Heather, Andy, and Nathaniel Downer

The Year in Review... 2011

2011-12-29T21:48:00.002-05:00

2011 has come and gone... and what a year it has been!

We started the year at our home, Andrew and I in the living room, watching the "ball drop," and a little nine-month-old snuggled in his bed. We figured keeping him out until the wee hours of the morning wasn't the best of ideas...

New Year's Eve 2010

In January, I decided to make my "photography hobby" a little more of a business. I named it HMD Photography (my initials) and have had sessions here and there throughout the year. Hopefully 2012 will bring us more and more clients! We have enjoyed the little bit of extra money and the experience that comes with it! Nate also moved into "sippy cup status" and tried milk for the first time!

In February, Andrew's hours finally turned from night shift to DAY shift! We have LOVED this transition and are truly thankful we get to spend our "nights" together... We also had a really handsome buddy for Valentine's Day!

On March 19th 2011, we celebrated our little one's FIRST BIRTHDAY! We had a great party with all of our friends and family! My Papaw (Daddy's Dad) also went to Costa Rica on a missions trip and came back safe and sound!

In April, we enjoyed parks with friends, the zoo, and babywearing. We also celebrated Nate's 2nd Easter.

On May 28th 2011, my Dad turned the big 50! We gifted him with his very first hot air balloon ride, though he didn't get to take it until a few months later. We also went to the Natural Science Center with "Uncle" Alex and "Auntie" Vern, and my cousin Ashley graduated from UNCG.

In June, I turned 25 and Andrew turned 26! Man, we're getting old, can you believe it?!? We had lots of fun times in Alex and Veronica's pool, Nate got "big boy shoes," and began to walk!

In July, we had lots of firework fun, Papaw took a hot air balloon ride with Nana, and we had VBS at our church!

In August, we enjoyed carnivals and church picnics! I also had the opportunity to photography my first labor and delivery! That was amazing! I can't wait to have the chance to do it again!

In September, Nate turned 18 months and along with getting his picture made, we also bought a "big boy" Elmo potty!

In October, Nate enjoyed his 2nd NC State football game and 2nd NC State Fair! We also celebrated Halloween with pumpkin patches, Captain America, and two "Trunk or Treats!" Andrew's Great Aunt Barbara came in from California and we enjoyed sing-alongs with her and Andrew's Grandma! On October 23rd, we lost Andrew's Grandpa and Nate's "middle namesake" Ray Morgan. He is truly missed.

In November, along with Thanksgiving, we enjoyed family pictures by Gain Composure Photography with Aaron Kohns, and my Daddy getting baptized. I also became part of the iPhone family! ;)

at the NC State v.s. UNC game. (NC State won by the way)

In December, we made our yearly trip to the mountains of North Carolina to get our Christmas tree, Nate got his first haircut, and we celebrated Christmas with our family and friends!

What a wonderful year this has been. We are truly blessed to call each and every one of you our friends and family. Thank you to all who have been a part of this year! I look forward to many, many more!

Motherly Senses

2011-12-09T13:18:00.001-05:00

I always wondered how my mom was already in my room when I coughed... In the middle of the night, she would be by my side at the sound of my sickness. Now I get it.

I used to be able to sleep through a hurricane. Well...

I couple of nights ago, I felt like I had a newborn again, sleep wise anyways. Nate had/still has a cold, and every time he coughs, he gags... Every time he gags, I wake up because I think he's about to throw up! That night, it was a never ending cycle to say the least!

I wonder why fathers aren't equipped with this "wake up at the drop of a hat" instinct? Yeah, my husband snored through the whole night.

Day 30

2011-11-30T20:37:00.000-05:00

Not ending "thankfulness," just ending this chapter of my blog... :)

I have so much to be thankful for, and so many things that I didn't mention on here! I am truly grateful for my family, my friends, and those who encourage and pray for me daily.

I have the best little family a girl could ask for, and I praise God every day that he has allowed me to be a wife and mother to two of the greatest guys on the planet!

I am so blessed to be in a country that grants me freedom of religion and grateful to have a family that puts God first. My family has had me in church since I was born and I am so thankful that they have made want God to be a priority in my life, not pressured me into such.

I thank you for listening through out this month... maybe I'll start blogging more since I've had a little practice recently!

Day 29

2011-11-29T23:50:00.001-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my Papaw. My father's father. Today is his birthday, and boy do I love him! We named our son after him, the "Nathaniel" part, that is. My Papaw's name is Paul Nathaniel. He is such a hard worker, will volunteer to help anyone, and is always there when I call needing directions! You could be half way across the USA and I swear he would know exactly where you are! He was the founder of my family's printing business, and until last year, his boys and wife worked there tirelessly. He has instilled values in our family that are irreplaceable and loves us all unconditionally. He loves to talk about the "old days" and family, and he has a knack for remembering dates. His father worked in the Pomona Cotton Mills and was the owner of a little country store, where he witnessed to everyone who walked in the door. I believe that his love for God and family was passed down through my Papaw and has since been passed down to us.

I am so thankful that my Nana and Papaw fell in love so young, and started having children right away, because now my son has the privilege of having Great Grandparents in such good health. Not many children get to experience their Great Grandparents, let alone those that can still get on the floor and play with them!

I am treasuring my grandparents more and more now that they are getting older. I guess I am realizing how precious my time with them is, and how much wisdom I can get from them. With the recent passing of my husbands Grandpa, he only has one grandparent left, his paternal Grandmother Paula. I am so blessed to have all four of my grandparents left, and I treasure every minute that my family has with them!

i adore this one... captured it a couple weeks ago at our family's Thanksgiving get-together.

Day 27

2011-11-27T19:39:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my mother-in-law! Today is her birthday! I'm thankful that she is always willing to help, she has a great sense of humor, and she love love loves her grandson! Oh, and she's also a fabulous cook! :)

Day 26

2011-11-26T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I have stepped over into the "Smart Phone" world. I was eligible for an upgrade and purchased an iPhone. And on top of that, we got a GREAT deal on it! So for that, I am thankful! Also, I can write blogs on it! Might try that tomorrow! :)

Day 25

2011-11-25T18:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my vehicle and my husband's vehicle. More importantly, I am thankful that my husband's '97 Camry is still running! Let's all hold our breath and pray it stays that way for a while! :)

I am thankful that we have money to put gas in them, and we have the means to get around town. This is something that we often take for granted, when truly, we would be lost without it.

Day 24

2011-11-24T22:30:00.000-05:00

Ahhh... Thanksgiving. The inspiration for all of these posts... though we should be thankful always!

I am thankful for such a great Thanksgiving Day!

We started out the day as we always do, watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade! It was so much fun this year pointing out the floats and balloons to Nate and him recognizing some of his favorite characters! By the time Santa arrived, all of the family was at the house ready to eat, so we all cheered and showed Nate Santa had come on the TV! For me, this is when the Christmas season REALLY starts. It's not Christmas Time until Santa arrives in the parade! haha :)

My husband, Andrew, cooked the turkey, as he usually does, and did an AMAZING job this year. It was soooo good! From green bean casserole, to cranberry salad, to pumpkin pie, we had all of the traditional Thanksgiving foods, and much much more! I'm so thankful for my parents, Andy's mom, Andy's aunt, and my Grandma for coming over and sharing such a great Thanksgiving lunch with us!

After the meal, we sit around and watch the dog show, mixed with football, and look through the HUGE paper with all of the "Black Friday" sales papers in them.

After all the family leaves, and we get a bit of a nap, it's time to go on to the next house. This time with Andy's family. We always have a blast over at his Aunt Linda's house with family and friends!

I'm so thankful for a loving family and holiday get-togethers full of laughter!!!

Day 23

2011-11-23T23:49:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for photography. Photography is one of my dear passions. I would never want a world without pictures, much less a world without me being able to take them! I have been around photography my entire life with my Papaw, Daddy, Mama, and many other family members taking pictures.

Back in January of this year, I decided to start a small photography business for myself to have something to do with my time besides being a stay at home mommy. I have enjoyed it so much so far! I normally have a couple of clients per month, which I would love to have more, but I am very thankful for those who are helping me start this venture!

