Greer Gossip

Birthday Boy!

2010-02-17T14:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Brady has turned 2! He has grown up so fast, and is the greatest blessing of our lives. We had a wonderful party for him with some friends and family last weekend. I think he really enjoyed it. He definitely wishes his Papa Rick, Double, Aunt Erica, Uncle Adam, and the rest of his cousins could have been here too. Maybe next year!

Pudding Paint!

2010-02-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to stay home with Brady today, and we had a great time playing all day!! One of my ideas was, well... you will see!!

I think Brady likes Brownie Batter!!

2010-02-01T12:29:00.000-08:00

We have had several snowy/icy days here in the south, and we have been going kinda stir crazy in the Greer house. Just thought I would show you some things we have done to keep us busy. I decided to have him help me make brownies, and I think it is his new favorite thing to do!! He was soooooooo cute!! We took advantage of the snow and made snow ice cream, an old family recipe. We also went on daddy's 4-wheeler and went sledding behind it! I have to add this cute picture of him chillin on the couch. Isn't he handsome!!

Walkin in a Winter Wonderland!!

2010-01-03T11:23:00.001-08:00

More Christmas Pictures!!

2009-12-31T13:01:00.000-08:00

Brady's new CARS Table

Brady's CARS Tent!- He LOVES this!!!

Papa Rick and Brady on Christmas Eve!

Brady and his "Dub" on Christmas Eve!

Christmas Morning

2009-12-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

Recent Pictures

2009-12-12T08:57:00.000-08:00

All little kids do this!! It is so cute!

James and I went to a Christmas party for our Body Life Group! Aren't we a cute couple!

Coincidence?? I think not!!

2009-12-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

So as most of you know, James and I have just started the process of adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia, Africa. I have a hard time believing the following story is a coincidence. How great is our God!!!

My brother, Adam sends me an email along with an attachment. I open the attachment and it is a business card of someone I had never heard of. The name is Dures Eshete. Of course, my curiosity gets the best of me and I pick up the phone to call my brother. If any of you know my brother, you can just see him telling this story. I wish it hadn't been over the phone. He is so good at telling a story. It's not even a long story, but it is just his voice inflection that is so funny!! Anyway, he begins to tell me he was at work and had just sat down to lurch with his buddy TJ.

Adam- "I have some awesome news!! My sister and brother-in-law are adopting a baby girl from Africa"
TJ- "Really" "Where at in Africa?"
Adam- "Ethiopia"
TJ- "You have got to be kidding me" "My best friend is from Ethiopia" "He lives in the states now, but his parents still live there" His name is Dures Eshete, and he loves to help out families trying to adopt from there" Let me email you his business card, and you can give it to your sister"

I was able to talk to Dures that evening over the phone. He is such a nice guy, and really has such a giving heart. I was able to get to some more info on their culture and so forth. He begins to tell me we could stay with his parents when travel to go get her. This would help out with travel expenses for sure, but what are the chances his parents live in the same city where we will be. Remember me saying how great our God is?? Yeah!!! His parents live in Addis Ababa, the capital city. Guess where our little girl will be! You guessed it!! Addis Ababa!! It is so awesome how God orchestrates our lives. We are so blessed! Thanks Dures!!

Why Ethopia?

2009-11-28T04:09:00.000-08:00

Listed below are just a few reasons we are broken for Ethiopia, and have decided to adopt from there. Please Pray for these children!

1. There are five million orphans in a country less than twice the size of Texas

2. Between 60-150 million kids live on the streets

3. Only 24% of homes have access to safe drinking water

4. Half the children will never attend school, and 88% will never attend secondary school

5.One in ten children die before their first birthday

Once our eyes are opened, we can't pretend we don't know what to do. God weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows what we know, and holds us resposible to act. Proverbs 24:12

God's Master Plan = Road Trip!!!!!

2009-11-26T06:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twmS_2kTGto&feature=player_embedded

James and I have talked off and on throughout our marriage about adoption, and have always hoped that one day we would be able to fullfill that desire. After much prayer and discussion we have decided to adopt a baby girl from Ethiopia. We ask for your prayers and support as our family goes through this journey. Pray God will give us wisdom, guidance, patience(mainly for me) and the necessary "means" to complete the adoption process. Hopefully, we will be the couple in the video in the coming year. Follow us on our journey through this blog!! More to come!!!!!

"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this, to look after orphans in their distress" James 1:27

"A Father to the Fatherless, God makes a home for the lonely" Psalm 68:6

James' New Toy

2009-11-16T15:55:00.001-08:00

Sooooo.....James got a new toy that covers the next 46 Christmas' and 45 Birthdays. For those Vintage....it's a 1985 Honda Odyssey FL350. Yes it's 23 years old, but it's a heck of a lot of fun as you can see by the two videos. The first would be my BFF Paul hanging off the back and Father-in-law at the helm....testing out the roll cage. It appeared to be a much better idea before we did it. The second would be(yes Paul again) hanging off the back with me at the helm. Again...it appeared to be a great idea before we tried it. Enjoy.

