true.love.darlin.

Picture Day!

2011-02-24T22:14:00.001-06:00

Today was an eventful day. I had the girls scheduled for pictures at a new place in town. Lets just say it up front...I'm weird about pictures. I usually tend to boycott all traditional ways but this time I caved...it was FREE...so I thought, "why not"! The experience was decent...so what can you say. Not to mention you got the pics in 15min. flat. Ok, so I might go again. Just to get those grandparent pics if nothing else:)

I had the help of my sweet mother and her never ending patients. What would I do without her?! Story was not having any part of it for mostly the whole time and poor Meila has been sick and has a diaper rash that would make a grown person cry. So we were doing pretty good to just get there in one piece. Oh my, what a mother will do for FREE! (this is with just 2 kids...what would I do with more???!!!)

About 30 M&M's later...we ended up with this.

It started out like this ...

but ended on a sweet note.

(it takes all session to get the sweetest pic at the every last second)

old things new

2011-02-07T10:00:00.087-06:00

i just viewed Found Objects over at the Nesting Place and it brought this love to the surface again. thought someone else might enjoy it too. what a job! and way to go pottery barn...what a novel idea;)! if you ever come across a job so interesting...take it upon yourself to sign me up.

i am very much a lover of old things for my decor, vintage would probably be a better way of putting it. i believe my "style"comes from the eclectic taste of my mother (although she has a much more polished approach:) growing up it seemed that there were always those things that had a story behind them and i just loved the comfort that brought. i always knew i wanted to morph that into my own one day. but, as all married couples know you just typically start off with what you have and add to it as you go. over the past 8 years it has been a lot of keeping that, getting rid of this, adding those and moving everything again. but, that is truly what makes everything 'work'....for me at least. i have the privilege of having several of my family heirlooms... a table i grew up with, a grandmother clock that my P-paw bought my Nonie for an anniversary gift, a sewing machine of my Nonie's, and an iron bed of my Great-Granny's. along with all of the other little things that have meaning, my home has really taken a shape of eclectic comfort as well. thanks mom, for your guidance.

oh and I got to spend some time with this, little beauty, today.

quite magical, i must admit. my Nonie's 1950's Singer. ya know, I never really did understand what everyone meant by the fact that they "sing"...well I do now. there really is no comparison to others i have used. not to mention this one is in a lovely little table, so you just fold it up and your done.

* sigh*

it was kinda bitter sweet sitting there knowing that there had been years of love sewn on that baby.

i've spent extra special time with this "true beauty" too.

Meila loves her alone time:)

Story is at her grandparents for a couple of days...but i had to include this. isn't she beautiful.

february...the month of love

2011-02-05T12:51:00.001-06:00

i know it's been for-e-ver since i posted. things have been a little busy and i have been in a post-nursing fog....just sayin. with lots behind me and so much to look forward to, i choose to start February holding on to the promises of my Savior and putting my confidence in Him alone. i really would just love to shout it from the roof tops...so here it goes. HE IS SO FAITHFUL! i just have to put my confidence in His perspective not my own. He forges this in my mind time and time again. only with so much tenderness; as not to harm my feeble mind, but to speak truth ever so gently. am I listening? i have fallen more in love with Him in the process. for that i am grateful.

so with all of that said...

i wanted to share some pics of 'our pad' (finally), where our love is shared. it is always a work in progress but we have been so blessed with a place to call home, a place to love each other, a place to teach our girls the love of Jesus.

hard to believe it's 2 months shy of being a year since we moved (for the 9th time). amazing to see how everything tends to fall into place...yet again. we have loved this little town but nothing is beyond the realm of possibility. so we have just learned to grow where we are planted...regardless of how many times we are uprooted. new soil can be refreshing.

Christmas cards, oh Christmas cards...

2010-12-12T19:36:00.001-06:00

Can't you feel it! Christmas cards are high on the priority list once again. Although, I really should be done with the preparation by now. But, thanks to Shutterfly, if I write a post and share the joy... I get them for free. So that is worth the wait I suppose. And, totally worth your time and effort to hop on over to shutterfly.com and get yours started as well. Just post about it on your blog and you get 50 free. Please, we would LOVE to see your beautiful faces plastered on a fun little card, all the while knowing...you got them for free. That would make me smile even more! There are many really cute and not so traditional styles available. Something for everyone! Below are just a few of my favorite styles. Not to mention, the mugs are a huge hit around this place. I've made them before and they turn out SO cute. Anyone in the family that is crazy about your kids (or you for that matter) will love them. Shutterfly did our birth announcements for Story Love. I can assure you the quality is great! Merry Christmas and SEND ME YOUR CARD TOO!

Here are the links...
http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/cards-stationery/peppermint-dots-christmas-card-5x7-flat?sortType=1&storeNode=93479

http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs

thanksgiving miracle?

