What we're up to these days...

I recently told Alex that I was ready for fall to get here. I know that summer just started, but having a baby has changed my love for summer. The heat is insane and I don't like to get Amelia out in it for long periods of time. We've spent a lot of time at home...watching movies and playing. When her nap time rolls around, we pile up on my bed and watch a movie and she watches until she falls asleep. I either finish the movie or fall asleep next to her! :)

I'm currently going through lots of party ideas for Amelia's 1st birthday. I'm a planner and like to have plenty of time to make decisions. I'm getting very excited and have lots of ideas. I believe that birthdays are special and everyone should feel especially loved on their day. I have planned many birthday parties for my nephews over the years. My sister always let me take over and do whatever I wanted and I loved it! She knew that I loved to plan a party. And now I have my own baby girl to plan a party for...it makes my heart so happy, just the thought of it.

I've been working out with a trainer for over a month now. Twice a week. Joy watches Amelia for me...I'm so thankful for her!! Trying to get the rest of this post-baby weight off is not easy. I haven't lost major pounds yet, but I'm already seeing a difference in my clothes. I know what size I feel best in, so I'm just trying to focus on that vs. losing a certain number of pounds. I did push-ups for the first time in my life and I thought I was going to die. I have no upper body strength. And they were girl push-ups! To say that my body is out of shape is an understatement. Or WAS an understatement. I'm getting there...slowly, but surely! :)

I went to a spa party last night. My neighbor hosted it and it was a lot of fun. She made a strawberry salad and fruity drinks that were delicious! I just walked across the street, was pampered for an hour, and then walked back to my house! It was nice. :)

We're gearing up for the 4th of July. We have my nephew's birthday on Saturday, church on Sunday, and then head to my Uncle's lake house for the rest of the weekend. Should be fun!!



Do you have special plans for the 4th?

Love to all,

Hey Good Lookin' ~ Watcha Got Cookin'?

I sing this song to Amelia whenever we're in the kitchen. It's one of her faves. :)



I had a few recipes that some of you wanted and I'm finally posting them! Sorry it took me so long.

Trio's Spinach Dip

1 pkg - 10oz frozen spinach (thaw and squeeze dry in paper towel)
1 - 8oz pkg cream cheese
1 - 8oz pkg grated cheddar cheese
3-4 green onions (finely chopped)
1 - medium size tomato
1 jalapeno pepper (finely chopped). Wear gloves and add as little or much as you like.

Mix all ingredients and bake at 350 for 20-30 mins.
Serve warm with pita chips.

Homemade Pita Chips

1 pkg Pita Bread
Melted Butter
Lemon Pepper Seasoning
Cumin

Cut your pita bread into triangles.
Brush with melted butter.
Sprinkle with Lemon Pepper & Cumin.
Bake at 400 for 8 mins (or until golden brown). Every oven is different, so watch them closely.

Spicy Pretzels

1 bag of pretzel sticks
1 cup of vegetable oil
1 tsp of garlic salt
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 pkg of dry ranch dressing mix

Mix above ingredients together, place on baking sheet and bake at 250 for an hour.

Enjoy!!

Love to all,

Sugar Baby...

Just days after bringing her home, I would go to give Amelia sugar and she would open her mouth like she was kissing me back. This was after her first bath at home. :)



She's more than willing to give her Daddy sugar, as long as he is clean shaven. She has started feeling his face and if it's too scruffy, she won't let him kiss her. HA! Smart girl.



This was the last time we went to my parents. As soon as I got down by Amelia's face to take a pic, she leaned in to kiss me. So sweet.



Lately, I've been going back and looking at pics of her as a teeny-tiny baby. I love seeing how much she has changed. She doesn't even look like the same baby! I hope she never gets too old to give her Daddy & Mommy some sugar.

Love to all,

All About Amelia - 8 months old!

Amelia, you're 8 months old!!



We're thinking you're around 20lbs, but won't know for sure until your 9 month appointment.



You're wearing size 3 diapers.



You're wearing size 9-12 month clothing.



You're sleeping 10-11 hours at night and you've been sleeping in your crib for the last month! No more pack-n-play in Daddy & Mommy's room.



Over the past couple of weeks, you've wanted to be rocked before being put down for naps or at night for bedtime. You just snuggle under my neck and let me kiss on you. I love it!



You're eating 8-10 ounces of formula every 4 hours during the day. You love every bit of baby food that we give you. You usually have baby food at lunch and dinner.

You love water through a straw, but won't take it from a bottle yet.



I've started giving you 1 ounce of juice with 3 ounces of water...you down it so fast! You've had apple, pear & white grape juice.



You love to play peek-a-boo and for us to say, "where's Amelia!??" You laugh every time.

When Mommy is working in the kitchen or fixing your bottles, you sit in your high chair and are such a good girl!



