The Barton Family

Egg Hunt at Aunt Susan's Church

2010-03-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful time hunting eggs and hearing the story of Easter at Aunt Susan's church this past weekend. Lexi got the 2nd most eggs in her group and won a free ice cream!

Happy Birthday Mom & Susan

2010-03-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday mom & Susan!

Lexi took this one... not bad for a soon to be four year old.

My Valentines

2010-02-28T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here's a few pics of my little Valentines....

Emorie's 1st Birthday Party

2010-02-28T16:25:00.001-08:00

Well finally got to have Emorie a little party the Sunday after her actual birthday, thanks to all the snow. We appreciate everbody that ventured out in the aweful weather:)

One Year Photo Shoot

2010-01-18T12:42:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to share some of Emorie's 1 year birthday photos with everyone. Heather did a great job and I really loved how they turned out. I think they really show off her personality! I can't believe my baby is about to turn one!!!!!

Merry Christmas from the Barton's!

2009-12-26T15:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas Pictures by Heather Buckner Photography

2009-12-10T19:11:00.001-08:00

Sophia comes to visit!

2009-12-10T17:01:00.000-08:00

We got to keep Sophia for a little while last weekend. She was such a good baby! Here's a few pictures from last weekend.

Alexis decided she needed a crown.

Bath time wore them out!

Bath Time

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-10T16:17:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was a little sad this year not having my Nana around. I had her on my mind most of the day, plus I managed to ruin most of the food I made to take to our family dinners. But then I looked around at my beautiful healthy girls and couldn't stay sad for long. We have soooo much to be thankful for! I miss you, Bobbye Ruth, and I am thankful I had you as my Nana for 28 years!

Emorie Ruth

My blessings :)
Playing dress up@ Sue's after dinner

Mom & Emorie

Susan & Emorie

Aunt Linda.. isn't she a pretty lady!

The Barton gang

Nichole & Mamaw Barton

Group picture minus the folks that bought & cooked the food.

Our Family

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat Hay Ride

Trick or Treating at Mee Mee & Pa's

Granny Debbie & Aunt Sue came to check out the girl's costumes

Have to get the family picture in there :)

"Lexi Bo Peep" & "Emorie the Sheep"

The black face paint didn't last long...

Little Bo Peep never looked so good, lol!

Carving the Jack-O-Latern the morning of.

Happy Halloween from our family to yours!

2009-10-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

My girls decked out in the Halloween clothes!

Beach Vacation 2009

2009-10-14T11:25:00.000-07:00

We went down to Ft. Morgan again this year with the in-laws. We're very lucky they let us tag along :). Had a great time and the cooler weather was definitely better on the little ones!

Emorie is growing up too FAST!

2009-09-21T20:01:00.001-07:00

My baby girl is growing up way too fast! She will be hitting the 8th month mark in only a week. She is crawling around everywhere and getting into everything (following in big sister's footsteps no doubt). She is such a pleasant little sweetheart... again, not sure whose gene's she inherited!

Happy Fall

2009-09-19T17:31:00.000-07:00

We'll miss you, Nana

2009-08-19T18:31:00.000-07:00

My Nana passed away in her sleep on Saturday August 8th. It just so happened to be on her late husband's 80birthday, so I guess he received a great gift in Heaven by getting to be reunited with his true love. My Nana was a wonderful person & our whole family will miss her more than words could ever say. She loved us all so much and was a great example of what a mother, grandmother, friend, & Christian should be. We all happened to be spending the night together when she passed and I feel blessed God allowed us to all be together on her last night on earth. Just wanted to share some recent pictures of her that were all taken this year. I also want to thank everyone for their prayers during this difficult time.

Nana celebrating her 77th birthday this July.

Nana instructing Susan on how to properly decorate a grave... she loved to "instruct", lol!

Me & Nana on Mother's Day of this Year

Nana at my house for Lexi's birthday party this year.

Lexi with Nana at Mom& Susan's Birthday Party at her house this year.

Nana holding Emorie when she was a few weeks old. I thinkso looks so pretty in this picture.

Visit from Uncle Ron & Cousin Jon

2009-08-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed having the Massachusetts Barton's come over to the house for a little spaghetti while they were in.

Jon & Sophia

Mamaw Barton & Emorie

Brotherly Love!

Discussing politics no doubt.

Father & Son

Sophia & Emorie

Visiting Splash Country... Again

2009-07-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

Alexis & I ventured out to Splash Country for the second time this summer and this time the rest of the family came along.

Davy & Jackie, their little girl wasn't in a picture taking mood that day, lol!

Look what Daddy fished out of the water.

Lexi coming off the slide.

Look @ those cute little chubby legs!

Happy 77th Birthday, Nana!

2009-07-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

The "colorful" cake Lexi picked out for Nana

Lexi helping Nana celebrate

Even Emorie joined in the fun!