2010-11-21T21:46:00.002-06:00

lets just say...i'm beginning to miss my mac book...

BAD.

not to mention the fact that the grands and aunt

haven't been able to see the girls in over a month.

andrea told me that ichat was really one of those necessities in life...

i totally disagreed in the moment,

only to eat my thoughts now.

i agree sis...there!

so...thanksgiving miracle? maybe?

*sigh*

nevertheless,

thanksgiving is quickly approaching and i have to say,

i am beside myself to have both sides here to REPRESENT!

no to mention...

i can't wait to put everyone around my new table.

even if we have to squeeze in.

my wonderful husband has been so diligent to take our table

from old and worn looking to a new heirloom to pass down.

hopefully it will last another 25 years, so my girls can enjoy it like i did.

he refinished the top with a walnut stain and painted the pedestal gray

(my favorite color these days)

i wish i could say it was as easy as that...but

then comes the chairs.

as you can see they are quite detailed.

tons of painting had to go into these babies.

i also wish i could say i was right in the middle of it all, helping.

after 2 evenings of migraines because of fumes,

i decided that wasn't gonna work.

so YES he has done this all on his own. (hopefully without dirty words)

i will be eternally grateful, as i enjoy it for years to come.

thank you, adam! i love you!

just look at these beauties...I am so blessed.

hope your thanksgiving is happy and full of family fun!

Playing catch up!

2010-11-01T23:15:00.006-05:00

This will at least get us somewhat up to speed from the last month.
We aren't back in business yet but trying to make do with what we have.
I feel like I'm so behind in pics.

Story is killing me with her eyes these days.
Everything about her is so expressive and she definitely has her own idea about life.
She love to help me with all things and I have found that is her way of showing me love.

Meila is sitting up now. And, cut her first tooth last weekend. It's there but barely.
Thanks to amber teething necklaces, she has been quite pleasant through the process.
She is such a happy baby...as long as you are feeding her something:)
We seriously think she could eat all day.
Who do you think she looks like? Still trying to put a finger on that one...lol.

Life is great. We are loving our new church.
It seems like there are so many areas to be involved in, but we are taking baby steps.
A church family sure makes all the difference in transition times.
We are growing and being challenged again which feels great.

I have been busy around my house making it more of a home.
Many of my ideas have been encouraged by this fun blog...http://thenester.com.
I have...
grouped, de-cluttered, painted, and organized to the point that I'm beginning to think,
I can't get enough.
It's fun to play house...and I hope to get better at it with all of these "tips".
Many times I wonder what it is I LOVE to do (besides loving on my girls).
I have found lately it's focusing on my home. Making it cute.
I can't say I'm that great at it but I sure try and have fun in the mean-time.
Every house we have ever lived in has had a way of calling my name to make it lovely.
And, I have to say...I do love arranging and re-arranging, until it seems slightly imperfect.
So, soon I will post with pics of my home. Until then...
GOODNIGHT!

where on where have my pictures gone...

2010-10-23T16:33:00.001-05:00

Well, no blogging as of late. And a GOOD excuse! About 2 weeks ago, our MAC (yep that's right. those trusty little things.) decided to crash with NO notice. Sending all of our poor information, music and PICS (my main concern) spiraling to it's grave in computer land. Uhhh, how I hate this.

Now confession time:

It honestly is frustrating but has taught us some pretty major things in the mean time. I know it probably sounds dumb that a computer can be so consuming and you might think..."wow, they must really have an addiction problem"....it's not like that....lol. But lets all take an honest look at our daily routine. I by no means am a computer fanatic. I basically do what I need to do...post pics, check FB, look at a few BLOGS (we will come back to that), listen to music and google the much needed instant info of life. Never do I spend hours and hours just browsing the web. BUT...some of the time I was spending was wearing on my idea of what ( I ) was supposed to look like...to the world, not to God. I personally was allowing my blog reads to influence and frustrate my thinking. The need and feeling that I had to "keep up" with everyone else's life and endeavors and candy coated dreams was taking it's toll. Ignoring the fact that I maybe needed to 'fast' from any computer time for awhile was a poor choice on my part. Then out of nowhere...poof, it's all gone. (I'm not suggesting that it's all because of this situation in my heart...so don't get all weirded out on me...but maybe no coincidence.) My initial reaction...made an appointment with the Apple Store for the next morning and allowed myself to be sick about the loss most of the night. Then I listened to the wise counsel of my husband. "Babe, we COULD just wait til I get paid on Friday...considering we don't know how much it will cost to have it fixed and the info recovered. Or, we could even wait til bonus time in November." ME: WHAT! November! Then he suggested that maybe this was a good thing for a while. Not just because of my silly blog reads but just because it slowly takes your time away from just simple family interaction in the evenings. Something so simple that's not in check ( such as time) can rob much joy. So, I took a deep breath and decided to just let it be. I found myself asking the Lord to give me a bigger burden for lost people not lost STUFF. After-all that IS what this life is about, RIGHT!? That might sound silly (like, really, you had to ask that) but it's true. Time is a valuable thing. Am I wasting it? When we have that luxury again great. Don't get me wrong...it has put a kink in things and I am praying that maybe just maybe I will be able to have my pics back...although, I did tell the Lord it was fine if I didn't. But for now, I'm actually enjoying the quiet. Plus...I'm thankful I have a husband that is focused on making us better...and keeping me on track.

