The Lyon Den

A Balloon to Heaven

2010-01-04T18:57:00.003-06:00

Here are a few pictures from Christmas in Georgia. I can't even believe how much the girls have changed since my last posting (6 months ago...).

On Saturday we were at Chick-fil-A, and a nice man came along and gave the girls helium balloons. I appreciated the gesture, but deep down I was hoping we could get rid of them somehow. So, when we walked outside, I said, "Let's let the balloons go and send them to heaven!" Of course this met with whining and crying from Neely. So I said never mind.

Needless to say when we got home (after the balloons were floating around in the van for about an hour- nightmare). Sadie gladly let hers go into the clear blue sky. As we watched it climb higher, Neely started crying, and then wailing, and then screaming (keep in mind she was still holding onto her balloon). Here is the conversation:

Neely: I don't want Sadie's balloon to go all the way to heaven!!!

Me: (Thinking this could be a great teacheable moment) Neely, let me tell you what heaven is like so you won't be so sad that the balloon went to heaven. There is no crying in heaven... and no sadness, and no one is ever sick. And no one ever dies. And the best part is, you get to be with God and Jesus all the time. It is always happy in heaven.

Neely: (Through big crocodile tears in her eyes) Do you think when I get to heaven someday, I can get the balloon back?

Me: (Realizing with a smile that I am not so different from Neely) I think when you get to heaven someday, if you still want your balloon, you can have one.

Isn't that so like us? We were talking about in Sunday school this week how we are so like the Israelites-- being fed manna every day in the wilderness, knowing that God is our true Bread of Life, but grumbling about what He gives us or does NOT give us. In our hearts, do we really want Him more than anything else? If we did, we wouldn't be thinking about our old balloons as we journey through life. We would be setting our minds not on earthly things. And as we truly behold the majesty of Christ, we would long so deeply and so desperately for nothing but Him.

Happy New Year! Here's to seeing Christ as my All in All.

This is for you, Sara!

2009-07-28T08:37:00.006-06:00

At my parents' house with sunflowers we picked from the pasture.

on my parents' front porch

In the laundry basket, a favorite game!

A rare hug, and no one got hurt! Amazing!

Build your own rocket in Highlands, NC. It was awesome- and then NASA was there with a water pressure hookup that launched the rockets about 100 feet in the air!

Our family trip to Highlands, NC for my parents' 40th Anniversary!

My brother Travis, sister in law Melanie, Tate, Miller, our fam and my parents.

Sadie LOVES to point!

Our family shot at my aunt's house in Highlands. You may see this again at Christmas if we can't get another one with everyone smiling. :)

Summer has been really wonderful. I have to admit I was dreading it a bit...no mom's morning out, hot weather, etc. but we have had such a great time. The only sad part is that my friend Sara Boney (along with her husband and two kids) are leaving Tuscaloosa for the bright lights of Birmingham. Sara is a faithful blogger, much moreso than I am. So, this is for you, Sara, because you will probably be the first to read it. We'll all miss you a ton. Can't wait to visit you in Homewood.

Also, my great aunt Martha (Sister Madeline) Roddenbery died on Sunday night at age 92 in her sleep. Our Bible study this summer has been Piper's book "Don't Waste Your Life." I have thought a lot about this charge over the past several weeks. Martha was a nun in the Sisters of Mercy. She gave her whole life in service to the Lord- she had a very real and living relationship with Christ. She certainly did not waste her life. She was my grandfather's last living sibling, so that is a little bit sad, but she is with Christ, and there is no sadness in that!

My quarterly installment

2009-06-21T18:51:00.006-06:00

Me with dear friends (and bad bangs) on my 31st birthday

Julie, Sara, Erin, and Rachel

Giddy up

Shhh Daddy

Pop's birthday

Classic Neely

It's all about Sadie- 1st Birthday!

Neely, Sadie and cousins Tate and Miller

1st Cake

Brother Travis with Miller and me with Neels

I made the "Sadiebug" cake

Neely with my lipstick in a borrowed dress- Lex, notice how there is no lipstick on the dress itself. Miracle.

SO, I know it is a lot of pictures, but that is what happens when I wait 3 months to update. Enjoy!

Mary Gibbons and Neely eating popsicles

Sistas

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T16:25:00.004-06:00

Lydia, Neely, Mary, and Sadie

Neely and new BFF Lydia

Sadie and sweet Mary

Alexis and me, also in matching shirts- oops!

I guess this is my quarterly blog entry! So many fun things have been going on-- our church, Trinity Presbyterian, has a building, finally! It is so nice to see the work of the Lord in providing a "launching pad" for our church. We love it!