Spiderman Spiderman!!!

2009-11-01T15:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent pictures of the "Little Man" as his Papa Rick calls him!!! Brady really enjoyed Trunk or treat at the church last night, and had an even better time eating all the suckers his mommy would let him have. The last picture is of Brady helping mommy wash the potatoes for potatoe soup.. Yum Yum.. It turned out great mom!! Thanks for your recipe!!

A Day at the Punpkin Patch

2009-10-11T19:27:00.000-07:00

Brady came down with pink eye on Friday, and didn't feel well most of the weekend. He was teething too, which didn't make things any better. We had plans to go the pumpkin patch on Saturday, but we postponed it till Sunday afternoon. We had hopes Brady would be feeling better after 24 hours of antibiotics. His eye was better, but he was still very cranky, mostly due to his teeth. Poor Baby didn't want to have anything to do with the pumpkins. We went with our good friends, and Annie took some great pics. Thanks girl!!!

Thanks for my new digs Double!!

2009-09-27T11:37:00.006-07:00

We went to Brady's cousin, Jacks 4Th birthday party yesterday, and had a really nice time. I put Brady in an outfit that his Double got for him several months ago. It has been way to warm to wear, but it has a dinosaur on it, and that is what Jack is really in to these days. He looked so cute... I know I am partial, because he is my son, but he is just so stinkin cute. Thanks Dubs!!!!

SUPRISE!!!

2009-09-09T16:20:00.000-07:00

What an incredible weekend!! James had told me for the past couple of weeks not to make plans on Labor Day weekend. I was not to make plans on Thurs. night either. When we got home from work on Thursday, James told me to change, because he was gonna take me out for dinner. In the mean time, he said he was gonna go over to the neighbors and talk to them about their dog digging a hole onto our side of the fence. 5 min later, he comes running into the bedroom telling me it's not their dog, but a wild coyote, and this "coyote" was in the back yard right now. Of course, I am like "whatever" and I proceed to go open the door to the patio out back. Suprise!!!! No coyote, but it was my daddy sitting there waiting to suprise me!! My mom couldn't come due to work, and that was sad. I missed seeing you, mom!!! It is so hard to be away from my family, and I know that it always will be. I keep thinking that I will get use to it, but, I know I never will. I feel like I miss out on so much. So, you have to know, a gift like family coming to visit is like none other. Well, except for jewelry of course. :) Dad and I ran in a 10K on Monday called, "Run for a Child" It was really a nice route, and a lot of fun. We took him to a new church we have been visiting for the past few weeks, and other than that, we did a whole lot of nothing. Not quite true I guess, because we ate A LOT, napped, visited, and ate some more. Brady really took to his PaPa, and they had a really nice time together too. Here are some pics of the weekend. Thanks dad, it was awesome!!!

New Pics of our Little Baby Boy!!

2009-08-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody!! Just thought I would put some new pics of Brady up for the fam to see. We just got home from Fort Smith today from Cindy's (James mom) birthday party. We went down Friday night and stayed at Jay, Lori, and Jacks house (brother, sister-inlaw, and nephew). It was a really nice time. Brady's new thing is to see UH OH! HE says it all the time. Usually in the right context too. The boy loves anything with four wheels, and as you can see by the picture, he will be driving a big truck the day he turns 16, and probably a four wheeler way before that!

A Dancing Machine!

2009-08-08T07:12:00.000-07:00

So Brady has discovered early 90's dance music and has his Dad's talent of cutting some serious rug (even if he's the only one dancing).

Summer Time with Double and Papa!!

2009-07-20T06:47:00.000-07:00

My mom and dad came to visit for an entire week, and we had a wonderful time. Brady had changed so much since they had seen him last, and they got to experience his new little personality first hand. He is dancing now, saying a few words, and giving really wet kisses. You have to be sure to keep your mouth closed, because he hasn't quite figured out that you don't give kisses with opened lips. Dad, James, and I were able to go golfing, and mom and I were able to do a lot of shopping. Mom helped me put window boxes up on the house, and they look awesome. Thanks mom. She has a real talent when it comes to gardening, and she has really gotten me interested in it too. At the end of the week we went to Branson for a few days. We stayed in a nice condo and had a really nice time. We were able to see the Titanic museum too. It is actually really interesting. Anyway, here are just a few photos from the week. Brady practicing to eat with a spoon! Messy!!! Brady looking out to see Dad and Papa mowing! Papa and Brady looking out the condo window at the golf course. Double, Papa, and Brady posing for a picture.