For sure some of the blogs help enrich my life...when I keep them in the right place. I will keep reading those. This blog is just about my little life! I'm not trying to be the best at everything. Just ME!

Thanks for hearing me out and hopefully it won't be much longer.

AMY

*fyi: back your computers up on a regular basis...please. and, if you have an suggestions on the best way to go about recovering info, feel free to comment that:)

Ahhhh!

2010-10-06T00:01:00.003-05:00

Our weekend was wonderful but OH-SO-BUSY!

So this pretty much sums up how we all feel today.

It was a recoup day for us around here

This day called for a lot of holding my babies

(which I am so thankful I get to do),

and a big pot of good ole' southern GUMBO!

It doesn't get much better than that!

p.s. after all, one of life's greatest pleasures IS having one's hair played with:)

Our Little Family

2010-09-25T13:31:00.000-05:00

We were oh so in need of some family pictures and have a wonderfully sweet friend that came to the rescue! Thank you Elsie!

My Big Backyard

2010-09-23T22:27:00.002-05:00

I felt adventurous yesterday so we hopped in the car and headed towards Memphis to this cute Botanical Garden. It's a wonderful place for kids. But, I do have to say, it will be much more enjoyable mid fall. It was TOO HOT!

whimsical playgrounds

Story loved this BIG puppy

playing house....her favorite thing to do.

over and over and over

Peace and SHADE

Magnolia trees bigger than life...my fav!

Meila was such a sweetheart

Water....AAHHHHH!

Flower-BEDS

This house was full of fun things to make noise with

Everything was KID sized

We will be back when it's a bit COOLER!

it's FALL around here...

2010-09-21T18:02:00.008-05:00

and i'm excited. my favorite time of year.

Fun Finds and Friends

2010-09-21T16:00:00.005-05:00

Our Trip to Springfield was a much needed break and tons of fun. We started the weekend with some of the best food in town...Grad School...nothing like the best burger you have ever tasted,home style fries and fish tacos that were out of this world good. Not all on the same plate of course but nibbles off every plate on the table. Saturday held time for much needed family pictures, from a wonderful friend (post to come later) and flea market finds....YEAH for flea marketing...oh how I've missed you. I found this really sweet little "exploring science" book for Story Love. I'm sure it is a little advanced but so so cute. It's basically a wordless book that shows the steps in any given subject with pictures. This is just book 1 of 6. I can already tell I would love to find the others. She already loves it too. A cute vintage bib for Meila True and wonderful Irish Blessing needlework...in my favorite color of green topped it off. eek! I was also able to pick up some chairs to a round table I'm getting from my brother. It was from my childhood and I can't wait to put it in my home. So thankful he is passing it along. For whatever reason, I seem to have this "thing" for round tables. It needs some TLC...paint, refinished, not sure yet...if you have any ideas feel free to share. Regardless, I'm pretty sure it will be fabulous!

If I had been a good girl I would have gotten pics with all the friends we saw. But, i didn't. Oh how wonderful it was to see many though. It never fails...I always walk away wishing I could be in all the places we've made friends...enjoying them all. One Day!

The girls were such great travelers. I always work myself up thinking it's not gonna be easy...all to be pleasantly surprised. Lots of sleeping and ei-ei-o!

Back in 2 weeks! YAY!

True Time

2010-09-16T09:44:00.002-05:00

I just love me some Meila time!

gotta take pics together while everyone else is away.

i love her expressions in front of the camera.

she loves the camera.

check out these chubby little arms and legs

attention please...

2010-09-12T09:34:00.001-05:00

4 weeks ago Miss Love fell while playing and put a hairline fracture in her wrist.

(some how saying it was a hairline fracture instead of broken makes me feel better)

we were staying with friends in Nashville that so happened to work for an orthopedic dr.

(God is soooo good)

with a 9pm office run they had that little wrist x-rayed and cast, on the spot.

she was such a champ.

never cried...

but, wanted it off the next morning.

after that we never heard a thing out of her about it.

she just went on her marry way.

it never stopped her.

baths were interesting.

a washcloth, freezer bag and rubber band keeping it dry

(all work, no play)

this was hard, being that bath time is the most enjoyable part of her day.

we managed to keep it clean and out of the water

(thanks to this OCD mom)

then came THE DAY to have it "CUT" off.

they wouldn't let me in with her due to x-rays.

she marched in the room like a big girl.

all i could hear was a saw and them telling her over and over "it's ok, it's ok"

never a tear.

at this point I'm thinking...

