Little Happy Things

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEE!

2012-01-28T13:07:00.000-08:00

We celebrated Lee's 3rd Birthday with a campout party. I can't believe my little baby Lee is such a big boy - 3 years old! He is all boy with such a sweet heart and I am so thankful to be his mom.

It has been the most beautiful, warm winter day and I hope everyone, especially the birthday boy, enjoyed the party. There were flashlights to decorate, tents, campfire, hotdogs, dirt cake, wheelbarrow rides, lots of fun on the playground and to top it all off a thrilling, hilarious campfire story told by Happy. What's a birthday party without a terrified little boy - Webb - and then too many turns on the tire swing that leads to throw up everywhere - Rhodes? A great day! Happy, Happy Birthday Leebo!

Taster Boy

2012-01-14T08:52:00.000-08:00

I'm afraid Lee has inherited my sweet tooth and has named himself my cookie taster boy.

Celebrate!

2012-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:00

The day of Brant's birthday was so fun! Why do babies love balloons so much?! He woke up to a birthday balloon and then we went over to Mom & Dad's to play and then go on a hike. Lee/Buzz, Tucker & Raines walked and played for about 2 miles and Brant & Finley snuggled up and enjoyed the ride. So fun to let them run and play free at the mountain! Later that night Mom, Dad, Natalie & her 3, Happy, Donna, Erin & DJ all came over for hamburgers and cake. Lee was in charge of sprinkling the cake and so the whole kitchen was decorated for Brant's birthday! Then, a few days later we had a little play date with Brant's baby friends. There are so many sweet babies, mostly boys, that are so close in age to Brant. So fun!

Happy, Happy Birthday to You!

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Happy 1st Birthday Brant!

2012-01-06T07:22:00.000-08:00

It has been a really fun year with this sweet boy. Brant is such a blessing with such a fun personality and the best big smile. I can't wait to see the plans the Lord has for him. I pray more than anything that Brant will love the Lord with all his heart and all his soul and all his mind and that he will realize and understand how much the Lord loves him and longs for him.

I have loved watching him grow during the past 12 months - some things about him right now are:

He crawls around so fast but doesn't show any sign of walking.

He eats like a champ. I have never seen someone so excited about food.

His hair is straight in the front and curly in the back.

He pushes cars, firetrucks, trains & airplanes all over the place. Love this.

He gets so excited when someone new comes in the room. Especially Whit.

He is so curious and into everything.
He loves playing at the train table.

His favorite songs are Big, Bad Bubba Baby and Hey Bubba, Bubba.
He is a big fan of Walker.

And of music and dancing.

And being outside.

Happy Birthday Brant!

How do they grow so fast?

Christmas!

2011-12-31T04:53:00.000-08:00

Rejoice! Rejoice! Our Lord has come! How thankful I am that Jesus was born. Amongst the presents and fun, I hope that the boys truly came away from Christmas knowing that it is to celebrate Jesus and that more & more they will understand his life & love for us.

I felt like this Christmas morning was so sweet. There were not too many presents so it wasn't that overwhelming. Lee was very excited that Santa came and then thought it was cool that Whit & I gave him a couple of little games too. Santa can't have all the fun! Little Brant loved everything. He went from one thing to the next checking things out. And is still doing that since its all over our living room!

Unfortunately 99% of my pictures were blurry - arrggh - but here are a few from our Christmas morning ~

The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T17:40:00.000-08:00

Getting Lee ready for bed and putting him down tonight was so fun. First he wrote his letter to Santa Claus and put out milk and cookies. Surely Santa can read Lee. He's magic like that. When we laid down Lee was practically shaking - I think he was excited and a little nervous too. Dad, Whit & Lee had just rushed in from outside saying that they heard Santa's sleigh bells so he was pretty giddy. We prayed, sang "tismas tarols" and our regular songs and he was READY TO GO to sleep! Santa is on his way! *Sweet Brant Brant was fast asleep with a very full tummy. Santa won't forget about him!*

My Boys

2011-12-20T13:19:00.001-08:00

Lee:

He is always coming up with something so out of the blue and funny. He gets me every time. I love that his C's are T's. Like when he says something is so "tool" and talks about "Tismas." Love. Even on the most difficult of days. He is becoming more and more reasonable, tells me he loves me a lot, and runs through our house like a tornado. On the way to school I always ask if he's going to have a good day at school. He says yes and that he isn't going to push Noah or Butler or take toys from them. And we talk about how important it is to be kind. Putting him to bed is so sweet at first and then hard when you leave. He sings along to the 4 songs I've sang since he was born in the sweetest southern little boy voice. May you know how deep, how high, how long, how wide. When he's finally ok with me leaving he tells me he loves me, sweet dreams, and night-night Mommy as I walk out. He is my little buddy and I am so thankful for him.

Brant:

He is all over the place exploring all the things he has only looked at for the past 11 months. He is a quick little thing. He pushes trucks and trains all over our house. Lee never really did that and I love that Brant does. As long as he has something to hold he will snuggle with you and be held. Such a smiley thing. Loves to eat and will down whatever you put in front of him. His new favorite thing is the tunnel. He will play with that for a long, long time. We run errands a lot while Lee is at school. He loves to ride in the buggy and look backwards the whole time. Wish he would look at me : ) but I guess he wants to see everything there is to see. I hope that this sweet boy always knows how special he is.

Its the Holiday Season

2011-12-13T13:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas time has been fun & busy so far! Brant is loving the Christmas tree but not so much Santa.

And Lee loves all things Christmas.

Merry! Merry!

A little bath time fun...

Happy 11 Months Brant!

