The Culpeppers

Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend! ;)

2010-03-22T16:41:00.005-05:00

Katie Grace has been driving me crazy for about a year to get her ears pierced so as her treat for being so brave about her surgery we let her get them done. Now truth be told I really wanted to wait but I thought ears for ears was a cute and fun idea and right up this prissy girls alley! We went to Claire's at Dogwood in Flowood and they were very nice and did a great job. Here are some pics :) I LOVE these! She did great and is very proud of her "diamonds"!

(The last picture of sweet un-pierced ears!)

One very happy little girl!

Let's Play Ball!

2010-03-22T16:37:00.003-05:00

Myles went to his first baseball practice of the year today! I love baseball and I love to see my favorite boy play!

Myles' First Deer!

2010-03-22T13:35:00.003-05:00

Myles turned 10 in August and boy has it been an exciting year for him! I think he would say the highlight being his first deer and boy it sure was a nice one! The first day of the season he gets a 5 point! This was also the first time he shot his new rifle. Lan went with him and I don't know which one was more excited. My friend Chad set him up on a stand on his land that's right beside ours and just before sunset this deer walks right out in a field and Myles got him! I'm so proud of this sweet boy... he is such a blessing :)

Follow Up!

2010-03-22T10:39:00.005-05:00

Katie Grace made it through surgery with flying colors! She was great through the whole experience and we couldn't have asked for more. God is so good and her attitude helped us feel better too! Thank you all so much for your prayers, texts, phone calls! We felt them all! God has RICHLY blessed us and I pray that we can show others His love.

We went back to Jackson a little over a week ago for he follow up appointment. The doctor says everything looks good and we will go back April 8 for her first hearing test since surgery. I feel that her hearing will return and I can't wait to share this great news with all of you! Whatever the outcome is though we are still thankful!

Katie Grace and I did enjoy a yummy lunch and I just have to share my new find with you! A friend suggested we go to the Mississippi Museum of Art for lunch at The Pallet Cafe' by Viking and it was DELISH! I'll try to add the links for you but please try it out the next time you're in Jackson and want to try something great and a little different. The big plus for me was all in the presentation! They served our food on my very favorite McCarty Pottery!!

(The Plantation Sandwich- Smoked turkey and asparagus between cornbread topped with hollandaise sauce and crumbled bacon with a side of yummy mac and cheese!)

Oscar Night!

2010-03-10T13:30:00.003-06:00

Oscar night at our house is a tradition... Every year Lan treats that night like it's the Super Bowl and wants to eat like it's game night! This year I didn't go all out but I did fix his favorite (rotel). I have to say I love the tradition myself :) We're not huge fans of the Oscars but I'm in it for the fashion. So here is my version of the hits and the misses and boy were there some misses this year!

HITS!

Sandra was STUNNING!

Jennifer's dress was beautiful!

I know I know I can't believe I like it but I just do!

Cameron looked prettier than I have seen her look in many years! She usually is to messy looking and I just hate it but she's redeemed herself!

This is just sleek and pretty!

Misses!!!

I can't even begin! With all of her money and people at her disposal couldn't someone help!

She's so beautiful and this dress is just... BAD!

The Queen of Fashion has fallen!!!

Faith! What were you thinking?!

Some might protest but I hate this! It is two different dresses! Both would have been great separately but not together!!

There you have it.. My two cents for what they're worth ;)

Please pray for our Katie Grace

2010-02-24T15:32:00.005-06:00

Recently we discovered that Katie Grace has lost hearing in her right ear. The fact is that it is amazing because we don't know when, why or how and she has no other issues that go along with hearing loss. I took her to UMC yesterday to see Dr. Eby and she is now scheduled for surgery March 4 at UMC. God is so good and as it turns out a sweet friend is Dr. Eby's nurse. This really helped my feelings about the whole situation, funny how a familiar face can be such comfort. The surgery is exploratory with a possible stapedectomy. He feels like it is caused by a problem with one of the tiny bones behind her ear drum but won't know for sure until they get in there and see. The GREAT news is that there is a 90% success rate with this procedure! Please just pray for her to keep her upbeat spirit and for the doctor and nurses surrounding the surgery. Katie Grace has been wonderful and really taken this as something new and different about herself. Gotta love her!!

Back to Blogging!!!

2010-02-24T15:26:00.003-06:00

After a very long time away I'm making a COME BACK!! I can't believe I've been such a slacker... I thought with the purchase of a new fun computer I would do better but NO! I've been nothing more than a blog stalker for the past year :) I promise to try to do much better and be much more interesting.... Stay tuned!

Slowly but surely!