Birthday Party For My Hubby

2009-07-05T06:47:00.000-07:00

So I had been planning on throwing a suprise birthday party for my wonderful husband. I told him I was going to have a Fourth of July party, and just invite his family from Fort Smith. Then I was going to invite a whole lot of other people that were going to show up. Things didn't work out as I had invisioned, but it was still a lot of fun.

Failure Number 1- Most of the people I invited couldn't come( it is a big travel weekend)

Failure Number 2- How wasI gonna make the cake he requested for his birthday on the 6th, and be baking it on the 3rd???

Failure Number 3- Because of number 1 and 2, I told him it was a party for him

Failure Number 4- James wakes up on the morning of his "party" with a fever

Failure Number 5-Had to call everyone and tell them he was running a fever, and it was up to them if they still wanted to come.

Failure Number 6- Not everyone that actually could have come came, because of number 3 & 4(don't blame you one bit)

James family ended up coming except for his grandmother, Honey. (We wish you could have made it) Paul, Annie, Ethan and Courtney came too. Thank goodness, because there was a lot of food. James put on his game face, and joined the party. He felt terrible, but he even came out and played a few games of corn hole. James brother brought a ton of fireworks, and the boys set those off when it got dark. There were several other houses in the subdivision setting them off too, so we were able to enjoy a really nice display. The weather was perfect.

Cheesecake, I hope you enjoyed your party, and I am so sorry you were sick. I wanted to do this for you, because I love you so much, and really appreciate you. You are an amazing Father and Husband. It is hard to come up with ways to show you my thanks, and I thought this might be a good way. I hope that you understand how much you mean to me. I love you!!!

CASTING CROWNS CONCERT

2009-06-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

The Shoe in an inside
JokeforPaul!!!

James and I went to the Casting Crowns concert last night with our good friends Paul and Annie. The band was awesome. I really love how their concerts are 2 1/2 hours of Praise and Worship. It is so easy to see that it isn't about the money for them. They just want to spread the word through their gifts and talents they have been blessed with. If you evr have a chance to go to one of their concerts.... GO!

Anyway, I want to share something really quickly. I have come to realize something about prayer I always knew, but never really experienced till I made it (prayer) a priority in my life. I could tell you 10 things right off the top of my head, but I am going to share just one with you now. When James and I first moved here, I loved the area, but it just didn't feel like home. I love my husband dearly, but women need deep friendships with other women. I was, for lack of a better word, Lonely. We had been attending our new church for awhile, and I just hadn't connected with anyone. I began to pray for a friend to come my way. I am not all that out going, and friends usually have to be dropped in my lap. I prayed for this to happen. Well, wouldn't you know!!! That prayer was answered in a big way!!! I got an email from a couple in our connection group that I had seen several weeks, but of course had never met. The email went something like this...

Shanna, I thought you and James might want to go to dinner sometime with us. I am not sure why I want to hang out with you guys, but it might be fun! Let me know.

-Annie (that is so Annie)

This was in November, and now I would say she is my closest and deepest friend, besides my husband of course. I love ya girl!! Thanks for seeking me out!! What makes God so awesome is, he not only brought me a friend, he brought James one too. Annie's husband, Paul and James are great friends now, and they have a lot of similar interests. God doesn't just answer prayer, he invests his love for us in it too. Anyway, just wanted to share that, and give all the glory to God for giving James and I such great friends.

Quick video for the Grandparents!!

2009-06-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

One of the BEST weekends I have had in awhile!!!

2009-06-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

I am so happy and so sad at the same time. One of my best friends(who happens to also be my cousin) came to visit last weekend. We had a lot of fun visiting, shopping, taking the kids to the pool, and eating a whole pan of chocolate carmel bars! I feel sick just thinking about it. She has a little boy too, and he is just 2 months younger than Brady. Silas and Brady had a lot of fun playing together. They also had issues sharing, which you will see if you watch the video. (Don't forget to pause music by scrolling down to the bottom) Spending the long weekend together was awesome, but it made me sad too. We don't get to hang out but a few times a year, and it makes me home sick. We talk on the phone once a week or so, and keep in touch that way. Love ya Kell!!! Glad you got to come!

Small Steps!!!

2009-05-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Brady took his first steps on Mothers Day! He would still rather crawl, but he is getting the hang of it day by day. Here is a cute video of him. Mommy and Daddy are so very proud!!! We love you Bubba!!

There is more than corn in Indiana!!!

2009-05-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago Brady and I flew home to Indiana again. I run the Indianapolis Mini Marathon (13.1 miles) every year in May with my dad, and it was that time again. James had a week long business trip and was unable to go. I give all the glory to God that I was able to make a PR this time around. I shaved about 16 min. off my time. I was really happy to finish under 2 hours, which was my goal. My cousin, Casey also ran this year. This was a first for her and I am so proud of her. She and her husband live downtown Indy,and we were able to stay with them the night before.

