Three Years

Our baby girl is three years old today! Oh my! I would say, "Time flies," but everyone, especially mommies know that all too well. Since the day, Ava Karis was born she has brought joy to our lives in an indescribable way. I get overwhelmed sometimes and wonder why God would allow me, ME, to be her mother. I know it's because he loves me despite all my imperfections. Ron and I still look at her with disbelief on a daily basis! Every single stage has been absolutely wonderful. I loved the sweet newborn stage when I just sat and held her all the time! I loved when she started laughing and making funny faces. And today, I love to hear the words, "Mommy! I had a good nap!" (every single morning!). Today she is potty trained with no paci (Praise the Lord), and some of her favorite things are playing dress up, telling stories, listening to me read, and watching Dora. I am thankful for the memories we have made so far and the memories we will make each day in the future.

It's hard to think that 3 years ago today, I was in the hospital wondering what her little face would look like...

Here are some of my favorite pictures...Tomorrow, I'll show the birthday party highlights!

Giveaway Winner & Fourth of July!

And the winner is....

Karen from Knoxville!

(according to random.org)

Check your email, Karen:)

Our Fourth of July was wonderful! We started the day out early- Ron had to be at church for praise team practice & then it was our week to help with First Impressions (greeting guests). After church we went to my parents' house; Mom had tons of great stuff prepared for us, including homemade lemon icebox pies (my fav). Brittany & Job came too. Then we went to the big fireworks display! The live music before included our church's praise band. They did a great job!! After the fireworks show, Ava said, "I want to see it again!" :) Thankful for a safe, fun-filled day with the people I love!

Reminiscing of Past Indepedence Days

I'm such a nostalgic person, I think. Independence Day takes me back to Lambert & Crowder, MS when I was a little girl. I think of the homemade ice cream Mamaw Little always made and of the mosquitoes we had to fight, of course. I also do some reminiscing for Ron (he's not as nostalgic as me:); his uncle ran a firework stand, so Ron and his brother enjoyed helping him and getting lots of cool fireworks!

Now that my beautiful grandmothers are gone, and I'm grown up we have made new traditions and find ways to get together and create beautiful memories. Ava is blessed to have so many people who love her!

Today will be our fourth annual trip to Snowden Park for a night of live music (some of which will be Ron's:) and fireworks at dark. I can't help but think that three years ago, I was six days away from delivering Ava at that big event: HOT would be the word!

Look how much Ava has grown!

Happy 4th of July!!

Sweet Summer Days 3

I threw this picture of my first squash in because I was proud of them:)...

I will announce the winner of the candle giveaway Monday!

Well, yesterday my plans were to go to my dentist appointment and clean house all day, but Brittany called and wanted to go shopping! Yay, she, my mom, Ava (who had gotten into Mimi's makeup), & I loaded up and first headed to cupcake bakery for a treat and then to the outlet mall for some deals! Everything at Old Navy was 40% off! I got a couple of things; my favorite is the shoes you'll see at the end of the post:). It's always good to spend the day with my girls!

Stay tuned...I'm almost done with my table and chairs redo....

100th Post: 1st Giveaway!

In honor of this 100th blog post, I've decided to do a giveaway of one of my favorite home splurges: Aromatique Summer Sorbet. I have been in love with it since my freshman year of college when my roomie Jeanine introduced me to it. Ahhhh, you'll love lighting it for guests. It smells incredible!! If you're interested, tell me one thing you've enjoyed about my blog (and leave your email address).

Happy Fourth of July!

Awww....

I have been 'under the weather' for the past several days...sinus infection, stomach bug, ... Ron brought home dinner, flowers (I love snapdragons!) for me, my favorite candy, Ava's favorite candy, and a Disney princesses balloon for her. Soooooooo thoughtful!