Just the Three of Us

Transitioning...

2012-02-14T20:16:00.008-05:00

In January, G Little made the transition to the 2 year old room at his school. Maybe you can blame it on my over reaction as a first time Momma...or the stage of life...but this has been the hardest room for him to adjust. His teachers aren't quite as lovey as the previous ones and the class is FULL which is something knew to us. We have been blessed so far to have smaller class sizes so he's adjusting to the reduction in attention...dealing with bigger kids, not napping very well and learing new tasks like drinking out of a cup. We got two reports this past week that he's been very talkative and interrupting class...I wonder who he got that from! :) But I will say how amazing it is to listen to his speech blossom by being with the bigger kids in his class (I know one day I won't be saying that when he learns additional vocabulary!). Everday its something knew....and his new phrases include...Momma that's fun! What are you doing? And he will tell you to "seat" or "help"... now can name the trains for Thomas the train. And buddy will he repeat a word over and over until you listen or take the action he wants!

Mowing grass is so dangerous you need to wear your helmet :)

Sorry this picture is out of focused...practicing but I love his cheesy grin!

Christmas Recap

2012-02-11T15:51:00.014-05:00

What a great holiday season! We love all our traditions of celebrating with family and friends. I don't have near the photos I should of taken to capture it all. We did our annual trip to see Santa in downtown Acworth with the Tharpes and had our small family Christmas celebrations with Amanda and the Davis. We even added a new tradition (Matt objects but he will get over it) of going to ride the pink pig...an Atlanta Christmas tradition. We made birthday cupcakes with Josh and Nana on Christmas Eve and then I watched as my dad ruined any hopes of Gavin eating on Christmas Day with cookies and milk for breakfast. We thoroughly enjoyed celebrating with our families...and so glad we were able to catch up with the Kansas cousins...Kash Man and G Little had a blast dancing away on the pool table. We will have to watch out for the ladies!

Here's G Little enoying his Christmas cookies...in his favorite spot at my parents...

He's 2!

2011-12-30T07:48:00.007-05:00

G Little's actual birthday was a small celebration just us! He was a little fire bug and enjoyed blowing out his candle, eating cupcakes at school and home, and unwrapping the first gift of the season.

Two years have flow by quickly, but little man you have stolen our hearts! On to another year of adventure...

The Big Birthday Bash...

2011-12-21T15:53:00.008-05:00

G Little starting coughing early in the week so this Momma thought we would fight early and start his low dose breathing treatments...boy I was I wrong. They were like a squirt gun on a house fire. He woke up early Thursday morning...a very sick little boy so off to visit our favorite pediatrician and the bad news that little man had croup. Loads of steroids and strict instructions on breathing treatments....we left the office with a very upset little boy. And a canceled birthday party. No worries, we will be playing those reindeer games next year!

So instead we spent that Saturday in our pajamas having a G Little Day! The morning started with snowman pancakes...yup the chocolate chips were definitely eaten...pancakes not so much!

Then painting some Christmas crafts.....

And he started feeling a little more like himself...a bath, a fresh set of jammies and a glass of your favorite beverage...he's all smiles!

Getting those Decorations Up...

2011-12-21T15:37:00.005-05:00

In early December, we hurriedly decorated the house expecting to have a big birthday bash...Gavin loved helping his daddy put up the lights. We got all the Christmas trees up and decorated with out any crazy incidents...actually he's barely paid them any attention this year. Quite the surprise for our active little guy...

My hubby loves me so much...that he hung colored lights on the house this year :)

Thanksgiving

2011-12-04T23:41:00.004-05:00

I was horrible at taking pictures this Thanksgiving. I took none at my parents and just a few at Matt's. And this little guy above wouldn't stop for a minute so I could get a picture of his new longall. So I had to settle for some football helmet action. Papa Steele is collecting memorabilia for his man cave and his grandsons and great nephews love wearing these helmets around...G little is all about kicking the football right now and it was mighty comical with his helmet on!

Two Rounds of yummy food, loads of time with family, football games (some good, some definitely bad), the two best parts being with my boys and getting to reflect on all the amazing blessings God has given our little family! Oh and the answered prayer of NO repeat stomach bug this year! Praying for a healthier winter!

2 Weeks and Counting...

2011-11-28T16:37:00.007-05:00

And its party time again in the Steele house! This Momma is planning away...here is a sneak peek at his birthday photo shoot with Adam Parker Photography! Love them!

Adam with his wonderful, beautiful assistant did a great job capturing this stage...the transitioning to a little boy!

First Sighting

2011-11-15T19:34:00.014-05:00

Our first sighting of Santa didn't go so well. After being at home for most of the week fighting bronchitis, we decided to head up to G Little's school last Friday so he could meet the big guy and this momma was crossing her fingers that he just might take his picture with him. FAIL! Would not go near the big guy. We even tried leaving him for lunch so he could settle in without us for a picture. NO GO! I have two more chances at getting a picture! I know insane momma that I am but the next two will be a chance at a family picture. Plus this boy has way too many Christmas outfits to not keep trying :)

So a little update at 23 months:

~ He loves to help you sweep or vaccum.

~He hates to brush his teeth and the past few days he has started to hate the "suds" when you bath him but is ok with being washed.

~He is still a pretty good eater but it is definitely when he is ready to eat.

~G loves his new tumbling class and is too cute trying to jump on the trampoline.

~He loves to hide and you come find him.

~And just like every boy..loves loves loves to be outside.

~A master at the iPad.

~Still loves music...all kinds...and loves Elmo and Play with me Sesame.

~Picks up on a routine in a hard beat.

~Will follow simple directions like putting items in the trash can and picking up his toys.

~The playground has replaced the pool...so when you leave the neighborhood he lets you know you missed the turn.

~Still loves his golf clubs and golf balls...

~likes the phone...heard him say "Hi Daddy" tonight to Matt just as clear as can be.

~He likes to do opposites with you...you say up and he immediately follows with down

~loves to turn the lights on and off but has off confused with on at the moment.

~ He still does his grunt/humming sound when concentrating or really tired in the car.

~He can spot an airplane like nobody's business!

His vocabulary is growing and its amazing which new words he picks up. The latest two are stuck and stop. Stuck is funny but this Stop business just adds to the fun tantrums; which he apparently threw a major one at daycare yesterday. At a level they have never seen him do before....great times!

His list of words includes uh-oh, football, baseball, more, no, yeah, bye-bye, moon, hi, ball, eat, momma, dada, nose, ears, eyes, baby, night night, open, up, down, the end, book open, elmo, cheese, choo-choo, ice cream, pop, bubbles, cookie, hat, milk, juice, fish, truck, please, thank you, golf club, stuck, stop, stop it, see it, hot, shoes, me, poop, circle, outside, go, Jake, Josh, mine, banana, home, on, off, jacket, airplane, amen, one, two, three, boo-boo, stink (and knows to reference his feet!), help, papa, ice cream, and I am sure that I have missesd a few. He still signs a good bit including milk, eat, more, help, baby, banana, fish and please!

And thankfully he seems a ton better! His coughing has diminished greatly and hears praying for a very healthy Thanksgiving this year!

He's a Wild Man

2011-11-13T19:43:00.006-05:00

Today G Little turned 23 months and thankfully we are feeling a little better around this house! And as you can see very close to the terrific two's!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T22:07:00.022-04:00

Beware this is the post of pictures :)

Our little family had a great Halloween weekend. Friday night we carved our pumpkin and you can see just what G thought of that!

He's really frustrating to photograph lately because he either wants to run the camera, cheese it or act like you aren't taking pictures...

