Sharing Snacks

The girls had a little snack outside this afternoon. Hayden has no problem sharing snacks with Layner-her best buddy. She also has no problem making sure that Layne shares her snack with her big sister!! Hayden is also very protective of her little sis.

I am a member of both FreeCycle and CheapCycle. FreeCycle is a group of people in different areas (I am a member of the Conyers/Covington one) that post items that they want to give away for free or they post items that they want for free. CheapCycle is very similar except the items have a price. Well, I have been looking for another Little Tikes picnic table for the 2 and 3 year old room at Discover Kids. So, I decided to put a post on both of the Cycles and sure enough I got a response from each!! One was for free and the other was for $25. We went with the free one and it's awesome!!! The girls are using it this week until we bring it up to the church. We put one on Layne's birthday list, but if she doesn't get one I know where I am going to find one!

Sharing raisins. When they "share" they both put a lot in their mouths so that the other won't eat them all!!

Reading to Sis

This morning before we left for church Hayden decided to read a story to her sister. She just looks at the pictures and makes up stuff, but it's still really cute-and Layne enjoys it.

Layne is learning so much from her big sister. She tries to do everything that big sister does.

On a different note:

Check out the write up in the paper for Discover Kids!

http://www.rockdalenews.com/news/article/627/

Still Sportin' It

She is still loving this smile. I like it because it shows off all of her teeth and it shows how much she really does love life....as long as she's with mommy!

Layner has discovered that she can do tricks on Hayden's chair. I am so glad that Layne loves her sister's chair so much because that's what we got her for her birthday that's in a few weeks!! She is going to love it.

This crazy nut loves to be in her undies and nothing else. As soon as we get home it's like her clothes just magically disappear. I rarely see her actually removing her clothes-one second they're there and the next they're gone!

She is bringing back the toothless smile that she sported for a short time a month or so ago.

Bird of a Feather Stick Together

My morning run started out with a neighbor's little yapper dog chasing me down the street. Then it was on to the local elementary school down the road. As I came over the hill of the back entrance to the school I spotted two black vultures perched on the fence near the driveway. I saw them last week too, but they just stood there and watched so I didn't think anything of them sitting on the fence. That is until one hopped down and started RUNNING AFTER ME! I couldn't even believe that I was sprinting because a big mean bird was chasing me-I had no other choice. As if that wasn't bad enough the second one took off in order to initiate an air strike! So, I am sprinting for cover while one bird is nipping at my heals and the other is swooping aiming for my jugular!! I even caught myself saying out loud, "You gotta be kidding me, what do you guys want from me!?" Thank the Lord for those covered walkways because that's where I took cover.

As I approached the entrance to the school on the way back I looked on the side of the road for something in order to defend myself from these brutal birds. After running 6 miles I wasn't in the mood for this bird business so I was going to be the one doing the attacking this time around. I searched for an ax, hammer, sawed off shotgun (? sounds like something you may find on the side of the road down south!). Surprisingly, I wasn't able to find any of those items so I decided to take a safer birdless route for the last leg of my run. I'll take those pesky fly attacks any day over the vultures!!

What a Smile!

Now anytime the camera is out this is the face that Layne makes. She is such a jokester. she loves to make Hayden and I laugh all day long. And Hayden continues to act like a mother to Layne. She is now trying to pick her up and discipline her!! Watch out!!

Crossing the Finish Line!

Well, I did it!! Today was my 21st run in 21 days-I completed my 21 day run challenge. I was very motivated from the beginning (the huge desk calendar in the kitchen really helped) but I have to say that I didn't really think that I would really run for 21 straight days. I figured that I would "let life get in the way" somehow. Or that I would justify to myself why I couldn't do it. Not only did I finish it, but I am continuing it! I was going to take some time off, but I really enjoy the time that I have to myself each morning. Yes, a 5 mile (soon to be 6) run can be a little challenging but it's also very fulfilling. I just set my iPod to DJ Steve Boy's PodRunner mixes and I am lost in the run. I really loved this challenge September-thanks again. I would really recommend it to everybody out there. It doesn't have to be running. Just challenge yourself to do something active for 21 days-you'll see what I mean!!

Mashed Potato Face

Tonight we had smoked ribs, mashed potatoes, and soggy veggie saute for dinner. Layner loved the mashed potatoes-she got them everywhere and she thought it was so funny. Of course, it didn't help that I was laughing hysterically at the faces that she was making for the camera.

Daddy gave her a bath right after dinner.

Layne wanted to show Hayden that two can play the "new smile" game. This is Layne's new smile. She squints her eyes because of the flash. This is a good shot of 4 of her 6 teeth though. Hayden is just in her undies. She love to strip down to her undies and just hang out. Maybe because it's so hot, who knows.

I busted Layne eating Hayden's left over breakfast this morning. It amazes me how tiny she is because she has no problem eating!

Happy Father's Day!

Hayden wanted to wish all of the special men in her life a Happy Father's Day! She even sings a special song for them......

