Moments With the Mitchells

Although It's Been Said

2012-01-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

many times,many ways....MERRY CHRISTMAS to you!

Decorating our new house was fun! I so love the glow from Christmas tree lights! I wish it could stay up all year long!

We headed to Sparkle for Christmas on Christmas Eve's eve eve. I think it was? Anywho, MG lost ANOTHER tooth before we left for there. That's 2 teeth in 1 week people!!She got $5 for the 1st tooth and $1 for the next. That's the way the Tooth Fairy rolls when you lose teeth so quickly!

Here is the table at my parents' house set so prettily for Christmas Eve chicken stew.

Aunt Leslie & Uncle Bill gave MG a microphone. Give that girl a microphone and a full-length mirror to watch herself and she is good to go! Granddaddy tried out the microphone to see if it worked.

Santa must have moved MG from the naughty to the nice list because she got a SWING SET! And some other goodies too!

We went to church and then to lunch and to open presents at Nana & Poppy's house. It was a great afternoon because my parents were with us and all of our family was together.

A few days later I headed back to my parent's to celebrate my dad's 81st birthday!!!! I saw a great idea on the internet where you get how many memories the birthday person is and present them to them on their birthday. So, my family and I sent out an email (or several!) and got 81+ memories for my dad. I really think he liked it. We went to eat and then home for cake and we gave my dad his memory envelopes and read them aloud to him. It was such a good time!

We welcomed my niece's sweet baby boy, Julian, on Christmas Day. Isn't he precious??

Daddy and Adam putting together the swing set. It only took about 2 days (ofhardlabor). She LOVES it! L.O.V.E.S!

A Lost Tooth and Christmas Fun

2011-12-20T06:49:00.000-08:00

I love a good Christmas party!! They seem to always have some fun twist to them! Our Bible study party was sooo funny this year! Our teacher, Leigh, is a very fashionable lady and as a surprise to her we wore the most lovely Christmas sweaters to see if she would even notice (she did)! It was so funny seeing everyone in their sweater. I know my mom has a closetful, but since she doesn't live near me I had to borrow one.

Don't Ash & I look good??

And of course, our annual party...complete with the annual picture of Benjy that was fought over! The singing filet-o-fish was also a hit!

At school they had a author's showcase. Mg read a book she wrote about her gingerbread girl out to all of the parents. She did such a good job! The next day they had their Christmas party.

And right after the Christmas party in the car she lost her first tooth!!!! I looked back at her at her tooth was bleeding and as much as I don't like to pull a tooth, I knew it had to come out asap. So, I barely pulled on it and it came right out. She looked at it and was doing a mix of a laugh and cry! I wa so glad that it was out! She was looking at her new smile in the mirror every chance she got! The tooth fairy brought her $5! She told her it was $5 for the first tooth and then not as much for the rest (: We went to Forever 21 the next day and she bought nave glitter nail polish and lipgloss with her money. The next bottom tooth is ready to come out any day!

Parent Observation day in dance is one of my favorite. You get to see what they have been working on and a little of what you can expect for the recital. She knew so many ballet poses!

Auggie is back and up to his old tricks! As soon as her feet her the floor in the morning MG is looking for him!

Almost time!!!

Oh, and did I mention that out whole entire upstairs had to have the carpet pulled up, floorboards removed, sanded, replaced,and carpets re put down? Just a little something fun to add to the Christmas fun.

Light Up the Town

2011-12-14T12:50:00.000-08:00

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone Christmas seems to be right round the corner. We welcomed the season with the Christmas parade with our friends, the Warrens. It doesn't seem right watching a Christmas parade while you are burning up because it's so hot outside, but that's how we roll in SC!

For the first time this year MG was in the Christmas pageant at our church. It's a huge performance that they have been doing for 24 years! She and all of the preschoolers were lightbulbs and ohmygoshhh they were SO cute!! There were 5 performances from Thursday to Sunday so it was busy weekend, but it was really fun! This year's theme was "Light Up the Town".

She is the tall silver light

Thanksgiving

2011-12-12T14:45:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of year. What makes it even better is that Kris' family and my family love each other so much that we can spend it all together as one big happy family!

Thanksgiving starts off with MG singing at our church Thanksgiving supper on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Then on Wednesday we go to Spartanburg. Thursday the Mitchell fam comes over and we eat around 1. This Thanksgiving evening we met up with our Gawrych friends for a bit and then at midnight Kris, Kelly, and I went to WalMart...and it wasn't even crowded! We didn't get any good deals though! Friday mom, MG and I went shopping all over town and then to lunch at the Beacon. Friday night we went to the Mitchell's for a big Mitchell family gathering!Including pictionary!

Saturday it was back home for tailgating for the Clemson-Carolina game! And guess who won for the 3rd year in a row??? That's right! Goooo Cocks!

And this year was a first because we found out in September that i shouldn't have gluten and in October that MG cannot have gluten. We did okay though with our gf dressing (it was good!) and pecan pie!

We always miss Cathey, Don, Molly, Blake, Alycen, Spencer, Jimmy, Casey, and Jenna though! Holidays aren't the same without y'all!!

Change of A Dress

2011-10-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

As of October 12 we live in a brand new house! We love it! It is such a change going from a 1 story house to a 2 story house. Kris and I have never lived in a 2 story house and our calves know it! MG acts like we have lived here her whole life! The move did not phase her at all! Boo has already wandered off unbeknownst to us and made his way up our street all by himself. We had new nieghbors at our door asking if we had a black pug. Oops! It is going to take a while to get everything settled, but we are working on it everyday! Nana and Poppy came here for a couple of days and were so helpful! My parents are came after they get back from a trip to New England. We are thakful for all their help and that of our friends! We are so blessed!

Here's a peek, but remember we aren't finished! Not even close!

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Happy Halloween!

We also had a new neighborhood to trick or treat in this year! There aren't too many houses here yet, so we went with our friends the Jacksons to our friends the Tomlinson's house to do MORE trick or treating!

How cute are Snow White, a witch, Green Latern, & Thor??

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And Sophie turned 1! 1! Wow! She is such a sweet baby...i mean toddler! We had a lot of fun celebrating her big day with her!

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Oh and for the other things we have been doing between the unpacking, traveling, and just living

checking out the playground at the neighborhood beside our's

Daddy and Matt doing the MudRun again and all the Bledsoes coming to play the 1st weekend in the new house

Fall Festival at church

The fair
-laundry
-cleaning
-cooking
-grocery shopping
-dance
-church
-fixing the tv,tv cable, phone, microwave, bathtub, wall touch-ups (don't ask!)
-a little surgery for me
whhheeeewwww! i am tired just thinking about it all!

I guess that's it for now! Until next time...smmoooocchh!

Grits for Grandparents

2011-10-01T14:19:00.000-07:00

MG's school had Grits for Grandparents and my parents were able to come and have breakfast with her. She loved having them there! Nana and Poppy are going to come soon and maybe try & have lunch with her at school. I have done that with her once and it was fun to spend time with er at school. They really like her school and said it was all very nice. MG looovveesss all of her grandparents, so it made her day for them to come to school with her!

New Kid on the Pew

2011-09-20T10:38:00.000-07:00

Another big step is that MG starting on Aug 21 now goes to "big church" instead of staying in the nursery during worship time. Once you start kindergarten they boot you out and all the "new kids" were recognized by the preacher that Sunday.

I Know a Girl

2011-08-25T14:13:00.000-07:00

She puts the color inside of my world.

