Daddy/Daughter Dance

Saturday night was a magical night for a certain little girl around here.

For weeks, she had been waiting and counting down the days until it was time for her Daddy/Daughter dance! 

Her school had decided to put the dance together and I thought it was SUCH a cute idea. I of course, was not "allowed" to go as Anistyn put it. I did get the honor of helping her get all dressed up though. She wore a dress that Grammy and Poppy had got her and I curled her hair for her.

Here are some pictures of the daddy/daughter duo before they headed off to the dance!

            



Really, could they be any cuter?

Apparently, when they got to the dance they got to walk down a "red carpet". They also had to walk on stage and be announced to everyone. I wish I had been there to see them, but I'm sure it was adorable!

Trip to Helen!

This past weekend, we headed out to Helen, Ga to spend some time with Josh's parents. They have a great cabin there, and it was actually where Josh and I spent our honeymoon when we got married. This was the first time we had been back there together since then. Anistyn and I had gone once over the summer with Dane and Ellen...so it was a lot of fun for all of us to be there together!

We had such a great time! My family used to take a lot of trips to Helen when I was a kid, so it always brings back a lot of fun memories for me. We enjoyed a LOT of great food together. Dane and Ellen took us to a spot where we could feed a whole bunch of trout, which Anistyn loved. We did a lot of sight seeing, and even got a round of mini golf in! Here are some pics from our fun trip...

                                        My little family of three...but not for much longer!

                       I took a picture of her while she was smiling for Poppy. I know I'm biased...but she just takes my breath away sometimes!

Josh and I...goofing off of course!

Josh, me, Dane, and Ellen! Thanks to Ani for taking this picture!

I also wanted to add in two pictures of our time on the road while getting to the cabin. Anistyn likes to take pictures with my camera when she's bored...especially of herself!

Here's some of the evidence.

We also took Saban with us along for the trip. He loved tagging along! On the way up there, Saban would walk around the van, taking naps and snuggling up next to us. At one point, he decided to come and sit directly beside me if the passenger seat....

                                                       He looks like such a dignified little boy!

We had a great time and it was so nice to get away for a weekend!

Spring Break weekend...

Here in Augusta, people are a little scared to venture out of their houses this week...

Why you ask?

Its Masters week! I have heard a lot of people say how crazy it gets around here and that its best to just try to avoid going many places. They even schedule spring break during masters week so that school traffic and such isn't a problem.

So with that, Anistyn was super excited on Friday that her spring break had begun! We started it by taking in an extra dog for the weekend. My friend Sara and her husband had gone to Atlanta for the weekend and asked if we would mind keeping their puppy, Wrangler. So Saban has had a little friend this weekend which he has loved!

Then Saturday my best friend Kelly and her son Caleb came for a visit. We have great neighbors here who, between the two of them, have 7 kids! So the kids spent all day Saturday and Sunday outside eating up all that fresh air and running off all of that kid energy!

Sunday, Kelly and I took a trip to Target to finish my baby registry. It was soooo much fun! We were both gushing at all the baby stuff. I can't wait to see the baby that will be occupying all of the things!

Also, just like I said...Josh's schedule has changed to full on nights now. He started the new schedule last night, going in around 6 for PT and then work...and not getting home until 7am this morning (at least I think...I was a little out of it!) We'll see how it goes, but at least he gets an extra day off of work now!

Spring weather=fun times!

Now that the weather is in its lovely in between time, its perfect for outdoor family time. It isn't the freezing cold it was before, but it hasn't made it to the blistering summer heat either. On Friday Josh had some errands he wanted to get done, so Anistyn and I headed up to the park since she was out of school. After much playtime, we headed home for more playtime with daddy and Saban outside. Saturday we headed up to Adventure Crossing, which is a small amusement park. It has go karts, rides, an arcade, and mini golf. We spent the whole afternoon there together, then headed home.

I've also been working more on our meal times around here. Since Josh is working 2 to midnight, I've had to readjust meal times a little. The only difference is that I now cook Josh a meal at midnight. Sometimes its meals that are reheatable...but sometimes I just cook a whole other meal.

I've done so great with meal planning this last week. I am all set up for our meals up to April 2nd! Go me!

I did make one meal last Friday night that was a big hit here. I had some salmon in the freezer that I wanted to use up, so I took to the world wide web to find something to make it super yummy. I found a yummy glaze to put on top and it gobbled up quickly. Josh really loved it especially.

Here's the recipe:

Mix together:
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
2 tablespoons horseradish

Spread the glaze all over the top and bake at 450 for 20 minutes.

