Alli Claire's 1st Birthday Party

Saturday morning was full of running around. Martin drove an hour and a half to pick up my Mamaw for Alli Claire's party. She broke her hip back in April and still isn't driving long distances. While he was gone, I finished up cleaning, bathing Alli Claire and just getting everything ready for our guests. I do this every year - you know running around like a chicken? I don't know why I can't get it done before the last minute but I can't. We had a really good time visiting with everybody, eating and opening gifts. Actually, Caroline (our niece) opened most of the gifts :o) Alli Claire didn't know what was going on and at the ripe ol' age of two, Caroline was a pro!! And she had a good time showing AC the way things should be done. I love me some Caroline!

Caroline also gave us a good laugh when she kept chasing the lion around the living room. That's right.... a lion. AKA: Lucy Jane, the Peruvian Spotted Mountain Cat. AKA: grey tabby :o) It was rather amusing to say the least.

I'm glad everyone was able to stay a while after the party was over. I do love me a good sittin' around talkin' session. I just wish our family didn't live so far way and could do that more often. Maybe next year, I'll start the party at 10am instead. Just kidding Martin :o)

We had all intents and purposes to get up and go to church yesterday morning, but that didn't happen when I woke up and it was already 8:15am.... Martin said he nudged me and told me to get up but I never felt nor heard any of the sort. When Graisi got up she said, "So I guess we're not going to church today, huh??" I hate missing, but we so needed to sleep in. Alli Claire slept in too. She was a tired little camper from the previous days activities.

Graisi, Michaela, Shelby, Kathryn and Tori are spending the week with Mamaw Nancy and Papaw Harold. M, S & K rode back home with them after the party, but when I dropped Graisi off yesterday afternoon, Daddy had already left and went to the house boat. I think it was a little more estrogen than he could handle, LOL!! They should have a really good time.

Graisi's Original Composition

Here are the lyrics to the song Graisi wrote by herself and sings frequently on her guitar :o) Hope you enjoy!

My Father in Heaven
Is my Father here on Earth
He loves me for who I am
And He loves you too.
And I know He loves us for who we are and what we do.
He is God so Great.
He loves us all.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Alli Claire!!

I can't believe our baby girl will be one year old tomorrow! She has grown and learned so much the past 365 days. She is such a delight to our family and we love her so much. Happy Day sweet baby!! We can't wait to watch you continue to grow and see the plans the Lord has for you.

Cool air and a birthday party

Phone conversation with Martin last week:

Shelli: Hey, whatcha doing?
Martin: Nothin', what chu doin'?
Shelli: Nothin'. You know it's really hot in your car. The air was working this morning, but now it's not and it's hot.
Martin: Well, did you whack the blower motor with the umbrella? (because of course that's the first thing I think to do!!)
Shelli: Uh...no.
Martin: Well, reach over there and grab the umbrella... stick it up in there and whack it a few times.
Shelli: Yea...that worked. Ahhhh...the cool air.

Just to give you an update to the blower motor saga... yesterday afternoon the new motor finally got installed. Now, it's only been two weeks since this started, but he got it installed and saved us a bunch of money. Thank you honey!!!! You did a good job :o)

Alli Claire played Patti-Cake with me this morning. She actually did the clapping and rolling motions with me!! It is so much fun to watch her learn new things.

We also had her preschool birthday party yesterday afternoon. There were only two of them that could eat the petit fors but they had a good time anyway. The adults got to have Edgar's cupcakes :o) I made lots of pictures and will post them when I have them developed.

Rotten way to start a day!

Today, I'm having to remind myself that God loves everyone and makes them each individuals for a reason. I don't understand WHY He makes people as selfish and self-centered as they are, but He made them and I have to trust that this is His plan. This is wisdom I received from the lovely Lisa Welchel at a Mom's Retreat I went to a few years back. I am going to chant this mantra 10 times and hopefully I will feel better afterwards. You can join in if you like.

And if you're wondering.... No, this isn't about Martin :o) I love him!