Truly, life would be be boring without this little girl. As much as she can be a sassy-pants and sometime I cringe when when opens her mouth. We love her so much and are very thankful for her!

We have enjoyed these past 5 years with you, MG! They have flown by and you are so big! We love you and we like you! Happy birthday!

Birthday party at The Little Gym this year!We had it early this year before "big" school started. It was lots of fun!

Supper after party at Bellacino's!

Chick-fil-a for supper in the real birthday night with our friend Mily. We took cupcakes and had a good time.

Hide and Seek

2011-08-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

I tried to hide from this day. Well, not really hide, more like not think about...ignore...pretend it wasn't happening. I mean seriously, there is no way MG is old enough to go to kindergarten. "Real" school was still way, way in the future, right? Guess, what...it found us. Yesterday was her 1st day of school. She went Sunday to see the brand new school, Monday was parent orientation where we learned the ABC's of kindergarten, Tuesday was student orientaion and assessment (ie see you classroom again, see classmates, go with her teacher to id letters, etc), and then Wednesday for the whole day. SEVEN HOURS!! Kris and I walked her into school where her teacher was waiting outside her classroom door. So, we just walked her up to the door, took a quick picture and left. It actually went by pretty fast. I asked her so many questions about school when I picked her up that she said, "I don't feel like talkin' anymore".

Okay, kindergarten....ready or not, here she comes...

Breakfast on the 1st day of school

New lunchbox & backpack

Ready to go!

Walking into school

Bye sweet girl. Leaving her with her teacher.

Mani

2011-08-11T14:12:00.000-07:00

Did I mention I have a live-in manicurist? That's how I roll around here. Like her work? I might be able to pull some strings for you. She's pretty busy though and her schedule is going to be more booked up with starting kindergarden in 7 days!!

Zoo Night

2011-08-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

a zoo night

watching penguins

petting snakes

seeing lights

smiling friends

VBS in NYC

2011-08-02T18:52:00.000-07:00

If you can't go to New York, then bring New York to you! MG had a great week at VBS this year. It was her 1st "official" VBS. Each previous year she hasn't been quite old enough, but this year she was! Ash J and I were in charge of the preschool recreation, so I was able to see her during the day which was fun.

Here is the performance night. They each wore their Statue of Liberty crowns..so cute!

The last day we went to CFA with our buddies! What's better than a day at VBS? CFA after!

Charleston Again

2011-08-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

After you come home from the beach on the 4th of July and have a party that day what do you do two days later? Go BACK to Charleston of course! This time MG and I went with my parents for the day to visit Aunt Ann. It was definitely worth it because we don't get to see her enough. It was so nice to have lunch at the Mills House and then to her house to see some of her paintings she has done.

After lunch at the Mills House. So nice.

Aunt Ann's apartment building.

Beautiful tree in courtyard at her apartment. Oh, and a beautiful little girl in front of the tree.

Baby, You're a Firework

2011-07-15T19:29:00.000-07:00

Agenda July 4, 2011:

8:00 wake up at Folly Beach, clean up beach house, pack up, & leave

9:30 Got to breakfast at Sweet Water Cafe on James Island with family before going our seperate ways

12:30 after going to by grocery store finally arrive home, clean house, unpack, make food

4:00 Friends over for 4th of July celebration

5:00 Set up slip-n-slide. Watch Delaney pull Reagan down slip-n-slide.

5:30ish Friends have fun in splash pool

6:00ish Enjoy a cold drink & chit-chat with Daniel. Eat some supper.

6:30ish Snack on a patriotic cupcake from Kimberly.

7:30ish Girl talk!

9:00ish Sparklers & fireworks

Midnight-ish Kimberly & I left with this trio sernading us. "One more song!" went on for a while.

12:30 Hit the hay.
Thank you Jacksons, Ridleys, Reynolds, Kip & Kimberly, Matt & family!! We just owned the night like the 4th of July!

Beaches

2011-07-05T18:33:00.001-07:00

Just call us some beach bums! We enjoyed not 1, but 2 beach trips this summer!! Thank you to our special friends, the Jacksons, who let us tag along and have fun with them in Myrtle! We had a great time!!

Here we are at Broadway at the Beach.

Cuteness!

These little people did not want to look at the camera at the same time, but that's okay. We still got the "bucket" shot!

Who doesn't want to go to the beach with this guy??

Beach Beauty

First time kite flying

And then.... a couple of weeks later we went to our annual Mitchell Folly trip. Doesn't this look like paradise? Kris got this float for me and floated on it for about 5 minutes before handing it over to the girls. They know how it's done!

Kris' mom using Kelly's ipad

Kris, Tom, & Ryley went on a fishing cruise & Kris caught a huge redfish!

Addi & MG played together almost every moment of every day. Addi was her little babysitter. It was so sweet!

Building sandcastles

This is the life for sure!

Mermaid ashore!

Time for our restaurant crawl! This year I was excited, but a little unsure about how it would go for me. I am really trying to eat vegan(ish) & gluten-free. Seafood is allowed every now & then. Especially at the beach! However, I haven't had meat meat in about a month. I did my best, but as you can tell by these pictures I wasn't perfect!

First stop same as last year, Tristans. Kelly & Tom got a quail appetizer with a teeny quail egg on top.

Kris and I shared 1 crab raviolo...as in the singular for raviloi.

Then to Social for ahi tuna, margherita pizza, these kobe sliders (not me), and...

spring rolls. It was YUMMY!

Petting the horses at the carriage house.

Kelly's favorite stump!

Onto Hank's where we ended like last year. This place was my favorite for sure! Kris & I shared the broiled seafood.

Kelly & Tom's creme brulee.

Our banana dessert.

After telling ghost stories these 2 ended up in bed together.

Then we went to the James Island water park. MG was big enough to ride the big slides with an adult this year & she loved them!!

She wrote her name in the sand.

Getting to be such a big girl!

Family shot

Folly Pier

I love these ladies!

We had a great time as usual. MG loved getting people to write "silly words" on the children's menus when we went out to eat. Most of the time was spent writing things like, "Addi is a sillyhead." or "Ryley wears girl underpants." She thought this was a HOOT!

See you in 2012 beach! We will miss you!

Be Sure to Put a Feather in Your Hair

2011-06-30T05:39:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't want a feather in their hair?? Okay, Erin, besides you? Especially since it is for missions. My friend Ashley's cousin is going to India for 7.5 months & this is how she's raising money for her trip. I got 1 feather, then had a feather party, got another feather, and got one for MG. A blue one. She loves it. Friends love to touch & ask her about it. Something fun for summer.

Around Here

2011-06-21T17:04:00.000-07:00

We make faces like this whenever we take a picture.

Or we take a picture of our daddy with all of our little bows in his hair making a face like that.

OR we have our Daddy take a picture of us with all of the little bows in our hair while making a face like that.

Or we take our 2nd year of swimming lessons from Mrs Libby and swim across the whole length of the pool!!

Swimming buddies, Hudson, Price, Amanda, and Taylor

Swimming crew with Mrs Libby. One week of lessons 9:30-10:00. MG loved to swim & can do flips in the water this year. She can really swim well. Her daddy takes her almost everyday when he gets home from work. They have a great time together!

Bye Bye Preschool

2011-05-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

I knew it would happen, I just didn't know it would happen so soon. It did though and now it has come and gone. And this little girl standing infront of this church will be going to big school...5k...in just a few short months. We are so thankful for this place, with these teachers we have had, with these wonderful friends (mommies & kiddos) we have made. Three years here went by so fast. Time please slow down. Three years from now is 2nd grade and I am not ready for all of this growing up. We love you MG and are so proud of all you have done and so excited for the life you have ahead of you.

