The Hickman's

Passing time

2012-02-08T10:48:00.000-05:00

Since Lauren and I do not care much for Football we passed the time by making jewelry while the Superbowl was on!

She made her BFF Chloe a bracelet. She was concentrating so hard!

Roasting Marshmallows

2012-02-08T10:46:00.000-05:00

This past weekend was such nice weather Mitch and Lauren had some fun roasting marshmallows. Lauren would barely let hers get warm and she was ready to eat it. If any brown was on it she gave it to her daddy!

Helping Mitch put the limbs in to start the fire

One happy little girl with her "almost warm" marshmallow!

Appointments

2012-02-08T10:43:00.000-05:00

I generally take Lauren to a Pediatric dentist. This is not and has never been a pleasant experience at all. I have to sit in the chair and literally hold her down with the help of someone else while they clean her teeth. I recently decided to change dentists myself and thought this might be the opportunity to give Lauren a fresh start somewhere without all of the bad memories. I tried to prep her for the situation but in the beginning it did not help much. When we arrived I kept her occupied while we waited by playing games on her leap pad with her. When the hygienist came out to get us the tears started rolling and Lauren started clasping and rubbing her little hands together. The fear was very apparent on her face as the hygienist said, " Normally we show you around the office but I can see she is not liking this so I will just tell you a little about it.". We made our way to the room and Lauren sat in the chair while I went to have my xrays done. They started some videos for her to watch and before I knew it her little nerves were calmed. I guess the little prayer request that I sent to Mitch worked. Lauren was suppose to get her teeth cleaned to but the sweet hygienist talked her into just letting her count her teeth this time if she "pinkie promised" to come back and let her brush them. When we left Lauren said, "mama that wasn't so bad". So we have appointment to go back next week to get them cleaned. The Next day in the mail I received a little note from the hygienist telling me to just keep encouraging Lauren and she "pinkie promised" she would be able to clean her teeth!

"I love so much"

2012-02-08T10:28:00.000-05:00

Lauren: " Mama, I love you so much that I would buy you from the store and put you on a big cash register and pay for you!"

Photo Contest

2012-02-01T09:43:00.000-05:00

https://www.facebook.com/messages/?setup#!/media/set/?set=a.10150571687224860.403029.122488794859&type=1

If you have a facebook account please follow the link and "LIKE" Lauren's picture so she can win a photo shoot!
Thanks

Pajama Day

2012-01-20T11:44:00.002-05:00

Today is pajama day at school. Lauren went all decked out in her Cupcake PJ's and her Stompeez Slippers

More fun

2012-01-20T11:43:00.000-05:00

And when Daddy got home it was even more fun at Chuck E Cheese!

While Daddy is away.....

2012-01-20T11:41:00.000-05:00

us girls will play! Mitch had to be out of town all week for work. SO, while he was away me and Lauren had a little fun and went to watch Beauty and the Beast in 3D.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

2011-12-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AND ALL THROUGH THE HOUSE

NOT A CREATURE WAS STIRRING, NOT EVEN THAT SILLY OL’ KITTY CAT;

THE STOCKINGS WERE HUNG ON THE CHINA CABINET BY MAMA WITH CARE,

WITH HOPES THAT ST NICK (WE CALL HIM SANTA) WOULD SOON BE THERE;

I WAS NESTLED ALL SNUG IN MY BED (OK, MAYBE MAMA AND DADDY’S BED)

WHILE VISIONS OF PUFFS (THAT’S MY FAVORITE SNACK) DANCED IN MY HEAD;

AND MAMA AND DADDY IN THEIR PJ’S AND ME IN MY GOWN

WE DECIDED ON A SHORT NAP OR MY THOUGHTS WERE JUST TO SETTLE DOWN (SINCE I DON’T LIKE TO SLEEP);

WHEN OUT ON THE LAWN AROSE SUCH A CLATTER,

I SAT STRAIGHT UP (IN MAMA AND DADDY’S BED) TO SEE WHAT WAS THE MATTER.

AWAY TO THE WINDOW I SCOOTED WITH THAT KITTY CAT

TORE OPEN THE BLINDS AND RIGHT THERE WE BOTH SAT.

THE MOON SHINING DOWN REFLECTING OFF THE WATER

MADE IT SEEM LIKE DAYTIME, OKAY MAYBE, KIND-OF, SORT-OF;

WHEN, WHAT TO MY BIG BLUE EYES SHOULD APPEAR

BUT A CARAVAN FULL OF FAMILY SO DEAR;

WITH A DRIVER SO HAPPY, SO LOVELY, SO QUICK,

I KNEW THAT MOMENT IT MUST BE POPS (AKA “THE ROAD RUNNER”) IN PLACE OF ST NICK.

INSTEAD OF REINDEER HE CALLED FAMILY BY NAME;

“ ON NANA, ON PAPPY, ON LITTLE PAPA, ON GRANNY,

ON MA-MAM JENNIE AND ON PAWPAW CALLIS!

TO THE DRIVEWAY, TO THE GARAGE, ON THE WAY FROM THE MALL!

NOW DRIVE AWAY, DRIVE AWAY, DRIVE AWAY ALL!”

SO IN THROUGH THE GARAGE THEIR THEY ALL FLEW

WITH A VAN FULL OF TOYS AND JOLLY OLD POPS TOO!

AND THEN IN A SECOND I HEARD AT THE DOOR

THE PITTER PATTER OF THEIR FEET HIT THE FLOOR;

AS I DREW IN MY HAND AND WAS SNEAKING AROUND,

JOLLY OLD POPS CAME IN WITH A CROWD.

THEY WERE ALL DRESSED IN RED AND GREEN FROM HEAD TO TOE

AND THEIR CLOTHES WERE BEDAZZLED JUST FOR THE SHOW.

BAGS FULL OF TOYS THEY EACH HELD IN THEIR HANDS

HOLDING AS MUCH STUFF AS THEY POSSIBLY CAN.

EACH OF THEIR EYES GLISTENED LIKE SNOW

AS THEY SAW MY FACE AS I PEEKED AT THEIR SHOW.

AFTER A SMILE FROM EACH OF THEM I QUICKLY KNEW

ESPECIALLY AFTER EACH OF THEM SAYING “SHEW SHEW SHEW!”,

IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO HEAD BACK TO BED.

AND EACH THEM LEFT AND SWEETLY SAID,

“MERRY CHRISTMAS TO LAUREN AND TO LAUREN GOOD NIGHT!”

Home Sick

2011-12-14T09:43:00.000-05:00

Day 15.....Don't get me wrong, I love being here with Lauren but every now and again I get a little homesick. I am so thankful that Lauren's family decorates their house for Christmas because it makes it seem a little more like home to me. Today was one of those days that I was really missing home. I found the perfect place to feel safe and cozy and little more like home....

Right in Santa's arms! Lauren is feeling a little under the weather today so I think I am in the perfect spot to keep an eye on her and make sure she gets to feeling better really fast!

Even when she is sick she still has that smile on her face!

How many days til daddy comes home?

2011-12-14T09:38:00.001-05:00

Day 14.......As I have been at Lauren's house now for two weeks I have noticed this thing hanging from the window. Usually every day she goes over and tears one of the circles off. I finally figured out once I started counting that it is the countdown to Christmas. Before her daddy left he went over to it and told her "when you get to this green link daddy will be home".

So what better place to be when she woke up than on her chain! I knew she would be certain to go to it first thing to see how long it would be before her daddy came home. While I was there I saw a pretty familiar face at the top. It was Rudolph.

It's so hard to say goodbye

2011-12-14T09:31:00.001-05:00

Day 13.........Last night I was really worried about Lauren. When it was time to go to bed she just started crying telling her daddy she was going to miss him. I sat and listened to find out what was going on. He had to go out of town for work until Thursday. Lauren was so sad and didn't want him to leave the next morning. I knew that when she woke up this morning I had to bring a smile to her face because she was so sad last night. What better way than to have one of her favorite things in hand!

Yes, she loves candy canes and peppermint. And remember, I have a pretty big sweet tooth myself.

I sure am proud that I got that smile out of her!

Should I stay or should I go

2011-12-14T09:25:00.001-05:00

Day 12..........I had such a fun time at "Nana's house" that I found myself contemplating whether I should stay or go. I got to see some pretty funny stuff. Like Lauren dressed up in her Lala Loopsy hair!

But I had to make a decision. I either had to come back to Nana's this morning or head on back to Savannah where I knew Lauren would arrive later in the evening. It was tough but I headed for Savannah so I could be waiting on her when she got home.

I thought that little horse was fun to ride until I found this...........

I rode and rode and thankfully I didn't get bucked off like Lauren did the other day! As I was riding I heard the garage open. Finally, in ran Lauren to see if I was here. I heard she was disappointed that she didn't find me at Nana's this morning when she got up. Boy was she excited to see me back at home!

