Little Indian

A few iPhone pictures from Jones' school program last week. I'll post from my camera soon! 

He practiced his songs for weeks - he is still singing them! 

Love this sweet Indian and love his school so much. I love his awesome teachers, sweet friends and great memories. I struggled with sending him at all when I started staying home, but I know we made the best decision for everyone by keeping him in preschool half a day. He loves going and is learning so much. 

Thankful, thankful! 

Miles and friends

I am training for my first 1/2 marathon with four hilarious, equally insane friends. 

Since we all live hours apart from each other, we can't run together.  We needed a way to keep each other accountable. 

Enter the brilliant idea of virtual training - in the form of post-run selfies sent to the group. 

Some are so golden that I briefly thought about breaking the friend-selfie-code-of-rules and leaking them on my blog, but that's much too risky with my selfies floating around. 

Some selfies have included wine (screw running!) and milkshakes (protein!) and each selfie makes me more excited about our girls trip/running debut. 

As I was running this morning, I thought about these hilarious friends and I thanked God for putting people in my life that are easy. They don't take life too seriously. They laugh at themselves. And make fun of each other. And keep me grounded. 

I am thankful for time with a different, non-training friend yesterday that was simple and real.  

I love no-fuss people. 

I'm thankful for such a wide group of friends from all points in my life. I just wish I could magically add more time to my day and fewer miles between our homes. 

Just a few random, post-run thoughts on friends, God love them. 

10 months

Anna Joy is ten months old as of November 8th.  Double digits! Seriously, I need a pause button.

She has her first cold, which is both pitiful and adorable.  She is extra cuddly.  But she is also fussy for the first time in her life.  She can't breath through her nose which bothers her to no end.

She still has two adorable bottom teeth and no teeth up top.  I introduced baby yogurt to her this month and she is a fan! Sleeps great most days, with her morning nap being her longest of the day.  Has figured out crawling this month! Although she only stays on her hands and knees for a few seconds, then it's back to stomach.  She pulled up for the first time on her 10 month birthday.  Bittersweet. I thought about pushing her down.  She is on the move and doesn't want to stay still too long, though she still loves the stroller and loves to swing.  Her favorite thing in the world is Jones, with her daddy a close second.  A daddy's girl for sure.  Bless his heart - he is mush for her. 

She remains the sweetest thing in our life.  I can hardly fathom that it's almost time to start planning her first birthday party.  I am desperate for her to stay my baby forever!

A few pictures of her, sick, on her 10 month birthday....snotty nose and puffy eyes in full force.

Love this sweet baby girl. 

Puzzle

I don't want to forget how much he loves puzzles. 

He looks so peaceful right at this moment working so hard on his Toy Story puzzle, in train conductor accessories compliments of a birthday party.  

He's so very wild, but he can be still. And sweet. And I don't want to forget. 

Mythical creatures

Well slap me silly and call me Ranger Rick. Woodchucks do exist. 

You know how I know this to be true? 

Because this mythical creature appeared at my back door yesterday. 

What the dirty word kind of joke is this? 

Trey had been out of the state for less than 24 hours and our home was being threatened by odd mythical creatures. 

After our mouse horror, I was convinced this was the mutant king rat coming to haunt me into a slow and unusual death. 

After some reasearch (Wikipedia) and a consultation of an expert (budget and finance guy at the university. Best I could do on a short notice) the conclusion was made that the creature was a woodchuck. 

I told my mom the only woodchuck I want in my life would be chilled and in my fridge. 

I don't think she got my jokes. 

We live smack dab in the middle of town. Can you imagine if we lived in the county? Or worse yet...a farm? 

There are few things I hate more in this life than critters. Critters and Walmart. 

Truth be told I only really like animals in a zoo. What with their homes behind fences and trained (albeit crazy) professionals tending to their feedings and poopings. 

I can't stop looking out my window in search for the darn thing. Might as well be a unicorn in my yard. 

Hurry home, Trey. This is not battle one should have to fight alone. 

Let's play I spy the woodchuck. 

My friends are comedians. Enter Amanda's texts to me. Caption- "our yard has woodchucks too". This coming from the same girl who sent me scary pictures of mice after our nightmare this summer. Thanks, Amanda, for always showing compassion and concern for my trials and tribulations. 

Dino Jones

Jones remains the funniest human I have ever known. He is so full of energy, but maybe (just maybe....) we are learning to channel some of that energy in a positive way? 

He might have accidentally kicked trey in the mouth and cause a tooth through the lip, but at least it wasn't on purpose, right? 