So finally he decided this pumpkin carving might be fun and by fun he meant putting the pumpkin gooey back in the pumpkin!

Watching daddy carve him up....

Saturday was full of play...running around getting pink stuff for Baby Eloise...oh and getting a Yellow Jacket Win! And today was super fun! He had his class party and costume parade. Momma was lucky enough to be able to sneak out of work to participate. G of course...didn't want to wear his hat! He has some super sweet teachers that went all out. They were even dressed up as lady bugs today...let's just say the kids this morning did not quite know what to think!

He's already a fire bug...

Waiting on daddy to get this trick or treating started...

And we are off...

He enjoyed some of his candy and then we jumped in the car and headed to the hospital. We were real rebels and were able to sneak past the nurses so he could meet his new buddy, Miss Eloise. He thought her bed lamp was super cool (She's fighting jaundice) and was sweet checking her out. We can't wait for her to come home!

Happy Halloween!

A Good Day

2011-10-27T21:18:00.004-04:00

We had a good day! G Little visited the ENT for a check up on those tubes today. Knock on wood! We have had no ear infections since April! So they are still perfectly placed and he was on super behavior for the hearing test they gave him. The audiologist was loving him. Sadly I had more conference calls so it was back to school for him. G Little was not happy!

Yup, we are stellar parents this year and instead of making the trip to one of the hundreds of pumpkin patches around here....we went to Pike's. Hey, all the pumpkins are half off! And yup I loaded up the red wagon with as many as Matt would let me take home. G Little was just as happy to watch the guy blowing the leaves. Followed by yummy bbq, baths and a tired boy who went sweetly to bed.

Can't wait to carve our pumpkins tomorrow!

And most of all I can't wait to meet Baby Davis! Momma Davis was admitted this evening :)

3:30 AM is NOT snack time

2011-10-22T05:40:00.004-04:00

3:30 AM has to be G's favorite time of night. While I was pregnant, its when I would wake each night and like predicted it was the time he wanted a bottle as an infant and now...well now it's snack time. The hour he wakes when he needs an extra fill in that belly. The hour he wakes to let you know he's sick...cold...wet....and needs an extra snuggle.

I know I will miss these days! Before I blink he will be 16 and sneaking downstairs for a snack without me. So after a cup of milk, a cereal bar and now at 5AM a bowl of grits...I guess we will go ahead and start this day so much for catching up on sleep this Saturday morning!

Sorry about the picture...trying to learn this new lense :)

Flying First Class...

2011-10-15T19:36:00.005-04:00

To celebrate G Little's 22 month birthday, I thought it would be a wise decision to take him on his first plane ride! So lots of praying and planning and praying!

We had a great ride to the airport, and made it easily through security. Everyone was helpful. Other travelers offered to assistance and TSA was even patient and smiling at little man. We make it to the gate. He's happily riding in his stroller and he eats dinner great. We happily board the plane. And I am thinking how great this is going....

The looks people shot me as they joined us in first class were pretty skeptical that they were going to have a nice flight to Denver with little man sitting up there. But God answers my prayer of having the gentlemen in the seat next to us to be filled with patience for little man. Smiles..chats with him a bit...we even find out his wife just found out she's expecting their first litte one. All still seems to be going great....

G Little is playing great on the plane and not fussing. He's enjoying watching all the hussle and bustle outside the plane even pointing out the trucks and other airplanes as they pass by. I scored big points with surprising him with a mini magnadoodle!

Then we taxi away and find out the grounds team has sent us in the wrong direction....takes a little time to turn around. We finally make it to our runway and find out we are 20th in line to leave....we are well over an hour now late leaving. Then the fun really begins...pilot comes on and says something is wrong with the inflight air conditioning and we have to return to the gate. We finally make it to the gate around 8:50 and maintenance boards the plane. G Little is still doing great...entertaining the folks around us. Walking around a bit and now sporting his cute jammies...at 10:10 pm we back away from the gate with the air conditioning checked out. G Little does great in take off while his momma's heart is racing with all the thoughts of his losing it..this plane crashing, etc. But he's eating it up looking at all the lights. Then I notice we are circling the ATL and there is quite a rumbling that should not be happening...

Then that pilots lovely voice comes back on...and says the dreaded words....we have to turn around AGAIN....the door to the landing gear will not close. And we can't fly to Denver with the door open...and to make this even better...G Little has just passed out! He's sound asleep...

We land and again everyone is so helpful with trying to get G Little off the plane. The flight attendants were amazing on this flight and were so helpful in getting the stroller and the sleeping boy loaded up. We get off the plane and its getting close to midnight by this point. The gate agents then announce...the tower called some local pilots and it looks like we are getting a 2:15 am flight. Then the debate do I drive this boy all the way home and wake up at the crack o' dawn or stick it out...by this point he's awake and seems happy....so we stick it out. We met some really nice folks that night and he entertained the grandmas waiting with us with his white hair phobia and all. Dancing and showing them how to use the iPad. But the best of all...the gate agent had the nerve to call this momma out at 1:45 am for letting my little guy dance around the waiting area....yes he was pole dancing on there divider thingy but heck an almost 2 year old at 1:45 am was not screaming his head off and entertaining your frustrated customers...give a momma a break!

We sleepily made it to Denver around 5:45 am local time and G Little cried for the first time all night with they turned on the lights for us to unload...he's a trooper! This is one proud momma of her little guy. I know the coming years there will be moments I want to hide under my bed...but for one night he was complimented by all the passengers even the ones with us in first class were surprised at his excellent behavior...so many compliments at the baggage claim!

So lesson learned besides the usual have extra diapers, snacks, clothes and toys to entertain your little one...if traveling alone with your little one use those skymiles for a first class seat and find some other good mommas traveling with you! Because there will be moments maneuvering through the flight that you will need an extra set of hands!

And I don't know if I am brave enough to do that by myself with two little ones....

Celebrating Baby D

2011-10-05T15:47:00.010-04:00

So we have been excited for well quite awhile now about the arrival of Baby Davis...so a few saturday's ago we set about to shower Momma to be with love, food and gifts. I have been worrying about this shower since the moment they announced their blessing to us...let's just say this lady is hard to top when it comes to events...gifts...decorating...

Here's the momma with her awesome corsage. Let's just say it was complete with plastic nekid baby and silk greenery....mark that florist off the list for future purchases

So as usual they were difficult :) and did not find out the gender of the sweet little babe...and I was not going for the usual green and yellow decorations. I found a sweet shower invitation in pink and blue and there we went. A shout out to Gabriel's for the wonderful cake and working with me on short notice. Yes, I had a crazy moment and thought I would bake the cake myself...HA! But it was scrumptious and beautifully decorated!

Of course more food than we ever need...but else would you expect from these southern ladies...

Learned a lesson about this delicious punch...it makes enough for an army! No wonder Mrs. Phyllis used it for my wedding so I will cut the recipe next time. We used mason jars and cute straws for the drinks...pick your color for your guess of the gender!

And of course trying to be a sweet wife, I let the daddy of this cutie play golf with the daddy to be...thinking oh he will sleep through the shower. I mean he sleeps through the chaos at school everyday. Ha! He was up and full of entertainment. Thanks ladies for putting up with my little mess!

Gotta love that bed head! Don't worry we chopped it all off the next week...sniff..sniff..He looks like a big boy!

Hi!

2011-09-06T10:17:00.002-04:00

It's been awhile...lots to update you on especially with Little Man. His vocabulary is exploding. But for now...a blog I have come to love...Sanctified Pearl!