Road Trip

2011-12-14T09:16:00.001-05:00

Day 11.......Last night as I sat around listening to all the conversation I noticed Lauren kept talking about going to her Nana's. She seemed so excited. I wondered what I would do here at her house all by myself. Last night when I went back to the North Pole I had a little talk with Santa. He gave me directions to "Nana's house" and this morning off I went.

I think Lauren was really surprised to find me there when she woke up.

Gitty Up

2011-12-14T09:08:00.001-05:00

Day 10.........Last night Lauren was playing with her toy dog. He seemed really sweet. But every now and then I would hear him bark. I was thinking when I came back I might would take a ride on this dog. I am pretty small and he is pretty big. But when I heard that bark I was afraid he might look at me the same way that cat does. Then I remembered this horse Lauren plays with. I went to her toy box and pulled and tugged until I finally got him out. The good thing is he had blinders so I thought it might make my ride a little smoother.

We played for awhile until finally I heard that little pitter patter of feet that I look so forward to hearing every day. I think Lauren was still half asleep this morning!

Happy 4th Birthday

2011-12-13T09:52:00.000-05:00

Today 4 years ago I held my sweet baby girl for the first time. And now 4 years has flown by. She is growing up so fast and amazes me each day. She loves school and is learning so many things. She loves Yogurt and cheese. This is a necessity in our home. She loves fried eggs. But only when Daddy makes them and puts food coloring in them. She has been able to write her name for over a year and can now spell quite a few words. She loves to sing and dance. She loves her mama and daddy so much and is so torn when she has to make a decision to go with only one of us if we are going in different directions. And for right now she doesn't want to grow up! I know that will soon change but for now she thinks if she grows up she won't be able to snuggle with me. SO SWEET! Happy 4th birthday to our little Monkey. Mama and Daddy love you so much and we are so glad that you were sent to us!

Sweet tooth

2011-12-08T10:07:00.000-05:00

Day 9...........Have you ever watched the movie "ELF"? If you have I am sure you remember the part where Buddy is eating spaghetti with syrup on it and anything else sweet that he can get his hands on. Us Elves have a little bit of a sweet tooth. When we are on duty during Christmas in homes we try really careful not to eat too many sweets but sometimes its so hard. This morning I found myself going off the deep end when I saw my favorite thing....SKITTLES!

I was so excited that I didn't even hear Lauren get up and before I knew it she was standing there looking up at me. I sure hope I am not in too much trouble!

Who's that sleeping in my bed?

2011-12-08T09:53:00.000-05:00

Day 8.........So, as you all know every night I am very busy traveling back and forth to and from the North Pole. It is a pretty long ride and when I do get there I don't get much rest. I of course have to report if Lauren has been naughty or nice for the day and I also tell Santa of any new toys she wants. So this morning when I made it back into the Hickman's Home I saw this comfy looking bed that seemed like it might be just my size. I sat and waited and as soon as Lauren's baby came out I scooted it close to the Christmas tree, because this reminds me of home, and I got all snuggled in!

I thought a little nap might be in order. I hadn't closed my eyes for very long before I heard "pitter patter" of those little feet. In Lauren and her mommy came to find me. Lauren looked high and finally low. When she spotted me she was laughing so hard. I am so glad she wasn't upset because someone was sleeping in her bed!

The "IN" Crowd

2011-12-08T09:46:00.000-05:00

Day 7.......So lately I haven't really felt like I fit in. All of Lauren's friends, like I said before, are either blue, bears that wear clothes, or cats with big heads. Then there is the kitty cat. Every time I arrive back from the North Pole I have to find a high enough place so I don't feel threatened. Well, all of this finally changed. When I arrived back this morning I found a group of people waiting for me.

They sat and listened to all of my stories and adventures of being and elf! I felt pretty good. I am with the "IN" crowd.

We talked and talked until we finally heard little feet hit the floor. And in she came. Before she even looked up in the tree to see if I was gone she spotted me with all of my new friends. As soon as her daddy got home she had to show him that I finally made some friends.

"Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree"

2011-12-05T11:43:00.000-05:00

Day 6.....As I came in this morning I decided that it might be best for me to "sit high" instead of "lay low" for one more day until I am certain that Kitty Cat won't bother me!

And what better place than atop the Christmas Tree. About 7:30 this morning I heard Lauren holler for her mommy saying, "mama, let's hold hands and go look for that elf". And before I knew it there was the sound of pitter patter form those little feet once again. She walked in and before she even looked over to see if I was still "hanging around" she spotted me on the tree.

Just hanging around

2011-12-05T11:01:00.000-05:00

Day 5....and I am still just hanging around. This morning Lauren woke up to have to search high and low to find me. When I arrived this morning as I looked below I saw something staring up at me licking it's lips. It's this thing Lauren calls the kitty. So, I figured it was better for me to be safe than sorry so I grabbed the first thing that I saw that was higher than this cat.

And here I stayed all day long. My arms aren't very big and this was a really tough job. I am sad to say that Lauren had a rough morning. I think she was just tired. But either way she did a good bit of fussing. Thankfully later on this afternoon that all turned around.

The night ended on a good note and I can report to Santa the good things Lauren said and done tonight!

Trying to fit in

2011-12-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

Day 4...I noticed Lauren has lots and lots of little friends all around her house. She has these little blue things called smurfs. She has bears that wear clothes (how silly is that) and even a cat she calls Hello Kitty that has a really big head. I keep trying to find a way to fit in with all of these friends but for some reason I am always too small, too short, or not Blue enough!

Finally when I arrived this morning back from visiting Santa I found a friend that I think I might be close to fitting in with.

I am a little bigger but I think we kind of favor! I sat here patiently waiting with my new friend until I heard Lauren wake up and the pitter patter of little feet. She marched into the kitchen to make sure I hadn't swiped anymore of her candy and then she was off to start searching. She's getting good because it didn't take her long.

But of course, her "other friends" had to join in the picture.

This job isn't easy!

2011-12-05T10:26:00.002-05:00

It's day 3 of my adventure here in the Hickman's Home. Yesterday I stayed perched in my nook as I watched Little Lauren. I was happy to see that she had company with her when she walked in from school. It was her friend Chloe. My Elf friend Bernard is at her house watching over her and her brother and sister. The first thing Lauren did was introduce Chloe to me. I sat and watched them play. They were good little girls and played so well together.

Later in the afternoon as I sat still perched in my nook I saw something red flashing. It had antlers. Was it Santa's reindeer Rudolph?

Nope, just Lauren trying to put a smile on her mommy's face! Finally, later that night Lauren closed her sleepy little eyes and once again off to dreamland she went. And I headed back to report to Santa. When she woke up "what did to her wondering eyes appear" "Baby" the elf was off his shelf !

Yep, this job isn't easy and a little elf like me needs a pick me up every now and then. So, I found this little bag of candy corn. I thought for sure Lauren wouldn't mind sharing but I think I might have been wrong!

Thankfully she got over it pretty quick and was ready to take another picture with me!

Later this afternoon when Lauren got home from school she has a special surprise for me...a SKIRT. Everyone keeps calling me a "he" so she thought this would help. I love it so much and I can't wait to put it on.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's report.

She's really warming up to me!

2011-12-01T13:21:00.000-05:00

"Baby" the elf again. I have to say Lauren is really warming up to me. Yesterday as soon as she got home from dance she ran straight into the living room to make sure I was still there. I even heard her and her mommy talking about making me a skirt so everyone would know I was a girl. Lauren knows that she can not touch me or I will lose my magic so she suggested to her mommy that she could hold the skirt and I could step into it! Her mommy explained to her that I could fall doing that so I think they are going to make it and leave it for me. And while they are asleep and before I head back to the North Pole I will proudly put it on. Santa will be so happy that Lauren is being so nice to me. I even heard her tell her daddy last night that "the elf " likes it when you are silly! I guess I should proudly report that even last night Lauren was a really good little girl. She even went to bed early last night. And when she did I was off to the North Pole.

This morning I was back in the Hickman's home ready and waiting for Lauren to get up and find me. At around 7:00 a.m., which is a bit earlier than normal, I heard Lauren wake up and tell her mommy she was ready to go find "the elf". I saw her go into the living room to see if I was gone. And sure enough I wasn't there. She said, "Let's go mama so we can find her". And she started looking around. She headed down the hallway and there I was perched in the nook sitting on the letter F from her FAMILY blocks.

Lauren was so proud to see me and she was even ready for a picture beside me!

Stay tuned this week for more of our adventures!

