Don't hate me because my mantle is beautiful :)

Can you believe how precious this picture is?!! My friend, Elizabeth Watson, took this picture for me for my beloved barn wood frame I have been dying use. I AM OBSESSED! It makes me happy.

P.S. I am going to actually hang it on the wall when Joel gets home :)

And look at these shots she got. Ahhhhhhh! I could cry. Carter on his tractor and Coop with his scrunched up nose. Did she capture them or what? Priceless to a sappy mama.

Thank you so so so much, Elizabeth!

Taco Night

I can always count on a few smiles when it has been declared "Taco Night" at our house. So easy to please :)

Do you think he likes his dinner? That's a safe YES. I think I might frame this one and put it on my bedside table. Wouldn't that be a great sight to start off your day?

I said, "smile" and this is what I got. A very strained looking something. Hee Hee.

We need to work on eating with our mouth shut :)

Tacos are just so delicious he says.

DaDa's hat

Can't catch me, Mama! Oh yes, I can!

This kiddo even smiles when it's green bean night....Gotta love him.

Go, Coop, Go!!!

Right after my post last night saying that it was time Coop started walking, he walked!!! I am so excited! Although I may gain ten pounds from not carrying that big boy around all day :) Go, Coop, Go! I can't believe how big you are.

Click below for a look at a few of his first steps:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FVK-QguM5g

Trying my best

I have been trying for about six weeks now to get a great picture of my boys TOGETHER. Easier said than done. I have this fantastic frame made of barn wood that I am dying to hang in my house, but I don't have a picture to go in it. You have seen my many attempts here on the blog to get a good one. My result is always decent but not great pictures. I finally gave in and asked my friend, Elizabeth, to come help me. She came this morning, and I am so so so excited to see the results. She thinks she really got some good ones.

It was so easy for her. Clearly I will never be a photographer!!!

Below are some pictures from one of my many attempts over the past month.

This is right before we left for the park. Look how cute he is.

Funky lighting, but cute pic.

My favorite one, but look at the terrible shadows.

 

So there was my final attempt....not great :) Oh well, that's what real photographers are for. Nancy, why don't you live in Oxford?!!!

Coop goes Saturday to get his one year picture taken by my friend, Tracy. Can't wait to get it and hang it on my wall next to Carter's beautiful pictures.

My silly boy watching his favorite show....Curious George.

BIG BOY! Now if we could only get those feet moving. Coop, it's time to start walking!!!! I think I might throw a "Coop started walking" party when the big day arrives :)

No Yogurt

My kids crack. me. up.

Click this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojvYJwqLMhU

I can't believe this.

The boys and I went to my parents' for the weekend because Joel was at the Kentucky Derby, and I went through an old photo album. Look what I found! I FOUND COOP IN MY BABY ALBUM!

My mom and brother say all the time that he looks just like me, but I have yet to see it until NOW! This is unbelievable to me. Here is Coop....oh wait, that's me :)

On another note, this is Joel just after walking in the door this morning after his trip. Do you think he's loved or what?! His babies missed him, and so did his wife :) 

Mom

Happy Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful mom!

You are a fantastic mother, grandmother, and friend. I am well aware of how blessed I am to have a mother who loves my children so much and contributes so much to their lives. Thank you for your sacrificial love, your servant's heart, your sense of humor, your wonderful advice, your friendship, your willingness to give, give, give. You are inspiration to me and to many other mothers.

Thank you, Lord, for my Mama. Couldn't make it without her!

Fun Fun Fun at the Beach!

I have been to the beach countless times but had the most fun trip ever last week. Seeing my babies have fun, going to a beach wedding with my hub, enjoying my parents, eating lots of junk food, and having the PERFECT weather made for a super fun and memorable trip. Thanks, Joel, for such a fun vacation, and thanks, BB and PawPaw, for all your help with the boys!

I love this face Coop is making. It's like he's saying, "Ahhhh, the wind in my hair."

Carter building his "towers"

Look to the far left....that tiny speck is Joel flying a kite. Carter loved this even though our kites were pretty pitiful.

I am thinking Coop thought the pool was relaxing :)

For my Hub :)....forgive my cheesy-ness.

Carter loved collecting seashells. He found some awesome ones. He was very proud of his collection.

This ring was a GREAT purchase. $1 at Walmart! Combine it with some $3 floaties, and you have yourself a swimmer!

Coop climbed in and out of the kiddie pool...life was good.

Okay, he's had enough. See you guys later.

These boys love their BB and PawPaw.

Feeding the birds off the balcony

Look how big he is.

We attempted a photo shoot....unsuccessful. We got a couple of cute ones but nothing fantastic.

Carter did not like this....oh well...maybe next year.

Such a great time. Can't wait to go back in July with the Bells!