Still friends after all these years. Haha!

YES, that is Poppy doing the Chicken Dance. Mom, are you the only one not doing it??

Hug & diploma from Mrs. Lambrecht

Sweet Sara Grace came to share the moment. Won't be long for you SG!

Our big girl

VERY last day of LBC. Walked in with Mily

Last day putting her frog on the lillypad

Bye Mrs. Lambrecht

Bye Mrs. Whittle

Bye LBC

Yes, there were tears. Mostly mine. She did have a few. "I don't want to go to another school!" That just made the mama tears start again. She really is excited about kindergarten. Her teachers have built it up to something great which is good. She even has some friends from preschool going to the same school next year.

After school picnic and park with friends. We are going to miss seeing these faces almost everyday next year!

Dancing Queen

2011-05-26T05:50:00.000-07:00

She was a dancing queen....young and sweet..only 4 years old! This year we switched to a dance studio a little closer to home and we have loved it! One of MG's friends from school was in her class, so that made it all the better. She took a tap/ballet combo class and they did TWO different dances for the recital!! It was so cute! The theme was "Alice in Wonderland". Her pink & green outfit was perfect for the lilly/ballet number and the caterpillar/tap number. She had her own little cheering section which consisted of: mommy (daddy was out of town until it was over...sniff!),Grandmama, Granddaddy, Nana, Poppy, Price, and Ashley.

Flowers for the dancer

What a sweet friend to watch her dance!! I know he had rather been playing super heroes, but thank you, Price!!

She loves her some grandparents!

Yay! Daddy's here!

Celebration supper at Mediterranian Cafe.

Tired dancer sitting with Poppy. After being sick all week dancing will do that to you.

After the recital on the last dance class of the year. They got medals! Her 1st trophy/medal! So cute!! Here with her friend Ainsley who danced with her.

Here Comes the Bride

2011-05-23T06:47:00.001-07:00

Before there could be this:

There was all of this:

Thursday night getting ready for the Bridesmaid Luncheon. We finally had all the stuff & now we just had it put it all together!

All together here it is! Day before the wedding, Bridal Luncheon at Billy D's.

Bride-to-Be and Flower-Girl-to-Be

Wedding day! I am thinking MG is going to do it at this point. Hoping! Shewillwalkdowntheaisle, shewillwalkdowntheaisle!

All dressed up and READY!!

A hug from the bride!! So sweet!

Wedding ceremony....check! She walked down the aisle!! Jillian was beautiful! Now time for the party! And this girl danced and danced! She even got her daddy out on the dance floor! Even though she had on ballet flats she wanted to take her shoes off to dance like the big girls had done!

She was still kicking when the bride & groom departed!

The bad news was around 3 in the monring Sunday she got the stomach bug. Bad. Thanks to Nana for helping her all night! She was sick and slept all day Sunday and Monday. Slept a lot Tuesday. Went to the doctor Wednesday and he said that on top of the stomach bug she had a UTI. Poor little girl!! Sooo, so rest and antibiotics later she is much better. She hardly ever gets sick, so it is hard watching her feel so badly is hard. She lost weight and is so skinny! Now we have get her back to fighting weight! She even missed the 2nd to last week of school! Here is feeling much better this week!

The Best Part

2011-05-17T12:48:00.000-07:00

How could I forget the BEST part of Mother's day. The very best part is being the mommy to my sweet little MG. Because of her I smile more, I laugh more, I love life more. She makes everything better and I am so thankful to be her mommy!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-16T17:26:00.000-07:00

I had such a great Mother's Day this year! Mary Grace made the cutest flowerpot at school. She used her fingerprints to make animals in the side and she answered questions about me. How did she know my favorite store is Target?? We had a great day with lunch at her school!

On actual Mother's day I woke up to Kris and MG in the kitchen making breakfast! So sweet!! We went to church and then to lunch with our buddies the Jacksons at Thirsty Fellows. The rest of the day was just hanging out and relaxing! What more could you want? Oh yeah...shoes!! Thank you, Kris for being a good listener!

Easter

2011-05-05T10:01:00.000-07:00

We got around to dying Easter eggs a couple of days before Easter. She loves to dying them and making all of them pretty colors. It really is a fun activity!

This year we had our family Easter lunch on Saturday at the Batewells> My parents and Kris' parents came. We had a great time! We had lunch outside, the girls hunted Easter eggs, and we celebrated Addi's 9th birthday!

The Easter Bunny came for a visit that night!

The scooter was a hit! I think "Annie" was the favorite though!

Can you see this?? Haha! I copied it from a friend and even though it is smmaalll it is BIG on cute! The 4 year olds at church on Easter Sunday.

The whole family on Easter. Awwwww

What We Have Been Up To....

2011-04-19T14:20:00.001-07:00

Dressing up as Fancy Nancy in the Storybook parade at LBC.

Picking strawberries

Easter partying at school

Edwin McCain concert on the Riverwalk

And looking at houses!! We are hoping to move & put our house on the market Thursday! Fingers crossed!

Ch-ch-ch-changes

2011-04-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

MG: Mom your food turns into poop.
Me: That's right! Who told you that?
MG: My daddy.
Me: Oh, ok.
MG: Just like a caterpillar when it goes into its racoon turns into a butterfly.
Me: That's right! hahaha!

Hey Now You're an All-Star

2011-03-25T06:18:00.000-07:00

If you knew me at all from about 1993 to the 2000's MG's new shoes will mean something to you...

MiniMama

2011-03-25T05:53:00.000-07:00

The times they are a'changin. Let me just say I drove a 1999 Grand Jeep Cherokee from December 2000 until March 14,2011! I loved that car, it was my dream car, I wanted that car, got it, paid it off, and it was good to me...and us. However, things change. Windows stop rolling down. Engines stop turning over. Visits have to be made more often to the shop & so now instead of driving this.....

I am driving this.....

It is definitely taking some getting used to. It's a big boy. Or should I say girl. Heidi has named her Delilah. My first Honda. My first Mini. My first "new" car in 11 years! Here's to driving this car until 2018! Good-bye Old Blackie!

When You Wish Upon a Star

2011-02-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Disney!!!!! The vacation we had been waiting on and plannning for months was finally here! We had the best time and we were so glad to go with my parents! I took soooo many more pictures than I put in this post, but I tried to hit the high-lights so here they are...

What do you do when you get to your hotel at Disney, even if it's February, even if it's 60 degress outside?? The pool of course! And Disney has them all heated for your swimming pleasure. Yes, MG was the ONLY one in our family to get in!

We stayed at the All-Star Music hotel in a suite with my parents and it was perfect for us. We got ready in the morning and then didn't see the hotel again until we were dead on our feet about 13 hours or so later!

After the swim on our first day (we got to disney about 4pm) we headed out to Downtown Disney for supper at the Rainforest Cafe. It was really cool. They had a waterfall and real-looking elephants and gorillas. Don't you love the pants and shirt?? I have some crafty friends! Thank you Mindy for the cu-ute pants! And a shout-out to Ash for the sweet Minnie shirt!! Oh and to Michelle for letting us borrow the Minnie ears! It completed the look for sure!

