The Daniels

Summer Fun!

2008-07-05T10:12:00.001-07:00

We've been busy around here with Ella's birthday, friends visiting, lost teeth, and going to the pool. Ella turned 5 on July 1st and we celebrated with a High School Musical theme. We also went to Chuck-e-Cheese with a friend. Ella was excited to get a Camp Rock cd and some movies along with a few new Barbies. She also lost a couple of teeth which i could not believe. I had to call the dentist to make sure that was okay. I thought that didnt' happen until much much later. My friend Sara from college stopped by to see us and we ate lunch together. It is always so good to see her and she always tries to make time to stop if she comes by our way. We're trying to figure out a time that i can come visit her in Nashville. We are enjoying our summer swimming at the pool and just having fun!

Birthdays and Vacation

2008-06-07T06:34:00.000-07:00

Lily turned 3 on May 26th and I forgot my camera but she had a good time. After Lily's b-day, we went down to Helen,Ga to stay at a time share. We swam at the pool, played mini-golf and just enjoyed relaxing. We also visited Babyland which has the world's largest collection of Cabbage Patch dolls. I felt that i had gone back to my childhood! Some of the dolls that i had when i was little cost $200. Seeing that i was not going to buy the girls 400 dollars worth of dolls, i bought 2 at walmart before i left, kept them in the car and let them buy diapers and bibs. This is the neatest place b/c they actually have the dolls being born and you can name them. The place is free to go to and you don't have to buy anything. They have a nursery, school, christmas theme, and hospital. Totally cute! The gift shop has everything you can imagine. It's located in Cleveland, GA which is in the middle of nowhere but is the birthplace of the founder Xavier Roberts. We recommend it if you have time. In other news, we have just been hanging around. I'm still looking for a job.. We are having fun at the pool and enjoying our weather!

Ding-Dong

2008-05-15T07:31:00.000-07:00

Ella has been telling those corny knock-knock jokes lately and Lily has picked up on them.

Here is Lily's version

"Ding, dong"(as opposed to knock, knock)
"Who's there?"
"Joker"
"Joker stinks!"

She thinks she is the funniest thing ever and kept changing joker stinks to joker pooted. All this occured while getting ready for bed. We were laying on Ella's bed and every time she told the punch line she body slammed us. Think WWF Smackdown! Funny, funny that girl!

In Mourning

2008-05-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

Ella's new hair cut
Goodbye Pal!
Well, I am officially in mourning over Ella's hair that is. She wanted to get a haircut which we have done at least 5 times but just never this short. She likes it, it will be cool for summer but i am having a hard time b/c she looks so much older. In other news, Lily's pal(pacifier) has gone to Pal fairy land. I have put this off as long as i could but the time has come(well long time ago should have come) to say goodbye!
We have been enjoying the outside and went to Baskin Robbins for the first time today. I had forgotten how exciting that place it, well if you like ice cream that is. But if you don't, well i guess it wouldn't be any fun. So many flavors to choose from.....

It's Graduation Time

2008-05-04T12:31:00.000-07:00

Accepting a certificate from one of my professors
Dr. Webster, me , Dr. Freeman
Me and my friend Jamal
My very dear friend Terri who graduated with me

I am officially graduated with a Masters degree in school counseling. After 7 years, 2 children, a few wrinkles and a couple of strands of gray hair..... I am done! Thank the Lord! Yesterday, i participated in a dedication ceremony for my program. I even had the opportunity to speak about one of my professors in front of a couple hundred people. I was asked to speak at graduation in front of a thousand people nonetheless on behalf of ALL the graduate programs at Southern but since graduation was today at 9:30 i declined. I did feel like that was a huge honor. I don't think it has set in with me yet but i know that in a few weeks when i receive that diploma that it will. I still don't have a job yet, but that's okay. I know one will come about eventually. So, yeah me!

