Williams Family Blog

Christmas Morning!!!!!!!!!!

2011-12-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

The Loot!

Such excitement! Peeking through the stairs to see what Santa brought!

Running to see the presents! I love these pictures. ;)

Hannah with her "American Girl Horse". She really didn't ask for many specific things this year, but this was one of them.. You will see some of the others below.

Of course Ethan just wanted to play with his Choo Choo's all day.

(Hannah below, with one of the FEW things she really asked for...."fuzzy kitty socks"....

she just had to have them after seeing them at Walmart one day. Too funny!)

Mario Kart for the Wii

Ethan and his CHOO-CHOO's!!!

(The other "must have" from Hannah's Santa List....a stuffed Rudolph....she is one unique little girl and I love her!)

Had such a GREAT time in our new house on Christmas morning! Thanks Santa! ;)

2011-12-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

The nearest thing to the love of God is the love of a (great) grandparents heart.

Ho HO Ho! Merry "Chris-a-mus"

2011-12-21T11:01:00.000-08:00

ha! Thats what Ethan says when you ask him "What does Santa say?"

We had a fun night with the whole family! We went to Bass Pro Shop to see Santa. Yep, for those of you who don't know...the BEST Santa is at Bass Pro. shhhhh! Its our lil secret. They have appointment times, the Santa is AWESOME, and they give you a free pic PLUS you can take your own!
Ethan was a little afraid at first, even though we kept asking him if he was going to sit on Santa's lap and he would say yes. He talked all day about "sit on Santa's lap and choo-choo's and get canny cane". Alas, he started to squirm and not want to sit there. We finally got him on his lap with the candy cane giving at the beginning of the session. Ha! Did someone say Candy Cane???

Here's the pics!

The other reasons to go to Bass pro....(ha!)

Other fun places to take pictures!

Trains!!!

...and lil smocked dressed lil princesses shooting guns!

...we can't leave Frosty out of the fun!

We hope that you all have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and happy new year!

A Moms Space Christmas Party!

2011-12-18T09:26:00.000-08:00

I cannot enough about all these girls! I am so blessed to have met them on A Moms Space (well, it wasn't called that back then, was it girls? ha! But we won't talk about that crazy girl who was actually responsible for getting us all to meet. hahaha!)
Anyway, these girls are my lifeline and my strength! They are my besties and my kids are besties with their kids. Just look at all these kiddos! We all started out with one and look what we have grown to! Wow!
Here's a group shot of the girls! Love ya'll!

Silly girls!

Our "crazy kids" :) All 18 of them!

My girls are so sweet....look at our housewarming gift! And they know me so well! ;)

The "Daddies"

Had fun ya'll! Hope you all have a Merry Christmas! xoxo

2011-12-12T11:03:00.000-08:00

Soooo our cutest Elf on the Shelf story so far.....

Here's where "Kevin" started out the night before.

Here's where "Kevin" ended up...

Hannah comes to me saying that she has a letter she needs to mail Santa but she didn't want me to see it. Here's what it said: (Warning: this is off the charts on the "cute-meter")

So cute right?!

Well, needless to say, Santa wrote her back and told her that it was her pure heart that saved him

(he's not allowed to be touched or he will lose his magic), because she was caring for him. And for her to continue being a good girl, but not to touch him again or he would not be able to come back.

Just had to share this sweetness....

Hanging of the Greens....

2011-12-12T10:52:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted, but I now have another laptop and I'm ready to go!

We've been super busy with kindergarten classroom winter shenanigans and such! Hannah has also been enjoying "Elf on the Shelf" this year. He is one crazy elf! Just look at some of the funny things he does when he comes back from Santa each night! (Kevin goes back to Santa every night to report your behavior! Then picks a new spot for the next day.)

Just hangin around....

Incognito (This one has a story, I'll share that in the next post)

I was not aware that elves needed showers! ha!

Potty break? LOL

He left a note on this last one saying that he wanted to bake cookies with Hannah,

so she'd better behave so that they could! :)

Halloween Tricks and Treats!

2011-11-01T22:02:00.000-07:00

This year our little Trick-Or-Treaters were going back in time....ready for the Sock Hop!
Hannah was a "Poodle-skirt Girl", as she called it, and Ethan was a "Greaser". ;) Mommy and Daddy dressed up too. Will share pictures off of Mimi's camera when we can! Mimi went with us and was a red M&M ;)

We went around gathering candy from our new neighbors in our new neighborhood! What a better way to meet everyone! We met quite a few nice people along the way. We only had one mishap, our Greaser took a tumble and got a nasty knot on his noggin, but he was a trooper. It only took him about one house to then start saying "E Hurry, E get more candy!" haha. I love it! Boy doesn't take them long to learn about that one does it?

