Time To Update..

Crazy face

Cute pic sitting on top of the seat in Moe's. I know
they just love us coming there.

Taylor putting on make up from her new (very big)
make up kit. Thank you Aunt Judy!

Reading the Christmas story.

Big Cheese!

Opening presents was not her strong suit.

Taylor was so thankful for all her gifts.

Camryn in her hot rod.

Taylor's new bike.


Well, so much has gone on since I posted last. I don't really know where to start. I guess the most exciting week was when Cindy, Billy and Libby came to town for a week. I love it when they are here. Taylor has someone to play with, I have someone to talk to, and Jason has someone to fish with. Poor Camryn just sits around telling people what to do. She's our bossy one. For example, a couple of weeks ago she had finished nursing (I've weaned her now) but I wasn't paying attention so she bit me. My immediate response was a loud "NO!" It hurt! Her lip puffed out and began to quiver. Big tears began to fill her sweet eyes. She sat up, crawled over to Jason and laid her head on his chest. Feeling just awful about this, I tried to get her to love me again and said "Camryn, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. Please forgive me, blah blah blah." She kept her head on Jason's chest, still looking away from me, lifts her finger and points to the door. Taylor laughed histarically and said, "Momma, she just told you to get out!" Yes, she did. My 14 month old told me to leave her sight. BOSSY!
Jason and Billy went fly fishing in Georgia over their vacation. Billy must really love fishing to drive to Charleston for 22 hours, a couple of days later drive 5 hours to Georgia, drive 5 hours back and 24 hours later start that 22 hour trek. I think he might have a slight obsession with fishing but that's not what I want to focus on. Jason caught a ton of fish. He had the time of his life and I'm sure he will never forget it. Thank you Billy for making one of Jason's dreams come true. You're his hero!!! Okay, he'll probably make me erase that but he is very grateful.
While the Foote family was here, we celebrated Christmas with my dad's side of the family and had a wonderful time. Camryn didn't really know what to do with all the craziness but Taylor did. She tore open presents like the Tazmanian devil. I don't think I saw her open half the stuff. It's so much fun watching her get excited at Christmas time. It reminds me of when I still believed in Santa. I would look up in the sky on Christmas Eve and see the red blinking light on top of the tower and think it was Rudolph. Those were the days, but I wouldn't trade them for what I have now. I not only get to play Santa with Jason, but I get to share the true meaning of Christmas with my girls. I think it's going to take a little more time to really sink in but Taylor does now understand that we are celebrating Jesus' b-day and is beginning to understand why He came in the first place. It's so neat watching her little brain work and hearing her explain it all to me. It amazes me that little children can understand and accept what Jesus did for us on the cross, that God made the world and everything in it, but intelligent scientist can't. Speaking of believing, I was able to see my Aunt Jenny who got saved several years ago. She is such an inspiration. Everytime I see her she has a smile on her face and is so excited about Jesus and what he's done in her life. Well I am too! Her daughter Arlyn and her sister Barbara are also fairly new believers and it's wonderful to see the change God has made in their lives. Jenny had some very encouraging words for us and it was really good to hear them. Sometimes you just need that. Now we have one more Aunt on my moms side that needs the Lord and I ask that you pray along with us that the Lord will reveal Himself to her in every way and show her what an awesome change can happen in her life if she would believe in Him and live her life serving Him. We are praying for you Aunt Marion!!! We love all of you!!
Okay, back to Christmas. We did make it to the Festival of Lights and had a blast. The Foote family and my brother Kelly and his pregnant wife came with us. The kids ooooed and awwwed over all the beautiful lights. Camryn kept saying, "COOOL!" It was too cute. Of course we couldn't leave without a ride on the carousel so off they went x's 2. It still wasn't enough for Taylor. She could ride horses all day. Fake or real. We ran into some friends of Kelly's who graciously gave us a big bag of marshmellows, chocolates, and graham crackers. It was an unexpected surprise. We all stood around the fire stuffing our faces with more sweets..smore sweets:)
I was sad to see the Foote's leave but I knew they wanted to spend Christmas at their house for the first time this year. I don't blame them at all for that but I miss them terribly. The girls did spend the night at our house while the boys went fishing so it was like a grown up sleep over. FUN FUN! I haven't shared a room with my sister in like 14 yrs or something.
My girls had a great Christmas. I think they got everything they wanted and more. Santa brought Taylor a big doll house and she didn't even acknowledge it for the longest time. Now she plays with it all the time and it's really cute listening to her pretend to be a mom. Taylor also got a bike, a cupcake maker and about a million other things. Camryn racked up too. I think her favorite toys are the ones Taylor got but that's just fine with me.
Both girls got toy overload with all the presents from the grandparents. The one she loves the most is her big wheel. Do you remember having one of those? I do. I remember when I had my heart surgery they had one in the play room. I would ride it up and down the halls as fast as I could. Every time I passed the nurses station, a nurse would jump out and give me hugs and kisses. I ate it up! Taylor rides the big wheel all over the house. I don't think she even walks anymore. Camryn got a sweet ride too. It's decked out with music, noisy buttons and a mirror. She looks like such a big girl in that car.
I mentioned earlier that I am no longer nursing. My last day was on Christmas. It was and is still a bit emotional for me. Camryn is adjusting well, as long as I don't take her into my room first thing in the morning. I learned that very quickly. She cried, screamed, hit me and would not drink anything. Now my mornings start even earlier. I have to pick her up and take her straight to the table for breakfast. If I do anything different, she pitches a fit. That's just my little Cammie.
I would like to brag on myself for a second. I have been working out for about 15 min every night for almost a month. This may not sound like much but it's a big deal for me. I'm actually enjoying it and Jason even bought me the adjustable weights I had been wanting. He made sure to tell me that this would not have been his choice for my gift and that he doesn't think I need them at all. He just got them because I wanted them. He's so funny. He's such a man covering all his bases.
Taylor will turn 5 in 2 days. I won't even go there. Another Christmas, weaning and now my oldest turns 5...that's just too much for me to talk about right now. We are celebrating her bday on Saturday and hope to have pics soon. I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year.
This blog is dedicated to Shannon for reminding me that I don't update my blog as much as Tara:)

