......(or as Libby says "uncle ohio")

The visit was awesome!! We had people sleeping all over the house but it was so fun seeing all the kids together and getting to hang out. We had a few outings with the kids and without. Jill hooked us up with some babysitting so we could all get away for a nice dinner on the last night. It was great and as always went by way to fast!! Countdown is on til Mexico in May when we will ALL be together again!!

Julia Grace is 6!!!

2011-04-04T10:34:00.004-04:00

Sheridan, Gracie, and Julia at Chuck E Cheese!!

The loot!!

Julia had double the celebration for her big day!! We did a small family party on her actual day and then she had 2 friends spend the night a few days later. We had a blast with the girls!! We took them ALL to Chuck E Cheese for games and dinner and then home for cake and ice cream and the usual "slumber party" festivities!!

That consisted of movie, popcorn, snacks, playing, giggles, and me with a FULL workout of going up and down the stairs 50 times checking on them and trying to keep them quiet while Maggie was falling asleep. They had so much fun!!

Happy Birthday to my BIG 6 year old girl!!

Maggie Moo is 3!!!

2011-04-04T10:18:00.004-04:00

We celebrated Maggie's birthday on Valentine's Day since that is when her actual birthday is and it was so fun!! I surprised her after school with 24 balloons in the house....the girl LOVES balloons!! Then we went out to dinner and had cupcakes at home with the family. Her friends Sully and Gracie surprised her at lunch with cupcakes too!! She had a GREAT day and is still enjoying all of her gifts!!

John Henry Given.....

2011-02-01T12:45:00.005-05:00

has precious little toes!!
Mimi, JH, Jana, Mary Kay, Elizabeth, and Libby

Our lunch gathering.....

Libby getting a mani done by Pop!!

Sweet big sister....

Mimi, JH, and me

Love them and miss them....

My 1st nephew!!!

Jana with her 13th Great-grandchild!!

My sweet nephew John Henry was born the day after Christmas!! I went for a visit in mid January to meet the little man myself. We had a GREAT visit and I had so much fun getting to play Aunt Janie for 4 whole days!! Libby is the best big sis and is always ready to lend a helping hand with anything that has to do with "baby brudder"........

It was a quick trip and I am ready to see them again already.......He's just growing sooo fast!!

Santa Came!!!

2011-02-01T12:29:00.003-05:00

Maggie's Loot

Julia's Loot

The snow came too!!

We did have a slightly "white" Christmas in Ohio this year. This pic was taken a few weeks later and yes that is our magnolia tree in the front yard......The snow has pretty much been here ever since. I am guessing I won't see our grass until at least March.

More to come.....

Flashback to Christmas Eve........

2011-02-01T12:11:00.004-05:00

Wow am I behind or what?? Sorry for the delay in updates.

Christmas eve we made cookies for Santa........

and then set them out.......and Belle and Lucy helped themselves to the cookies but kindly left the carrots and celery for the reindeer.......how sweet of them........

Christmas time is here!!!

2010-12-18T10:38:00.003-05:00

Posing in their Christmas jumpers sent all the way from Mississippi........Thanks Grandmama and Granddaddy!!! We love them!!

Before Wyatt's office party.......

Rudy the Elf had been sneaking around our house since shortly after Thanksgiving.............

School is out.......shopping is mostly done........snow is on the ground.........and we are looking forward to a cozy white Christmas in Ohio this year. We will be missing our families but I promise lots of video and pictures!!!

More to come.........next week.

Halloween Pictures

2010-12-18T10:25:00.004-05:00

Julia was Ariel for Halloween this year and Maggie used a hand me down costume of Julia's and she was an "autumn witch"

They had so much fun trick-or-treating for the 45 min they could stand the cold. They got candy and knocked on doors and then came home to hand out candy at the house. They loved it and Maggie still asks to see the Halloween stuff every time we go to the store...........and I explain every time that it is now Christmas and time for Christmas decorations........

Catch up

2010-11-23T15:07:00.004-05:00

That's what I am doing..........playing catch up with the blog!! Here we are in mid October at the pumpkin patch. It was a GREAT day the trees were in peak color and it was beautiful. We selected pumpkins for carving and took a hay ride around the woods.

Here are some pictures from G and G's visit. On the way home from "Amish Country" we stopped at the longest covered bridge in Ohio. We were able to walk across and take some pictures. It was really neat. The Amish buggies use it.

Julia and Grandaddy

Grandmama, Julia, Me, and Maggie.

The Longest covered bridge in Ohio

I am pleased to announce that Maggie is potty trained!! Once we started in hard core it took about 5 days and she has been doing great!! This is a major accomplishment in the "mom" department (and if you have done it before then you know this) so I just had to make a note of it!!

Also over the past 2 weeks Julia has made major strides in her reading!! We are so proud of how well she has done. It almost happened over night!! It is crazy how fast she is growing up. She LOVES school and only goes part-time so I am just amazed at how much and how fast they are learning in kindergarten.

it's been a while.......

2010-11-07T12:26:00.003-05:00

Maggie did start preschool this year and she is loving it!! Here she is adjusting wonderfully on her 1st day. Her teacher is named Miss Larae and she loves going twice a week.
Grandmama and Granddaddy came for a visit in October and we had a GREAT time with them. We visited "Amish country" and they also got to go up to Julia's school and eat lunch with her and see her classroom.

This year is flying by and I cannot believe it is already November!! We will be have a small family Thanksgiving here in chilly Ohio. The winter is here. It arrived last week and will be here until at least April. Ahh the joys of living up north.......6 months of winter. Sorry for the delays in updates. I will have more pictures soon. I have a lot to catch up on.

It happened..........

2010-09-02T18:54:00.004-04:00

my baby grew up to 5 and a half right before my very eyes. WOW where did the time go?? These are the thoughts that have consumed this mom's brain for the past few weeks. It seems like we have been building up to this all summer. We have had lots of chats and talking about kindergarten at our house. So much so, Maggie talks as if she is also going "with sissy" to kindergarten. And even though Julia has only gone to school for 3 days total so far it is still hard for Maggie when she leaves (mainly because Wyatt has dropped her off the past 2 times and it is very painful for Daddy AND sissy to leave together without her). She has been here with me this week but after the Labor day break she will be going to preschool on Mon and Wed mornings after we drop Julia at her school.

Julia is LOVING school. I need to video her when she gets dismissed at the back of the school. She is considered at "walker" because our neighborhood is right next to the school. The playground has a path leading to the back end of our subdivision. The walkers are dismissed all together at the back of the playground. Maggie and I meet her there after school is out. Depending on the weather and time sometimes we walk and sometimes we drive. To see her running full speed across the grass all the way to us is priceless so I need to capture it on video. Wyatt and I took her together on the first day and stayed for a parent meeting/breakfast that lasted an hour. Then we left. Left her there with 19 other 5 year olds and 1 teacher ( who is great but I feel soo sorry for because she is about to pop out her 1st baby in a few weeks). It was just very overwhelming to wrap my mind around the fact that it is already time to do this......... There were lots of teary mamas and I was one but I hid it well........

