Team Bills

Seriously behind...I'm horrible at this!

2012-01-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

After our 1/2 marathon in November we took a break and I decided it was time to include the whole family in my joy of running. Stephen and I ran the Turkey Trot together and then went back for the girls about mile 2. It was so fun to see my whole family participating and actually enjoying themselves!

I took the girls to see The Nutcracker at TJC. It was a neat experience, but one that might could have waited a few years. Keatyn's response to it was that there was no talking...only dancing!

Of course December brought many things and one of them was The Lindale Christmas parade. Addilyn and I rode on the float and waved to our family and friends as we rode by them.

Stephen's birthday weekend was filled with none other than...A race! He wasn't 100% thrilled about it but by the end I think he really did have a good time. We participated in the White Rock Marathon and ran the relay with a team of 5. It was cold, wet and rainy during most of our race. We can put that one in the books:)!

We took Stephen to Shogun's for his birthday. It was yummy (as always).

Keatyn's school party was a success!

We left that Sunday and took the girls to Dallas for a couple of days to celebrate Stephen's birthday some more and our Anniversary. What a sweet time we had. We stayed across from the Galleria and enjoyed taking a drive over to the Gaylord for ICE and also enjoyed some good eats:)!

This was the Christmas Eve service at church. We always enjoy this service because we get to have our whole family in the service with us. This year Keatyn really began to understand the meaning and it was very precious to see her holding her candle and singing.

And Christmas morning didn't disappoint. The girls begged for a puppy and Santa gave in. He's a sweet little guy and has really brought joy and responsibility to the Bills' home.

What better way to bring in the New Year than with friends and a little REK. We had so much fun listening to him at Bass Hall. We were very impressed!!!!

Well, I know that was fast and furious but that at least catches me up on the high points and brings me into 2012. We have big things coming...we are counting down 8 days until we take our trip to DISNEY! We are beyond excited!!!!!

13.1 complete....what's next????

2011-11-13T14:27:00.000-08:00

We started in late August training for the DRC Half Marathon. I was really excited that Kacy and I had some newbies;) joining us. What a journey!

The emotional finish...13.1 miles gives you a lot of time to think about where you've come from....

This group of ladies is truly amazing. We all had a little something to prove to ourselves...and that we did!

Our shirts were lifesavers...there is something to hearing your name cheered as you run and run and run!

I am so very proud that we finished this one...and I got to give Katherine her medal!

We FINISHED!!!!

New Place...NO INTERNET...playing catchup!

2011-11-13T14:14:00.000-08:00

We have been super busy with our move...Halloween snuck up on me...I mean nothing a little tulle and hot glue can't conquer but still...where did October go!!!!????

I had big plans for the girls to be the Lion and the ScareCrow from the Wizard of Oz, but Keatyn had other plans...as you can see, she wanted to be a "Peacock Princess". Thank you Pinterest and Etsy for your helpful tips!

We also had 50's day at Keatyn's school and well, we don't do things "sort of";). My mom whipped out poodle skirts for Keatyn and me and we managed to make Addilyn fit into Keatyn's old skirt! We had so much fun!:)

And this picture is extra special. My granddad has been very sick since July and so he was super excited to have bowls full of candy for his great-grandbabies. We really could have stopped after this stop because they filled their buckets FULL of really good candy!

Halloween is such a crazy time, but it is fun to see how excited the kids get about...CANDY;)!

First days of school...

2011-09-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

So far so good in 1st grade! Hoping and praying for a fabulous year!

Round 2

2011-08-29T05:29:00.000-07:00

This past week I began my training for another 1/2 marathon set for November 6th! It has been nice to get back into running several days a week. There is a group of us training and I'm really excited about that. I had the opportunity to train in a group last year and that really seems to help me stay motivated and also makes the longer runs much easier to endure! I'm looking forward to what this training has to offer and challenging myself once again!

A Date Night...

2011-08-22T10:39:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday night we went out with our friends Brandon and Julie to a fundraising event for the Longview Museum of Fine Arts. It was fun to get to dress up and go out on a date:)!

Besides weddings, we just don't get very many opportunities to "get fancy"!

Stephen, me and Brandon...these two were a force!:)

We couldn't resist posing with a couple of the centerpieces!

And then the Hubs and me. We had a blast...the event was quite humorous and we had lots of laughs!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

And so it begins....

2011-08-21T19:05:00.000-07:00

Here is Keatyn and one of her sweet friends, Barrett at Meet the Eagles! She thinks he is the coolest because he has a bow and arrow and her taught her how to use it;)!

We are so excited to start 1st grade. Meet the Teacher was on Thursday night and we were a little ahead of the game because we've known Wendi Hicks forever...SHE'S Family! Keatyn could not be more excited to have Mrs. Hicks AND...

...to be right across the hallway from KK! What an exciting year it is going to be?!? So many new things happening! Addilyn was very excited about "cheer" season starting!

Along with a new school year comes Football Season and cheering on the boys! Maddox and Keatyn performed at Meet the Eagles on the field with the HS Cheerleaders. They were oh so cute!

Fun times were had by all!!!! And believe it or not, there was even a breeze:)!

A little Warm-up running...

2011-08-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

What better to do before a run on the beach then enjoy a yummy milkshake...just kidding that's a horrible idea! However, we had these early in the day so as to not see them again later;)! They were so yummy. Kacy and Kara had found this cute soda shop on the Strand in Galveston and we didn't just visit it once!!!!

Oh the submarine...I wasn't a huge fan. It was so HOT in there! This picture expresses how I truly felt about it!

And EVERY race needs a pre-race stretch...or an 80s workout video pose!

WE survived running a 5k on the beach in the dark wearing headlamps! It was really a lot of fun!

Me and Kacy post-race! So fun to have a running buddy who keeps me motivated:)!

I was pretty pumped to have placed 6th out of 60 in my age division!

This was a great way to kick off our 1/2 marathon training for the Fall!!!! Now if we could just have some cooler weather to run in PLEASE!!!!

Sleepovers MIGHT be overrated for mom...sigh...

2011-08-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

I'll let the pictures speak first...

The time has arrived in Keatyn's little world for sleepovers...however, I'm not sure if my sanity was quite ready for it. I admit that I'm neat and tidy on my own time, but the way my children, mainly Keatyn, play drives me BONKERS!!!!! Girls have lots of fun things to play with...but in that fun there are little dress-up earrings, barbie shoes, dolls, etc! If I can just teach them to put away before dragging out the next...this will be a fun time!!!!!

Crafty little Playhouse

2011-07-26T11:20:00.000-07:00

I found a cute pattern for a playhouse made from scraps of material. Every once in a while I get a wild hair and want to use my sewing machine. My mom always has tons of fabric, so I raided the fabric bins and found some cute fabric to use for this crafty little idea!

I had some major assistance from my mom and she finished out the windows and trim for me. The girls love it! I made it to fit over my dining room table. Partly because this is the only table in my house, but also because this was a great size for the girls.

This is a picture of one end of the house. Notice the cute little scrap curtains that my mom added.

This is a better picture of the window. This is on the front side.

It has a little door that the girls can go in and out of and also has some grosgrain ribbon so it can be tied back.

As you can see, they crammed as much as they could into their little house. I was frequently reminding them that EVERYTHING they got out, they would have to put away. That didn't go so well;)!

Seriously...we had a deal...

2011-07-17T08:22:00.000-07:00

Seriously...we had a deal...I was going to pinch and save and pay for my very own laptop computer. I had asked my family to just give money for my birthday because I had my sights set on this computer. I even told Stephen to skip the gift giving because I might want to tap into those cash resources to speed along the saving process (wink, wink). Well, if any of you know my husband you know that he LOVES to give gifts and he's really thoughtful in doing so. Well, this birthday was no less! He surprised me, broke the rules of the deal and bought me the MacBook Pro for my birthday. I have to be honest in saying that I felt a little guilty. I felt guilty because I know him well enough to know that I should have kept my plans to myself. I should not have told him that I was planning to use my "birthday money" on the computer. I should have known that he wouldn't let this gift slip by! I am grateful because I'm sitting here now, in my bedroom, in my bed typing this blog post on my very own computer.

I am so thankful to my family for giving me this gift. It's one of those gifts that was strictly a WANT on my part. I am grateful!

4th of July Fun!!!

2011-07-05T10:29:00.000-07:00

We celebrated our sweet friend Case with a bit of water fun!

I made these tasty strawberries stuffed with a sweet cream cheese mixture and a blueberry to make them 4th of July perfection! Yummy!!!

Addilyn showing her patriotism!;)

And making a little noise too!

All the kiddos chimed in!

Stephen enjoying some grub!

The ladies watching the kids swim in the lake as the sun went down. It was finally pleasant at this point. This ended up being a very bearable East Texas evening!

And my yummy treat for our second 4th shindig were these yummy Rice Krispie Treats made in to a flag. I was pretty proud of my creation;)!!!!

And this it how it all ended. A good time was had by all. Addilyn got up from her nap, got onto the cozy sofa and fell asleep just like this! Pooped!

I hope everyone had a fabulous 4th of July....The Bills did!!!!

When Momma's away...

2011-07-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

So I was out with the Ladies and I come home to my house calm, girls in bed, house spotless and Stephen relaxing (ok snoring) in our bed....I wake up to these pictures and a video that I will load if I can ever figure that part out.

Into momma's make-up I see. Addilyn LOVES to wear my eyeshadow. Most days she looks as though she has been beaten to a pulp because she wears blue and gray eyeshadow under her eyes instead of on the lids;)! This night was no different except that tonight the theme was MONSTERS!

So here she is...all smiles because she had received a "makeover" from the newly famous in our house...

"Monster Makeup" company!!!!!

I will say that seeing the smiles makes me stop and think about how blessed I am to have a husband who loves our girls from the very core of his being and allows them to dream a little, act on it and lets them use their imaginations with absolutely NO stipulations...obviously;)!

Summertime....

2011-06-29T15:30:00.000-07:00

The school year ending was bitter/sweet. I could hardly believe that Keatyn was finished with her first year of school. We loved our teacher Mrs. Shine and now call her our friend.

Dance Recital helped lead us into our summer! Keatyn got a 3 year dance award and all her dances kept us at the recital for about 4 hours...long, but so worth it to see our little performer dance!!!

We also finished up our 2nd year of t-ball with 3rd place in the Lindale Tournament. Our Dirt Divas were phenomenal and played so hard all day!

And what's summer without a (several) nights out with the girls. We enjoyed an evening at BJ's and then of course a quick trip to Target!

No catch up...just go from here!

