An Unexpected Guest

(FYI: This is a venting post.)
So today our not so good friend,"Murphy", showed up. He brought a lot of baggage with him! He has visited way too often over the last year, and seems to know we are trying to stick to a pretty tight budget right now. I'm pretty sure some of you know Murphy also, and while I hope he left us I hope he isn't on his way to you. I first knew he was here when I noticed that our thermostat, which was set on 73, was at 78 and the air had been running for as long as I could remember. Luckily we have a few more weeks left on our home warranty so I called them. This happened at the beginning of April also, but that was more than 30 days ago so we get to pay them again. At least it isn't a lot.

Mike came home a little while later with news that several people in his position will be cut in June. We've gone from thinking he might have the chance at a promotion, to wondering if he'll have a job. That means I've gone from thinking I might have a chance of staying home longer with Brennan, to feeling that that door was closed today but thankful I have a job to go back to. He is feeling pretty cautiously optimistic about his job at this point, and we're not terribly worried. But we will be praying and preparing for that possibility until the middle of June.

Brennan and I went to my parents for a relief from the heat, and a delicious dinner tonight. When we got home the air was working! This is exactly what happened before, and when the serviceman came he couldn't find anything wrong last time. I'm glad to have a cool house to sleep in, but I really don't want to keep paying a service call every month for "Murphy".

After I got Brennan to bed, I started getting some things together for tomorrow when I go to clean my classroom (and leave Brennan with Nonna for the longest so far). I went out to the car and noticed the tire pressure light was on. Sure enough, something is sticking out of my back right tire. I'm glad for that light, so I didn't end up with a flat tire between here and Harvest. I guess I'll start my day at Tankersley's, where they have profited from our friend "Murphy" at least three times since we moved here. Wow "Murphy", I'll stay here and you take a vacation! You're not welcome here no more!

Summer Time! Summer Time! Summer, Summer, Summer Time!

Today we started our summer a little early. With the hot days and warm nights, the pool was begging for company. We decided around lunch time that it was ready for the year's debut. Mike and I called a few friends to let them know, gathered towels and sunglasses, and then I headed to Walmart for swim diapers. It almost felt like summer was coming before it's due date and we weren't quite prepared. We were super excited to see Brennan's reaction to the pool, and wanted his first experience to be great so he would want more and more. The first swim was a great success. The water was a little chilly, but Brennan never flinched. We started at the steps with him standing and splashing his feet. He was determined to sit down and get his hands in the water. Eventually Mike took him in up to his chest. Our friends arrived a little later, and their baby had his first pool experience as well. He loved it as much as Brennan. I am so excited that it is the middle of May and it feels like summer is already here. We love to have company by the pool, so let me know if you would like to be on the call list for swim days :). Happy summer!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to everyone! I think Mother's Day is a wonderful chance to let so many women know how special they are. While a mother will always have a special place in the heart, so many women pass through our lives and raise us to our potential. My home church, where we attended today with my mom, gives out roses on Mother's Day. They now have EVERY woman stand to be recognized and receive a rose. I think that's so fitting since several women there may not have the title Mom, but have definately worn that hat through the years.

My first official Mother's Day was a great day! Brennan sent me roses on Thursday. I thought that was my gift, and have greatly enjoyed them the last few days. Last night Mike got home a little later than expected, with a grin on his face and hand hidden behind his back. He was holding a bag containing an Originality bracelet. He had selected several very special pieces to go on it. Then this morning he got up and dressed early. I knew he was up to something because he doesn't rise early for much. He made a delicious breakfast of omelets, monkey bread, and orange julius. After breakfast we were off to church with my fabulous Mom, then to my grandparents' for lunch, and then to Guntersville to meet his family at Wenzell's. Throughout the day I got to enjoy being mommy to the happiest little boy. He seemed to know it was a special day, and loved every minute as did I. I'm convinced there is nothing better in this world than being a mom! I'm so blessed!

The Fourth Month Top Ten

10. Wearing comfy clothes does get old after a while.
9. Getting up with a newborn is hard, getting up with a four month old after getting to sleep through the night for a few weeks is even harder.
8. Storms are scarier when you are responsible for another human being also.
7. Slobber is a lovely accessory to any shirt.
6. A giant, toothless smile can melt away any worries.
5. Feeding cereal can be a fun family event.
4. Mommy does need a break every once in a while.
3. You really can break free from the school routine, and not feel that your day revolves around 3:00, but it takes a long time.
2. Childhood songs do come back from memory.
1. Babies grow WAY too fast!

