The Neely Family

Kids Say the Funniest Things

2011-07-16T04:43:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks, the kids have said some really funny things. Someone asked me if I was keeping a list because I would forget. I realized, the best place to keep that kind of list would be on here. This blog has become a way to communicate with out of town family, but mostly a memory bank for me. :) So, this is so that I will not forget the funny things my kids say.
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Me: Madelyn, come here. (pause) Madelyn, come here. (pause) Madelyn, please come here!
Madelyn (as she walks in the room): Mommy, you not need me so much! (as she puts both hands up with palms facing me)

Me: Warren, come here and listen to what Madi said to me.
Warren: What did you say to your mommy?
Madelyn: We not need to talk about this anymore! (With hand gestures and helium voice)
***Of course we died laughing, and I have no recollection of why I was calling for her. :)
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Cooper: Hey, Momma, can we go to Jackson today to get me a pet?
Me: What? What kind of pet?
Cooper: A Guinna pig or a "Kimono Dragon" or a crab or a cat?
Me: What???????

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One day while at Granny and Pop Pop's house, Madelyn just said out of the blue...."What in the World (woyald)? What are y'all talking about?" She said it like we were crazy. It was too funny!

It is also funny to hear her say things like actually and aggravating. One day she used them both in a sentence. Actually, Mommy, Bubby is aggravating (agabating) me!!!
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Cooper had me tie a blanket around his neck. As he was "flying" around the house, Madi said, "Oh, you a pwincess!!!" (imagine in a helium filled voice). Cooper stopped and said, "Madi, you're silly, I'm a superhero!" Wow, the joy of having a boy and a girl!!! :)

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One night when the weather was supposed to be really bad, we were coming home from the shelter of our church basement. The lightening was just beautiful and Cooper said, "It must be Jesus' birthday, and they are having a fireworks' show in Heaven!"

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Summer Bucket List

2011-06-13T11:42:00.000-07:00

OK...the summer is already flying by...so I decided to make a list of things that I want to accomplish this summer. No, not lists of cleaning and organizing, lists of what to do with the kids. So here goes...I will be adding (and hopefully crossing off) ideas all the time.

safari park zoo reading chain bubbles ~~sidewalk~~ ~~chalk~~ ~~pool~~ picnic bowling skating ~~vbs~~ make birdfeeder ~~sprinkler~~ ~~catch fireflies~~ spend the weekend at the "bus" ~~library program each week~~ take crafts for grandparents outdoor family game night ~~backyard s'mores~~ homemade icecream ~~slip n~~ ~~slide~~ backyard campout flashlight walk in the dark ~~water gun fight~~ eat breakfast outside teach Cooper to ride bike w/out training wheels take flowers to grandparents watermelon on the trampoline watch the clouds ~~Cars 2~~ bake cookies and share with a neighbor lemonade stand scavenger hunt help someone ~~write letters to out of town family~~ watch a sunset

Model Search

2011-06-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

I entered the kids in Brandy Kemp Photography's Model Search 2011. I really just did it to get some cute shots from Brandy (free 15 minute session), but also hoping to get some free etsy clothes and accessories for Madelyn. If Madelyn wins, she could get to model for some etsy shops...then she gets to keep whatever she modeled. It sure would help our checkbook because I sure do love all those cute etsy shops. :) Cooper had fun, but Madelyn loved it. She minded Brandy so well. She did exactly what she told her to do. Here are the pics that Brandy posted on fb.

Church Directory Family Picture 2011

2011-02-27T23:46:00.000-08:00

Big Girl Checkup!

2010-11-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

I am two and I went today for my Big Girl Checkup!!! I decided to get all dressed up since it was such an important day. I got dressed up. We went to the doctor. I wasn't scared at all. I liked it! Dr. Owens said I was just perfect. And then just when I thought it was time to go, some mean scary woman came in and hurt my leg. I cried. It hurt! But, then Mommy loved on me, and I got my paci. All was back to being right in my world! ;) The doctor said that I don't have to be back until after my third birthday. Yay!!!!

Here are my stats:

Weight: 29 lbs

Height: 2ft 11 inches

Both are 75th percentile...so I'm growing great!

Here are pictures of my big day!

Ready to see the doctor!

Dr. Owen's said I look great!!! :)

Ouch, Momma!!!

