Hornerisms

2011-06-28T10:23:00.007-05:00

Swimming!

For Pap! Graham is really loving swimming this summer, still isn't interested in the diving board or slide. Little sister loves to ride down the slide with me. She has been using her puddle jumper by herself for about two weeks!

My sweet Graham swimming at three years old!

Gentry loves to jump off the side. She isn't so sure about climbing down the ladder.

2011-06-22T12:57:00.018-05:00

Randomness for the Grands......

We spent last week @ VBS! PandaMania was just plain WILD! Graham and Gentry both loved it so much. I was blessed with the opportunity to teach the bible story to the threes and fours each day. We had a ton of fun learning that: God made you; God listens to you; God watches over you; God loves you, no matter what; and God gives good gifts! Graham is still singing all the songs and he is finally doing some of the motions, as you will see in the video below.

We are swimming like crazy around here! Hotel Horner is in full swing for the summer season! What a blessing our home has been to so many. Gentry learned to use her puddle jumper this week and is really becoming a pro. Graham is beginning to jump off the side and wants his jumper off more and more so that he can practice swimming.

We haven't been working on our "preschool" curriculum like we should but Graham is learning the books of the Bible and memory verses. Here are the first five......

Graham is also working really hard at potty training! It is all consuming for me. Hopefully he will be a pro soon. He just finished his fourth chart and earned a trip to Bass Pro!
I hope to post G's third birthday party pictures soon so check back.

2011-05-02T13:12:00.007-05:00

Orange Beach 2011

We just had the best four day family of four vacation in Orange Beach, AL! The kids did a great job on the trip down. Lots of squeals and clapping from the backseat. Thanks to Mrs. Shelly we made it through the last hour and a half watching Cars. (It was a life saver!) The first night they were so excited to just be in a hotel.

After breakfast the first day we headed out to walk on the beach.

Gentry did not like the sand or the sound of the waves.

Graham couldn't wait to get in, but it was a little chilly that morning. We headed to the Gulf Coast Zoo hoping it would warm up a little.
After naps and a cookie Graham was ready to go to the beach!

Gentry was brave on Daddy's shoulders.

This is a video of Graham's first experience with waves.

2011-05-01T13:36:00.000-05:00

Orange Beach Continued....

The days on the beach were fantastic! We also had great food at Lambert's, Old World Pizza, DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen, and Bruster's. Every moment we weren't on the beach Graham was asking if we could go. Gentry's best day on the beach was her two hour nap under an umbrella. She finally let it loose on Sunday as you'll see in the video below.

2011-05-01T11:28:00.000-05:00

Family Beach Pictures 2011

2010-07-04T12:44:00.003-05:00

Happy Fourth and a Few Firsts!

Yummy homemade ice cream with Graham's favorite! We picked the blueberries at Jones Orchard in Millington.

Before I forget the recipe: 1 qt half and half, 1 qt whipping cream, 4 eggs, 4tsp vanilla, 2 cans eagle brand. In a double broiler cook the half and half and whipping cream till warm. Add 1/2 cup warm mixture to beaten eggs while stirring. Then stir eggs and milk in double broiler till it sticks on the back of a metal spoon. Place whole pan in ice bath till cool. Stir every 10 minutes in the refrigerator. Leave "custard" on fridge for at least 3 hours. (better over night) Freeze in ice cream freezer. Very rich and custard like, almost as good as Rita's!

Gentry at 7 months with her first teething biscuit. Both bottom teeth broke through last week!Pap giving her a taste of baby carrots. She ate about 10 spoonfuls.

Grahammy boy eating one of his favorites! Matthew told him to stop eating his strawberries and blueberries and to eat his ice cream. What parent has to say that? Funny boy!

2010-05-17T07:36:00.002-05:00

Can't get Blogger to load videos...... Hope you can see this!

Graham had a great "family party" at home on his birthday. He loved his cheesecake birthday cake and cheeseburger lunch.

2010-05-14T13:03:00.007-05:00

Graham Turns Two

I can't believe my baby is two today! We have been so blessed to watch you grow and learn. I hope you have been just as blessed to call us Mom and Dad. We love you so much Grahamyboy!

What Graham loves to do at 2 years old:
He loves to sing (Itsy bitsy Spider and bible songs are his favorites)
kiss on baby Gentry
check the "crops" every morning
Eat any kind of fruit
Use his new tools
Fish in the swimming pool
Climb the stairs
Swim
He told Matthew, "I like Dirt!" while they were planting the garden
He loves to do anything outside
Read bedtime stories and hold Monkey
He can count to 16
He knows his abc's
He still loves baths
He doesn't love milk
He doesn't like mama to brush his teeth
He has started testing the lines we are drawing
He still doesn't sleep through the night but we love "getting" to check in on him and cuddle
He is sleeping in his Great great grandmother's double bed that came over on a boat from England.
He loves his new house and talks about it all the time

Happy Happy Birthday little boy!

2010-04-03T09:00:00.009-05:00

To Wet Your Whistle

We have been very busy working on buying a house! Now for the long wait till closing. I promise to update very soon. We have been having a lot of fun lately!! Until then here are a few pictures and videos to enjoy!

Craft time with Nana!
All my favorite people! What a great Daddy!!!
Pap telling Graham about the elephant before church.

This is the first time Graham counted to 13! Way to go 21 month old!

2010-01-31T14:23:00.004-06:00

Two Month Check-up

Gentry survived her two month check-up and shots! Unlike her brother she actually flirted and cooed at the Dr. the entire time he was examining her. I could actually have a conversation with Dr. Y without having to yell. It was pretty remarkable. Matthew said it was because someone was actually giving her some attention. That of course made me really sad. It seems like no one is getting any undivided attention these days. She weighed in at 10lbs. 5 oz. That is a five pound gain from her hospital release weight. She is only a pound shy of doubling her birth weight! She is now 21 inches long and her head is measuring 14 3/4 inches. These are both in the 6th percentile. Looks like she may take after the Truxton side of the family. Her weight is in the 25th - 50th.

She is sleeping less during the day and loves to talk to her bears while I'm changing her. She also really enjoys her activity gym. She just kicks and kicks at the "Target dog" and bats Lion with her hands. She seems to be less gassy, I'm hoping the block feeding is helping. I can sort of see an improvement in the spraying and gagging. Graham has started to show a little more jealousy and is acting out be hitting and sitting on Gentry. I would like to blame it on the cabin fever, but I think it may be a problem we are really going to have to work on.

Putting the kids to bed by myself is not really improving. I cherish the nights that Matthew is home to help. Hopefully Gentry will become happier playing by herself or be asleep while I'm putting Graham down more and more. For now we just all get in bed together and cry until one finally gives up. Most nights it's Graham who gives up first. He will fall asleep in the fold of my leg while I pat his back and he cries about the covers. They are never right; he wants them on, then off, then on and so on. I'm still loving being a mother of two, but am always wishing for more hands and the ability to hold them both at the same time.

I wish I had a picture: Last Thursday Matthew walked out the door for work just as I needed to begin dinner. Graham had just woken up in the worst mood. (comes by it naturally) Gentry was also crying. She needed to fall asleep, but also needed to be upright so she could burp. I quickly put her in the front pack (baby bjorn) and crammed Graham into the backpack. I stooped at the couch to hike Graham onto my back. I then proceeded to make dinner very peacefully. No one was crying and Graham was just talking and talking about everything I was doing. After dinner Graham was carrying the backpack around and was begging for me to hold him.(sound familiar?) I'm so glad we have these fantastic inventions!

2010-01-21T20:35:00.007-06:00

From Our "Weekend"

We are very slowly adjusting to Matthew's new work schedule. I am getting better at being a single parent when the schedule calls for it. We have even gotten out by ourselves a few times this week. LLL was great! Everyone really enjoyed getting to meet Gentry. Graham had a blowout and had to wear Pjs the rest of the night. Somehow I only got out of the house with one diaper for Gentry so I owe the church 3 size ones, that we borrowed. Church went fairly well this week! Thanks to Andrea and Barbra. I noticed on Wednesday that they have installed the TV in the nursing mother's room. That will be fantastic on Sunday! I may actually get to hear/see a whole sermon. Gentry is sleeping about 5 hours and then follows up with 3 hour stretches after that. Graham is still finding his way to our room most nights but goes about 7 hours by himself first. I have been on a video kick lately, so here are two more.... Matthew and I both got new glasses this week and we are working on getting back into contacts. I'll post pictures of our new glasses soon. Hope everyone has a great week!

2010-01-18T09:31:00.012-06:00

I Lost my Newborn

Gentry will be seven weeks old on Wednesday! I have already put away all of the newborn clothes. She is fitting nicely in 0-3 month clothes now. I used the last newborn diaper last night. Size one here we come! She has a pretty bad diaper rash, again. I believe she is allergic to the Pampers Sensitive Thick Care wipes. Cloth diapers today and tomorrow should take care of it. She smiled and cooed at her daddy last night for the first time. She is really enjoying her playtime on the floor while Graham and I do "baby bible class" each morning. Graham was helping her pat the Bible today. It was precious!
I had to include these videos of Graham! He loves to play outside! The first video is of us walking to the trash. A daily ritual! The second video is Graham's love for rocks. He loves to count things, but doesn't get it right every time.
I'm loving my twenty month old and almost two month old!

2010-01-10T10:27:00.011-06:00

5 1/2 Weeks as a Mother of Two

First off... Do I ever shower? No, this is my lovely self at our Curton Christmas get together. Before children I would have been put together and might of even worn makeup to said event. Now? Not so much. My kids were dressed and looking cute, bonus points for me. Right?

