~His baby or his BABY~

Sometimes I wonder who he loves more his baby or his BABY! I would be the BABY!

He sure can pamper that bike. Of course he can pamper me too!! .
Saturday is the Labor Day biker party/blowout and we plan to ride together in the poker run.

Today we went for a bike ride to Oak Grove. It was really nice! The boys were in school so we took off for the day. We rode back through Hurricane Creek were the Biker party will be. We passed a lot of bikers today. You know they all do the biker wave at you! It was a little loud on the bike. I defiantly will ride tomorrow with ear plugs. I am curious to see how the day will go tomorrow. I have heard you can see all kinds of stuff at the blowout. We will be on the bike for most of the morning and afternoon. Then I will go pick up the boys. I think Donald plans to stay for a while. Maybe I will post pictures of us on the bike.

^He's Nesting^

So where do I start! I haven't posted since Thursday. I have been busy. I thought about it but that was as far as I got. You know how it can be sometimes. Friday I rode to Prentiss to a pawn shop. Chrissy's husband works there and at one in Magee. So I set off on a road trip Friday. I found a beautiful ring! Man, did I get a deal! Only $50 bucks. Ladies you should see it. I love jewelry, and I couldn't believe that someone would let go of something so nice for so cheap. I tried to take a picture to show you, but it didn't turn out. I have never been to a pawn shop before and was stunned. After the pawn shop it was on to Hattiesburg to the motorcycle shop. I am riding this Saturday with Donald in a poker run. I had to pick me out some Harley t-shirts and boots. No girl can ride a Harley without a Harley t-shirt, Right? I mean you have to look good. Then Saturday while working on the shed Donald had a accident with the drill. While holding the tin and the drill the drill bit broke and went through his thumb nail. Oh yeah! All the way through his thumb and out the tip. So we loaded up and went to the ER. Thank the Lord it didn't go through the bone and was not to bad. Anyone who knows me knows that I don't handle blood very well. He came in with blood on his pants and t-shirt. I felt myself go weak. But I did pull it together and get him to the hospital in one piece. He is determined to get the shed built. I begged him not to go back out Saturday evening. It didn't work! He did! So I am posting a picture of his progress. He is AMAZING! I wouldn't know where to begin to put up something like that building or last 5 seconds in this heat. That is why I said he is nesting. He is getting things ready to make room for his daughter for when she gets HOME!! Then he will have 2 high maintenance women to take care of. I love you honey!!
* If you scroll down and check the "Handy man" post you will see how far he has come.

~Then and Now~

This first top pictures is Hayden the day he was born. The other picture is Hayden at 9 years old. Actually a few weeks ago at Gulf Shores.

My baby came into this world at 3:14 in the afternoon weighing 9 pounds and 3 ounces.

I pushed for 2 hours and 45 minutes and ended up having a c-section. It was a day I will not forget. I think Donald was more exhausted than I was. Not really!! He just couldn't "hang".

He didn't make it to the operating room! My mom went in with me. I think that is one reason she is so attached to Hayden. She tells me all the time that he is hers. I am glad they have each other!! I was watching him play football today and am just amazed at how he has grown. I can't believe on his next birthday he will be 10. Double digits! Oh My! I guess soon we will hear that he has a girl friend and wants a cell phone. How do you let them go? I just really want to hold on to him forever! I know that I can't! I only can raise him to be the best he can be and pray for the best! He sure is a great kid! Tonight was open house at school. His teacher said that he was "very bright"! Of course, his mother already knew that!!! She said she was surprised at how well he can remember. It sure makes a mama proud. I am so blessed to have such wonderful, handsome, healthy kids. I don't take that for granted either! Everyday I think the Good Lord for giving them both to me.

**MY FOOTBALL STAR **

Yesterday was my Hayden's second football practice. Boy was he nasty when he got home!

He loves it! I can't wait to see him play. I am so excited for him. I only hope he doesn't get hurt. I will be praying he want. I am glad to see that he likes it and wants to stick with it. You should have heard him talking to Ethan at supper time. He told Ethan that "if" he got drafted by the NFL he would be sure that Ethan would meet "Gumbo". Which from what I understand is the Saints mascot. How sweet! He is only 9 and talking about being drafted by the NFL. I am amazed at the things those boys can say sometimes. You know with children you never have a dull moment.

Pictures from Katrina

Almost 2 years ago!

This is the front yard! The drive way was covered in debris. That is Donald checking the back yard. It tore up the wood fence around the pool. Check out the water in the pool. Talk about full!

~Little Ms. Sunshine~

I just love laying out in the sun! Don't ask ME to work out in it, because I wouldn't last a second. But it is so nice to lay out on the beach and listen to the water. These pictures are from when Donald and I went to the Bahamas in Jan. 2007.

I was saying in the picture..." Don't take my picture". He knows that I don't like having my picture made. I am not photogentic like my boys are.