You love taking a bath in the sink. :)



Your new game is throwing things out of your car seat when you're finished playing with them. I have to watch you closely or we would lose every pacifier you have. Sometimes you look at me and wait for me to look at you and then you slowly drop it on the floor. Makes me laugh every time. It's like you're just waiting to see what I'll do!

Still teething, but no teeth yet!

When we take you places, people will talk to you and you always give them a smile. We are blessed to have such a happy baby.



You can now sit up all by yourself!



It literally happened overnight and we're so proud of you!



You are so fast and can grab something before we can even think about moving it. It's getting harder to stay a step ahead of you. Can't imagine when you're crawling!



You have the tightest little grip. Once you get ahold of something, I have to pry it out of your little fingers and it's difficult. You have even started putting your gums together and making this face like, "over my dead body are you getting this, Mommy!" (LOL)



You startle easily. I can blow my nose or laugh and you jump!

You're "talking" all of the time now. We have no clue what you're saying, but it sure sounds cute.

I will put music on and it's like you're singing along...makes me giggle.

You roll/army crawl/spin yourself to get where you want to go. It's fun to watch. :)

Daddy and I were just saying how we can't believe how fast your first birthday is approaching. Mommy is about to get into full, party-planning mode!



We love you so much, Amelia. We don't take one minute with you for granted.



Love,
Daddy & Mommy

Father's Day 2010

Last Father's Day, I was carrying Amelia in my belly. This year, we're carrying her in our arms. I have to say, having her here makes every holiday so much sweeter! Last night, Alex was working on a little project outside that had to be complete before leaving town again. He took a little break to come in and tell Amelia goodnight.



She wore her I LOVE DAD pjs in honor of Father's Day. :)



This morning, Amelia and I ran to Sonic and Starbucks to grab breakfast & Daddy's favorite latte! When we got back, he opened his cards. We actually gave him his Father's Day present early. A new fishing rod & reel!



Amelia watching Daddy open his cards. One of his cards played music...she really liked that one. She plays with dried parsley and onion when she's in her high chair. Give the girl toys and she throws them in the floor. Give her spices and she will play all day!



Alex, you are a wonderful father to our baby girl. I love to watch you with her. You love her so much and would do anything for her. You were promising her a pony on day one in the hospital. (LOL)



When out of town, you call to talk to her on the phone, which I think is so sweet. You pray over her every night before bed. You practice Da-da-da-da with her every day...you really want this to be her first words! You dance around the house with her and sing sweet songs to her. Amelia will have no doubt that she is a beautiful little girl who is loved by her earthly father, but more importantly her Heavenly Father, because you tell her on a daily basis. I love you so much, sweetie. Thank you for working so hard to take such good care of your girls.



I would also like to say Happy Father's Day to my Daddy! This pic is right after I told him that I was pregnant with Amelia. :) Daddy, thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for always being there to answer my questions about the Bible, my car, my washer/dryer, taxes...I could go on and on! You aren't perfect, but you have a love for Christ and for others like no other. You make friends with everyone you meet. You've been hurt in ministry many times over, but are always quick to forgive and get right back in there. You taught your children that ministry, service, and sharing Christ's love are what we're here on this earth to do. Thank you for the Godly example that you live on a daily basis. I love you, Daddy!



And Happy Father's Day to my F-I-L. You can't see their faces in this pic, but it's still one of my faves. This is of Alex and his Daddy praying together on the day Amelia was born. I tell Alex that if he wants to know what he's going to look like when he gets older, just look at his Daddy. He looks just like him to me. A very handsome man. :) One of my fondest memories is going on vacation with Alex's parents a couple of years ago. Alex wasn't able to go, so I rode with his parents to the beach. His Dad would get up and have coffee and breakfast ready and waiting on the entire house! Treated me like a princess the entire time. :) I love you, Steve!



The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. -Psalm 37:23

Happy Father's Day!

Amelia hosts a luncheon...

Alex was out of town this week, so Amelia and I kept ourselves busy with lots of different things. We had a few people over for a little luncheon and it was great fun.

There are two ladies in our former church that prayed for us for many years. When the time came for us to start trying to have a baby, they once again were prayer warriors on our behalf. Their names are Mrs. Clara & Mrs. Myrtle. They were like second grandparents to us. Mrs. Myrt was able to come see Amelia when she was in the NICU, but hadn't seen her since then and this was Mrs. Clara's first time to see her! They call on a regular basis to say hi and to see how my family is doing, but I was so happy that they could come for lunch!

I purchased this table cloth a few weeks ago. It's raw silk...not terribly practical, but it was so pretty - I just couldn't resist. I used all white dishes and used some regular plates as chargers. Bowls for our salad and small plate for our dessert. It was fun to set the table. I usually have large groups over, so it's always buffet style.



I made strawberry romaine salad w/grilled chicken. I made a lot because my nephews were here too and they eat like grown men. :)



Mrs. Myrt brought me these pretty flowers that she grows in her yard! I wish so badly that I had a green thumb. I love fresh flowers!