2011-12-06T12:51:00.000-08:00

Ready for some cheese?! This little boy lights up my life. I am not kidding. I have to say it. Brant brings so much happiness every day. He does cry - I mean what baby doesn't? He does not like to get changed, he does not like to be hungry & he does not like to be left alone for very long. Other than that - Brant smiles most all of the time. Some of the best smiles I've ever seen. A couple of my favorites are when he's getting ready for bed. I'll be rocking Brant and he'll snuggle up but every now and then he pops up, smiles so big, then lays his head back down. When I put him in his crib and play his music he just smiles and smiles and holds onto his bunny & puppy. When we are out running errands he smiles at everyone that looks his way. Just happy to be here - that is his motto. I love him with all my heart and am so thankful for this almost year.

Christmas Time is Here!

2011-11-27T13:23:00.000-08:00

Every year, on the day after Thanksgiving, we meet for breakfast and then go get our tree with the Hunters. This year Brant & Sam were sweet new additions and Lee & James had more fun than the years before. They are wild! So excited to ring in the Christmas season.

Whit won husband of the year and this may be my favorite tree ever. Its funny how you just keep on learning new things about your husband. This tree reminded me that Whit is very patient with me. For that I am thankful and I love him even more.

On the Move & Loving It!

2011-11-23T13:47:00.000-08:00

Cousins

2011-11-13T09:34:00.000-08:00

One of the things I am most thankful for are Lee & Brant's COUSINS!

Here are the stats so far:

7 cousins

5 are boys

all are 5 and under

Raines, Tucker, Finley, Thomson, Baby Whit (Brooks),

Zac & Baby Boy Stuntz

and that is FUN!

Happy 10 Months Brant!

2011-11-06T12:39:00.000-08:00

He has hit the double digits - 10 months old! This boy could not be sweeter and we could not love him more.

Sweet Brant doesn't feel so great today so I'm not going to make him do our monthly picture taking. Here are a few from the month that make me smile.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T12:07:00.000-07:00

Halloween was really fun this year! We went over to Mitch & Jaillene's house for chili & trick or treating. Lee was pretty excited about trick or treating and made the goal for himself to get a full bucket of candy. Several handfuls from every house and he was pretty close. I am thankful for all of these friends that Lee & Brant are going to grow up with.

Happy Halloween!

{Our friend & associate pastor, Brandon. The real housewife of Marietta!}

GA/FL - 24/20!

2011-11-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

We went to St. Simons for the GA/FL game this past weekend. We had a great time with 4 couples and 6 kids 4 and under! I don't know why I was shocked when looking though my pictures they were only of kids. The big kids had a lot of fun too and adding to it was the win over Florida. Gators wear jean shorts! Go Dawgs!

Reality: Sweet & Messy

2011-10-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's Fall!

2011-10-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Happy 9 Months Brant!

2011-10-07T11:45:00.001-07:00

YOU:

Are a little billy goat - you want to eat everything

Bounce all the time

Want to crawl so bad but not quite yet

Are so curious

Love to be outside and swing

Are trying to pull up on things but can't quite do that

Pat everything

Laugh at Lee

Love to be carried around so you don't miss out

Are a really good sleeper

Love when we come to get you out of bed - smile so big

Have 3 teeth and 1 on the way

Really love to take baths

Fuss when you're left alone

Are a joy!

Cool Morning, Hot Chocolate

2011-10-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

A Side + Pictures

2011-09-27T13:16:00.001-07:00

I always have the hardest time thinking of sides for dinner. This is super fast, delicious & healthy.

And pretty too! The other day I had an extra yellow pepper so when I went to roast asparagus I thought why not add it in.

All you need is: asparagus, yellow pepper, olive oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper & garlic powder.

Line a baking sheet with tin foil, place the asparagus & yellow pepper, drizzle with olive oil and then season with the salt, black pepper & garlic powder. Mix it around a little bit and cook at 400 degrees for 25 minutes. So easy!

**A little while ago I did a whole post about going Paleo. And then I took it off a day later because I quit. After a day. Well, I am now in my third week and loving it. I feel really good. This asparagus & yellow pepper recipe is totally Paleo friendly.**

And just to keep up with pictures, here are some of Lee & Brant lately. They make me smile!

3000 Flags.

2011-09-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sweet Little Bulldawg

2011-09-13T12:53:00.001-07:00

Banana Bread so good it will make you silly:

2011-09-07T17:08:00.000-07:00

I made this banana bread today. Not healthy but darn good.

Enjoy!

Banana Bread

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cup flour

2 tsp. baking soda

1+ tsp. cinnamon (I like cinnamon so I added more)

1 tsp. nutmeg

1/2 tsp. salt

4 eggs

2 1/3 cup sugar

1 cup canola oil

3 cups mashed bananas

1/4 cup sour cream

3 tsp. vanilla

1 1/3 cup walnuts

3/4 - 1 cup cauliflower (I added this because I tasted the batter & it was really sweet. Thought the cauliflower would tone it down & add a little healthiness.)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Mix flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg & salt in little bowl.

In separate big bowl beat eggs & sugar until thick.

Add oil, bananas, sour cream & vanilla.

Gradually add flour mix.

Fold in walnuts & cauliflower.

Bake for 1 hour.

Happy 8 Months Brant!

2011-09-06T12:07:00.000-07:00

Brant is 8 months old! I know people always say babies are bundles of joy but that is truly what he is. He's like a chubby, little bundle of happiness and I love him.

Some things that make him happy are:

Food (He's a Smith)

Honey Bunny

Opening up the blinds in the morning

Little Bunny Foo Foo & Itsy Bitsy Spider

Whit, Lee & Walker (and me too I think!)

Playing in Water

Anyone that will smile at & talk to him

We love you Brant!

Some more pictures from the month:

Whit & Mitch, Lee & James, Brant & Sam

2011-09-05T12:01:00.000-07:00

Whit & Mitch were born 2 weeks apart & have been best friends ever since. I always say I don't know how they haven't gotten in a fist fight in all those years. They are so different & pick at each other all the time. But, best friends they are! Lee & James are 4 months apart and Brant & Sam are 4 months apart. How fun would it be if they were best friends too!?