I AM TWO!!!! :)

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

This year was so much fun. My sister, Cherise, is so good about orgainizing things. My mom, Kyle, is so good about letting us just take over her and Dad's house. My other sister, Kat, is so good about hosting and getting things together at their house. I'm good about showing up! Not usually on time, but showing up! :) This time we were on time. Surprise Surprise!!! HA! It was stressful times at our house getting the kids dressed in their costumes and getting the goodies prepared for us all to eat at Mom and Dad's. Anyway, somehow we managed. We eve had time to stop by and "treak or treat" and Granny and Pop Pop's house before making our way to Nana and Papa's.

Here is "Jesse" visiting Granny and Pop Pop

The kids all acted really good. The younger kids, Cooper, Barrett, and Madelyn were all dressed in Toy Story theme. Cooper was Buzz, Barrett was Woody, and Madelyn was Jesse. Will came as a mobster, but a little elderly lady asked if he was a preacher, so we started calling him Creflo Dollar, the teleevangelist. :) Will loved that! AND he kept saying, "I'm Creflo Dollar", then about 2 hours later he said, "Who is Creflo Dollar anyway!" We all thought that was too funny!!!

They all loved playing with each other and liked the trick or treating part. I knew that Cooper would love the trick or treating, but didn't think Madelyn would get into it. But, oh did she ever!!! She was walking (running) as fast as her little legs could go from door to door. She would say "I want one" instead of "trick or treat". She would always say "thank you!" Then she would run to the next house saying, "Um on Boys!" or "Um on, Nana!" :) It was a fun fun fun night. Enjoy the pics.

I love this action shot. They look like they really are the characters. :)

Punkins at the Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-12T00:21:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, we went to the local pumpkin patch to pick out some pumpkins. It is always fun to go. Green Acres does such a good job of decorating, and they have such a huge selection of pumpkins, straw, corn, gourds, and lots more. The kids loved it!!!!! Absolutely loved it. Madelyn stared in awe at first while Cooper immediately ran to get some pumpkins.

They loaded up the wagon several times. When they were running to get some more, Warren was stealthily putting back some of the pumpkins so that we didn't have to take out a loan before we left. :)

Madelyn Turns Two!

2010-10-11T23:29:00.000-07:00

Really??? Really??? How can it be that our BABY is two years old. Officially that ends her time as being a baby, and she is now a toddler. Part of me is so happy that she just turned two, but a big part of me wants it all to slow down. I think it's because she will always be the baby. I had such a hard time with my pregnancy with her that we decided that Madelyn would make our family complete. And she truly has! I cannot really remember how our family was without her. Madelyn Kyle Neely, We love you so much!!!

OK, let me get over the fact that Madelyn is two and get on to the important information. Her party. :)

When coming up with the theme for Madelyn's birthday party, I had a hard time deciding between two themes, shoes or purses! Isn't that funny. She is only two, but she loves shoes and purses. She is such a girly girl.

Here are the pictures from her big day.

The spread. Sandwiches, fruit, breakfast casserole, and cake. Yummy Yummy!!!!

The awesome purse cake made by my mom's boss. Isn't it amazing!!! :) Thanks, Shelly!

Madelyn's Birthday Plate made by a friend of mine. Check her out on facebook. 2 Blessed Designs. Thank you so much, Janet. The plate is gorgeous, and she will use it for many many birthdays.

Madelyn's outfit was made by another friend of mine, Terri. Check her out on facebook as well. Her name is Sew Blessed. Thank you so much, Terri. It was perfect.

Cousin Emma and Cole (Nicole) were the first to arrive. WE were so glad you both could come.

Warren with Grandmother and PawPaw

Granny, Aunt Reese, Cousin Barrett, and Big Brother Cooper all enjoying the food.

Cooper and Barrett--Cousins and usually friends. At this moment, I think they were friends. :)

Now they are Gentlebugs (instead of Ladybugs). They thought this was so funny!

Aunt Reese even joined in on the festivities. She is a true Ladybug!

Madelyn and Emma (Eeeeeema, as Madi says). They are three months apart, and I hope they will be the best of friends one day. Just like their mommies.

Present time!!!! :) Look at all that pink!

Thank you EVERYONE! I had a great time turning two today!!!!! LOVE, MADELYN!!!

Professional Picture Sneak Peak

2010-08-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

I finally scheduled someone to take Madelyn and Cooper's pictures. We haven't had this done since Madelyn was 6 months old, and now she is almost 2 years.

I found Jennifer on facebook. She had taken some pictures of several people I know, and each and every photo was amazing. I had seen her work from all different types of photos...from weddings, to couples, to newborns, to children...and even entire families. She is very creative and the resulting photos were outstanding.