2009-05-06T11:29:00.004-05:00

I am so upset with myself for falling this far behind in posting! We have been really busy with school, activities and then came tax season.... Needless to say the blog has suffered and now hopefully I can get caught up!

One of the major setbacks included our computer being attack by a virus! We had had a hard time with it and finally broke down and bought a new computer. Not just because of the virus but our Dell had also seen better days : ) We did lots of research and ended up with our new iMac! I LOVE this computer!!! I am having a little trouble learning how to use it but WOW is it amazing!

Thank you to Lan for working so hard during tax season! We missed you and are VERY glad to have you home and see you more than an hour or two a day!

Way Behind.....

2008-12-21T09:51:00.003-06:00

I am so far behind on my blogging I wonder if I will ever catch up! I PROMISE (to those of you who really follow our blog) that I will work on it ASAP. WOW, November and December have been busy. We seem to be busier this year than any other and I'm so ready for things to slow down. I want to be able to sit down with Lan and the kids, watch Christmas movies and know that everything is finished.

Hot Pineapple and Cheese Caserole

2008-11-17T17:55:00.026-06:00

By request I am posting this wonderful recipe! This casserole is on my menu every Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is my mother and brother-in-laws favorite!

Hot Pineapple and Cheese

3 (20 oz.) cans of pineapple tidbits, drain and reserve juice

1 1/2 cups of sugar

9 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour

4 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

Topping:

1/4 cup butter

1 sleeve of Ritz crackers

1/4 cup of sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Combine 9 Tablespoons of pineapple juice, sugar and flour. Add cheese and pineapple chunks. Mix well. Pour into a lightly buttered 9x13 baking dish. In a small bowl melt butter and add crushed crackers and sugar. Place on top of pineapple mixture. Bake uncovered 45 minutes.

Blessings...

2008-11-16T21:54:00.003-06:00

Tonight at church we celebrated with a Blessings Banquet. We all brought a covered dish or dessert (gotta love the south) and shared some really great food! After we ate the children went upstairs for lots of fun in the gym and we gathered around to hear testimony about some blessing of members of our church this past year. Amazing! We are all so very different, each with a different story but such a great love of our church and our church family. I am so thankful for my FBC family!!!

Our favorite tree...

2008-11-14T16:57:00.004-06:00

Lan and I have lived in our house for a little over 9 years now and every year in the Fall we get so much joy out of this one tree in our yard. For a few weeks it gives us this amazing display of color! We live in the house his dad grew up in and his grandparents had a great love of nature and we still get to enjoy the treasures they left behind...

Pinewood Derby!

2008-11-14T16:47:00.003-06:00

The RA's at church held their annual Pinewood Derby race this past Wednesday night. Lan helped Myles build his car and painted it like Ironman. He always looks so forward to this race! Every year they do a different theme and he and Lan works really hard to make it look just the way Myles wants it to. I think the dad's get into it just as much as the boys! Myles didn't place this year but made us so proud because he really is a great sport about loosing. He cheered for everyone. I told him sometimes it's better to be a good looser than a winner. I am so proud to be this little boys mother!

High School Musical 3

2008-11-12T20:33:00.004-06:00

Katie Grace and I had a movie date and went to see High School Musical 3! We loved it! I'm so glad that there are still good movies being made for our children in a time when so JUNK is out there. I loved musicals growing up and I'm so happy to have a little one that watch them with me! At least my little man and I do share a love of Harry Potter!

Trick-or-Treat!

2008-11-12T20:19:00.005-06:00

We had SO much fun Halloween night!!! The weather was cool and the children were both so happy and excited! In years past we have gone to Eagle Point in Meridian trick-or-treating but this year we decided to change things up and go to a neighborhood very close to our street. Great decision! We ended up running into Matt and Meredith with Molly Katherine and Wes which turned out to be so fun for all of us! I can't tell you how many houses we went to but it was GREAT and they all loaded up on plenty of sugar!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-12T13:51:00.006-06:00

We started off the night loading up on candy at G and Duddie's! We always make it our first stop and the kids load up on their favorites since they are the only trick-or-treaters that they see!

Before you look at these pics and begin to wonder if we've lost our minds, let me explain! Lan's grandfather Leland was born on Halloween and LOVED to celebrate the holiday! Every year since he passed away we take a pumpkin out to the cemetery for him. This year the kids found these things (I forget what there called but grew up loving to blow on them). The cemetery was covered in them and they ran around grabbing as many as they could find! I know it sounds crazy but Leland would have loved it!!!

Halloween with the Maloney's!