This trip was really nice. We were there about 9 days total, and had a great time visiting family and friends. Above are a few pics of the trip, and a view of my flower bed for my mom to see. She has a major green thumb, and I hope to get a stamp of approval from her. I need a few pointers I am sure.... By the way, Brady started taking steps all by himself this week too. He still prefers to crawl, but he is getting much more confident. I will try to get a video up soon.

Stormy Skies and Brady's Swing!!!

2009-04-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

There was a really bad storm the other night, and it produced the most beautiful sunset. The picture doesn't do it justice, but I thought I would share it anyway. Brady loved the swing at the park the other day so much that we had to get him one. View the video of him laughing... He had so much fun!!! (Don't forget to pause the music, so you can hear him laughing!!!!

Let us not forget what Easter really is, and how we should be witnessing to all the unbelievers we come across daily!!!!

Brady's First Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-05T11:50:00.001-07:00

Our Connection Group at church had a Easter Egg Hunt for the kids yesterday at J. B. Hunt Park. They had a a lot of fun, and Brady got to find eggs for the very first time. He was only six weeks old last year, and was not quite big enough. Yesterday was his first time on a swing at the park too. He loved it!!!!!!!!!! Forget the candy, and buy the boy a swing set! Brady and his best friend, Courtney always have a lot of fun together, and I added a picture of them together too.

Cute Pics of Brady's Hair

2009-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

I took these this morning after I put some gel in Brady's hair. He looks so handsome!!!

A trip to Texas

2009-03-22T18:27:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a trip to visit a buddy of James' from High School. They were such a sweet family, and Brady met another little girl that he took a liking to. Courtney is still his girl, but if Sailor lived closer that could cause a problem. The weather didn't turn out as we had hoped, but we had a wonderful time anyway. The boys went golfing and Tara took me to an awesome outdoor mall that makes the Promenade look like a postage stamp. I am kinda a sissy when it comes to the cold and golf. I love to golf, but only when it is 70 degrees or higher. Brady got his first hair cut over that weekend also. He looks soooooo cute, and is really starting to look like a little boy. My baby is growing up so fast. I will post those pics soon. In the mean time, I have a few other pictures to share from the weekend. Thanks Mark, Tara, and Sailor!! We had a wonderful time! If you are wondering about the picture of the fridge..... I searched high and low for this little yellow ball of Brady's that he loves to push around on the floor. I never could find it, and if anybody knows me at all, they know it would drive me crazy to have a toy somewhere in the house and me not know where it is. I am a little OCD, and I know it. I finally decided to take a break from my search, and have a diet coke. Guess what I found!!! Why do kids love to play in the fridge???? So cute...

Brady's First Plane Trip

2009-03-10T06:05:00.000-07:00

James surprised me with a trip home to Indiana for my birthday. Thanks cheesecake!!(don't ask where he got that nickname, because there isn't a story for it) Brady obviously came with me, because there was no way I was going to be without him for a week. The flight there was great! He was a perfect angel, and was making everyone around us laugh. They would tell me how cute he was and what a wonderful, well behaved boy he was. They trip back to AR was a different story. He was sooooooooooo tired, and he cried the ENTIRE flight. All you mommy's and daddy's no the feeling right?? Normally you can get up and walk out of the room or stand up with them or something!!! The flight attendant wouldn't even let me stand up with him.. I was just so glad when we landed, along with about 20 other people. The visit was a lot of fun, and I got to see my grandma Ruth! She is in declining health and I am so glad I got to spend some time with her. Brady got to play with is three cousins, and they had a blast too. Brady misses you guys!! I also saw one of my best friends who also happens to be my cousin. Kelly has a little boy just 2 months younger than Brady. We spent one whole day together talking, shopping and eating.(what girls do best) Brady and Silas got to take a bath together, and they had so much fun splashing around. Can't wait to see everyone again in May for the Mini Marathon!! Ran 9 on Monday Dad..

More Backpacking Pictures

2009-03-01T17:26:00.001-08:00

Well, here's a few more pictures from the trip. Action photo, Pre-trip in front of the herd of Elk, the first night out, the cold (I mean COLD) water crossing...one of 3 times, and our goat path several hundred feet up. Can you say Awkward?!?!?!?

Backpacking Trip

2009-02-28T16:57:00.001-08:00

Well, it was short-lived due to the Arkansas weather, but what a great time! However, I would caution anyone that wants to do the trail....don't cross the river multiple times during a snowstorm. It's cold. The first few photos are of the waterfall. The 4th and 5th photos are from the "goat path"....oh yeah....the 4th photo was taken looking straight down!

Brady's Turns 1

2009-02-13T05:34:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was Brady's first birthday. I can't believe it has been a year already. It really is sad how fast they grow up. He is the most precious little guy and his smile is infectious. My parents and niece flew in on Friday and flew back on Monday. It was a quick trip for them, but it was a lot of fun. The video below is of Halle, my niece. We had a Steelers themed party(of course) with friends and family. Brady had no clue it was for him, but it was fun anyway. Here are a few pictures of the weekend!! Brady got a new Radio Flyer wagon from his Mommy and Daddy, and he and Courtney were taking it for the very first spin.