Anyway, lately he has been super into dinosaurs. His love for all animals remains,  but he has taken a special interest lately In the Dino. Someone gave him Dino Dan DVDs. I was skeptical, but he loves it. Watches it almost every night before bed. It's a Canadian show with real people and they sometimes use phrases we don't. Jones has picked up on some of these and uses them in everyday conversation. It cracks me up. 

Yesterday at breakfast he said "mom, we need to talk. Actually, I need to know. Where EXACTLY did you get this oatmeal from?"

Ha! He was satisfied with my Kroger answer. 

One night recently he asked me how big my....ummm....tinkler was. I simply said mama didn't have one and that wasn't a question we asked people. He responded: "why did you say that? I just simply don't understand".  (Another Dino Dan phrase!) 

I'll let Trey answer next time. 

Last night he was working on a puzzle (his favorite) and he suddenly stopped mid-puzzle and said "whew! I'm exhausted. I'm need to rest. Turn that lamp off. What a day!" 

Is he 3 going on 43? 

Trey is out of town for the third weekend in a row. Anna Joy has her first fever, so we are laying low. Thankfully Laura asked if she could come help! I talked her into a spend the night party. Three cheers for making a palet, eating popcorn and watching Christmas movies with Lala on a Friday night! I seriously thank God everyday for family thirty miles down the road. 

Big girl!

Look who just pulled to somewhat of a stance? She may not be crawling off her stomach yet, but this big girl is on the move! 

Testing the upgraded Blogger app on my new phone since my old phone died a slow and painful death.... 

Hooray for blog posts on the go! 

October

I am going to attempt to update the month of October in one post.

It was a full month of soccer, school parties, friends parties, hayrides, Jones' first school field trip, church events and fun with friends and family.

Trey is in full swing of school, and we are both counting down the weeks for this semester to end. It's been great, but we are tired!  He is away right now for the second weekend in a row.  He will be gone again next weekend, but then we are home free until after Thanksgiving. 
We celebrated my sister and Clay's wedding this past July by having a reception for them a couple of weekends ago.  It was so fun...pictures soon!

We also got the announcement this month that they are expecting! Baby Armstrong coming early June! That will make 6 babies in 7 years from the Tomlinson sisters.  Both of my sisters are pregnant right now. Lots of babies around here.
We also welcomed a sweet boy into a dear family's life after months of praying for him to get home.
It was so sweet being able to welcome him home at the airport.  So happy for the Gordons! Welcome home, Max.

Three of my friends had babies this month and I have only gotten my hands on one of them.  I am itching to love on these sweet new babies.

October was my first full month staying home full-time so it was both full of adjustments (big and small) and wonderful.

On to November! Whew...this year.  Slow the bus down.

 

Let's back up

Good grief. Holy technical difficulties, batman.

First the internet was shaky (read: nonexistent) then my Iphone took a turn for the worse. It started with my pictures, only letting me take from Instagram.  Then my Facebook app went away, then twitter, then email, then (a moment of silence...) text messages.  Finally, today, the phone quit to never come back to life.  Bad news for the pocket book, but good news for me! I am back in business. 

With that said, I have a new number. North Mississippi area code after two years of being here.  I am so legit.

Now, let's back up.

Anna Joy turned 9  months old on Oct. 8. 

Be still my mushy, melting heart.  She is the sweetest thing I have ever known.  She compliments our little family so well.  The calm in the storm, if you will.  God bless her.

At 9 months, Anna Joy:

• Weighs about 19 lbs.  She is in the 80% for weight and 30th for height.  Sweet baby doesn't miss a meal.
• Speaking of meals, she's not so sure about food.  She likes mashed bananas, avocados and carrots the best, but if she had it her way, she would just nurse exclusively. Which, let's be honest, is what we do some days.  I just don't force her to eat what she doesn't like.  There's time for that!
• She has two small bottom teeth
• Can army crawl, but that's it. However, don't let her lack of crawling abilities fool you: she can get where she wants to go - and fast! It's just on her belly. And is darling.
• Loves to be outside! Fine by me....
• Loves to cuddle. Again, if I must...
• Laughs, squeals, and kicks when we drive up to pick Jones up from school.  She adores him. And he returns the love.  Sweet siblings. Stay forever friend, m'kay?
• Sleeps through the night (most nights) and takes two naps a day (most days)
• Is content and laid back and practically perfect in every way.
  
