Tuesday, May 31, 2011

We've got some catching up to do!

Wow! Where has the time gone? I have been busy since my last post. I will try to get everything caught up ASAP. We have been busy with cycling races, a triathlon, Caroline's birthday, sewing, and so much more. I have pictures to post and stories to tell. Stay tuned.....

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Spring is here, but is it?

I keep thinking that we are done with our cold-weather clothes and we are ready to put them away. We had several days of nice, warm 80-degree weather and now we are barely getting above 70. It was 50 when we left Church this morning. It's just a good thing that Caroline's winter clothes still fit and her spring and summer clothes are a little big.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

In 2 months from today, Caroline will be 2! How can that be?

Time really flies around here. We have been saying that a lot lately about everything. Where did 2010 go? Where did January and February go? Where did the time go on Sunday morning when we were getting ready for Church and thought we had plenty of time? Now, really, where did the time go? Caroline is almost 2 years-old and I just cannot believe it! Little ones grow up so fast, in the blink of an eye. I am so glad I am here with her to see every minute of it. She fascinates me every day and I just love her so much!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Happy Birthday Claudia!

Our niece Claudia turned 2 on Friday, February 25. She had a Minnie Mouse party the next day in our Church's new fellowship hall. It was a really good idea to have it there for several reasons: lots of space, weather, parking, and oh yeah...the carpet wasn't down yet so any spills didn't really matter. Cleanup was easy. Everyone had a great time. She had a Play-Doh station, Pin the Bow on Minnie, and even a Minnie Mouse pinata filled with lots of candy. Claudia's cousins Jamison (4) and Isabelle (4 months) even came all the way from Savannah, GA to celebrate.

Caroline's Babies

Caroline has been very busy with her babies, both real and non-real. She got several babies for Christmas and she takes very good care of them. She pushes them in her toy stroller, making sure they are sitting properly behind the safety strap. She feeds them their juice and bottles. One of them talks and eats bananas with a special spoon. She even makes sure they are not cold and wraps them in their blankets. One day, she even went upstairs and got a hat to put on one of them because she doesn't have any hair.

On January 5, our friends Marilyn and Chris had their baby boy Abe. Caroline and I were at the hospital (along with an entourage from Church ready and waiting to see him) for a while and when she saw him and the other babies in the nursery window, I could not keep her away from the window. She kept climbing up on the step to look at them, saying "baby" and "I see you."

Now, every time she sees a baby anywhere or even on TV, she always makes a point to say "baby." She loves seeing Abe every Sunday and watches over him in his car-seat like she is his Guardian Angel.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Fun in the Snow...again!

Wow, can you believe it snowed again? We heard it was coming and that it was going to hit sometime on that Sunday afternoon. Well, it started on Sunday afternoon and really came down that night! We had around 6-8 inches this time. Schools were out most of the week and some people were even off work around here. Everyone had so much fun, even the young at heart. I just wish I had a picture of our new pastor sledding down the big hill, head first (and FAST). That was a sight to see, but remember, he's younger than us!

Our house, covered in snow...again! This time, only better


Caroline is about to go sledding down the hill with Daddy for the first time. She loved it. I figured she would either love it or hate it. Thank goodness she loved it, so we could have fun, too!


Caroline sledding down the big hill with Shelby Lindsey


Caroline was so cute on the little snowmobile. She rode down the hill with Shelby and then Shelby actually pulled her up the hill while she was still on it. She liked it so much that she stayed on it. It almost looks like she is driving it.


Caroline with her cousin, Claudia. I think they were both cold and ready for nap time at this point. I'm not sure either one of them really knew what to think of the situation.

White Christmas...in Mississippi?

Here in Mississippi, how often do we wake up to a White Christmas? How about NEVER? Maybe once or twice in our lifetime if we are lucky. I cannot believe that this year, we woke up to a White Christmas! We got Caroline up and opened presents, walked out on the front porch for a few minutes (hence the PJs below) and then we all changed clothes and went outside to play. Around here, snow doesn't usually last long, so we have to enjoy it while we can!

Caroline and Jeff...so cute!


Caroline walking in the snow in our front yard. This wasn't her first snow, but her first time to really get out in it because last January when it snowed, she was only 8 months old and not yet walking.


Ginger had a blast, too!


a view from the front of the house


I think this side shot is even better
Well, the snow didn't last long, but we enjoyed it while it lasted. I think most of it was gone by the end of the day. Oh well, that's Mississippi snow for you!