Contrary to this face she loved (and I did too) the gluten-free cupcakes from BabyCakes at Downtown Disney! I am trying to be healthy (even though all bets were OFF at Disney), so gluten isn't on my diet too much. The cupcakes were Y-U-M!

Out 1st full day at Disney we went to Animal Kingdom! I had never been there before and it was really fun! Safari with real animals, fun rides, and this one was the most fun! Expedition Everest! MG's 1st full-on, real roller-coaster! She loved it!! She got off and then she and Kris got right back on! I rode with my mom the 1st time, but she wouldn't ride with me again because I screamed too loud.

That night we went to Chef Mickey at the Contemporary Hotel. It was a lot of fun and she got her picture made with Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Goofy, and Donald. They all signed the pillow case we brought too.

The next morning we were in Magic Kingdom before it even opened for breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table with all of the princesses. It was wonderful. Each princess came around and signed her pillow case and she got her picture with each one.

Yes, I brought her Snow White dress all the way to Disney, but I didn't think she would be at this breakfast. Boo!

Aurora and her mini-me! She showed us how to wear her dress with collar up!

After breakfast we went riding!! Peter Pan, Small World, even Thunder Mountain!! The only one that scared her was the Haunted mansion!

Ariel wasn't at breakfast with us, so we caught up later with her and Prince Eric.

We rode Space Mountain as a family of 3! I think I can say for sure that was my last time riding that one!

We stayed for the fireworks show, Wishes, that night and it was probably my favorite thing! Tinkerbell flies from the top of Cinderella's castle...a real Tinkerbell!

Seriously, a bomb could have gone off and she would not have woken up!

Onto to Epcot the next day. No, we didn't ride Spaceship Earth, but we did try to do it all at each park.

How lucky is it when one of your best buds go to Disney the same time you do!? Pretty lucky!!

Tinkerbell was our last picture/signature to get! She just-so-happened to dress like her hoping to see her! She had her own green sharpie to sign her name! Terrance was fun to see too!

Running through a fountain at Epcot.

Our last day at Disney was spent at Hollywood Studios.

Posing by the Muppet fountain.

I waited a long time for this Butterfinger cupcake (left) and it was worth it! I didn't feel good after though.

Mg did her best to take care of this marble cupcake. I had to step in to finish it off.

The last ride of our trip! Mg wanted to go again, but (sigh) it was time to go.

I can't forget the lunch stop the next day in Savannah. The Wilkes House. I think the pictures speak for themselves.

Thanks again to grandmama & granddaddy!!! We love you and even though we may have wanted to leave MG with a stranger a time or 2 over the course of the trip I know she won't forget her 1st trip to Disney!!!

Don't Be Fooled By the Rocks That's She's Got

2011-01-31T06:21:00.000-08:00

She's still Gracie from the block!

What do you do one of the first, nice, warm days in a looonnggg time? Go for a walk and get rocks for your rock collection! Of course! This girl loves to pick up rocks and collect them. Many days when I pick her up from school she will have a few rocks in her pocket from the playground.

This is the weather we have had. Cold, windy, and sometimes SNOWY! We got a good snow January 10 & 11 while visiting Nana & Poppy!

Her daddy taught her that snow was good to play in & eat!

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

1.1.11 came in without much fanfare. MG was in bed sleeping & I was in bed sick. Kris was with friends. Not exactly how we thought we would be bringing in 2011. All I can think is that this year will be the year MG starts kindergarten. It makes me so sad!

Surgery & a White Christmas

2010-12-27T18:16:00.001-08:00

Well, our sweet little MG had to get hernia surgery 3 days before Christmas this year. We didn't tell her anything about it until we were on our way to the hospital that morning. And then it was only that we were "going to the doctor." We just kept it on a need to know basis as the morning went on. She was not happy about being there, putting on the scubes, etc but she did it. The people were all very nice. The hardest part was when she had to go back and was trying to hold on to me crying "Mommy" over and over. We were there about 5 hours, but the surgery lasted only about 50 minutes. Everything went well and afterward you couldn't even tell she had surgery! You can't hold this wild woman down!

Here she is before surgery playing with the My Little Ponies they brought on for her.

The doctor wrote "yes" on her right hand so they would operate on the correct side. She showed everybody her surgery incision over Christmas.

The day after surgery we went home. The next day was Christmas Eve. Here she is with our niece Jillian who is getting married in May. MG got this veil, gloves, ring and book of Cinderella getting married, so of course Jilli had to put it on!

Christmas morning! Gifts from Santa.

She got all kinds of hair doing things in her stocking since that is one her favorite things to do right now.

Santa brought her a doll, Jenny, and an armoire/vanity for all her clothes and accessories.

Mom opening up her coat from dad.

This went on for most of the afternoon. My parents gave her a cd player shaped like Cinderella's carriage with a microphone. She LOVED it!!

Dad all tired from Christmas activities wrapped up in my Snuggie Kris gave me.

Later back at Kris' parents we played "Would You Rather" game of Addi's. Some didn't do so well...

And yes, we had a WHITE Christmas!! The snow was so pretty!! The children loved playing in all of it (Kris included!)

Short December

2010-12-20T17:36:00.000-08:00

December feels like the shortest month of the year! There is so much fun stuff do to do! We all love it. Here is what we have been up to sp far, and by "we" I mean mostly MG.

Is this not the cutest cow ever? This was the 1st program of the season at church. All of the "friendly beasts" were precious. I love hearing her sing all the Christmas songs she learns around the house. It reminds us all about the true meaning of Christmas.

And program #2 at school. She was part of the "heavenly choir". Such a sweet night & she was very excited her grandmama and granddaddy were there.

Then, #3 was not exactly a true program, but it was parents day at her dance. They showed us all the tap/ballet they have been learning. SO CUTE! MG says she likes tap the best.

We have also had some visitors. Baby Sophie came to spend the night (oh, and Erin too). MG was always ready for her turn to hold her. I told her she could hold the baby whenever she could pry her out of my hands! That is one sweet baby!!

Auggie's back...back again! Our little elf has been hanging around since the 1st of December. She loves waking up each morning seeing where Auggie has landed since his nightly trip from the North Pole.

Can't forget the school party!

Ohhh, and mommy & daddy had a party too! Our SS party is always so much fun!

And I even snuck in a trip to Birmingham with some great church girls to go see Beth Moore, Priscilla Shirer, and Kay Arthur at Deeper Still. It was a great weekend.

That's our December SO FAR!

Mr. President

2010-12-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

"Mommy, I drew a picture of Obama."

Bleesings

2010-12-07T13:23:00.000-08:00

So many blessings! Here are the latest...

First, my sweet niece Jillian is engaged!! We are so excited! A May wedding is in the works and a future flower girl living in our house is excited! Well, excited one minute and refusing to do it the next.

Look at her looking at him like that. I wonder how long that will last??

Then we had Thanksgiving supper at church and MG sang. She actually sang this year instead of sitting and pouting like last year. We've come a long way, baby!

And another tradition. Mg helping Grandmama make the dressing. She loves doing this and is such a good helper!

Thanksgiving Day

Then another blessing. The USC/Clemson game!!! It wasn't easy to be a gamecock in tiger land, but the 29-7 victory made it a little easier.

Even Kelly's pom-pom gloves didn't help.

Govie working on the low country broil. It was so cold we had to use the water boiling as our heat source!

These other guys are smiling because this picture was taken while Clemson still had hope!

When I Grow Up

2010-11-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

She said those words. "Mommy, when I grow up I want to be a mommy." I thought awww that is sweet. Then she said, "And I want to be a teacher." It must run in the family!