The rest of that day was really quiet around the house and I watched the clock all day so I could go pick her up and hear all about her day. She had a blast. She loves school just like we knew she would. She is still getting used to the schedule since kindergarten is a part time program in our district. She goes on Mondays,Wednesdays, and every other Friday. The school, from what we have seem so far is GREAT!! I feel like she is in very capable hands. I have already been to 3 meetings and will be volunteering to help out up there when I can. I am hoping Maggie and I can go up there one day next week and eat lunch with her. Maggie gets out of school at noon and Julia does not eat lunch until 1pm (but they have morning snack). I would love to see her in action with all her new friends.

So next week I will have 6 hours of "free" time on my hands for the first time since Maggie was born. I need to start making a list.........

Summer Outings

2010-08-21T09:01:00.005-04:00

We made it to the VERY last day of the fair this year!!! It was lots of fun!! The girls road some kiddie rides, saw, feed, and petted animals, and ate fair food!!

I braved the BIG slide with both girls...........it was a hike up all those stairs too and again Julia shocked us and went down it without a fight......but not without a push to get her started on her burlap sack.........
Here we are coming down....... (if you click on any of the pics they should become bigger and you can see us better especially on this slide picture from far away)

Feeding the goats.......we also saw a white curly haired baby camel, baby miniature horse, goats, deer, and a zebra......

These HUGE pumpkins were on display.....

Julia and Daddy rode the Ferris wheel (it surprised us all that Julia even got on this thing)

Riding in the bus headed to the Irish Festival......

Maggie did LOTS of sliding and bouncing.......

Julia and Daddy waited in a LONG line so she could try this trampoline bouncing attraction.......

We still have a few days left of summer next week and I hope to get some pics of the girls at the pool. Both girls have come a LONG way since the beginning of the summer as far as the water is concerned. Julia is swimming underwater, wearing goggles, doggie paddling, jumping off the side and just loving the water. She almost always makes a friend at the pool every time we go. Yesterday 3 different girls came up to her that she had played with at some point this summer and asked her to play.......(there are a few boys in the mix too). I am so glad that we decided to join the pool it has been a great summer. Maggie has gotten alot better in the water too. She is going under some on her own. She calls it swimming. She kicks, blows bubbles, ect... I can just tell she is alot more comfortable in the water then she was at the beginning of the summer.

We will be enjoying our last weekend of summer before school starts..........

Enjoy....

Summer Fun!!

2010-07-31T09:35:00.006-04:00

This was the view from our deck one night last week!!
Our trip to Memphis was extra FUN this summer because Elizabeth, Jeremy, and Libby were living with Mimi and Pop for the summer!!!

we made a stop in Dundee, Ms to visit Jana and Julian.....

played in the sand pile at Mimi and Pop's

Elizabeth and I made this birthday cake for Libby's 2nd celebration.......

lamb feet, pig feet, and chicken feet slippers were worn my these cuties!!

maggie, mimi, and julia

We have also been spending ALOT of time at the pool. It has really been a fun summer and I am sad it is all ending next week.......1st day of Kindergarten in next Wed. Julia is sooo pumped up. She simple cannot wait!!

Sorry for the delay in updates......we have been on the go.........I have some more pics from our outings to the Irish Festival and the Ohio State Fair coming soon......

Happy Birthday Grandaddy!!

2010-07-09T12:01:00.004-04:00

The girls are still talking about all the fun they had during their week with ya'll!!!

Miss ya'll and love ya'll!! Have a great weekend!!!

Vacation!!

2010-06-24T14:32:00.006-04:00

We are back from our vacation!! We all had soo much fun this past week in Hattiesburg and Destin. The girls went on vacation to Grandmama and Granddaddy's house and Wyatt and I enjoyed an adult vacation with friends in Destin.

Julia was jumping off the side with out floaties by the time we got back.

Her newest trick "jumping over Daddy"

Moo hanging out on the steps

Julia discovered she could hold me in the water.

My baby is growing up......

Me and my girls!!

Our little jumper.

Sweet

I think she missed him....

dancing poolside

Dysin with the shark goggles on......what a cutie!!

After a week at G and G's house she LOVES swimming!!

A BIG thank you to G and G and all the rest of the family that helped out this past week while our girls were there. The girls had the time of their lives and did not want to leave!! Knowing that they were having a blast and being well taken care of made it easier to leave them and enjoy our trip. We had so much fun and can't thank you enough for keeping the girls!!

more pics to come......

What we have been up to........

2010-05-26T13:45:00.007-04:00

We headed to the Zoo this morning to check out the new Polar Bears!! It was a quick trip because Julia had school but it was still fun!! The pic below are in reverse order of our trip though the zoo. We started at the polar bears and ended at the Carousel. It was really fun and I am still in shock that Julia rode a pony!!

Carousel Ride!!

Giddy up!!

After a picnic lunch the girls posed on a hog statue....

feeding the goats.....

hugging the goats.....

petting the goats

Pony rides at the zoo!!

I was shocked that Julia did this and it was her idea too!! Maggie said no at first and then after Julia took off on her ride she demanded to go too!!

...a little nervous at first but she loved it!!

They just opened the Polar Bear exhibit here and it is awesome!!

so sweet!!

Under water view....

At home we have been swinging almost everyday!!!

Love my girlies!!

Today is Julia's last day of school and tomorrow we have her picnic to finish out the year. We also went and ......(gasp...sigh...tear rolling down my cheek...)registered for kindergarten this week. It was really more of a screening type of thing but we got to see the school, meet the principal and other staff. I got LOTS of paperwork and was able to go ahead and purchase school supplies. We were very impressed with the school and can't wait to find out who her teacher is and go to open house in August!!

We have been very busy but having a lot of fun!! We are looking forward to coming down south in a few weeks for some fun at the beach and the girls can't wait for their "vacation" at G and G's house.

Enjoy the pics.

To all the hard working Mama's out there......

2010-05-08T20:00:00.004-04:00

I love being a Mom to my two girls!! Just wanted to say Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful, loving Mama (and Mimi to my girls) and Wyatt's Mama (Grandmama aka....the best mother-in-law a girl could ask for)!!! Have a great weekend!! I feel so blessed to be their mom.....

No Love like a Mother's Love

There is no love, like a mother's love,
no stronger bond on earth...
like the precious bond that comes from God,
to a mother, when she gives birth.

A mother's love is forever strong,
never changing for all time...
and when her children need her most,
a mother's love will shine.

God bless these special mothers,
God bless them every one...
for all the tears and heartache,
and for the special work they've done.

When her days on earth are over,
a mother's love lives on...
through many generations,
with God's blessings on each one.

Be thankful for our mothers,
for they love with a higher love...
from the power God has given,
and the strength from up above.

by Jill Lemming**

Happy Birthday Grandmama!!!

2010-05-03T22:04:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Grandmama!!

A video of the girls singing to Grandmama!!

We love you and miss you and can't wait to see you in a few weeks!!!

What is going on in our world........

