Will and Cate

Prince William married his princess Catherine today.  I remember when his mother, Diana, married Prince Charles when I was younger and was excited to watch this royal wedding.  I love all the history and tradition of the British Royal family.   I got up at 5am to watch the much hyped events unfold and to see Catherines wedding dress and "the kiss".    It did not dissapoint.  It was a glorious wedding!  When Sophie got up I explained to her what was going on.  She is just now starting to get into her princess phase and was excited to see a real one on the TV.  She ran to her room and got her beloved Cinderella book.  Later in the day when we ran our errands Sophie got her "princess on".  After I got her dressed she came to the car wearing her pearls and tiara.  She was giving Princess Catherine a run for her money.

Easter 2011

This year Easter began with stormy weather but that didn't stop us from having a great day.  The kids loved their Easter baskets.  Sophie got the bunny family to add to her Calico critters collection along with lots of other goodies.  

After church we headed over to Aunt D's house for brunch and a quick egg hunt before the rain came again.

Sarah Kate found an egg that went perfectly with her beautiful easter frock.

All the kids (and adults) enjoyed the special cookies Aunt Sandy brought,

Sophie and Lila had so much fun playing together.  

One of the things I love about my son is he is a little goofy.  He got hot and borrowed his little cousins shorts.  Needless to say they were a bit small and we all got a good laugh out of it and some great poses.

Alex was handed a dollie by one of his little girl cousins.  He was sweet and played along.

Easter Preparations

The old saying, "a woman's work is never done" seems most appropriate on holidays.  There is always so much to do from shopping to cooking to keeping up with traditions so they are special for the little ones.   Even though I worked most of the day on Easter preparations,  it was fun and I got everything done in time for Camden and I to sit down together and watch The King's Speech.  It was an awesome movie by the way.  I love having Sophie around to help me in the kitchen.  She loves to help me  cook and I love that I can share this time with my sweet little girl. 

Getting the eggs dyed

Sophie and I love wearing our matching aprons.

Sophie adding cupcake liners to the pan for me.

Which came first, Daddy or the egg?

Baking....baking....baking....

Pappy and Sophie filling the eggs.

Cupcakes are ready.  I hope they taste as good as they look.

Getting everyones clothes ironed and ready for church.  

Even though holidays can be a lot of work,   I love them.  I know that it is a way to bless my family and show them how much I care.  

The Easter Bunny

Today Mom and I took

Sophie pleading with Mamoo to hurry.

Sophie to  the mall to see the Easter Bunny.   We got her and her doll all dressed up and headed out.    She loved visiting Santa at Christmas time and couldn't wait to sit on the bunnies lap.    Sophie had to wait for mom and I to make a few purchases on the way and she was not very patient.  She kept telling us, " go see bunny now!"  She is not shy at all.  She ran  right up and hopped in his lap and began telling him her name and that I was her mamma.   She was so cute.

Papaw and JoJo

For several months now Papaw Butch and Jojo have been taking all of out to dinner at least once per month.  We typically meet at Wicks Pizza (yum)!   I look forward to these dinners and really appreciate the time and love they are giving to us and  their grandkids.  It's tough to get everyone together.  The boys are all getting so big.  Sandy is out of town  a lot with her work.   Madison and Alex have jobs but we all try to make it when we can and we miss the ones who can't.  I love hearing Camden and his Dad laugh and enjoy a beer together and watching Sophie get teased by her papaw as he tries to sneak stuff off her plate.  I'm already looking forward to the next time we will be getting together!

Papaw getting hugs from Sophie.

Nanna showing Sophie a video of Thunder over Louisville.

Madison and Hunter hoping the pizza comes soon.

JoJo getting a kiss from Camden.

A day of S's

Sophie was feeling quite sassy on this beautiful spring day.  I put on her shirt and jeans but she decided to add the sandals, sunglasses and smiles.  Simply stunning!

Adopted photo session

"He predestined us to be adopted as his sons
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—"
Ephesians 1:5 (NIV


I have been a fan of Third Day for years.  They are one of contemporary christians biggest bands and they rock.  Recently they released a video of a song they recorded about adoption.  The video includes many adopted children including the lead singer, Mac Powell's adopted children.   It's a great video and great song.

 I received an email from them recently asking for folks who have adopted to submit photos of their families, holding signs that say ADOPTED on them.  They want to use them in a slideshow to play during their concert while they are singing the song,  Children of God.  I thought this sounded like fun so I  made some signs and got everybody together.  Madison's friend Wes was over and he became our official photographer.  Like all family photo shoots, there is the good and the bad.

Not looking at the camera.

Oops!  Dad's eyes are closed.

"Hold your sign straight."

This is the one!

Thoughts from the rear....

I was busy cleaning the bathrooms when my teenager asked if I would like to go with he and Brandon to the YMCA and work out.  Madison has known that I've been trying to get back for some time and have been procrastinating so when he was kind enough to include me, his middle aged mother, I felt obliged to go.  He volunteered to drive, so I climbed in the back and buckled in.

As I was sitting there listening to Brandon go on and on about the 8 pieces of pizza, 4 cheezy breadstix and desert he ate at Gatti's a few minutes earlier, and watched Madison find the perfect song on his ipod, I couldn't help but chuckle to myself.  I found it funny that Madison was now driving my old car and I was sitting in the spot he sat in so many times having to listen to the music I wanted on the radio.  I loved it!  

I also couldn't help but think, "he drives too fast!"