Well, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I have so much fun stuff to post..pics and videos. Chloe has been quite a little entertainer lately. Blake and I are in Atlanta right now visiting our great Friends Allen and Mallory. I hope to post some new pics when I return! I wanted to wish every one a safe and HAPPY New Year!

Here's to a FABULOUS 2009 with lots of surprises and enjoyment! xoxo

Blog Makeover Giveaway!

I read loads of Wonderful (and wonderfully designed) Blogs on a daily basis...well, I would love to have a complete makeover to mine! Don't get me wrong, I think my blog is pretty fabulous, but, Fabulous K Designs could make it that much better! Go check out her blog HERE! Don't forget to enter to win! Happy Holidays!!

This weekend was pretty low key...which I have to say...I was A-OK with!! Blake and I have 4 Christmas Party's to attend this week so I wanted all of us to get rest before the craziness began!

Anyway, we stayed in Friday night. Saturday morning, I had a Junior Auxiliary event to attend--Our Annual Gingerbread Party--it was very moving to be apart of that event this year. Basically, we along with various other banks, schools, etc. in town adopted several families in Clarksville. These families came and enjoyed time with Santa, Breakfast, and Presents. It was great to know that we were helping them have a good Christmas. After that, I shopped around with Brittnye while Blake and Steve watched Chloe and some football :) We had a quick dinner at Outback, which was fun as always with Brittnye and Steven, and then we headed home.

Sunday, Cole (co-worker of ours) and Lane (one of our oldest friends) came over to have a shrimp boil. It was so good...shrimp, potatoes, corn, onions...YUM. Later that night, we went to Kevin and Ashley's house to have a play date with Addison and Jack! The kids had a great time and we got to have some fun girl time while the boys watched football. Does football ever end?? All-in-all--a great weekend :)

Picture 1--the kids enjoying some coloring time!
Picture 2--Jack and Addison
Picture 3--Chloe opening her present from Addison (they are 1 day apart so their birthday party's fell on the same day this year)...hey, we are only 3 months late in exchanging presents :) It could have been worse. Both girls got baby dolls...which they made Adrienne and I open immediately so they could play with them :) So Sweet!!

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body~Elizabeth Stone

Fun Night with Friends

Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, several of our friends came in from out of town. We met them out for a night on the town. I love those kind of nights because it takes me back, if only for a few hours, to high school and college. I would not trade my life for the world, but sometimes it is nice to feel like we did when we were younger! Uncle Al and Aunt Mal, we love you both so much and can't wait to see you both soon! :) Wesley, Tasha, Libby, and Wade: it was great to see you all too! We need to have another fun night out ASAP!!

ELMO: When I Grow Up!

Okay, I know you all having been sitting at the edge of your seats waiting for this post...just kidding. Last weekend, Blake and I took Chloe to Elmo Live in Nashville. I am so glad we did. She had an amazing time. We had great seats too. We were so close to the stage that we could basically touch the characters when they came off the stage. We were seated in the middle of the row, which at first bummed me out, but then once Chloe realized that the characters would come close, she was not so happy. She liked seeing them on the stage, but when they would come down into the crowd, she would tense up. She did really well though. Those things with a 2 year old are always hit or miss. Next time they come, we will definitely go! Here are some pics from our adventure :) Oh, while there we, well I, thought it would be a nice gesture to get Chloe an Elmo balloon...this place knows how to work it. During the intermission, they brought out what looked like a 100 Elmo balloons...of course, the kids go crazy. Well, Blake takes Chloe up there to get one. When he comes back, he said "if they come out with Big Bird balloons, we are not getting one...this one was $8." $8 for a balloon...that is highway robbery! The things we do for our kids :)

Happy Turkey Day (WAY Late)

Well, the title of this post shows you HOW FAR BEHIND I am in posting. Thanksgiving was great...good food and low key...just how I like it. We headed over to Don and Sandy's in the AM to eat, watch football, and visit. My Dad came with us as well...which made me so happy. Chloe decided that day that her new favorite person was Uncle Scott. She just adores him. Every time we drive by Casey and Scott's house, she will say "KK and Scott's house...Basketball Game..." She loves going to Uncle Scott's Basketball games....I think it has something to do with the fact that her friend Jack is always there too! After lots of food and a few good naps, we headed home. My Mom came over that night and hung out for a bit too. All in all, a great day!

When the Music Stopped

I know we all get forwards on a daily basis. I got this one today and it really spoke to me. Hope you enjoy it too:

For those who are unaware, at a theater on a military post or base, the National Anthem is played before every movie.

When the music stopped: from a Chaplain in Iraq

I recently attended a showing of 'Superman 3', here at LSA Anaconda. We have a large auditorium we use for movies, as well as memorial services and other large gatherings. As is the custom back in the States, we stood and snapped to attention when the National Anthem began before the main feature. All was going as planned until about three-quarters of the way through The National Anthem the music stopped. Now, what would happen if this occurred with 1,000 18-22 year-olds back in the States? I imagine there would be hoots, catcalls, laughter, a few rude comments; and everyone would sit down and call for a movie. Of course, that is, if they had stood for the National Anthem in the first place. Here, the 1,000 Soldiers continued to stand at attention, eyes fixed forward. The music started again. The Soldiers continued to quietly stand at attention. And again, at the same point, the music stopped. What would you expect to happen? Even here I would imagine laughter, as everyone finally sat down and expected the movie to start. But here, you could have heard a pin drop. Every Soldier continued to stand at attention. Suddenly there was a lone voice, then a dozen, and quickly the room was filled with the voices of a thousand soldiers, finishing where the recording left off: 'And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that Star Spangled Banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.' It was the most inspiring moment I have had here in Iraq. I wanted you to know what kind of Soldiers are serving you here. Remember them as they fight for you! Pass this along as a reminder to others to be ever in prayer for all our soldiers serving us here at home and abroad. For many have already paid the ultimate price. Written by Chaplain Jim Higgins. LSA Anaconda is at the Ballad Airport in Iraq, north of Baghdad

I am WAY behind...

Okay, I have been WAY behind on posting. I have lots to update....mainly, we had a fun adventure to "ELMO: When I Grow Up!!" Chloe had a great time! I will attempt to post pictures and updates on Monday! Until then...have a HAPPY WEEKEND :)

My First Baby

Finally one that is different! Here you go mommies - a different kind of tag for a change - it's all about you and your first baby!

1. Were you married at the time? yes

2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? shocked and kind of scared (to be honest)

3. How old were you? 22

4. How did you find out you were pregnant? pregnancy test at home

5. Who did you tell first? Blake was with me when I took the test

6. Did you want to find out the sex? of course...have to plan!

7. Due date? September 11, 2006

8. Did you deliver early or late? 5 days early (I was induced)

9. Did you have morning sickness? none at all...I was lucky!!

10. What did you crave? salad (in the beginning..specifically Olive Garden salad)

11. Who irritated you the most? no comment :)

12. What was your first child's sex? girl

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? 45 lbs (YIKES)

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? my fluids got really low towards the end of the pregnancy, that is why I had to go on bed rest and ended up being induced

15. Where did you give birth? Gateway

16. How many hours were you in labor? 21 hours (give or take)

17. Who drove you to the hospital? Blake

18. Who watched? Blake

19. Was it natural or c-section? C-Section

20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Ummmm...YES!!

21. How much did your child weigh? 7 lbs 2 oz.

22. What did you name him/her? Chloe Elizabeth

23. How old is your first born today? 2 years and almost 3 months

I tag all Mommies :)