Busy as a Bee

I always have good intentions to update my blog on a regular basis. And then somewhere along the way and the millon other things I have to do, I just cant seem to sit and write.... much less upload pictures.

I have a new home away from home. The beautiful Rossview Elementary. I think I am the only one crazy enough to have opened new school two years in a row. There is so much to do. My gym is still not completely finished, but it is getting there. This is where you will find me for the next 30 years. I do not ever plan on leaving this beautiful school. And the best part is that I will get to bring Audra-Grace with me in a few years and then she will be right here on this camus for her entire school career. What a great thing. 

Other things that have been going on .... the YMCA annual dinner/dance was held this past Saturday night. I am proud to say that we raised a lot of money for this great organization. Now I am busy working on Hillbilly Ball. That is the annual party for Junior Auxiliary and I happen to be chairing it this year. So please please please call me for tickets. It is Sept 26 at waterstreet events center. The dress is casual and we will havve BBQ and beer.... plus sides and desserts.

Besides all of that it is just the everyday hustle and bustle that keeps me busy. Usually by October I start to slow down a little. Just to pick back up in time for the holidays.

I know most of you only read this to see Audra-Grace so let me give you an update on her. Wow!!! Could I love that girl any more. I just dont think its possible. She is growing into such a little girl. My baby is gone forever. She is starting to sing hr abc's - which makes me very proud. She loves A-B-C---L-M-N-O-P--- X-Y-Z. she always sys those parts LOUD. She also amazed me the other day when she was taking a both. She has some pool toys that we are now using for bathtime that is a bag of about 12 animals that squirt water. She handed each one to be and wanted me to tell her what kind of animal it was. She then took it and studied it for a minute and would then set it down and hand me the next one and repeat the process. She could then tell me exactly which animal was which. Amazing that she took the time to study them!

Well, back to the craziness!!!

Recent Pics

      Wow. That one is hard to see. But Audra-Grace loved her first ride on a carasal
          Popsicles are great in the summer time.
              We love Kate and Izzy and are so fortunate to have the Heggie family in our lives. They                  are so wonderful. Happy 2nd Birthday Izzy.
                                                      First pony ride. We are at the rodeo.
                         Great Granddaddy Charlie thinks our little girl hung the moon. And we feel 

                         the same way about him. Love Love Love this man. 

I'm Back

Today Daniel informed me that I need to be updating our blog more often. He says he likes to read the things that I post. Funny - because ha has already lived it. But, I guess he likes seeing it from my viewpoint. 

We have been busy as usual the past few weeks. Somehow, even with me being off work for summer vacation I still feel like there is never enough time. We have been visiting the pool a lot lately. The first couple of times were awful. Audra-Grace was so excited and wound up because it was so new to her. She did not want us holding on to her - not understanding that if we let go she was going straight to the bottom. That sent us on a search for a flotation device that would allow for her to be in the pool on her own (of course with us right beside her). First we tried a bathing suit with a build in life jacket - that kept her on top of the water but did not keep her head from going under. Next we tried a actual life jacket that has a big piece that goes around the head. That is the safety feature. It immediatly flips her on her back. This would be nice if we were on a boat and I needed it for safety only.... but we want her to be able to move around in the water and learn to kick her legs and move her arms. Not to mention --- several of our friends were over for a family swim night and they all laughed at her in it and said they could not bear to see her continue to wear it all summer. They said she looked like she had just come out of some sort of neck surgery and was wearing this to keep her head from moving. Finally we have found the perfect solution. Daniel found this thing called a swim trainer at Walgreens and it has worked out great but we have to pair it with floaties. She is now able to move around on her own and is learning to motor around the pool. It is so fun to play with her in the water. We are trying to take her several nights a week after dinner to keep her used to the water. The more we go the better she does.

Thank goodness for this solution. I am already an overprotective mom but I am especially anxiety driven around water. I was a lifeguard, swim instructor, and pool manager for years. Water was always a part of my life. I grew up loving to swim, spending hours the the pool perfecting all of my strokes. And then grew up to make a job of it. After becoming a lifeguard I was never able to go to a pool and not be in full out lifeguard mode. This is terrible at times - I wish I could just relax. And then about 6 years ago one of those things you never forget happened. I was at work managing Beechaven pool and I heard a scream I will never forget. I look up and see a women holding a little boy. I knew from the sound of the scream what was happening. I ran over and took the little boy in my arms and started CPR. Thankfully he was OK. However it has totally changed my feelings of the water. I am now a nervous wreck around water when young children are involved. This being even worse with my own child. Needless to say I will be very glad when she is older and swimming like a fish and I dont have to worry so much. 

Well, that was long ---- sorry. 