Funny side note: The only item that I was missing from this recipe was the horseradish so I added it to our grocery list. I always make out the list, and Josh likes to do the grocery shopping. So when he came back from the store...he had an actual horseradish! Not the sauce that comes in the bottle already made...but a HORSERADISH! It was hilarious! I of course asked him why he didn't buy horseradish bottled and he said "I was just reading the list. It said you needed horseradish...so you got horseradish." He is right...it DID say horseradish...haha.

So, since I obviously had a horseradish ready, I just googled how to make horseradish. All it took was chopping it up, adding some water and white vinegar and putting it in the food processor. Then, I just jarred the rest to use later...and now I have homemade horseradish! We also had a good laugh over the ordeal as well!

Happy dance!

I am my mother's daughter.

I'm not stating this obvious fact just for any reason though. I will never forget all the weekends that I had to spend, being dragged from consignment sales...to yard sales...over and over again. I never understood my mother's fascination with these places.

Until now.

Now that we're about to have not one, but two little girls running around this place, there is one thing we will never have enough of. CLOTHES! Anistyn is at the point now where I have completely ran out of all hand me downs people have so graciously given to me through the years. With spring right  around the corner, she had NO shorts and barely and t-shirts that fit.

Then there's Britton, who will be born in the summer. Of course, she won't need many clothes in one size since she'll be growing so quickly...but I have absolutely nothing for her yet! Since this is the first time in awhile that I've had to purchase a whole seasonal wardrobe for Anistyn, I wanted to go about it the best way. You will never convince me to spend big bucks on children's clothing...unless its a special occasion. Especially for a baby. I remember spending 30 dollars on an outfit for Anistyn when I was pregnant with her. She wore it one time, then it seemed like she outgrew it the next day.

So, when a fellow blogger that I follow, Nicole, wrote about consignment sales...I knew I wanted to find one. Then, she just so happened to give out this great link on her page. You can click on it HERE. and search for any consignment sales going on in your area!

I looked on the site and it just so happened that there was a huge church consignment sale going on this weekend! Then...I did a happy dance. I quickly told Josh about it, and while he did not participate in my happy dance with me...I know he appreciates the penny saver in me.

The sale started this morning...and while I was up and ready to go, Josh needed to sleep in a bit due to his schedule. Once he had slept though, we headed over to the church to see what we could find. 

This is what we ended up with:

14 different pieces for the girls! For how much you ask? 40 bucks!

Anistyn got 4 shirts and a pair of shorts.

      While Britton got her first stash of outfits! Really...I forgot how fun it is to shop for baby girls!

From now on I'll be sure to kee track of any more consignment sales in my area!

Oh, and by the way....my mother is so proud!

Swing shift

Around here, we're trying to get adjusted to Josh's new "swing shift" schedule.

We were so spoiled since he got home in October. Josh was working from around 8-4...give or take 30 minutes to an hour depending on the day. It was great. We were all up in the morning together getting ready. Anistyn and him got all of their work done during the day, which gave me time to myself to get all the housework done and meals started. I would pick her up at 3:00...and he would be home at 4.

He had time to spend with Anistyn before dinner where we all sat down to eat together. He could help with Anistyn's homework and after putting her to bed, we still had a few hours to spend together before bedtime.

Now though...its an ajdustment. He works 2 to midnight and we're still working on getting used to it. He pretty much doesn't see Anistyn during the week at all. When I'm getting her ready and off to school, he's still sleeping. And by the time she's home from school, he's already at work. If I want to spend time with him, it means staying up until around 2am...which means I sleep in too...which I don't like to do.

Hopefully we'll start getting used to it soon. I've started cooking dinner for Anistyn and I...and thne cooking for him again at midnight when he gets home. I know that once he's been at work for so long, there's nothing like a fresh, home cooked meal.

And it could always be worse. There are a lot of wives that don't get to spend any time with their husbands at all right now due to deployments and other things. So, while it is an ajdustment...he is very much worth it.

Although...now they're talking about making him work night shift. So as soon as we DO get used to this shift...it will probably change again!

Good-bye...or, see you later!

Yesterday some of my friends and I met up at O'Charleys for lunch, and to say good-bye to one of our friends, Kemis. Since this base is used a lot for training there are a lot of people that just are here for around 8 months...and then leave. Such is military life:(

I adored Kemis right when I met her. We our both loud, outspoken...and its pretty funny when we're around each other. Plus...we were both pregnant! I say were because Kemis gave birth to her adorable little boy a little over 2 weeks ago!

So, along with this being a farewell lunch for Kemis...it was also my first time getting to meet little Israel Alan.

He was soooo tiny! Its hard to believe that in 4 more months I'll be holding my own. Since I haven't had to care for an infant in 6 years...it made it very real to me! I just forgot how tiny and fragile they are when they're so little! He is absolutely precious!