God is dealing with my heart in several ways right now...and one being my easily becoming overwelmed with all the things I think I MUST accomplish so glad to know that others fight this battle with me!

Be back later...and of course with pictures!

Making Momma's Heart Melt...

2011-07-17T22:02:00.006-04:00

Some little boy was very, very quiet this Saturday morning...and this is the mess his momma found him sitting in. Makes my heart melt to see how much he is really starting to enjoy books! Hopefully he has that little bit of me in him...

Our new "CHEESE" face...which is a new word to his vocabulary!

Where did a year go...

2011-07-16T12:03:00.003-04:00

These pictures were taken almost a year to the date apart at one of my favorite churches in Charleston. Sigh! At least he still has some of those chunky love rolls...

Happy (Belated) Father's Day

2011-06-20T12:49:00.005-04:00

We took Matt to the Braves game Friday for his Father's Day present....we had a great time. Little Man did so well...he made it through the whole game...flirting with all the women, winning over the ice cream man, and enjoying the people watching!

The camera battery to the big camera was left in the car...so I enjoyed playing with my itouch and the my new infinicam app..(thanks L!)

So Tired

2011-06-05T14:08:00.002-04:00

We definitely have a little water bug...and I can't wait to see what he thinks of the beach in a few weeks! He played so hard in the pool that he passed out over his lunch...little snores and all...sigh...off to catch up on all the little things while he naps!

Mr. H's Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-22T13:03:00.006-04:00

Little Man and I were able to see Mr. H graduate from kindergarten this week. He was in a class of 7 boys...

Singing some of their chapel worship songs...G was clapping and dancing along...

Getting his certificate...

Picture with his momma... Mr. H picked her dress out so she would be the prettiest momma :)Mr. H is very good with G and we enjoy our weekly Firehouse subs and yogurt together. He's been deemed G's officially peanut butter sniffer...since Mr. H hates peanut butter as much as Little Man doesn't need to eat it.

Yay! Aunt V's Finally Done

2011-05-22T12:40:00.009-04:00

Mother's Day Weekend was not only the House of Poo...and I don't mean Winnie for us but a great weekend of celebration...we loved our mothers and grandmothers from afar; which I know they all appreciated! But we also made trips to Columbus to see Aunt V receive her pin and take her oath with all her fellow nursing students and then on Monday she walked in her cap and gown...

Here she is receiving her pin...

With Little Man...

Who didn't last long inside the cermony...and here is mad at his momma for saying no to playing on a dirty golf cart...

With the grandparents...

We are so excited for what the future holds for Aunt V...slightly hoping she makes it to Atlanta...

Easter Egg Hunting

2011-05-12T15:33:00.004-04:00

Was a blast! Gavin was so funny and really enjoyed it! Thanks to his teachers at school; he knew exactly what to do and was beating his cousins to the eggs...well Jake stopped to enjoy the treasures inside ;)

Crazy Hair Day..umm Month

2011-05-03T17:47:00.008-04:00

For April Gavin's school celebrate young children's education month, which meant I had to keep up with what was happening each day....one day they did crazy hair day. Matt did a mohawk and we sent G happily off to school...

We pick him up to this...

Just so you know we are on about 3 weeks of having ORANGE hair so if you have a blonde don't try to color their hair for halloween!

Working on 17 Months

2011-05-03T13:51:00.005-04:00

We have been a pretty busy crew around this house lately. Between work travel, family and friend get togethers, & a little guy constantly on the go. Gavin is so much fun. Of course I love the baby stage...sweet cuddles and gummy smiles...but this age is a blast. Little Man is learning something new everyday. It's just complete amazement. Friday, he turned to his daddy and out of no where said..."Hold This." Speaking of speech...

We have been battling ear infections since last October with at least one a month and combine that with the RSV, allergy testing, and random stomach bugs, we have have worn out the insurance card. The ear infections lead to our pediatrican to determine it was definitely time to visit the ENT for a consultation. She was worried about the frequency and possible delay in his speech. Last Tuesday Little Man recieved tubes in both ears and the hopes and prayers that our ear infections and runny noses will be limited. But I will have to say it was one of the worst days as a parent. Gavin did really well with the surgery and it was over before I had even settled back into his room. After napping that morning though, he woke with a 104 fever and a very panicking mommy especially hearing the worry in the nurse's voice. A quick call to the ENT's office had us back to the Pediatric ER for x-rays and more poking. Lucily we weren't having a reaction to any of his meds just seeing the infection for the ticking time bomb in his left ear and a mucus plug in his right lung from the surgery. We are very thankful for the great customer service at Kennestone that day...the nurses, doctors and staff were all wonderful and loving with Gavin. (How do other working Mom's handle this...now we are home with a stomach bug. Pray that my new manager continues to be as flexible and understanding as my previous one.)

With having no ear infection for a month, his jibering and random words have definitely increased with conversational jabbering and hand motions for great emphasis! :) He is saying repeatedly the following: uh-oh, more, baby up or baby down, hi, hello, bye bye, momma, daddy, night night, go, moon (which sounds a lot like more) and a version of thank you. Some things he says out of the blue and he won't repeat to save your life are two, five, hold this, the end, a version of elmo and a version that sounds like he's counting to three with major clapping when he's finished. Can't wait to see how much progress he makes now that the fluid is no longer behind his ears....Matt dreamed he has a british accent so we will see ;) Plus he seems to be a lot less clumsy with his walking...a point the ENT made after seeing G face planted in front of him. Great Parental Moment I tell you!

At our latest well visit his stats were: 24 lbs 1oz, 31.25" in height and 19" head circumference.

He is becoming so much fun outdoors with loving to play golf even mimicking Matt's head motions, riding his toys, pushing his toys to mimic Matt mowing grass and now we have added climbing. So all kitchen chairs must be pushed under grandmas...or you will find him on top of the kitchen table...just saying! We have had a few full ledge tantrums but mainly shouts of exasperation...I'm not ready to for the terrible two's. He's also trying to kiss and not just slobbery lick you face. And we finally have 8 teeth...four on the top and four on the bottom. What a LONG six or so weeks it was to get the newest two in!

Well hopefully this catches you up the G Man....and his current happenings!

Little Golfer

2011-04-27T21:54:00.003-04:00

What Gavin is Really saying to Matt is "No Daddy...its easier if you just pick up the ball and run with it!"

The State of the Kitchen

2011-04-04T13:16:00.003-04:00

Happy 6 year anniversary to us...new washing machine and on the long road to new hardwood floors! Yipee!

Table Fun is Full of Giggles

2011-03-07T13:02:00.013-05:00

I Won!

2011-03-01T11:17:00.003-05:00

I enter contests on other blogs such as the Pioneer Woman...hoping for one of those crazy colored kitchenaid mixers or babysteals.com, hoping for free goods. Well randomly I entered a birthday giveaway on CoolMomPicks.com the other night while browsing their site, and I won! So exciting to win free stuff! :)

I love their interesting finds whether its books, neat decorating ideas, or great finds for your kiddos. Sometimes its out of my price range, sometimes its just so neat you have to have it, and other times its way too modern for me but so neat anyways...

So add them to your browsing mommy blog list...I don't think you will be disappointed.

Thanks Laura for introducing me!

The iPad

2011-02-07T21:22:00.004-05:00

So we really are not in to Gavin watching TV...I know he catches more than he should with it being on in the living room...so watching sesame street this past week was a new adventure. Hey you have to do what you have to to get a kiddo to do a breathing treatment without it being wrestle mania!