"Baby" the Elf here

2011-11-30T10:59:00.000-05:00

Hi! "Baby" the Elf here taking over the Hickman family blog! SHHHH Please don't tell. I arrived at the Hickman Home last night straight from the North Pole. Yep, you heard right, THE NORTH POLE! You see Santa sent me to keep an eye out on Sweet Little Lauren and report whether she has been naughty or nice. I know sometimes her mommy says she can be kind of naughty but I don't believe that! So, I am here to see for myself. Each night when Lauren closes her sleepy little eyes and goes to dreamland I use my magic to return to the North Pole and report back to Santa on her acts of the day.

Last night I arrived and hid in her pajama drawer. As soon as her and her family got home and settled in she went to her drawer to get her "night night" clothes.

Everyone was wondering what was in the box and I kind of got a little worried because Lauren started getting scared. Santa told me she was a bit of a scaredy cat at times but I never expected her to be scared of little ole me! Her daddy helped get me out of the drawer and all Lauren would say was that she didn't want me.

I was so sad. Her mommy started reading my story hoping that she would like me. All she would tell them is that she wanted me to go back to Santa and never come back. Her daddy took me in the living room and sat me up next to the TV cabinet so that as soon as she went to sleep I could use my magic and go back to the North Pole.

I am a determined little elf and I don't want to let Santa down. As soon as everyone was off to bed I was off to the North Pole! After some rest and a little pep talk from good ole Saint Nick I headed back to The Hickman's Home! I hid and waited. I heard Lauren's mommy get up and she came in the living room and looked around but didn't see me. Finally I heard that sweet little voice of Lauren say, "Mama, take me to the living room". Her mommy asked why and she replied, "I need to go see if my Elf is still there". And the next thing I heard was the pitter patter of her mommy's feet. I sat very quietly as they walked in the room. Lauren looked up next to the tv and I was gone. Then she looked around and there I was! I am a sneaky little thing so I hid in one of the stockings.

The next thing I new Lauren was standing by me for a picture!

After the picture she was off to get ready for school. I made sure to keep my ears opened really wide so I could here good. And I am happy to be able to report to Santa that Lauren was super good this morning. She didn't fuss that she had to take a bath. She didn't even holler when water got in her eyes, which I hear she does very often. I even heard Lauren saying good things about me! So this morning I was one proud little elf. I am so happy that I was determined and came back. Make sure you check back tomorrow to see where I hide next!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-29T11:14:00.000-05:00

This year we were very fortunate to be able to spend most of the week in Tifton with our family. Mitch and Gerald left to go hunting Wednesday and me, mama and Lauren headed to Maw-Maw's house. We stopped by the grave yard and Lauren put Pawpaw down a new flag. When we got to Maw-Maw's house Lauren made cookies, we rearranged furniture and laughed a whole lot. Thursday morning me and Lauren headed to Granny and Papa's house. Lauren of course had to get out and help Papa pick up pecans. She enjoyed the Thanksgiving day parade so much. It reminded of how much Pawpaw always enjoyed watching the parades. We ate a very tasty Thanksgiving meal at Granny and Papa's and Lauren got to play and baby Christy's little dogs. I think that was the highlight of her day!
Later that afternoon we went back to mama's house and picked her and Maw-Maw up and we headed to Albany for some early Black Friday shopping. We hit up Kmart first then headed to Toys R Us. We got there at 7:00 and sat in the car until 7:50 and decided we better get in line. We were about number 250 in line. Finally at 9:00 the doors opened and off we went. It was so much fun. We finally got back to our hotel room at almost midnight. We got settled in and hit the sack for a few hours. We got back up at 4 a.m. and headed to the mall. The car was so full that we couldn't even see out of the back glass. We ended the week putting up Christmas trees at mama's house and Granny and Papa's house. I am so Thankful to have been able to spend so much time with our family this year!

GRATITUDE

2011-11-08T09:35:00.000-05:00

We try really hard to make sure before Lauren falls asleep at night that we say our family prayer. Last night Lauren said it and usually in every prayer she says it: "I am thankful for my Nana". So, after her prayer last night GRATITUDE was really heavy on my mind. I have so many things to be thankful for and maybe I don't take the time to realize what all I do have. The one thing that I am so thankful for that stayed on my mind last night and again as soon as I woke up this morning was Mitch. I am so thankful that he is loving, forgiving, kind hearted, helpful, thoughtful, always puts his family first and loves us with everything he has! And I think far too often days pass and I don't ever tell him those things. I am so thankful for a loving family who loves and supports us in all of the decisions that we make. That might not always mean that they agree with them, but they are there for us no matter what. I am thankful for a job. As I listened to the news yesterday all I kept hearing was about these people who are out of work and their unemployment has stopped. Things might be tight for us but I am very grateful for our jobs and that we can make ends meet for our little family. I am thankful for the church and the gospel in my life. I know that when we are doing the things the Lord would have us do everything else falls into place. I can personally testify of that! I am so thankful for the sweet little girl that we have. Every time out of the blue she says, "mama I love you" my heart melts over and over again. She is such a good mix of me and Mitch both and we couldn't love something anymore than we love her. She brings so much joy into our lives and because of her I am reminded of all of the things that I am thankful for!

It's finally Halloween

2011-11-01T11:12:00.000-04:00

It seems like we celebrated Halloween all week. And we finally made to the official day! We took Lauren to one of her favorite places first...PUBLIX. They had different stations set up throughout the store to play games and trick or treat.

After Publix we headed back home and went to a few houses in the neighborhood. Then Lauren wanted to hand out candy. I think she had more fun handing it out than she did trick or treating!

We hope everyone one had a Happy Halloween!

Birthday Boy

2011-11-01T11:08:00.000-04:00

Friday was Mitch's actual birthday but because we would be traveling to Tifton we celebrated a little early. Lauren couldn't wait for Daddy to get home to open his present and cards. She was so excited that she had to open the cards for him when he got home. Then Friday night when we got to my mom's they had him cupcakes. Lauren had to sneak in the candles so that Mitch wouldn't see them.

Happy Birthday to the best husband and daddy anyone could ask for!

Nature Lover

2011-10-28T10:07:00.001-04:00

Lauren is very much a child that loves all things of nature. If she sees a leaf she must pick it up. She has a rock collection and I think everyday adds a new rock to it. Everyday after school she picks one little yellow flower to take to her teacher. This morning we went outside to take a picture of her in her costume for her school party. As usual she runs out of the garage before the door is opened all of the way and with much excitement says, "mama mama come look". When I walked out this is what she was pointing to

The clouds were very pretty this morning and I am so grateful that Lauren acknowledges the things that GOD has given us and is thankful for them! Sometimes we are so rushed in our everyday lives that we don't take the time to "stop and smell the roses". With Lauren around that is one thing she will never let you forget!

(and I guess her butterfly costume is very fitting)

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-27T12:45:00.000-04:00

Last night we took Lauren and her friend Chloe to Trunk or Treat at church. They "trick or treated", got their face painted and played games. They had a blast!

Fall is in the air

2011-10-25T12:17:00.000-04:00

I don't think fall could have arrived soon enough at our house. We had all of our fall decorations out a little early and awaited the cool weather. Saturday was the perfect day to visit some fall festivals around town. We went the Bamboo Gardens first where Lauren got to sit in a helicopter and pick up ducks. Soon afterwards we headed to Ottawa Farms. We did the corn maze and Lauren got to do the Corn Cannon with her daddy's help. She got to ride the train, enjoy a hay ride, play in corn among other things. We had a fun filled fall day!

Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-20T13:45:00.000-04:00

Today Lauren got to go on her first field trip with her preschool class. She was so excited. They went to the Bamboo Gardens Pumpkin Patch. They got to tour the Gardens and even watch them make cane syrup. The little girl in the polka dots is one of Lauren's very best friends Chloe. Me and another Mom and her two kids joined them for a little while. When I left her they were about to have a picnic. Here are a few pictures that I took this morning.

"Smarty Pants"

2011-10-18T10:01:00.000-04:00

Here is the latest converstation with the almost 4 year old as we went back and forth trying to ger her to try on some clothes.

Me: "try them on or go to bed"
Lauren:" well mom, I'm kind of tired so I might just go to bed"

All I could do was laugh at her!

Conversation of the day

2011-10-04T13:15:00.000-04:00

This is our conversation as we discussed that we were not going inside to eat but just going through the drive through....

Lauren: "But mama if you don't let me you will make me sad"
Me: "well I am sorry Lauren"
Lauren: "mama, there is no time for sorry"

I just don't know what I am going to do with this little girl! You can't help but laugh at her!

