Some more tunes for you...CDs are available upon request.

We may have a musician on our hands...

Big Helper!

::School Photo::

I cannot begin to describe the feelings that these pictures bring out in me. I feel like he is growing up TOO fast!

Spring Afternoon

::Family Weekend Slideshow::

::Family Weekend::

Last weekend was a Family Weekend...

1. We started Saturday with my Uncle Ken's retirement from the Georgia Air National Guard. He became an honorary Colonel...We are so proud of you! There are some pics in the slideshow from that.

2. We spent the night at my parents' house because Nanny was staying there. There are some pics from that.

3. We had lunch after church on Sunday, after hearing LaLa sing (she tore the house down). Uncle Bryan, Aunt Mena, and Lee came over too, as always! I had so much fun with Lee...I don't think I left him alone unless he was sleeping. He is SO adorable and fun to be around. A great baby...kudos Bryan and Mena. There are pics from that on the slideshow....and if you want to see more then check out the Hardman Blog. Love it!

Not much on tap for this week. Brant will be going to school...hopefully not tomorrow because of snow day? (we hope). And then Brandon will be back and forth from Columbus this week. His job will mobilize by the end of the month at the latest, so we are spending lots of time together before he leaves.

Love you all! Have a great first week of March (can you believe it?)

::Way Overdue::

This is a picture of Brant eating an edible arrangement that was sent to him the day after his surgery....almost a month ago, I KNOW. It was sent by his Aunt Lauren. Not my sister Lauren, not Brandon's sister Lauran, but my BEST friend since sixth grade LAUREN BERLIN. The only reason he doesn't know her as his aunt right now is because she lives in Nashville. Even though she is far away, she was here the day he was born, and has been apart of my life - every important event (lots of surgeries!) - before he was born and since!

I love you Lauren and Deke too (her husband)!

::Apology::

I have so much stuff to post... that I am overwhelmed.

I will post this weekend - I promise. But to give you a taste of the goods I have coming your way I will tell you one story...

Last night as I was reading to Brant before bed, we opened up his Toddler Bible Stories book that his Mimi gave him. We turned to David and Goliath to start. He was SO intrigued. He wanted to know why Goliath was so big and mad! So we read the short story and I added some details that a two year old would want. We finished the story and I asked him some questions. He answered all of them flawlessly until I asked the final one... WHO WON in the end?

His answer: KEVIN HARVICK! (Nascar driver #29 for those of you uneducated in the sport)

Thanks PawPaw for filling my son's mind with Nascar...he thinks about it so much he even thinks they are in the Bible!

Then to top it off we turned to the story of Creation. All he could point out was Adam - and he was "naked boy"! Why is he Naked Boy mommy? Where are his clothes? He needs clothes!

And so this is my life...question after question, all day long! I LOVE EVERY SECOND THOUGH!

Love you all. I have great pictures to post along with more stories.

::Post Surgery Update::

Surgery went well. We are at home now, after his first day back at school. He had a great day and was really excited to see his friends, almost as excited as they were to see him!

He is still a little swollen, and I haven't seen the stitches yet because that waterproof bandage is really holding up! Will let you all know how that goes in the days to come. So far, he hasn't tried to rip it off yet, so thats good.

We have to go back to the doctor in like 2 to 3 weeks to make sure all is well, but I am sure it is.

Here are some pics from the day. We had a great experience at Children's...even as early in the morning as it was! I would recommend it to anyone. Dr. Bussey was wonderful...

This was before we went back. I thought we would be leaving soon...thats why I had on the hair net. Didn't leave soon...took it off. Glad I don't have to wear one of those in my profession.

Brant was a returning shopper to the games, books, and chalk. He loved Connect Four. He and Daddy played for like 10 minutes.

Close up of the nervousness...he wasn't a happy camper for the most part. I think he knew...

Post-op making sure we can keep things down. At least it was a Popsicle...and he loved it. It wasn't the lollipop he was begging for (ya know - Dr = Lollipop) but he didn't complain.

