Hello 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010 was quite a year for me. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I am taking those experiences and making them positives. In this past year, I have learned so much about myself and the people in my life. Again, this is a good thing. I know the people I can trust and count on and for that I am thankful. I have determined that Kyle and I can make it through anything. I am fortunate to be married to my best friend who happens to be an amazingly strong and faithful person. I feel so lucky to have an awesome daughter. She continues to fill our lives and hearts with happiness. I am thankful for all that has happened this past year, good or bad, because those experiences are all apart of God's will.

As for 2011, I am looking forward to any and all experiences headed our way. I feel like this year will be filled with some exciting changes. I am ready for some fun times with my family and friends. Happy 2011 to you all!

Another funny moment

Kathryn is so darn funny...
Last night her nose was running a little. After wiping her nose, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, my nose is crying." She totally cracks me up!

Christmas Collage 2010

There were tons of pics taken during this last week...these are just a few to document this Christmas.

The merriest of Christmases!

What an amazing Christmas we had! Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays, but having Kathryn makes this holiday even more special. And, to top things off...we had a white Christmas. We woke up this morning to a pretty white blanket covering the grounds...BEAUTIFUL!

To kick off this special time of year, we went to church on Christmas Eve. I love that we have made this a family tradition. Kathryn did pretty well in "big church" until Brother Roger started preaching. Right before he began, she announced that she needed to potty (and yes, this announcement was made when the congregation was quiet). She was already getting restless, so I took her to potty then we remained in the foyer where she could play. There were tons of other young ones out there, so she had some friends to play with. After the service, we went to the Luthers for dinner (which was DELISH!). Oh, and on the way from church, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus several times...so sweet! We wanted to be home early on Christmas Eve so Kathryn could get a good nights rest, therefore we did gifts at the Luthers before church. Kathryn got lots of goodies including HUGE Bert and Ernie dolls, clothes, rain boots and a matching jacket, a chair, the recordable Hallmark books (one read by Uncle Michael, one by Uncle Jay, and one by Mimi and Pop) and the ever dreadful Play-Dough (we accidentally left this at the Luthers ) ;).

Christmas morning, Kathryn woke up around 7:30. Kyle and I went to get her and explained that Santa had been there and left presents. She really hasn't quite grasped the whole concept, but none the less, she was excited when she got downstairs and saw the gifts Santa left. Her favorite gift is the metal shopping cart. She loves to put all her things in the buggy and push the buggy around. She also loves her Bitty Baby supplies (a medical kit and baby food). And, the only thing she said she wanted Santa to bring her was cookies. So, she definitely got cookies. In addition to the gifts left by Santa, she also had lots of wrapped gifts to open. She received matching pjs for Bitty Baby and herself, some books, jewelry (including an owl necklace...she always wants to wear Mommy's necklaces), Mega Blocks (she loves them Aunt Kiki), a Leapster 2 and Backyardigans game (thank you K and JR, she was SOOO excited to see the "Yardigans"...we are going to get her game system set up tonight), and a few other things. She was super excited about all her gifts!

I fixed up a big breakfast for everyone (and, it was pretty yummy if I do say so myself). The rest of the morning was spent playing and somewhat straightening up. Kyle and I did exchange gifts as well. We must have been really good this year, because we got the hook up!

The snow is continuing to fall, chili is in the crock pot, and we have no where to be but home spending time with one another. As I sit here and type, I think about how much God has blessed us. My heart is so full of happiness. Merry Christmas everyone!

Pics Above...Kathryn with Bert and Ernie, us on Christmas Eve (Kathryn was not sad, her mouth was full of candy), Kathryn looking out the door watching for Santa, our tree, Kathryn on Christmas morning

My sweet baby boy

I cannot believe Bailey will be 12 in April. In his older age, he has become hard of hearing, more nervous, and in general has slowed down. However, he is still just as snuggly and sweet, and he is a great big brother to Kathryn. I was super nervous about how Bailey would react to Kathryn since he is older and set in his ways. Much to my surprise, he has been really great with her. I love Bailey so much. He is my sweet baby boy!