First Things First

2010-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Someone had their 1st field trip. Someone went to the Lexington Museum. Someone had to wear their red tee-shirt. It was rainy that Wednesday. Someone's mom had a little too much fun with the red.

Someone special came into the world last Wednesday. Someone else had their first baby. This someone got to spend their first night of being mommy and daughter with these someones.

Welcome little Sophie!!

Happy Halloween and Goooo Cocks

2010-11-05T11:36:00.000-07:00

First comes the school Fall Party. Orange icing cupcakes. Treat bags. Making jack-o-laterns. Books about Autumn.

Trip to the zoo with Gawrych friends. Daddy was the bird whisperer.

Throw in a USC gootball game and a win against Tennessee.

Trick or treating (part 1) at school after football game. With Gawryches and had a fun time.
A sweet Minnie Mouse.

Next night, trick-or-treating (part2) at church festival. Sleeping Beauty with her 2 favorite men Batman & Robin.

Could not leave until face was painted.

She wanted the cupcake to last until morning. It didn't quite make it.

She did go door to door after the Fall Festival for the 1st time. She also helped give out candy at our house and she loved them both. It was so fun to go through out neighborhood. She got WAY more candy than she needed! I don't know how those jaw breakers and lemonheads and nerds ended up in the trashcan! Your teeth will thank me one day.

Fair & Five Points

2010-10-24T09:45:00.000-07:00

I love Fall! There are so many fun things to do and one of my most favorite is the state fair! MG has been ech of her 4 years, but this one was the best yet. There was so much for her to do and see. We were there for about 6 hours...yes 6 hours!

First came the rides. She was 42 inches this year, so there was a lot she could ride. She proabably rode 10 rides!

Then came the food! No, we didn't get one of these, but I really wanted to see someone get one. They also had fried butter & fried cookie dough. I stuck with a gyro, fries, and of course my beloved funnel cake!

Before we left we saw and petted animals, saw pigs race and swim, rode some more, saw a huge sand sculpture, and then we were so tired it was time to go!

Two days later on Thursday MG & I headed down to 5 points to see Hootie & the Blowfish honored with a sculpture and then later give a free concert. I love this band...still! Here are Daruis & Jim getting a proclamation from USC.

Oh, and they got a street named after them.

Sallie and Julie joined us to look at the sculpture.

And then to supper at Harper's with them and Kelly & Sara Grace. MG got the pb&j sushi with raspberry dipping sauce.

She could even use the chop sticks!

The we headed over to the fountain for the free concert. Wish we could have stayed longer!

Singing, Soccer, and Spooky House

2010-10-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday MG sang in church. She sang 2 sweet songs (see video at bottom of post) and she was very excited that all of her grandparents were there. She even sat with all of us through "big church".

Then we went to lunch and then to MG's soccer game. I forgot my camera in the car, but she almost, allmmoosstt scored her 1st goal .

Then we came back home and made a spooky cookie house that Nana brought.

Voila!

Even though MG only worked on it 1/3 of the time and then gave up to play her dress-up Barbie game on the computer we'll still give her credit!

Heard in the Shower

2010-10-18T17:39:00.001-07:00

I heard this coming from a certain 4 year old in the shower,

"Swing low, sweet cheerio"

Western Day

2010-10-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

MG had Western Day at school yesterday. It was cute. They made horses and rode them into the sanctuary. Then they sang and square danced and then had activities outside including a real horse. This was her 3rd Western Day at LBC. The 4 year olds do the most with it.

My mom and dad came hereto drop off their doggy Daisy and they came to see her at school. She was so excited and surprised to see them at school!

Had to get a picture of them hula-hooping!

Kinda..

...but no.

After lunch at Groucho's we all headed to Lizard's for some dessert!

MG was SO funny trying to hula!!

Clemson Homecoming

2010-10-06T11:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to Clemson Homecoming with the Ridleys. Even though they lost (to Miami) they lost it was a lot of fun. It was the 1st time we went to Clemson as a family and the 1st time MG went to homecoming.

Before the game MG and Delaney got their picture made with the Rally Cats.

Inside the game.

Dippin' Dots!

The only 2 girls doing hair inside the game? I think so!

Kelly, Delaney, MG, and I left at half-time. Here the girls are outside the game eating a Tiger Paw (vanilla, ice cream, Fanta, & purple and orange sprinkles)

One of the Homecoming floats.

Having a chat with Walter Cox.

Then we walked back to the car to hangout and MG had 2 accidents in her pants...and I am talking poop. This is so unlike her. She was obviously not herself. The 2nd time she did it she said, "Mommy, I'm sorry I pooped in my pants". Awww! I felt so bad for her. Thank goodness we were near some actual bathrooms! Little did I know at the time she walked from the car to the bathroom with her tush hanging out of her cheerleading skirt! Thank goodness we had a pair of jeans in the car!

They got a picture with the cheerleaders too! And got to hold their pom poms!

Oh! And how fun is this?? Sliding down a big hill at our tailgate spot on a big piece of cardboard!

Seventy & Soccer

2010-09-22T06:43:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun weekend. We went to Poppy's 70th surprise birthday party on Saturday. It was a lot of fun with family. He got some fun gifts. This is the gift that Grandmama & Granddaddy gave him; this funny cane for walking. Ha!

Then on Sunday we had MG's first ever soccer game...after only 1 practice...and she actually played!! It was so funny. One time she went to kick the ball and all of the other children on the field were just standing around her waiting on her to kick it. She is the only girl on her team. She does know Price, but she also meeting some new friends as well. This year there is World Cup theme for the teams, so her team is Argentina.

Homework & Soccer

2010-09-14T14:59:00.001-07:00

I am not ready for homework in 4K!! Mary Grace has her first true homework assignment. She had to make a folder using drawing and cutout pictures that tell about her...her favorite things, what she likes to do, her family. She also decorated the front to look like her. They share these in class so they can learn about each other. I found some things and she glued them. She cut some of them out herself too.

Yesterday was her first soccer practice. It was ummmm, interesting. There are 7 children on her team and she is the only girl. Their team name is Argentina. Each team in the league is named after a World Cup team. I was very proud of her of getting out their and kicking and running with all of the boys on her team. The first game is Sunday! Should be fun!

Goin to School & Goin to the Lodge

2010-09-08T13:42:00.000-07:00

Last first day of preschool was last Tuesday. I can't even think about next year! So far she loves her teachers, Mrs. Lambrecht & Mrs. Whittle, and her classmates. There are a lot of new classmates this year because most of her friends are going 4 days a week & she is going 3. Price is still in her class and another little boy from last year too.

You have to find your name on a frog & put it on the lillypad so they will know who is present.

In her classroom with her teachers.

Price and MG

Last Friday until Sunday we went to the Great Wolfe Lodge. This time we got to go with the Jackson family. It was a lot more fun this time around because MG is 42 inches tall!! She could ride all but 1 ride. It was also better that Price was there. They really enjoy doing things together.

They both wanted to sleep on the top bunk! We had to take turns!

peek-a-boo

coming down the slide

splashed by the big bucket!

loved going on waterslides!

4

2010-08-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it!! 4 years have gone by so fast! Mary Grace chose this year to have her party at Monkey Joe's this year.

cute cupcake toppers

jewlery box from grandmama and granddaddy

gift from nana & poppy

goody bags

Price, MG, and Brice

Birthday girl with Monkey Joe

Folly 2010

2010-07-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

We really love going to the beach! And what's even better is that we can go and spend time with our friends and family. We started this year with a weekend in Mt Pleasant with the Gawrych family. We went to a fun little water park there and had a good time all around.