First Day of School - 2 Year Old Class

2011-08-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday was Lee's first day back to school. Such a big boy. His teachers are Ms. Julie & Ms. Callie and he has so many fun friends in his class. Looking at pictures from this year compared to last is crazy. Lee looked so little last year. And that is what Brant will look like next year. These years are going to fly. {Good gracious, I am going to be a basket case at these boys' weddings.} Ok, here we go...

Ready to go on the first day of school!

Checking out what's for lunch - Grapes!

The boys who all look alike!

First day of school last year

Little Leebo

So tired after school. Today he was so tired he couldn't even talk and then made it through the door and sat down on the floor - couldn't go any further. May have to pick him up a little early next week!

Sweet time hanging out with this boy in the mornings. Look at his two teeth!

All Clean!

2011-08-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

And Lee was too! {at least for a minute}

Just pictures:

2011-08-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

St. Simons Take Two

2011-08-08T12:04:00.000-07:00

We went back to St. Simons last week with my family. Even though St. Simons is H.O.T. in August we enjoyed staying at 7th Heaven & loved playing in the pool & taking golf cart rides to the beach. It was busy, busy with 5 little people but we had a lot of fun! I regretted so badly not taking many pictures during our last trip to the beach so I made sure to get a lot this time.

Heres to the beach!

Happy Belated Wedding Anniversary to Mom & Dad!

They went out on a special date to celebrate. Thankful for their marriage and how much they love each other.

Happy 7 Months to Brant!

2011-08-07T11:34:00.000-07:00

This sweet little guy is 7 months old! For his birthday Brant learned to sit up & finally roll from his back to stomach. I have a feeling he is about to become a busy bee. His little blue bunny is his best friend & I named him Honey Bunny because how cute will that be when he can talk & walks around looking for his Honey Bunny?! He is so loved & we are so thankful for him. 7 months of happiness!

Lee is:

2011-07-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Sweet

a Dare-Devil

Freckles

Snuggly

Joy

Pale

Enthusiastic

Funny

Athletic

a Mess

Wild

2 & a 1/2!

I don't want to forget how:

2011-07-13T17:41:00.001-07:00

Brant is just starting to laugh. Its like a huh-huh, huh-huh-huh kind of laugh.

To get to sleep he bends his arm so that he can rub his little ear and suck his sleeve.

While I rock him he does that and talks and talks.

He smiles whenever he gets the chance. Just look his way and you'll get a sweet smile.

He keeps his eyes on Lee and Whit as long as he can when you're carrying him to a different room.

Lee is the best kind of crazy.

He runs around all day long from one thing to the next.

He talks about how he "doods" this and "dooded" that and what's he "dooden" all the time. Like What is Walker dooden? and Buzz Light Year dooded that.

His Cs are Ts so he shouts "I'm Tomin' !" and "Tome on!" and "Oh, Otay"

He has a great imagination. Just the other day a wine opener (of all things!) was a spaceship flying around our house.

Sweet little things come out of his mouth every now and then amongst the busy-ness that get me every time.

He is currently obsessed with golf. We better have a girl one day or I'm going to have some lonely Saturdays! (or maybe I might need a little break with more wild boys running around!)

Super Heroes!

2011-07-09T04:29:00.000-07:00

We went to a CUTE Super Hero birthday party yesterday for brothers Mac & Graham. Captain Leebo & Super Brant had so much fun. How awesome are their costumes thanks to Aunt Erin the Incredible?!?!

And how cute is little Anne Reid? She is so sweet - Brant was using his super powers on her to remember him one day!

Happy 6 Months Brant!

2011-07-06T11:51:00.000-07:00

Brant is 6 months old today. 1/2 a year! He keeps getting sweeter & sweeter and smilier & smilier. I'm pretty sure he is considered a

really smiley baby and I love it.

Happy 6 months Brant-Brant! We LOVE you!

Happy Beach! Happy 4th!

2011-07-05T17:46:00.000-07:00

We went to St. Simons with Whit's family and then came home to the 4th of July. I love the beach and I love the 4th.

Unfortunately, I slacked big time in taking beach pictures but I did get a few (there was a lot to juggle!). I am thankful for a fun week at the beach with Happy, Deedee, Erin, DJ, Zach, Whit, Lee & Brant! We missed Natalie, Gus & Thomson a lot and will be excited to have another boy in the bunch next year! Lee was especially thankful for "my buddy" Zach. I am so glad they had a whole week to get to know each other and play. Fun, fun at the beach!

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It was a happy 4th with a parade and bbq get together!

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Let freedom ring!

Little Wild Things

2011-06-17T13:07:00.000-07:00

I think I may need to change my blog name to Little Wild Things instead of Little Happy Things. Although they are happy too, our house is wild. It is full of messes & laughing & shouting & running & banging & throwing & more messes & wrestling & fun. And I know it is just the beginning because that sweet, quiet little thing up there is watching and learning from this sweet, wild little thing down here.

The outside broom doubles as a lot of different things around here.

A microphone this time!

NO fear what.so.ever!

Obsessed with belly flops. Had to talk him into doing it from the grass. And, flop!

Pop Pop's Pool

2011-06-09T06:12:00.001-07:00

Happy 5 Months Brant - Brant!

2011-06-06T12:53:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe Brant is 5 months old! He is so sweet & fun. Brant has the cutest little smile & other expressions too, he likes to play with little toys & enjoys being on his tummy, just started the exersaucer, went swimming the other day & kicked all around loving it, babbles on & on once he gets going, has started eating veggies & fruit, has gone from the 3rd percentile in weight up to the whopping 8th percentile, and is going through a funny hair do stage - Whit calls him Patches. We love him so much!