It's a wonderful life...

After a midnight trip to Wal-Mart to get all our groceries for the next few days, I am officially ready for Christmas. AND, my Christmas cards came in today! In about two hours, I addressed, stamped, and sealed 100 cards. I took them to the post office, so hopefully they will be delivered on Friday...hopefully. All the baking is done, gifts are bought and wrapped, house is decorated (including a fresh arrangement for my new kitchen table, thank you Kailey!), cards have been mailed, and at this point, if I haven't done it, it is not being done. Tomorrow, I will spruce up the house with some light cleaning, but that is it. I will spend the rest of the day watching Christmas movies and vegging out! It truly is a wonderful life!

Above are some pics from the Kids Christmas Party (Kathryn was not feeling the group shot). Amelia and Andrew had a few of us over for some holiday fun. The kids ate dinner, made an ornament, and then decorated cookies for Santa. Afterwards, they exchanged gifts and played. It was a great party and very well organized. I was impressed! Thanks Amelia!!!

T-I-R-E-D

I always feel so lame telling everyone how busy I am because I know that everyone is busy! However, the last couple of days, we have been beyond busy. Friday after work, I headed to the Hilton to work on Candlelight Ball stuff (decorations, menu, etc.), after that, I headed to the Garth Brooks concert. By the way, what an amazing concert! We didn't get home until around 1:30 and had to be at the Luthers at 8 to go to Camden to celebrate Christmas with Kyle's family. We got home from Camden around 4. During my 2 hour "break," I fixed up several dishes to have for Sunday evening. A little after 6, we headed to the APSU bball game. Kathryn lasted the entire game...this is a first! We got home Saturday night around 9:30. Sunday, we went to church. Once we got home, I finished cooking and cleaned the house a little. My family came over at 3. We had our Christmas celebration together. Around 8 Sunday evening, everyone was gone and once again, I cleaned up. Why do I even bother cleaning before company??? Monday was spent cleaning out Kathryn's toys (donated a TON of things she has outgrown) and a doctor's appointment in Nashville. Monday evening, we had our annual progressive dinner with my bunco group. I will have to admit, this dinner is my FAVORITE Christmas party of the year. We always have so much fun! Today was a much more relaxing day...I waited for a delivery...mom got us a new kitchen table set (YAY, it was VERY much needed)...and I had a hair appointment. Tonight, I am taking Kathryn to a Christmas party for a bit, then we are headed to the APSU bball game. I plan on going to Wal-Mart tonight to get all my groceries for this weekend, and I am also going to make peanut butter balls to send to Kyle's bank tomorrow....busy night ahead! None the less, after I finish these few things, I am DONE and RELAXING the next two days. I have been really bad about taking pics during all the holiday festivities, but I do have a pic from last night's progressive dinner (posted above). Okay, off to get some things done!!!

My mini me

Preface: For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to organize.

Last night, Kathryn was "organ" (translation: organizing) some APSU bball ticket stubs (there were about 25 of them). She was taking the tickets and organizing them by color (the backs of some were red and others were black) and facing them the same direction. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied, "Mommy, I am organ." It was so darn cute!

Above is a pic of my little organizer playing on a slide

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I absolutely love the Christmas season! This holiday has been action packed for the Luther family. We have 6 Christmas parties down and 2 to go. We also have 5 family Christmas events coming up. Needless to say, it is a fun but busy time.

Last Friday, we went and saw the Rockettes. What an amazing show!!!!! I already felt in the Christmas spirit, but seeing the Rockettes brought it up another notch. I went with my mom, mom in law, Kailey, and her mom in law Marilyn. We decided that seeing a show during the holidays would need to become a tradition. We had such a great time!