Today, I had my first client that involved some travel. This was a "friend of a friend" so I had never actually met her, but I had the wonderful opportunity to travel for about an hour and a half to photograph her brand new baby girl and her big sister! I love newborn shoots, and I definitely jump at the opportunity!

I hope to have many more clients in the future and hope to learn more and more in the coming months and years!

Day 22

2011-11-22T23:42:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for Nate's friends.... present and future. As I sat here today, watching Nate and Jesslyn (Jessica's daughter) play, I remembered to the past when Jessica and I would play. We would spend many weekends going to each other's house after church or having weekend slumber parties. Those times I cherish.

Now, we are both married, both have kids, Jessica just had her second. We often sit around and reminisce and talk of how we can't believe we have gotten to this point in our lives.

I pray for Nate to have good friends, ones that last. I pray for him to have loyal and truthful friends, ones that will steer him in the right direction. I pray for him to have friends that encourage him, ones that laugh with him, ones that will lend a shoulder when he needs one.

I am thankful for the little friendships that he is already making, and I'm thankful that it is with children of some of my best childhood friends.

Day 21

2011-11-21T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for Facebook.

On a lighter note, but still in prayer and shock over the events that took place yesterday.

I am thankful, yes, for Facebook.

As corny as it sounds, it is such a source of communication and information in my life. Yes, I could live without it. Do I want to? No. Sorry, just being honest.

Does it take place of verbal communication? Yep.
I should probably work on that.

On the bright side though, I have kept in touch with friends from elementary, middle, high school, and college that I have no doubt I would have lost touch with.

I have re-kindled friendships, made new friends, and picked up some photography clients along the way.

Yep, I'm thankful.

for Facebook.

Day 20

2011-11-20T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for comfort. I am thankful for God's comforting words He gives us.

In my little town, people are hurting tonight. At my high school, teenagers are mourning.

There has been a tragedy in Pleasant Garden, the neighboring town to Greensboro, and six people have been shot, and the shooter killed herself. All over something domestic? That's what it seems. Three are dead, four including the shooter, and three are wounded, hanging on for their life.

Something like this doesn't happen here, it happens somewhere else.

Guess we can't say that anymore.

No, I did not personally know any of the victims, nor the shooter. I do however, have many close friends who were very close to the victims and the shooter, so I ask you to pray.

I ask you to send out your prayers of healing for these two who are hanging on for their life.

I ask for the truth from the man who is in stable condition.

I ask you to send your prayers of comfort to those who have lost loved ones, friends.

I ask you to send prayers of wisdom to the counselors, mentors, pastors, and first responders who will be dealing with this for many many days to come.

---------------------
(11.25.11)
Update: all five children (two were the shooters children, two were the niece and nephew, and one was a girlfriend of the shooters child) have passed away from this horrible tragedy. Please be in prayer for the family members and friends that are left to grieve.

Day 19

2011-11-19T23:43:00.001-05:00

On day 19, well every day... I am thankful for my new found love/addiction known as Pinterest.

I was introduced to Pinterest by a friend have haven't stopped searching since. I know it sounds weird to be thankful for a website/forum, but hear me out.

This website is like a virtual bulletin board. You know that nifty, crafty idea you once saw on a blog, or a website? Well, you probably can't remember all the details to it, or how to make it. So you want to find it again? Good luck. Most of the time, you can't remember where you saw your nifty little crafty idea.... right? Well, Pinterest is the answer. When you see something you like, you "pin it." When others see what they like, they "re-pin" it. And everyone shares their ideas, hits, misses, and crazy things they love. They share cleaning secrets, baking tips, photography ideas, you name it.

Since I was introduced to Pinterest, my world has opened up to new and creative ideas. I have used it as a sight to find photography ideas, baby shower ideas, do-it-yourself Christmas gifts, and home goodies for the future! I feel like I have been rejuvenated with crafty inspirations!

If you haven't tried Pinterest, check it out. And you will be.... addicted.

Oh, and in love.

Day 18

2011-11-18T23:56:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for payday!!!

and my husband's overtime pay...

He's been working soooo hard these past couple of weeks, one day, he even worked a 15 hour day! He works for our family and doesn't complain. He loves his job, and we can see the rewards, and I get to stay home with our son.

Things have been tight, don't get me wrong, but God provides, and we somehow seem to squeeze the pennies until payday!!! (which was today!)

:)

Day 17

2011-11-17T23:52:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for new life. Jessica, the girl that we had the baby shower for a couple weeks ago, had her baby boy!!! She was induced at 8:00 am and had Joshua Daniel at noon!!! Things went quickly and smoothly and the little guy was not so little! Baby Joshua weighed in at a whopping 10 lbs 6 ounces and 22 inches long!!! And get this: Jessica had NO epidural! What a trooper!

There's something about new life... there's nothing like it. :)

Congrats Jessica, Josh, and big sister Jesslyn!

Day 15

2011-11-15T12:41:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for music.

Music has been such a huge part of my life... for... all of my life!

My mom used to put me to bed with music playing... music for play time, music at church, music in the car... you name it.

I sang my first solo at 2 1/2 years old and haven't stopped.

I loved chorus in high school more than you could imagine.

Music makes me happy.

I hope Nate grows up with the same love for music his mommy (and his daddy) has!

Day 14

2011-11-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my friend Carla. Though our relationship might be out of the ordinary to some, it works for us. Because, you know, not everyone becomes best friends with their high school chorus teacher and has them sing and be matron of honor in your wedding. What? Is this not a common thing?

When everything in high school seemed like "the end of the world." I had someone to calm me down. The adult that wasn't my mother, who probably said the same thing my mother did, but because it came from someone who wasn't my mother... i listened. well, at least gave it some thought. :)

I kept her children. Drove her minivan. Cried. Laughed. Oh, and Ate. Yes. Ate. We do that well.

To my "Big" Ely.

Lots of Love from your "Little"... but not so "Little" anymore... maybe we'll both get "little" one day together...

Oh yeah.... Nate loves his "Auntie Car."

Day 13

2011-11-13T15:25:00.002-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my home church. I have been going to Faith Wesleyan Church since I was 5 years old, and it is truly my home. I am not going to sit her and tell you that there haven't been hard times and I haven't felt like finding a new church to attend, but I can tell you that right now, I am happy there. I am thankful that I have a church family that has seen me grow up to be the person I am today. I am thankful that I am not just a face, everyone knows my name, they know my family, they even know what car I drive. Sometimes people could see this as a disadvantage, but I personally think it's a blessing. Though our numbers are few, there are many there who are on fire for God. They love the Lord and consider it their mission to share Him with everyone!

Today, I am thankful for my church family. :)

Day 12

2011-11-12T23:27:00.002-05:00

Today I am thankful for my husband's job. And the fact that he had today off.

Normally, since he is on a 12 hour shift, he has a couple days on, a couple off. Not this week. This past week he has worked Monday-Friday, had off today (Saturday) and goes back to work tomorrow. It has been rough. Yes, Yes, i know everyone else works 5 days a week, but when he has to wake up at 4:30 am and doesn't get home until 6:30 pm, goes to bed at 10:30 pm so he can do it all over again the next morning, it gets tiring!

So back to the thankfulness. haha... I appreciate him so much, providing for our family, and working so hard so that I can stay home with Nate (though that "stay at home mom" thing is another post)

He had today off. That was so nice. Last night, we had friends (Alex and Vern) over and they were able to stay a bit late because Andy didn't have to get up at 4:30 this morning! (it's the little things) Today, we did nothing. Well, besides get a lot done around the house. But we didn't go out. We laid around, watched a movie and got lots of play time in with Nate! I love it when Nate yells from another room "DaDa!!! Dada!!!" He loves him so much!

Day 11

2011-11-11T23:30:00.001-05:00

Today. Obviously. I am thankful for Veterans.

I had plans for Friday night. Then they were changed. I saw my friend Veronica, and thought she was coming out to eat with us, as her husband is the youth leader. She said she had other plans, the last Flight of Honor was coming in to PTI and she was going to welcome the WW2 Veterans home. The Flight of Honor takes any WW2 Veteran to the memorial in Washington, DC that wants to see it. Then they come home to a packed airport welcoming them with open and thankful hearts. There have been many flights in the last couple of years, but this was the last. On Veteran's Day. What a great way to honor our Veterans.... our oldest.