Here are some pictures of our fun night!

2011-10-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

THIS IS.............

Our NEW HOUSE!!! Due to close on Nov. 11th! We will be in Union Co. and only a mere 8-10 mins from Hannah's school instead of THIRTY! We are super excited to own our first new home. Did I mention that we have a SALT WATER HOT TUB? Now, who wants to come visit?! :)

Life is pretty chaotic with planning this move and also Hannahbanana's 6th birthday (yep, I said SIXTH).

My baby girl is turning six. Sooo...if you need us...we are busy "packin and partyin"!

Here Comes Fall: Cook Reunion Part 2

2011-09-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

After meeting Cate, we went to the reunion at Randall and Renee's house. What a great time. Really, you can just take a look at the pics, without any other added words and see what a great time was had by all!

Hannah and Daddy camped out in the tent Saturday night at Papa John's house in Franklin. The next day cousins said they saw a Mama Bear and her cub coming across the hill...wonder if they were out there with them the night before?! ha!

Here comes FALL: Cook Reunion Part 1

2011-09-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to visit....Randall and Renee's mountain house. They had a family reunion last weekend and we were lucky enough to be able to go! We love to visit up there and also we were going to be introduced to the newest family member...my new neice Catherine Wyatt Jones! ("Cate").

We met Cate first ,as we went to Gramma's before the reunion. What a beautiful little girl. She's absolutely perfect and the kids just love their new cousin too!

Photo shoot of the cousins together in their Candy Corn Shirts that I made them:

Cuties!

2011-09-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post some cute cute pics and "real" smiles of my kiddos. Its rare when you tell your children to "say cheese" that you get a real smile. I didn't need to in these pics. These ARE real smiles!

Greek Festival

2011-09-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

Since Hannah is in a Greek Emmersion school, she will always go to the Greek Festival every year as a second week of school field trip! How fun! They toured the Greek Orthodox Church and heard a presentation (maybe they heard, they ARE kindergarteners...and focused on all the rides that they saw outside beforehand. LOL!) Then we went to have some lunch! YUMMY Greek food! Hannah and her friend Lauren tried some Spanakopita!

next we saw some traditional Greek soldiers go by...

Next we had some delicious traditional greek cookies! You can see how they loved them!

Then we went to ride on some rides!!

Some Greek Dancin!

Here are some cute group pics of her Seid classroom friends!

First Day(s) of Kindergarten

2011-09-30T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hannah had a "staggered entry" into kindergarten, which meant that they went into the classroom (not necessarily hers) with a small group of her friends, that may or may NOT be in her class. They were assessed with things such as counting and reading words, etc. Then in a few days we were alerted as to which teacher she would have for the year. They like to do this so that classrooms are evenly divided upon ability, race, behavior, etc. SOOO Hannah had two first days! Here are a few pics from her first day of staggered entry:

(Ethan wanted to be in kindergarten too!)

Hannah was super excited for her first day in Ms. Seid's Classroom! She chose the uniform she wanted to wear and had her matching backpack and lunchbox. Was mommy prepared? Sigh....not for seeing my baby girl walk down the sidewalk to kindergarten. I held it together though, and she didn't shed one tear. She's growing up so fast!

She has had a wonderful experience at Socrates so far. She's learned some colors in Greek! And she knows how to spell her name in Greek too! How cool is that?! Her favorite thing so far is Fridays...she can wear jeans if she brings 1.00 to the school fund, she has free centers and its treasure box day! TGIF!

Open House at Socrates Academy.....Kindergarten!

2011-08-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

Oh my.....

Is it THAT time already? I was putting off thinking about it, even after buying school supplies! But, alas, Hannah will be going to Kindergarten in a matter of days. I CAN'T believe it!

Yesterday was Open House. We got to go see all the K classrooms. She won't know who her teacher is until after her first day of assessments so they can divide the classes equally btwn levels of achievement, race, behavior, etc. Makes sense.... Anyway, next Monday will be the first REAL day of school. She will be attending Socrates Academy, a charter school here in Charlotte. We are very pleased she got in through a lottery program. Our luck had to come around some time! haha!

Here are a few pictures I captured of Open House! (**She was acting so shy!!!)

Just another day in the NC Mtns.

2011-08-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

We went to Franklin, NC this weekend for another visit with Jon's parents. We tried to go on a hike the first day but alas, we took five steps out of the car and DOWN came the rain! Soooo we gave it another try on Sunday AM. And this time Gramma Cathy could come with us. Success! It was a beautiful day.

