A Girly Saturday

Mallory, as usual, awoke before dawn. She is getting a little better about letting me sleep, especially if I threaten not to take her to Jerry J's. Anyway, I managed to stay in bed until around 7:30.

We, of course, went to Jerry J's. Since I am on strict diet mode (I fell off the wagon during the ENTIRE month of Jan.), we split a 2 egg platter. I mostly ate egg white while she demolished her sausage patties and cheese grits.

Next we went to Wal-Mart. We grocery shopped and bought all that we could. These days, Mallory makes her own shopping list and keeps it in her own purse (so I won't loose it). On her list was cheese crackers, bubble bath, Doritos, and Cinderella ravioli.

When we got home, the power was out. It stayed out for nearly two hours. Mallory did not understand the concept. All she knew was that we couldn't cook anything for lunch, couldn't play on the computer, couldn't use the telephone and we couldn't finish washing clothes. I told her to be thankful that we could flush the toilet. To entertain, I painted her nails. She chose blue. She really wanted my Bon Jovi red polish (polish that I reserve for concerts) but I told her that she had to be grown before she could wear that!!

Mallory's Wild "Do"

This afternoon, Mallory and I had hair appointments. Cheryl had some fun with Mal's hair.

Everywhere we go, people comment on Mal's "pretty curly" hair. I bet they didn't realize it could look like this!

Mallory thought it was fun and hilarious. She kept prompting me to take her picture.

Don't worry, she ended up with a trim and some pig tails.

I on the hand, have a BUNCH of bangs and very real red high lights. Not crazy about the bangs but I am hoping I will get used to them!

Mallory Writes Her Name

Over the Christmas break (I don't know the exact date) Mallory started writing all the letters in her name. The M and the Y were the hardest. Here Mallory is perfecting the first letter in her name. So far, I have managed to save every scrap of paper that she has made recognizable letters on.

After school, Daniel took her to her cousins' house. They jumped on the trampoline, played outside, and when she got home she couldn't lift herself off the floor (she sat down to take her shoes off).

She revved back up during her bath but instantly calmed down once she was dressed. My BABY asked me to rock her. I loved it. It was just like old times. I sang to her (she doesn't dislike my awful voice) and rubbed her forehead. However, I could barely get her to her bed. She has gotten so heavy!!!

Record Low Temps

Last week we had some really cold mornings!! So cold that I didn't want to get out of bed. Luckily Great Grandma Yeager made Mallory this very pretty (and warm) hood. At first, I was a little scared about her wearing it to school--I didn't want her to loose it. I solved the problem by adding her name and her teacher's name inside.

Notice the scarf. She loved this accessory and was adamant about wearing it. However, she didn't want it to be close to her neck. If it was too close, she would tell me that it was choking her.

For some reason, Mallory can't help but to close her eyes whenever her picture is taken. After numerous shots, I just give up.

Grandma Leaves and Exhaustion Sets In

Mom came this weekend to help me with Krystial's shower. Her primary duty was the kids--keeping them entertained. Kristy helped with the cake and Melissa cut the vegetables and fruit for trays. I made spritz cookies (that rivaled aunt Mary Jo's), baked a cake, made a cheese ball and made lemon cookies.

However, it was a long weekend for everyone. Mom got a good workout, the kids got so much attention that they couldn't slow down and I was so tired that I could barely move.

Mallory crashed, as seen here, at 4:00 today. We let her sleep for about 30 minutes. We woke her up, fed her, bathed her and at 6:30 she fell back asleep.

Krystial's Baby Shower

Tonight was Krystial's baby shower. As you can see, she is as big as a house!! She is due in about 3 weeks. In the second picture, her and Lealane are standing beside the diaper cake that Lee made her. I was very impressed with Lee's work.

The third picture is of the gift that the BFF's bought. We got her a crib bedding set. It had the requisite Winnie the Pooh theme.

The fourth picture is of Mallory and Kirsten decorating onesies. We had a contest and Kirsten won for best design. She was not present to accept her award so I accepted and made a speech on her behalf.

The last picture is a full frontal to show Krystial's size. Thank goodness she does not read this blog!! She would truly kill me, if she did.

p.s. these pictures never appear in the order that I intend.

The 5K continued

I forgot to mention that Kristy had the girls. When I came into view of the finish line, I saw them. They were anxiously awaiting for us to pass. When Kristy pointed to me, they all started jumping up and down while cheering and yelling. It was so cute!!

My 2nd 5K

The morning after my birthday celebration, I ran my second 5K. I actually ran this one. I was accompanied by Lealane and Russell. Considering the night before, I did well. I finished in the middle of the pack with a decent time. I didn't meet my usual standard but at least I finished. I even got 3rd for my age division!!

