A Day in the Life of the Fords

Lilly is 10 Months Old...

2012-01-25T04:04:00.006-06:00

Sweet Lil,

You are TEN months old now! Here's what you have been up to...

You celebrated your FIRST Christmas this month. It was so fun to start new traditions with you and to see your reaction to all of the lights and celebrations. Daddy read the Christmas story, from Luke 2, to you while I rocked you to sleep on Christmas Eve. I can't wait to initiate even more traditions as you grow and begin to grasp the true meaning of Christmas.

You are pulling up on everything! I get so tickled at you because every morning when I go into your room to get you out of your crib, you are standing up waving at me! You are still sleeping so well. You usually go to bed between 6:30 and 7 every night, and you wake up around 7 in the morning. You take at least one good nap during the day, too.

You still have NO teeth, but your are drooling like crazy. I'm thinking they are not too far away.

We have started introducing table foods more frequently, and you are really enjoying them. You love macaroni noodles, pancakes, turkey, peaches, and baked potato. I have been considering taking your bottle away, but I don't think we are going to make any drastic changes until you are a year old. I just love feeding you your night time bottle and rocking you to sleep at night. I'm not ready to give that up just yet.

You are talking up a storm. You can say Mama, Dada, and bye bye. You are VERY good at waving at every one and telling them bye.

You rang in your first new year (at 6:00, of course) and loved looking at the fireworks that Daddy bought.

We love you more today than we ever though possible! Can't wait for next month!

Love,
Mommy

Lilly is 9 Months Old...

2011-12-27T01:44:00.006-06:00

Sweet Lillybug...

You are NINE months old, now! UNBELIEVABLE. Here's what you've been up to this month...

We took you on your first vacation! We went with Sir and Say to the beach to relax and do some shopping. You blew me away with how well you did! You slept great in your pack and play, and you were SO happy the entire time we were gone. You got REALLY good at waving and saying, "bye bye" with Sir and Say. Every morning when we would come out of our room into the living room, you would start waving in anticipation that Sir and Say would be out there waiting on you! I can't wait for the day to come when you can truly grasp how much your family loves you, Lilly. Mommy and Daddy are so grateful that you have them in your life. Here's a few pictures from the beach...

you started doing this while we were at the beach, and have continued it ever since. Now you love when Chaucer joins in on the fun!

I have started telling you, "no" this month. For the most part you've done well, but sometimes you think we are playing a game. Here's the usual response I get when I tell you, "no"! Really, Lilly? How am I supposed to keep a straight face?

Those eyes just melt my heart :)

You are crawling everywhere, now. You can also bring yourself from a belly-lying position to a sitting position. It's a lot of work, and you grunt (and toot) a lot, but when you finally sit up, you are ecstatic :)

Having breakfast with Sir...

You started table food this month, and so far, you haven't been much of a fan. I have noticed in the last few days that you are eating a little more though, so I'm as worried as I was! I DO NOT want you to be a picky eater like Daddy :) You still eat baby food, milk, diluted juice, puffs, and yogurt melts like crazy!!

You also celebrated your first Thanksgiving! You were so sweet, and you really enjoyed going to everybody's house! I have been really impressed with how you will let anyone hold you and love on you. You really are laid back like your Daddy!

I can't wait until you are old enough to take part in the annual Day After Thanksgiving Shopping Spree Where You Just May Wet Your Pants Because You're Laughing So Hard with Aunt Cindy, Aunt Pam, Kelli, Mommy, Meme, and Granny

I have LOVED every bit of this month, Lilly. This may be my favorite stage with you so far. I miss the days when you wore those soft, sweet gowns and we spent all hours of the night eating, snuggling, and talking, but watching your little personality bloom recently has been the greatest joy to my life. You will never know how many times you've made Daddy and me laugh. You smile constantly, laugh out loud, say "mama", "dada", and "bye bye" constantly, and we wouldn't have it any other way!

50 Free Cards from Tiny Prints...

2011-11-21T22:51:00.003-06:00

I have always been a huge fan of Tiny Prints . It's where we order our Christmas cards, invitations for parties, and our sweet Lilly Blair's birth announcement was from there. All of their stuff is so professional and high quality. I've never once had an issue in doing business with them!

Want 50 free cards from them this Christmas?
Just fill out this form, and post a blog about how much you love them!
Here's a link directly to their Christmas Card Page

Can't wait to see everyone's cards this year :)

Lilly is 8 Months Old...

2011-11-20T20:47:00.016-06:00

Better late than never!!

Lilly,

You are EIGHT months old now! WOW this first year is going by entirely too fast!

Your Pops and Meme bought you a wagon this month, and you have LOVED riding in it!

Your sweet little personality has really started to shine, and we've decided that you are a very laid back baby!

You still go to bed around 6:30 every night and sleep until around 7:00 in the morning. I have started to realize how little time I have left in the "baby" stage, so sometimes I go into your nursery around 10:00 at night and just rock you, love on you, and pray for you. It's become my new favorite thing to do. You are the BEST snuggle buddy. I hope you let me rock you FOREVER :)

You tried puffs for the first time this month, and you did not know what to think. You made the funniest expressions.

You also had your first taste of meat this month, and you HATED it! You were making all kinds of noises "fussing" at me!

This was your first Halloween, and we took you to the Parkway Trunk-or-Treat. You had a blast, and you loved wearing your cupcake costume.

You ate cotton candy for the first time, and you LOVED it! I'm thinking you are going to have a sweet tooth like Daddy :)

You loved all of your friends riding in your wagon!

You are getting to be a BIG girl! You wear mostly 12 and 18 month clothes and a size 3 diaper. You weigh a little over 20 pounds and are VERY long!

You love saying Dada, Bye Bye, and (occasionally) Mama!

You met your cousin, Emmitt, this month. You didn't just love him, which surprised me because he is much smaller than Chaucer. I think he just moves faster and it scares you!

You love to play "office" with all of Daddy's papers in his office.

You are so precious, Lilly. Daddy and I have smiled more than we ever thought was possible in these last eight months. You bring so much joy to our lives, and we look forward to what you will do next month! We love you SO MUCH!

Love,
Mommy :)

Lilly is 7 Months Old...

2011-10-10T07:46:00.009-05:00

Lilly,
You are 7 months old, now! Here's what you've been up to this month:

You are sitting up SO well! You can also scoot around on your belly, but I'm still thinking it will be a while before you are actually crawling.

You said your first word this month: Dada!!! You are babbling SO much now, and your squeals absolutely melt our heart. I just love it when you get excited about things and start squealing...it is so precious!

You also had your first day at "school" this month. You did great, but from what I hear you were REALLY excited to see Mamie when she picked you up! You stay at Mamie and B Bob's house every Wednesday night because Mommy has to work and Daddy has choir practice. You do so well at their house. I know they spoil you rotten, but we REALLY miss you!!!

You got a new "big girl" car seat this month, and you LOVE it! The first time I put you in it, you squealed the whole ride!

Your eating is still about the same. You eat baby food 3 times a day and have about three bottles a day.

You've started REALLY loving bath time.

You have definitely discovered your feet. Every show or sock I put on you, you manage to get off before we can get out of the house!

For the most part, you are a great sleeper, but you have been waking up at night for the last week or so. I'm thinking it's either teething or a growth spurt. Sometimes you will go back to sleep pretty quick, but other times you are starving and you want a bottle. You will also wake up and play in your crib for a while, talking and sputtering, and then you will just fall back asleep. Mommy and Daddy still consider ourselves EXTREMELY blessed in the sleep department!

You wore your first cardigan this month, and I think you looked ADORABLE!!

Daddy read you your first book and you were fascinated. I think you really enjoyed it!

I know I say this every month, Lilly, but I truly can't believe how fast you are growing up. It seems like just last week we brought you home from the hospital and just stared at you for hours not really believing that you were so perfect and that you were ours. You will never be able to comprehend how much Daddy and I love you and how obsessed we are with you. Every day, you have a new trick or sound you make that makes us smile! Your sweet, outgoing personality is beginning to shine, and Daddy and I are SO proud of you. You will never know how many times you've melted our hearts! We love you to the moon and back. Happy 7 months, sweet baby!

Love,
Mommy

Lilly is 6 Months Old...

2011-09-06T19:46:00.009-05:00

Sweet Lilly...

I know I say this every month, but I truly can't believe you are 1/2 of a year old!!! The past 6 months have FLOWN by! Here's what you are up to now...

You can almost sit up on your own. I'm hoping in a few more weeks, you will have it mastered!

You made your first trip to see your Great Grandaddy and MawMaw in Port Gibson, MS. They are OBSESSED with you. So much so that they had ALL of their friends come by and meet you! We were celebrating Grandaddy's 84th birthday that day.

Your Nana and Paps were glad to see you, too!!

You wear a size 3 diaper and your clothes are anywhere from 6 to 12 months. You are a VERY long girl!
You are doing SO great eating your baby food. You eat apples, pears, bananas, sweet potatoes (still you r favorite), carrots, squash, and peas. You have recently started eating pear and apple oatmeal, apple and yogurt oatmeal, and peach and banana oatmeal for breakfast and you love those, too! You still get 3-4 bottles of Mommy's milk every day, but have also started drinking diluted white grape juice from your sippy cup!

Your hair is really starting to grow back. You came home from Mamie's house last week, and Mommy could NOT get over how thick your hair suddenly looked. This makes Mommy and Daddy really happy because Mommy can continue to buy bows, and Daddy can continue to style your hair every night when he puts on your pj's.
I can remember us both falling in love with your hair the minute we saw how much you had when you were born. You would lay on my chest as an infant and I would kiss your sweet, silky head of hair over and over again.

I've never told you about your's and Daddy's routine every night. He takes you into your room, changes your diaper, puts lotion on you, dresses you in your precious footed pajamas, and brushes your hair...all while y'all are carrying on the sweetest conversation. It is a routine that I hope will continue for a long time :)

You still sleep anywhere from 10 to 14 hours at night, but are a very random napper. Some days you will take 2 good long naps, some days you just take 1, some days you just cat nap...whatever is fine with me as long as you still sleep at night :)

It has gotten to be more of an effort to put you to bed. We still rock you, pray for you, and whisper to you, but after a certain amount of time we lay you down. Sometimes you go straight to sleep, and other times you fuss a little. This is a little odd for you, but you usually settle down in just a few minutes.

You have really been a Mommy's girl recently. I'm thinking you are going through a growth spurt because not only are you having some trouble putting yourself to sleep, but you are very clingy to me and you are eating a TON!!! Actually I'm a day late writing you your letter because you WOULD NOT let me put you down yesterday. Oh well, fine by me because I know when you are 13 and have a smart mouth, I'm going to wish that I could just sit and hold you all day. Actually, I'll sit and hold you at 13, after I spank you for talking back :)

You are still such a happy, laid back, easy going baby. I'm honestly scared of what your future siblings will be like because you have been SO easy!