Taylor's Voting Advice

We were on our way to vote today when I told Taylor what I was doing. She replied, "Remember it's Mccain Momma, NOT Rock Obama." Well Taylor I do hope Mccain Rocks Obama's world tonight!

Sound the alarm!

No, I didn't set off our fire alarm. We visited our Fire Museum with several of our friends on a very rainy day. We saw all different kinds of fire trucks and the kids were able to slide down a pole. Taylor had a blast with her friends and Camryn was able to roam around on all fours. That makes for a good day in her book.

Pumpkin Patch

It's a cat! Can't you see it?!

I have to give him credit. He was very close.
Closer than Jamie:) Nice booty, baby!

Gotta love those forced smiles.

She'll pose with any horse.

Daddy and his big girl picking out the
perfect pumpkin.

Cute

As long as no one is looking...

I had to put this one in cause he's so hot!

The sun was a little bright.

All 4 of us.

Last Sunday we went to the local Pumpkin Patch with our wonderful friends Tara, Jamie, Grace, and Moli. We had a great time picking out a pumpkin, letting the daddy's attempt to prove their masculinity by tossing balloons at a pumpkin, and feeding the cows on the hayride. Neither one of the dads were able to win us a free pumpkin but it was fun watching them try. I got a good lick on the back by one of the cows and Camryn was clinging to Jason's shirt while the cows showed off their enormous tongues. Taylor had lots of fun playing with her friends and most of all...seeing horses. She can never get enough. The next day, Taylor and I carved a cat on our pumpkin. We did an okay job. I'll try something a little easier next year. Pumpkin carving takes forever!

Tag-I'm it!

My dear friend Tara just tagged me to share a few random facts about myself. I'm sure none of you are interested but I'm going to do it anyway so I can tag a few people. Here we go..
1. I was born with a hole in my heart and at 6yrs of age I had to have open heart surgery. We went to Birmingham, AL because the procedure was not yet done at MUSC. During this time my parents took me to the first movie I can remember seeing..Yentel. I don't know if that's how you spell it but I do remember seeing a naked person. I don't think my parents knew that would happen. I also experienced my first vibrating bed. Just stick a quarter in and see what happens.
2. My second toe is longer than the rest. It kind of freaks some people out but I personally think its beautiful.
3. Jason first kissed me in our pastor's driveway. Yep, Pastor Jack helped move our relationship right along. He must of been okay with it because he married us 9yrs later.
4. I used to not want kids. When I got married I thought maybe one would be okay. Now I'm not sure what number I'll stop at and I absolutely love being a mom.
5. I ran a mile for the first time at the age of 31. I ran for about a month and then decided I needed a new hobby. Any suggestions?
Wow, this is easier than I thought. I have so many more things to share but I'll spare you all. Now I get to tag 3 people! Hmmmm. I guess they need a blog.