God really blessed us with a great work schedule for Matthew for the last two years. Of which I am very grateful. This year I am beginning to wonder what he is trying to teach me? Peacefulness? Gratefulness? Using my time wisely? Learning to depend on him? Wisdom? Some days I am at a complete loss. I have just finished putting my two children to bed alone for three nights in a row. Gentry has decided that 6pm to 10pm is her "crying time." Graham has a very strict bedtime routine that works like magic if I get to follow it. We watch Wheel of Fortune from 6:30 to 7:00, bath and PJs from 7:00 to 7:30, Three books, prayer, and three songs. Then he is out like a light. The only problem is he has to be snuggled while singing. This means one of us has to lay down and use both arms to hold him tightly. That is how he wants it. I can't "hold" both of them at the same time, so you see I am having quit the time getting both of them off to dream land. I have been "wearing" Gentry from about 7:30 till 10 most nights in the Moby Wrap. Graham hates this and cries "holllld yoooou" until Gentry is finally asleep and I can take her off. So you see my delima.....

The first night they both cried from 7:30 to 8:30, then woke up at 10:30 and cried until Matthew got home at 1:00am. The next night I tried leaving Gentry in a "safe" place while I concentrated on Graham. She cried in the swing so hard and loud that Graham wouldn't go to sleep. He kept saying "Gentry cry." This was with his bedroom door closed and the sound machine on. I just can't make both of them happy at the same time! The third night I let Graham watch Disney channel in my bed with the lights off while I nursed Gentry to sleep. She was almost out and Graham was laying over on my lap while I patted him with the free hand. Then the front door opened. Daddy was home and the party began (Graham got a second wind, like you have never seen before.) What on earth am I supposed to do? I can't reason with Graham and I can't stand to hear Gentry cry. Any suggestions??? Which one do you ignore and for how long? I am so glad Matthew is home the other five nights. He is such a good Daddy and very involved. I am very appreciative for that. For some reason nap time goes OK, which is the same routine minus TV and bath. Gentry usually sleeps through it which is great.

Here is a sweet picture of the outfit Aunt "Coco" Jana bought for Gentry for Christmas.

She is really starting to plump up. Her thighs have a few rolls I actually have to pull apart and wash in the tub. Her long "fluffy" hair is starting to disappear. No actual bald spots yet. She is beginning to be awake a little more during the day. At night she usually goes 3 hours before nursing again. I am only having to change her diaper once in the night. She slept 5 1/2 hours after that first horrible night of crying for 3 hours off and on. That night I sent Matthew a text "come home," it didn't work. I guess the planes can't land themselves.

I had to include this crazy picture of Graham. (A dentists nightmare.) He is nineteen months and talking in complete sentences. He still loves fruit more than anything else. He has had croup this week, which was no fun for anyone. He hasn't stopped playing with his airport and new tractors(both Christmas gifts). He loves his baby sister and wants to "tiss her" all the time. I can't wait until the weather warms up and we can run off some boy energy. The "twos" are beginning to show. Lots and lots of No!! Mama! This too shall pass. Right?

Only the grandparents will care, but this video was from today. I''l try to translate: At first he is saying "Oh Happy Day" from the song, Oh happy day, when Jesus washed my sins away..... Then he is talking about the blueberries. He is saying they are cold and eat it. Then I ask if they are good and he says"no", but then changes his mind and answers yes. Next he is saying Hat, hat, hat, on off. At the end he is saying eyes, eyes.
Well, there is the complete Horner update! Hope you all are well! Hope to blog again soon.

2009-12-18T19:33:00.004-06:00

Christmas Card Attempt...
It is almost impossible to get both of them to look in the same direction. It was still fun! Thanks to Nana for the extra help. I finished smocking these outfits in October and could not wait to put them on them! I'm so glad that Gentry has so much hair. I didn't know if we would get to use the hair bow. I think we are going to use the last picture in this group, but I had to share some of the outtakes too. Hope you all have a very blessed Christmas!

"Are we all finished?"

2009-12-10T06:24:00.003-06:00

Eyes Wide Open

"Little" big brother is still loving kisses! He is very gentle with her most of the time. We haven't had any tractor incidents yet but we can't turn our backs for a second. He was trying to pull her "socks" off while she was in the bouncy seat yesterday. Only she didn't have any socks on. He was pulling the bottoms of her footed pjs along with her entire body.

2009-12-02T17:26:00.003-06:00

Gentry Elise Horner
Welcome to the world sweet baby girl.

December 2, 2009
3:17 pm
She weighed 5 lbs 9 oz and was 18 1/4 inches long
She has dark brown hair and blue eyes
We just can't get over how little she is!

Some of you may know already about her rough start. I plan to blog the whole birth story soon for my memories, but today will not be the day.

In the NICU 32 hours!

Talking to my sweet baby.

Proud Daddy!

Picture Day!

"Little" Big Brother giving first kisses.

Car Seat ride home.

First bath at home. 4 days old.

"I'm so pretty, Oh so pretty, Oh so pretty and witty and gay"

2009-11-18T13:25:00.006-06:00

Maternity Photo Shoot

With only 27 days until the arrival of #2, I thought it was time to get some family pictures. Matthew was so sweet and generous in this endeavor and I can't thank him enough. Graham was the perfect child through the whole experience, I could not believe it. We ended up at Lasting Expressions, which was an awesome experience. If you have one near you it is worth trying them out. I do apologize for the lack of blogging. Chasing a toddler and preparing for another baby has about done me in. We also had a little bit of drama with this pregnancy, so it has been a little more difficult than the first one. We can only hope it doesn't forshadow how this sweet baby girl will act in the future. I am only going to put up a few from the shoot, but please enjoy! Hopefully the next entry will be about the birth of our daughter!

2009-06-18T11:42:00.003-05:00

We Have a Walker!!

Graham started walking today!! He is so funny. Still crawls when he wants to get somewhere quickly but is walking a ton. He smiles so big and wants you to clap every time he makes it to a stopping place.

2009-03-14T09:41:00.007-05:00

I'm Just Plain Giddy!!!

You won't even believe what I'm about to share with you...... If you have followed our blog at all, you are well aware of my love affair with many restaurants. We eat out a lot, too much, really! Matthew and I really enjoy finding those quaint little places in every town we visit or live in. Our greatest infatuation has been with a little place you could only find in the north or in Florida (snowbirds I guess). Every spring they open their doors and give away a free treat to every faithful follower that comes their way. As the weather gets better and days are getting longer I was reminded of this glorious little treat shop. This morning I googled them and discover the best news of the day. In the coming soon section I stumbled upon the little known fact that they are opening one right here in my beloved Collierville!!! Right after we shoot Graham up with his "9 month" shots we will be driving as fast as we can to the doors of our new RITAS!!!!! Sorry everyone but we will be a little late on Friday. I'm sure you understand that we can't pass up this awesome oportunity. Curton family, yes you will be compensated for our late arrival! You don't even know how excited I am!!! Well, Cassandra does!

http://www.ritasice.com

2009-02-25T17:37:00.013-06:00

Videos Galore....

Mostly for the Grandparents. We have been having computer issues and lots of sickness, but here is a little video update of the past month. Missing you all out in blog world.

Graham Is ALL Boy

He just started walking behind this today! He is really good with the activity walker but I haven't caught it yet.

This is what Graham got for his mommy's 30th birthday and his 3/4 birthday!

2009-01-13T18:22:00.009-06:00

The Progression......

Graham started really crawling today. He was in the middle of the living room when Matthew walked in from work. I said, "Look who's here!" Graham squealed three times really loudly and started crawling straight for his daddy. It was so sweet. I didn't have the camera ready. (of course) To commemorate this great feat, I have posted a few videos of the progression. He has been working on it since November.

12/11/08

12/22/08

1/13/09

1/15/09

2008-12-23T16:40:00.004-06:00

I Really Miss My Daddy!!!
(a post "written" by Graham)

We have been at Nana and Pap's for a few days. I am really starting to rock when I am on hands and knees. I think I'll wait till Daddy gets here to show everyone how awesome I am.

Look what Nana made me! This sweater is really keeping me warm. It was in the teens when we woke up on Monday and we had freezing rain today. I ate lunch with Pap today and chomped on a carrot. It really felt good on my gums. I can't wait till these teeth break through. Maybe they will give me some real food instead of this old rice cereal. I hope everyone has a great Christmas with their families!!!! I can't wait to see my Dad on Thursday. Love you!

2008-12-19T10:34:00.002-06:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

If only I COULD dance that well. Boy, Graham has some moves. Matthew is a pretty good back up dancer too! I hope you laughed as hard as I did.

2008-12-18T14:38:00.004-06:00

High Ho Silver, Away!

This video is pretty funny! Graham loves to hit his pony to make it go! Graham is really a lot of fun these days.

Here is a little seven month update: He is rolling all over the living room to get to the toys he wants. He is trying really hard to get on hands and knees and rocks till he falls over. He gets upset when you take a toy away. Not much for the trade either. He is trying to pull up on the aquarium and mirror. He loves to talk to himself in the mirror and play "Where's Graham." His squeal really cracks us up. He loves his daddy to tickle him. This last week, he has nursed every 2 hours at night. We are all hoping it is just the teeth he is working on. He loves to sleep on his tummy in the crib. If he is sleeping with us he still likes his back. Crawling Pooh is his favorite toy right now. He smiles so big each time Pooh takes off. We can't wait to see what Graham will accomplish this month.

2008-12-17T14:53:00.003-06:00

First Fire of the Year

Excuse the Seinfeld episode in the background. Points for naming it....?

