Favorite Friday

This week's Favorite Friday is favorite car. Not dream car or what I like right now but favorite car memory. Like Favorite Family Car.

Anyway, my favorite car is my Grandpop's car when I was little. I think it was a Thunderbird but if I am wrong I am sure my Mom can correct me. I remember that it had LOTS (in my little eyes) of buttons in the middle between the front two seats. I can remember feeling very special when Grandpop would let me push some of them. Of course, I always feel very special around my Grandpop but right then, in my little eyes, Grandpop thought very much of me to allow me to let me sit and push the buttons in his car. It was one of the most fun things ever!

A Funny

You can call me a dork if you want but this made me laugh so I thought I would share.

The Puppeteer

One of the many many things that I love about my husband is his willingness to always help out others. He will jump in on anything (except leading singing) at church that he is asked. This week we was a puppeteer (this may be too professional of a term for what they did but we are going to go with it) in VBS. He was wonderful. For those of you who don't know, I bet you can't guess which puppet Chris was..

Chris, Thank you for your loving, giving, warm heart. I love you!

Rich

Tonight at worship we had a speaker that talked to us about Christians and finances. We told us about a website wwwglobalrichlist.com where you can put in your income and it will tell you how rich you are compared to the world. It is pretty amazing. I knew I would be a little surprised but I was actually more surprised at where I am than I thought I would be.

Here is what it said about me.
You're in the TOP 0.98%
richest people in the world!
You are the 59,029,289 richest person in the world!

That is so silly to me. (Trust me, I don't make that much.) It is so unbelievable that we are all living in the same world and can all be in such unbelievably different conditions and environments. I think my new prayer is for God to help me remember how blessed I am during times in which I can only think to complain.

Birthday Dress

I forgot that I needed to show you all Hannah's birthday dress that she wore on Sunday after her birthday. Thanks, mom for the balloon barrette that you made. It just makes the dress. (I love how her feet are crossed on her Papa Joe's lap.

I am very thankful for frilly dresses, however, they are not the easiest to deal with in a car seat. Kinda crazy really!

The Real Cake Pictures

Didn't mean to tease you all with just one cake picture. She dug into her cake and I think she loved it!

The Party

I think the pictures speak for themselves. We had a great time. We are so thankful our friends and family could celebrate with us.

The Cake(s)

Hannah turned 1 this weekend. Yes, 1, uno, one... I can not believe it. I wanted to share one of the special things about her birthday.

My very good friend Elizabeth helped Chris and I make some beautiful cakes for Hannah's big day. We saw the flower one in a magazine. Hannah's, however, was just a regular ole round cake but what was so special about it is that Chris was the one who wrote on it. How many little girls will be able to say that their daddy wrote Happy Birthday on their cake for them? I am so proud of my hubby for being such a hands on, wanting to be apart of everything kind of dad.

Favorite Friday

So, it has been a crazy weekend. I know that this is Monday and I am just now getting around to Favorite Friday. Whew, I have been going thru blog withdrawal. So much going on, so much to tell. And then next week I will be on vacation... what will I do????

Anyway, first things first! Last week's Favorite Friday was Favorite Season, in honor of the first day of summer being so recent. I had a hard time with this one. I knew it would not be winter. I like wearing my winter clothes but I only like wearing them once or twice so winter is WAY too long for me. I don't like being cold. There are lots of things I really like about Spring, Summer, and Fall but I think I will have to say, despite the allergies, I like Spring best! Not too hot, not too cold, rain showers, flowers blooming, and summer vacations coming soon!!

Greatest Love Of All

As many of you may know my mom and I lived alone for about 4 years when I was very young. One of the many wonderful memories I have of that time are the songs that we use to share together. The one that was the greatest to me and that my mom really talked to me about was a Whitney Houston song, "Greatest Love Of All." I know it is an oldie but I have really been thinking about that song lately. It is beautiful to me so I thought I would share.

"Greatest Love Of All"
I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be
Everybody searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone to fulfill my needs
A lonely place to be
So I learned to depend on me

[Chorus:]
I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can't take away my dignity
Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be

[Chorus]

And if by chance, that special place
That you've been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love

Family Portrait

Chris, Me, Hannah, & Stanley
What a nice look for us all.
Hannah eating and petting Stanley with her foot.
Stanley making sure Hannah doesn't drop anything.
Chris and I trying to blow up a toy for Hannah to play in at the pool.
This is pretty much a typical day in our household!
Thanks for capturing it, Elizabeth!

