Toes in the Sand and a Baby Bottle in my hand…

We made our first trip down to the beach as a family this Summer. My parents were gracious enough to invite us down to their condo for a few days to enjoy a little R&R. Many probably think that is all my job is, however I beg to differ – but then again that is a whole other post.

Each day was beautiful, with crystal blue and green waters and white sandy beaches. We could not have asked for anything better, especially as Hurricane Isaac approached the gulf shores. Emerson LOVED the beach. He certainly embraced the R&R part of the vacation and held true to a “beach baby”. I think he slept almost the entire time we were out on the beach.

My Grandmama bought him a float for the water and the sweet little man fell asleep while floating in the ocean waters. We also made sure he was decked out in protective gear from the sun. Each morning we would coat him in sunscreen, dress him in a long sleeve onesie, place his iplay hat on his head and put his special little sun glasses on. Let me tell you, he was one well protected and stylish little man.

We cooked in most nights, but one night my parents offered to give us a night out while on vacation. It was so nice to be able to relax, get ready, and go out to dinner just Brandon and I. We went to one of the best places in Destin – The Back Porch! This place is usually packed with at least an hour to two hour wait, but because we were there during the off season we did not have to wait at all! We even were seated with a water view!

All in all it was a nice treat to get away for a few days, relax and enjoy our family. We are already talking about our beach trip next year, yet we will be going with a 14 month old instead of a 4 month old! Something tells me our trip might be quite different.  

A Roll Tide Day

It was very important to us to take Emerson to Tuscaloosa to visit the University of Alabama. Aside from being the place where the Tide plays, it is where Brandon and I met. We have so many memories in Tuscaloosa of just the two of us, we wanted to start creating memories of all three of us now!

We started our day at Brandon’s parents’ new game day house. The original house was destroyed by the April 27th tornado that hit a good bit of Tuscaloosa. It was the first time Emerson and I had seen it since the rebuilding project had begun.

From the house, we headed to campus. We wanted to show Emerson everything we could. Thus, we set out on foot to walk around campus. It was so nice to be able to walk around the quad and enjoy campus- minus tailgating tents and football traffic.

While out and about, we grabbed some lunch at Buffalo Phil’s. Although not the best food in Tuscaloosa, it was somewhere that was original to Tuscaloosa and near campus. It was also one of the restaurants I ate at while touring the University my senior year of high school. Certainly not a huge family friendly place, but at lunch it was not too bad.

After lunch we decided to go “play” in the water fountain located in the plaza of Ferguson center. Emerson loved the water. He loves to play in water, especially at bath time, so we figured this would be right up his alley.

Of course, you can’t go to the University without making a stop by the stadium. Brandon took Emerson to each National Championship winning coach. Both boys had their picture made with the statues. I know Brandon was in hog heaven, especially having his son at one of his most favorite places! I am sure he and Emerson will be two peas in a pod one day!

We plan on visiting Tuscaloosa again soon, hoping to make it down during a game day! Roll Tide!

Baptized in Christ – July 28, 2012

As Catholics, the day we got married we promised to raise our children in the Catholic faith and as a child of God. Brandon and I had already made the promise and commitment to Emerson, prior to him being born, that we would Baptism him as soon as we could. In the past and even now on occasion,infants are baptized before they even leave the home for the first time, however we were not able to do this. So we had Emerson baptized as soon as we could under our circumstances.

We had quite a morning getting everything prepared for this celebration.  Being the anal planner that I am, you know that nothing was done last minute, and when things happen last minute- I come “unglued” to say it nicely.  I had spoken to Publix on numerous occasions about a simple baptism cake – which I had ordered a week prior to the actual pick up date. “Simple” was my key word to the bakery on more than one occasion. However, after talking with the bakery over the phone two- three times the day prior to Emerson Baptism, we went to pick up a “simple” baptism cake. I looked at it, HATED IT, tried to get happy with it on the way home, brainstormed ideas on how to fix it, had a melt down, and then my wonderful step- father took it back to Publix. He meant that cake was going to be “Simple” for me and for Emerson.