Cindy
Carissa
Joy

1st Birthday Bash

MMMM

Me? Making a mess? Noooo!

Taylor, look at me!

My baby holding her baby.

Happy Birthday to you....

Okay Okay, this is MY day. Back off!

Take this stupid hat off!

That's better. Now I can eat.


Okay, so here I am already tearing up and I've just started this post. Why is the first birthday so hard for me?! Sometimes I just don't understand why God has chosen me of all people to be the mommy of 2 healthy, beautiful, smart,sweet girls. At the same time, I'm so grateful for them and pray all the time that I will be able to raise Godly children who live their lives to serve Christ in all they do rather than let the world influence them. It's a scary world out there and it just keeps getting worse. I want my children to have a solid foundation to stand on from the very beginning. Anyway, this past year has been a bit crazy for us for many reasons and Camryn coming into our lives has been the best thing to happen to us this year by far. She is an amazing little girl. I would say she is high maintenance because of having the easiest child in the world first(Taylor). Some of my friends just laugh when I say Cammie is high maintenance. Well, she's high maintenance for me! Example- she prefers to be fed rather than feed herself. She doesn't want it from my fingers either. No, she wants it on a utensil. If she is feeding herself and starts to get messy, she will cry until someone runs to the kitchen to give her a utensil. She ate her bday cake with a spoon. What one year old eats her Smasher cake with a spoon? Another example- she has been throwing temper tantrums for months. I had no idea someone so little could manipulate a grown up the way she does. If she doesn't get her way, she screams like the little girl she is, spreads her legs and lays her forehead on the ground. She'll stay like that for a while too. I've given in a few too many times which I'm sure doesn't help the situation but she's so darn cute. She hates being confined. The car seat is her least favorite thing to sit in. She cries almost every time I put her in it. She expects to be carried everywhere like a queen. It seems like every time I look at her she claps her hands then holds them out as if to say, "Well, you're standing right there. You might as well pick me up so I don't have to dirty up my knees.". She used to cry every time I put her in the bath tub but now she loves it. Apparently it helps her bowel movements slide right out. I can't tell you how many times we've had to evacuate to tub due to her "submarines"(as daddy would call them). Let's see, there is also the whole nursing thing which she is very attached to. I decided not to start weaning her until after her birthday so we will begin that painful process next weekend. When she is ready for milk, if given the opportunity she will attempt to rip my shirt off. If someone else is holding her, she will cry and stare me down. Well, not me...my milkers. So because I never had to deal with all of this when Taylor was a baby, I feel that my second baby is high maintenance. How boring it would be if both children had the same personalities though. I love every minute of being their mommy. They make me laugh harder than anyone ever could.

You know every mom has to brag on their baby's accomplishments so here they come....



She can say...Mama, Dada, Poppa, Mimi, Tiger, Weee, Wow, Tay Tay, Taylor, More, All Done, What's that, No no

she knows some sign language but I haven't been real good at keeping up with it. I think she's communicating just fine without it.

she has 4 teeth. 2 up top and 2 on the bottom

She is crawling and pulling up. she even started squatting but is still not walking. Probably because I can't resist that "hold you" look.

She loves to take things out of containers and put them back in. Usually this involves my purse or a drawer she's not supposed to be in.

If you ask her a question, she will shake her head yes or no. I have proof on video.

She and her sister absolutely adore one another. They are going to be BFF's. No doubt!

Camryn had her well check today and she checked out just fine. She is very healthy but she is a little thing. She weighs 19lbs, 30inches long and her head is 18inches(75%, Uncle Kelly should be proud:)



A few things I love about my one year old....



