Daddy's Day

People always say they have the best daddy in the world, but I know I have got them beat.  And so does Aubrey. I don't always make all the right choices for Bre, but I sure did make the best choice in who her daddy would be. NO one can compare to Christian. He is an amazing husband, but an even better daddy. It just comes natural to him, and he does it with ease.

 

 

He knows what Aubrey is saying and what she wants even when she makes no sense. He plays with her constantly and will do anything to make sure she is having fun. He is attentive and spends quality time with her. He tells her she's beautiful and so very special. He sings songs to her and reads her book after book. He rocks her to sleep and gives kisses to her bow bows.

 

 Most importantly, he teaches her about Christ's love for her and what it means to live a Godly life. He leads by gentle firmness and guides her in the right direction. He allows her to make her own choices but disciplines her when necessary. And to top it off, he loves her mommy. He displays unending, selfless love to me and that is something Aubrey will carry with her the rest of her life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Having a special relationship with one's daddy is one of life's greatest gifts. I know from experience. My daddy is my rock and my sense of all things solid and right. He knows everything and can fix anything. He does anything for me and will go to the ends of the earth to make sure I'm happy and taken care of. He cooks my favorite dishes and loves to pick up special treats for me. He loves Aubrey and spoils her rotten. He works hard and shows my momma love and respect year after year. He truly is one of a kind.

 

 

 

 

My father in law is just as golden and I am always inspired by his love and dedication. I can easily see why my husband is such an awesome dad...because he learned it by watching his dad. I can't believe I am so lucky to have so many amazing, Godly men in my life. God opened up his "amazing father bucket" and poured it out on me.

 

 

On Father's Day, I can't help but be overwhelmed by God's goodness and faithfulness to me. He is the greatest Father we could ever ask for and He alone is the ultimate Father. I'm forever thankful for His unending love for me.

 

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing men in  my life...thank you for being such men of honor, respect, love and commitment.

 

Christian, thank you for leading our family and being the father my children desperately will need to make it through this life. I know Aubrey will be able to accomplish anything because she will have you by her side. Keep telling her she is beautiful...special and loved.

Beach Time!!

My little sweetie loves nothing more than being outside in her pool (with or without water)! Growing up I was always extremely obsessed with water and the pool. I can remember spending from sun up to sun down at the local pool. I absolutely love that Aubrey loves the water. I'm hoping to get her on a swim team as soon as possible!

 

 

My sis in law's parents own a beach house in Gulf Shores and they invited us down for the weekend. We usually don't take spur of the moment trips because I'm not a spur of the moment kind of gal...but who am I to pass up a weekend at the beach! We are also taking an 8 hour vacation later this summer and kinda wanted to test out how Miss Priss did on a long car ride.

 

I feel terrible for resorting to TV, but sometimes you just have to do what you gotta do. If a DVD player is what it takes to make a trip across a few states, then by golly, that's what I'm gonna do. So we had Barney and Curious George accompany us on our trip.

 

Snacks, milk and Barney make for a smooth road trip!

 

 

 

We had a wonderful time just relaxing and hanging out with my family. Friday evening we walked the beach and visited. Saturday morning we played in the sand and had a picnic at the pool for lunch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet cousins! Doesn't get any cuter than this!

 

 

Saturday evening we had delicious steaks and tuna and then enjoyed visiting with Brandon and Cherith on the patio long after the kids had gone to bed. It was just a perfect weekend. We headed home Sunday afternoon and I even managed to squeeze in a trip to the outlet mall.

 

So thankful for family and the fact that we love to spend time together. Nothing is more special to me than the fact that we consider our siblings our best friends.

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day!

 

Mother's Day and Life

We had a wonderful Mother's Day Weekend. Saturday evening we took my mom out to dinner at J Alexander's and then went to church as a family. Nothing means more to my mom than having her family with her at church.

 

 

My little sweetie gave me some very sweet gifts and I especially loved the new book I got by Harlan Coben, Six Years. I have already finished it...it was that good.