The next few days are super busy for Team Luther, but next Wednesday and Thursday, we/I have no plans and I am keeping it that way. I feel that having some "me" time during the holidays is important too. So, I will spend those two days lounging and watching Christmas movies.

Since I don't know if my Christmas cards will be here before Christmas (I didn't order them until this past Monday), we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Just a few things

I haven't blogged in a while, so instead of doing an update on life, I am going to list some things I am most excited about right now...

1. CHRISTMAS...music, decorations, parties, food, movies, two weeks off, and all other things Christmas
2. Thanksgiving tomorrow and seeing my sister, brothers, and their families
3. Black Friday...enough said
4. Kathryn potty training (I need to buy stock in M & M's)
5. The New Year...2010 was a little frustrating at times, so I am looking forward to 2011
6. Traveling in 2011...Vegas, Cabo, and possibly a trip in the summer...bring it on!

I could go on and on, but those are the top things.

My silly girl

Kathryn is so funny, she makes me laugh all the time. Yesterday, I was sitting on the couch with Bailey snuggled up next to me. Kathryn was sitting in another chair. Once she realized Bailey was on the couch with me, she got up, came straight over to me and said, "Mommy, I'm being jealous." She then climbed into my lap and finished watching her show. She keeps us laughing, that is no doubt!

What a weekend!

This past weekend we flew down to Memphis for the Grizzlies/Heat game. We had the best time. Friday night, we went to a delicious steakhouse. After dinner the girls headed back to the apartment while the guys stayed out a little longer. I was excited to turn in early and get some rest. Saturday, we spent the day hanging out, watching football, and just talking....lots of great conversations, makes me so thankful for my friends. Later that evening, we headed on over the the Grizzlies game. We had court side seats...it was AWESOME! This was my first NBA experience, and I am sure no other experience will measure up. The Grizzlies won with a last second shot. After the game, we went to 152...I think that's the right number...none the less, we spent the rest of the night hanging and dancing! We flew back home Sunday and went straight to the Titans game. Needless to say, by the time we got home, we were exhausted, but what an amazing weekend!!!!!

Trick or Treat

Halloween was an absolute blast this year. Kathryn was really into the festivities! She loved her costume and would only wear it with the full head piece. After visiting with family and friends, we went to the Bowles house to meet up with some folks to trick or treat. I didn't think Kathryn would like going door to door, so I thought we would only stay for a few minutes and go to a house or two. Much to my surprise, she LOVED trick or treating. She was very polite to all the people passing out candy. She thanked everyone. Between houses, she would yell out Happy Halloween. It was so cute. I have never seen her so excited about a holiday. It was a great night and a memory that will be with me always!

Kathryn being cute....as usual :)

Yo Gabba Gabba LIVE!

Waiting to go to our seats...Kathryn was a little overwhelmed by all the commotion

With Mimi and Pop

Show is about to begin...she is not real sure about all of this

Her DJ Lance Rock Glasses

Intermission



There was a party in our city, and the Luther family was not going to miss out! We took Kathryn to her first TPAC experience to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live. Yo Gabba Gabba has to be one of the strangest children's show on TV, but Kathryn LOVES it. When we heard they were coming to Nashville, we knew we had to get tickets. Mimi and Pop were kind to buy all of us tickets. So yesterday was the big day. Kathryn had no clue what was going on when we got there. There were kids everywhere sporting their Gabba gear, and it was truly insane until the doors opened and we could get to our seats. Once in our seats, the show began with a BANG (with confetti shooting out from the stage) and Kathryn was terrified. She used her duck to cover her face, but left one eye exposed so she could still see...it was too funny! About 10 minutes into the show, she put her duck in her lap and sat in awe as the Gabba characters were "brought to life" and sang and danced. During intermission, she began to get more comfortable, and when they came out for the second half of the show, she was much more into it. As a matter of fact, for the first few minutes after intermission, she was asking to get on stage with the characters. Kathryn sang along with the everyone and danced too. She had an absolute blast and therefore we did too!!!