Here are a few of my favorite pics from the hike:

See this pic here? This pic here is a HORROR story. I will never forget the moment that Ethan backed away from me while taking a picture, and went tumbling down a hill. THANK you JESUS it was an area where he didn't fall far. I think I am still sick to my stomach about it. See him backing up away from me??? Literally like 3 feet away from me! Well, needless to say, he was STUCK to me or Daddy for the rest of the trip and will be forever more. ha!

Then we went to Papa John's to visit and get some veggies from his garden! The kids also got to play with their cousins Alex and Ilah for a little while.

Stationery Card

2011-08-03T10:40:00.001-07:00

Choo-choo Train Thank You Card

Shop custom Thank you cards and notes at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

Ethan in a BIG BOY BED!

2011-08-03T08:50:00.000-07:00

Well, sadly and happily, I put my boy in his "Big Boy Bed" last night. This is an awesome bed by the way, it is from Ikea and is extendable! The headboard and footboards fold down and become a twin bed! ;) Or just unfold one and it is just a longer kid bed! Neat right? Anyway, we went through the normal nightly routine of getting our blankies and rocking while saying goodnight to everyone and everything :

Night Night Mommy, Night Night Daddy...Night Night Hannah....Night Night Beff (his aunt Beth), Night Night La-La (his other aunt)....Night Night Mimi...Night Night GG....Night Night Mylie...Night Night "Ineee" (Sydney)...Night Night Jessie...Night Night Choo-Choo...Night Night Car, Blue Car...etc etc... **There are some not mentioned here b/c he will not even try to say things that he cannot say as Grampa, Gramma, Jeff, etc. But they are included b/c I say them...so don't worry ya'll! ;)

After doing so, I layed him down and said our I love you's and did our kisses....I walked out of the room and voila! It was DONE! That easy! He went to bed around 8:30 and slept till 9:30 today! I couldn't believe it. Well,maybe I could b/c my Ethan has always been "Easy Baby E". What a sweet sweet boy! Good job Ethan. Mommy is proud of you, but also a lil sad you are growing up so fast!

Here are some pics!

He couldn't wait to get into the bed!

He kept on getting in and saying "Night Night" even though it wasn't quite time for bed!

So proud!

Mommy's first glance last night... ;)

Dress A Girl Around the World!

2011-08-03T08:31:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to share with you the absolute PEACE and JOY and YEARNING for more that I have burning within me!

About a month or so ago, I randomly saw a "friend of a friend" tagged in a photo of a pillowcase dress made for an organization called "Dress A Girl Around the World". As you know, there are many areas that have extreme poverty both in this country and all around the world. This organization has people that help them from lots of areas around the US. I was lucky enough to spot this one in NC! Lisa is my "go-to" for this area in NC! Here's a link to her fb page: Dress a Girl Around the World NC

Here is the link to the whole oganization: Dress a Girl Around the World NP Organization

I have made pillowcase dresses to sell for several years now for mine and my bestie's site Poppies Garden.
NOW we had a great opportunity to do some charity work! LOVE it! I quickly made about 5 dresses to send to Lisa who's brother was traveling to India on a mission trip and could deliver the dresses. Here's a pic of the ones I made

Lisa's brother stopped in an unexpected area of India b/c they had just had horrible devastation through a fire that tore through the town. There were lil naked kiddos running around! Here's what he said about the experience:

"Just distributed your dresses in a "village" in the slums in Gurgeon, India. This is a community built in the slums where the houses are made from plastic and bamboo. These people only have what they can collect. Our pastor partner wanted us to visit this village because this village recently experienced a fire and what little they had was burned down. Most of the children were only wearing rag underwear or were naked. We even dress a few naked boys that didn't care if they had a dress. These people were Hindu but allowed us to pray for them afterward. It was a real blessing!"

Here are some pictures that Lisa's brother took while there.

The children waiting to be "dressed"

One of my dresses getting ready to have a sweet kid for an owner!

Perfect fit!

God is full of grace and wisdom isn't He? Just when I had lost something very special, God gave me a purpose to dress some little girls in India and hopefully many more! Please let me know if you are ever interested in sewing or also donating supplies to make them! We could even have a sewing party to make bunches at a time! I am just full of humility and also so proud! Can you tell? ;)

Welcome Addy ("Addymae")!

2011-08-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome little Addysyn Reese Leak!

10 lbs 3 oz of LOVE born on July 29 2011
Congrats to my best friend Heather, her husband Kenny, and her other two sweet girls Syd and Mylie!