A trip to Locomotion

2009-02-08T10:03:00.000-08:00

Upon Double and Papas Request!!!

2009-01-28T12:00:00.000-08:00

Another Video of Brady crawling and also pulling up on his new CAT Truck!!
Love ya Dubs!! Love ya Papa!! Can't wait to see you a week from Friday!!

Brady on the Move!!!

2009-01-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

Brady FINALLY started crawling this week!!! What an awesome experience. James and I were both there to see it too. He is so funny!! He doesn't do it all the time, but when he really wants something, he goes after it. I know, I know everybody probably thinks he only owns one shirt, but the big game is on this afternoon, and we have to support our team. It just seems like I get the camera out on Sundays!! Anyway, pause the music and see this little guy take off after the entertainment center!

Brady's First Christmas!!

2008-12-30T10:04:00.000-08:00

Christmas was a lot of fun this year. James and I really enjoyed starting new traditions with our little man. He really didn't know what was going on, but it was fun anyway. We left Santa some milk and cookies, and in the morning there was a note for Brady from Santa next to the empty plate. This will be a tradition too. It will be neat to look back at the letters years from now. James and I have done something similar to this ever since we were married too. We have gotten eachother christmas cards, and wrote a few things in them that happened in the year. We put them in our stockings, and that is where they stay. I love to decorate for christmas especially when I pull out the stockings and look over the cards from years past. Anyway, here are a few pics from Christmas, and Brady eating some brownie batter. I know I know.. I am a bad mom. He shouldn't have all that sugar... Oh well!!

Christmas Party Photos

2008-12-15T16:29:00.000-08:00

Well, here's some pictures from Shanna's work Christmas Party at the John Q. Hammons Center on Saturday Night and from our wonderful Church group on Sunday night. I know, I know....those wild and crazy Greer's...out two nights on a single weekend! That's how we roll!!!!

Brady learning the meaning and seeing the light!!!

2008-12-15T16:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Dance- Turn off music at the bottom of the page first!

2008-12-06T08:59:00.001-08:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thanksgiving and Christmas with my Folks!!!

2008-12-04T05:32:00.000-08:00

My mom and dad were able to come here for Thanksgiving, and we had a great time. The Pursleys came as well as James parents and grandmother. It was my first time ever making the Turkey, and I think it turned out pretty good. It was so nice to have a house full of people!!!! We won't be going to Indiana this year for Christmas, so we went ahead and celebrated with Bradys Double and Papa while they were here!!! Brady had no clue he was opening up presents, but it was cute anyway!! I love you mom and dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had a wonderful time, and I miss you already.. p.s. I know a lot of my post tend to show us in Steeler jerseys, but what can I say?? We are a Steeler Family!!!!!!!!

Brady's first time sitting on Santa's lap!!!

2008-11-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Okay, This was an experience. Brady was scared to death of the most real looking Santa I have ever seen. He was a sweet old man, and was really good with Brady. We finally got this picture on the third attempt. No smile, but we will take it!!!!

A quick shout out to say Flava Flave!

2008-11-16T13:03:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I better clarify these pictures. I had nothing to do with these pictures. This was all Shanna's doings. I was innocent. YYEEEAAHHHH!!!!!WWWHHATTTTT?????? OOOOKKKAAAAYYY!!!!!

Our little Steeler Clan!!

2008-11-10T11:21:00.000-08:00

Obviously, we love the Steelers!! James and I have had the tradition since we got married to put on our steeler garb, go to Buffalo Wild Wings, and watch the game on the huge jumbotron screens. I can only think of a hand full of times that we haven't gone. If the games is on t.v. at home, then we will stay till at least half time, and then finish it up at home. We met a friend there last night, and she was gracious enough to take our picture. Unfortunately, the Colts beat us, but we still had a good time!!

This Time Change Is For The Birds!!

2008-11-10T11:18:00.001-08:00

Enjoying Fall!

2008-11-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Brady, Buddy and I enjoyed being outside part of the day yesterday, and he wasn' t to sure about the dried up grass. It has been beautiful here, and it is so nice to show Brady Gods Creation!!!

Halloween Day! (OUR LITTLE MONKEY)

2008-11-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

Friday morning Brady's Nana(James mom) came to visit and go with us to the Parade they held at his daycare. I didn't have to work, but I thought it would be nice to show his teachers his costume. I also got to take him to James work in the evening all dressed up. He was so cute!!!

Halloween week at Daycare!!

2008-11-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Brady didn't go to daycare everyday of the week, but these are the days he did go!! I thought it was really kinda nice that they do this even as little as he is!!

Tue-Wacky hair day!!