Foofa! She's pink and happy

This past Saturday Kathryn got to meet one of her favorite characters...Foofa from Yo Gabba Gabba. Our Toys R Us had a Grand Re-opening, and there were several costumed characters to share in on the event. Kathryn did not want anything to do with any of them except Foofa. She was afraid to get too close, but from a distance, she was excited to see her. The pics above are from our breakfast at Chick Fil A that morning. Kathryn loves to slide, the second pic was me trying to capture her Foofa dress as she was cheesing it up for the camera, and the third is at Toys R Us. What a fun day! I love spending time with just Kathryn and Kyle!!!

Fun-ness!

I am just getting around to (or remembering to) uploading pictures from my point and shoot camera. There are lots of random pics on here...4th of July with the Smiths, Sounds game with the Hawkins, Zoo trip with the Smiths and Hawkins, a random fundraiser we attend because Bobby Bowden was the guest speaker, and the George Strait concert from this past weekend. During the last couple of months, we have been super busy, but we have enjoyed spending time together with our family and friends. Fun times equals life long memories!

Chi Omega warms my heart

Due to the craziness of life, I often forget how much I love Chi Omega. This past Sunday was Bid Day, and I decided to go. This was the first Bid Day I had attended since being active. I can honestly say, that I felt completely at home even though I didn't know many of the girls. I thought things might seem awkward, but that was not the case.

With all this being said, I have decided that I want to be more involved with Chi Omega. Every year, I pay my Alumni Association dues and organize a meal for one night of recruitment, but I feel like I should be doing more. Through Chi Omega, I met my husband, developed life long friendships, and had an enriched college experience. I often look back and think about how different my life would be had it not been for Chi Omega. I am hoping through this post, maybe some of my sisters will join me in supporting our women's fraternity. Consider joining the Alumni Association (whether you live in town or not) so funds are available to help our active sisters. I am sure we can remember how we always wanted our alumni to support us when we were active, so now it is our turn to provide that support. If you are not in the area, on occasion send the active chapter a little note of encouragement. It is the little things that can make a big impact!

Kathryn cracks me up!

Kids say the funniest things! Kathryn has a whole bunch of funny things she says and does....

1. When someone yawns, she says "Tired, tired, tired"
2. When someone sneezes or coughs, she says "Goodness"
3. When we are getting her ready for bath time and once her clothes are off, she lets us all know "I'm naked, I'm naked" which is then followed up with "My booty" as she points to her bottom
4. When she does something and she is proud of it, she shouts "I did it, I did that"
5. When she wakes up each morning as we open the window blinds she says "Good morning sunshine"
6. At very random times, she calls me "Mary" and calls Kyle "Kyle"
7. She already says the word "Yall"
8. When something is out of the norm (for example, when her Papa buckled her in the carseat the wrong way...another funny story), she says "Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness"
9. When Bailey is doing something that he shouldn't be doing, like trying to take food off of her plate, she yells "No, no, Bailey"...she says it so seriously and in such an authoritative manner that I laugh every time.
10. Instead of saying yes, she says a good ole' Southern, drawn out "Yep"

These are just a few of the things we hear daily. She is quite the talker (not sure who she gets that from) and when she speaks she is very matter of fact. Many people say that even though she looks like Kyle, she sounds just like me. Kathryn is such a blessing, and we love her so much, and we especially love her funny sayings!

2 Year Pics

These are a few of Kathryn's pictures taken by Stacey. I loved them all (it was very hard narrowing it down to blog)!!!!

Kathryn is movin' on up

We celebrated Kathryn's 2nd birthday this past weekend. I cannot believe she is two. This year, we did a small birthday breakfast with mostly family. It was really nice. Kathryn LOVED opening presents and was equally excited about each gift she opened. With turning two, that meant it was time to start transitioning to her new class, the Lambs class. After 3 days of transitioning, she was ready to spend full days in her new class. While I was sad about her moving up (her 2 teachers in the Chicks class are AWESOME!), I am also excited about her new class. I know she is ready for the change, and she is still in great hands. My little girl is growing up way too fast!!!!!