2010-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

So much to backtrack on that we are just going to move forward...I just want to start back by saying...Happy Holidays! I hope celebrating the birth of OUR SAVIOR, tree trimming, baking and enjoying time with your families are the very most important things this season.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that...

2010-02-28T19:43:00.000-08:00

How fun! We were so excited that Keatyn got to experience the snow. Addilyn didn't love it, but I'm not sure there are many 1 1/2 year olds that do!

The concept of throwing snowballs was her favorite, but someone else always had to make them. No surprise attacks here!

Jason Aldean....so fun!

Villa Montez for dinner...I love this picture of us.

This is just too cute not to post...wild child!

Alive and Well

2009-12-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Christmas was fun and busy. Keatyn had a party at school. These are two of her very dear friends. I can only hope these three will be friends for a long time.

I took the girls to the library to hear a fancy Nancy book...then they decorated Fancy trees and had animal crackers and hot cocoa. It was so fun.

Here is Addilyn enjoying the Lindale Christmas Parade. It was VERY cold on this morning.

We also took Keatyn in for her very first dentist appointment...I wasn't sure how she would do, because she isn't always the calmest thing at the dr's office, but I am proud to say she was a champ! The dentist said her teeth looked great and she had NO cavities. I was relieved!

The next few pictures are a bit of catch up and some additions...

Keatyn has two very sweet and dear friends at preschool. I am looking forward to her school years because of these two little girls.

Keatyn and Addilyn had the cutest little turkey shirts with their initials on them. Our friend Courtney (from SFA) made them! We absolutely LOVED them!!!!

She danced in front of a crowd at the OctoberFest. She's a natural!

The girls loved the pumpkin patch...just a few more pictures from this event.

Trying to get both of them to look at the camera is quite the challenge. But they are sweet either way!

I have Christmas pictures coming...I really am going to work on managing my blog...our lives with these girls is to sweet not to share!

October Happenings...

2009-10-27T15:09:00.000-07:00

Our trip to Arkansas became quite the celebrity search! We got to meet Michelle Duggar!!!! She was so incredibly normal! And so nice!

I tried not to act star struck and not make a huge scene. These girls were so gracious and talked to us about being really close to home. I heart the Duggars!!!!

Here is a picture from the Boo Bash/Monster Mash we had last weekend. Stephen and I were Prom King and Queen. I worked that updo!!!! Stephen didn't love his crown like I did!

We participated in the October Fest Parade and festivities. This is one of my favorite things all year!

Stephen took the girls to the zoo while I was away at a conference. What a great dad!!!

This was one of the pictures from Homecoming. I really do love a good Homecoming!!!!

Katherine and I took the girls to the Circus. Actually very entertaining. The girls loved it!

I am gearing up for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have had such an incredibly eventful Fall!!! I truly love this time of year and the chill in the air makes it so great!!!!

Please...don't throw stones...

2009-10-18T19:38:00.000-07:00

Please don't be upset that the last thing I posted was about my birthday and NYC trip back in July. We really have been extremely busy. I know that this is no excuse, but you know how it is...when life gets busy, some things suffer. And as you also know...it's my blog that does.

Just to update you, we have been busy with our "Spirit Store", school starting, October Fest and of course the start of my favorite time of year...FALL!!!!

We took the girls to the Pumpkin Patch in Canton and had a great time.

Keatyn enjoyed the pony rides!

Addilyn just enjoyed her independence!

She's just so stinkin' cute!

My sweet little Family.

A picture right before the Homecoming Peprally...I love a good small town Homecoming! Mums and all!

My sweet girls! We had been so busy since the beginning of August that I had not had any time to make the girls a Halloween shirt...so I called my mom and begged for her to embroider the girls a cute shirt...the night before. Of course she did it...that's what mom's do...bail out their daughters! The shirts said "Bootiful" with some jewels! They were a hit!

Stay tuned! We just returned from our Annual Arkansas/War Eagle trip and we met some pretty incredible people!

JayZ was definitely RIGHT!!!!

2009-07-27T11:57:00.001-07:00

He was...really...30 is the new 20! I mean really, I feel like a million bucks...well that is until I got home from the final festivity of my 30th birthday...sick for almost a week. I'm over it now though. On to the good stuff...and there will be more to come...as soon as I can round up the pictures from my party. (if you just can't wait, see the Kraus Family blog on the list to the right and she posted some fun pictures from the AMAZING surprise party that Stephen threw for me!)

Rockefellar Center (I think that is how you spell it.)

This was right outside of our hotel. We were seriously in shock in this picture...We had just arrived and we were headed out to start our afternoon. So OVERWHELMED!!! But so much fun!

This was on my actualy birthday...Mom and Katherine surprised me with a day filled with fun. We went to Dallas Summer Musical "A Chorus Line". I LOVE musicals...love them!

We had sushi at Blue Fish for lunch! YUMMY! And a little Pomegranite Martini!

And this was breakfast in bed. LOVED IT! And so did the girls. All I could do was cry. I was so overwhelmed with how blessed I've been in the last ten years of my life. Not that the 20 before that weren't filled with many a blessing, but in my adult life, I have so much to be thankful for and really...no REGRETS!

A little more of summer....

2009-07-08T18:18:00.000-07:00

We took a trip to Dallas with my parents and the kiddos...of course Keatyn would want to ride the bumper boats and of course you have to let her shoot you!

We spent the 4th with friends and family. This is our blanket at the lake just before we watched fireworks! They were so good!

Oh Dryver...what a ham!

Keatyn really enjoyed the beach at the lake. Who knew she could have so much fun with sand!

Unfortunately we've decided that we can no longer tell Addilyn that it is a holiday weekend. She has gotten sick the last three holidays we have tried to celebrate...so for future reference...please don't tell her! It's a secret!!!!!

Keep viewing...there's more!

Oh for the LOVE.....

2009-07-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

Seriously, why can't I keep up with this thing....well, my computer died...no really it did. I had to take it to the doctor and that took a good week and then I had to find my USB cord (AGAIN!) and download pictures and well....well...the rest are just excuses...
But wait no longer...here are a few pictures from the beginning of the summer.

Keatyn, sweet Keatyn took dance for the first time this last year and at the very end of May she had her first recital. Ok, so I wasn't prepared for it's length, but we pushed through every last song until the finale. It was worth it. She did great and was very entertaining. We can hardly wait to start back in the fall!

She was so excited when she came back into the audience and received flowers. She absolutely loved that part!

In June, we dedicated both of our girls. What a neat experience! Dryver was also dedicated that Sunday so it made it extra special!

And what would summer be without a trip to the local waterpark? This was a fun time for all! Both of the girls enjoyed themselves and we had a fun time with friends.

More to look at...

2009-06-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Sweet Addilyn in her lawn chair...her bottled water...a little diva indeed!

But everyone needs a little relaxation...worn out!
Keatyn ended her school year with a sweet program at FBC.
She was so cute...they all were! Always entertaining at this age!

Catching up!

2009-05-27T06:16:00.000-07:00

To my faithful readers...I sincerely apologize!!!!!

I have officially been HORRIBLE about keeping up with my blog. I'm not sure why because I love reading everyone elses and I have some really fun pictures to update. Summer has officially started for our little household, so maybe I'll have a few free mornings to do my blogging each week.

We have had a lot going on in May...in fact, I'll have to post twice. I promise I'll do it close together...I promise!

We went to the Kenny Chesney concert in Shreveport and had a ball! The Lays' took their Winnebego (who knows if i spelled that right) and so we got to ride comfortably to Shreveport, set up camp and the men cooked an amazing dinner before the concert...actually the men cleaned up the mess too. Thanks guys!!!! It quickly became what I like call "Ladies Night"!!!!

Memorial Day weekend, we were supposed to make a trip to Waco, but Addilyn got a horrible skin rash that has circulated through the entire town I think...luckily she is doing better at this point and life is back to normal...BUT because our little plans were changed, we had to make the most of it. We took a little trip to Lowes to buy all the necessary items to make for a day in the yard. The girls were thrilled...actually Keatyn really was because she got to pick out PINK flowers. That makes any trip to Lowes fun!

On Saturday, the Lays' had their annual Memorial Day bash, so I took Keatyn so she could hang out with her friends. Stephen stayed at home with Addilyn who was still on lockdown! Poor thing. The whole weekend was filled with one of us being with her at home. But don't think that stopped us from having a good weekend. We are so excited to reschedule our trip to Waco!!!!

One year!!!

2009-05-06T19:39:00.001-07:00

I know I've already posted pictures from her "party". But I couldn't resist her birthday and one year later. She is still super long, still have super long toes and fingers, still doesn't eat good, and is still a great sleeper!!!! And she is oh so sweet and entertaining...we have our handsful with two little sweethearts of ours!!! We are blessed by this precious little one!Amazing what one year does! We love these girls more than life itself! We thank the good Lord everyday for allowing us to care for them during our time here on this earth!

Some pictures from Addilyn's birthday!

2009-05-04T11:36:00.000-07:00

A little fuzzy, but what cuties!

We couldn't get Addilyn too look! Thanks mom for the awesome cake!

Yummy!

Keep reading...there's more !

Happy 1st Birthday, Addibelle!

2009-05-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

So you see how our adventure to "1" started! She was not having the hat! But you know what they say..."It's my party...I'll cry if I want to!" Well, unfortunately she cried a lot during the festivities and slept for that matter!

A birthday plate, with a birthday pancake and a birthday candle...and more tears...

Keatyn finally decided maybe she just needed a little lovin'! So sweet!

We went to the zoo for a little birthday treat...she was very happy all day!