Even though you are a Mommy's girl, you still know how to keep Daddy wrapped around your pinky finger!

Happy 6 months, sweet baby! You have been the greatest pleasure. It brings tears to my eyes when I think about how blessed Daddy and I are to have YOU. We never knew that we could love something SO MUCH, and we are so thankful that God chose US to be your parents!

Guess I better get to planning your birthday party, soon! It's going to be a BLOWOUT!!!

All my love,
Mommy

1 month...

2 months...

3 months...

4 months...

5 months...

6 months...

Lilly is 5 Months Old...

2011-08-03T10:58:00.013-05:00

Sweet Lilly,
You are FIVE months old now! I cannot believe you are almost half way to your first birthday! I've had many people tell me how fast these years will fly, and they are so right! Here's what you've been up to this month...

You started eating baby food this month, and Mommy and Daddy have been impressed with how much you love it! You eat apples, pears, bananas, and sweet potatoes.

(this was your first bite of sweet potatoes...your expression is priceless! wonder who you get your sassy attitude from??)

You love to drive your pink Mustang GT convertible. I think your favorite thing is being able to see Chaucer and touch him. He follows you everywhere you drive!

Bath time has gotten A LOT more difficult because you are becoming more mobile. You think its hilarious to roll over in the tub and splash!

We had a little mini photo shoot, and you were SO busy talking and laughing that we didn't get many great pictures. You literally talk non-stop now. Our favorite thing is when you get SO excited and you close your eyes so tight and just squeal. It is absolutely precious!

You got your second set of shots this month, and you did GREAT! You couldn't stop staring at your glittery band-aids on your sweet little legs.

You weigh 15 pounds, and are 25 and 1/2 inches long.

You went for your first swim and HATED it, but you sure looked precious in your swimsuit!

You LOVE going to church, and you are usually SO well behaved, but you had your first meltdown in the church nursery this month. They paged us in church, and Daddy went first to try to calm you down. It wasn't working so he called Mommy to come get you! You were fine. I think they just waited too long to feed you, and you LOST it!

You are still sleeping SO well. You take one 3-4 hour nap during the day, and you sleep about 12-14 hours at night. Mommy and Daddy are SO blessed!
You wear a size 2 diaper now, but when this package runs out, we are upgrading to size 3 because they are starting to look like bikini bottoms on you!
You wear 6-9 month clothes now! Daddy has banned Mommy from buying any more clothes for you!

Who knew you could bring such joy to our lives. You are a true gift from God, Lilly and we are SO thankful that He chose us to be your parents. What a huge responsibility and blessing wrapped into one cute little rolly package! We love you more than you will EVER know! Happy FIVE months!
Love,
Mommy

1 month...

2 months...
3 months...
4 months...
5 months...

Lilly is 4 months old...

2011-07-05T16:54:00.013-05:00

(you took a tumble during your photo shoot today, and you thought it was HILARIOUS!)

Lilly,

You are FOUR months old today! Here's what you have been up to:

You started eating rice cereal with a spoon twice a day.

Daddy learned to multitask because he was on call this week while mommy worked 3 nights.

You love to sit in your highchair and watch Chaucer's every move.

You got your first baby doll this month, and you LOVE it!

You are still an excellent sleeper at night, but you have started to not do as well napping during the day. As long as you are still sleeping 12+ hours at night, who cares??
You've started wanting to go to bed between 7 and 7:15, which is excellent, but Mommy and Daddy have definitely changed how much they go out to dinner these days. We eat A LOT of TV dinners! HA!

You celebrated your first Fourth of July, and you were ridiculously cute in your crab dress!

You eat about 4-5 ounces every 3 hours.
I'm thinking you weigh about 16 pounds.
You still wear mostly 3 month and 6 month clothes.
You talk and laugh NONSTOP now...Mommy and Daddy just LOVE IT!
You CAN roll both ways now, but have only done it a couple of times. Why bother rolling if all you have to do is make the slightest noise and someone gets what you want?!?!

You celebrated Daddy's first Father's Day. He loves you to the moon and back, Lilly. I look forward to seeing you steal his heart more and more!
Mommy has started working nights again in order to spend more time with you during the week. That means Daddy has to be the one to put you to sleep three nights a week. I think you've taken it easy on him for the most part...expect for the time you threw up on him. From what he tells me, you REALLY got him good!

(Chaucer wanted his picture taken while I was taking your's today. He never gets any attention anymore, so I thought I'd let him in on your post!)
We love you so much Lilly! Daddy and I never dreamed you would steal our hearts like you have. You are a true delight.
Love,
Mommy

1 month...

2 months...

3 months...
4 months...

Lilly is 3 Months Old...

2011-06-05T14:26:00.022-05:00

(you are SO LONG that you have a blown snap in your onsie)

Lilly,

You are THREE months old today. Here's what you are up to...

You still eat about every 3 to 4 hours during the day, and you sleep 8 to 10 hours at night.
When you take a bottle, you eat about 5 ounces.
You eat around 8 or 9 o'clock every night and wake up sometime between 4 and 6 o'clock the next morning.
Mommy has gone back to work, so we are so thankful that you are sleeping so well.
You are also officially sleeping in your crib and not in the bassinet in our room.
You still smile constantly and you are babbling TONS!
You weigh between 13 and 14 pounds if I had to guess.
You still love playing on your play mat and listening to music in your room. Mommy is VERY thankful that you will spend some quiet time in your room during the day so I can get some things done.
You still have LOTS of hair, but you have a big bald spot on the left side of your head from rubbing it while you fall asleep at night. I'm REALLY hoping the rest of your hair will stay put!
You are getting better at holding you head up, but have made very few attempts to roll over.
Your reflux is SO much better. You hardly ever spit up anymore, but you drool constantly. I'm hoping that's not a sign of teeth this soon!
Your BeBe and YaYa came over for lunch one day and played ALL day with you! We discovered your love for books...you are SO much like your daddy!

You are still as precious as you were the day we brought you home. Looking forward to what you'll do next month!

Love,

Mommy

1 month...

2 months...

3 months...

Mother's Day...

2011-05-08T20:36:00.003-05:00

What a GREAT day today has been! Not only was it my first Mother's Day, but it was Lilly's baby dedication as well. So many of our family and friends came today to support Lilly. Michael and I are truly grateful for each of them taking time out of their day to show their support not only for Lilly, but for us as her parents. She really is a very loved little girl!
As I thought about the meaning of today, it really weighed on my mind what a HUGE job Michael and I have as parents to raise Lilly to be a godly woman. When I see what children today are faced with, it truly scares me to think about how much more she will face as she grows up. As parents, you want your child to be SO MANY things: well-liked, successful, smart, beautiful, etc. I could even go as far as naming petty things such as keeping her room clean, being homecoming queen or valedictorian, having her daddy's sharpness and her mommy's athleticism...
But as her Mom today, I am honestly just overwhelmed with the huge task that is before us, and all I can do is pray. I think that's the only thing that will get me through the next 20+ years, and I am so glad that God gives us the gift of talking to Him...it brings me such comfort. So today, the day we pledge as parents to raise Lilly as Christian parents, I pray:

that she will fear God and grasp the sacrifice He made for us by sending Jesus to die for us and truly thirst for Him.
that she will trust in Him and allow Him to direct her paths in life.
that she will have integrity and hold high standards.
that she will respect herself, others, and authority.
that she will put on the full armor of God in order to resist the temptations of the world.
that she will display the Fruits of the Spirit.
the she will be pure.
that she will be salt and light in this sinful, lost world.
that she will have a servant's heart and strive to make a difference.
that she will understand what really matters in life.

I am SO thankful and in awe that God chose me to be Lilly's mom. What an awesome gift she is.

Lilly is 2 Months Old...

2011-05-05T16:11:00.013-05:00

Lilly,
You are TWO months old today! You are such an easy and sweet baby. I can't even explain how much Daddy and I have enjoyed these past two months. Here's what you are up to...

You still eat about every 3 to 4 hours during the day, and you have slept as long as 10 hours at night!
When you take a bottle, you eat about 5 ounces now!! BIG GIRL!!
You eat around 8 or 9 o'clock every night and wake up sometime between 4 and 6 o'clock the next morning! You are such a great sleeper!

You still sleep in your Nap Nanny or in your bassinet in our room. We are hoping to move you to your crib in the next couple of weeks, but I wouldn't hold us to it :)
You are starting to be awake for longer periods during the day now, and you LOVE to play, smile, and talk while you're awake!
You smile all the time now, and you have started to coo in the last 3 days. I know one day I will wish you didn't talk so much, but right now it's the sweetest sound in the world!

Your play mat is your new favorite thing! You love to hit the toys and smile.

You weigh 12 pounds!!!
You wear mostly 3 month clothes and size 2 diapers.
You went to church for the first time Easter Sunday, and you did great!

The Easter Bunny was VERY good to you!

You also got your shots this month. You cried SO HARD, but quieted down pretty fast. You ran a low-grade fever and wanted your mommy a lot, but I didn't mind :)

You are the sweetest baby, Lilly! Mommy and Daddy love you TONS! We can't wait tp see what next month brings :)

1 month...

2 months...

Lilly is 1 Month Old...

2011-04-05T12:59:00.010-05:00

Lilly,
You are ONE month old today! I can hardly believe how fast this first month has gone by. Here's what you are up to...

(This was the best I could do for our monthly picture...you were not in the mood today. Maybe next month we can see your "monthly outfit" better!)

You are eating about every four hours.

When Daddy gives you a bottle, you take between three and four ounces. Daddy says you burp like a MAN! We will have to work on your manners, for sure!

You are sleeping SO well. You eat at 10:00 every night, and you usually wake up between 2:00 and 4:00 to eat and again between 7:00 and 8:00. We are very proud of how you are sleeping.

You seem to wake up and "play" around 4:00 every afternoon, but you sleep most of the day still.

You weigh 8 pounds and 7 ounces.

Your umbilical cord fell off and you got your first real bath. You LOVE getting a bath!

You definitely have your daddy's personality. You are very laid back!

You are having TERRIBLE reflux, but your new medicine seems to be helping.

Because you are spitting up so bad, you either sleep between Mommy and Daddy on your Boppy or beside the bed in your bassinet. We don't like for you to be out of our sight yet :)

You are doing great napping in your big crib. I think Mommy is the one having a hard time with you in your big crib.

Your nicknames are "Lillypie" or "Lillybug".