Lexi & Susan making some birthday dessert

4th of July Weekend

2009-07-05T16:21:00.001-07:00

Cooking out & shooting fireworks at Maranda and Adam's

Her first time trying ice cream

Captain Lexi Cruising the lake

Annual Barton Cookout

Proud Grandparents with the new additions

New Momma Nichole

Miss Gorgeous

Proud new dad

Her Dad's spitting image!

Trip to the zoo

Emorie Ruth is 5 months old today!

2009-06-29T09:38:00.000-07:00

My sweet girl is 5 months old today!!! She has been a little sick, but she is still just as precious as ever. I'm not sure how the kid got so sweet and easy going coming from my gene pool, but she is. She has really discovered her voice this week. She makes these crazy sounds all day long like she's talking to herself. I need to figure out how to record and post it the my blog. I never remember Lexi doing this very much and it is hillarious!

Photos by Heather Buckner Photography

Summer Fun

2009-06-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks have been full of water fun for the girls... Ok mostly just Lexi. Poor Emorie hasn't been feeling well for the past week, but she's finally getting over it. Anyway here's some pics made over the past couple weeks. We also went to Splash Country last Thursday and had a wonderful time, but I forgot to bring the camera. Lexi LOVED that placeand we're definitley going back sometime befor ethe summer is over.

Watching sister play on the slip-n-slide

Best $8 I've spent at Wally World this summer

Welcome to the world Sophia Elizabeth!

2009-06-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

Sophia Elizabeth came into the world on Monday June 15th (on her Grandpa's birthday) weighing 6lbs 12oz. She is a perfectly beautiful little baby and Mommy & baby are both doing great!

You get a line & I'll get a pole

2009-06-13T21:00:00.001-07:00

Saturday was a fun day. After the trip to the aquarium we went over to Adam & Maranda's to let Lexi fish. We had went to a family reunion the weekend before and Lexi had saw some older boys fishing and ever since she had been going on & on about getting her own fishing pole. So I got her a little pink Barbie one at Walmart & we took her over to the Summer's pond. First five minutes we were there that rascal had caught one! Here's a few pictures....

Visiting the Aquarium

2009-06-13T20:37:00.001-07:00

Saturday we took the girls to their first trip to the aquarium in Chattanooga. Lexi absolutely loved it! She was totally fascinated with all the creatures, but the turtles were her favorite. We lucked up because Emorie was very good that day and barely made a peep the whole time we were there. Maybe she'll enjoy it as much as big sister next time we're there.

Lexi checking out the penguins

She's thinking, "ok people, I've been a good baby. Can we go already!"

Davy's Wedding

2009-06-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a couple of pictures of Chris all dressed in his tux for Davy's wedding last Saturday. The wedding & reception were very pretty and Chris had the honor of being the Best Man.

Just hanging out at home

2009-05-30T18:58:00.001-07:00

Here's some recent snapshots just of me & the girls hanging out out home.

am I cute or what!

picking daisies

check out mynew fairy swimmng pool

just a swinging

Excuse the green beans on my face!

snoozing after a long day

playing in the puddles after a rain

Emorie is now 4 months old!

2009-05-30T18:43:00.000-07:00

My baby is already four months old!

I love my sweet potatoes!

Holding her own bottle.... not bad for 4months old that day!

Shower for Baby Sophia

2009-05-23T08:30:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday we threw a baby shower for Nichole & Baby Sophia at my house. Nichole looks AMAZING to be 81/2 months pregnant! While I was at work Saturday my mother-in-law decorated for the shower and when I came home that evening I couldn't believe how nice she had my house looking! That woman should go into the decorating business (forget that thought I would be out my free babysitter!) Nichole got lots of nice stuff and it was great to get to visit with family, friends, and some new babies! We can't wait to meet baby Sophia!

Happy Mother's Day From The Bartons

2009-05-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all the great mom's we know! Hope you ladies have a wonderful day!

Trip to Chuckles

2009-05-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday on my day of, Heather & I decided to take the girls to check out Chuckles in Crossville. The place was dead since the weather wasn't good which worked out great for us! Lexi could actually run around and play the games without me having to following her every step. She is really growing up and becoming so independent! Since we had the place to ourselves we took a few photos. Isabella is such a sweetheart. She smiles ALL the time. She's the happiest little girl now, even though that wasn't all ways the case... right Heather! And take a look at my poor little starved to death Emorie. Poor thing never gets anything to eat! lol

Emorie is 12 weeks old.