I am going to miss him and his mommy so much and wish they weren't leaving! But I am glad that I got to know them for a short while.

Lapse of judgement...

For anyone that knows me...and EVER brings up college football, its very obvious which team I pull for.

I am a HUGE Alabama fan. I adore them and look forward to college football season like many people do. I even named our dog Saban, after the coach.

Josh, however...is a fan of Florida State University.

Now, I have no hate for his team and will gladly cheer them on with him when they play. As long as they don't play my team. For anyone that knows Josh and I, we constantly joke with each other and are known to be quite competitive. Our college football teams are no exception.

So, when it came down to deciding which team our kids would root for, we split it down the middle. Obviously, I have been raising Anistyn for the last 6 years to be a solid Alabama fan. Therefore, he staked his claim on Britton, even making FSU colored crib bedding and curtains.

Did I mention we really like to show off our teams?

Last Saturday we all took a family trip to the mall and made a couple of stops into the sports stores to look around. Thats when it happened.

Anistyn switched sides.

I was in shock, disbelief...and overwhelmed with her choice. You raise your children to believe one thing. You teach them the right way...and then they pull these kind of stunts on you? Horrendous.

She proudly pranced around stating that she was on daddy's side now...and liked Florida State. She even went as far as to convince him to buy her Florida State silly bands! Outrageous!!

Oh, did Josh just LOVE it. He laughed the whole way through the store, encouraging her to explore her new love for his team, while I stood there with my head hung low.

(Really, it was hilarious and Josh and I were cracking up about it. Please note that this is highly dramatized!)

Once our mall trip was over and we were back home, she declared that she was once again an Alabama fan. I for one, was proud to have her back on my side and have come to terms with the fact that it was only a temporary lapse in judgement. Josh claims that he wouldn't want such a wishy washy fan on his side anyways.

We did have a day full of laughter about the whole incident and although I wrote this blog to be funny, we really did assure Anistyn that she is free to choose whichever team she wants, she can even like both.

Poor Britton...poor girl doesn't know what she's about to get into with this family!

Here I am!

Ah, life. What have we all been up to?

Busy decorating and moving things around for miss Britton, a visit from my wonderful in-laws, a visit from my best friend Michelle...where her and Josh put together Britton's crib bedding. That followed by sickness in the house which lasted a good while. Anistyn is being recommended for the gifted program at school and my belly is growing and Britton is moving and kicking like crazy. Josh has had a schedule change, so we've been trying to adjust to his 2 to midnight schedule...which we're getting the hang of. I've been making some great friends here which I am SOOO happy about!

Phew! I'm sure there's more that I'm leaving out. I have been so busy being wrapped up in this great life, that I've been forgetting to take a minute to blog about it!

Really though, things couldn't be any better right now. My pregnancy is coming along beautifully. I honestly couldn't make it through without Josh...he is my biggest supporter and is so nurturing and caring that it makes me fall in love with him everyday. I do miss him being home in the evenings now, but we do our best to spend time together.

All in all, things couldn't be better and I will TRY to blog more about everything as it happens...instead of always having to do updates!

My plan...and God's plan

We've been very busy this last week in our "babyland".

We now know that our little one is in fact a GIRL! We're so excited! We quickly came home that night and Josh and I began a huge debate on names. It went on for hours until we finally settled on naming her Britton Mckenzie. Now its just the countdown until she's here...of course, there will plenty of things to get done before then!

I was sitting around today, just thinking about my life as a mommy. I really had to somewhat laugh at the "plan" I had for my "mommydom". I laughed because I had a plan to have boys. Isn't that funny? I never actually saw myself having daughters. Not that I didn't think little girls were great, I just didn't know if I could handle girls! You know how your mother will tell you "One day, I hope you have a daughter just like you so you can see how rotten you were!" I honestly didn't think that day would come.

I'm a tomboy. I'm not too "girly". I'm comfy in jeans and t-shirt. Growing up, I liked to climb trees...and even took part in bug eating. I liked to get dirty and hated when I had to wear dresses or sit there as my mom brushed out my hair. So...it seemed natural that I would have boys, right? Plus...if I had a daughter who was just like me...well, we sure would butt heads a lot!

But my plan, and God's plan...those are two completely different things. And really, His plan just works so much better, right?

So here I am...with an almost 6 year old little girl...and another girl on the way. I couldn't be happier.

With Anistyn, I was so scared to have a girl. I can't really say why...I just was. But when  she arrived, she proved me wrong about wanting only boys. She is the highlight of my life and saved me from many things. We have so much fun together. Although I was never a huge "princess" lover...I sure became one with her. She is the girliest little girl ever. I adore it.

