Our little Ham...

If there's one thing you should know by now it's what a ham Bo is. If there is a camera within a 20 mile radius he's ALL smiles. Just waiting for you to take his picture. The other night Jarrod was reading him his book before bed. It was so sweet I just had to get a picture the rest is history...

Quietly reading with daddy...

Uh-oh the camera has been spotted...

Let's really ham it up...

okay maybe not quite so obvious

Paint, paint, paint!

Wednesday Cheryl and I took the kiddos to go paint pottery one more time. I really wanted to have Bo do something "Texas" theme since we are going to be moving. They had a small plate in the shape of Texas...perfect!!! We taped it off with masking tapes to form stripes then let Bo go to town with red paint to make red and white stripes once it dried. Then we did his footprint in blue right on the center of it. I couldn't have asked for a better Texas momento to take with us. It won't be ready until Monday but I promise to put a picture up when I get it.

I also had him do a cross for our new house (whenever we get one). I've always loved crosses and I really want to start a collection for one of those "odd" walls every house has...you know, where it's not somewhere you'd put a picture and usually a small, odd shaped wall, but you want to hang something there. I want a variety big, small, silver, ceramic, iron, etc... So we painted one and I wrote his name on it, it will be our first.

While we are waiting for the finished products I thought I'd share of the pics I took from the day! They had so much fun!!!

Bo & Gigi...don't you love the paint all on his mouth and face!!

Could this be where it came from? I finally had to hide the sponge!

Playing hard to get!

Okay I give in...I love you too Gigi

All tuckered out from a busy afternoon.

A little Atlanta Humor...

Some quick thoughts...

1. Atlanta is comprised entirely of one way streets. The only way to get out of Downtown Atlanta is to turn around and start over when you reach Greenville, South Carolina.

2. All directions start with, "Go down Peachtree..." and include the phrase, "When you see the Waffle House..."

3. Peachtree Street has no beginning and no end and is not to be confused with Peachtree Circle, Peachtree Place, Peachtree Battle or Peachtree Corners.

4. Atlanta is the home of Coca Cola. That’s all we drink here, so don’t ask for any other soft drink... unless it’s made by Coca Cola.

5. Atlantan's only know their way to work and their way home.

6. Gate One at the Airport is 32 miles away from the Main Concourse.

7. It’s impossible to go around a block and wind up on the street you started on. The Chamber of Commerce calls it a "scenic drive" and has posted signs to that effect so that out-of-towners don’t feel lost....they’re just on a "scenic drive."

8. The 8 a.m. rush hour is from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. The 5:00 p.m. rush hour is from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday’s rush hour starts Thursday morning and lasts through 2:00 a.m. Saturday.

9. Reversible lanes are not understood by anybody... especially those of us who live here.

10. "Sir" and "Ma’am" are used by the person speaking to you if there’s a remote possibility that you’re at least 30 minutes older than they are.

11. "Sugar" is a more common form of address than "Miss". So is "Honey". "Honey" is always used by Waffle House waitresses.

12. Ponce de Leon Avenue can only be pronounced by a native, so do not attempt the Spanish pronunciation. People will simply tilt their head to the right and stare at you. (The Atlanta pronunciation is "pont duh LEE-on")

13. The falling of one rain drop causes all drivers to immediately forget all traffic rules; so will daylight savings time, a girl applying eye shadow in the next car, or a flat tire three lanes over.

14. If you’re standing on a corner and a MARTA Bus stops, you’re expected to get on and go somewhere.

15. Atlanta is pronounced "LAN-uh".

16. Construction on Peachtree Street is a way of life, and a permanent form of entertainment, especially when a water line is tapped and Atlanta’s version of Old Faithful erupts.

17. Construction crews aren’t doing their job properly unless they close down all lanes except one during rush hour.

18. Atlanta’s traffic is the friendliest around. The commuters spend hours mingling with each other twice a day. In fact, Atlanta’s traffic is rated number 1 in the country. You will often see people parked beside the road and engaged in lively discussions.

19. Atlantans are very proud of our race track, known as Road Atlanta. It winds throughout the city on the Interstates, hence its name.

20. Georgia 400 is the southern equivalent of the AutoBahn. You will rarely see a semi-truck on GA400, because even the truck drivers are intimidated by the oversized-SUV-wielding housewives racing home after a grueling day at the salon or the tennis match to meet their children at the school bus coming home from the college prep preschool.

While in MS...