Crazy Hair

Once again, Hannah's crazy hair (which I think is absolutely beautiful) returns. Yesterday, we could not get it to stay down very well at all. This is a picture of Hannah and her very good friend Chloe all dressed up to go to worship. Hannah was not having that bow in her hair! (Doesn't Chloe look so cute! Hannah and I are biding on that jumper as a hand me down!) Finally we got that bow in. That managed it a little. But then, that afternoon, Chris took Hannah to the pool. Look at that after-pool hair!! WOW! Talk about Crazy Hair! I wouldn't have it any other way. Hope Hannah's crazy hair gave you a few chuckles and smiles!

Illegal

Today we did something illegal. The law states that the child can not turn around and face forward in the car until they are 1 year old AND at least 20 pounds. Today, we put Hannah in a new car seat facing forward. She is 21 pounds as of the last doctor's appointment but she will not be 1 for another week. Shame Shame on us. In these pictures she does not look happy. The unhappiness does not have much to do with the car seat and a lot to do with Mommy and Daddy putting her in there and taking a picture instead of moving. Once we got moving she was much more happy. I can not believe our baby is growing up!! (Thanks David and Tonya for handing down that car seat!)

All By Myself

I bought a car this weekend. All By Myself. I have never done that before. I love what we got and Chris says he is very pleased with my choice. The Saturn Aura is our new home on wheels. (Chris and I are bad about living out of our car sometimes.)

Opera

My dad sent me this email to a link that has a really neat video on it. It is just amazing. It does not matter if you like opera or not even though it does have something to do with opera. It is a clip from the TV show Britain's Got Talent. Just watch!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lF0JgbC2IxE

Favorite Friday

My Favorite Thing about my Hubby being a Daddy. His look. The new found piece of his heart, he never knew was there, that is meant for only his children. He is amazing at caring for her, showing his love for her, hugging and kissing her, teaching her about God, and showing her what a Christian Man "looks" like.

This picture is right after Hannah was born (in case you can't tell). It is the first time that the look of his love for his daughter was captured. Isn't it beautiful?

Thank you, Chris, for being the absolute best Daddy to our daughter.

I love you and Hannah loves you.

Times When You Remember

Have you ever had one of those times where you suddenly remember something that you forgot about or haven't thought of in a while? Some childhood memory or something? And you seem to remember it at the oddest of times? Well, let me tell you what happened to me today.

Rewind, first, and let me tell you about my 3rd grade teacher. I loved her. She was my favorite teacher ever. Her name was Mrs. Cathy. I don't think I will ever forget her. I actually wish I knew where she was now. I think I would like to visit her. Anyway, she was a beautiful black woman and was so nice to us, we all loved her very much. One of the weird things I remember about her is that she had corns of her toes and would wear those pads on her toes all the time. (I think they are called corns).

Whatever they were called.... Today I was in the stall in the bathroom at work and someone was right beside me. I glanced over and saw her feet. It was a black woman with corns on her toes. I know this may sound gross or weird and maybe it is but I actually smiled because it reminded me and made me think of Mrs. Cathy.

I am thankful for memories and wonderful people who touch our lives forever.

Fruit of the Spirit

Ever notice that it says the Fruit of the Spirit is, not the fruits of the Spirit are???
I am thankful for the Fruit of the Spirit. I hope that my children know and want the Fruit of the Spirit too.

Galatians 5:16-26 (New International Version)
16 So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. 19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Our Mrs Elizabeth

Hannah sure does love her Mrs. Elizabeth. She lets her eat her Macaroni and Cheese with her hands. (Hannah's Mommy and Daddy let her do that too!) But it is definitely very fun when Mrs. Elizabeth lets her. Thank you Mrs. Elizabeth and Chloe for letting Hannah hang out with you for a couple of days!!

Who DOES she look like?

One of the funniest things to me is that everyone immediately wants to pin who your baby looks like. I understand it to a point and I think of it too. However, I mostly like thinking of Hannah as just looking like Hannah. I had to share these pictures, though. I think she may have gotten her crazy hair from her Mommy. I am sorry, Hannah.

The ones of Hannah were of her at about 10 months old or a little older. The ones of me were from my first birthday party. Notice the crazy hair we both have. Thanks, mom for forwarding this to me to be sure I can take credit for that fly away hair on the corner of her head.

Tickle Spot

Ever have that one person who just really knows where your tickle spot is? Well, Hannah loves that her Daddy knows where her tickle spot is. They have so much fun.

Favorite Friday

Today's Favorite Friday is Favorite Drink. My favorite every day drink is Diet Coke. I actually prefer a fountain drink rather than a can or bottle or even 2 liter. I definitely drink it too much.

However, my favorite drink for fun every once in a while is a Sonic Straw

berry Fresh Fruit Slush. It is made with real, and fresh strawberries. Yummy!