New Summer Do

2011-05-23T12:48:00.000-07:00

Pure Happiness

2011-05-16T04:31:00.000-07:00

Pancakes

2011-05-14T10:46:00.000-07:00

Pancakes are one of my favorite things. My dad makes the best pancakes and I think we had them almost every weekend growing up. He would stack 4 pancakes and cut them in triangles for me. No butter and no syrup. That is the only way I'll eat pancakes and I love them. I'm pretty sure Lee loves pancakes too and that makes me happy.

Happy 4 Months Brant!

2011-05-06T13:13:00.000-07:00

These days, weeks & months are flying by. I would say slow down but each day Brant's little personality comes out a little more. I know I always say it but he is just so sweet. He has his moments of fuss.i.ness but all in all he is such a sweet & fun baby.

This month he smiles & coos a lot, has lost a lot of hair (especially in the back) & I have no clue what it will end up like, he takes great naps & sleeps all night, has started to eat rice cereal just to plump up a little, snuggles into me, has fun watching Lee run around crazy!, loves to lay around kicking & swatting the air, plays with little toys & brings me so much joy every day. Thankful for & love this boy!

Its the Lee & Brant Clubhouse!

2011-05-04T17:46:00.000-07:00

Come inside, It's fun inside!

{I have heard this a lot lately. I could write out the entire song!}

To say Lee loves Mickey Mouse is a huge understatement. The boy wakes up asking for Mickey Mouse. We have to set a limit every day! So for Aunt Erin to make a sign for our play set and bring a few Mickey Mouse goodies for Lee made for a very fun night. So sweet and so much fun!

Thank you En-En!!!

Golf Time!

2011-05-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Whit played golf on Friday and we met him that night so Lee could go on a golf cart ride. We got there on Whit's last hole and may or may not have ruined his game. Oh well! Lee had so much fun seeing Whit play a little and ride in the cart. I am so thankful for Whit as a sweet daddy.

And totally unrelated... Here is Lee helping give Brant a bath. I just thought it was cute!

Future Green Thumb

2011-04-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

This morning Lee & I planted some Zinnias in the garden. I love Zinnias; they are so cheerful! I showed Lee the picture on the seed pack and asked if he thought the seeds would grow into pretty flowers like these. He said no but he said no a lot this morning. We'll see if they grow!

After we were finished planting them he came at me with his hand in the air saying "good job Mama" and gave me a high 5. He walked away but then turned back around and gave me a hug and said "thank you Mama." Sweetest thing.

Easter Fun!

2011-04-25T12:47:00.000-07:00

He Lives! He Lives! Christ Jesus lives today!

Here are a bunch of pictures of all the fun Easter happenings. I know that Easter is so much more than egg hunts and bunnies but all of those things are fun too. So thankful that we have a mighty God and loving Savior so worthy of praise and celebration!

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The Commons Easter Egg Hunt

So much fun and so many pastel colored children!

Our Easter Egg tree. So special to me.

Little Bunny Brant

Easter Eve dinner & egg hunt at Happy & Deedee's house

The Easter Bunny hopped by our house!

Daddy & Son matching Easter outfits. Totally Whit's idea!!!

And then we went to Natalie & Wayne's house in Birmingham. Lee was so excited to see Raines, Tucker & Finley!

Happy Easter Everyone!

It's Hard Not to Laugh

2011-04-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

When you're in the laundry room for 5 seconds and hear Lee saying "Ho Ho Ho" over and over again and walk out to this. Peanut butter spread all over his face like a beard and Ritz crackers that stick with no problem at all. Oh brother.

Its also hard not to laugh when you're talking about trash men, Jesus and love all together. Today we were driving down the street on what is supposed to be our TRASH PICK UP DAY - a big deal at our house. Lee keeps asking where the trash men are and I tell him they have the day off today because it is Good Friday. I told him that while Jesus lived on this earth, today was the day he did the thing that showed his love for us the most. And trash men have the day off because Jesus loves us so much. He even loves the trash men. All I hope is that he understands that Jesus loves.

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And, I can't forget about this little guy. Hey Brant! Yesterday he sat in the Bumbo for the first time. I think babies look so funny in Bumbos. Like little munchkins.

And apparently I can't put pictures of Brant without his feet!

Love them!

Happy Birthday to...

2011-04-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Whit's Mama, Lee & Brant's Deedee,

and my sweet mother in law Donna!

We all love you so much and hope you feel

special & celebrated on your birthday!!!

Oh, Oh Tay!

2011-04-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

That is Lee's latest new thing to say. And, if I have heard a lot of Oh, Oh tays! it has been a really good day!

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And, Thomson came to play! Isn't he so cute?!?!

First Bath Together!

2011-04-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Love.These.Boys

2011-04-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

{Why do I like baby feet so much?}

How is your week going?

2011-04-07T10:30:00.000-07:00

Stephanie said this needs a caption!

This is the Lee-bo. This picture pretty much sums him up! Shoes on the wrong feet, in the shower, with dental floss & silly bands, t-shirt (UGA!!!) tucked into his undies, mischevious grin on his face. A mess! And one of the reasons I love him so much!

And no, we don't lock him in the shower to potty! He just thinks the shower is so fun. Minutes later he slid, bumped his head & that was the end of shower fun for the day!

3 Months!

2011-04-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

Brant is 3 months old and I can hardly believe it. It seems like he has been a part of our family for a long time but it is going so fast. At first he was a little fussy but now he is so, so sweet. How does your heart love so much?

