Weekend Wrap Up

This weekend was exactly what our family needed....lots of down time!  I have been battling a sinus infection, and I had a sinus headache pretty much all last week and all weekend long.  I am limited in what medicine I can take (since I am expecting), so I pretty much just dealt with the pain.  None the less, this weekend included lots of rest time and laziness, which was perfect since the next three weekends are jammed pack.

Friday night, we went to dinner with Mimi, Papa, and Uncle Michael.  We went to Hananoki.  Kathryn still really dislikes the chef, but towards the end of dinner, she started to warm up to him.  She was terrified of the fire and asked nonstop if there was "more fire coming."  Kathryn loved the soup and steak.  As always, the food was delish, and we left absolutely stuffed.  That night, Team Luther was in bed and asleep by 8:30.

Saturday, Kathryn and I were pretty lazy.  Kyle had to get up early to work the Kiwanis Pancake Day.  After watching TV and relaxing, Kathryn and I headed to Pancake Day and had breakfast with Daddy.  The rest of the afternoon was spent at home playing.  Saturday night, we went to dinner at the Cumberland Grille and then went to the APSU basketball game.  Even though we were pretty lazy all day, Kathryn zonked out on the way home.

Sunday was "church day," then lunch at Olive Garden with Papa.  All day Sunday was spent relaxing on the couch, playing, and watching TV.  Really, this was one of the laziest weekends we have had in a long time, and I couldn't have been happier!       

Proud of my Artist

Kathryn's coloring skills have really improved over the past few months.  Below is an activity she did at school.  These were hung up in the classroom.  Although I am a little biased, I thought Kathryn's was one of the best colored pictures. 

And, below is random picture she drew and colored at school.  It is titled, My Momma's House.

Weekend Wrap Up

I LOVE a 3 day weekend!!!!!!!  Thank goodness for President's Day and the Monday off it provides us each February.  Friday night, Kyle and I headed to the Drake concert in Nashville (see post below), and Kathryn stayed overnight at Mimi and Papa's house.  Saturday, we were pretty lazy.  Saturday evening, Kyle, Kathryn, and I went to Chick Fil A for dinner then headed to the APSU basketball game.  Sunday, I spent the day in Nashville with some girlfriends.  We ate lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and spent the afternoon dress shopping for Candlelight Ball.  We had a blast, and the trip was successful.  Everyone found a dress!  Sunday night, everyone (with their spouse) from the shopping trip met up with us at the movies to see Safe House.  Safe House was an awesome movie...it is a must see!  Monday was just what our family needed.  A LAZY day at home on the couch.  Kathryn stayed in her pjs all day Sunday and Monday.  Monday, Kyle and I lounged all day watching TV with Kathryn and playing.  Monday afternoon I had a doctor's appointment and following that a Candlelight Ball committee meeting.  We had a great weekend...Kyle and me time, me and girl time, family time, rest time, and I was even a little productive in the midst of it all. 

DRAKE!

Friday night, Kyle and I went to the Drake concert with the Jenkins and Moores.  We had a great time, and the concert was really good.  With rap music, you never know what kind of concert you will get.  Drake had a full band, and that made all the difference.  It was a fun night filled with great music and friends!

Looking Forward to the Ball

As I mentioned in a post earlier this week, The Leaf Chronicle came over on Valentine's Day to do a story on us.  Below is the article which ran on the front page of the Living Section this past Sunday...

Mary Ellen and Kyle Luther enjoy Valentine's Day at home with their daughter, Kathryn.

Mary Ellen and Kyle Luther say they are simple people most days, but they enjoy getting dressed up in black tie finery for the Candlelight Ball each March.

CANDLELIGHT BALL 2012CLARKSVILLE, TENN.

On Valentine's Day, sweethearts Mary Ellen and Kyle Luther ate heart shaped pizza on paper plates with their 3 year old daughter Kathryn, then hung out at home with their 13 year old dog Bailey.

That was fine with Mary Ellen, a special education teacher at Rossview Middle School.

“We are pretty simple folks,” she said.

