::Still Blogging::

I promise I haven't stopped blogging... but a lot has gone on since our vacation to the beach.
In bullet form:

• Brant had his 3 year doctor's appointment
• Brant caught the Chicken Pox at his "well" check
• We had the Pox for a week, which technically was a GREAT week for Brant. He stayed at Mimi's, played with Hayden (his BFF) non stop, got a helmet and a new "aluminum" bat, and went to the Rome Braves' Stadium to get tickets to his first game and ended up being able to go in the stadium and look around (almost walked onto the field).
• He then went and spent the week in Macon with Nana and Grandpa
• Came back to go to the Rome Braves' Game that got RAINED OUT. How to explain to a 3 year old that his first real ballgame has been rained out (while the sun is shining overhead) is a little tricky.
• My friend Sarah came to town for a couple of days
• We then spent 3 days at school (my pre-planning) on our later summer schedule
• Only to head back to an earlier schedule ( with me teaching ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - YAY!!!) on August 10th
• BRANT IS POTTY TRAINED! It just clicked with him. We are still working on it to completion, but he has gone ALL WEEK AT SCHOOL WITH NO ACCIDENTS! We are all so proud of him! And he loves his underwear...in fact, I need to get him some more.
  

Needless to say, our last month has been a little hectic. All the while BA has been traveling back and forth from Columbus in a car that may not last much longer and has no AC.

I promise to post more soon. Once I get my bearings on my schedule and my life... I will post regularly!

Here is a picture or two of Brant at school this past month to wet your appetite!
Love to all!

SGI 2009

So I was not sure how to sum up the vacation. I think I could blog about it for a while. So I decided to just make a video about it using Windows Movie Maker. Never tried this before.
So let me know what you think!

::What Time Is It?? ITS SUMMERTIME!::

So. It is SOOOO HOT when Brant at I get off work and get home that we end up in his pool like every afternoon. Here are some pics from today! He is a crazy man... and I can't wait to get to the beach and have LOADS of uninterrupted fun with him, my hubs, and the rest of my family!

Love you all! EnJoY!

Is he getting bigger or what?

He loves to spray mommy and daddy!

Cool picture!

Sunshine!

He seriously looks huge in this picture...even though I know he's not!

Happy First Birthday Lee

One year ago today, I was rushing with my mom and sister down to Piedmont Hospital to witness ( from the waiting room ) the birth of my nephew Lee Thomas Hardman. I married into being an aunt, to 3 wonderful kids (wassup Gatlin, Ashton, and Caroline!) but becoming an aunt by birth to one of your own sibling's children is something so different to me! I think it has to do with the fact that I am a girl for starters. But to be a mom first, I was able to understand what my brother is about to feel for this little person. Knowing what a great uncle he was and what a great aunt Amelia was, and understanding how that is going to make them even greater parents was neat to witness. Knowing all of that while I was waiting in the hospital is a feeling that is too difficult to put into words. I couldn't wait for Lee to get here and my brother experience the blessing of being a dad, yet even more so, I couldn't wait to be as great of an aunt to their child as they had been to mine!

I will never forget the look on my brother's face when he exited that delivery room to let us all know that "Lee Thomas Hardman is BORN." It will be with me a long time... and I will live to tell Lee how I was in the waiting room watching the Bulldogs as we waited for him to arrive.

I love being Aunt Lin-Lin... only wish I could see him more! Can't wait for his party this weekend. And for the many summer birthdays that he and his cousin Brant will share as they grow old together!

Love you Hardmans... savor every moment because they go by WAY too fast!

Brant's 3rd Birthday

SO, Brant's third birthday has come and gone! WHEW... it came and went fast... and I still can't believe that I am the parent of a 3 year old. It really does fly by... I used to laugh at everyone who said that like... REALLY?? (cause in the baby stage you think it will never end sometimes). But it really is true. I know you want to see pics from his party, so to get the good stuff of his third bday, just click on the photo above of him finishing off his cupcakes after everyone was gone!

You are my Sunshine!

You are my sunshine
My only Sunshine
You make me happy
When skies are gray
You'll never know BRANT
How much we love you!
Please don't take my sunshine away!

1 week till we are 3... can you believe it?
Love you all!

Final Memory With Nanny

Was taking pictures at Nanny's funeral on Saturday and found this photo on the camera. Hadn't loaded it onto the computer yet, but this is Brant's last moment with Nanny. We visited her on Mother's Day, just 9 short days before she passed. He went back to her room and visited and I went back to take pictures. He was fanning her with a large fan and they were watching videos of him on this blog. He was making her laugh, and getting a kick out of himself as well. I am so thankful that he had 3 years with her. He WILL remember when we tell him the stories and show him these pictures. I only wish he could have had the wonderful 26 years I had with her. She was truly an amazing woman, with more to share on love, life, and others than most around. She will live on in me until the day I die and get to go see her!

We will continue to love you and miss you Nanny. You were one of a kind!

Memorial Day Slideshow

::Rainy Memorial Day::

I will post more pictures later, but this is Brant following his Daddy into the creek. After this, they disappeared for like 15 minutes and I was not about to go after them. The water was cold and deep. But like I said, I'll post more later...but here is a video to wet your appetite.

::Pictures from April::

::Brant getting sprayed by Daddy::

::Brant and the Golf Hazard::

::Brant Playing Ball::

::Easter Sunday::

We went to brunch with my family on Easter Sunday...here are some pictures!

::Friday Night::

So we went to the home opener, dispite the weather alerts. At least we were there! We left at midnight...and still missed half the game! What a night!

GO BRAVES!

::Bible Stories::

So I know that I keep uploading videos, but Brant is at that stage in life where a picture just doesn't do him justice. (so am I actually...but in a different way) Anyways - nighttime has been difficult lately with BA being gone for work. He calls for Daddy a lot and we have to talk about how he is far away. However, I am trying to keep everything as normal as possible...although it just takes 3 times as long this week. So, Bible Story time approached tonight and I agreed to let him "read" me the story of David and Goliath. I let him begin, and was brought to tears. I ran to get my camera, and forced him to re-enact it for me. This is something that has no price. I will treasure this moment for the rest of my life, and am so sad that his Daddy wasn't here to capture it with me. However, that's why I hurried to post it so Daddy could see it NOW, not later.

He is a sponge. It has become evident how important it is for me to guard his mind, his body, and most importantly his heart starting now. The things that Brant Arnold is going see his Mommy and Daddy place importance on, and hopefully that he will grow to love are found in Philippians 4:8-9 "...whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice."

Said also like this in The Message translation: "Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

It is not a coincidence that my bible study I do each morning was on this very thing today. Then God revealed it and made it real to me tonight. Join me in this commitment as you are all apart of Brant's life in such different ways!

Thank you God for your hand in everything. For the way you make your ways real. Your mercies are NEW every morning!

Now all of you can enjoy the video...I know you will LOVE it.

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!