All in all the birthday was special, but very memorable for reasons not so fun! Addilyn ran a fever on Wednesday and I held her for most of the day. I was certain that she must have another ear infection. I thought surely after running a fever of 103 that she must have a double ear infection. However, on Thursday morning she was fever free...or so we thought. We carried on and went to the zoo as planned. When we returned home, she had fallen asleep in the car, so I moved her into her bed (4:00) and began to prepare for my family to come over for her birthday dinner. Stephen was bringing home Pizza King (Longview) as a treat. I was pumped! And Addilyn likes it too, so that made it even better. 6:00pm rolled around and Addilyn was still asleep, I wasn't so worried...yet...my family arrived and we decided at 6:30 that we would go ahead and eat and maybe she would get up soon. We finished dinner and still no Addilyn...7pm rolled around and yes, still no Addilyn ( and for those of you who are thinking it...yes I did check on her). Katherine, Justin and Dryver ate a piece of cookie cake and left. STILL NO ADDILYN...finally at around 7:45 she woke up and was very warm. We took her temperature again and she was running 102.5! At this point I started to get a little more worried. I called the nurse and she said to watch her and give her Motrin. I did all the things they told us to do and on Friday morning I decided to take her in. UNBELIEVABLE...no diagnosis. The doctor said it was probably viral which meant there was absolutely nothing that could be done. So Friday night was just about holding her and comforting her. Saturday we didn't do much and then the girls went to my parents. She seemed fine. Still a little warm, but the medicine was keeping the fever down. On Sunday we were supposed to have her party except that she woke up with a rash on her torso and diaper area. What in the world! I had to get to church so I left Stephen to get to the bottom of the whole thing...he called the nurse and before he could get all the syptoms out of his mouth she said that Addilyn had Roseolla. Still don't really know what it is, but we had to semi-cancel her birthday party. It ended up just being grandparents and Katherine, Justin and Dryver. It was still really a lot of fun. So, Addilyn turned one and here are the milestones: finally crawling, cruising furntiure, walking holding our hands, personality plus, loves her sister and is a very happy baby...

Addilyn Sloan,
You have brightened each of our days and we are so blessed to have you in our lives. We look forward to the next year and all its many adventures. Thank you for your sweet spirit!
Love,
Mommy

Easter

2009-04-19T19:01:00.000-07:00

I think this is so cute...I'm not sure who they were looking at, but Addilyn was obviously happy to see them.

Addilyn's first Easter basket was a hit. She loved all of the fun goodies! And that sweet dress made the day! Thanks Gabby!
We had a fun time eating breakfast and dying eggs on Saturday morning before Easter Sunday. All the kiddos helped! Keatyn left with marbled hands. She got tired of using the spoons to put the eggs in so she just started dipping them with her hands! Funny!

Another sweet picture of Addilyn. She is really starting to climb a little more and loves to sit in this chair that was my moms when she was a little girl. All three of the grandkids love this chair!

We had a birthday party on Saturday in Longview for some of our sweet friends. Keatyn loves Pump it Up and I think Addilyn has found her new favorite toy...good thing we already had one of these at home. We just had to remind her how fun it was when we got home.

Keatyn's Easter morning looked a little more wild. She woke up after Addilyn ( I had already gone to the church for work, so I actually had to miss all of this...). Keatyn loved everything the "easter bunny" left her. I think her favorite thing was the path of chocolate eggs that led them to their baskets. She keep recreating it with blocks, plastic eggs, whatever she can find!

Please stay tuned...Addilyn's birthday was VERY INTERESTING!!!!!

New USB.....Hold on...there is a lot...

2009-04-09T19:03:00.001-07:00

So I finally got a USB cable for my computer at home. YIPEEEEE! You have no idea how excited this makes me. So here we have some catching up to do...
This past week we took Keatyn to see the play Annie...she loved it...until intermission and then she was pooped and ready to leave...fun though! (I'm not sure what I'm doing in this picture.) Sweet Addilyn has finally started to crawl and pull up. She slowly cruises the furniture, but has zero desire to walk at this point...I'm great with this! She is still a very happy baby!

This was her idea of an egg hunt...she wasn't into it at ALL!

Here are all of our friends that came to the 2nd annual egg hunt at Gabby and Poppy's. It was unbelievably windy and cool for and April afternoon, but we had a good time.

Keatyn and Nixon at their first dance competition...I use this word lightly...everyone got a trophy and we didn't have our costumes...it was cute though!

Keatyn turned 4 on March 22nd and we had a Carnival Themed party. It was a lot of fun and everyone enjoyed the little games we had set up. It was a crazy day and I can hardly believe our little peanut is 4!

She also got to get her toes and nails painted during her birthday weekend. It was fun for all the gals in the fam minus Addilyn...her time is coming!

His Provisions...Perfection Indeed!

2009-03-19T11:40:00.000-07:00

I worry...maybe not a lot, but I do worry. So I was discussing this with a good friend of mine and she gave me the suggestion of the "worry box". I talked about it for some time, but one day in the midst of a recent worry, decided to make it a real part of my life. I have a box that sits in my living room that is pretty and perfect for all my worries to be housed! I started to write down my current worries during my time with the Lord and I placed them ever so gently into the box. Nothing magical happened, but something spiritual did...I began to see in the next few days that a burden of worry had been lifted. Now the actual issues still existed, but I knew in my heart that the Lord had them in his possession now and that they were not initially from him! I know where worry comes from and have decided that it can just take itself back there!!!! I have seen my prayer life begin to increase and my concerns for the uncontrollable...decrease!

One example I would like to give you is this...I have really been struggling with the fact that I have not been able to contribute monetarily to our family since I began to stay at home with my girls. I had desires to do things with them during the week, but didn't feel great about where the money would be coming from. Not that all activities have to cost, but some did and I wanted to do them without feeling guilty. So I put it in the worry box. I began to ask around about job possibilities that would be the perfect job for me...here were the needs...decent pay, local, part time and the most important need...childcare! I know, this sounds like the perfect job that could never be found...well, yes in our own human eyes, but the Lord has our best at heart and has provisions ready! A good friend ( the worry box friend) suggested a job with our church...as she began to tell me, my ears began to perk as the expectations that I had were beginning to be met...each of the items listed above got a check next to them...so I applied and released it to the worry box. I had decided that it was not mine to worry about and that if this were not the job for me there was one waiting or other provisions that I couldn't see. ....... I started the job on Tuesday and so far, I love it. I will make a little bit of money that I can use for the girls and myself and still be with the girls. Stephen is super supportive and I am truly grateful.

All this to say...He is Lord and wants the very best for us and he is perfection and has a plan!

Her very first haircut...

2009-03-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Keatyn got her very first haircut just last week. She has needed it for some time but I had a hard time figuring out how you do that with two kiddos. Thanks Gabby for helping out!
So much healthier!

And this was just for fun! We straightened Keatyn hair for church on Sunday. She got quite the head turns for it too! It was actually rather beautiful!

I lost my usb cable...

2009-03-02T12:08:00.000-08:00

I lost the usb cable to my camera and so hence the delay in blogging...I have really actually had the time and thought I could just stick the camera disk in my computer, but no such luck...so here are some of the latest activities...

Our valentines gift to Stephen. Dinner for four! and some sweet little hearts that said why we love daddy!

Stephen was on a ski trip for Valentine's Day so I invited some of my girlfriends (whose husbands were also working or out of town) over for a little bash. It was somewhat chaotic if you ask me, but fun!

We took a trip (thanks to Katherine's free tickets) to the waterpark at The Villages. We had a really great time. The kids loved it...even Addilyn!

Snack time!

Much more happening...

2009-02-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

This was a christmas gift from Gabby and Poppy and Katherine used it at Dryver's b-day bash. We had so much fun!

Addilyn eating birthday cake. She won't be a rookie at eating cake by her 1st birthday! Don't you just love her pearls...little prissy!

We can't crawl yet, but we can drink from a sippy! She is what I like to call a scooter in the mobility department!

And just a little added bonus...Rocker Babe!

Keep reading to the next blog we have more!

Let's play catch up!!!

2009-02-02T08:17:00.000-08:00

Random, but this is a view from our living room! Welcome to East Texas and a little bit of heaven! So peaceful and when the sun sets...you can't help but say thank you Lord!

A little outing to the Discovery Science Place. Keatyn loved it...Addilyn, the jury is still out!

I attacked her face with my fingernail...she is still adorable!

And a trip to the Brookshire's Wildlife Museum for Dryver's B-day! And yes, Keatyn is in a sling. She had a little mishap wrestling with her daddy! So sad for both of them.

wow...2009 already!!!!

2009-01-13T07:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I know those of you who read my blog are probably tired of looking at our wedding photo. I had a few minutes in the madness to update. Here are a few cute pictures from Christmas. I wanted to do a slide show, but my computer will not cooperate today. And let's face it...I don't have the patience today either.

First of all this will just make you smile...Keatyn in her new denim jacket!

A little family photo after the Christmas Eve service.

Our sweet girls and their dresses made by Gabby.

Jammies at Mimi and Poppy's!
I'm not sure why keatyn is making addilyn look like a reindeer!!!

Addilyn's first Christmas...you know her daddy posed her for this one.

And finally our Christmas card...I want to apologoize to those of you who didn't receive one...please forgive me this year. We still haven't moved and my address book is packed. I would have emailed you to get your address, but let's be real and realize that if I wasn't blogging, I wasn't emailing either!!

Happy 2009 everyone!

2008-12-16T20:42:00.000-08:00

I'm not real sure why the picture is this small. However, I did want to say Happy Anniversary to my amazing husband.

Today on the radio I was listening to an excerpt from James Dobson...

He was talking about how marriage goes through so many different moods (if you will). That of unbelievable love for one another, a bit of apathy, friendship, dislike, joy and so on...but the one thing no matter what your "mood" is is that you ALWAYS remember the commitment that you made on this day. forever.

I love you Stephen Corely Bills and I would not change the past 8 years one bit. Mustache and ALL!!!!

What's Happenin'

2008-12-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

We had a "thanksgiving feast" at Keatyn's school. She enjoyed it and so did we. I have to say that I am so thankful that Stephen is able to be at these events. It means a lot. He is a hard worker and continues to keep his family his 1st priority!!!

We spent thanksgiving lunch with Stephen's family. As you can see, there is never a dull moment with these three kiddos!

Because we are not in our house yet...('09 baby) we put up this tree upstairs in our "loft". I was pretty impressed with Keatyn's decorating skills. She loved that it was pink!

And this is a random picture of snow...yes folks, we got snow in Lindale one day last week. Keatyn usually runs around the house in just her undies and this day was no different. Soooo when we realized it was snowing, she decided she didn't care that she was half dressed and headed out side. I have to say that this weather made my day and gave me every reason to pull out the scarves!!!

P.S.
Just a little update on our house...we are about halfway finished. We are waiting on flooring, interior doors and countertops. I know this seems like a LONG process, but when it is finished...it will be next to perfect. If you think about it...say a prayer for us to stay patient and to be good stewards of our time and money

Photo Shoot

2008-11-23T19:40:00.001-08:00

I have a good friend who has started taking photos. She was so sweet to go with my family to take our picutres. These are the first family pictures we have had since Addilyn was born. Here are just a few of them. There were so many good ones and we are so excited to decorate our new home with some great family photos! Thanks Kelsey!!!!

This explains the whole shoot...Keatyn is very often in her own little 3 year old world! We love that girl!

Halloween...

2008-11-18T14:57:00.001-08:00

I know, I know, it is WAY past Halloween, but our lives have been crazy with house renovations, illness and just being busy.