Isn't she gorgeous?

aka: "Addymae" to Steph....I know, its silly, but its just stuck for me! Hope SHE doesn't mind ;) ha!

Look at the hair! ;)

Mommy talkin to sweet Addy in the NICU

She LOVES having her head rubbed. Can you tell?! So funny! I love it!

Thank you Heather and family for letting me share in the joy of her arrival and for letting me hold her while she was in the NICU. It means more than you know. After losing a baby not too long ago, it was just what I needed after some healing time went by. To see the love, the sweetness, the JOY of a new baby in your life was amazing. I am looking forward to seeing Addymae grow up and loving on her along the way. You sure are lucky Addy, to have so many people that love you!
Love you all!!!! ~Stephanie

A "REAL" Hannah smile captured....

2011-07-16T22:53:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine captured this photo of Hannah today during her yardsale.....

This yard sale was a fundraiser to bring home her baby girl that she is adopting from the Congo. Our kids were "helping" but most importantly they were showing the joy and the love that a child can bring.

Look at the smile on this beautiful girl's face. :)

THATS-MY-HANNAH!

Dress Like a Cow day at Chick-fil-A!

2011-07-08T15:29:00.000-07:00

Our annual tradition for a year now is to go to CFA for "Dress Like a Cow Day!", or more officially called "Cow Appreciation Day". For those who don't know, if you dress yourself up like a cow (which is really fun with the kids!), you can get a FREE meal for each person dressed up! Great deal right, and who doesn't love Chick-fil-A food?! The staff love it and make it so much fun. Last year they took our kids pictures as we came in and guess what?! They were posted on the bulletin board when we walked in! So fun! Here are a few of the pictures we snapped this year:

I am now Aunt Stephanie!

2011-07-08T14:41:00.000-07:00

We welcome new baby Catherine ("Cate") Wyatt Jones into our family!
This is our first niece/nephew and Beth's first child!
Congrats to you Beth, Jeff and Taylor on your beautiful baby girl!

2011-07-05T19:06:00.001-07:00

Hannah and her friends made the news by being in the parade! And YES SIR she could have fit another flag on there! haha!

**here's the link, can't get it to post so you'll have to copy/paste the link into your browser**

http://www.wcnc.com/home/Charlottes-oldest-independence-Day-Parade-in-Hickory-Grove-124977084.html

Annual Hickory Grove Fourth of July Parade 2011

2011-07-04T13:48:00.000-07:00

Another fun year at the Annual Hickory Grove Fourth of July Parade! Hannah's girlfriends Caydence and Kalli and Ethan's friend Pacey participated with us this year!

Hannah's bike that she helped me decorate:

Hannah's hair decorated by Mrs. Sarah!

"The Fancy Pants/Bike Brigade Crew"

Pacey and Ethan enjoying their ride!

FIRE TRUCK!

A Coyle Sendoff Cookout....

2011-07-03T14:20:00.000-07:00

We are having to say "Until Next Time" to our friends the Coyles. They are moving to Charleston. BUT hey, if they have to move, at least they picked a good visiting spot! We wish them the best of luck and we hope to see them again soon! The kids had a great time together playing, eating, and water balloon fighting with their daddies!

Scenic Views Summer 2011

2011-06-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Pretty proud of my photography! ;)

The BEEEEEEEEEEEEACH with Mimi and LaLa

2011-06-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

DAY ONE (Sat. P.M.)

Mimi walking down the beach with Ethan. He is a little unsure at first every time, but soon loves to go to the "pool", as he calls it. :)

Hannah-"lil surfer girl"

Beach Bum!

Silly girl!

Mimi and G'kids playin in the sand

Ethan finally takin a stroll down to the water with no fear....

Ethan having fun in the waves.....laughing and saying "WHEEE!" and "Wave"

MY FAVORITE LITTLE BOY!

DAY TWO: (our first full day)

Mimi and Ethan ready to go!

What a sweet pic right? All holding hands with Mimi!

Ahhhhhhhhh relaxin!

Ethan and Daddy get a chance to play in the water!

Hannah flying her Strawberry Shortcake kite! Atta girl!

If anyone calls, I am unavailable....I have WORK TO DO! ha!- Ethan

CHOO-CHOO Ethan's TWO Party!

2011-06-18T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ethan had his 2nd birthday party today at Dan Nicholas Park. If you haven't been to this amazing park in Salisbury, NC you should go! What a fun day!

First visiting, eating (and that includes what Ethan calls "Ceeke"!) , and opening presents!

Then we went to have fun on the rides. First up, line up for the TRAIN!!!!! CHOO CHOO!