2008-11-12T13:37:00.005-06:00

The Moloney's hosted a great party the Tuesday before Halloween! The kids had a wonderful time and so did the adults!

(Myles and Katie Grace)

(Seth and Myles)

(Katie Grace and Baker)

The Oldest Child...

2008-11-04T19:02:00.004-06:00

Meet our third child. I know he looks a bit long in the tooth to be a kid but believe me when I say he REALLY fits in. I have to joke with him! This is Brad, Jonda's husband and our brother-in-law. He is so great with our babies! They love him to death and he loves them! He has been a really great help when I need him and they love getting to spend time with he and Jonda. As you can see from these great pictures he really knows how to have fun!

The Day After...

2008-11-04T18:45:00.003-06:00

Sunday after church we brought the kids out to play on the slide and jumpy before the company came out to pick them up. FUN!!! Jonda and Brad came and brought their dogs, G and Duddie even joined in on the fun! I made a pot of chili with Mexican cornbread and mummy dogs for us to eat after everyone came inside. These are some of the GREAT pictures I got. G got to the top of the slide and panicked! When we finally talked her down she realized how much fun it was and went down a few more times. I wish I had room to post all of the pictures!

Cousins!

2008-11-04T18:32:00.007-06:00

Lan and Jonda's cousin Kerry and her family were able to come and join us at the hayride. We had a fun being able to visit and have some fun with them. They have a boy (Will) and a girl (Shannon) that are very close in age with Myles and Katie Grace. Mine both love when their "cousins" come to visit! I think it's wonderful that family is already so important to them.

(Will, Myles, Shannon and Katie Grace)

( Jonda, Lan, Me, Jerry, Kerry, Will, Myles, Katie Grace and Shannon)

FBC Hayride

2008-11-04T18:09:00.004-06:00

Lan's mom and dad (G and Duddie) hosted the hayride for the children of our church on the 25th. Abby Dennis is our Children's Director and does a fantastic job getting everything set up and organized. We had GREAT food, fun and fellowship! Here are just a few of the pictures I was able to get.

(Katie Grace)

(Myles)

(Brad and Jonda)

(Kristen vs. Ms. Abby)

(Edie, Isabell and Trey)

(Greg, Kathryn, Annie and Hays)

(Neil, Amanda and Parker)

(Walt, Regan and McLain)

Nervous Blogging!!!

2008-11-04T17:54:00.003-06:00

I'm so nervous about election night that all I can do is sit here and catch up on my blog!!! Truly I am on pins and needles! Lan just walked in from "tax school" in Jackson learning about the changes for this year and he said that the election was all people were talking about. So, I'll listen to the T.V. and type feverishly!

This buds for you!

2008-10-21T20:20:00.003-05:00

Our brother-in-law, Brad works for Budweiser in Meridian. This afternoon they celebrated the completion of their new warehouse and office spaces. Haley Barbour was invited and Lan was so excited to meet him and have his picture taken. They also had Kasey Kane's car there for people to see.

City deer!

2008-10-16T19:11:00.004-05:00

Over the years we have seen lots of deer in our backyard but never in the front until last weekend! The amazing part of this (for those of you who don't know) is that we live on probably the busiest street in Meridian. Myles was in New Orleans with Brad at the Saints game (pics to come) so Lan, Katie Grace and I watched as this little one ate persimmons off the tree in the front yard. He is so cute and I am panicked thinking of him getting out in the street!

Emerald Mound

2008-10-16T18:56:00.003-05:00

One of our stops was to Emerald Mound. It is the second largest ceremonial mound in the United States. The mound was used from 1250-1600 A.D. by ancestors of the Natchez Indians. The mound was abandoned in the 1600's when the Natchez moved further south. It is 35 ft high and 770 ft. long and 435 ft. wide. Not one of my favorite stops but neat to think how in the world this was constructed.

The Ruins of Windsor...

2008-10-16T17:25:00.003-05:00

Probably the most haunting spot I've ever seen. The ruins of what was Windsor Plantation are located off Hwy 61 South of Port Gibson. Lan really loves this place and I do too. The Coffee family began construction of this beautiful home in 1859 and it was completed in 1861. Mr. Coffee only lived for 4 weeks after the house was finished. During the war it was used as a Union hospital. After the war the home played host to many wonderful parties until February of 1890. A guest at a party left a cigarette on the 3rd floor and the house caught fire and burned to the ground. All that is left of the house are 23 of its 29 (forty-five foot) Corinthian columns, some ironwork and the iron staircase which now resides at Alcorn University.

Longwood...

