Happy Birthday Carter!

Today is my precious nephew's 1st birthday. I can't believe he is one. I remember the day I found out my brother and sis in law were expecting. I was on the phone with Chad and the funny thing is I had a dream the night before that they were pregnant. While I was talking to Chad, he said We have some news to tell ya'll. And, I immediately knew what it was. It was crazy that they were really pregnant. And, now he is turning one. They always say time flies when you are having fun and it surely does. They grow up too fast. Next time I see him, I bet he will be walking.. such a big boy. He is a precious baby. I can only hope that one day our child will be as good as he is. He hardly ever cries, he loves to be talked to and held. I just love to sit and watch him. He's the best sleeper.. just put him in his bed and he goes right to sleep. Wow! We love him so and can't wait till April for our family trip. Yeah!

Carter man we wished you lived closer so we could see you more. But, just know that your Aunt Katy and Uncle Jamie do love you so! Happy Birthday to you!

Best Buds

I just love this girl! Leah and I met about 6 years ago when she came to Helena to teach. We taught kindergarten right next to each other for several years until she had her little boy, Fletch and took a year off. Then, she got pregnant on her maternity leave..yes, a miracle baby, and took another year off. So, I have missed her smiling face for the past 2 years now. It's just not the same without her there. But, we got to catch up the other night when we met for dinner at Bonefish. Yummy! The bang bang shrimp were delicious too.

It felt like old times again. We don't get to see each other much, but when we do we just pick right up where we left off. She is one of those friends that you know will always be there for you no matter what! A true friend for sure. We always have a great time together and I just love her to pieces! God definitly knew what He was doing when He put Leah in my life! I couldn't have made it through many times without her. She is a precious friend and I know she always has my back! Love you Leah and can't wait to do it again!

The Infertility Journey Begins...

Well.. I'm going to begin at the beginning.
This is our story...

Jamie and I met back in August of 2005. Our story is kinda crazy and for all you girls out there looking for a hubby.. I'll share my story and just maybe it will inspire you! =) We were neighbors and had been for a while. I would see Jamie out and about and I always thought he was cute but he was always quiet and shy. My neighbor, Rashel and I would always try to figure him out. We knew about when he came home from work and sometimes we would meet in the street to "spy" on him. We could see the back of his house and into his kitchen if we stood in the street. So, one day we decided that we would have a block party to get to know our neighbors. We planned this fun party that we were gonna have in Rashel's driveway as a way to try to get to know him. We made up cute cards and sent them out and what would you know.. he didn't come. That crazy boy! I later found out, that he "spied" on us from his house, but he was too shy to come down there. Then, one night I came home and there was a little mouse in my house. It was an ongoing battle in that stupid house.. so thankful I don't live there anymore, but anyway.. I had set up a trap to try and catch it and it had landed on the trap. Gross!! It was nasty.. and I am TERRIFIED of mice. So, I went to get Rashel to see if she would help me get it out. All we had to do was pick up the little sticky trap but I just couldn't do it.. it was still wiggling and squealing on there. Oh my.. it was awful! Rashel came over and tried to do it but couldn't. I didn't know what to do.. my parents weren't far away but it was kinda late at night and I hated to make them come over just to do that. So, we went up to Jamie's house and knocked on the door. We had never really met him before this time. I had seen him and would wave to him or say hey but that was about it. So, here we are 8 o'clock at night.. ringing some guy's doorbell that we really didn't know to see if he would come help us with a stupid mouse... and he did! Bless his sweet heart.. after that we got to talking and realized we had so many friend connections and it was crazy what a small world it was. We began dating and the rest is history! We were married on July 5, 2008 after 3 years of dating. And.. who would of thought it?? I would have NEVER thought I would have met my husband that way, but God sure does work in mysterious ways sometimes! I am so thankful that he came in my life and I couldn't imagine life without him. He makes life so fun and I thank God for him every day and for the blessing he is in my life!
So.. it can really happen.. when you least expect it! =)

Us in 2007.. I don't any pics from 2005 on here!

And, now the infertility journey begins. We tried for over a year to concieve before I finally went to the doctor. Most doctors will say for you to try for a least a year anyway before they will refer you to the infertility dept. So, in January I decided that something must be wrong and I wanted some answers to come questions. My ob/gyn referred me to the infertility dept. at St. Vincent's and I went in on 3 different days in January for lots of blood work, ugh! Lots of information and finally a ultrasound. I left there a little overwhelmed but feeling a lot better about things. I knew right away I was in good hands when one of the nurse's was a parent of a former child I had taught in kindergarten. Small world.. huh? Her child was in my first class at Helena, and now she is in 8th grade. Wow.. time flies.

