The Lowrys

Madeline's 4th Birthday

2011-01-18T13:43:00.005-06:00

We had cupcakes for her class celebration.

But the real party was over the weekend. Lots of good friends...

came to dance...

and jump...

and play...

and eat cake of course!

Just a little help with ALL those candles! Our girl is FOUR!

Cake please?

Lots of gifts...

So excited...

Sweet friends!

What would I do without my "mom friends?"

Thanks to all who made it such a special day for Madeline!

My Birthday 2011

2011-01-18T13:18:00.004-06:00

My family and friends made this birthday very special!

Mia's 1st Birthday

2011-01-17T21:10:00.000-06:00

Here's some funny video of Mia eating her cake...

Christmas 2010

2011-01-17T18:56:00.000-06:00

Riding in the parade

It was COLD!

Daddy drove.
Visiting with friends.

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve Dinner

Meme fixed Madeline's busted chin.

No ER for us, we had to be there for Santa!

Good Morning!

Santa came!

My Christmas baby!

Twinkle Toes!!

We had a blessed Christmas & hope yours was too!

December 2010

2011-01-17T18:55:00.000-06:00

Mia's New Swing

Daddy's Birthday

Fun in the snow at a friend's Winter Wonderland Party

Madeline loves her "Princess Jasmine" dress up (belly dancer skirt & scarf).

November 2010

2011-01-17T15:21:00.004-06:00

Happy girls!

Like a baby...
Playdate at the zoo with sweet friends.

The babies, just enjoying the nice day.

Playground fun!

Up close & personal with mama lion!

Van Gogh Gala

I LOVE to dress my girls alike!

Thanksgiving Feast at school

So grown up!

A visit to Meme's office.

We had a funfilled November, hope you all did too!

November Family Pictures

2011-01-17T15:14:00.000-06:00

October 2010

2011-01-17T12:28:00.007-06:00

Meme's Birthday

Farm Day at school

Madeline's 1st Field Trip

Parker & Madeline arriving at

Scott & Liz's wedding

Jerri & I ready for the Merry Market

Costume Party

Mia learning & exploring...

She loved to "play" with Izzie

Such a Daddy's Girl!

Not as happy in big sister's lap!

Sushi with Noelle

Ready for Halloween

Pumpkin Pickin' at school

Time to Trick-or-Treat!

We had a busy & great October!

Mia Smiling & Laughing at 8 1/2 Months

2010-09-16T11:03:00.003-05:00

Fun with the Girls!

2010-09-05T23:50:00.002-05:00

Another Mom's night...

Dinner and a movie with my sweet friends.

I had a blast ladies!!

Safari Time

2010-09-05T23:35:00.003-05:00

This weekend we took the girls to the new Safari in town.

There's a petting zoo and you get to feed most of the animals.

We got to see Jerry the Giraffe, a zebra, lots of goats, miniature horses,

a variety of deer and cattle, llamas, and camels.

Todd couldn't resist checking out those horns!

This bull was HUGE!

We had a great time and can't wait to go back with Madeline's cousins!!

Odds & Ends

2010-09-05T23:15:00.002-05:00

A tuckered out 7 month old Mia!

Our sweet sweet girls!
Daddy's girl!

Mia REFUSES to smile for the camera!

Bob & Terry's 40th Anniversary

2010-09-05T22:46:00.007-05:00

In June we had a party to honor Meme & Pop's 40th Wedding Anniversary.

Almost the whole family made it and we had a great time.

With the grandkids.

I rode a turtle for the firs time in over 20 years!

And so did Aunt Ashley!

All of the boys roller skated!

Even Mr. Bob!

I was truly surprised at their skills!

Todd attempted to teach Madeline.

I attempted it also, but thankfully it was not captured on camera!

Sharing cake!

Watching a special video filled with memories from the many years they've spent together.

Mia getting some love from Aunt Ashley

(and a really BIG flower!)

Loving on Aunt Liz

Summer Fun

2010-09-05T22:20:00.004-05:00

We've had a busy summer!

Mia is eating all sorts of baby food-

and she LOVES it, can't get enough!

Madeline in full "Princess Tea Party Mode"
Mia's 1st dip in the pool

Madeline watering the yard

Mom's Night Out

Dinner & a movie with friends

Madeline and Aunt Patty

They have so much fun,

we love our Patty-visits!!!!

This was taken before we left for the midnight premier

of Twilight Eclipse.

Todd has promised me that he will NOT be attending the next two premiers.

Mia's 6 Month STATS

2010-08-23T22:45:00.003-05:00

I know - I am Late, Late, Late...

Here goes:

At Mia's 6 month check-up

Weight: 15 pounds 4 ounces - 45%

Height: 25 3/4 inches - 50%

Head: 45%

Basically our baby girl is normal, what more can you ask for??

Best Mother's Day yet!

2010-05-09T16:34:00.005-05:00

I enjoyed a WONDERFUL Mother's Day this year.

My grandmother was able to go to church with us.

Our entire family FINALLY made it in a picture together!!

Then we all went home & had a scrumptious lunch.
Katelyn, Madeline & Maggie

Meme & Me

The girls had lots of fun inside & out!

Everyone LOVES Liz!

Scotty pants gives a good back ride!

Mom - we missed you in the pictures!

Thanks to our family for coming out.

We love you guys!

Growing & Learning!

2010-05-09T16:09:00.005-05:00

Mia had her first "solids by spoon" last week.

She loves her cereal & does very well with the spoon!

It's almost unbelievable, but...

Mia is now tolerating a few minutes of tummy-time each day.

YAY!!!

So much springtime fun!!