Shooting with Daddy

2008-04-24T05:02:00.000-07:00

Brandon was practicing bow hunting and Ella decided she wanted to try also. She enjoyed it and Brandon thought it was great. Anyway, things have been busy with us. I have finished my last final of my program. I graduate next week and am still looking for a job. We have been enjoying the great weather outside. Hope your week is going well:)

Picnic at Chester Frost Park

2008-04-19T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today, we went to Chester Frost park for a picnic. The weather was nice but windy. The girls wanted to get their feet in the water. There were kids there swimming in the water! Way too cold! Considering the girls have never been to the beach, this was huge! Our friends the Butcher boys kept going out further and the girls thought they could follow. Their dad had to get them to come back so the girls wouldn't get their pants wet:)

Pics from our playtime

2008-04-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

We love the play area at the mall! We took our friend Amanda with us to play!

Are you there God, It's me Jennifer

2008-04-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

So the last few days have been crazy.. I took a 5 hour comprehensive assessment test to determine if i could actually graduate from the university. This is different from the Praxis test. Let me back up. On Thursday, Ella woke up with a 102 degree fever and throwing up. She wanted to be held all day which meant Lily did too. As i stripped the sheets and put her in the bath tub Lily decided she needed to get in too. After getting them out, Ella crying b/c she was cold, Lily then proceeded to pee on the floor. Figures! That's what i was thinking. Are you kidding me?! I have less than 24 hours to take this test... did i mention that i typed 13 pages for this. Not multiple choice kiddos... and here i had a child sick. My thoughts were "Hey God, are you there, can you give me a break? Really, it was probably the devil at work.. I had to be at school at 8:00 for the test and i was up with Ella for most of the night Thursday night!! Hey all in a day's work for a mom, right? Anyways, crisis averted, test taken and completed. Lily did get sick too but she's all better. The world goes on and so do we.

P.S. NKOTB is reuniting. I am psyched!!!!

Labor for Hire

2008-03-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

We offer vacuum services at a low rate. Will work for candy, chocolate, and cheetos!!!

Easter Fun!

2008-03-24T17:00:00.001-07:00

We had a busy weekend with 5 egg hunts! We started at Boyd-buchanan on Sat. morning for an alumni hunt and the girls had a really good time! We then visited families and had one at church. Look closely at the first pic. That's what i saw while i was washing dishes after our Easter lunch at my mom and dad's. I guess Lily had decided that she would take care of the punch or what was left of it.... Makes you want to say.. Seconds anyone???

Spring has sprung!

2008-03-22T18:17:00.000-07:00

Spring has sprung in the form of a flower and frog! At least that's what Ella and Lily think! The Little Bill has a show about spring and the kids sing a song"Spring is here, Spring is here, it's the best time of the year" Around our house, we seem to think so. Ellas keeps asking if it is actually spring b/c she's tired of winter. The last pic is what i found the other night when the girls were getting ready to go to bed. Lily was actually letting Ella hold her. Normally, she pushes Ella away but i guess that she was tired enough to give in.

Said what he needed to say....

2008-03-12T17:15:00.001-07:00

Today i had the privledge of hearing my daddy speak in high school chapel. I took the time to go by Boyd-Buchanan even though i was suppose to be at another middle school to hear him. He spoke of doing your best, making your parents proud, teachers proud and yourself proud. He shared stories from when he taught. The kids laughed and were going beserk when he got there! They loved seeing him. And as i stood with tears in my eyes, I realized how important life is and how much i love my daddy. He said what he needed to say to those students. It was short and sweet but to the point and as i looked around, every face was focused on him. Not one student was talking or not paying attention. He had captured them with his words. Isn't it amazing the power of one individual to make a difference in our lives? My daddy lives by his words and is much loved. I know that i am blessed to have him as a father....

How hungry are you?

2008-03-10T17:18:00.000-07:00

Ella the other day said: I'm so hungry I could eat my foot!

The Carrier

2008-02-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

A.K.A Lily Brennan Daniel

Breeder of germs, bringer on of aches, pains, fever, and sore throats......

Thank you Lily for bringing the joy of the flu, cold, and whatever else may come our way and infect our house. You have made us sick o' too many times and yet you see to get the best end of the deal.. However, we love you anyways!!!!

Valentine's pics and Papa's b-day

2008-02-23T11:29:00.000-08:00

A little late posting about V-day but just wanted to share pics of the girls making a v-day card box. Notice the scratch on Ella's face from Lily's fingernails. My dad's b-day was the other day and this was the best pic we could take b/c Lily was more interested in eating her cake. Oh and I passed my Praxis which i had to take to prove I am competent to be a counselor! Wahoo!!!

