Let's Catch Up!

Where do I start? My sweet Austin is 5 years old and in Kindergarten at FPC Growing Tree. My beautiful Ava is 3 years old she also attends the Growing Tree in the preschool program. Austin enjoys sports, swimming, playing with friends and family. He has several hobbies: T-ball, golf, basketball and football. Austin is currently playing football with his close buddy, Hayden. At his first game, Austin scored his first touchdown. Wahoooo! I am a proud mama for sure- I have it on video. I love that he likes to do the Tebow move when he scores. He is taking Karate and loves it. He sparred for the first time last week. I thought my heart was going to beat out of my chest. I prayed more than a handful of times for him not to get embarrassed if someone hit him or knocked him down. God had Austin in His hands and my heart too. He was aggressive and brave. I was so proud of him. Austin is active in gymnastics with his buddy, Steele. He enjoys working out with his friends and coach Brody. For Halloween, Austin is going to be a Red Power Ranger. He also likes Superheroes, Power Rangers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Austin loves his cousins Cameron and Caden. He enjoys spending every second with them when they are together. Austin is very spoiled by his girl cousins: Jennifer, Jessica, Mattie and Emily. They will do anything almost anything for him. We are thankful for our kind and loving boy. Ava is full of love and smiles. She is outgoing, girly girl, sweet and laughs all the time. She is in 3K and LOVES her teacher, Ms. Kenny. They do some of the neatest in her class. Ava likes to play dress-up, babies, and crafts. She likes to be in charge and the boss of everyone. If you will let her boss you around she's your friend, but if not, don't except her to be friendly. Every morning before school she has to do her own hair, pick out a necklace with a matching bracelet, and lip gloss. Her favorite color is PINK. Yes, she loves Pinkalicious and sometimes I think she is Pinkalicious. Ava enjoys putting puzzles together, coloring, writing her name and dancing. She just learned how to ride her bike without me pushing her in the cul-de-sac. She likes to ride her scooter when Austin rides his. Ava enjoys riding our golf cart around the neighborhood insisting on playing our music as loud as it will go. She loves to swing at school and at the park. She never meets a stranger. I love Ava's competitive side too. She's my fighter that will never give up. She also takes gymnastics and is pretty good at it. Also, from watching Austin in Karate twice a week, she has learned some fighting moves that she is not afraid to use. She is a Daddy's girl and has her Papa Lee and Papa Tommy wrapped around her finger. Austin and Ava melt my heart by their thoughtfulness, kindness and love for one another. Ava loves her big brother just as much as Austin loves her. She and I are his #1 fan at everything he does. She likes to encourage and cheer for him. Austin is protective of his little sister and makes sure she is always doing what she is supposed to be doing. Ty and I have been blessed with all of our many blessings. This has been fun, I hope to keep you all informed on our family regularly. Until next time my friends…

OUR COOL ROCK STAR

As most of you know Austin loves anything instrumental especially guitars and drums. We have Guitar Hero World Tour at home and Austin thinks he is a rock star when he plays the guitar. He will say, "MOMMY WATCH THIS" and rock out. He likes to stand on his stool or recliner pretending he is on stage. It's hilarious to watch because he really gets into playing the guitar or drums as he shakes his head and rocks back and forth. Recently, he started singing while he performs which is so stinkin' cute! He just melts my heart with his lovable ways. At Papa Lee's house, he has both the guitar and drums. We have live concerts at Papa Lee's almost every day. I will play drums and he will play guitar or I will play the guitar and he will play drums. At the end of the song Austin says, "I ROCK! MOMMY, YOU ROCK!" His favorite songs to rock out to are: Beat It and Eye of the Tiger. We are amazed how passionate he is with music and instruments. He loves to rock and sing. One day he just might be a rock star. :o)

STRAWBERRY FARM

We took Austin to Tyler's Farm in town to pick strawberries for the first time. He loved it! He enjoyed looking for strawberries and liked picking them himself. He tried one and said, "Mommy, I don't like!" We had a blast watching Austin and spending time together. Family time is the best!

MOMMY LOOK!!!

I'm standing in our kitchen fixing breakfast for Austin and me. I hear Austin scream, "MOMMY LOOK! MOMMY LOOK!" At first, I thought he found my toothbrush and turned it on, which amazes him. I start walking towards my bedroom just to make sure he's ok. Then, Austin and I meet between the kitchen and my bedroom as he was running to me. He was very excited and proud of himself. He said again, "MOMMY LOOK AT ME!" wearing a big grin on his face. This is what I saw....
He found my MAKEUP BAG and put my lipstick all over his face. TOO CUTE!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY~ CARTER!