2008-12-16T14:25:00.000-06:00

Adding Solid Food to the Mix

He gets so excited! He isn't trying to get away.

We started with a piece of banana on Wednesday and added rice cereal on Friday. He is really enjoying it. I have been trying to take it really slow, but when he loves it so much it is really hard to stop. Here are a few pictures and a video of the event!

2008-12-06T18:48:00.000-06:00

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

Matthew and I have always loved Christmas, but we don't really get into it like most people. In the seven years we have been married we have only decorated our home once. We had a fantastic "real" tree in our first apartment in Paragould. Matthew doesn't even remember living in the apartment let alone decorating for Christmas. Each year after that I realized that a Farmer and Teacher have the entire two week holiday off so we end up at our parent's houses. Why decorate if you aren't around to enjoy it. Right?
The other quirky thing about us is: we don't buy each other presents. I think we did the very first year, but never after that. Seems like he bought me Pjs and a beautiful pair of earrings. I have no idea what I got him. Funny thing is we do buy at least one ornament to add to the tree each year. Very ironic that we don't put up a tree.......

Long story, to say when you have a kid things change. I felt like we needed to start Graham off right. The doughnut is for the year Matthew spent on the doughnut crew at Wal-mart. Some of his best memories. The Fishin' Santa is the Summer we lived with the Horner's and Matthew fished almost everyday.

The Puffin was bought at a little gift shop on Fox Island. We went to Alaska for our honeymoon.
I got this little Eskimo for Matthew the first Christmas that we were together, before we were married. I had Graham's first Christmas ornament on here but it seems to have disappeared. I hope everyone is gearing up for a great holiday with family. Safe travels to all!

2008-12-05T09:40:00.004-06:00

Pretty Lil' Numbers

Just finished these fun little bags for Aunt Jennie to give as Christmas presents. I made a diaper bag for myself the other day, then I decided to make each of my nieces a bag. Oh how Belle and Lily love to wag bags around filled with all of their prized possessions.... Aunt Jennie saw Lil's and asked if I could make some for her for Christmas. I'm pretty proud of the final product. The purple bags are a candy print. A little Charlie and Chocolate Factoryish. The bottoms are chenille. I don't have a monogram machine, but think I did pretty well for free hand. Maggie's is a pink, brown, and lime green paisley with a hot pink bottom. Each bag has two interior pockets. I hope Sarah, Lucy, and Maggie enjoy there's as much as Belle and Lily are. Hope everyone has a great day!!

2008-11-21T12:10:00.003-06:00

PrAiSe WaLk
Graham and I went on a "praise walk" last week. My sister-in-law taught her kids to shout "PrAiSe" every time they see a beautiful tree changing colors this fall. I thought that was so neat and we heard "pRaIse" from the backseat only a thousand times on Sunday as we were bringing the girls back from Alabama. It was really sweet! It reminded me of "ooh ahhw." It amazes me that God has given us such a beautiful world to live in. I take this for granted far too often. I really enjoyed the time with God on this particular walk. Graham was a pretty good companion too.

Every time I would bend down to take a picture I was "disappearing. " Every time I came back up to push the stroller a little more, Graham would just cackle and grin.

By the pond near our house. Deer haven!

Almost missed this one. It was tiny!

Love the contrast!

This just screams holiday season!!!

Hope you are all having a great week. Get out for a pRaIsE wAlK before it's too late!

2008-11-14T15:06:00.001-06:00

***I went back and updated October. About four new posts on the actual days so you may have to click on Oct. on the right to see all of them. Thanks for stopping by! Happy Fall!!*****

2008-11-14T14:30:00.006-06:00

1/2 Birthday
I can't believe you are 6 months old today! You are such a blessing to your daddy and me. We can't thank God enough for letting you join our family. You have already brought such joy to us. You have melted our hearts, sweet boy. I want to list a few things about you so that I won't forget.

1. I love the way you death grip my shirt while you are nursing. (I tell you all the time that I won't put you down before your ready, but still I have to pry your little fingers open every time I put you down to sleep.)

2. I love the way you listen to books at bedtime until you start rubbing your head on the sheets to tell me your finished and ready for sleep.

3. I love the squeal you make when you are playing with your feet.

4. I love to see your face when Daddy walks in every afternoon.

5. I love how you babble in the morning to let us know your ready to start another day.

6. I love how you can sit and play by yourself.

7. I love how you chase the duck around the bathtub using your hands and feet to catch him.

8. I love that you enjoy being outside more than in.

9. I love how you already reach for me.

10. I love that you know what you want, even though it makes it harder for me.

11. I love your smile when we take off your socks or let you be naked for a little while.

12. I love that you relax when I unsnap your jeans.

13. I love your thighs!!

14. I love the way you smile and dive in when you haven't nursed in awhile.

15. I love that you raise your eyebrow just like your daddy.

16. I love the way you study objects and people.

17. I love the way you pat my leg when I sit next to you on the floor. (Like your making sure I am still there.)

18. I love the way you slurp down Tylenol when your teeth are hurting.

19. I love the way you laugh at your daddy.

20. I love your monkey toes.

We love you with all of our hearts! Happy Half Birthday little boy! To celebrate we are going to the Bird's for chili and smores.

2008-10-31T13:07:00.002-05:00

Fall Festival @SW

Making fun of my sweet boy, who was just ready to go home. We had a great time with the Kenley's at fall festival. Thanks for letting us tag along. Graham is going to have a lot more fun next year!

The fearless Dragon Slayer (Tanner)

The happy dragon (Easton)

Mr. Charlie Brown (Graham)

2008-10-22T15:27:00.002-05:00

Hello, Chuck!

Thanks Mama Jan for the cute outfit! We just couldn't pass it up at Target. I think Graham will be "Chuck" for Halloween this year. I'm excited about all the candy he'll be bringing our way at Trunk and Treat!

2008-10-22T06:58:00.006-05:00

Thanks Aunt Stephanie!

First attempt. Didn't really know what to do.

Five minutes later. He loves this thing!!

2008-10-18T12:37:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Hallow 08

We had a great time taking Graham to Pumpkin Hallow this year. We especially enjoyed the awesome lunch at Strawberry's afterward. Best ribs ever!!!! You can't beat the scalloped potatoes either!

2008-10-15T12:23:00.004-05:00

Rice Harvest 2008

Matthew and Graham spent the day helping cousin Jason at the farm. Graham played in the rice and had his first four wheeler ride!

2008-10-11T16:58:00.000-05:00

Horner Reunion

2008-10-10T13:07:00.003-05:00

Look What I Can Do!

I started sitting alone today!

2008-10-10T12:11:00.002-05:00

First Night

Graham spent his first night in his new crib, at the end of our bed. He did great! This is the same crib his Mama Jan slept in. We painted it a dark charcoal color. It looks really good with the white bed skirt and polka-dot sheets. He has been sleeping about six hours straight for a week now. He likes to nurse to sleep then exactly 50 minutes later he wants the other side. Then the six hours begin. After another top off he can go about 2 more. Bringing his total "night sleep" to 9 hours. 5:30 is his normal wake up time. During the night he cries out when he wants to eat. At 5:30 he wakes up and babbles. I always know he is finished for the night when he wakes up talking instead of crying. The sad part is when he does this at 3 or 4......He usually ends up in bed with us because I refuse to start the day at this insane hour.

2008-10-07T12:52:00.003-05:00

Hillcrest
It's always fun to go "home." We spent the weekend with Matthew's parents. They were so excited to see Graham after being gone for the month. We had a great time at Hillcrest, Sunday. It's always good to see friends and catch up a little. I can't believe it but I left Graham in Bible class for the first time this Sunday. (I know, I don't think I was thinking clearly at the time.) Miss Sally and Miss Joy were the perfect pair to leave him with. They said he had the best time. I know he chewed on everything. Miss Joy didn't even have to hold him until they pulled out the food. (He is still too little to have cheerios.) Here are a few pictures from church. The date stamp is wrong....I'm still learning.

It even looks like Graham is saying, Are you really leaving?

I have to share one little story about Paragould: We went to eat at the local Chinese restaurant. Graham was asleep on Matthew's shoulder when we walked in. Several people smiled in our direction and one guy patted G's hand and told us how sweet he was. This didn't bother me too badly but really, it takes so much energy to get a baby to sleep. Why does everyone feel the need to touch a sleeping baby???? Your really going to think I'm too over protective, but I will share anyway. About five minutes into the meal Graham wakes up and isn't going back to sleep so Matthew has Graham sitting on his knee. The waitress notices and offers us a high chair.(very sweet!) He isn't sitting up yet, so no, but thank you. Two minutes later she comes back and in broken English asks if she can hold G. Matthew passes him to her. She stands by our table for 30 seconds and then walks off with my baby. (yes, a little uncomfortable!) She then proceeds to walk him around the entire restaurant, including taking him to other guest's tables. She finally comes back five minutes later with G and a fortune cookie. Thanks, but really? No one would come up to you and offer the same thing with your five year old. If they did you really wouldn't let them take them away from the table. Babies are very fun to look at and talk to, but taking a complete strangers baby.....I just don't get it. Am I way off? Out of line??