2009-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

My baby girl is already 12 weeks old. I have to say, she is really a sweet baby. She smiles now without you having to tickle her chin or cheek. I especially love it when she smiles from the sound of familiar voices. It's like she's thinking, "I know who you people are." Lexi is also doing really well with having a baby sister (now that she doesn't wake her up in the middle of the night screaming fro a bottle!) Every once in a while I will see her go over to Emorie and start talking to her and give her a kiss on the forehead for no reason! Of course there are days when she aggravates the little thing to death! Lexi is also really growing and changing. She is starting to repeat stuff she hears so I am having to watch what I say a whole lot more!

After their baths and getting ready for bed.

Hey, two chins are cute at this age!

Gosh, I look like my dad!

Easter 2009

2009-04-14T11:00:00.000-07:00

These aren't the best pictures in the world, but I wanted to show the girls matching Easter dresses. The egg hunt I had planned to take Lexi to on Friday got rained out so she wound up up hunting eggs by herself after church on Sunday. I was pretty bummed that she had to hunt eggs alone again this year, but at least by next Easter little sister can join in the fun!

Lexi Turns 3!

2009-04-08T15:42:00.001-07:00

We celebrated Lexi's 3rd birthday with a Cinderella party and rented a jumpity jump. (I got as much fun out of the jumpity jump as Lexi did!) I can't believe my baby is three! Where does the time go??

Early Birthday "Party" for Lexi

2009-04-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

The Thursday before Lexi turned 3, her Me Me & Pa brought pizza and cake over to the house for a little pre-party celebration. They are so good to my girls!

Pa got Lexi a lifetime sportsman license for her 3rd birthday. Talk about a neat gift!

Me Me giving Lexi her annual piggy bank.

Her new cowgirl outfit!

Happy Birthday, Mom & Susan!

2009-03-29T16:52:00.000-07:00

My Mom & Aunt Susan turned 50 & 57 on the 27th. We had a birthday dinner at my Nana's on Saturday. They are my Nana's only two kids and they were born 7 years apart on the same day.
Happy Birthday, I love you all!

Emorie is growing like a weed....

2009-03-22T15:55:00.000-07:00

Look at my big girl, already 7 weeks old!

Spring is Here!

2009-03-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Granny Debbie swinging the girls.

Heading out to church in the matching outfits Heather made the girls.

Modeling Uncle D's bike.

Pa & Lexi planting her tree.

Enjoying my maternity leave

2009-03-12T05:59:00.000-07:00

Lexi harassing Todd!

Learning to fly a kite
Another trip to Chucky Cheese, she loves that place!

Emorie visits my office

Close up

Cruising in the Barbie Jeep

She wasn't a big fan on the bonnet, but momma was!

Lexi working on a masterpiece.

You know the worst thing about having a baby? Your first week back to work after Maternity leave. It has been really nice to have this time with my girls. It makes me realize how much I miss while I'm at work!

Emorie is one month old!

2009-03-02T05:37:00.001-08:00

Who would have thught, my kid can skate!

2009-02-27T06:47:00.001-08:00

Lexi & I went to her little friend, Abby's skating party last night and I was really suprised with how well Lexi can skate. She has never had a pair of roller skates on in her life and I was about not to take her becasue I was afraid she would be too little and would be left out, but I was WRONG and she did great! She loved being out there with the lights and music. I was never able to skate (still can't to this day) but I guess you shouldn't underestimate your kids!

Valentine's Weekend

2009-02-15T13:42:00.000-08:00

Valentines weekend was spent going to Monterey for Emorie's first visit and Chris taking me out to eat while the family watched the girls. I also got a beautiful necklace from Chris!
Sunday we took Emorie to church for the first time. All went well and she slept through the entire service.

Heading out to church

All the ladies in my family showed up to babysit

My little Valentines!

Emorie comes home!

2009-02-03T09:40:00.001-08:00

First visit to Mee Mee & Pa's

Aunt Linda comes to visit

Nana's comes to visit

Granny Debbie

So this is my new home???

Heading to the doctor for my first checkup!

Visiting Mamaw Barton for the first time.

My beautiful girls!

Get that camera out of my face!!!

Emorie Ruth Barton is born!

2009-02-01T18:15:00.001-08:00

We are so proud of our new baby girl. God has truly blessed our family.

Day leading up to delivery....

2009-02-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

Me & my doctor, I was at 10 centimeters and ready to go!

Chris was ready to meet Emorie!

My support team, my aunt Susan & my mom.

The Big Sister

Before the pain set in!

We went to the hospial at 6:00 am to be induced. After an eventful day, Emorie came into the world at 3:51 p.m. weighing 7lbs, 2 oz and was 19.5 inches long.

Snow Day

2009-01-21T17:38:00.001-08:00

Monday, Lexi stayed with Aunt Susan in Monterey and of course that's the day it snowed. Monterey always gets more snow than anywhere else around here so Iwas glad Lexi finallly got to play in official snow! (not just the light dustings we usually get in our neck of the woods.)

We're ready for Emorie Ruth to make her appearence!