Mommy and Daddy went to dinner for our anniversary. You stayed with your Pop's and Meme, and all of their friends came over to see you! We tried hard to talk about other things at dinner, but somehow the conversation always got back to how precious you are and how much we love you :)

Mommy is trying very hard to follow the Babywise method, but sometimes I just can't help but to snuggle and rock you until you fall asleep.

You still wear a newborn or size 0-3 month in most of your clothes, but you have outgrown some of your smaller newborn things. The other day I put a 3-6 month sleeper on your and it FIT!

You LOVE to ride in the car!

You make eye contact and try to talk to us.

You get the hiccups ALL THE TIME :)

Your big brother, Chaucer, is very protective of you. He likes you a lot, but you get mad when he licks you.

You have brought such joy to our lives already, Lilly. There was no way to prepare ourselves for how full our hearts would be when you arrived. I pray every night that we will be the best parents we can possibly be to you because you deserve nothing less. Daddy and I love you more than you will ever know.

Love,
Mommy

Lilly Blair Ford...

2011-03-21T17:27:00.022-05:00

Lilly Blair Ford was born on March 5, 2011, at 5:41 am in room 211 of the Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants at UMMC. She weighed 6 lbs, 8 oz and measured 20 inches long. She is the most precious baby, and her daddy and I love her to pieces. Here's the story of how she arrived..

I was SO miserable and ready to deliver that I begged Michael to take me to PF Changs (He HATES PF Changs!) and I ordered the spiciest dish on the menu - Chang's Spicy Chicken with extra chili sauce. We had already been walking around the neighborhood a good bit, but I had decided that we were going to power walk until I couldn't walk any more!

Well, this was my fortune...

(as if I needed more motivation)

Home from PF Changs - 38 weeks pregnant, and all of our ridiculousness worked! I woke up the next morning in labor!

I stayed at home until my contractions were 4-5 minutes apart, and then called Michael and said COME HOME NOW! Although we have no pictures of before we arrived at the hospital, let me just say it was WILD!! It was filled with non-stop phone calls from Michael while I was contracting and trying to get my things together, driving from his office in Clinton to our house in 15 minutes to pick me up (usually a 35 mile drive down the Natchez Trace by the way), crazy fast packing of everyone's suitcases, and driving to the hospital like HE was the one in labor and me telling him multiple times that there was no need for emergency flashers to be on at this point! It's one of my favorite memories of the whole process. I LOVED seeing him SO excited that he was about to be a daddy. It was ONE of (THE greatest moment is a little further down) the greatest moments for me.
We got to the hospital, and they put me on a monitor and checked me. I was having contractions every four minutes and dilated 4cm. My doctor decided that my blood pressure was a little high (her's would have been too if she was in labor and had just ridden with Michael to the hospital!) so they decided it was time to ROLL!! I was THRILLED! We called all of our family and started a twelve hour journey that I will NEVER forget!

Last picture as a family of two! Still happy at this point - epidural was still working...

The fabulous Dr. Bean...I cannot express how wonderful she was!

Lilly's YaYa and BeBe. The greatest friends in world! They camped out in the waiting room with the rest of the family ALL NIGHT LONG!

Everyone waiting on Lilly...
We are missing my dad in the picture. He had gone to take a nap because he was fishing in a tournament at Lake Bruin that day and had been up since the CRACK OF DAWN. I kept telling my step-mom not to call him because I didn't think this was REALLY it - I was in TOTAL denial that I was really in labor I guess! By the way, he had found a sweet spot and caught three fish before he got the call :)

Lilly's Pops and Meme

My precious grandparents drove from Port Gibson, and waited ALL NIGHT! Everyone begged them to go home, but they were wasting their breath! They were going NOWHERE until they saw their great granddaughter!

My crazy sisters came to visit...

10 pm: This was about the time I started to notice that I was feeling A LOT of pain with my contractions...hmm. I will leave out the details of me crying, cursing, etc. and just say it was all downhill from here! That's right, the worst part of labor, and I am feeling every bit! I DID NOT want a natural childbirth, but I got one anyway :)

After twelve hours of labor, being stuck at 4cm FOREVER, and suffering through the majority of the labor process without any drugs, I finally heard the words I had been waiting on for the last nine months..."You're complete! It's time to push!!"
I started pushing at 5:30 am, and our precious Lilly Blair made her entrance at 5:41! I was SO exhausted and SO tired of hurting that I decided it was time to get serious and get this baby out of me! Michael still talks about how fast it all happened. He handled it all like a pro!

There are NO WORDS to describe the next few pictures. It was the most amazing day of my life. At this moment, I had never been so in love with my husband, and never so sure of the fact that I serve a God who is above all else. My God knew what he was doing through this whole process. All of the pain and loss, all of the worrying with this pregnancy, all of the tears shed - God brought us through. That's all we ever asked of Him was to get us through, and boy did He SHOW OFF! He gave us the most beautiful baby I've ever seen...

I will cherish this picture forever. So priceless...

They all couldn't WAIT to get their hands on her!

I can't say thank you enough to my sweet friend, Margaret, who worked 26 hours straight (that's right!) to be sure she was there to take care of Lilly when she was born! I owe her my LIFE!

I will do a post of all her visitors soon, but I have a hungry baby calling me!

Long Time, No Post...

2011-02-04T16:41:00.007-06:00

It has been FOREVER since I have posted anything. I have been super busy with work, assembling baby necessities (it seems like Michael and I have an assembly project every night!), satisfying my major nesting urges, and working in Lilly's nursery.
I'm LOVING how everything is coming together in her room. I will post pictures as soon as the final touches are complete!
One of my nesting urges was to organize all of our pictures on the computer, transfer them to our external hard drive, etc. We already take WAY too many pictures of Chaucer, so I know it will only get worse when Lilly arrives. Anyway, I started off with great intentions of taking weekly pictures of my growing belly, but I let my practical side talk me out of it about 18 weeks into it. Who wants to take a picture of themselves when you left for work at 6:00 that morning and you are just getting home at 8:00 that night??? NOT ME! When I got to the weekly photos that I DID take, I found a rather shocking comparison:

The day we found out we were expecting Lilly (4 weeks)...

Sunday at my shower (34 weeks)...
What a difference 30 weeks makes!

My sweet, sweet friends hosted a baby shower for me and Lilly last weekend. It was so much fun, and she got so many great things. Here's a few pictures...

Ford Christmas 2010...

2010-12-12T22:17:00.004-06:00

I usually go ALL OUT for decorating for Christmas. Being a full time Christmas decorator would be my DREAM JOB! This year, though, I am 27 weeks pregnant, and I did NOT have the energy to decorate quite like I have in the past, but the following pictures are what my house is SUPPOSED to look like at Christmastime...

I am a HUGE bubble bath person, so I really like having a tree in my bathroom to look at every night when I'm soaking in the tub...

Master Bedroom...

This is our "travel tree". Michael and I really enjoy traveling, so this tree has pictures, ornaments, hotel keys, etc. from every trip we have taken together...
Mudroom...

Living Room...

Kitchen...

and this is what it looks like THIS year :( ...
Lilly's nursery is nowhere NEAR complete, but she would NOT be my child if she didn't have a tree in her room as well!

The Chaucey Clause...

2010-12-12T21:47:00.004-06:00

I tried to have a little Christmas photo shoot with Chaucer today, but someone was NOT in the Christmas spirit.
Sweet Baby Chaucey Clause...

Fall Beach Trip: What a Difference a Year Makes

2010-11-24T15:08:00.007-06:00

Fall Beach Trip 2009

Fall Beach Trip 2010

Michael and I have made it a tradition to go to Gulf Shores, AL each November. The main purpose of this trip is for me to knock out 95% of my Christmas shopping in about two days time. We also love it because the weather is beautiful and the crowds are slim.
What no one knows is that the 2009 beach picture is also the morning we found out that we were pregnant with our 4th child. Unfortunately, a few weeks later, we lost that precious child just as we had lost the first three.
Yes, this current pregnancy is our 5th, and although we never wanted to lose a baby, I am so thankful that God led us through this journey because I now have a totally different perspective on life. There were many, MANY days that I repeatedly asked, "Why, God?". There were many days that I had to walk away from a situation or conversation because I was overcome with emotion and pain. There were many days when I would cry all the way home from work because I did not understand how someone could not want a precious child that they had been blessed with or how they could have healthy child after healthy child and do drugs their entire pregnancy...I was doing everything perfect. What was wrong with me? There were many days that I prayed for a negative pregnancy test because I was afraid of the sadness that had always followed a positive one.
Now, though, I can see the picture so clearly. Michael and I were not ready for a child two years ago. We were not ready as husband and wife to add another part to the equation, and we were not ready spiritually, financially...I could go on and on.
Since beginning our journey through pregnancy loss, I have been bombarded by texts, phone calls, emails, etc. from others who are experiencing the same thing, and in NO WAY do I think this is by mistake. I have had the opportunity to share our story with many people, and to share the ultimate message that God's plan for each of us is so perfect. I know that it may not sink in with them immediately, but my prayer is that it will at least get them through. Those days when I was overcome with fear, sadness, etc. that is the phrase that I would repeat to myself hundreds of times each day. God's plan is so perfect... God's plan is so perfect... God's plan is so perfect... It was the only thing that got me through.
The following picture speaks volumes to me. Now, 25 weeks pregnant with our healthy, precious Lilly Blair. We now know how precious life is and how TRULY GREAT our God is. We are SO ready now, and we can say without a doubt that God's plan for us to become parents was truly perfect...

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

Happy November...

2010-11-01T11:05:00.003-05:00

18 weeks...

2010-11-01T11:03:00.006-05:00

17 weeks...

2010-11-01T11:03:00.005-05:00

16 weeks...

2010-11-01T11:00:00.001-05:00

Unfortunately, the 16 week picture is lost somewhere on the external hard drive. Hoping to find it soon :(

It's a GIRL!!!...

2010-10-13T17:35:00.002-05:00

Meet Lilly Blair Ford...

Technical Difficulties...

2010-10-13T06:06:00.001-05:00

I know I'm running WAY behind on my weekly updates. My computer crashed last week, and my 16 week picture is currently safe on the external hard drive, but I have no way of retrieving it at this point. I will be catching up ASAP. We are going this morning for our detailed ultrasound. Can't wait to see that sweet face, and I'm hoping it will cooperate so we will know boy or girl. Most of all I'm just praying for perfectly healthy...

Will update tonight!

15 Weeks...

2010-09-30T18:22:00.004-05:00

The highlight of this week was feeling LillyClark move for the first time. It is the best feeling ever, and it has made me even more thankful for this wonderful blessing God has given us! Every time I feel this precious miracle move, it is a reminder that we owe all of the praise to Him. His plan for us to have a child was SO perfect, even when we could not see it!