Then it was time for annual Mitchell family vacation at Folly. This week we have decided goes by wayyyy too fast! This year we were there for the 4th of July which was a 1st. Here is our week in pictures...

At our 2nd water park of the week. This is a medium sized one on James Island. Loved it!

Making sandcastles and the favorite "drip" castles with Nana.

Kris got a big inflatible boat this year and all 3 children had fun riding the waves in it.

Kris' dad really wanted all of us to go see this movie.

Ohhh our 2nd annual Charleston restaurant crawl with Tom & Kelly. This year we started at Tristan's by the maket. Kris and I shared she-crab soup (YUM!) While Tom & Kelly shared lamb ribs. Can you tell we are excited?!

Next we hit McCrady's for more appetizers. Can't remember exactly what we got here, but it was good.

Then onto to our favorite from last year..Oak Steakhouse for their lobster macaroni and cheese. This is one of THE BEST THINGS EVER!

Finally in to dessert at Hank's where we got creme brulee, chocolate bread pudding, and a banana pie. All really, really good!

This is what we did at the beach:

Ryley, Addi, & MG painted pictures with Nana. Can you guess which is her's?

My mom sent water colors and they painted shells.

We went on the beach

a lot

and played in the sand.

We got in the water, rode waves, and found cool shells.

Tom made yummy salmon and steak on the grill along with crabcakes.

The beach was so windy one day that we were just getting sand-blasted by sitting out there. So we went into Charleston, shopped, got frozen yogurt, walked, walked, and walked.

And got tired on the way back and fell asleep in the car.

Went on the pier the night before the 4th and watched fireworks.

Had a great 4th of July on the beach.

Went back to the house and did sparklers.

~saw 1st movie at theater as a family...Toy Story 3 3D
~MG discovered a deep love for lipgloss and put it on every few minutes no matter whose pocketbook she had to look in to find some.
~stayed up late
~watched USC become 2010 college world series champs
~played scrabble apple and phase 10
~read books
~rested and relaxed

~didn't want to come home

1st Sleepover

2010-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Tuesday Sallie and Mary Grace had their first sleepover at our house. They went swimming twice, watched movies, and played! It was very interesting and fun having 2 3 year olds in the house. Needless to say, Kris and I were very tired the next day!

Swimming and a Cut

2010-06-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

MG took swimming lessons this week. She can now put her head under water, and swim under water. She jumped off of the diving board yesterday with now swimmies on over and over and over! She really loves the water and putting on all of her bathing suits.

She also got 6 inches cut off of her hair this week! It makes so much easier with all of the pool activities. She looks really cute!

Dancey Dance

2010-05-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Chim-chimeree, chim-chimeree, chim, chim, chim-ch-ree a first dance recital when MG is three! And is was so cute! They danced with their little brooms to the "Mary Poppins" song. MG actually danced! She didn't just stand there or bang her broom around and yell like another little girl on stage. Here she is onstage by the teacher's helper.

After the dance recital. So proud!

Her buddy Price came as did her Grandmama & Granddaddy, Nana & Poppy! I can't believe we didn't get any pictures with them!

Sweet ballerinas

Show's over...looking at the clouds.

Mother's Day in Sparkle & Singing

2010-05-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

Since we didn't get to see our mothers for Mother's Day we were able to spend time with them while we were home for Govie & Sharon's wedding. I have to be careful have far in advance I tell MG were are going to see her grands because she gets so excited and asks constantly if we are "now" or "today".

Here we are at Cornbread & Caviar for our Mother's Day brunch

A walk downtown and a picture with Daniel Morgan...

...and with this guy reading the paper...

...and with this really big grasshopper!

We left right after our brunch because MG was singing in the "Praise Parade" at church. Here she is practicing.

And here she is actually singing and doing motions! It helped that she had Rivers beside her keeping her in line with the words and moves!

Two nights later she had her end of the year program at school. Here they are saying the Pledge of Alligence they learned this year at school (well maybe they are singing "God Bless America" since I didn't feel like it would be right to take a picture during the Pledge).

Doing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" on each other's backs.

"Jesus You Sure Know How to Color"

What's Your Name, Little Girl, What's Your Name?

2010-05-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

What we are working on around here.

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T17:28:00.000-07:00

I love Mother's Day mostly because it means that I am a mommy to the most precious little girl in the whole world! I love the gifts she makes at school more than any other gift. This year she made a really cute handprint coaster. She alo filled out a questionnaire where she said I was 23! It was so sweet to read the way she see things!

Coaster she made

Mother's Day luncheon at school.

Mother's Day today. Picture outside Museum of Art.

We had a great Mother's Day. We spent it going to church, lunch out, and the Ridleys over for a cookout. I am so blessed with the best family!

Strawberry Patch

2010-05-07T13:17:00.000-07:00

We had such a good time last Friday going to pick strawberries. This was the first time for either one of us to do this and we loved it! I think I liked more than MG. She did helpme make strawberry bread and pie with the strawberries though. After getting our strawberries we had lunch with our friends at the Farmer's Shed. This place is so yummy! They get most of their food right off their own farm.

Strawberry picking and friends

Strike a Pose

2010-05-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

We Love a Parade

2010-04-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a big day at MG's school. She was a displayed artist and she was Snow White in her first storybook parade.

The little artist's work. Beautiful!

A doctor,Snow White, 102nd and 103rd dalmation, a very hungry caterpillar, a pirate, Angelina Ballerina, and Cat in the Hat

Hunts, Party, Oh No, and Easter

2010-04-08T18:14:00.000-07:00

I am sure that I went to Easter egg hunts when I was a child, I just don't remember any. I don't think that'll be a problem for this little girl. She went to 3 (and missed 1 due to the "oh no" that will come later in the post), one at Heathwood Park with church, another at school and one at a friend's house. She will be a pro be next year!

Here she is checking her loot. She wasn't a go-getter like the other children, so she didn't get as many. But, like I said next year...

Woah, she actually stood with the Easter bunny and took a picture smiling! Big moment!

Easter egg hunt #2 at school. Did much better this time. You were supposed to get 3 and she got 4!

Ans a little Easter bingo...

The Easter bunny visited Daddy at work and brought a gift early. She loved it! I think she has ridden it everyday!

Ready to go!

The oh no. After Easter egg hunt number 3 at our good friend Logan's house MG got sick TWICE IN MY CAR. Only about 30 minutes from the house. She said, "Mommy I sorry I frowed up in your car." So sweet even when she is sick! We were wondering if we should go home to spend Easter with our family, but my mom said "come" so we did. MG threw up once at kris' parents' house. Well, Kris' dad and my mom were sick by the time we left. Again sorry about that!

She managed to feel better to get a visit from the Easter bunny.

"Splat" painting done at our home church Easter Sunday. It was really good.

Easter Sunday

Dress change and hunting eggs for the final time at my parents' house

Watch Out Miley

2010-03-12T12:12:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday at church MG did such a good job singing! We were so happy...and shocked! They sang 3 songs and she sang every one. Way to go sweet girl! We love you!

Oh, and her favorite song right now. Like I said..watch out Miley!

She loves to sing! She sings all. of. the. time. She makes up songs about all of her family, her friends, the things she does. It is the cutest.