"she is a little to young to NOT be needing me at such a time as this"

she came out holding the cast on her wrist.

a security of sorts...they say.

making sure True and I kissed her boo-boo.

about an hour and a waiting room of attention later, she put it in her bag.

she was done.

me, on the other hand...kept it as a memento to this little moment in life.

not to mention...

IT'S TIE-DYE

we will look back on this and have a cute story one day...

and the little cast to prove it.

we've made it a week and she's only asked for it once.

we are spoiled

2010-09-08T14:24:00.000-05:00

As always we had a wonderful time with our Aunt Sis. Usually there are a ton of pictures and video taken but for some reason we weren't quite on our game this visit. There was a lot of relaxing and catching up. As much as I love taking pictures...not being glued to my camera is nice sometimes. Here are a few sweet moments...

Love sporting Aunt Sis' shoes...she loves high-heals

and we wonder how she broke her arm...

our little "ray of sunshine"

True loving on her new toy from Aunt Sis...

Sophie la girafe by Vulli...the best toy on the planet.

if you have a baby it's a must!

sometimes I think my kids look more like their Aunt than me....what's up with that.

those Burnett genes are STRONG

it was so much fun. thanks Sis for always being willing to come and visit.

it's a treat to get you for a weekend here and there. thank you for loving our girls like you do.

they are surly spoiled with all the love and prizes you bring.

Just a few more days and we will all be together again.

YUM!

2010-09-05T16:22:00.000-05:00

we have been enjoying our time with Aunt Sis. more pics to come when we have had all of our fun. but for now, i had to share this...

i get so bored with plain ole cinnamon rolls. (unless of course they are my mother-in-law's homemade ones. but seriously...i don't even have time for that. i will continue to let her treat me to those once a year...love you Mama Sue) so, in all our blueberry lovin around here...i decided to add them to the mix. this was all that was left. very worth trying. YUM!

blueberry cinnamon rolls

a jumbo pack of cinnamon rolls (cook as directed)
mix the icing packet with a splash of milk and 1/2 cup of blueberries
heat mixture in microwave 1 minute
pour over cinnamon rolls when they are hot out of the oven.

a yummy and quick Sunday morning breakfast treat. ENJOY!

sweet girls

2010-09-01T16:01:00.000-05:00

Miss Love is almost 2 1/2 now and our little True is 5 months.

boy, you girls grow up too quick.

i cherish the moments i get with both of you everyday.

i'm so thankful.

Love:

i held you this morning and told you how big you were getting.

of how i use to hold you like baby True.

only for you to look in the mirror and smile at me with big bright eyes.

with no idea of how to comprehend what i was saying.

if only you could feel my warm heart.

you carry a baby (dady) everywhere you go. and I mean everywhere.

you are the epitome of a little mama.

sometimes your "dadies" take top priority.

i'm teaching you slowly that our real dady comes first.

you make sure True is in need of nothing...such a helper. you know she needs you.

(amazing how you already understand this)

your smiles are contagious, your chatters hilarious, and your energy...well... endless.

you are so sweet. you are so happy. you are so carefree.

i'm blessed.

True:

serious. sensitive. smiley

a mama's girl no doubt.

i already feel such a connection with you. one all it's on.

when i look at you, it's like those big blue eyes are starring right at my soul.

it takes me by surprise sometimes. (you are only 5 months old)

you will be the careful one.

you love your sis already. she pretty much lights up your world.

as long as you can watch her play in circles around you...you are happy.

you give her special smiles and laughs. i think she is already wrapped.

i know i am.

thank you Lord for giving me this privilege.

well hello there...

2010-08-31T20:47:00.000-05:00

it's been over a year since our last post. i do have to say...the events from this past year seem to twirl around in my head like carnival rides. amazing what can happen in a short 12 months. don't get me wrong. i know everyone has times like these in life. so, by no means do i count this as "spectacular" to anyone but myself. sparing much detail, here is the run down to get us up to speed...

we prayed
we got a call
we moved
we trained (out of town)
we got pregnant
we bought a house
we moved again
we remodeled
we church hunted
we adjusted to life (that takes a long time)
we made friends (sweet ones too)
we got another call (8 months later-not necessarily praying for it this time ;)
we packed boxes
we sold our house
we had baby True
we bought another house
we moved again
we celebrated Love's 2nd birthday
we are adjusting to life again
we are church hunting again
we are making friends again
we do stand in awe of how God's hand has been in every step of this journey (the whole story really is amazing)

...and yes, in that order, in exactly 12 months (almost to the day) ahhhhh!

but here we are in mississippi now and so happy together. there have been lots of ups and downs...i won't lie. it's never been harder than this time around. something to do with pregnancy...post partum...a 2 year old...probably? who knows. i do know one thing. many thanks to all our family, who has helped in so many ways. they really step up to the plate, quick.

from here we want to pick up life and write it down to remember. all the little details.

we would love for you to join us.