Days of Fun

2008-02-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

This seems to be how our days are spent lately, coloring and playing with each other. Since I'm not with them during the day, i take advantage during the evenings to play with them! I can't believe how big they are growing:)

The best of friends

2008-02-03T12:34:00.000-08:00

At least for the most part. The girls have been playing extremely well together and seem to really enjoy playing imaginative play especially with Barbie and Hannah Montana!

A new year!

2008-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Things have been really busy with us. I'm back in the schools 4 days a week and juggling two night classes so it's kinda hectic. The girls got way way too much for Christmas- bordering on obscence. Other than having a good holiday and that it was too short, we are now back on schedule. We did have the opportunity to go to the Aquarium today and had a really good time.

Hope all of you are doing well!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-21T04:15:00.000-08:00

Love, Brandon, Jenn, Ella, and Lily

Lights and Pics

2007-12-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

2007-12-17T18:45:00.000-08:00

For some reason, i can not upload pics to blogger but i will say that i have taken quite a few here lately. Things are crazy as usual around our house getting ready for Christmas. I"m trying to finish with school this week and have a couple of weeks off before i go back. I will say that the girls are driving me bonkers with their craziness! Lily bit Ella the other day on her leg and left two perfectly round bite marks that looked like vampire bites. On the way home, i heard Ella say to Lily, "You bit me you vampire" Tis the season, right?

A day in the life of an Intern

2007-11-15T10:40:00.000-08:00

It's not too often that you have the fear put into you when you're at school but on the day that i was at the high school that i am interning at, i did. One of the teenage girls(she's 16) went into labor and came into the office complaining of pain. She took off for the bathroom before i could yell, "Wait" and i said to myself if she didn't come back in 2 minutes i was going in. Seriously, you read those stories about girls that have babies at school in the toliet and then go back to class. She did come back and i spent the next hour timing contractions and helping her breathe until her mom could come get her and take her to the hospital. They left, i was drenched in sweat, and told myself that if the counseling gig doesn't work out, maybe i could get a job as a midwive??? Who knows!!!!!!

Topless Pumpkin Carving

2007-10-31T14:39:00.001-07:00

Girls gone Wild! Girls gone wild! Do you see Ella in the first pose?

Happy Halloween

2007-10-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Just some pics from our halloween party at playgym. Ella decided to be Barbie from Magic of the Rainbow and Lily just wanted to be a cat. Check out the look Lily is giving Ella.

Hillcrest Orchards

2007-10-20T16:15:00.000-07:00

We took our annual trip to Ellijay, GA to visit the apple orchards at Hillcrest. The girls love going to this b/c they get to go to a petting zoo, ride on the tractor, see a moonshine exhibit(you read that correctly), ride tricycles, go on a big slide, and a nursery rhyme trail. This year my parents and Andrew went so it was extra fun! We also always get apples to take home along with apple fritters and apple doughnuts. Sooooo good! You can also go apple bobbing, milk a cow, watch cloggers, and ride a bull. All for $5!!!

Curl Up and Dye

2007-10-19T16:38:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of hair salons by that name? That honestly how i felt today when i went to get Ella's hair cut. I mean it needed to be cut but we cut 5 inches off which is a lot and the hairstylist kept saying " Are you sure?" Ella wanted it shorter and it's still shoulder length but it makes her seem so much older! I included a sweet pic of Brandon and the girls playing outside this afternoon and enjoying the weather. I love to see the joy they get out of playing a simple game of tag.

Yummy Gummy Peaches

2007-10-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

On a trip to our local CVS to pick up a prescription, Ella and Lily made it to the candy aisle. The candy is located at child eye level(Smart marketing if you ask me) and so i let them pick something small. In my rush to get out of the store, i hadn't really noticed what they had chosen until we got done. When i got in the car, i realized that Lily had chosen those peach gummies rings. Remember the ones i'm talking about? I know my friend Sara Parker would. I thought of her when i saw them and smiled. See, when we were in college-Sara and i were roomates and still really good friends-Sara came back to our room one night after running around in downtown Nashville telling me about this homeless guy she had seen on the street. He asked her for money and as usual Sara didn't have any but you know what she did have? Yes, these yummy peach gummies. And she said to the man when he asked for money "I don't have any, but take these peach gummies. See, that's the kind of person Sara is......she'll give the peach gummies which was the only thing she had.... because her heart is that big. She could have said no and kept walking but she didn't. For some reason, maybe it was the tears i saw in her eyes while she told me the story or maybe it was the way i felt when i realized how much she cared about a stranger, i've always remembered this. So when i saw that bag of peach gummies, i am reminded of my friend Sara Parker and how sometimes it's the little moments in life that can make us smile.