2008-10-02T04:17:00.008-05:00

Mail Call...........
Always always my favorite thing about camp! You always felt so important when they called your name, didn't you? It's a good thing we weren't at camp, a months worth of mail adds up pretty quickly. We received 63 pieces of mail! We would still be singing if we were at Tahkodah. The nice lady at the post office even let us bring it home in a United States Postal Service box. Did you know you can be fined and imprisoned up to 3 years if you use this box for any unintended use? Wow! I'll be returning it today, before Graham gets any bright ideas. Out of the 63 pieces we received 13 bills or important letters, Four Delta Farm Presses, two magazines, three packages (pictures from Shuttterfly), and the remaining 22 pieces would be classified as junk mail. Amazing the trees we could have saved, right? It took Matthew and I a good hour to sort and skim through our lovely mail. After I finish with the bill pile, I'll have to get started on unpacking and going through the clothes Graham outgrew while we were away. So glad to be home!!!

2008-09-29T16:00:00.004-05:00

101st Post!

It has taken me two years to get to this point and I want to thank all of my followers (even those that don't comment.) I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as we have. This post comes at a very exciting time..... I have finally purchased my first digital camera! I have had two different hand-me-downs (Thanks Robin and Dad!) that have been jewels. I finally decided to retire them and bite the bullet. I purchased a Z812IS last week that should be delivered today. I can not wait to get home to open it and begin shooting. To commemorate this great feat I have posted 101 of my favorite pictures. I'm sure the next few posts will be trying out my new toy with my favorite subject, Graham.

Enjoy, Until then........Lindsay

If you made it all the way through, congratulations. What was your favorite picture?

2008-09-27T14:31:00.001-05:00

The National Cowboy Museum

We spent the morning walking around the cowboy museum. This was after an Ihop breakfast, a three mile sunrise walk at the lake and showers. I had terrible insomnia beginning at 4am so Matthew said lets just start our day. It was a great one! The museum was worth the admission price. We could have spent three days looking at everything. Graham did very well until he got sleepy. He ended up in the mai tai for a good hour and a half nap.

This is in the gardens at the back of the museum. It was beautiful. I would love a pond and waterfall like this in my next backyard. (I know, keep dreaming Lindsay.)

"Ride 'em cowboy!"

"Howdy Partner"

A really nice couple saw us taking pictures out in the garden and they offered to take a family picture.

If you're ever in OKC take the time to see this museum! Our trip is almost over, and oh how we have enjoyed the precious family time together.

2008-09-26T19:32:00.005-05:00

Date Night!
We are really taking advantage of our last weekend in OKC. Matthew will be back on his regular schedule and OVERTIME Graham and I were dressed and waiting on the porch for a date. We went to my favorite place (besides The Melting Pot) The Cheesecake Factory. We started with Chicken Pot Stickers and bread. Matthew ordered a Filet. I enjoyed Orange Chicken. Then for the only reason you go to the "Factory:" DESSERT!!! We both ordered coffee to go with our cheesecakes. Matthew actually had Apple Crisp A La Mode. I had the best Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. Yum Yum! My sweet husband also ordered the brand new Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake to take home. He knew I was having trouble deciding, so just get both. Isn't that the answer when you can't make a decision? Our sweet boy fell asleep on the way to the restaurant and he woke up when our awesome waitress brought the bill!! He really is the best, isn't he? Matthew and I laughed about what a great date it was. You wouldn't have even known Graham was there. It's funny though because we were so excited to see him when he did open those beautiful blue eyes. I'm so glad he was with us!
After our tummies were filled with too much cheesecake.
Graham and Matthew after a great nap.
Graham got a lot of attention from our wonderful waitress. He was in such a good mood when he woke up.

Tune in tomorrow for a trip to the Cowboy Museum.......

2008-09-25T19:16:00.004-05:00

Two Minutes of Our Day......

And below.....

2008-09-24T15:06:00.006-05:00

Zoobies!! Uuugh!

"These guys really hurt!"

Blurry, but starting to get little white bumps.
We've tried everything: fingers, thumbs, other people's fingers, teething tablets, Tylenol, teething gel, frozen washcloths, cold teething rings, room temperature teething toys. This boy is just not happy!
I'm glad everyday won't be like this until they bust through, but boy days like this are not fun for anyone involved. On a happy note: Graham slept 8 hours straight two nights in a row before this whole teething thing started.

Ignore the terrible Mommy talk in this video. Hope everyone is having a great week and enjoying the beginning of Fall.

2008-09-20T12:59:00.003-05:00

OKC Zoo
"The zoo rocks, it had animals." - Matt
"I wish I had worn shorts. Boy I'm glad I didn't get the souvenir cup!" - Lindsay
"I think those fish are after me!" - Graham

Graham was so excited to see the monkeys and gorillas!
Hate that it's blurry, but he was definitely excited about the monkeys eating their dinner."It was a little hot so Mommy and Daddy sacrificed their bottled water as air conditioners for me!"

He just laid back and enjoyed the walk. Look how he is resting his little arm on the cold water.
Just as we were leaving the zoo.
Graham was so sad to see his day come to an end.

Graham and the meerkat had a lot in common. Graham was so relaxed on his walk he took two naps in the 2 and a half hours that we were there.

Crazy Bear and below is Graham's response.

2008-09-18T19:25:00.001-05:00

Oklahoma State Fair
Every time you see a happy little family out and about one parent is pushing the empty stroller and the other is lugging the happy little butterball on their hip. Well, I decided we weren't even going to go there.... I happily strapped Graham on in my handy Mei Tai. After he woke up from his first nap it was Daddy's turn. I am so glad that Matthew loves Graham (and me for that matter) enough to wear this in public. Graham was out again for round two just a few minutes after this photo.
We saw a demonstration on milking cows and spinning wool (you are much better Mom). We walked through the horse and cow barns. Graham didn't know what to think about the cows. Graham woke up for a glimpse at the brand new baby chicks. We also saw little piglets and very big bison.
You know the reason you go to the fair is for the FOOD so here's a run down of what we ate. First we split a slice of pepperoni pizza and a fresh squeezed lemonade. Then on to a polish sausage, pepper and onion sandwich with a sprite. Graham decided he wanted to eat then also, so we stopped on a park bench for a quick sip. Lastly, we went for an overpriced funnel cake and I took home a carmel apple. $50 later we were fat and happy and ready to go home. Thanks Oklahoma, you've got a great state fair!!! We just wanted to "CELEBRATE THE STATE IN WHICH WE'RE LIVING. WE JUST WANT TO CELEBRATE OKLAHOMA LIVE!" (you can sing along if you like)

2008-09-16T13:36:00.004-05:00

Learning

Mom gave me a crash course in smocking before we left for OKC. I didn't bring my sewing machine this time. I needed something to work on during nap time other than organizing Graham's photo albums. I finally finished my first piece today! It's still a little big for Graham but I will probably let him wear it to church this week anyway. I need to find some little knee socks, it's getting a little cool here. I looked at Penney's but no luck maybe Macy's will have some.

He was singing at this point. He has started doing that when he gets tired especially in the car seat. He sings himself to sleep often.
I need the knee socks so we can wear Mrs. Annette's cute shoes again before we out grow them.
The next outfit is picture smocking. A little more difficult, but up for the challenge. I learned from my mistakes this time so maybe the Spruce Goose plate will turn out without a flaw.

2008-09-14T14:46:00.004-05:00

26 Years......
Uncle Nick wore this outfit 26 years ago.
Graham wore it today to church and brunch with Pap, Uncle Nick and Aunt Caroline. Thanks to Nana for keeping it all these years. Everyone that saw Graham was telling him how cute he is. The hostess at Gaillardia couldn't stop telling us how precious he is, even when we were having to take turns walking Graham around the grounds. It was nap time and he was really sleepy. Matthew let me finish dessert while he took Graham out to see the pool. Matthew said that he started holding him like the sack of potatoes he is and he was out in 30 seconds.
Thanks Nick, Caroline, and Dad for making the trip. It was so fun to eat wings and watch the football game with you Saturday night. We also really enjoyed lunch. I wonder where they get their coffee??? It was also fun talking about childhood memories....we're gonna die!
We love you guys!

2008-09-11T13:19:00.004-05:00

I've Got News!

"It is so exciting!""You won't believe it.......Daddy made a 100% on his test today!"
"I know, I was shocked too. I don't know how he did it. I kept him up really late crying about how tired I was after bible class."
"I hope I can be as smart as him someday. I love you Daddy."

2008-09-09T19:53:00.003-05:00

Hefner Lake
Although we haven't ventured out on the whole nine mile walk, we have taken a few short ones with our sweet boy. Here are a few pictures from Sunday afternoon. Maybe by the end of our stay Graham and his out of shape parents will be up for the challenge. Little does Graham know, he has already done it once (8 months before he was born).

2008-09-07T12:48:00.000-05:00

Look What I Made!
I made this on a Sunday afternoon. I hope to get Graham's 3 month portraits taken in this outfit (even though he will be four months old this week, yikes). A huge thanks to my friend Elizabeth for doing the monogramming. It turned out great! I thought I better snap a few pictures of him just in case I never get around to the formal pictures. Now for a silly story: Graham wore this to church today in OKC. I put a bib on him right after he ate, because we have been having a lot of spit up lately. Which is quite silly since I wanted everyone to see his awesome initials beaming on his chest. I took G to get a cup of coffee, where three elderly women then proceeded to tell me what a sweet beautiful little girl I had. I didn't have the heart to correct them. I guess the bib looked like a big collar or pinafore. He was dressed in all blue including the bib and socks, with the most "boy like" tricycles they make. I think he is pretty cute too, but I don't think he looks girly. We have had several people comment on our "little girl." What's the deal really????
Can't you just hear the cackle in this picture? Really it was more of a squeal I guess.
Elizabeth Rocks!!!!! I told Graham all about how I made this outfit just for him. "No one else can wear it. It wouldn't make any sense because it has your name on it." He just giggled all through my monologue.
"Look at those rubber bands the people forgot to take off my arms."
I think he really looks like a Curton here. I'm so sad after I washed it the buttons turned yellow. So much for cheap Wal-Mart buttons. $0.68 come on your not supposed to change colors on me. Now I have an excuse to go to Hancock's. Maybe I'll go for blue this time.