But that will all change on March 10, when Mary Ellen dons sparkles and bling and Kyle goes all James Bond in a classic tuxedo. Kyle will whisk Mary Ellen away to the Hilton Downtown Nashville for a fabulous evening of dinner, dancing, friends and fun at Candlelight Ball 2012. The Luthers, both Austin Peay State University graduates, have already made Candlelight Ball a romantic annual tradition in their marriage.

“It’s always the second Saturday in March, so we plan for it,” Mary Ellen said.

While they usually get a babysitter for Kathryn, this year they will be taking one kiddo with them... Mary Ellen is expecting their second child, due in August.

“It’s my second Candlelight Ball pregnant!” Mary Ellen said.

This year, Kathryn will stay with her grandmother, while her parents have an overnight getaway at APSU’s elegant annual fundraiser.

“It’s our favorite event that we attend. We love being able to get dressed up and go out of town and get away. Each year, we stay overnight, so we have that time before and after” the ball, Mary Ellen said. “At home, we have a child and a dog. While we’re there, we’re not being pulled in other directions. We get up the next morning and have breakfast together. It’s nice to have that alone time.”

During the ball itself, the two are usually mingling with 300 incredibly well dressed Clarksvillians or dancing to the sounds of Burning Las Vegas. This year, it will be even more people. The goal for the 28th-annual Candlelight Ball is 400 attendees. Good thing the Luthers like the social aspects of the ball as well as the romance. Younger than your average Candlelight Ball attendees, they have become ball ambassadors to their friends.

“When we first started going, not a lot of our friends were going,” Mary Ellen said. “Over the years, our friends have started to join us.”

Kyle said the expanding group of friends making Candlelight Ball an annual tradition is “like a snowball effect.”

“It makes it even more fun when you have your friends there,” Kyle said.

While “fun” bubbles to the surface in any description of Candlelight Ball, at the heart of the matter is something serious: support of the university they both adore.

“We love Austin Peay. We love Austin Peay athletics,” Mary Ellen said. “To be able to give back and support our alma mater in a fun way, it’s really nice.”

Over the years, Candlelight Ball has raised more than $300,000 for scholarships, renovation of the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill and support of the APSU Center for Teaching and Learning. In recent years, scholarships have been the focus.

Kyle’s employer, Planter’s Bank, is one of many businesses vital in the ball’s long-term success, underwriting several tables over the years. And Kyle himself was honored earlier this month for his selfless support of the university. The Spirit of Austin Peay Award recognizes Kyle’s leadership in the APSU Govs Club and volunteer work with Downtown Kiwanis and the United Way. Fred Landiss was also honored with the Wendell H. Gilbert Award, and both men will be recognized at Candlelight Ball March 10.

While Mary Ellen and Kyle would be there with bells on, regardless, Kyle’s Spirit of Austin Peay Award persuaded another new couple to join their table — Kyle’s parents, Dave and Phyllis Luther.

“I think it’s going to be a great year for the ball,” Mary Ellen said. “Several new people we know are going for the first time this year. Hopefully they’ll fall in love with it and keep going.”

Reservations can be made now through Feb. 27 for Candlelight Ball 2012, by calling Nikki Loos Peterson at 221-7291. A volunteer committee plans Candlelight Ball, led this year by Amy Wedemeyer and Haven Bowles. Kyle and Mary Ellen Luther said they encourage newcomers to give the ball a shot.

“We love APSU, and Candlelight is our favorite event of the year,” Mary Ellen said.

Each year, the couple looks forward to Candlelight Ball and the chance to focus on each other and leave all their worries at home. And Mary Ellen sure likes the view.

“Getting dressed up, getting my hair done, it’s a nice spark,” she said, smiling at her husband. “It’s something out of the ordinary — and he looks very handsome in a tux!”
Thank you Stacey for writing such a sweet article.  And, thank you APSU for recommending us for the article.  We felt honored!!!

A Happy Valentine's Day

Yesterday was indeed a Happy Valentine's Day.  Kathryn had a party at school and went on a lunch date with her daddy.