And what to my Wondering Eyes......

2007-10-16T17:12:00.000-07:00

did appear, but peace between my girls. Normally, this is not the picture when they are at the computer. They usually can not share but this is what i captured when i came in the room and i just had to take a picture

Baby brothers, kitties and puppies

2007-10-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

A conversation at dinner the other night went like this.....
Ella: Maybe i'll get a kitty or puppy when i get older Daddy
Brandon: Probably when you get older
Ella: Maybe a baby brother too, huh Daddy?

Do you think there's a 3 for 1 sale???

Twinkies in Pajamas

2007-10-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

Since the weather has turned cold, this is the girls new matching pj's. I thought they were too cute in posing!

The love of Popsicles

2007-10-10T11:40:00.001-07:00

The girls love to eat popsicles especially pink ones however today Ella had a green one. This is the pic i got after they got done eating them.

Hello Fall and Hello Friends!

2007-10-08T17:39:00.000-07:00

I am really embarrassed when I realize how long it's been since i've posted. Over the past month, we've been busy with school, Disney on Ice, football games, and birthday parties. I turned 29 on Sunday and this past weekend we took the girls to Disney on Ice which they both enjoyed. I am so glad that fall is just around the corner as we are looking forward to pumpkin patches and apple orchards!!!!!!!

Hot days of summer

2007-08-26T15:03:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share not that they are the greatest pics( i am getting a new camera soon!) of the girls playing dressup. They have clipon earrings and a veil to complete the picture. Things are going good with our family. My internship keeps me busy 3 days of the week and combined with our weekends, we're busy!!!! We have watched High School Musical 2 now probably 5 times and know all of the songs that get stuck in your head. Oh well!! I repeat I am ready for fall!!!! This weather has got to go.....

Going Home

2007-08-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

So i've been such a slacker in posting but we have been busy. Today i started my practicum/internship at Boyd-Buchanan. For those of you that don't know, this is the school i went to from K-12 and absolutely love. I worked there for the first 2 years after i graduated before i stayed home with the girls. Last Wednesday, i went for registration and saw many familiar faces and friends. Yes, Amy i saw Heidi and sweet little Matthew getting ready to go to register with Jeff. For me, this was like coming home. You know the feeling you get when you haven't seen someone close to for a long time, you know how full your heart feels? That was the feeling. I love those people there and am so thrilled to be back working on my internship. However, let me note some differences since i've been there
1. I'm pretty sure I'm now 10 years older than the seniors
2. Certain areas(namely one sag on my body than before)
3. It is HARD to get up in the morning with 2 kids!
4. I have grey in my hair and wrinkles around my eyes!!!
5. And finally, I am even more confident that I can do this job of school counseling and that this is where i am intended to be, God willing!!!

In other news, our house is on countdown to High School Musical 2 which comes out this Friday. My 4 year old has gone from Disney Princesses to Troy Bolton!!! Help us all!!!

Sweet Dreams

2007-08-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

If i told you about the beginning of our day yesterday with Lily clawing Ella's face and leaving marks and then how our day ended, well this would be it. Lily was so exhausted by the time we got home, she fell asleep and Ella decided she needed to take care of her.

On another note, it's just too stinking hot outside!!!! I am ready for fall.

We'll take cheese with that pleaseeeeeee

2007-07-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love a trip to Chuck-E-Cheese???? We took the girls Friday and they love it. However, for me i miss the days of Showbiz with the bears that had those eyes that would blink when they sang and the bodies that moved soooooo slowly, does anyone remember that? Anyways, after we spent the $20 which was cheap because we had a coupon, this is the prize we got that Lily is holding. Some eye glass thing and 2 tootsie rolls, 2 magnets, and a chuck-e-cheese squeesy toy. Personally, i could have bought these things at the flea market for a dollar, thank you very much but you would have thought the girls won the jackpot. The pics were taken after they got home. Oh, and them already asking "Chuck-E-Cheese pleaseeee again, Mommy?"