So, I emailed her and although she works full time, we found a time that we both could do in less than a month. We chose to meet out at Crenshaw's Christmas tree farm for a "country" feel.

We were late because both Warren and I thought we knew how to get there. We were relying on our old memories and some old run-down signs sure didn't help us find our way. :) By the time we got there, it was threatening rain. So, Jen suggested we just do a mini-session (30 minutes). I'm so glad we did. We beat the storm...and if it had gone on too much longer, I think Cooper might have had a melt down. Madelyn on the other hand, ate every bit of it up. She loved it. In fact, after each shot, she would go back to the place Jen had used for that shot, get back into position, and wait for her to take her picture again. :) She loved loved loved it.

Jennifer was naturally wonderful with my kids. They felt so comfortable around her. I will definitely be setting up more sessions with her as the years go on. :) And Jennifer, if you are reading this. Thank you soooooooooo much for a wonderful experience!

I haven't gotten all the pictures yet, but Jen did put some "sneak peaks" on facebook 2 hours after we left the farm. The peaks are amazing, and so I cannot wait to see what the others look like. :)

Here are the peaks

Don't you just LOVE these shots. If you live near Trenton (where Jen is from). Here is her information. Check her out. http://www.jrb-photography.com/ and you can search her out of facebook as well. Her facebook name is JRB Photography by Jennifer Renae Browning. All photos on this post are copyright protected by her. :)

God put HIS shield of protection over our house

2010-05-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

...this is what my 5 year old son said when he looked at all the damage that was done around our home from the storm that passed through our town on May 17, 2010. What a proud Mama I was when I heard that. Cooper knew! He knew that God had protected us. AND He had. It is so obvious to anyone who comes to our backyard to look. It is a disaster area, yet, there is only one visible dent on our roof.

We were in the house. I was about to make spaghetti for supper, and Warren was in the living room playing with the kids. All of a sudden, the wind picks up, and it sounds as if objects are being thrown against the front of our house. All we had time to do was pick up Madelyn and Cooper and run to the hall. AND pray! Warren grabbed Cooper and I grabbed Madelyn and we ran. We didn't have time to panic or go into a lengthy prayer. All I can remember saying in my head was, "God keep us safe!!!" It came and went in about three minutes. Then, Warren left us and said, "Stay here, I will be right back". That's when I realized that Cooper was frightened. He cried and said, "No, I don't want my daddy to get sucked up by the tornado!!!!" Oh, poor guy!!! I tried to reassure him that the storm was over and Daddy was just making sure it was safe for us to come out. When Warren didn't return immediately, Cooper began to fret again, crying, "It sucked Daddy up...I want my daddy!!" Oh, it broke my heart, but I knew that Daddy was OK. Finally I began to yell for Warren to come back so Cooper could see. He wouldn't believe me. Warren came in, reassured Cooper, then told me that we had some trees down. Some??? Really?? I thought Wow, that was so quick for more than one tree to be down. So, I was thinking maybe 2! When Warren didn't come back again and I started hearing vehicles head into our driveway, I decided we could come out. I looked out the front...nothing. I stepped into the carport, and well...this is what I saw!!!! (BTW, the pictures do not do this justice at all!!! But, they are pretty amazing)

Oh, thank you, God for your shield of protection!!! We are so blessed, and as far as I can tell, so is the whole area of Gibson County. Lots of tree damage, house damage, road damage, and some vehicle damage, but no loss of life! It truly is amazing when you look out in our backyard. I've always heard people pray for a hedge of protection. I've never used that term before because I wasn't sure exactly what a hedge of protection would look like. I know exactly what it looks like now!!! Thank you, God! All praise and glory and honor be Yours!!! Thank you for protecting my precious family. Everything else is stuff I can live without!!! As far as we can tell we lost 4 or 5 trees. Maybe more. It's hard to tell because they have all fallen together. We know we lost our shed, Cooper's trampoline (he cried about that), Warren's tiller and lawn mower, everything in the shed, two outdoor family swings, our dog kennel and doghouse. But, again, it's just stuff!