::Quick Update::

We have been to the doctor, actually yesterday. Turns out he does not have a hernia...however he might as well. He has the same condition, except that in a hernia intestine comes through the small opening in the inguinal canal, but instead fluid has flowed down into Brant's. This is called a hydrocele. You can go look it up on the Internet and become very educated, but there really is no point because the treatment is exactly the same.

We will go in for surgery at Children's on Monday morning (we hope am, but we won't find out till Thursday) February 9th. YES - my birthday. Happy Birthday to ME! However, I am just glad that we got in so quickly and we can get this over with.

I love the doctor and think that everything is going to go really well, except the whole not eating and drinking thing, so everyone can start praying about that now.

Well - off to tend to Brant. He is doing well, but I am thankful that many prayers are being lifted in our name. They are felt!

We love you all...and you know I will have pictures up of the whole ordeal for all to see!
I have a feeling Thomas will be right by our side...and maybe we'll pull puppy out of commission to join us too!

I know I haven't posted in a while, but let me explain.

Sick child (virus was what they said), found something on Brant's groin that caused concern, sick husband, sick mom, back to Doctor to find out that Brant has a hernia that must be removed through surgery...oh yeah - and a double ear infection.

Needless to say, we have had a plate full lately. Brant has a consultation appointment for this Monday the 2nd, so please be in prayer for us as we determine the next steps to take. We will be going to a Pediatric Surgeon down at Children's at Scottish Rite.

Pray also that I find energy. I start back my after school program next week. I have 2 open houses to attend for our elementary/middle school since I am next in line for a teaching position with new enrollments. Not to mention that Brandon should be locating to Columbus shortly with his job in full swing...I hope he feels better soon too!

Long story short we have a lot going on, and we need your prayers.

Some pictures...we started fixing up our house a little to make it a "home". Here is some proof.

These aren't the best pics but I guess that just means you have to come check it out yourself!

And yes - we are looking into a bigger TV... plus - these are process pics, not the finished look.

Don't have any pictures of the green wall, but it is massive, and you should come see it so we can tell you the ghetto way that Brandon had to paint it...REDNECK might be the word. Brandon would call it innovative.

::Thomas The Train::

As you may have noticed, many of my posts lately have revolved around Thomas. Thomas was the main attraction this Christmas, with some Cars and such thrown in. Yesterday Brant asked me to set up his track so he could drive his trains. I didn't even use all the track or accessories...but this is still enormous! Check out the set up and the happy little boy on the other side. This is in our living room, so we have determined that we have got to come up with a solution for his trains...space is desperately needed.

Kaitlan - I am sure you had a blast setting all this up. It was our first time trying at home...it took forever!

::TWO VIDEOS::

I know its been a while since I have posted. But we have been trying to get back in the swing of things after a great break. BA and I both had the week between Christmas and New Year's off and we got to spend a lot of time together. We re-did our living room with paint and a new entertainment center. It looks great!

But I had to put these videos up so that you can see what has been going on at our house. Brant has a new big boy room that I need to put up pictures of. Also, these new books that we got for Christmas are wonderful. His favorite is Aunt Kathy's addition of a musical book about Thomas that has a microphone attached. Here is Brant serenading his parents before bedtime.

Enjoy!

::Daddy and Me::

Me and Daddy eating the Gingerbread House that Kaitlan made.

::Christmas Video::

::Off to See the Donkeys::

Brant went on a walk with Nana and Kaitlan to see the donkeys down the road. They said he loved it. He was excited to be able to pet them and talk to them.

We have a climber on our hands!

There were alot there for him to see...

Doesn't this one look like he is having a conversation with them?

And my little one giving some sunshine on the way!

::Christmas Morning::

Christmas morning was so much fun. He didn't quite know what to think at first...(i will upload videos later)...but he warmed up very quickly to the fact that all this stuff was for him! He loved the trains, and I can't wait to see his face tomorrow when he gets even more!

Here are some pictures from Christmas...

He was so excited about the bridge...

He wanted to try and make a "really long one"...

This is him wrapped up in his Thomas Blanket...

::What I Do When I'm Bored!::

Aren't these the cutest things ever?

