Memorial Day Weekend

This past weekend, Momma Pam, Kathryn, and I headed to Athens, GA to spend the holiday with Kiki and the boys.  We left Friday morning and returned late Monday night.  We had a fun packed weekend.  Friday when we got into town, we spent lots of time playing.  The girls got a way for a bit to do a little TJ Maxx shopping.  Saturday, we went to Jenning Mills and spent a few hours poolside.  Kathryn loved playing in the water with Garrett and Dakota.  She especially loved playing with the diving rings which she called hula hoops.  Sunday, we drove to Helen, GA.  We did a little bit of eating, a little bit of shopping, and ended the day tubing on the Chattahoochee River.  For the first 2-3 minutes, Kathryn was unsure of tubing, but she quickly warmed up to the idea of it and loved the experience.  And, I have to say, the whole tubing experience was quite funny.  I laughed so hard.  Momma Pam lost a Croc and fell out of her raft, Kiki got stuck between a raft and a rock, and I absolutely laughed so hard that I could not stop.  It was truly a comedy of errors.  I think Kathryn's favorite part was riding on the big bus to the tubing drop off point...she talked about the bus ride quite a bit.  Monday morning, we got back on the road to Clarksville.  We decided to stop and do a little shopping on the way home.  We ended our day at Opry Mills.  I needed a dress, Kyle needed something for Flying High this weekend, and I really wanted to eat at Chuy's.  So, after successfully shopping, we ate, and then came home.  It was a fun weekend!!!

Posing at the Wooden Toy Store

Lunch at Helen, GA

At Helen, GA

Parrot riding on a Pit Bull in Helen, GA

Excited about her new toy...thanks for showing her the sword Kiki!

Cousins

Mommy (with no make up) and Kathryn

Checking out the town of Helen

Playing in the dirt

Riding the "tractor" at Kiki's

Other weekend news

While traveling to Athens on Friday, I got a phone call from our vet.  Dr. Kemp never calls, so I kind of knew immediately that something was not good.  She was calling to let me know that she found a mass deep inside Bailey's right ear.  She said it was so deep that she couldn't really tell too much about it.  She said if we were to have it removed, they would not be able to do the surgery, they would have to refer us elsewhere.  She did say that she wants us to monitor it over the next month to see if it grows and then make a determination on what to do.  None the less, my heart sank.  I am hoping maybe over the next month the mass will disappear. 

Then, on Saturday night, my Momma Hope called us while at Kiki's, and she was crying.  Again, I knew this was not a good sign at all.  She was calling to tell us that our Aunt Ann (my Momma Hope's younger sister) had passed away.  Again, my heart sank.

While we had a fun weekend with everyone, it was also filled with lots of emotions.  I guess when things like this happen, being with family is the best place to be.  It was just tough because I felt so bad for Momma Hope, and the fact the Momma Hope was alone in Hopkinsville.  We decided to stay in Athens and finish up our weekend trip (Momma Hope insisted we not come home).  So tonight and tomorrow, I will be in Hoptown for the visitation and funeral and celebration of life for my Aunt Ann.   

Keeping Busy

This week has already been a busy one...the last day of school was yesterday, I thought we had dance practice last night, but as it turns out, we were suppose to be there Tuesday night.  I wasn't the only confused mom.  So, instead of dancing, we had an impromptu play date at Chick Fil A (dance clothes and all!).  Today was my first day of summer vacation.  I had a pretty packed day....glucose screening, hair appointment, oil change, etc.  We ended the day with a mini photo session with Courtney Zenner.  Kathryn was excellent during pictures (she loves having her pic made).  After pictures, we headed to Subway for dinner and then McDonald's for an ice cream cone.  Now we are home, settling in for the night.  AND, Kyle and I have been married for 9 years today!  I can't believe it has already been 9 years.  Time has flown by.  I am so fortunate to be married to my best friend.  Since Kyle is at LSU, we plan to celebrate when he returns.  Also, Kathryn has no clue, but we are heading to Athens in the morning to spend the weekend with Kiki and the boys.  She is going to be so excited in the morning!

Picked KHL up from Daycare yesterday...she and all her friends were celebrating the letter E with their elephant masks...so cute!!!!!

Play Date at Chick Fil A with Audra Grace and Lily

My happy dancer!

Loving her ice cream cone

Disney is BOOKED!

I am so excited about taking Kathryn to Disney this October!  About a week ago, we booked our trip, and I couldn't be happier with our final plan of action.  Mimi and Papa are traveling with us on our 5 night, 6 day vacation.  We are staying at The Art of Animation Little Mermaid Tower.  It is a brand new Disney resort (the resort opens September 15th, and we will be there 2 weeks later).  I have mapped out a general plan for each day.  I have made all our dining reservations to include 5 different character dining experiences.  With us traveling in October, I have been told the park won't be as crowded, and the weather should be ideal.  Also, the Lanham family is going to be there during the exact same time, so we plan to meet up with them a couple of times.  It is going to be so much fun.  I absolutely cannot wait!!! 