The weekend that Jarrod and I were in Atlanta house hunting, Bo was back in MS with Pop and Bebe. I'm not sure who had more fun...Bo being spoiled or the grandparents who were spoiling him! They had so much fun and Bo never even realized I was gone.

They went for walks outside, played trucks, watched Sesame Street, and ate lots of food! My parents couldn't believe how much he eats. He eats like a 6 year old would eat, I still have no idea where he puts it!

He had lots of fun at Bass Pro Shop. They have a big aquarium with huge fish which he loved and he really loved watching the indoor waterfall.

The next big thing that day was getting to sit on the 4wheelers. I think he's already got these figured out! Let's pray he doesn't want one any time soon.

Back at Pop and Bebe's house he just hung out, played, watched a little Elmo, and totally tried to get away with things that he knows he wouldn't with mom and dad. Isn't it funny at such a young age they can already "work" the grandparents? I would love it when my dad would take something away from him I always heard, "Your mama says no, you can't have..." As if he's letting Bo know he'd let him have it.

Pop having to quickly grab the remotes!

Great-Grandmother Nini brought him a balloon which is LOVED! Especially when it made the dogs bark.

He also decided while he was there, that he doesn't want any more bottles. He's 100% sippy cup now. My baby is definitely now a toddler!

One day I took him up to see BeBe at work. He loved seeing all the big kids. My mother took us around for an entire hour, showing him off. I was lucky if I even got an introduction...it was "Here's my baby..." and she was not referring to me in that sentence.

Bo & BeBe at school

We had so much fun in MS. It was great to get away from the stress of trying to sell a house and just relax. Thanks mom and dad for letting us stay so long. We miss and love you tons!

Getting Caught Up!

So obviously I have been out of pocket for about 2 weeks. Traveling back and forth from Austin to Jackson from Jackson to Atlanta then back to Jackson and finally back to Austin! Exhausting! So I promise to get everything up soon.

The first big piece of news is we have a WALKER!! Yep, Bo decided to start walking while Jarrod and I were in Atlanta...isn't that just the way it goes? Pop and Bebe got to see him "really" walk first. For weeks he had been taking 2 or 3 steps. His route was usually couch to ottoman...ottoman to chair and back. Apparently my mom was watching him and away he went. They didn't tell me over the phone because they wanted to surprise me by just letting me see it on my own. When I got back to Jackson I was telling Bo that I had just seen a one year old who was walking in the airport and we had to get busy. At that point dad couldn't hold it in any longer and he let the cat out of the bag. Next thing I know I see him taking a good 10 steps or so. He's still crawling probably 90% of the time. If you could see him crawl you'd understand why...he's a speed demon! It's adorable to watch him walk though he totally has that "drunk frat boy" walk.

I hope to get some video/pictures up soon. I'm usually trying to make sure he doesn't fall into the fireplace or something so pictures haven't been a top priority. I have lots of pictures from his stay in MS so I should have those up soon!

Atlanta

I'm finally getting an opportunity to sit down and give an update. Jarrod and I have spent the past 3 days exploring Atlanta for places to live. I have to admit...once I got back into a big city I realized I actually miss it! I never thought those words would ever come out of my mouth. We have stayed downtown at the Hilton, which our hotel experience has been anything but desirable. The hotel is going through rennovations which has made parking, dining, etc...quite challenging. Then to top it off we walk in Friday afternoon to see HUNDREDS of pre-teen girls!! So I asked what was going on and we learn...a cheerleading competition with up to 950 girls! And I must say they lived up to the typical pre-teen stereotype...running up and down the halls, laughing, screaming, slamming doors, jumping up and down. I'm guessing their parents must have been down in the bar because that's EXACTLY where I would have been if I were on that trip!

We spent each day riding with realtors looking at different areas. The two most important things you need to consider when moving to Atlanta are...school districts and traffic. Taking that into consideration I think we both agree that the best place for us to be will be Gwinnette County which is northeast of Atlanta. We really like the Lawerenceville, Snellville, Duluth areas. We feel like we have found a great realtor who really understands what we want and are looking for. So we are excited about that. We did find some great houses, however we have to wait for our house in Austin to sell first. We have had lots of traffic and two open houses the past few days so we're hoping to get good news soon.

I will be heading back to Jackson tomorrow. Bo and I will stay with my parents til Saturday and will then head back to Austin. Jarrod will also be coming back to Austin that weekend and will be working from home the last week of February and first week of March. We will all officially move over to Atlanta sometime the first week of March. We have so much going on and are still asking for prayers that all will go smoothly and everything will fall into place where it needs to be.