And best of all, my BFF Alexis and her husband Jerry and two daughters Lydia and Mary came to visit for Spring Break '09. WAHOO! Lydia is one year older than Neely and Mary is one year younger. They are like 4 little stair steps, and all got along famously.

Saide is almost one- WHEW! And my parents are coming in town for Easter tomorrow. I am sure I will have some pictures from the annual egg hunt paparazzi...

A joyous Easter to all-- because of Christ and His great love for us...

Lazy in Alabam

2009-01-29T13:52:00.005-06:00

Sadie's first Christmas!

Neely playing dress up! I LOVE having girls!!!

Sadie with GiGi and Pop

Neely and Sadie with cousins Miller and Tate. Everybody has a baby!

Neelster

Playing so nicely together.

We are still around, I have just been lazy about blogging. I know Alabama is behind on a few things, but I do know it is not still Halloween!!

I will just post a few pictures because I don't really have a lot interesting to say. Sadie has started crawling, so I am experiencing a whole new world (and so is Neely-- we are learning to share! ).

There's No Place Like Home

2008-11-14T15:53:00.006-06:00

Dorothy and Toto at Halloween...

Also a few more recent pics.

Fall Festival

2008-10-30T13:03:00.002-06:00

Neely with Nathan Letourneau and Quinn Boney at our church fall festival...They each had a stick instrument, and we are still not sure what songs they were singing!

My sweet girls!

Sadie with a picture of me ( I am older in this picture, but there may be some resemblance?)

Precious Sadie Jane

Fall has been fun in Tuscaloosa. Has Alabama won the national championship yet? Just asking. I was not sure based on how people are acting around here... I am just hoping for a chance for the Dawgs to redeem themselves in the SEC championship. Can we pllleeeaassse beat Florida this weekend??

We are joining our church , Trinity Pres. this weekend. We are really excited! I hope I remember to set the clocks back, or we might miss it!

Double Take

2008-09-30T13:59:00.004-06:00

NEELY

SADIE

I have not really thought that Neely and Sadie look alike at all...until I took these pictures the other day. There are definitely a lot of similarities! They are both 4 1/2 months old in these pictures, wearing the same dress...Neely was in her hip harness, so she was a little more round, unable to move around :)

It is so much fun having two girls!!!

Facebook

2008-09-23T13:10:00.004-06:00

Sadie with Papa, my 93 year old grandfather!

Neely anticpating a fun day at the beach

I will have to admit that blogging has recently taken a backseat to Facebook in my limited time on the computer. I have not been great about keeping anything updated! Here area few pictures from recent trips- to Destin and to my parents' house. Enjoy!

3 Children

2008-08-24T14:29:00.003-06:00

No, don't get too excited. I am NOT pregnant. Let's hope not! Anyway, Marcus has food poisoning, so in his words, I have three children today. Lovely.

But, let's DO talk about the news that my friend Susie so graciously left me on my voice mail, that Jason (from DeAnna) is going to be the new bachelor. Let's get excited for Jason. And I am wondering, will son Ty be in the mix? Anyway, I was just reading on Lincee's blog (see my link to the right on Bach. Recaps) about this exciting news...and she has a link to a you tube video of olympic trampoline! Did anyone know this was an olympic sport-- jumping on the trampoline??? And just how and where do you train for this (actually, I feel the same way about synchronized swimming, olympic walking, fencing, and several other sports...I mean, say Neely wants to compete in one of these. Where on earth would I take her to train or compete for that matter?)? And let's talk about how softball and baseball are no longer going to be deemed olympic sports...but this (and rhthmic gymnastics, by the way) is? Strange.

OK, enough of that. If you have time, the trampoline you tube is worth watching. Funny.

Anyone have any movie recommendations? My netflix list is getting short.

Fairhope

2008-08-13T13:20:00.005-06:00

We went to Fairhope, AL this past weekend for a little getaway. We had a really nice, relaxing time. It is fun to have a change of scenery from time to time! Sadie's hair has really been changing color. It looks like we might have 2 redheads!!!

Happy Birthday Bro

2008-07-28T19:21:00.003-06:00

Me with my brother, Travis

a grouchy looking Sadie

The fam

Miller, Neely, Sadie, and Tate

My brother Travis came in town with his kids, Tate and Miller, and my parents came, too! We had a great weekend celebrating my brother's birthday and just being together. Here are a few pictures! Every time we are together, I count myself so blessed to have such a wonderful family!

Tennis and Bangs

2008-07-24T13:32:00.004-06:00

I am not so sure about the bangs, Mommy...

Now I LOVE them!

First tennis lesson with Daddy

with Madison Dunn

This is the smile I get when I tell Neely to smile.