Martin's 1st Day

He called me yesterday afternoon to give me his new phone number and he sounded much better than I've heard him in a while. When he got home we went to dinner to celebrate. He sat with his boss and other co-worker most of the day. (Hi to Jennifer and Bill!!) He sounded excited to be getting the chance to do something a little different and finally work with a team again. God is so good!!

More comments from Graisi:
(In the car on the way to summer camp yesterday morning with Martin)
Graisi: Daddy, we need to go to HH Gregg to buy a flat screen T.V. They're having a half off sale and we can get one.
This comment was made complete with the tomahawk chop when she said half off :o)

I think we were watching Oprah and she had someone on there that was a single mom. When out of the blue...
Graisi: That woman had to be married sometime because the sperm had to get to the egg to make those kids. Granted we haven't taught her HOW that happens, but she knows that that component has to happen.
Shelli: Naturally, I said, "Well, yes that's true...." And just smiled.

Sounds from the kitchen

Let me just preface with... Alli Claire had been into everything Friday afternoon. I mean everything. She especially likes the garbage can in the kitchen. So after Graisi had finished painting her nails, she threw her paper towel she had used for mistakes in the trash. Naturally, AC went in after her treasure. Also, remember her fascination with paper? You get the picture. So I hear from the back corner of the kitchen....

Graisi: "(screech) MOMMMMMYYYYY!!!! Tell her to stooooppp!!" Whining of course
Mommy: Why? What is she doing?
Graisi: She bit my fingggeeerrr......
Mommy: Well, what was your finger doing in her mouth??
Graisi: She got my fingernail paper towel out of the trash and was eating it. I was trying to dig it out of her mouth and she bit me. And it hurt!

And we've only just begun.....

AC is taking more steps by the day. Yesterday afternoon she took 4 or 5 consecutive ones. I'm not ready for the bumps and bruises that come along with this.

Graisi was off with Martin last week so having to get her up this morning was a bear!!

Please say a prayer for Martin today. It's his first day at his new job. He said he was a little nervous and excited. He's most anxious about not knowing anyone there and most of us know how much he LOVES change. I have no doubt he will have a plethora of friends by the end of today :o) I mean, who doesn't like Martin, right?!!

Our 1st Annual Six Flags trip

Since Graisi and Maggie got their Six Flags tickets for reading we decided to take the day off Wednesday and all go to the park. Me, Martin, Graisi, Alli Claire, Maggie, Aunt Janet, Uncle Paul and Aunt Bev. Janet left Caroline at daycare for fear she would lick everything in sight and come home with cooties like Graisi got from her boy cousins :o) Anyway, we got the park trying to figure out what was going to happen and be blog worthy. About that time, I let go of the stroller that contained our infant, thinking it would gently stroll down the hill in front of me. I was wrong. It went FLYING down the hill and I had to chase it down. When I caught her she looked like "What the heck was that?" Everybody got a good laugh and we continued into the park.

Our first stop was the Cyclone. Let me remind everyone that it had been YEARS since either Janet, Paul, Martin or I had ridden this ride. About 2 seconds into it I was regretting this decision. Did I mention, Maggie and Graisi were along for the ride too? It was horrible. It jerked them both from side to side and back and forth so hard I worried about shaken baby syndrome with our 6 and 7 year olds. Yes, it WAS that bad! From there on out they all but refused to ride anything that we suggested. We tried to build their confidences back up by taking in the rides in Toon Town. Graisi finally got back in to the swing of things but Maggie wanted NO part of any of it.

Aunt Bev tended to the little ones while the other adults partook in some of the larger rides like Goliath. Martin wouldn't keep his mouth shut about the height of the coaster and Janet wouldn't open her eyes, but after the first drop it was soooo much fun. I still don't think Janet saw any of the upcoming turns and twists. Did I say how fun it was??

