One Lovely Blog...

Becky, over at Farmgirl Paints, sent me an Award! Becky is adorable, and has a beautiful family. If you don't already read her blog...go over and check it out. Thanks, Becky...your blog is also "Lovely".

Here are the rules:

1) Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.

2) Pass the award to other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I am passing this award on to 4 of my new favorite {"Lovely"} Blogs:

Sherri at Daughter of Artist

Kasey at Lola B's

Jessica at This, That and My Blog

Kristen at Ladybug Blessings

So, go over and check these blogs out...You will be glad that you did!

A good run for a great reason.

This is part of the mission of the Children's Miracle Network:
Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 children’s hospitals. Countless individuals, organizations and media partners unite with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals to help sick and injured kids in local communities.
Every child deserves the hope and healing of children’s hospitals. With the help of a Children’s Miracle Network hospital in their community, children of all ages and backgrounds can receive treatment for every imaginable disease and injury—from asthma and broken bones to cancer and heart defects. Children’s hospitals are also on the front lines of research, education and outreach programs that keep millions of kids out of the hospital each year. (as written on their website)


This morning, Melynda and I drove up to Springfield, Mo for the Children's Miracle Network's 5K at Cox Health. It was a beautiful morning. We ran with over 800 other runners. It was a huge event. We had a great time. Of course, after the race...we stopped at the mall for some shopping. What could be better than a good run, shopping and lunch...all with a great friend?!

Look who is walking...

Georgia-Kate is taking steps. She is so proud. Isn't she a big girl?!

Gerogia-Kate just turned 15 months old.

It is hard to believe how quickly the months fly by.

Benjamin adores her. He is such a big helper.

Sometimes, he does like to "parent" her--just a little too much.

I am so thankful for my sweet kiddos!

We did it!

Today, Melynda and I completed our first 5K at Crawdad Days in Harrison, AR. We were so excited to completed our first race. We finished in 34 minutes. I finished 11th out of 21 runners, in my catagory. I was kinda hoping for a better time...however it was pouring down rain...we were soaked before the race even began. And...because I am a little clumsy...I had a toe injury. {that's another story...} After the race, today we met a sweet lady...she was a wearing a Walt Disney World Marathon shirt--{and because I am little like my mother}...I had to ask: "Did you run that race?" She stated that she did and it was the best time. She recalled that they ran in the park & Disney brought all the characters and had fireworks! Melynda and I decided that the Disney marathon is our long term goal. One race at a time...but a girl has to have goals, Right?!

After the race...we were so excited. {and soaking wet!}

Isn't Melynda adorable?!

My new thing...

My favorite new thing is Running! I am currently training for my first 5K. I have the best running partner: my friend Melynda. She has the sweetest spirit and is a huge encourager. And...we have a great time! Yesterday, we ran almost 3 miles in 30 minutes. I was so excited. We have been following the Couch to a 5K plan. It totally works! 5 weeks ago...we could barely run 3 minutes! Today, we ran our training intervals. Along my new journey, I have been inspired and encouraged by Susan over at Runner Mom. If you haven't read her blog...go check it out. I adore Susan.

My new favorite shoes: Mizuno Wave Inspire 5

I love these shoes {and they aren't even flip-flops}. They are so comfortable. My BFF, Annie led me to this brand. They are so comfortable. I think they make me run faster. LOL! Thanks~Annie!

I will keep you updated on this new journey! I am still going to Fitness Bootcamp, as well. Last month, I lost 7 more pounds and a few more inches. {So happy about that!}

A few new photos...

Happy Birthday, Mom! My mom's birthday is May 1st. {Yes, I am so behind on posting.} We had a good time celebrating with her. Benjamin, Georgia-Kate and I took her to lunch. The next night, we all got together for dinner. My brother, Todd and his family couldn't be there. {Todd, Tracie and Hailey--you were missed.}

I love this photo. My mom adores my children.

I am so thankful to have a wonderful mother.