2008-10-16T16:26:00.004-05:00

Longwood is probably one of my favorite homes. The Nutt's began building the house in 1960 but work halted when the war began. The workers were all from the north and feared for their lives if they stayed. The ground floor was the only one that was finished and that is where the family lived. After the war the Nutt's were bankrupt and could not afford to complete the work and he died a few years later. Mrs. Nutt lived in the house until she died. The house would have been 30,000 square feet if completed! The story of this family is very interesting. I guess the thought of what could have been is the most haunting part of Longwood.

Dunleith Plantation

2008-10-16T16:16:00.003-05:00

(Lan on the porch waiting for our tour.)

(I took this on for Lan's dad.)

Lan and I went on a couple of tours while we were in Natchez. One house we saw was Dunleith Plantation. Dunleith was built in 1856 by the Carpenter family. This home plays host to weddings and has a really good restaurant (from what I hear).

Sunset...

2008-10-16T16:05:00.004-05:00

This was the view from our balcony at The Briar's! Look at the majesty of our Lord!

The Briar's!

2008-10-16T14:14:00.007-05:00

This is the beautiful B&B we stayed at! I fell in love with these bunnies and Henry who served us breakfast every morning! I highly recommend Henry and The Briar's!!!

My Sweet Husband!

2008-10-16T13:48:00.005-05:00

They next few post are some of the pictures that I took on our anniversary trip. Lan planned everything all by himself. I had said that all I wanted to do was just spend some time together, relax and have fun. Bless him he came through in a big way! He put so much thought into everything! Our anniversary is September 26th and that night we stayed at The Century House. Lan's dad owned this house and he lived there for 6 years and we lived there the first year of our marriage. His dad sold the house and the owners turned it into a beautiful bed & breakfast. This was really special! We also went to The Rustler that night for supper (one of my faves)! The next morning we got up and headed to Natchez where he booked us a room at a beautiful B&B, The Briar's!

Here is a picture of the beautiful and delicious cake Carolyn Wilkinson made us! Lan said we needed cake at least once a month!

Katie Grace and Seth...

2008-10-16T13:20:00.003-05:00

This is another one of those entries I should have done weeks ago! Katie Grace came home the first day of school talking about this little boy that she wanted to spend the night with! As you can imagine her daddy was fit to be tied! The whole week all she talked about was Seth and how he wanted her to come over and play and then spend the night. I had never heard of Seth or his family (they were new to Meridian) and tried to explain to my crying child that I wasn't about to invite her to someones house! This went on for 2 weeks and then one day she came home with a note from her teacher explaining that Seth's mom wanted to get in touch with us about a play date. Praise the Lord, the child had been crying everyday after school for 2 weeks! Anyway... We got these children together and I got to met Jennifer and Greg and they are wonderful! Jennifer is just one of these great people that you take to immediately or at least I did! She and Greg are from Houston and moved to Meridian in July. These are some pics I got at Seth's birthday party a few weeks ago. He and Katie Grace have the funniest relationship! They are both very head strong but for some reason Seth lets her boss him around and does everything she says! I don't think it's funny because I don't want her to think she can just run over her friend but Jennifer thinks it's great because Seth just lets her do it! They really do get along so well and Katie Grace loves him to death!

Culpepper & Henry Sleepover!

2008-10-16T13:05:00.004-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since I posted anything! I am so bad about putting off until I'm about 10 blog entries behind! These are some great pics that Jonda took one night when they let Myles, Katie Grace, Anna Kate and Parker spend the night. My two would stay every other night if they would let them! They all had a lot of fun and love to rock out to Rock Band! Jonda and Brad are great to let these four come and take over for the night!

Life's been kinda busy!

2008-10-01T09:36:00.004-05:00

Lan and I got back Monday from our anniversary trip! Things have been so crazy I haven't had time to download or post any of the wonderful pictures that I took. We've had soccer, gymnastics and birthday parties all in a matter of two days and today I'm working on all of the house cleaning I've been putting off. Anyway I promise to share pictures ASAP!!!

Tenth Anniversay!!!

2008-09-26T08:23:00.009-05:00

Today Lan and I are celebrating ten years together! We have packed so much life into those ten years! We've really lived up to the vows we said to one another and are so grateful for every moment. There have been good times and bad, sickness and health but through it all God watched over us and continues to test us and bless us greatly. Thank you Lan, I love you!

The Emperor's New Clothes

2008-09-17T14:06:00.006-05:00

The fourth grade at Lamar presented "The Emperor's New Clothes" today and it was wonderful. You could tell everyone put in loads of hard work and it really paid off! The music was great, the songs were so funny and the costumes were really cute! Thanks so much to Mrs. Mueller, Ms. Ousley and Mrs. Chesney for all you did to help these children put on a GREAT play!!!