14 Weeks...

2010-09-21T19:34:00.005-05:00

I went for my 14 week appointment today. I told Michael there was no need for him to miss work and go because all they would do is fetal heart tones, measurements, etc. and he really wouldn't miss anything. Well, little did I know that LillyClark (that's what our families are calling the baby to keep from saying "it") was going to be strong willed and not cooperative. My doctor tried for a while to get a heart rate with the doppler. You would hear about two beats and then LillyClark would move. Finally she said she was tired of chasing the child and that we would just do an ultrasound. I was upset that Michael didn't get to see it, but I can bet he won't miss another appointment no matter what I say!

LillyClark was in the middle of a flip...

We go back in 3 weeks, and hopefully after that we can start saying "Lilly" or "Clark". CAN'T it WAIT to find out what it is!!!

13 Weeks

2010-09-14T14:18:00.005-05:00

Please excuse the all natural look this week. I have felt less than stellar recently. So far, this has been the hardest week for me. It has been full of doctor visits, phone calls, lab work, bed rest, etc. I've had some issues with my blood pressure skyrocketing and then bottoming out. The doctors seem to think it has something to do with hypoglycemia and me not eating enough (which, I know what you're thinking...judging by the size of my belly, THAT doesn't seem to be the problem). I have noticed an increase in nausea which may inadvertently lead to a decrease in food intake. Quite frankly, the only thing that sounds good these days is a cup of Wendy's chili with TONS and TONS of hot sauce in it. SO weird, I know. Michael and I were in the drive through at 10:00 pm last night. Michael asked the lady if they sold their chili in vats...unfortunately, she did not know what a vat was. Guess that means he will be making many, many trips to Wendy's!!!
We are leaving for Orlando on Friday. Michael has a conference, and I am tagging along. You will find me at the pool. Yes, in my maternity swimsuit. No, I couldn't care less...I will know NONE of these people. Who says poolside bed rest isn't better for you anyway?!?!

One good thing from this week, is that we got to sneak and unexpected peak at Baby Ford. It just happens to be looking SO precious sucking its thumb. Blurry and hard to see, I know. She said my bladder was too full to get a clear picture...what else is new?!?!

12 Weeks...

2010-09-07T19:58:00.002-05:00

He's My Baby Daddy!

2010-09-07T16:37:00.004-05:00

Well, Michael and I have a BIG announcement:
Meet Baby Ford

We are so excited to finally be able to spread the news. Michael and I will be expecting our first child in March (the 20th to be exact). I am 12 weeks pregnant, and I am planning on doing a weekly post starting this week.
We cannot explain how excited and thankful we are to have a healthy, precious baby on the way. God has truly blessed us beyond all measure.

The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.
Psalm 126:3

I've Gone Psycho...in a good way!

2010-07-12T16:18:00.006-05:00

I have always been rather OCD about certain things. But, the older I have gotten (and especially now that I'm paying the bills) the more things I obsess about. Michael is constantly telling me, "Jamie, we have to live in our house too!". Usually he says that after I have scolded him for leaving the iron and ironing board out longer than I would have liked...by the way, in our next house (which we will have to build because I have too many specific criteria) we will have a fold out, full size ironing board in our laundry room that can easily be used and then quickly put away. Anyway, my anal tendencies have been an area of my life that has caused me lots of unnecessary stress, and there were certain points where it definitely became unhealthy.
Well, this weekend I was sick (strep throat to be exact) and I did not work Saturday and Sunday as scheduled. I laid in the bed all day Saturday and most of the day Sunday, but by late Sunday afternoon the walls seemed to be closing in on me. I was feeling somewhat better and very well rested (which is quite unusual for someone who works the crazy hours of a health care provider) so I decided that I would work on some of my "Organized in 2010" goals. This is something that I established for myself. It started out as a folder on my desktop where I would store certain documents that I had typed (such as 2010's Christmas Gifts To Buy - which has been there since January 2010!!), pictures of home decor and organizational ideas, etc. But, I have recently discovered Flylady. Although this site tends to be more appropriate for a stay-at-home-mom it is such a wonderful site to help someone start to get control of their chaos - whether it be true physical clutter or a mental obstacle that your house is always messy when it truly isn't (ME!!).
So, I downloaded all of Flylady's documents and adapted them to meet our household routine and needs including: a morning routine, a before bed routine, a basic plan for my short week at work, a basic plan for my long week at work, and her zones for the month of July. I took it a step further by creating my own documents on weekly meal planning, weekly grocery list, weekly cleaning, master to-do list, and all of my go-to dinner, lunch, and favorite snack recipes.
I printed off the appropriate amount of all the documents, stapled, hole punched, sheet protected, divided, etc. where necessary, and ta-dah...

So, now that you know I'm psycho, let me explain. I work long and difficult hours (I know, wah wah wah - there's people that don't have one job much less two, I know, I know) and one of my jobs is quite emotionally draining. So, doing this was absolutely liberating, and it helped me to instantly create an environment of peace in my home. All of the things in this binder were getting done each week, but it was followed by lots of worrying and replaying in my mind if I had finished each task to my standard. Now that they are typed out in simple black and white I can place a simple check mark beside the item when I finish it. It's the absolute best thing I have done since we moved into our house. I truly feel like someone has lifted a 5,000 pound weight off of my chest. I am so happy that I can now focus on the things in my life that really matter, like my Savior who has provided all of these earthly blessings, my precious Babes and the Chaucey Baby. So so so happy...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

Trying to Play Catch Up...

2010-05-26T14:59:00.009-05:00

Sorry about my sabbatical from the world of blogging. Michael and I have been extremely busy the last few months...mostly with work, but we have made time for a little fun. Hopefully these pictures will catch you up and allow me a fresh start. We've been doing...

A LOT of bathing a stinky bulldog...
(he now takes showers, and LOVES them!)

and blow drying...

and kissing...

and frisbying...

A little mowing...

a little sailing on the Friendship II...

a little Bride's maiding...

a little baseball watching...

I guess this is still considered baseball watching...

a little sweetying...

staying cool with a little ice eating...

and a little puppy sitting...

OK so I made up a few words to make this little picture collage work, but just pretend I didn't.

Back to My Addiction...

2010-03-03T20:30:00.010-06:00

In my early college years (pre-nursing days, of course!) I had a small addiction to making jewelry. It became a small source of income in college, and it was such great therapy for me. I am thankful that my friend, Julie, gave me an excuse to get back into it. I just finished making LOTS of these earrings for her upcoming wedding...

and a few other things to sell...
$35

$20

$28

$18

$45

$18

If you are interested in these or other custom pieces, please feel free to contact me. All are made with high quality materials - sterling silver, 14k gold filled, Swarovski, etc.
jamieford416(at)gmail(dot)com

Lazy Weekend...

2010-02-28T20:04:00.006-06:00

It has been quite the lazy weekend at the Ford's, and completely focused on the Chaucer...

Johnnie Pop and Meme Mary came over for dinner on Friday and brought treats as any grandparent would...

we took lots of naps...

lots of potty trips...

had lots of snuggling with mommy and daddy...

and did lots of Olympic watching...

Chaucer will be going to Bob and Medow's for the day tomorrow, so we are off to bed to get lots of rest and prepare for an exciting day!!

Chaucer's New Friends...

2010-02-17T16:54:00.005-06:00

Chaucer has been one busy pup...

Family Dinner Night...

Fo1/2BuMu came to visit...

Meeting everyone at Michael's Office...

Shopping at The Cupboard...
Being this precious is exhausting...

Introducing Chaucer E. Ford...

2010-02-13T19:59:00.003-06:00

A Few Pictures...

2010-02-08T16:09:00.003-06:00

I can truly say that Michael and I have the best friends in the world! We recently had dinner with them to celebrate Amie's b'day, and of course I took my camera...

Dinner at Bonsai with Fo1/2BuMu...

John and Amie's sweet new puppy, Phoebe. She is absolutely beautiful. I can't wait for her to meet Chaucer...

Tucker is so mad that Phoebe is stealing the attention he is accustomed to receiving...

So thankful to have these people in our lives.

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

Plans for the Weekend...

2010-01-26T14:32:00.013-06:00

This weekend, Michael and I will be busy preparing for the baby.

killing ant beds...
(with an eco and pet friendly concoction)

cutting grass...
(so that we can locate Chaucer in the yard when we start our intense house training regimen)

transplanting lantana...
(the berries are poisonous to pets)

securing the water hose...
(this was Winston's favorite thing to drag all across the yard!)

locating the poop jaws...
(Michael used this for poop-scooping. I used it to scare Winston when he was being bad.)

and setting up the nursery...
(hopefully he won't have a bed fetish like Winston)

A Trip to See Chaucer...

2010-01-16T20:25:00.005-06:00

Michael and I drove to Aberdeen, Mississippi today to meet Chaucer for the first time. It was so wonderful to see Wendy (our breeder) and her children, Georgia (Winston's mom), Maddie & Lucy (Winston's sisters), and our sweet Chaucer.
I was immediately attached to all seven puppies the second I walked in. I wish I could take all of them. Of course I took about a million pictures. Meet Chaucer E. Ford...

Oh, how this trip made me miss our precious Winston. To see his sisters all fat and wrinkly really reminded me of him. A year ago, you could have never convinced me that anyone could love a dog so much, but there was something about him that stole our heart immediately. We became "the crazy cat lady" before we even knew it! Although Winston's life was cut way short, I am so thankful for the time we had with him. I cannot even put into words how precious he was to us. He taught us (in addition to lots of patience) to love life and to love the bulldog breed. I cannot wait to love Chaucer that much!

Amanda wasn't paying attention in class...

2009-12-09T21:42:00.003-06:00

My friend Amanda posted this on my Facebook wall a few days ago...I still laugh uncontrollably every time I watch it.

My Job is DONE...

2009-11-25T21:04:00.005-06:00

The following "duty" rule applies in our house 24/7/365...
Inside the house: Jamie's responsibility
Outside the house: Michael 's responsibility

Well, I have FINALLY finished decorating the inside of our house for Christmas. It usually takes me 2 full days, but this year it took 3. I added a few extras and didn't realize how time consuming my "small additions" were. Oh well, I LURVE decorating for Christmas...it's absolutely one of my top 3 favorite things to do. I still have a couple of ideas here and there, but for the most part, I am FINISHED, EXHAUSTED, and ECSTATIC!!!

Michael is going to do the outside while I am working this weekend. He always does such a great job with the outdoor decor because he works so hard to hide wires, lights, etc. I will update this post with pictures of the outside when he finishes. As of tonight, we have santas inside and pumpkins outside...weird?!?!?!

Ahhh...

2009-10-28T16:12:00.002-05:00

Reading this blog post felt like inhaling a huge breath of fresh air. It left me thanking God for my precious husband and wishing that he was home so that I could love on him.