Little glasses

2007-07-23T06:09:00.001-07:00

I learned yesterday morning that my grandmother had passed away and while this was a grandmother i wasn't that close to because she didin't live close by, i still have fond memories of her. When i was a little girl and we would go and visit her, she had these little glasses that were just the size for my hand that i could drink with. Recently, my mom and i came upon these glasses while cleaning out her house and she asked if i wanted them. Of course because of the memories associated with them. I brought them home for the girls who were excited to use "big" glasses to drink from. I realized that often times it's not the expensive gifts that are important but the cheap ol' glasses that bring smiles to little ones faces. Plus, every time i get them out of my cabinet, I'll always think of my sweet Granny.

Manuel for Dummies

2007-07-20T11:52:00.001-07:00

This is my ceiling in my garage and that is my sheetrock on the floor of my garage. I must be the only person alive that doesn't know that you really shouldn't step on sheetrock because it's not meant to hold a person's weight. I nearly killed myself trying to get a booster seat of Ella's that my husband had put on the OTHER side of the storage space. If i hadn't been holding on to the beams i would have fallen straight on top of my car. My body is quite bruised with fist sized marks and scrapes on my legs from where my legs buckled when the piece fell through. Not one of my best moves.........

2007-07-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

At night time, the kids always give each other a hug and kiss and it's the sweetest thing to see when they love one another. I happened to catch them in the act and then another of them being cheesy! Also, we just got the Baby Einstein First Signs dvd and it's the best for teaching sign language. Lily has learned to sign a ton of words even just at 2. I totally recommend it.

Love to all!

2007-07-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

More party fun, another Barbie cake and one pic from the 4th. Class is back in session for me and I am busy. I took Ella to the dentist to get a cavity filled(yes, shot and all) and she did extremelywell! I'm glad that is over with.

Let's get this party started

2007-06-30T18:46:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is Ella's 4th birthday but we celebrated today with a party at my parents and of course too many presents. For Christmas, Ella got a Fisher Price dollhouse and we had got a couple of the rooms but my mom went and got all of the other rooms which was about NINE of them. Do you see the pic of the 9-1-1 book? Isn't that funny? Lily already has that one down as she called 9-1-1 when she was 15 months but mom thought that Ella could use these as a teaching tool. And of course, the baby doll, only the 21st one that we have.... This year it was a Barbie party instead of Disney princess. I could say that i can't believe that 4 years have gone by but i have and Brandon has felt every one of those years. However, i HATE that she is grower older because she's not my baby anymore but i love to see how her imagination grows as she grows. So, Happy Birthday to my sweet girl Ella Annelise Daniel~

Must be a girl thing!

2007-06-29T16:55:00.000-07:00

I was reading Christy's blog about sweet Baylor vacuuming when i looked up and there was Lily with her vacuum except she was just in a diaper. Weird coincidence huh? Must be a girl thing.....

Counting my Blessings

2007-06-27T18:15:00.000-07:00

Okay, i know we are trying to get rid of the pal and now Ella has one but the girls were too cute in these pics, don't you think and i couldn't resist sharing. There are days where i think that i'm going to lose my sanity and that i am a failure as a mother. Do any of you feel this way? Ella is so overemotional about EVERYTHING!!! and Lily is the exact opposite. Everything is a huge task with Ella and I am so tired. We still have trouble getting her to sleep at night and taking naps. Teethbrushing is hard, taking a bath is hard, getting clothes on is hard, do you see where i'm going with this? It makes you feel like a big fat loser! However, i was driving along and thinking today how fortunate we were that she was healthy and happy and that she was ALIVE! Not every parent is so fortunate and i count my blessings everyday. So this picture is a reminder that i have two healthy happy(save for the meltdowns) children that i can thank God for each day. Love to all!

More Wedding Pictures

2007-06-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Lora with the girls
Brandon's mom and the girls
Just wanted to show the back of Ella's hair

1 VBS + 1Wedding =Total Exhaustion

2007-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

Do we have to do this throwing flower thing?