  
  Anna Joy on October 8 - 9 Months Old

Still shaky on sitting - she's not in a hurry to grow up, OK?

life in retirement

I have been home now for exactly a week and a half.
And so far I have discovered two things:

1) I can cook a decent meal given that I have plenty of prep time (read: time to throw in a crock pot) and plenty of time to run to the store for lack of ingredients.  I now fully understand why I was unable to cook while working full-time.  Have you read a cookbook lately? Lots of ingredients.  When I say I have read a cookbook, don't be mislead. I have still only cooked what I know - spaghetti, taco soup, and some variation of fish or chicken.  But oh have I planned some meals.

2) When you are doubting that there is any good left in the world, go to a 5 and under co-ed soccer game, which is where you will find us every Tuesday and Thursday night.  It will restore your faith in humanity.  Our team, Starks Law Firm (Lime green jerseys!) will likely not make it to any sort of championship game, should would exist.  Last night was our fourth game and the first time we scored.  And it was in the wrong goal.  But we all cheered like we just witnessed America winning the World Cup, or whatever it is called.  It was, as the 9th graders say, EPIC.  Seriously, what is cuter than a bunch of 3 and 4 year olds in shin guards? Nothing. Nothing is cuter.

As far as our other times are concerned, our days are spent outside.
Goodness I love fall.

Apparently it doesn't return the love so much.  My allergies are getting the best of me.  But not too much to keep me from the gym at 5:30 am.

What the heck?? It's like I don't even recognize myself anymore.

Let me explain:

I have told Trey for a while now that I wanted to join a gym. It's been years, YEARS, since I have been to a gym and it is high time to do something about this post-baby(s) stomach.

Lucky for us, the owners of the most popular gym here are church members and gave both of us memberships. For free! It's a frugal gym goers dream.

So my sweet, thoughtful, ever-so discreet husband went last week to set us all up with gym memberships and came home with a surprise for me - A PERSONAL TRAINER for some thirty day challenge thing.

Ummm....what? He said he wanted to buy something since the membership was a gift.

A T-SHIRT, TREY.  BUY ME A T-SHIRT.

Smooth move, Trey. Niiice.

In reality, I am grateful and not near as bratty as I sound. I just always thought surprises came in small packages, or at least in an ice cream cone.  This was my first "I got you a trainer to kick your booty in shape!" surprise.

I woke up on Saturday morning ready for my Body Analysis which is both required for this said 30 day challenge and exactly what I want to do on a Saturday morning.  Only not.

It wasn't as bad as I had mentally prepared.  There was no pinching of stomach fat.  We just discussed goals and plans and she watched me do some simple moves. Easy enough.

That was Saturday. Today is Wednesday. And it now hurts to sneeze.  Apparently there are muscles in my body that I haven't used since like 1997.

I have had three training days so far. And at 5:30 am! Sleep is my love language, so I am not sure how this will pan out.

It's a good thing I am committed to being fit.  Or something like that.  I will keep you posted.

In other news, Anna Joy turned 9 months yesterday. Be still my heart.  I seriously cannot deal with her sweetness.  Sweetness!!  I will do a full report soon with pictures.

I have tons of pictures to upload and more to talk about including a life changing book I am reading.  For real. But for now my children are calling and bath time is nearing.

Life is good. REAL good. Forever grateful for Trey and for that day he sat me down and told me he wanted me to stay home. Best decision. Ever.  The tiny sacrifices are nothing in the grand scheme of life.  He is the best. And by he, I mean He and he. Trey and Jesus.  They rock, but not totally in the same way, of course.


Until next time....

Dreaming in maroon

Football season means fall. Fall means shopping! Football and fall in Starkville = shopping for maroon.

Although I only have a week left working at the greatest institution (can I get a Hail State?), I am still ever noticing cute maroon pieces that are neeeeeded in my closet.  A girl, working or not, has still gotta tailgate, no?

Here in Starkville, we have Maroon Friday. Every Friday of the year, but especially so during football season. While it is not required for our office to wear maroon, it is heavily encouraged.  Let's just say our dean has an assortment of maroon suits that she rocks. And rocks well. So maroon office appropriate clothes are always on my radar.

Maybe you, too, are needing some maroon in your life? You've come to the right place. 

I present to you Maroon Friday and game day clothes - clothes for the office and for the Junction!