After all my bloodwork came back, all of my levels were good except my estrogen levels. So, it was decided that I would begin taking Clomid in February. I will be on Clomid for a few months before we move to the next step in this journey and hopefully, we won't even have to do that. But, if we do.. I know that it is God's plan and I will graciously do whatever possible. Today I begin taking the Clomid and I will take it for 5 days straight. I go back to the doctor in March and we'll see what she says. I am excited, nervous and anxious to begin this journey. I know God has a plan and we can't wait until our lives are blessed with a new little bundle of joy. Please keep our family in your prayers.. it means a lot! As frustrating as this journey has already been, I am constantly reminded of this verse from Jeremiah. " For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jer. 29:11. What a powerful God we serve.. and I have complete faith in Him as we begin this journey

I love the lid.. to all my breast cancer survivor
friends.. love you!

Snow, Valentine's Day and the Casino

Friday was a snow day at school and it was one I will never forget. It actually snowed while we were at school.. and it was a lot! I have been teaching 9 years and I can't remember a time when I was at school and it snowed.. maybe it has and I just can't remember. But, needless to say my kids were beyond excited. It made for a fun Valentine's day party and an early dismissal day! I think we only got about an inch but some places got a little more. I realize this may not be much to you Notherner's but for us southern folks.. this is a big deal! =) I don't know how ya'll live in the snow.. it is so pretty to look at but I am ready for the sun and the warm weather. I don't know about ya'll but the cold is just so depressing to me!

I have to brag on my sweet hubby. He sent me beautiful flowers to school. What a nice surprise. I asked him when I got home why he picked out purple tulips and he said, "I didn't. They were supposed to be red." So, the flower people messed up but they are still pretty and I am still enjoying them. Thanks babe, for making my day. You are the best hubby and valentine ever! I love you more and more each day!

We kicked off our valentine weekend with a trip to the casinos with our good friends, Shelly and Richard. We thought the snow was going to ruin our weekend getaway, but it didn't. We had a blast..staying up till 3 am Friday night. Can't remember the last time I did that. Ha! Shelly taught me how to play Hot Hot Penny and it was fun. Jamie taught me a little about 3 card poker and I actually sat at the table like a big girl and played. Not long..but a little. I get so intimidated by all those serious gamblers. You really see it all at the casinos.. I just couldn't get over all the money you see these people just throw out like water. It was really crazy! I just wish you weren't allowed to smoke in there. That place is one big smoke pit and people do not care.. my eyes and my throat were hurting by the end of the weekend. Jamie wasn't as lucky as he usually is. We don't go that much but when we do, we always come home with a little more in our pockets. This time, we really didn't. Jamie won about $500 on one hand of poker but ended up giving most of it back. We came home with a little but it was a fun, stress free weekend. Lots of good food, good laughs and good friends!




Thanks, Powers family for the invite. We can't wait to go again!

And.. Shelly and I had to model our new boots. ha! Yes.. they are the same and no, we didn't know that. I guess great minds think alike..=) We realized this weekend we had bought the same ones. I bought mine in TN and Shelly bought hers on Ebay..so, really what are the odds. Too funny.. our cameras and camera bags are the same too! ha! I love it.. We are the best of friends! I'm so glad we have each other. Friends do make life such fun!

Fun times..
Hope you all had a happy Valentine's day too!

A trip to Selma...

My sweet nanny is in the hospital and has been since Thursday night. She had developed bronchitis and she already has empazema (sp?) and asthma really bad. Anyway, she was coughing so much that she just couldn't breathe. She has been on oxygen and getting lots of meds thru the IV. Jamie and I went down yesterday to see her and she is doing much better. She hopes to go home tomorrow..so, please keep her in your prayers. She is just the sweetest woman ever and I hate to see her like that. It is sad when you get old..

Me and my sweet nanny

3 generations.. my mom, nanny, and me

While we were visiting nanny, we stopped by my other grandmother's house to make a surprise visit to see her. Both my grandparents live around the corner from one another, which is so nice. We can see both of them when we go visit. Anyway, grandma was surprised to see us and I was glad we got to do that. Yesterday marks the day that my sweet and precious grandfather passed away three years ago. So, I was glad we got to be there to visit with my grandmother.

Me and Grandmaw

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my grandfather in some way. He was an amazing man and I am thankful for all the years we had to spend together. I am blessed to have grown up with both sets of grandparents So, it was extemely hard when granddaddy passed. He was the first of all of them and I don't even what to think about losing the others. It is never easy to lose a loved one and my grandmother sure has had a hard time with it. They were married over 50 years and they were so sweet to each other. My grandmother didn't go anywhere without my grandfather and she was always looking out for him. But, every day she gets stronger and we can only take comfort knowing that he is with the Lord walkign along the streets of gold, singing and rejoicing with our Father. That brings a smile to my face! Granddaddy was such a godly christian man and a true example of what we should strive to be like every day. I cherish the memories we have and know that you are looking down on me and watching over us. I love you dearly granddaddy and miss you much!

At the cemetary, we had to do a few photo ops. The cemetary where he is buried is an old, old one.. and they have these beautiful moss oak tress all over the place. It reminded us of the old cemetaries in Savannah, GA. Jamie and I love that place! It was a cold day, but a pretty one.