2010-03-31T10:43:00.005-04:00

Just a little update on the Morris family.........Last week was Julia's spring break so we had play dates and activities to keep us busy since she had no school. The weather is warming up and spring is right around the corner and we are VERY excited about that!! The girls have been able to play outside some and that has been GREAT!! Last week did start with a trip to the doctor for Maggie. Over the weekend I noticed the signs of yet another UTI (her second one in a month) so we headed in and had a cath done to confirm it. Poor baby is NEVER going to want to go to the doc again..... it was confirmed another UTI and she is on her second round of antibiotics (a different one then last time) and she will finish it today!!! Yea! She has been having to take it 3 times a day and that is a pain for me to do and remember as well but we are done with it today!! The doc called me this week and we have decided to do some further testing (ultra sound and another test that has a REALLY long name) that involves a cath. We will have these done on Monday morning and should have the results within 24 -48 hours. Prayers for little Moo Moo on that day would be greatly appreciated. Julia is now a grown up little 5 year old..... She went to her first sleepover at her friend Gracie's house last week and then we had Gracie over for a sleepover at our house. Both of the sleepovers were a success!! Gracie even fell asleep before Julia did when she was at our house!!! I am also starting to wrap my mind around the fact that Julia will be in Kindergarten next year!!!! I still don't know how I feel about her being one of 20something kids with one teacher ALL day.........I know she will love it and the fact that I can walk to the school from my house (it is that close) is comforting.

Have a great week!!

Girls Weekend!!!

2010-03-23T09:34:00.004-04:00

We had a girls weekend a few weeks ago and Mimi, Elizabeth, and Libby came to town!! The girls had fun playing (sometimes) and sharing and going to MDO. Libby was able to go to Maggie's class on Friday as a visitor so the big girls were able to have some time without the little ones. Our time just flew by as always and we can't wait to see them again!!

Bath time!!

Snuggles!!

Love that hair!

our attempt at a group shot (minus Elizabeth)

playing with Mimi

Julia LOVES Libby!!

My baby niece!!

What do you suppose Libby Jane is thinking in this one?

As usual we could not have a visit without an illness and Friday Moo spiked a fever for a while but recovered quickly and no one else got sick.......it meant extra snuggles from Mimi and Elizabeth!!!

A new addition to our family.........

2010-03-23T09:07:00.002-04:00

Julia got to pick out a fish for her 5th birthday.

She looked and looked at all the fish trying to find the perfect one.
She studied them all.

And selected her first pet.

I introduce to you the newest member of the Morris Family.........Puffy the fish.

She's the one who made me a mom.....

2010-03-09T14:41:00.005-05:00

and today she is 5!! 2nd Christmas

4th birthday

almost 3 when she became a big sister

she still loves being a big sister

and being silly.....

and having fun in a box....

This was today on her 5th Birthday before school.

love the look she is giving Mags in this one....

I can't believe

it has been 5 years.......

Happy Birthday baby girl!! We love you so much even though you are growing up WAY too fast!!

New Camera

2010-03-05T08:21:00.004-05:00

my little shooting subject

moo's mad face

Julia posing

me with the new camera

a close up

I got a new camera and here the first raw shots that I have taken. I am still learning the camera and editing. I am also ready for it to warm up so we can go outside to take pics they are always so much better. Enjoy the new pics!!

Moo Moo breaks it down......

2010-02-26T16:57:00.002-05:00

I have been meaning to get these up but the blogger website takes foooooooeeeevvveeerrrr to upload and then there is trouble watching them too. So I did it differently and uploaded them to you tube then added them to the blog. It is soo much faster. Enjoy!!

Maggie's Birthday Card

2010-02-26T16:51:00.002-05:00

Maggie got a singing birthday card from Mimi and Pop and here she is opening it.

Happy Birthday to my sweet Maggie Moo!!

2010-02-15T16:57:00.004-05:00

Whaaaahaahaa!!!
Out for her birthday lunch....at Red Robin!!

New shades for her b-day!!

and a sweet new coat!!

These snow pics are from last week so we have WAY more snow now!!

Chocolate Birthday Cake!!

The cake

Maggie munching on some "purples" aka grapes one of her favorite snacks!!

My video is being stubborn I will keep trying to get it up here!!

Valentines and Beer

2010-02-12T14:10:00.002-05:00

I know I know but she says "beeeeearrrr" so cute!! Wyatt had to tell her what it was because she was wanting to sip his...........She is loving the dancing monkey G and G sent even took it to Mother's day out today!! This was the first time she saw it!! Can't believe she is about to be 2!!

I couldn't resist.....

2010-02-04T12:50:00.003-05:00

Julia's preschool class celebrated the Chinese New year at school yesterday. Julia loved it!! She came home with fortune cookies, Chinese chocolates and CHOP STICKS!!! She eagerly asked if she could eat dinner with them and I said "Absolutely!! I would love to see that!!" While I was cooking them some grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner I heard something coming from the couch................

**play video now**

And I could not resist the urge to capture this moment so I did.

Julia is using her chop sticks as pointers.......and the bling on her finger is from the prize box at school today......

And I burnt the dinner BAD!!

But it was worth it for sure.............

then I made new sandwiches and Julia ate blueberries with her chop sticks..

PS. direct quote from Julia: "Mama, did you know that there are a dillion people in China?"

Happy Thursday!!

Can you believe this little one........

2010-02-02T14:10:00.005-05:00

is about to be 2 YEARS old????

these curls make my heart smile...........

and those eyes...........

playing at COSI

water table at COSI

playing doctor ..........

moving up in Little Gym class

the whole crew

getting up on the balance beam

Here is a little video of Moo Moo getting excited over some ice cream!!

and licking the bowl for a big finish!!

Better Late then Never.......

2010-02-01T17:10:00.002-05:00

Late Birthday wishes for Aunt Elizabeth!! Sorry this took so long for me to get this up they did sing this the day before your actual birthday!! Welcome to the last year in your 20's!!!!

Happy New Year!!

2010-01-02T12:43:00.005-05:00

We had a blast spending Christmas at Grandmama and Granddaddy's house!!
Julia got this fun toy. You are supposed to sit in it and roll down hills.

Fresh picked carrots out of Grandmama's fall garden.

Blinking Rudolph nose

Uncle Keith and Aunt Chip with the girls.

Cheeeeese!!

The adults had fun with the toy too!! That is Grandmama!!

Julia

Santa brought Jules some polly pockets!!

Moo moo got a fropper!!

Merry Christmas!!

Santa brought bunny slippers!!

and princess wands!!!

Twas the night before Christmas......

Getting ready to pick the turkey clean.....

(Maggie, Dysin, Julia)

The tree.

Cute!!

My festive little lap rider on the flight!!

Story time!! I think she likes him.......

We had a blast in Hattiesburg for the holidays!! Everyone stayed well and had soo much fun!! Julia made a new friend, Dysin, and they got along GREAT!! We all ate WAY to much but it is hard to resist all the good food at Christmas!! We are fighting some runny noses this week and little cough. But I can't complain and after all it is 14 degrees up here right now so we are staying put anyway. Wyatt is at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas right now cheering on the Rebs with his dad!! He has a work meeting there all next week so pray for my sanity as I am solo mom until next weekend!!

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-22T13:22:00.003-05:00

Just a little Christmas message from the Morris girls!!

We will miss ya'll!!

Shout out from Moo moo......

2009-12-06T10:30:00.002-05:00

For the record she can say Chip and Keith. She just got a little excited with the Granddaddy.........taken this morning and I rushed to get it on because it was so stinkin cute!!

We're back.......

2009-12-04T13:06:00.006-05:00

Maggie and Julia before we left for out trip to Memphis for Thanksgiving.

Went to Austin's 2nd birthday party and Elmo showed up!!