We hopped in the car, grabbed a bite to eat, and headed off to meet my mother-in-law, aunt-in-law, and Veronica's mom at the airport. With THOUSANDS of people there with us, we waited... and waited... and waited... finally a cheer, patriotic music blaring, and flags flying, they were home. The plane had landed... And then we waited... and waited... and waited... you know, it take a long time to get 92 veterans (at least half in wheelchairs) off of a plane! The next hour was the best.

From the first Honor Guard walking down the aisle escorting the first veteran home, to the last, there was cheering and singing and crying. Nate LOVED clapping and giving "high fives" and handshakes to all the guys (and one woman)! And boy did they LOVE him! Many people in the crowd took pictures of Nate as he loved on the vets, not knowing how much of an honor it was to be a part of such a memorable event.

The last veteran that came through and shook Nate's hand, pointed to him, touching his chest, and said "When you grow up, you grow up to be free and safe."

Nate has no idea, not a clue, what these men and women have done to make life the way it is today. He will only see in books and media what life used to be like, without the freedoms that we take for granted. But what he can say, is that when he was almost 20 months old, he told them "thank you" in his own little smiling way.

Here are some links from our local news station:
Video of the vets arriving in DC
Slideshow

P.S. I apologize for the pictures... they are all cell phone shots... if I would have known I was coming, i definitely would have brought my camera... oh, hindsight.

Day 10

2011-11-10T00:55:00.001-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my dog. I know it sounds a bit juvenile, but truly, I am thankful for all of the pets that I have had. Andrew and I both grew up with dogs. When we got married, in March 2008, we did not have a dog of our own. We immediately missed that companionship. To make matters worse, my childhood dog passed away 17 days after we got married. We knew we had to get a dog ASAP!!!

On my 22nd birthday (in June 2008), we picked up Sophie, our Pembroke Welsh Corgi. She will be 4 years old this coming April and we love her to death! I can't imagine our life without her! She is one of the smartest dogs I have ever known. We have a bell on our door, and a couple months after we got her, we already had her trained to ring it when she needed to go outside. She still does this. Needless to say, she rings it sometimes even when she doesn't have to go potty! One time she rang it at least 10 times in a 30 minute time span because it was snowing outside and she wanted to go play!!!

The day that we brought Nate home from the hospital, we immediately introduced him and Sophie. Let me back up. My mother-in-law kept Sophie while we were in the hospital and brought Nate's blanket home... Sophie slept with it by her side all night. When we brought him home, she kissed Nate's head, sniffed around, and went on her way. When Nate would cry, she would pace back and forth as if to say: "Do you not hear this? Don't you want to fix it?" Through out the past year and a half, Nate and Sophie have become such good buddies! Nate throws the ball to Sophie, though it isnt near as far as she would like it, and he tries to play "tug of war" with her too... she pulls him over though! Sophie is such a good puppy... she tolerates all of the "petting" that Nate can give... even when he was little, he pulled her hair, she whimpered, looked at us, but didn't flinch. Many dogs would have snapped. We couldn't ask for a better dog for our son to grow up with! I hope she lives many many years with us!

Oh, and since Nate has started on "table food" (eating what we eat) Sophie has mysteriously gained weight... hmmm...

Day 9

2011-11-09T00:54:00.001-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my mother-in-law and father-in-law. Thanks for raising Andy to be the person he is today... Thanks for loving your grandson so much. I love to see his face light up when he sees you.

:)

Day 8

2011-11-08T21:29:00.003-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my new pastor and his wife. I have known them (or they have known me) for ages, but a few months ago, they came back to our church, not as members, but as our pastor.

I don't feel that i have had a bond with a pastor like this in a really long time, and it's nice to have that. Daryl just jumped right in to our dwindling church and all of it's problems... He's worked to hard the last couple of months and I see great things with him as the leader of our church!

Thanks Daryl and Jeanie... :)

Jeanie and Pebbles, my special little puppy friend!

Day 7

2011-11-07T20:40:00.002-05:00

Today. I am thankful for coupons.

No seriously.

Coupons have helped my family buy so many groceries for fractions of their actual cost. This has truly been a blessing to our one income family!

Though couponing take up A LOT of time to plan out, I definitely think it's worth it!

Day 6

2011-11-06T20:39:00.001-05:00

Today, I am thankful for my good, long time, friend Jessica holding out and not having her baby until we hosted her shower yesterday. Thank you Joshua Daniel for staying put a little longer.

I have known Jessica practically all of my life and love her sooo much! My friend Ashley and I hosted her baby shower yesterday. This is her second child so we decided to have a diaper and clothes shower for her.

Jessica's daughter Jesslyn

Brownie Pops

our first diaper cake (not too bad!)

diaper wreath with Joshua Daniel's initials

Jessica (middle), Ashley (right), and I (left)

Day 5

2011-11-05T23:19:00.004-04:00

Today, I am thankful that NC State beat UNC.

that is all.

:)

oh, and that I had a fun time with my husband, mother-in-law, and "aunt-in-law" at the game, we had a safe trip, good food, laughter, and I knew where my son was, I knew he was having a great time, and he was safe with his Nana and Papaw.

Day 4

2011-11-04T17:58:00.004-04:00

Today, I am thankful for friends. When I should be cleaning the house, I'm typing this blog, waiting on our friends Alex and Veronica to come over. This is a common occurrence on Fridays or Saturday nights... and I cherish those times.

We go out to eat, the five of us, then come home to our house and put Nate to bed... Most of the time, the night ends up with Vern and I in the living room talking and watching some "girly show" and Alex and Andy in the middle room playing old PlayStation games... It's nice to have time with other couples, but it's also nice to be away from your spouse and have time with a friend.

I'm so thankful for them in our lives... and our other friends as well! :)

Here we are on Halloween (minus Andy)

Nate meeting his Auntie Vern and Uncle Alex for the first time... he loves them so much! :)

Day 3

2011-11-03T23:50:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I'm only on Day 3 and I almost forgot to do my post for the day... luckily I made it before midnight!!!

Today... I am thankful... and right now, it's so fitting... for a roof over my head. Tonight, it's raining... pretty hard. Not to mention the weather is getting colder... Oh, and a month or two ago, I need the air conditioning... so yeah. A roof. (and the air and lights and heat that come with it.)

And on top of that, the roof that I'm sitting under at the moment is a house that I am so blessed to be able to "own." Well, not TRULY own, but you get the picture. No, it's not my "Forever Home" that I speak of... you know, the home that you NEVER want to move away from? The home that you want to "grow old in" and have your grandchildren run around in. Nope, definitely not that home. But it works for now, and we're so blessed to have it.

Luckily, this is not a picture from today... not ready for weather like this yet!!! :)

Day 2

2011-11-02T16:48:00.001-04:00

Today, I am thankful for my parents.

I have always felt that they will love me no matter what and support me through anything.

The are the best Nana and Papaw my little guy could ask for, and he has them wrapped around his little finger! (especially his Papaw)

Day 1

2011-11-01T23:36:00.001-04:00

Going to try and blog every day for the month of November... (a blog of Thankfulness... whether short or long...)

Let's start with something obvious.

I'm sooo thankful for my FAMILY!!! :)

Here we are on Halloween! Lovin' my little Captain America and his super hero loving Dad!

Here are some more pictures of Halloween so you can see the little guy's costume better! he was a cutie! :)

off to save the world...

hmmm... what's in there?

Looking at "himself"

Look! I got BANGS! It was time for a change and I "took the plunge"!

Well, there you go... my first blog in FOREVER! Let's see if I can do this "blog every day" thing!