Neely had her first tennis lesson from Marcus on July 12th. Only in Alabama can you wear a smocked dress and crocs to play tennis! She absolutely loves it, and she is doing really well hitting the ball.

Also, Neely got her first haircut, which includes bangs. I know, I know, you all told me NOT to do it, but I think she looks adorable! Plus, she doesn't like to wear bows all that much, and I got tired of her sweeping her hair out of her face.

Sadie is doing really well. She is starting to coo and smile a lot. She is very alert and is sleeping well at 10 weeks old. She seems very laid back and sweet. I have not posted many pictures of her lately because she had this awful rash all over her face and head and it is just now going away. I didn't think anyone wanted to see it- it was scary!

More pictures coming soon from this weekend with my family!

The Terrific Twos

2008-07-07T19:19:00.006-06:00

This blog is all about Neely...She turned two today!! The past two years have been the biggest joy of my life. Being married to Marcus was the beginning of such a great adventure and having Neely and now Sadie has made my heart full. I am so grateful for the many blessings in my life.

If the terrible twos are anything like the last two years, bring them on!

P.S., I am on Team Jesse. The Bachelorette was so good!! Anyone for Jason for the next Bachelor??

Feeling Thirty

2008-06-24T14:41:00.003-06:00

Funny to see how small Sadie seems next to Neely!

I turned the big 3-0 on Friday, June 20th! And, yes, I am feeling quite thirty...two kids and a minivan...but I am loving it, and I am so thankful for where I am in life and the many blessings I have! I can hardly believe I am through the first six weeks as of today...Sadie is doing really well and so is Neely. Here are a few recent pics.

Shout out to my friends who are watching the Bachelorette- how good is it??

2008-06-14T13:10:00.001-06:00

Sorry I am such a terrible blogger! I have not even checked email in about a month...but we are doing really well! Sadie slept for a 4.5 hour stretch last night, so I feel like a new person, sad I know. It is a lot of fun having two!!

Sadie Jane is here!

2008-05-18T10:20:00.005-06:00

Sadie Jane Lyon
"Sadie"
Born May 13 at 3:22 p.m.
8 lbs. 4 oz.
19 1/2 inches long

Sadie was born on GiGi (Berta, MG's mom)'s birthday, and her middle name is after her other grandmother, Marcus' mom, Jane.
Everyone is doing fine!! We came home on Thursday, and Neely is loving having a baby sister! She wants to hold her all the time. Thanks for all of the calls and prayers.

Also, today is our fifth wedding anniversary! What a celebration!!

Still Preggo...

2008-05-07T12:16:00.004-06:00

Baby Sister's Nursery (looking strangely familiar...)

Neely and Madeline Poole

Neely and "UGA" in Athens

Neely and me with Emily Howell ( I THINK it is just the picture, but I have never had so many chins.)

Neely with "Baby Andrew"

I know officially I have 8 days to go, but I had my hopes up that the baby will come early. Maybe she still will!! My doctor seemed to think a week or two early based on my measurements. We shall see. I will post something when she arrives!!

Here are a few recent pictures of Neely and friends.

Easter and Beyond

2008-04-10T13:01:00.005-06:00

Sorry this has taken me so long to post real Easter pictures...We had a great weekend and a lot of fun with the Easter egg hunt and going up to Callaway Gardens for a day, not to mention Neely's first pigtails! Here are several pictures. I think I finally have my camera figured out!

Happy Easter

2008-03-26T19:23:00.003-06:00

I had a few pictures of Neely taken this Easter. Hope everyone had a great weekend. I have more Easter pictures coming from our weekend in Hamilton as soon as I figure out my new camera. We were, as my mom said, the paparazzi during the egg hunt, chasing around our kids trying to get the perfect shot!

It was a lot of fun...

God-shaped hole

2008-03-19T13:12:00.003-06:00

Our almost church Sunday when we forgot to change our clocks. Nice.

Neely in her big girl bed!! So grown up!

Good news! I went to the doctor today ( I will be 32 weeks tomorrow), and after yet another ultrasound, they no longer seem concerned about the spot on the baby's heart. It is still just a tiny speck but nothing to watch any longer...So, no more ultrasounds and no more wondering if the baby will have a hole in her heart or not (other than the God-shaped one that we each have---so spiritual, I know). What an answer to prayer! Thank you for all of your questions and prayers and concerns on our behalf.

Also, Neely moved to her "big girl room" 2 days ago. I am embarassed and surprised to say that I cried the night before I moved her, but I think I am over it now. She is just so grown up I can hardly believe it!

Happy Easter to all!

Chasing Chickens and Blowing Bubbles

2008-03-07T13:29:00.008-06:00

Neely and I have been on the road a lot in February! Here are a few highlights...