A few little things about Brant: He is really smiley and talks a lot. He loves to be talked to. He rubs his hair and is trying so hard to get his thumb. He is a skinny, long thing and has really big feet. He loves to rock and could be held all day. He loves to lay free and kick all around too. He stretches and curls his toes while he eats. He likes to read stories, even the long ones. He sleeps all night and takes good naps. He rubs my shoulder with his little right hand when we rock. He is part of our new normal. He does a double take and then stares when Walker lays by him; he's not so sure what to think of him yet. He does not like to burp and cries every time I try. He has my heart just like Lee and I love him so much.

Around here lately...

2011-04-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

Brant keeps getting sweeter & sweeter!

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We love being outside in the pretty weather! Our cousins Christie & Tyler gave us their old play set and it is so fun. Lee LOVES it!

Holy Potty Training!

2011-03-24T12:38:00.001-07:00

I'm pretty sure potty training is in our very near future and I am getting nervous! I might have to take a break from blogging because Lee may be naked for the next few months. Let the fun begin!

Two Boys

2011-03-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Several people lately have said Lee is looking more like a little boy. I think so too. It doesn't make me sad but it does give me some sort of funny feeling. I just want to soak these two boys up. I wish I could take pictures and video all of our days. The sweet times are just so, so sweet and I know even the tough times are fleeting. Sometimes when I'm holding Brant, Lee will come and sit with us and I always say "I LOVE my two boys" and then after a minute or so he will say "two boys." Love that. So thankful.

Babies make funny faces...

Yum!

2011-03-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

In honor of my first successful Weight Watchers meeting ( - 3.4 pounds. Hallelujah!!!) I thought I would give y'all a new recipe. This stuff is really good! My friend Katie brought it to us after Brant was born. Just combine everything and make it into a quesadilla or dip. Yum!

Corn & Black Bean Salsa

2 cans black beans - drained & rinsed

1 can Mexi corn - drained & rinsed

1 can sweet corn - drained & rinsed

1 can shoepeg corn - drained & rinsed

2 cans rotel - drained only

Garlic powder to taste

4 stalks green onion - chopped

1/2 cup Newman's Own Oil & Vinegar

** Definitely better the next day!!! And, only 1 Weight Watchers Points Plus per 1/4 cup!!! **

Superman! Ready Set Go!

2011-03-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

Where'd Walktder Go?

There he is!

Poor Walker. I think he secretly loves it but you've got to feel a little bad when Walker is ridden like a choo choo train & horse, acts as Superman's landing and gets his named changed to Walktder. He deserves a whole post. Maybe for his birthday!

Superman! Ready, Set, Go!

That is Lee's new saying and you better be ready if Superman is about to jump. He is cracking me up lately.

We are loving this weather! Who isn't?!? This weekend we had friends over both nights and played outside most of the time. Love it!

Movie night with the girls

Backyard fun with the boys

Hey Brant!

Brant is 2 Months Old!

2011-03-06T13:15:00.000-08:00

jiggity jiggity i'm the birthday boy!

I love this boy. Brant is the sweetest thing. He is starting to smile and its about the cutest thing ever. His whole little face lights up. And he coos a tiny bit. I can't wait for this to happen all the time. I love spending my days with these two boys (and nights with Brant!).

Happy 2 months!

Sweethearts

2011-03-02T18:15:00.000-08:00

These are my friend Stephanie's little girls, Mimi & Cozie. Lee has had a little crush on Mimi for a while, even naming one of his blankies after her. And Cozie is 5 weeks older than Brant. Older women. I think they're all pretty cute!

My very own Robert Pattinson!

2011-02-23T17:51:00.001-08:00

Have I missed a new Twilight??? I feel like its been forever. I am ready for some Edward & Bella. {with a little Jacob too}

Loving this little guy!

2011-02-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

2011-02-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to lie. TWO is hard some days. Actually, most days have at least one hard moment but a lot of sweet moments in between too. So these pretty days are doing a wonder for my soul : )

*I asked Lee what he was doing and he said "trash man."

Happy 1 Month Birthday to Brant!

2011-02-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to sweet baby Brant. I love him so much already and more and more each day!

Just Can't Get Enough

2011-01-31T11:45:00.000-08:00

More Birthday Fun

2011-01-31T11:15:00.000-08:00

For Lee's birthday we kept it really simple! In the morning Whit and I woke him up with balloons and the Happy Birthday song. When he saw us walk in his little face was so sweet and excited. Then we had some birthday pancakes and a few presents, played with balloons and then brought cupcakes to school. Later that night we had our family over for pizza and cake. And then Saturday we went to the mall to play on the playground, ride the train and eat lunch at the Varsity with Webb and James. I think he had lots of fun and I hope he felt special and celebrated on his big 2nd birthday!!!

Good morning Birthday Boy!

Birthday night...

How cute is this cake that Erin made?!?!

Saturday at the mall...

Confession:

2011-01-31T10:45:00.001-08:00

I have a two year old and I just cleaned his high chair for the first time.

Gross.

Seriously, so gross! This high chair has been the source of many cute pictures and now I guess a lot of germs too. I deep cleaned the thing yesterday and moved Lee to a chair at our table and all I know is my friend Lindsey would be totally grossed out with what she saw. Lesson learned: a quick wipe down and Walker licking up crumbs does not get the job done. Will try to do better once Brant gets in there.

**Have you seen Lindsey's blog: A Simple Hive? So fun with great ideas for you to try or that she can help you with. Go take a look!**

Birthday Boy!

2011-01-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to Lee!!! I truly cannot believe he is 2 years old. I love this boy with all my heart. He is such a joy in my life and I am so thankful for him.

Here are a few things about Lee as a 2 year old:

I love his big smile and his happy eyes.

He is crazy. He gallops around our house all day from one thing to the next, dancing and laughing and falling all over the place. He is a delight!

I say he is "enthusiastic about life!" Whit says he is "passionate!" Either way he can be the happiest little thing one minute and then totally upset the next.