Lunching with Daddy

I think a Valentine's lunch will become a tradition for Kyle and Kathryn.  Kyle wants Kathryn to know that she will always be his Valentine....so sweet!  That evening, we celebrated the day by having heart shaped pizzas and cupcakes.

Dinner was festive and delicious.  During the course of dinner and afterwards, The Leaf Chronicle came by to take pictures and do an interview.  The purpose of this was to spotlight a couple that has made attending Candlelight Ball a tradition.  Kyle and I have attended since 2007, and we plan to continue supporting APSU by going to this event.  Our name was given to The Leaf Chronicle by the university.  We were more than happy to do this, but I didn't know they wanted to come to our home and take pictures until 2:45 yesterday.  This meant I had about 3 hours to pull everything together.  I was a little stressed since I was still at school at 2:45, but I ran around like crazy getting everything ready, and I think all went well.  The article will run on Sunday.  Hopefully we don't look too frazzled.  We had a very happy Valentine's Day!  

Morning Routine

Every single morning, I make our bed.  It is something I have done for as long as I can remember...like going back to elementary school.  On rare occasions, if I don't get the bed made in the morning, then I will make it when I get off from work.  I know...I am a little OCD. This morning was one of those mornings.  After taking Bailey out and loading up my car, I came back to our bedroom to make the bed.  This is what I found...

Needless to say, I will be making the bed when I get home this afternoon!

On a separate note, Kathryn has not gotten up in the middle of the night for the past couple of nights now.  She is getting up MUCH earlier than usual (like around 6ish), but I still consider this a success.  And, I think she has figured out if she gets up really early, she gets to see me in the mornings, because on the weekends, she has been sleeping in much later.  She is our smart girl! 

Loving Bailey

Even though he can be a pain at times, we unconditionally love Bailey.  And Kathryn especially loves him.  The other morning she was laying on our bed and petting him.  She looked up at Daddy and said, "I just love Bailey."  Then gave Bailey a big hug.  Stories like this melt my heart.  The relationship between a person their furry family member is priceless.

Using Bailey as a pillow while watching TV...they love each other!

 

More artwork

I am really impressed with Kathryn's artistic abilities.  She LOVES to color, make shapes, create letters, etc.  And, she especially loves scissors and cutting paper into smaller pieces.  I think her love for art is being fostered at the Red Barn.  Almost daily, she has pages that have been colored for me.  She is the sweetest girl!  Below is a recent piece of her artwork...it is a little on the abstract side...

 

Weekend Wrap Up

This past weekend was loaded with fun times!  Friday night, I met up with a few girls at the Blackhorse to celebrate Betsy's birthday...surprise style.  I love a good surprise!

Celebrating with the birthday girl

Saturday morning, we were up and at 'em early.  We took Kathryn to spend the night at the Luthers, and Kyle and I headed to Greenhills to run a few errands, and then to Kailey and JR's to hang out before the KY/Vandy basketball game.  Before the game, Kailey, Becky, and I decided to get manicures and pedicures, and it was a great idea!  Having my arms, hands, feet, and legs massaged felt wonderful! Then, we headed on to campus for the game.  Each year, I always wear my Kentucky blue to this game.  The game was much closer than I expected, but KY pulled out a win, and I was pretty excited! 

Kailey, Me, and Becky

Sunday, we slept in...that felt great!  Then, after we were up and ready, we picked Kathryn up and took her to her first movie at the theater.  We went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D.  Kathryn really enjoyed the whole experience.  She wasn't too crazy about wearing the 3D glasses.  We wanted to see just the regular non 3D version, but that was not an option.  None the less, she had a blast eating M&Ms and popcorn.  Just for documentation purposes so Kathryn can look back one day and compare...the cost for three movie tickets for the 3D show was $32.25, and the cost for a small popcorn, package of M&Ms, and medium drink was $16.  Part of the movie she sat in my lap, and the other part she sat in a seat.  Towards the end of the movie, she got a little antsy and kept asking if the movie was almost over.  After the movie was over, she exclaimed, "That was so much fun!"  She said it with such expression.  I think she truly enjoyed her first movie, and we will definitely be going back to see other movies!