(Julia, Austin in Elmos lap, and Ansley in front)

The party girls.

Daddy and Moo moo at Thanksgiving.

Julia and baby Tyson (Mike and Liz's little one).

They had a special bond!!

Mimi, Maggie, Jana, and Julia

Me and my girls.

Me and Jana

Pop and the little ones.

Christmas is coming!!

The "Booth" granddaughters at Thanksgiving.

Aunt Elizabeth and Julia

Maggie and O dog

We made a pit stop at Uncle Russell and Aunt Callie's on the way home!!

We had a great trip down south and can't wait for Christmas in Hattiesburg in a few weeks!!

A while back......

2009-11-03T08:12:00.007-05:00

we decided to give Maggie a BIG girl slice of pizza.

she was soo pumped

she worked and worked

she pulled and tugged

she chomped

and bit

she worked on it from side to side

and front to back

she devoured the toppings

and licked the sauce

and her fingers

she made a mess

of her face

and loved every minute of it!!!

And so did we!! Precious are these sweet moments!! I am so thankful that I can capture and share them with you. Have a GREAT weekend!!

Trick or Treat

2009-11-02T19:19:00.005-05:00

Julia REFUSED anything and everything scary about Halloween. Wyatt obliged, and we have a happy pumpkin on our doorstep.....

Gracie Jones the spooky ghost.......

Emma the witch......

Sully (or as Maggie says "suddy")

Moo Moo the bumble bee....
(dressed up for "Little Gym" on Tuesday)

Julia the ninja girl.......

1St house of the night
(some of Daddy's work friends who live in the Jones neighborhood)

The kids and the dads had a blast Trick or Treating Saturday night. It was a little chilly but the kids kept moving until they had FULL buckets of candy.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-29T13:16:00.003-04:00

Last weekend we headed out to the pumpkin patch to select our pumpkin for carving. While there Maggie befriended a wooden cat.

Julia and Wyatt headed WAY out to look at ALL the pumpkins in the patch and the scarecrows too!!

Maggie discovered the hay........

and threw it..........

My beautiful girls enjoying the fall colors and weather!!

Maggie is now 20 months old and learning and exploring more everyday!! It is incredible to see how much she soaks up into her little brain everyday. She is repeating everything. Words, faces, actions, dances ect.. She amazes me everyday.

Julia is growing up so fast and turning into a little lady. I find myself being able to turn little things that happen daily into "teaching moments" for her and I end up learning something too in the process. I enjoy being their Mom soo much. I understand that each day is a gift and I am trying to make the most of these days when they are young and innocent. They are literally growing up in front of my face and I don't want to miss a thing!!

More Halloween pics to come...........

Julia the poodle and G and G's visit!!

2009-10-14T15:02:00.004-04:00

Grandmama and Mags blowing bubbles
petting a bunny at the pet store

Dinner on the deck

Julia and Granddaddy

Below is Julia aka "Penelope the Purple Poodle" her alter ego that she discovered when G'mama came to visit. Penelope comes complete with an array of tricks.........

Maggie and Granddaddy

2009-10-13T09:36:00.003-04:00

Maggie loves to jump and here is the proof. Granddaddy was a trooper and I am sure this did not feel too great.....

I have been a bad blogger.........

2009-10-03T20:03:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the LONG delay in posting things have been picking up around here since school and all of our activities have started up. Julia is in preschool 3 days a week this year and Maggie just started Little Gym classes. Not to mention MOPS every other week and my weekly Bible study and various play dates that also keep our schedule FULL. We are excited for fall (not winter) and Halloween coming up. G and G are coming up next weekend for a visit and we can't wait!!

These are turkey vultures and they spent about 4 days here lurking around the field in the back yard. There were also 10 more on a neighbors roof that I did not get pics of. They are HUGE birds with 6 ft wing span and SUPER creepy. My friend Jill came by on Thursday and hopped the fence and found a dead coyote that they have been feasting on. (YUCK)
Playing in the sink. New favorite for Moo Moo!!

Sitting at the table like a big girl.

Sweetness...........she is getting big :(

Friday Fun!!

2009-08-27T20:36:00.005-04:00

Today was low-key around here. Maggie had her 18 month appt this morning. The bad news is she got 3 shots uggh......not fun at all but the good news is she is happy and healthy!! She is a little on the slim side weighing in at 22lbs and 6oz. She has grown an inch and a half since May and is 32 inches long!! No worries about the weight though for as active as she is doc said she is fine!! The girls get to have a sitter tonight and Julia is soo excited. Here are some videos from this week. The girls are great with sharing food. Most days Julia shares her afternoon snack with Maggie and it is too cute not to share. They are sharing sherbet right now as I am typing this!! We also played in the sprinkler yesterday afternoon. It has come to my attention that our nice summer weather is going to come to an end soon so we are trying to enjoy the outdoor time we have left. The Ohio winter will be here before we know it!!

They keep us laughing that's for sure!!

Have a great weekend!!

Where did my summer go?

2009-08-23T19:50:00.006-04:00

Normally (when we lived in the south), I would welcome the end of summer. No more heat, cooler nights, less bugs ect...but now when summer ends it is only a matter of time before we are into the freezing winter of central Ohio. Oh joy!! This summer has been lots of fun and very busy for the Morris Family.

While Mimi and Pop visited we saw this-

rainbow in our backyard.....

and we took wagon walks and did a little yard work (thanks Dad!!)

went to the zoo and rode the Merry-go-round....

and Mama and Daddy had date night....

Then later in the week Julia drew on her own face during a play date...

and also learned how to get Maggie into the baby doll stroller...

(had to get a close up--poor Maggie)

She loves it !!

We also had some fun in the sprinkler

caught her mid-throw

they loved drinking the water...

This is the face she would make as she let the water
spray her directly in the face. She would run face first into the water all the while making this face. They had a blast!!

Friday night my sweet hubby took Julia out and they braved the wild and went camping.
In a tent

and they stayed ALL night long. They marched out at 8:30pm and did not return until 6:15am the next morning. They had soo much fun.

Maggie had to stay inside with me and have a coke and a smile. I guess she was really upset with her daddy because she did not get to go on the "camping trip". She was so mad, that while Julia and I were at the movies on Sat afternoon instead of taking a nap Maggie did something BAD!! I will spare you the details and all I will say is that it required Wyatt to give her a bath, do a whole load of laundry and disinfect her room. This after a night of sleeping outside on the ground. What a guy!!

Eating cherry tomatoes off the plant....
big sister helping her...

The sunflowers

The garden

Enjoying the end of our summer......

The Wedding Post

2009-08-13T10:22:00.006-04:00

Mr and Mrs Russell Booth

"The Crew"

leaving the party

Mac and Elizabeth Given

dancing with the groom

The Booth men

Wyatt and Jules

Mary K, Tommy, and Julianne

The first dance

Julia and cousin Ella and rehearsal dinner

to be continued........

These two are ........

2009-07-29T21:26:00.005-04:00

...up to no good!!

I will have to get a video but just imagine this one when she gets in trouble- she has started blinking those BIG brown eyes real slow and pretty!! It is hilarious...