2010-04-30T22:10:00.004-05:00

Nannie & Mia

Madeline's favorite thing to do...
play in the dirt!

And hug on Mia

Dance rehearsal with her sweet little friends

2nd year trophy!

Recital night...

Cutest tiki birds around!

She did AWESOME!

We were so proud of our cutie in blue!

The next morning was Mia's baby dedication.

Such a special day for all of us.

This is the only photo with all 4 of us.

Madeline didn't feel like posing & Mia fell asleep in her carseat.

4 Generations

(Mia was still in her carseat)

YUMMY cake!

Painting pottery

She made a precious piggy bank...photos to come!

Petting zoo

Sweet little donkeys...one of them gave her a "nibble" on the arm.

(She's still showing me the red mark!)

Mia's First Easter

2010-04-30T21:51:00.002-05:00

Mia's first Easter was a busy one. We went to several egg hunts, dyed eggs and went to church.

We even had fun staying up late so that the Easter Bunny could fill the girls' baskets!

Dying eggs

Easter egg decorating party & hunt

Mia was only happy when we were inside!

Maggie & Madeline doing some "egg painting..."

Easter morning

Not that easy to get a family portrait these days!

4 Month Update

2010-04-26T20:57:00.004-05:00

Today was Mia's 4 month checkup.

Here is what we learned:

Weight: 12lbs, 13oz - 25th%

Length: 24.5in - 50th%

Head: 50th%

We can't believe that our little Mia is already 4 months old.

Here's what she's been up to lately:

-laughing out loud

- smiling ALL the time

-sleeping 8-10 hours at night

- grabbing her toys

- almost rolling from back to tummy

She still hates tummy time & gets really angry when we try to make her do it.

We eat her up each day and are continually amazed by how blessed we are.

Madeline Update

2010-04-02T12:50:00.005-05:00

Madeline's Stats:

TALL!

At her 3 year check-up she was in the 90th percentile.

She's the size of an average 4 year old.

Obviously she gets her height from her mother, ha ha!

Madeline is doing wonderful.

She is my little helper & she loves her sister.

She likes to GO!

As you can see in the previous post, "Lately," she likes to go places, do things & stay busy.

We only have one more week of dance. After that it's recital time!

I hope she does as well as she did last year, with a little more smiling.

The dance is super cute; it's to the "Tiki Room" song from Disneyworld

...hence the bird costume!

Mia is Growing!

2010-04-02T12:11:00.007-05:00

Mia's Stats:

Birth - 7lbs 8oz 18.75in

1 Month - 8lbs 7oz 20.5in

2 Months-10lbs 8oz 22in

3 Months- 12.5lbs?? (No check-up this month)

I just got on the scale without her & then with her...

What's new with Mia?

Well, she is coping with the reflux much better these days. She is still on 2 medications but in smaller doses. We give her a little cereal each day to help with it also.

She sleeps through the night most nights.

We moved her bedtime up to 8:30, so sometimes she wakes once to nurse.

She started drooling pretty bad last week so

I am afraid that the dreaded teething is coming soon.

She likes playing on her activity mat & trying to hit the toys that dangle.

She still HATES tummy time!

She has a bit of a temper...

When we lay her down & she wants to be held (or fed) she holds her breath.

Not just the normal "pause" between cries either.

I can slowly count to 5 before she will take a breath!

Sometimes I blow air in her face to make her breathe.

She lost most of that beautiful brown hair she was born with :(

It broke my heart, but each time I bathed her, more of it disappeared...

She smiles ALL the time!

This is huge for us, because when she was so sick

(before she got on medicine), we didn't know how sweet her face could be.

She has truly become a joy!

We thank God each day for our two little "miracle girls!"

Here is a sweet video of our girl at 11 weeks old.

Lately...

2010-04-02T10:32:00.006-05:00

Sisters playing...

Finger painting in the backyard...

Trips to the park...

Feeding baby cows...

Swinging in the backyard...

Walks in the afternoon with mama...

Trips to the zoo with Nina & Nannie...

Riding the rides at Quein' on the Red...

Dinner with the family...

Church Easter egg hunt...

Swinging in the house...

Library Easter egg hunt...

Snow Day!

2010-02-21T22:07:00.002-06:00

We got snow...AGAIN!

This was the 3rd time in 2 months.

Unheard of & SOOO much fun!

Daddy & Madeline Eskimo kisses!

Snow Angels!

Mom falling in the snow!!

Madeline & Nina

Byram Family Christmas

2010-02-21T21:57:00.001-06:00

We recently got the entire Byram family together.

This includes Todd's mom, her 2 sisters, brother, and lots of kids & grandkids.

We had a great visit and it was really neat to have all 5 2009 babies together!

We missed you Uncle Jess!

Madeline's 3rd Birthday

2010-02-21T21:14:00.008-06:00

We had a nice family dinner on her REAL birthday.

She got a John Deere Gator!!
And it's actually getting used...
This is her hauling feed to the catch pin with her daddy.

Ready for her REAL party!

Madeline & Nina

Waiting for the guests to arrive.

Ben & Mia hung out by the fire because it was FREEZING!

She had a farm party with lots of animals

and lots of friends!

Petting the baby llama.

Good friends Molly & Bode

Playing parachute

She had lots of help opening presents!

Sweet girl!

Time for cake!

It was such a cute cake!

Bradley enjoying the cupcakes

and Parker too!

Marie & me

Mama & the Birthday Girl!

Madeline & Addy

Mr. Jared, Ben & Moufassa the cat!

Thanks to all of our friends & family who came and made Madeline's big day so special!