He is talking a lot. So fun to hear what he says. This morning he was singing Happy Birthday to Lee. I would say his favorite word right now is no. Not so fun but hopefully he will move on from that at some point (soon).

He sings with me when I am putting him down for a nap or at night. Truly the sweetest sound to hear him sing "how deep, how high, how long, how wide is His love, is His love for me." Nothing like it.

Every day is something new. I love being Lee's mama. Thank you Lord for my sweet boy Lee.

Let's hear it for TWO!

Around Here...

2011-01-25T18:26:00.001-08:00

Each day is different and some days are better than others, but all around things are going great. Brant is a sweet, sweet baby. Lee is an awesome big brother. Whit has been wonderful. And all of our family and friends have been so helpful. So thankful! Here are a lot of pictures from the past couple of weeks all in one post.

*I love this picture of Whit and Lee because the first few days snowed in Lee was a little stir crazy and Whit may have been a tad worn out. Sums it up perfectly!

hee hee. we are not potty training but lee is very interested...

A few more from the hospital that I love...

2011-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Baby Brant is here!

2011-01-11T15:37:00.000-08:00

Brant is such a sweet baby and I am so thankful he is here. We got home Saturday and are doing great. These are some pictures from the hospital. I love this boy with all my heart.

**I love this last picture. I could not ask for more.**

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

These pictures aren't from New Years - they are from Thomson's really cute birthday party a couple of months ago. But, since bubbles are just about the ultimate celebration for Lee I thought I would use these to say HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope this is your best year yet, that it is filled with so many happy things!

Around here we are excited to start the new year with our new baby. Lee has decided he is going to call his brother Bubba - sounds really cute when he says it! So, once again Happy New Year to you - we will let you know when "Bubba" arrives!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that you might live!

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas celebrating the birth of our King! I am so thankful that Jesus was born to save you and me - that we might live a life abundant, full of hope and peace!

**How fun to have a white Christmas!?**

Christmas Day!

2010-12-26T12:46:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so fun with Lee this year! Santa Claus came and brought him a bucket of tools and a train set. He had so much fun playing all day long. Deedee and Happy came and brought him a tent which was a big hit. And, Erin and DJ gave him Frisky the cat (Lee loves a cat in my mom's backyard that we named Frisky and if you can get him to "meow" it is the cutest thing ever). After such a busy day Lee was a little wound up. When he was supposed to be taking a nap, we went into his room and found him dancing like a naked jay bird in his crib. Down below is the g-rated version of our wild man!

Who is that behind our door I see?

2010-12-26T12:36:00.000-08:00

Why, its Santa Claus coming to visit Lee!

Christmas with Pop & Bebe

2010-12-26T12:28:00.000-08:00

The night before Christmas Eve we went to dinner with Mom and Dad and then came back to our house for presents. Lee was very into presents - giving and getting! I am so thankful that Lee has both sets of grandparents close by that love him so much. Thank you for the fun things Bebe and Pop!

Priscilla the Pink Pig Train

2010-12-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

This was our 2nd annual trip to ride the Pink Pig with DeeDee and Happy. We lucked out again and didn't have to wait in a very long line. But, long enough to have a little dance party with lights for Lee. Lee & Thomson loved this - such a fun Christmas tradition!

Three Weeks From Today

2010-12-16T15:01:00.000-08:00

Whoa! Just three weeks from today sweet little baby boy will be here. I can't believe it! It seems like I have been pregnant for.ev.er but now the time is flying. I can't wait to meet him and hold him, snuggle up and see what he looks like and what kind of person he is. Cannot wait! Things I have been praying for are:

That he would have a heart for the Lord and that he would know Him one day.

That he would be healthy.

That he would be super sweet.

That I will have more and more love to give.

That Lee would have an easy time adjusting to a new baby.

That they would be the best of friends right from the start.

That I will have a lot of energy come out of no where.

That any sort of weird postpartum would stay far away from me.

That my mind would be clear so I can take care of two boys, Whit and myself.

That Whit and I would soak up the sweetness of a new baby together.

Thank you Lord for the gift of this baby. Come on January 6th!

My Sweet Boy

2010-12-16T05:54:00.000-08:00

Santa's Reindeer

2010-12-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

We have some new friends around here that Pop & Bebe let us borrow. Lee loves them! Going to meet the reindeer for the first time...

So fun. If only they were real...

Walker is still Lee's favorite and he looks like a deer...

Hey! Merry Christmas everybody!

Where is Lee?

2010-12-13T05:39:00.000-08:00

There he is!

2010-12-08T14:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 32nd Birthday to Whit!!!

Whit is the best husband and dad,

such a great friend and son,

a sweet brother and uncle,

a really hard worker and likes to play too.

Thank you for loving us - We love you!

Sitting on Santa's Lap

2010-12-06T04:43:00.000-08:00

Little Lee wasn't quite sure what to think when he sat on Santa's lap last night. But two for two, no tears!

Merry Christmas Santa Claus!

And, in other news... Today is 1 month until baby boy gets here! I am so excited!!!

Christmas time!

2010-12-02T13:17:00.000-08:00

Lee loves Christmas time! Can't you tell?! Whit asked me the other day if Christmas was my favorite holiday. I said that Easter is my favorite. He asked why and I said because I am so thankful that Jesus died and rose again for us. He said that sounded like a "Roswell Street Baptist Church answer" - but I was serious. I love Christmas so much (I mean a whole, whole lot!) and everything that comes along with it, but Easter truly is my favorite holiday. BUT, so far Christmas seems to be Lee's most favorite by far! Some things about Lee & Christmas time...

~ He loves Christmas lights. Driving in the car at night all you hear is Ho, Ho, Hoooooo until you get to the next house with lights.

~ I got Lee a little tree for his room at Target before Thanksgiving. I took that thing back right away because after a 45 minute (normally 3-4 hour) nap Lee would wake up saying Ho, Ho, Ho over and over. It was cute but not that cute.