So, here they are...my sweet girls and some friends!

Keatyn and her friend Nixon visiting the Lindale Fire Station.
Keatyn, Addilyn, Steel and Case at the Methodist Church "Trunk or Treat"...Dryver was around there somewhere.

Sweet baby Addilyn...you can tell she just LOVED Halloween.

And our sweet little Ariel. She was so proud of this costume...or as she calls it her "costune".

Halloween was fun, busy, but fun. I felt like I dressed Keatyn and Addilyn in their costumes everyday that week. Needless to say, I was glad when it was over. I was beat!

Not an interesting post

2008-11-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

Goings on...

2008-10-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

Sweet Addilyn Sloan turned 6 months old this month. She is so much fun.
Here's what she's doing:
She sticks her tongue out and blows.
She lays on her tummy and rolls around.
She LOVES for someone to talk to her, especially her sister.
She is sitting up with support.
She eats and sleeps really well.
Her well visit stats...16.2 lbs and 28 1/2 inches long.
She has the sweetest smile and melts our hearts everytime we look at her. What a blessing our girls are!!!

Keatyn and Addilyn in there October attire!

A very large praise...Stephen was healthy and was able to do a wedding this past weekend. He's back to his normal self...whatever normal is these days!!

And sweet colorful Keatyn...our friends, the Cofield's are in the process of adopting and have made these great shirts for support. We bought me and Keatyn one and Jana had asked that I send her some pictures of us wearing them. This was just one of the photos from the photo shoot...too funny that Keatyn!!!
Check out their blog and buy a shirt...link to it from mine...The Cofields.

Happy Fall Yall! LOVE THE SCARF WEATHER!!!!!!
P.S.
Next blog will be pictures of our new house. We close this FRIDAY!!! YIPEE! (and some pictures from Halloween of course!)

The pictures to prove it...

2008-10-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

This was Stephen when we returned home from the wisdom teeth surgery on Friday. We laughed because we have really only seen a sight like this in the movies. He was in a lot of pain!

This was Stephen after the "emergency" surgery on Sunday evening. Bless his heart. But, this was better than the alternative.

And here we are with a little bit of comic relief from Stephen's boss. Thanks Josh for being so thoughtful!!!
Thanks to so many of you for keeping us in your prayers. Today is Friday and it has been exactly one week since all of this started. There has been pain, disappointment, good news and bad, but all in all, we are so grateful at the outcome and we know that we were very watched over and taken care of during this time.

ROLLERCOASTER...

2008-10-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you guys, but I LOVE rollercoasters...I love the thrill. I love the feeling of excitement. I'm not one to get sick on things like this, so this is why I absolutely love the feeling. However, when you walk through the turnstall of the rollercoaster called "LIFE", I don't always get the same feelings. One thing about a themepark rollercoaster is that you pretty much know what the next drop will look like and you know about the curves and loops and twists. But the reality of LIFE is that we don't know, we don't know when we'll hit a steep hill, we don't know when a twist or a loop is coming and we certainly don't know how this rollercoaster is going to make us feel.
Today the rollercoaster that my family is on is one that has really taken us for a crazy ride. The upside to the ride is this, we have a found a house that we can afford and live with great comfort in our current financial situation. I will be able to stay home and not worry about money or the lack there of or at least not worry in an unhealthy way. Our embroidery business has truly taken off and we have great vision for our small business. Our girls are healthy and adore each other and we have enjoyed so much having two girls to watch. We live near family and have enjoyed the closeness.
We all know that with every upside, there is always a downside...ours is this...this past Friday, Stephen had his wisdom teeth out. Not a big deal...or so we thought. Saturday, he seemed great and then it hit. His face began to swell and we had to take him to his drs. office Sunday morning to have some infection drained...we felt good about recovery at that point because it had relieved a lot. Then Sunday evening after he had been resting all day, the swelling came back and we were asked to quickly bring him back to Tyler for a check up. At this point, the dr said he wanted to do a procedure as soon as possible which meant he wanted him admitted to the hospital. So here I sit, day three in a hospital with my husband, who at this point is really starting to lose his positive attitude. We are thankful that we have good drs, good support at home and good insurance. If we focus on those things and the fact that we have a wonderful group of family and friends who are praying for us, it makes the rollercoaster easier to endure. You know as a believer in Christ we have times like these that make up see and remember that our Savior is sovereign and wants the very best for us and is always in control.
My prayer is this...that we would see God's goodness and trust in him.

Homecoming and the Spirit Store

2008-09-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

So here we are at our "Spirit Store". Right now we are sort of makeshift, but the booster club has big plans for us. No matter what, we are enjoying the business and what it allows us to do.

Keatyn Corely in her cute little cheerleader out fit. She wears this to the football games.

Getting her mum pinned on for homecoming. She was so excited about this. Thanks Nadia for adding some pink and bling!!!!

I'm not sure about this smile...it looks a little forced. I wasn't there for the photo shoot, so this is what you get. And I am SOOOOO sad to say that we don't have any pictures of Addilyn from homecoming. Next home game she'll be in her get up again and I'll take some pictures. Just know that she was stinkin' cute!

Update...

2008-09-29T19:15:00.000-07:00

Ok, so we have been so stinkin' busy that I haven't had time to blog...I'm serious. Our business has really taken off and we are so PUMPED!!! I wanted to give you a few updates on the Bills:
*Addilyn got her first tooth last week.
*Addilyn is getting another tooth this week!
*Keatyn LOVES her dance class and shows us by putting her hands above her head and twirling around.
*We are considering buying another machine for our embroidery business because we have so much business coming in...this is huge, because when we bought our first machine, we were into doing burp cloths and bibs...we've come a LONG way baby!
*We have house plans, but can't make up our mind if it's the right time to jump into building a house. (more details to come)
*Addilyn is 5 1/2 months old and is truly the happiest baby on the block!

This is just a small update to let you in on our little life. I've got some great pictures to post, but I have to post about our living details before I post any more pictures.

A few new pictures...ok a lot of new pictures!

2008-09-18T09:21:00.000-07:00

We went for a little drive to "check out" the land.

Our flower princess
Her Daddy...still.
An attempt to take a picture with Keatyn...
Dinner with daddy!!!!
The sweetest of times...I love these girls.
Ok, so you know you live in the sticks when you load up your kids, no car seats, only a diaper in your beat up Chevy truck that you had to air up the tire before you could go. And if you'll notice, Keatyn has a Koolaid stain on her mouth. Fun Times!!! Boarder line...WT!
Have a Terrific Thursday!!!

We did it...

2008-09-14T09:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I am sad to report that I have no picture of our AWESOME Spirit Store from Friday night. It was in my plans to post a picture of the three of us with our display, but it was crazy and I forgot to take my camera. However, I am happy to report that we did really well. We didn't sell out of everything, but we sold out of some things. We won't make 6 figures this year, but we will be able to contribute monetarily to our families. We are thrilled. I am really working to get more pictures on our Stitches and Threads blog so that you can see what we are doing. There have been some of you who have asked how to get some of our things or have something monogrammed...you can email us at StitchesandThreads@gmail.com and we'll work with you.

I hope to have pictures for my next update. Hope all is well and I hope everyone has dried out from IKE!!!!

It's Official!!!!

2008-09-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

We are a real business!!! Not that we weren't before, but we joined the Lindale Area Chamber of Commerce. We are so excited. This is really the first time that we have done any sort of "advertising". This Friday (tomorrow) we are opening a "Spirit Store" at the football game. We have partnered with our local booster club. A portion of our proceeds will benefit Lindale Athletics. As former athletes we were completely on board with this and it is yet again, exposure! We have worked ourselves around the clock to get our jobs finished and hopefully, if IKE doesn't wash us away, we'll be successful tomorrow night.

If you want to see some of the things that we are doing, you can link to our blog from here. Stitches and Threads!!!!

Quiet Time...

2008-09-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Does it exist anymore...? This morning I took Keatyn to dayschool at FBC, which she LOVES. She is going to be my gal that loves the social life...I'm afraid. I was that way and I know what it sometimes got me...that's another blog though! Anyway, I ran my errands with Addilyn in tow and then came home put her down for her nap and came downstairs. There was a weird sound...wait, there was only the sound of the icemaker on the refridgerator and the a/c clicking on. Yes, folks, I am sitting in complete silence. Silence is something that I don't get much these days...it's either the chatter of my children, the stitching of our embroidery machine, or the noise that comes with living with two young children, a husband and two other grown adults. I appreciate every aspect of my life in this season, so I'm not saying these things as a complaint by any means, I am just realizing as I sit here with my homemade sandwich, hot pickles and my blog, that these moments of silence are rare. I am appreciating that I have ears to hear the noises around me everyday and that I have been blessed with all those things in my life. I am appreciating that my daughter loves school and that my infant is a great sleeper and a really happy baby. I am appreciating that in this season in my life I am sitting at my parents' kitchen table(LOL!) for lunch because I am staying at home. That is what this blog is truly about. Silence is golden, but I hope that I can always stop to appreciate the noise when a time of silence and reflection falls upon me.

a short prayer...Thank you Lord for this season in my life and thank you that I have had seasons that were different than this one so that today I can appreciate TODAY!

stopping to think and ponder...Beth

Bumps and bruises...

2008-08-25T11:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend began with quite a bit of trauma. We were at the gym, finishing up our swim class and Keatyn got her little fingers slammed in the door...you can't see it in the picture, but I wanted to show how sweet these little hands are and express the sheer pain that she was in. It was very sad.

The first picture shows you a large scratch on her forehead and a bruise. We were visiting some friends for a birthday party and we stayed around for the after party. This was our party favor...Keatyn and her little friend were running in the house (one of those things moms say NOT to do) and the next we heard was a loud thud and a loud cry. Keatyn had gone head first into the wall and left a nice little dent. Luckily, her knot popped out quickly and she recovered quite well.

All in all the weekend ended up fine, but not without some bumps and bruises.

Our CRAZY life...

2008-08-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I blogged last. We have been soooooo busy. Our embroidery business has blown up, which is a GREAT thing, but it does put a lot of other things on the back burner. And you know that I LOVE to blog, so I am a bit disappointed in myself. I will try to do better...I promise. Here are a few pictures to catch you up.

Addilyn is 4months old and as sweet as she can be.

Stephen's team at work sent us these cute outfits and so I took some pictures to make a thankyou note...I love this little outfit.
We started cereal about a week ago. As with most infants...it was highly unsuccessful. But fun!!
She took the spoon, but didn't know much past that.
Sheer agony in that face.
A milestone...she holds her rattle and also tries to get her paci in her mouth by herself.