2008-09-06T10:15:00.002-05:00

Game Day!

Sooners fans weren't too excited to see our little "porkchop" around town today.

2008-09-04T19:52:00.003-05:00

New Laugh

Graham found a new friend in Oklahoma. Now he loves Lion AND Monkey.

2008-09-04T13:48:00.002-05:00

Packing!! Again.....
I feel like we have been going and going lately and Graham agrees. He was a huge help as we packed for OKC. We stopped in LR to break up the trip a little bit. It was well worth it because Pap surprised us with an awesome shrimp boil!

We ate and ate until it was almost all gone! Mom didn't get very many leftovers. We finally made it after a two hour layover in Russellville. A nice ride in a tow truck through Hurricane Gustav and a little snack at the GMC dealership. Did you know they give free drinks while you wait??? Lucky for us it was just a water hose.
The apartment is great and Graham learned a new trick! I will post pics of our place and the new trick as soon as I can catch it on video.

2008-08-27T17:44:00.003-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-26T10:04:00.005-05:00

Retiring Already??

I have spent the week retiring Graham's clothes. It's amazing how quickly they grow out of things. I've been folding up and labeling all of his newborn - 3 month clothes, so I can share with the next baby in our family. Some 6 month outfits are already too small. He is in size 2-3 swaddlers, but I'm not sure they will last much longer. He has been wearing cloth diapers at home and only disposables at night or when we go out. He is still in small fuzzi bunz but I'll have to decide if we are going to continue and invest in mediums or not by the end of next month.

A few excuses as to why I haven't blogged in a month:

Our desktop computer (4 years old) decided to bite the dust. Fried motherboard. Thank you Norton for online backups!! I only lost this last week of pictures and videos.
Spent a week with my family at the Big Piney in a fantastic cabin. (blog topic for later, when smeone emails me some pictures. Lost mine)
Graham and I have had a terrible cold.
Graham has decided to go back to nursing every two hours all night long. I am napping when he does..... hope it's a growth spurt or the cold.
Designed and sewed kitchen curtains for a friend from church.
Made Graham's 3 month outfit for professional pictures. It's at the monogramer's house right now. (pics to come)
Busy growing a boy (24 hour job, you know)

Here are a few favorite pictures from last month. Hope to do better now that everything is on the laptop.

Mom, the points turned out great! Thanks for all of your help over the phone!
Graham's belly button is looking so much better.... it's almost an inny now.

Graham loves his bumbo. His favorite toy is the lion. When you pull it's tail it laughs. Graham gets pretty tickled about it.
He has really started eating his fists and drooling a ton. Time to get out the bibs. I changed his clothes four times on Sunday because they were so wet.

2008-07-28T08:15:00.001-05:00

A Conversation With Graham

2008-07-23T12:38:00.002-05:00

Grill Night In honor of all those HU boys.................. the boys who spent Wednesday nights grilling with Matthew before PIKE church. Although I'll never know how great THAT FOOD was; girls were NEVER invited. I do know how great Matthew is at grilling now. Living in an apartment makes me really miss grilling. It's the smallest things that make me happy. It also makes me take pictures because these things happen so infrequently. We had the best kabobs at Matthew's parent's house this last weekend. My favorite was the steak and onion! He marinated the steak in butter, fresh garlic, and Lawry's seasoned salt. yum yum. The chicken and veggie kabobs were marinated in Italian dressing. I didn't try the Cajun sausage but Grandaddy Richard said it was great! The corn on the cob and grilled pineapple just added to the awesome meal! Mama Jan rounded it all out with a sour cream pound cake served warm with peaches. Now that I have made you all hungry, you're invited to our first cookout in our new home. (Don't know when it will be, but soon I hope. I really hope it's before Graham learns to walk!)

2008-07-20T18:46:00.003-05:00

July 4th Vacation in Paragould (a little late) Graham meeting Grandmother Horner for the first time. Grandmother is the mother of eight children. Graham is the 23rd great-grandchild! He is one of three great-grandsons that will carry on the Horner name.
Four generations of Horners. Richard Perry, Richard Matthew, Joyce Ray, and Graham Edward.

Graham's first trip to the farm. He really enjoyed the air conditioned cabin. He did really well, especially with how hot it was. His silly mommy made him leave on that hot hat all day. Jack really thought Graham was pretty neat. He tried to dig through the levee where Graham was enjoying a nice lunch. The crops looked really good. It was neat to see how everything changes, but really nothing looks very different. We can't wait to see Graham toddling through a rice field like his daddy grew up doing.
Mama Jan had a wonderful time putting Graham to sleep all week! He really enjoyed getting to snuggle. We had an awesome week. It was especially fun to worship at Hillcrest. We had some great Mama Jan cooking and got to see lots of family!

2008-07-14T07:25:00.002-05:00

He Really Is My Child.....
Those of you that know me well, know how well I sleep. I can't tell you how many pictures Mom has of me asleep in laundry baskets, on the potty chair, and in my plate of food at the dinner table. I would call my sleeping ability a hobby, sometimes I even claim it as a talent. Matthew used to get so upset with me when we were dating in college. You know after spending all evening together and saying goodnight, I would immediately get on the phone with him. There really wasn't anything else to do after "curfew," and studying wasn't an option. We would talk for about ten minutes. Matthew would be in the middle of a story and I was off in dream land. He would say "Lindsay are you there? Lindsay, Lindsay" each time getting louder and louder. Sometimes I would wake up to the long beeping noise that happens when you are disconnected and the lady then comes on and says "If this is an emergency hang up and try your call again." Well to make a story longer..... My sweet Graham has fought sleep since the day he entered the world. He just wouldn't give up. We have already danced many miles with this boy. I was beginning to worry because with parents that love sleep and fall asleep so easily, how could this boy have so much trouble? Last Tuesday we woke up as usual at 5:15. I nursed Graham while Matthew ate breakfast. Then I put him down to play on his activity mat. I ran into the bathroom and Matthew headed to the kitchen. Matthew came around the corner while I was brushing my teeth and said, "You have to see this." My sweet boy had played so hard in those 2 minutes that he fell asleep. Immediately I said, "He really is ours!"

This is our only family picture since the hospital. They are very difficult to get, since I don't have a tripod. Thanks Mr. Horner for snapping this one after church at Hillcrest on Sunday. It was a great vacation and I promise to blog about it next.

2008-07-05T10:09:00.003-05:00

All the Grandboys!!
Stephanie and the boys came over for dinner last Tuesday. It was so much fun! Watching Wipeout was too funny!I weighed Graham last night......He is up to 14 pounds and we just switched to size 2 diapers. His rolls are just precious!

2008-06-25T12:18:00.005-05:00

Six Weeks

I can't believe you have been in our home for 42 nights. You are beginning to sleep 3 and 1/2 to 4 hours at a time at night, but only if you are swaddled. Your favorite way to go to sleep is listening to the bathroom fan, facing out, swaying in front of the big bathroom mirror. You still love bath time especially with your daddy before church. You love to go check the mail in your sling, it puts you right to sleep. Your just starting to smile and coo at us. Your favorite awake time is for about an hour around 8am. We went to visit Dr. S today! Mommy has lost 22lbs. and has been freed to exercise. Look out world the walking is about to start! Hopefully you'll enjoy your stroller, if it isn't too hot. We love you Graham and are so filled with joy. We are so glad God lets us have you for a little while.

Thanks Miss Annette and Mr. Phil, we love the new play quilt! One day it will be our big boy bed quilt, if we don't wear it out first.

2008-06-24T12:01:00.001-05:00

Sycamore View Shower

I must say that the women at SVCC are wonderful! This shower was such a blessing. I know that Graham really enjoyed getting to meet everyone. He slept through the whole thing and enjoyed every bit of cuddling that he received. We had such a great time telling birth stories and relaying parenting advice. The food was delicious and Graham received some beautiful new clothes (to grow into), a new diaper bag, lots of books, toys, and blankets. Thank you you so much for loving us and blessing us Sycamore View!
Graham wore this duck onesie to his shower. His Uncle Nick wore it when he was a little guy.
The awesome hostesses. Brandi, Elizabeth, Kathy and Laurie. Thanks Girls!
Elizabeth and Emily worked really hard on this diaper cake. Didn't it turn out awesome?
Once again Elizabeth used her amazing talents to create this wonderful cake. The frosting was delicious and the cake was so moist!!! I got to eat the belly button.

2008-06-23T20:51:00.002-05:00

Finally Caught It....

2008-06-15T17:43:00.005-05:00

Happy Father's Day

Graham couldn't have a better Daddy! Matthew has just amazed me over the last month. I knew while we were dating that he would be a good daddy, but I never imagined what it would look like on a daily basis. He is so in love with this boy! I have been so blessed to catch him talking so sweetly to Graham as he changes his diaper in the middle of the night. He is so patient while trying to calm Graham during a crying fit. He loves to talk to Graham about fishing. I overheard him telling him exactly how to catch crappie step by step the third day we were home from the hospital.
I know Matthew and Graham are going to have a very special relationship. I am so glad that God blessed me with both of them. I find so much comfort and strength in Matthew and don't know what I would do without him. Thank you for loving me, Matthew. I especially thank you for loving your boy boy!! I'll leave you with a video of a sweet daddy comforting his boy.......