A special project and a baby shower

I can't believe it is already Sunday.. where does the weekend go? We had a busy one. My sweet friend, Simin is pregnant and due in March with her third child. She is a dear friend of our family. I just love her to death and I was so fortunate to teach her oldest child, Daisy in kindergarten last year. You just can't get any sweeter than this child and her momma! They both have such giving and caring hearts and I am so blessed to be able to call them friends/family. I think the world of both of them and we are excited to meet the new little one, Cassie when she makes her appearance in March.

Simin and her precious daughter, Daisy

So, Saturday morning we gave her a surprise baby shower/brunch. It was such fun and she was very surprised.. mission accomplished! Since this is her 3rd little one, we decided to do a gift card shower so she could get whatever she neeeds. She got a few gifts but over $900.00 in gift cards... isn't that great? We ate some yummy food, got to catch up with friends and family and shared lots of laughs. What we do best! I decided I wanted to make something special for her that she would be able to keep forever. My friend, Mel was my inspiration and this is what I came up with. Thanks, Mel!

Isn't it cute? I had so much fun making it and I hope it will be something that she will cherish forever. For all of you wondering how I made it, it was super easy. A little time consuming.. but fun. All I did was buy a frame.. the ones that are rectangular and have a mat in them for two photos and I took the mat out. Then, I found scrapbook paper and did the rest. I printed out on the computer the font and blew it up to the size I wanted and then cut them out to use as my pattern. I traced the letters on the back of the scrapbook paper.. (upside down.. or your letter will be backwards.) Then, cut them out and glued them on.. voila! All done! I thought it turned out cute and I am already thinking who I can make another one for. =)

Here's some pics from the shower:

The table and the precious center piece


Aren't those napkins precious too.. my sweet friend, Erin

is so very talented and she made them!


And, spelled her name out at the bottom..so cute!


She also made this adorable wreath..

Isn't it cute? She is going to make these to

sell.. if you are interested, let me know.

I will get you in touch with her. So cute!

Yummy strawberry petifores from Edgars!

The whole gang..these girls are awesome!

Jodi, Simin, Melissa,andErin


All the hostessess


I love these two girlies..
my sister in law, Jodi is in the middle!

and this precious child.. I miss her being in my class!

We all had a blast giving the shower.. and yes, it was at a salon.. if you are wondering.

My sister in law cuts hair and my mother in law owns the shop, so we just had it there!

If you are in need of a good hair stylist, I sure know one!

Can't wait to meet little Cassie Adair Capps in March!

Oh My!

Well.. I am trying to keep my new year's resolution and one of them was to exercise more. Do ya'll love to exercise?? I do love it once I finish, but I hate getting started and making myself do it. Am I the only one? So, I joined a gym this month, Snap Fitness to be exact, and I have been trying to do better about going. I usually do better when I have a workout buddy.. so, Jan I am counting on you to keep me accountable and stick with it too! I would really just like to exercise outside but since it's too cold, for now I will have to walk on the god awful treadmill and elliptical machine. Yuck! I hate them both but I know it's almost swimsuit time and that is so depressing! I better get my butt in gear fast! Also, I am running/walking in the Atlanta Half Marathon in March and I have less than 2 months to prepare for the 13 miles.. I know I can do it! That's what I have to keep telling myself.. =)

Anyway, I like the gym and all but it's not what I am used to. My former gym had all kinds of classes to take and that was what I really liked. This gym doesn't have the classes, so it is smaller but the only perk is that there is NO contract. Isn't that awesome? I hate gyms that try to suck you in for a year and then you hate it and don't end up going. So, you can cancel at any time you want and they will suspend your membership. That's what really sold me.. so, I'm hoping to keep it until it gets warmer and I can exercise outside. But, since there are no classes at the gym, sometimes I don't feel like I am doing enough or really know what to do when I get there. Do you feel like that too?

So, this weekend, I bought Jillian Michael's workout video and when I tell you it kicked my butt.. that is a small understatement! OMG...I did it yesterday and I can barely walk today. So, I guess it is working and I do love it. It's not that hard but obviously it works and that's what I need. My legs and butt are SO sore. So, thanks Jillian for kicking my butt. I'm counting on you to get me in shape for the summer! If you are looking for a good workout video, go get this one. Target has them on sale this week for $10 and there are 3 different ones I think. There is also a Biggest Loser one too if you are a big fan like I am.

Also, since I worked out extra hard this weekend.. ha! =) I just had to make Darby's dessert. It was so yummy and I promise I won't eat all of it. If you haven't made it.. you need to. It is so delicious and it will make you say Oh My for sure! I will for sure be making it again. I just love her and I don't even know her. =)

Also.. isn't this cute?

Not sure what it is.. Well.. keep looking!

It's a camera strap.. how cool!

My sweet friend Shelly, gave me this camera strap for my new camera. Isn't that a precious idea? It even has a K monogrammed on it! Love it! I had never heard of it before but what a good idea. It is a little short, but that's okay too. I still love it and it makes my new camera smile! =) Thanks Shelly!

Hope you all had a good weekend!