Wed- Miss match day!!(Steelers jersey, camo pants,strips socksand a Razorback hat)

Thurs-Crazy shoe and sock day!!

If he isn't going to crawl then....

2008-10-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to pause or mute the music!!

New pics of Brady!

2008-10-21T07:23:00.001-07:00

Razorback Country

2008-10-08T18:13:00.000-07:00

Recent Pics!

2008-10-07T06:06:00.001-07:00

2008-10-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

I have been tagged!!!

1. I can't stand dishes in the sink ever, but I definantely will not go to bed unless the sink is completely empty.(even a single spoon would keep me up all night)

2. I am a huge morning person. I enjoy getting up between 4:30-5:00 a.m. to run(I know I am crazy)

3. My favorite movie is Back to the Future.

4. I love to try new recipes that I find online.

5. I believe popcorn is one of the 5 food groups.(I sometimes even eat it for breakfast)

6. I like the smell of pigs.(My uncle has a farm, and I have always loved that smell)

7. When I go golfing with James, I get more excited about my matching outfit(down to the tees I use) than if I play well!

I tag sherry and kelly

The Worst Vacation Ever!!!!

2008-10-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

Okay, I never thought I would say this, but I had a terrible trip back home to Indiana. Actually, James and I both did. Brady had a good time though(thank goodness) So, it started out like a typical drive last Thursday night. We left after work and we drove till about 6:30, and decided to stop for some supper, and let Brady get out of his car seat for awhile. We had some IHOP, and we were on our way. We drove till around 11:00, and Brady started to get cranky. We normally drive straight through, but we decided to get a hotel room and crash for the night and drive the rest of the way in the morning. We got to bed around 12:00, and Brady decided he did not want us to sleep. He would not quit crying. He was very loud, and we knew we were keeping the whole hotel from sleeping too. James said, "If he doesn't stop soon, we are going to have to get back in the car and keep going...we are going to have a lot of people complaining soon." So, guess what we did...Yep, we packed back up. Now by this time I am starting to get a sour stomach. James went and got the car and I waited for him in the lobby. The nice desk guy was standing there as I suddenly became very ill. I didn't know what else to do but hand Brady to the guy(poor guy) and run back to the room. I got sick and sick again. So, for the next 5 hours in the car, we stopped at least every 15 min to use the restroom, and every other exit, James had to pull over on the Interstate for me to throw up. Nice Huh!!! This drive should have taken 9 hrs, but it took at least 15 plus.. One of the stops, as I was hunched over out of the car, we got a nice visit from a policeman...He probably thought I had been drinking, but he was very nice, and didn't make be walk a line or anything. We thought I had food poisioning, and we still don't know what it was. I am not the only one that had a nice trip... Yes, 1 day later, James had the same thing happen to him. He got very dehydrated and I had to take him to the hospital. They gave him 9 bags of fluid, and they admitted him. He had to stay over night for observation too. They thought he might have appendicitis, but 3 CT scans later, that proved to be wrong, and he got to go home the next afternoon. All the while, I am still sick. We were sick the whole trip except for the day we had to drive home. Brady had a great time though, and I am so glad he didn't get it. What ever it was!!!

Isn't he adorable!

2008-09-12T08:31:00.000-07:00

Just a few new pics of our favorite little guy. We love you bubba!

This child does not belong to me!

2008-09-12T08:13:00.000-07:00

Okay, If anybody knows me at all, they know I would never dress my baby like this. Unfortunately, I took Brady to Daycare in this shirt and a pair of jeans and boots. He looked so cute, and he was living up to the little stylish comedian my sisiter-in-law said we would have. Brady decided to have a leak through his diaper, his onesie and his new jeans. I obviously didn't have anything else in his diaper bag for them to put on him, and this is what he wore all day, and what he came home in. Imagine the look on my face when I saw what he had on. Needless to say, I will always have a complete matching outfit in his diaper bag at all times. To my defense, there was a shirt in there to go with the pants, but it didn't fit him anymore. He is growing out of everything so fast.

Our Baby is Growing up!

2008-09-07T15:07:00.000-07:00

Brady has started to sit up on his own now without assistance, and has started to really grab at things that are placed in front of him. His Papa and Double were here over Labor Day weekend and we had a wonderful time. They couldn't get enough of him and passed him back and forth from eachother the whole time they were here. I don't blame them one bit. They unfortunately don't get to see him often. Anyway, here are a few recent pics over our growing Baby!!!

I Love my stuffed LION!

2008-08-21T17:22:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to pause the music! Brady is getting such a little personality!!!! He is such a blessing, and we are so thankful for him!!!

Baby Brady Loves The Pool!

2008-07-27T16:14:00.000-07:00

Pause the music above the list of songs to hear Brady splash and giggle!

Some Recent Pics!