Family photo

Benjamin: trying to wait patiently on his food.

Mom and I, after dinner.

And other BIG News: Georgia-Kate is standing on her own.

She is so proud! She has taken a few small steps.

Yay for you, baby girl!

Happy Mother's Day!

When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child. ~Sophia Loren, Women and Beauty

Happy Mother's Day, my friends.

May you have a wonderful weekend with your family.

Thank you for all the sweet comments as you have sent encouragement to me. I hope to will write soon and catch up with all my favorite bloggers. {I am still flattered that anyone reads my blog.}

Happy Mother's Day!

So busy!

I have been so busy! Do you ever feel totally overwhelmed by your schedule/calendar. I know...I DO! I haven't really had time to write on my blog or leave many comments. Hopefully, I will be able to slow down, soon and return to Blog World. If you miss me...I will return. {I have a few projects to share!}

A few reasons why I have been so overwhelmed:

• We are looking/planning for a good preschool for Benjamin
• I am still going to Fitness Bootcamp and running with my friend, Melynda
• Last week and weekend, I helped with a garage sale at my mom's.
• We attended a meeting/dinner at church for a mission trip. {more on that trip, soon}
• Georgia-Kate has been sick with a virus. {She is getting better} She is also teething. However, she is still in a good mood.

On the calendar~the next few days:

• My mom's birthday celebration {shopping for gifts...Love the shopping.}
• Bootcamp/more running
• A baby shower
• Cooking for a dinner, at church. Helping serve.
• Benjamin's 1st T-ball practice
• Benjamin's Awana award night @ church.

Whew! We are busy...but life is fun!

Rock Star Hair

Benjamin loves to make his "Rock Star" Hair.

Most days, we are going out and he can't go out looking like this. Haha.

But, on this day....he got to wear it like a rock star.

Powder and sunscreen?

I was over shopping at Sephora, tonight. I ran across this Bare Escentual product: a mineral powder with SPF 30. Has anyone tried this? What do you think? I may have to get some. It seems like a really easy way to apply sunscreen.

New Design...

update: I am so excited. I saw my button out in blogworld. Shannon over at Bless Our Nest has it on her page. Thank you, Shannon!

Hi! Welcome to my new design! What do you think? I love it. Jessica over at This, That & Your Blog designed it for me. Jessica is so easy to work with and she is adorable. I think she did a wonderful job. And~She designed a button for me. So, feel free to grab my new button...if you would like. I am so excited to have a fresh new design. It reminds me of Spring!

A Good Thought.

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends,

the old and the new. (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

I am blessed with a few really good friends. One of my {very best} friends and I were able to have dinner, last night. She loves me and supports. She never judges me. And I am thankful and I adore her. I have been in contact with several of my close friends, this week. Friends who make me laugh, are truthful and care about me. At the end of a long week~I reflect with graditude for the people who support me {regardless the distance between us}. Thank you, my friends {you know who you are}.

Project {create a home}

Today, over at Project {create a home}, I featured fun summer clothing for boys~ in my Fashion post. I love Mini Boden for kids. Go HERE and check it out.

Hunting Eggs! -Part 2

Benjamin found a Golden Egg! He was so excited to get his prize. Now, I know what ya'll are thinking: Of course, he found it. His Aunt T. is the store manager. However, the egg hunt wasn't run by the store assosiates. So, all was fair~Promise!


The Special Egg

Golden Egg= One Extra Large RED Shark.

Don't you wish this shark lived at your house?!

Georgia-Kate with my sister.

Allen, Benjamin and my Dad.

My niece, Hailey and Benjamin.

Yes, Benjamin is still holding the Golden Egg.

Georgia-Kate, Benjamin, my Mom and me.

Okay, I promise~ this is the last post about the Egg Hunt!

We did have a great time!

What is your favorite Easter tradition?