Sharing the rocking horse

Things have been CRAZY since we got home from "down south". It seems like this summer is flying by because we have been going non stop. Julia is doing another VBS this week in the mornings. She loves it and has been having a blast. I have had a few play dates with my friend Jill -who just got back from the Dominican Republic where she was on a mission trip. Sunday I took Julia to a community theatre to see "The Wizard of Oz". It was great!! Jill's oldest daughter Emma was in it so it was really fun to see her on stage. Jules sat in my lap the whole 2 and half hours because "the witch is scary and LOUD". Friday Maggie and I are trying out a class at The Little Gym. I feel strongly that she will LOVE it and we will be signing her up in the fall. She has seriously turned into a hands/eyes must be on her at all times child in the past few weeks. I am amazed more everyday at her fearless personality. She is strong willed and has feisty temper too. They are polar opposites of each other and it is soo funny to watch. They are GREAT at sharing food and treats. Anytime Julia has something to eat she shares it with Moo and she loves doing it too. Julia can even feed Mags in the car. We mastered this art while on our 12 hour car adventure a few weeks ago. It comes in VERY handy!!

Wyatt left for Florida today so we are missing him alot (especially during the hours of 5-7pm)!! Hurry home Daddy!!

Next week we start to get ready for the big wedding weekend in Louisville, KY. My little brother, Russell, will be getting married to Aunt Callie and we can't wait!!!

Update from the road...

2009-07-14T09:33:00.005-04:00

Here is a little taste of what we have been up to for the past few weeks on our trip to Memphis.

This nap lasted all of 30 min. The only time she slept on the 9 hour plus car trip to Memphis.

This on lasted 45 min and it was her only one too!!

Breakfast stop in Louisville, KY to see Uncle Russell.

Pop went out and got a new toy. The Jump O Lene!!

Ansley and Julia

Julia and cousin Libby

A belated and early birthday party

Water gun fights

Pop and Mimi all dressed up for a party

How could.........

2009-06-28T19:42:00.004-04:00

.....this baby turn into

.........this big girl in 4 short years?????

Seriously, where does the time go? Reminiscing.........

Father's Day and Birthday!!

2009-06-23T12:11:00.006-04:00

We had a double fun weekend!! We celebrated Father's Day on Sunday and Monday was Daddy's birthday! For Father's day we packed a picnic and headed to pool. The girls had a ball and played enough to allow for a LONG Sunday afternoon nap. We had a great time handing out as a family and celebrating Daddy!!

Headed for a play date.
Julia can open the fridge now so this is an everyday occurrence around here.

She loves it!!

Sporting a sunscreen fauxhawk....

Julia going down the slide

This big playground is in the middle of the beach entry shallow part. It is shallow enough for Mags to walk all around and we can help her (hold her arms) while she goes down the slide. They had a blast!!

Wyatt and I took turns doing this alot.

And this a.k.a. chasing/following/swimming with Mags.

Yummy popsicle....

random pic of Maggie's mullet

Daddy and his girls at the pool. This worked soo well....

Julia jumping in....

having a poolside picnic ...

Daddy and Julia

Monday the girls and I worked all morning on Daddy's birthday cake. (Thanks for coming through with the recipe Grandmamma. It was Yummy!!) As you can tell from the pics they were REALLY good at tasting! Daddy was able to come home from work early to eat cake and open presents before Julia had to go to VBS. Happy Birthday to Wyatt!!

my helper in the kitchen

she regulates the tasting

I LOVE cake!!

Aunt Elizabeth ....recognize this?

last taste......

The lemon cake we made.

Yum!

Double Yum!!
(she is CRAZY I tell you!!)

Make a wish...

Love this...

****I just want to say a special Happy Father's day to my Dad for being YOU!! Thanks for everything you do! Also to Granddaddy and Pop-- the girls send hugs and kisses and can't wait to see you both (me too!!)****

Weekend/Monday Update in Pictures

2009-06-16T19:53:00.011-04:00

We started off this weekend headed to Yellow Springs, Ohio for the annual street fair. We had to drive an hour outside of Columbus to this quaint little town. Maggie had her first bout with car sickness. YES, it's true!! Of course I had no spare clothes with us (don't say it....Wyatt already informed me of how irresponsible i was by not bringing spare clothes....i call it positive thinking.....it has been 2 years for Julia and Mags has never gotten sick). We did not let it ruin our day. We ate fair food (smile :) I love some fair food), shopped around, watched some belly dancing, heard a live band play and just had a great family day.

Here we are at our picnic of fair food.
Yummy French Fries!!

Daddy and the girls.

The girls were supposed to be in matching Yellow dresses but because of "the incident" Maggie got a new bubble from Wal-mart somewhere outside of Columbus.......

MONDAY

Monday was a GREAT day. It was beautiful outside and so we decided it would be a picnic at the zoo type of day. We pack the wagon and a lunch and headed out to the zoo. This summer a new baby elephant was born and we were able to see him today. (in the past the line has been an hour wait) We were able to walk right up and see him. It was soo cute.

Hard to believe this mama was pregnant with him for over 20 months.

Julia took a picture of this duck.

One of her favorites the flamingos.

Then it was time for lunch.

Maggie ate some too......

Yummy.....

After lunch we headed inside to see the manatee.....

Maggie got great views of everything from the wagon.

Julia and the manatee

Maggie was not so sure about.............

the sting rays........

.......even if they were smiling .........So we headed to more familiar ground for little Moo Moo........the MONKEYS!!!!!!!

This would be the only pic of the monkeys because I parked the wagon (not remembering how HUGE the monkey exhibit was) and spent the next 20 minutes chasing my little monkey moo moo around.

Julia is holding her. Just in case you can't tell.

Then we passed the carousel (for the 2nd time) on the way out of the zoo. Julia wanted to ride it but I was unsure of what to do because she has been known to FREAK OUT on rides- any rides- even really slow and fun ones at Chuck E. Cheese. So I said no the first time she asked but then she charmed me by asking really nice and pitiful -like, so I gave in and said yes. I told her that if she cried or freaked out and we had to get off then she was going to owe me a dollar (that's how much it cost).

Here is Mags at first.....

......and Julia at first......i was nervous at this point.

Then it got better.......

and better!

Mags is hot and tired here can you tell??

Julia loved it!!

They had a mirror so you can see I was there too!! Gripping onto Maggie for dear life and praying like crazy she did not get sick on the ride!!

Then.......

we got dippin' dots, ice cream birthday cake flavor (not my choice but all the rest had chocolate).

Maggie did not like them........

but Julia did........

So she ate them ALL on the wagon ride back to the car.

After naps and snacks we headed over to Miss Jill's house to visit for a little while.

Maggie and Sully had their first date........he won her over with the strawberries and milk......

Monday:
Headed to the gym so I can go to Zumba class.

Got a good smile.......

I thought Zumba at the gym would be a perfect time for

a ponytail............awwww it's a little one.....

and a little to the back but a pony all the same.

After the past couple of days I am worn out but we have been having a blast. Summer is off to a great start.

Have a great week!!

Beach Trip Part 2...

2009-06-12T21:25:00.002-04:00

My sister has updated her blog with some great pics of the family vacation at the beach. Just click on Elizabeth and Jeremy under the friends list on the left side bar of my blog. Here is the link.

http://www.givenfamily-elizabeth.blogspot.com/

Have a great weekend. I will update about ours on Sunday.