Christmas Pictures...better late than never

We celebrated Christmas in our new house! Caroline wasn't sure what was going on when we woke her up that morning and brought her downstairs. She got so much stuff that it is a good thing we are in a bigger house. I don't know what we would have done if we were still in the old house.

She's so cute, even when she knows she is doing something wrong. Caroline loves playing with the ornaments on the tree. The key is keeping the breakable ones where she can't reach them.

Is this what you call "head over heels?" Caroline absolutely loves her Disney Princess sofa-bed

The three of us after the Christmas Eve service at our church, Brewer United Methodist. This tree is larger than life, it is so tall!


Wake up sleepyhead...it's Christmas! It's time to go downstairs and see what Santa brought!


Caroline instantly loved playing in her tent and the tunnel. She didn't love the hobby horse at first, but now she loves it. She now has three more baby dolls to take care of and she is doing a good job making sure they are fed and loved.

Friday, December 31, 2010

The end of 2010...already?

I cannot believe this year is over. It has flown by so fast. Caroline turned 1, Ginger turned 5, We bought a new house and sold our old one. It happened so quickly that I still can't believe it! Who would have thought that we would have a White Christmas and ring in the New Year in a new house?

Never again!

I have said before and I will say it again. I hate moving. You never realize how much stuff you really have until you get ready to move. We have found so many things to throw away and to donate that it is not even funny. I hope this is the last time we ever have to move!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

It's official, WE'RE MOVING!

We closed on our new house this morning. We will be moving soon and should be settled in a little before Christmas! We're not going far, just right down the street. I'm not sure if it is even 1/2 mile away! We've been packing things up little by little for a few days, so the move shouldn't be too bad. We're really excited and will have lots more room! The only problem is that it is a two-story house and unfortunately Caroline is a daredevil and loves climbing stairs. She will have to learn how to properly and safely come down the stairs.

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Brewer Trick or Treat Hayride

Since Halloween fell on a Sunday this year, a few people at our church decided that it would be a good idea for the kids to meet up at the church at 4:00 to go trick or treating together. It was actually a little hot when we got to the church but it was cool by the time we got back. Numerous church members agreed to be at home at this time and anxiously awaited the mass arrival of our little ones as we rode around Brewer on our Trick or Treat Hayride. Everyone had a blast and we got back in plenty time for the 6:00 service with the kids still in their costumes. This was such a great idea.

Caroline, dressed as Wonder Woman, arrived right on time but she wasn't exactly sure what was going on


Claudia and Caroline look a little confused but they know that they are going to have fun so they take our word for it. This outfit just suits Claudia's personality. She's a little 50's Rock n Roll diva (maybe Elvis's girlfriend or groupie)


Nora Foster with Claudia and Caroline. This was the best I could do at the time. She was so cute as a little Indian girl.


Stacey with Claudia, ready to go!


Here's a shot of the group. I tried to get everyone in it, but a few faces didn't make it in the shot. Everyone had so much fun and got lots of candy...and even a little fruit. This really is a wonderful community that we live in and a wonderful Church family that we are a part of.

Friday, September 24, 2010

Caroline's 1st Beach Trip

We took a family trip to Gulf Shores two weeks ago. I took lots of pictures (240 to be exact) and a couple of videos. We all had so much fun and can't wait to go back. The water was clear and the weather was perfect! We saw several crabs in the water, a little stingray, and a jellyfish. Oh, and Jeff competed in a triathlon while we were there and won his age group and 5th place overall. Here is a video of Caroline's first reactions to the beach. I'll try to post some pictures soon.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Go Dawgs!

Football season is finally here! There's a feeling in the air. Football season has always been a big deal in my family for as long as I can remember. There's just something about this time of year. We went to see Mississippi State play Memphis on Saturday. The game started at 6:00 and we got there a little after 3:00 because Caroline took a later nap than usual. She was well rested and had so much fun and did better than I expected. She was so cute in her little cheerleader outfit. We spent a while at the tailgate and walked around to see people. We took her to the game and we left at halftime as I thought we would. She was getting tired and restless and we needed to get her home and to bed.

Come on, we gotta go!


Caroline with Grandma Hilda. Caroline helped her open a present.


Caroline sitting so cute and happy in her princess chair


Caroline and Daddy enjoying the tailgate


I just love that smile and those beautiful blue eyes!


Caroline with my cousin Lauren. She helped her open a present, too.


Caroline with Lauren's son Rivers. She just couldn't stop staring at him. I think she was mesmerized by his braces.
Well, it was a great day. It was a little hotter than expected, but all in all, it was cool for the first game of the season. We started off the season with a bang, defeating Memphis 49-7. Go Dawgs!