Rainy Day Fun!

2008-09-15T15:56:00.002-05:00

You know sometimes it's great to just let children be children! Sunday was Lan's dads 63rd birthday. We stopped at G and Duddie's on the way home from Hazlehurst wish him a happy birthday and show off the snake! While we were visiting on the porch Myles and Katie Grace decided to race up the hill and when the rain started they just kept going! It's fun to be a kid!!!

Mary-Margaret Woods

2008-09-15T15:47:00.002-05:00

Saturday night we went to Jennifer and Chad's to watch the MSU vs. Auburn game. Zack was spending the night with Jennifer's mom (Ms. Lou) and Nanny kept Myles and Katie Grace. We had so much fun just getting to have a night out and spending some time with them. Mary-Margaret stayed with us and she is just the best baby. I was able to get some really cut pictures of her. We have been so blessed with these precious children!

The Lonesome Dove!

2008-09-15T11:32:00.003-05:00

Lan and Myles went dove hunting while we were home and this is the only dove they came home with. Bless their hearts the wind was gusting up to 40 miles an hour because of Ike! Myles really had fun and thinks Lan is the hero of the weekend! A rattlesnake and a dove! We love this boy to death!

On the way to Wal-Mart...

2008-09-15T11:10:00.004-05:00

We spent this past weekend in Hazlehurst. Saturday morning Lan went outside to move some stuff out of my front seat so Nanny and I could go to Wal-Mart. I came outside stood at the back of my car and was about to get in when Nanny came out and said "snake". A rattlesnake was right at my car door! I never saw him or heard him. Lan went inside and got his shot gun and blew his head off! First shot, I was so proud of him!

Thankfully the children were inside and God had place my grandmother right there to warn me! The thought of that snake sends chills all over! The funniest thing is Lan cut his rattles of wrapped him in garbage bags and put him in the deep freeze so we could bring him home for his Uncle Buddy to skin! Can you imagine, right next to the peas and butter beans!

Bowling!

2008-09-09T17:51:00.003-05:00

(Ms. Abby!!!)

I left out one of my posts!!! I am so stinking crazy! The Sunday night after Myles' party our church had a bowling party for all of the children. We had fifty kids to show up and they had the best time! Abby Dennis is our Children's Minister and has the best ideas for our kids. They stay busy, learn about Christ and have so much fun doing it!

Regan's Baby Shower!

2008-09-09T17:36:00.004-05:00

(Genie, Enley, Kathryn, Christina, Regan, Me, Melinda, Amanda and Shea)

This past Sunday I helped to host a baby shower for my friend Regan. She and Walt are having a baby boy and big sis McLain is so excited! She got so many great and beautiful things! She even shed a few tears. We are all so happy for them and can't wait to meet Griff!

SAVE BIG!!!

2008-09-09T17:31:00.003-05:00

My funny friend Shea is having trouble with her beautiful Mercedes and this is the lovely loner they gave her! I had to take these pictures... The car wouldn't be SO bad if they would at least let her remove the "Save Big"! This was Shea as she drove up to our Friday morning breakfast with some of our friends. I just couldn't resist!

Soccer on Saturday!

2008-09-09T17:23:00.003-05:00

Saturday they both had games at the same time but thankfully at the same complex! Lan and I ran enbetween field watching them both!

Soccer Practice

2008-09-09T17:19:00.003-05:00

On the same day ballet started we had soccer right after! I took Katie Grace and Lan took Myles to his. I had the camera!

Ballet Begins...

2008-09-09T17:10:00.004-05:00

Year three of dance has started and our little ballerina was SO excited for the first day! Most of her dance friends don't go to Lamar so she loves being able to see them every Thursday! These girls are so sweet and I just love watching them as they are growing up to be such sweet young ladies!

Family Party!

2008-09-09T16:57:00.005-05:00

Since we weren't allowed at the boy party we got together with G, Duddie, Jonda and Brad on the actual day of his birth! We went out to G and Duddie's for supper, cake and ice cream. He got some wonderful presents from family and friends and had such a good day!

Credit for the cake goes to Lan! He called, ordered and picked up! The cake was quite delish!!! I was sad when the last of it was gone and I'm craving more!

Myles' Funny Friend!

2008-09-09T16:40:00.005-05:00

Myles is so blessed with such great friends. He is the type of kid that is laid back and doesn't really have a problem with anyone. As his parent's we love knowing he can get along and find friends in lots of groups. I guess I'm saying he is well rounded, a real boys boy but sensitive too!