Play Dates & Other Fun

2010-02-21T20:07:00.008-06:00

Mia's 1st trip to the zoo. She didn't have much of a view, but she was there!

(She's in the wrap that I'm wearing...in case you missed her!)

Ms. Marie, Bradley & Ben met us there.

Madeline & Bradley had a blast as always!

Mia's 1st time at Jump n' Jive.

She & Ben hung out in their strollers...

while Madeline & Bradley rode bikes, did the big slide and lots of bouncing!

Some of our friends came out for a fish fry.

With us, the Benoits, Wilsons, and Leaumonts we had a house full...

8 adults, 7 kids and lots of fun!

Russell, Melissa & baby Cassie

Ms. Marie, Bradley & our girls.

Addy & Madeline doing hair

Maggie's birthday party. Jumpies are soooooo much fun!

I nearly had to drag her out of the party she had such a good time!

Thanks to our great friends, we love getting to spend time with you!

Sweet Sisters

2010-02-21T20:01:00.000-06:00

This is a picture from our first week home with Mia. I just love it because it shows how excited Madeline is to have a baby sister!

Newborn Photos

2010-01-09T10:28:00.003-06:00

Mia, Madeline and I had a newborn photo session the other day.

Mia was only 10 days old.

Thank you to our wonderful photographer, Lacy Blackmon!

Here is the link to her website

www.lacyblackmonphotography.com

Mia Cate Lowry

2010-01-01T20:53:00.000-06:00

Introducing...

Mia Cate Lowry

December 26, 2009

2:00am

7lbs, 4oz

18 3/4 in

Please read the Christmas post below to read Mia's arrival story!

What a Christmas!!

2010-01-01T19:07:00.007-06:00

We celebrated Christmas Eve at Emmanuel's Service,

then we came home to eat a BIG dinner

and open Madeline's gifts from her Nina.

Christmas morning was lots of fun!

It wore us all out

Mia decided to make her grand entrance!!

I went into labor around 9:00pm Christmas night.

We left for the hospital at 11:30.

Mia joined us at 2:00am on the dot.

Mia with Daddy & Aunt Patty

She looks JUST like her Daddy

And sleeps like him too!

Madeline meeting her new sister for the very first time.

This melted my heart!

On our way home!!

36 Weeks and counting...

2009-12-18T11:01:00.002-06:00

Whew! I never thought I would make it this far!

We've had a couple of trips to Labor & Delivery, but Mia & I are doing just fine.

Madeline keeps telling me that I need to "get little again!"

She's ready for her baby sister to arrive, but insists that she is not a "BIG" sister, she is little!

I, on the other hand, am BIG and I'm thinking that this

pre-pregnancy tank top probably won't work for anymore profile pictures...

Diaper Shower

2009-12-18T10:50:00.002-06:00

A couple of weeks ago I had some super sweet friends throw me a super nice baby shower!

It was so nice to see all of my friends together.

We had a wonderful visit and I ate WAY too much of all the delicious food!

My dear friend Patty was able to be there -

a treat for me & for Madeline, because she LOVES her "Aunt Patty!"

Thank you again to all who came, you made it so much fun.

We shouldn't need any more diapers or wipes for quite a L-O-N-G time!

Snow!!!

2009-12-05T09:04:00.001-06:00

We stayed warm by the fire as it came down last night...

As soon as the sun came out, so did we!
Snow-covered hay

Look!

Getting Closer...

2009-11-28T22:26:00.004-06:00

As our time as a family of three draws to an end we have been keeping busy

and spending time doing some fun stuff!

DISNEY ON ICE

We ALL loved it!

The princesses were the best!
Early gift from Santa...

She loves her swingset & would play outside ALL day!

First hot chocolate of the season...

Little bonfire with Daddy & Mommy

Festival of Lights

She LOVES horses!

Meme & Pop

Yes my little girl will be taller than me in NO TIME!

Fun trip!

Inspirational Women

2009-11-05T08:27:00.002-06:00

I began following Monica's blog several months ago and wanted to share her insightful Christian words, thoughts on life, and many everyday things with my friends...

Please visit:

www.pixelperfectblog.com

While following Monica's blog I discovered another amazing woman whom I cannot seem to get out of my head.

Her name is Sara Sullivan. Her story struck me and I think of her often.

Her husband is keeping up the family blog. I hope that you will take some time to read about Sara, her battle with cancer, and the miracle she named Chloe, who beat all the odds.

Please visit:

www.bandssullivan.blogspot.com

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Happy Halloween

2009-11-01T18:15:00.005-06:00

We had lots going on this year for Halloween.

I loved dressing Madeline up, and she enjoyed puttting on her Cinderella costume

every chance she got!

Fun with friends and family at the Emmanuel Carnival

Todd & I went to a great costume party

(minus the costumes...next year we'll dress up for sure) .

The decorations, food & freinds made for a fun night!

She got to put on her princess dress to meet the "real" Cinderella at a Princess Tea.

I had to drag her out of the tea and now all she can talk about is Cinderella...

the DVD is nearly worn out!

Finally came the big night & trick or treating!

We went on a hayride and she rode with Uncle Scott & Ms. Liz on the 4-wheeler too!

Daddy did most of the walking with her.

I stayed on the hay ride until the end.

Fall Family Fun

2009-10-26T11:34:00.008-05:00

Trip to the Parish Fair

My mom & I took Madeline to meet her friends,

Molly & Bode at the fair.

They got to see & pet lots of animals...

The roosters were a little too loud for the girls!

Trip to Anderson Pumpkin Farms
We took Madeline to this Pumpkin Patch for the second year in a row.
Once you visit one with so much to offer, any old pumpkin patch
just won't do!

