Things that make me smile :)

I haven't been the best with updating Avalynn's baby book lately so I decided to document them in my blog so I won't forget these cutesy sayings. Avalynn this is for you ....  :) I'll need something to look back on and smile it when Avalynn's making me pull my hair out!

1. You say "I ready" repeatedly when you suspect we're about to leave the house, or anywhere for that matter. I guess you're afraid of getting left.

2. You wave your arms and say "sorry mama" usually when you've done something mischievous.

3. You have a special hiding spot in the dining room and if you cover your eyes, you magically vanish!

4. You have figured out you can crawl in and out of the tub and if I leave you for one minute I find your naked hiney running down the hallway.

5. As soon as Dad gets home, you immediately say "Bed" and run to our bedroom. You love playing in our bed with Dad.

6. You are starting to make sentences. "I watch George" " I no see Elmo" "Where it at" "I need juice"

7. You are obsessed with Disney movies, especially "Beauty and the Beast" (which just happened to be my favorite). For the past 6 months your favorite cartoon has been "Curious George". Nothing else seems to exsist when he's on tv.

8. I can't tell you this now, but even your fit throwing is cute..ha. You stomp your feet and roll your eyes like a 12 year old! Really? Already?

9. When we tell you to give someone sugar, you immediately start puckering up, even if you have to walk across the room to give the sugar. Those lips stay puckered.

10. Lastly, (because Mommy has a small OCD problem and have to have an even number on my list) you have started saying "love you" when you go to bed. It warms my heart.

Pumpkin Patch and Family Pictures

We met up with cousin Julianna Saturday at the Corn Maize/Pumpkin Patch. The girls had a blast but it was a little difficult trying to get them together to take pictures.

Sweet Cousins

"My Punkin"

I stayed up late Friday making her a pumpkin patch shirt. Love this one!

Not only did we get to pick out pumpkins but we were able to see farm animals as well. Avalynn is obsessed with chickens (bok boks) but she suprisingly was more interested in the house. She even fed him!

After about 2 hours here we had enough and headed home. Why is it that when there is something important to do, things never go our way? Avalynn fell asleep on the way home dispite my best efferts to keep her awake. When making the transfer to her bed, she woke up and played for the next hour in her crib. Which was just "wonderful" since we had family pictures later that evening.

Dana did her best but Avalynn just wasn't having it. Craig finally asked Dana to capture a "real" moment.

 This is what the entire hour of taking pictures was like. Not fun!

Terrible Ones

Whoever said the "twos" are the worst for fits was mistaken. As of lately my sweet Avalynn has been having meltdowns over the smallest incidents. As soon as I put Avalynn down to change clothes or her diaper she starts "ouch, ouch, ouch". Seriously? Then there's the issue of getting dressed. I'm all for my child picking out things for herself, but when she refuses clothes all together and wants to roam the world in a diaper, we have a problem. And that kind of attitude is what we've been dealing with. Throwing fits because she doesn't want to get dressed and saying "ouch" when she finally has clothes on. We've seen a lot more of time out and the "sad" spoon here lately. Hoping this stage passes or we can nip it in the bud. Please tell me this doesn't last long? I'm not sure how much more of my 20 month old's attitude I can take.

And so it begins...

I get amazed every day by technology

Just found the "blogger" app for my phone! Super excited that I cam blog and keep up with my blogs from anywhere! Gotta love technology!

Pretty like Mama

When I decided to start my business and work from home, I thought it was be great, I could spend all day with Avalynn and still make money. Oh my goodness is it harder than I thought. Avalynn is a very busy little girl and is always looking for "fun". Whether that "fun" being coloring on the walls, playing with babies, covering up with Mama's fabric or coloring with lipstick.

Roll Tide Roll

It's been a while since I posted and I shouldn't let it go this far in between. There's so much happening in our lives for me to keep up! Let's start with the opening day of football season. Craig and I made a pact when we found out I was pregnant to raise our girl a Bama fan and our son a Georgia one (Craig was sneaky because he said he could easily win his boy over). Avalynn has now learned to say "Roll Tide" and "Go Bama". Being that I was raised a Georgia fan it was a little hard at first to see Avalynn so geared up for Bama, but when your in-laws are die hard fans and you attend a Bama tailgate party every Saturday in the fall, it's hard not to fall in love with the team. Even though I still love my dawgs, I've throughly enjoyed watching the "Tide" with my sweet family.

Bama vs Kent State 2011

We usually have about 10 people at Kathy's for the Bama games and The Gowen's joined us for a bit. Only because Auburn was playing horribly and Georgia wasn't on yet. Julianna and Avalynn haven't seen each other since July (crazy and we live in the same town!) so they enjoyed spending time with each other.

Giving Julianna a big ole hug

Notice Julianna's cool boots? Avalynn thought they were anyways, and as soon as Julianna took them off, Avalynn put them on, and pranced around like she was something else!