~ Definitely likes to say Ho, Ho, Ho!

~ Loves the tree. I love how his face lights up when he sees it again.

~ Runs up to the tree and throws his hands up and yells, "Don't touch!" and then runs to me dying laughing over and over.

~ Sweetest sound ever when he says, "Meeerrryyy Christmaaaasss!" but you can't get him to say it very often.

~ Likes to sing Jingle Bells and say, "Hey!"

I know there will be a lot more to add but these are just a few things so far. We are going to see Santa on Sunday night and I can't wait to see how that goes. Love this time of year!

So much to be THANKFUL for!

2010-11-25T17:32:00.001-08:00

We have so much to be thankful for. Besides not feeling so great, not sleeping much the past two nights and burning my hand while trying to make macaroni & cheese, today was a really fun Thanksgiving day. We ate pancakes for breakfast, went to the mountain and walked the trails with Whit, Lee & Walker, made the blasted mac n cheese, ate a big huge meal at Happy & Donna's house, played whiffle ball in the front yard (big mama made some hits and scored some runs! and fell in the grass!), then ended the day by taking Lee through the Lights of Life and talking about how next year we will also have a 10 month old riding in the back seat. Just a fun day! I am thankful for Whit, Lee, baby boy & Walker, my parents and my sister & her family, Whit's mom & dad and his sisters & their families, all of my friends and the abundant love & forgiveness God gives us each day. I hope you all had a very happy Thanksgiving day!

Holy Goodness!

2010-11-24T13:08:00.000-08:00

We are going over to Erin & DJ's house tonight for Chris-giving with Zach! I am bringing dessert and remembered this recipe I got from my friend Ashley. It is D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S-! Be warned: it is not healthy A-T A-L-L-! & you probably need to start the day before you need it.

Oreo Dessert

Step 1:

Crush 2 sleeves of regular Oreos. Mix Oreos together with 1/3 cup melted butter. Press down in a deep 9 x 13 dish and put in freezer for a little while.

Step 2:

Let a 1/2 gallon of vanilla ice cream soften and spread over Oreo crust. Place in freezer until frozen.

Step 3:

Fudge topping: 1/2 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 2 small evaporated milk cans, 8 tablespoons cocoa

Bring to a boil and stir for 2 minutes constantly. Remove from heat and add 2 teaspoons vanilla. Put in refrigerator and let cool completely - stir every now and then until cooled. Spread over the ice cream layer and put back in freezer. **Allow plenty of time for this layer to freeze**

Step 4:

Spread one large container of cool whip over fudge layer. Sprinkle with sliced almonds and chocolate shavings.

This is seriously good people!

Where we have been...

2010-11-20T11:09:00.000-08:00

Let me just start by saying that I have a little more than 6 weeks left before baby boy gets here and plenty of time to move a computer. But instead, I got a little antsy about a month ago and moved our computer out of Lee's new room and into our kitchen which turned our internet off. That is a long time without internet in this day and age! And so, today is a good day because we are now up and running again! Here is a little of what we have been up to:

My 10 year high school reunion! I loved seeing people I hadn't seen in so long. It was so much more fun than I thought it would be. These were my closest friends in high school and I still love them so much today!

Halloween Parade! This is such a great Marietta tradition. All of the little kids are so cute dressed up. Farmer Lee had a big time running all over the place soaking up the Halloween fun!

(This dog came up to me and said, "I'll be delivering your baby soon. He is my doctor!")

Trick or Treat! We went over to our friends Stuart, Stephanie & Mimi's house to trick or treat and eat chili. Lee, Mimi & Webb were so cute going up to get candy. Lee liked to say, "Trick Treat" and especially enjoyed getting several pieces of candy out of each bowl & trying to break into the wrappers in between stops.

My new niece Finley was born on November 1st! She is so sweet and I loved getting to see her the first day she was born. Love this girl and Emma Raines & Tucker too!

Emma Raines turned 4 on October 29th and Thomson turned 1 on November 3rd! We weren't able to make it to Emma Raines party but did go to Athens for Thomson's. It was lots of fun - Lee had a BLAST because it was a bubble party! Happy Birthday Emma Raines & Thomson!

Bible Study! I have really enjoyed this season's bible study at Church of the Apostles. I think this is my favorite book I have read since having Lee - The Mission of Motherhood. I have learned so much and really enjoyed the girls in my group. I am confident because I know the Lord has me at home with Lee, new baby and any other children we have for a reason. Being a mother is important and also very exciting even in the mundane! I told Whit he may want to kick me out because every time I leave on Tuesdays I feel like I could have 6 kids and that it would be the best thing ever : )

Lee loves to sing! He especially likes to sing a combined version of the ABC's and Twinkle Twinkle. But he will also sing along to any song you ask - the other day we were pretending like we were in a tent under the sheets in our bed and Whit got him to sing Kumbaya. He is a funny little thing!

Just last week I had to get a root canal. I had an abscessed tooth and it may have been the most painful thing I have ever experienced! I have never been much of a cusser (even in my wilder days!) but this tooth made me want to say the worst words possible. Yall, it hurt! If anyone of you ever has to have this done call me and cuss me out - I will not judge!

I am VERY excited about new baby! He will be here very soon and I feel like he may even get here sooner than expected but who knows?!?! I can't wait to meet him and see what he is like. Come on January 6th!!! Also, I am a big girl - I thought I was going to have to cut myself out of a dress that I tried on at Gap the other day. It was obviously the wrong size but the worst thing would have been telling the people I couldn't get it over a certain other top part of my body!

I think that is about all. We are enjoying fall and can't believe tomorrow is the start of Thanksgiving week. We have so much to be thankful for!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Muffins

2010-10-15T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lee & I tried out a new recipe today! I love fall food. Definitely try these - they are really easy and delicious too! Even Walker thought so - while I was putting Lee down for his nap he ate 9 off the counter {uugghh}.