2011-07-13T00:35:00.000-04:00

being a stay at home mommy is hard sometimes.
sooo. hard.
sometimes you feel so cooped up, everyone is out and about, and you are at home 24/7.
the monotony can be killer.
your husband walks in the door and all he wants to do is relax.
all you can think about is getting out of the house.
you say "no" to the same things every day.
"no" son, you may not put your hands in the toilet.
"no" son, you may not splash in the dog's water dish.
"no" son, you may not push the buttons on the satellite receiver.
"no" son, you may not take all the recyclables out of the trash can.
"no" son, you may not throw your food on the floor. "yes", i realize the dog will eat it.
"no" son, you may not pitch a fit.
"no" son, you may not take the computer mouse off the desk over and over and over.
no, no, no, no, no....

and then...
at night...
when he gives you a hug and looks at you with those big blue eyes, you know.
it's all worth it.
and you can't wait to wake up and do it tomorrow.
because he's your world.

Coupons!

2011-06-14T17:50:00.003-04:00

So many people have asked me to do a post on couponing. Trust me, I'm NO expert, but I'll let you know about the deals I got on Monday and Tuesday (today)... you know, since you asked so nicely!

It all started with the show Extreme Couponing, Harris Teeter's recent triple coupon days, and needing to watch our money very closely! All of those things sparked a couponing wife and mommy!

First of all, I get most of my coupons from the Sunday Paper, or printing them off online. You can go to websites like Southern Savers, Coupon Mom, or A Penny-Filled Pantry to see the deals of the week and print out your coupons. Many "company websites" give coupons if you sign up with them. (ie: Uncle Ben's)

On Tuesday we went to Lowe's Foods. We didn't need to get much, but had coupons for quite a bit. The goal was to keep our grocery bill down using the "overage" credit from our couponing purchases. With that "overage" we could buy the other things that we needed without adding up too much cost. Hope that makes sense!

((some places will give you credit towards your grocery bill when the coupon value exceeds the value of the product. Harris Teeter will not, the only give up to the value of the product. OUR Lowe's Foods WILL give overage towards your bill, but I have heard that other Lowe's Foods will not. Walmart is the only store that will give money back to you, as in, they will hand you money for the exceeding value of your coupon!))

Okay, here we go.
Lowe's Foods First.

Rhodes Rolls in the freezer section were on sale 2/$4
I had 2 coupons for 75 cents that doubled to $1.50 each
Each package of rolls were 50 cents each!

Idahoan Instant Potatoes were on sale for $1 each
I had 2 coupons for 75 cents when you bought 3 packs. These coupons doubled to $1.50 each.
We bought 6 packs of instant potatoes for $3.00

Cheerios were on sale 2/$4 (great for cereal and Nate eats Cherrios all the time)
I had a 3 coupons for 75 cents that doubled to $1.50 each
This made each box of Cherrios cereal only 50 cents!

Honey Nut Cherrios were on sale for $2.50 (I love them!)
I had a coupon for 50 cents which doubled to $1.00
The Honey Nut Cherrios (a pretty large box) was only $1.50!

Starkist Tuna cans are usually 99 cents
This means that I could use my 2 coupons that valued for 75 cents, they would double to $1.50 each and I would MAKE 50 cents profit on each can of tuna.
Starkist Tuna Can = FREE + 50 cents to go towards my other grocery bill!

French's Spicy Brown Mustard was on sale for 2/$3
French's Spicy Brown Mustard = FREE
(like i need anymore mustard, but it's just really hard to pass up a FREE product! Maybe we'll donate it? Either that or always be the couple that brings the mustard to the cookouts!!!)

Old Orchard Juice was on sale 2/$3
I had two coupons that valued at 75 cents each and doubled to $1.50 each
2 Bottles of Old Orchard Juice = FREE

Colgate Toothpaste was on sale for $1 each
I had 4 coupons that valued at 75 cents each and would double to $1.50 each.
4 tubes of toothpaste = FREE + 50 cents profit PER tube ($2.00 towards my grocery bill!)

We had to buy some regular grocery items, including milk, a jug of apple juice, and some frozen meals for my husband for work...

Total Bill: $58.70
Bill I Paid: $13.97!

Today I went to Walmart to cash in on the $2 Dial Body Wash coupon from the Sunday Paper.
I had 2 coupons that valued at $2 each.
This coupon says ANY Dial Body Wash which means that you can go to the trial size section and get the 97 cent body washes if you want.
We also needed a Tuna Helper for dinner and it was cheaper at Walmart than anywhere else.

Total Bill: $3.62 cents
I Paid: NOTHING.
Walmart Handed Me: 20 cents!

Well, there it is. You asked, and I told!
That's how I got over $60 worth of products for under $14!
Hope it helps a little!

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!

2011-05-23T16:58:00.000-04:00

Harris Teeter triple coupons were this past week through tomorrow (Tuesday)... I have never been a real "couponer" but the Extreme Couponing show on TLC has sparked my interest. No, I have no intention, or the room, to buy 69 bottles of mustard and 45 tubes of toothpaste... but I do have interest in saving our family money! Especially on things that are non-perishable, or at least have a couple years worth of shelf life. Harris Teeter's coupon policy for "triples" is 20 coupons per day, per household.

After getting some coupons from Andrew's Aunt Linda and buying a Sunday paper, we organized and headed out Sunday night to do some shopping. On that trip we saved $103.63 and kept our grocery bill under $100, which is pretty good for us!

Today, I decided to go out for more, with about 15 coupons in hand (since we used our limit yesterday) and get some things they were either out of, or some other coupon finds that I found last night online. I saved $35.24 today and had a grocery bill under $15!

Here are some of the great buys today:

Skintimate Shave Gel (I paid 74 cents)
French's Mustard (I paid 50 cents)
Heinz Ketchup (I paid 50 cents)
Kikkoman Soy Sauce (I paid 35 cents)
Mahatma Rice (I paid 40 cents)

Uncle Ben's Rice (they paid me $1.25!)
Special K Cereal (they paid me 33 cents!)
French's Honey Mustard (they paid me 96 cents!)

How exciting is it when you not only get items for free, but they literally pay YOU to buy them, taking more money off of your bill in the end!

One last tip that we learned from a fellow shopper and "couponer" last night was that as long as the first 4 numbers of the UPC code match the coupon, you can use the coupon on whatever you want.
For example: I had a coupon for 70 cents off of Raisin Bran (which will triple). I'm not a fan of Raisin Bran, but I would eat it anyways if I could get it for a good price. I looked on the coupon and the first four numbers matched UPC codes for MOST of the Kellogg's cereals. I found a close-out box of Special K cereal that was $1.77. With my coupon tripling (coming out to $2.10) that means that they gave ME 33 cents to buy that box of cereal. Sadly, I only had one coupon with me! :)

Here's to saving money!

Nate's First Birthday!

2011-03-20T21:40:00.016-04:00

Nate's First Birthday was AMAZING! As I sit here, enjoying left-over birthday cake, I thought I would recap our day. Partially so you guys can know about it, but mainly for me, before I forget all the fun details!

We started off the day with my husband and I both walking into his room and singing "Happy Birthday" when he woke up... I was trying to upload the little video I took with my cellphone, but apparently, I'm having technical difficulties... :/

I went to set up for his birthday party while Andrew and Nate stayed home to play, eat lunch, and take an early nap. After his nap, he had a birthday bath! Every boy needs to get looking spiffy before his big party!

At 3:00 we attended the wedding of Melissa and Isaac Emch! Melissa and her family have been members at our church for years and we all grew up together. It was nice to meet her new husband Isaac too! We wish them all the happiness in the world! Oh, and Nate did really well. I few little words and laughter here and there, but with the help of Grandma, Daddy, myself, his blue puppy, and some Gerber Puffs, he was very quiet! Boy... that's stressful. Having a one year old and trying to keep him quiet during a wedding!

After we gave the bride and groom our best wishes we headed off to Nate's Big Birthday Party!!!

We had a little over 50 people in attendance and there were many more that couldn't be there. We have so many people in our lives that love our little boy and for that we are SOOOO thankful! We had pizza for dinner and Nate got to try his first slice! He LOVED that! He is doing so much better with table food, and seems to really be enjoying it!

We decided to do presents after pizza so that he would be clean for presents and could get all messy eating cake at the very end. He enjoyed opening his gifts and was a little confused when he would see it and we would take it away so we could go on to the next one. He seemed to be saying "But wait! I just got that! Why are you taking it away!?!?!?" Nate got LOTS of toys, books, puzzles, and clothes for his birthday! His two BIG gifts were a basketball goal from his Nana and Papaw and a Swing-Set from Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Linda, Mommy, Daddy, and Sophie. We are so blessed!