I will try to do better about updating the blog. I promise to add more pictures soon. The worst thing about my iphone is that I now use it to take all my pictures and they never make it to the computer.  I will dig the camera back out of the bottom of my purse and take a few shots to put up. :)

Far Too Long

OK, I have been neglecting my post lately. I will try to do better. I think this has to do with the fact that I got an Iphone. Now I don't even hardly touch my computer. 

Things have been  great here. Staying busy. The past two week I have been out of school. I LOVE summer vacation. However, it has not slowed things down. For some reason I over commit myself all the time so I have had meetings almost everyday for all of the various committees and organizations I am involved in. One thing I am enjoying is all of the lunch dates that come along with this. I am now seeing what the rest of the world does on their lunch break while us teachers are stuck in school. I think I am going to pack my schedule full of lunch dates this summer so I can make up for all of the time I loose during the school year.

Daniel has transitioned into his new job very nicely. For those of you that don't know. His is a consultant for the City of Clarksville. He will be helping out with the marina project and the rails to trails project, among others. Architecture is his passion but this is the next best thing. He really truly loves this community and wants to see great things for it -- so this is a perfect match. We have been so blessed and have learned that things always work out, no matter how bad they seem. I am very proud of him and feel so lucky everyday to be his wife.

Now on to Audra-Grace.  I love that child, she is getting her own little personality and becoming a little girl. Gone are the days of my baby. That makes me sad and teary just to type it. But it is so true. When I look at her now I do not see that same colicky tiny baby that I brought home from the hospital. It seems like overnight she grew into this cute little girl. As much as it is hard to see her grow up so fast it is also pretty amazing. She is a stubborn little thing. I have no idea where she could get that from. (wink wink). Her new favorite word is NO and although I hate hearing her say it --- it is so cute. She has this little southern drawl on it. I love being her mommy for all of the sweetness and even the moments when she is showing her "abby" side.

Lots to do over the next few days. Flying High is this Saturday and we are looking forward to it. I will share pictures later. Also, Sunday is Daniel's birthday so we will have lots of fun for him. And my little brother and my mom will be here this weekend. Fun Stuff!

Its Been Awhile

I have been so busy I have neglected my blog. Somehow, I had a feeling that would happen after the newness of it wore off - as with everything I do. 

Last weekend I spent my first night away from Audra-Grace. Yes --- for all of you moms who can't believe I waited 18 months to do it. I have never been apart from her over night for 18 months. I had to go to a Junior Auxiliary conference in Franklin so she stayed home with daddy. The only way I was able to do it was because I knew she was with her daddy. We both survived. It was good for this nervous anxiety filled mamma to be forced to do something I did not want to do. Speaking of Junior Auxiliary if any of my readers are interested in joining let me know. It a a group of women who work to help the less fortunate in our community - with a focus on children.

I am going to put up a few pictures of Audra-Grace, Daniel, and Granddaddy Charlie on the farm. She loved the horses. That is another one of those things that terrifies me - Daniel and Granddaddy Charlie cannot wait for her to get big enough to ride. 

Saturday night we had a great evening out with friends. Of course we went to The Pub. Our regular meeting spot. I am so blessed to have such wonderful friends and am very thankful that they were all put in my life. 

Mothers Day was great except for the fact that my mom was off flying. She will be in tonight so we we celebrate this week. Audra-Grace even took a 3 hour nap --- so of course that meant mommy did too. I love my little girl so much and am so fortunate to be a mommy. She is my whole world and I cannot imagine my life without her.

Here is to all the mommies!!!!!!!

13.1

                                                     Andy, Abby, and Katie before the race

I did it. I managed to walk 13.1 miles this past weekend in the Country Music 1/2 Marathon. I have such a short stride that my fast walking is slow so I was very worried about making it in the time limit. All I wanted to do was make it in 4 hours. I did it in 3 hours and 54 minutes. So I was happy. I had also been very worried that I would be the last one out there with the pace car following behind me. But I was FAR from the rear. I kept looking back and seeing what looked like thousands of people behind me. Several of my friends also did the 1/2 marathon, it was such a great experience to do it with other people who were all encouraging and supporting each other. Even though we were all at different levels and different paces just knowing they were there made it easier. I look forward to doing another one soon.

Big Event

Wow. I am so nervous and excited. Tomorrow morning at 4 am I will be heading to Nashville for my first 1/2 marathon. I am just one of the walkers bringing up the rear of the 30,000 that will be on the course. But 13.1 is 13.1 no matter what locomotion you use to finish. Hey, I may even be crawling by the end of it. I was feeling really good about the whole thing until last week and then ---- I get sick. Started as a head cold and has worked its way to my chest. With my history of asthma this is the part that worries me. I hope my lungs will allow me to keep up a good pace. People have said "you done have to do it, its not to late to back out" but those people forget my stubborn nature. Once I say I am going to do something you better believe I am going to do it. I am so proud of all the folks that have been training with me. Can't wait to see you at the finish!!!!!