Back to Cooper...Let me be a proud Mama once again. When we were outside surveying the damage, a volunteer rescue team member saw the damage, pulled up to the house, and yelled to see if we were all okay. (Can I say, I love living in a small town!!! I love that someone just was driving around checking to see if people were OK!!!) Cooper yelled, "We are all okay!!! God put a shield on our house, but our outbuilding is DEAD!!!" :) My little evangelist. Witnessing to the rescue guy! :) Our outbuilding is dead, but thank you LORD for your shield. "For Thou, Oh LORD, are a shield for me. The glory and the lifter of my head." Psalm 3:3

Father/Daughter Dance

2010-03-26T21:08:00.000-07:00

Madelyn and Warren went to the father/daughter dance that Junior Auxiliary hosts every year. She was probably the youngest daughter there, but let me tell you, she had just as much fun as any of the girls there. It was precious. I thought that they would dress up, come to the dance, have their pictures made, and then go home. Oh No! They stayed the entire evening...dancing the night away. Let me tell you, Daddy had as good a time as daughter did this night. I had to work the event and when I returned home, I found Madelyn curled up in the bed with Warren sound asleep. She never sleeps with us. She always sleeps in her own crib like a good girl. But, tonight was different.

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-26T13:00:00.000-08:00

This Christmas was probably the best one we've had so far. The kids were so excited and so good. They loved the presents, but I have to say that Cooper really got that it was all about Jesus' birth. We got to spend time with family and friends, and that was wonderful as well. Warren was on call the full week of Christmas which was interesting to say the least. Let me just say, when a home health office is closed for 4 days, people will be calling the on-call nurse! Whoa! But, we kept saying that if it were us that were sick or our kids, we would want someone as caring as Warren to be on call.

We hope you all had a very Merry CHRISTmas!!!

I read a devotional that said Have a Mary CHRISTmas!!! Not the mother of Jesus, Mary, but the Mary and Martha, Mary. Soak in what is important. Do not worry about your chores or duties or the things that "have" to get done. Don't stress with the shopping, wrapping, etc. Love your family, enjoy your children, and just sit at Jesus' feet!!!! That's what I chose to do this year and it was unbelievable. Thank you, God, for sending your Son. Without Him, I have no hope!!!

My Baby is 10 months old!!!

2009-06-30T00:35:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it? I cannot believe that in two months my sweet baby, Madelyn, will be one year old. This time is going by really too quickly.

A few things about Madelyn right now. She is just such a sweet baby. Everyone that she is around comments on what a sweet baby she is, and it is true. She is pretty laid back, and as long as I don't leave the room, she is usually a happy girl. She has begun doing so much the past few months. She now crawls like a pro (although her style is a little different), is pulling up on everything, and has started cruising somewhat. Her favorite thing to do is to find things that she is not supposed to get into...and get into them. :) She loves music and has started dancing in the past few weeks. She loves to watch her brother and is often seen grinning and laughing at him.

Madelyn already knows how to get what she wants. She has a sweet smile and if she really wants to get you, she will tilt her head to the left and give you her best grin. She has a smooshy face where she squishes up her nose and sometimes that accompanies a snort. :) It is too funny.

Madelyn is very verbal (imagine that..just like her daddy...:) She can say Hey (while waving) and Bye Bye (while waving). Those are actually two different kind of waves. Hey is a circle wave and bye bye is a hand wave. Then, she has a come get me wave where she hand waves towards herself and then holds out her arms. She says, Mama, Dada, Bubba, Bye Bye, Hey, and does a lot of other talking. She can also say Papa...it is funny...it comes out in whisper.

Her newest trick was funny the first time, and we all made the mistake of laughing. She now has started doing it everytime she eats. A raspberry sound with a mouth full of food. Needless to say, I am usually wearing much of her food by the end of her meal these days.

She normally sleeps through the night. Her naps are iffy. She naps great at daycare, but not so much with Mommy. She will fall asleep with Mommy, but Mommy can't figure out how to get her down. So, this summer, Mommy has been enjoying some naptime with Madelyn while poor Cooper has to tiptoe around. :)

Speaking of Cooper, he is still as in love with her as the day we brought her home. He is so good with her, and has never once been a bit jealous. The only thing he wants is her attention, and I am happy to say that she is NOW starting to give that to him.

Here are some recent pictures of our sweet baby girl. We are so blessed to have her in our family.