While everyone rode Thunder River, I had the duty of staying with Alli Claire. I HATE to be wet so I eagerly volunteered. After they returned the girls begged me to ride it again with them. I REALLY didn't want to, but I did it anyway praying the whole time I would be the one who only got slightly damp. So it was me, Graisi, Maggie and Bev. Martin said Bev was bad luck so I opted not to sit with her and chose a seat beside a nice little teenage boy. To my demise, I was sprayed with water directly in the head then was thrust underneath the waterfalls for what seemed like eternity. Needless to say, I was slightly "damp". My flip flops were slippery so it was impossible to walk in them. Yes, I went barefooted at Six Flags. I definitely had grocery store feet when it was all over with. It was gross but what was I to do?

Afterwards, I guilted Maggie into riding the Wheelie. Did I mention she wanted NO part of any of the adult rides after the Cyclone? I don't much blame her but she agreed to ride with her daddy. Graisi and I rode for the second time. I wish you could have seen Maggie's face when she got off. She and Graisi both agreed that was their favorite ride.

After the Wheelie the girls got to play at Skull Island the water park. We all agreed that we would let them spend more time there next time. We all forgot a plastic bag to put our wet clothes in, but we made do.

Alli Claire even got to ride a few rides and never complained once. She was a perfect angel. Before this trip, I had purchased a stroller fan. So, while she napped and strolled she was able to stay cool and comfy. She couldn't have been any better to have been so young.

We had a blast!! I think we're going to try and make this an annual trip with the girls. I can't wait for next year! We had such a great trip. Thank you Janet and Paul for letting us crash Tuesday night and Bev for babysitting while we had some fun as adults and not have to worry about the kids. Not to mention Tuesday was your birthday. Happy birthday!!

More Pictures

I love me a nekid baby!!

I'm so cute. Look at me Mommy!


Like my new do?

I'm being sooo silly

Daddy and his girls

Daddy and his girls on Father's Day

I know you may get tired of our boring day to day activities, but most of this is for my mom and Vinnie to keep up with us while they're out of the country. The second reason is a journal for the girls to have as they get older and will know what our daily life was like when they were babies. So if you're wondering why I put every little thing out here, that's why :o)

Graisi's accomplishment

Disclaimer: Janet, if you're reading this do not tell Graisi you know. She wants to tell you tonight when she sees you.

Martin took Graisi to her skating lesson last night. I got a call from Martin about 6pm telling me that Graisi had advanced again to Level 5!! I am so amazed! I wish you could have seen her at her first session last August. The only picture I can give you is a wobbly baby giraffe. To see how far she's come is just amazing.

Martin and I got Alli Claire's big girl car seat installed yesterday afternoon. We had to try it out while Graisi was at skating so we went for a ride to Arby's. The look of excitement on her face was priceless. It sits REALLY high up in the seat and she couldn't keep her eyes off of me. Did I mention that she's a Mommy's Girl? She wants me in her eye sight at all times. So for her to be able to see me was great for her. She had a smile on her face the whole ride.

A Graisi Word

Remember me telling you about Graisi going to the vet's office Friday with her summer camp group? Well, she came home and told me all about how the doctor "examinated" the office pet, Griffin. That's right. Examinated :o)

Her First Steps!

Talk about time going fast... Alli Claire took her first steps last night at 6:54pm. I saw her take a step beside the glass front door and then she fell. So I moved her out into the middle of the floor where she took two more steps. Martin and I both got to see her. Then we tried to get her to do it again while Martin video taped her but no such luck. I can't believe she's about to start walking!!! I'm still not ready to be a big girl....

Graisi was out jumping on the trampoline with Mallory when she did it. So I went out and told them and they started squealing and laughing. They were as excited as Martin and I were :o)

Martin is on vacation this week so Graisi is home with him. They are going to the children's museum today and who knows where else they'll end up. I do know they are going by to purchase Alli Claire's big girl carseat. I can't believe it's already time! After much research and lots of "feel" evaluation, I think we've picked out a pretty good one.

My baby is growing sooo fast!