Nothing New

This past weekend I was under the weather. Since I am doing a half marathon in less than a week I decided it was best to get myself well so I would be ready on Saturday. So Audra-Grace and I just hung around the house. Saturday morning Daniel got up and headed out to cook hamburgers and hotdogs for all the people participating in the Race For the Cure. He said there was a great turnout. I envy those people who can ride 50-100 miles on a bike. Not me - those seats are way to uncomfortable for that. Sunday we visited Grace Community Church for the second week in a row. It is very different from any church Daniel or I have ever gone to before but I think thats a good thing. Right now we are having lots of changes in our lives. I then headed out to the Queen City Road Race and it was a wet one. We had two teams from WCES running the 5k relay. And one of our teams won. Way to go!!!! I am very proud of them. It was worth standing in the rain for hours -even if they didn't win. I was then feeling well enough I needed to get some walking in. Oh the hills of Rudolph Town. I was glad to get out there again. With my crazy life it had been about 3 weeks since I had done any training whatsoever. Have a great day all.

Snack Time!

Last night was my turn to host book club. I must say book club is one of my favorite things. I tend to commit myself to so much but this is one commitment I enjoy each month. Getting together with such a great group of women and having great discussions is a highlight of my month. This month we read a book about a group of Jewish women in Memphis. It is nice to learn about other people and think beyond what we know and are comfortable with. 

Now for the real reason I am posting. I just have to share some pictures. I made lasagna the book club girls and there was a bunch left over. Daniel and Audra-Grace had been out spending some quality time together but when they got home and saw that lasagna they had to make a plate. Daniel made himself a plate and Audra-Grace soon became very fussy. Daniel kept telling me he wanted to be picked up (all while he is sitting and enjoying his 2nd dinner of the night). I picked her up and she just kept pointing at his plate. I was very aware at that point what she was fussing for. She wanted to eat. SO I set her on the table and he shared his lasagna with her. It was so cute. She was sitting criss-cross-applesauce (as we teachers say) and she looked like such a big girl. I feel like just yesterday she was my little 6 pound bundle of joy. Where does the time go!!! Oh --- by the way --- remember, she had been with her daddy all night... I do usually have her hair fixed!

Sheets- my something random for the day

Once a week I experience one of my top 10 favorite things. Clean sheets! I love getting into a freshly made bed with just out of the dryer sheets. SO as I was falling asleep last night my mind was on a conversation I had had recently with a group of friends. I was shocked to hear that most people have several sets of sheets that they use on their bed. WHAT????? Not me, I wash and dry my sheets and then they go right back on. There are a few reason for this. The first is that I hate and refuse to fold sheets --- folding a fitted sheet is nearly impossible. The second is that my sheets match my bedding. They are the exact sea-foam green color as the blanket is on my bed and they match beautifully with the gold and black that make up my room. I would be devastated to turn down my bed at night and find some awful paisley sheets that do not match. It is so hard to match my sheets to the color I need that when I see sheets in that color I will buy them so when my current sheets are worn out I have some to replace them. I guess that is why baskin robbins make 31 flavors - we are all allowed to like our own thing --- mine just happens to be good sheets!

Easter

                                                             So Sweet
                                                       Checking out all the gifts the Easter Bunny brought
                                                               Looking for eggs  
                                              The Easter basket!

I look for any reason to dress my sweet little girl in a pretty smocked bishop and today was a perfect day for it. There is something about how angelic she looks in a simple white dress. I will hate it when she tells me one day "mom I am not wearing these baby dresses anymore". Our day started early with a visit to Grace Community Church. WOW!!!! We were so pleased to see how many friends we have that go there. Everyone was so welcoming. I think we will probably be seen around there more often. After we got home it was time for Audra-Grace to see what the Easter Bunny had left for her. Her Easter basket is the one I used a child. My grandfather made them for my sister and I. It was very special to see her carrying around. We looked outside to see that the Easter Bunny had dropped off some eggs in our yard. Daniel did not think Audra-Grace would know to put the eggs in the basket but I had faith in my girl. She was soon gathering all the eggs and putting them in her little basket. It was so sweet. I know it meant a lot more to me than to her at this point. She really has no idea of what she was doing. After all the morning fun it was time to take a nap. We had a busy evening - Katie, Bo, and Maddie were coming over for dinner and we had a lot to do to get ready. The girls had so much fun together. Whatever Maddie does Audra-Grace is repeating. And of course we spent most of the time watching the Masters. Augusta National - a little slice of heaven. 