This has been the most exhausting week for us. We have been busy with Vacation Bible School every night which the girls loved but wiped me out as i was head over Ella's group which consisted of 25 preschoolers. There is a reason i don't do daycare anymore. God bless those people! Then, on this past Saturday, Brandon's youngest brother got married and the girls were flower girls. This is how that went down. Ella cried once she saw all of the people looking at her and refused to go down the aisle and Lily stood in one spot and dropped all her flower petals. Oh well! Ella loves her Uncle Ta as she used to call him and the last picture is of her and him. She wasn't too sure about him getting married and his new wife Lora will have to work hard to get her affection. I'm sure in time she will! We are glad that this week is over with and glad to be back blogging. I start school next week so keep me in your thoughts!
Love to all!

P.S. Is Ella not the cheese queen in these pics or what?

I promise...

2007-06-15T14:24:00.001-07:00

that i have not forgotten about this blog. We've just been busy with everything. You name it. I'm getting ready to go decorate for VBS at church. Note to self..... Never let Lori Wortman talk you into helping. okay with that said, i'm getting ready to leave. If you knew Lori, she's one of those women who dreams big, REAL BIG... like she wants a running train and abandoned mine in the church building. We'll see. Hope everyone is doing well. Ella's b-day is coming up in a couple of weeks and already she has too much and i haven't bought anything yet. That would be my mom.. I'm off!!!!!

I love my pal and wank-wank!

2007-06-11T12:57:00.001-07:00

Lily loves her pal(pacifier) and blanket(wank-wank) trying to break her of pal so her teeth don't stick out, but she LOVES to smell her blanket and it can be smelly at times especially when she drops it on the floor constantly! She also loves to put her wank-wank on her head and mine and Brandon's. The blanket looks so old because it is. It was Brandon's when he was a baby and we tried different ones but this is the one she picked

Hi my name is......

2007-06-11T12:53:00.001-07:00

Jennifer and I am addicted to buying dolls for my girls. This was taken Saturday after a trip to Target where they just had to have these dolls. I've learned by now to get the same ones for them so they don't fight over them. Sometimes i think that i should just have twins. I bet we have at least 20 dolls! No exagerration. Anways, aren't they too cute lovin' on their dolls?

Whatchu talkin' about Willis?

2007-06-06T11:47:00.001-07:00

That's just what i was thinking when I took this picture. And as for the last couple of pictures, we got this sand and water table for Lily birthday and the girls love it. I highly recommend it for kids and we especially like the umbrella that comes with it.

Whatchu talkin' about Willis?

2007-06-06T11:47:00.000-07:00

Oh the agony!-The talk

2007-06-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

Before reading Bambi.....
My girls love to read- are they cute sitting so sweet- this is the calm before the storm

I knew this day would come....No, not the day I had to tell the girls about the birds and the bees but the day when Ella found out about Bambi's mommy-what REALLY happened to her. I haven't let her watch the movie yet because I just can't face it but she does have the book and today we were reading it when she asked me what happened to Bambi's mommy. Uhhhh.....so I told her in the best way possible and then I reminded her to tell her daddy when he got home "Don't kill the deer, Daddy." See Brandon goes hunting and I've told him that he would have to tell her one day about Bambi's mommy and yet it was ME!!!! Oh the agony

On a brighter note, I have lined up my internships for this fall-I have one school in Chattanooga, and two in Dalton so I'm really excited about this.

Share Mommy

2007-05-30T12:07:00.000-07:00

Okay so the weather is so HOTTT here and the flower beds just might not make it. Oh well!
Anyways, I've been trying to teach Lily and Ella to "share" me. The trouble with having two kids is that they both want you-at the same time-and it's not always easy. Usually, they will both cry for me at the same time. Ella, being that she is older understands when I say it's time to share mommy but Lily struggles!!!! However, today they both wanted me to pick them up and Lily said "Share Mommy"! One small step........ We're off to the pool

Atlanta Zoo

2007-05-29T19:36:00.000-07:00

Today Brandon and I took the kids to the Atlanta Zoo and it was so much fun. The kids loved seeing the giraffees, lions, pandas, and even some flamingos. And we saw the elephants and boy do they stink!! We even got to ride on the train. This is a great place to go whether you have kids or not. The rest of the week we're going to attempt to add a couple of flower beds around our house and do some very needed home repair!