Last night I took dinner to some friends of ours who just had a baby. It was the first time I got to meet the little fella. And boy was he little. He might have weighed 7 1/2 pounds soaking wet. I got to hold him for a few minutes before I left and I'd forgotten how tiny and wobbly newborns are. It's amazing how fast you forget even though it's only been a few months. So much happens and is learned in 12 short months!! I can't believe in just two weeks my "newborn" will be one year old...! Kicking and screaming!! Above is my baby Alli Claire when she was 3 wks old. It goes soooo quickly!!

Hope everyone has a safe weekend and I'll see you back here Monday :o)

Library cards

After work yesterday afternoon the girls and I visited our local library. Which brought to my attention what a horrible mother I've been. We've been in our house for 9 years and never once has my shadow graced the doors of the library. So Graisi and I both applied for new library cards and she checked out her first Magic Schoolbus book. There was a little reading done in the car but came to an abrupt halt when we got home. Mallory asked if she could go swimming.... and off they went. Oh well, I tried.

I did learn not to take Alli Claire back. She's VERY heavy now and wants to be down to move around. She has an adoring love for paper right now. She doesn't care what form it comes in, as long as it's of the paper fashion. And if she gets a firm grasp on it, you're not going to get it back. It will be chewed up and quickly swallowed never to be seen again. And as you know the library is FULL of lovely paper products, called books. Which are one of her all time favorites, second only to the junk mail we get every afternoon. It's like Christmas when we visit the mailbox :o)

Alli Claire learned to climb the stairs at a very early age...like 9 months. But yesterday, I discovered she can also come all the way down them on her tummy. It always amazes me when they learn stuff like this.

Today, Graisi and her summer camp class are going to the zoo. I can't wait to hear about all of the stories when I pick her up.

The blower motor

A conversation with Martin:

Martin: I think I'm going to save us a $100.
Shelli: Oh, really? How so?
Martin: Well...I was talking to Tommy at work about the blower motor in the car and I think I can replace it myself. I printed some stuff off of the internet. Here, let me show you.
Shelli: So what you're saying is this is going to cost us more that the original estimate?
Martin: No. But some parts at different places cost different amounts. Some at $80, some are $100 and others are $120. I just need to go in and find out what the difference is. I really think I can do it. There are only a 3 screws holding it in there.

So... he comes in Monday afternoon all excited about "doing it himself" and decides he needs to go and investigate the scene before actually doing anything, right?? About 20 minutes pass and in walks my husband with the blower motor in hand with the biggest grin on his face you've ever seen. Now, I know this is the blower motor because I saw the picture of it that he'd printed off of the internet. I suggested since the motor is already out why not go ahead and visit the local automotive parts store, purchase another one and go ahead and install this piece before anything else starts falling out of the cavernous hole that's in the dash of the car. Oh, I didn't mention he had to remove the glove box to get to this part. So he ventures out and returns home empty handed... It seems, nobody relatively close has this part in stock. So, while the new blower motor is waiting to be purchased, the glove box is riding shotgun in the passenger seat of the car or floor board, whatever the case, it's still not installed. I will be so proud of him when it's done. I know he can do it, but the process and conversation to get it done has just tickled me to no end :o) Updates to follow

Alli Claire the puppy dog

Graisi starts back skating this afternoon. I'm trying really hard to keep reminding myself that we have something to do after work today. I've been known to forget :o)


I got home yesterday and Kerri was "a little tired" of Graisi and Mallory. She said they "had their moments" and argued at different points during the day. So when I got home, they came over and stayed until bedtime. When I called them in to eat supper our other neighbor's little boy Dylan followed them in the house. He's 2 yrs old. So I had 4 to feed last night. To be honest, it felt pretty cool to have all of the neighbors kids at the dinner table. Maybe it's because I didn't have that growing up. We lived in the country and didn't have close neighbors that could come and eat dinner on any given afternoon.


While the big girls were upstairs playing "Vet", Alli Claire wanted to be up there with them. Graisi complained that she didn't want her up playing with them until I suggested they use Alli Claire as their puppy that needed doctoring. It was all over with after that! I have a feeling that was the first of many roles Alli Claire will play for Graisi imagination.