We are having so much fun and Keatyn absolutely adores her. I love to watch them interact. Now that Addilyn is awake more and has much more expression, Keatyn enjoys making her smile and coo.

Milestones...

2008-08-06T13:46:00.000-07:00

Bare with me...we're dealing with a milestone here!!!! I tried to get these in order, but it didn't work...so you are seeing the end results first.

She rolled over. Not from her tummy to her back, but from her back to her tummy. Keatyn did it the other way, so I just expected Addilyn to do it that way.

Here she was gearing up for the final push.
And here too...we had to try several times before she actually made it over.
Look at that double chin...LOVE IT...she is now pulling her legs up all the time. No laying flat for this one anymore.
Here was some good ole' tummy time...if you look really close, you can see the drool coming out of her mouth...she was working so hard!

And this is posed...

Aren't they cute!

She was on the verge of a laugh...she cracks us up!

2008-08-06T10:49:00.000-07:00

I know she is mine, but isn't she the cutest thing you've ever seen? She HATES being hot, so this little outdoor time didn't last long. But her outfit sure was cute!

The class of '98 had their reunion this weekend, so we got to spend some good quality time with some old friends. Unfortunately, we weren't able to spend near enough time. The Adams will definitely have to come back next summer ...maybe our house will be finished by then.

One of my dear friends from High School and college is expecting and so we went to a baby shower for her while all of her friends were in for the reunion.

During my time in Longview, I met with a group of girls once a week. This was a very special time for me. During that time 4 out of the 6 of us were pregnant and now have little ones about the same age. A few nights ago we got together for dinner to bid farewell to Vanessa. What a special time!!! I ate way to much sushi...

Selfish, Selfless, Self...

2008-07-28T07:56:00.000-07:00

Brace yourself...I am being a bit vulnerable...

I was making a trip to Longview this weekend for a baby shower and on the way, I was thinking about myself and my identity. I have struggled before with who I am and it doesn't really get any better or easier when you get married and have children...actually, it gets harder. I was thinking about how, in college, I did everything for me. I didn't really have anyone else to answer to, not really. I got up when I wanted, I went to bed when I wanted, I bought groceries at all hours of the day, I went for a run without having to worry about putting anyone else out, I washed only my own clothes....do you hear what I'm saying, I could have called myself a little bit selfish...not that I didn't want to give my time to others, because I did in different ways, but I didn't have to, it was my choice. So now I look at my life in the last 8 years and I realize how I am forced to step outside of myself, my selfish wants, to meet the needs of those I love so dearly. I know that this is starting to sound like "whoa is me", but that is not what I am saying at all, I am actually talking about how our perspective and our desires change as we are given responsibilities to take care of and meet the needs of our loved ones. When Stephen and I started dating, I looked forward to marriage and being a wife. As married life came along I realized that I was now not only responsible for me, but for meeting the needs of my husband. Being his wife, meant that I had to be selfless and willing to compromise. I started to get the hang of that and then came children...anyone reading this who has children, knows what this means. I found myself, well, losing myself. Who was I, Stephen's wife, my children's mother...just Beth...well, this is where the real thinking part comes in. I realize that I have come a long way since my single years. I have learned how to be selfless (by no means am I saying that I don't get selfish on a daily basis). I have learned that I have to remember the things that I like, I enjoy, and that I am not only a wife and a mother, but I am still Beth and that is important and it is important to remind myself every once in awhile about things that I love.

So, as you read this, I hope you in some way can connect. And if it doesn't do anything else besides make you stop and say thank you to the good Lord for using seasons in our lives to teach us so much about ourselves and about his grace and his mercy, then so be it.

The next time you clean spit up off of your clothes or pick up a toy or wipe a runny nose or clean up a mess you didn't make, remember that this is a season and that there is something great to be learned.

****Remembering who I am in HIM!

We're all a little older...

2008-07-17T07:47:00.000-07:00

Love that cookie cake...yesterday was my 29th birthday...this is my last year in my twenties. This was a reality check.

Addilyn was 3 months yesterday! She is getting so big and so fun!

Look at those cheeks!

We went to ride go-carts and bumper boats! Holding on to my youth!
We were wiped out!
Yeah right...this is as close as she will ever get to a motorcycle like this!
We had a really good time on my birthday. It was a little touch and go at the beginning of the day. I made the mistake of mentioning that our MOPS group was going to Chuck E. Cheese and so for my birthday, I spent some time with the big Mouse. I guess this is the first day of the rest of my life...this is what happens when you add children to the equation. However, my family made me feel quite special on my birthday and it was a lot of fun!

30...here I come!

Summer Happenings

2008-07-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

Long Time No Blog...

2008-07-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

I sort of took pride in how often I blogged...well, two kiddos and my crazy life and well blogging had to take a back seat. We have really settled in to living here in Lindale. I have reconnected with some high school friends, my sister and some new friends and it has been great. We LOVE our church and we are part of a great care group that has become a very special part of each week. All of our kiddos are the same ages and we have really become a community. I am finally getting used to having two girls and also, I am getting used to being at home again. I know, I've been here for three months now, but it takes awhile to form habits and get readjusted. As far as our living arrangements...well, right now we are looking into building and I am pretty excited. No big details at this point, but I'll keep you posted. I hope all is well.

Random Pics

2008-06-23T08:58:00.000-07:00

I found these pictures on my mom's camera and wanted to post them...this is my grandad with Addilyn. He loves his grandbabies! And we love him too!

This was from vacation. What is going on with keatyn's hair?
Do you see that Addilyn has quickly surpassed Dryver in size? We go on the 30th for our 2month check up and I can't wait to find out how much she's grown. Healthy girl!
She fell asleep at the table just like this...I'm not even kidding!

Vacation at Beavers Bend

2008-06-22T11:46:00.000-07:00

We got back last Sunday from our vacation with my family and it was quite fun. Here are just a few of the highlights.

Cotton candy at the train...she loved it, but I didn't like the clean up much!

So you move to East Texas and this is what you get...my whole family in camo! What!?

I love these people!
And these too...I am one proud mama! And a very grateful wife!
I opted not to put the cheesy one of us kissing...it wasn't that romantic...we were sweating like you wouldn't believe. It was soooooo hot and humid on the morning we left!
Ok, this was scary, but turned out to be the sweetest pictures we took. I LOVE THIS!!!!

We needed to stop for lunch and only made it to Winnsboro...that is only about 30 mins from Lindale. Are you kidding me...we couldn't find a roadside park, so we ate in the parking lot of a Winnsboro school. Lunch was good though! Keatyn was little disappointed because we could see a playground, but couldn't get to it.

Addilyn and Dryver enjoyed the lake...can't you tell!
We went on a fun little train ride. At the end, you actually felt like you were on a runaway mine train. It was pretty fun! And anyone that has an infant needs to invest in the Ultimate Baby Wrap!
Our little family.
There has to be a least one melt down per trip...right?
All in all, our trip was quite fun. We relaxed...and it was just what we needed!

Addilyn is 2 months old!!!

2008-06-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Keatyn loves her baby sis!

Addilyn is smiling and "talking"!
I know, you don't have to say it...she looks just like her daddy.

Aren't they cute!

We celebrated month number 2 with a dip in the pool. It was tons of fun!
Addilyn is a jewel. Keatyn adores her, as do we. She is a sleeper, an eater (can't you see it in her cheeks?) and she is really pretty laid back. She's been sleeping soundly through the night since week 5 and really only cries when she needs something. She is very pleasant and makes life with two, so enjoyable. Keatyn is a big helper and has really done well with adjusting to being a big sister and not being the baby anymore.

Addilyn's milestones:

eats 5 ounces at a feeding (little porker)

smiles in response to us

coos and really tries hard to talk to us

can roll to her side

sleeps really good

a great swimmer (not really, but they don't do a whole heck of a lot at 2 months, so I needed something else to write)

She is a blessing!

A quote I stole...

2008-06-08T20:36:00.002-07:00

I stole this quote from a dear friend of mine and I hope that she doesn't mind. I had to...it resonated with me beyond belief. I often look at my life this way. I often look at my life and think to myself, I'll do better when I'm in this circumstance or this situation or I will be happier when this is the senario. Well, as I read this quote, I began to see it...I began to see that I am wasting it, my life, and if I'm not careful, tomorrow will not come and I will have regrets. By God's grace, each day will make sense and I will live it to it's absolute fullest and look at my life and realize it is a gift to be used. Not wasted! I am blessed!

For a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin—real life. But there was always something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt still to be paid. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life. This perspective has helped me to see there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So treasure every moment you have and remember that time waits for no one.-Souza

Thank you Corrie for your post!!!

Recovery!!!

2008-05-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

This was the recovery needed after the long weekend. Isn't she the sweetest. She is getting so big!

She is 6 weeks today!

Memorial Day Weekend

2008-05-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

We had a fabulous holiday weekend. Stephen took off on Friday to hang out as a family. It was fun. We basically just hung out and we were extremely lazy. The highlight of Friday was a family "date" night to Walmart. No, don't laugh...that was it! It was fun though.

Saturday is when the craziness began...we went to Longview to hang out with some friends. They have kiddos Keatyn's age and so needless to say, she had a blast swimming. Then my cousin had a pool party that afternoon, so we came back to Lindale for that. Addilyn was a jewel and just went along with the flow. She was so tired by the end of the day that we retired early on Saturday night. Stephen went to watch the fights at a friend's house and the girls and I went to bed. Sunday was another full day of church, a birthday party and then a cookout with some church friends. Again, Addilyn was in tow and she did good. Monday was very relaxed and we cooked out a feast for just my parents, us and a friend and her boys. We pulled out the blow up pool and slide for the kids. All in all, the weekend was great. I was actually ready for Tuesday so that I could recover! I hope your memorial day was memorable!

Keatyn and her friend Brendan
Brendan, Demi and Keatyn enjoying LUNCH!
Keatyn LOVES the water...we already miss our pool!
This was Addilyn's position all weekend! Such the trooper!
The birthday party with horse rides on Coco! Keatyn now wants a horse. Are you kidding me?

Picture Post

2008-05-19T10:09:00.000-07:00

I am really behind on posting pictures, so this one is pictures only...

A trip to the Art Festival in Clarksville. Downtown Clarksville on the Square
Our little Super Hero...who needed a NAP!!!
I love this picture, because I didn't realize Stephen was taking it.
Matching outfits...Addilyn is as big as Dryver, maybe bigger!