Where a Kid Can Be A Kid

Friday I decided to bite the bullet and visit Chuck E Cheese. After taking other people's kids there on a few occasions Daniel and I both have been dreading this. He was lucky enough to be out of town so I roped my mom and sister into coming with me. We went early enough to beat the lunch crowd and it was not nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Audra-Grace and Maddie like only 1 game and the toddler slide. We could have not bought a single token and they would have been happy. All in all - it was a good time. Next time ---- Daniel is not getting of the hook and he will be joining us.

Sick Again :(

Audra-Grace just cannot catch a break. We ended up back at the doctor's office again today. About two nights ago she started waking in the night a fussing so I knew something was not right. After another night of her being up and crying (more like screaming) I decided to let her stay home with her daddy and make an appointment. As the day went on her breathing was sounding worse and worse. I had thought it was another ear infection but that was quickly ruled out. After being at the doctors office for 2 1/2 hours and having her ears checked, a strep test, a chest x-ray, having blood drawn, and a breathing treatment she was worn out. By the time I got there she was soaking wet from sweating due to all the crying she had been doing. I picked her up and within minutes she was sound asleep on my shoulder. That was a rare moment so I cherished it - but it also made me sad because I knew it meant she really felt bad. Dr, Moore came back in and told us she has a virus in her lungs. She will probably be feeling bad for a few more days. A big Thanks to Dr. Moore - we seem to be visiting him ALL the time these days and he always reassures us. 

After such a hard day I knew my little princess deserved her favorite dinner. Spaghetti!!!! She absolutely loves it. We have to strip her down when she eats it because she makes such a mess. I have been trying to work on table manners but seeing her gobble up that spaghetti after feeling so bad today made it a non-issue. The cutest part was that while she ate she rocked it out to American Idol. This girl is either going to be a groupie for some rock band and follow them across the country or she is going to be a famous dancer. She loves to dance and has rhythm and everything. Tonight she was doing the over the head clap --- you know the one  - we have all done at some concert or another. Here are a few pictures from her dinner.

Spring Break 09

Wow!!!! Spring Break came and went so quickly I hardly know where to begin. For those of you who don't know, I am training for the Music City 1/2 Marathon. I am just walking so don't get to excited. 13.1 miles seems like a lot but I have to remember that 4 years ago I walked 60 miles over the course of 3 days - so 13.1 should be a piece of cake. Anyway, my workout buddy Eddie decided that since I was off for a whole week that I should spend it all in the gym. I would take Audra-Grace for half day's at daycare get in 2-3 hours of workouts and then pick her up before naptime. It honestly felt great. I am looking forward to this summer when I have time to train. 

This past weekend Daniel's second family, Clarksville Downtown Kiwanis held the 2nd annual "Porkin in the Park" on Strawberry Alley. I went down on Friday night for a little adult time and went back on Saturday with Audra-Grace so she could enjoy the festivities. Several of her little friends were there and she was thrilled to see them. She even got a ride on Mr. Tom's Ranger. However, being the dancer that she is, the thing she loved most was the band. She dances everytime she hears music so of course she loved it with all the spectators around. She definatly likes to put on a show.

Our weekend ended with a trip over to see cousin Maddie. Both girls happened to be wearing red, white, and denim so we knew we needed to get a picture. Audra-Grace was posing a saying cheese as she always does when she sees a camera and Maddie was just trying to get it over with so she could get on to her waffles. They did look cute.

Now it is back to the real world. 

Happy anniversary Aim-ee and George

This one is going up a little late but I did not want to leave it out. Last weekend Daniel and I were lucky enough to get to help celebrate Aim-ee and George Watson's 7-year anniversary. We went to Flemings in Nashville and had an amazing time. The evening was full of great friends and food. We both feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends in our lives. 

Fun filled weekend

This weekend was full of fun and friends. Audra-Grace got to see so many people and she loved every minute of it. She got to see her cousins Darbey and Dalton, unfortunatly Drue was unable to make it. It was a cold and rainy day so we had to spend lots of time in doors. you  can see Audra-Grace is looking out the window wishing she could go out and play. We also ad the pleasure of meeting little Kinley Watson Driver, daughter of Abby's longtime friend Jacqueline. She is such a cutie. Even Slate and Allie came over to welcome her.

Look how far we have Come!

Our littel angel Audra-Grace

Don't let the doll face and sweet little dress fool you. She can be a handful - but we wouldn't have it any other way.

On The Bandwagon

Since everyone else is "blogging" these days, I have decided I will jump on the bandwagon as well. I hope you will enjoy checking in on our family. With a seventeen month old we stay very busy and it is always exciting around our house. Audra-Grace still continues to amaze us every day. I tell everyone she looks just like her daddy but she acts like her mommy. I am not so sure that is a good thing. She is very strong-willed and stubborn. We are loving the journey she is taking us on.