2008-07-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Brady had his first experience in a pool yesterday afternoon. I really think he would have liked it, but we were unable to stay very long. We went at the hottest time of day, and we thought it was to much for his little skin as he can't have skinscreen yet. We got in long enough to take a few pics, let him kick aound once or twice, get soaking wet and got out. No joke, probably less than 2 min.

Brady is getting better at the baby food thing, but not any cleaner. What a mess!!!! I just strip him down to the diaper, and go for it. We tried a high chair for the first time tonight instead of the papasan chair. It seemed better, but it makes him tired trying to hold himself in a upright position, as he has not learned to sit up on his own yet. We just pack towels around him and that seemed to help. Can we say, "learning experience" I love every little stage of Brady's life. It can be sooooo funny.

James Birthday Weekend!

2008-07-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful weekend. James turned 35 today, and we have celebrated the Fourth of July as well as his birthday since Friday. We drove down to Fort Smith on Friday and played a round of golf with his dad. We had a great time, but it was very hot!!! We had a tee time of 12:30 so the heat was our fault. After golf, James mom, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew met us at his favorite pizza place from back home, Pizza Parlour. We went back to his parents house for a little cookie cake, and then headed home to catch some fireworks. We are fortunate to live close to Pinnacle Golf Course where the LPGA is played every year, and they shot off fireworks. The only thing we had to do is step outside our back door. They were very nice. We went over and visited with our neighbors after the display, and sat around their fire pit for awhile. They are very nice people and we were able to get to know them a little better.

Today, James picked his birthday lunch restaurant, and we went to P.F. Changs China Bistro. I am not a real fan of chinese, but it wasn't bad. James Loved it. We walked around the Promenade for awhile, grabbed a couple frappacinnos, and headed home to relax. It has been nice, but all good things come to an end. Back to work tomorrow!

Check me out Papa! I'm a STEELERS FAN!!!

2008-06-28T15:26:00.000-07:00

James told me I should be ashamed playing dress up with Brady, but I couldn't resist trying this little romper on him. I was truthfully afraid once football season roles around he wouldn't fit into it. Oh! By the way two big things in Brady's life occured this week. One thing he has been working on for quite sometime now, but he finally did it all the way. He rolled over from back to front!!!! Next, we started cereal this week. This is still a work in progress. He did not like it at first, but he has sort of gotten the hang of it now. This is a very messy stage!!!

3 yrs. fly by so Fast!

2008-06-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

This is a picture taken of us on Wed. for our 3rd. anniversary. We had James aunt and uncle take care of Brady for a couple hours, so that we could go out and celebrate. We went to Crabbys and had a wonderful time. We hadn't been there before and wanted to try it out. It was the single best restaurant I have ever been too. The food is to die for!!!!! I am married to the sweetest, most amazing man and I am so thankful for him. He is an incredible father and still has a way to make me laugh everyday. I am so blessed and thankful for the man God has provided me!

Just a couple pics!

2008-06-20T18:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry it has been so long since the last post. Life has been rather busy!! These pictures were taken today. Brady on his playmat and then Daddy,Brady, and Buddy hanging out watching t.v.

Our 3rd Anniversary is this Wed. I can't believe it has been 3 yrs. already. We are planning to go to dinner that night, then a weekend soon we will grab a round of golf!!! The weather has been really nice here and I am really enjoying the mild mornings to run. We had been having a lot of stormy mornings and it was forcing me to use the treadmill. Yuck!!! Brady had his 4 mo. checkup today, and he is taller than 90% of all other boys his age. He is going to be our little basketball player. He is so much fun!!! We love you Bubba!!!

Home Sweet Home!!!!

2008-06-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Wow! We had an amazing time back home in the Hoosier State! Brady got to meet all of his great-grandparents for the first time, which was truly a blessing. He was also able to meet all our friends and other family as well. James, Adam, and my dad played a lot of golf, and I was able to get a round in myself. I pretty much played the best I ever have, and even out drove my dad once!!(Obviously, I hit from the ladies tee) Sorry dad, I just couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk a little smack.

We were also able to meet my cousin, Kelly's new baby, and his is one cute kid. We spent one whole day shopping with the babies, and enjoyed swapping baby stories and advice. Love ya Kell!! Most of the friends we hung out with have had their first babies all within about 2 months of each other or they are about to deliver any day now.(Hang in there Sherry!)

Brady did really good on the drive too! It was long for him, but he did a great job. We stopped a lot more, and went in for sit down meals, basically so he could be out of his car seat for awhile. Great job bubba, we are so proud of you.

Our neice and nephew, Halle and Brock were a lot of fun too. They change so much, and are such sweet kids. We are waiting for the arrival of a new little one in late Aug. and I can't wait to meet her... I am predicting it is a girl (we will see) There is a lot more about our trip, but this will have to do for now!!!!