My Grandmomma

2009-06-04T12:24:00.008-04:00

This is one of my favorite songs right now and I want to share it. It hits really close to home right now since my grandmother passed away last week. I know she is in a better place and much happier there. I know I will see her again one day.....

Push the play triangle on the bottom left of the video screen to hear the song.

This picture is from last summer when I had a long visit in Memphis. She was soo happy to see us. Anyone who knew Grandmomma knew how much she loved to bounce a baby on her lap. I love this picture because it shows her doing what she loved. We all loved her dearly and will miss her.

Laura Sue Loftlin Booth
1926-2009

Beach Trip Part I

2009-06-01T10:44:00.008-04:00

Here is a start of pics from our trip. I promise there are more to come. My camera did not hold that many shots but I will be getting copies from Elizabeth's camera soon and I will share those. The quality of hers are better too!! Enjoy!

Libby Loo Loo

I love this place!!

Out of order here with the pics this is before we left for the airport......

Thing one and thing two made a big hit!!

places to go!!

Check out the size difference!! Julia playing frisbee on the beach with the boys..

Loving the beach!!

Yeah Mom made it into a picture!!

Playing in the surf

She loved the beach

The sisters

Pop chasing Mags

Julia

The girls in white on the beach early one morning.

Libby and her signature move "touchdown"

Libby's favorite spot was the baby pool!!

Julia taking a break and cooling down in the baby pool.

Jumping off the side!

All cleaned up after a day on the beach.

Chillin' with some shades on

The 2 little ones!! All tan and chubby.....

Pop and Maggie

I had to do it!!

2009-05-20T15:09:00.005-04:00

Smile!

Good one!!

Trying to sit still for a pic

Maggie making an escape

Love these eyes!!!

And these!!

What a face......

This is a regular pose around here. I am just glad Julia has not realized that she can pick her up yet.

Enjoy this one is for you Pop!!

She makes climbing on the couch look effortless for a 15 month old. Julia would NEVER have done this until she was way over 2 yrs old.

100th Post!!!!

2009-05-17T16:35:00.005-04:00

This is the garden that Wyatt built and planted with a little help from Julia (emphasis on little). This picture also accents our neighbors beautiful and overgrown lawn. Nice huh??

I love animal crackers!!!

"I love them more than you!!!"

"Do not!!"

"Do to!!"

Shovin it in......

Yummy!!

Showing off new flops for the beach!!

With this being the 100th post and all I figure it needs to be really spectacular. So I will tell you about all the craziness that has been going on around here. Right about the time Julia was sick from strep throat we were also having to have a "vacation relocation" around here due to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico. We were set to go there for a week with my parents and brother and sister and families.......until the H1N1 robbed of us of our Mexican getaway. All is well we will go to sunny Florida instead and have a blast. Hey at least the girls already have a passport so when we are ready to flee the country we can. So now we are counting down until Saturday when we head out. For now we are playing outside any chance we get now that the weather is better. Wyatt and Julia have planted a garden as well (i am sure you will hear more about this in future posts.....at least I hope you will if we are better with plants then we are critters). Maggie continues to keep us on our toes EVERYDAY and Julia is growing and learning and just being a great big sister. Enjoy the pics and video I could not resist.

Wyatt and I were eating left over Chinese food from last night for lunch today. We decided to let Maggie have some fried rice and she loved it. Then Wyatt gave her some of his Lo mein. This video is what happened after that she is a fan that is for sure. Mind you this is after a hot dog and rice she is quite an eater.

Blog Post #99...and a video trilogy

2009-05-11T09:15:00.008-04:00

Wow I cannot believe I have posted 99 times!!! I have some video footage of the girls for you to enjoy. Mostly Maggie and the climbing/adventurous side of her but Julia made one of them think. We had a great Mother's Day weekend. Happy Mother's day to all the mamas out there!!

Julia the always helpful big sis!!

I love the "sneaky grin" she gives me......

At almost 15 months and she can already solve her own problems......what does she need me for?

Only kidding she still totally needs me :)

Catch up.......

2009-05-05T19:44:00.005-04:00

Wow ALOT has happened since I last blogged. So I think a little catch up is an order. I am sorry to say the update on our animals is a sad one. The bunnies all died and we are still not sure why. I had to deal with them and bury them since Wyatt was out of town. My friend Jill saved the day and helped me (or did it for me rather) dispose of the them. The birds have also not fared so well either. Eggs started going missing and now I think mama robin has abandoned the ones that are left. Needless to say we have had a lot of lessons on nature around here.

Maggie had become quiet the handful around here. She is into EVERYTHING!!!! She loves the trash, the toilet, climbing chairs, stairs, toys, tables, couches, slides, basically anything she can get to she will try to climb. It is really starting to stress me out. We have had to turn things on its side to keep her from climbing on it. If she climbs out of her bed I am going to loose it........

Julia had a bad run of strep throat (which we have never had and actually she has really been healthy for the most part and only had 3 antibiotics in her whole 4 years of life) this past weekend. It was rather scary (for me) when her temp got to 104. The doc did the strep test to rule it out and sent us home saying it was negative. The next day they called to say the overnight test was positive. She is on her meds and doing much better.

Here are some pics from the past few days.

"what? i'm just sittin here mama....."

just checking out the backyard....

Such a pretty day

Maybe I will just try to
go out the window.....that will be fun!!!

Sleepy big sister with strep throat....(she got off the couch maybe 3 times on Friday)

Swim class......julia on the far right with the pony tail

the big pool

practicing with the noodle

I love that Coach Eric takes them all over the pool in this little train formation

Coming out after jumping off the side

Maggie here with pen all over her compliments of big sis

Julia picked her own outfit. Red glitter shoes that DO NOT match her dress. Oh well gotta love free will.....

This is Julia checking on the bunnies. They had a nest under one of our rose bushes.

Happy Birthday to JJ!!

2009-04-27T13:06:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday Uncle JJ!!

It's a ZOO around here......

2009-04-20T18:10:00.006-04:00

Maggie did a 'lil yard work an ate a "lil dirt too..
"Mama dis is no good!!!"

Maggie's stage/box that Mimi sent some clothes in......she loves it!

See it in the corner? The bird's nest? It's there...
Thursday it was empty. Friday it had one, Sat it had 2, and yesterday it had 3, and today it had 4!!!

I think she is done laying them for now. The Internet said 4-5 eggs at a time and in 12-14 days we will know if they have babies in them. Apparently Robins lay eggs every time they ovulate but they are not always baby birds.......I hope there is a "daddy" bird out there somewhere so I do not have to explain too much to Julia.

After "helping" daddy build a raised flower bed and doing yard work all day.

Also after much research (on the Internet) and a whole day, we learned that some critters in the front flower bed were baby rabbits. There are 4 of them as well (we think). They are very sluggish and sleep alot and have not come out of their hole yet. Julia and Wyatt check on them daily and Julia has even touched them!! I know I can't believe it!! She surprises me more everyday........

Julia tries to steal the spotlight......