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Ingredients:

Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Spice Cake Mix

1 cup canned pumpkin

2/3 cup water

2 eggs

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350. Using a beater mix together all of the ingredients except chocolate chip. Fold in chocolate chips. Bake for 12-14 minutes.

Enjoy! Lee thought it was so fun when I showed him the muffins he had made.

The Art Barn...

2010-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

...my kind of place! Y'all have got to go to the Art Barn in Woodstock. Farmer Sue has a little farm where kids get to hang out with, brush, feed, pet & hold if they can catch! all kinds of farm friends. I wish I could take them all home with me {the animals - how cute are they all!?}. You also get to go on a tractor ride, eat lunch, and paint a picture in the barn. Lee loved it and so did Webb, Henry & Morgan. Farmer Sue is so much fun - you've got to go!

Sheep!

Lee saying, "Horse, horse, horse, horse, horse!"

There's one! This is Spice. He used to be cooped up in a barn all the time but now lives with Farmer Sue and gets to run around in the pasture except during meal time. "Spice is Nice!"

Little ducklings!

Olivia the pig!

Feeding the donkeys. Lee & I talked about how farming & taking care of animals is hard work, but the best kind.

Tractor ride ~ so glad Molly & Carrie didn't have any babies on the farm!

Love little Morgan!

Burt's Pumpkin Farm!

2010-10-12T12:29:00.000-07:00

Doesn't Fall just make you HAPPY!?!

2010-10-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Happy's Happy Birthday in St. Simons!

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

We went to St. Simons to celebrate Whit's dad Happy's 60th birthday! It was a lot of fun and October just may be the best time to go to the beach. The weather was beautiful and perfect! I hope Happy felt special and celebrated for his big birthday!

Lee & Thomson were all about the celebration with hats and balloons. Maybe Lee will understand how to share with Thomson by the time Happy turns 61!

Isn't Thomson the cutest thing?!?!

I felt like this trip was a sweet time for Lee and me. I think this will be the last time we go to the beach as a family of 3 and it was just special. Lee and I had so much fun walking the beach, playing in the puddles from the tide, looking at airplanes, birds, butterflies, shells & boats, and just enjoying being outside together. I know it will be even more fun with two boys but for now it was a great time with just Lee.

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR BEACH!

Crazy Hair!

2010-10-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

Playing golf with Daddy

2010-10-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

New Job Description

2010-09-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

The bible study I go to, Mom to Mom, started back a few weeks ago. It is such an encouraging group! We are reading The Mission of Motherhood by Sally Clarkson. It is really great so far. I love going to this group because it reaffirms that I am doing exactly what I am supposed to be doing and the most important thing that I could possibly be doing right now (for me) in being Whit's wife and Lee's mother. Today, I put something new on my kitchen sink window - my new job description - and I am excited about it!

Sally says, "I have come to appreciate the beauty and wisdom of my God-given assignment... I have found deep fulfillment and satisfaction in exercising my gifts, strengths, and personality to bless my family, neighbors, and friends from the strength of my home. Establishing my house-hold as a place in which the greatness of God and a devotion to him is lived out each day has given me focus. Loving my children and nurturing their hearts and minds while training their character and leading them to know the Lord and his purposes has satisfied my soul's need for purpose."

That is my new goal - to think along these lines each day. Some other side notes (that I hope may encourage you) that I wrote down today are:

Lord, what do you want for my family?

God is BIG! Don't downsize or dumb him down to your children. It is amazing what those little minds can take hold of.

In the beginning... Adam came from dust. Must be why boys like dirt so much!

Man was lonely, incomplete. He needs a helper. God is calling me to be Whit's helper - I need to work on this more intentionally.

When people say to a lady with a lot of kids - "Oh my! You have your hands full!" Her response is always, "Its the best way to keep my hands and heart full!" I like that : )

I have the opportunity to grow a home!

The rescue of your children will happen in the mundane and also in the chaos.

Everything in society today is watering down what God intended family to be. Instead of seeing and hearing great things about family, people see the family that is portrayed by media and Hollywood. Build family up, get excited about it, show people the kind of family that God designed. So much changes, things go in and out of style. But our God - he is big and he is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!

In other news...

This baby boy is growing right along and is making me grow little clumps of chicken hair! I wish I could take a picture, but in my rear view mirror all I see are three groups of thick, short hair sticking straight up and to the side - one on the right, one in the middle, and one on the left side of my hair by my forehead...pretty!

Happy 20 Month Birthday!

2010-09-27T12:00:00.001-07:00

Lee is 20 months old!

He is into trucks, buses, trains, airplanes, fire trucks and dump trucks - transportation I guess. He also loves Daddy, Walk-Walk, building blocks, tents and golf carts. He doesn't like football as much as he likes baseball. He has learned his first bad word: "No!" Oh gosh, here we go. But, he can also say Jesus so that is good. If you ask him a question he nods his head hard with his mouth open to say yes. He is full of kisses and hugs and gives kisses when he needs to say he is sorry. Lee is such a fun little boy - wild & crazy but so sweet too.

We love you Lee!

The Park

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

**Check out Erin's blog: StuntzandFriends to see a really cute video of Whit, Natalie & Erin when they were little feeding ducks. So fun!**

One of Lee's best buddies - WEBB!

Kitchen "Helper"

2010-09-21T10:57:00.001-07:00

Somebody Likes the Blue Devil Cheerleaders...

2010-09-15T19:46:00.000-07:00

What Happened?

2010-09-15T19:42:00.000-07:00

After all of that about cupcakes, I am kind of over them. The thought just doesn't excite me any more like it has for the past 6 months. Thanks for all of your fun comments though!