Friday, September 3, 2010

Is she too young for her own iPhone?

A couple of days ago, Jeff's new iPhone 4 came in. Well, apparently, his old phone still works to play with apps and music but it shouldn't make calls anymore. This is big news for Caroline! Now, she has her own iPhone and can play Peekaboo Barn anytime she wants. I don't know. Is this a good thing? If you have an iPhone and a small child and don't have this app, I strongly recommend that you get it. It is truly worth $1.99. Everyone else that I know who has it swears by it. It is the best thing I ever downloaded on Jeff's phone.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Hugs and kisses, too!

Caroline is the sweetest little girl in the world. She has always given such good hugs, even though Ginger might beg to differ. I think she is still skeptical from the hair pulling. For months now (not sure how many but it has been a while), if she was holding a doll or stuffed animal, we would say, "love your baby" and she would hold it so sweet and sway with it so sweetly. Well, recently, she topped the cake. She gives little kisses on the cheek now (she also kissed my knee the other day in the kitchen when I was doing dishes). So sweet!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Oxford Endurance Weekend

Last weekend, Jeff competed in the cycling portion of Oxford Endurance Weekend. There were three cycling events: 8:30 a.m. Saturday--Race of Truth Time Trial (13 miles), followed by the Plein Air Classic (22 mile road race) at 1:00 p.m. On Sunday at 9:05 a.m., the event concluded with the Oxford Square Criterium.

That's Jeff in the middle, waiting for the time trial to start. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the time trial, it is a race against the clock. Here, each competitor starts individually in 30 second intervals.


Still waiting, but ready to go!


Caroline conducted official business while we waited on Jeff to complete the time trial.

I was unable to get any pictures from the road race. Caroline was finishing her nap as it started but we were able to see Jeff right after he finished. It's a good thing we didn't go for the race because, according to my phone, it was 102 and it said "feels like 126" which I assume meant that was the heat index! In case you don't get the idea, it was extremely hot!!!


Jeff racing in the criterium in Downtown Oxford. This race lasted for 30 minutes and consisted of laps around a part of downtown and the square.


Here's another shot of Jeff in the criterium. He had a strong race and was able to separate himself from many of the other competitors.
Overall Results:
Jeff finished 6th in the time trial, 13th in the road race, and 4th in the criterium. Points are awarded according to your finish in each race. Among those competing in all three events (the Omnium), Jeff won 3rd place overall. Also, the top 3 overall in the Category 5 Omnium were all from Tupelo: Adam Morris finished 1st, Josh Westmoreland finished 2nd, and Jeff was 3rd.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Caroline's 15-month checkup

Caroline went to the pediatrician on Tuesday for her 15-month checkup. We had a 9:00 appointment and I thought we wouldn't have to wait much and we would be out of there quickly. We actually got there a little early and there was no one in the waiting room. Wow, can you believe that? We waited and Caroline played and ran around until her name was called at 9:15. I undressed her and got her weighed and measured right after getting to her room (she weighed 19 lb. 14 oz. and was 31 in. long). Then we waited...and waited. Dr. Nikki was making rounds at the hospital and we didn't see her until 9:55. Needless to say, Caroline got restless waiting in her room. I did my best to keep her entertained. She drank lots of milk and ate Cheerios, we played Peekaboo with her blanket, and I sang to her and danced with her. She was good for Dr. Nikki, but she was ready to go. Then, it seemed like we waited forever again for the nurse to come in with her shots. Then, she screamed, of course and then we finally left at 10:35. Thank goodness this is her last set of shots until she starts school.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Weekend in Memphis with Friends

We went to Memphis for the triathlon and to see some friends of ours. We stayed with one of my best friends from college and her husband and two dogs. Thank you so much Leland and Joseph for letting us stay with you! We had so much fun and stayed up late talking, catching up, and reminiscing. Ginger even got to go, too. Ginger has never been to someone's house where she was treated like a princess and the dogs that lived there were treated like the step-children. It was so funny. Ginger got to stay in the main part of the house wherever we were, and their dogs either stayed outside or in their bedroom.

Sharpshooter Super Sprint Triathlon

This past weekend, Jeff and his good friend/training buddy Adam Morris competed in the 2nd Annual Sharpshooter Super Sprint Triathlon in Memphis. It was a 400 meter swim at Herb Parsons Lake, followed by an 11 mile road bike ride, and then a 2 mile trail run. Jeff finished 3rd in his age group and 36th overall with a total time of 1:01:38. Adam won his age group and finished 8th overall with a total time of 53:31. Way to go guys!