Vivid Dreamer

2011-10-04T10:19:00.001-04:00

It is amazing how real dreams can be sometimes. I am very vivid dreamer and have been as long as I can remember. I dream in color. Often if I wake up in the middle of the night from a dream once I drift off back to sleep my dream will resume where I left off. Sometimes this isn't good, as I am sure Mitch will attest to. I dream about bad weather alot and have woken Mitch up to talk to me so that I can get my mind off of the dream and hopefully when I fall back asleep it won't resume.
Well, the past few nights I don't remember dreaming very much. Last night this changed. We went to bed fairly early around 9:00 p.m. and I guess I was asleep by about 9:30 p.m. At 1:42 I awoke as if I had been wide awake for many hours. I think this dream had to be the most real of all dreams. Me, Mitch, my mama, and my mawmaw were in a parking lot. My Pawpaw had already passed away but his spirit was there in that parking lot. Mawmaw was talking to him knowing this was the last time she would see him. I tried to console her the best I could and lead her to the car. After she got in I ran back over to my Pawpaw sobbing. I went to grab his hand knowing that I wouldn't be able to feel it because it was just his spirit. As I grabbed it he grabbed my hand back and I could really feel it. I could feel how tight he gripped my hand back and we held on as long as we could until he walked away and ours hands were separated.
Not long after I woke up Mitch happen to wake up and look over at me. He asked me why I was awake and I simply said, "a dream". I did finally tell him this morning what my dream was.
I guess we have dreams for many different reasons but for me I think it was that one last touch. I have had a really hard time with the fact that I won't see my Pawpaw anymore here on this earth so this dream is very significant to me. And even though days have now passed I still miss him just as much now as did that Sunday and I am so thankful for that very vivid dream and how real it felt to grab his hand and feel him grab mine back!

Heaven and a Hot Air Balloon

2011-09-29T12:04:00.001-04:00

These are two words that I will never forget for the rest of my life. Saturday afternoon we got a phone call that my Pawpaw was being taken to the ER for breathing problems. So we quickly made the decision to pack our clothes and head to Tifton to be with our family. We arrived about 8:45 to thankfully find that Pawpaw was doing better. He did have fluid on his lungs but they were giving him meds to help remove it. He was admitted later that night. We went to mama's for the night and returned to the hospital Sunday morning. It was a quiet surreal moment now that I look back at that hour and half that just me, Mitch and Lauren sat in the hospital room with Pawpaw. He was in worse shape than the night before and having some rough moments breathing. He laid in the bed and watched Lauren put her puzzle together over and over again. He listened to her little laughs as he teased her here and there. I decided to text my mom to let her know he had been moved to another room and that I thought he was worse than night before. She in turn text my uncle and eventually all of the family showed up. Pawpaw had his daughter, son in law, son, daughter in law, all three of his grandchildren and their spouses and his 7 great grandchildren in that little hospital room all at one time. He was just laying there listening and looking taking in that sweet special moment. We all headed out for some lunch to get Pawpaw a chicken wing at his request. Derrell and Vickie stayed there with him.
Me, Mitch, Lauren, Mama, and Gerald returned while the others went home to change out of church clothes. Derrell and Vickie headed home to change and some of Pawpaw's extended family were there to visit. We all sat around talking and cutting up. He enjoyed his chicken wing, 1 potato chip from Zaxby's and a Pepsi. He asked about some of his very dear friends that had been sick. Then a bit later Mawmaw turned around to find him gasping for air. From this moment everything is very much a blurr. I am not sure who got out of the hospital door first but the next thing we new there were many many people in the room while we sat outside the door waiting and waiting. The family that had just left minutes ago were called back. Derron made it back and was able to go in the room and when he came out I will never forget the look on his face. I knew without him even telling me that Pawpaw was gone. I never dreamed that Saturday night that I would have lost my Pawpaw that Sunday or even the next or the next. The doctor told me there were going to be able to remove the fluid and he would go home. He was gonna be fine.
As soon as I heard those words I went downstairs to where Mitch had taken Lauren. I sat outside on the ground and held my baby girl as I tried to figure out how I was going to tell her that her "Papa Callis" who she loved dearly was gone. What do you say to an almost 4 year old who doesn't even really know about death. How do I tell her when me at 31 still had all of my grandparents up until this day. I had to somehow pull myself together and tell her that her Papa Callis had to go to heaven to be with Heavenly Father. "But why mama? I won't see him again?" she asked as she started to cry. With tears streaming down my face I had to answer, "no baby, but you know what? You will always have him right here" as I put my hand on her heart. "Mama, how is him going to get to heaven?". Right or wrong at the moment the only thing I could think of that she would understand was a hot air balloon. And that is just what I told her.
We headed back upstairs with the rest of the family. This was the worst feeling I have ever felt. We were finally able to go back in to see him after he passed before they took him. And of course Lauren wanted to see him. I took her in and she blew him a kiss and was ready to go out. Late that night we headed back to Savannah to get more clothes. I remember sitting in the back seat and crying off and on the whole way home.
Monday morning Lauren wanted to go to school so I thought it might be good for her to get her mind off of what happened and give me some time to myself. As we were getting her ready I sat her up on the counter to fix her hair and this was the conversation...
"mama, you know who I dreamed about?"
"who"
"Papa Callis. Him came down from Heaven and told me him was all better"
I stood there and sobbed. I know my Pawpaw wouldn't have wanted to leave knowing Lauren was afraid because of how it happened. Through this she was able to have her piece of mind. She still couldn't understand though if he was all better why he couldn't stay down from heaven. We talked some more and headed to school.
I picked Lauren up a few hours later and as soon as she got in the car she started telling me she missed her Papa Callis so much. We arrived home and when I got her out of the car she said it again and started sobbing. She ran in the house, to her room and buried her head in her chair. I ran in after her and grabbed her and we sat in the floor and sobbed together. Monday was a rough day for us. But eventually we pulled ourselves together and when Mitch got home we headed back to Tifton to be with our family. We attended the funeral home Tuesday night and there was between 400 and 500 people that came to pay their respects. Pawpaw had told Mawmaw that he didn't have any friends and as my Uncle Derrell said, " I guess Daddy looking down on this is eating crow". The funeral was Wednesday and here I sit today feeling really strange as I attempt to go back to my old routine. But no matter what, that old routine will never be the same.
We have been so blessed to have had Pawpaw in our lives for so long. And we were beyond blessed with the outpouring of love and support from friends and family. I will never forget all of the index cards that Pawpaw kept in his pocket with any and everything he wanted to remember on them. I will never forget that sweet smile and those sweet special moments that he was down on the floor playing with Lauren. "He was such a good man" we heard everybody say. "There was not another one like him". And they are exactly right. He was humble, kind, loving, thoughtful, sweet, always put everyone else before him. Pawpaw, we love you so much and life will never be the same without you. We missed you the very moment you took your last breath and that will never change.

2 Weeks down

2011-09-01T10:02:00.000-04:00

We are almost done with the second week of preschool and Lauren is still excited to go every morning. Monday she was a little under the weather and I even tried to get her to stay home but she didn't want to miss school. She is learning so much and is very excited to share with us the new things she has learned each day. I was very heistant on sending her because I didn't think I was ready for this but I am so thankful we made this decision.

Gingerbread Men

2011-08-30T11:56:00.000-04:00

This past week Lauren learned all about the Gingerbread Men stories. Here is what her teacher wrote:

"We made gingerbread cookies yesterday and put them in the oven to hold overnight. When we went to get them out this morning, one of little girls screamed and ran away. We looked in the oven and there was a note from the gingerbread men saying they had run away. The little girl kept saying "I'm scared! I'm scared! Hold my hand!" and I kept asking "Why? It's just a note." She wouldn't tell me why. The other kids finally helped me follow the clues left by the cookies and we found them in the microwave. As I put the pan on the table so we could decorate them, I asked one more time, "Why were you so scared?" and her answer? "I thought the fox was coming!" I'm still laughing! :)"

And ofcourse you guessed it...the little girl was Lauren. She is such a scaredy cat!

School report

2011-08-25T11:47:00.000-04:00

So, as I type Lauren is almost complete with Day 3 of school and I am so excited to say that SHE LOVES IT! We have not shed the first tear and every morning she is excited to get up and get ready. As soon as we turn on the street she starts asking "are we there yet" until I finally say yes! She comes home telling me of all of the things she done while she was there and most of the time repeats herself several times during the day. I am so thankful she loves it. If not we would have some rough mornings around the Hickman Home!

We made it....

2011-08-23T09:44:00.000-04:00

Through the first drop off at pre-school that is. I am very proud to report that there were no tears shed at all. Nothing but excitement from our little girl. I do have to admit I must have been having some inner anxiety about it. I dreamt last night that I forgot to feed Lauren breakfast before school so I had to stop by a grocery store. The grocery store was pure filth and I had to get her a Little Debbie Snack Cake and a diet Coke because that was all they had! So, this morning I made sure to feed her breakfast and of course milk instead of Diet Coke! I am excited to pick her up in a few hours and see how she liked it. But for now here are some pictures that I took of her this morning.