Our friend Courtney Howard made Nate's cake and it was soooo amazing! I sent her the link of his "theme" and decorations and she asked me what his favorite animal was out of the ones on his decorations. I, of course, told her a monkey, and that's all she needed! It was kind of nice to be surprised as we walked in, because I had no idea what it was going to look like! She also took the liberty of filling the inside layers with "Rainbow Chip" icing... which is my absolute FAVORITE! Thanks so much Courtney! You're amazing!!!

I almost got a little teary-eyed when we sang "Happy Birthday" to my little man. I can't believe it has been a whole year since we brought him into this world! Andrew and I "helped" him blow out his candle on his "smash cake" and put it on his high-chair tray for him to dig in! In true "Nate Ray Fashion" he ate it! He wasn't trying to be messy or anything, he truly wanted to EAT IT. My dad (Nate's Papaw" finally smashed his hand in it to at least make a little bit of a mess! For at least 30 minutes, he pulled off chunk by chunk and ate them, just like he would any other food.

Oh, and he "shared" it with anyone who came close! One of his most favorite things to do is to put his food up to your lips when you say "Can I have some?" Then, when you act like you're going to eat it out of his hand, he just giggles and giggles!

Nate did so well through out the whole day, and with us being so busy, and him having a little nap, it could have easily gone the other way. We are so blessed with an easy going baby who takes life as it comes, whether we're laying around the house being lazy or running here, there, and everywhere!

(on the way home)

Nate, we can't believe you are already one year old! The past year with you as our son has been such an amazing journey! We are so honored that God has chosen us to be your Mommy and Daddy and every day with you is a blessing! We can't wait to spend many more birthdays with you!

12 months

2011-03-19T16:48:00.000-04:00

Here are some things that are going on in Nate's life right now:

He wears 12 month clothes and size 3 diapers.

He has 8 teeth.

He is almost completely on table food and is making great strides with his gag-reflex.

We are slowly introducing whole milk. He isn't too Fons of the taste or it being cold, but we do half formula half milk and he has no problem.

Was forward facing in his carseat for 3 days after his 1st Birthday and went back to being rear facing after the AAP changed their standards.

He is very close to stand standing on his own.

Right now he would rather make good time crawling than try to walk... The boy is a quick crawler!

He LOVES to play the drums on anything and everything!

He waives and says "hey" to everyone who passes or looks his way in restaurants and stores... It makes me happy because it brings a smile to people's faces who weren't smiling before.

The boy has a serious throwing arm! He throws better with his right hand than his left.

He likes to watch shows like "Bubble Guppies", "Dora the Explorer", "Diego", "Spongebob", and "Baby Einstein" movies.

He smiles when he sees a camera or a cell phone.

He loves ice-cream, Gerber Puffs, Gerber Crunchies, and cereal.

He walks all along furniture.

He feeds Sophie from his highchair and thinks it's hilarious.

He turns most all toys to the wheels so he can spin them.

With the exception on a morning and bedtime bottle, he drinks out of a sippy cup.

He has a new-found love for climbing on things.

Can say: Mama, Dadda, Nana, ball, bye-bye, hey, no, car, go, and "Mo" which is really Elmo.

Can show you the light, your nose(working on his nose, right now he only points to yours), Sophie/dog, and ball.

Oh yeah, and he's amazing. Yep!

What is a One-Year Old?

2011-03-19T16:15:00.000-04:00

What is a One-Year Old?

A one-year-old son

is so many things,

a tiny discoverer of butterfly wings,

a hugger of teddies,

a sweet sleepyhead,

and someone to dream for

in bright years ahead…

A special new person

who, right from the start,

has a place in the family

and, of course, in your heart.

And, just when you think

that you’ve learned all the things

that your dear son is

and the joy that he brings,

a hug or a grin

comes with such sweet surprise

that love finds you smiling

with tears in your eyes!

Happy First Birthday Nathaniel Ray!

11 Months

2011-03-18T14:30:00.003-04:00

The DAY before Nate's First Birthday, I thought I would post his 11 month pictures! haha :)

I must say... I forgot. No other excuses to be had. :)

Needless to say, this 11 month old wasn't exactly thrilled with his photo-shoot.

We had a melt-down.

and I leave you with.... DRAMA. :)

Oh, but we still LOVE him so... :)

2011-03-07T11:52:00.001-05:00

My Child,

You may not know me,

but I know everything about you.

Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up.

Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways.

Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered.

Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image.

Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being.

Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring.

Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived.

Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation.

Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake,

for all your days are written in my book.

Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth

and where you would live.

Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb.

Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born.

Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented

by those who don't know me.

John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry,

but am the complete expression of love.

1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you.

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child

and I am your Father.

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could.

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father.

Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand.

James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs.

Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love.

Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless

as the sand on the seashore.

Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing.

Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you.

Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession.

Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you

with all my heart and all my soul.

Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things.

Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart,

you will find me.

Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you

the desires of your heart.

Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires.

Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you

than you could possibly imagine.

Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you

in all your troubles.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted,

I am close to you.

Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb,

I have carried you close to my heart.

Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away

every tear from your eyes.

Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain

you have suffered on this earth.

Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you

even as I love my son, Jesus.

John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed.

John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being.

Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you,

not against you.

Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled.

2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression

of my love for you.

1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved

that I might gain your love.

Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus,

you receive me.

1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you

from my love again.

Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party

heaven has ever seen.

Luke 15:7

I have always been Father,

and will always be Father.

Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…

Will you be my child?

John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you.

Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad

Almighty God

9 and 10 Months

2011-01-25T00:57:00.004-05:00

So it seems like every time I post a blog, I say something about being slack. I'll spare you today and get on to the pictures.

I missed 9 months, so here it is.

(December 19th 2010)

Nate was sick with a virus here and he had a fever... still cute as he can be though, if you ask me!

And here is 10 Months Old!

(January 19th 2011)

Andrew and I were getting ready to leave Nate with his Grandma when these pictures were taken. We were on our way to the NC State v.s. Duke basketball game in Raleigh. Since I am a DUKE fan and Andrew is an NC State fan and alumni, we tried to keep it even with the apparel. :)

yay!!! Mommy's team won the game!!! oh wait. is that what he's saying? yeah, i think it is! :)

-------

Here are some things going on in our NOT SO little 10 Month old's life:

- He is starting to have a "longing" for what Mommy and Daddy are eating rather than his baby food... well, except for rice cereal or oatmeal, he LOVES that stuff!

- He has had egg, mac and cheese, ham, chicken, and turkey. He likes most any bread or tortilla you give him (ie: appetizer bread from a restaurant or a quesadilla/taco shell) He LOVES ice cream. He is OBSESSED with ice cream. Any time it is around, be prepared to share. Yes, I know, not the healthiest thing in the world, but we try not to give him too much, and when you see his little face.... you would give him some too! There's many other foods, but that would bore you to death.

- He can say "Mama, Da-Da, Na-Na (which is apparently now his "catch all" word for Mama and Da-Da), Car (sounds like Gar), Hi, Hey, and is trying to say Bye.

- He waives "Hey" and "Bye"

- If you ask him where the "Light" is, he looks and points upward to the nearest light. If you ask him where "Sophie" is, he looks down and tries to find the dog. We have our directions down. Up means Light. Down means Sophie. Prodigy I tell ya. Prodigy. haha :)

- He loves things that spin. Cars, play ferris wheels, wagon wheels, his spinning toy that sings, the old-school rotary telephone toy (like the one from Toy Story)... i could go on and on. And he could spin things forever.

- He loves door stops and doors. I might have mentioned that before, but that obsession has gone NO WHERE. Even in new people's houses, he has found their doorstops. ugh.

- He loves to press buttons on remotes, phones, dvd players, stereo systems, etc. We have an old remote and an old cell phone for him, but he always seems to go after the working ones... smart boy.