::School Pictures::

I get a CD each month with pictures on it of Brant at school. I happened to be in lots this past month, but I just had to share these with you! Hope you are finding rest this holiday season...We are trying!

Here is a slideshow from Macon. We just got back from Thanksgiving. We had a blast. Brant is definitely at a testing age, though, and I am CONSTANTLY praying for patience. Join me in that prayer would you?

Santa Claus is Comin'...

So I've been playing with a new photo editor, picnik.com, THANKS MEREDITH!

Here is my latest creation...ADORABLE if I might say so!

ENJOY! Get ready for Santa!

::Lately::

We have been having a blast as a family. We have been goofing off, celebrating birthdays, playing outside, and learning learning learning.

The happenings this past week:

1. PawPaw's Birthday - we celebrated with tons of fun at their house. You can check out the photos below.




2. Lee's Dedication - my nephew Lee was dedicated a Buckhead Church during a really cool dedication service. I am sure they will have the photos up on their blog soon. Check my links on the side. My camera was dead that afternoon...go figure.

3. Random playdates outside together! So much fun to just relax and be a family. See below.




I will end with a video. Probably one of the cutest ever. I know it is kinda dark, but you don't need to see as much as you need to hear. Enjoy!

::Halloween::

Much more of a success that I had imagined. Mimi, PawPaw, Lala, and Sammy came over for dinner and trick-or-treating. We had a blast. We ate Brunswick Stew and enjoyed our time together. Going to houses went much better than I was expecting, although getting him to say trick-or-treat was a chore. We got please and thank you out of him though, and we always left with, "HALLOWEEN!" It was a lot of fun and thanks to the last minute costume additions thanks to my friend Angie we had us one tough looking Fireman! Here is a slideshow. Lala dressed up halfway as a baseball player to encourage Brant...so they set off with his Lightning McQueen candy bucket (cause you have to have Cars in there somewhere) and got him some candy. PawPaw and Mimi stayed behind and handed out candy at our house then we all enjoyed the rest of the night together! Happy Halloween!

::The Park::

Went to the park today. Brant had a great time RUNNING everywhere. Had to leave early though, and you will see why in the slideshow. We took pictures the whole time but when it was time for him and Lala he just wasn't going for it. That was fine, but then the NOs and the throwing himself on the ground started...so we left. He screamed the entire way home, which upon arrival he sat on his bed all by himself for 5 minutes until he appeared ready to apologize. He wasn't exactly sure why he was saying he was sorry, but after I refreshed his memory he agreed and said he was sorry. The beginning of a long road with a stubborn, strong-willed child JUST LIKE ME! (and Brandon too from what I hear)

Love to all! Enjoy.

::For Aunt Bruce::

So, after a phone call from my mom saying that her life-long friend Bruce had called to complain, in a nice way of course, about my blogging, I decided that I better get on here and update. Unfortunately, I have not taken ANY pictures at home this month...I think it is the first time this has happened since Brant was born. I do have a CD with pictures of him from school last month, but it is at my mom's at the moment. I will upload some of them asap.

We have kept busy here. Brandon has been given the definite that he will be on a job in Columbus, GA. Glad he has a job, but we aren't thrilled it will be in Columbus. We will be apart during the week and reunited every weekend...for the next year and a half. He is really doing well though and taking lots of initiative...who knows...maybe a promotion upon completion? This is for the Army, so it is going to be GO GO GO!

I have been out of town and back for retreats and conferences for school. Having lots of fun and loving what I do, but keeping a house in order at the same time is just a chore.

Brant is great. Showing more interest in the potty, and doing well. He is talking up a storm and will talk your ears off if you let him.

We are looking forward to the holidays. Thanksgiving here and Christmas in Macon. Should be loads of fun!

Hope all of you are well. The only picture I have is above...but it sums up this month!

SUNSHINE!

::Recent Pictures::

Here are some pictures since I last posted...ENJOY!

Check out this train table...

Me and Mommy at the Museum.

Mimi, what are you doing to me?

Nothin' but smiles from Baby Lee!

What a Chipmunk!

What are you laughin' at Baby Lee?

Sweet kisses for Baby Lee!

Checking in on Baby Lee...you alright?