Saturday, we went to Austin's buddy, Carter, 2nd birthday party. The day was full of fun and we had a blast! Carter loves firetrucks and his wish came true when a real firetruck pulled up with flashing lights! Carter was definitely surprised as he didn't know what to think at first, but all the children enjoyed playing and exploring on the firetruck. Carter's mommy, Amber, went all out with a bouncer, awesome food, fun playtime and neat goodies for the children. We had such a great time on Carter's special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY~ BRITTON!

We celebrated my close and dear friend, Britton's birthday on Friday, April 17th. Her sweet husband, Jason, planned a surprise party for her at a local Japanese restaurant. Britton was definitely surprised and had a great time. Austin and Ella enjoyed the chef, but not too fond of fire. We sang happy birthday to her, Ella helped blow out her candle, and later they came over to our house to let the children play. We enjoy spending time with Jason, Britton and Ella and look forward to getting together again real soon!
Happy Birthday Britt!:o)

I'M BACK!!

I know I have been a slacker with my Facebook and my blog, but I'm back so I will be updating as much as I can! Two of my BFF's called me out about being slack and I appreciate it because I realized how lazy I've been!
I have so much to blog about that I don't know where to start. I am going to start with most recent dates and work my way back to Christmas since I haven't blogged since then. I want to thank everyone for all the emails, cards, prayers, calls and texts concerning my mama. I truly appreciate everyone's thoughtfulness and kindness. It was a tough time for my family and me, but God is good! My mom is doing great as Ty said, if "D" is cooking again she is feeling better and so is he. :o) Ty loves my mama's cookin'! Be watching for updates!
Oh, another reason I have been slack is because I have been SICK with Baby "A" and exhausted from chasing my full of energy 22 month old! Ash and Ang, I'm going to do better! Miss ya'll!
I still have left to update Christmas which was really special and Austin's 22 months birthday. Be Watching...ANGIE! :O)

FUN IN THE SNOW!

I could not believe my eyes when I looked outside and the ground was white! I was so excited I could not wait for Austin to experience the snow. It doesn't snow here at the beach so yeah I was fired up! I had Austin running around the house screaming SNOW, SNOW, SNOW! He had no idea what snow was, but he couldn't wait to get outside to play. We had a blast playing together and visiting with friends. Austin was amazed the entire time outside. Every morning since the snow Austin looks out the window and ask, "Where's snow? Snow Mommy?" He thinks the snow should still be outside.

Max had to see the snow too!
Austin saying, "SNOW"!
Cheeks and nose red from the COLD!
FIRST SNOWMAN!

It didn't last long before Austin said, "CRASH" and smashed little snowman down. Then, he cheered for himself.

Thankfully, Ellen and Nicole love him and wasn't upset.

Austin had a blast playing with neighbors, Ellen and Nicole.
Still amazed by the snow. He said over and over, "Mommy SNOW?! SNOW!! SNOW MOMMY?"

DONUTS FOR DAD

Today at Austin's school they had Donuts for Dad. Ty has been looking forward to this day for weeks! Ty sometimes feels like he misses out on special times, which made him excited about doing things that I thankfully get to do with Austin every day! This was a very special day for Ty and Austin. They spent the morning playing, eating breakfast, and getting ready for school together. It was sweet to watch them play, laugh and interacting together. Ty said that Austin just showed off for him when they got to his school. Austin did not want Ty to carry him in the building. Austin insisted on holding Ty's hand and walking beside him. Austin wanted to be a big boy for his daddy. Then, when they got in the classroom Austin didn't want to eat because he was too busy showing his daddy all the toys he likes to play with. Austin didn't want to do a craft they had planned for them and is surprising because he loves to color or paint. Ty stayed about 30 minutes and then the Dad's had to leave because school had to start. Ty was shocked that Austin was ok with him leaving and didn't cry one tear! Austin is becoming a big boy!

HAPPY 21 MONTHS!