Rub-a-dub-dub

2010-03-03T09:59:00.000-08:00

three girls in a tub..

or two girls in a sleeping bag or...

two girls in a bed.

Snow, Love, Words

2010-02-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

Yea! Snow! What Kris lives for from December to February. He is passing that love onto MG for sure! We got about 7 inches....which is plenty! They played out in it for well over an hour straight, but I can't hang as long! I don't do cold! It snowed from about 3:30 on Friday until after midnight!

Snow just getting started.

Enough for a snow...child.

And the sweet Valentine's Day party. They were so cute with their little bags full of Valentines. There was even a beanbag toss (great idea Micah!), but do you think this one participated? No way!

Finally the REAL Valentine's Day was here on Sunday. She kept asking..."Is it still Balentime's?" She got this funny pink hair doll she named her Adam and then Kris renamed her Polly. You can't see the cute dress she has on, but it has frogs and hearts smocked on it...so sweet!

And of course what Valentine's Day is complete without a heart-shaped donut!

____________________________________________________________________

Words

I'm being serious y'all and I'm certainly am saying that these are the new words and phrases she has been using lately! Don't know where she got them..I'm serious!

Circus and Chores

2010-02-08T14:37:00.001-08:00

MG really likes to help put the silverware from the dishwasher to the drawer. So, this has become her 1st chore that she is responsible for around the house. She is really good at sorting it and putting in there just the way it should go.

She also went to the circus for the 1st time on Saturday. She loved the tigers the best. She also liked her $12 cotton candy/hat. It was so much fun to go as a family! Thank you Grandmama and Granddaddy for our tickets you gave us for Christmas!

The Things We Do for Love

2010-01-27T13:54:00.000-08:00

So sorry Boo. You must love her so much to let her do these things AND SO MUCH MORE to you!

Paging Dr. Mitchell

2010-01-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas....Again

2010-01-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Heelloooo 2010! We had a fun time welcoming you in with a party at the Vahjen's house!

Jess is ready!

Smile ladies!

Party people

Christmas in January in Wilmington

Love playing games, but I never won!

More Than a Pencil-thin Moustache

2010-01-01T08:12:00.000-08:00

When MG goes to the dentist they give her tokens to get little prizes out of a machine. This one was a hit.

Christmas Time

2009-12-29T11:59:00.000-08:00

The most wonderful time of the year gets better and better as MG gets older. She really got into the whole idea of Christmas this year. We had a lot of fun doing a lot of things. Here are some of them:

We went to Hollywild where we saw so many Christmas lights. Then they had a huge field with so many dear, emus, buffalo, and all kinds of things. You feed them bread out of your car. It was fun to do this with Kelly, Ryley, Addi, MG, and Kris. At the end you could get out and see/pet camels, cows, and so many other animals. She had a great time and I hope we go back next year! Here she is holding bread to feed to an animal.

Christmas Eve is always fun getting together with family. After opening presents with our cousins, aunts, and uncle Aunt Leslie and MG check the fireplace to make sure Santa will have a safe landing.

Christmas morning! Looks like all was safe for Santa to come down the chimney!

Now over to Nana & Poppy's to open gifts with the Batewells & Mitchells & had breakfast.

After opening presents lay in the paper tradition. Addi & MG...the best presents. Mg kept playing "in the mud" as she said.

Whoo-hoo!

Playing her leapster from Santa.

PLaying Santa giving out gifts.

Flapper outfit from Nana & Poppy.

Merry Christmas!

Annual night out after Christmas with Lindsay!

Santa Claus Came to Town

2009-12-20T10:14:00.000-08:00

But before he did we got out our nativity.

Tried to get pictures for a Christmas card. Not successful.

Made a gingerbread house. I am very surprised there is candy still on it.

Went to the Cayce Christmas parade. Drank "warm" chocolate & ate donuts.

Finally Santa time! He's reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas".

I am very glad she say on his lap. She kept saying she would sit with him "later". He gave her a play-dough set.

Coloring pictures for Santa.

Giving them to him.

I'm 3 Santa.

Remember these?

2009-12-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

My mom pulled out a couple of Beanie Babies on Thanksgiving. She bought them "for your children" she told me. MG loved playing with them. A buffalo even made it home with us.

Catch-up

2009-11-28T16:53:00.000-08:00

You always look forward to your child singing and performing in their little programs at school and church. For her Fall Sing at school I put MG in her cute pilgrim/native american dress, Kris got off of work, we had video camera and regular camera in hand. Good thing the video camera wasn't charged (again!) because our sweet little girl mostly stood there, looked around at the other children like they were crazy and did very little singing or participating. Not even the promise of a Krispy Kreme could get her to sing! Not donut for you MG!

Catch-up on our November.

Here she is at the far back corner watching her class.

Nov 17th we had fun with my gator cousin Blake at the Carolina game.

We were right there with'em.....for a while.

Daddy got MG a "bathrub" which she loves to wear.

One more chance to sing in November at our church Thanksgiving celebration. She wouldn't even stand. No bribe worked. No singing. No smiling.

Making dressing with Grandmama the night before Thanksgiving. It was YUMMY!

Our little pilgrim shows off her hat and collar she made at school. Smiling pretty on Thanksgiving Day.

Let's go Gamecocks!!

House divided?

A little outnumbered.

Cornhole that Kris made

Still friends even after GAMECOCKS WIN!!!!! 34-17!

That about sums up our November. We are so thankful. Especially for our family who loves us and help us so much and for our friends with whom we have so much fun! December...here we come!

Doughnuts for Dads

2009-11-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Last week was Doughnuts for Dads at MG's school. They got to bring their daddies in for a snack and gave them pictures they took of them holding a fishing pole in a frame that said "Dad #1 Catch" and an interview they did about their dads. It is very funny!

Before going to school.

With her friends Rivers...twins!

Interview

Not Again

2009-11-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

When MG was a baby her daddy took her school becasue I had to go to work. Well, one morning at school I got a call that he had locked her in the car in the school parking lot and that AAA was coming as well as 2 police cars. Very eventful. Very embarrassing. Just to be sure it never happend again I sometimes reminded Kris (over & over) that he locked our baby in the car.

Last Friday I had to return books to the library and take Boo to the vet. I pull in the loop, put in the books in the depository, and try to get back in the car only to realize that Boo has pushed the lock button and the car is locked. Running. With my child inside. Boo! I had to call Kris and tell him that BOO locked our child in the car and could he please leave work, go home, get the key, drive to the library and help us. Which he did. Thanks Kris. MG is crying being locked in the car. I am thinking she is scared, confused, my poor child! No. When we finally got the door opened she said, "Don't throw away my books!" Honey, mommy didn't throw away your books. I returned them to the library. And it will be a long time before we come back!

Happy Halloween

2009-11-02T12:10:00.000-08:00

Who said Halloween is a 1 day deal? No way. We celebrated many times this year! On Halloween we went to her school with friends for the trunk-or-treat. The next day was the Fall Festival at church. MG really enjoyed it, said "trick or treat" to get her candy and wasn't shy at all.

The day after Halloween our church had a Fall Fesival with rides, bounce houses, food, pony rides, and games. MG liked riding Tater-tot.

Happy Halloween! Having fun at the trunk-or-treat. Cute little Tinkerbell!

Halloween party at school

First time carving pumpkins with daddy.