She fell asleep on the way there.

But perked right up to see all of the animals!

And fun fall decorations!

The hay maze was a big hit for our country girl!

Huntin' for a pumpkin...

She picked the PERFECT one!

What a wonderful Sunday afternoon!

Babies, babies EVERYWHERE!

2009-10-26T10:48:00.005-05:00

We are so excited to announce the birth of two PRECIOUS little boys who have made the world even brighter!!

Both Mamas and babies are at home and doing great!

Marie, Jared & Bradley welcomed...

Benjamin Luke Wilson

October 17, 2009

10:16 pm
Carson & Julianne welcomed...

Charles Stewart Anderson (Charlie)

October 20, 2009

10:54 am

My 10 Year High School Reunion

2009-10-05T18:56:00.002-05:00

It's hard to believe that it has been so long!

We had a great time visiting with old friends...

Why I LOVE parenthood...

2009-10-05T18:40:00.002-05:00

The looks on their faces are PRICELESS!

Prayers for my Nannie

2009-10-01T00:09:00.003-05:00

She needs the power of prayer.

Today my grandmother underwent a biopsy to determine what type of tumor is growing in her lung. We don't know anything yet other than it went undetected one year ago and is now golf-ball sized.

I hope that you'll all join me in praying that my sweet grandmother

can be at peace during this scary time.

24 down, 15 to go...

2009-09-27T23:48:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that I am already 24 weeks along,

this pregnancy is going by much faster than the first one.

Here's my "5 month" picture.

Little Mia is growing and very active.

I've been having frequent sonograms to make sure that all is well,

it's spoiling me!

Can't wait to see her again in less than 3 weeks...

Fun Mommy & Me Afternoons...

2009-09-19T06:47:00.002-05:00

Madeline and I have been finding lots to do lately, which is good because I thought we may get cabin fever from staying home so much. I've been limiting our outings due to all of the flu cases around here. So, I organized a garage sale, we've baked pumpkin sugar cookies from scratch, and I got these fun necklace kits for us to make together.

This is Madeline showing off her 1st piece of handmade jewelry...

She's very proud of her angel necklace and enjoys showing everyone!

I am also "redoing" Madeline's baby book, starting on Mia's baby book, cross stitching, and will continue work on my quilt soon! No "idle hands" in this house!!

And her name is....

2009-09-18T06:58:00.001-05:00

Mia Cate Lowry

After much debate on my part and many vetoes on Todd's

we have decided to name our new little one Mia.

It's already been monogrammed, so no changing it now!

Another busy weekend...

2009-09-01T16:45:00.002-05:00

in Texas!

We traveled back to Texas this weekend for some more family time.
Saturday we went to Marshall for a lovely shower for Julianne & baby Charlie, then traveled on to Houston for Nate's baptism Sunday.
Once again we all made it and even got a picture!

All of us together twice in one month?? Wow!

I'll post some pictures from the shower when I get them, I know that they'll be super cute!

We've Been Busy...

2009-08-24T16:24:00.004-05:00

Last weekend we traveled to Shreveport for Grayson's Baptism and Parker's 3rd Birthday Party. This is the only picture I took. Luckily it includes EVERYONE!

It's tough to get all of us Lowrys together at once!

Todd and Mr. Bob had to leave early to get home and work on hay. They have been working on this a LOT lately.

We are getting ready for 2 more family events this weekend, Texas here we come!

Can't wait to see everyone!

It's a ...

2009-08-19T17:46:00.002-05:00

DRUMROLL please...

It's a GIRL!!

Yay! We found out last Thursday that we will be adding another darling girl to our family.

We are getting really excited and Madeline is thrilled about "baby sister."

We have not chosen a name yet. We had a boy name all picked out, but we're taking some time to come up with a girl name.

I'm really glad that all of Madeline's beautiful clothes will get used again and she has assured me that baby sister will have to get "her own" blanket!

Todd Update

2009-08-16T17:41:00.000-05:00

Well, once again we were blessed with good news from Todd's latest blood work and CAT scan!!

The PET scan will have to be rescheduled. It turns out that Todd can't lay still long enough to complete the scan in such a small space...IMAGINE THAT!

Todd, not sit still??

Next time, I will be going with him, so that he can be sedated.

This will be a change, I don't know if I've ever seen Todd in a "sedated" state!

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Prayers for Todd...

2009-08-07T16:08:00.002-05:00

First of all, I have to say that I am SO happy to announce that Todd has officially been cancer free for 1 year!!! When I think back over the past year I can, without a doubt say it was the hardest of my life, but also filled with many blessings. It's hard to imagine anything being more difficult than the first time, he was diagnosed in 2005, but going through it with a toddler was even scarier.

Happily, all of Todd's check-ups have come back great and he's back to normal.

We can't thank you all enough for every single prayer you sent up for him. I know he never would have made it through and come out on top the way he did without all of the love and support you all showed us.

Last week he had a CAT scan, which we are waiting for the results on.

Next Monday he is going to have his first PET scan.

Once again I ask that you think of him and pray that God will bless us with Todd's continued health.

Thank you again, we love and appreciate you all!

15 Weeks!!

2009-07-29T20:17:00.003-05:00

When I was pregnant with Madeline we did a lot of pregnant profile pictures, this time I get to do them WITH her!

This is me at "3" months or 15 weeks...

Okay, as I sit here to type this new post I just felt the first kick!!

I may have to do more posting if that's what it takes!

Summer fun!!

2009-07-29T16:58:00.003-05:00

Fun at the Miniature Farm

2009-07-29T16:37:00.002-05:00

Aunt Ashley, Parker & Grayson came for a visit last week.

