Girlfriends mean so much.

There are 11 of us girls that have known each other since Junior High. Some of us go back even longer than that...up to 31 years!

We still get together on a regular basis. I am so blessed to have these wonderful women in my life and know that they are my true friends through thick and thin.
I hope that others in this world have bonds like we do. I know that in my happiest times and worst of times, these women have helped make me into the woman I am today...friend, wife, mama, sister, daughter, child of God.

What would I have done without each and every one of you? I love you, ladies. I'm proud to call each of you my friend.

Kelly & Autumn couldn't be at our get together last night...we missed you!

How cute!

John snapped this picture this morning when he dropped Emalyn off at school. She had her milk and juice and joined her buddy Tate on the couch for a few minutes of TV watching before breakfast. They only get 30 minutes of TV time per day, so she doesn't waste any time in the mornings getting settled to get in a little Wiggles or Mickey Mouse watching!

Using My Words Wisely

So, there is this little shadow that follows me around and lately she has began mimicking me. "Blah, blah, blah" and "I told you" are some of the words I am hearing being said to me these days. Although she says it soooo very sweetly and in her darlin' southern drawl, I know she is learning from me. I guess I need to make sure that those 4-letter-word slips are a thing of the past...I sure don't want her repeating those!

Emalyn's 2 year pictures

It's hard to believe how fast she is growing up. If you had any doubts about her having her own attitude, surely these pictures will put those doubts to rest! But, what a blessing and delight she is. We did 2 year pictures along with Christmas pictures...hope you enjoy!

Pooh & Friends Live

A couple of weeks ago, my sister, Virginia, and I took Emalyn to see Pooh & Friends Live in Little Rock at Alltel Arena. This was her first big event...we haven't even been to a movie yet (don't worry...she's going to see Bolt in a couple of weeks).

At first, she was a little attached to me when the lights went down, but after some popcorn and a couple of songs, she had eyes only for Pooh.

She also made her first trip to Toys R Us...and threw a hissy for a slide...so, we left with a slide.

John didn't make the trip because he was in the deer woods...I'm sure he had as much fun as we did.

White Chocolate Mocha

Last Thursday, me and Emalyn meet up with Lisa and Kody at Books-a-Million for a few minutes to catch up and visit. My dad and my husband joined in the festivities, as well. We had a good visit and Aunt Lisa brought her camera to make sure she got some of my best parenting moments...

I admit white chocolate mochas are my very favorite thing right now. I don't have them often, so I enjoy them when I do endulge. My daughter had to have a taste of my coffee...and she decided it might be her favorite thing these days, too!

Hanging out at home

We stay pretty busy these days...Emalyn can't seem to sit still! Last week, she started driving and then moved on to mowing the front porch and the driveway! She's a quick learner!

One of her favorite places to have a snack is on the kitchen counter...yes, I give in sometimes! However, it looks as if she is eating a Twinkle...but no, it's a weightwatchers sponge cake...much better for her! Actually, if you try one, they are better than Twinkies...seriously.

Riding with the boys!

Em got a tricycle for her birthday and she loves it! She rode it in the house and in the garage...and then she seen the neighborhood boys out in the street with their bicycles and she had to join in! She is the only little girl in our neighborhood, but she hangs right in there with them! This was the actual day of her birthday, and the evidence on her face proves that I had hot pink icing on her cupcakes for school! I learned my lesson...only white icing from here on out!

Trick or Treatin' Ladybug

As you can see, our little ladybug had a great Halloween!
We started with a party at school, then went by and seen her Grammy at work at the hospital, then visited her Meme at Lenders Title (she racked up there!) and then on to home where it was trick or treating old school style!
She had her cousin Trenton ~ as an organic banana, and her buddy Tate ~ as BamBam, accompany her up and down our street. They got loads of candy - which they sampled along the way!
We finished the evening with a trip over to see Grandpa and Grammy...we were all beat!

Whoooo Hooooo....I'm Two!

Our baby girl turned 2 on October 29th! I can't believe it! She amazes me everyday and I am so blessed to be her mama. John and I know that we have been given a beautiful blessing and we cherish her.

She had a big family birthday party at Chick-Fil-A last Saturday and she got lots...a tricycle, a baby doll, some games and DVDs, an Ariel doll that sings, clothes, Elmo house shoes, building blocks, a basketball goal, a play rug for her room, an Elmo driving toy, a princess cell phone and camera, a Dora backpack set, bathtub toys and so much more! She isn't a crowd person, so she was attached to me for the majority of the party...but she did enjoy the play area a little....and the presents.

She had aunts & uncles, grandparents, great grandparents, Godmother and cousins come and celebrate with her...we had a great crowd! We all enjoyed some great chicken, cake and ice cream!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWEET BABY GIRL!

Parker Homestead ~ A Family Tradition

Last weekend, we made the trip down to Parker Pioneer Homestead. This is the third year we have gone and we love it each time!

This year was the first time we took a wagon ride and it was great. It was Emalyn's favorite part of the day!

We toured the barn (including the loft), the old school house, the old house, the country store and the post office. We took in the sights - donkeys, goats, sugar cane becoming molasses, the old cannon, kettle korn cooking, soap and butter being made and so much more!

Emalyn enjoyed the wide open space to run and play...until the cannon went off...we tried to warn her that the cannon would be loud, but as you can see...she had to learn for herself!

check it out at: http://www.parkerhomestead.com/