But this one commerical catches his attention no matter what...its the tune to the iPad commercials..here is a few takes of his dancing moves...as we play the commercial over and over...he starts dancing the minute he sees it or hears it :) Forgive my camera skills...

The sweet moments

2011-02-07T21:13:00.004-05:00

I knew being a parent..a mom would be hard. But its even harder than I ever imagined. I won't lie to those ladies out there thinking about making the leap...but then there are moments that make it so worth it. To see the joy on his face when he figures out how to climb down the stairs after you show him just once...or the first time you let him try feeding himself with a spoon...all by himself...but this morning was one of those sweet moments I want to tuck away and remember when he's got a smart mouth..and his mommy isn't very cool anymore or the day I'm not his number one lady anymore...

I heard him start with that cry that I knew something was wrong before 5am...in my antihistamine stupor I climbed the stairs saying that prayer that he doesn't realize that I am NOT carrying a bottle of his delicious formula. But no this time...I picked him up and he tucks right in. His head all snuggled against my shoulder, arms tucked under him...looking for some mommy snuggle and warmth. So I started rocking him in the glider and he starts his sweet little coo of falling back asleep. But then he sits straight up, looks me straight in the eye and jibbers something so serious and then follows it with a kiss on my cheek...and then back to snuggles and soft snores. Such a sweet moment...even though I will never know exactly what he was telling me...a simple notion that he was saying thank you mom is just enough...because oh do I love that sweet little boy...

His favorite thing to do...

2011-02-02T22:00:00.003-05:00

Is turn the faucet on and off in our master bath...when he gets really quiet this is where you can find him...when you are trying to get ready...this is where you can find him...when you forget to shut the bedroom door...well you get the point :)

Perfect Weekend

2011-02-02T21:55:00.006-05:00

Last weekend was gorgeous and we did our best to fill little man's desire to be OUTSIDE! Yes, we have started throwing fits when the door opens and he is NOT GOING OUT IT!

Vday card

2011-01-24T23:59:00.001-05:00

Such A Sweetheart Valentine's Day

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

The Big Snow...no really Ice Storm

2011-01-11T15:25:00.013-05:00

These are a few pictures from Monday when we ventured out with Gavin. He just needed some fresh air so we layered him from triple onsies and babylegs to flannel lined overalls, sweat, jacket, and mittens. We haven't attempted to leave the neighborhood yet but I think Matt won't last too much! And I was right. He has attempted to leave at 5pm on Tuesday...let's see how far he gets!

13 Months

2011-01-09T19:30:00.009-05:00

Gavin is almost 13 months and busy busy busy! He has to find his "route" where ever we go. In other words he finds a path and he walks that path carrying toys..talking...finding things he's not suppose to... you name it! Over Christmas his "talking" exploded with him exploring using his tongue and now he has whole "conversations" with you. Just ask Matt's dad...late one night while we were visiting Gavin was off his sleep schedule and woke around midnight and ended up giving Matt and his dad a lecture including arm motions!

The adventure of taking away the bottle has started. I am not a current believer of going cold turkey because I feel like that will be torture due to his current classroom at school. He's in a transition room from small infants to junior toddlers so many of his fellow classmates are just crawling and still heavy bottle users.

Gavin's current stats: 23 lbs, 29 3/4" in height and 18 3/4 inches in head circumference

Gavin had his first visit to the ER right before Christmas just as we started our trek around the Southeast. We are not quite sure exactly what food items Gavin is allergic to but we are headed for blood tests this week and are armed with epipens. It was quite an experience that I hope and pray we never have again.

We had a wonderful Christmas season with family and friends! And are looking forward to a calm January because February and March are looking to be busy months with a wedding and several babies on the way!

The Christmas Cookie Decorators at Work :)

2010-12-16T14:29:00.006-05:00

Just a few of the best Christmas Cookie Decorators hard at work. If you need sprinkles don't hesitate to call on Mr. Jake. He sure knows how to use them!

And the cake was goooood!

2010-12-11T18:38:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful year we have had! And we couldn't have made it without all the love, support, PRAYERS, encouragement....pep talks...from our family and friends.

So Today Gavin ate cake :)

Gone a little bannana's...

2010-12-09T17:50:00.002-05:00

I have gone a little bannana's on Gavin's birthday party preparations....I think its just a ploy to keep from really accepting my little baby is about to be a toddler in about 4 days. Man has this year flown by...

First Hair Cut

2010-12-01T22:32:00.001-05:00

He's looking like a little man...

He's Walking

2010-12-01T22:21:00.003-05:00

Little man started taking a few steps here and there around October 10, and then we moved to the combo of crawling when more speedier, tired or just easier. But the weekend before Thanksgiving..it just clicked and now he is walking EVERYWHERE!

Home Projects

2010-09-26T21:57:00.006-04:00

Hubby and his dad have been crafty over the past few weeks and sweetly marked off a few items on the honey do list around the house...

Before...

After....

Still painting on this project...hard with a little guy whose all over the place. But we continued the molding from the formal dining room around the front door and up the stairs to break up the two story wall. Next projects...tiling and more painting :) Then hopefully back to decorating or landscaping...

Because I am ready to see my little man...

2010-08-26T20:30:00.002-04:00

Weekend at the Lake

2010-08-23T22:41:00.006-04:00

This weekend we were graciously invited for a wonderful weekend at the lake with our dear "Tech" friends...can't wait for football season to start just so we can see each other regularly. Adam took some great pictures of Gavin playing Saturday evening...the guys just don't realize how the little mini me's are going to start following them around in the years to come.

Thanks Lowe's for a wonderful weekend. Can't wait for Clemson!

On the Move...

2010-08-16T23:01:00.004-04:00

Trying to get caught up...

2010-08-10T22:09:00.005-04:00

Work has been crazy to say the least these past few weeks...hoping to get caught up on all the little things soon but until then....can you believe on Friday my little man will be 8 months!!!

Some of you might recognize these doors from some of my maternity pics thanks to Rhonda. Funny to see the finished product ;)

Some pictures of Gavin on the beach...he loved it so can't wait to take him back!

Giggles

2010-07-03T13:21:00.002-04:00

A little fish....

2010-06-18T09:38:00.003-04:00

Little man loved watching all the big kids, enjoyed kicking around...and most of all...a really good night's sleep after a trip to the pool! Can't wait to take him back!

Such a sweetie

2010-06-14T14:20:00.006-04:00

Don't you just want to kiss him! He is such a sweetie and so much fun! We had a relaxing half birthday yesterday! The boys napped so I got some quiet time!

Matt let me splurge for a DSLR this weekend...so loads of pictures to come from all my practicing with my new camera :)

Baby Boot Camp

2010-06-10T20:22:00.003-04:00

This week at school, it has just been little Bryson and Gavin. So Mrs. Christine has gotten to spend a lot of time with Gavin...something I love about his daycare. She has declared the week Baby Boot Camp with as much ab workouts as she can get in during his mat time. As a result....We almost have a sitter!

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-10T15:14:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day weekend was a great weekend with family and friends. My parents came up on Friday evening and we enjoyed a Saturday afternoon in Chattanooga. So good to spend some time out about with them...and enjoy little man seeing new things...that in a few years will probably having squealing with delight as he scares his mommy with them.

Checking out the alligators...

He loves the carrier...and of course I like the built in workout of carrying around an extra 17 lbs!

On Sunday we had a sweet service at church with the Lord's supper..but the sweetest part was dedicating Gavin. We were so blessed to be joined by our parents, siblings, MaMa and some really special friends that we claim as family.