100 Things about Me!

Part Three

71. I can not change the sheet on Hannah's bed. Really. Can NOT do it!
72. I really enjoy taking pictures. Just every day pictures, not just on special occasions.
73. I get very hyper if I think I am going to be late. I just might hate being late.
74. Hate is a strong word. I try not to use it often, if ever.
75. When I am being rushed, I am not a fun person to be around, and I can rarely make decisions.
76. I eat a bowl of Cheerios just about every morning. (Sometimes I don't have time because I woke up late.)
77. I have a lot of unfinished projects in my house.
78. I still like sending and receiving snail mail.
79. I hardly ever, if ever, have to take out the trash. Chris always does it.
80. I am really not fond of cleaning floors. Any floors. Carpet. Hardwood. Tile. Whatever.
81. I think the worst part of unloading the dishwasher is the silverware.
82. Since Hannah has been born, I feel exhausted on a regular basis. I didn't feel that way very often before.
83. I can not figure out a way or a time to exercise, even though I really really want to.
84. I have taken some advice from a close friend who said that you should be careful to say "I can't wait until..." when talking about your children. I feel this was great advice and has helped me to enjoy more than I might have otherwise.
85. I like Disney Movies.
86. I use to collect miniature tea sets.
87. When I am sitting at my desk at work, I take my shoes off.
88. I enjoy peaceful nights outside.
89. I long to be beside my husband all the time.
90. Since Chris and I work in the same place, I hardly ever drive anywhere anymore.
91. I am not sure we should worship, be baptized, or anything for God because we want to go to heaven. I think we should long for a relationship with God and want to follow His word because He is who we love and who gave us all we have, including His Son to die on the cross for our sins, AND then an added bonus to that is heaven. I struggle to be sure my worship is not for selfish reasons.
92. I enjoy showing love.
93. I enjoy my life.
94. I hardly ever listen to music unless I am in the car.
95. I lived in West Virginia for 4 months of my life. I did not have a good time.
96. I had a close friend die in a car accident when I was a junior in high school. Her picture is up in my home. I think of her often.
97. I think I would love Niagara Falls. I have never been.
98. I like tradition.
99. I like to know what is coming next. I am OK with routine.
100.I am thankful to Haley for challenging me to do this. It was a little hard actually putting some of them out there for all to see.

Here it is.... I agree with Haley, I think we should all do this!!! Go for it!

100 Things about Me!

Part Two

36. Even though I do it, I really don't like wearing my seat belt in the car. It is very uncomfortable to me.
37. I really love the congregation that Chris and I worship with right now.
38. If I had the time I would really like playing a game of spades every day.
39. I really like to play board games.
40. I am a dog person. Not a cat person.
41. I am a hugger and a cuddler.
42. I am sad that Hannah will not grow up watching Sesame Street every day.
43. I am addicted to blogging. I call it my lazy way of doing a scrap book.
44. I try to be a closet picky eater but I think more people know I am picky than I think.
45. I will teach my children that Chris is their hero because he is also mine.
46. I can not swim.
47. I like to travel but I stress about it beforehand.
48. I am actually more sensitive than I like to think I am.
49. I like math.
50. I like playing Sudoku.
51. I believe that looking at the brighter side of things, even if others call you naive, is usually the best way to get thru life.
52. Because of #51 I may get disappointed in humans more than I should.
53. I believe boys and girls really can be just friends.
54. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for our sins, rose on the third day, and is the living son of God.
55. I like blue blow pops better than any other color.
56. I make up words when I can not think of something I want to say quick enough. I usually still communicate the same thought.
57. I am thankful for my loving patient husband.
58. I believe, as Christians, sharing is one of the things we should try to do most often.
59. I often wonder what the world would be like if Christians gave the same % of time as they do their money to God. Imagine a movement to tithe your time. Can you imagine?
60. I don't like to be scared. Therefore, I don't watch scary movies.
61. That also means I don't watch the news.
62. For years, I watched the weather channel every morning.
63. I think I want 4 children. We will see if I still feel this way after two.
64. I say pill and peel the same way. I say fill and feel the same way. I say pitcher and picture the same way.
65. I lost my bottom retainer after I got my braces off at least 8 times. (Mom and Dad only paid for one replacement.)
66. I am scared about sending Hannah to school. Public, private, or home schools. (even thought I have about 5 years before I have to do this)
67. I am afraid I don't read to Hannah enough.
68. I am proud of my career.
69. I am proud of my husband's career.
70. I miss watching the Smurfs.