All about Bailey

I decided to write a little note about one of my best friends...Bailey! Bailey is the best dog ever. I love him so much. I tell him all my secrets, and he doesn't tell anyone. For those of you who don't know, I have had Bailey longer than Kyle. Kyle knew when we met that Bailey and I were a package deal. As a matter of fact, Kyle proposed to me on Bailey's birthday. Kyle loves Bailey almost as much as I do.

This year, Bailey celebrated his 11th birthday. His age is starting to show. It makes me sad to think about his "slowing down." However, he is still just as sweet as ever. As great as he is, Bailey is not perfect. He has severe separation anxiety (he freaks out when we leave him) which has worsened in his old age. To help him deal, he takes Prozac everyday, and it truly does help him.

I will have to say that during my pregnancy with Kathryn, I was a nervous wreck about how Bailey would deal with a baby in the house. I thought about this non-stop, as Bailey is not a dog I could just give to another family...he loves me too much (and I love him too much). Bailey really stepped up as a "big brother." He is so great with Kathryn, and he always has been. All that worrying for nothing! And, Kathryn loves him just as much. Everyday when I pick her up from daycare, she asks about him. Kathryn shares her toys with him, "cooks" and "feeds" him, and gives him loving all the time. They are so sweet together, it makes my heart smile!

His pic is above...his eyes are not scary/evil like this shows...this was taken with a flash in a dark room. Instead of him having "red" eyes like people get in photos, they turn out like this.

And, we have a diagnosis

Kathryn has battled a series of sicknesses over the last year...H1N1, RSV, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, etc, etc. So, our doctor decided to refer us to an allergy specialist. All of her sicknesses (except the Swine Flu) starts out with a runny nose, coughing, watery eyes, but then develops into her chest creating bigger problems. We have done a series of medicines and breathing treatments and nothing seems to keep "the funk" away for long.

Today we were able to do the prick test on her back (it was a total of 32 pricks). First, I have to say that Kathryn was excellent. She never cried or flinched. Kyle and I were so proud. After all the testing, the results showed that she has seasonal allergies (spring and fall...tons of stuff from trees to grass to a lot of things I have never heard of that we have in our area). She also has an allergy to dust mites. What little I know about dust mites is that everyone has them, and they live all over us eating dead skin. Since there is no way to get rid of them, we just have to do things to try to lessen them. The doctor was surprised she showed as big of a reaction at such a young age. We are hoping it doesn't get worse. And, let me say here, I am so glad she was not allergic to Bailey...not sure what I would have done there.

For the last two weeks, we started breathing treatments back up. Once in the morning and once in the evening. I was DREADING this due to previous experiences with Kathryn and this machine. Much to my surprise, Kathryn now loves her treatments. She sits on the couch, holds the mask up all on her own, and will take an entire treatment without a fuss. What a big girl we have!!! We are to continue treatments like this for the next 6 months. Hopefully it will keep her normal. If so, we may be able to do the treatment just once a day...keeping our fingers crossed!

Summer is coming to an end...

This past month has been filled with ups, downs, and all arounds. No matter what comes my way, I continue to count my blessings and cherish the relationship with my husband, daughter, family, and close friends. I love that no matter what happens, that I have Kyle, who is without a doubt a constant in my life. I know that we can make it through anything together.

Outside of the day to day events, I did get a few things accomplished this month. I worked on Kathryn's scrapbook...I am determined to be "caught up" before her 2nd birthday (and I am super close to being there). I finished up my in-service hours and set up my classroom. And, I knocked out several doctor appointments. Kathryn and I have spent lots of time together which is always fun. We have had several playdates as well as Mommy and Kathryn days. We did take Kathryn to her first Sounds game too. She LOVED it, we will definitely take her again.