Her dimples


The way she wets her whistle before it's time to nurse

The way she yells Dada when he comes home from work

When she looks up at her big sis and signs "hold you".

Those open mouth kisses...priceless

The way her clothes get too small too fast


The way she holds onto my neck so tight before she goes into the nursery

The way she sticks her little booty up in the air when she sleeps.

The way she rests her head on my chest when she's sleepy.

The way she sucks her two fingers.

The way she and Taylor play together

The way she lays down in front of us to get her back scratched


Playing Peek a boo with her dress

How excited she gets when Taylor says "I'm gonna get you".

The way she starts my day off with a smile and ends it with eyes that say
"I love you Mommy"

She melts my heart!

Happy Birthday Camryn!

Today is my baby's one year birthday. We won't actually celebrate until tomorrow, but Jason and I have sang Happy Birthday to her first thing this morning(after her morning milk). She gave a big dimply snaggle toothed smile. I love her smile. It's always such a treat to see her smile because she has that serious Daddy look all the time. We had pictures taken yesterday for her birthday and we also had fall and Halloween pics taken as well. I can't wait to get them. It's the first time Camryn has ever had her pics taken professionally. Yes, I am a very slack mom. Camryn and Taylor both did a great job posing for the camera. Camryn did try to eat everything that was put in front of her like fake apples, fake flower petals, pumpkins, leaves, and even the pink bow on her bunny outfit. She tried to crawl away almost every time I sat her down but the lady managed to get some really cute pics. Jason and I took Camryn to Toys R Us to get her birthday balloon and crown. She tore the crown almost immediately and was amazed by the balloon. She is playing with it right now. I would tell you all about her first year but we are taking her to breakfast this morning so I've got to go get ready. Plus I just don't feel like getting all emotional this early in the morning. I'll post some pics of her birthday party this week. For now, Happy Birthday Camryn. Mommy, Daddy and Tay Tay love you very much. We couldn't imagine our lives without you. Love you bunches!

Camryn's Vacation

Camryn's vacation was a little different from ours. She had fun being tortured by the girls, sucking her toes, sleeping, and still thinking SHE is the only princess in the world.

Torture Chamber

Daddy's Sleeping Beauty


A little toe action

"Who is this chick? Doesn't she know I'm the only Princess in here?"

More Disney!!

Biker Babes

Princess Taylor and Princess Jasmine

Princess Taylor & Princess Ariel

Princess Taylor & Cinderella

Princess Taylor & Sleeping Beauty

Taylor was soo excited to meet the princesses. She couldn't wait to get their autograph and take a picture with them. In my own mommy opinion, those princesses didn't hold a candle to mine!

Disney!!

Jungle Book

Winnie the Pooh ride

What's vacation without a little chocolate

The Girls

The cutest mouse I've ever seen

We are back from Disney and wishing we could have stayed in that beautiful, new, completely furnished house. Oh well, back to reality. I guess a finished house was too big of a wish even for Disney World. Anyway, we had a blast. Cindy, Billy and Libby met us at our resort and spent the whole week with us. We hit Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Downtown Disney. The girls had dinner with the princesses, we went swimming, shopping...we did a little bit of everything. It was sooo much fun-and exercise. I think Billy had a completely different definition for the word vacation. Here are some pics. I hope you enjoy.

Chocolate cupcakes...a girl after mommy's heart

See my teeth!

I get crazy hair when my mommy bathes me.

Picture perfect

I love my girls! They are the sweetest in the world. This month they started school and seem to be enjoying it. I, on the other hand, started working at their preschool. I'm trying to be positive about working again so here it goes... I'm thankful to have a job and to work with friends who I love dearly. That's all I have for now.
We are about to take a 6 day trip to Disney. Jason and I are probably more excited about it than the kids because we get to spend a whole week together. I'm even excited about getting home because I have big plans for Jason and the house:) We'll tell him about it after vacation.
I've started painting the living room and dining room. After a terrible choice in color, I decided to go with a color that I should have started with 3 years ago. Thanks for the color Julie! It looks GREAT! I'll have to post pics when it's finished. I guess you can check back in another year or two. Actually, Jason says he'll have a lot of the cosmetic stuff done by Christmas. Please join me in encouraging him in this process.
Well, I guess the next time I post on the blog will be from Disney. I can't wait!