 

 

 On Sunday morning we slept in and just hung out. We went to Las Palmas for lunch. I've been on a Mexican kick lately and cannot seem to get enough of it.

 

Can you tell Aubrey was ecstatic about chips and salsa too! She is totally my daughter...she loves her some cheese dip, chips, rice and chicken!

 

 

We enjoyed our afternoon together, Aubrey napped and I read! After nap we loaded up and went to my mother in laws for bbq dinner. We had a blast hanging out and playing with Emorie and the family.

 

This past week we have been outdoors nonstop. Aubrey is so busy and into everything so it's just safer for everyone if we are outside!

 

 

I adore this picture. She is bossing the ducks around...telling them where she thinks they should go. Isn't she just a doll!

 

 

 We occasionally play indoors and when we do, we play hard. So hard we forget to put our pants on! Baby doll must be feed...no time to get dressed, mom!

 

 

Aubrey loved this car at her cousin's house. She refused to get out for like 30 minutes! She knows she looks good!

 

 

Papa D brings donuts to all his grand babies when he works nights. Aubrey is in heaven savoring the goodness of this donut hole. She ate half a dozen by herself.

 

 

We went to the Brec indoor playground this weekend and Miss Priss was all about the train. She wasn't intimidated by the big kids around...SHE was going to drive the train.

 

 

Fake horsey's are just not as much fun as the real thing. She's really having a blast deep down.

  

 

 Aubrey loves getting into candles and digging out the wax. Notice her Indian paint on her face?!!

 

 

 My little angel is just so sweet. I'm so looking forward to spending the entire summer with her! It's going to be a blast!

 

Country Living

This past weekend we had the opportunity to take a short trip with our best friends. We left on Friday and headed to Woodville, Mississippi for a weekend in the mountains! It was absolutely gorgeous...we felt like we were in the foothills of Tennessee. It was only about an hour and a half away which made it perfect because Aubrey is not exactly a great car rider.

 

I'm dreading our trip to Arkansas in June because she barely made it an hour in the car. After about 40 minutes she started yelling, "Aubrey get out"! Um...not quite dear child!

 

 

There was so many wonderful activities and relaxing things to do. Seeing the horses was a favorite for Aubrey. She didn't want to touch them or ride them, but she was fascinated and wanted to see them constantly. She kept saying, "Horsey" all day. These were the friendliest horses I have ever seen. They were so affectionate and willing to be petted.

 

 

I took Aubrey out on the kayak and she loved it. It was very shallow here so I felt comfortable letting her sit with me. It was so beautiful and relaxing.

 

 

 I absolutely love to fish and this was were you could find me during Aubrey's naptime. I did manage to catch a few! I did almost freak out because I started to sink in the mud and seriously couldn't get out! Notice my mud holes to the left?

 

 

This was the view from the back patio...the family who owns the property owns 1500 acres so all this glorious view belongs to them. I was a little jealous!

 

 

 Me and my sweetie...enjoying an afternoon snack.

 

Here is the main house...isn't it a mansion? It was absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to go back!

 

 

My sweet friend Corrie bought all of the girls these floppy hats and monogrammed our initials on them as a treat! I felt like I should be headed to the Kentucky derby!

 

 

 

Aubrey and Brynlea enjoying a swing and a swig! Aren't they just the cutest!

 

 

Here is a view of the lake.

 

 

Here are my sweeties! Aubrey is doing her duck face and showing off her counting skills!

 

 

It was such a great weekend. Nothing but nature, relaxing and catching up with friends. The only thing that would have made it better was if we could have stayed for a week! Can't wait to make this a yearly tradition!

18 months old...1.5 YEARS OLD!!

My precious monkey is now a year and a half! Lord help me!

 

 

Aubrey Lane you are 18 months old and boy are you a mess! You are talking up a storm and I am constantly amazed at how much you understand and can communicate with me. Your temper tantrums are getting better now that you can tell me what you want more effectively.