2009-04-18T09:44:00.003-04:00

Well life around here is always entertaining and interesting to say the least. Lately Maggie has been doing things daily that make us laugh. Her personality is really coming through and I will have you know she has a temper and will not be "walked on" by big sister. Julia says things daily that make us laugh. (she does funny things too like insisting on being in only her panties most of the time adorned with her dress up high heels) It is quite a sight. Ohh and you should see the looks I get from Wyatt when he gets home from work and that is what she is wearing. ...... We also have a birds nest in the fort of Julia's swing set. Wyatt and Jules found it Thursday afternoon and she was soo excited about it. Friday I took the girls out to swing and we played for a while and Julia remembered the nest and went up to check it out and make sure it was still there. She was astounded (and so was I ) to find a blue robin's egg in the nest!!! Whoa.....Do you know how excited she is about the baby bird????!!!!! I will have some more pics soon. I just wanted to get this video up to show off Maggie's moves. I believe she is taking after me with the dancing abilities for sure!! Have a great Saturday!!

Happy Easter.....

2009-04-11T11:34:00.004-04:00

The tulips by the mailbox

Julia before school on Thursday

Being silly

We have had a fun filled week of Easter preparations and activities. Julia went to school this week and they dyed eggs and had lots of fun. Maggie has cut her 2 top teeth and has been suffering from a runny nose all week. True to form she has been in a fine mood and her enormous appetite has not wavered in the least. I started getting concerned yesterday because she sounds hoarse and she was coughing and congested. So this morning I sent Wyatt and Julia to the church Easter Egg hunt and I took Maggie to the doctor. She had a low temp but otherwise looked good (no ear infection and lungs sounded clear). He decided it was a sinus infection and we will take amoxil for 10 days. Julia had a blast in the windy cold air at the egg hunt and Maggie is now resting peacefully. She had a hard time sleeping last night so she was beat. Tomorrow we will head to church early since Wyatt is headed to Canada in the afternoon and the girls and I will celebrate with a feast at Jill and Tim's house (Julia's friend's house too Gracie Jones). I feel very blessed to have friends to be with since we are far from family.

We also went to visit the Easter Bunny at the mall yesterday. The girls did great. Julia had already decided that she was going to sit on the bench next to the bunny and Mags would sit in his lap. It all worked out well and I was even able to get some pics too!! The only blunder was that Maggie (as usual) took a bump to the forehead about 15 min before the picture. She has a nice swollen blue knot on her head but you can't really see it in the picture. That girl she is a tough one at least.

Have a Happy Easter Weekend!!

Ear Infections and such.........

2009-03-31T15:15:00.004-04:00

Well Julia started not "feeling" well on Saturday. She had a severe runny nose and started coughing that night. She did fine and I thought she was better on Sunday. By Sunday night she was winy again and was not her usual perky self. She went to bed with no problem and later that night when I went to check on her she was still up but very groggy and tired. About and hour after that she was crying in her bed and saying that she had an ear infection. She was able to tell me which one was hurting so I got her some Motrin and she went to bed. At 3:45 am Wyatt and I awoke to a VERY loud BANG!! followed by Julia crying right by Wyatt's side of the bed. It was soo scary. We both had no idea what was going on. Wyatt acted fast and reached down and grabbed her up and took her back to her bed and got her back to bed. When he came back he said she was complaining about hurting her elbow...... We headed to the doc at 10:30 after many assurances that there would be no shots this time ect.... she does have an ear infection so we have our meds and she is on the mend. Late yesterday afternoon when Julia was "all better" since she had taken her medicine (once) she noticed these 2 black bruises on her elbow.

How pitiful does she look? The funny thing is the first thing she said about the bruises was, "Mama they are just like the Princess and the Pea." She really was looking rough yesterday. She would lay around for about an hour and then play for an hour. I could tell she was not her normal self. Last night she slept great (no late night bumps or screams) and this is what I saw this morning when she got up.

The child absolutely despises getting her hair brushed AT ALL and yet she wakes up with this rat of a tangle in the front of her hair. I guess she was sleeping on her face. It totally baffles my mind. For the most part we are doing fine and I am sure that Julia will be back to normal within a few days.

Hot Steppin with Make up and more......

2009-03-25T11:03:00.005-04:00

All moms can relate on some level to the video above. If you have not had this happen yet then just wait because in time your little one will indulge his or herself in your toiletries or make up at some point. This one was too cute not to share. Notice her strategy of deny, deny, deny. She just doesn't get it yet. The video does not really show the vast amount of my Bare Minerals foundation powder that she used so I am including this picture for you to reference.

Maggie's latest trick is one we have named "Hot Steppin." It is soo cute! In this video it is tame to say the least. She really goes crazy right when Wyatt comes in from work. She steps (very fast) and screams and claps. It is priceless. I will have to rig up a video of him coming home from work sometime soon to capture the celebration for you. Mags is also talking a little. She says "Oh Wow!! What is that?" on occasion but she says WOW alot. She does the Mama, Dada, sister...... I can't believe all the stuff she is doing these days. It is a constant reminder of how fast time flies and my baby is growing up (sigh, BIGGER sigh......).

It has been a while....

2009-03-22T08:42:00.004-04:00

Warning: These pictures will be in no particular order as I do not have time to organize them like I usually do.

Julia at her 4th Birthday Party
Granddaddy showing Maggie the flowers

The cake

Making a wish

Julia, Maggie, Gracie, and Danny.

Julia at her new picnic table with umbrella. Thanks Mimi and Pop!

Swinging

Making the cake

posing

Mags and Grandmama.

We had a great visit with G & G this past week. We did somethings around town since the weather was basically perfect here. It was awesome because G&G have never been here when we have had good weather. It is always cold and snowy when they come. We played outside, went downtown, went to the park and when we were not out and about we were playing nonstop at home. We really had a great time. It is back to being cold now so we are still waiting on spring to arrive. Next week is spring break for Julia so we will have a full week of no scheduled activities. Please pray for me (my sanity)and that the weather will be nice so we will not be cooped up in the house. Enjoy the pics. I have more from our day at the park to come soon.

Have a great week!

Julia Grace is 4!!!!

2009-03-09T07:37:00.007-04:00

Well since I am almost positive we will be celebrating Julia's birthday for at least a week, Wyatt and I decided to let her pick out her own present at Toys R Us yesterday. We did the usual and tried to "talk up" various toys but to no avail. We are now the proud owners of: ........

THE CUPCAKE MAKER

I am sure you are thinking "Wow, that looks like a child size Kitchen Aid mixer" rest assured it is not.

While we were preparing to make cupcakes Mags made herself busy.

Really the big contraption only ices the cakes and before you can use that you must make the cup cake. This involves mixing batter (add water to a packet of powder) and cooking it for 30 seconds in the microwave.

Sure enough out came a golden fluffy cupcake (IN 30 seconds). Then we prepared the icing. Same as before add water to a packet. It was about here that we got a little off track and Wyatt decided that the icing was too runny. So I thought we will just add some powdered sugar and thicken it up a bit. (we needed it to be thick because when you put the icing in the contraption it squeezes the icing out onto the cupcake for you and the cupcake spins around).

The cupcake that only took 30 sec to cook.

After being iced and sprinkled.

The finished product.

See below is a video of Julia's sugar rush that I guess is our fault for adding powdered sugar to already sweet enough icing.

Crazy Maggie

2009-03-08T13:03:00.002-04:00

I think the title says it all. This was Friday night and Wyatt had just gotten home from a one day trip to DC. Needless to say Maggie was very excited to see her daddy.