2009-01-10T17:15:00.000-08:00

This is what you call "ready to pop"

Emorie's Nursery

This will probably be my last baby post until Emories arrives, but just wanted to share some pics of the nursery and of course just how big I've wound up getting! These last days are getting pretty uncomfortable for me and as the time gets closer I'm getting more anxious to have her in my arms and out of my belly! Of course, I am trying to remember that these are also the last days of Alexis having all of us to herself and I want to cherish getting to focus all my attention on her before the baby comes. I am praying that Lexi is able to adjust to our new addition pretty smoothly, but time will tell!

Wish us luck in the next few weeks!

Baby Update......

2009-01-05T09:59:00.000-08:00

Baby Shower for Emorie

My Aunt Susan had me a little shower at her house to celebrate Emorie being on the way. I told her I didn't want her to go to the trouble since this was my second child and it was going to be a girl, but those of you who know my aunt know she always does everything for me! Anyway, she said that Emorie deserved a cake and presents just like Lexi had so there was no use arguing!

Here's a little memorable moment I have to share (a tad gross as well).... Lexi had gotten sick the night before, but she hadn't thrown up for several hours so we decided to go ahead and take her to the shower. Well just as everybody got their food I was carrying her through the living room and the poor thing threw up all over my dress, some of the gifts and at one of the guests feet! Life full of little suprises!

Thanks for the shower, Susan. I really appreciate everyone that came and it was great to see you all!

Blanket from Heather with Emorie's name on it!

Emorie's new diaper bag with her name!

Cute little outfits from Holly & Joyce

Prettiest cake I've ever had!

Me @ 35 weeks pregnant!

I'm going to be an aunt!!!!

2008-12-29T12:58:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Darren & Nichole. Baby Barton is on the way in June. Lexi and Emorie will have a cousin, I'm so excited!!!

Happy 60th Birthday, Virginia!

2008-12-29T12:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Virginia! Thanks for all you do for our family, we hope you had a good one.

Christmas 2008

2008-12-28T17:09:00.001-08:00

Lexi's Last Christmas as an only child.....

Christmas Morning......

Christmas at with my family....

Christmas @ the Bartons

We hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card Photo Shoot

2008-12-03T13:14:00.001-08:00

My friend Heather came to the house to do Lexi's Christmas pictures! I really appreciate her driving all the way to Westel do take her pictures. I was really pleased with how they turned out! Heather's pictures keep getting better & better! For more info go to www.heatherbucknerphotography.com.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....

2008-12-03T13:01:00.000-08:00

I love decorating for Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving with my Family

Thanksgiving at the Barton's

We had a great Thanksgiving! Hope you and your families had a great one as well!

A Christmas Reminder....

2008-11-21T08:26:00.000-08:00

I was at Belk yesterday looking for the "perfect" Christmas dress for Lexi to have her picture made in for our annual Christmas card and the thought came to me, "what about all those kids that will wake up on Christmas morning with nothing to open. Now our family is by no means "well off", but Chris and I have both been blessed with jobs and very generous families and Lexi has never went without, thankfully. But what if something ever happened and we lost our jobs and our kids had to do without. Believe it or not that could happen to ANYBODY. So this year as we are all rushing around trying to find the perfect gift or the perfect outfit for some holiday fuction, lets remember all the kids out there that need a warm winter coat or would treasure just one toy under the tree. I have signed our family up for an angel tree child and I will cut about $100 off my Christmas budget to buy for a 9 year old little girl. But regardless, if you do an agel tree, an adaopt a family, or the MANY other charity options out there, just remember to do something! $100 sounds like a lot when we are having to turn loose of it, but add upp the toys in your kid's toy box and you will get to $100 pretty darn quick! I know times are hard for everyone right now, but think of how mch God has given and it is our duty as his children to give back to those less fortunate! It breaks my heart ot think of one single child not having a Christmas this year!

Baby Barton at 29 weeks and 2 days

2008-11-18T10:48:00.000-08:00

I got to see my baby today! It was really neat to see what the little person in my belly looks like right now. The ultra sound tech said she was very filled out for 29 weeks! We took Lexi with us and she got to see her little sister too! I didn't have this done with Lexi and i wish I had becasue it was a really wonderful experience.

Happy Fall!

2008-11-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Alexis Grace Barton @ 2 1/2 years old.

27 weeks and counting.....

2008-11-04T06:58:00.001-08:00

Well, poor baby Barton still has no name. I haven't even started on the nursery and my work hasn't even discussed my maternity leave with me yet! I thought we would be more prepared than this by now! I've GOT to get on the ball....

Halloween 2008

2008-11-04T06:27:00.000-08:00

Of course Lexi had to be Cinderella for Halloween since she is so in to her right now. She looked sooo sweet in her little princess dress! This was by-far the best Halloween we've had so far since this year she really knew what was going on. She had trouble saying "trick-or'treat" so she would just yell "boo!" when we knocked on people's doors!