One for MG

One for daddy

Rarely

2009-10-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Rarely is this one sick. By the grace of God she was able to avoid getting sick for over a year. This weekend things changed. Mary Grace was a little warm on Friday, but I didn't think too much about it because I was just getting over a sickness myself. By Saturday her fever was high...104.7 high! We took her in to see the doctor and she said it was the H1N1 virus, but she didn't test her to see for sure if it was. It is very scary when your little one's temperature gets that high! Motrin and tepid baths seem to help. She is doing much better now, just a cough. Being sick is no fun!

**Update she did not have h1n1, but mycoplasma...virus.

Recently

2009-10-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

It has been football & fair around here.

Delaney & Mary Grace at a very cold Clemson footbal game. MG's 1st. They stayed until half-time.

Swingin' at State Fair

Another kind of ride

Feeding the animals...fun as always

We love the fair!

The fair was much more fun this year than last. No crying and carrying on like 08! We had a great time and MG enjoyed her 1st funnel cake!

Tailgating and Tunes

2009-10-11T16:58:00.001-07:00

Weekends are so much fun...to bad they are so short! This weekend we went tailgaiting with friends. Saw a little Gamecock football (beat Kentucky!!!). Had a big day at church. MG sang...yes she actually sang and didn't just stand there looking around like she did this summer at the end of Bible School....in "big church" for the 1st time. Saw family. Spent lots of time together. Great weekend for sure! On our way to see the Gamecocks play! Gamecock Girls

So precious in her choir robe singing (mostly). They sang 3 songs.

Gmama, Gdaddy, & Nana came to see her sing. We missed you Poppy, feel better soon!

A Farm, A Walk, A Shopping Trip, A Celebration

2009-10-05T06:19:00.001-07:00

We had such a fun weekend. Fall is a busy season doing many fun things! First, we went to the farm with church Friday. This is our beginning of Fall tradition & our 3rd year going. We go on a hayride, pet farm animals, get a pumpkin from the pumkin patch and have hotdogs and smores. Saturday was the First Lady's Walk for Life. I am so proud of the girls with whom I walked. We raised a good amount of money to fight breast cancer right here in our state. It was only 3 miles which made me realize that I am not in as good of shape as I should be. I almost took Julie up on the offer to ride on her back! After the walk we went shopping out of town which was great getting Christmas present ideas. Sunday was our church's 200 anniversary. It was such a great day with a BBQ lunch afterwards.

Sweet girl with her pumpkin she chose (cute pumpkin shirt Ashley made)

Getting my smore on

MG likes it!

Breast Buddies walkin'

Clemson Weekend

2009-10-01T05:40:00.001-07:00

We had a fun a weekend in Clemson. We stayed with newly engaged Govie & Sharon and it was so good to see them. We had such a great tailgating spot right outside the stadium. I truly believe that I was the only one not wearing orange! Too bad it rained at half-time, we didn't go back in the game and Clemson lost to TCU. MG had a great time staying with her grands!

Yummy tailgating food!

It was a little chilly

Late night game playing with Moods & Balderdash (ok maybe not so late if you look at the clock, but close to my bedtime)

House Divided

2009-09-19T19:13:00.000-07:00

Or should I say child divided? These pictures were taken on the same day!

Thank You Note

2009-09-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today Mary Grace got a thank you note from a friend. She read it and told me it said, "Dear Lord, Thank you for Mary Grace and her birthday. Amen"

The Perfect Way...

2009-09-01T12:55:00.000-07:00

...to spend a weekend. Friends. Family. Beach.

ice cream at Pitt Street Pharmacy

cute girls in a bath

mamas & daddies watching

bedtime story

Sullivan's

Bocce

Fun at the park

1st day of 3 year old preschool! She is the youngest in her class. Today was her 1st day of "school' and she got a smily face in her folder for good behavior.

with Mrs. Boyd, the asst. teacher

with Mrs Dunlap, her teacher

Three

2009-08-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

My baby is three!! Wow! Hard to believe! We had such a fun time celebrating her birthday at Leapin' Lizards. It was fun to see Nana & Grandmama get in on the bouncing...mom I need your picture of you in the bouncy! MG had such a fun time at her party. She said she wanted a "pink & purple" party, so we hope it had enough pink & purple for her!

Here is a picture of our annual Groucho's lunch before bithday parties.

Nana bouncing!

Make a wish! She practiced singing "Happy Birthday" to herself many times!

Gift from mommy & daddy. It is a hit!!

Actual birthday....lunch with friends at Chick-fil-a.

Mary Grace,

You are such a sweet, precious girl! You are very loving and you always tell us "I love you and I like you." You are a handful right now and we are all learning how to communicate with one another. It is interesting with you around for sure! You are so smart. You love Boo and your family. You love to play with your friends. You have a great memory and remember everything! Your daddy and I are so thankful for you. We have so much fun playing with you and you keep us laughing.

Remember that we love you very, very much,

Mommy

Lancaster Reunion

2009-08-08T05:59:00.000-07:00

We had a lot of fun at our Lancaster family reunion. It has been going on for 53 consecutive years!

Our family knows how to cook! Plates gone and time to talk.

Lee takes family pictures.

Uncle Jonathan's family picture.

Lydia & Ellie in their JSL shirts.

Cutie

Nancy assuring Jenna she can still be part of the shirt "club"

Hula-hooping!

Saying good-bye until next time

Home again

Sitting on Frankie's "famous" mushroom

Buddies. This looks about right. They just couldn't take anymore.

Silver and Gold

2009-07-27T17:53:00.000-07:00

MG and I had a really fun day. We got to see one of my oldest friends, Jonetta and meet her sweet little girl Brylee. Jonetta and I have been friends since we were in the womb...literally! Our moms taught together and we grew up twirling hair and sucking thumbs until she moved to Texas with her mom. Lots of time has passed since we have seen each other. Now we both have cute daughters and they are about the same age. We had a great time getting them together today and got to catch up amid the whining, crying, and potty breaks. Ahhh, 2 year olds.

At the park

Daughters

Mommies then

Yes, there is thumb sucking behind the blankie

Mommies now

We hope to see y'all again very soon!!!

Summer Fun

2009-07-20T14:43:00.000-07:00

We are having a really fun summer. We went to church to learn our manners, went to the beach, saw family and friends, celebrated many birthdays,started dance, and now just finished our 1st summer of VBS. MG had a fun night singing (well, standing there watching others sing) the songs they learned and bouncing on bounce houses, and petting animals the last night of VBS. She was even more excited because Erin was here for a visit.

Lots of MG's friends were born in the summer....which makes for many fun parties. Here is the latest. Brice's 3rd birthday, cowboy style. Here MG "Cowgirl Queen" rides Apple

Price and his tushy.

MG loved jumping off of the diving board..over and over and over!

Cowgirl Queen riding Pansy.

I have a good video or her jumping off of the diving board into the pool that I will try & put on here soon.

Nice and Pretty

2009-07-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

Today while I was cleaning the kitchen I heard MG say, "Boo, I'll make you nice and pretty." I thought "uh-oh", but kept on cleaning. A few minutes later I heard a lot of laughing and saw this:

Poor Boo. He puts up with a lot (he also has put us though a lot too!) Aren't his eyes saying, "help me"?

He has on 2 tu-tus, a scarf, and later a tiara was added!

Here are a couple of other "nice and prettys"

and a funny..

__________________________________________

Tonight before going to bed MG wanted me to stay with her so the "dangers" won't get her. I told her that we were close by and that God was with her too. She said, "God is here?"

"Yes."

"Where is Him?"

"Everywhere and He is in your heart."

She then looked down her nightgown and looked for Him.