- We are making strong "head-way" into this sippy-cup thing, but he would still much rather have a bottle. :/

- His relationship with Sophie, our dog, amazes me every day. Nate has learned to "throw" the ball. Sophie brings it to him, he throws, they do this forever. Nate takes Sophie's bone from here, she lets out a little growl, then licks him in the face and takes it back. They do this OVER AND OVER. Nate loves to play in Sophie's water dish. No, this is not acceptable behavior, it's gross. Yes, we are working on this.

- He loves to pull on anything shiny, whether it be earrings, necklaces, keys... luckily Mommy's earrings come out fairly easily and he hasn't ripped a whole through my ear. :/

- He pulls up on EVERYTHING and has been known to let go and stand unassisted for a few seconds here and there. He walks short distances behind his "Dinosaur" that he got for Christmas (it's a walker). He can also walk when he holds our hands. I don't think it will be long and he'll be running around the house!

- He brings JOY and LAUGHTER to our hearts every day and seeing his face makes everything better. It is AMAZING to me how much he has learned in the past 10 months and time just seems to be flying by. We couldn't have asked for a better son and we are so proud to be his parents!

2011-01-08T16:04:00.001-05:00

Let Them Be Little

*LoneStar*

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand

Felt so good in it, no bigger than a minute

How it amazes me, you're changing with every blink

Faster than a flower blooms they grow up all too soon

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle

Oh just let them be little

I've never felt so much in one little tender touch

I live for those kisses, prayers and your wishes

Now that you're teaching me things only a child can see

Every night while we're on our knees all I ask is please

Let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle

Oh just let them be little

So innocent, a precious soul, you turn around

It's time to let them go

So let them be little 'cause they're only that way for a while

Give them hope, give them praise, give them love every day

Let them cry, let them giggle, let them sleep in the middle

Oh just let them be little

Let them be little

Photoshoot with Aaron Kohns of Gain Composure Photography

2011-01-04T15:06:00.005-05:00

On December 28th 2010, we had the pleasure of Aaron Kohns shooting our family pictures. He did a FABULOUS job and I am absolutely in LOVE with them! I wish I had enough room to put all 45 shots up in my house! Aaron is the owner of Gain Composure Photography in Greensboro, NC. He is amazing! I put our pictures in collages so I could get them all on here...

2010...

2011-01-01T19:15:00.013-05:00

January.

Along with bringing in 2010, January brought us snow, Sophie "kissing" the baby in Mommy's tummy, painting the nursery, and having our 3D/4D ultrasound of our beautiful baby boy.

February.

February brought us maternity photo-shoots and lots of baby showers. We are so blessed to have gotten all of the wonderful gifts for our baby boy!

March.

In March, we celebrated our 2 year anniversary and a due date (St. Patty's Day) that came and went. On March 19th, we gave birth to our 9 lb 2 oz baby boy and named him Nathaniel Ray Downer. Between first baths, first smiles, and sleeping in Mommy's old crib, we found out what parenting really is, and it's truly a blessing.

April.

April brought Duke an NCAA Basketball Championship. It also brought us Easter, and Sophie's 2nd Birthday!

May.

In May, we had Nate dedicated to the Lord. We had his first "studio pictures" made at 8 weeks old, and made his first "Faces of Nate" collage.

June.

June brought myself and Andrew's birthdays, first swims, a night away from Nate while we went to Charlotte, playtime with Sophie, trying cereal, and my Nana and Papaw's 50th Anniversary. Oh, and our 2nd "Faces of Nate" collage.

July.

July brought Nate's first July Fourth and rolling over in our play gym. He went to his first "Family Campout" and slept on GiGi's bed during naptime, wearing his "Shark-Butt" shorts.

August.

In August, we took pictures "singing" opera, riding in our wagon, and "loving" on Sophie. We tried green beans and had our first Ice-Cream Truck experience.

September.

In September, we bought our infamous "monkey hat", learned a new trick to get off the changing table, swung on the swings, played the piano, and turned 6 Months. We also enjoyed our first Miami Dolphins game with Daddy, ate teething cookies, and celebrated Mr. and Mrs. Justin and Meagan Elkes, when Nate wore his first tie.

October.

October brought us Nate's first NC State Game and the State Fair. We enjoyed Nate's first Halloween where he dressed, of course, as a monkey. At the end of the month, we took church directory family pictures. Oh, and "Faces of Nate" collage number three.

November.

We had fun swinging on swings and celebrating Thanksgiving in November. We took a trip to the mountains and picked our Christmas tree and got messy with our food!

December.

December brought Nate's first SNOW! He decided to eat it and Sophie decided to catch it. Nate's first Christmas was wonderful, we had a great time opening gifts, spending time with family and friends, and seeing Santa. Nate found a water bottle to play with in the midst of all of his toys.

Here we are... bringing in 2011! 2010 was a great year, and as you can see in the pictures, a big part of our life was focused on our precious little boy! He is our world and we cannot be more thankful to have him in our lives! Here's to 2011!

Santa Baby

2010-12-16T22:43:00.003-05:00

Ready to see Santa!

Waiting in line, having fun with Daddy

Our Little Family

Look at that!!! Cutest Ever!!!

Nate's First Snow!

2010-12-16T22:37:00.002-05:00

It doesn't snow much here in North Carolina and when we get it, it's usually not in December, it's usually in January or February... so this snow on December 4th was a big surprise!

All bundled up and ready to go!

What is this stuff?

my beautiful blue-eyed boy!

I think I'm going to eat it... like I do EVERYTHING else!

---------------------------

I know this last one has NOTHING to do with snow, but it was just TOO cute to leave out!

Let's Go Duke!

2010-12-16T22:32:00.003-05:00

So, my husband pretty much got the whole football season to dress up Nate in NC State "Garb"... i have officially called basketball season as mine!

Do I think it will work?

No.

Will I try?

Yes.

Have I taken matters into my own hands and bought Nate Duke clothes?

Yes.

Does Nate have a Grandma and a Great Aunt that buys him NC State clothes every chance they get? Yes.

Who dresses him?

Mommy!!! ::Evil Grin::

Cutest Little Cameron Crazy You've EVER Seen!!!

Nate's First Mountain Trip

2010-12-16T22:20:00.005-05:00

Every year, my husband's family goes to the same place to get Christmas trees, way up in the mountains of North Carolina. Usually they all go on the day after Thanksgiving, but since Andrew had to work, we opted to go the Monday after Thanksgiving. This was Nate's longest trip he's ever taken, and since we took a wrong turn, it made for a pretty long trip! We got there right before sunset and headed to get Nate's First Christmas Tree!

We had to ride on a trailer pulled by a tractor to get to the field where they were this year...

It was a VERY bumpy ride...

and it went up a VERY steep hill... that was certainly an experience!

The 83-year-old owner of the Christmas Tree Farm, Mr. Absher, cutting down our Christmas tree, assisted by my husband.

Nate touching a Christmas tree for the first time

Standing by our tree!

This is what happens when you give an 83 year old man a camera... heads might get cut off!

on the way back!

a little photoshoot with the baby boy while they were fixing up the tree to get ready to go home!

Don't you just want to eat those cheeks!?!

November Pictures

2010-12-16T22:12:00.005-05:00

A messy meal time... We usually don't eat very "messy" but when we do, we go ALL OUT!

Look who found himself in the mirror!

Playing Pee-A-Boo with "Auntie" Vern

Happy Thanksgiving!

After watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade all morning, we finally got to the end, and let Nate know that once Santa came on the TV, it was officially Christmastime!!!

Yep, our little man is pulling up on furniture, chairs, well... everything!

ready to eat!

yummy!

telling Nana and Papaw bye-bye

drops of water on my Dad's sunroof... just thought it made for a neat picture :)

Nate is all decorated for Christmas!

7 and 8 Months

2010-12-15T12:33:00.004-05:00

Considering we're almost to 9 months, I guess I had better post our 7 month and 8 month pictures!

7 Months Old!

---------------

8 Months Old!

Pumpkin Patch and Halloween

2010-12-15T12:24:00.005-05:00

We headed to a local pumpkin patch one Sunday after church to pick out Nate's first pumpkin! He wasn't really in the mood, considering it was naptime, but we sure enjoyed it! :)

Happy Halloween!!!

Our Little Monkey!