Oh, and if you're wondering where Bo has been the past few days...he's with my mom and dad and hasn't even noticed we are gone!! He absolutely loves being with Pop and Bebe! I can't wait to get back tomorrow to love on my sweet baby!

One year pictures

Go to the link below to get a glimpse of a few of Bo's one year pictures we had done Saturday. They are just too cute for words.

*And no the fish is not real...he's a cute little digital guy :)

http://www.robinwinklesphotography.com/Favorites/bo.htm.

12 Month Stats

Yesterday we finally made it to Bo's one year checkup! With the new job and change of insurance we had to postpone for a week. He got a great checkup, the doctor said he is right on track!

I did have a few "silly" mom questions like..."He's SOOO much more active than any of his friends could he be ADHD?" I have to admit I've wondered this more than a few times...he does not sit still, he's constantly into something. All I have to compare him too are his little friends and he must have just made mild mannered friends because none of them (and two are boys) are as active as he is. The doctor just laughed and said 1-He's a boy and he's ALL boy at that, they tend to be much more active and 2-You have a toddler, this takes it to a whole new level. So I did feel a little better.

My next question was about his eating...he eats so much!! Again, all I have are his friends to compare him too, but while at lunch his friends might just nibble on some fruit or puffs, while I'm ordering an entire meal for Bo. Ordering for him goes like this "I need a grilled chicken breast, with a side of carrots and broccoli, and also a side of fresh fruit". And he'll eat it all!!!! The doctor thought this was great. And based on his stats he's right on track. Guess I've learned to stop comparing! The doctor did say at this point we'll see him growing taller not wider! Which you do, his height is off the chart!

Weight: somewhere between 24-26 lbs...

he wouldn't sit still for them to get his weight

so they made me get on the scale

(just what I wanted to do) and weighed me with him.

This puts him in the 50-75%.

Height: 32.5 in (>95%)...I think he's definitely taking after daddy!

God Wink

Have you ever felt like God has winked at you? Like He is saying..."hey it's all going to be okay, I've got it all under control!". The past two nights my sweet husband has been home and taken Bo for me so I could go on a walk all by myself!!! I never get alone time, especially with Jarrod traveling so much lately. So night before last I handed Bo off to Jarrod for dinner and bathtime, I grabbed my ipod, turned up my music, and took off. I really think I could have walked for miles and miles and miles...I needed to get out in the fresh air, clear my head, and burn off some stress.


We have so much going on right now between Jarrod's new job, all of his travel, selling our house, keeping it spotless for showings, taking care of Bo 24/7, figuring out where we are going to live in Atlanta (temporary and permanently), planning the actual move over, etc...my mind has been in serious overload. I needed to get out and just let my thoughts go. I'm trying to remember that this is all temporary, it's all going to come together, that God has a great plan for us, and this will all come to an end. However, if you know me, you know I have the patience of a gnat! So I'm out there walking trying really not to think about anything other than my music and being outdoors and all the sudden I look down on the sidewalk and see this...







Is this not the coolest leaf you've ever seen??? We hardly have any trees where we live so there are never leaves on the sidewalk, this one was the only one around for a long stretch. Call me crazy, but I truly felt like God was giving me a wink saying...hey kiddo, it's all going to be okay! So I picked it up carried it the rest of my walk and it's now on my dresser in my bedroom kind of my little reminder that He's got it all under control!

The One Flaw in Women

The One Flaw In Women

By the time the Lord made woman, He was into his sixth day of working overtime.

An angel appeared and said, 'Why are you spending so much time on this one?'

And the Lord answered, 'Have you seen my spec sheet on her?

She has to be completely washable, but not plastic,

have over 200 movable parts, all replaceable and able to run on diet coke and leftovers,

have a lap that can hold four children at one time,

have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart -and she will do everything with only two hands.'

The angel was astounded at the requirements. 'Only two hands!? No way!

And that's just on the standard model?

That's too much work for one day.

Wait until tomorrow to finish.' 'But I won't, ' the Lord protested. 'I am so close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart.

She already heals herself when she is sick AND can work 18 hour days.'

The angel moved closer and touched the woman. 'But you have made her so soft, Lord.'

'She is soft,' the Lord agreed, 'but I have also made her tough.

You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish.'

'Will she be able to think?', asked the angel.

The Lord replied, 'Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate.' The angel then noticed something, and reaching out,

touched the woman's cheek.

'Oops, it looks like you have a leak in this model.

I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one.'

'That's not a leak,' the Lord corrected, 'that's a tear!'