Are we ready? Getting psyched up before the race.


Jeff getting final encouragements from Caroline


...and off on the bike


...and we're done.


Our two winners from Tupelo! Congrats guys! Their trophy is a pewter belt buckle (very unique, going with the Sharpshooter name).


Thursday, July 29, 2010

My Happy Little Girl

Who wants out of the crib when there are blankets to play with? The answer would be Caroline. She could play in a blanket all day, in or out of the crib. I found her just the other day in the kitchen cabinet, playing house (as she does quite often) and she had a blanket with her. She doesn't have a particular one that she is attached to, but she has about 30. They were all presents; I didn't buy a single one.

I just love it when she wakes up happy from her nap!


Come on, let's play!


She can make a blanket into a hood, a cape, and sometimes a skirt.


What a happy girl. She is growing up so fast. I can't believe she is almost 15 months-old.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Hugs for Ginger

Caroline is just fascinated with Ginger. Unfortunately, she also likes to pull her hair and squeal at her (she's just saying "Hi"). Ginger is a really good sport about it. A few days ago, Ginger was in my lap and I was sitting on the floor. Caroline walked over and gave her a hug and smiled. It was so sweet! Ginger wasn't sure at first what Caroline's intentions were, but she has continued to hug her whenever she can get a chance (before Ginger gets away!). Caroline has done so much better about petting Ginger lately, too. Ginger really does love Caroline, too. She just never knows if she is going to get squealed at, have her hair or paw pulled, or hugged, so she stays on her toes all the time. (The paw pulling is a new one, too.)

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Sewing Spinoff Blog

I decided that my sewing was already taking over our family blog, so I decided to create a spinoff. It's called Sew What's Going On?. I'll try to update it as I finish new projects. Click the link here or on the link on the blog list to the left. If you see anything you like, let me know!

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Just Lacks Two Buttons!

As many of you know, I am new to this. I can say that I have sewn before, but I am talking about 8th grade Home Economics. I was inspired then to make several things on my mom's sewing machine, but that was a long time ago. Sewing is like riding a bicycle, though. You don't really forget. You just jump back on. Making dresses is one thing (especially pillowcase dresses), but I discovered a whole new world in making this two-piece outfit. I made it through. It really wasn't hard. It was just a lot of steps I hadn't done before (that I had to analyze thoroughly and make it make sense), like the shorts and the facings on the inside of the top. I was a little intimidated by some of the steps involved, but I would compare it to the book, "The Monster at the End of this Book," starring lovable, furry old Grover. I bought this book for Caroline last year and I remember it from when I was little. Moral of my story: it wasn't that bad like I thought it was at first when I had the pattern pieces laid out (shorts look really odd at first and then they make sense). Now, I am ready to do another one of my two-piece patterns.

It is basically finished. I just need to get two buttons to fasten the tabs at the shoulders and stitch my button holes. Unfortunately, I have a feeling it is going to be a little big on Caroline, but that's better than being too small. I used the size 1 on the pattern, which was the smallest. See more at Sew What's Going On?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Dress No. 3

I finished this dress a few days ago. I just love it! For some reason, it makes me think of candy, so I call it the "candy dress." I can't wait for Caroline to wear it.

Aside from pillowcase dresses, I am working on a two-piece outfit right now. Not sure how this one will go. The top is pretty much done, but I have never done any kind of shorts or pants before (or bloomers for that matter). We'll see. I may end up sticking to dresses. Who knows?

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Pillowcase Dresses

Well, nearly a month ago, I bought a sewing machine. I figured I could really get some use out of one right now. Caroline has a few smocked dresses that were just about dragging the floor, so I needed to hem them up now and then I can let them out next year for her to wear again because they seem to be plenty big and there doesn't seem to be a big difference in the sizes, except in the length.
I have seen these pillowcase dresses and love them. I thought to myself, "I can do that," so I went to Hobby Lobby when their patterns were 99 cents and bought several patterns, some fabric, and a few supplies. When I put my mind to something, I go for it. I was so excited to get started. Here are just a couple that I have finished recently. The first one is my favorite and the first one I made. I couldn't wait for Caroline to wear it to church today. I don't mean to brag, but she got lots of compliments. I have another one in the works and several more ideas to come with the other patterns I bought. I am already dreaming up something MAROON and WHITE for this fall!



These are great because she can wear them now as a dress and later as a top when it gets too short. They usually fit a range of 2-3 sizes; just scrunch it up at the top with the ribbon to fit. Also, in the fall & winter, you can pair it with a turtleneck and tights or leggings.