Nate's "Girlfriend" Jesslyn trying to sneak away with some of his candy!

NC State Fair

2010-12-15T12:11:00.005-05:00

Every year we go to the North Carolina State Fair in October. This year, we had the privilege of taking Nate with us! My parents, Andrew's Mom, and the three of us all went to Raleigh, NC this year to partake in the awesomeness! I entered a photograph in the photography competition this year. It didn't win anything, but it was a good experience to enter!

October Pictures

2010-12-15T11:58:00.006-05:00

Okay... so.... SLACK! That's what this Mama is! Well, when it comes to blogging anyways... Here are some pictures from October. Yes, the October that was 2 months ago. Sorry. :)

The many funny faces of Nate!

We met my aunt and my cousins, these two crazy boys, in Charlotte at IKEA one day...

Kyle, Ryan, and I

Kyle LOVED Nate

Nate had lots of fun!

and he got a new rug from Aunt Judi from IKEA!

----------------

At the end of October we got family pictures made for our church directory.

How We Learned To Be Parents.

2010-10-23T21:28:00.008-04:00

10 Years...

2010-10-15T15:45:00.004-04:00

Ten years ago, after a Sunday night service by Rev. Buddy Rampey, on October 15th 2000, a 15 year old boy asked a 14 year old girl to be his girlfriend.

Being 14 years old, this meant nothing more than the title of "boyfriend and girlfriend", endless talking on the phone, and giving each other "googley eyes" at church when we got to see each other. Our first date "alone" was on our one year anniversary. When we were done eating at the very swanky Olive Garden, we called his mom to pick us up, where we held hands and snuck kisses in the back seat of her car. (Coincidentally, the same car Andrew drives to this day, but that is completely off topic!) We spent more and more time together as the years went on, while going to separate high schools and eventually separate colleges. I can't always say it was easy, but I can say that we never broke up, not even once.

On June 25th 2005, that now (almost) 20 year old man proposed, with a ring he worked VERY hard to pay for, while going to school. With all the money in the world, I would never give that ring up. We waited until he graduated and I was very close to being done with school to get married, on March 1st 2008. I loved him more on that day than I ever thought I could, and I was happier on that day than I ever had been.

Around the time of our 1st wedding anniversary, we conceived our first child, and lost the baby soon after. (By the way, October 15th is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day) This was a devastating time for the both of us, and we kept each other strong through it all. Not too long after we lost our first little one, we became pregnant with our son, Nathaniel Ray, who was born on March 19th 2010. This was 18 days after our 2nd wedding anniversary. I loved my husband, now father of my child, more on that day than i ever had before, and I was happier on that day than I ever had been.

To my husband: I can't say that I ever imagined marrying the first boy that asked me out when I was 14 years old, 10 years ago, but words cannot express how happy I am that I said yes. We could never thank you enough for providing for our family as you do. My love for your grows more and more every day. You are a wonderful husband, "man's best friend" to Sophie, and the best Daddy a little boy could ever ask for. Thanks for the past 10 years... I wouldn't have had it any other way.

Love always.

-picture taken in November of 2000-

Three Years = Saving Money!

2010-10-15T01:12:00.003-04:00

It has been THREE YEARS since I did this....

I was in the car on the left. You know, the one that isn't right side up.

I walked away with only a few cuts and bruises, definitely lucky.

Bad part... it was my fault. :(

Did I mention it was my Daddy's car??? Sorry Daddy... :)

I bring all this up to say:

THREE YEARS = NO MORE POINTS!!!!

NO MORE POINTS = WAY LESS INSURANCE PAYMENT!!!!

Nate's First NC State Game

2010-10-15T00:49:00.009-04:00

My husband is an NC State Alumni, as I have probably said before, and his family are huge NC State fans. Being married into the family, it kind of comes with the territory. I will have to say, no matter what team you pull for, there is NOTHING like college football.

On Saturday, October 9th, Nate went to his first NC State football game.

I would love it if the story could just stop right there.

Have I mentioned before that my son HATES clapping and cheering? Yeah, well. He does. It terrifies him and he SCREAMS.

If you've ever been to any college football game, that's pretty much all there is to it! Screaming, cheering, and at NC State, a cannon that goes off every time they score. Fun. Fun. Fun.

After doing nothing but screaming bloody murder through the whole first quarter (see picture above), Nate, myself, and Andrew's Aunt Linda went outside the stadium to get Nate calmed down and feed him some lunch. I was, how should I say it? Distraught. College football games (that are on TV) are usually around 4 hours, sometimes a little longer due to TV timeouts. How were we going to get through 4 hours of a terrified baby and a stressed out mommy?

A couple with a five month old walked by and I saw their little boy had these orange earplugs in his ears. I asked the parents where they got them and they said Walgreens, which disappointed me because I was hoping it was somewhere in the stadium. They asked if we would like a pair, and I DEFINITELY didn't turn that opportunity down! They feel like "Silly Putty" an they worked like a dream! I had my normal, happy baby back! He even fell asleep in the middle and at the end of the game!

Ahhh... a HAPPY MOMMY.

We had a great time at the game and by the end, he was watching and "cheering" with his Daddy!

Here are some more pictures from our big day!

NC State beat Boston College 44 to 17!

Big Boy Seat

2010-10-15T00:38:00.004-04:00

I would like to announce, that we have graduated to the status of "Big Boy Seat".

Let's go through a couple of Pro's and Con's shall we?

Pro: You don't have to lug around a carrier anymore, which is heavy by itself, but add a 19 lb boy on to it... you get my drift.

Con: You can't just pop the carrier in and out of the car to go into stores. Now you have to unbuckle, put baby in buggy, or hold said 19 lb baby, buckle baby back... etc etc etc.

Pro: He doesn't have to lean back as far. Now that he's a "big boy" (or thinks he is) he no longer wanted to "lay back" like a baby.

Con: His head flops over when he sleeps.
Pro: This seat will last us a LONG time. (Well, it will if Evenflo makes good seats, and according to the consumer reviews they do) This seat we bought is rear facing for as long as we need it and forward facing up to 65 lbs. That'll at least give us a few more weeks! :)

Con: It's in OUR car. Unlike the carrier, where grandparents could have a matching "base" in their car and it could go from car to car just by snapping in, this seat requires an army to get in and out of the car.
Pro: He seems to love it and so do we!

I don't see the need for a matching "con" here... :)

6 Month Portraits

2010-10-15T00:32:00.003-04:00

I forgot to post these back in September. Here are Nate's "official" 6 Month Portraits. I only say "official because we went somewhere to do them, I didn't take them myself... haha :)

Justin and Meagan's Wedding (9/18/10)

2010-10-14T23:49:00.010-04:00

So, back when I was little, and I mean LITTLE... I had a crush on this boy.

Yep. This Boy.

I have known him my whole life, he's like family. We both grew up and went our separate ways, so to speak.

A little later on in life, I had this friend.

Yep, this girl. I'd like to say she makes my life better, but by this picture, I'm not sure you'd believe me. So you'll have to take my word for it.

That guy and that girl up there got together in high school for a little while. We all went to prom together.

That's them on the left.

During high school, they went their separate ways, on to new relationships, new ventures in life, for Meagan, even a new state here and there.

One day, after Justin and I had gotten re-aquainted through taking a class together at UNCG (mind you the WORST class ever that I finished, Justin DIDN'T.), I had gone over to his house one night for a get together. He and I went out on the porch and he talked about how he had gotten back in touch with Meagan (who was in Texas at the time). He said he didn't realize how much he liked her until she was gone for the summer and he wanted to ask her out when she got home... well, the rest is history I suppose.

I did their engagement portraits. You can see some of them here. And here.

Then I did her bridal portraits. I'll do a post on that later. :)

I said all that to say, they're pretty cool kids. Here are some wedding pics!

(I was one of two Matrons of Honor and Andrew was a groomsman.)

dancing with my baby boy...

our family of place cards :)

You can check out their blog here... and wish them congrats on their new marriage :)

More September Pictures

2010-10-14T23:44:00.004-04:00

Nate and Nana

This is Nate's new "trick" when we put him on the changing table.

He flips himself over and tries to climb out! Makes changing a diaper a battle for sure!

