how's the conversation at your dinner table?

There really isn't such a thing as post-call day lately. You know, where you work all day, stay the night at the hospital and then come home and rest after your shift. It's more like you work all day, all night and then all day... going on 36 hours with little, if any sleep. Poor guy.

let's celebrate!

What a crazy, fun birthday we had for our little Mickey and Minnie. So crazy, I forgot my camera most of the night. :) Thanks to all of you who came over and helped us celebrate!

turning three

Happy Birthday to my sweet babies.

I can't really call you babies anymore, can I? 3 years old. How can that be?

Since the day you entered our world, life has been a little busier, a little tougher, but more blessed than I could have ever imagined.

Embry, may your third year be filled with lots of laughter, high-flying adventures, wrestling matches with Daddy, anything and everything superhero and more boot-wearin' days than you can imagine.

I love you, Embry Jack. xoxoxo

Ellie, may your third year be filled with hugs and kisses, pretty toenail polish, shopping trips with Mommy, anything and everything pink and more dress up days than you can imagine.

I love you, Ellie Kate. xoxoxo

fair flashbacks

2006

2007

2008

take me for a ride

The hometown county fair was this week. And of course we couldn't miss it! Memories from last year had the kiddos excited with anticipation! They had a blast running around to all of the different rides and eating cotton candy and caramel apples. Thanks to Grandpa and Papaw for spending a small fortune on the entertainment. Holey moley, those rides were expensive but the kids loved every minute of it. Well, maybe not the waiting their turn part. :)

And Mommy took them for a little ride of her own this morning as we headed to a baby shower. Making a turn in a neighborhood, my car began to slide on the rainy blacktop road.

Talk about everything happening in slow motion. Talk about eyes wide open as I looked back at my kids thinking, "I can't believe this is happening right now." The car finally came to a stop in the grass on the other side of the road, almost having done a complete turn. Thank you Jesus. No harm except for maybe a shaken-up mama... and one impressed 5 year old. "Mom! That was so cool! How did you do that?!?"

happy wednesday!

and the winners are...

Thanks for sharing all of your highlights with me. If you have a couple minutes, you should go back and read the contest comments. So encouraging to read about all of the wonderful things going on in our lives, especially on a day like today as we remember those who lost so much. God is good!

I will email you lucky ladies with details! :)

back to school!

Embry and Ellie began Mother's Day Out today. They will go to school on Wednesdays and Thursdays. They did wonderful at drop-off. No tears. Same school, some of the same friends but a different classroom and different teachers.

The house is very quiet as as I sit here and type. What to do, what to do with all of this time by myself? I'm sure I can think of something! :)

one year

Today marks the day when I first started this blog. Hard to believe it's already been one year.

Besides the whole collection of memories thing, there has a been a little bonus I wasn't expecting with starting a blog. I've been able to reconnect with old friends and make some wonderful, new friends. It's just been a truly amazing experience.

And I have to say this about the comments... they aren't the reason I do the blog but man, a comment is like the cherry on top! Thank you so much to those who take the time to peek inside my little world and leave me a note. Awesome!

Because giveaways seem to be the thing to do on a blogiversary, I couldn't pass up the opportunity! I want to give away a few of my favorite things. To enter, all you have to do is comment and tell me what has been the biggest highlight in your life over the past twelve months.

Here's what is up for grabs:

babypop personalized cape
one year subscription to Food Network Magazine

set of Larza Design initial notecards Comment before Thursday, September 10th. I'll announce the winners on Friday! woo! hoo!

A few of my highlights:

Hayes' creative thinking has brought us many laughs.

Embry and Ellie may not get along all the time, but it has been awesome watching the bond between them grow.

Ellie has shown me that potty training doesn't have to be the most miserable thing ever! She was a stud!

Embry loves to sing. And that singing makes me smile every time.

We've got one year of residency behind us and Kyle continues to work hard and make me so proud.

We have had one of the most fun, memorable summers!

Your turn!

better late than never...

Back: Katie, me, Joy, Desiree

Front: Darrica, Cindi, Allison

Girls Night Out #1

Each of us has a husband on the physician path in one way or another. Whether it be residency or medical school, we're all going through this together. These girls (and a few more that weren't able to join us) have been such a blessing to me. They know exactly what it feels like to see your husband exhausted from long hours, stressful expectations and little pay. :)

Thanks girls for making this time in our lives a little easier to understand and not so lonely. Love ya!

I was meeting a few of these girls for the first time in person. Even though I felt like I already knew them online. It was a great night... hopefully, there will be many more to come!

along for the ride

reminds me of...

Hayes' 4th birthday. The skateboards get pulled out occasionally, but you'll notice above that the tricks are performed in the grass... by Hayes anyway... should be Daddy too. :) However, Hayes did get brave last night and attempt the driveway. Kyle told him to be careful. He replied to Kyle, "I've been careful all of my life and I have managed to survive."