We went to Clearwater Beach with my mom, GiGi. Neely kept chasing the "chickens," which I tried to explain were seagulls. I guess that is what I get for living in Alabama!

We went by Winter Park, and I got o visit some dear high school friends. We got to see Chris and Kristen King and son Charlie, Kristen Reynolds and daughter Kresley, Sarah Cohen, Chad Wright, and many other friends. It was so much fun to catch up and see dear friends after several years. Why am I always huge and pregnant when I come to visit?

Also, Neely and I went to GiGi's house while Marcus went skiing last week. We had fun blowing bubbles and playing outside. We were worn out! Bring on Spring!

Why I LOVE Benadryl

2008-02-12T13:52:00.001-06:00

I had to use the extra large photos so you could get the full effect. I guess this is what they mean when they say redheads have fair skin...TIP: Do not let redheaded child roll around in the grass.
Oh how I love Benadryl. This lovely state did not last long.

Also, I have something to share with other mothers. My pastor's wife passed along a list of things to pray for your children (hers are nearly grown now). I think it is a good list of several things I had not thought of before. Just wanted to pass it along to other praying mothers...I can email it to you if you would like.

HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN:

1. That they will know Christ as Savior early in life. Ps. 63:1, 2 Tim. 3:15

2. That they will have a hatred for sin. Ps. 97:10

3. That they will be caught when guilty. Ps. 119:71

4. That they will be protected from the evil one in each area of their lives: spiritual, emotional, physical. John 17:15

5. That they will have a responsible attitude ("extraordinary spirit"NASB, "exceptional qualities"NIV) in all their interpersonal relationships.
Dan. 6:3

6. That they will respect those in authority over them. Romans 13:1

7. That they will desire the right kind of friends and be protected from the wrong friends. Prov. 1:10, 11

8. That they will be kept from the wrong mate and saved for the right one. 2 Cor. 6:14-17

9. That they, as well as those they marry, will be kept pure until marriage. 1 Cor. 6:18-20

10. That they will learn to totally submit to God and actively resist Satan in all circumstances. James 4:7

11. That they will be singlehearted, willing to be sold out to Jesus Christ. Romans 12:1-2, 2 Cor. 11:3

12. That they will be hedged in so they cannot find their way to wrong people or wrong places and that the wrong people cannot find their way to them. Hosea 2:6

This is easy to divide up monthly or you can pray for 2 things each day of the week except Sunday, or however you choose to do it. I thought it was very insightful and worth sharing.

Happy Praying!

First Snow and Other News

2008-02-02T12:51:00.000-06:00

Well, it snowed in Tuscaloosa a few weeks ago! It was all of our first snow in T-town. Neely was not so sure what to think. It snowed just enough to stick on eyelashes, noses, and plants. I felt like a little kid, getting Neely all bundled up and taking her outside. She is in PJ's, her jacket, and her "I have a toothache" hat. It is probably my childhood trauma of growing up in Florida and never seeing seasons change...I was so excited for her! We had an inside day of stickers and coloring. Marcus is such a good sport! What will he do with 3 girls in the house??

Other than that, we are getting Neely's Big Girl room ready for the transition. "Little baby" (as Neely calls her sister) is sneaking up on us! Only 3 more months to go!!

We have all been battling various sicknesses...Marcus the flu , me with allergies, and Neely with some other kind of funk. Hopefully, we will all be better soon and I will be a better blogger.

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

2007-12-21T13:51:00.000-06:00

Cousing Joseph pushing Neely around the house

We found out last Wednesday that we are having a GIRL! We are really thrilled. I never had a sister, and I am pleased for Neely that she will have more than a mean old brother. Just kidding, Trav.

It will certainly make life much easier in the coming months since I have all of the girl neccessities!!

I was just looking at my blog and the little baby bouncing around in the corner is starting to freak me out. 143 days...what? It is coming so soon!! I will say I am feeling and looking pregnant (for those of you sweet friends asking me if I am showing, YES, I have been showing since I was like 8 weeks pregnant. The second time around is very different).

I feel like I am in Bible study and I need to tell my praise reports and prayer requests also.

Praise!! The blood clot in my placenta is gone.

Prayer!! In the very next sentence the doctor reported to me that there is a "bright spot" on the baby's heart on the ultrasound (actually, I never know whether to say ultrasound or sonogram...can somebody help me out here? Aren't they the same thing?). My response was a nervous laugh and then "You're joking, right?"