These boots were made for walking (and for me)

 Avalynn cried and pitched a fit when I made her take them off. Had to hint to Grandma to get Avalynn a pair :). Already thinking she could be a pretty darn cute cowgirl with these and a pink tutu!

Mini Anniversary Getaway

This past weekend, Craig and I celebrated 6 years of marriage! I can not believe it's been that long. Time has really flown by. As much as I enjoy spending time with my little family, Mommy and Daddy needed a break. Craig scored us tickets to the Jags game Friday night and if not for some great friends to share it with, have to admit, I would have been a little bored. NFL can't compare to college football.

We then spent the rest of our weekend at my aunt's condo in Fernandina Beach. I think that was the first time we had both slept passed 10 in months..for my like 2 years. It was so relaxing not having any time constraints. We were going to spend the whole day on the beach but we lasted about 1 1/2 hours. It was HOT!

We were really excited to get back Sunday to see Avalynn. She spent the weekend with "Maw Maw" (Kathy wants to be called Grandma and is by Lucas, but Avalynn started a new trend). It was nice to receive pictures throughout the weekend. Once we hit Folkston, we knew we were back in the real world..back to the grind Monday.

Taking 3 days off really put me behind on sewing. I worked on so many shirts Monday that I "earned" 2 blisters on my finger.

It's a little blurry but you get the jist. So thankful for the business though! Hoping after Craig seeing that, he'll buy me the "snap easy" hoops! They're only $600! :)

Hump Day!!!

This week just seems to be dragging by! Being that I only work at the insurnace office on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, if I can make it over "hump day" I'm on the downhill slide. I've been so busy lately with embroider (which I am honestly blessed), that everything else has taken a back seat. Haven't been to the beach, no pool time and my poor house :(. Once I get these trillion back packs monogrammed and Indian shirts done, I do believe I'll feel a little bit better. I have been working trying to organize my work space a littel better. It's hard when your office is also your husband's closet and your spare bedroom...haha.

My clean desk

This is before my work day starts, after it's not so pretty. My wonderful in-laws made me this bullentin board. Adds some color to my workspace and is a great way to help me stay organzied with orders I'm working on.

Organized Hutch

This hutch was actually in my kitchen. Bought it at a garage sale 5 years ago for $15, and it's finally serving a purpose! Terry is working on building me a cabinet that will house all of my thread. This will work for now because someone (Avalynn) likes to unroll my thread. Notice the Cricut? I have decided to venture out into vinyl lettering! I'm so excited about this. There are SO many things you can do with vinyl. I'm going to start by doing items for the home and putting together gift baskets for baby showers.

Didn't mean to get on my business rant, I'm just so thankful for the business the Lord has given me!

Time in Tampa

Well this past week we all went to Tampa, FL. Craig had some training to do at their Tampa branch, and being that Saturday was my birthday, Avalynn and I went along for the ride. This was my first trip to Tampa. We actually were in Brandon, which is on the outskirts of Tampa. It was nice to meet some more Smith & Nephew employees.

Wednesday we went to church with Terry and Kathy. Terry holds Craig's same position at the Tampa office and has been a great friend and mentor to Craig. They attend Bell Shoals Baptist Church, It is a HUGE and lovely church. They have approximately 7,000 members! I was a little intimated but everyone there was so friendly, it was like entering a little community. The church has so many programs it's unbelievable!

Poor Craig had to work ALL day Thursday so Avalynn and I had a bunch of time to kill. I don't drive well in traffic and especially if I don't know where I'm going. So, Avalynn and I stayed close to "home". We toured Toys R Us, Super Target and Brandon Mall. This was the most confusing mall ever! We walked around it for 3 hours (not purposefully), I just couldn't get out of there. Note to self, keep up the tradition of always parking at a department store. That evening we met back up with Craig, Terry and Kathy and went to Plant City to try out "Fred's". This place puts the Okefenokee to shame. It was delish! They offer a discount of $4 if you clean your plate (trying to cut back on waste), so we were forced to eat good :). Avalynn surprised everyone but chowing down on lima beans, greens, and rutabagas.

Almost to the weekend, and we were so looking forward to spending it with Craig. It was time to check out of the hotel too. Even though I made Craig take the big luggage down the night before, loading up the pack n play, diaper bag, toiletry bag and dirty clothes by yourself and a 17 month old is tough! After 4 trips to the car we finally made it! Thankfully Terry gave me the key to his house so Avalynn and I napped and enjoyed the afternoon thunderstorms from inside.