Weekend Wrap Up

Team Luther had a great weekend.  Friday night, we had a dinner date at Outback, delish!  Saturday, we headed to Opry Mills to pick up a bathing suit for me, then we went to Kailey and JR's to spend the day at the pool. 

Sunday was a busy one.  We took Kyle to the airport (this is his last year to attend LSU...he will have his Masters in Banking in two weeks!  We are very proud of Daddy!!!).  Then, we went to breakfast at Cracker Barrel and then to the zoo with Momma Pam.  It was the perfect day for a zoo trip. 

Checking out the fish

Meerkats!

Playing in the "big kid" area for the first time

Visiting the "farm" area for the first time

With Momma Pam

Cooling off with a cold drink!

Another fun weekend in the books!  We will miss Daddy for the next two weeks, but I have made lots of plans to keep us busy.  Hopefully the time will fly by!
   

Kathryn and her sore throat

Last Friday while at school, Kathryn was complaining of a sore throat.  Since she generally does not complain of ailments, we generally take her seriously.  After several email exchanges with The Red Barn, my final email stated the following:

"I believe she is gonna be fine.  No fever and she's been playing.  She says her throat is hurting now because of her jewelry...lol.  Now I am thinking she was just having a diva moment.  If she wakes up from nap not doing well, I will let ya know.  Oh dear, girls and their accessories!  ~ Ms. Jessica"

Kathryn is something else!

Loving life and these two sweeties!

It is Friday, and there are only 3, yes 3, days left in the school year.  I am so ready for a relaxing summer with my family.  Below are two pictures that Kyle sent me this morning.  The pics totally made my day!  I love my family!!!

Weekend Wrap Up...Another fun packed weekend

Team Luther really lives a pretty simple life, however, it always seems like we are busy.  Friday night, we went to the Sounds game with the Lanham family.  We are super close with the Lanhams, and we always have the best time together.  Kathryn and Holden are such sweet friends, and they play really well together.  Highlights from the night include Dippin' Dots, pizza, fries, and Kathryn's new cap. 

Hanging with Daddy

Watching the guys parachute in

The parachuters

Kathryn and Holden...so sweet!

Ready for the car ride home sporting her new Sounds cap

Needless to say, Kathryn fell asleep on the way home.  As a matter of fact, she didn't even wake up when we got home and Kyle put her in her bed.  She was exhausted from a night of fun!

Saturday was a busy one.  We started with a 10:00 AM party at Chuck E. Cheese for Kathryn's friend Emerie.  Kathryn LOVES Chuck E. Cheese, but Daddy and I...not so much.  Generally when Kathryn asks if we can go there, we tell her they are closed (we gotta use this strategy while we can!).  We didn't tell her in advance where the party was, so when we pulled into the parking lot, Kathryn exclaimed, "Do you think Chuck E. Cheese is open?"  Poor girl!  None the less, she had a blast at Em's party.  She loved everything except for the Chuck E. character that came out during the party.  She wanted nothing to do with Chuck E.  She was pretty much terrified of him.  She did love playing all the games (her favs are the bowling game and hamster capturing game).  She also liked the pizza and ice cream.  She always loves putting her tickets into the ticket machine and then picking out her prizes before leaving.

With the party crowd

Afterwards, we headed home to rest for a few, then went to Sara Hawkins 1st bday party.  Kathryn had a great time playing with big sis Avery.  We all enjoyed cake and ice cream.  Kathryn also liked watching baby Sara open her gifts.  It was a fun time!

Hanging with Avery

Next stop was to take Kathryn to spend the night with Mimi and Papa.  She was so excited about going.  She hadn't stayed overnight with them in a few months.  Kyle and I had a Kiwanis dinner and auction to attend, and we knew we would be out late.  Mommy and Daddy enjoyed a delicious dinner and some adult time.

Sunday was Mother's Day.  What a blessing to be a Mother to such a sweet, smart, and beautiful little girl.  I am truly blessed beyond what I deserve.  Being a Mommy certainly has its challenges, but the positives outweigh any and every challenge we face.  And, I wouldn't be the person I am without the love, support, and guidance from my wonderful mother.  What a blessing to have been raised in a morally sound and loving home.  My mom is my rock, and I truly don't know what I would do without her.  Sunday's message at church was focused on Mothers and was very touching.  After church, we went to one of my favorites Red Lobster for lunch.  Then we went and spent some time with Mimi to celebrate Mother's Day and afterwards went to Hopkinsville to celebrate with Momma Pam.  We ended the night at home (finishing up laundry) and just relaxing.  I had a wonderful Mother's Day!!!!! 