Lexi's New Swing Set

2008-10-21T05:57:00.001-07:00

After four days of hard work, Chris & our friend Jerry finally got Lexi's new swing set together. Remember those metal swing sets we had when we were kids? Well, these new ones are one more pain to assemble. The play set was broken down into tiny strips of wood and there had to be a thousand or more tiny bolts and nut and screws! For any of you parents thinking you might need to buy one of these, I would recommend buying the pre assembled ones!

But Lexi loves it and has told everybody how hard Daddy & Ge Ge (that's what she calls Jerry) worked on it! The stuff you do for your kids! Hopefully this set will last through two kids and the next 8 years or so!

Welcome to the family, Todd.

2008-10-21T05:44:00.001-07:00

This is Todd, our new Jack Russell Terrier. We got him a couple weeks back when he was 8 weeks old but I waited a while to post his picture since you know our luck with pets! I guess that maybe we make better dog owners that cat owners! Anyway, Lexi loves the little guy and I think having her very own dog is going to be good for her.... maybe it will give her a little training on how to be gentle with her sister.

Happy 31st Birthday, Chris!

2008-10-21T05:41:00.000-07:00

Country Music Rising Star

2008-10-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

My mother-in-law just sent me these pictures of Lexi having a jam session at her house this morning. Just thought they were too cute not to share. Did I mention I used to want to be a singer.... the only problem was that I couldn't sing! Maybe Lexi will live out my long lost dream!

Saturday at Dollywood

2008-10-13T07:07:00.001-07:00

Last Saturday me, Lexi, my Aunt Susan, & a little girl that lives next to Susan that Lexi plays with when she's visiting Susan went to Dollywood. The girls seemed to have fun and Lexi talked a lot about riding the "choo choo" a lot the next day, so I know she enjoyed it. I have to brag a minute and tell you that Lexi was really good on this little outing. In the past we've had some melt downs when we have taken little trips and this was by far the best she has ever been! I guess my baby is growing up!

A little trip to Memphis.

2008-10-08T05:52:00.000-07:00

Graceland

Dining Room
Elvis's Grave

Front of Graceland
Back view
TV Room
Jungle Room

I'm sure a lot of you will get a laugh out of this, but I have always wanted to go to Graceland. So when Chris said he would take me somewhere for a couple days before the baby comes I told him I wanted to visit the home of Elvis. Of course he was thrilled, ha ha. But he was a good sport about it. We had a good time time at Graceland then headed off to Beales Street for some world famous barbecue and live music. It was nice to get away, but when your a mom after about the first 24 hours away from your kid you start missing them like crazy and just want to go pick them up! I was definitley ready to get home and see my baby!

Thanks for the trip, Chris!

Welcome to the world, Isabella!

2008-09-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Little Miss Isabella Buckner came into the world late Wednesday night weighing 6lbs 4oz. She was about to arrive by the time Heather & Jon made it to the hospital so poor Heather had her naturally! She's my new hero!
Isabella is already such a beautiful little baby with a head full of black hair. Its made me get excited about my little girl coming into the world.

Congratulations Heather and Jon!

Babies, Babies, Babies

2008-09-23T11:17:00.001-07:00

We have had a couple of weeks baby mania! The first picture is a my best friend Heather's beautiful baby shower we had last Sunday. I kid you not, it was the nicest shower I had ever been to. You wouldn't believe all the stuff she got for little Isabella! And her cake looked like something you would see on the Food Network channel.
The second picture was taken at the baby shower we had for Chris' cousin Daniel's wife Allison. She looked great. I think she said she had only gained like 18 pounds total, can you believe it? I've already gained that much and I'm only half way there! We were playing a game where you guess the size of her belly and I won! We had a really good time and Lexi got to visit with lots of kids.
The last two pics are of my friend Molly and her sweet little boy Oliver. They came over to visit with us one day last week. As you can see Lexi couldn't keep her hands off him. She kept wanting to give him kisses. I bet Molly was secrectly wishing she would keep her little hands to herself!

Half Way There!

2008-09-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

Here's me at 20 weeks. I'm not sure how much is baby and how much is sausage McGriddles from McDonalds that I've gotten hooked on.

"All the blood is going to rush to your head"

2008-09-12T06:19:00.000-07:00

It's a good thing my Nana doesn't have the Internet becasue if she did she would see these pictures and say "stop letting her do that because all the blood will rush to her head and kill her."

Anyway, here's the wild woman showing off her new P.J.s and balancing skills.

Playing Cinderella

2008-09-12T06:08:00.000-07:00

Right now Lexi loves Cinderella. She watches the movie, reads the book, and loves to dress up like her. Now this "get up" might not look like Cinderella to you, but every afternoon when we get home she runs upstairs and puts this same outfit on (by herself) yes... red cape and all and says she's "Ella". (She can't say the Cinder part yet). Then she runs down the steps yelling "home" like she's trying to get home before midnight.