No, not joking. The good part is I get to have another ultrasound on January 9th for another look. The worst case scenario is the spot is a hole in the baby's heart and then we go to a pediatric cardiologist for an echo on the heart of the baby. If it is indeed a hole, it can be "corrected upon the baby's birth" as my doctor so delicately put it. Translation: Open heart surgery on my infant. My doctor does not seem overly concerned. She said that in most cases, the spot is nothing. So, I am hoping for that. I will keep the blog updated on new info regarding the "bright spot."

Seriously, my entire experience in motherhood has been waiting on the Lord, and although I would not wish for a hip dislocation, a blood clot, or a "bright spot," I can honestly say that I have learned and am learning a lot about trusting the Lord with my children. It is a lesson I will have to learn my whole life long and theirs, so the patience and the constant waiting I feel are good training ground for knowing that I am not in charge, as I would so much like to be.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and many reasons to celebrate our blessings.

2007-12-04T20:28:00.000-06:00

A few Christmasy pictures

Marcus teaching Neely how to put in Gulf Shores

My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

Marcus, Neely, Gary Chiou and Naomi

So, I have been informed by several friends that I need to update my blog. Here it is!

We have had Halloween, Thanksgiving, and a major milestone since our last posting. We bought a MINIVAN!! Hilarious. It is my pre-thirtieth birthday rite of passage. I still am in shock. I have lost what little cool factor I had left, but I must say, I don't care! I LOVE it. If anyone out there is considering it, I highly recommend it!

Next Wednesday we get our ultrasound to hopefully find out if we are having a boy of a girl. Exciting! Also, the blood clot is slightly bigger, so we are praying that it will be gone next week!

Raggedy Ann

2007-10-29T19:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween! Neely is Raggedy Ann this year. Although it came with the cutest little red yarn wig, Neely will have no part of it.

No wig required I guess when you have red hair!

Neely is also becoming quite fond of her tennis racquet and ball.

It's a TWO Baby Day!

2007-10-25T13:40:00.000-06:00

Neely has a little "lovie", her pink blanket/ bunny she affectionately calls "Baby." At my best friend Alexis' advice, I bought a spare one and I periodically switch Baby out and wash the dirty one. It was a great day when Neely found the backup Baby. She was running around the house with both of them and squealing!

I also am having a TWO baby day, since I still have a baby, Neely, and I am also pregnant with our second baby! I am 11 weeks pregnant today and am starting to turn the corner, I think, on feeling better! We had our ultrasound last week, and the baby looks fine. I do have a blood clot, or a subchorionic hemorrhage in my placenta that could cause a miscarriage, so we are praying that it will be gone when I go back Novermber 14 for my ultrasound! We are excited about the next stage in our family life!

Also, Neely met Parker Glidewell for the first time a few weeks ago. My dear friend Sandi took us to the zoo in Atlanta. Neely and Parker loved the gorillas, and so did we! Thanks, Sandi!

A Bulldog Princess

2007-10-01T21:16:00.000-06:00

To the Bulldog Nation out there--- How 'Bout Them Dawgs???? I could not help but be tickled as Tate(my nephew) called Neely a "Bulldog Princess" on gameday. How cute is that??
Let's just say I have been waiting for UGA to come to T-town since 5 years ago when I met Marcus for the first time at the game in Tuscaloosa. It was a doozy of a game this time, was it not?? And don't think my brother Travis and I didn't elbow our way to the front of the brood of drunk Georgia frat boys to get on camera at Gameday after the game. Oh yes we did.
Let's also talk for a moment about the Bachelor. My dad made my mom turn it off tonight because of the somewhat questionable moral content (except the lone "Christian" Solisa, that is). Props to you, dad. Wild horses could not have dragged me away. Is there something wrong with me that I just feel all around in a better mood while there is a new season of the Bachelor on TV? Is anybody with me?

Anyway, GO Dawgs!!!! This goes out with hopes that my little Bulldog Princess will actually join the bulldog nation one day. Pipe dreams.

Aloha!

2007-09-15T08:30:00.000-06:00

View outside of our window in Maui, Lanai in the distance

Marcus playing golf at Kapalua, site of the Mercedes Championship
On the beach in front of our hotel in Maui
Right next to out hotel, our favorite restaurant looking out from our table
View from our room
On the beach in Lahaina at the luau

View from our hotel on Oahu with Diamond Head in the distance
View from our hike to the top of Diamond Head
Our favorite snorkeling adventure on Oahu
USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor
Marcus at Kapalua

We made it back in one piece! How did I ever do a flight to China, by the way? The traveling was very long, but very worth it! We had a great time on Oahu and Maui. I wanted to see Pearl Harbor, and the WWII memorial was very moving. I couldn't help having Bachelor flashbacks, though, feeling a little like Tessa looking out over the water. It was all in all a very moving experience for us.

We drove to the North Shore and ate shave ice and shrimp at a shack on the road.

