It's a Hard Knock Life for Us...

So the girls dressed up as Annie and Sandy from Brooke's favorite musical for Halloween...aren't they cute?
Anyway, Penn and I were going to dress up as Daddy Warbucks and Miss Hannigan, but he arrived home a few minutes after five and that did not give him an adequate amount of time to shave his head bald for the first time ever. So therefore, I opted not to dress in my trampy Miss Hannigan without a Big Daddy Warbucks to go along...besides it probably would not have been appropriate considering that we were stopping by Westwood Church for part of our Halloween festivities.
I was a little disgrundled that we didn't get dressed up(I really LOVE to dress up) and was having a hard time shaking it, but nevertheless, we headed to Chick-fil-a to meet some friends for dinner. By the time we finished eating, I was feeling a little more festive and excited about the big treat or treating adventures.
We went down to the Cove and hit a couple of houses and then we went to the BEST house. Each year the lady of the house invites all the kids in and has an entire table of goodies for them to choose. They each get like 10 things...including little toys, stuffed animals, and candy too. This year she even offered O Positive Punch for the adults. Don't know why she gets that into it...but it reminds me of you Kerri! Hopefully y'all aren't secretly witches OR something! Ha! Just Kidding!!
After we finished up the entire street and were frozen solid, we stopped at our house for hot chocolate and potty breaks.
After warming up, we drove over to Westwood, just in time to play on a few inflatables. Boy they didn't mess around...when it was time to close they just unplugged the jumpy things and booted everybody out.
We headed back to the house where the girls examined their loot and sampled a few too many pieces of candy.
It was really a great night...but next year...we will ALL dress up!
Click link to see more pics from Halloween 2008...

Papa and His Three Pumpkins at the Patch

(You will probably need to pause the song list to the right to hear this video.) One of my favorite times of the year is fall y'all!!!! Each fall, we make sure to make a trip over to the pumpkin patch in Clanton. I don't know why I insist on going to that one? I am sure there are other fun pumpkin patches around. I guess it is just our special family tradition...you know, going to the Grand Ole Pumpkin Patch each October!
Today, we reminisced about last year's trip there....Bailey was just a tiny baby...only about 2 weeks old and I even nursed her behind the Grand Ole' pumpkin bouncer...good times!
Well this year my baby wasn't so tiny anymore. In fact, she was running around doing everything the big kids did. I am so grateful that God had granted us another year together to grow in His grace as a family! Each year, the weather is a concern, but it was so perfect...not too hot and not too cold! We stayed about 4 hours...just enough time to do about all they had to offer...Except the helicopter~daddy said NE-VER! And believe it or not the pumpkins at the patch were cheaper than Walmart, but much more fun to pick. To view some pictures of the fun things we did at the pumpkin patch, CLICK HERE. (Then double click on the 1st thumb nail and you can stroll through each of the pics by clicking next in the upper right hand corner.)

It really was a great family day...daddy hunted, then we went to the pumpkin patch, came home and watched the LSU game, :-(the losing part wasn't much fun) went to Pizza Pro for dinner, and then back home to carve the pumpkin! Brooke wanted the face of the pumpkin to be just like the one in her book, but with 4 teeth like her sissy, Bailey. The Pumpkin Patch Parable is a really great book. It has a good over all message and includes scripture on each and every page! If you love fall, picking pumpkins, and all that sort of stuff...this book is a great way to make pumpkins more meaningful! (Don't forget to click on the~this book~link in the last sentence, so you can purchase your own copy on Amazon for cheap! :)
Hope your day was great and if you haven't been to the pumpkin patch yet this year...get going..it is just TOO much fun to miss!