This 35 was harder to get thru.
I will have to think again before I can get the last 30.
I promise, I will get there.
Everyone who has a blog and has not done this yet, you need to start thinking. I will be challenging you to do this once I have completed it. Get Ready.

100 Things about Me!

Alright, Haley, here I go. I told you I was up for the challenge to state 100 things about me. I have vowed to myself to get at least 25 of the 100 things about me done tonight. I feel like this is going to be harder than I think so I am starting with baby steps.

1. I am a Christian.
2. I like Doritos way too much.
3. I wish we had more words in the English language for love. There should be a medium between like and love. In that medium is where Doritos would be.
4. I have decided to be a proud Working Mom.
5. I admire and look up to Moms that have chosen to stay home with their children.
6. I love that my best friend is my husband.
7. I strive to be the kind of Christian woman my mother is.
8. I love to hear my Grandpop preach.
9. I have never smoked a cigarette. (Haley helped me think of that one.)
10. I graduated with a bachelor of science degree in Business Management and minored in Organizational Communication.
11. I love to look at Hannah.
12. I miss Carolina Bible Camp but I know if I went back it wouldn't be the same as I remember.
13. I wish I was disciplined enough to get up every day in time to do my hair, instead of going with the ponytail so often.
14. I like to lay out and be tan, even knowing the dangers.
15. I like Diet Coke way too much.
16. I don't like the taste of water.
17. I have never been drunk. Thank goodness.
18. I worry.
19. I don't give enough of my worries to God.
20. I fear.
21. I need to replace my fears with God. (I am working on this.)
22. I think my husband has made me laugh every day of my life since we started dating. Really, every day. He is amazing.
23. At night I pray for my children and my children's children.
24. I secretly like R&B music. Not the gross hard rap stuff. R&B.
25. I think two of the hardest jobs on earth are jobs that you don't get paid for. Being an elder. And being a parent.
26. I don't like to use the words conservative and liberal because I don't feel like I really know what they mean.
27. I enjoy shopping for clothes.
28. I can not motivate myself to loose weight even though I really need to.
29. I think I have the best dentist in the world.
30. I wish I had the eye for decorating the way my Mom does.
31. I don't read my Bible every day. I should. I am working on this.
32. I have only been an avid reader for about 4 or 5 years.
33. I think women should read every one of Nicholas Spark's books.
34. I wish I was athletic.
35. I really really want to visit Seattle, Washington. Never been.

OK, so I did 10 more than I thought I would.
I will be back tomorrow.
Sorry that I have to cheat and break it up.

10 Months of Girly Bliss

For the first 10 months of her life Hannah let us put hats on her and bows in her hair and she just left them. She did not seem to think anything of it. However, in the last month to month and a half, this has not been the case. She actually does not seem to mind that something is on her head, it is just that she actually wants to see what is there so she fishes around her hair until she finds it, very calmly pulls it off her head, examines it thoroughly, and hands it back to me or Chris. This morning, I was so hoping the hat would stay on, and then if not the bow would stay in. Unfortunately, Hannah would not have it. However, I must give mad props to Chris for tricking her into keeping it in once we got to the church building. Very Good, Bubba!
(By the way, please notice in the back ground our new storm door!!)

Sippy Cups

Chris and I (mainly I) have been a little worried because Hannah has not been very happy about going from bottles to sippy cups. We were so excited today because Hannah decided today was the day that she thought sippy cups were cool and drank LOTS out of it all day. Yippeeee! We are transitioning!! FINALLY!

Favorite Friday

Today's Favorite Friday is Favorite Flower.
I am having a hard time deciding between the Gerber Daisy and the Tulip but I have decided on the Tulip especially purple tulips. Those are the flowers that Chris gave me the first time he gave me flowers. I just think they are beautiful. If we had had a spring wedding instead of a summer wedding I think I would have spent all the money in the budget on Tulips!!!! (Luckily, I got Gerber Daisies which I love also.)
Sorry, I got off the subject. Bottom Line... Tulips are my favorite flower.

Last Weekend

I have to mention another wonderful thing about the wedding last weekend. The wedding was for Chris' best friend's brother. So, Hannah got to spend a little time with her Uncle Andrew. Hannah and Uncle Andrew have a very special relationship. Unfortunately, it is usually via mail because we live so far away from each other but that is OK. Hannah will always know who her Uncle Andrew is no matter how far apart they are. The ones of them together are from last Sunday when he took a break from the wedding festivities to visit us for a moment. The one of Hannah and Ariel is her tonight, getting tired, and loving on her Ariel that her Uncle Andrew gave to her.

Thanks Uncle Andrew for taking the time to play for a moment with your busy wedding weekend. Chris, Hannah, and I love you.