MckMama: marriage, submitting, forgiving and ducking.

Hotty Toddy!!!

2009-10-25T18:42:00.005-05:00

Michael and I spent this past weekend in Oxford with our friends Thad and Amanda (and Thad's roommate Charlie...although I don't feel compelled to give him a shout out because he "doesn't really get in to blogs..." Whatever.) As always with these two (and "roommate") we had an absolute blast! Michael and I are truly blessed with the most wonderful friends and we are so very thankful. Here are some pictures from the festivities...

Best play of the entire game...

A Weekend Away...

2009-10-15T20:19:00.011-05:00

Thanks to Michael's WONDERFUL bosses, we were able to spend this past weekend in the Crescent City! We haven't been out of town since our New York trip last December, so we were really looking forward to a weekend away. We were excited about the Audubon Zoo and Aquarium (not quite as huge as it seemed as a child), shopping on Magazine Street, and (of course) eating some really good food. It was a quick yet delightful trip...

First Stop: Audubon Zoo

This reminded me of my job...

This reminded me of my husband...

(only kidding...sort of)

Friday Dinner: Brennan's
They had a great four course dinner special that we really enjoyed.

Everyone told us that we should have eaten breakfast here instead of dinner Then I explain that I cannot even begin to get close to an egg without throwing up in my mouth...and that my reaction is especially bad before noon.
Plus who wouldn't love a fried dough ball with powered sugar on it for breakfast anyway?? That sounds much better to me...

Saturday Breakfast: Cafe du Monde

Saturday Lunch: Guys Po-boys
We ate with our friends/past co-worker Hannah and Jason who have recently moved to NOLA.

Their house is just precious...

After some GREAT shopping on Magazine Street...
we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner.

Saturday Dinner: Emeril's Delmonico

What an IMPRESSIVE restaurant. I cannot even begin to explain how beautiful and yummy this place was.

I was blown away with my non-seafood loving sweety's choice for an appetizer...lump crab cake. Every time I would question his food selection by saying, "Babes...do you know what's in that?" He would sarcastically respond with, "Well, I am trying to expand my palette!!" Maybe he really does read my blog?!?!

I had lamb meatballs...perfection!!!

We both had fillets for our entree followed by what I would like to call heaven in a ramekin a.k.a. Chocolate Creme Brulee
What a wonderful weekend with an even more wonderful husband...I love him SOOOOO much!

Like Mother like Son...

2009-09-08T15:01:00.004-05:00

I looked out the back door yesterday and saw this...

Let me explain...Michael and I are both very OCD about certain (yet different - which can lead to some intense moments of fellowship) things. Michael is OCD about weeds in the yard. On many occasions, I have to go pull Michael inside to keep him from literally crawling from one side of our yard to the other. It's the craziest thing I have ever seen!! We try to go for a walk in our neighborhood, and we can't even get out of the driveway before Michael is crawling in the yard, yet again, pulling weeds. It is so embarrassing and I'm sure our neighbors are thinking that he is "special."
In Michael's defense, I truly think that this problem is not his fault. I have good reasons to believe that it is in his blood. You see, I have walked in his parents house on many occasions and seen his mother doing this exact same thing. She pulls weeds, rakes leaves, and sweeps the kitchen floor...all while crawling around on all fours. She is fully equipped with Roundup, a rake, a broom, and a vacuum. Is it just me or is this not the weirdest thing??

Mac & Cheese is NOT a Vegetable...

2009-09-02T11:42:00.009-05:00

If you walk into my house at any given time, you can pretty much bet that the TV that I am watching will either be on HGTV or Food Network. Michael gripes about this CONSTANTLY, but my two favorite pastimes are cooking and decorating! When Michael and I decided to get married, we both had a few requirements that we thought the other person MUST do. I have forgotten all of my requirements (I think one of them might have been that he do all of the yard work, but I now enjoy working in my yard, so he got lucky!), but one of Michael's was that I handle everything in the kitchen. No problem (I thought), because I LOVE to cook...until I realized just how picky my husband is about food. Below is a list of food that he will eat...

Red Meat (Steak, hamburgers, meatloaf, etc.)
Fries
Green Beans
Corn
Potatoes
Mac & Cheese
Pork Loin
Three Cheese Tortellini
Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls
Ice Cream
Chocolate Cake
Cheese Nips
On a side note...each night that I cook, I will ask Michael what vegetable(s) he would like to go with his piece of cow. He almost always says, "macaroni and cheese." Each time he says this (especially after getting his recent lab work back from the life insurance company) I have to go into my speech..."Michael, although mac & cheese is in the vegetable section at Picadilly, it does not grow out of the ground, and is therefore NOT a vegetable. What vegetable would you like?" So, the other night, I decided to surprise him (and Snerdly) with some homemade Mac & Cheese. Bless his heart (literally!!)

Back to my original point...So, after only a year and a half of marriage I am SO SICK of these foods. I feel like I eat at The Cracker Barrel every single night. As a matter of fact, I got very nauseated and my mouth started to water as I typed those foods. Maybe I should have clarified when we were discussing our pre-martial requirements that I enjoy cooking DIFFERENT things. I am at a loss for what to do, but I think I have decided that I am going to slowly try to broaden the horizon of his palette. He better hold on tight...this could get really ugly.

Back From My Blogging Sabbatical...

2009-08-16T19:57:00.004-05:00

The last couple of months have been quite busy for Michael and me, and I inadvertently took a long break from the world of blogging. No fear, though, I'm back! I was trying to re-enter the blogosphere with an exciting post, but I have no earth-shattering news or event. So, I guess I will explain what's been going on at the Ford's in the last few weeks.
I have recently poured a large amount of my time into organizing my life, and I am finally feeling much better about the whole situation. It's amazing to me how clutter can cause such anxiety. One little thing can be unorganized (i.e. my closet, car, work bag, lunch box, etc.) and I cannot cope. Is it unhealthy? Yes. Do I need Lexapro? Yes. Does Michael think I need Lexapro? Yes. Am I about to get on Lexapro? Yes. Anyway, my life is 99% organized now, and I am so excited about it.
Also, I am now working the same hours as you people reading this blog! I now have a full-time days position, and I couldn't be more thrilled. I so took for granted the small things like being able to have dinner with my husband. Working nights for a year really made me realize how special things like that are and how easily they can be overlooked. I am so thankful that God provided me the opportunity to have a job that I love so much. When you look at the big picture, working nights was really a small sacrifice considering how great my job is. I definitely have GREAT respect for people who work nights on a long term basis. I would need more than Lexapro!!
Michael and I have been enjoying thinking about what will be coming to our house around January 2010. Chaucer and Colette! We have our fingers crossed! Which reminds me, I have got to talk to my doctor (about the Lexapro) and our breeder (about the puppies)!
I promise I won't stay away as long this time...

Fun Filled Fourth...

2009-07-07T22:34:00.004-05:00

As you may have read here, Michael and I spent the July 4th weekend with some friends at Eagle lake. Words cannot express how bruised and sore I am...My co-workers made so much fun of me when I limped around the unit on Monday. They all got a really good laugh out of my misery. No fear though, I've already got a couple of appointments scheduled with the chiropractor, orthopedic surgeon, neurosurgeon specializing in spinal trauma, and massage therapist. I am certainly not near as young as I used to be. I will forever regret yelling, "Show me what you got Big Richard!!!". Besides the soreness, we had such a wonderful weekend. I have said this many times, and I will probably say it lots more, but I truly believe that I have the most wonderful friends in the world! They make my life so great!
This picture was taken approximately 20 seconds after I yelled out the quote mentioned above. It may explain my soreness...

Finally Finished...

2009-06-26T17:29:00.011-05:00

Thanks to Kelly's Korner and her tour of homes (in a sense) I enjoy looking at pictures of my friend's homes. I don't think I have the dedication it takes to post pictures of my home every Friday, but I so enjoy looking at everyone elses.

Michael and I moved into our house a little over a year ago, and we have worked so hard to get it like we want it. We had no furniture or furnishings, a master bath that was desperate for attention, and a yard that had not been touched in over a year. I am SO thankful to say, though...that it's complete!! I just love coming home and being able to relax instead of knowing there's a major project hanging over my head. It's the best feeling in the world, and I am so very thankful for mine and Michael's home.

One of my favorite things to do is to entertain in my home. I feel like that is a way that I can share what God has blessed us with as well as fellowship with our friends and family. Nothing makes me happier than to open my home to others, and I hope that I can continue this habbit throughout my life.

I am always so impressed wth my friend, Sarah Denley, and her ability to actually post a picture of her home each week (Stop by and see her precious home...it is great!). I love seeing the diversity in everyone's taste, but it always ends up making a beautiful home. So, here's my one home tour. I will not be posting pictures of Michael's office...it's always a total mess, and I am embarrassed for you to see it. I love my husband with all of my heart, but we do not have the same cleaning habbitts. I may post some pictures if it ever gets clean?!?!?! BIG IF!!!

Anyway, if you are ever on the neighborhood, please stop by and see us :)...

Happy Father's Day...

2009-06-21T13:55:00.004-05:00

Here's hoping that you have a wonderful Father's day. Michael and I are so thankful to be blessed with such great fathers and a grandfather. You all do so much for us, and for that, we are so very grateful. I cannot imagine where we would be today without the love and devotion that our fathers have shown us. I am so very glad to say that we are ultimately blessed with the ability to claim our Heavenly Father as our father, too...

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
And make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold the man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Why should I gain from His reward
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

Busy Weekend Ahead...

2009-06-17T04:46:00.003-05:00

I will be absent from the world of bogging for the weekend...Michael and I have a busy few days ahead of us. His younger brother, Jonathan, is getting married Saturday!! We are so very excited about all of the wedding festivities, and even more excited about Sara officially becoming a FORD!!! I can't wait to post some pictures from the weekend...

Winsty Thursday...Wrap Up...

2009-06-09T16:15:00.000-05:00

OK, I think it's time to bring this series of posts to an end. I know that you are so tired of looking at pictures of Winston that are only special to us. So, in this final post, I will include some of our most favorite pictures of our beautiful dog.

We may have been a little biased, but we thought Winston was the most beautiful one in his litter. He was the first one born, biggest puppy, and we know that it was meant for us to be his parents, becuase when we contacted the breeder, he was the only male still available. He brought more joy to Michael and me than we could ever imagine, and although I am very sad everytime I walk by his favorite places to lay throughout the house, I know that we will see our Winston again one day. As far as I am concerned, he can destory every bed that exists in heaven. Here are some of our most favorite pictures of our sweety...