Guest Blog!

2009-06-16T13:17:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! It's Aunt Andrea and Story! We're taking a break from having lots of fun to blog about what's been going on. If you haven't heard yet, Adam, Amy and Story are moving to Mississippi! They will be in Springfield for the month of July and then a couple of weeks in Tennessee before they settle down in North Mississippi....only a few miles down the road from all of Amy's family!

Since Adam and Amy are busy packing, we thought we would do a guest blog!

Story has been helping with the packing!

We made some time for swinging too!

Adam and Amy's church commissioned them out and all their friends came to pray for them!

Here are some pictures of Adam and Amy's favorite nearby beach. Story loves the water and the sand!

Amy will be out of commission for a while, so here is one last picture to keep you until then! In the mean time, visit my blog and I'll try to keep you updated! Click here for more pictures from the last few weeks.

Captured

2009-05-24T14:52:00.000-05:00

As I sit here and watch it rain; for about the tenth day in a row; and soak in the life changing events of the last 5 days, I can't help but believe maybe this rain is for me. Just maybe. After all the Lord knows better than anyone, that rain (especially Florida rain) delights my heart. I see it as one more way that He shows me His love. It's calming, it's cleansing, every drop is life giving. Leaving no coincidence of how I see His love poured out in my own soul.

"Thank you Jesus for drenching me with a peace that no one else can give. Thank you for this endless rain, that I will forever remember and claim was maybe just for me."

Birthday Week...

2009-05-04T20:47:00.000-05:00

...and it was fun filled!

Happy 1st Birthday!

2009-04-29T09:32:00.000-05:00

Our precious baby girl! Today brings so many emotions back to life. One year ago today, the anticipation of your arrival was just around the corner...but not really a thought for TODAY! But, you surprised us that day...April 29th, 2008...with a love we had never felt before. We will forever be changed by your little life. We love you Story Love! Happy 1st Birthday! Papa & Momma

Phase #5-Story and Story

2009-04-27T12:43:00.000-05:00

I just couldn't wait to get to this part! Jackson Story and Story Love! Could they be any cuter?! Here goes there 'story' in a nut shell. We go to church with this very sweet couple here in Florida that have a son and daughter-in-law that live in Oxford,MS(mom and dad's town) When they heard of Story Love they quickly made the connection that they had a grandson named Jackson Story...a few months younger...and lived in Oxford. It may not seem like a big deal, but for us and the grandparents it was one of those WOW moments. Someday, somehow we would get these little ones together. So, after a couple of hit and miss attempts they finally met. And, can you believe it, they both show up in matching boy/girl Zutano outfits. Could it get any more fun. Yet another highlight of our trip. Thank you Nancy for meeting perfect strangers and thank you Mr. and Mrs. Bass for helping us make that connection. Jackson Story is an absolute delight and really is as beautiful as he seems.

Phase #4-Cleaned Up and Gift Ready

2009-04-27T12:23:00.000-05:00

Mom and Dad had my old rocking chair and rocking horse refurbished for Story's birthday. What sweet memories to pass along. I will love having them around as much as she will. Thank you Nona and Papaw!

Phase #3-Birthday Bash at Papaw and Nona's

2009-04-27T12:04:00.000-05:00

I had to put all of these in here so you can see the progression of the mess. She just couldn't get enough and ate most of it!
Thank you Nona and Papaw for making turning ONE special!

Phase #2-Bruce

2009-04-27T11:05:00.000-05:00

Who ever thought this...

would turn into this...

then would turn into this!

My Parent's ATM business took them on a little adventure. Last time I visited my dad took me to this 'little store' in Bruce Mississippi...he just had to put in an ATM...that's all.;) Well I have you know I thought to myself..."He'll own this place one day". I could just see the excitement in him when he would talk about the potential of this store. Well, sure enough, next trip...Owner, Operator, and Chef. Oh yes...I said Chef. The store serves breakfast , lunch and dinner. Dinner only on Friday and Saturday nights...in the form of a Catfish House. That is one way to the Trussell's heart...fried catfish. Dad has always wanted to own a little catfish joint...so why not just add it to the 'little store' and ta da ... Handy Mart's Catfish House. And boy is it GOOD! I've always been amazed at my dad and how he is just not afraid to take on anything. If he sees potential he's willing to give it a go. And my sweet Mom, she just follows right along side him making it all work together so smoothly. Thankfully they have lots of good help and don't have to be there day and night. This was a fun time and I hope the best for them in this journey. They give the Lord the glory in anything they ever do knowing it would never work without Him...and He blesses in my ways.

Story Loved it too!