Bedtime Drama

Kathryn has always (well since about 9 weeks old) slept through the night.  She has always loved sleeping and generally sleeps 10-12 hours straight each night.  For the past several months, getting her down to sleep has been an issue.  She is constantly saying she wants to sleep with us in our bed.  And, for the record, we have never let her do this.  In an effort to soothe her at night, Kyle or I will lay down with her in her bed for a few minutes each night.  This has seemed to work (for the most part).

I am not sure what happened, but last night around 2:30, Kathryn came downstairs and got in bed with us.  I was too tired to fuss at her, so after she laid there for about 10 minutes, I carried her back up to her room.  I pray this does not become some random habit.  She HAS to stay in her bed.  I do not want to get up each night in the middle of the night to carry her back upstairs.

And, something else that she has started this week...getting up EARLY.  Generally, each morning, she will sleep until Kyle wakes her up which is usually around 7:00 AM.  A couple of mornings this week, she has gotten up around 6:00.  Again, I pray this is not a new habit.  I understand that the bigger she gets, the less sleep she will need.  But, at age 3, she should still need lots of sleep.  Right?!?!? 

Proud of our Daddy!

Kyle is a hardworking, faithful, dependable, loving, and smart man.  He has a passion for many things including our alma mater Austin Peay.  This past Thursday, he was awarded the Spirit Award for Austin Peay.  This award is given to an individual that has given their time and talents to the university.  And, Kyle, without a doubt, has consistently and whole heartedly supported APSU.  And what I love the most, Kyle does this because of his love for the Peay.  He does not do things for recognition or to have his name attached to something (he is actually very humbling and would rather not be in a spotlight or have attention drawn to him).  His support is driven by his passion and love for our school and community.  He is the best husband and dad our family could possibly wish for.  Below is the press release from the luncheon last week were he was announced as the recipient for this award...

The Spirit Award was given to Kyle Luther (’99), vice president of commercial banking at Planters Bank in Clarksville. He joined Planters Bank in March 2003 as a senior credit analyst, having previously worked at Old National Bank in Clarksville. He has held leadership positions in the APSU Govs Club, the Downtown Kiwanis of Clarksville and serves on the finance committee for United Way. Luther also is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha Alumni Association and is a 2006 graduate of Leadership Clarksville. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in banking at Louisiana State University, where he is scheduled to graduate in June 2012.

I do have to add...during his acceptance speech...he said he loved Austin Peay for many reasons, but the main reason is because that's where he met his wife.  He is the sweetest!  Congrats Daddy!  We are so proud of you and love you so much!!!!!

I have ruined my daughter...

For the past couple of nights, Kathryn has not wanted to get under her covers because she "doesn't want to mess up the bed."  I think my OCDness is rubbing off on my sweet girl. 

Just a few fun pics

These are a couple of pics from the last few days...

Allie's Birthday Party at Kids in Play

More Party Fun

Enjoying a car ride

A picture Kathryn drew and colored...I am loving her artwork these days!

Kathryn picked out these tights to wear with this t-shirt...then she accessorized with tons of bracelets, a necklace and headband/hat.  She is so stylish!!!

Back view of her "outfit"...so you get the full effect

SUPER Super Bowl Sunday

As Kyle said, we decided to make this a "SUPER Super Bowl Sunday."
Check out this blog...
http://afinaltryatthisthingcalledpregnancy.blogspot.com/

Crafty Bunco 2012

Our "crafty" bunco is quickly becoming one of my favorite months!  This year, we made these fun scarves.  Shelby is our craft queen.  She is super creative.  She and Amelia served a delicious dinner, and afterwards, we made our scarves.  I was too afraid to use the fancy cutter (I didn't want to cut my finger off), and I certainly cannot use a sewing machine, so I was a "braider."  Everything was very organized, and I loved our final product.  This is a scarf I will definitely be wearing a lot!!!!

Kathryn's Book

Kathryn made this adorable book at school...

In 2012, Kathryn wants to learn about books, go to Chicago, and wants to learn more about her friend Avery Russell.