We stayed at Hotel RUI which is right next door to the Atlantis on Paradise Island. The Bahamas are so beautiful. I would leave on a plane today and go back. Today I was thinking back on our trip. 7 months ago today I was snorkeling with fish in that beautiful water. We spent the day at Stuart Cove's. They take you out on a huge boat and you spend the day enjoying the underwater beauty God made. Some people spend it swimming with sharks! Right, Donald? The smart people like me stayed on the boat and watched the "nuts" swim with the sharks. It all got me to thinking about Hurricane Dean and how it can so easly destory anything in it's path. In Oct. 2003 we were on a crusie in Playa del Carmen and Cozumel Mexico. Just now I saw on the news that the hurricane is heading to Mexico. Go away Dean! After Katrina you just really don't know what to expect. I know that I would be getting out of the way! I hope we never have to go through that again. I now that I was blessed compared to some people. We were without power for 10 days! I know that some people were out way longer than us. Thanks goodness we did have water! A cold bath is better than no bath!

Colts, Saints & Bears..oh my

It is finally here! The day Hayden has been waiting for. Football sign up!!! We got the little man signed up today to play pee wee football. He is so excited! I just hope he doesn't get hurt! I will be nervously watching for the stands with my fingers crossed! Sometimes when I look at him I wonder where my 9lb 3oz baby went to. I have to remind myself that he has turned into this 76lb little boy. I guess no matter how big they get they will always be our little babies.

TGIF

So Friday I was busy cleaning house. Do you ever just get on a cleaning spell? Anything that was not bolted down was getting thrown away. I cleaned out Ethan and Hayden's room since they were not here to see me on a fit. You know they think they have to keep every little happy meal toy in the world. I was chucking stuff left and right. When they came in from school they both were surprised. They both promised to keep their rooms cleaned. How long will that last? We will see! Ethan decided since his room was clean that he would use the space to put together a puzzle. He did it all by himself! How do like the scarecrow? My little boy is growing up so fast! He is so loving school! He actually wanted me to walk him into class Friday morning. It made me feel good. No make up and all. I just held his little hand all the way to his room!

BRAG DAY!!

Well let's face it! Yesterday's update from Great Wall stunk. Needless to say I was upset. So I was grumpy and today have been sad. I try not to let it get to me, but sometimes it does. I am a mother who wants her baby home. To top it all off my boys are in school so I am left with a "empty nest". I AM TOTALLY LOST! I need some kind of noise here. I almost jump out of my skin at 3 knowing it is time to go get them. I adore my boys. All 3 of them. I always talk about my little boys , So I wanted to brag on my honey! Check out the cakes! Donald made them. Yes, he did! Pick your mouth up off the floor. The man has talent! I could post a million pictures of the cakes he has made. Oh, and the taste is to die for! Man I almost need one now! Hint hint. I am a very lucky girl. I was blessed with a good man. I have to remind myself of that sometimes. I would be lost without him TOO! * The wedding cake was for his Dad's wedding in Jan. 2007. The saints cake was for Hayden's 9Th birthday in Jan '07 . The puppy cake was Ethan's 5Th birthday in April of 2007. Just a few of my favorites. Yummy Cake! Should I go turn on the oven? Or my man?

~TWINS~!!

Well maybe not Twins, but you sure can tell their brothers. Can't you?

I don't normally dress them the same. Yet with the uniforms sometimes they do! I always said that I would never dress mine the same. Now look at me!!

I guess it just depends on the occasions. Sometimes they are similar but not identical. The both are just as sweet as they can be, but their personalities are so different. I get tickled sometimes when I think about it. How two people can be so close and so different. My Ethan has got to be the most persistent child I have ever been around. Maybe when he gets older that will be good. Right now it almost drives me insane!! He is a very loving little boy! He likes having things his way. He is funny!! He will get mad and cross his arms. You almost have to turn your head and laugh. Then of course pull yourself together so you can get on to him for acting that way. Donald says, "'He is just like his mother"! Boy she must be a WONDERFUL GAL!!! My Hayden is so tender hearted! He is very compassionate and concerned about others. He always thinks of other people. I couldn't be more happier!! All I need now is my little girl right in the middle of them.

~I love my life as a mommy and a wife~

Watermelon Fun!!

Today we went over to Papa Everette's house. He has a garden of watermelons that the boys got to play in. They went through picking out their own melon. I am pretty sure that was a 1st for Ethan and Hayden. They would get one and bust it in the field to try it. They would have been really good except for the fact that they were HOT! You can imagine how they were since it is 100* plus everyday. Ethan wanted to bust everyone that he picked up! They each had to show of their melon in a picture. Donald said "How do you like his melons"?
The boys came home and jumped in the pool to try and cool off. It is almost to hot to swim! The pool has been in the 90's. I love the summer, but I will be glad when this heat is over.It is just to miserable to do anything. I guess I'm a candy. I wouldn't last a second working out in this heat. Cheers to all who DO!!

Homework Already!!

Man I guess this folks don't waste time!! My little fellows had homework on their first day.

Well, OK not first day! Friday was their 1st day but this is the first day of their first full week.

Poor Ethan had to write his name 5 times and trace over the letter " L" and Hayden had spelling and vocabulary words. Oh boy what am I in for. I will be helping two this time do homework. Wait until the good stuff starts rolling in like book reports and story boards. Then I will be saying....Help Donald!! This boys will soon out smart me! I guess in the long run I will be learning from them.