5 Days and Counting!!!!!

2008-05-18T13:18:00.000-07:00

5 more days before we head home!(shanna's parents) I am so excited. There is so many family and friends that haven't seen Brady yet, and he is already 3.5 mo. old!!! This is why living so far away is so hard. Truthfully there is no better way to explain it other than to say, it pretty much stinks. We are leaving Friday after work, and coming back the following Sat. This will be the longest I have been home since we got married. I can hardly wait!!!!!!! We plan on visiting a lot, playing golf, and shopping!!! The 10 hour drive will be interestng with the little guy, but he will be okay. I will post more with pictures when we get back. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day!

FBCS BABY DEDICATION

2008-05-11T12:25:00.000-07:00

This has been such a wonderful Mothers Day. Brady was dedicated today at church with several other babies, and it was amazing. He looked so handsome all decked out in his Sunday best. They had a nice little reception afterward where we were able to have a family portrait taken too. Here are several pictures from today as well as some others from a little while ago.

Sunday Afternoon Naps Are Essential!

2008-05-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

Mommy loves Sunday afternoon naps just about as much as Brady does! Who wouldn't enjoy this little guy snuggling with you. It is the GREATEST!!!

Okay...so this is from the REAL beginning...

2008-05-03T17:50:00.000-07:00

Just Friends! Yeah, RIGHT!!!

From the beginning..

2008-05-03T17:29:00.000-07:00

This is my first week, in my sunbed, with my Mama, my Nana and one of my Papa's (more pictures to come)...

A Day At The Lake!!!

2008-05-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

James aunt and uncle have a cabin out on Beaver lake, and we decided to take Brady on his first trip out there. The pictures have Cecil(uncle)Judy(aunt)Angie(cousin)and last but not least Katie(2nd cousin) in them just in case you are wondering. We had a really nice, relaxing time. It is beautiful and just so quiet there right now. It was a little chilly to be out on the water just yet, so we didn't hear a lot of boats etc. It is amazing how the deer come so close to the cabin. Everyone that lives up there feed the deer, so there can be up to 30 or so at a time right up next to there back door. Brady will love it when he is a little older. He just turned 12 weeks yesterday, and he now weighs 11lbs 6 oz. He is getting so big and changing so much. I know what everyone means when they say that they grow up so fast. He is such a blessing to our lives!!!!

Just a quick snap shot!

2008-05-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Me and my Mommy!!

2008-04-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

Have I ever told you how much I LOVE Thursdays and Fridays? I have those two days off since I am fortunate enough to be able to work part time. I would love to be a stay at home mom, but it could be worse. Thursday mornings we go have coffee with some other moms from church, and then run errands till lunch time when we sometimes meet up with the girls again to grab a quick bite to eat. In the afternoon I get some house work done and play with Brady a lot! Today my in-laws came up from Fort Smith to take us out to lunch, and James got to meet us too, which was really nice. Brady is very blessed to have wonderful grandparents on both sides of the family!! Double and Papa ask about him practically everyday over the phone, and John and Cindy would probably drive up here everyday if it wouldn't eat up there savings in gas money! ($5 a gallon by the end of summer! Yuck!!!) Anyway, Brady and I have more mommy and me time to get to, so gotta go!

Shanna

Boo Hoo!

2008-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day back to work from maternity leave, and let me tell you this is the hardest thing I think I have ever had to do. I started cying Sunday and pretty much didn't stop till..well sometime yesterday mid morning then it all started over this morning. I have to drop him off tomorrow, so that is going to be 10 times worse. I hope this gets a little easier soon, but I don't see it happening any time soon. Anyway, Brady continues to grow and change everyday, and has really started cooing a whole lot more. It is so cute!!! Here is a quick picture we took of ourselves last night on the porch!

Shanna

Please continue to pray for both of us b/c this day care situation is hard on James too!

Say Cheese!

2008-04-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

James took this picture this morning. He is usually very smily after his morning bottle, but he gave us this big smile after we reminded him of our up and coming trip to Indiana!!!!! We miss ya'all!!! How do you like my new southern slang?

shanna

He is soooo Cute!!

2008-04-18T15:02:00.001-07:00

More Pictures

2008-04-16T18:35:00.001-07:00

I added more pictures just because I could!

Our New Little Addition!!!

2008-04-16T17:07:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! We decided to start a new blog after Brady (Little Richard) arrived. This blogging thing is really hard for me to keep up on, but I will try. Living far away from family and friends is really hard, but this way everyone can see him grow by the posts we write. Brady is 10 wks old this Friday, and we have just started to see his little personality come through. Being a mother is truly a gift. I have loved every minute of it. James is an amazing father, and he is enjoying it too. Arkansas is a really nice place to live, and we have begun to meet a lot of friends through church. Please pray for me as I go back to work on Mon. Maternity leave went way to fast, and I don't want to go back. It is going to be really hard so please pray for strength. Gotta go, Brady is waking up from a nap!

Shanna