2008-06-11T17:22:00.001-05:00

Teddy-n-Graham's Play Date
T.J. and Sammie came over to play today! It was a great surprise. It was so fun to talk to Sammie about mommy stuff. T.J. had a great time reading books. Graham pretty much slept through the whole thing. Thanks so much for stopping by! Graham and I look forward to many more play dates with you guys in the future. Matthew and I hope these boys will get to grow up close friends even though we are in different towns. Can't wait to see you in Paragould on the Fourth of July!

2008-06-08T15:18:00.005-05:00

Praise God
Graham experienced his first worship service and bible class this morning. We actually made it on time and we only had to leave twice to nurse! We also got to meet our new pulpit minister and his family today. We are really excited about the plans God has for our church family and the Ross family. Welcome to Tennessee!

Graham ready to eat again. Matthew being a proud daddy.
Mommy and Graham ready for church.

2008-06-05T17:24:00.004-05:00

This Week in Review!!

First real bath at exactly 2 weeks. Nana helped! Since then Graham has had 2 more and a shower.
The Austin family came to meet Graham. Thanks for all of the fun guys! Hope you had some luck in the swim suit department! Target was a blast, we'll have to do it again soon.
Shauri sent this great new outfit. Thanks!! Graham wore it on his first trip to the scrap booking store with Nana and Mommy while Matthew was napping. Graham didn't even know he had gone. He slept through the whole trip!

Lastly, a little video. Poor lighting and I didn't catch the beginning of the action. He has done this three different times in the last two days. Hopefully I'll actually catch the whole move soon. We know this is a fluke, but think it's funny.

2008-05-26T12:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Due Date, Baby!

I can't believe I would still be pregnant today. It already feels like Graham has been a part of our family for so long. I had been begging Matthew to take some couple shots for a couple of days. I'm so glad he gave in because Graham arrived four days later. I just wanted to share a few to celebrate our sweet boy's original due date. It's kind of funny how I miss being pregnant, but at this point can barley remember what it even felt like. I was able to wear my "big girl" (size 10) jeans to the doctor on Friday. I do miss the belly and the sweet kicks, but I'm enjoying the sweet smells, sounds and kisses. Hope everyone had a great Memorial Day!

Playing with the baby!

38 weeks
I think this one is hilarious!
Feeling Graham kick!
Happy Family

2008-05-23T15:24:00.001-05:00

Nine Days Old

We took Graham for his first pediatrician's appointment on Friday. In nine days he had gained 10 oz. The doctor said, "I'm just glad to see babies back up to their birth weight at this point. He's a breastfeeding champ." We are so in love with him! It's crazy how that can happen so fast. Praise God for that amazing feeling. I still can't get over the fact that Graham shouldn't even be here yet. I kind of miss feeling those little wiggles and kicks inside me. Matthew said, "I'm just glad that we get to spend twelve extra days with him in his lifetime." Things are going really great! Graham sleeps for one four hour stretch at the begining of the night then he eats every 2 hours until we get up for the day. I can't complain because he always goes right back to sleep. Mom and I took these pictures for the baby announcements. I only posted my three favorites. I think I took 50, just trying for one good one.

This reminds me of our fake poses for our senior pictures. He is just missing that huge ring on his finger and a tassel cap.
I love this picture, he is almost smiling and those cheeks are too cute.
This is his serious look.

2008-05-20T12:21:00.005-05:00

Updated Pictures!!!!

Graham is awesome and we are so excited that he is part of our family.

Uncle Nick
Aunt Stephanie and Cousin Tanner

Nana, Graham, Cousin Jackson, Cousin Belle, and Aunt Shannan
Daddy, Cousin Lily, and Graham

Grandaddy Richard
Belle and Graham
Jackson and Graham

Grandmother Bridges
Mama Jan, Mommy and Baby Boy
Aunt Jana (Coco??)

Pap and Graham

Aunt Caroline and Graham
Nana, Mommy and Baby Boy
So in love!
Loving his fingers on Daddy's chest

2008-05-20T10:04:00.004-05:00

Birth Story
**Disclaimer** Very long and detailed so I'll have it for the baby book. You probably don't want to read this.

Tuesday May, 13th
That morning I asked Matthew what to do to get him at work since we were getting closer to the due date. We made our little plan.... My car decided to quit working on Sunday so I would be without it that day. We planned on taking it to the shop at 3:00 that afternoon.

11:30am I planned to meet some friends from church for lunch at J. Alexanders, Amy had to come get me because of my poor car. I ate the most awesome blue cheese and grilled salmon salad ever.

1:00pm Amy dropped me off at home. I climbed the stairs and had a strange feeling. I called Mom and asked if it really could be my water. I was still 13 days away?

1:30pm At this point I was sure that was what happened. I called the Dr. office, they told me to come in and get checked as soon as possible. I texted (is that a word) Matthew Call ASAP. This was not the plan by the way. He was in a meeting, but stepped out. I told him we were in no hurry.

2:00pm Matthew walked in the door. I was folding clothes and packing, since I had not planned on having him anytime soon. We made the bed and started the dishwasher. We prayed and hugged at the door for the last time as a family of two.

2:30pm We checked in at the Dr. office. I had lost a pound and my blood pressure was great. I was 1 cm dilated and 40% effaced. Sure enough my water had broken and this put me on a timetable of 24 hours, from fear of infection. I asked the doctor if we could go to Wendy's for Matthew to get something to eat I promised I wouldn't eat. He told me, "Do not pass go, do not collect $200." "I'll get you a wheelchair to ride over to the hospital." I was not having any contractions that I knew of and I would walk myself, I told him. (in a nice way)

3:30pm Admitted to labor and delivery. They didn't have any beds ready so they told us to wait in the waiting room. I sat cross legged on the hard floor hoping his head would come down further and progress naturally before they pumped me full of Pitocin.

5:00pm They started Pit and upped it 2 units every thirty minutes. Contractions were coming every 3 minutes and were in the 50 to 70 intensity range.

Midnight They checked me, I was 5 cm and 80% effaced. The last thirty minutes had been extremely intense. Matthew was doing an amazing job talking me through them. He had very strict orders, from me, to not let me give in to the epidural. I started begging and at 12:20am I finally made the decision that this was under different circumstances and I could live with a medicated birth.

12:20 to 1:30am Started the epidural which was horrible sitting still through the toughest contractions.

1:30 to 2:10am Napped on and off but was feeling a ton of pressure. I thought I can't really be ready to push.

2:10am The nurse checked me again and I was fully dilated and complete, so she let me give a practice push.

2:59am Sweet baby boy was born!!!! 6 lbs 2 oz, 19 inches long, blonde hair and blue eyes.

4:00am Nursed for the first time!

6:30am First bath

9:00am Named the sweet boy Graham Edward

It ended up being the best birth under the circumstances! We love our sweet boy and praise God for his safe arrival. We are so glad that God blessed us with Graham and trusts us to raise him to know Him!

2008-05-15T17:53:00.003-05:00

Graham Edward is Here!
Just got home from the hospital. I'll post the whole story after getting some sleep..... Born 2:59am Wednesday, May 14th 6 lbs 2 oz 19 inches long. He has light hair and a Curton nose.

2008-05-10T16:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks Aunt Cyndee!

We just received the most beautiful bedroom furniture because Cyndee is in the process of redoing her own home. I feel like such a grown up now! It only took 7 years (right?) We only have the one bedroom so I've put up the pack and play just so we have a changing table. Little bit (still no name) is going to share our bed for awhile. We'll see how that goes, until it's time to sign a new lease or move out?

Here is the new headboard!!
This is the view from Matthew's side of the bed.
Here is my side of the bed looking out toward our living room.
I put the good old Wal-Mart dresser in the closet, which is becoming very crowded with clothes for all three of us. Yes, I wrestled the dresser (nine months pregnant) by myself while Matthew was at work.

2008-04-23T18:52:00.002-05:00

Blessed

The girls at Hillcrest gave us the best shower on Sunday. I didn't realize that I missed everyone so much until I got to just sit on the couch and chat after the shower. I stayed 2 hours after it was over. Thanks Mel! I'm sure you had other things to do... I want to give a big shout out to KJ and Sammie for the awesome wedge. It has made sleeping so much better. A HUGE thanks to Torre for the punch. I'll be drinking that all summer! All of the hostesses were so awesome to take the time to bless our sweet boy. I can't wait to use all of the precious gifts we received. I'm working on unpacking it all today. We will be using it all very soon so I better get it organized. I am still feeling great, but have started to get a little bit of ankle swelling this week. I have upped my water goal to a gallon a day. It is very difficult on the days I work, but I can tell a big difference on the days I don't make the goal.

2008-04-03T19:15:00.003-05:00

32 Week Ultrasound

We just got back from a great appointment! Our little bit is not anemic. He is measuring right on target. The tech took measurements of his head and femur. His heart beat was 151. We watched the blood flow through his brain and umbilical cord. (It's like doppler radar) She estimated that his weight is 4lbs 6 oz at this point. He should be a pretty good size kid, come May! Mama Jan got to go along and I think she really enjoyed it. I'm thrilled because he is already head down. As a bonus, he is also facing the right way. No back labor!!! I just hope he can stay that way for good.
This is a profile of the crazy baby. He has both of his hands up by his face. The dark bubble tube in the middle of the picture is his umbilical cord.

This is a very well zoomed picture of his face. He is looking at you. The dark spot is his eye and the white blob is his nose. Both of these pictures look so much better in person! We can't wait to really meet him! We have a crash course on labor this weekend, after Matthew finishes his second week of overtime in a row. Hopefully he can stay awake and engaged long enough to finish the class. I'm going to treat him to an awesome new restaurant afterwards. He doesn't know where we are going yet, but it should bring back some PA memories.