Sorry 'bout that Alecia :o)

First and for most, let me apologize to my cousin Alecia for slapping the snot out of her Saturday. But, in my defense when there is a mosquito on your forehead, what else was I to do?? I didn't mean to hit you that hard, but wanted to make sure it was dead and couldn't suck your blood anymore. After all, I was looking out for your well-being, right? Sorry 'bout that :o)
I also want to thank you for the bags-o-clothes!!! THANK YOU!!! It was like Christmas when I got home and started going through them. I was so excited and kept calling Martin in there to look. Alli Claire wore the red plaid Gap dress to church yesterday :o) What would I do without hand-me-downs??!! Thank you again!!!!

Mamaw is getting around much better and is still going to therapy. She got a little upset with them a few weeks ago and told them that she wasn't going to be doing some of their exercises. She said she couldn't do them before she broke her hip so she would not be doing them now. And you wonder where I get it.....

Our nephews, Michael and Mark loved on Alli Claire Friday night and Saturday. They have a fascination with her head and must rub it every chance they get. She just loved them and enjoyed them playing with her.

Martin took Graisi to breakfast at Golden Coral Saturday morning and then went to the skating rink. Martin said he thought Graisi enjoyed me and Alli Claire being gone. She said she could be "Daddy's girl" when we weren't there. She and Mallory spent Saturday afternoon playing in the rain and "swimming" in the rain channels on side of the road. Then Kerri took them to see Ratatouille (pronounced Rat-a-too-ee) where they got popcorn, drink and Dippin' Dots ice-cream. Boy, we don't have much to live up to, huh?? Thanks Kerri!

Graisi spent the night with Mallory last night and are supposed to spend the day at the pool. I just pray they don't give Kerri fits today.

Weekend Plans

Nothing happened yesterday that was note worthy other than I got several hours of soap opera watching done while I worked. I was a day behind due to the holiday Wednesday. I haven't watched soap operas since high school, but I've found I get more done when I have something to watch/listen to during the day. I hate to admit it, but I was late picking Alli Claire and Graisi up yesterday because I got caught up watching the soaps. Before I knew it, it was 4 o'clock and I had to run to get them. They can stay until 6pm, but I'm not one of those moms who do that. I like to pick them up as early as possible to have them with me. I also don't go shopping while they're in care. There are some who do that too. I'm just not one of them. I like to have my babies with me as much as I can. Even if that means they get on my nerves more often. They're still mine.


Alli Claire and I are leaving this afternoon to go to my Mamaw's. We're going to visit her and while we're there we're going to visit with my cousin who is also coming in from Atlanta to visit her mom and sister. I haven't seen Alecia in two years!! It's hard to believe it's been that long so I can't wait to see her and her girls.

Graisi and Martin are staying here. They have several plans up in the air right now but nothing definite. Hopefully, Martin can have some time to himself for a little while tomorrow.

And it's only gotten lazier....

Remember me telling you there were some crafts I would have liked to get done with the girls yesterday? Well.... let's just say that didn't happen. We didn't get out of our pj's all day and didn't get showers until last night. And we enjoyed every minute of it. Some days you just need to "waller". That's a good southern word, huh?

Tuesday afternoon when I picked Graisi up from camp her hair was french braided down both sides. When I took it down yesterday morning it was extremely wavy. So after she washed it last night I had to redo it before she went to bed. She thinks it's sooo cool to have her hair look like that. It really is cute, but it doesn't look like my baby that way.

Alli Claire was HIGH MAINTENANCE all day yesterday which was one reason we didn't want to do anything. If she wasn't wanting us to hold her she was into the trash cans, cookbooks, plug outlets, etc. You get the picture? This seems to be the scenario since she was born. I talked to my sister-in-law, Janet who also has one of these children. She has given me NO hope. Graisi did not prepare us well. Have you ever heard of a baby/child that was too good? Well that was Graisi.