I still miss my baby so much. I was checking my email last night at work, and our sweet breeder, Wendy, had emailed me some pictures that she took of Winston before he came to live with us. I began to tear up, and I had to just shut the computer down and walk off...I was quickly losing it. I still sob like a baby everytime I blog about him. That is one reason I am choosing to end the posts about Winston. So, please pray for Michael and me as we contuniue to (somewhat stupidly) grieve. Our house is still so quiet. Some people probably think we have lost our mind, but they are the ones that never met our Winston.

We know that there will be more bulldogs in the future. As a matter of fact, the only thing that makes us happy is to talk about another one. We have already decided on names...Chaucer (male) or Penelope (female). It may be a while, but hopefully the next dog picture I post will be of a new puppy...

I want to say one last thank you to all of our family and friends that have called, texted, emailed, blogged, sent facebook messages, made donations in memory of Winston, offered to bring food, and sent cards and flowers. You are all so very special to us, and each kind thought or word has meant so much to us. God has truly blessed Michael and me with the most wonerful family and friends. We would not be who we are today without all of them. You all have made this terrible time a little easier. Our prayer has always been to be the type of friend that you all have been to us. Thanks again for listening to us babble about our precious Winsty Baby everytime we were around you.

Winsty Tuesday...Bed Disasters...

2009-06-09T15:59:00.000-05:00

If you knew Winston, you knew he LOVED to destroy his bed. In the nine short months that we had Winston, he had FIVE different beds. He eventually learned that when he destroyed one bed, he had to sleep on the tile floor for a few weeks until his mommy felt sorry for him. The last one was around for a while...I'd like to think he was learning.

This was Winston's first bed, and it was my favorite. One night, Michael was telling Winston that only girls sleep on zebra print...

I guess Winston heard him because the next morning, we found this...

This was bed number four. My grandparents gave it to him for Christmas. I made him sit on it and promise me that he would not tear this one up...

and the next morning, we found this...

Winsty Monday...Winston and all of his friends...

2009-06-08T16:00:00.002-05:00

Since Winston was a puppy, I tried very hard to get a picture of him with everyone that came to visit. He always made them feel very welcome by meeting them at the door and either licking their toes or untying their shoe laces for the first hour they were in our house. I can't talk too bad about him though, because he was so not the hyper, jumping, barking dog that can quickly annoy every guest. He was allowed on the couch only when we had company. He knew this, and as you will see in some of the pictures, definitely took advantage of that priveldge. It seemed that everyone that came into our house absolutely fell in love with him, and if you couldn't tell already...so did his mommy and daddy.

Here are some pictures of Winston and all of his friends. I'm sorry if you are one of Winston's friends and I missed getting a picture of you...

Medow tried so hard to like Winston. I am so proud of her for even touching him...

Amanda was quite different from Medow. She liked Winston as long as he was nowhere near her. I think he could sense her distaste for him because he always found a way to get close to her...Thad may have helped him a little?!?!?!

Winsty Saturday...sleeping with Daddy

2009-06-06T22:44:00.007-05:00

I know that I originally said that I would post a funny picture/story about Winston every Wednesday, but I have come across too many cute ones. I would have to spread them out over way too many weeks for you to care. So, I will just post a cute picture or two and short description every day or two to speed this process along. I know that you are so sick of reading about Winston, but I the only way I can not be a total blubbery mess is to think about all of the sweet/funny memories we have with him. So, I promise not to drag this out for a miserable amount of time, but for right now, it is good therapy to remember my Sweet Winsty in this manner...

Winston loved both of us very much, but it was pretty obvious that he liked Michael the most. I'm OK with that because I originally had to beg (yes, cry and plead) Michael to let us get Winston, and Michael ended up falling head over hills in love with Winston..more than I ever though possible. Here are a few cute pictures of Winston and Michael sleeping in the chair together or laying on the floor together. I love these...they are so sweet.

He Was Such a Sweety...

2009-06-05T16:36:00.008-05:00

As many of you know, Michael and I lost our precious English Bulldog, Winston, on Tuesday. He was such a spoiled dog, and we loved him like a child...he WAS our child.

Michael wrote the sweetest blog about the Winsty Baby...

The Ford Retort

I am so sad that he left us so early, but he brought so much joy to so many people in just one short year. Please take time to read Michael's blog. It really does totally express our love for him.

Also, the outpouring of love from all of our friends and family has been absolutely unbelieveable. I am sorry that I have not been able to respond to all of the text messages, facebooks, emails, etc. Please know that your kind words have meant so much to us during this very difficult time. It is so amazng to me how God prepares you for situations like this. He has blessed us with such a wonderful family, and allowed us to become friends with the finest people around. We have felt so surrounded with the most amazing family and friends, and we are truly grateful.

Every Wednesday, I will post a favorite picture of Winston. So, please check back for the next few Wednesdays to see how sweet our baby really was.

Bathroom Remodel...Before and After Pics...

2009-05-27T00:51:00.013-05:00

You have listened to our whining for a month now. You've heard all about our house being a disaster due to our bathroom remodel. Well, here's the proof that we survived. The house is back to normal, and it was all so worth it.

Master Bath Before...

And After...

My most favorite thing is the glass tiles we used on the backsplash, tub surround, shower border, and soap shelves. One day, when we build our dream home, I want the whole wall behind the vanity to be solid glass tiles with a mirror hung on top of the tiles...notice I said dream home. It will most likely stay in my dreams, but oh well...

My vision for the bathroom when we started picking out things for the remodel was for it to be this spa-like getaway. I wanted somewhere to just escape. I think we have achieved that, and I am so very happy with it.

I still need to purchase some Aveda products (what good spa isn't stocked with Aveda products?), some artwork for the wall across from the shower, some vintage glass doorknobs for the french doors and closet doors (I am hoping to find some that go well with the new knobs on the cabinet doors...I am opened to suggestions!), and a few accessories for the countertop and bathtub. I am also looking for a small, drum-like stool to place by the bathtub, but I am trying to be very careful and patient to be sure everything is just perfect.

I told Michael last night that I also want to put a flat panel TV on the wall between the shower and bathtub, but he told me that I had exceeded my wish allotment. Hey, it didn't hurt to try!!!

Thanks for listening to our whining and complaining, and next time you are stressed...just call me. You are more than welcome to stop by and take a steam shower or bubble bath in our new bathroom...it is sure to relax you!

Hopefully next week, I can post pictures of our new landscaping. This will complete our renovations at 106 Greer Court for MANY, MANY years!!!!

Winston's Birthday is Almost Here...

2009-05-23T23:13:00.003-05:00

We have decided what we are getting Winston for his 1st birthday...

Another Lazy Sunday...

2009-05-10T16:00:00.003-05:00

Mother's Day wore my two favorite boys OUT!!! They look so peaceful now, but I am about to have to wake them up. We are heading to my sister's house for dinner. Wish me luck...they can both get rather grouchy when awoken.

Happy Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T15:53:00.006-05:00

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother" - Abraham Lincoln

Words cannot fully express how much I appreciate my mother. I would not be who I am today without her. She has taught me more than I even realize. How wonderful she is...

Happy Mother's Day, Mom! I love you with all of my heart!!!

Winston wore his red polo for our Mother's Day Lunch with Meme and Medow!!

A Much Needed Break...

2009-05-01T07:00:00.002-05:00

Last weekend, a few of my co-workers and I decided to spend our long weekend wisely by taking a quick trip to the beach, and boy was it worth the trip. We spent the entire time eating, sunning, and shopping. It was a WONDERFUL weekend except for the fact that the red-flag sized waves swallowed up my favorite pair of DG's...

I love to sit on the beach and people watch. If you were with us, you would have seen the following... I couldn't help but take pictures. Only at the beach would you see things this weird and inappropriate.

Crazy, stalker Seagull...

Man fishing with waves large enough to put out the red flag... someone please tell me what he thought he was going to catch standing 6 feet from the shore?!?!?!

Traingle top, maternity cut-off shorts, and her belly was not due to a pregnancy...

Another example of a triangle top violation...

and another...

Yes, that is her leg you see around his waist...GROSS!!

We saw A LOT of this...buy larger bottoms, Mam!!...

My child will do this one time...then I will KILL her!!!!!!!!!

p.s. If you see Michael in some new duds, it's due to my trip to the outlet mall. Medow will be happy to know that I expanded his selection of dress pants. She claims that he wears his grey pinstripe pants too frequently.

It's a Sister Thing...

2009-04-29T20:41:00.006-05:00

2 weekends ago, my step-sisters (For the remainder of the post, I will refer to them as my sisters. I was tring to cut down on confusion, but they really are MY sisters.) and I participated in something that has become a yearly tradition for us...the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. How thankful I am that we can walk in celebration and not in honor of...

On December 5, 2006, my oldest sister Cindy's world was rocked to it's core. At 41 years old, she was diagnosed with stage III B breast cancer. She endured 4 rounds of chemo before having a bilateral mastectomy in March of 2007, and another 6 rounds of chemo post-surgery. It has been 2 years, and she as remained CANCER FREE!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!

I cannot tell you how thankful I am that my God, the Great Physician, chose to heal my sister while allowing her to remain on this earth with us. I cannot imagine my life without her! This may sound crazy, but her journey through breast cancer was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. She would probably disagree with my last statement, so, let me explain...If I were in her shoes, I would have fallen apart a long time ago, but my sister was so solid through it all. She radiated this peace that was absolutely undeniable. It was obvious that she totally trusted in God, and gosh, He has truly rewarded her trust.

She is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING, and I am SO glad that she is MY sister. I look forward to walking in this walk every year in CELEBRATION of Cindy Scott.

My Sweety...

2009-04-17T08:49:00.006-05:00

Has anyone seen my sweety lately?? I apologize for my obsession with taking pictures of my dog, but if you have ever met him, you know how addicting Winsty love is!!!

Winsty LOVES squash (as well as Krystal Hamburgers, Cupcakes, Ice Cream, and Pork Loin). If only I could get Michael to eat squash!!

LONG Time, No Blogging...

2009-04-13T16:20:00.006-05:00

So many people (mainly the Usual Suspects) have incessantly nagged me about my absence in the world of blooging...SORRY, GUYS!! It seems that my life has been very busy lately, but when I look back, I cannot recall any events of note that would result in the chaos that I have been experiencing. It seems that all I do is work, feed Michael, feed Winston, feed myself, clean up, sleep, work, feed Michael, feed Winston....

This weekend was a fabulous break from the usual routine. On Friday, I celebrated my birthday with my grandmother at Julep, and went plant shoppping with my mother. Much to my mother's surprise, I have become quite OCD about my yard now that I pay the mortgage. On Saturday, Michael and I spent the day gallivanting around toun. On Sunday, we celebrated Easter by going to church with these folks. Because it's my birthday week, I was also able to bribe Michael into taking me to PF Changs for lunch. I love it; he hates it, but he knows the rule for my birthday week :)

I am looking forward to April 24th. I will be going to Gulf Shores, AL with four of my wonderful co-workers. We will do a lot of sunning, shoppping, and of course, eating. It will be a much needed break!! Michael is excited because:

1) he HATES the beach (if you look at his skin, you will understand why), and this is his way of not having to take me to get my annual beach fix.