Gavin really liked Pastor Mike...and we just kept waiting for him to start "talking" during the prayer :)

5 Months

2010-05-14T21:08:00.008-04:00

My sweet son,

What a fun month this has been! It seems like everyday there is something new...playing with a different toy, finding your feet, finding that you can put those feet in your mouth, trying solids for the first time, and best of all you finally rolled from your back to your tummy! It's so sweet to watch you play with daddy and giggle at him! And all the silly stories coming from school...your conversations with Olivia, holding hands with all the ladies...chewing on Olivia's arm! You are quite the ladies man! And then of course your notorious diapers...you seem to enjoy your days there and love all the attention!

You still love your hands whether its chewing on them or staring intently at them. You have also discovered mommy's hair and how to pull it! The blue blanket is still a must...now you even love for it to cover your face while you fall asleep. You play with it and have started being silly by covering your face and making these huffy puffy sounds. It scared me at first because it sounded like you were struggling to breathe! You still love your swing and I have no idea what we will do when you are to big for it.

Attacking the lion now...

You are finally mobile...its amazing to watch you start to understand rolling..mobility is almost here when you put together that you can use this rolling technique to get places!

Cereal

2010-05-14T20:59:00.003-04:00

So the experiment with solid foods has begun....sometimes he refuses...sometimes he eats it with no problems and other times.....
he just gets messy and wants the spoon!

Mother's Day

2010-05-14T20:36:00.009-04:00

Matthew and I are very lucky to have wonderful moms. They have been very supportive, encouraging, Godly women and over the past 14 months have been wonderful as we have entered our own journey of parenthood. And God has provided even more blessings with all the other wonderful Moms who are apart of our lives...grandmas, aunts, friends...so many that I can't begin to name them all. I hope each of you had a wonderful Mother's Day!

Mother's Day weekend was an eventful weekend for our little family. Saturday we headed to the Columbus/Phenix City area to spend time with my Mom and Grandmother. It was nice to get to spend some quiet relaxing time with both of them. And to let Gavin spend some time with his Great-Grandmother.
And of course, his Granddad was there to spoil him...with trying to give him a cookie...and walking him around outside...

Sunday we celebrate with Matt's family. It was a little more active than our Saturday celebration...Gavin was able to meet and play with a few of his cousins! And of course some time with his Great MaMa..and her famous sleepy pants! She can get any baby to sleep!

My two cool guys...my cup over flows!

Just a Swingin'

2010-05-14T18:02:00.003-04:00

Quick Update

2010-04-30T13:31:00.005-04:00

We had a great visit with Dr. Holladay this morning. Little man is weighing in at 16 lbs 1 oz and 25 1/2 inches long! He's in the 75% for both. Our little piggy has reached the max amount of formula she wants for him to intake so we will be starting cereal and adding veggies in the near future! Oh we will miss the days of bottles only!

Gavin got his second round of vaccines. He slept through the first two but the third woke him with just a small cry! He is such a trooper! We are blessed with such a sweet baby...just pray he stays this way :)

He almost....almost finished the roll from back to tummy at the doctor's office..won't be long before he is mobile! In the past two weeks, he has changed so much. He is enjoying is jumper and exersaucer even more...so many more coos and jibbering and just all around playfulness has increased. Enjoying every moment of it!

Happy 30th Birthday to my Hubby

2010-04-30T09:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to my sweet Hubby! So glad I get to celebrate with you!

In honor of my love....30 reasons why I love you...and well like you most days :)

1. He makes me laugh, especially on days I need it
2. He suffers through seafood restaurants
3. He washes the bottles without being asked
4. He no longer puts the dryer sheets under the couch
5. He's older than me!
6. He deals with my crazy need to plant flowers, and shrubs...and trees..Pike's is a dangerous place
7. He handles my indecisiveness with decorating...
8. He's good to his parents and family
9. He loves our baby
10. He eats like a 5 year old
11. He LUVS ice cream
12. He tells me I am beautiful even on my worst days
13. He's hot
14. He loves little debbie more than me
15. He lets me shop...no questions asked
16. He loves to travel...I can live with the beach not being his favorite :)
17. He cleans out the dishwasher
18. White and gold run this his veins...but he understands his need to say a little War Eagle everyone once in awhile
19. He surprises me with flowers
20. He loves Jesus
21. He stands up for what he believes in...
22. He loves sports (some days I wish they weren't all on TV though)
23. He's supportive
24. He understands Tech women
25. He's a silly daddy
26. He's getting fashionable...coming along way from the purple vest
27. He rarely gets angry
28.He let me have three friends that visit every other week
29. He is a wonderful provider
30. He loves me

Look What I Did...

2010-04-20T15:03:00.004-04:00

4 Months

2010-04-13T21:16:00.004-04:00

It's been awhile since I have posted but it's been a busy few weeks. I returned to work just over a month ago and we seem to have found a routine. Gavin really enjoys school and has a wonderful set of caregivers. He is in a room full of girls! Girls that make two of him!

We have survived his first cold for Gavin to turn around and have allergies from all the pollen. We ventured south for the first time Easter weekend since Matt had to work and enjoyed a visit with my parents, aunt and uncle, and Papa. Papa was so happy to finally meet his great grandson!

Oh the mischief to come...

Feeling the grass..he wants to walk so bad!

In the past few weeks, his sweet personality has been blooming. He is so calm, happy, and full of smiles! So Nosy! He wants to sit up or be walked around constantly...I think we are going to skip rolling over all together! He continues to love his swing and has a hard time waking from napping in it :)

Just woke up....sleepy eyes...

The blanket in the picture below was made by a good friend Lisa. Gavin has become attached to it. He loves putting his fingers through the little holes. You can give it to him when he's fussy and he calms down. I know its early but I think we have found his "blankie" and the daycare ladies ask that we bring it everyday :)

And for the Grandmas...

Wow...

2010-02-22T10:03:00.004-05:00

First week at home...

2 months old and waiting on Mom to turn on the mobile...

Snow Days...

2010-02-18T12:55:00.009-05:00

Oh...I think...I think it might be snowing....

Yup, its definitely snowing...and I am stuck inside....NOT FAIR!!!

So we took him out to experience the snow falling....

Overall we were close to 3 inches at our house. It was beautiful but definitely can understand why our friends in the North get tired of it after a while...

So Gavin's silly parents decided to try out the new jogging stroller so we could pose him for a few pictures...and say he got to play in the snow. But he went to sleep...I guess being toasty warm with a full belly will do that for you!

Matt and I enjoyed playing in the snow...built our little snowmen and threw a couple of snowballs with the kiddos across the street. It was a good day! :)

Six Weeks...

2010-01-21T22:33:00.005-05:00

I am amazed at how much he changes every week. His face is filling out even more. Its scary how he holds his head a certain way that I see my dad and then another way I see my brother....he definitely is showing a temper, too! His little voice is changing from the sweet terradactyl newborn cry to a deeper demanding cry. I can't believe I only have six more weeks at home with him...its almost like we are in a time warp seperate from the rest of the world. Daddy left us for the first time for his usual January trip to Philadelphia and Aunt Tori came for a quick visit while he was gone. Gavin did wonderfully during our shoe shopping...he slept the whole time! We ventured out a little more by ourselves this week. At first I feel so frazzled trying to handle him...the diaper bag..the car seat...the stroller...hopefully I will get the hang of it soon.

He still grunts all the time and sucks on his hands....I love his wake up routine. He starts with his hands shooting up in the air and then small grunts....that get louder and louder. At least you get fair warning that the plane is coming in for a landing....get that bottle ready!!