Phase #-Jackson

2009-04-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

This starts my "Mississippi Trip". Needless to say I had a wonderful time as usual. It's always fun to live in another person's world for awhile. The change of pace was good for us and the new adventures in the family were exciting to experience too. I have to do this is phases because there are too many pictures. Enjoy!

The first day there my sweet sister took me to pick up Daffodils to put on Nonie's grave. I am never in Jackson when I make this trip...except this time... and I was so thankful to be able to do this.

Story absolutely loved being around other kids. Her cousins loved all over her and even pulled out their old box of toys for her to play with. And, as you can see, Story thought Sadie(the cat) was her toy also. She couldn't stop laughing at her. This cat is huge but the sweetest animal ever. Where are Jonathon and Camie in these pics... (Bad Aunt Amy).
On top of all of this, I had a wonderful time with my sister and meeting all of her Nursing School friends. Thanks Sis for loving on us and taking care of us while we were there. Love you all!

Anniston Marie Wade

2009-04-25T21:01:00.000-05:00

5lbs. 9oz.
18 1/2 in.
Congratulations Brian and Katie!
She is beautiful!

Trinidad & Tobago

2009-04-05T19:53:00.000-05:00

I had the opportunity to travel abroad last week end. It was a work related trip which made my focus solely on the customers needs. We were working on a project for a customer that was under some very strict deadlines. It was a great experience and I got to see another part of this world on the customers dime...... Hopefully they're not reading this....

24 Days and Counting!

2009-04-04T16:26:00.000-05:00

Meet my beautiful friend Katie. She is due to have Anniston Marie any time now! So, as the clock ticks, we had to catch the last few days of pregnancy. I can hardly wait to lay eyes on this little girl. I know she will be gorgeous...look at her momma. Love you Katie!

She cant help but laugh

2009-04-03T08:43:00.000-05:00

Figured out the army crawl......

2009-04-01T14:42:00.000-05:00

Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus!

2009-03-17T11:30:00.000-05:00

She just can't believe she can do it... us either!

Bed Head

2009-03-17T11:06:00.000-05:00

Story woke up from her nap with major 'Bed Head'. No help from any stylist...we promise!

Beauty Queen!

2009-03-11T23:00:00.000-05:00

What???

2009-03-09T20:40:00.000-05:00

We just happened to catch this and had to share. Story's favorite finger these days.

Smitten!

2009-03-09T20:28:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure who was more smitten...Story or Nona! Nevertheless we sure had a great week. Nona taught Story to clap and helped her find her nose. It's the little things in life! Time with my Mom is always a pure joy to me as well. I am so thankful for our relationship and how the Lord has drawn us close over the years. Thank you Daddy for sending Mom for her birthday...we missed you more than you know. Can't wait til the next time we are together.

P.S. Thank you Mom for all your help with the house. I feel so at home now. Your amazing!

My Maw and Pawpaw

2009-03-09T19:58:00.000-05:00

Maw and Pawpaw, thank you so much for coming to Florida and spending so much time with me. I am so glad we were able to get to know and love each other more. You are so much fun and McDonald's fries are now my favorite. Thanks for the treat!!! We love you!

Busy! Busy!

2009-02-19T13:15:00.000-06:00

It seems as though life has been crazy busy lately. My blogging has been awfully poor the last few weeks. We just moved into our house and unpacking never ends. I can't wait to have that yard sale to get rid of the junk we have accumulated over the last 6 years.

Story is growing...16lbs. 3oz. and 25 3/4 in. long at her 9 month check up. I see little babies and have a hard time believing that she was ever that small and even smaller. She is doing everything she is supposed too and more...the Dr. says she is advanced for her age. Even though only in the 7th percentile on the growth chart she doesn't let being petite stop her from doing a thing. She is such a 'BIG GIRL'. Not quite crawling yet but just so close and one little tooth. Every little thing is such a miracle to me. It's so much fun watching her grow.

My Nonie

2009-02-09T16:10:00.000-06:00

Saturday evening my Nonie passed away. Today was the funeral in Mississippi. My heart has been heavy...mostly because I can't be there to support my family in a hard time...but also because I want to honor my Grandmother and the memories she left me with. So, I reflect on those memories from here, with a smile on my face... knowing that she is now seeing the sunshine she always loved, in a much different light. I love you Nonie...thank you for always loving me back.

Cuba '09

2009-02-02T09:46:00.000-06:00

Please pray for my husband as today starts his trip to Cuba. He along with our Pastor and 2 other guys from our church are headed to Cuba via Baseball. I am so thankful that Adam is following the desire God placed in his heart for Cuba. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness in our lives, to stretch us and grow us, and for opportunities that we could never dream up on our own. I love you Adam! Just know that I am praying for safety and that God does big things in your life and the lives of the people you touch.

P.S. I'm a little jealous...

Could Life Get Any Better?