Mad...so mad!
Her first bath...she only sort of loved it.
Who knows...she loves shoes and never her own.
Puppy love..stray dog, of course she wants to keep it.
So sweet...this is the first time it was actually Keatyn's idea to hold her for a photo.
Addilyn was 1 month old last Friday. It's hard to believe!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2008-05-12T05:54:00.000-07:00

One of the sweetest moments is when you hear your children say things when no else seems to be around. Yesterday was Mother's Day and I got so many things that I had wished for...

**I got to sleep in a little bit...

**As I walked down the stairs, Keatyn said to me "Happy Mother's Day, I love you!"

**I woke up to my two beautiful daughters and my amazing husband taking care of them.

**I took a long shower.

**An amazing lunch was prepared, served and cleaned up by the men in our house.

**A ring with my daughters names engraved on it.

**A necklace to put my daughters picture in to show them off to the world.

**A nap!

**Going to bed with my amazing husband by my side telling me how wonderful he thinks I am!

Can a wife and mom ask for any more?

Here are some of those pictures that make being a mom so great!!

I hope that you moms out there were told how great you are!!!!

Trying to keep up...

2008-05-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

Well, I know it has been way to long since my last post. It is really hard to keep up with two little ones. I am really trying. Things are good with us. We now have a two week old. She is amazing. Keatyn seems to be doing pretty good. However, last night the first signs of jealousy did peak out. Stephen was holding Addilyn and Keatyn wanted to be held. The next thing we know, Keatyn bit Addilyn's hand. Poor things...Addilyn was hurting from the bite and Keatyn knew she had messed up. I am actually a little shocked that it hasn't happened before now. Anyway, we are taking each day in stride and using every opportunity to play with Keatyn. We still don't have a house, but Stephen is working on the plan. I've posted a few pictures of some things that have been going on in the last two weeks. Not a lot of pictures, but Addilyn is staying awake a little bit more these days, so maybe I can get more pictures of the two of them and maybe get my announcement done!

Addilyn Sloan Bills

2008-04-21T09:27:00.000-07:00

One proud daddy!
So sweet!

Going Backwards a bit...

2008-04-19T09:40:00.000-07:00

Here are some things we did just before baby Addilyn arrived...

We played dress up...isn't she SASSY!!!
We cried a little bit...

We painted our toes pink in honor of Addilyn...mine are the swollen ones!

We said goodbye to our Oakland Heights friends...

One of Keaytn's "best boys"!

Hugs all around. She was so excited to see her school friends.

We had a busy two weeks before Addilyn arrived. We rested A LOT and mentally and practically prepared for Addilyn to arrive. However, we had no idea how she would change our lives and we wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

WE ARE BLESSED!!!!

A few more pics...more to come!

2008-04-16T15:43:00.000-07:00

Our family, minus one.

I could just eat her!

Proud grandparents, minus Keatyn
are you seeing a pattern...she was a little
camera shy today!

Our little playmates.

Just a few pics...more close ups to come!

2008-04-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

Proud Daddy

Excited Gabby!

Keatyn was not so sure about this.

The funny thing about this is that Addilyn
looks just like him...will there ever be one
that looks like me.

The Secret Garden...

2008-04-03T07:26:00.000-07:00

Not really, but where Stephen and my dad came up with the idea of creating a garden...I have no idea. On one of their trips in from Longview while moving, they got out of the truck and said they were going to grow a garden. Well, here are the beginning stages of it. Keatyn, of course, had to get her hands in the mix and so she got her rake and shovel, along with her Cinderella high heels and got out there and started to dig. I don't know how much help she was, but she sure was cute. She loved her ride on the lawn mower, except for the loud noise. The pictures are a little dark, but you get the drift! I hope the veggies are good and that we manage to get everything into the ground before it's too late.

Poppy and Keatyn on the lawn mower
High heels and a shovel...not sure how that works!

Working hard...Stephen now thinks he's a farmer!

Showers and Such

2008-04-03T06:44:00.000-07:00

My shower in Lindale with family and friends.

My team at school...incredible ladies!

This was the CUTE cake from my school shower! (Thanks Lauren and Chesley!)

Well, a lot has taken place since my last blog and it was only a week ago. We got completely moved and closed on our house last weekend. That was a little stressful for Stephen, but he was incredible and is now getting in the groove. I am enjoying being at home these weeks before Addilyn arrives. Keatyn was going to go to school three days a week, and then we sort of reevaluated and realized that Stephen's schedule doesn't take him to Longview everyday, so it was adding a lot of driving time. Sooooo Keatyn is officially back home with me. I have really enjoyed our time together and she seems to be enjoying it too. Katherine and I have been busy running errands, going to Dr. visits, visiting Lindale MOPS and just being moms. I have to say that having her around has really helped me stay sane in these past few days.

Before I left work last Thursday, they threw me a baby shower. I am so grateful for such an incredible campus. I was completely blessed by the gifts and the people who came to celebrate Addilyn. It was bitter sweet to be put on "bed rest" early because I love my team and my colleagues. I miss them, but I am truly enjoying my time at home.

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-23T18:22:00.001-07:00

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-03-23T17:56:00.001-07:00

New layout...

2008-03-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

In honor of Spring and the need for a pedi...I decided this background was quite fitting. Enjoy these beautiful days and Happy Flip Flop weather to all my blog readers!

A fun and busy weekend...

2008-03-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

We had a fun and busy weekend. We are quickly approaching the closing date for our house and the arrival of baby Addilyn. We have two weekends left to move things to our storage building and get our new space ready for move in. Here are a few pictures of how this weekend went!

In preparation for the move, Stephen, Justin, my dad and mom all worked to get "our room" ready for us to move in. We moved around furniture and decided on the best possible set up for us. We decided to put Addilyn's furniture in the room with us and put Keatyn across the hall. We have two weeks to finish packing and get things moved to my parents' house. Again, I am NO HELP at all, but Stephen has truly been a trooper!

35 weeks and counting!!! I have about 4 weeks left. I am really feeling the woes of pregnancy...but only at night. My feet stay swollen and by the time I hit the bed, I just can't do one more thing.

We enjoyed a family and friends egg hunt at my parents' house. Keatyn was serious about hunting eggs this year. It was really a lot of fun.

Saturday some friends threw me a shower in Longview. We had a great time of visiting and EATING. The food was so yummy!!!! Addilyn is already being taken care of. I am so blessed to have these gals in my life.

"Moving" right along...

2008-03-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

Since my last blog, our house has become a little less inviting because Stephen has been packing up everything in sight. I'm not a bit of help. I started to help last weekend and almost passed out from cutting off the blood flow in my legs. No really, I started to see stars and felt very sick to my stomach. I feel so helpless! You would think that I would LOVE the idea of not having to pack, but poor Stephen is doing everything by himself and I really wish I could do more. We are t minus 5 weeks and three days until Addilyn's arrival, we have no house, no nursery and no leads. We will move in with my parents and that is about all we know right now. The inspector comes on Monday and we are SO ready for that part to be done. This house is great to the average person's eye, but we are uncertain of what types of things might be found in the "woodowrk". Say a prayer! Financially things are looking up for us, which is such a blessing and we feel so wonderful about the situation at hand. We LOVE the couple that is buying our house and couldn't be more pleased that they are the ones moving in. We have become a little frustrated with the housing market in Lindale, but we are slowing down and taking it one day at a time. I first want to close on our house in Longview and see if any new developements take place in Lindale. I get overwhelmed at the idea of tackling all at once, one thing on top of another. Again, if you think about it, say a prayer for us to have patience and know that he does have a perfect plan.

On a side note, Keatyn is handling things...I can't say great, but good! I don't know how much she understands about what is happening around her. Stephen and I are working really hard as a team to stay on the same page about the "best" possible situation for her. I want her to assume that everything is taken care of. I know, I know, she is 3 years old, but from my years of teaching, I know that change for a child is not always taken so well and that they will get the attention they need, no matter if it is positive or negative. I want her to remember and know that she is surrounded by love and support no matter where we are living or what our cirucumstances are.

We are looking so forward to blogging about the new things to come. Stay tuned!!!!

Whirlwind...maybe!?

2008-02-25T16:59:00.000-08:00

Well, last Sunday afternoon we were spending time in Lindale (as we often do) and got a phone call from a Longview friend. He said he wanted to know if he could give our number to a couple from a church here who had been house hunting for quite some time. Of course we said yes, because we knew that very soon we would be putting a sign in our yard. The guy called Stephen a couple of hours later and wanted to see the house as soon as possible. A little overwhelmed with a house not quiet "show ready", we said we could let them come see the house Sunday night. Let me take a little detour for a second. In conversation, Stephen figured out that the guy and his wife had just finished an internship at Northwood, the church that my uncle pastors and that we did our internship at before we moved to Longview. They had been to Vietnam and shared that experience with us. Small world! At this point in the conversation, we began to see God's provisions in this situation. Ok, so back to the story, the couple came to see our house and called Monday morning to say that they wanted to put a contract on the house and wanted to move in ASAP. WOW!!!!! We set a closing date of March 31st.

At this point in the story those of you who are counting along with me are beginning to wonder about the fact that I am due mid April...oh yes, we will close on our house and move in with my parents, I will drive into Longview for two weeks until my last day (April 11th). Then I will drive back to Longview on the 16th of April to have a c-section. Just writing this overwhelms me a bit...we are in the process of deciding on what comes next. We feel almost certain that Lindale is our next stop, but knowing if we want to build or buy is still way up in the air.

Sooooooo.......if you have a second, please stop and whisper a small prayer for us. We are more than certain that all of this is God sent. We will be relieved of a great burden of debt and this will ensure that I will be able to stay at home next year. We are thrilled that this has happened the way it has. And we know in our hearts that ALL things happen with great purpose and HIS plan is so much greater than ours.

Valentine's Day with a Toddler

2008-02-14T17:47:00.000-08:00

The Chocolate Covered Strawberries...YUM!

Party Day at School...

The festive cookies...and

our little HELPY!!!!!

We have truly had a good time with Keatyn these last few holidays. I think there is an age that they finally reach where they begin to enjoy the cookie making, the candy, the gifts and well everything else that goes along with other holidays.

30 weeks!!!!

2008-02-10T18:39:00.000-08:00

This is Keatyn's 30 week pic! Yes, she is wearing boy pajamas...she picked them out because they have footballs on them and her Uncle Juju is a football coach and she loves to watch him play!

This is the beginning stage of Addilyn's nursery. My mom is amazing and in one weekend finished everything you see here!!!!! It is so much more than I imagined. Not that I thought she couldn't do it, because she is amazing and I think she can do anything...I just had a hard time getting my fabric together. We are officially obsessed with the black and white Damask. Well, here it is and we LOVE it!!!!