One of his friend, Branson, CRACKS me up! He has the funniest laugh and is completely chill!

He has the best manners (not that the others don't) and is so respectful. Snaps to Chad and Sherry! I added a picture of Sherry's awesome present idea. I would have never thought of this and I consider myself to be pretty crafty!

Myles Culpepper Turns 9!!!

2008-09-09T16:25:00.008-05:00

( Caden, Zack, Branson and Myles)

(Branson and Myles)

(Aren't they sweet!)

My baby boy turned 9 on August 26th! Last year in the single digits... I feel like he just came into my life and now he's nine, in 4th grade and has opinions of his own!

He wanted a party with "just the guys" this year (totally killed me). He wanted them to spend the night so I told him he could have three friends so Lan and I took them to see Star Wars, eat Mexican and back home for cake and a sleepover. They had so much fun and were so good!

Busy Bee!

2008-09-09T16:21:00.003-05:00

I have been so busy with so many different activities lately that I am backed up on my blogging! So much has happened in just a few short weeks! Myles turned 9 (GASP!), ballet and soccer started back and we gave a baby shower for sweet Regan! So hear come the updates!!!

Bunko!

2008-08-27T13:41:00.007-05:00

I'm a little behind on my blogging so I need to catch up! I'll start with my bunko experience.

Last Tuesday (the 19th) I went and subbed for a friends bunko group. Amanda plays with her mom and several other ladies that age. I only new a few of them and they really welcomed me until...

Those of you that play bunko will know what I mean when I say I rolled 5 bunko's! This is supposedly unbelievable in the bunko world and there were a few (really one) that were not to pleased. Not only did I get these 5 bunko's but I also won 12 games and came away with a great prize!

I don't know that I will be invited to sub anytime soon but it was fun and when you get bunko you also got to wear a crown so most of the night I sat around with a crown on my head (some would say that's perfect for me)!

Here is the picture of my beautiful prize and I'm including a recipe for a great fruit salad that was served.

"Fruit Salad"

1 small pkg. vanilla instant pudding mix

1/2 cup of Tang

1 tablespoon of poppy seeds

1-21 oz. can cherry pie filling

2-14 oz. cans pineapple chunks (drained)

2-11 oz. cans mandarin oranges (drained)

3-bananas

3-apples (unpeeled)

3-kiwi

red seedless grapes

Mix and chill!

*I am sure any other fruits you wanted to add be be delicious!

Back to school!

2008-08-14T15:56:00.004-05:00

It's official! I am the mother of a 4th grader and kindergartner! Where did all the time go? What happened to my babies? I will commend myself for not falling apart this year. Last year I lost it and went into that uncontrollable crying that nothing can stop!

They are both so excited about school! Both of their teachers are amazing and it's so good to see them eager to go and start their day. Myles got a new twist this year because he gets to change classes. My goodness my baby is growing so fast! I thank God every day that I am their mother! What a gift!

Home again...

2008-08-14T15:39:00.004-05:00

Since school was starting Monday we decided to spend the weekend in Hazlehurst and spend some time with Nanny and Mimi. We also got to spend a fun evening with the Woods' except this time Lan was able to come with us.

Friday morning Nanny (my grandmother) called and said her heart was beating irregularly and she was headed to the doctor. They made her stay one night and she was able to be back with us Saturday morning. She is the toughest lady I know! Nothing stops her and don't ever try to get in her way!

Saturday night we got together with Chad and Jennifer to eat and let the children play together. Myles is almost nine, Zack is four and Katie Grace is five but they all play so well together. Bless her heart Katie Grace hung right in there with those boys! Jennifer cooked us a great supper and we had so much fun just hanging out and talking. Mary Margaret was a bit fussy so Lan held her while we got everything together. I don't mind saying I loved seeing him love on this precious baby! He rocked her and they did quite well together!

Hopefully we'll be back in a few more weeks and I'll be able to smell that good Hazlehurst air!

Happy Birthday!

2008-08-13T15:59:00.003-05:00

Today is the 37th anniversary of my hubby's birth! Happy Birthday to my friend and wonderful father of my babies! Thanks for sharing your life with me Lannie!

So you think he's shy...

2008-08-01T20:42:00.010-05:00

Like I said before "last night we went to a party". I thought "this is a good time for a good picture of Lan and I". NOT!!!

My sweet hubby has most people fooled into thinking he's so shy, quiet and reserved. Well here is a very small glimpse at the REAL Lan!

(What is that!?!)

(One that was decent! Out of 5!)

A Party for Baby Davis!