DAD

2009-06-20T01:28:00.000-07:00

This is the present the kids and I gave to Warren for Father's Day this year. He is such a wonderful Daddy. I couldn't have asked for a better father to my children. I thank God for him. He is so many things to our children. He is a jungle gym, a comedian, an impressionist, a Wookie, a Jedi, a teacher, a preacher, a pray-er, a comforter, a doctor, a chef, a rocker, a roller, a dancer, a disciplinarian, a soother, a calmer, a rollercoaster, a leader, a reader, an author, an athlete, a shopper, a fan, a cheerleader, a feader, an eater, a coach, a counselor, a gardener, a singer, and so much more. If you have ever seen Warren with our children, you understand. He really is the best Daddy!!! His goal in life is to make sure that our children grow up knowing and trusting in Jesus Christ. That is his number one goal and his number one mission. He strives for that everyday. And in all these roles, he is building such a relationship with each of our children, that will give them a foundation where his goal, through God's help, can be attained for our kids. Happy Fathers' Day, Warren! We love you so very much!!!

Our Whirlwind Nashville Trip

2009-06-10T23:46:00.000-07:00

Our family at the reception

A few weekends back we had a whirlwind trip to Nashville. We went to witness the wedding ceremony of two of our favorite people in the whole world, Dave and Mindie Cantrell. Yay, it's so nice to say that now!

The wedding was gorgeous, as was the bride. We are so happy for Dave (Warren's lifelong closest friend...like a brother) and we think that he couldn't have chosen a better life-mate. AND as for Mindie's choice-- We think the world of Dave, so we know that she is blessed as well. We were so happy to be able to be a part of their happy day. The wedding was simply elegant (outside in a sunken garden in Centinial Park in Nashville), and the reception was beautiful, fun, and a time to spend with friends and family. It was all perfect.

Daddy and Madelyn

Cooper in his tie (he was so proud).

Dave walking his grandmother to her seat.

Dave waiting to see his bride

The beautiful bride. Cooper said, "She looks so pretty!"

Mr. and Mrs. David Cantrell

Cooper and Madelyn stayed up late to celebrate at the reception.

Cooper loving on Madelyn at the reception

Mr. and Mrs. Cantrell leaving the reception

The kids were invited, which meant a lot to us, and so we packed up the family (and all the stuff that accompanies a four year old and 9 month old (why someone that small needs twice as much stuff as everyone else always amazes me!).

Cooper was amazed by so much at the hotel. The glass elevators that took you up 20something floors, the ice machine, the huge King sized bed that we ALL slept in, the big TV where he could watch Hannah Montana, the little bottles of shampoo, the bathtub, the big mirrored doors on the closet, the valet parking (I loved this, too), the keycard that he could use to open the door to our room, and did I mention the elevators??? If we had just gone to the hotel and done nothing else, that boy would have been one happy guy! ;)

The only picture I got in the hotel. I can't believe I didn't get more. Madelyn enjoying her crib in her swimsuit and coverup. :) Her first hotel stay.

The next day, before we returned home, we took Cooper and Madelyn to The Discovry Center in Murfreesboro. On the way, we got caught in a two hour traffic jam, but let me tell you, God was with us. Both kids fell asleep and slept the entire time we were stuck in traffic. Are you serious??? You know that was God looking out for us.

The Discovery Center was WONDERFUL! Cooper loved every minute of it. He played on everything there. His absolute favorite was the water table where he made a really cool fountain, made waves, saw how rocks change the water's flow, and many many more things. He also loved dressing as a fireman, climbing on a fire engine, changing a tire, working a backhoe, pretending to be in a coalmine, seeing a tortoise, a hedgehog, a gecko, and lots of other hands-on activities. Madelyn had a great time watching her brother run around. As we were leaving, Cooper begged us to come back the next day. :) We will definitely go back when we are in the area again. I would have a yearly pass if I lived anywhere near there. It is a great place!

Cooper at the watertable making his fountain.

Cooper had so much fun at the water table.

Daddy had fun playing, too.

Cooper on the Penny Farthing

Helping Daddy change a tire.

My heroes!!!

Working in a coalmine

Madelyn loved getting down and playing, too.

She also had a good time watching Cooper play.

Yep, he's our monkey!

It was a great get-away, and we had such a wonderful time. Congratulations David and Mindie!

Spring Has Finally Sprung!!!

2009-04-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was today! We spent almost every second outside. It was wonderful. Madelyn loves outside so much. I don't think she fussed one time the whole time we were out there...which was for hours. It started out just us. Then the boys (Cooper and Warren) went to the "Highway Nursery" (really it's called Greenway, but Cooper calls it the highway...I guess because it's on...um...the highway!:) to get some plants, fertilizer, and some other things needed to start our garden. Cooper is his gardening buddy and they already have plans for a big garden this year.

