Name change...

I just wanted to inform everyone that as of today (by my daughters request), we are to call her Samantha. Part of her homework was to read a book entitled "Sam, Sam, Sam", and she has decided that Samantha is the "most beautiful name EVER"!!!!

Although, about an hour and a half after she told me what was required of me when I am addressing her by name, I wanted her to tell her best friend's mom what her new name is.........and low and behold, she couldn't remember it! Must not have been that beautiful huh?

Miscellaneous

After last weeks gymnastics session, I decided that she needed a leotard (and can't you tell by her expression that she is totally psyched about it!?). She is always camera ready no matter what the circumstances are - and don't ask anyone who has known me for any amount of time where she gets it from! Seriously, DON'T! I really am not sure from what uterus that child came from!

Abby wanted a "fruit face" a few nights ago for a snack and we decided to take a picture of it. Just to let you know, she is extremely proud of the face that she built! (by the way - please notice how icky the countertop is.......leave a ton of comments to convince my hubby that we need to replace it!)

Sit down and shut up (pretty simple really!)....

We just had small group here at the house and during our meeting we discussed why people seem to think that being a Christian is something wildly complicated. Various people had ideas and beliefs about the subject - but I wanted to get a point of view from some fellow bloggers. So feel free to comment away and I can't wait to read them!

I'll leave you with this little tidbit from my pastor's sermon this past week (in regards to our servitude to our eternal Father):

• Stop!
• Sit down!
• Shut up!
• Listen!

It sounds like things that we would say to our children - so what works for us would also work for Him as well, right?!

Hickey time!

Ok, so when I first saw this on Abby's arm, I said to her "Oh my, you burned yourself!", she told me "No, Momma I didn't", I then asked her "Did you draw on yourself?", she sheepishly told me "No, I didn't". So................quick witted as I am (hahahahaha), I finally came to the realization that my child gave herself a hickey!!!!! What's a girl to do?

Some of the reasons I love my husband....

*He irons my uniform for me every night (I don't even ask him to do it, he just does!)

*He always rubs my back, shoulders, neck, feet if I want/need him to

*He starts the process of getting Abby ready for school every morning (again, without me asking him to!)

*Even after almost 12 yrs of marriage, he still opens my car door for me

*He still loves me even though I can be the most stubborn, bull-headed female out there (and he only SOMETIMES rolls his eyes at me)

*He is so cute when he is studying me while I am reading, watching TV, or on the computer (and he thinks I don't know he is doing it)

*He sometimes adds chick flicks to our Netflix queue (just because he thought of me)

*He tells me he loves me about 15 times a day

*He tries really hard to plan surprises on special occasions (notice I say "tries" really hard!)

****Please note, these are in no specific order! I'm just random like that!

TN Aquarium

We decided to visit the aquarium Sunday afternoon, and these are just a few of the photos that we snapped while there. The butterfly sanctuary has some really pretty flowers that I had to take pictures of. I think the butterflies are Abby and I's favorite spot! (Except for the rocking chairs that overlook the TN River!)

You're invited!!

Anyone who reads my blog and knows where I live is invited to a "Thirty-One" gifts party on Saturday, August 23 at 3pm. Just let me know if you would like to come so I will have enough snacks! If you aren't familiar with "Thirty-One" their link is http://www.thirtyonegifts.com/ Check it out, they have really cute items!

Self-portraits and randomness (photos by Abby of course!)

How do ya like that eye make-up?

Mac & cheese and juice

Girl, do something 'bout that hair!!

This piece of artwork is titled "Eraser on Windowsill"

Her perspective of our kitchen!

Again, this is what happens when I leave the camera laying around the house!

1st day of 1st grade!

This was the eve of her 1st day.....Due to the strong suggestion by one of my co-workers (who will remain nameless), we finally used our china - we've been married almost 12 yrs by the way - to celebrate the fact that Abby is officially in big school now! She thought it was really fun and wants to eat on the china every night for dinner.

They grow up too fast!

Happy birthday Danny!

Danny turned the big 35 today! We celebrated by eating lunch at McD's (at Abby's request), then went to my parents to share cake with them, came home and relaxed in the pool, and then lastly went to Logan's for dinner and they gave us FREE cheesecake for dessert! I hope he enjoyed our relaxing day because I know I did! I love you baby!!!

Sitter fun!

This is what happens when I leave the camera out in plain sight!

Meet our babysitter, Caroline!! At least I know they have a good time throughout the day!