Now for the day we had been waiting for...My Birthday!!! (and the Florida Aquarium). The day started off not at all how I had planned. Avalynn decided to wake up at 12:30 and start her day. After 3 1/2 hours of singing, playing with dolls, climbing in the bed with us, tickling our toes, showing us eyes, ears, mouth, nose, she finally went back to sleep. So the Loves started the day with 4 hours of interrupted sleep. Nothing multiple Diet Cokes and a Red Bull couldn't fix though. What a good choice we made for our family day. Avalynn loved seeing all the fish, and Craig and I have made a decision to buy one for Avalynn and pray it lives longer than a day. It was tough keeping her in the stroller because there was so much to see. Thankfully it was TOO crowded and we could let her walk close by. We decided to go on a dolphin excursion (more like just a scenic boat ride). I was a little miffed when we were told to leave our stroller. How was I supposed to contain a 17 month old on a boat, and during her nap time? What a mess that was. After an hour of her screaming off and on she FINALLY gave up and fell asleep. Which is extremely rare. She never sleeps anywhere but in her crib and car seat. After the aquarium, we went back to freshen up and then off to my surprise dinner. I'm a cheap date and easy to please. I'm a Mexican food junkie so that's where Craig and the Payne's took me! It was so good. Not sure if it was the food or because all we had eaten that day was a $6 hot dog at the aquarium.

We all hit the hay early! Even though I wanted very much to sleep in and head straight back home to my bed, we went to church again with the Payne's. So glad we did! We enjoyed the worship and sermon so much! Their service started at 9:15 so we were able to make it to Red Lobster as they were opening their doors. One good thing about an early service, no wait! After lunch it was time to say goodbye. We will miss Terry and "Old Goat" very much. They had 3 granddaughters and now 4 because they are now known and as Avalynn's adopted grandparents :)

Didn't mean for this post to be so long but we had a busy week to talk about!

Admiring all the pretty fish

Daddy was in Heaven getting to spend all this time with his baby girl

Entertaining Avalynn the best we know how, watching George!

See Mom, I'm so innocent

Mesmorized by the eel

After a night of no sleep and a day full of fun, we are exhausted

Terry and "Old Goat"

Family Fun Under the Sun

This past week, we loaded up and met MiMi, Gus, Jan and Ev down in Daytona for a few days. Avalynn had a blast! MiMi and Gus had already been there for 3 days, so the Loves had some catching up to do. Thankfully, Craig was able to drive down Friday after work and stayed until Tuesday morning. We were very excited that Uncle Jay and Kimberly got to join us for a couple days too! Avalynn loves her Uncle "Bubba" and knows whatever she wants, he'll get (especially food).

So thankful I had plenty of babysitters because it took all of us to keep an eye on Avalynn. Not only is she fearless of the ocean, but she isn't into just sitting and playing in the sand. She had to be moving ALL day! One of the highlights was Gus catching fish in his cast net and letting Avalynn play with them. She definitely has some tom-boy in her. She would love on the fishy and of course cried when we had to throw them back. No need to worry, she got a new pet, Daddy found her a hermit crab, whom she named "George"...big surprise there. Saturday night, when the whole family was together, we went to eat at Park's Seafood. Which just happened to be the restaurant my parents ate at during their first vacation as a married couple (29 years ago). Sunday was our last night with Jay and Kimberly so we let him pick. It was a local italian place, which served amazing homemade pizza! Monday it was overcast so no sun for us. Craig, Avalynn and I loaded up and went to eat at a local seafood restaurant outside. I'm not a big fish eater but whatever I had, was delish. Avalynn thought so too because she ate half of my filet. Monday evening, Craig and I were going to have a date night, but it didn't get past our bar-b-que dinner. We rode by Krispy Kreme and the hot sign was on. I'm pretty sure it's against the law to pass one without stopping when that's the case.So, we made a detour and surprised Gus with a dozen donuts. It was a sad morning Tuesday when we had to all load up to head home, 4 days was not near long enough. Back to reality :(

On a different note, Craig and I have decided to put our house on the market. We've been talking about it for a while now and I finally decided to be proactive and do it! Hopefully we can sell it ourselves, if not, we'll involve a realtor. So, if y'all know of anyone looking for an adorable starter home, send them our way! We're not sure where we'll end up, someone in N. FL though. Craig's going to need a shorter commute. It's been hard on him getting home when I'm putting Avalynn to bed. Just praying God puts us where He pleases. I have mixed emotions. Not only did we put our blood, sweat and tears into that house, but all of our family and friends are here. Who knows, it may be on the market a while.

Completey Fearless!

Very upset about having to throw her fish back.

Cutest little beach bottom.

Jumping in the water and going under does not stop this one.

Filling the need to fill the ocean with sand.

Avalynn's pet "George" (he did not make it home)

Finally worn out!

Date Night

No matter how many times we tried, we could not get a descent picture.

Work in Progess...

Never without an expression

Well, after I have followed many friends' blogs, I have finally decided to start one for our family. I enjoy reading them so much, maybe someone will get a kick out of mine. Thanks so much to my friend Ashley for helping me get started, although there are some more questions I have for you ;). I would have never thought to start a blog before Avalynn. Not sure what I talked about before she came along. She definitely keeps us on our toes so I hope you enjoy stories I intended to share because boy, we have them.