One Month

2010-01-21T22:02:00.006-05:00

Gavin has changed so much in just a month. Below is an after bathtime picture...smelling like a honeybee as his cousin Hank would say...and he LOVES bathtime.

The best time is just after he has his bottle...he has a series of faces but one in particular that just says satisfaction...the picture below just doesn't do it justice!

And of course the arms and legs are always moving...

Thank You

2010-01-21T21:56:00.002-05:00

Words cannot express how thankful Matt and I are for our family and friends. Our wonderful parents giving up their time to help after little Gavin's arrival...the phone calls, voicemails and sweet gifts from friends...visits and dinners from special people. Just wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how thankful we are and apologize if I forgot to send a thank you card...I did my best to keep a list through the chaos and if I haven't returned your phone call please forgive me. I have appreciated all of them beyond belief but many of you know the craziness of adjusting to a sweet newborn.

He is precious...and perfect and we are thankful and blessed. So if you haven't had a chance to meet little Gavin...come on over :)

Love ya'll!!!

Three Weeks Old

2010-01-04T13:45:00.005-05:00

How Momma and I rang in the New Year...Daddy had to wake us with a kiss at midnight...

Three weeks old...with my Lion that we bought for him at FAO Schwartz in NYC...its been waiting on Gavin to arrive! Love his wild man hair!

Headed to the Doctor's Office...

2009-12-20T16:20:00.003-05:00

First trip out of the house on Friday to visit the pediatrician. Gavin weighed in at 7lbs, 14 oz and had a very good visit with Dr. McGhee.

He's Here!

2009-12-17T14:53:00.006-05:00

So the question was who would arrive first....Santa or Baby Boy...well Santa is a very distant second! On midnight Saturday, December 12th, a very unexpected event started with a movie like scene.....of "Matt....Matt....my water just broke!" and from there we quickly finished packing the bags for the hospital and headed to Kennestone. And of course on the way...Matt speeds through a very yellow light :) ....then the blue lights start flashing...well...he needs to tell you the rest of that story! At 2:30 pm Sunday, December 13th we welcomed the sweetest Christmas present....Gavin Thomas Steele to our little family.

The Grandmothers checking him out....

Almost 36 Weeks

2009-11-17T16:16:00.008-05:00

Thursday is the 36 week mark but as you can see the counter on the sidebar says we only have 30 days until the due date. Exciting but scary....We had our last two week Doctor's appointment today and everything seems to be right on track. Matt enjoyed meeting Dr. Espy who is a fellow Tech grad and was recently featured in the Tech alumni magazine. They gladly joked about the percentages of me going into labor during the ACC championship game!

Here are a few pictures for your enjoyment....sorry the lighting is not the best...

Yes, the belly is huge...and sigh...it will only get bigger...

Getting Ready for Little Man

2009-11-11T17:44:00.002-05:00

The crib is together just need to do the finishing touches on the nursery. Started washing his things...started Christmas shopping...and trying to finish those last items on the to do list all while trying to rest as much as possible. But for now enjoying a moment on the couch, watching my belly bounce around. I'm going to miss these special moments....just mommy and baby....

Baby Showers

2009-10-29T21:37:00.009-04:00

We have been extremely blessed with great families and friends....but lately its been unbelievable and we are so thankful. There is no way we can ever pay back the love and gifts this little man has already received. Matt has everything from our showers put together...swing, bouncer and now we are just waiting to finish the maternity pictures to put together the crib. Here are a few pictures from the baby showers...wonderful food and yummy cakes. I wish I had a piece now :)

The belly seems to be growing daily! The past few days, I have felt a little more uncomfortable as Baby Boy keeps adjusting his position and trying to stretch out as much as he can. Hopefully we can work together to make it just 7 more weeks....but this little wiggle worm never stops!

Thank you ladies for two wonderful showers!

Girls' Weekend

2009-10-03T18:19:00.004-04:00

Girls' Weekend...turned into Girls' Week thanks to my awesome hubby! We had a wonderful time relaxing on the beach....eating at some wonderful restaurants....shopping of course :) Really could handle relaxing on the beach more often....and visiting Charleston!

I love all the iron gates and beautiful churches of Charleston...

White Out Game

2009-09-25T09:12:00.005-04:00

What an exciting night...Tech vs Clemson is always a good game. Hopefully our team will be rested and back on track for Saturday....

Baby Andrew's first football game and he was a trooper through all the yelling and crazy people!

24 Weeks

2009-08-31T18:58:00.006-04:00

Can you believe it? We are already at the 24 week mark and entering the last month of the second trimester. Time is flying by...and will go by even faster as we enter football season...and thankfully cooler weather! This month's doctor's appointment went great. He found little man's heartbeat right away!

Sneak peak at one of the blue walls in the nursery...

Yay! I can still see my toes...for now :)

Tailgating Do's and Don'ts...

2009-08-25T15:53:00.002-04:00

Autumn is the air just a wee bit and in two weeks we enter one of the most wonderful seasons in the South. So as I am definitely looking for the perfect outfits for my pregnant self to enjoy tailgating at its best...and thought you lovely Southern ladies would enjoy a reminder in the Do's and Don'ts. This blog post made me smile :)

http://thekentuckygirls.blogspot.com/2009/08/fashion-dos-and-donts-uk-football.html

The Baby's Secret is Out...

2009-07-30T16:50:00.003-04:00

It's a boy! We will be expecting a sweet little boy in December...so he can be rough and stinky with all his boy cousins!

Two weeks....

2009-07-15T20:17:00.002-04:00

We have two weeks from tomorrow until we know the gender of our little one...so hard to believe it feels like yesterday that Matt and I found out. On other news I think the baby loves chickfila...I have been feeling little movements or believing I have been but today at lunch with some co-workers....it was like popcorn popping in my belly :) Neen aren't you proud...the baby is supporting your company from the womb!

Last weekend we purchased the swivel glider recliner combo chair...Matt felt like he needed a recliner :) No clue why because the chair will be in the baby's room with no TV!

The Crib has been purchased...

2009-07-06T11:11:00.003-04:00

So Friday we went crib browsing and came across a crib we could both agree on...and of course there was a 4th of July sale. So we purchased it...in black! Now just if July 30th would hurry up and get here....

I have a new addiction....

2009-07-05T21:28:00.002-04:00

I have a new addiction.... www.thepioneerwoman.com ....she has me almost convinced to buy a ranch, a bunch of cows and have four babies...well maybe not. Maybe I can just get Matt to wear the wranglers and chaps...wouldn't that be funny!

I know..I know I need to post pictures of NYC but they are on Matt's computer and not mine....so yes I am being lazy. And on the baby news...the critter seems to be growing and the heartbeat is healthy. We will know on July 30th the gender of our little critter.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend celebrating our Independence!

Counting Down the Minutes....

2009-06-11T15:47:00.002-04:00

I am counting down the minutes until I can leave...some more Adventure Week with the kiddos tonight and then working from home tomorrow in my pjs...oh I can't wait. I have to say I have enjoyed learning about the children's programs of our church this week...Matt and I have kind of avoided it for the past few years. No more avoiding it now!!!

Besides counting down the minutes til leaving time today...I am also counting down til our flight to NYC on Wednesday night. I am so ready to get out of town for a few days! Tiffany's here I come ;)

Hope everyone has had a great week....its almost Friday!!

Our Christmas Gift

2009-06-01T20:43:00.003-04:00

Santa decided to surprise us with a visit early....and three tests later....and we knew for sure he was bringing us a Baby Steele for Christmas! We are totally amazed and excited about our little surprise and have been completely reminded that God is in Control...no matter how much I love to plan :)

Happy Birthday!