Enjoying our lunch and even more, the conversation!



Amelia sat and watched us from her high chair. She had a two hour nap before they arrived, so she was ready to entertain!



I had a variety of cookies for dessert. Thanks to the Keebler Elves & Pepperidge Farm!



And I made a fudge pie!



Mrs. Myrtle giving Amelia some love!



This is Mrs. Clara. Amelia gave them both a kiss on the cheek while they were holding her! That made their day...they just loved her. We are so happy they came to visit.



Aunt Joy w/her Amelia Joy.



It was a fun time and really made me want to start having more people into my home again. I feel like the house is cluttered with baby things on a regular basis and it takes a little more planning on my part. Amelia has to be bathed, clothed, fed, had a nap, etc...but that really doesn't matter. That doesn't need to stop me from having people into my home. The house doesn't have to be perfect to have a a good meal and conversation. I think it's important to use our spiritual gifts. One of mine has always been the gift of hospitality. I love to cook a meal and serve others in my home. I need to start using this gift to love on others.

So maybe you'll be the next to come over for a luncheon with me & Amelia!? :)

Love to all,

A trip to my parents...

Alex was out of town last week, so Amelia and I decided to go stay with my parents for a few days. We hit the road on Wednesday and headed towards Osceola! We made it to town in time to go to church with them. They have such a sweet church family.



Upon arrival, we put our things in the guest room and my Momma had these pretty flowers on the bedside table. They were flower stems from an arrangement that me and my siblings had sent for my Grandmother's funeral service. She had little arrangements all over the house. I love having fresh flowers sprinkled around my home.



Amelia loved the accommodations.



While there, my Momma baked this yummy banana bread cobbler! She's going to share the recipe on her blog. It was delicious. I won't share how many pieces I consumed.



Each morning, Momma would ask me what I wanted for breakfast. She made me chocolate gravy & biscuits one morning...yum! Another delicious breakfast was this french toast. She made it from homemade bread that she had made before I arrived. She sent a loaf of the bread home to Alex...he LOVES homemade bread. :)



The next morning we headed to Cary & Sara's. This was my first time to see their new church and home. Amelia had a good nap on the way. Most of her naps while at my parents, took place in the car seat. We were on the go and she was a good, little traveler.



We made it to New Madrid, met Cary & Sara at their home, and headed out to lunch.



We drove to Sikeston to have lunch at Lambert's!



Jackson checking out the menu. :)



Millie Beth on one end of the table...



Amelia Joy on the other!



As you may know, Lambert's is home of the throwed roll. This is Jackson's face while watching them throw rolls all over the restaurant. LOL



They would push this little cart around and when you raised your hands that you wanted a roll...



They would throw you one across the restaurant! So much fun!



Jackson would raise his hands and say "HOT ROLL...HOT ROLL!" haha!!



They also walked around with yummy things, like fried okra and fried potatoes...constantly asking if we wanted more! I ordered the broiled chicken breast and it was the largest piece of chicken I've ever seen in my life. You could have fed 4 people off of this one piece of chicken!



Amelia thought it was loads of fun!



My sweet Daddy & Momma.



After lunch, we went to the outlet mall. I hit up the Carter's outlet. Heaven help! I found some summer outfits for Amelia. The girl is growing like a weed. Some of the outfits she's wearing are 12 month! We borrowed Sara's double stroller, since I didn't think to bring mine. Amelia loved being in the front. She just kicked back and enjoyed the ride.



After our shopping trip, we headed back to New Madrid and I took a tour of my brother's new church (where he's pastor).



I'm so proud of my little brother. I have no doubt that God has great things in store for NMBC!



They are living in the church parsonage, but as always, Sara has put her personal touch on everything and it's just adorable! There are still things that she wants to change (like the fireplace and there is a lot of wood in the dining room/kitchen area that isn't her style) but I think it's already looking so good.



Sara & Millie in the dining room.



I also received a tour of Jackson's bedroom! He is so cute and couldn't be more proud of his new room. Love this kid.



The next day, we headed to downtown Blytheville. There isn't a whole lot in this little town, but there are a couple of places that I always want to visit when I'm there. I love to eat at Sharecroppers.



I made a healthy choice of grilled chicken salad for lunch, so that I could have a piece of fresh strawberry pie for dessert. :)



After lunch, we visited Sisters...love this little store.



We had a great time with my parents. Alex has been out of town a lot on business, over the past few months. It's always nice to have help while he's away. There is nothing like your Momma cooking for you and helping you with your baby. Momma let me get a little more sleep, by getting up with Amelia in the mornings. Daddy would entertain her, so that I could get a shower and get ready. Momma cooked delicious meals for me, just like when I was little. May sound silly, but it's just nice to feel taken care of by your parents. To feel like you're the child again. Home is wherever they reside. I love them so much.



Love to all,