We had such a good time getting to visit & play & "pet baby Grayson!"

Ashley & I took the kids to Corley's Miniature Farm in Jena,

where they had TONS of animals to pet & feed.

Ahhhh...Relaxation!

2009-07-29T16:12:00.005-05:00

Todd & I just got back from a great getaway to Lake Hamilton near Hot Springs, Arkansas with friends Jeff & Haley Blackmon.

We were really impressed with our condo on the lake and had a blast cruising on the party barge that we rented.

This trip was even better than we expected, we definitely plan to go back with the kiddos!

Or maybe we should just move into this place...

A Little Family Time in Houston

2009-07-29T15:38:00.004-05:00

Over the July 4th weekend Madeline & I traveled

with Meme & Pop to meet the newest Lowry babies.

Madeline & Parker had lots of fun playing at his house,

and she was absolutely enamored with baby Grayson.

She held her, kissed her & "petted her." I was ecstatic that she was so good with a baby...

let's just hope she is as excited about her own new sibling!

We also got to spend some time with Robert, Leah & baby Nate.

He's a cutiepie and Madeline keeps telling me that she needs to "hold him."

Can't wait to see you all again soon!

Another Cousin for Madeline!

2009-07-01T17:29:00.004-05:00

Nathaniel Wallace Lowry was born 6-30-09 at 9:28 pm. He is a healthy 7 lbs 6 oz.

We are all thrilled for Robert and Leah. We've been expecting hime for a while and were pleasantly surprised that he held in there for so long.

Can't wait to travel to Houston to meet our new nephew.

Congratulations!!

Our "Little" Gift for Madeline

2009-06-06T22:19:00.004-05:00

I found this precious shirt and bow the other day

& just couldn't resist getting them for Madeline.

She is thrilled and is ready to "hold the baby!"

We are SO excited and thankful for this blessing.

Thank you to everyone who has prayed for Todd's continued health and the expansion of our little family - it is growing!

We humbly ask that you please keep us in your prayers,

that we may possibly be blessed with another baby as health & happy as Madeline.

Can you believe it???

Madeline's 1st Haircut

2009-06-06T22:10:00.005-05:00

It was a difficult decision, but I finally realized that Madeline HAD to get her hair cut at some point. It had gotten so long, but tapered into a "V" at the back and really needed to be straightened up. So, I took Madeline to see Ms. Tricia (who has cut my hair for about 13 years)and she trimmed off my baby's wispy little ends...

Pre-Haircut

She relaxed a little with the sucker

A LITTLEAnd there you have it, no more "V"!

Cousin Grayson

2009-05-31T12:36:00.001-05:00

Late Wednesday night, Madeline's newest cousin arrived...

Grayson Paige Lowry

was born a few weeks early and is doing very well.

Aunt Ashley, Uncle Jeff & Parker are home with their new addition.

Isn't she a cutie??

FYI Ashley, Madeline is dying to get her hands on her!!

Happy Anniversary!!

2009-05-29T22:04:00.000-05:00

Wow! What a road we have traveled...

It's been five years since Todd & I got married.

So much has happened and so many blessings have come our way!

Visiting Aunt Janet

2009-05-27T21:37:00.000-05:00

Madeline and I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Todd's Aunt Janet at her home in Marshall, TX. We always have such a good time there. She is a wonderful hostess AND photographer. Just look at the pictures she has taken for us...

Fun, Fun, Fun!

2009-04-30T19:57:00.002-05:00

I recently had the chance to bring Madeline to a couple of really cool places...

At Gators & Friends Petting Zoo we were able to pet & feed lots of animals.

This baby zebra was BY FAR the favorite!

She has been telling everyone how she "tickled the baby ZEBA!"

She loves to talk about the Porkyyy-pine too!
Here she is by the Gators.

We also went to the SciPort.

If you've never been - you've got to go!

It's awesome for all ages and they have an IMAX theater,

where Madeline saw her 1st movie.

She was trying so hard to get the balls out of this funny little whirlwind!

The tornado was cool

We LOVE ducks!!

This is her reaction to a tarantula.

FISH!

Mommy & me!

Madeline's Stage Debut

2009-04-30T18:31:00.006-05:00

She did it!!!

For the past several months I have wondered and doubted if Madeline was even going to walk out on stage for her 1st dance recital...

The rehearsal went okay with minimal crying before the dance started.

But, she danced!

And she earned her very 1st trophy!!

She is very proud of this "dancing lady."

This is the big night just before the girls went on stage.

I snuck out, while friends watched her, so that there wouldn't be a scene when I left.

She walked out there like a big girl...

And she danced!!!

We were so proud! I was dancing with her, in my seat!
But, she couldn't wait to get out of costume...
Afterward, we went out to eat and she had some chocolate cake to end the night right!

What an Awesome EASTER!!!!

2009-04-12T22:19:00.007-05:00

Since this year was Madeline's first to really understand and enjoy the events surrounding Easter, we did it right!!

Saturday morning we woke up and dyed Easter eggs for the first time!! Madeline had a blast...with only one minor spill of blue egg dye all over the dining room table!

That afternoon we went to a special Easter party.

There was egg decorating and the kids even got to make bags of Magical Easter Bunny Food!

Ms. Liz helped Madeline prepare her special "bunny-bait!"

Madeline met the Easter Bunny, also a first!

(I'm a little creeped out by the ones at the mall, this one seemed safer!)

She didn't want to get too close & couldn't really understand why he rode up on a 4-wheeler...

Then it was to to go hunting again...