2009-05-22T10:53:00.003-04:00

May is the month of our Mom's....with Mother's Day and their birthdays just a day apart...its a month long celebration! We both are blessed to have wonderful Moms...and I hope they both have enjoyed their birthdays! We love you!

Sewing Project

2009-04-13T21:20:00.003-04:00

I got to spend Easter holiday weekend with my parental units in Albany. So we tackled the sewing project I have been putting off for weeks on Saturday afternoon while dad snuck off to hunt the turkeys that keep escaping from him....

I am here...I promise

2009-03-05T18:45:00.011-05:00

You know blogging can really be intimidating....lately when I have been venturing into the blog world. I mean the decorating blogs, the organizing blogs and the cooking blogs...a lady actually used her crockpot for 365 days straight. I get overwhelmed thinking how do they have time to keep such great blogs, do all the stuff they blog about and then read other great blogs. So my creative side is trying to show itself...to the pattern and the fabric for the curtain I want to sew are sitting on the kitchen table. Will I ever have something to blog about that is just as cool? Don't answer that Hillary!

Matt kept trying to convince me that I wanted a Wii for Christmas but he could never convince me. You know diamonds are such a better gift! So I came home from a work dinner the other week and guess what my surprise was...oh yea a Wii and a Wii Fit. You think he is trying to tell me something. No matter his thought process, we have had the best time laughing at each other trying to balance on that little white board....Matt doing Yoga doesn't that just make you giggle....or hula hooping :)

The past couple of weeks have been just a big ole struggle...God and I have been wrestlin'. Wrestling with my need to be in control....I want to plan. Yes I know hard to believe (just see the results of the personality test GE gave me). I want to analyze and plan...I want the logical path but it just doesn't work that way. There are good days when all is happy and I think I have given all these worries over to Him...and then it just creeps back over. I feel petty asking for you to remember me in your prayers...but just remember Matt is living with me and he has to put up with my cranky actions when I am worrying and wrestlin' so if anything pray for him... LOL

So Laura is asking for pictures on my blog today. So pictures of what I ask? Here are two from Oxford (you just feel smarter walking down those cobblestone streets)....I have the travel bug again. It's bad but I just don't think I can handle 8 weeks away from my sweetie again ...but then again ...nah! He has been extra sweet lately....maybe just maybe he will take me to NYC this spring...you know if I give in to attending a baseball game at the new stadium for the Yankees I should at least get a trip to Tiffany's and this time the box better not be EMPTY!

Matt is busy working this weekend (yeah right bunch of salesmen and women together more like a bunch of talking) and so I have filled my weekend catching up with some of the wonderful ladies in my life and I can't wait so Laura yes more pictures after this weekend :) that is if I remember my camera!

A New Year...

2009-02-01T21:18:00.003-05:00

I have neglected our poor little blog for over a month. December was just a busy month with holiday parties and all our traditional Christmas activites. We had a wonderful Christmas with our family and friends and so glad we were able to spend some time with ya'll. We spent New Year's Eve at the Chickfila bowl...watching paper planes fly around the stadium...it was very sad and a boring game for us Tech fans. But needless to say Matt is already counting down the days till the next football season!

Work has been busy for the both of us...Matt getting a promotion to District Manger and I took on a special project role for the next year...but we are very thankful to just have jobs!

We have been working on our home improvement to do list a little...that list always seems to keep growing! We finally painted our bedroom and bathroom...thanks to the experienced and awesome help of Matt's parents! I promise to post pictures soon...now I just need to get moving on finding fabric and making a curtain for the bathroom! Always adding to my personal to do list :)

Well a small update for now...hopefully our lives will be a little more adventurous in the coming weeks so that my post aren't quite so boring :)

Happy New Year and hope you are enjoying the super bowl.....

It's been way too long....

2008-12-08T21:32:00.002-05:00

I promise to update the blog eventually. Life has just been a little too busy between work and spending time with our wonderful family and friends....there is just not enough hours in the day to accomplish the items on the to list and January is approaching way too fast. I just pray that we all get to take a few minutes and celebrate the true meaning for this wonderfully busy season and of course survive the end of year stuff with work! Love you all...

Funniest Halloween Costume

2008-11-03T12:07:00.002-05:00

How Sweet It Is...

2008-11-02T22:19:00.005-05:00

After so many close calls throughout our college career....it took Matt and I getting married to finally beat F$U....

The girls waiting on our crazy husbands...who rushed the field like they were youngins'...

It so hard to get all of us in one location since entering the grown up world so Fall is a sweet time we relish being altogether again on most Saturdays. But we are excited about the rest of the year for we still have the ..the holidays and Baby C's birth to celebrate...oh and a few more football games! :)

And a video of the celebration....the greatest fight song....

Homecoming Weekend 2008

2008-10-26T19:44:00.010-04:00

This weekend has been a whirlwind of homecoming, friends and family. We spent Friday night with Matt's parents for a quick visit. Saturday was a busy but fun fall day of Homecoming festivities. Then Sunday was spent at the baseball field with my brother's family watching Dylan and his team play in a wild game against the Kennesaw Express. Congrats to the Styxx 10U team on another tournament victory!

Saturday was so much fun and the weather was wonderful. It was our usual 12 plus the Novacks and Natasha! Here's a picture of our grill master...

Here are the guys a Yellow Jacket Alley...with their weird need to give butt slaps...

Everyone's favorite mascot....

And Georgia Tech is a family affair...

Another busy week of work...but looking forward to wiping away the bad loss with a win over FSU and another great Saturday of tailgating!

Clemson Sleepover

2008-10-26T19:33:00.008-04:00

The Clemson game was the best sleepover I have been to in a long time. The Lowe's were awesome hosts and it was great to get away for a weekend with twelve of our closest friends with great food and games. An oscar winning game of charades (just ask Matt about grey poupon and Adam about Cool Ranch Doritos), an awesome win over Clemson, and Mrs. Lowe's chocolate chip pies!

Plus we saw this guy....

And nose bleeds have a new meaning....we were in the very last row and the view from the stadium!

Stress Relief...

2008-10-17T11:41:00.002-04:00

I have got to get it under control and let go and let God...I know I know...I have multi-lists going around...one for the house...one for myself...one for work, etc. but for now I am trying to concentrate just a little more on work while Matt is doing the count down til Tiffanie tells me I can leave... pacing around the house. Because he is oh so ready for our fun weekend with the Lowe's and crew in South Carolina full of food, friends, football and hopefully a sting em' to the Climpson Kitty Cats.

Pictures and tales of our fun weekend to follow..Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!

Politics...The bailout bill / mortgage financial crisis

2008-10-05T17:39:00.000-04:00

Matt and I have some family members whose career is in politics...and we received this email with some insightful information...

Friends,

If you care about the “bailout” bill in and wonder if Obama is right that McCain and Republican policies are to “blame”, watch this story done by Brit Hume at FoxNews of McCain and others repeatedly warning that this day would arrive (link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMnSp4qEXNM&feature=related) and read the story below from the New York Times in 1999.

This will take 15 minutes, but it will probably make you very angry.

While the media goes along with Obama’s effort to blame McCain and Republicans, it was the late ‘90’s Democrat policy of pushing loans to people who had risky credit via the government loan agencies of “Fannie” and “Freddie” that caused this problem (often called the “GSE”s). These bad mortgages got bought-and-sold on Wall Street as “good deals” because they had the government name behind them via Fannie and Freddie. When these mortgages started blowing up because they went to people who never should have gotten them, the meltdown began.