Austin, you are such a sweet and loving child. Mommy and Daddy are so happy to watch you grow and learn new things. You have such a strong spirit and full of energy. Here's a list of the new things you are doing.
NEW WORDS: You surprise us all the time because can say almost anything! You are putting 2 words together and now starting to say some phrases. You are very expressive with your needs and wants. You tell mommy when you want a snack as you say, "SNACK MOMMY!" or you will bring me what you want to eat. You also tell mommy when you're wet or if you have done a stinky. You are a great listener when you want to be. You can follow a two step command and you do that pretty well unless you get side track on something else. My favorite words you are saying are luv you, especially, when you say, "luv you, mommy!" I think it is the sweetest!
YOUR LOVES: You love to pray and say the blessing. You like to watch DVD's and can tell mommy when to press play. You still love Veggie Tales, Pooh, The Wiggles, and Imagination Movers. You like to carry your own set of keys. You dance all the time. No matter where we are if you here music you start dancing. Your too cute! You enjoy reading books and before bedtime we must read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Good night- Gorilla, It's Time for Bed, and How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night? before you go to bed. Daddy and I love reading to you. You LOVE LOVE TRAMPOLINES to the point we think you have a serious obsession!! If you see a trampoline you'll say, "UMP! UMP! UMP, MOMMY!" You still enjoy playing outside even in freezing old weather. You usually play nicely with other children. You like to share with children, but not with Emily. You get REAL EXCITED and usually act silly when you meet a new friend. You still have your pacifier, but we hope soon to break you from it.
NEW THINGS: You know when a DVD is over. You can identify people in pictures. You know and can say three colors: blue, orange and yellow. You understand the difference between HOT and COLD and STOP and GO. You enjoy swimming in a heated swimming pool. Last summer you did not enjoy swimming too much. We're thinking it's because you prefer heated water as supposed to cold. You must brush your own teeth as you say, "Mommy, I do it, or Mommy, TEEEEEETH!" You just started playing and interacting with Max. You even let Max pull your socks off your feet when you guys are playing together.
FUNNY THINGS: You will put yourself in TIMEOUT. When you are tempted to do something you know you're not suppose to do. You will say, NO! NO! and then, sometimes you do it anyway. You do not like toys that have fur and moves. You like to fall down and say "O-U-C-H," which is hilarious to you! You back up to your Elmo chair or your recliner before you sit. You like to hide behind a couch, jump out and say, "BOO!" You love to play chase, I think it is hilarious to watch you! You run as fast as you can while you're laughing, and sometimes you run into things because you're not looking forward or you can't stop. You are adorable and your funny ways are so unique! You love piggy back rides and doing HAY STACKS! Your couisins: Jessica, Mattie and Emily taught you how to play Hay Stack! Mommy likes to play too!

OUR DARE DEVIL

Yes your eyes are telling you right! Austin insisted on jumping on this trampoline. Our purpose going to the mall tonight was to see Santa. When walked up to Santa's station, Austin starts pointing and running, but the opposite way of Santa. I soon realized he wanted to jump on the trampoline that throws you up extremely high in the air. I told Austin he couldn't do it as I thought he was too small. He started kicking, screaming, crying, yelling, "UMP MOMMIE! I WAN UMP!" (translation: JUMP MOMMIE! I WANT TO JUMP!) and pointing to the trampoline. The worker said Austin could do it as he weighed enough and most kids his age love it. I'm thinking I've never seen a child Austin's age jump on this thing, and I honestly, I didn't think he would do it. We decided that maybe if we put the harness on him he would decide himself he didn't like it and then we could focus on Santa. That plan didn't work as planned! Austin started jumping immediately and had a big smile on his face. At first, I thought I was going to have a nervous break down just watching him. The worker lets Austin bounce for a few minutes on his own, and then, lifts him a little higher (his feet were at my stomach), and then, a little higher (I couldn't reach his feet, but the worker could), and then, before I knew it he was so high that you could see him from the Food Court. Well at least that's what a lady told us. Austin had an audience as he was the entertainment...FORGET SANTA! :O) Everytime Austin would go way up he would hold his arms up and yell, "Weeeeeeeeee!" or "Wooooooh!" and he waved to everyone! He jumped for about 8 minutes. He loved it! He is such a fun and sweet boy!

WATCH OUR LITTLE BOY FLY!

Austin is warming up here in the video. Our camera ran out of memory space so we didn't get Austin jumping extremely high, but you get to see him jump at the beginning.

DIXIE STAMPEDE

We went to Dixie Stampede Christmas show today with Leigh Ann and Emily. We arrived early to see the Carriage Room Opening Act which was a juggler who kept Austin's attention throughout show. The juggler had good music playing during his acts. Austin loved it! He danced, cheered and clapped for the juggler. His enthusiasm was contagious! Then, we went to the Arena for the show. If you haven't been you need to know the Arena is divided into two sides north and south. We sat on the south side. The food was good and very messy as you eat with your fingers- no utensils allowed. Dixie Stampede was fun filled, action packed and great entertainment! Austin loved it especially all the animals. The Christmas show was definitely worth seeing and I think it's great for children.