2008-08-01T20:15:00.007-05:00

(Peggy and Josh)

(Melinda and Kristen)
(Peggy)
(Greg and Trey)
Paris and Nicole a.k.a. (Enley and Regan)

(Walt and Regan)

Last night our Sunday School class got together for a couple's baby shower to honor Peggy and Josh Davis and their soon-to-be new arrival. We don't know if they will have a girl or boy yet but we really had fun celebrating with them!

And by the way petit fours were served and I only ate 3! This is a huge accomplishment because I could eat a dozen with no problem!

Italian Cream Cheese Cake

2008-07-29T15:34:00.005-05:00

My mother-in-law (Gaile, "G" to my babies) asked me to make an Italian cream cheese cake for their Sunday School teacher who has just recently lost his father. I hope it turned out alright, I get really nervous about my cooking! I love to cook and love sharing food and recipes with others, but I am also a perfectionist and totally type A about it!

I also had a little taste tester come in on the icing!

Visiting Zack and sweet Mary Margaret!

2008-07-29T11:43:00.003-05:00

The kids and I spent last week in Hazlehurst. We were able to spend some time with Nanny and Mimi and also visit with my best friends Jennifer and Chad. The have the sweetest little boy and a new baby Mary Margaret. I was able to spend the night one night and bring the children over to play for a little while before we left.

The big kids played so well together! We tried to get a good picture of them all together but what can you say about a 8, 5, 4 and 7 week old! Bless sweet Zack he was so upset to see us go and my little Myles just fell in love with Mary Margaret!

Our Paw Paw's...

2008-07-29T09:29:00.026-05:00

Lan and I have lost both of our grandfathers this year. Mine passed away March 29th and Lan's one June 4th. There is nothing in this nothing like the love of a "Paw Paw"! We each have the best memories of ours and were able to see our children know a little of that love.

My Paw Paw was Carnell McRee. He was a farmer who raised cattle and fought in the Korean War. Most people know I was raised by my grandparents and he was the man in my life. He was one of those quite types that only spoke when necessary but always loved to get a laugh or just pick on me. Our time to talk was while we read the paper or sat at supper. He always needed to make a comment about me "running the roads" or spending to much of "his" money. But I never ever doubted his love for me or my children. He sure did love those babies and they loved him. He also loved his friends and loved to tell stories and talk about the cows or who knows what else. You always new when he was coming down the rode because you would see that head cocked over to the side and a smile on his face. With his quiet way we all new we were loved and and we loved him...

(Nanny and Paw Paw)

Lan's Paw Paw was William "Calvin" Jones. He owned Jones Cleaners here in Meridian and fought in World War II. Paw Paw Jones was one of those great men that everybody loved. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was born on July 4th and would have been 97 and was in really great health until shortly before his death. What a blessing! Lan and Jonda have such great memories of him and their grandmother. As children they spent every Wed. night with them and from what I understand did and ate whatever they wanted! Lan's favorite things were his grandmothers pan cooked steak (in butter) and chocolate ice cream. A few years ago Paw Paw Jones had to be place in a nursing home and wow what a great experience. He improved so much! He was able to go to special programs, church services and enjoy time talking to the others there. Paw Paw Jones always had a smile and a hug to share and was truly adored by his family!

(Myles, Paw Paw Jones, Lan, Gaile, Katie Grace and Jonda)

We all are so thankful for them and the love they gave us! Our families miss them so much but out true comfort is in knowing that they both new Jesus as their Savior and are awaiting us all in heaven!

Deeper Still

2008-07-28T21:05:00.000-05:00

Beth, Kay and Priscilla Enley and Kathryn
Mandesa!
Kay up walking the isles!

I went with a group of wonderful women from our church to see Deeper Still in Atlanta in June. If you have never seen Beth Moore or done one of her bible studies you are missing out. Deeper Still included Kay Arthur, Priscilla Shirer, Beth Moore and Travis Cottrell. For all of you American Idol fans Mandesa was there and she is AWESOME!

I was so excited to hear God speak through these amazing women and WOW did I get my monies worth!!! If you ever have the opportunity to hear any one of them, run don't walk and I promise you will hear something special that was intended just for you.

Buddy Ball!

2008-07-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

She wanted her little friend to watch!
Birdie decided she wanted to play buddy ball this year and as with everything she dove in head first. She was the only little girl on the team but she could care less!

Our Beach Vacation!!!

2008-07-28T17:27:00.001-05:00

Katie Grace and her "clam"!Myles and Katie Grace headed to the pool.

My beautiful boy!
Myles and Katie Grace playing with their friend Luke.