A Special Sunday in Baton Rouge, Aweezeeana

So today was a really big day!
We woke up this morning and called it "Brooke's Special Day." It was her special day because she wanted Mimi to take her to get her ears pierced, finally.
I took her once last year while I was pregnant with Bailey, but she backed out at the last minute. It was fine that she backed out because we really didn't have permission from daddy. You see, he was out of town, so we were gonna just get them and hope he thought they were pretty. ;-) But, my Brookie is smarter than the average bear and knew she needed her daddy's approval before she should/could/would do it.
I had just about given up on the ear piercing thing~she was obviously too scared to get them done and daddy was always discouraging her about it. I really figured she would have to be grown and out the house before my girl would get earrings.
Until, just a couple of weeks ago...Brooke was outside, playing in the bed of daddy's truck. She looked at him very seriously and said, "Daddy, I need to talk to you about something REALLY PORTANT!" He couldn't imagine what was on her mind? So, they sat down together and had a serious heart to heart talk. He was surprised when she said, "I really, really want you to let me get my ears pierced OK daddy." It was so cute that she wanted his blessing. He told her that if she REALLY, REALLY wanted real earrings, then it was OK by him! She ran upstairs to tell me the good news and we made big plans for her to get them done with Mimi when she visits at Thanksgiving.
Well then, this weekend rolled around and I some how convinced her to go ahead and do it while at Mimi's house in "Aweezeeana", instead of waiting until Thanksgiving. That way, Mimi could still take her and her ears may be be healed in time for Christmas~ because we all know that Santa would want to bring her NEW EARRINGS when he comes down the chimney!
So today was the day and all morning she kept wavering back and forth. She'd say, "I'm going to get my earrings today!" and then say "I think I'll just wait until Thanksgiving! Is it Thanksgiving yet?"
We headed to the mall. I thought if we were there and she wanted to do it then great and if she changed her mind that would be fine too! Upon arrival to the mall, Mimi rented one of those fun fire truck double strollers. And shortly thereafter, Brooke gave us the nod and so we rolled right over to Club Libby Lu!
The policy there is that you pay ahead of time and if the piercee changes her mind you do NOT get a refund.
OK...so this it it...she says she wants to do it!
We picked out some pretty "diamonds" with a white gold setting. Mimi forked over the $32.00 plus tax and in return they gave us a bag~ with a sticker, a certificate, ear antiseptic, and a cute little hot pink earring tree for hanging the many pair of earrings she will collect in the future! Mimi and I were pumped. Brooke was a bit anxious.
She sat on Mimi's lap in the "chair" and proceeded to shake her head "NO"! She even put her hands over her ears. The piercer lady~Toya~was so great. She talked her down. And it didn't take long before she was convinced that it wouldn't even hurt. Brooke moved her hands away from her ears and I held on tight to her little fingers. Brooke and Toya agreed to count to 5 and then it would be done. Toya had another lady do the left while she did the right. Brooke wanted me to count, so I started counting and when I got to 3, POP~they did the deed. Cooksie was a little in shock! She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
But after she had a look in the mirror at her "real earrings," she was on cloud nine! Boy, Toya really is the ear piercing miracle lady. She said, "I just pretend that every child I pierce is my mine and treat them like I would my own." Man, she was incredible!
For the rest of the day, I had to make sure everybody noticed and asked about her earrings. She would happily show them off and wait for the next person to come along. I was so proud of her for being such a big brave girl. And then I realized that in the midst of all the piercing excitement, I was feeling woozy. I had to go to the restroom and regain my composure cause mama was a little weak in the knees. I know y'all...what's the deal?...I guess I'm just a wuss! After I calmed down, we headed to the carousel! We promised Brooke a ride as part of her "special day." Brooke and Mimi rode the pig and Bailey and I rode a regular horsey.
Afterward, we shopped a while, ran some errands, and then headed back to Mimi's house.
You see, we had to get back cause I had a hot date with hubby for our anniversary today! Brooke showed off her earrings to Daddy and he gave his approval. Daddy quickly changed clothes and then we headed out for our dinner date.

Mimi kept the girls while we went over to The Chime's.
It is a really yummy restaurant with a really fun atmosphere. We both had some really good drinks and then I gave out some relationship advice to the couple at the next table.
After that, we pretended to be
"young" and had fun some fun eating and just being merry! After dinner, we shopped around town for some LSU stuff, but couldn't find anything we really, really wanted, so we just went back to the house. I wanted to go see the movie Fireproof, but hubs was not in the mood for a movie. At least, we got to have a nice dinner without having to tend to the kids!

Happy Anniversary Honey...that's another year under our belts. ;-)I love you tremendously and thank God for you everyday! You are the bestest husband EVER!

So that was our special Sunday...one I think we'll all remember for quite a while. Oh and next time you see Brooke, make sure to gush about her beautiful new earrings. It is sure to make her grin from ear to ear!

Bailey's 1st Birthday Baa-sh!