After a little while, Warren's parents came over. Warren's dad tilled up our garden (wow!! it's big this year) with his new tractor. It was so much easier than Warren having to use the walk behind tiller. Plus, Cooper thought the tractor was really really cool.

Cooper presented me with some lovely petunias he got for me at the "highway nursery". He is so thoughtful. That's the fourth time that he's brought me flowers. Some girl is going to be lucky one day. His daddy is teaching him right.

I hope to have some pictures of the garden soon. I didn't get any this afternoon. I did take some of the kids this morning when we were out. Notice Cooper helping daddy with the gardening by watering the weeds! ;)

I hope you all enjoyed the beautiful day! It was gorgeous!

He is Risen!!!

2009-04-16T21:46:00.000-07:00

This Easter was so special. Cooper is able to understand that Easter is more than eggs, more than bunnies, and much more than candy. He's been studying about Jesus' sacrifice for us on the cross for the past month or so. Some of the questions have been hard and some Warren and I weren't sure if he was old enough to discuss, but overall it was such a wonderful lesson for us all. To remember that Christ died for us and see it through the eyes of a child learning it for the first time...it was truly touching.

Warren and I had been struggling on how to handle the easter bunny thing. We want the focus of Easter to be on Jesus...not on some bunny. But we didn't really want to eliminate the bunny, egg hunts, etc. altogether. So we decided just to down play all of that and have a tradition of our own. We did easter baskets and egg hunts. Cooper had fun at all of those. We colored eggs and decorated them. But, the most important thing that we did, and the most excited Cooper got about anything was the new tradition we came up with. We got a big box, and on Friday night (Good Friday) we discussed Jesus' death. We had a loaf of bread that represented Jesus' body. We wrapped it in a cloth (graveclothes) and laid it in the box (the tomb). We sealed the tomb...Cooper helped with each of these things. AND it stayed on our ottoman in our living room for the three days. Easter morning the seal was broken and the bread had disappeared. ONLY the cloth remained. On Easter morning, Cooper didn't go looking for his easter basket, candy, anything like that....he went straight for the tomb...he knew it would be empty!!! He said, "Mommy, Daddy, He has risen!!!" WE told the true Easter story. AND it was one of those times that you feel you got it right as a parent (there aren't too many of those).

Thank you, Jesus for your sacrifice! He is Risen!!! He is Risen, Indeed!!!

Play Ball!!!

2009-04-05T19:37:00.001-07:00

Cooper has started T-Ball! He loves to hit the ball, play in the dirt, run around, throw his glove up in the air, and wear his "form" or "costume" (those are the two things he calls his uniform). We are so thankful that he has three really patient coaches. His main coach is one of Warren's really good friends, and he has been so understanding and encouraging to Cooper.

Cooper's team is made up of some really cute kids. Every kid on the team seems to be really sweet. The parents are great. I think it will be a fun fun summer. Hopefully, Cooper will learn some baseball skills, but more importantly, I hope he learns a little discipline, has a great time, gets some great exercise, and makes some lasting friendships.

He plays for Pizza Inn. My sister, Cherise, informed me that this is where Will (my nephew) got his start. ;) That made Cooper so proud. He looks up to Will in every way. Cooper got to pick his baseball number. He chose 5! When we were taking pictures before we left the house for his game he said, "Momma, get a picture of my number!" :) He was so excited and so proud.

He looks so big in his uniform (that is huge on him...and everything is xtra small!), but out on that field...he looks so little. I can't get over it and each time I see the pictures..I grin and say "AWWW!", but a little part of me tears up. My baby is getting big and pretty soon he won't be throwing his glove in the air and playing in the dirt. I know it won't be long until he remembers to wear his glove on his left hand instead of his right. I'd like for time to stand still for a little while, but I know it won't so I am enjoying these days to the fullest.

I hope you enjoy some of these pictures. They are from Cooper's first t-ball game and group pictures!

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling!

2009-04-02T13:36:00.000-07:00

Madelyn has learned a new trick. She likes to roll all over the living room to get where she wants. She doesn't like to be on her tummy for any length of time, so I'm not sure if she will ever learn to crawl. But, she doesn't seem to care. Why should she? She is getting what she wants by her new found skill. Let me tell you, she's FAST!!!