Next the beautiful carosel!

Time to say BYE BYE everyone! Thanks so much for sharing our special day!

To our sweet baby....we love you...

2011-06-17T17:21:00.001-07:00

My Angel Baby

~author unknown

"I never got to see your eyes,
or hold your hand, or hear your cries.
All I have are dreams of you,
those of which, will never come true.
My heart sank the day that I knew,
I would never get to meet you.
I had made plans, and had aspirations,
if only I had a little more patience.
I never thought the Lord would take you
away from me so soon.
But, I'll never forget that dismal day,
around two in the afternoon.
The day I knew something was not right,
and through many tears I would have to fight.
Now, all I do is dream every night,
about what life would have been like.
What if you really had been born?
But all we have a dreams of that,
and all we can do is mourn.
We will not mourn for you though,
because we know you'r e where you need to be,
even though it isn't here with me.
You are my angel baby because God wanted you with Him.
Now, forever with his angels, His praises you will sing.
None of my dreams for you will ever come true,
because of that day God chose to take you.
But, my angel baby you will always be,
in my heart forever, forever a part of me."

Swim Lessons Summer Session 1:YMCA

2011-06-13T18:22:00.000-07:00

Working on extending each arm....with kickboard.

Diving Sticks! Hannah's favorite! (can you tell?!)

Swimming in the 4 ft. without any floats!

Working on floating on her back....

Beach with Dad, N. Myrtle Beach SC

2011-06-13T18:17:00.000-07:00

Bathtime in the whirlpool tub! BUBBLES!

BEACH TIME!

(Hannah's lil beach "boyfriend", Cole)

Calabash!!!!!!

And the Pies De Resistance....

Hannah and Ethan dancing to an Old Fashioned Automatic Piano Player! (make sure to notice how dizzy Ethan was after spinning with his sister...haha!)

CHOO CHOO! Ethan is soon to be TWO!?!

2011-05-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

Time to order and send out Ethan's 2nd birthday party invitations. He LOVES trains, or "Choo Choo's", as he calls them. Literally he pushes them around and carries them around all day. Any time he hears a train he immediately gets excited and wants to go see it! Sooo naturally it made since to have his bday where there was a train! We are going to Dan Nicholas Park. Here's the website: http://www.dannicholas.net It really is a neat place for a party!

I made the card on Shutterfly b/c I had some Pampers Points to redeem! Paid only 5.00 for shipping for 25 invites! Awesome! Shutterfly does a great job for something personalized! AND since I shared it on my blog, I will get a code for 10.00 off my next order! WHAT a DEAL! You know I love the deals! ha! ha!

Ethan's Bday Invitation!

View the entire collection of cards.

We have a PRESCHOOL GRADUATE!

2011-05-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Hard to believe our lil Hannah is now 5 1/2 years old and will be attending kindergarten this fall!

Preschool Graduation's "theme" this year was "Under a Shady Tree", trying to find the perfect place for a picnic.
They did songs by Laurie Berkner like "Buzz Buzz" and "Under a Shady Tree" and also some classics like "I am a Promise" and "The Ants Go Marching In".

They put up a slideshow at the beginning with pictures of the kids and also their names with a picture. Here are a few of the slides:

The Stage

Hannah's picture

Hannah in a class picture

(love this!)

They sang their songs and did an awesome performing job!

walking in while singing...

(Poison Ivy on my knees)

(Poison Ivy on my Nose....)

(Poison Ivy on my Rear!)

(Buzz Buzz Buzz)

(The Ants Come Marching In....)

(Uh oh...Its raining on their picnic!)

(Nope, too hot for a picnic)

(Under a Shady Tree...You and ME!...The PERFECT place for a picnic!)

Then they got their diplomas......

And celebrated by dancing on stage with a parent(s).

What a bittersweet day.....emotions from having a firstborn graduate preschool are running high, but we are SO PROUD of Hannah! May you have many more accomplishments and things to be proud of along the way! We love you!!

Mommy, Daddy, and Ethan

and Mimi and GG too ;)

Slip N Slide and Sprinkler Fun!

2011-05-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

Easter DAY Family Pictures....

2011-04-26T21:27:00.000-07:00

EASTER MORNING at the Williams House

"For God So loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life"

John 3:16

This picture is out of order, as you can see, but they are the flowers at the church we have been attending. It is my "home" church and we were really glad to be there this morning. Just thought they are a good reminder of the sacrifice for us...and that he HAS RISEN! Hallelujah!

THE EASTER BUNNY BASKETS

ALL DRESSED UP FOR CHURCH

Little Monsters eatin cookies on the church pew! ha!