I had a glass of wine at 10:30am to calm my butt down.

After the whole cake ordeal, which we now had gotten for FREE, thanks to Dandy – we proceeded to get ready and then make our way to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mom and I prepared a small table for snacks to be enjoyed after the Baptism and Teresa (Brandon’s Mom), Martha Ann(Brandon’s 2nd Cousin) and some friends provided and arranged two beautiful floral arrangements to either end of our table. It was “simple” but perfect!

   

The FINAL cake! What was the big deal: Well, the first cake had a strong similarity to my BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING! It was white, with a big, bright, blue dotted boarder (top and bottom) and it had a very uneven bright blue cross leaning toward one side of the cake. It certainly was not my idea of simple.

Brandon, Emerson and I went into the choir room to have a bit of family time prior to his baptism. It was so nice to just be able to share in that moment together as a family. It is something I will always remember.

We had a private baptism with just family. We had asked Jeff and Kristen Belcher to be Emerson’s Godparents. There was never any question in our minds who we wanted his Godparent’s to be. They are such great friends and are both so strong in their faith.

Emerson’s baptism was perfect! We love Father Vernon. He makes each sacrament so special. Emerson talked to Father throughout his entire baptism. After he was baptized Father took Emerson in front of Jesus and sang to him. Emerson LOVED it!  This day was so special. It is truly one of those days that will always stick in my memory. We felt so blessed to have so many wonderful family members be a part of such a big day for Emerson and our family.

  

 

  

 

First 4th of JULY!!

Growing up, this had to of been one of the best and biggest holidays for my hometown. I want to say from the time I was in high school, I was in the 4th of July parade for one reason or another. Prior to that it was always fun to decorate our golf cart and drive to find our spot on the parade route. Needless to say, although we no longer live in PTC, we still celebrate the Forth of July in some big way.

This year we went to the Forth of July Festival at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Homewood. This is something Brandon did as a child, so it was fun to show Emerson. We enjoyed walking through trash and treasures, eating BBQ and then participating in the cake booth. The cake booth was where we found luck this year, Sandy (Dandy to Emerson) and myself won a cake. Which is funny in so many ways. There was me, who just had a baby and the last thing I needed was a cake and then Dandy who is celiac and can not eat cakes! All in all, the money went to the right place, and it was fun to win!

Most importantly Emerson got to experience his First 4th of July! These are some pictures we took after the fun of the Forth of July Festival.

   

Somehow we managed not to get any of Daddy and Emerson. I hate that, but Daddy was there, he was just the one behind the camera.

Farewell to Second Grade

Many of you know I was a second grade teacher at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School in Homewood. For three years, I helped young students prepare for the two biggest sacraments within their Catholic faith. It was an honor and a blessing for this Catholic convert to be given such a mighty task. I tried to embrace each blessing that was given to me and I can never express how nice it was to have prayer in my classroom. Honestly, I don’t know that I could have made it one day without having the privilege to pray with my students. That my friends, is the secret in making a classroom work. I made some life time friends in co- workers and met some awesome parents and amazing students, but when we found out we were pregnant – I knew my calling was to be a stay at home mommy.

Brandon and  I had discussed this reality prior to marriage. It was my dream job! I told Brandon I would do what I had to, whatever it was, for me to be able to stay home and raise our family. He agreed whole- heartily that this next step was just as important to him as it was for me. Thus, I made the decision to hand over my very important and mighty job to another wonderful young lady.

I am sure there will be days when I miss socializing with co- workers and being in the know of what all is going on in the community. As well as, running in to someone you know, be it a parent, co- worker, or student everywhere you go. But in my opinion, having the opportunity and privilege to stay home with our babies is the best thing in the world.

So on the last day of the school year, I stopped by the school to close up those last minute things and stay my “hello’s”, followed by “good- bye’s”. I will certainly make visits to OLS, but it will be with Emerson in tow and lunch for my second and third grade co workers.

These are the pictures we took on my last day! Brandon and I painted my room, my very first year! I loved it and thank heavens the girl who took my place loved it too!