30 weeks...I feel like I'm at least 36, so we'll see how the next 5 go! Not too much longer! We are getting really excited!

P.S. A little disclaimer goes with this picture...I grocery shopped today and was on my feet a lot. My family got to come to Longview for dinner and so it wasn't until we sat down to eat dinner that I finally got off of my feet. That would explain the tired expression on my face!

Too Sweet...

2008-02-05T15:26:00.000-08:00

There are some things in life that just don't need words...these are some of them!

Gymnastics Fun!!!

2008-02-05T14:52:00.000-08:00

Keatyn...the bossy little diva that she is, insists that she gives stamps at the end of each class.

Just her dismount into the pit...

Could there be a larger, nastier piece of foam in all the world and she LOVES it!!!!

Hugging the foam pit...the yucky foam pit!

Keatyn has been in gymnastics since last May. We were in a Mommy and me class and I think we both really enjoy that time together. I did notice that as she got older, she would mind less and wanted to do her own thing, but I have also seen her learn a lot about sharing and taking turns. I love the fact that she is moving and not just idle and I also enjoyed the challenge that it provided for both of us. No, I didn't do the activities with her, but walked along side her and encouraged her. Well, in recent months my belly has gotten increasingly bigger and my energy level has gotten increasingly less. I reached a place of delimma with our class. Keatyn will turn 3 in March, so I asked her teacher if we could move her up. This week was our first week to try out the Preschool Class and with a knot in my throat, I sent her off into the brutal world of gymnastics all alone....

She did GREAT! I watched her go from the biggest kid in her class to, what made her look like a baby. I watched her thrive and follow directions. I was a proud parent sitting on the sidelines holding my breath and hoping that the report at the end of the class would be good. Like I said, it was great and her teacher said she only had to threaten "time out" once. This seemed to be a low number of warnings for a first timer! I am pleased and yet again, we have reached another milestone of independence!

I'm An Aunt, He's an Uncle and she's a cousin!!!!!

2008-01-27T17:03:00.000-08:00

First of all, I must preface these pictures with...my sister is AMAZING!!! I didn't go through anything like she did. She labored for what seemed like FOREVER and then pushed like a champ for what seemed like FOREVER!!! She was definitely exhausted, but I know today, she feels like every pain and every hour was well worth it. I also must say that Justin was incredible too. He was a great coach and it has been so fun to watch him with his son. We are blessed as a family and we are so excited to welcome Dryver Jordan Cowart into our family...finally! A proud Gabby!!! Keatyn will have to learn to share!
A proud first time Aunt...at 3:45am...so tired, feet swollen and running on adrenaline alone!

A proud first time Uncle...if you know Stephen at all, by 11pm, he was sawing logs in the lobby...but that worked to my advantage, because I was able to catch some Zzzz's this morning from 5am until about 8:30am.

Waiting....Waiting...and more Waiting!!!!

2008-01-26T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are at the hospital. We arrived about 3pm, they arrived at 11am. Everything is progressing nicely. These are just a few of the early stages. I'll continue to update as we have more. The nurses assured us that he would be here tonight...we'll see and we HOPE!!!

just a few pictures for you to enjoy...we did!

2008-01-24T18:36:00.001-08:00

Just thought you might enjoy seeing some of the latest pictures we've taken on our camera.

Enjoying some time in her art gallery! And ps. her hair looks like we never comb it...I do have to be honest in saying that she won't let us touch it if she can help it.
Poppy's birthday...loved the icing!

Mastered the chopsticks...no she did not drink some of her daddy's drink!

Showing off as she eats with the chopsticks.

Working to master the chopsticks...you can see she had a little help from the rubberband at the end. Hey, you gotta start somewhere!

Super Keatyn...our little super hero in the making!

Trials and Transitions...

2008-01-14T18:27:00.000-08:00

We have been working in the last few days to get Keatyn to go to bed in her bed and not in ours. She doesn't sleep with us, but we had helped her create a habit of falling asleep in our bed and then we would move her to her bed. It was very convenient in getting her to fall asleep, but what was not so convienent was the waking up and not going back to sleep unless one of us was in her bed with her. Soooooo we decided that before baby Addilyn gets here in April that we would try to create some better habits. WOW! Here I am only six days later and Keatyn is doing very good. The first night we did our ritual of reading books, breathing treatment, praying and then I stepped out of the room. Easier said than done! Keatyn came out of her room and was absolutely pitiful. I decided that instead of me just praying on my own, I would pray out loud over her to encourage her to rest and for her to hear me making my request. It was an amazing and spiritual moment for me, because I watched her peacefully fall asleep. I know as most of us do that our Heavenly Father cares about even the nights of sleep that we don't get as parents, but it was in that moment that I felt his protection and his peace in my parenting. Keatyn is growing up so fast and I want to be certain that Stephen and I are doing our part to lead her in a way that sets her up for a life of chasing after the father. Even if those moments are wrapped up in the learning of independence.

I praise God this week for milestones and rejoicing in the fact that not only is she falling asleep in her own bed, but she has also become miss independent in the ways of potty time. We are all about the potty in all aspects! It's the small things in life that truly make you smile!!!!!

New Camera

2008-01-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

We finally got our own digital camera. We have been borrowing my parents for the last...well, a really long time. We are excited to own our own now. We bought it together with our Christmas money. Here are just a few pictures we took this weekend to get used to it.

This is me at 25 weeks! And with a fresh haircut!
Keatyn got to open this kite after she went poopoo in the big potty. Not mastered yet, but we're on the right track!

A morning ritual...the lights are too bright, so we gotta wear shades!

Keatyn and her daddy just hangin' out!

2007 In Review!!!!!

2008-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

First of all...Happy New Year!

As I look back over the past year, so much has happened in my family. Starting back in January, we were just getting used to me being back at work. 2006 was a rough year for the Bills, so 2007 had to be better. Stephen had been working at Farm Bureau Insurance for almost 9 months and I had been teaching for about 6. Keatyn was truly adjusted to being in childcare and we were trucking along. Life was pretty normal a year ago. We were walking through a tough time with Katherine and Justin as they rummaged through what was happening with their family planning. That was tough for all involved and really all we could do was just pray for them. Soon March rolled around and Keatyn turned 2. We enjoyed a Cowgirl party and a bounce house. I almost feel like I need to do a year in review from that point. She is probably one of the best things that has ever happened to Stephen and me. We learn so much from her and we LOVE watching her grow and change. You've read in previous posts what all we have been learning in the last 4 months or so, so you know what the 2's have been like. In April, Stephen got an amazing interview opportunity with Astra Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and got the job rather quickly. We were stoked, because even though we knew insurance could provide for us, we were in desperate need of something more consistent and flexible. He officially started May 1st with several week long trainings and then a three week training in Willmington, Delaware...who knows where that is?! He was out in the field and on his way by summer time and absolutely loving it. Stephen has tried a few jobs since we left Truett Seminary and we believe each one had purpose, but as we look at his job now, he has found something that fits him. He is really good at what he does. I am soooooo very proud of him and the strides that he has made in this job. In July we found out that we were expecting our second child due in April. We couldn't be more excited about it. I am halfway through my second year of teaching at Pine Tree and I cannot wait to be back at home. We have also come to a place where we feel very strongly about me staying at home while our girls are young. Circumstances happen and we have to do what's best for our family, but we have since realized that me being at home is what we definitely want. A huge P.S. to the Month of May...Katherine and Justin found out that they were expecting their first child due in just four short weeks!!! Praise the Lord...this process took them 18 months and a fridge filled with fertility drugs! Summer time brought vacations, 10 year high school reunions, swim lessons and fun times in the pool. September brought a new school year, a new classroom and Keatyn starting a new phase in her life...potty training and programs at school. October brought our annual trip to Arkansas and I got to enjoy a little reunion with some girl friends from Seminary. November brought Thanksgiving and LOTS of embroidery for Stitches and Threads...we more than doubled our business since this time last year. We are really excited about what it to come with this little business endeavor!

Well, that pretty much brings us around to December. Stephen and I celebrated 7 years of marriage on the 16th. It has been an amazing journey and I look forward to many more years with him. Christmas soon arrived and we celebrated with both Stephen's family and mine and enjoyed time off together. I am amazed at how much Keatyn has changed this year and how excited she is about the changes we have coming.

For 2008 I look forward to...

*Adding to our family

*Being at home with my girls

*Slowing down and being healthy

*Learning something new...

I thank the Lord for the blessing and challenges of 2007 and look forward to the challenges and blessing of 2008!

Christmas Fun!!!!

2007-12-22T09:14:00.000-08:00

Stephen worked really hard and diligently to get "the KITCHEN" ready for Christmas morning!

I couldn't resist...she's just too cute!

Same as above....she's just so darn cute!!!!

Daddy's make such great horseys!!! She was actually choking him in this picture. What a great sport!

Ok, this is one of the first pictures that I have posted where you can see my belly...no I am not about to deliver, yes, I know that you think I won't make it to full term and yes, I know how big I am!!!!!! I am blown away with how fast I've grown! 2nd baby I guess!

Did I mention in a previous blog how much I LOVE THE HOILDAYS! There is truly something about it. I just love the music, the sounds, the smells, the hustle and bustle, the excitement. I loved it before Keatyn, but no one ever told me that it could be this fun. I love buying gifts for her, I love the songs she sings, the movies she watches and the innocents of the moment. We are having so much fun as parents and we are looking forward to baby number 2!

Keatyn was just recently in her school Christmas program. She did great and sat in her spot the whole time. We were shocked! She doesn't always know the words to the songs, but we laugh out loud at her mouth...she just opens it and moves her tongue back and forth. I will try to figure out how to post the video. You too will find great humor in her singing abilities!

We are also enjoying Daddy being around the whole break. This is the first time that we will all have the same Christmas break. Stephen had enough vacation days to use before the end of the year to be at home the whole time that I am off of work. I love it that we can wake up together and play together. It is such a fulfilling thing to be home as a family.

I hope that you all have a very merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year! Enjoy your families...laugh together!

Grace and Peace!

IT"S A ....

2007-12-13T04:21:00.000-08:00

GIRL!!!! We are so very excited to announce that we are having a girl! Yesterday was the big day and she seems so sweet. She was very cooperative and sucked her thumb the majority of the time. Not a big mover at this point, which for us is good...have you seen our toddler lately!

Keatyn was very excited and loved the pictures. We now have to convince her that we don't need to name her Dryver. This whole concept for a two year old is tough. I think she thinks I'm just getting fat!

