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.
And for my absolute favorite:
The Birthday Banner (sewn by yours truly):
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!
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.
Thomas loved the water. He preferred chasing the seagulls though.
This little boy was in heaven. He loves water, so the beach is right up his alley.
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.
He will pretty much drop whatever he's doing to come help me out. I appreciate everything that he does for me and I am sure I don't tell him that enough. Thank you Dad for all that you do.
I love you!
I also want to wish my husband, Brett, a Happy Father's Day. He is a wonderful father to Thomas. They are best buddies and even share the same love of potato chips.