Bah, Quack, Oink, Moo
We are inviting you...
Our Little Piggy is turning one,
so saddle up and mosey on over
for some farm fresh fun!
Bailey's 1st Birthday Baa-sh

October 18,2008
@ Mimi's Farm

A couple of months ago, I found a cute pastel 1st birthday pattern with a farm theme and I was hooked. We decided as a family that it would be fun to have the farm party at Mimi's house in Baton Rouge. So, I bought all kinds of party decorations, started planning farm-type activities, and decided that Bailey needed a special 1st birthday party dress. I used to collect pigs and have always loved them, so I decided that the dress must have a pig on it. Besides, pigs and farms go hand in hand, and pigs are pink, and pink is girly.
After many hours of browsing store aisles and the Internet, I FINALLY found one that could be custom made to my specifications! The seamstress lady and I exchanged lots of emails and lots of different fabric samples,(it had to be the perfect shade of pastel blue) and finally agreed on how it was to be finished. The dress was made and arrived just in time to the Bullock household via UPS on the day before her birthday. Isn't is darlin'?

Brooke and I wrapped it up and gave it to Bailey on Wed. with a few other gifts. We couldn't wait to see it on her at the birthday baa-sh on Saturday. Too bad, that it didn't even make it into the suitcase to Baton Rouge!!!! It's not like forgetting a tooth brush that can be replaced at the nearest drug store. I guess that's what happens when you pack at the last minute~you forget the custon made non returnable birthday party dress! I was a little upset, but I tried to go with the flow, so I just had to let her wear an alternate outfit! After the dress catastrophe, we were good to go. No more bumps in the road. Bailey and everybody on the guest list was feeling well and that's all that matters, right?

It was time to party...Mimi bought a bunch of bales of hay and balloons to decorate the "barn." AND, my bestest friend in the world made some super cute little signs to hang all around the party. (THANKS MIMI & ANDREA!) I had my crew help me with all the last minute cleaning and then we arranged everything. We completed it all with like one minute to spare! Bailey ran out to greet the guests......while mommy took a few (hundred) pics for the scrapbook.

The dessert table had 2 types of mini cookies that daddy baked and of course the birthday cake. Mimi picked out the cake and made sure it was really big! It was precious and tasted oh so yummy...Bailey's birthday grub included lots of kid friendly snacks, and a fruit and vege tray (Bailey's Garden) for starters. And then, we ate hamburgers, hot dogs, baked beans, and chips and dip for supper. We also had a good supply of Capri Sun and soft drinks, but had to make a run for more beer midway through the party. Who knew 1 year olds could drink so much beer! ;-) Along with too much food, we had tons of fun stuff for the kids to do! Here is the "duck pond"...a few of the kids even got into the water to sit with the ducks. The "pig pen" corralled all of the kids at some point or another, but it was especially great for big Ted. This way he could join the party without getting lost or run over by the hay ride! The "cow hide ride" was definitely tons of fun. And everybody got a chance to ride or pull it a couple of times throughout the day. And no party is complete without making a craft, so we did that too. But I must say, MY favorite part was the "needle in the haystack game" The kids hid their eyes behind the trees while I buried tons of candy and goodies under the straw. Even Bailey found a few good treasures!
Here is a pic of one of the many hayrides that we went on. This time was particularly fun because it was getting dark and we were able to bust open the glow sticks that the kids found in the needle in the haystack game. We also sang farm songs like BINGO and Old McDonald...sooo much fun! Another great part of the party was the guests, of course! It was so great to see family and friends from Louisiana that wouldn't have been able to come if we would have had the party in Alabama.

Thank you Uncle Brian and Pey Pey for helping us get everything ready for the par~tay....love you!Here's a pic of mommy and daddy being silly after one of the hay rides. (And for the record, we didn't even have any beer!) Mimi and her girls...
Paw Paw with Bailey and Brooke...
The Bullock Gang...
And now it was time for presents....
She's in hog heaven. Lovin' every minute of the party and being such a sweet guest of honor.
Let's sing Happy Birthday to Bailey!And on to the good stuff...
It is soooooooooooooooooo delicious! The face says it allllll!
After the cake, we had one more hay ride and then the party started winding down. Brooke and Paw Paw colored....

And then Brooke, Peyton, and Bailey had a bath (she had lots of cake up her nose) while the guys finished watching LSU beat South Carolina. Geaux Tigers!
After the game, we said goodnight.
Bailey even passed out kisses to everyone.It was a super fun party! I can honestly say a great time was had by ALLLLLL. But most importantly, I am thankful for the reason we had the party...to celebrate an entire year of having our precious angel baby girl! To God be the glory. How thankful am I that God gave her to us?

Sooooo thankful! (Nana and Grandpa can you name that book?)

Bailey's Birth verse

Just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:15

Looking forward to what God has in store for us this year...I love you baby girl!

Happy 1st Birthday Bailey Grace!!!!