I doubt they even missed me......

2009-03-04T14:09:00.005-05:00

Mama is back and I really don't think I was missed one bit. The girls had a blast with Wyatt this past weekend and I had a great getaway in NYC!! We have been on the go since I got back Sunday night. Now if we could just get some spring time weather it would be just perfect!! Julia will be turning 4 next week and Grandmama and Granddaddy will be coming for a visit!! So we have a lot going on in the next few weeks. I can't believe my baby is going to be 4!! I will be putting some "through the years" pics up by this weekend (as soon as I pull them off the old computer) so be on the lookout. Meanwhile here is a video of Maggie in her squeak shoes and Julia being shy for the camera.........Have a great week.

Happy Anniversary and I am off to NYC!!!

2009-02-25T10:33:00.004-05:00

Here is Julia talking on the phone to Grandmama and Granddaddy!!
Such a grown up little girl!

Maggie is loving the Mardi Gras beads that G and G sent her!!

Well Wyatt and I celebrated our 7 year anniversary on Monday with a much enjoyed date night. We got a sitter and had a nice dinner out!!

I will be jetting off to NYC tomorrow for a girls trip. Wyatt will be handling the girls until Sunday night when I get back. What a trooper.........I know they are going to have a great time with Daddy. I hope to have lots of fun pics to put up from the trip when I get back. For now I will leave you with some videos of the girls.

Julia is talking about her class trip to the moon on Thursday and eating astronaut food and seeing galaxies. And Maggie is dancing!!

Maggie's First Birthday Party

2009-02-17T10:06:00.008-05:00

Maggie had her birthday party on Sunday and it was soo much fun!! We celebrated with friends and cupcakes!

The birthday girl!!

(the shoes squeak when she walks)

The party people!!

(Ana, Alex,Danny,Susie, and Andrew)

Opening presents

A beautiful blanket that Miss Jill made for Maggie.

Big sister helping

Love my Elmo!!
time for cake
yummy!
She loved her cake!

Eating her cake video!

Saying "Mama" and melting my heart!!

Margaret Lynn is turning ONE!!!

2009-02-12T14:09:00.008-05:00

The day she was born........

Home from the hospital and into sister's arms.......

She really was a GREAT baby.......

Soon the smiles started with those precious dimples......

(about 2 months)

Happy Girl.......

(about 4 months)

6 months

I can't believe my baby is ONE!!!!

What a year it has been.....it is hard to believe that it has only been a year since Mags was born. I feel like she has always been in our family. She has defiantly been a great addition. One year ago today my water broke and the crazy waiting game began. Wyatt and I got Julia settled with our neighbor for the night and took off for the hospital. It was soo fun to call everyone to let them know it was time since I did not get to do that with Julia. Once we were checked in at the hospital we got ready for a LONG night. Little did we know just how long it would take to get to 10 cm. My mom actually had time change/rebook her flight and make it to Columbus, take a cab to the hospital, and see me before Maggie arrived. I was soo glad she made it. Nearly 18 hours after getting to the hospital Maggie made her appearance at 1:26 pm on Valentines Day!! I can still remember the excitement and anticipation in the delivery room when she was born and we heard "It's a GIRL!!" And she has dimples!!!!! It was so funny because the nurse had just given me the "lecture" they give all laboring moms about what to expect right when the baby comes out. You know "the baby might not cry right away" "we may have to do this do that......" "the baby might not look very good" blah blah blah....... Julia was 12 days late and looked really grey at birth and (she also had that really bad cone head some babies have at first) did not really cry either so I was ready for anything. Well Maggie was ready to make her debut that is for sure. She came out literally with one hand up by her face and in the air and SCREAMING before her whole body was out of mine. It was crazy!! We laughed at her waving and screaming and her dimples.........it was awesome. Wyatt was soo excited to get home to pick up Jules and bring her to the hospital to meet her baby sister. It really was a great Valentines Day last year. I just can't get over how much she has changed and her little personality is starting to come out and it is so cute. I love watching her learn and discover new things everyday! She is VERY snugly and loving always hugging and giving kisses. She makes the funniest faces and expressions these days. She also has a little temper too! Julia is really the one that brings it out in her the most. But hey she is learning to stand her ground and voice her feelings when Julia upsets her. After all it has been a year and she has put up with a lot from big sis so far. I am thinking this might be the year of the power struggle. Nevertheless I am ready for it. I am excited to see what this next year will bring our way.

Happy Birthday Maggie Moo Moo!! We love you so much and are blessed that you are our daughter and sister. - Mama, Daddy, and Julia

Sanibel Island continued............(read part one first)

2009-02-08T09:03:00.007-05:00

Julia feeding Mags some key lime pie.

YUMMY!!!!

Picking up shells on the beach.

I made it into a picture......notice the scarf and long sleeves......it was a bit chilly!

Julia eating a marshmallow sucker......we were able to meet up with Liz and Ansley on our layover in Orlando on the way down to Sanibel. It was great to see them. Liz had goodie bags for the girls to take with them to the beach and Julia was VERY excited about this sucker. Thanks Liz !! You are the BEST!!

Me and Mags

Maggie's crib for the trip. I hated this metal hospital looking bed for her. It had no bumpers so I made some out of towels.

Key lime pie.....YUM!!!

Our view.

We headed home EARLY Friday morning. It was sad to leave the beach but we were ready to get home and get back on schedule. We had to wake the girls at 4:30 am to head to the airport. After a 30 min flight from Ft Meyers we had a quick layover in Orlando. Julia quickly found a friend to play with at our gate (as there was no shortage of children in the Orlando airport) . Meanwhile I was chatting with the other mom while the girls played at the BIG window watching the planes, coloring, and sitting on the floor. At some point Julia sat up on the small window ledge and Maggie decided to stand up and look out as well. Keep in mind she has been walking for almost a month now and she is getting really good at it but she was also VERY tired/clumsy since we had gotten up so early. She crawled over to the window and pulled herself up to look out. At some point she slipped or her hand missed the ledge and she fell and hit her head on the ledge. I did not see it, though I was 2 feet away I just heard the hit and saw her on the floor. When I scooped her up I was able to see that she hit her head right at the eyebrow. That is when the bleeding started. I took her and started running to Wyatt and handed her off. I totally freaked out. He happened to be at the gate counter getting a tag for the stroller and he had them call from medical to come and look at her eye. Once Maggie calmed down that is when I started crying. Medical came and checked her out and gave up some ointment to put on it and said that since we were headed home to call our doctor at home.

Here is what it looked like 6 hours later at children's urgent care.

My doctor's office sent us there to have it looked at.

"Mom, I am ready to get out of here....it looks like a hospital in here"

They numbed her up with some gel (no shots).

Here she is on the hospital bed waiting to get fully numb.

Sooo tired......what a LONG day.

AFTER: here it is all super glued up and looking much better.

Now we just have to keep her from hitting her head there anytime soon....I am thinking we need a helmet of some sort....

The urgent care facility was really nice and it is a part of Nationwide Children's Hospital. But it was VERY much like a hospital and I would rather not have to go back anytime soon or ever for that matter. It just about killed me to sit in that room with that bed and all that "stuff". I was VERY thankful that we were only there for something minor and there are other kids out there that are not that lucky.