Hunting for Eggs! Part 1

Just a few more photos of the Easter weekend fun~

One of our only Easter traditions is to participate in the Egg Hunt at Wal-Mart in Branson West, Mo. Tracy, my sister, is the store manager. Benjamin always has a great time. Georgia-Kate and my niece, Hailey were able to hunt~this year. I took several photos {okay, many many photos}. Seriously, I will have to post the others...later.

{Benjamin and Georgia-Kate}

Cousins: Benjamin was ready for the camera. I'm not sure what Georgia-Kate was doing. I could not get Hailey to look at the camera. Oh, well.

Benjamin hunting eggs.

My sister, Tracy {aka Aunt T.} is carrying his basket.

She would do anything for him!

Georgia-Kate picking up eggs. She wasn't sure quite what to do.

I was kinda afraid she would get run over.

Before we left home...I hid a few eggs in the front yard for Benjamin.

He was so excited. I was mostly happy that the sun was out.

Easter Morning

Just a few photos from Easter Sunday. We dressed for church and went downstairs for baskets and breakfast. Georgia-Kate had a big time playing in her basket.{Last year, she didn't even open her basket.} She was so excited! Benjamin was very pleased with his goodies and said "Mama...you did a good job telling the Bunny what I like." He is funny boy! Of course, I took several pictures of our Easter activities. I will post over the next few days...not to over do it, today!

All dressed for church.

Sweet Girl!


No more photos....please Mama!
We just want to play in our baskets.

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter!

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!

I am so thankful that Jesus died for me~and rose again that I might live. {What a wonderful gift.}

Easter Swap!

Emilie over at Bunch of Scrap hosted an Easter Swap and I participated. I had a blast! I was a little nervous that my swap partner wouldn't like my box of goodies....but she did! YAY! My Easter Swap Partner was Sherri over at Daughter of An Artist. . Now...Check out what Sheri sent me! I loved opening my box. Sheri made the gift sweetest tag for me (I think I will use it as a bookmark). Allen was very excited about the Reese's PB Eggs. These are his favorite Easter candy. I love this little Easter bunny. I don't have any Easter decorations....I know...Crazy?! The post-it notes are very sweet and useful. The "He is Risen" frame is a great reminder of why we have Easter.

Keep looking there is more....
Check out this Bunny Mold Cake Pan... Benjamin already want a bunny cake. I think I may try it out, this weekend.
I think this is so sweet and thoughtful. Sherri made this monogrammed silhoutte of our family. Love it!!



I put these cute eggs in our basket. I think Sherri may have made these eggs. Very Sweet~I had to have taken a long time.



She also included a special treat for Benjamin and Georgia-Kate. She stamped and glittered on these sweet little baskets. She stamped a sweet bunny and their names & filled them with chocolate eggs. Benjamin was so excited...He said "She sent me candy!" (Candy is a very special treat for him.) Isn't Sheri the sweetest person to include my kiddos?! I will get these out, every year and fill with a treat. Adorable!

Thank you, Sherri!

I made Shere this "Spring" Frame~as part of her goodie box. Go Here to see what else I sent Sherri. Check out her blog...she is very creative and has a beautiful family.

And it is OKAY!

No, Georgia-Kate is not walking, yet. And YES...It is okay! I am a little tired of the constant advice and questions: "She isn't walking...shouldn't she be?" or "Have you tired walking shoes?" {I'm not even sure I know what "walking" shoes are.} Or my favorite 2 comment/question: "Why isn't she walking?" and "Maybe her mama carries her around too much." {No, I am not kidding! Don't all mothers carry around their 13 month olds while parenting a 3 1/2 year old?! I certainly don't.} I know...I know...people are trying to "help". However, sometimes the best help is not to give advice unless asked for it.

I don't know why she is not walking~

But what I do know is:

Georgia-Kate will walk when she is ready.

She pulls up and cruises around the furniture.

She doesn't have to be like every other baby.

And...Georgia-Kate is perfect, in every way.

She is exactly like God created her to be.

Thank you for listening, today.

{I just needed to get that off my chest.}