Hunt she did...Her basket was spilling over!

She FINALLY got over her fear of bouncies!!!

And boy did she bounce!

She even got Uncle Scott to join in!
Eggs, eggs, eggs...

Sunday morning we enjoyed a wonderful Easter service at Emmanuel with our family and friends.

The message was too good to describe, the music was unbelievable, and we were together!
After church we came back to our house to have a big Easter lunch!

Thank you to Todd, Meme & Pop, my Mama, Scott & Liz, and my beautiful, amazing, blessing of a daughter ~ Madeline.

This was my best Easter yet and I'm glad I got to spend it with all of you!!

Emmanuel's Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-06T19:34:00.004-05:00

Sunday afternoon we went to our church's annual Easter Egg Hunt, as usual it was slightly chaotic, but TONS of fun!

Madeline was primed & ready to go...no time for posing!

Another one!

Madeline even shared a couple of her eggs with good friend Molly!

Haley, Mallory, Molly, Madeline & I.

Our little family!

My FAVORITE picture of the whole day!

Isn't she an ANGEL?!

Daddy, Meme, & Madeline

She LOVES her Meme!

Thank you to everyone who helped put this event together...we truly enjoyed it and are looking forward to next year!

Aaaaahhh...SPRING ~ It's in the air!!!

2009-03-26T11:42:00.002-05:00

It's here, it's here!

Spring is here and it is time for some outdoor fun!

We had the best time this past weekend...

Friday afternoon Todd & I took Madeline to the Zoo.

The weather was perfect, there wasn't a crowd, it felt like we were the only ones there!

That evening we went to Marie & Jared's house and enjoyed "Jared Wilson's Famous Fish Fry."

I think this was Madeline & Bradley's 2nd OFFICIAL date!

After supper we chaperoned as the two lovebirds played in the horse trailer, went for a stroll in Bradley's wagon, and did a little dancing in the backyard!

After we got home & put Madeline to bed, we had a couple of visitors!

Two of our very best friends, Patty Lynn & David John Prentice surprised us with a late night get together filled with "Deep Thoughts" and LOTS of laughter! ~ We miss you!

Saturday morning Madeline and I met the Wilson's at Que'n on the Red. We were some of the 1st 25 people there, so we got in free and even received door prizes!

We were thrilled because it wasn't crowded and I finally felt comfortable enough to let Madeline ride on the carnival rides...

(As a germ-a-phob, I couldn't bring myself to put her on the rides at the fair, so this was perfect !)

Madeline's 1st carousel ride!

Marie & Bradley

Something's a brewin'!!

(Date #3??)

Bradley took Madeline for a spin in his car... She seemed to like it!
I think he was telling her to hold on...

So she did!
After all that fun we went to a crawfish boil later that afternoon -

Happy Birthday Courtney Landry!!

Finally we went home & CRASHED...

What a weekend! Thanks to all of our great friends who made it so much fun!

We love you guys!

What a Weekend!!

2009-03-19T09:20:00.008-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we went to visit Todd's Aunt Janet and Aunt Shela in Marshall, TX. We had such a nice time just getting to talk, eat, and spend time together...and Madeline loved it all!

Ready to go!

Playing on the stairs.

Bathtime was so much fun in the BIG bathtub with all of the beach toys!

Mealtime was even fun beacause she got to sit on a pot!

Sunday we went to a shower for Katherine.

Madeline liked the flowers...

and was on the lookout for kitty cats and bunny rabbits!

We were both glad to get home & see Daddy!

AND eat some homemade chocolate chip cookies!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2009-03-06T21:14:00.005-06:00

**BIG NEWS**

Congratulations are in order for two of my favorite people in the world!!

My closest and oldest friend, Marie & her husband Jared Wilson are expecting baby #2. Baby Wilson will join big brother Bradley in early November!

Todd's cousin, Julianne and her husband Carson Anderson will welcome their first little one in late October. Get ready guys ~ life is about to get crazy & better than ever!

I didn't have this blog yet back when we found out, but more congrats are in order...

Madeline is also anxiously awaiting the arrival of two new cousins!

Jeff, Ashley, and Parker are expecting baby Grayson Paige Lowry in June, and Robert and Leah are expecting a Lowry surprise in July!

Wow! Is it baby central around here or what?!

We're thinking of each of you daily and hope that your pregnancies & deliveries go smoothly.

We are so excited for all of you and can't wait to meet those precious "tiny babies," as Madeline would say!!

Our Little Dancer

2009-03-06T21:01:00.002-06:00

Can you believe that Madeline is old enough to go to dance?! It's just Mommy & Me, but she LOVES it. Every week she can't wait to see Ms. Stephanie (at Steps by Stephanie, if anyone's interested - free plug Stephanie!) and all of her little friends. She is really enjoying it. We started a little late, so she's still getting the hang of it, but she does do the entire recital dance here at home. I don't know what's going to happen at the recital, I'm hoping that our child isn't the one running off stage crying, but we'll just wait & see. Don't worry, I'll post pictures and a full recap after April 24th!

Attack of the 20 Foot Baby??

2009-03-06T20:44:00.002-06:00

Naaahh! It's just our funny Madeline trying to go for a ride in her mini Radio Flyer wagon! We were all laughing really hard when I took this picture so I had to share. Madeline acts very shy when we take her places, but let me tell you...she is a true character at home!

Life Waaaayyy Out Here...