Topsy Turvy Surprise!

I made this one for a surprise 14th birthday party. The bottom layer is chocolate chocolate chip with a whipped butter cream and the top is yellow pound cake with a creamy chocolate filling. Everything is edible-even the bow!

The Girlies!

Miss Thing during lunch today. I was just resting my chin on my arms like that as I watched my precious tot eat her lunch. She's becoming so grown up and independent and even stubborn (which can get her into trouble at times). I just sat there wondering where the time has gone-where did my baby girl go!? Next thing I knew, she slid her place mat aside, folded her arms on the table, and rested her chin on her hands like this. Why can't she be my baby forever?!

I used my new island for the first time yesterday-pictures of the cake will be posted later today. The doors are not on it yet so the girls went crazy getting into everything!! At one point I looked at Layne and she had a fondant chili pepper hanging out of her mouth with a stream of red drool coming out of the side of her mouth!! The chili pepper was left over from the fiesta cake-not sure why I save the extras.

Layne's favorite thing to play with by far was the marshmallow bag. The island worked beautifully and I couldn't be happier with it!! Love it!!! Now if he could only build me something that cleaned up the huge mess in the kitchen once all of the baking and decorating is done......

The Making of CornHole!

Here are some pictures that Jeremy took in order to document my first (and probably last) wood working project. He walked me through each step to making the game and I did it.

I even got to use the big saw on the wall-not sure what it's real name is....

I really didn't want to use the nail gun because it's just so loud and scary, but if I wanted the game made I didn't have a choice. Notice how I am keeping the toes out of the way!!

I also got to use the saw that was in the garage. This one was a little harder to control but I managed.

There are a lot of steps in between that weren't documented, but I really did do it. I had to say that because I know you are looking at the above picture thinking that I HAD to have gone to the store and purchase these beauties. I did it all-with a little help from Johnny the logo bro who just happens to work for me for free. The next order that he'll be working on for me is Layner's first birthday invitation. Design and picture has been submitted. We are just waiting for him to do his magic! I have a feeling that I am going to be in the kitchen baking him all kids of goodies while we are down in Florida for 2 weeks!! And yes, the cornhole games will be making the trip down. We'll have a huge tournament so start tossing those corn bags now!!

11 Month Old!

Layne turned 11 months yesterday! Her big sweet shop first birthday bash is right around the corner!! Let the planning begin....ok, who am I kidding, I have been working on the party planning ever since Hayden's 2nd birthday. I am so excited for this big milestone, but at the same time I can't believe my little baby is already going to be a year old!! Maybe it's time to start thinking about another one......well, maybe not yet-I don't know if I could handle another one.

The Running Bug

Some of you may know that I have begun a new challenge in life (thanks to my sis!). It's the 21 day running challenge and I am coupling it with the 6 week 200 sit up challenge too. Sep was telling me about this blog she read where the girl wanted to become a runner so she decided that she would run for 21 straight days! I have really been wanting to get back into running but I just couldn't get motivated-but this challenge solved that problem! I am to the point where it's just something that I HAVE to do first thing every single morning- it's like there is no other option in my mind. I am on day 14 and loving every minute of it. Well, almost every minute....

Today as I was making my way home I had a rather annoying encounter with a fly. This fly continued to circle around my head for about a mile! He would bang himself into my forehead and then the next time around he's act like he was going to fly straight into my mouth. All of my desperate attempts to shoo the fly failed. I tried the one handed swatting motion, then I used to other hand, I sped up in order to "out run" him, and lastly I tried the two handed flailing motion. I just wanted him to go away so that I could enjoy my run. I got so annoyed and mad that I almost started to cry. Can you picture it-me running arms flailing about to cry!! Finally, I saw a woman power walking towards me. I thought, Maybe he'll sense her when I run by and I can dish him off on her! Kind of like passing the baton in a relay race! Don't know if he flew to her and ruined her power walk session, but I do know that he wasn't bothering me after I passed her. So, my last mile was quite enjoyable....

Got a Light!?

Tonight, Layne was playing with a basket of markers and crayons. She kept putting this specific crayon in her mouth.

She emptied the entire basket and Jeremy kept saying, "It seems like she's looking for something." Sure enough, it was that big brown crayon!

I made brownies so that Jerm would have a little midnight snack for a few days. Hayden came in and asked for the spoon. As soon as I gave it to her she walked over to the other side of the kitchen, climbed up in my chair, and quietly and quickly licked the spoon. Daddy came in and she said, "Please don't take this from me!".

Baptism Celebration!

Yesterday we went over to a church member's house for a baptism pool party. We had a great time and about 20 people were baptised! Layne loved her little ladybug float and Hayden wasn't so sure about being on her own with just water wings. She'll get used to it though!

After swimming for a while Philip started baptising. It was such a great experience. What a life changing decision they all have made!!

Little Layner with daddy.

Just hanging poolside.

Hayden would have stayed in the pool the entire time (with mommy of course!) if I would have let her. She was so cold in the water that she was shaking, but she didn't care!