Four!!!

Happy 4 months Brennan! We found out a year ago yesterday that we were going to be parents, and all that excitement doesn't even compare to the last four months. This has been your most eventful month yet I think. You have begun to eat cereal, teethe, sit with support, sleep through the night, ride in your stroller, use the jumper and exersaucer, and try to roll over on occasion. One of your favorite activities is playing in the floor in your room. You love to read books, kick on the playmat, sing, and have tummy time. You weigh a little over fifteen pounds. Your hair has started to grow, and is blondish brown so far. You laugh out loud when we tickle your chin and tummy. When you are just sitting around, you almost always have your hands folded in your lap or a fist in your mouth. You still love to talk to everyone, and show big smiles when anyone looks at you. You have grown past the fussy stage and have had a very happy month.

We celebrated your first Easter at Fairview Church, and then had all of our family over throughout the day. The next week was Aunt Mandy's birthday. We had everyone to our house to celebrate. Gam's birthday was this month also, and we all ate at Outback. You now love restaurants. You usually sit in my lap and watch all the action. Nonna opened Sweet Annie's Antiques. You have spent several days (and nights) visiting there while Daddy and I work. We had our first overnight alone while Daddy traveled for work. You had to check in with me a few times that night, and we didn't get much sleep. Daddy and I had a date night, and you stayed at home with Nonna. The two of you strolled through the neighborhood, and stopped to visit neighbors on their front porches along the way.

There isn't much you don't like at this point. You still prefer to be close to me, but you do not mind other people holding you as much now. The biggest change for me is that you always want to sit or stand, and do not lay in my lap unless your sleepy. It makes you seem like such a big boy, and you no longer look like a little baby. You are resisting sleep right now, but I'm pretty sure it's because you're teething. You have one funny habit when you are sleepy. You bury your head in my arm. I guess you don't like the light, but every once in a while your head bobs up to check out what's happening.

You are such a blessing in our lives!

Sweet Annie's at Massey Town

There's a new store in town! My mom has opened an antique and gift store in the little community of Massey, where I grew up. It is across the road from McKendree United Methodist Church, at 2814 Highway 55 Danville, AL. She is open Thursday through Saturday from 10-5. It is a very cute little shop. It was an old gas and grocery store years ago, and has had a few other tenants since then. She has done an amazing job of transforming it into "cute". There are several booths of antiques, other pieces on consignment, and then gifts and such that she and I have added. Last weekend was her first to be open, and her inventory is continuing to grow. The Grand Opening will be May 1st. Go out and see her! It's about ten minutes outside of Hartselle for those of you that might not be familiar with the area. There is a Mennonite bakery just down the road as well. Hope to see you there!

Hippity, Hoppity, Happy Easter!

What a wonderful day! Today was our first big family holiday with Brennan. Mike and I have been so excited. It turned out great! Our day started early because we were hosting two dinners, and wanted to get to church early. Brennan slept later than normal, so that gave us time to get dressed and take care of a few last minute tasks. When he did wake up, he was all laughs and smiles. We got him dressed in his blue Feltman Brothers bubble suit, the classic little boy outfit, and monogrammed bib (his latest must have accessory). He got a quick peak at his Easter basket, which he had honestly already played with with Daddy (because Daddy was so excited and you can do that the 1st Easter:). Then we were off to a wonderful church service. After church we took a few family pictures, then headed home to finish getting ready for lunch. Our air had stopped working Saturday, but amazingly when we got home it was cooling again. My family came for lunch. We enjoyed sharing stories about our church services and watching Miss Maeleigh be her cute self. Brennan was so tired he fell right to sleep without even eating. As my family left for their next events, my aunt and uncle came by for a visit with their three granddaughters. The girls loved exploring our house, playing with Mike, and then holding Brennan. They left and we headed out for a quick walk, to make room for the next meal. When we got home, Mike's family was arriving for the next dinner. We had a pleasant visit, and enjoyed the great weather by hanging out in the backyard. Little B seemed to enjoy it all, all he was awake for at least. He has been a bit fussy with other people lately, but today he was so happy. It was a great day to remember all of God's blessings for us.