'What's the tear for?' the angel asked.

The Lord said, 'The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her disappointment, her love, her loneliness, her grief and her pride.'

The angel was impressed.

'You are a genius, Lord. You thought of everything!

Woman is truly amazing.' And she is! Women have strengths that amaze men.

They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy.

They smile when they want to scream.

They sing when they want to cry.

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.

They fight for what they believe in.

They stand up to injustice.

They don't take 'no' for an answer when they believe there is a better solution.

They go without so their family can have.

They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.

They love unconditionally.

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding.

Their hear ts break when a friend dies.

They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.

They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart.

Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.

They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.

The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.

They bring joy, hope and love.

They have compassion and ideals.

They give moral support to their family and friends.

Women have vital things to say and everything to give

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE TINY FLAW IN WOMEN,

IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH

Happy Birthday Joy

So today we had a playdate to celebrate Joy's birthday! We decided on a little shopping and then some lunch. Perfect day for us moms! We met up at the Domain, which is a fabulous outdoor shopping mall. The weather was great...sunny and warm so we were able to walk around and get the kiddos outdoors. Then we headed over to California Pizza Kitchen and enjoyed a delicious lunch! A perfect outing in my book. We are going to miss you guys more than you'll ever know.

RJ just checking himself out in Macy's!

Mack & Joy

RJ & Michelle

25 Random Things...

So if you are on Facebook then you know what this is. Once you've been "tagged" you are suppose to write 25 random things about yourself that people wouldn't normally know. A friend of mine copied this over to her blog so I thought I'd do the same...

1. My favorite day of the week is Thursday
2. I don't particularly like getting up early, but if I do I like to be outside watching the world come to life.
3. I love to deer hunt, but didn't marry one so that pretty much stopped 2 1/2 years ago.
4. I cried every day when I moved away to NJ and couldn't wait to get out of there, but now that I'm gone I miss it very much (you have to love being 30 minutes out of NYC)
5. In less than a month I will be living in Atlanta, Ga. I've moved once a year the past 3 years, I'm done moving after this.
6. I'm obsessed with the mob...love mob movies, documentaries, I would drag Jarrod through NY trying to spot "mobsters"! I have no idea where this infatuation came from??
7. Not very good with directions...i've been told if I were a bird I'd fly north for the winter
8. I don't eat slimy things...mayo, oysters, I'm just getting to where I'll eat yogurt
9. Yellow is my favorite color
10. My favorite Bible verse is Jer 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
11. I'm a very black and white person...not a lot of gray area with me! My friend Cheryl gave me a magnet that said "Today's Menu...Take it or Leave It"...that pretty much sums me up!
12. Sometimes I secretly wish Bo would wake up at night just so I could go in to snuggle and rock him to sleep. I've been known to go scoop him out of bed while he's sleeping just to rock.
13. Every night before bed Jarrod and I go in and kiss Bo goodnight...no exceptions, it doesn't matter what time it is or how tired we are.
14. I can't go to sleep at night until the closet doors are closed in the bedroom.
15. I only thought I knew what indescribable love was until I had Bo.
16. I can't imagine life without Jarrod...he is my world! In some ways we are very much a like, but in others we are complete opposite. I think that is what makes us such a good match. I can understand exactly how he feels about certain things, but then other times I am completely lost and just walk away shaking my head. I'm definitely the uptight one in our family and Jarrod is very calm and patient with me. Thank goodness!
17. I hate having to "get dressed"...hair, makeup, etc...I'd much rather go around without makeup, hair in a pony tail, and comfy clothes!
18. I am a true Southern Girl...no matter where I live it will always be in my blood. Gone With the Wind will always be my favorite movie. I think I'm a nicer, not so sneaky version of Scarlett!
19. I have made some incredible friends over the past few years and as I've gotten older I've gotten much wiser about who my true friends are.
20. I love naps!!!
21. I keep a journal where I write to Bo that one day I will give to him when he is older. I started it when I was pregnant and try to write in it once a week.
22. I'm extremely stubborn, strong willed, and I speak my mind...I don't care who you are or what you are. Do not make me mad because I WILL tell you what I think. (this isn't particularly a good quality all the time), but at least I know that no one will ever walk all over me or take advantage of me.
23. I've only had one speeding ticket my whole life. Wrecks...now that's a different story!
24. I have all the patience in the world with children, but absolutely none with adults.
25. I wouldn't change a thing about my life. God has truly blessed me with wonderful friends, family, an amazing husband, and a beautiful baby boy! LIFE IS GOOD!!!