Before Bath time

After

Showing off her backpack

Pictures with mom and daddy

The count down has begun

2011-08-17T17:46:00.000-04:00

Now that school is fast approaching Lauren has started asking everyday how many more days it is until she starts school. Not because she is that excited about it but more of trying to see if it is "a long time, or a short time" as she asks! The closer it gets the more nervous I get too. I know it will be good for her and our family because I will get to work while she is at school for a few hours and we will have the evenings at home all together as a family. She has also decided that she really wants to play soccer so it looks like between school everyday, Soccer on Tuesdays, and Dance on Wednesday she will be a very busy little girl. I have decided that she is a very expensive 3 year old! But, as long as she wants to participate in activities and we can afford it and make the time for it, then she will do it. So, look for a new post next week as we embark on the new adventure of Pre-school!

Please freeze!

2011-08-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

Lately it has hit me really hard that Lauren is turning into a little girl. I love the age she is at now. She is a very independent little girl, though sometimes it makes things tough I still love the fact that she is her own little person and proud to be her! She is picking up on new things every day. Recently I started talking to her about adding and subtracting and to my amazement she got it. Of course, only the small numbers but she still got it! We bought her a foam clock at Target and she now can tell time if it is on the hour or half hour. She loves for us to read books. Usually after us reading it through one or two times she has the book memorized and will go back and "read" to us! And even though she is so independent the best part is she still loves what we call "group hugs" from mama and daddy where we pick her up and she is smashed in the middle of us. And when I say "will you ever be too big to give mama hugs and kisses?" she says, "no way!". We will see how long that will last but for now it is a great answer. She starts preschool in less than two weeks. I don't know who will be more lost, me or her. She is like my right arm! And I have to admit, she is a really great shopping partner. Whether it is the grocery store or the mall she LOVES too shop! So father time, if you could PLEASE FREEZE time just for a little while I would be so grateful! I just don't want to see my little girl grow up right now!

Lauren's rendtition of "Max and Ruby"

2011-07-21T17:08:00.000-04:00

Lauren on FRECKLES

2011-07-18T18:23:00.000-04:00

Lately I have started noticing a few freckles here and there on Lauren. I guess the many trips to the beach are to blame. I am guilty of pointing them out because I think they are so cute on her. So here is how our conversation went one day while she was playing in the bathtub and I was getting ready...

Lauren: "Mama, I am trying to scrub these freckles off"
Me: "No, don't scrub them off. They make you special"
Lauren: "Why?"
Me:"Because Heavenly Father gave them to you"
Lauren: "Why did Heavenly Father give them to you? Oh Oh I know... to keep your arms warm!"

Dancing for her life this week on So You Think You Can Dance ...

2011-06-29T16:48:00.000-04:00

Is Lauren Ann

"Your game begins in..."

2011-06-29T16:46:00.000-04:00

3.................2..................1

The other night as I was in the kitchen cooking dinner and Mitch and Lauren were in the living room I heard, "No, that is too little you might choke". As I turned to look Lauren had sat down on her stool with a small soccer eraser on her forehead and was attempting a Minute to Win It Game. We were laughing so hard and decided to give her a cookie instead! She actually did better than her daddy's attempt at it!

She has always loved playing with her Daddy

2011-06-17T17:31:00.000-04:00

In honor of Father's day here is a little clip of Lauren when she was little playing with her daddy.

She has always and still does love her play time with her daddy. We love you so much Mitch and hope you have the best Father's Day ever. You are the best daddy a little girl could ever have!

Remember when...

2011-06-17T17:17:00.000-04:00

Some of you may remember this little video clip from Lauren's babysite....

Well, here she is today getting in on the real action of cooking

Maybe we have a future FOOD NETWORK STAR on our hands because this little girl sure does like to cook!

"So you think you can dance"

2011-06-17T16:28:00.000-04:00

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

2011-06-08T11:21:00.000-04:00

This week I have experienced the Good, the Bad and the Ugly with Lauren. She has dance camp this week so we have had to get up and get ready earlier than normal. Neither one of us are morning people so this has been an experience. I guess it is preparing me for school. On Monday it was just plain UGLY. The night before she went to bed late and on Monday had to get up early. She fussed that she was tired. She didn't want to get ready. Nothing pleased her! On this day it made me really dread school starting. Tuesday was just BAD. She woke up on her own and fussed for a shorter period of time which made the morning a bit better than Monday morning. Today was GOOD! And what a relief. She woke up on her own. She even got her self dressed tights and all this morning. She didn't fuss when it was time to brush her teeth and she was actually a little excited this morning. So, I am hopeful for school now. On Monday I could only imagine what each day would be like and I could only see us fussing with one another every morning. But thankfully after today I can see past that to the GOOD days!

Lauren on WRINKLES

2011-06-07T10:59:00.001-04:00

This past weekend my grandparents came to visit so this is how this conversation came about....

Lauren was sitting in the chair at the table painting and got up to find her knees were red with lines from the seat on them.

Lauren: "Mom, look at my knees"
Me: "yes they are red from sitting on them in the chair"
Lauren: "no Mom I got my first line"
Me: "yes from the chair"
Lauren: "No Mom I am getting old and I got my first line like Granny"
Me: "are you talking about a wrinkle?"Lauren: "yes, I got my first line. I am getting older" in a very excited voice

It is nice to know that she views wrinkles as a good thing! We will see how long that lasts!

Lauren on SIBLINGS

2011-06-07T10:55:00.000-04:00

Lauren: "Mom, Braeden is Addison brother."
Me: "yes"
Lauren: "and Addison is Braeden's Sister."
Me: "yes"
Lauren: "I don't have a brother."
Me: "no"
Lauren: "Maybe me and Addison can share Braeden!"

Got to love the thought process of a little one!

Staycation

2011-06-03T16:33:00.000-04:00

Memorial weekend we went on a "staycation". My mom and Gerald came to visit for a few days. On Friday we went to the Zoo in Columbia SC. Lauren got to ride a pony, ride the train, feed goats, feed a giraffe, and feed birds. The bird decided to bite her finger and she was done with the birds after that. On Saturday we went to Fort Pulaski, a civil war fort. Lauren loved just running around there. Afterwards we headed to Riverstreet for some candy. Sunday we headed to the beach. I think this was Lauren's favorite day. She got to build sand castles and dig and dig and dig in the sand. It was nice to do things and not be rushed. And it is always good to sleep in my own bed!

Just gotta dance

2011-05-26T15:45:00.000-04:00

Photo contest

2011-05-23T18:16:00.000-04:00

It has been a long while since I entered a photo contest and I got the bug again. I have entered Lauren in the Parent magazine cover contest. There is a weekly prize for the picture with the most votes so those of you who would like support us here is the link
http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/2011-parents-cover-contest/4178600008

Voting for her entry doesn't start until 5/30/2011 and ends 6/5/2011

WK 8 photo faves voting begins 5/30 12:00 a.m. CDT ends 6/5 11:59 p.m. CDT

I have 2 photos on there so let's vote for this photo so everyone is voting for the same one.

Thanks everyone!

The recital

2011-05-23T17:43:00.000-04:00

The day finally came! Lauren's first dance recital. Friday evening we took her to her rehearsal and she did such a good job. She was so excited. Here are a few pictures of her with her class before they went in for the rehearsal.

I was a really nervous mama on Saturday. But once she got on stage the fear turned to excitement. Lauren got up there and did her thing without any hesitation. As soon as I picked her up afterwards the first thing she asked was, "mama did you get me flowers?". This was almost disaster. We had the intentions of buying them at the recital. Only to find out that they were sold out. Thank goodness for Publix and Mitch. He took off to Publix to purchase flowers for everyone to give to her afterwards! Thanks again to all of our family who drove that distance to share this special time with us. We love ya'll so much and enjoyed the time we got to spend with each of you!

Sneak peak

2011-05-20T17:07:00.000-04:00

Here is a little sneak peak at what my little ballerina will look like with her hair in a little bun and some rosey cheeks and pink lipgloss

"Sunday morning reading"

2011-05-20T17:05:00.000-04:00

What's been going on?

2011-05-11T17:04:00.000-04:00

It seems like it has been awhile since I posted last so here is a quick update. 2 weeks ago Lauren received her medal and certificate at dance for completing dance this year. She was so excited when she received it. Her dance recital is in less than two weeks and every day when she wakes up she will ask if it is time for her to get on the stage. Let's hope she is as excited when the day gets here. We are very excited and she will have 20 people traveling here to watch her. We are so thankful for family that doesn't mind traveling 3 1/2 hours for these special events!

