Like a duck to water

I wasn't given my first bite of chocolate, much less an Oreo, until I was 4 years old. Thomas got his today, he's two. I think it was inbedded in his genes how to eat these, he knew exactly what to do with it. So, he must get it from me.

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood

I went to training in Hartselle, AL a few weeks back. I have quite a few friends that are from here too, so I've been up to visit numerous times. I've never taken the time to ride around this quaint little town so one evening I decided to walk around and take a look. I found some of the cutest houses. Beautiful yards, wrap around porches, columns, and porch swings, oh my!

And for my absolute favorite:

The Actual Party

I woke up Saturday morning to a low grumbling sound. At first I thought it was my stomach, but quickly realized that it was thunder. I haven't heard thunder like that in months, so it's no wonder I was a bit confused. Normally, I would welcome the rain but not on this particular day. Thomas's birthday party was schedule to happen at Homewood Park that same afternoon. I checked the forecast and it didn't seem like the rain was going to let up. I made the decision to move Thomas's party indoors at our house, so I got up and started cleaning.

Well, that same morning my Dad came over to help unclog a few drains. He was successful! With the unclog drains came a pretty nasty smell throughout the entire house. There was no way I could have Thomas's party at a house that smelled like rotten eggs. Sooo, I called Loco's, a restaurant/pub not far from our house. They were so kind and let us use the restaurant to have his party. We were pretty much the only ones there, they turned the tvs to the Disney channel, and welcomed the chaos with open arms. It was perfect. Space to run for the kids and adult beverages for the adults. I couldn't have asked for anything better.

The cupcakes:

The Birthday Banner (sewn by yours truly):

The birthday boy:

Blowing out his candles:

It took two attempts.

Anna Claire and Maci running laps:

Thomas's two favorite gifts were his Mark Ingram autographed football from his Grandma and PawPaw AND that his Aunt Emily came in town to help celebrate. Hurry up and move home Aunt Em!

A 2nd Birthday

This little boy turned 2 today. Two!

Things he loves:

1. Chips
2. Running
3. water (in every form and fashion)
4. his Grandma and PawPaw
5. other kids
6. Being outside--it doesn't matter how hot or cold
7. Cartoons, especially Finding Nemo
8. Yogurt, plain vanilla
9. Milk. We got through a gallon every two days
10. Matchbox cars
11. His paci (meme)...darn that thing
12. Cheez-its
13. Green beans
14. His Mama and Daddy
15. Stickers

He weighs in at 28.4 lbs and just got moved up to the 2 year old class at school. We are still working on getting rid of the paci (or what he calls his meme) and haven't even attempted potty training. He can change out the dvd in the player all by himself, but I've noticed that most of our dvds are skipping now from being scratched.

Thomas definitely keeps us entertained and on our toes. I love this sweet boy with all my heart. He is an absolute blessing from God. I can't be more thankful.

Beach Trip

We just got back from a 4 night, 3 day stay in Gulf Shores yesterday. It was wonderful! Thomas was a delight, the water was beautiful, the weather was pleasant, and we had the entire complex to ourselves. We also went as a family of 3, no extras came with us this time.

Here is Brett, Thomas, and Pops (Brett's Dad). We were staying at Pops's condo and he drove over from Mobile to visit for the day.

Thomas loved the water. He preferred chasing the seagulls though.

We searched for seashells.

This little boy was in heaven. He loves water, so the beach is right up his alley.

I am already looking forward to next year's trip!

Allowance

We don't pay him yet, but I am sure he'll catch on soon enough. How much are kids getting paid these days? Is 2 too young to start giving chores?

Never Say Never

Wow, it's been a long time. Time just whips by way too fast these days and I am not sure where all it goes. A lot seems to have happened in my life since this last post. Here's a quick run down:

1. My favorite holiday: July 4th!! We went to my cousin's house for a pool party. We ate lots of food, swam, and played some cornhole. Here's Brett teaching Thomas the ins and outs of the game.

Thomas and I (Brett was being a party pooper) got experience Thunder on the Mountain, literally. We went to Meg's house and pretty much had a front row seat. It was beautiful. I always get a little misty eyed during the fireworks show. Thomas also loved it.

2. I've been on a bit of a reading binge. Recently, I discovered how wonderful checking books out of the library is. You can go online, add books to your cart and then when you books are ready to be picked up you get a sweet little email letting you know. To top it all off, it's free. Why am I just now realizing this?? I guess it's better late than never.

3. We made a quick trip to Jacksonville, FL to celebrate the life of a very close family friend, Andy. Andy lost his short, but courageous battle with cancer earlier this month, he was only 23. I've yet to wrap my brain how something like this can happen to someone so young, someone with so much life left to live. My Aunt Sue, Andy's Mom, gave me some advice: cherish every moment. Those are words that I've heard before but it really hit me hard when she said it to me. Call me selfish, but 23 years with my little boy just doesn't seem like enough. I'll take what I can get though.

4. I've sworn up and down for the past 5 years that I would never ever be or want to be a Store Manager for the bank. Back in April I was asked to fill in as the Store Manager at a branch while the current manager was out on maternity leave. The opportunity was great since it gave me a taste of what it would be like to be a store manager and see if it was something I'd like to do. Well, recently a branch opened up in my district and I applied, interviewed, was offered the position, and accepted. So, I am now the store manager of the Trace Crossings branch and I am not sure how this all has happened. It seems like such a whirlwind. I am nervous, excited, scared, and much more about it.

I have two weeks of training starting on Monday in Hartselle, AL. Two weeks! Away from my little family! Luckily, Hartselle is only an hour away and I have two sets of dear friends that will let me stay with them while I am there. I am actually looking forward to training this time.

5. I've recently gotten Photoshop Elements. It isn't full blown Photoshop, but it's just enough. It's even still too much that I have no clue what I am doing. I've enjoyed playing around with it though. Here is a before and after shot.

Before:

After:

Photoshop is so complicated, there is no way I could possibly learn all the ins and outs of it. I sure can try though.

6. Planning a 2nd birthday party. 2 years! How is that even possible? It feels like it was just yesterday that I was complaining about how swollen my feet and ankles were and how ready I was to meet my baby.

I've gotten the invitations done and I've hand sewn (yes, you read that right) a Happy Birthday banner--that I am quite proud of. I just need to figure out the cake, balloons, snacks, and other small things. We've also been working on blowing out the candles.

Mom, I promise I won't go as long before my next post. Beach trip, birthdays, Aunt Emily coming in town--I should have plenty to share.