Turns out it's a girl!

2008-08-27T12:38:00.001-07:00

Well, I guess doctor's predictions can be wrong because that little boy I thought we were having turned out to be a girl! I'm a bit shocked, but looks like I will save a fortune in clothes and baby stuff since most of what I have is pink. More importantly, though is that all the organs looked normal and her growth thus far is good. I haven't even thought about girl names, but I remember when we were expecting Lexi that Alexis was the only name we could both agree on so it should be fun trying to come up with another girl name we both like. Any suggestions??

Lexi's new kitty cat..... hopefully

2008-08-18T07:37:00.001-07:00

The neighbor gave Alexis a kitty cat on Saturday, but of course by last night we couldn't find it anywhere. So these are pictures of either our new pet or the cat we had for one day! Not sure which yet. The other two are just snapshots taken Saturday afternoon of Lexi in the backyard. I thought they were sweet so I posted them.

Here's a little tour of the new house.

2008-08-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Kitchen
Upstairs Foyer

Breakfast nook

Master Bedroom
Master Bathroom

Dining Room

Lexi's Room

Half Bath

Living Room
Study
Staircase
Lexi's Bathroom

Hey guys, a lot of you asked me about the house so I thought I would post some pictures. Keep in mind the house isn't fully decorated yet and the yard isn't done, but you can get the general idea of things turned out.

Vacation 08

2008-07-30T05:55:00.001-07:00

Baby on the way!

2008-07-28T05:33:00.000-07:00

I am officially 13 weeks pregnant today! We are expecting a baby (my doctor thinks it's a boy) around Feb 2nd. I went Friday the 18th and got to hear the heartbeat, it was so exciting! As most of you know this will make the 3rd time within a year I have been pregnant so we were afraid to get too excited until we got past the 12 week mark. Thankfully the doctor found out that I had a blood clotting condition that was causing the miscarriages so I am taking shots of blood thinner twice daily in my stomach to prevent the clotting.
I wanted to post the picture from the ultra sound, but it didn't come thru on my computer very plainly. I'll keep everyone posted during the months ahead on our new little one!

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-07T10:12:00.000-07:00

Here's a few pictures my mother-in-law emailed me this morning of the cookout we had at her house on the 4th. The rest of the weekend was pretty uneventful, except we did set in the rain for a couple of hours to watch the Kingston fireworks. Lexi was more impressed with the ducks at the lake than the fireworks show. Chris and I worked a lot of the weekend on the house trying to clean mortar off windows... we have a wild life don't we!

Random Pictures

2008-07-01T06:29:00.000-07:00

Here's some snap shots that were taken in the month of June. Lexi loves to go over to my mom's and play (torment) her cat Ruby. As you can see from the middle picture, Lexi has learned the art of making faces. She also loves to get her toes painted and will actually hold still while they dry. That & reading books to her are about the only two things she will hold still for!

Counting down the days....

2008-07-01T06:19:00.000-07:00

We are counting down the days until we can move in!! The furniture is scheduled to be delivered on the 11th so please pray for us that the house gets finished before that, otherwise we will be living in a complete mess!

Lions, & Tigers, & Bears.... Oh My!

2008-06-23T06:49:00.001-07:00

Lexi & I went to the zoo last Saturday with Maranda & Brody. I think the kids really enjoyed it. We even rode on a camel! As you can see in the first picture, Lexi was proud of her souvenir "leopard" sippy cup. Lexi was a little rowdy during our visit, mostly she just got mad everytime she was enjoying herself and it was time to move on to the next thing. Brody, of course, was perfectly well behaved the whole time. I told Maranda I hoped there next kid was a wild child like mine!

Darren & Nichole Get Married!

2008-06-17T07:02:00.002-07:00

The slide show below is from Darren & Nichole's beautiful wedding last Saturday in Harrogate, TN. The weather cooperated and everything went as planned. Lexi even made it dwn the aisle.
We wish you all the happiness in the world Darren & Nichole!

Wedding

2008-06-17T07:02:00.001-07:00

Almost finished....

2008-06-10T06:24:00.001-07:00

We are getting close to the end of our house building adventure! Hopefully we will be moved in by early July (knock on wood). Can you guess who has the bright pink bedroom??

Summer Fun

2008-06-02T05:38:00.001-07:00

Saturday we went to our friends, Jerry & Joanne Gibson's to swim at their pool. Jerry & Joanne have a gorgeous home. Every time we go over there it's like taking a mini vacation. You literally feel like your at a resort instead of somebody's backyard! Lexi wasn't one bit scared of the water and even jumped in a time or two. That kid loves the water! Of course when it was time to pack up she was not very happy about it!