2008-04-01T07:23:00.006-05:00

Single Digits and Baby Expo

20 weeks

29 weeks

30 weeks
32 weeks

Finally down to eight weeks! I can't believe how quickly it has gone by. I have had the most carefree pregnancy so far. It has been such a blessing, praise God for that! Hopefully the next 55 days will continue on this path. We have an ultrasound on Thursday, now that we got my "genetic blood work" back. They just want to make sure that little bit is growing correctly and not showing any signs of anemia, like his mama. Still stuck on the name.... found one I really love this week. Lear, what do you think?

Matthew and I went to the Mid-South Baby Expo this weekend. $7 a head, I was hoping for a return on our $14 investment. The grand door prize was a $500 gift card to Babies R Us, a highchair, car seat and gift cards to McAlister's Deli. I just knew we would win because we never win anything. (Real rational thinking there.) We (I) filled out a card for every drawing available.... Haven't heard back from anyone. I guess we got $14 dollars worth of plastic cups, yard sticks, diapers, sample lotion and baby wash, first aide kits, magnets, and coupons. We really had a good time! I drug Matthew to an hour long breastfeeding seminar and maternity fashion show, but he got free pickles and ice cream out of the deal.

2008-03-27T10:50:00.004-05:00

Easter Weekend!

It is so much fun visiting Mama Jan's! We get to stay at a hotel with an indoor pool! The kids really do love it! The entire family came in for the weekend. We spent Friday afternoon at the little park in Oak Grove. Many laughs were had over this very peculiar picnic. Mama Jan really did do a good job planning and providing the food!

Matthew and Shannan with the hurricane force winds, trying to grill!
Jackson picking up the balled up bags for the 1000th time.
Belle all grins on the swing. She tried to feed the horses but they wouldn't go for carrots.
Sweet Lilo!

Saturday afternoon we took the kids to the state park. They rode bikes, played on the playground, rode in the paddle boats, had an Easter egg hunt, and went hiking which included a geo-cache. Wow it sounds crazy after you type it all out! Here is a slide show of the hunt:

Sunday was fantastic! It was the first time we have gotten to worship at Hillcrest since September. It was so good to see so many of our friends. Sorry I didn't get any pictures in our Easter finest, but believe me the kids looked really sweet! Here we are back home in the routine of work and life. Hope you all had a great weekend with family as well!

2008-03-12T12:52:00.003-05:00

Yippee!!!

Mossy Oak Britax Marathon made it today! Thanks Mom and Dad. It is so great! I can't wait to see how it fits in the car!
I am the most excited about this being the only seat we will ever use in Matthew's car! Our boy will get to go straight to a booster seat after he outgrows this one. We all know he won't outgrow it in height and it will be forever before he hits 65 pounds!! I can't wait till Matthew gets home, he'll be so surprised! Thanks again Nana and Pap!

2008-03-10T15:49:00.007-05:00

Today's Project!

I think it turned out too big. :( I'll get Matthew's opinion when he gets home from work. This is what we are going to use as a "diaper stacker" on our pack and play changing table. I've also included a picture of twenty-nine weeks!! Eleven to go!! We are really starting to get things in order for our sweet boy. If only we could decide on a name for the poor kid.

The colors on the pack and play and the stacker look better together in person. I guess the flash changed the colors a little.

2008-02-21T06:40:00.008-06:00

Cirque Du Soleil

Matthew and I just got back form the best birthday date ever! We spent the afternoon eating on Beale and watching the matinee of Saltimbanco. We ate at Rum Boogie Cafe on the corner right by the FedEx Forum. We got the sampler platter, which was fantastic! The catfish was amazing. We also had gator gumbo, red beans and rice, ribs, and pulled pork. I splurged and had sweet tea. That's all the caffeine I can have this week.

The show was fantastic! We had seats on the club level. This meant padded stadium seats! I was very lucky to get isle seats. Yeah for bathroom breaks!

This was my favorite part. There were four women flying through the air on bungees choreographed to a live opera singer. Absolutely beautiful!

This was my second favorite part. The Chinese poles. Here they were representing skyscrapers. Everything was timed so perfectly. I wonder how many hours they practice? The picture below was Matthew's least favorite part.
It was a little uncomfortable for him. (He said it was a little too European.) I was just amazed by their strength. What kind of neck muscles does one have to have to hold up a grown man? Matthew's favorite parts of coarse are not pictured on Cirque's web site and you can't take pictures at the show. He loved the Russian Swing and the Juggler the best. It was just an amazing show! I am so glad that they came to crazy Memphis!

2008-02-14T12:23:00.005-06:00

Happy Valentines Day!

Matthew came home from work @ 6:30 this morning with these beautiful tulips and breakfast in tow. Tulips are my favorite flowers! These are almost the same color as my wedding bouquet.

This is my favorite breakfast from a little resturant in Chippewa, PA called the Red Onion Grill. It's called stuffed french toast. There is a thick slice of cream cheese between those two layers. The whipped cream and berries just add to the deliciousness. Matthew also made bacon and eggs. It was the best V-day breakfast ever.

Matthew's gift was a little slideshow set to music. He loved it! Here's one of the pictures from my little photo shoot. I hope everyone else had a great day too!

2008-02-13T07:38:00.004-06:00

Second Breakfast

Being pregnant has it's perks sometimes. I'm sure baby boy got a few vitamins out of the strawberries! Right? Mama Jan made these crazy crapes and sent them home with us over the weekend.

2008-01-31T15:55:00.001-06:00

The Name Game

Why does it have to be so hard to pick out a name for your offspring? "It's going to stick with him the rest of his life." "It might be a source of agony in his life." These are just a few statments you hear just after the question: Have you decided on a name yet? I tell you, that's a lot of pressure. Matthew and I are both middle name kids, so we know how important a name is. No offense Moms and Dads. We both love our names. I feel a little unique because of it. It still throws me when I'm asked to spell my first name. It just doesn't sound right, I really have to think about it as I spell it aloud. So to get to the point: We have narrowed our list. I would love feedback on these, but understand that we get the final say. It's not a democratic voting process you are participating in. Still I would LOVE some comments good or bad, I'll be thick skinned. In no particular order:

Graham Edward
Cotton Edward
Dallas Edward
Morgan Edward

Obviously Edward is important to us. Matthew's grandfather's name was Edward. I would even take other suggestions at this point. A post just isn't the same without pictures so I threw in a 23 week shot just after our appointment today. I hope everyone enjoys "opening season" of LOST tonight! Matthew and I will be glued with pizza in hand!

2008-01-22T07:21:00.000-06:00

"Sew" Busy Sewing!

I have been very busy sewing the past few days and just wanted to share a few of my projects. I made this fantastic Mei Tai for Matthew to carry the baby in when we go hiking. Matthew says he won't be seen in public in it. The great thing is it fits me too! He says I'll have to wear it heading onto the trail, then he'll switch once we are under the cover of trees. I think he'll change his mind once he sees his precious son inside it. I was able to snap a few shots with him hiking "Garfield" around our apartment. Look quick before he has me delete them. (Hopefully he won't.)

Here's the pattern: http://thosemartins.com/bmt/index.htm She really has great instructions! I already had this fabric, so my straps have a right and wrong side when you tie the knot. I still like how it turned out. The wonderful thing about this carrier is it can be used as both a front and back pack. Of course you can't carry the baby in the back hold until it has good head control (about 6 months old). Also, the babies legs would be sticking out around Matthew's waist. The tie goes under the baby's bottom to make a little seat. Garfield just wasn't tall enough. I added two loops to hang toys or keys from on the left and right sides. The pocket is big enough for a diaper and adds a little padding for the baby.

Matthew has to sleep during the day because he works overnight one day a week. For the last two months we have talked about investing in blackout drapes. I say invest because of how crazy expensive they are. I finally decided to purchase inexpensive curtains and then attach my own panel of blackout fabric to the back. I finished them today and I think they look great!

While at the fabric store yesterday, Matthew picked out some fabric for a flannel receiving blanket for his boy. Here's the final product:

2008-01-06T20:01:00.002-06:00

Easton's First Birthday!

Here's the sweet one year old blowing out his candle.
He absolutely loved the cake!

Easton loves to give kisses, play tackle with Tanner, and plays with any ball thrown or rolled his way! Stephanie planned a great, small family party. We really missed Mom, Dad, Aunt Cack, and Uncle Zach! Mom and Dad are really sick right now, we're hoping they feel better soon! After chili and cake we all took a walk to downtown Jboro. The boys really enjoyed their wagon ride. My favorite part was my shoe selection. Nick and Caroline threw Tanner's new football all the way down Main Street and back! It was a great birthday!

2008-01-03T19:11:00.002-06:00

No Smocked Dresses......

We had a great appointment today. The baby looks perfect! The ultrasound tech was fantastic! She talked us through every frame and printed off four pictures for us to take home. The boy parts could not be mistaken for anything else. The scan took quite a while because our sweet boy wouldn't untuck his chin. The tech had to keep pushing on him so that she could get a better picture of his heart. His head and femur measurements were right on target leaving our due date as expected (May 26). The heart beat was 145. He is really beginning to move around a lot. Matthew still hasn't felt him, but I know it will be any day. We are still waiting on some blood work results from last month, but really nothing to worry about. I just take an extra iron supplement every night. The pictures were both taken today 19 weeks and 4 days. We went through the baby name book last weekend on our way to Paragould so we have a list of "acceptable" names, but haven't even started narrowing them down or talking seriously about them. We're headed to Paragould again this weekend and then to Jboro for Easton's 1st birthday party! Have a great weekend!