I must share something funny that happened to Ty and me! Our sweet waitress asked Ty and I at the beginning to participate in a couples race during the horse race competition event. You know me, I was all over, but Ty doesn't like to get in front of crowds so he wasn't too sure, but we agreed to do it. So, when it's time to go down into the Arena, we are given instructions what we are suppose to do. The south side had two couples, Ty and myself and another couple, and the north side had two other couples competing against us. At this point , I could tell Ty was about to kill me! We walk out in the Arena, I'm waving to Emily and Austin thinking this is going to be so much fun! The guys in the race were asked to chose a horse they wanted to ride during the event. Ty walks up to the horse across from us with a pretty lady sitting on it. Ty said she asked him if he had ever ridden a horse before. Ty told her yes, and then, she said back to him "this is going to be the ride of your life." Then they asked the guys to walk to the middle and they said to them, "you didn't think you were going to ride a REAL HORSE, DID YOU?!?" Funny!! Then comes out four rain deer on broomsticks. I start laughing thinking to myself what have I done! Our new instructions were given to us to race with the other couple on our side in and out of the snowmen barrels beating the north side. I could tell Ty was getting excited. He puts the rain deer between his legs and I do it too. I immediately grab him around the waist thinking we could go faster if I hold on to him, BUT Ty told me not to hold on to him. I'm thinking, okay I have to hold on to something because I could tell Ty was in "winning mode" and I knew he would leave me behind if I didn't stay close. I grab the stick from behind and pull it up giving myself a weggie. I'm thinking great! Before I could tell Ty that idea wasn't going to work the guy yells GO!!! Ty takes off like a WILD MAN (I'm not joking!) and I grab whatever I could which was his sweater. Ty is running so fast and slinging me around. I am laughing as I'm thinking to myself, "Ty, you better not throw me in the dirt in front of all these people!" Then, I noticed Ty's head was down because he was pulling me around the snowmen. That was just hilarious to me! I was happy how involved he got, but shocked at the same time. I didn't think he would really get into the competition like he did. Ty wanted to win so bad, but he blames me because I had on boots and should have wore tennis shoes. MEN! Ha! Ty did a great job! We had a lot of fun together!

PRAY FOR "D"

My mom, we call her D, has had some problems going on since August of this year. We didn't think much of it as she went to the doctor and did everything they said to do. The problem kept reoccurring and the pain got more intense each time. This past weekend mama began to swell around her belly area and just felt terrible. She went to the doctor this past Friday and they referred her to a specialist, but as you know she could not be seen until Friday, December 12th. My parents decided yesterday not to wait and they went to the ER just to have some tests done to see what is causing all her pain. What they found was a mass the size of a softball above her bladder, which is causing the strong pressure and awful pain she has been feeling the past few months. Now, we are waiting to meet with Dr. Steven Metzinger, surgeon, on Monday, December 8th at 9:30am to find out what this is and how serious it may be. My mom is doing okay, but naturally worried as we all are for her. So, I am asking you all to keep her in your prayers. D is my best friend and I love her dearly!

JUST TAKIN' IT EASY!

Ty is very proud of himself finding this adorable recliner for Austin today. He was so excited that he couldn't wait for Austin and I to get home to show him his recliner like his daddy's. When we walked in the living room, Ty and I were saying, "Austin LOOK! Look at your new recliner!" He smiled at us like this is the big deal. Ty couldn't wait to sit him in the chair. When he did Austin started saying, "WOOOOOOOH! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!" I guess because the chair sits up high and he didn't know what to think about it. Now, he climbs up in it and sits on his own. He loves his new recliner! Ty you did a great job! My boys are precious to me!

2 FUN BIRTHDAY PARTIES & ANTHONY THANKSGIVING DINNER

We went upstate to celebrate two special boys birthdays and to spend family time with the Anthony gang for our family Thanksgiving feast. Our weekend was busy, fun and eventful to say the least. On Saturday, we went to Caden's 6th birthday party. He had a climbing party with tons of friends and family there to celebrate his big day with him. We all had a blast as we climbed a rock wall, bounced on various jumpers, ate pizza and cake. Austin had a blast climbing and that's one of his favorite things to do.

Later that afternoon on the way back from Caden's party, Austin took a short nap (thank goodness) and then we went to Cade's birthday party. We had a great time at Cade's party as well. Cade was adorable with his own personal Cocky suit as he wore with pride. Cade's face was priceless when the real Cocky came out to celebrate his special day with him. He was shocked, but was very excited to see Cocky! We all had a great time with Cocky and took turns taking pictures with the number one MASCOT.

On Sunday, we went to the Anthony family Thanksgiving dinner at Grannie's house. We had a wonderful time catching up with everyone! It's always interesting getting everyone together considering it's mostly boys and you never know what you will hear or see. I love them all! I will post family picture we made today soon. Here are a few pictures of our weekend upstate.

Stephanie, Caden and Andy...Who hoo Caden's 6! Caden and Ty racing up the wall. It was close, but Caden won! :o)
Papa Tommy and Austin climbing up wall. Go Austin GO!
Daddy and Austin going down slide.
Mommy and Austin eating cake...yummy!
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY CADE! Serious Gamecock fan!
COCKY and CADE...too cute!

Austin LOVES Cocky! Austin laughing at Cameron making funny faces!