Cookout with friends

2007-05-28T18:32:00.001-07:00

Tonight we had a cookout with some friends from church. Justin and Kara White and Bryant and Tabitha Williams. We had them come over to our house for ribs and all the fixins. It was such a good time to get together and the girls enjoy playing with Bryant and Tabitha's little boy-Cody. Brandon and I just recently changed churches because of some unfortunate things that occured where we had been going to church for the last six years and it has been such a wonderful experience for us to be around these people. They have been so welcoming to us and extended their friendship. I am so thankful for these people and that God has put them in our lives.

More pictures from Lily's party

2007-05-28T18:29:00.001-07:00

I had to get a pic of my sweet daddy for those of you that know him

Happy Birthday Lily- Take 2

2007-05-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, we actually celebrated Lily's birthday with my parents at their house. My mom had a little treasure hunt for her with different presents. She was really excited with the big pool and her new kitchen. Brandon and I can't believe that she is actually 2. The past couple of years have just flown.

Happy Birthday Lily- Take 1!

2007-05-19T13:42:00.000-07:00

Today we went to Brandon's parents for an early 2nd birthday party for Lily who will be 2 on the 26th. We'll do another party(just family-we went all out last year and I don't think my nerves or budget can take it) on Saturday with my family.No matter how i tried to get her to look at the camera, she wouldn't. She just wasn't in the mood. Oh well!! Her Dora cake was really good though.

Wheelin' Around

2007-05-16T10:51:00.000-07:00

There's nothing my kids like more than to go riding on their tricycles at my mom and dad's . They had to get Lily one also because she has to match Ella on everything. I don't know if it's a girl thing or sibling thing but whatever one has the other one has to have one also. They take turns riding down the hill as fast as their little legs can carry them.

Jesus Loves Me and So does......

2007-05-14T10:44:00.000-07:00

Barbie! At least that's what Ella told me. She said the sweetest thing this morning. "Mommy, Jesus loves me and watches over me at night" to which I said, "Yes, Jesus does love you and watch over you". Then she said and "so does Barbie and she watches over me too. Of course she does," I said. What else was I going to say.......Out of the mouths of babes right?

Happy Mother's Day!

2007-05-14T08:53:00.002-07:00

Hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day!

(Sorry this turned sideways)

The Pool !The Pool!

2007-05-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

Is it pool time already you're probably saying? Well, for this house, it is. Especially with 80 plus degree weather. I got the girls a little pool to put out on our deck(we'll go big this summer) and we put just enough water in it to have fun. As you notice in the pic, we haven't exactly got our swimsuits yet but we'll probably be making a trip to Target in the near future to get some. Here's to looking forward to summertime!

And yet again, we've already been to the aquarium this week to see the penguins again. Christy, i told you we went A LOT! This time we went with my sweet friend Amanda and the girls had a good time. We even ran into Mrs. Gregg, an old teacher of mine and her daughter Kimbra who has 2 little girls. So it was good to see them.

We off to our next adventure!

The Pool !The Pool!

2007-05-09T12:18:00.000-07:00

We off to our next adventure!

What's Important

2007-05-07T08:29:00.000-07:00

I was sitting last night at church listening to the Boyd-Buchanan high school chorus sing and marveling at the beautiful sound I was hearing. Lily and Ella both wanted to sit on my lap and I was getting frustrated because they wouldn't sit still and be quiet. Everytime they stopped singing Lily was say in a VERY loud voice "SING!! SING!" and i was thinking that everyone around me probably was thinking why i didn't take my children out. A mother was sitting next to me who had a senior in the chorus. (This was the seniors last chorus performance and was pretty emotional for them). The mother said "Aren't they such a blessing?" It took me a moment to realize what she was referring to and then it hit me-my children. Here I was worrying and getting upset over nothing and she was looking at the bigger picture-that children are a blessing from God. I saw in the tears in her eyes and it reminded me what's really important in life:)

We are Family

2007-05-04T15:18:00.000-07:00

You know that song "We are Family". Well, last night I went out to eat with friends from grad school at Panera. We had such a good time especially since the semester is over. What i love about this group of individuals is the unique backgrounds of everyone. Jamaica, Haiti, Maryland, Ohio, Florida, Maine, and me from little ol' Georgia. To have this kind of experience going back to school to get this degree with such a great group of people with such diverse backgrounds and of different ages is fantastic. Even better is the fact that i consider them family. I love you guys!!