Smores Cupcakes!

I saw these on one of the blogs that I follow and just had to try them. I made them for a baptism pool party that we are going to for church this afternoon. They are graham cracker cupcakes with whipped vanilla icing. Topped with golden brown mini marshmallows, chocolate bar, chocolate drizzle, and crushed graham crackers. Yumm!!

Enormous Veggies!

We have no idea how this happened without us knowing! After cutting the grass this morning I walked past the veggie garden and did a huge double take when I saw the size of the zucchini (can you picture it?!). So, Hayden and I took a walk through the garden and discovered some pretty giant veggies up there. She got sidetracked by the blueberry bush-she loves fresh blueberries. Some of the green beans should be ready for picking in a few days, we have two small green tomatoes growing, and even some nice big boysenberries. Still no sign of okra, broccoli, or lima beans though. So, tonight we are having stuffed zucchini, sauteed squash and onions, and zucchini sticks!!

Layne is really working on getting around on two feet these days. She uses whatever she can to get balance and push herself across the room while "walking". Won't be long before I really have my hands full!!

The New Island!

So, here it is....my beautifully handcrafted Mother's Day gift. Jeremy and I sat down and designed the entire thing and then he made it happen!! There is actually going to be a cabinet door where the two big baskets are on the right hand side. On the other side there are three smaller drawers along the top, a drawer that will tilt open with the trashcan in it, and three open shelves that will have baskets on them!! I am in love with every single thing about it. I am just so excited!! Thanks for all of your hard work Jerm-I love you!!

Staying Hydrated

Layne, the nut, was once again entertaining mommy and sister this morning....what else is new! She would suck her cheeks in as she drank her apple juice. I was really glad that I got a picture of crazy Layne doing it!

Here is copy cat Hayden trying to do it too. Not quite the same, but still very cute.

Updated Family Picture

Well, you are looking at the new children's ministry director for Discover Point Church! The picture is for the website (www.discoverpointchurch.com) I have been talking/interviewing with them for about 4 months now. I started on June 1st and this Sunday was my first time "working behind the desk" and I think things went great. This new direction in our lives is obviously bitter sweet because it means that we have had to leave Heritage Hills Baptist Church. That's the church that Jeremy attended for 20 years, where we met, where I was baptized, where we were married, where our girls were dedicated, where most of our friends are.......All of that being said, we really feel that Discover Point Church is where God wants us to be. We are so excited to begin this new journey with our new church family!! In July we are going to introduce a children's church time that will involve a whole group lesson and live loud music! During the whole month of August we will be doing a Sunday night KidsJam that will involve live music, lessons, game, and fun! And finally, in September we will introduce the new curriculum-252 Basics. There are a lot of great things going on and a lot to pray about.

Surprise!

Yesterday we went over to the Comptios' house for Jonathan's surprise 30th birthday party. These are two pictures that Scott took while we were over. They're my two favorites so I posted them here! Abby did face painting for the kids, which Hayden just loved!

It was such a nice day. The Comptois' did such a wonderful job of preparing their home for 60 guests (most of which they didn't know!) and Rebecca did a great job of bringing all of the details together. It went off without a hitch. By the way, that's who the hiking cake that I did was for!

Last week I also made a cornhole game-I even had Johnny work on some decals for me! We brought that over and it was a hit. Thanks for all the free labor Johnny, can't wait to see the corn men that are on "back order".

Matt and Jamie came to the party too and we ended up having them over for a Papa John's pizza dinner afterwards. It was just a great day filled with amazing friends and family. I love days like that. We are going to have 2 straight weeks of it when we go to Florida at the end of July!!!

Drum Roll Please....

Here is a drum cake that I did for a little guy's 4th birthday. The cake is chocolate chocolate chip! I hope they like it!!

I also did some wedding shower cupcakes this weekend. The flowers are fondant with white m & m's in the center. Strawberry surprise cupcakes (there is a little piece of strawberry in the middle!) are the ones with the yellow flowers and chocolate chocolate chip are the ones with the purple flowers. Both are iced in butter cream.

Hiking/Camping Cake

This was a challenging one, but I really wanted to try it out. It involved carving the spiraling trail into the cake and also adding other pieces to the cake in order to continue the trail. Everything is edible! I made the figurines and accents about 2 weeks ago. They are made from gum paste and fondant. Jeremy made this cake board just for this cake since I wanted the duck pond to be included. What a great helper! The cake is chocolate chocolate chip with chocolate icing!!!

Getting Ready for a Sweet Celebration!

Once again, Uncle Johnny is going to create a special birthday invitation just for his sweet niece. Today I took some pictures of little Laynie for the invitation. The theme is Sweet Shop-I think you could have figured that out by the enormous lollipop that she's sampling. This was one of my favorites!

I sent him all the pictures that I took because I couldn't decide. This one is one of my favorites too.

She enjoyed the few licks that she got. So much so that she threw a fit when I took it away. She's going to have a great time at the party with all of the candy around!