2) he knows that there is a Polo and Banana Republic outlet store!!

I have some really cute pictures of Winston. I will post them as soon as I find my camera charger. Also, I will try not to stay away so long this time :)

What a year...

2009-03-16T01:53:00.008-05:00

I am technically 2 hours late posting...oh well.

One year ago, March 15, 2008, I became Mrs. Michael Edward Ford. It is SO very hard to believe it has already been a year, but what a year it has been!!! I should have known that getting married and graduating would not simplify my life as I thought, but I definitely cannot complain. God has truly blessed us so much in one short year. I spent some time today looking at my proof book (because I just recently ordered my wedding ablum due to my inability to make a decision on pictures...thank you Ron Blayloc k!) and reminiscing about such a wonderful day. Unlike today, it was a beautiful spring day. Beautiful beacuse of the weather, but also beautiful because I became a wife to the most wonderful man I know. Here are a few candid shots from our special day...

Wish I was here right now with the love of my life...

"Hoppy" Easter...

2009-03-11T16:25:00.005-05:00

Here comes Peter Cottontail...

I have insomnia...he's just crazy...

2009-03-10T20:48:00.004-05:00

I love my husband so very much, but I must say that trying to sleep next to him and obtain a restful night of sleep is nearly impossible.

Let me paint a picture of what it's like. Hang with me...When I was in nuring school, I did a rotation through the Mississippi State Hospital, formerly known as Whitfield. I was placed in the all-male schizophrenia unit. I will let you guess how much I enjoyed that! Anyway, one of the nurses that worked in that unit spent the majority of her day sleeping...let me rephrase that...I never saw her awake. Anytime some crazy person (my former professors would DIE if they read that) would run through the halls (usually naked, being chased by some person they had imagined, or thinking they were on fire), the nurse, who looked something like this would yell, "You crazy fools don't stop runnin' in here naked, yelling, and waking me up, I gone have to quit this place!!!"

I won't even go into explaining my concerns behind her, but I can totally relate to how she feels when she is trying to get her beauty rest. Not that Michael is running through the house naked (although he would probably like for you to think that he does...seems like something he would say), but he sure does manage to keep me awake at night.

Last night, around 1:00 am, Michael was asleep, and I was lying in the bed watching TV. All of a sudden Michael jumps and looks over at me with a look that can only be compared to when you dump water on a baby's head in the bathtub...you know that panicked look. He starts brushing his pillow off saying there was a spider on his pillow. I HATE a spider, so I jumped out of the bed and ran over to his side. I was asking some qustions about the spider, and he looks at me with this very angry look and says, "It ain't no spider, it's just a spidey lookin' thang". He said that phrase at least 5 times before I could get back to my side of the bed. Now do you see what may contribute to my insomnia?!?!

He has also been known to do the following while sleeping:

* jump out of the bed gasping and snorting because he "stopped breathing"????

* sit straight up and yell, "Winston is still outside!!!!!!!!!!!!" (We have a fear of leaving him outside)

* hold his arm up in the air just long enough for you to realize what it is and then drop it directly on your face.

* Sit up and yell, "Get than bird cage out of here!!!!!!!!!"

I am about to start yelling...You crazy fool don't stop runnin' in here naked, yelling, and waking me up, I gone have to quit this place!!!

Off to give Winston a bath...pray for me :)

I have a new addiction...

2009-03-04T19:52:00.005-06:00

I have never been one to do a lot of online shopping. I guess I'm the type that likes to see and touch something before I buy it. I am also not the type of person that can wear just anything. When you have hips and a butt the size of my house and pasty, reddish, freckled skin...your best bet is to try something on and take a looooonnnnggg look in the mirror before purchasing it.

Recently, I have discovered this website. I have always wanted to be a granola girl and I guess this is my way of doing it. Esty is a website that sells handmade unique items. They have the most beautiful jewelry, and it is usually very reasonable. So, if you are in the mood to do a little online shopping, I suggest you stop here. I think you will really enjoy it :) Look at what I bought...all of the earrings were under $20!!!!

25 Random Things...

2009-02-23T14:23:00.003-06:00

If you are a dedicated Facebooker, you are probably familiar with the 25 Random Things About Me. I have truly enjoyed reading everyone's notes, and after I had been tagged a few times, I caved into doing my own. I also thought it would be interesting to do one for Michael as well...

Jamie:

1. I have an obsession with trashy TV, and that obsession has recently increased due to Michael allowing me to have a DVR.

2. Meat weirds me out. I cannot eat any packaged meat such as tuna, hot dogs, etc. I also don't do well with meat "on the bone"...it makes me very sick!!! I just prefer to cook my own meat. Therefore, at a restaurant I usually stick with shrimp, fillet, etc. or just veggies because once I get a piece of fat or gristle, I AM DONE!!!!

3. I married my high school sweetheart, and he is the most wonderful man in the entire universe. Words cannot express how much I love him!!

4. I am an only child and only grandchild on both my mother and father's side...SPOILED!!!

5. I have a English Bulldog named Winston who I love with all my heart!!! He is my newest obsession.

6. I have an unhealthy fear of losing my husband at a young age. I want us to die around 75, together, in our Buick Lesabre...probably not God's plan, but don't worry...I have put the idea in his head.

7. I am good with babies. I guess that's why I work where I do, but I get annoyed when people try to pressure me into having one!

8. I have plans to go back to school, but I am struggling with what to do?!?!?!

9. I love to entertain and I love to cook, but I am married to a very picky eater, so that makes things difficult.

10. According to my husband, I do very good impressions of people. Just ask me...I probably have one of you! :)

11. I am obsessive about my house being clean. If it ever smells like Winston, you have permission to tell me.

12. Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday, and I cannot wait to decorate for it again. I just took my last Christmas tree down last week...I got a little too attached!!!

13. I love to work in the yard. If you knew me from the age of 0 - 20 this is probably a shocker for you!!!

14. I work the night shift, and it makes me sad when I pass my Michael in the entrance of the subdivision.

15. I love cupckaes. They are my absolute favorite thing to eat...why am I doing a low-carb diet again???

16. I have learned that it is way better to have a few close friends. They are like my family, and I could not live my life without them.

17. I want a convertible soon so Winston and me can go riding.

18. I love to decorate my house. On my days off, I "push things around".

19. I love weddings, and my dream job would be a full time wedding planner.

20. I love to travel. I want to go back to London and New York. I also want to go to the following places: California, Disney World, Venice, Paris, Charleston, Maine...very random list, I know!

21. I have this secret desire to have a PhD.

22. I want 4 children...so, #21 probably won't happen.

23. My New Year's resolutions were to not complain and not talk about people. I have not succeeded thus far.

24. I am very observant of other people, and I notice quirks very fast. This is why it is so hard for me to not comment about people, but I am REALLY TRYING!!!

25. I love to get mail...not bills, but like cards and invitations!!!

Michael:

1. Michael is slightly obsessed with his hair. He spends LOTS of time in the shower washing it, and even more time drying and brushing.

2. Michael loves to sneak away with my phone and read my text messages, but he deletes all of his so that I can't do the same.

3. He is such a picky eater. My nightly menu usualy consists of: red meat, green beans, macaroni and cheese/hashbrown casserole/twice baked potatoes, and dessert. I know, I know...the healthiest menu you've seen yet.

4. Michael watches the strangest TV shows...Monk, Psych, Burn Notice. He has not realized that if it comes on USA, it's probabably not the best of shows.

5. I can get ready twice before he is out of the shower.

6. When he helps me clean the house, he will start 50 small jobs and rotate doing all of them...ALL DAY LONG!!!

7. When he is talking on the phone, he cannot do ANYTHING but talk on the cell phone. Major one track mind!!

8. He loves Winston more than I ever thought he would.

9. He is very meticulous about his morning routine, and he gets very upset if you try to rush him.

10. He plays with his "beard connectors" way too much. He knows that it irritates me, but he does it anyway...especially if he is talking on the phone.

11. He loves to read, but struggles to finish a book before he finds another one that he is more interested in.

12. The depth of his common knowledge is MUCH deeper than the average person.

13. Most people don't realize how funny he is until you read his blog.

14. He gets a kick out of using big words that no one else understands, and when you ask him what the large word means, he looks at you like you like the word was as simple as "a", "an", and "the".

15. He loves to dress up for work. He has to do this almost every day with his new job, and he doesn't think I notice him doing his model walk across the house before he goes out the door.

16. He is very particular about our grass. He won't let me cut the grass because I "don't go in the right pattern", nor do I "cut in a straight line".

17. He rinses his toothbrush under hot water for a long period of time before he brushes his teeth.

18. He LOVES Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls and Fudge Rounds.

19. He picks up all of Winsty's "poop piles" in the back yard so it won't kill the grass.

20. He thinks macaroni and cheese is a vegatable.

21. His toes are so short that they almost appear webbed together, and he has no pinky toenail.

22. when he is stressed, he paces around the island in our kitchen.

23. He often gets caught singing gospel songs to Winston.

24. I can order for him at any resturant in the Metro-Jackson area...and I usually do order for him because he gets stressed if he cannot see multiple seating options and paces until he finds us a place to sit.

25. He is very protective of me. If you want to make this laid back, mild mannered man mad...just upset me :)

Winston And His Cousins...

2009-02-20T20:09:00.008-06:00

Sunday night, my two sisters, along with their spouses and children, came to visit Winston. While they were here, we also managed to squeeze in a good meal. Winston was a little skeptical at first, but warmed up very quickly. He is starting to really behave well when we have company. Here are a few pictures from that night...

Winsty wanted a bath before his friends came over...

Everytime someone sits in this chair, Winston thinks he must sit with them!!

Winston and Kelli...this pose cracks me up. It looks like she and Winston just won some 4-H competition!!

Cindy was trying very hard to beat the high score on the "Bubble Pop" application on my iPhone...love the face and that she has her eyes closed!!!!

Poor Winston...he was exhausted from his company. He fell asleep by the door of his crate!! HA!

Lately...

2009-02-17T01:25:00.005-06:00

Sorry for the recent lack of words on the blog. I have been quite discouraged about my job, lately. My life has consisted of sleep, work, sleep, work. I shouldn't be complaining. I know that there are so many people that have much more miserable jobs than I do, but I MISS MY HUSBAND!!!!!!!!! I have been fervently praying for God to show me some light. I am not sure if the light will be in my current job, or somewhere else...but I desperately need to see it. I am feeling defeated and weak, but I am so very thankful that I can cling so tightly to the words of my Lord...
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

He always makes me happy...