Then there was Easter. Lauren couldn't wait to get to Nana's house and wake up to see what the Easter Bunny brought her. Every year as a holiday comes and goes I realize how much more fun they each get as Lauren gets another year older. This year we were so blessed to have all of our family living in or near Tifton so that Lauren could hunt Easter eggs with all of her cousins!

And last but not least we moved this past weekend. This was something that we had debated on and prayed and prayed about and decided that it was for the best to get into a better neighborhood. After 2 months of searching we finally found the perfect house. Thank goodness for family and close friends. I don't know how we could have managed to move everything and stay sane without them. So far we are loving our new home. It is closer to work, dance and best of all my best friend! Our back yard is alot bigger and I think the thing that the grandparents and great-grandparents are most greatful for is no pond in the back yard!

We still have some unpacking to do but it is coming along.

So, now that I have caught up on everything check back soon and I will have pics and details from the dance recital! I can hardly wait to see my little ballerina on that stage.

PROGRESS

2011-04-19T18:02:00.000-04:00

Well, it looks like we are making some progress. Saturday a week ago me and Lauren decided to go to bed a little early. We have been trying to read to Lauren Bible stories before bed and we had finished Noah the night before. So on this night Mitch picked a verse out of the Bible that just talked about things Heavenly Father wants us to do. After reading it he expressed to Lauren that Heavenly Father wants her to learn new things. Me and Lauren climbed into bed and Lauren said, "mama, I don't want to talk about it but I will go to school". I said ok and we left it at that for the night. The next morning on the way to church she wouldn't stop talking about school. And ever since that night she has been excited and ready. She called my mama on Sunday excited to tell her that she was going to school and to tell "nana" what color back pack and dress she wants for school! What a relief for us. I know there will be some rough days but it sure makes our decision a lot easier to know she is excited!

School

2011-03-23T17:54:00.000-04:00

So this fall Lauren will be enrolled in Pre-school. This is a very bad subject around our house with her. She doesn't think she wants to go to school and doesn't want to hear anything about it. She will have a really great teacher and I have tried and tried to tell her about all of the fun stuff she will get to do but she doesn't want any part of it. Nana has even tried to convince her with a new back pack with her name on it and it's still a no go with her! Today as we were talking the subject came up once again but this time by her. She asked me about the crafts that she would get to do and as I started talking about it she responded, "mama, let's don't talk about this right now!". So, that was that. I am hoping that she will come around. If not there will be some rough mornings around the Hickman Home!

Quote of the day

2011-03-23T17:43:00.000-04:00

Quote of the day by Lauren Ann

"Mama, there is a garden growing in the back of that truck"

Birthday weekend

2011-03-23T17:38:00.003-04:00

This past weekend I turned the BIG 31! I really don't feel any older but the gray hairs are sure coming in alot faster. We spent the weekend in Tifton with family. Lauren painted granny's hair with Barbie hair paint(which by the way, did not come out), she played soccer with her Nana, played grocery store with her Aunt Miranda, and found more flowers at mawmaw Jennie's house. We took walks, picked flowers (probably every flower that little girl could spot), rode 4-wheelers, roasted marshmallows and had ice cream cake! What more could a girl ask for on her birthday!

St. Patrick's Day 2011

2011-03-23T17:30:00.000-04:00

Ever since we moved to Savannah it has been our tradition to go to the St. Patrick's Day Parade. We even took Lauren when she was only 3 months old. This year we went once again. The night before Mitch cooked Lauren a green egg in the shape of a shamrock.

Lauren loved the parade this year. Of course you have to get there several hours early to get a spot so Lauren could hardly wait for it to get started. Once it got started she wouldn't let us leave until the whole parade was over 3 1/2 hours later!

Anniversary Trip

2011-03-23T17:25:00.001-04:00

2 weeks ago we took a long weekend trip to Disney World and Sea World for our 10 year anniversary. And ofcourse we couldn't visit those places without Lauren so she went with us. And let me start out by saying a big Thank you to Beth, Sarah and Travis for getting us in to the parks and for great hotel rates. We started our trip on Thurs and hit Downtown Disney.

Friday we went to Sea World. Lauren's favorite thing was the animal show and riding the teacups "all by herself"!

Saturday we went to the Magic Kingdom. We had an autograph book and we spent several hours just getting autographs from different characters. Lauren was so cute waiting in line holding her book and pen. The best part was seeing her face light up everytime she would spot someone new.

We had a really good time and we were no where near ready to come home. Maybe we will make this and annual tradition!

10 Years ago....

2011-03-08T17:39:00.002-05:00

on March 10th I married my best friend! My how time flies when you are having fun! I am so thankful for some of the best years of my life because of a wonderful husband. Here are just a few of the reasons I love him...

He is thoughtful and me and Lauren always come first. He stands by my side and he sticks up for me. He brings me flowers home just because. He is kind. He loves my family. He makes me laugh. He works hard so that I can be home with Lauren. He has alot of yard sales for me when I decide I am ready to get rid of things! I love the fact that we can just sit down and have a great conversation. He understands when sometimes I just need to cry. He puts up with me being a clean freak and has sort of turned into being one his self! He still loves me even when I don't iron his clothes (I promise I will try to do better)! He is the best daddy in the whole world to that sweet baby girl we call Lauren, and what more could any wife/mother want!

There are so many more reasons that I love him and that list just keeps growing everyday. We have made some great memories over the past 10 years and had some of the best days of our lives. Our trials have made us stronger and our silly moments have made us laugh a little harder. I am so grateful that I get to grow old and grey(OK I am already getting pretty grey) and spend eternity with my very best friend!

Thank you so much Mitch for all that you do for me and Lauren. Thanks for all of the great memories, the many laughs, holding me when I need to cry, and loving me for who I am. I love you so much and I am so grateful for these wonderful 10 years and I look forward to many many more!

A Garden

2011-03-08T17:33:00.002-05:00

So, everyday when I drop Lauren off this is what I see before I leave

And seeing this everyday has resulted in this

A nice "little garden" in mommy's car, as Lauren puts it!

That little girl can spot a flower from anywhere and when she does she has to pick it. She loves flowers!

"Home sweet home"

2011-03-01T11:56:00.001-05:00

Lauren's impression of "home sweet home"

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

An afternoon on Riverstreet

2011-02-26T16:47:00.001-05:00

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.6

"Daddy, Will you sing while I dance?"

2011-02-25T17:18:00.003-05:00

*be sure to turn up the sound so you can hear "daddy's song" on the video*

Oldies but Goodies

2011-02-15T18:23:00.000-05:00

When I look at these I wonder where that baby went!

All about Laruen

2011-02-01T17:49:00.002-05:00

I really wanted to do this post when Lauren turned 3 but never got around to it. So finally here I am. I thought I would share some things that are all about Lauren right now!

Her favorite color is pink-well most of the time. Here lately it changes to a different color each day of the week but she always ends up back at pink. If we are buying her something and she is picking it out it must be PINK! I sure do love having a girly girl.
She has started speaking spanish. Yes, she spouts out words to me that I have no idea what they mean. For example: today were doing our grocery shopping and as I was paying she said one of these words and when I told her I didn't know what that meant she said, "mama it means up" in the sassiest little voice like I should know that!
She tells me she loves me only like 100 times a day. It is the sweetest thing when out the blue she says, "mama.. I just want you to know that I love you".
She loves play time with her daddy and playing hide and seek. Last night when I walked in from work they were no where to be found...I thought. Until I saw a little hand sticking out from under the dining room table.
She loves stuffed animals. Every night when it is time for bed she gets all of her "pets" and they have to be nestled in bed with her. And everytime we go to a store and she sees a stuffed animal she says her ones at home need a new friend. A few weekends ago she tricked me and my mom into going into Build-A-Bear for an accessory for one of her pets. That turned into sweet talking Nana into getting her pet a new friend!
She loves to pray. Every time we sit down to eat she has to bless the food. And her prayers just keep getting sweeter and sweeter ( and sometimes funny). Before dinner a few nights ago this is how her prayer went: "Heavenly Father, pease bless our food. And thank you for letting my knee....Daddy daddy Heavenly Father made my knee all better (as she opened her eyes and pulled up her pant leg to show her Daddy)... in the name of Jesus Christ Amen". And at lunch every day as she blesses our food she always ask for her Daddy to be kept safe.
She love being a ballerina. She is so dedicated to learning her dance steps in ballet. A couple of weeks ago she came out of dance class to potty and while we were in the bathroom she said, "mama, I was doing a pretty good job in there". Then when she got done she had to show me Position 3. She can't wait until her dance recital so she can be on a stage.

