Updating

Hey All,
I know it has been a long time. I had really planned to update this several weeks before now. I started back to school August 11 and it has been crazy ever since!! I enjoyed my time off this summer (about 6 weeks) with Emma. We played, swam, and traveled. Our big trip was to Maine. It was BEAUTIFUL and cool! We saw the sights in Boston and then headed up the coast of Maine. We went to the beach, but it was a little cool for us Texans (75 degrees outside and 55 degree ocean water)!! Here are some pictures.

Another milestone in our life, Emma is starting preschool (2 half-days a week)on Monday!! More to come....

Since last time

Hi All! I am more and more amazed by the people who keep up with me by this (less than medicore) blog! Thanks!!!! Anyway, since my last post, Emma had her 2nd birthday! We had a blast at a place called "Going Bonkers". It's a warehouse-sized place full of indoor playground climbing equipment. Emmma crawled all through it. She kept going so much, Jody and I and several other family members had to switch off to keep up with her. It was a blast! Did I mention we also had an awesome birthday cake that a lady I work with made for us...yummy!

Also, we have started potty training! It went GREAT the first three days...on day three - 1 accident! Then came day four, no interest in going potty in the potty. In fact, she cried and screamed everytime we put her on the potty. Things have improved from that point, but we're not back to the 1 accident day....persistance is what they say, right???

Emma and I traveled with Jody on his business trips this past week. We hit the big cities of Texarkana (both TX and AK)and Lake Charles, LA. Emma and I enjoyed the pools and Emma has her first tan lines!! Lake Charles was neat. There are beautiful houses on the lake....maybe us someday (probably not in Lake Charles, but on a lake would be fun). We head to Maine for our family vacation soon! I'll make sure to post pictures of that too!

By the way, my parents are on a mission trip to Granada right now so please pray for them and the team that everything goes well and they are able to minister to many people!

I'm the worst blogger!!

Hey All! Who ever is out there and still checks in on me.....I was recently told I was "the worst blogger ever"!! It's true. I have been extremely busy at work and with Emma AND I've started using facebook, so I haven't kept up with my blog.

Anyway, like I said things have been crazy. 6 out of 18 people in my department are leaving, including my direct supervisor. Needless to say, this has put a little extra stress on those of us who are staying. Also, Emma turns two in a week!! Amazing! She is so much fun and is always doing something to amaze us. Her favorite things are singing her ABCs, singing "happy birthday", and counting. We will be tackling potty training in the next few weeks! I'll keep you updated.

VBS starts tonight and I volunteered to teach...and then Jody's schedule changed and he is out of town!! I seem to have a problem with over-committment!! Oh well, it should be fun. Here are some new pics of Emma! BTW, they are pictures of Emma "helping" fold the laundry. She wanted to wear mom's underware....I helped her choose appropriate ones for pictures!!

Cruising

Jody and I went on a cruise for 5 days. I was a great Mommy and Daddy only time. We left from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Belize, to Cozymel, to Key West. We had a WONDERFUL time. Emma was pretty spoiled by Gigi and Pawpaw, too! Here are some pictures.

I'm back!!

We had a great Christmas and a very nice break from work. It's hard to believe we're already into mid-January!! Emma is growing like a weed, at least developmentally. She's still on the "petite" side! Here are some recent pics!

Jody and I have birthdays coming very soon! To celebrate Jody's bday, we're going to the Dallas Cowboy's playoff game Sunday...Go Cowboys!! Cheer them on Sunday at 3:30!!!

Little Witches

Tonight was trunk or treat at church. We had a great time. Emma was super cute in her witch costume....Mama was a witch, too. Cousins Hannah and Haley and Aunt Amy and Uncle Joel also came!!

Emma is almost 16 mos old now. She LOVES people! She says "hi" to everyone. Her favorite words are: baby, Nana, Mommy, apple, and no". Lots of fun!

Prayers Needed

Jody's cousin, Boothe and her family are dealing with an unbelievable test of faith. Their 2nd daughter, Copeland, was born with Trisomy 18 6 days ago. She was not expected to survive longer than and few hours. Boothe has an inspiring and heart-wrenching blog: http://conorbootheandgirls.blogspot.com/

Eventhough it will probably make you cry, I encourage you to read it. She is honest with her emotions but testifies daily to God's power and wisdom. I am amazed by this mother's faith and encouragement while dealing with such a terrible situation. Again, I encourage you to read it and take in her closeness to the Father.