2009-03-06T17:57:00.003-06:00

Before I met Todd I had always lived in the city, so needless to say it was quite an adjustment to move all the way to Poland. It takes about 20 -25 minutes to go just about anywhere in town. I used to complain about it a LOT, but recently I realized how lucky we are to be here. Madeline has opened my eyes to the wonders of our backyard...Horses, bulls, cows, and baby cows, even a donkey! We ride the 4-wheeler and the tractor. We walk through the pasture carefully avoiding ALL of the cow poo. We pick wild flowers for each other and the baby cows. And I get to see her face light up each time we step foot out the back door!

Who could ask for more??

I'm not sure why, but I have been looking at the sky a lot lately. Maybe it's because Madeline likes us to take her outside to see the moon. Anyway, ever since I was a little girl I thought that when the sun shone rays of light through the clouds...it looked like heaven. So every time I see it that's what I think about, for me it's sort of a reminder of God's presence in our daily lives. These are a few of the pictures that I took lately when I thought it was especially beautiful.

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

He's Just Not In to You

2009-02-22T12:04:00.000-06:00

Wow! Saturday was a busy day, but after all of the fun at the Children's Parade Todd let me go have some good, old-fashioned girly fun! I met some friends at Copeland's, then we saw the movie, He's Just Not In To You...It was so good, and I had such a great time - Thanks girls!

My Funny Valentine

2009-02-09T20:58:00.003-06:00

Here are a few of my favorite Madeline moments from the past few weeks...

"Just chillin' in my car, sippin' some milk."

"Loving on my Zeke!"

"CHEESE!"

BUT WHEN SHE WAS SICK...We were dealing with a grouch! Poor baby!

On the way to the hospital...

IV fluids made her ALL better!

We were only there for about 20 hours!

My Little Tom Girl!

I have always dreamed of having a little princess to dress up and have tea parties with, but somewhat to my dismay...Madeline inherited a good bit of her Daddy's cowboy genes!

I'm not complaining because I can still dress her up and she DOES wear bows (even if I DO have to put them in 10 times), but boy does she LOVE to be outside! I like the fresh air myself, but this child could live with our cows, or on the 4 wheeler, or on the tractor...

Her Daddy & Pop WILL have her driving one of these by the time she's 5!

Daddy's little helper!

These are the 2 calves in our catch pin that Madeline HAS to "help" feed EVERYDAY!

**NOTE** On this particular day Todd was out of town, so I was in charge of feeding these "babies." The steps included went as follows:

PICK up bale of hay and lift it onto 4-wheeler.
Drive 4-wheeler to catch pin & back up.
Climb on back of 4-wheeler, lift bale of hay (again) and throw it into the trough. (I missed the trough, so I had to climb in, lift it AGAIN and place it in the trough.)
Drive back to the barn, lift and pour feed from a 50 lb. sack into a 5 gallon bucket.
Place the bucket on the 4-wheeler, drive back to the catch pin, back up AGAIN.
Climb from 4-wheeler to 6' gate, balance, and carefully pour the feed into the trough, so as not to spill any.
Enjoy watching Madeline watch the "baby cows" eat!

Madeline's 1st Chuck E. Cheese Experience

2009-02-08T13:17:00.000-06:00

Madeline & I took the other afternoon and had a play day at...(drumroll)

CHUCK E. CHEEEEESE!

It was great; she had so much fun running around like the wild child she is, and didn't even get scared when Chuck came out to dance!

The only pictures I could get of her were with Barney, though! : ( She LOVES that dinosaur!

Madeline's 1st Batch of Cookies...

2009-01-28T08:52:00.003-06:00

Last night I finally decided that it was time for Madeline and I to make her 1st batch of Chocolate Chip cookies together. She was VERY excited, and I had everything except for the chocolate chips. So we drove to Meme & Pop's house to borrow some. We got home, I put a stool up to the counter and Madeline put the flour in the bowl. She was stirring and doing a fabulous job until I turned to get the sugar...she must have figured that these cookies were taking WAY too long, because she took a bite. I was laughing so hard I was in tears. Todd came to watch her as I ran for the camera. We snapped a few pictures and went back to our mixing. I thought for sure that she learned a lesson, but right after the next ingredient she went for another bite of powder!

We had fun and she really enjoyed the final product - "TOOKIES!"

Happy Birthday!!

2009-01-18T16:37:00.008-06:00

Wow! It was exhausting, but sooo exciting yesterday. Madeline turned 2 years old and had her party on the same day. I can't even begin to understand how the past 2 years have gone by so fast; all I know is that Madeline and Todd have made them the happiest of my life!

Anyway enough of the mushy stuff, here's the birthday girl:

Thank you to all of our friends and family who made this day so much fun - we LOVE you!

Ladies' Night

2009-01-14T22:55:00.003-06:00

This past weekend I went to New Orleans for my friend, Kelly's bachelorette party - we had a blast, but somehow some pictures from my camera were deleted! I cannot imagine what happened to them...

Working out with my girl!

2009-01-08T23:36:00.000-06:00

I have so much fun with Madeline ALL of the time, but I love it when she marches alongside the treadmill while I walk, however she is now helping me out with my pilates!

WHAT would I ever do without her support???

Best of 2008

2009-01-07T08:27:00.047-06:00

I decided to share some of our most memorable moments from 2008, so here we go...

The year started out with Madeline's 1st birthday party on my birthday!

Just a few days later we had our first and ONLY snow of the year!

Madeline and Bradley have been betrothed at a very early age!

Todd took me out for a special Valentine's dinner.

Madeline has been exposed to the family business right from the beginning!

This is Madeline's prized possession..her BLANKET (its pronunciation has transitioned from bway, to bwaydie, to banket).

This was her first pedicure.

Easter 2008

We went to Todd's father's family reunion in April and visited Houma's House.