Stephen and I both are so excited about the joy that will come with having a set of sisters living under our roof! I think about my time with my sister and how special those moments were and still are. She is my best friend and I pray that for our two girls.

Names...oh what's in a name...there is quite a story behind our girl name.
I had a Mama Nita (great grandmother) who meant the world to both me and Stephen. She was one of the most amazing women that I had ever met. She helped raise my mom and aunt and they are both amazing women, so if you knowthem, you know how great Mama Nita was. Her birthday was on baby girl Bills' C-section date...April 16th. I don't have a big sentimental bone in my body, but this opportunity could not be passed up. We decided that we would (if it was a girl) name her Addilyn (no middle name yet). We are almost 100% sure that this is what her name will be. My grandmother's name was Addie and I didn't feel like I could pass up the opportunity to use this name. If our daughter can be half of the woman that Mama Nita was, then we and many others will be blessed beyond belief by her.
My great grandmother passed away and I hope that Addilyn Bills can be the legacy that she left behind. I truly feel that this whole situation is purpose filled and that Mama Nita is very proud!

What an Experience!!!!

2007-12-06T06:37:00.000-08:00

For Stephen's birthday we decided to go to a Robert Earl Keen concert. He was at a very small venue which was perfect for us. I can't handle the smoke and don't need to be around it being pregnant, so this was PERFECT. There is a small theater in Linden, TX where he performed. There were less than 400 people and the music was fabulous. Stephen was sooooo excited. Multiple times he said, "This is the best birthday ever!" Some of Stephen's friends from work and one of his best friends from childhood came with us. We ate dinner at 5D in Avinger and then off to the concert. It really was a great time! The boys stayed the night at Stephen's lease. All I can say about that whole experience is that boys will be boys. I am so grateful that we had this experience and if you ever get the chance to Robert Earl Keen in concert...do it!!!!

Oh and

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEPHEN!!!!!

Finding Nemo and other Thanksgiving Fun!

2007-12-05T09:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a fabulous time for us. We spent time with family and enjoyed relaxing, shopping and eating of course! We took Keatyn to see Finding Nemo on Ice and she loved it. I have to say that I loved it too. They do such a great job and it is very captivating, which is great for a 2 year old. She enjoyed a snow cone, a nemo toy and almost being lost in Downtown Dallas. You must be thinking...what in the world...well, we were eating at Spaghetti Warehouse in Dallas after the show and we all thought someone else was watching Keatyn. Little did we know, she was making her way into the parking lot to see her daddy who was waiting in the car. He was in shock when he saw her round the corner by herself. This is one of those mistakes that you can't think about what might have been, but to put in your catalog of learned behaviors to watch for. Did we learn our lesson...yes we did!

But on a lighter note...we enjoyed time with my in-laws in Clarkville. Keatyn loves the slide and the trampoline. The food was amazing and of course I ate way to much. Thanks for your hospitality Cheryl!

We headed to my parents for the Hayride Tradition and needless to say, it was cold and rainy, but we pressed on. Keatyn ended up in the cab of the truck with her daddy...why you might be asking were the pregnant women left to ride in the rain...well, we refused to ride in the car during a hayride.

Shopping was fabulous and we only had to lose our cool with one man that should have stayed at home and saved his grocery shopping until the Saturday after Thanksgiving...that situation was his own fault!!!!

Happy Holidays Yall!

Oh the sad spoon...

2007-11-20T13:08:00.000-08:00

It's funny how you name things to help your little ones understand the severity or simplicity of the moment. We coined our discipline spoon, the Sad Spoon. I got a wooden spoon that didn't look like anything I had in my kitchen and drew a sad face on both sides. Stephen, however, felt the need to "improve" one side and make it his own. We prefer using the spoon as opposed to our hands. The spanking does work, but hitting with our hands is so contradicting that we decided on the spoon. Now I know that there have been times when I didn't have the spoon with me (I have no idea why!), so I would pop, if you will, with my hand. I immediately felt guilty. It's funny how you create these "beliefs" in your head before you become a parent and then when you actually have a child, it usually changes based on the nature of the child. Anyway, either way, we need a way of discipline in addition to the time outs that we give.

Funny story...just recently I lost the Sad Spoon...or what I really believe is that Keatyn hid it. Watch out parents, they are smarter than we think!!!!! All I can say for this part of parenting is to each his own. This usually works for us and so this is where we are for now.

Happy Disciplining!!!!! Oh and ps. Stephen's face is not smoking a cig!

Much to be Thankful for...

2007-11-18T19:01:00.000-08:00

This past week, Stephen and I had the opportunity to have lunch with Keatyn at her school. They had their Thanksgiving Feast. We were all very excited about it. When we arrived we were seated beside a placemat that had a poem and a hand turkey that had been made by Keatyn. Before long, the kiddos entered and they were all looking for their parents...when Keatyn finally saw us, she yelled out "Daddy!". When she got to Stephen, he picked her up and the look on her face was priceless. She was completely overwhelmed and had tears welling up in her eyes. She was having trouble containing herself. It was one of the most amazing moments. I learned a lot in that moment...I see more now than ever how important being a present parent is. How important it is for us to give her our time. It's not things she really wants, she wants us and our attention and our love. Though some moments are harder than others, I hope and pray that I don't ever forget that look, that feeling of overwhelming gratefulness that I have been blessed with the opportunity to love a child. During this season, don't forget to look around and remember that we all have much to be thankful for!

Christmas is in the Air!

2007-11-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

Really it's more about us being busy every weekend and needing to stay excited about our decorating. We decided to put up our Christmas decor this weekend. We turned on the Amy Grant Christmas CD and a little Barry Manelow and decided to get started. Keatyn is a little more curious this year and wants to "help". I kept the sad spoon close by just in case there was a glass Christmas ball or a Nativity animal that she couldn't keep her hands off of. Thankfully, I only had to use words. She LOVES the Christmas decor and in her own words "Christmas is beautiful!" I know this will be a wonderful time this year and we will really enjoy her and her amazement. There is something about this time of year. I love the smells outside, the yummy food, the lights on the tree, my 2 year old, shopping, and most of all, I love to watch Keatyn "hold" Mary and baby Jesus and see her eyes light up. I am always very reflective during this time of year and I truly stop and think about EVERYTHING I have to be thankful for. First and foremost, I have a husband who loves me and leads this family toward Christ, I have a beautiful daughter who, though embodies two right now, lights up my life, I have a family that supports and loves me and I have friends who make me laugh and lift me up. Whether it is now or July, I am thankful for all that I have been given and I pray that I do not take it for granted.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!!!

Halloween 2007

2007-11-05T15:25:00.000-08:00

Well, we took our little fairy to Lindale so that the fam could see her. She's not really into the whole trick or treating thing and the less candy the better at our house. We went to visit my grandparents and then headed to the churches in town where Keatyn could play some fun little games and get some candy. She wasn't completely convinced that the costume was necessary, until we told her that people wouldn't give her candy with out her wings. Hey, it worked. She wore them the remainder of the evening. At this phase of life, Halloween is more of a hassle than fun, because we have to load up in the car seat and unload. Aside from that, we enjoyed looking at our cute little fairy and adoring the little pot belly that she insisted stick out over her skirt. Oh so cute.

Arkansas

2007-10-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to add this little picture of our group that went to War Eagle this year. We had a fabulous time. The weather was absolutely perfect and the shopping wasn't so bad either.

A Girls Weekend

2007-10-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

I have some dear friends that I see at least once a year. We became friends while in Seminary in Waco and the rest is history. We are in the same stages in life, have some great memories and have big plans for our future. We worked really hard last January to make a Spa trip happen this Fall. And by golly, it happened. We spent a long weekend at a retreat in Burnett, TX. We were a little skeptical on the drive out, but pleasantly surprised at the place. We each experienced an incredible 1 1/2 hour massage, each with its own unique twist, more sprouts than we could handle and an absolute amazing time of doing absolutely nothing. We talked, we cried, we laughed and laughed some more. I have to say that every mom needs this kind of time with her girlfriends. I miss being around these girls on a daily basis and I know that we were in Waco for a reason and there are days when I think it was to meet the Pitts and the Everetts. Girls, if you are reading this, THANK YOU...thank you for your friendship, your support, your understanding, your wisdom and for just being who you are. I have learned so much from these two friendships and thank God for them.

She did a stinky!!!!

2007-09-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

To some of you this means absolutely nothing...to others, you know our excitement. We have been at this potty training thing for exactly 2 weeks and it has been a very interesting experience to say the least. We ask constantly if Keatyn needs to go teetee and beg her to do her other business in the potty too. All she can say to that is "I NEED A DIAPER!" This is very frustrating when you want your little one out of diapers. Anyway, on to my real story...This weekend I hear from the bathroom in a sweet little voice "Mommy, I went poopoo!". My response was (under my breath) "yeah, right". Much to my surprise, poopoo she did. We were so excited that I think it sent her into shock. The look on her little face was not one of being convinced she could do this again, but that of, what just happened. So now instead of it being just the "teetee bucket", we now have the "teetee/poopoo bucket" filled with prizes for each little occasion! So we look at each day as a new day and hope for the best. She's doing great!

Disclaimer: For any of you that were grossed out by this email, look at your children and realize that you have either been there or going there! And if you don't have children, be warned!

8 weeks and counting...

2007-09-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

Well, to those of you who are serious bloggers...I apologize for the delay in posts. My computer is highly tempermental and thus the lack of the blog!!!!

Monday was my first real doctors appointments. We had our first sonogram and the little "nugget" is just precious. (When I find a place to scan in pics, I'll post them.) The heart rate was an amazing 165. I asked the nurse if she thought it was a girl...she just laughed and said they are all usually high this early. Stephen is still convinced it is going to a boy.

Our official due date is April 26th. I am going to ask my doctor if she will be willing to schedule my C-section for April 16th. I'll elaborate on the significance of that date in a later entry.

As for me and the actual day to day pregnancy...well, I am still experiencing the nausea and the headaches. I can still go to bed at 6 or 7pm and sleep until 6 am with no problem and my eating is not getting better. However, I have figured out that I only really feel sick in the evenings, which is good for me since I am working, but bad for Stephen and Keatyn. Stephen has been absolutely amazing with me and with Keatyn. He was already doing most of the daily stuff before we got pregnant, but he's even stepped it up about 10 times. Bottom line...he is AMAZING!

And the most important thing about this pregnancy is that my doctor said that everything looked great and that things seem to be progressing beautifully...I'll take all the you know what for a healthy, beautiful baby!