Let me start by saying we started out with good intentions... We planed to leave for the beach June 14 and stay for 7 nights. This was a well thought out vacation we had looked forward to for months! We decided to take my grandmother with us to "enjoy" herself and be able to spend time with the children. My Paw Paw had passed away in April and we lost Lan's Paw Paw in June so we all really needed to get away and "relax". We wanted to leave by 11:00 a.m. and we loaded up in the Yukon at 10:59 to which I had to make one of my really smart comments about. I put the car in reverse and BAM!!! Nanny's car was behind me and as I turned the wheel to back up I slammed into her car hooking my bumper into her front fender. Well God is really good and I was able to call our friend Ronny, who drives one of those REALLY big wreckers that pick up 18 wheelers, and he came to our rescue. One hour later we are on our way and happy. We go to Hardee's, because by this time it's lunch, everyone gets their drinks and Katie Grace starts crying... She had grabbed her sprite by the lid and it was everywhere. God provided again because we had beach towels in the car. OK so we get there and get settled and there were a few agitations here and there but everything was going well until Tuesday... Nanny and I went to Foley to shop. We made it into one store when my phone rang. Lan says "I think we have a problem". Myles had thrown a Dora figure at Katie Grace in the pool and gashed her forehead open. We drive all the way back to Perdido Key and I realize we do need stitches. (If you should go to the beach and some accident should befall you your only options for medical attention are in Foley or Pensacola.) My babies are so precious because even after being wounded Katie Grace would NOT go to the doctor without Myles. Oh and in the car I hear a sweet little voice in the back of the car say "Mama, does my hair look OK!", Lan just gave me that look he likes to give! Long story but we ended up driving to an urgent care center in Pensacola and they were able to use the glue. I then made the terrible mistake of saying "what else could go wrong?". The next morning we get up, smiling and happy. I go to the bathroom and come out and make pancakes for everyone. This was a beautiful morning! Lan goes into our room and starts hollering! The toilet has run over and flooded our bathroom, bedroom, closet, hallway and into my grandmother's room and bathroom. We are in HELL!!! God takes care of us again and the plumber and carpet guy are there in minutes. The plumber explained that the toilet flushed but then never stopped filling up. They were so wonderful and so was the carpet guy. The drama ended and the rest of the vacation was fairly uneventful. We did have fun and met a wonderful family that have been coming every year for 18 years. They have a wonderful grandson Luke who is 5 and played really well with Myles and Katie Grace. We will go next year and are very thankful for the good times we had. I did learn one very important lesson. If something should happen as your leaving, STAY HOME!!! Just kidding, I'm just glad we can have a gook laugh about it now! We really did have a great time and here are some pictures to prove it!

Rookie League

2008-07-28T14:07:00.000-05:00

This was Myles' last year for rookie ball and next year he's on to kid pitch. My little fella sure is growing fast! He just loves sports, he knows more stats than a bookie and can talk about it all day long!

More ballet...

2008-07-28T13:43:00.000-05:00

I love this picture! This was at practice and one of those wonderful picture accidents that is just perfect!
Posing before she goes on stage!

Backstage before they go on!
See I don't know what I'm doing! I wanted more pics in the last post and didn't know how! Here are more dance pics. Her G is very proud that she takes from Alpha School of Dance that she and Jonda (Lan's sister) and Lan's aunt Pitty Pat took from.

Prima Ballerina!

2008-07-28T13:31:00.000-05:00

I am having to do a little back tracking since I haven't touched this thing in months! Since someone hasn't sent me my Easter pics (Amanda) I will start with ballet. Our little Birdie loves ballet! She floats and dances all over our house. She loves to watch the girls on point and can't wait to dance in them herself. Most everyone knows Katie Grace began walking on her toes and still does (she is very proud of this and considers it to her advantage!). So here are some pictures from her second dance recital at The Temple Theater.

Starting over.....

2008-07-28T13:24:00.000-05:00

This blog is the hardest thing I have ever done! I am actually scared of blogging! Yes it is crazy but it's hard and I'm scared that I will mess up and have to begin all over... I know I am obsessing, I tend to do that! SO here we go again...

Attempting to Blog!

2008-02-28T13:08:00.002-06:00

OK guys here it goes! Along with myspace and facebook I will now attempt to blog! I have absolutely no idea what I'm doing but I hope to make it fun. I really do love the idea of sharing my family and thoughts and ideas with friends. Poor Lan he thinks I've lost my mind because it's tax season, the children are both in school and other wise I might sit here all day talking to the dogs. Just kidding it hasn't gotten that bad yet! I will try to add fun stuff, I love to cook and decorate so when I find something good I promise to share. Bye-Bye for now!