More teething cookie pictures...

LOVE LOVE LOVE this little guy... :)

September 2010 Pictures

2010-09-26T19:33:00.007-04:00

sporting his NC State (Daddy's Alma Mater) for their first game on August 4th

playing on Nana and Papaws piano

ready for church on August 5th (okay, so he didn't wear the hat...)

all of these pictures from here on out are pictures Nate's first trip to the park

we went to Hester Park on August 17th

Nate's first time on the swings...

sliding with mommy!

my strong boy doing a pull up! :)

My (Teething) Cookie Monster

2010-09-26T19:21:00.004-04:00

We are FULL FORCE into teething. Nate has 2 bottom front teeth that have cut through and one of his top front teeth is super close! His gums are swollen and we will no doubt be seeing more little teeth coming through sooner than later! Here are some pictures of Nate snacking on a teething cookie!

and my favorite....

Nate and Daddy's First Dolphins Game

2010-09-26T19:09:00.006-04:00

My husband has always been a big Miami Dolphins fan... so when we found out we were having a boy, that was one of the first things he was really excited about: sharing his love for football and the Miami Dolphins. I don't really "have an NFL team" so I kind of go along with him on the whole Miami Dolphins thing. On September 12th 2010, Miami had their first game, and thanks to Direct TV giving us one weekend of NFL Sunday Ticket, Daddy and Nate could watch the game together. (considering we live in North Carolina and they don't broadcast very many Dolphins games here) Nate didn't get through the whole game without falling asleep for an afternoon nap, but it was a really great moment and we captured some cute pictures we will treasure forever!

Nate and Daddy

our little Dolphins family

Mommy and Nate

Daddy telling Nate about the Dolphins

my precious little man!

Happy 6 Month Birthday Nate!!!

2010-09-26T19:06:00.002-04:00

First off, let me apologize to the couple of people who read this blog. I am a horrible blogger. I have missed my son's "6 Month Post" by ONE WEEK!!! Please. Forgive. Me.

(we've been busy.)

So, on September 19th 2010, you know, a week ago, my son turned the big SIX MONTHS!!! Whoa. That's all I have to say.... WHOA.

That's HALF A YEAR people! Soooo hard to believe! You know, it's so cliche' that "it goes by so fast," and before I had him, I would possibly roll my eyes at such a comment.

But you know what??? It DOES! It really DOES!

Here are some things that Nate is doing at 6 Months:

* he eats cereal (both rice and oatmeal) twice a day

* he eats baby food twice a day. (he has tried multiple veggies and fruit, too many to list... though i DO have one)

* he can sit up without support

* he can stand while leaning on a sturdy object (for a little bit)

* he is SOOOO close to crawling it's ridiculous!

* he takes little steps while holding our hands

* he LOVES "She'll Be Comin' Round the Mountain" and it ALWAYS gets a smile. :)

* he enjoyed his first Miami Dolphins game with Daddy a couple weeks ago (pictures to come)

* he is enamored with Sophie (or Welsh Corgi)

* he loves to play with his "roller coaster" toy

* he eats, on occasion, "Biter Biscuits" and "Puffs" (though they are really made for "crawlers" according to Gerber) <--- it's all about supervision people!

* he has cut his two bottom front teeth, we can see the "white" from the top left front tooth, and his gums are puffy and swollen on the bottom to clue us that he will be introducing more very soon. (yes. fun. i know.)

* his Nana realized a couple nights ago that his teeth are SHARP. (right Nana???!!!)

* he LOVES his Nana, Papaw, Grandma, and Grandpa very much and we are very lucky to have them all

* he's growing out of clothes all too quickly. that's all I'm gonna say about that one. :)

* Last but not least.... he's AMAZING.

---------------------------------------------------------

Here are our 6 Month Pictures

(ACTUALLY taken on his "6 Month Birthday" 9-19-10)

We LOVE you little man!!!

Five Months Old!

2010-08-19T23:10:00.004-04:00

Wow! Look at my BIG five month old!!!

wait! how many months am I??? let me look at this....

no, no, dont tell my age! i must hide it!

seriously, mom. more pictures?

okay... i'll smile a little.

okay, I'm done.

no, seriously. i'm done.

Let's Go for a Ride!!!

2010-08-16T23:59:00.002-04:00

Nate's "Aunt" PJ bought him a little wagon and filled it with blocks and a toy truck. I was getting the blocks out last night and had a revelation...

"Nate is the perfect size to..."

hehe!!! what fun!

Look What I Can Do!

2010-08-16T23:55:00.003-04:00

Nate can sit up by himself, with some help from his Boppy pillow!

Say WHAT?!?!?!?

August 2010 Pictures

2010-08-16T23:45:00.004-04:00

Nate's new favorite place and position to sleep...

right under the sleep sheep, right in front of the mirror, with his butt in the air!

ready for church! (August 1st)

hey mommy!

chillin' after bathtime in the robe Auntie Vern and Uncle Alex gave us... just about too little now!

tummy time with Great Aunt Lee-Lee

tummy time with GiGi's dog, Zoey

Nate Loves his GiGi... ♥

Green Beans!!!

2010-08-16T23:35:00.004-04:00

On August 5th 2010, Nate has his first "real food" besides cereal and formula. We ventured into the world of Green Beans!

As of right now, he is not a fan.... as you will see in the pictures to come! Since then, we have tried bananas and carrots, both of which he LOVES. We'll try green beans again soon.... hopefully they will "grow on him". :)

Here are pictures of the first green bean experience....

Granny Nellie's Hutch

2010-08-16T23:26:00.005-04:00

We went to Kentucky back in July of 2009 (to see that post click here)... and made plans to get my Great Grandmother's hutch. She passed away many years ago, and the hutch was still at my Great Grandfather's apartment. Since he was moving into a nursing home, it was given to me. We couldn't take it home with us on that trip because we didn't have the means, so my mom's cousin kept it for us. A year later, my dad made the trip to Kentucky to pick it up for us. We will cherish it for many years to come. Since our visit to Kentucky, my Great Grandfather passed away (on March 18th, the day before Nate was born).

Granny Nellie in 1975 with the hutch my Grandpa Floyd had made for her

Granny Nellie and I in 1989

My Dad helping us polish it up after we got it to our house

Finished Product!

the bottom shelf is "keepsakes" - on that shelf we have these pictures of my Great Grandparents along with the little Boston Terrier that was Granny Nelly's.

More July Pictures

2010-08-16T23:17:00.003-04:00

Nate's first Wrangler outfit (his Grandma and Aunts work there)

First time "baby-wearing" with Daddy

he LOVES his feet!!!

man, I LOVE that last picture... :)

July 4th 2010

2010-08-16T23:13:00.001-04:00

I am soooo behind!!! Here are some pictures from Nate's first July 4th!

you're gonna miss this... 2 years later

2010-07-23T23:27:00.006-04:00

So this afternoon, I was driving home after a lunch date, to see Andrew, my husband, as he was waking up, to spend a couple hours with him before he went off to work for the night. A song came on the radio and it took me back to this...

I hate to admit it, but it brought tears to my eyes...

Before she knows it
She's a brand new bride
In her one bedroom apartment
And her daddy stops by
He tells her "It's a nice place"
She says "It'll do for now"
Starts talking about babies
And buying a house
Daddy shakes his head
And says "Baby just slow down"

Cause
You're going to miss this
You're going to want this back
You're going to wish these days
Hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're going to miss this

Five years later
There's a plumber
Working on the water heater
Dogs barking, phones ringing
One kids crying, one kids screaming
She keeps apologizing
He says "They don't bother me.
I've got two babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
It's hard to believe...

It's hard to believe we're in between these two verses right now... no longer in our one bedroom apartment, bought a house, starting out as parents... What a difference a couple of years can make, right? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE being a mommy. I wouldn't go back for anything in the world. But it's just so interesting how you look back, when you thought you had it so bad, you always wanted so much more... but they were some of the best times.

Oh yeah, have i mentioned that we're blessed?

-------------

Just on a side note: Isn't it so weird that I heard that song TODAY, and wrote about it on this blog exactly 2 YEARS to the day from the first one??? Just sayin'...