She is growing up so fast. And she is the most loving little thing giving me and her daddy hugs and kisses all of the time. Her favorite is when Mitch picks her up and we give her a hug so she is smushed in the middle of us. A friend said the other night that I was going to have me a little side kick. My response was that I already do. She is at a really fun age and she is my little best friend. She loves to shop with me and have her nails painted. She loves shoes and pocket books. She loves to dress up and must always have things matching when we are going somewhere. We love her so much and are so thankful for that sweet little girl!

What a sweet daddy

2011-01-31T21:04:00.001-05:00

Lauren asked mitch to paint her fingernails and ofcourse he couldn't say no!

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Conversation of the day

2011-01-21T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here is the conversation that Mitch and Lauren had this afternoon.

Lauren: "Daddy, I want to drive"
Mitch:"You can't. There might be a police"
Lauren:"Daddy, what do police do?"
Mitch:"They keep people safe"
Lauren:"No they don't.Police aren't mommies!"

How Sweet! Gotta love conversations with a 3 year old!

The most wonderful time of the year

2011-01-06T22:21:00.003-05:00

Christmas to me is "the most wonderful time of the year"! I start getting in the Christmas spirit long before Christmas and usually all of my decorations are up even before Thanksgiving. And with a 3 year old around who can't help but be in the Christmas spirit. This year was the best Christmas I have had in a very long time because of the joy that I had from seeing Lauren's little face light up at all of the sights and sounds of Christmas.

Christmas for us started on December 18th when we hosted a little Christmas party/gift exchange with some close friends(pictures to follow soon). Then on the Wednesday before Christmas we had Christmas at home here in Savannah. Last year Lauren was more interested in handing out the gifts and this year the excitement was certainly opening the gifts. We were more excited to watch her reactions as she opened each and every gift. Even though she could see exactly what some of the gifts were as soon as she took the first piece of paper off she would wait until she had every little piece off before she would let out her big reaction. It was so much fun to watch her. And I even got a great surprise myself. Mitch got me a Cricut for Christmas. I had gotten my windows tinted a few months ago as an early gift so I really wasn't expecting anything. I was so excited because I have wanted one for a really long time.

On Christmas Eve we left heading to Tifton to make our rounds. We arrived at mama and Gerald's house before lunch so we needed to do something to keep Lauren occupied until it was time to open gifts. Mama had the great idea of getting a Gingerbread house.

Well, let me just say that none of us can build a gingerbread house that will stay up! But Lauren had a great time trying. Then we decided to let Lauren go ahead and have one of her gifts that mama and Gerald got her so she could enjoy it before it got even colder....a Bounce House.

She was so excited and bounced her little heart out.

Finally it was time to open all of our other gifts.

Later that afternoon we headed to Granny and Papa's house. Every time we go to visit Lauren has to play pretend McDonald's with Granny so Mitch and I had a special gift just for her and granny...

a McDonald's cash register complete with all of the food. That kept her occupied for awhile until everyone arrived so we could open gifts. When we thought we were all done there was one more gift in the corner for Lauren. She got a princess car from my Daddy.

She drove it around in the house bumping into everybody and everything.

It was getting late so we convinced her that it was time to head back to mama's so that she could get ready for bed so Santa could come.

We got back to mama's house and she got all ready for bed but before we could go to bed we had to leave Santa a snack and of course nothing better to leave than Peanut Butter cups and a glass of milk. She even left a little note with Santa's name on it.

Christmas morning she woke up around 8:15 wanting something to drink and me and Mitch talked her into getting up to see what Santa left her. She walked right past the presents into the kitchen to see if Santa ate his peanut butter cups.

They were all gone along with an empty glass and the empty wrappers. And beside her note Santa left her a bell. Before Christmas every time we would hear a bell she would say it was Santa Clause. So, of course she was very excited that Santa left one of his bells behind just for her. After the excitement of the bell we headed to see what Santa left for her. She was a little slower than yesterday, since she is not much of an early morning person, but she got everything she wanted!

After lunch Christmas day we headed to Mawmaw and Pawpaw's house to celebrate with them. This was a really special Christmas because it is the first Christmas in I think like 7 years that we have had all of the family under one roof for Christmas. It was a house full but we wouldn't have wanted it any other way. Lauren enjoyed so much being able to be around her cousins this year for Christmas.

It is so nice for her to be able to grow up around them and be close to them the way I did with Christy, Derron and Damon. They were like my sister and brothers growing up and I hope that Lauren will grow up feeling same way that I do.

She played so hard and had so much fun that while mawmaw was holding her while we were getting ready to leave she fell asleep on her shoulder!

Sunday we had and uneventful day and got to relax. Monday afternoon we headed to Miranda and Nathan's house to enjoy spending Christmas with them. We let Lauren open all of her gifts first and as soon as she opened the play dough from Miranda and Nathan she was ready to get it out and play.

We convinced her to open her dress up outfit and play with it instead.

We had a really good time getting to spend some time with Miranda and Nathan and Micah and Brittney.

We were so blessed this Christmas to be able to spend time with our families. We got some really great gifts but most of all enjoyed seeing Lauren light up from all of the excitement of gifts and the time she had to spend with family. It is my favorite season and really makes my me reflect on all of the things that I have in my life to be thankful for. The month of December is pretty significant for my little family. I met Mitch for the very first time on December 13, 1997. We made a big change in our life on December 8, 2004 and moved to Savannah which has become our home. Then on December 8, 2005 we closed on our house and moved in. December 8, 2007 was the date Lauren was suppose to be born but ended up coming a little late and arrived on December 13, 2007. So, you can see why we have so much to be thankful for when the month of December rolls around! We hope everyone else had a great Christmas like we did and we look forward to many more!

Parent Observation day

2010-12-08T17:40:00.000-05:00

Today was parent observation day at dance class. They allow the parents to sit in twice a year during dance class. Let me just say that seeing my baby girl as she tip toed and twirled across that studio floor was such a sweet sight! I was one proud mama. The teacher has told me on several occasions that Lauren was doing really good and listened well and was very dedicated to be so young. Today I got to see it for my own eyes. It was like when Lauren stepped in those ballet shoes and hit that studio floor she became a different person. She did and awesome job and I couldn't stop smiling the entire time we were there. Here are a few pictures and some short video clips.

Lauren's 3rd Birthday Party

2010-12-08T17:18:00.000-05:00

My goodness how time flies. I can't believe in just a few days my sweet baby girl will be 3. We celebrated her birthday this past Saturday with family and friends and Hello Kitty themed party. She had a blast and got lots of new toys to play with. Thanks so much to all that came to celebrate with her. We are so thankful for our family and the friends here in Savannah that have become a part of our family.
(p.s. if you see some funny looking pictures, Lauren had the camera for a little while!)

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-12-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

The things kids say

2010-11-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

Last night Lauren layed out flat in the floor and said, "mama pull my legs". I responded,"huh?" She said, "pull my legs and stretch me so I can be taller!" Where in the world do they get these things from?!

A week of Halloween

2010-11-03T17:13:00.000-04:00

This year we did Halloween stuff all week long. We started on Tuesday night with Trunk or Treat. Lauren was more excited about the candy than the games! Wednesday morning was costume day at dance class. They got special halloween treats and colored pumpkins at the end of class. Thursday night my best friend Jamee hosted a halloween party for the kids. They got to do spider handprints, mummy bowling and even got to decorate their own little pumpkin. Thursday night was also my sweet hubby's birthday. So Jamee had him a cupcake with a candle ready and we sang happy birthday! We had lots of great food and great company. Friday night we made it to the end of Callie's 7th birthday party in Tifton which was a halloween theme. Saturday we did trunk or treat in Tifton. Lauren was excited that she got to hang out with her cousins, Madison, Gavin, Callie and Olivia this Halloween. We had a busy week but we had alot of fun!

2010-11-03T17:12:00.001-04:00

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2010-11-03T16:46:00.001-04:00

Pigeon Forge TN

2010-11-03T16:36:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago we got to take a little vacation to TN. We left on Thursday and met mama, mawmaw and pawpaw there. It was so fun to see Lauren's face when she saw the mountains for the first time. And the leaves....it was all about the leaves. I never would imagine an almost 3 year old being so fascinated with the leaves. She kept on and on about the colors of them and how pretty they were. It was really sweet to hear and see how much she appreciated nature like she did. We saw a few shows. We ate ALOT! And did I mention Mitch almost Bungie Jumped...that was until he looked down and saw his baby girl hide her face in fear because she didn't want him to do it. And then there was our trip to Cherokee. I can't remember the last time I have been so scared and laughed so hard all at the same time. Going up and down the mountain was the cause of all of that! And I am pretty sure that Pawpaw has a permanent hand print on his leg from Mawmaw gripping it so tight! Lauren also got to pan for gems. This was the one thing she talked about non-stop until we did it. She loved it. We visited the Ripley's Aquarium. It was there that I discovered how much Lauren loves to take pictures. She is getting pretty good at it too. We had a really good trip and made alot of fun memories.