After church we went to Grandmother's house (GG) and had lunch with the family. But first...

A photo shoot with the kids! Why not?! They were so dern cute! ;)

Our Family....Hannah 5 1/2 and Ethan 21 mos. old

The kids with their Mimi, my mom....

My sister Laura, my mom Alice, and me! ;)

Now for the HAMS! ha!

(Ethan doing a "split")

(Hannah being her "beautious" self)

Ethan saying "CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE"

"Well Helloooooooo ladies!", my southern gentlemen

Waving "bye bye"

LOVE capturing moments of the kiddos with their Great Grandmother, 92 years old!

Ethan telling his Uncle Jay about some serious business!

Cousin Emily took the kids on another egg hunt outside..

Easter 2011!

2011-04-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

PREPARING FOR EASTER...

Hannah picked out "glitter eggs" to do her Easter Eggs in this year. How very appropriate for a girly-girl like Hannah can be sometimes. She loved being able to do them herself this year (although mommy handled the dye stirring..ha!) And we didn't have any dye mishaps! Yay!

Ethan got in on the fun....I put him over to see them and to take a picture of them together. OOPS, should have known a lil toddler boy would want to stick his hands in it! That's water on his sleeve though (I interrupted a water play session in his play kitchen to take the picture).

EASTER EGG HUNT

Then we had an Easter Egg Hunt at Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church, where we have been attending. I helped out another Stefani with the planning and also made some of these for the goodies!

"THE GANG"

Listening to an Easter Story

Ethan really getting into looking for eggs this year! So funny to watch it "click" and then he went to town!!

Pretty Hannah proud as can be with her "finds"! She filled her basket full and was still a good sport! :)

ETHAN LOVES BUBBLES

2011-04-20T22:22:00.000-07:00

Ethan kept saying "Bubbles" (which is not the newest word), but then followed with "POP!" haha! Gatta love new words! And such excitement! He even threw in a "la-la".

Then after Mommy blew bubbles, of course he needed to try! And with the biggest bottle we had! Watch carefully to see how he "blows" the bubbles! :)

PS....MAYBE Mommy will one day learn not to try and narrate...MAYBE! Ugh!

Super Hero Day at Chickfila!

2011-04-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

Yep, as most of you know, I'm a sucker for coupons or freebies! Well, Chickfila is our favorite places to eat and when we get a chance to eat for FREE we are IN! LOL!

This night was dedicated to superheros. If you wore a superhero costume, you got a free kids meal! We had fun with Hannah using her cape and mask I made her and Ethan used a superman costume (that was really too small). Oh well! Still very cute!

Oh, and how can I forget...facepainting and activities too!

Poppies Garden Update!

2011-04-16T20:03:00.000-07:00

We are off and runnin! Need a special gift for a kiddo you know? How about something really unique and handmade???

Here are some of the things we've been making recently:

reusable gift bags:

pillowcase dresses and matching sibling sets:

Custom Applique Shirts:

Custom order Baby Gifts!

Poppies Garden is getting more and more "likes" on it's facebook page and now we are online with our blog! Come visit us soon!

http://poppiesgardenboutique.blogspot.com/

www.facebook.com/poppiesgarden

AND please share the love! Share us on Facebook and with your friends/family!

CHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!

2011-04-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ethan has really been just BLOWIN UP the words these last couple of weeks! He has added: "backies" (blankies), the colors yellow and blue (and pointing them out correctly!), "chuck" (truck), shoes, "ewwww", and CHEESE! This can mean cheese like the food, but lately its been so funny to see him say "cheese" when I try to take a picture of him. He's really been hammin it up here lately. Here's a little "cheesin" we did this AM before a bday party.

Preschool Easter Party

2011-04-15T18:40:00.000-07:00

(Our last class party for Preschool....booooooo! sniff sniff!) Can you tell I'm having a hard time with kindergarten coming up??? Sigh...my lil princess is growing up. Hannah is 5 1/2 going on 13!

Here are a few snaps I took while the kids decorating their own easter eggs to take home, ate some yummy snacks and played some fun games! And of course Ethan needed to come along to supervise and see what Preschool was all about! :)

Order my Steps

2011-04-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Order my Steps is the name of the dance company that Hannah has been taking dance lessons from. It is based out of Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church and Hannah has taken lessons there every Friday since January (well, give or take some...ha!) Anyway, she was very proud to have a costume and go on stage to perform a short dance tonight. Her real "recital" will be later on a BIG stage at Garinger High School in front of the bright lights! We can't wait to spoil her after that one with some pink roses for our lil princess. :)

Here are a few of the snapshots I got while watching, lighting wasn't spectacular, but they will do for capturing the memories! We were very proud parents tonight! And thanks to Patrice for all of your hard work with our kiddos! ;)

One of the many differences btwn boys and girls!