Maui was truly paradise. I used to think nothing could be better than Phi Phi Island. Well, I was wrong! It was so beautiful, literally breathtaking at parts. From our hotel, you could look out and see two islands in the distance. Hawaii is so amazing with mountains and beaches all mixed together. Marcus played a few rounds of golf, we snorkeled with a sea turtle, got massages, ate a ton, tried to exercise, ate some more... went to a luau, on a helicopter ride, and just hung around by the pool. It was exactly what I needed, and now I am glad to be back with sweet Neely!!

Aloha!

Lyons and Alstons and Bears, Oh My!

2007-08-30T19:47:00.000-06:00

Our trip to Highlands, NC was a blast! We got to spend time with Travis, Melanie, Tate, and Miller as well as G-ma and Pop! My aunt Jane and uncle Kenny live up there for part of the year, so we got to spend time with them, too!

Neely started walking everywhere, and we even found a dog with the same color hair as Neely! If anyone ever wants to get away for a long weekend, Highlands is the place. The weather is great (in the summer), fun stuff to do, and nice places to eat and stay. We have been up there a lot starting as young kids, and it is always fun to go back!

Amen and Aloha!

2007-08-10T10:50:00.000-06:00

We have been in and out of town and all over the place the last few weeks. Marcus stopped working on August 1st but has several weeks of vacation...so he will actually be off until mid-September. Can I get an Amen?

Unfortunately, Marcus' mom has to have triple by-pass surger on her heart. The surgery will be at Piedmont August 13th. It was originally scheduled for August 2nd, but because of an internal infection, they cancelled it literally at the last minute. Here are a few pictures of our time with Marcus' family and Neely in the pool in Hamilton on the non-surgery weekend. We would appreciate your prayers for his mom and her quick healing.

Also, we are headed to Hawaii in September, so we welcome tips from anyone who has been!

Aloha!

Change Gonna Come

2007-07-15T12:51:00.000-06:00

Neely took her first series of steps last night. She has been taking one here or there, but she took 5-6 steps in a row several times! It was so much fun to see her get excited. Maybe she will graduate to the "walkers" class at church by next week!
Here are a few pictures of her walking with her "car." It is a sight I have grown accustomed to seeing all around the house. I wil be sad when the car has seen its last day. In these pictures, she figured out that she could push her "baby" and the car at the same time. She likes to rub "baby's" corners on her nose.

On a sidenote, Marcus resigned from his job 2 weeks ago. He has decided to accept a position with Hotel & Restaurant Supply, his best friend Mason Greene's family business. For now, he will be doing sales here, so we will not be moving.
It is a bittersweet time for us as Marcus says goodbye to an 11 year career in tennis. It has been a joy to watch him teach so many kids over the years and make a real difference in their lives. He is truly so gifted at teaching the game and passionate about his job...the decision was motivated mainly by a desire to have better hours to devote to our family and for the opportunity to work with Mason!
We have truly been so blessed over the past years, and God has provided for all of our needs. We know He will continue to do so. I am so grateful to have a husband who puts our family first! He is the hardest worker I know, hands down, and he is sacrificing a lot to make this change. We are excited about what God has planned next for us in the great adventure of following Him!

2007-07-08T16:32:00.000-06:00

It rained so hard we almost floated away,
But it still turned out to be a “one”derful day!

We talked and laughed and blew some bubbles,
We wrestled and tickled and tossed and tumbled,

The soaking wet chef cooked burgers and dogs,

With cupcakes galore we all ate like hogs!

The birthday hat was almost the end,

But icing turned out to be a girl’s best friend,

With a first taste of something sweet,
Neely finished it off with a fresh bite of feet,

We got to celebrate the sweet blessing of our child,
Even if having a one-year-old can be woolly and wild!

Thanks for the toys, the dolls, and the cash,
We already look forward to the next birthday bash.

Father's Day pics

2007-06-25T07:35:00.000-06:00

Here are a few recent pictures of Neely, a few from Father's Day. Marcus is such an amazing dad! I am constantly in awe of how much he loves Neely and how great he is with her! I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband who is also a fabulous dad.

Oh yeah, her green t-shirt says "Daddy's Caddy."

Contempt for Contempt

2007-06-16T13:12:00.001-06:00

I played tennis yesterday for the first time in a long time. I was keenly aware that many of the attitudes around me were filled with complaints, or to put it more bluntly, they were drunk on entitlement. What is it about Americans in general (myself included in this) that makes us feel like we are entitled to so much- or really anything at all? The person in the drivethru is taking WAY too long to take my order, or this car in front of me is really slowing me down, or where are the towels and cups that should be out on the courts and why should I have to walk all the way inside to get them? You get the picture.
So, I was reading Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas ( highly recommend) and he talks about having contempt for contempt. One way to do this is to cultivate an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. Doesn't that sound fantastic? My first effort in this is to list

10 Things I am Happy About Today:

1. Marcus watched Neely this morning so I could go for a run-- without the jogging stroller! I seriously forgot what that feels like!