When finished, Lealane and I were gulping water down together. I admitted to her that I nearly vomited. I actually swallowed vomit at least twice. As I was saying this, Lealane pointed to a girl who was vomiting. I am so thankful I was able to hold mine in!!

Happy Birthday to ME

For my birthday, my BFF's and my sister and step sister took me out. We started at Applebee's. I received new gym shorts, new perfume, a free meal, free drinks, and a Dairy Queen cake. We had so much fun. Of course the waitresses lined up to sing to me, carrying the cakes.

On the morning of my birthday, Mallory awoke especially early. I guess she knew that I had been out most of the night and wouldn't need any sleep=( However, when we got up, I found 2 cards and a birthday balloon. Daniel had allowed Mal to pick out a card and she wrote her name in it--all by herself.

Guess what I had to do at 9:00 am on my 31st birthday?? And remember that I wasn't feeling great nor was I energized!!!!

Starting from left: Krystial, Kristina, Lealane, me, and Julie. By this time, Kristy had bolted. She acted as if she had something better to do---as if.... I guess it is her new single status.

Christmas Morning

Mallory awoke at 7:15. She immediately asked if Santa came. I told her to go look. It didn't take long before we heard small feet pounding on the wood floors. Mallory received a kid art studio, new shoes, doll house furniture, smart e bear, stamp collection, a new doodler, eye clops magnifying glass, and a few other things that I can't instantly recall.

We went to dad's next. We had finger foods and met with the family. It was fun.

For a late lunch we went to Daniel's mom's.

It was a very busy day but fun was had by all. Mallory really enjoyed Christmas. In fact, she kept asking when Santa was coming back. She was asking so much that we decided to take our tree down on Saturday.

Christmas Eve

Daniel and I both had time off during the week of Christmas. On Christmas Eve Daniel got up and went golfing. He wore his new golf shoes, new GA golf shirt and found a pair of GA socks and a hat to match. Needless to say, he was all decked out.

While he went golfing, Mallory and I went to Grannie Thigpen's. Daniel had brought home some fruit so Mal and I made a fruit basket for her. We also brought home made and personally decorated cookies. Grannie loved them.

The last picture was taken at Daniel's mother's church. We attended the Christmas program. Mallory was an angel that held a star. She was sooo cute but we didn't get any pictures. By the time we arrived, she was already lined up and immediately afterward she got changed. Suffice it to say, she was adorable. She also didn't like being near Santa.

Christmas with Grandma Brown

Notice that the girls all had on "princess" dresses again!!!!

A Princess Weekend

Mom came twice during the month of December. The first visit was to watch Kirsten in her very first dance recital.

The recital was awesome and Kirsten did an awesome job. She was so pretty and danced very well. We are really lucky that our girls have adopted their mothers' talents, brains, and beauty.

Mom came early Friday evening. We had dinner and a short visit with the Raulersons (Kristy had to get Kirsten to a full dress rehearsal). As you can see, it was a completely "princess" weekend. Starting on Friday night and all day Saturday, the girls wore princess dresses. This was sparked by Cadee's obsession. Little Danny, took everything in stride and wasn't bothered.

On Saturday morning, Krystial and I entered a 5K. The race was sponsored by my gym, the YMCA, also Krystial's employer. It was my very first 5K and I am not ashamed to admit that I came in DEAD last. I took many comments on my slow pace but Krystial assured me that everyone knew the truth. Right Lealane?????

My Super Star

Sometime in early December, Mallory's school had a parent appreciation. Her class, combined with another, sang Christmas songs and served refreshments. I, of course went. I re-arranged my entire schedule (because I am a very important person at work) to watch my beautiful daughter perform. OMG, she is just like her Aunt Kristy. I was suspicious before but after seeing Mallory on stage, I am convinced! Mallory does not like crowds, she does not like unfamiliar people looking at her, and she especially doesn't like performing in front of a large audience, just like Kris. The entire time she had her fingers in her mouth and a grim expression. And if that wasn't the case, she had her arms crossed. She looked miserable. When she spotted me, she begged me to come get her (in front of everyone).

At least my child was the prettiest and I am sure one of the smartest.

Where to Begin??

Well I'm back. I have finally bought a new computer and Russell helped me set it up!!

Thanks Russ

Anyway, I guess I will begin to catch you up in chronological order.

The first "news worthy" event was decorating our tree. Mallory was excited and ready. As you can see, she hung several ornaments (and not pictured are her breaking some).

Mallory loves it when Daniel pulls down the attic ladder. We have to closely watch her because she is dying to get up there.