Brenley - 11 months old!

Our baby is 11 months old today! What a big girl we have. In addition to pulling up, she is walking around objects, moving across the floor really quick, and she loves to "walk" if you hold her hands. Isn't that too soon to be doing that?! I'm having a really hard time with this. I am going to be a basket case on her birthday (which I have already started planning!! I'm insane).

But let's see.........a bit about Brenley from 10 to 11 months old.......... She is saying a lot more "sounds" instead of just Da Da. She says Pu Pu, and Ba Ba, and she does say Mu Ma - but still never directed at me. She can clap now - which is a special treat for her and me! It's super cute. She hasn't got any new teeth, but they ones she has are getting so big! She has a great gap tooth smile!

And she is starting to eat more table food finally. LOVES her Gerber cheese puffs. Likes starches of any kind - french fries are a fave, bread, and mashed potatoes. And of course, she has a sweet tooth for ice cream.

She got a lot of great new toys for Christmas and is enjoying playing with them. Her favorite, however, is her brother's box of markers, which we keep on the floor under a table. Why we do that, I am not sure, because it is inevitable that she will find it and dump it over. She loves playing with those markers. Fridge magnets are also a favorite.

Well, that's about it for our Princess.......30 more days and our doll turns one!

Cowboy Basketball

The fam and I headed to Oklahoma on Saturday, January 3rd to meet up with my dear friend, Stephanie and her family - husband Casey and son Talon. We got to see her amazing new home for the first time, had lunch, and then headed to the Men's Cowboy basketball game that afternoon. The Cowboys came up with a big win over Northwestern State, and Beau got to enjoy his first Cowboy Basketball game (Brenley got some special love time at Grandma and Grandpa's house). Many memories from that arena for my friend Stephanie and I, so it was nice to watch the game with them, and share that arena and history with Beau. Go Pokes!

Happy and Healthy 2009!

Well, Christmas has come and gone and looking back on 2008, the only thing I can think of is.......where did it go? Our year started off the best way possible with Brenley joining us on February 6th. My mother had a pace maker installed the day after Brenley was born. To this day, she has flourished - thank the good Lord. Then we kicked off the NASCAR season with a Daytona 500 party the following weekend. Spring brought Beau and T-ball together for the first time, and a star was born! Mom then had another turn of events and broke her knee cap in early August. She was operated on later in August, and continues to struggle with the pain that comes from that. August also had us at the bowling alley to celebrate Beau's birthday on the 6th. Beau started kindergarten later that month - went through two teachers in the first two weeks - but got off to a great start regardless. Summer turned into Fall and Flag Football at the Y, which led easily into Y Basketball this Winter. Our guy loves his sports. But he also loves to practice his weekly spelling words. He is reading short books already! And now we are in the middle of winter having thrown my Mom a retirement party in early December, and now having celebrated Christmas and New Years! Whew! And all the while, Brenley kept getting bigger, funnier, and more lovable with her mouth full of teeth! Beau kept getting taller, smarter, and definitely more charming.

I tend to always get reflective at the beginning of a new year, or from a major change in my life. This year and time is no different. I read the papers and witness what is happening in the world around us and it makes me scared and sad. I hope I can protect my family from any fall out this war and recession brings. But I know that I can only control such small pieces of what God has in store for me. So I'll put my faith into Him, and just thank Him daily for the pleasures and blessings of my life, which are my family and friends. This year I resolve to try to live in the moment more often and stop worrying about all my "lists!" That is going to be a tough one - just ask my husband! But one thing this year has taught me is how precious our time is with each other. I want to soak up every kiss and hug and funny comment that are in store for me.

Have a blessed and healthy 2009!