Madeline was tuckered out!Robert & Leah's rehearsal dinner.

Robert & Leah's wedding.
In June my grandmother, mother, and I took Madeline to Destin...I have to believe that she will grow to love the beach as she gets older!

Meme gave her her first piano lesson...

while Daddy taught her the basics of looking cool in the pool!

We went to Houston to visit Uncle Jeff, Aunt Ashley and cousin Parker.

Here, I believe he is demonstrating the correct way to use a saw.

Summer afternoons with Daddy on bubble duty were the best!

This is the Sunday after we got Todd's 2nd diagnosis of cancer.

We put our faith in God, and He took care of him!

Madeline on her very first 4-wheeler

Pool time was ONLY fun if we both got in!

Todd's first post-surgery outing was for a warm bowl of shrimp soup at The Cottage!

We took a Byram family trip to the lake, where Madeline had some quality time with Pop and Parker.

She really wanted to go to Jamaica with Mommy & Daddy!

It was a well needed vacation!

We had lots of fun and Jerk Chicken with our good friends, Jeff & Haley!

Todd pulls off the Rastafarian look a little better than me!

We celebrated Parker's 2nd birthday in August and Aunt Ashley got a taste of what it's like to have a girly girl!

Parker couldn't let Madeline get ALL of his Daddy's attention!

Hurricane Gustave left us without power for a week,; we had trees down all over our property.

We spent the first half of the week with Meme & Pop (Todd's parents) and then our great friends, Jared & Marie, graciously took us in until our power was restored.

Bradley and Madeline had a blast together!

Madeline and I made our first attempt at picking up hay...

mine was a little heavier!

Madeline went to her first fair and enjoyed all of the animals!

Todd and I went to his 10 year high school reunion.

Madeline had her first pigtails!

AND learned to put on her shoes...what a big girl!

Parker showed her how much fun cars and trains can be...

While she showed him her talents as a pianist!

Pumpkin Patch Pickin'We carved our first pumpkins!

Madeline had to inspect them...

Pop said that she was the prettiest Tinkerbell EVER!

Peek-a-boo!

Lot's of pre-wedding fun with my good friend, Kelly!

I finally did it!!!!We truly are a blessed family...

Merry Christmas 2008!
Happy New Year!!

Big Girl Bed

2009-01-05T23:54:00.006-06:00

Now that Madeline has graduated to her "Big Girl Bed" (crib minus the rail = daybed) I have discovered the true meaning of Baby-proofing. Madeline woke up from her nap to find a large container of Vaseline. I can only imagine that what followed had to have been her attempt at washing her hair like Mommy does, only she used petroleum jelly.

You cannot get the full effect of the mess from this picture, but do notice the sheen of the neck area. It took 3 shampooings, and we are still working on getting it all out!

Girls Only

2009-01-03T11:09:00.000-06:00

On Friday Madeline and I had the best visit with her Meme, our (mine too!) Aunt Shela, Aunt Janet, and cousin Julianne. We went to Natchitoches where we window shopped, ate lunch, and picked up some Christmas decorations for next year.

We love you all and hope to do it again very soon!

Happy New Year!!!

2009-01-01T19:27:00.000-06:00

After a hot, but wonderful Christmas with the family; Madeline was all tucked in her fluffy chair with her new blanket (a Christmas gift from Aunt Ashley)...
While Mommy and Daddy went out for a night of fun, friends, and dancing!

Thank you Lord for all of the blessings we have received this year - we are looking forward to an amazing 2009 and all that will come!!!

Fun with food!!

2008-12-30T21:06:00.001-06:00

Madeline loves to eat yogurt or "YoYo," as she calls it.I however, dread the clean up after each YoYo session.I have to clean her, and bleach the high chair each time we bring it out. The other day Madeline took the YoYo to a new extreme...it was a Yogurt hair conditioning treatment that ended up with a bath and two hair washings!

Merry Christmas!!!

2008-12-29T19:57:00.005-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. Christmas Eve began with cooking, Christmas Eve service at Emmanuel, a big Louisiana meal, and lots of presents.

Christmas morning we woke up and introduced Madeline to the magic of Santa Claus... Todd was pretty happy too!

FINALLY!!!

2008-12-22T08:40:00.009-06:00

6 years after graduating in Business I finally did it! I graduated last Thursday with my Bachelor's in Elementary Education. It was a tough road, on which I became pregnant, had our beautiful little girl, and took care of Todd when he was so sick. It feels awesome to be done with school (for a while!) and have a nice, well-deserved break with our family.

On Friday we took Madeline to Natchitoches to see the lights, and feed the ducks of course! We had so much fun and can't wait to bring her back.

Christmas-time!!

2008-12-13T22:15:00.000-06:00

So everyone close to me knows how much I LOVE this time of year. Since having Madeline, Christmas has become even more special to me. All of the lights, Santas, and Frostys are magical in her eyes. This morning we had breakfast in Bethlehem and just look at how special it was...

She wasn't too keen on the wardrobe, but she sure did love that Baby Jesus!

Todd's Birthday

2008-12-12T16:43:00.006-06:00

Last night we celebrated Todd's 28th birthday with gumbo, sweet potato casserole, family, and friends.

This afternoon, when I went to get Madeline from her nap I found a diaper disaster...she had totally emptied the diaper holder into the bed with her.

Hello All!

2008-12-12T16:25:00.002-06:00

Well, after much contemplation I deleted my Myspace page and decided to create this little site. I have recently become addicted to one of our friend's daily postings. This has prompted me to make a fun way for all of our family and friends to keep up with all that we have going on. I hope that you'll all check in once in a while and keep us posted on you too!