When McCain co-sponsored a bill 3 years ago to clean up the Fannie /Freddie/GSE problem (because he said it would cause a financial meltdown), it was Senate Democrats including Obama who defeated the bill. Coincidentally, Obama is now the 2nd largest recipient of Fannie and Freddie contributions – ever. And Franklin Raines (who is quoted in the New York Times story as head of Fannie) is a major advisor to Obama.

The media (outside Fox) will apparently not tell this side of the story. Therefore, I would encourage you to forward this email to friends (particularly anybody you know in FL, PA, OH, CO, VA, IA, MI, NH, NM, or NV). This issue will probably determine the presidential election, and people need to know the facts.

Clint

p.s. If you want to get really angry, check out this video of a 2004 Congressional hearing where Dems are outright mocking GOP calls for more regulation of Fannie and Freddie: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MGT_cSi7Rs

September 30, 1999

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending

By STEVEN A. HOLMES

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''

Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.''

From the perspective of many people, including me, this is another thrift industry growing up around us,'' said Peter Wallison a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. ''If they fail, the government will have to step up and bail them out the way it stepped up and bailed out the thrift industry.''

Under Fannie Mae's pilot program, consumers who qualify can secure a mortgage with an interest rate one percentage point above that of a conventional, 30-year fixed rate mortgage of less than $240,000 -- a rate that currently averages about 7.76 per cent. If the borrower makes his or her monthly payments on time for two years, the one percentage point premium is dropped.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, does not lend money directly to consumers. Instead, it purchases loans that banks make on what is called the secondary market. By expanding the type of loans that it will buy, Fannie Mae is hoping to spur banks to make more loans to people with less-than-stellar credit ratings.

Fannie Mae officials stress that the new mortgages will be extended to all potential borrowers who can qualify for a mortgage. But they add that the move is intended in part to increase the number of minority and low income home owners who tend to have worse credit ratings than non-Hispanic whites.

Home ownership has, in fact, exploded among minorities during the economic boom of the 1990's. The number of mortgages extended to Hispanic applicants jumped by 87.2 per cent from 1993 to 1998, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. During that same period the number of African Americans who got mortgages to buy a home increased by 71.9 per cent and the number of Asian Americans by 46.3 per cent.

In contrast, the number of non-Hispanic whites who received loans for homes increased by 31.2 per cent.

Despite these gains, home ownership rates for minorities continue to lag behind non-Hispanic whites, in part because blacks and Hispanics in particular tend to have on average worse credit ratings.

In July, the Department of Housing and Urban Development proposed that by the year 2001, 50 percent of Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's portfolio be made up of loans to low and moderate-income borrowers. Last year, 44 percent of the loans Fannie Mae purchased were from these groups.

The change in policy also comes at the same time that HUD is investigating allegations of racial discrimination in the automated underwriting systems used by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to determine the credit-worthiness of credit applicants.

It's been a long week...

2008-10-02T22:11:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful weekend off from Yellow Jacket football... my brother and his family came up for a baseball tournament and we got the chance to spend a little bit of time with them between games. Dylan's team actually won the tournament for his age group...which is always exciting for a south ga team to come to Atlanta and take care of business...

I know its been frustrating with the gas shortage but it made this down week from work even better...when the email came out saying work from HOME!! So all week I have enjoyed working in my comfy clothes and spending time with Matt. However, the week for Matt has not been so peaceful. We are at the end of his sales year so work is busy...but he was struck with some stomach bug...virus...food poisoning...not quite sure. Hopefully he will be back to normal soon but all he is worrying about is making it to the Tech/Duke game on Saturday.

A New Cousin...

2008-09-19T10:03:00.000-04:00

Colton Parrish Flournoy was born Wednesday the 17th, at 8lbs. 1 oz. Congrats Scott and Amie!

Here is Colton with his Pop! I can't wait to meet my new baby cousin!

Chicago

2008-09-10T10:12:00.000-04:00

Is one of my favorite cities, too bad I am stuck in an office all day. The weather has been awesome with a touch of Fall in the air...it makes me ready to put out pumpkins and tailgate...

Where did the Weekend Go?

2008-09-07T22:26:00.000-04:00

What a fun weekend especially now that the Jackets are 2-0! Will post more later...off to pack for Chicago!

It has begun...

2008-09-01T21:40:00.000-04:00

Football Season that is. Excited about seeing our team in its new era...tailgating...and loads of time with our friends. But I know the beginning of football season means the whirlwind of Fall and that Christmas is just right around the corner. Does anybody know a good way to slow time down?

And who is up for the old gold? Maybe if the helmets matched it would be just a little bit better...

And who is up for old guys painting their chests and wearing chicken hats!!

A Fun Weekend

2008-08-26T21:29:00.001-04:00

Hanging out with Grandma and my little sis...and of course Fay and all her rain...

Mid-Quarter Stress Fest

2008-08-14T13:10:00.000-04:00

My job is almost like college...the middle of the semester all the tests and projects are due before the break...the heat is on to make a Monday deadline and its like pulling a semi-truck with your pinky across the line. I can't complain because this quarter (so far) has definitely been a lot easier than the last. But I have definitely had to remind myself of the Blessed Assurance...to sing HIS praises...and that eventually I will accomplish all my personal wishes and of course those professional ones that help bring home the bacon. That life will balance out and God is my story not this earthly schedule...I just have to be patient.

This hymn brings back so many childhood memories..and I sing it with my whole heart everytime I hear it now...

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!

O what a foretaste of glory divine!

Heir of salvation, purchase of God,

Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight!

Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;

Angels descending bring from above

Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

This is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long;

this is my story, this is my song,

praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, all is at rest!

I in my Savior am happy and blest,

Watching and waiting, looking above,

Filled with his goodness, lost in His love.

Busy Weekend

2008-08-03T09:03:00.000-04:00

It's been a busy weekend....

Our nephew Dayne celebrated his 3rd birthday on Friday. From all the reports from the Good Life City...he had a big time at his pawdy at Putt-Putt...can't wait to get home to see him!

And Daddy celebrated his on Saturday...along with starting a new job! Hopefully this is an answer to many prayers...a job a little less hard core and a little more golf action :)

And hopefully one of our kids will get the curls. And then Saturday evening we had the pleasure of celebrating with Bryan and Paige at their beautiful wedding...we had a lot of fun dancing the night away.

The guys....hanging out during the cocktail hour...

The beautiful bride and groom...

And just when you thought I was finished with pictures...the Maxfields' are here for a quick visit...I miss them loads and was so excited to get to spend the afternoon with two of my favorite ladies shopping while Matt and Aaron had fun at the pool.

A pretty picture...

2008-07-16T15:59:00.000-04:00

Summer

2008-07-14T15:09:00.001-04:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th weekend. We spent a relaxing weekend with my parents and sister. I can't wait to go home for a visit though...this south ga girl is getting a little homesick...

Summer is flying by way too fast. Matt has already started the football count down and planning weekend tailgates. Tyler, we are counting on you for an awesome Clemson-GT celebration :) It is amazing how being in the UK for two months has made this year fly by, but its not over yet. Other trips and events are in the planning stages.. including Boston and hopefully NYC!

Work has started to pick up again, even though it feels like the last quarter just ended. Last week I went to Greenville, SC for training at our GE Assembly plant and then we both headed over to Mt. Airy to celebrate Josh's 1st Birthday. We had a wonderful time with Kevin, Jenn and Emily...and even enjoyed a bonfire complete with smores and firecrackers...

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