Hello World, here comes Alli Claire and she's coming at you full steam ahead.

Lazy Days of Summer

We got a much needed heavy down pour yesterday afternoon. Me, Graisi and even Alli Claire stood at the front door looking at it in amazement. It's been so long since it's rained like that and I would love to see more of it if possible.

Graisi is swimming today at camp and she took her Barbie life jacket so she could swim in the deep end :o) She was excited!

Alli Claire is the only "big" kid in her class today. Both of the others are on vacation until Thursday. She was happy when I left her sitting at her table eating bananas and Cherrios all by herself. But I couldn't help but feel a little sorry for her being alone. I also remembered to take her Napper this morning. They've started letting her nap on the cots instead of her baby bed. I'm so sad....

Martin tweeked his neck yesterday morning while drying his hair. So, if you see him moving weird, you'll know why. I'm not sure I know of anyone giving themselves a crick while drying his/her hair....

I finally got Graisi's song recorded on video last night. She played her guitar and sang along for me. I'll get you the words one day. She also got Alli Claire so tickled she gave herself hiccups. I also got that on video too. They are so funny together I makes my heart smile to see them interact with each other.

I have nothing planned for tomorrow except for hoping to get a few crafts done with the girls. We'll see if anything comes to fruition or whether we just have a lazy 4th.

I'll talk to you guys Thursday. Happy 4th of July everyone!

New Snapshots

I keep telling ya'll that she LOVES paper. Now do you believe me??

This is Alli Claire after the party above....

My favorite....

You caught me! Now, how do I get thru this thing?

Ashley and Graisi. Best friends since preschool

Mallory, Ashley and Graisi :o)

Look Mommy! Betcha didn't know this was down here.

Or this either!

4th of July Weekend

We had a very entertaining Friday afternoon playing laser tag to celebrate Blake's 8th birthday. As most of you know, Blake has been Graisi's boyfriend since she was 2. At the ripe ol' age of 2 she had their lives already planned out. They were going to have two children named New Fishy and New Conse and they were all going to ride a motorcycle. Graisi LOVES Blake and poor little Blake gets dragged along wherever Graisi goes. They remind me of Rudy and Bud....remember from the Cosby Show? That's exactly what Graisi and Blake are like. After laser tag, we enjoyed a meal and a cookie cake at DQ. YUM YUM!

Saturday we had a couple come look at the house. We haven't heard from them yet, so please continue to pray that our house will sell soon.

After the showing, we ventured up to my Dad's for our annual 4th of July cookout and fireworks display. Good food and good company. Alli Claire and I stayed inside just because it was toooo hot. And the bugs were bad. I don't do hot and I don't do bugs. While the fireworks were being shot, Alli Claire and I caught, The Lake House, on HBO. It was just us, all by ourselves. Well, she was asleep so it was technically just me. And it was good movie ....a little odd, but it was good considering I haven't seen anything other than G or PG rated movies in years. I can't tell you the last time Martin and I rented a movie just for us or had a movie date.

Yesterday, we played hookie from church. I just didn't see Graisi getting in the bed at midnight and getting up at 6:30am to go to church. So we slept in and took our time getting ready before we ventured out for an afternoon of shopping. I picked up Alli Claire's JC Penney's pics, but they haven't emailed them to me because the manager forgot to put the order in. I'll post them as soon as I get them.

Mallory got home from the beach yesterday afternoon and immediately came over. I'm not kidding ya'll. The doors of the Explorer were still open when she knocked on our door. She was happy to see her pet fish we'd been sitting for and I was just glad he was still alive to go back home. They played for a little while before bedtime.

Alli Claire is now standing by herself with "no hands". This is what Martin tells her and she lets go of whatever she's holding onto. It's really cute to see. She is so proud of herself. Mama isn't ready for her to start walking. That marks the end of her baby stage.... And I'm just not ready. I'm going kicking and screaming into the toddler years, trying to hold onto as much of my baby as possible.