2009-01-15T08:16:00.000-06:00

Fun Times!

2009-01-15T07:16:00.000-06:00

Great Aunt Retha, Great Cousin Stevie, Grammy and Papaw!
What did I do to deserve all these wonderful people to love on!

Baby Dedication!

2009-01-15T07:05:00.000-06:00

Sunday was Story's baby dedication service. We celebrated with family close. Being parents is such an awesome responsibility but I am grateful you don't have to do it own your own. She is the Lord's, we have just been chosen to meet her needs on this earth. Thank you Lord for blessing us with this beautiful baby girl.

What's Not to Love!

2008-12-27T15:14:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-27T14:47:00.000-06:00

What a fun morning! Story Love sure does put on a show when there is a camera around. A new dolly, a Storybook Bible, paper and ribbons, a full belly and a Santa hat to top it off. This Christmas, with our new baby girl, was as fun as we always dreamed it would be.

Getting ready for Christmas!

2008-12-27T14:25:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was a fun filled day! I met my cousin Jack for the first time, enjoyed pretty lights with Grandparents and picked my Aunt Andrea up from the airport to spend the week with us. Nothing like getting ready for my first Christmas with people I love all around.

Memories...

2008-12-17T15:27:00.000-06:00

I'm not sure that this is blog worthy but... as I reached for these things today I was quickly whisked away to fond memories as a little girl. This was, and I guess still is, my favorite snack. My Nonie would give me a choice when I got home from gymnastics...BREAD AND BUTTER or LITTLE DEBBIE CAKES. Most of the time it was hands down bread and butter. I suppose I will always be a southern girl at heart.

Antique!

2008-12-15T12:37:00.000-06:00

25 years old...I suppose I can officially call this little outfit an antique. At 6 months old Story Love is finally filling out the outfit I came home from the hospital in. Yellow looks good on us.

Story Love loves bathtime!!!

2008-12-15T12:30:00.000-06:00

Fa la la la la la la la la

2008-12-15T12:25:00.000-06:00

A huge shout out to our wonderful friends...Kyle and Leah. This year's musical was phenomenal. FOREVER GLORIA ...what a truly glorious performance. You both did such a beautiful job of putting the focus of Christmas where it belongs...JESUS. Thank you for being such sweet friends. We love you and are so privileged to have you in our lives.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2008-11-26T10:34:00.000-06:00

We are just about to walk out the door for a fun filled Thanksgiving in the ATL! I always look so forward to the time I get to spend with Adam's family(mine too...but you know what I mean) and the holiday spirit is hard to beat. Although, I do wish I could be with these special people too. My whole family is gathering in Mississippi for a feast themselves. Even though miles seperate and sometimes life doesn't seem fair there is SO MUCH MORE to be thankful for...at least I have a family to say too...HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

P.S. Please remember my mom and dad in your prayers as they are facing difficult times with my grandmother and her health. I love you, Mom, Dad and Nonie.

Weekend Getaway!

2008-11-19T10:23:00.000-06:00

We were certainly overdue for our yearly trip to Miami! So,we packed the car, loaded up our trusty traveling friends and headed south! We began the weekend strolling South Beach...this has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen...white sand beaches...blue/green water...the biggest palm trees I ever did see...not to mention the Art Deco feel of Ocean Drive is enough to make one with a camera crazy. It was Story's first time to see the ocean and she couldn't take her eyes off of it. The next stop was a cruise around the famous islands of Miami Bay...which feature many celebrity homes...so FUN! Finally a fabulous concert to finish the weekend strong...COLDPLAY! Need I say more?!! The bright light pretty much sums up the whole night...they were lacking nothing in making this any more spectacular. Thanks Adam for treating your girls so special. And, thank you Brian and Katie for all the laughs and taking great care of Story Love. This year will be hard to beat!

Mr. & Mrs. Justin Schultz

2008-11-06T15:30:00.000-06:00

Congratulations Justin and Marielis! This has to be the most fun wedding I've been to. Talk about gorgeous families full of great dancers. I don't know what was better...watching the ones that knew what they were doing or watching the older ones teach the younger ones. It has been so exciting to watch such opposite families collide and even more exciting to see that you definitely were made for each other. You are a beautiful couple and I know that God is going to use you in a big way. Thank you for letting us celebrate with you!

Power Naps...

2008-10-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

...only made for busy girls and princesses.

Blessed!!

2008-10-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for these grandparents in my life. Thanks for spending your day in the waiting room and always loving on me. It's wonderful having you close.

My Little Pumpkin

2008-10-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

This was one thing in having a baby I just couldn't wait for...dressing her up and taking her picture.

I love my cousins!!!

2008-10-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

There are some I haven't met yet... but as soon as I do they'll be posted too!

FALL IS IN THE AIR

2008-10-22T11:51:00.000-05:00

I Love Oxford...