1. I do love a shift.  And at a great price! This would be totally work Maroon Friday appropriate.  While I have no need for it now in my new full-time mommy role, I will still keep it tucked away in my virtual closet.  It would have been a perfect Maroon Friday choice in my office.
2. You could totally work the office in these skinny pants. (or the ankle pant!)
3. Let's face it. It's hot in Mississippi and when you are tailgating in August & September, you sweat.  This sheer blouse would work great in Davis Wade on a hot day! Here's another great option.  Once it cooled off you could layer it with a jacket and some boots.
4. Eee! A maroon 'leather' jacket. How fun on a cooler tailgating day! You could totally make this work on Maroon Friday too, if your office is a bit more edgier than mine.
5. Maroon is relative, no? You think this would pass for game day attire? Love the print.
6. Do you like colored tights? I do!
7. Can't make it to Starkville for a game? You need this. Obviously.

 

OOOOO, I do not like Alabama.  But maybe you do? If I did, I might wear this to homecoming.  I like the style and if I was an Alabama fan, I suppose I would be forced to like houndstooth.

I picked up some Banana Republic maroon cords a couple of years ago and they are a fav. Here's hoping I can fit into them before football season is over. 

Happy shopping, my friends, and Go State. (and, remember, I am no fashionista.  This ain't no fashion blog)

Send me some of your favorite finds!

a lot going on 'round here

It's been a while!

Lots of happenings around here.  Mainly we are just trying to keep our head above water. Life seems to go by at a rapid speed and we are busier than ever. Good busy, but busy. 

It's Friday and I haven't seen my kids since Thursday morning - and we sleep under the same roof.  Late night work events combined with early morning meetings leave zero time with my kids.  I also have to work tomorrow at an alumni event before the State game. Thankfully, my parents are going to come along and keep up with the kids, as Trey will be out of town on a retreat.

Jones and Anna Joy are troopers and stay at school/daycare for super long days as Trey is learning to juggle full-time ministry with full-time seminary and I work full-time in a different town.  It's a balancing act. I usually see my husband as we wake up around 5:30 and then at some point in the middle of the night when he comes to bed - sometimes 2 in the morning. God bless him. He is committed to his work and his school. Then I leave at 7, drive thirty miles for an 8 hour work day, then come home to start the routine all over.

BUT (I do love a but..) there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Through few God orchestrated opportunities and a lot of prayer, I have quit my job.

What the what???

I am still getting used to the thought. I never imagined that I would be given the opportunity to stay home again, and am forever, truly grateful for this chance. 

But, (there's that but again) I am leaving a job that I love, with people that I adore and will miss and I can't help but feel a tiny bit sad. However,I have been offered the chance to freelance some with my current job - something that I never could have foreseen when I turned in my resignation letter a month ago - so I am still going to be able to keep my head in the business world, just on my own terms.

Grateful. God is good.

So a week from today I start my life as a stay at home mom, round 2. And we, God willing, are not looking back or for another change until Trey is through with school. 

Whew. I can almost breathe a little easier.

So along with that budget-changing life-altering decision, we have been busy with all other good life events.

Jones started soccer a few weeks ago. They practice twice a week, and while he loves it, he mostly goes for the water break and snacks at the end.  Can't blame him. It's hot. And we're tired.  First game is next week! Star in the making, I am sure.

Jones caught his first fish last week. He is still talking about it. 

Today was the ribbon cutting of my dad's bank. Proud doesn't even cover it. My mom wrote this on facebook, and I don't think I could have said it any better:

"After a couple of years, a lot of work by a lot of people, and most of all, the blessing of God, my husband got to cut the ribbon this morning on a beautiful new bank in Starkville. I wish I could tell you how God orchestrated this entire process from beginning to end; suffice it to say that God's plan is ALWAYS perfect, and He gets the glory for all of it!"

It's a good, good day. For my dad, mom, the bank, and the community. Good things!

It's football season, y'all! We may not be playing so hot on the field, but my love for the bulldog stays strong.  Whenever Jones sees anything maroon, he says "HAIL STATE!". Oh my, the proud in my heart.

Other weekends have been busy with birthday parties - Trey turned 33 on the 5th, Noelle Adams turned 2 on the 9th, and we had a few friend's parties thrown into the mix.  Fun, fun times.  Jones is in heaven whenever cake is around, so it's been a good month in his mind.

Anna Joy remains practically perfect in every way. She got in the crawling position the other day and though I know she is almost 9 months and it is time, I wanted to push her down. Is that mean? Probably. I am just not OK with my sweet, sweet baby getting so big.  She has the two smallest teeth poking through her bottom gum.  Oh my sweetness.


She is loving food, loving Jones and loving life. She is truly a JOY. Name fitting, I suppose.

A few more pictures from our last family photo shoot. Fun times!