2. Having lunch with my dear friend Melanie today. I have missed her!

3. You. I have friends who are actually willing to read my ramblings on my blog, many of whom are mothers who can absolutely relate to what I am talking about.

4. Summer TV shows to replace the void American Idol and the Bachelor left when the season ended. A new show is on Monday night with Mark Philopusis (sp?). He is a tennis player on the tour and he is looking for love. It is like the Bachelor on the tennis court! I seriously can not wait. And "So you Think You Can Dance." Yes, Sarah, I love it too!

5. T-town. I can say that after 4 years, I finally feel like this is home, and I like it here. I am super thankful for our home. It suits our needs perfectly!

6. Longer t-shirts. After the low rise pants craze, I have been waiting for longer t-shirts to make up for the crack gap when you bend over. And I have finally found some. Now Marcus does not sound the "white back" alert every time I bend over to get Neely.

7. Great books. I am finally reading "Shepherding a Child's Heart" and "Honey for a Child's Heart" along with "Sacred Marriage." There are too many great books!

8. Neely's first birthday rapidly approaching. The theme will be Strawberry Shortcake. Remember her, girls?

9. Vacation. Marcus and I have been throwing around some fun vacation plans- Hawaii is in the mix. Wow, that would be so fun! But just the thought of getting away is very exciting.

10. I am going to take a nap. Peace! SO thankful for this.

Have a blessed day!

Bookworm

2007-06-14T08:24:00.000-06:00

Neely has a new friend, Alina, who likes to come over and play. She is 8, but she LOVES to play with Neely. She actually made Neely a teddy bear in the Build-A-Bear store in the mall. She takes lessons from Marcus, and she is the cutest little girl ever! She came over last week, and Neely is almost as enamored with Alina as she is with books! Actually enamored with books is an understatement! She is obsessed with books. I hope the trend continues and she loves reading for a lifetime! Here she is reading with Alina.
Also, Neely is getting close to taking steps. She is pulling up on everything and likes to stand "bup" by herself! She is so much fun and is saying new words every day. She said "thank you" to the Chinese waitress the other day and yesterday she said "cracker" and "golf." We are working on "tennis!"

Little Pumpkin

2007-05-27T14:02:00.000-06:00

Neely has made it clear recently whom she prefers...it's Daddy! She follows him everywhere and always wants him to hold her whenever he is around. It is so sweet, although not so rewarding for the stay at home mom! Honestly, I am so glad Marcus and Neely have a special bond. Here are some recent pictures of them playing.

You may also notice what color veggies Neely has been eating lately-- orange! She has temporarily turned orange, as you can see in some of the pictures. Now she really is a little pumpkin.

We walked up to the neighborhood park and lake last weekend. Here are a few pictures with Daddy...and also playing in the bath and the laundry basket and in the kitchen...you can tell by the crying picture...It's tough being a baby! (as my brother says)

First Mother's Day!

2007-05-17T08:46:00.000-06:00

Neely and I went to visit Bertie (and Robert) this weekend for Mother's Day and for her 60th birthday! It was a quick trip but a fun one! We went out to dinner and then to church on Sunday. When I picked up Neely from the nursery, the lady keeping her said that she latched onto this little ball and would not let it go. Wouldn't you know it was a plastic yellow tennis ball. Then we had a picnic on the front poch of my parents' house. We had plans to go fishing, but we didn't make it down to the lake. Next time, Pop!

Happy Birthday mom and Happy Mother's Day to all!

The Golden Ticket

2007-05-10T20:14:00.000-06:00

We have great news! We went to the pediatric ortho specialist today, and Neely's hip is doing really well! The doctor said it looks like she will not need to have surgery! Praise the Lord. We are so grateful for His healing and answering our prayers. She does not need to wear the harness at all now, so now it is just a matter of teaching her how to sleep without it! She cried for 45 minutes today and would not take a nap when I didn't strap her into the harness for the first time. She is definitely wearing it to bed tonight!! I will have to wean her off of it. Although, a few sleepless nights may be a small price to pay for Neely's progress.

The doctor did say that once she starts walking, we will need to bring her back again for a standing x-ray. This will be the "golden ticket" out of the woods for surgery.

Thanks so much for your prayers for our baby!

We walked up the 13th hole last weekend, and Neely sat on a blanket while daddy played some golf. Here are some pictures.