She is getting to be such a big girl. Now that her tubes are in her ears, she is a happy girl most of the time. She started sitting up in March and is eating 3 times a day (cereal, fruits and veggie babyfoods). She is a picky eater. She has to have her veggies one bite after her fruits, or she will refuse! :) It took her a month of trying to finally eat cereal. She would make an awful face and refuse to open her mouth. She would gag before you even touched the cereal to her mouth. It was funny.

Cooper was always my one that was ready to hit each milestone before he should even be able to do that. Madelyn is way more laid back. She is happy where she is and if she learns something new, great...but not that big of a deal! It is amazing how different they are already. Maybe she will really turn out to be laid back. That would be a good contrast to Cooper's energy.

Here are some recent pictures of my sweet sweet girl! By the way, she can say Mama. I have no doubt she learned that word from her brother that says, "Mama, Hey Mama!!!" ALL DAY AND NIGHT LONG!

"Moe Krin Troll" and "10 Doe DS"

2009-02-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Cooper is getting so big and is quite the talker. I have no idea where he gets that from. The rest of us around here are so quiet. It is funny to hear him talk, at times, even speaking better than some adults. But, this week he has had us laughing at some of the things he has said. He told Warren that the car he was playing with had a "Moe Krin Troll". When we finally figured out he was talking about a "Remote Control" we laughed and tried to correct him. He wouldn't hear of it. We didn't know what we were talking about...It is a "Moe Krin Troll!"

Then later on that evening, he told us that one of his friends from school had a "10 Doe DS". We didn't even try to explain that it was actually called a "Nintendo DS". We had learned our lesson. He is one funny little guy and brings so much joy to our lives every single day. I can't wait to hear what he has to say today.

Surgery was a success!!

2009-02-19T13:23:00.000-08:00

We woke up at 4:30 AM to get ready to take Madi to the hospital for her ear surgery. She slept until we left at 5:15. She slept on the way and through registration. Then, she woke up HUNGRY at 6:30. She cried (hard) from 6:30-8:00. Then, she fell asleep in my arms.

The doctor came in about 8:15 and they took her back to surgery. It only took about 30 minutes. He got both tubes in! :) Yay, God!! The doctor said that the right ear was super easy and took 5 minutes to cut, clean out, and insert the tube. The left ear was badly infected and was inflamed even on the outside, so he had a much harder time with that one, but he took his time and got a good cut, lots of fluid out, and got the tube inserted. :)

She woke up a happy girl! THEY LET HER EAT! She has been happy all day ever since. She woke up a little loopy and kept looking with her head tilted to one side. Too funny. She took a 4 hour nap and is now up playing, laughing, and just super happy. I hope this is a glimpse of things to come.

Thanks to everyone for all their prayers and well-wishes.
Here are some pics from today.

Before Surgery

Playing in the water so I won't be fussy about not being able to eat!

After Surgery

Madelyn will have surgery tomorrow

2009-02-18T06:26:00.000-08:00

If you all could please say a prayer for Madelyn, I would really appreciate it.  She will be having surgery in the morning at 8 to put tubes in her ears.  She has had ear infections for 3 months (see the blog before this one).  The ENT said that she already has some hearing loss, but this should be cleared up after the surgery.  While this is a "routine" surgery, she is so young.  The doctor said he could not guarantee tube placement, but that his success rate is really good.  So, I am asking
for all the prayers I can get.  :)   Thanks you so much in advance.  I
will try to update when we get home on Thursday.
Love, Liz

Half Her Life

2009-02-13T21:37:00.000-08:00

My poor Madelyn has finished her 3rd month of antibiotics and ear infections. I feel so terrible for her. She is so upset a lot of the time because of the pain. Really there is nothing the doctors can do for her, but I hate it. The doctor finally referred her to an ENT. We will see him on Monday morning. I am hoping that he will schedule her for tubes soon so that hopefully she will feel like herself again. She will be 6 months in a few weeks. So, truly she has been going through this half of her life. :( When she isn't hurting, she is he happiest sweetest baby. She loves to watch Cooper and grin at her daddy when he's not looking. :) It is so cute. He will turn his head and catch her just grinning at him. She will grab your face and plant a wet kiss wherever her mouth lands. AND she has learned the loudest squeal possible. Boy is it loud! :)
Please keep her in your prayers and maybe she will be grinning more often in the next few weeks.

Snow Day

2009-01-28T19:53:00.000-08:00

After much anticipation, looking at the weather on my phone and the internet about 50 times yesterday, and saying a little prayer...yes I actually did pray for it, it SNOWED!!! I'm so glad that it did today instead of yesterday. Warren was off! So, we had a much needed, much enjoyed day off as a family. It was wonderful!!!