You know exactly what you want and are not afraid to voice your sweet opinion. You love to tell me "no". Most answers to any questions will be "no". Aubrey do you want a snack? "No". Aubrey do you want to go to the store? "No". Aubrey do you want a million dollars? "No".

You are sleeping through the night (a good 10-11 hours). You have a nightly routine of taking a bath, putting on jammies, getting a sippy of milk and watching Curious George. We then say prayers and I lay you down for bed around 8:30. You are usually up like clockwork at 7:00. You will stand in your bed and yell, "Aubrey get out"! It's hilarious...although not really at 7:00 in the morning.

You wear anything from 9 months all the way to 18 months. You are still in a size 3 diaper and a size 4 shoe.

You are a tricky eater. One day you will eat great...the next you won't touch anything. You HATE meat. You refuse to eat chicken, pork, steak, etc. You love fruit and anything sweet. You also love pasta and bread. As soon as I think I've figured out what you like...you change your mind on me! One thing I know you love is cheese! You finished off a whole bowl of queso dip at Las Palmas! HAHA!

 

You still hate riding in the car and that is the main source of our tantrums. We keep a spanking spoon near the carseat for dire circumstances. Really getting you to sit in the carseat and eating your food are the only times you get spankings...for the most part you are an easy baby!

You love to be outside...getting muddy, playing in the sprinkler or pool, swinging, riding your bike...that is where you are happiest! I find myself sitting outside with you for hours and we have the best time!

 

You are such a joy Aubrey Lane. You are truly my little buddy and I love that your little personality is shining through. You make me laugh like no one else can and I just love your sweet smile!

Moving Forward

Life moves on. I've learned that no matter what heartache or pain you are dealing with on a personal level...the world around you moves forward. The world does not stop to mourn your pain or halt to embrace your sadness. Perhaps this isn't a bad thing, if life didn't continue on, we might never find the strength to get back in the saddle. 

I'm gonna be honest, these last few weeks have been tough. Dealing with a loss is not something that goes away in a few days. I struggle to find meaning of it all and there are days I just want to stay in bed and cry.

Things are getting better little by little and I am finding strength in the little things. I'm trying to focus on all the millions of blessings I already have instead of the negatives.

Miscarriage is a horrible thing. Losing a child, no matter how young, is a terrible thing for a mother to endure.

My heart breaks for others who have had to walk this road. My heart breaks for moms who have had to bury children that have spent years with them...day after day...how do people move on from that?

I don't know how people make it through tough times without the Lord. He gives me a peace that could only come from my heavenly Father. In my times of grief, I cry out to Him and He always...ALWAYS...gives me peace and comfort.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

My heart is healing...I am moving forward, but my love for my baby will never cease. I'll pick up the pieces and find joy and love again...but a part of me will always be gone.

In the meantime, I'll continue to find joy in the little things...peace in my Saviour and hope in a new tomorrow.

Easter 2013

I love Easter. I love that Spring has arrived and Summer is near. I love crawfish boils, (although I hate crawfish), I love warmer weather, snowballs, and all the wonderful things that comes with April/May.

 

I also love that we have a time dedicated to remembering what the Lord has done for us. The sacrifice He made for us is so great that we will never really comprehend.  We are saved only because of His grace and love. Because He gave His life for me...I can live in freedom. I'm so thankful He died and rose again...so we could live with Him forever.

 

We have had a packed week with Spring Break. Tons of playdates, shopping trips, and outside fun. Aubrey is loving this weather and would prefer to be outside 24/7.

 

I snapped a few pictures of her this morning and am amazed at how big she is getting. Trying to savor each memory with my sweetie. My sweet sis made her Easter basket...isn't is adorable? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh how I love this little sweetie!

 

I was looking back at her pictures because I love to compare...this was her last Easter. She has grown so much. It makes me sad, but I also love this age.

 

 

Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend! Remember that HE is the reason we have something to celebrate.  HE is RISEN!