Around the House

2007-04-25T13:55:00.000-06:00

SO, has anyone been watching the Bachelor? I must say, this season is smashing. Check out my link to Bachelor Recaps so you can laugh about Bev, Tessa the Messa, and the gang.

Here are some recent pictures of Neely. She is crawling everywhere now, and she is lots of fun! Not too much else to tell, but we are really enjoying her right now.

By the way, those of you who have kids...did people start asking you when you were going to have your next one before your first one was even a year old? I would LOVE to have more, but right now, I can't quite imagine the logistics of it. My hair is just now growing back from having Neely! :) However, it is a BLAST. Nine months is a great age.

2007-04-14T12:36:00.000-06:00

We went to Hamilton for Easter, and Neely got to spend time with her cousins, Miller (1) and Tate (3), and we got to see my parents and my brother and sister-in-law, Travis and Melanie.

We had a great time. Neely liked her first Easter basket! She was not so sure about sharing it, though!

2007-04-04T13:02:00.000-06:00

HAPPY EASTER!!!

Hope everyone has a really nice upcoming weekend. We are going to Hamilton to visit my family. I am sure I will have new pictures of Neely with her cousins!

I lost my cable that connects my camera to my computer, so I have not been able to put any new pictures up in the last week. We are really getting settled into our new house, although every day, we keep saying we feel like we are on vacation! I wonder when that will end.

Several friends have asked for pictures of the new house. I have not taken any yet, but I will hopefully do it soon and I will post it so that all of you friends who live far away can "visit." Here are a few recent pictures of Neely.

Neely and I went on a walk up to the Yacht Club to see Marcus at tennis. She picked up a ball there and held it the 1.5 mile ride home. I hate to say it, but she is obsessed with tennis balls right now. It is really funny. I am sure people think we are brainwashing her...some babies have blankies, but Neely has a tennis ball.

Neely is growing up so fast! She will be nine months old on Saturday! I can hardly believe it.

She says, "Dada," "Mama," "light (dight)," and "Pop (my dad)."

She likes to hold her bottle with one hand and she loves to eat squash and green beans. She has 3 teeth!

This is her new hilarious face she loves making!

All Moved In

2007-03-22T14:15:00.000-06:00

So, we are all moved in and finally out of boxes. I am so grateful, and so sore!! I must be more out of shape than I thought. I think we are really going to love our new house and neighborhood. Neely and I have already taken several walks- one to the playground and to the tennis shop to see Marcus at work. We have not met too many of our neighbors, but I am sure that will come. The house next door is for sale, any takers??

Neely went to G-ma and Pop's and found my old doll, Sugar. We thought it was hilarious because she looked so much like the doll.

Neely's Hip Update

2007-03-09T10:39:00.000-06:00

Many of you have asked about Neely's hip and have prayed along with us for God's healing! She was born with developmental hip displasia (meaning her left hip was out of socket at birth). Marcus and I detected it when she was 4 months old, and we have been seeing a pediatric orthopaedic specialist in B-ham. For 3 months, she had to wear a very restrictive harness 24 hours a day, and God healed her without surgery! Her hip is back in socket. However, she is now wearing a different harness only when she sleeps to help her hip socket develop on that side (it is more shallow than the other side). If this harness does not work, she will have surgery when she is 5 years old to fix the problem. Please continue praying with us that Neely's hip socket will grow deeper, and that she will not need surgery.

Marcus and I have learned sooo much through this process with Neely's hip. We have been learning how to trust God with our child and how His plan for her is greater than we could orchestrate ourselves. It is the first of many times we will place Neely on the alter and trust in Him for His perfect will to be done in Neely's life. It is difficult when things happen outside of our control, but I believe whole-heartedly that God is already molding her and shaping her as she overcomes these obstacles in her young life. He truly knit her together this way for His glory, and through many tears and prayers, we can thank God for this small trial and for drawing us nearer to Him. I hope that someday when I show her the harness she had to wear and tell her how God healed her, she too will thank the Lord for all He has done and will do in her sweet life.

"The Lord is faithful to all His promises and loving toward all He has made. The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down...You open Your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing...The Lord is near to all who call on Him...My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord."
Psalm 145:13-21

Neely's Hi-Tech

2007-03-08T18:20:00.001-06:00

In July 2006, God blessed Marcus and me with Neely Grace ("Neely"). Everyone always tells you how much fun it is to have children of your own, but you really don't realize it until you have them. Neely turned 8 months old yesterday...I can't believe it! And I also can't believe I have a Blog. I have enjoyed looking at friends' pages, so I thought I would try it out. Thanks for the inspiration, Sarah. Enjoy!