Memorial Day

2008-05-30T06:41:00.000-07:00

We had a great Memorial Day weekend. Lexi and I spent a lot of time in Monterey visiting family. Friday we spent the the night with Aunt Sue. The neighbors have a new puppy that likes to hang out at Sue's so Lexi had a ball playing with it! The little puppy took right up with her which of course just made Lexi's day. Saturday me, Lexi, Mom, Sue, & Linda went to decorate at the cemetery in Clarkrange. (Yes, a lot of people think its weird, but we take pictures at the graveyard.) Monday after we got back home we met Chris and took Mrs. Barton a birthday cake and celebrated her 83th birthday.

The House Is Making Progress

2008-05-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Here's some pics of the progress on the house. Hopefully paint & floors will be installed within the next week. Building a house has definitely been a learning process! But hopefully the finished project will be worth it!

Mother's Day Weekend

2008-05-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

My friend Heather came to town to do my sister-in-law's bridal shoot on Saturday so I had her take couple family photos of us while she was in my neck of the woods. Heather is expecting a baby this fall and we are really excited about it! I have been begging her & her husband to have one ever since I got pregnant with Lexi. They both love kids and have always been so good around kids so it was definitely time for them to have one of there own. Heather looks so cute pregnant!
After church on Sunday we went to my Granny & Papa South's house. The family had decided to get together for one last family visit there before the house sold. It was kind of sad because I knew that would be the last time I would be in that house. I thought about all the memories that were made there and the wonderful life they had shared there. The grand kids all got to take an item from the house to remember them by. We looked at old pictures (Chris got a kick out of seeing some of my not-so- attractive years) and Lexi had a great time playing with her cousins.
I have to be honest even though we were at Granny & Papa's with all the rest of the family there, it didn't feel like Granny & Papa's. The house looked different, smelled different.... I guess what was really different is that neither one of them were there. There I sat at my Great- grand parents house looking at my two year old, my Mom & Aunt, and my Nana. It was like I was looking at the circle of life right in front of me. I'm not always good at putting how I feel into words, but while we were visiting this song by Alan Jackson called "Remember When" kept playing in my head:

"Remember when old ones died
and new were born
And life was changed,
disassembled, rearranged......"

Thank you God for my family and for allowing me the privilege to be a mom, daughter, & grand daughter!

Your gonna miss this.....

2008-05-05T05:46:00.000-07:00

"You're gonna miss this, you're gonna want this back. You're gonna wish these days hadn't flown by so fast. These are some good times so take a good look around, you may not know it now... but you're gonna miss this."

My Wild Woman

2008-04-29T08:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few recent pictures of my little wild woman. As you see in the second picture she inherited my appetite for chocolate! I think she is starting to look more like her Daddy and less like me. She has really become a daddy's girl lately. Everytime she does something she hollers "Daddy" so he will come & see what she's done and clap for her. She still only wants her mommie at bedtime, though. Ha!

Quick House Update

2008-04-29T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have windows, doors, & a roof! Things are really coming along... I hope it stays that way so we can move in by July!

Bridal Shower for Nichole

2008-04-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

My future sister-in-law had her bridal shower this past Saturday at Virginia's sister, Marsha's home. She got a lot of very nice things and everyone seemed to have a great time visiting with one another. Nichole looked beautiful as always and was very happy with all the lovely gifts she received. Marsha's home is so pretty! It put several decorating ideas in my mind for our new house. Also, Alexis got a chance to play with her cousins Bailey & Clay. She hasn't been around them since she was just an infant and she thoroughly enjoyed them playing with her. Since she's as rough as any little boy I know it worked out quite well!

House Update

2008-04-14T06:30:00.001-07:00

The house is coming along! We're pleased with the progress and how it's turning out. Here are a few pictures we took last Saturday.

My Birthday Girl

2008-04-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

I can't believe two years have already passed, time flew by! My baby is already two years old. She is really growing up & into her own little personality. Miss Lexi knew it was her birthday and thoroughly enjoyed being the princess all weekend. That kid loves attention (don't know where she gets it from: lol) and loved everybody making a big deal about it. When you ask her how old she is she puts her two pointer fingers together & yells "tttwwwwooooo."
We had an Elmo party for her at my in-laws since our house isn't finished and my Mother-in-Law went all out with the decorations. Aside from it being a little cold, we had a great time and appreciate everybody that drove to Oakdale to celebrate with us. Lexi got all kinds of great stuff at her party. We are so blessed with wonderful friends & family that buy her WAY too much!!
How does that song go?... "babies are a little common miracle." Well, having a child may be a common thing, but for me, Lexi is the greatest miracle God has ever blessed me and my husband with. It sounds cliche, but Alexis Grace is the truly the light of our lives!