Oh, and I added some pics of the girls and Ella painting at Playgym

The Penguins are Coming-They're here!!!!!

2007-05-04T10:40:00.000-07:00

All we've been hearing about the last few months are that the penguins are coming to the aquarium and the girls have been so excited about seeing them. Today Ella had Playgym at the Creative Discovery Museum for the first time and she loved it though i think that Lily liked it more. Anyways, after we left we went to the aquarium. We go to the TN aquarium probably once a month and if you've never been it's quite an experience. I highly advise it for anyone. They have about 16 penguins in all and the water temp is like 46 degrees b/c they like the cold! It's really neat and Ella and Lily enjoyed seeing them and then we had to go see the shark. Those sharks look really big up close and I'm glad that they're behind that THICK glass!

Little Angel

2007-05-02T08:04:00.000-07:00

See I do have one sweet child. I'm just kidding both are sweet but i caught Ella asleep on the floor after a very busy day of play. There's nothing sweet than seeing that little bottom up in the air whether it's when they are a baby or 3 going on 4.

Wahahaha

2007-05-02T07:48:00.001-07:00

Do you see this face? All look at me aren't I sweet? I don't know how well you can see the first two pictures but that is Ella's arm and on it are a full set of Lily's teeth. The second pic is a full set of scratch marks on Ella's leg from Lily. I know many of you are probably thinking "Doesn't she ever watch her kids?" but Lily is so fast that i can be inches away from her and can't stop her. She's a little aggressive to say the least but after having to always fight for a toy since she was a baby b/c Ella always took one away from her, she a little quick to get upset. However, they are good at sharing at times...sometimes, every now and then?? So, I like to think she's thinking Wahahhahah......I'll show you....take my toys Sissy and see what happens! Let's just hope that DEFACS doesn't see my kids.

Wahahaha

2007-05-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

A Little Dirt Won't Hurtcha!

2007-05-02T05:12:00.000-07:00

Right. I'm talking a lot of grimy, stuck to your face dusty gravel rock dirty! We went to the ballfields last night because Brandon had a softball game with our church league and Ella and Lily were delighted to see the little gravel rocks on the ground. Which they preceded to pick up and drop over and over and over again. Needless to say after 2 hours of doing this that dirt was like white on rice on them. Lily even fell down and so she had tear tracks in the dirt on her face. Ella, my primadonna don't let any dirt get on me, was right down there with her. Side note, don't let your children wear white shirts to the ballfields. They had the best time. Who needs toys anyways? So, for all those rough and tough boys out they, my girls can keep up with the best of them!

I Wanna Swide!

2007-04-30T07:34:00.000-07:00

I captured Lily in all her glory!

See the static electricity

At least that's what Lily calls it when she wants to go slide. We took the kids to the playground last night and there's nothing more special to hear then their squeals of delight when they see the "swide" and "big tunnel". What joy I have in my heart to see them so excited about something they love. Lily goes full force down the "swide" and my heart nearly stops because I think she's going to fly out on her head but she just laughs. Ella, who is my shy child will ask about the slide "Mommy is it not scary?" and I have to reassure her that it is okay. Sometimes it's me or Brandon going down first to show her that it's okay(really we enjoy this as much as the kids-except for the static electricity you get in your hair). I love to see my children happy and if you have children also I know you share with me this excitement and delight of seeing your children enjoy what they love especially if it's "Swiding"

Silly Girls! Oh and Daddy too

2007-04-29T14:43:00.000-07:00

Our Crazy Life!!!

2007-04-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

So we finally entered the world of blogging after all of the pressure from friends to begin one! Ella is almost 4 and Lily will be 2 next month. Time really does fly! Currently, I am trying to finish my final exams for the semester with grad school. I'll be done in one year and can officially be a school counselor!!! Well, that is if I pass my exams.....Ok, we won't worry about that now. Anyways, our family is looking for a little down time and maybe one of these days a nice vacation??? Hope your week is going well.
Love to all!!