2011-04-15T12:16:00.000-07:00

What Girls do with Hula Hoops!

What BOYS do with Hula Hoops! ;)

Papa John's April 2011

2011-04-03T12:57:00.000-07:00

Just having fun at the farm!

Make a WISH!

Peek-A-Boo! Guess who's in the tree?! AGAIN! LOL.

Love this view!

Hannah having some peaceful quiet time at the farm...playing on mommy's phone ;)

Hannah and her cousin Ilah get to play!

Ethan "Cornbread" Williams ... haha! This boy can eat his weight in cornbread, for REAL!

Exploring the farm...

Fun with Papa John

These were the only daffodils blooming on the whole farm. Such a pretty picture, I had to capture it!

Spring trip to the NC Mtns!

2011-04-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

We left Gramma's house to take a hiking trip one day. We hopped out and Hannah immediately found a butterfly to chase ;)

She always loves to find the trail head and can't wait to see where we are headed....this time it's to a WATERFALL! There she goes!

Hiking with my daddy...

She always feels so carefree exploring!

Not the most beautiful day, but it's still pretty awesome up there!

We must be getting closer! Gatta hike up those pants and go puddle jumpin!

....AND we found IT! The waterfall!

My beautiful and adventurous lil Hannah...

She didn't want to leave...

New Contest...Free Personalized Shirt from Tailgating Kids!

2011-04-01T08:36:00.001-07:00

Go to this address for a chance to win a cute personalized shirt from Tailgating Kids!

http://networkedblogs.com/g72IE

St. Patrick's Parade! 2011

2011-03-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

Another year of fun at the Charlotte St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011! We met friends downtown for the festivities again this year.

Before the parade begins....

Hannah and Caydence share their new outfits their crafty mommies made them!

Their lil brother's share some "boy time"

Ethan's profile in his new "Hattie" :)

Its so hard waiting patiently!

Ethan's Tie shirt Mommy made to match his sissie's pants. He is looking forward to seeing some fire trucks!

We see it coming!!!

Mommy and Ethan watching the parade

FIRETRUCKS!

He may not look excited to you....but he's in AWE! ;)

Lil Irish girl!

Irish BOYS! (in their matching hats)

Girls gatta do what they gatta do!

Fun after the parade!

Even the Daddies got to play!

Ethan says "Time go-go"

Happy St. Patty's Day to Ya!

2011-03-17T09:54:00.001-07:00

Here are my 'lil leprechauns and their outfits I made for them for St. Patty's Day! Hope you all have a blessed day and "Luck of the Irish to Ya!"

Hannah's first Basketball game! Go Bobcats!

2011-03-07T20:15:00.000-08:00

Aunt Laura and Hannah joined me for a Charlotte Bobcats Basketball game! It was Hannah's first pro game. She had seen games on TV so she knew a little bit about basketball. She was quiet at first, just watching what was going on and the people cheering,having fun, etc. Then the last half of the game, she decided to join in on the fun. I decided to video some of her excitement. Gatta love it! Don't ask where she learned her moves. Ha!

Found another contest! ;)

2011-02-18T11:39:00.001-08:00

This time its for anyone in the family! We all need toothbrushes!!!
Go to http://mybusychildren.com/reach-brushes-and-floss-giveaway/comment-page-1/#comment-7736 to see how to enter! ;)

Valentine's Photo Shoot....

2011-02-14T21:16:00.000-08:00

Ethan was just too cute with his Valentine's sucker, I couldn't resist taking pics of him.
I entered him in a photo contest and he was 74th for a while! (Hundreds entered!) He's my sweet sweet blue-eyed boy. Can you tell??? And his sweet sissy loves to show him new things. She loves having a baby brother. :)

Another awesome contest!

2011-02-14T15:00:00.001-08:00

I am a mommy who loves freebies!!!! Click here for another fun giveaway! ;)

http://annaandblue.blogspot.com/2011/02/giveaway-3-little-birds-boutique.html

Really cool contest!

2011-02-08T11:06:00.001-08:00

This is a very fun contest! And lots of great prizes!! Hosted by Laura Winslow Photography!

Enter here! :) http://bit.ly/gg8VbW

Sit and Spin Crazies!

2011-02-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

Sit and Spin Crazies!

Poppies Garden Update!

2011-02-07T12:15:00.000-08:00

Poppies Garden Update!