Lexi Turns 2 (part two)

2008-04-08T07:13:00.001-07:00

Lexi Turns 2 (part one)

2008-04-08T07:11:00.001-07:00

Easter Weekend

2008-03-25T06:27:00.000-07:00

The two slide shows you will see below are of Easter Weekend. On Good Friday I took Lexi to have her two year old pictures made. We then met Brody, Maranda, & Sandy at Chuck E Cheese for a little lunch & fun. We had a great time hanging out with them. Brody is so well behaved! Lexi was a wild woman! Once she got used to all the games & other kids being around there was no stopping her!
The next day my in-laws were nice enough to watch Lexi while Chris & I went to Knoxville. Virginia let her dye & decorate eggs & then they had an old fashion egg hunt for her. She really enjoyed it. She was so proud of the eggs she had made! She seemed to really get a kick out of taking the eggs home and putting them on the porch for the Easter Bunny to eat. Of course, the next morning she found a treat from the Easter Bunny for making him the tasty eggs.
Unfortunately, by Easter Sunday her stuffy nose had developed into a full blown cold. So the last picture is of the poor thing on Easter morning. She had a beautiful dress her Mamaw Barton had bought her, but she didn't really get to show it off because she slept through the entire church service. It was so cold, that I wouldn't have let her hunt eggs outside even if she hadn't been sick so I was glad she had the opportunity Saturday with her Mee Mee & Grandad.
We finished the day off with Easter dinner at my Aunt Susan's and then she got to spend the night with her Granny Debbie. I was glad since she was too sick to go to the sitters the next day.
Hope everybody had a Happy Easter!

Egg Hunt 2008

2008-03-25T06:26:00.001-07:00

Trip to Chuck E Cheese

2008-03-25T06:22:00.001-07:00

2008-03-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Farmer Lexi & a phone call from a famous person!

2008-03-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

My in-laws took Lexi up to the farm behind their house yesterday to let her pet the cows. Virginia said Steve called the cows right up to the fence & Lexi LOVED feeding them potato chips! I thought these pictures are so cute of her & her Grandad petting the cows. Lexi is so lucky to have such wonderful grandparents that spend quality time with her. They do just about anything that they think Lexi might like.

By the way, I got to speak to a famous person on the phone yesterday! Like I mentioned in my last blog, Chris is in Nashville all this week. Well, he is getting to stay at the Vanderbilt Plaza since the classes are on Vanderbilt campus. He calls me up yesterday and says he is setting in restaurant at the hotel with John Michael Montgomery! I told him I didn't believe him so he put him on the phone! I'm currently dealing with an upper respitory infection so my voice sounds like a man at the moment... and here I am talking to a star. I had no clue what to say to him, I just drew a blank! He was very nice and joked around that he was trying to get a bank loan from Chris to buy a new tour bus. I thought that was pretty funny! I don't think he could really understand what I was saying because my voice sounded so bad, but I got a kick out of it just the same!

Change happens!

2008-03-04T08:32:00.000-08:00

Well we've had a lot of changes in the past couple weeks.... We finally got moved! I cried like a big sissy the last time we drove away. Even thought our house was small and we were QUICKLY outgrowing it, I was very attached to it because of all the memories that were made there. The first two years of Lexi's life were spent there, plus it was our first house so it will always hold a special place. Plus, it didn't help matters much that we are now living in a duplex until our house is finished! I also cut all my hair off. I was just tired of my long hair and it took FOREVER to dry so I figured it was time for a change. Shocking enough, Chris actually liked it. He did not want me to get my hair cut, but finally gave in. He said if it would make me feel better about myself to go for it.... and I did.
Chris is also gone all week to Nashville for a consumer lending class. I miss him so much! I will be glad when Friday rolls around!
As you see, I posted a draft of our new house. It's just a rough sketch, but this is the general idea of how it should look. Our driveway was put in yesterday and as soon as it stays dry long enough for the footers to be poured we will be ready to go! I'm so excited about getting a new house.
Miss Alexis is working on her potty training and doing a dang good job I must add! The move didn't seem to affect her at all (to my surprise) I figured she would cry to go home but she seems to love running around the temporary place! Kids are much better with change than adults I'm starting to realize.

Getting ready to build...

2008-02-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Two Saturdays ago we went out to the land that we're building our new house on to clear a fence row and let the builder mark off where the new house would go. Here's some pics of Chris doing some manual labor and Lexi playing. We brought Lexi's 4-wheeler with us and she had a blast driving around the big open, FLAT field. Up until now the poor kid hasn't had much room to ride it on because our old house was up on a steep hill. Chris and our future neighbor Mike pulled part of the fence row up so trucks could go through. Thanks for your help Mike!
Thursday we will be officially moved out of the old house. Moving all our stuff has been a lot harder work than I thought. It's funny, when I was in college moving took me like half a day. This time I have been packing for a week and a half and am still not done!