Kathryn is continuing to grow like a weed. Her brain is a sponge. She knows most of her ABCs, can count to 10, knows many shapes and colors (she LOVES puzzles still...and is really good at them), and is singing along to songs. She can half way carry on a phone conversation...she likes talking on the phone. She loves to play, and I enjoy watching her play. She "cooks" in her kitchen and will feed all of us (including Bailey). She is really good at entertaining herself. She is also repeating EVERYTHING we say...including the word Yall...wonder who she hears that from. I cannot believe she will be 2 in a week and a half. Time is going by too fast.

I have been a blogging slacker this month. Once school starts up and I am back into my routine, I will post more often. I did want to share a pic this post...this was taken on our trip back in June (I just got the CD, so I am late posting these pics).

Where does the time go...SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!

I cannot believe it is JULY! As my co-worker posted the other day, summer is not half over, it is half full...I kind of liked that, so I am stealing it. I have been a blogging slacker. I do so much better during the school year when I am on a normal schedule. This past month flew by. We were in Ponte Vedra for a week with my family. We had such a fun time. The home we stay in was amazing. We visited St. Augustine while we were there...what a neat town. It definitely made my list of places to consider retirement! The following weekend we went to the lake with a big group, again, another fun filled weekend. This past weekend was the 4th, and we were busy once again. During the week, I have spent lots of time poolside which is my favorite thing to do in the summer. With just a few weeks left before school starts back, there are several things I want to do. I really want to scrapbook. I just need to sit down and do it. I would like to visit with a few folks. And, there are a few house projects I need to tackle. In the midst, I need to start planning Kathryn's 2nd birthday party. I have decided to do something small this year. I am going to do a breakfast and bubbles theme with mostly family. Speaking of Kathryn, she amazes me everyday. She will repeat anything asked of her. She is making full sentences. She has been talking about the potty a lot lately, so I am thinking I may work on that before school starts back as well. On a completely different subject, I am SOOOOOOOOO ready for college football. As much as I dread the beginning of each school year, I always remind myself that college football is right around the corner and that totally excites me...GOOOOOO NOLES!!!!!!!!!

Summer Time!!!!!

How sweet it is! I love June and July...the best two months of the year. The end of the school year flew by (thank God), and Kyle left for LSU and was gone for two weeks. Life as a single mom was not near as hard as I anticipated, but I think it helped that school was out :). Kathryn was so funny while her daddy was gone...when anyone asked her where daddy was, she replied "all gone." It was too cute! We stayed busy during those two weeks which helped to pass the time. We are now gearing up for a family vacation to Florida (luckily we planned for the Atlantic Coast this year). This will be Kathryn's first trip. I am super excited about taking her to the beach. All in all, I have had a great start to summer break. Tomorrow we are headed to the zoo to meet up with the Callis girls...can't wait! Until I get pics from there, above are a few pics taken by Stacey (May 2010)...she is an amazing photographer, and I think Kathryn is pretty photogenic too...perfect combo!

May Already?!?!?!?!

Where has this past month gone??? The Luther family is alive and well! We have been busy as usual. Kathryn continues to develop in all aspects. She is starting to put lots of words together to let us know what she wants. And, she finally has enough hair to wear a bow. I am so excited!!! The first time I put one in her hair, she said, "Pretty." It was so sweet. I really feel like in the last month she has changed in her looks. She is losing that "baby" look and beginning to look more like a little girl. I know this is just a part of her growing up, but at the same time it makes me sad to think how fast time is going by. I sometimes wish I could press a pause button. I try to cherish every moment with her and continue to count my blessings. Well, I couldn't blog without showing a couple of pics of Kathryn...the pics above were from this past month.

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter! We went to church Sunday morning, and then went to the Luthers for lunch. We spent the rest of the day at home relaxing. Kathryn was very excited about her Easter basket. She got lots of "colors" and books. She also loved the bubbles from Uncle Michael. Above are a few pictures from the day.