A Post from Daddy

So usually all posts come directly from Mommy, but today Daddy wanted to share a story...this is from a conversation this morning before leaving the house.  Note: Kathryn woke up with a stomach ache and Kyle is getting her ready to spend the day with Mimi. 

We were getting Bailey put in the crate and she was just chattering away while I was halfway paying attention to her and finishing gathering some things.  Out of the blue she busts out with “Daddy I think my stomach is hurting because its connected to my boobs.”  I was like HUH?!?!?  I asked her who she heard that word from and she said “I just learned it Daddy.”  I said she really didn’t need to be saying that and she said “but Daddy I do have boobs!”  I said I know but its not something a 3 yr old says.  At this point I had this sick feeling all over and was thinking that I’m not ready for this!!!  Lord help me!!!!!

A Mommy/Daughter Date

Yesterday after school, Kathryn and I headed to Greenhills to do some Mother's Day shopping and to visit Kailey and take her a bday gift.  After running errands, we decided to eat at Carrabba's.  This was our first time eating there, and we will definitely be going back.  Kathryn loved her spaghetti and meatball, and I enjoyed a delicious chicken meal.  Kathryn was so well behaved during our shopping and dinner.  It was the perfect Mommy/Daughter date night!

Kathryn loves Connect The Dots games, but she calls it "X Marks the Spot" instead

Loving her dinner!

Messy mouth!

Weekend Wrap Up...Relax Style

This weekend was more on the relaxing side and that was much needed.  Friday evening we went to Amanda Griffin's graduation celebration.  We enjoyed BBQ with all the fixings as well as delicious cake and punch.  It was a fun celebration!

Enjoying her piece of cake

Helping Ms. Amanda open her present...we gifted her a name plate for her school desk

Saturday morning, we all slept in until 8:20!  That was NICE!!!!!  Once we were up and at 'em, Kathryn and I went to Lowe's to get some flowers for our pots.  We spent the morning working outside at our house doing some odds and ends with Daddy's help.  At one point, I was sweeping the back deck while Daddy was up front working and realized Kathryn had disappeared.  I went to look for her and found her in the garage like this...

Yes, feet propped up and relaxing in the shade with her bottled water.  She worked hard helping plant our new flowers.

After getting cleaned up, Kathryn and I headed to the nail spa to get manicures and pedicures.  This was a first for Kathryn, and she loved it!

Getting her feet scrubbed

Letting her nails dry

After our nail salon trip, Daddy, Kathryn, and I went to the Hawkins for dinner and a play date.  The girls enjoyed playing while the parents played cards.

Kathryn and Avery

It was a fun night! 
Sunday was spent going to church, going to lunch with Papa at Rafferty's, and then spending the rest of the day on the couch watching TV and playing.  We decided to go to Hananoki for dinner that night.  Kathryn loves the soup and salad there as well as the shrimp and fried rice.  However, she is not a fan of the fire.  But, she did actually seem to enjoy watching the chef cook which was a first.  All in all, we had a fun and relaxing weekend.  We got a few things checked off our "To Do" list and most importantly, we spent time together!
 

Weekend Wrap Up

Oh My!  What. A. Weekend!  Friday night, Team Luther stayed home.  We knew Saturday was going to be a busy one, so we decided we needed to rest up.  Saturday morning started with dance practice for Kathryn.  We were there from 9 - 10:45.  But, before we could go, I had to snap a few pics of my sweet girl in her dance get-up.

At 11:00 for Chi Omega's 40th Anniversary, I attended a brunch and celebration at FBC.  It was so fun seeing over 200 Sigma Kappa Chi Omegas.  Stories of the past were told, and we ended the celebration by singing "Shades" and then rallying.  FUN TIMES!

Me, Fran, and Brittnye at the 40th celebration

After the brunch, I headed to the funeral home for my co-workers son's visitation.  This was truly just sad.  No other way to say it.  My co-worker Kirsten lost her 20 year old son the previous weekend.  My heart is still completely broke for her.  I cannot imagine the pain she is going through. 

After the visitation, I headed home to meet up with Kyle.  We went to a Eric Huneycut's birthday party and spent some time with friends and enjoyed a delicious dinner.  Needless to say, by the end of the night, I was exhausted physically and emotionally.  It was a day filled with so many emotions!

Sunday, we attended church with the Bowles to see baby Robert baptized.  It was definitely a special occasion, and I am glad we were there.  After the service, we went to a brunch to continue the celebration for baby Robert.  The food was delicious, and Kathryn enjoyed playing with a couple of friends.  Afterwards, we ran home to change and decided to go to the Nashville Zoo.  It was just the three of us, and we had a blast.  Kathryn loved seeing all the animals.  The highlights of the zoo trip include riding the carousel, eating cotton candy, and playing in the kids area.  It was the perfect way to end a crazy, busy weekend.

On the way home from the zoo...I think all 3 of us felt this way!