As most of you know, my bestie and I have created a Facebook page called "Poppies Garden". We have been crafting away! Take a look at some of our awesome things! And look us up on FB if you want to keep up with our newest arrivals! And Happy Happy Valentine's Day!

Dance!

2011-02-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

Dance!

Hannah is enjoying her Friday dance classes at Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church! She has already learned some step positions and dances. She loves getting dressed up in her tutu leotards and braiding her hair. So cute. Joining her in this class are new friends and old! Which always makes it fun. :) See these smiles? Really, they all have them during the entire dance class. So fun!

Click here for a cute video of one of their dances! :)

Christmas with Dad

2011-01-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

As usual, we have Christmas with Dad after the holidays are really over for everyone else. Soooo my Christmas tree stays up and lit, as well as the rest of my decorations. I love it really. I think I'd keep them up all of January if I really could. It just makes me so happy. Jon offered to help take the decorations down a couple of days after but said that he knew how much "i loved the tree and decorations". I said yes, but taking down the decorations actually made me sad. :(
A great visit with Dad and a BIG thanks for the Wii! We all love it! But Hannah is the Wii master around here, of course. Ha ha! Here is a video of her playing Wii boxing. So funny! Enjoy!

Here are a few more pix from the visit:
Grampa and Hannah playing Wii Baseball!

Aunt La La playing Wii...

Ethan wearing (and walking around in) Aunt La La's shoes.

WHITE CHRISTMAS...well, close enough!

2010-12-30T13:05:00.000-08:00

The weatherman was calling for a white christmas....and he was actually very close! ha! We had about 4-5 inches here in Charlotte, starting around 7PM Christmas day! We didn't wake up to it Christmas morning, but hey, we did the next day! So beautiful! The kids enjoyed playing in it and having some hot chocolate when they came in from the cold!

Santa brought sleds so it was perfect timing! We made our own little ghetto sledding hill out of our steps (see video).

And we pulled the kids around by strapping the sled up to a chord.

We also had fun making a snowgirl that was Hannah's snow twin "Anna". haha!

Christmas Day 2010!

2010-12-25T13:12:00.000-08:00

Christmas morning at home....

Christmas "lupper" (lunch/supper) at Mimi's...

Emily's boyfriend Jeremy brought over a special surprise!)

Hickory Grove Presbyterian Church Christmas Pageant

2010-12-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

We have been visiting the church I grew up in, Hickory Grove Presbyterian. Its a church that you know that you can always call home. My grandmother, my kids great-grandmother, is still an active member. We love that we can come to church and worship with her every Sunday. Not to mention that its right down the street! Anyway, Hannah has fallen right in and made some new friends and loves seeing others she already knows.

This year she also practiced very hard every Sunday for a very special Christmas Pageant. They were all ornaments. Hannah and some of the smaller kiddos that didnt have speaking parts were "Souvenier" Ornaments, which meant they could choose whichever costume they wanted! ....What does this mean for Hannah and several girls?! PRINCESS TIME! ;) Yet another use for the costume! Love it! They all did a SUPER job and were excellent singers. Very special memories made for them and us!

...let the Christmas festivities begin!

2010-12-15T18:54:00.000-08:00

This is Hannah's last year of 4 year old preschool. We are enjoying every moment of her still being small. ;) Here are some pictures and moments from her Christmas pageant at school. They sang and danced and truly were little angels!

Mimi and GG came to see the play!

Ethan loved watching "ISSY" up on stage!

Visiting the Farm....

2010-12-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

Visiting Papa John's farm is always fun! He's been wanting us to come see the new addition to his animals. He now has a donkey, which Hannah and Ethan's cousins named "Cocoa" :) We played on the hill, fed Cocoa, and took our normal ride on the tractor with Papa.

....And its never a day of fun till Hannah' been in a tree! ha!

View of the farm....

Franklin Christmas Tree Lighting!

2010-12-01T19:15:00.000-08:00

Being from a small town does have its advantages, although Franklin is continually growing! Jon brought us to his hometown's Christmas Tree Lighting. The kids really enjoyed watching the lights come on the tree and getting cookies and hot chocolate!

Santa Visits....

2010-12-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

For Thanksgiving, we went to visit Franklin and most importantly Gramma and Santa. ;) Hannah sat and wrote her own letter to Santa this year!

Visiting Santa went really well. Ethan was a little more aware of Santa as you can see. Ha! Ha!

And there was even a mailbox that Hannah put her letter into!

Hannah's FIVE!!!!!!!!! Celebrating at school!

2010-11-19T22:55:00.000-08:00