2008-10-22T11:39:00.000-05:00

...because there are 2 special people there that LOVE ME!

Britton-Tucker 2008

2008-10-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Tucker! What a fun time! We are so glad it worked out that we could join you on your special day. It will go down in the baby book as Story's first wedding to attend...and what a beautiful one it was!

Barn Party Bash!

2008-10-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

This year was the 7th Annual Trussell Barn Party. Talk about a great time!!! My brother and his wife put a great deal of work into this event every year. Between 150-200 people come and enjoy, a dark room in the barn to draw in, great eats, a hayride that beats all hayrides, carved pumpkins gallor, a huge bonfire, and to top it all off, a bluegrass band on the porch to set the mood. A big shout out to Robert and Jaimie for yet another awesome time. Unfortunately, I have to admit that this is only the 3rd time I've been able to join in on the fun. So, on my way home I decided... "I'm going to promote this night with my family and see if we can't just make a yearly family reunion out of it." So Aunts and Uncles, Brothers and Sisters, Moms and Dads, Cousins... it's about time we see each other on a regular basis. Be looking for my e-mails with the details. You won't be sorry you joined us.

IN LOVE!!!

2008-10-11T18:09:00.000-05:00

I can't believe I haven't seen this girl in a whole week! I don't think I will ever get over how much I love her. While in Springfield we visited one of the hardest people to get in touch with Elsie Flannigan. We decided she should use some of her skills and take a few pics of our baby girl. This is the only one I have seen so far. Thank you Elsie for spending a few minutes with us and catching this pose of our sweetheart. This child makes me so much more in love with Amy. Pray I make it a few more days with out them.....

Hard to believe

2008-10-07T16:40:00.000-05:00

Amy reminded me today that we were engaged on this very day six years ago. Unfortunately my memory is erased every time I sleep or I could have been more thoughtful. All I know is that I couldn't' be any happier with who the Lord has blessed me with. She continues to love me even when I am a total looser. She has given me more out of life than I ever expected. The joy that she brings is better than anything I have ever experienced. I remember how nervous I was this day on the beach. I had decided to ask my girlfriend to become my wife. I remember the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we shared along with our ice cold Coke. I remember the smiles we shared as we called our family and friends. I remember the ride home from the beach and the conversation about how we wanted to grow old together. Wow now that I think about it, I can't imagine life without you. Thank you for being my best friend, and for being a great mother to our daughter. I Love and Adore you!

5 months old today!

2008-09-29T16:40:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe that 5 months has gone by already. Those cheek bones... Babe, she sure favors you in this picture. Just when I didn't think my life could get any more fun and I couldn't possibly be loved any stronger...it did and I am. Adam you are a wonderful husband and terrific Papa. Seeing you with our baby girl makes me fall in love all over again. Thank you for giving me so much to be thankful for. Thank you for loving your favorite girls so much more than we could ever ask for.

I must explain....

2008-09-27T19:02:00.000-05:00

MY INK! I am often asked about my ink, in which most cases I feel the great need to give the appropriate answer according to that persons taste. Unlike most of my tats that I have because I just like...this one in fact comes with a cute little "Story". Amy and I were to be blessed with our precious baby girl On June 4th 2008. After much thought about the perfect name we agreed on Story Love. This specific tattoo was designed for our little princess before she was born. I figured I would surprise my wife with this after her being away. I wanted the stars to represent her birth month.I would start with 5 stars because more than likely she would be born in May. If needed I would add another. The heart was to represent her middle name "LOVE." Of course you may think.... wasn't Story born in April? You are thinking correct. Five weeks early to be exact, one too many stars... and now those 5 stars represent the 5 years of marriage when we were blessed with our "LOVE."

OOPS!!!

2008-09-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

I was flipping through some of our "Day at the Duck Pond" pics and found that we had left out a very important one. So, here is the "Duck Family". I hope this makes your heart smile as much as it did mine. I mean...how cute is this?!!

2008-09-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

Attempting what seemed impossible...

2008-09-21T20:41:00.013-05:00

We heard that Sarah Palin was going to be in the Villages today, and without much thought decided it was about time we tried something political. Of course, we forgot that it was September in Florida( this alone should have encouraged us to sit in the comfort of our own A.C.), and we should be prepared to stand for hours, then maybe see her on the screen. We had intension's of getting some great pictures of our experience.... but all we seemed to get was political signs and the backs of peoples heads that we did not know. Story seamed to be the interest of most of the people that stood around us.... go figure. Anyhow, it was a memory that we will look back on and be thankful we experienced some of the excitement of a history making election.

Duck Pond Day!

2008-09-13T22:17:00.000-05:00

First of all....

2008-09-13T22:10:00.000-05:00

This is all new to us.... Parenthood, Blogging etc. Bare with us as we are easing our way into both. Relax, you've only missed four of the most exciting months of our lives!