Ethan had a great day today! He told me this morning when I walked him to class that "he didn't need me to walk him anymore he knew the way". I felt as if I was no longer needed! He let me know right quick he didn't need me to help him anymore. My baby is growing up. The teacher said he is eating great too! I am so glad, maybe he will gain some weight. He sure could use it.

I'm adding a picture of Hayden and Ethan working on their homework!! The first of many days ahead.

* 8 months

Today is our 8Th month of being logged in. It has went by quick! I think about our baby girl everyday. I wonder if those officials in China ever think about us. Do all of us waiting families ever cross their mind? You know we all think about our babies and each other. About how we long for them and worry about them. I often wonder how everyone else is making out with the long wait. You would think that they would want to get those babies to a good home quickly! I guess it is a good thing I am not in charge! I would be keeping all the babies for myself. You know that it must be hard to see them go because you get so attached. We just can't wait to get our angel home so we can give her the love she needs.
The other night Ethan was saying his night prayers and said the sweetest thing. He said "Dear Lord Please let Joelle come home soon my mama wants her here real real bad". Of course, I cried! How sweet to know that he cares and can see that we love her.

I also have a music man and lazy man!!

I need to be busy doing house work!! I started then I had to stop to blog!! Lord help me!! I can't stop!! So you know what I am doing today...laundry...dishing....mopping. It's funny how no one takes a picture of me doing that. Maybe I should set the camera up to take one myself.

SO! I wanted to share my other two boys with you. You saw my handy man. Here are some pictures of My Music Man and My Lazy Man!!

Hayden is taking guitar lesson. What fun!! He is practicing the cords..oh me oh my!

I think the game room/his room is far away enough from my room that it will work out great!My Ethan is being lazy! You know yesterday was the little fellows 1st day of school. So today he is busy holding the floor down playing video games. You know someone has to do it. What amazes me is how a five year old knows so much about that kind of stuff. I have no clue how to play those games. I like racing the cars but I run them off into the grass. I need a wheel not a button. Back to work...clothes are calling.

Handy man!!!

So today my handy man is out working on the steel building in the back yard. In this 100 degree weather. I told him it is to hot!! Men! Do they ever listen!

He/we decided to put up one in order to make room for the new baby!!! We will be moving some things around the house and the pool house. Hayden is moving out of his room into the game room. So the game room in moving out to the shop.

Ethan of course did not want to make a move out of his room so he gets to stay put. I figured it will be hard enough getting used to a baby sister! You know he is the baby now, so we will have issues to work out. SO! Do you see the handy man in the corner of the picture? Bless his heart!! What a wonderful man to be out working so hard. I love you for it honey!!

My little boy..one day to be a man

My Hayden is the most wonderful son!! He is so handsome, sweet and smart. He must take after his mother...ha ha!! He is the best big brother in the world. He is great with children. He adores his little brother and is looking forward to his little sister. I know that Joelle will be a lucky girl to have such a wonderful older brother by her side.

He is so into football. He wants to play!! I guess that will be the new thing this summer and fall. Sign up is the 18Th!! So I will be adding pictures of that!! I will also be sitting in the stands hoping and praying that he doesn't get hurt. To me he will always be my baby!!

This is a picture of him and his little brother before school this morning!!

**Remember this is new for me so I hope it works. I will try to add pictures as I go!!

First day of school

OK,... so today was Ethan's first day of school. He loved it!! Wants to go back tomorrow!! Bless his little heart if he only knew. His whole life is going to be filled with school from now on. Hayden started 4Th grade and he really likes it too!! I saw some of the same teachers that were there when I was in 4Th grade. I mean really! What do these women do? They look just the same, maybe it's from always being around little kids. I am so happy that today was a success!! It is only the start of a long future. Everyone keeps asking me, Now What are you going to do all day? I don't know yet myself!! Today I was busy running doing things around town. I didn't really think about it much. Next week will be the real test when I am at home ALONE all week. Maybe I should look for me a job so I can buy girl stuff. That daughter of mine will need tons of girl stuff when she gets home. Or maybe I can just come home be lazy, lay out by the pool and take a nap!!... Huh honey?
I know how it will be though...laundry...dishes...mopping......laundry...dishes...mopping....!!
Mama stuff.. gotta love it!!

I'm a blogger now!!

My first post and my first blog!! Go me!! I'm moving on up in the computer world. I now have a myspace and a blog. Should I say it again...go me...go me..!
So what should I start with? Oh, I know!! Today was my big boys first day of 4th grade. Fourth grade is over by the high school. So he is over there with 4-12th grade. It is a big deal for me. I was not to crazy about it. He enjoyed it and said "it was great". Tomorrow is the sad story. My little baby starts k-5. My heart is breaking!! I can't believe that my two babies are getting so big. I know that they have to grow up, but does it have to be so quit!!
I will have to learn how to do this and had pictures. I have plenty to show off. Help is good!! I need it. So I will glady listen to anyone who can tell me how to work this stuff.