Crepe Master

In Atlanta, Stephen and I had 2 crepe myrtle trees at the end of our driveway. Stephen did such a great job pruning and taking care of them. They always looked so pretty when they bloomed (and NO you DO NOT just chop crepe myrtles down to the short stubs - that is also known as crepe murder). I had hoped that when we moved to Valdosta we would have at least 1 in our yard. Careful what you wish for because now we have 5 crepe myrtles! These are also not the nice little 8 feet tall ones we had in Atlanta either. These boys are over 14 feet tall. Stephen spent the weekend getting them in shape. They really look so good and I can't wait to see them when they bloom.

Stephen made me very nervous standing at the top of this ladder!
Look at the growing trash pile! Yes, I did help drag the branches over to the pile.

I was trying to capture the front of our house with the 2 crepe myrtles on each side (the others are on the side of the house and 1 is in the back yard), but I obviously did a horrible job. The weather was really nasty today, so I didn't really spend much time perfecting my shot.

Another Good Report!

Just a quick note to let you know that Stephen and I went to the dr. this morning. We got to hear the heartbeat again and it was around 155 bpm. Ah! Praise God! That is the most wonderful sound! We will be going on Feb. 11th to have our very first ultrasound (we will get to find out what we are having!). They also check for Down Syndrome and neural tube disorders so please pray for our precious child. Thank you to everyone who has continually been checking in on us and praying for us! We feel so blessed!

A Small Visitor

A few weeks ago, a bird flew into our open back door. Hendrix went CRAZY. I should have taken some pictures of him freaking out. I also wish I had some pictures of Stephen and me trying to get the little thing out of the house. He ended up in our bedroom, kitchen, dining room, and finally we were able to get him out the front door. We had to end up locking Hendrix in the bathroom to prevent a tragedy from happening.

Nothing much going on around here. We have gotten some more news of babies on the way. Congrats to our friends Blake and Marty in B'ham (due in late July) and our friends Kathryn and Hansel here in Valdosta (due in August).

Christmas

I was really bad about taking pictures over Christmas! Stephen and I went to West Point Tuesday-Saturday. We had a great time! We are taking is easy here in Valdosta for New Year's.

Santa Claus stopped by the Brown's House! Jack was excited about his new game table.

Mary Beth got a new vanity. Everything she got was pink...her favorite!

Thanksgiving...a little late!

Jack and Mary Beth made ginger bread houses one night.

Jake relaxing after a big Thanksgiving meal.

I actually broke out my fine china for the event. This was the very first time I have used it! Now that it is out and washed, I plan on using it much more!

My family, Stephen's parents, grandmother and aunt were all able to make it. Thank goodness everyone else did most of the cooking. All I had to do was clean my house and bake mac n cheese!

Amazing Sound

I have been really bad about posting lately...sorry! It probably isn't going to get any better over the holidays either. I did have some exciting news to share. On Wednesday, Stephen and I got to hear the baby's heartbeat for the first time. Around these parts, no ultrasound is done until 18 weeks. This is about to kill me as Katrina and Ashley have had about 2 ultrasounds already. Everything sounded normal (160 beats per min). I guess any of you parents out there know how thrilling any sign of your child can be. Stephen and I both said later that day that we wanted to hear it again!

On another note, it has been about 80 degrees here all week. I know all of you who are currently covered with snow are sneering right now, but it is way too hot for December. I mean come on... I would at least like to wear a sweater or something. I had to go and break out my flip flops again, which I probably shouldn't have done considering I haven't had a pedicure since September.

We are headed to West Point on Tuesday for Christmas. I hope everyone has a very happy holiday. Best Wishes for 2009!!

Cat is out of the bag!!!

The word has spread and many have asked me when I will post... Stephen and I are expecting!
We are due in July and are very excited. Hendrix is not so excited. I wish I could take credit for this adorable shirt that he is wearing, but it actually belongs to Hendrix's brother Jake (who is Brad and Katrina's dog). Yep, that's right. Brad and Katrina are expecting too and due on the same day! CRAZY! This all came out at Thanksgiving, so needless to say we had a lot to be thankful for. I have more pictures of the events of the holiday and will try to get them posted soon.