The kids slept in until 7! Cooper got up and as soon as he saw snow outside he said, "It's Christmas!" (A little explanation...Christmas morning he was highly disappointed when he woke up and there was no snow. I think we had watched a little too much Polar Express and Elf! :) It took him a few minutes to really believe us that it was not Christmas, but he really didn't mind too much. He just wanted to go outside and play in the snow, so we were outside by 8 AM.

Madelyn and I were only outside long enough for me to take these pictures. She got to wear her cute snowsuit that Aunt Kat got her for Christmas. Cooper and Warren went outside 3 different times. Each time Cooper wanted to make snow angels and play snowball fight. He also ate some snow :0 Madelyn and I watched from the house where it was nice and warm. The boys decided to include us in the snowball fight and began throwing snowballs at the window where we were watching.

Cooper insisted at some point that he needed hot chocolate (again, too much Polar Express this winter). He likes his hot chocolate like I do...warm, not hot. He was upset when we told him that he couldn't go out anymore. I didn't want him to get sick. I truly hope he doesn't, but that boy loved the snow. He couldn't stand staying out too long in it, but I sure couldn't blame him. I was only out there for about 4 minutes and was ready to come in. 25 degrees is COLD! I know some of you who are from up north are laughing at me, but to me that is COLD!!!

Here are some pictures I took in the 4 minutes Madelyn and I were outside with the guys.

4year and 4month checkups

2009-01-19T21:42:00.001-08:00

Cooper and Madelyn had their checkups today. They both had to get two shots. :( Thankfully, my sweet mother went with me to help me through the drama. She held who I needed her to hold at the time so that I could console the one that was upset at the time. It went a lot better than I thought it would, but next time I think I will schedule separate appointments. It stressed me out. I can't stand seeing either of my babies hurting.

I told Cooper about his shots that morning, and he told me that he was going to be brave. He said that he would not cry. I told him that it was okay to cry, and that even brave boys cried sometimes. He was so brave! He got up on the table and laid down to get his shots. He didn't even look scared. Then, as soon as the nurse put the shot in his thigh...he about shot through the roof and screamed the loudest scream. AND he cried. But, he got over it really quickly. He is in love with his doctor, Dr. Tara, and as soon as she came back into the room to help him pick out his prize, he was OK.

Madelyn still has double ear infections. She is now on one more antibiotic and then we will see Dr. Tara in two more weeks. If her infections aren't cleared up, she will be referred to an ENT. Poor baby has had lots of pain the past few weeks. I am hoping this medicine will help. Madelyn did well with her shots. She cried more when the doctor looked in her ears than she did when she got her shots.

Cooper was 39 1/2 inches tall and weighed 34 pounds. (around 35th %tile)

Madelyn was 25 1/2 inches long and weighed 15 lbs 4 oz. (around 50th %tile)

He still loves her

2009-01-18T16:20:00.001-08:00

I thought by now the absolute unconditional love that Cooper has for Madelyn might have faded somewhat. Especially since she has taken so much of our attention away from him. But, his love for her is just as strong, if not more, than it was the day she came home. She has been having a hard month this month with multiple ear infections. She has cried and cried. It is so obvious that she has been hurting. Cooper has been nothing but sympathetic with her. He has never once asked us to put her down or fussed about her crying. Yesterday, I said, "I don't know what's wrong with her!" And Cooper said, "Mommy, her ear is hurting her!" :) She is just now starting to really watch him and grin at him. I know that someday soon she will love him just as much as he loves her.

Here are some pictures I took the other day of the two of them.

Photo Shoot

2009-01-16T21:23:00.000-08:00

I decided to take some pictures of Madelyn tonight while the boys were out. She is getting so big so fast and she looks so different to me everyday.

She has started rolling over from front to back and can lift all the way up on her belly. She is smiling all the time (unless her tummy or ears are bothering her). She has the cutest laugh. It isn't very loud and sounds just like Huh! It is deep and you have to listen really hard. Madelyn has started loving to lay on the floor and look up at her little floor gym. She has also started liking her exersaucer that her Aunt Reece found for her at a yard sale. She still loves her swing and likes to lay in her bed for a little while and play with her side mirror.

She is a sweet girl and loves "talking" (imagine that). Here are some pictures we took tonight in the photo shoot. She was in a good mood to take these.