Britton...I don't know her personality yet, but I can't wait to. Maybe she'll be a tomboy like her mama. Maybe she'll follow her big sister and adore princesses and dressing up. Whichever the case though...I will love her just the same.

I believe in the saying "God will never give you more than you can handle." I never thought I could handle girls. Now, I'll have two of them. I can handle it though...and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Walking into school.

I don't know if anyone remembers, but months ago I wrote a blog about heart tugs. Basically, it was about the the different times when being a parent, you get your heart tugged a little by your kids and the great things they do sometimes.

I just had to mention one time during each day that Anistyn makes tears swell up in my eyes as my heart is being tugged by her...yet again.

I might blame it on pregnancy hormones, but I know it happened way before I was pregnant. It pretty much happens every single morning...when I drop her off at her school.

We have our morning routine, as many families do. Once we've dragged ourselves out of bed, its breakfast time. While she's eating, I pack her snack, sign her folder, and make sure all homework is in there, and anything else she might need. I get her dressed, brush her hair...jacket and backpack...check. Out the door we go.

Thankfully on chilly mornings Josh already has the van warmed up for us therefore there isn't much whining about how cold she is. We make the short drive to school. I go through the drive line, double checking that she has her backpack on.

One of the teachers are always outside doing "car duty." As we pull up, they open the door for Anistyn to get out. I tell her that I love her so much and that I hope she has a great day...then out she hops with the door closing behind her.

The heart tug always comes right after that. As she's walking away. I always watch her for a moment. Her hair bouncing and backpack bobbing on her. She looks so little...yet so confident. Every single morning without fail as I watch her walk into school...she takes my breath away. She is simply getting so big...so fast. She doesn't even realize it.

I wish I could go in with her. I wish I could make sure none of the bigger kids knock into her accidently. I wish I could make sure that she gets straight to her room. That mommy instinct of mine...always in protection mode.

Instead, I can only prepare her. I can make sure her backpack is packed. Shoelaces tied. Homework done. I can prepare her and help her get ready. I can provide her with everything she needs to succeed.

But she has to walk in by herself.

Heart tugs.

Worst cooks?

Josh and I have a new favorite show of ours. It comes on the Food Network Channel and its called 'Worst Cooks in America." The title pretty much says it all.

Basically, there are two amazing chefs who each take a team of 8 people...who just so happen to be horrible at cooking! Over the weeks, they're put through different challenges and every week one person from each team is eliminated. Each chef tries to teach their team how to cook and then end of the season, one person will win money.

Its a hilarious show because these people REALLY don't know how to cook! They were setting stoves on fire...and really cracking Josh and me up.

One of the chefs were teaching his team how to make this dish that looked soooo good. It was called Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Herb Jus and Potato-Vegetable Hash. While we were watching, Josh and I both agreed that it looked pretty easy to make.

So, I found the recipe online, and we got all of the ingredients. Tonight...we both worked together in the kitchen making the meal. I don't actually have a picture of the one WE made...since we're in the middle of cameras right now, but I did find this where you can see a picture of the meal, along with the recipe.To see it just click HERE.

We really had a lot of fun together cooking. Its such a great thing for couples to do together! When we were done, we had a great looking meal to eat...and we definitely chowed down. Josh decided to act like some sort of food critic with a fake british accent. He had Anistyn and I cracking up while he was "evaluating" the food. Of course...then the accent stuck around for awhile after that!

I can't wait to see what other recipes we can make from the show together...stay tuned!

Snow days equal fun days!

Just like everyone else nearby, we had a snow day today! There have been many warnings we kept watching the news to see if Anistyn would have school. When we went to bed, they said that school had a 2 hour delay. This morning though...it was canceled! In fact...the whole post was closed...which meant that Josh got a snow day too!

We had so much fun playing in the snow today! When it snowed at Christmastime, we were still busy shuttling ourselves to and from places, so we didn't really have a chance to play in it much. So, we took full advantage of it today!

Here are my two sledders! Having a bunch of huge moving tubs obviously has other advantages! They make great makeshift sleds!

Little Saban even had a great time playing in the snow with all of us. Although the poor guy kept having trouble finding places to go potty!

Daddy of course, couldn't just sit down...he still had to act like a little daredevil! I'm sure this would not surprise his parents at all!

                                                  Anistyn had so much fun with the snow!

Even when she wiped out!

                                           Saban even got a turn to try sledding with daddy!

We all got to come inside for hot chocolate, then I made us waffles for "brunch". The day was filled with being lazy, watching movies, playing on the wii, and more snow time once Uncle Barker came over!

Anistyn is already out of school tomorrow as well...and Josh so far doesn't have to go in until 10...but we're hoping he gets another snow day as well! Its always more fun when he's here!