Our first pumpkin

2010-10-11T17:19:00.000-04:00

Miranda gave Lauren a pumpkin and carving kit this weekend so Sunday evening we Mitch and Lauren carved our very 1st pumpkin. Lauren wanted to help until she saw what came out of the middle of it...

So, Mitch had to do all of the dirty work but we still had a great time and I think our pumpkin turned out pretty cute too!

My little flower girl

2010-10-11T17:12:00.001-04:00

This weekend my sister-in-law, Miranda got married and Lauren was the little flower girl. She was a little shy and ended up walking down the isle with me but she still looked beautiful. The wedding was gorgeous, the weather was great, and the bride and groom looked so happy. We were so glad that we got to be a part of their special day! And for those of you who attended our wedding almost 10 years ago and remember Mitch dancing his bum off to MC Hammer...Well, he did it again! He did say that it was much harder this time than it was 10 years ago. But you still looked awesome out there honey! I love you and your dance moves!!

Mickey's Rockin Road Show

2010-10-11T16:39:00.000-04:00

Cost of 2 tickets: $58.00

Cost of 1 bag of cotton candy: $10.00

Cost of Tinkerbell toy: $12.00

The look on Lauren's face when Mickey Mouse came out

PRICELESS

Dance Update

2010-10-01T17:31:00.000-04:00

Lauren has been in dance class for 3 weeks now. As most of you probably remember from the first dance post Lauren was a bit upset the first class. After class she of course told me that she wasn't going to cry next week at dance. I anticipated that day the whole week. The next Wednesday came around and we went in and she sat quietly in my lap until class time. As soon as her best friend Addison came in and went to the other class Lauren let loose once again. I quickly told her it would be ok and took her to her class and within a minute she was having a blast. Finally, this Wednesday as soon as we got in and got her shoes on she was ready to go into the studio. The teacher wasn't in there yet but she insisted on going on in so I let her. After class the teacher came out and told me that when she went in Lauren was on the floor in position ready to stretch. She also told me that she could not believe that Lauren had never taken dance because she was so good. She said, "she is going to be the best dancer ever!". So this proud mama has to brag a bit!

CInderella in the making

2010-10-01T17:00:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved to dress up. Every morning as soon as she awoke she hopped out of bed and quickly went to her closet to see what her dress up attire would be for the day. Until one day she awoke and hopped out of bed to find her wicked mother cleaning away. She scurried past her wicked mother and straight to her closet to quickly pick out her shoes. But wait, she couldn't go anywhere without her bracelet and watch on! Finally, completely dressed up away she went. And being the wonderful little princess she is she came back to the kitchen, complete in her dress up attire, and begged the wicked mother to let her help clean!

(and I promise she really did beg me to let her help)

An afternoon at the beach

2010-09-21T17:23:00.000-04:00

Silly Faces

2010-09-17T17:13:00.000-04:00

1st Day of Dance

2010-09-16T16:22:00.000-04:00

So, yesterday was Lauren's 1st dance class. She was so excited and I, on the other hand, was very nervous! This would be the very first time that I have ever just left Lauren somewhere with people that I didn't know. We got there and went in and I helped Lauren get on her ballet shoes and it was time to go into the studio. She had her back pack on with her juice and tap shoes in it and she walked right in. For one split second I felt a sigh of relief. Then the door shut! The sigh of relief was gone and my heart was breaking at the sound of my baby girl crying for mama. I knew she needed this so I sat patiently and the tramadic cries went to a wimper every minute or so and finally I heard her laughing and having a wonderful time! An hour later she came out with a huge smile on her face and proudly showing me her ballet sticker she got. When we got in the car I asked her why she cried and she said, " because I just wanted you mama. But next week I not going to cry at dance class!".

Before we left she wanted to take a picture in front of our Scarecrows!

After dance class showing me her Plies.

Lauren and her best friend Addison

Shapes

2010-09-15T05:31:00.000-04:00

Before bed the other night Lauren wanted me to read her a book. She picked out a Halloween book and we read it through twice. So on the third time of her asking me to read it I just started asking her stuff about the pictures in it. We got to one page and I let her pick out shapes. Here is how it went....

Me: "What shape is the pumpkin's eyes?"

Lauren: "triangles"

(That was an easy one)

Certain she would say circle I asked "What shape is the kitty's nose?"

Lauren: "oval"

(I was pretty impressed because we haven't talked about the difference in and oval and circle at all)

Lauren: "mama, what shape is this" as she pointed to the nose.. and before I could even answer she says, "macaroni and cheese noodle!"

Silly little girl, always making us laugh and keeping a smile on our face!

The cutest shoes ever

2010-09-09T17:10:00.000-04:00

Aren't these the cutest little dance shoes ever!!

Lauren is officially enrolled in dance class! She starts next Wednesday and can't be more excited. We went today to enroll and pay and they were closed when we got there. She was so upset so we headed to Walmart to let her pick out her leotard and tights. Ofcourse my little girly girl had to have all pink from head to toe! As we were leaving I called and they were there so we scooted back over there to get her registered. When she heard me on the phone she said, "mom, they are there?". When I told her they were and we were headed back over there her response was, "I'm so excited"! When we got there her teacher was there and took her back to the studio and then let her look at some recital pictures from last year. Then we had to try on shoes. She loved the ballet shoes because they were first. But when she stepped into those taps shoes she didn't want to take them off! She told me on the way to her daddy's work that when she got home she wanted to put on her skirt and her tap shoes. She is going to be the cutest little dancer ever! She will have a recital in May and I can't wait to see my baby girl up there dancing her heart out!

"Priceless"

2010-09-09T16:50:00.000-04:00

I received and email from my mom and in the subject heading is said "priceless". I thought it was just another forward until I open it to see there was a photo attachment. When I opened it this is what I saw...

A couple of weekends ago we headed to Tifton for Olivia's 1st birthday party. It started raining mid way through the party and was still sprinkling when we got ready to go. Maw-maw grabbed a plastic bag and she was ready to go. Thankfully Damon had his camera ready and captured it for all of us. Thanks

Maw-maw for the many good laughs you give us and for laughing along with us! We love you!!

Loving Life

2010-08-31T17:29:00.000-04:00

Today as Lauren and I were driving to meet one of my best friend's for a day of couponing I couldn't help but to reflect on how much I really love my life and how much I have to be thankful for. As we were driving and me and Lauren were talking, which I don't even know what about, she said, "silly mama, what am I going to do with you?". I just had to laugh at her. And to hear her sweet little giggle back at me. Those are the moments in life that I treasure and I am so thankful for. And it all starts because I have such a wonderful husband who works really hard so that I can stay at home with Lauren and have those special, silly little conversations. And did I mention he is the best DADDY every! I have a wonderful family who supports us in everything we do and in all of the decisions we make. They come hang out to babysit when something comes up and I have to work. Or they come to help with all of our little home projects. They supply us with vegetables out of their freezers(yummy). And they are even there for the rough moments like taking Lauren to the dentist for the first time and hearing her cry her little heart out. We get to experience all kinds of things with our families like Lauren being a flower girl for the first time and thinking she is a princess (we will probably never get her out of the dress)! So, today I just have to reflect on how blessed my life is and how thankful I am for everything that I have been given!

Lauren's Room Makeover

2010-08-26T16:20:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago on a Friday morning I decided that I wanted to move Lauren to a bigger bedroom and have a makeover. I sent Mitch a text and thankfully he agreed. I plundered through the house and got up enough stuff for a yard sale to cover paint, bedding and decorations. Saturday morning came and Mitch sold, sold, sold. Luckily I decided to do this makeover while Granny and Pops were here visiting. Although they might not feel the same way!! (I know they loved every minute of it!) They were in charge of keeping Lauren out of the room. Which was a tough job at times! Saturday we did all of our shopping and Saturday night we started painting. Me and Mitch are by far expert painters but we are very grateful to a wonderful neighbor who came over and made what would have taken us several days to finish a 2 hour job! Thanks so much Roberto for helping us out. And thanks Pops for cleaning my carpet for me while we were busy with Lauren's room and Granny was babysitting! Here are a few pictures..

She loves her new room! The funny thing was it took her several days to adjust. I caught her going into her old room, forgetting she moved!

Sunday afternoon fun

2010-08-23T17:50:00.002-04:00

Lauren's Blessing

2010-08-12T16:38:00.000-04:00

This was Lauren's blessing on her food last night....

Lauren: "Heavenly Father, bless my mac n cheese. Pease bless my potatoes......(pause) Mama, what's that"

Me: "chicken"

Lauren: "bless my chicken Amen."

I couldn't help but laugh. I cooked the chicken unbreaded and in a little butter so she didn't recognize what it was.