Today is baby girl's 1st birthday!!! Even though her party is not scheduled until Saturday, we couldn't let the day pass without having a little celebration. She was all smiles when I put her in the car to head out for a day of fun!

Bailey Grace

Bailey wore the same shirt that her big sissy wore on her 1st b-day. I love passing down Brooke's clothes to Bailey...it brings back such memories of yesteryear! ;-)

Brooke Anne

Our first stop of the day was Painted by U in Vestavia. Well actually...it is NOT in Vestavia anymore, but we didn't know that until we drove all the way there and found an empty store front. Yep...gone in the night! No not really just relocated next to Toys R US in Hoover. Oh well, the girls had fun on our little detour, throwing pennies in the fountain at City Place.
We eventually made it over to the pottery place. There, Bailey made 2 sweet little tiles and Brooke painted a really cute plate. Both of the girls loved painting on their hands....and we didn't even break anything! We are looking forward to seeing the finished products next week.
After painting, we headed over to Southlake Pediatrics to meet daddy for Bailey's 12 month check up.
She was in perfect health and hitting all of her milestones!!! She weighed in at 20 pounds and 4 ounces~50%tile, she was 30 1/2 inches tall~95%tile, and her head was 18 1/2 inches in the 60%tile.
Bailey out measured Brooke by 8 ounces, a little over an inch in height, and her brains are bigger, but Brookie got her in the more hair category. ;-)
Bailey was content at the doctor's office as long as you let her stay in motion. I promise you the girl never stops! Here, I was just trying to keep her distracted until the 5 shots arrived.
As I look at this picture of Brooke, I think I remember her being a wild girl too. She just wasn't as schooled in throwing tantrums like her younger cohort.
While we were in the office, we all went ahead and got our flu shots for the winter....and boy did mine hurt! Of course, I had to act tough, so that the girls would not be scared. Here is Bailey signing the consent form for mommy's shot. And yes...it did say that a flu shot can cause paralysis...and I still got one. I guess I am not paralyzed yet, cause I am still typing this!
Brookie had a serious discussion with Dr. M and then she "helped" perform the last of the check up on Bailey. She even got to use the stethoscope!

After a few errands, we went home for a quick nap. You all know that nap time IS my FAVORITE part of the day! Isn't she too sweet?

After nap time, we meet daddy over at O'Charley's on 119 (they still have free kids meals) for a birthday dinner. Let's eat!

Bailey usually does well at restaurants sitting in the high chair. She is a people watcher. And tonight she also enjoyed coloring...

But her favorite thing at a restaurant is getting her own drink. (just water) It makes her feel like such a big girl.
Boy, we sure did enjoy our meal. (daddy too) We all left that place totally STUFFED! I had the steak and pecan crusted chicken combo, Daddy had the club sandwich, Brooke had the chicken tenders, Cheetos and way too many rolls, and Bailey had the CROUTONS from my salad. Doesn't take much in the food department to make miss Bailey happy!

On the way out, we met little Gabrielle. It was his 1st birthday too, so we stopped to pose for posterity!! His mama said that he was walking around everywhere and that he was a wild one too~just like my girl. Must be something about those October 15th babies. Although, he was born at Shelby and Bailey at St. V's, so they hadn't had the privilege of meeting in the baby nursery last year! (Hubs mumbled something about how crazy I was as we found our way out the door.) Y'all know I love to talk to anybody...and I always learn all their scoop! (I'm just like my momma. ;-)

Home again, home again doodley-doo...PRESENT TIME!!! Bailey had plenty of fun gifts to open.

She was quite slow at the unwrapping thing, so her big sister volunteered to rip them open for her!

She got plenty of cool things, but the only PRESENT she was interested in was the NEW WAGON! She climbed in and out of it about 50 times

After presents, it was time for CUPCAKES! Brooke was so proud of the pretty butterfly cupcakes that she picked out from Edgar' s Bakery...and the dollar store plates and napkins matched them perfectly. Brooke set the table and was ready to dig in. (She only asked me a mere 652 times today~"When are we going to eat the cupcakes, mama???"

Bailey demolished hers in a matter of minutes....good practice for her party on Saturday!

After cupcakes, the girls were in need of a bath and then they were off to bed. Needless to say, Miss Bailey threw the worst kind of fit and didn't want to go. I am sure all the excitement and sugar went straight to her head, but she finally gave in and is now officially in dreamland.

What a great day....Stay tuned to hear all about Bailey's Birthday Baa-sh at Mimi's Farm!

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby Girl!!

Stay one forever, kay? (sniff sniff)