Tuesday, October 25, 2011

14 Months Old!

Marlee is such a big girl!  Can't believe she's 14 months old now!  It's so awesome to see her grow and learn everyday!  She's getting so good at feeding herself with a spoon and fork.  She insists on trying to do it herself, but she lets us help some and still pretty messy.  But it's cool to see her explore her food.  :)  Still loves looking at the moon and stars before going to bed at night.  A pro at standing up from sitting without holding on.  She's practically running now.  Loves to climb in and out of boxes, climb the stairs, and being flipped around.  With great weather lately, we've been able to take lots of walks/hikes and play outside where she's been exploring the falling leaves, etc.  She's learning so many words, and started calling Nana and Boda (our dogs) by their names (and correctly too) this week!  Such a smarty!

I'm still working part time, which has been a great help financially.  I went to our state conference, TABA, last week.  It was in town and so much cheaper than the national conference.  I got to hang with Julie, and Dave's parents came up to hang with Marlee during the day.  Pretty sure they had a blast!

It's the week before Halloween!  I love this time of year...kicking off the holidays!  I'm making our costumes...MJ: bumble bee, Me: flower, Dave: beehive.  I'm hosting a themed book club on Wed night, going to see Wicked with Jules and Mal on Friday night, then we are going to hang out with the James Gang for Kalei's b'day on Saturday.  Jon and April are coming up for the party and then spending the night with us too!  Fun times ahead!

Saturday, October 15, 2011

The Circle of Life

With the "Lion King" coming out in 3D...it makes me think about the Circle of Life.  I haven't posted in a while due to my computer screen being completely out of commission now and borrowing Dave's.  Much has happened in the last few weeks...

My Grandma, Jesse Mae Sheppard, passed away.  It's my mom's mom, and she and daddy were with her at the nursing home in the middle of the night when it happened.  I will miss her, miss seeing her see Marlee, and hate Marlee won't really know her.  I really wish she could've seen Marlee walking; we were not far out from getting to visit her again.  It's hard not to think about losing my own mom one day, or Marlee losing me one day...sadness, but it is the Circle of Life.  Her memorial service was at her old church Avondale Methodist in B'ham on Sunday, Oct. 9th.  It was a good service, and we got to see family and friends we hadn't seen in a while.  We even got to see the house my mom grew up in, that I vaguely remember visiting when I was little, right behind the church.  No one lives in it, and it badly needs repairing.  But it was still cool to see that big old house.  Just another reminder to live every day like you mean it and let those know who you love!

Marlee is growing sooo much!  She is practically running, trying to eat with a fork/spoon, drinking through straws, squatting and rolling around when playing, saying a lot of words and using more signs, clicking her tongue, recognizing people/family in pictures, "talking" about stuff all the time, found her belly button, is obsessed with the Moon, loves looking at books (even by herself), likes walking/running around with the dogs, and so affectionate.  She is just so cute and sweet...I could eat her up!  She's also trying to sing a lot and loves "playing" on Dave's guitars and a borrowed banjo (which she calls jo).  ;)

Thursday was mine and David's 4th wedding anniversary!  I can't believe it's only been 4 years...well over 6 total together...but seems like longer.  ;)  I hope there are many, many, many more!  He is the best husband and father!  He's been working his butt off lately, but we plan to celebrate today after he gets off of work with some football, wine, and a beautiful fall evening!  I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!

Also, today is my daddy's birthday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY AND PAPA!!!

We've been really busy with MOMS Club activities lately (playgroups, cooking club, book club, etc.)...it's awesome, so glad I joined!

Happy Game Day...WAR EAGLE!!!