2007-12-30T15:45:00.001-06:00

Curton Christmas!
We had a great time at mom and dad's! This year the family was on "B" for gift giving. We are slowly making our way through the alphabet. This is our second year with "the rotating gift" Stephanie and David brought the game: Scene it Squabble. A ton of fun girls against boys with trivia, only the opposite sex would know. It was a "B" because Steph called it Boys Against Girls Squabble. Matthew and I brought the interesting drink: Berry-Cherry Lemonade. Complete with Sonic ice and floating berries. This is the best lemonade ever, but I'm a little bias. Nick didn't like that it left seeds in your teeth. Nick and Caroline made a Big Breakfast Buffet for the interesting snack. The Bertolli Paninis were delicious. We also had Banana Berry Smoothies! Thanks for all the hard work Nick and Caroline! Cassandra and Zach brought the movie, Bourne Ultimatum! Thanks for picking it! The movie was awesome! Dad decided to bend the rules a little this year, instead of everything actually starting with a "B" he bought everything at Bed Bath and Beyond. Three points for him! He was also thoughtful and picked out a very appropriate book for each of us from Barns and Noble. One point for that one! The girls spent a ton of time in the kitchen this year. Thank you Mom for making the traditional Christmas dinner so special. It brought back many childhood memories! Can't wait for "C" my snack is going to be unbelievable so get those appetites ready for next year!

2007-12-23T22:49:00.002-06:00

Horner Christmas!
We had the best Christmas yet in Huntsville! We started something new with this side of the family. We are doing a rotating gift.... We each buy a gift for the little kids, but the adults no longer buy for each other. We rotate responsibilities instead. Shannan and Robin provided the MOVIE this year, Santa Clause 3. Jana brought the GAME. It was called Finish Line and was a blast. You had to finish famous quotes, songs, lines from movies, and famous literature lines. All of the adults really enjoyed themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Horner brought the INTERESTING DRINK. Sodas this year! Matthew and I were responsible for the INTERESTING SNACK. We made beggar's purses. These are crescent rolls filled with sausage and cream cheese. They were delicious. Each year your name gets moved down the list so that you are only bringing a movie every four years. It was really fun! Christmas for us is all about spending time with each other so the gift ends up being just that; a time set aside to watch a movie, play a game, and eat and drink a little snack together. We are really looking forward to sharing more time together next year. I'll leave you with a little slide show from the weekend. Merry Christmas everyone!

2007-12-17T19:08:00.001-06:00

You Felt the Baby Do What??

That's right baby Horner is up and kicking and Belle can't believe it! I had to start wearing maternity pants to work this week too. Found a great clearance deal at Target, too bad I don't get that discount anymore.

2007-11-14T16:17:00.001-06:00

Finally Home, With Souvenirs!
We had a great move from Oklahoma. Friday morning we surprised the Horners and Grandmother with a themed breakfast! Matthew and I had a ton of fun thinking up "little" things we could serve for breakfast! We bought mini boxes of cereal, (like when you go camping) mini bagels, baby bananas, and served the chocolate milk in baby dixie cups. After the prayer Matthew said this is a themed breakfast, anyone have a guess? Mr. Horner stood up and said: "Are you?" I got to nod and he gave me the biggest hug.

We called Belle Next. She is always asking us when we are going to have a baby. So, we said Hey, Belle Why don't you ask that question that you always ask Aunt Lindsay. She said, I don't know... We said, When are you going to.... She said, have a party! Finally we coaxed her into repeating the question. She laughed and said, I have to tell Jackson. When she got back on the phone I said, Belle are you going to hold the baby when it gets here? She said, Hold it, are you telling me your PREGNANT? Then she said I have to go. We all laughed and said how long till Shannan calls back? It was about 45 seconds.

Saturday afternoon after we had finished climbing the stairs 150 times we finally had all of our things in the apartment. Mom and I ran to Wendy's to grab lunch for everyone. Mom and Dad went out on our balcony to eat since we don't have a dinning room table. I took out a sharpie and two paper towels. Very quickly I wrote BABY HORNER COMING SOON! I folded the "napkins" and ran out on the porch to join them. I asked if they needed napkins. Mom and Dad both reached for the yellow Wendy's napkins and said "NO!" Again I asked if they wanted to use the napkins I had thrown on the table. Still nothing. Finally I said, "Dad I think you SHOULD use your napkin." They both picked them up and read them. They are so excited!

Later I called Steph and asked if I could talk to Tanner. He was asleep so he had to call me back. I said, "Hey Tan how was the football game?" He said some gibberish. So I said, "I need you to say this to Mommy: I'm going to have a cousin." He said, "Hey, Mommy I'm." Then he handed the phone to Steph. I told her I didn't want to talk to her. I need Tanner. This time I had him repeat each word one at a time.

I got to call Cassandra to break the news and Dad ended up convincing Nick that he needed to call his sisters, they each had news to share. Matthew called Jana and told her the stories of the morning. Everybody around here is very excited!

Mom went with me to the doctor on Friday because Matthew had to work, it was only his fifth day of work. We are three months, so we got to hear heartbeat. I recorded it so Matthew could hear it too. We get to add a cousin to this bunch on May 26th!

God has blessed us richly! We are almost finished unpacking, and the holidays are almost here! Sorry about the novel.

2007-10-31T10:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

Not our pets, but still hilarious! We hope you enjoy, Jackson!

2007-10-26T21:47:00.000-05:00

What Have Friday Nights Turned Into?
I sit here ALONE in our apartment counting down the hours until Matthew will come home from work. It's about 10pm so only 2 and half hours to go. I haven't even showered yet today and was debating over whether or not to gather up my sudoku book and jump in the tub. During this great relaxing thought I was brought back to reality by the loud laughter and noise going on right outside my back door. I guess some of the neighbors who weren't blessed with the night shift this week have started their weekend of rest. About six o'clock I watched a guy walk by the back door with a case of his beverage of choice for the night. I kind of laughed to myself because immediately I thought: "That would have been a very strange picture if he had been carrying a case of 7up or Pepsi. No one brings a case of soda to a party to consume all by themselves. Nobody sits down and drinks a six pack of DR Pepper's in one evening. Think about all of those calories...." Then immediately after that conversation with myself I thought, how old are you? I am GLAD that my Friday nights are slower now. I'm GLAD that the best thing I have to look forward to is my husband walking through the door. I get to hear about his day and then snuggle up next to him in our rented, too hard, creaking bed. We only have five more days before the BIG move and the beginning of another leg of this adventure!

2007-10-22T17:13:00.001-05:00

Are You Crazy?Sunday we had a fantastic day! After morning services we ran by McDonalds and consumed enough calories for our entire daily intake goal. We caught a quick 20 minute nap because no one can move after a meal like that. We didn't want to feel too guilty so we put on workout clothes and drove the 20 minutes to Lake Hefner. We decided we would conquer the entire trail. Starting off the nine and a half mile hike seemed like a very manageable distance. We had planned out our attack, specifically mapping out where the restrooms were located. I knew I had to make it half way before there would be a pit stop. We knocked out the first two miles before I was urgently looking for a bathroom. I guess 120 ounces of water is just too much to drink in a day. Lucky me there was a port-a-potty at the boat ramp. When we arrived at the lighthouse(about 31/2 miles in) I asked Matthew if he wanted to read the plaque. His answer was priceless: "No. If I stop I may not be able to start again." We finally made it to the kite surfing guys and took a little rest. We didn't bring any water because I didn't want any weight bringing us down (mistake). We did throw a dried fruit snack pack in Matthew's pocket which was a very good treat. At this point I didn't want to continue but the car was parked where we started, of course, so we just had to do it.

After the seventh mile the pace slowed a bit and the funny part was, I was the winded one. The wind was blowing so hard against us it was hard to walk. The final mile was filled with many jokes about calling a taxi, test driving a car from the dealership down the hill, How much will you take for that there bike buddy?, as well as asking Eric to pick us up because his church was just down the road. The car was finally in sight and I have never been so thrilled! KJ just happened to call and provided a little fan encouragement the last 10 steps. Thanks! That was priceless! Really it wasn't that bad. We are looking forward to doing it all again this Saturday! We rewarded ourselves with a little Joe's Crab Shack! Matthew had crab and I enjoyed the coconut shrimp. Like I said we had a fantastic Sunday!

2007-10-18T15:06:00.002-05:00

Baby Sister's Birthday!

Happy Happy Birthday! You are the best little sister I have. I just wanted to let you know that I was thinking of you on your day!

Here are a few fun facts and memories I want to share about Cassandra:

My favorite childhood memory was when we lost Cassandra at the mall and she told the security guards that her name was Cinderelly and her dad's name was Pumpkin.
I have loved watching Cassandra's faith develop.
She has such a servant's heart. She has spent the last two summers giving to the kids at Gander Brook.
Her talent for photography is incomparable.
She has become a very loving wife.
I still think fondly of the days we shared in the north. Thanks for the Cabela's date!
I wish she could be a school counselor because I think she would be really good at it.
I love the time we got to spend at Tahkodah.
She really is an artist. Check out her scrapbooking.
She ROCKS at climbing and repelling.
She has the forgiveness of Christ.
She can host a mean dinner party. Fondue included.
She is quite the little actress.

I love you and hope you have a very special day. Consider this your card. :) I hope you have a blast with the family this weekend. Are you doing Amish Country again?