Winston's New Favorite Toy...Courtesy of Jeremy and Alyson!!

2009-01-29T16:32:00.007-06:00

Winston got so many toys for Christmas!! In order to make them "live" longer and keep him excited about each one, we gave him a new toy every few days...usually after he had destroyed the previous one!! The toy in the videos below came from our cousins Jeremy and Alyson. It is a ball made from a tire material with a jingle ball inside. I was very excited about this toy because it looked like it may be durable enough to stay around more than a few days. Little did I know that it would keep him occupied as well. I thought at first that he really liked it, but now I have decided that his mission is to KILL IT!!! Too bad it's so durable :(

In the following videos, you will see that he has two strategies:
Burying and Smothering

I tried to make the videos as short as possible! Thanks Jer and Aly for the toy...it is the most entertaining one yet :)

Winston's Recent Company...

2009-01-28T12:40:00.008-06:00

Lately, Michael and I have had a lot of company at our house, and trust me, it has nothing to do with us. People have always told me that when Michael and I have children, our family will cease to be interested in us, but I never thought that adding an English Bulldog to our family would do the same...

Winston and Matthew playing with his most favorite toy...a water bottle!

Winsty and Rusty

Bob and Winston...he is not normally allowed on the couch due to the stinch that he constantly expells, but we made an exception for our company!!

I have always been impressed with Medow's attempt to like Winston. I think he is the only dog she has ever or will ever have anything to do with!! He LOVES his Bob and Medow!!!

This one is a little older, but I forgot to post it...Winston chillin with my dad!

Getting Our Skate On...

2009-01-28T12:31:00.007-06:00

These pictures were taken at our cousin Caleb's 6th birthday party. It was so much fun to go back to Funtime Skateland! That place was old when I was growing up, but boy is it still booming!!! It was so great to see the kids having so much fun!!!!

Ace in My Pocket...

2009-01-28T12:26:00.005-06:00

I have been saving this picture in a secret place on the computer for a while. I took it during the "ugly picture war" that Michael and I had a while back. It looks like the dust has settled, but I just couldn't bring myself to do the right thing and discard this picture. I realize that I am opening myself up for more embarrassment, but I am willing to take the risk, and I think you will be glad I did!!!...

He looks good in Victoria's Secret, huh??

HAHA! Too fun!!!

2009-01-14T15:03:00.004-06:00

Ok...I have been "tagged" in the Blogosphere. Let me explain... Amy, Michael's (and mine, really) cousin tagged me in her most recent blog. At first I was confused, but I then discovered that this was a fun little activity.

The instructions stated to go to your pictures, open the 6th folder, and upload the 6th picture, and tag 6 people to do the same.

This was my 6th picture:

If my calculations are correct, this was New Year's Eve 3 years ago. We celebrated at our friends Jennifer and JP Martin's apartment. Some eventful "happenings" included: grilling hamburgers - well, attempting to grill, but the guys said something was wrong with the grill so I think we ended up at the McAlister's in Byram. Then, we shot fireworks, and probably damaged every car in the apartment complex with our "glitter twitter" sparklers.

I remember more about that night then I thought I would. Now we are a little more grown up...Michael and I are married, JP and Jennifer have a beautiful new home and child...my how time flies.

Ok, I am tagging the following people to do this same activity...NO CHEATING!!!

Sarah Denley and Peyton Herrington

Whitney and Gray Williams

I'm sorry guys...it wasn't my intention to include you in this activity, but I don't have many friends in the blogosphere!!!!!

FoMuBu

2009-01-08T10:40:00.009-06:00

We had a wonderful New Year's with even more wonderful friends (FoMuBu). Words can't express how much fun we have with these people. Here are a few pictures from our annual trip to The Peabody Memphis...

Dinner @ Texas de Brazil - best steakhouse ever

Going on GREEN!

Not sure what's going on here...

Preacher/Bouncer is showing off!!

I LOVE him!!!

Thad and Amanda...the "Rug Cutters"

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

Eating The World's Best Tamales on Beale Street after the party...can we say exhausted????

Footnote:

I would have posted a "couple picture" of John and Amie, but it wasn't pretty last time I made that mistake!!!!!!

Sweet Revenge...

2009-01-07T15:15:00.004-06:00

If you saw this, then you know why I am posting this video. I am sorry that you have to watch it standing on your head...I can't figure out how to rotate it!!!

2009 Here We Come!!!

2009-01-06T14:39:00.010-06:00

As many of you know, 2008 was a year of changes for Michael and me. Michael is hoping that 2009 will be different, but I, on the other hand, am thinking it will be just as busy. While I have been sick and quarantined to the bed, I have constructed us a 2009 Master To-Do List. I thought I would share it with you...

1. Landscape the yard - It is really bugging me that our side and back yard is nothing but grass. So, this project is #1 for the year. We hope to do the typical flower beds and shrub planting with a possible patio addition, architectural lighting, and fire pit (depending on how many extra shifts I can motivate myself to work). We shall see how this goes!

2. Complete the bonus room - The construction part of the room was completed when we moved in, but it has become a "climate-controlled storage" area and gift storage/wrapping station since May. I would like to decorate and accessorize half of the room with a couch, entertainment center for the TV, rug, chair, etc. and leave the other half blank (that means NOTHING, Michael...NADA!) for a future nursery. No, don't get your hopes up Terri and Medow...we are still on the 5 year plan!

3. Install an alarm system - I probably shouldn't have posted on the World Wide Web that we do not have an alarm system, but we have a 60 pound English Bulldog that can't wait to greet any Boogie Man that decides to scare him in the middle of the night. Just ask Michael about the night he accidentally suprised Winston.

4. Take the GRE and start Grad School - This will be an effort to simplify my life. I really enjoy teaching, and I think that God is calling me to do this while continuing to practice in my profession. I hope to pursue a Masters in Nursing Education. This will take me about one year, and I think that it will be a year well spent.

2008 has been the MOST wonderful year of my life. I have experienced SO many wonderful things that I am so grateful for, and I am so excited to see what God has in store for us in 2009!!!!!!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-02T10:40:00.010-06:00

I have always been rather obsessed with Christmas, and if you visited my house anytime between November 20th to January 1st, you would not argue with that statement. I love to celebrate Jesus' birth by decorating, buying gifts, and spending time with family and friends, but for some reason this year seemed different. I had so many new things to celebrate: my new last name, my new home, my new puppy, but I just couldn't manage to get my act together. I have concluded that it is because I am a member of the "working world" now. So long to the 5 to 6 week break that college offered. I still had a wonderful Christmas with Michael, family, and friends, and I am so very thankful for the whole reason that we celebrate...Jesus!

Here are some pictures from our busy December...

Rockefeller Center

Lady Lib

our hotel...The Mansfield

FAO Schwartz

Time Square

Winston opening his new bed from Grandaddy and Mawmaw

he was promising me that he wouldn't destroy this one...

Sound asleep on his new bed...

our home all decorated

Christmas festivities wear Winston OUT!!!

Riding around the house in Daddy's new wheel barrow that Santa brought

Michael and Baby Claire

Everyone got a little piece of NYC for Christmas

and this is what we found New Year's Eve morning...this is why I need medication!!!!!!

but how can you punish someone that looks at you like this???

I hope that your Christmas was as happy as ours. I can't wait to see what changes will take place by Christmas 2009!!!

Our Baby is Getting BIG!!!!

2008-12-20T00:03:00.005-06:00

Our Winston has recovered from his surgery without any complications, and is back to normal. We haven't noticed any hormonal related behavioral changes (to put it nicely), but the vet said it would take 2-3 weeks for us to see any results. I was organizing my pictures on my computer, and came across tons of Winston. I didn't realize how much he has grown in just 3 months...

Notice that he STILL has no bed. Poor baby....he had to recover from surgery laying on the FLOOR! He is so precious! Couldn't imagine what I would do without him!!!!

BAD DOG!!!!!

2008-12-12T12:05:00.004-06:00

Poor Winston has probably been rather chilly the past few nights due to the fact that he destroyed his warm bed. It really breaks my heart that he has been sleeping on a towel and the cold floor at night, but Michael says that's the only way he will learn. Poor Winsty...maybe Santa will bring him a new bed!!!!

NYC Pictures

2008-12-12T12:00:00.001-06:00

I apologize for the delay in our NYC pictures. I am having trouble locating my camera charger so that I can download the pictures. I will post them ASAP!!!!

2008-11-30T13:11:00.002-06:00

Well, I thought this day would never come, but nothing thrills my soul more than to say that after 11pm tonight, I will officially be on VACATION!!!!!!!!! Michael and I are flying out for New York early in the morning for a much needed get-away. We have lots of things we want to do while there, but we haven't nailed down any specifics...our goal (according to Michael) is to "take it easy" and "go with the flow"...which translates into "I can't make a decision, and I lack the ability to effectively plan things". I wonder which parent he gets this talent from??????
Anywhoo...This idea is not conducive to my personality, but I will work very hard to fly by the seat of my pants this week.

There are a few events occurring while we are there that I think are necessary to truly experience NYC, and lets just say that Michael is less than thrilled that we will be attending these. I will post pictures of him attending these less than masculine events. Should be an experience.

1. Radio City Rocketts Christmas Spectacular
2. The Little Mermaid on Broadway
3. The lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas tree
4. Mary Poppins on Broadway
5. Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center
6. Drinking hot chocolate at Serendipity

Off to pack and get ready for a quick 4 hours at work!!!

So Very Grateful...

2008-11-22T04:11:00.007-06:00

It is 4:10 in the morning, and I am (for once) so excited to be awake. Since I have been working nights, I have found that to sleep through the night on my days off is nearly impossible. Michael wakes up and finds me on the computer, cleaning house, watching TV, or cleaning my closet (my personal favorite thing to do at 2am). But this morning is different...I am actually excited that I woke up early.
When I woke up this morning, I didn't feel the sense of frustration that I usually do, nor did I feel my mind racing to try to find something productive to do, but instead I caught myself laying there counting Michael's breaths. Sounds weird at first, but let me explain. With me going to work at 6:20 almost every night, my quality time with Michael has been cut way short. We often pass each other at the entrance of our subdivision. I have really, really, REALLY struggled with this, but through lots of tears, prayer and support from Michael, I have finally been able to see God's perfect plan. I was so happy to be awake this morning because it allowed me to spend time with my Lord truly thanking him for my Michael.
How often I let many days go by and never stop to appreciate how blessed I am. Michael is truly the most wonderful husband. When I tell people what he does to help make my life easier, their mouths drop to the floor.
Let me make a list:
1. Michael does all of the laundry. I cannot tell you the last time I turned the washer on, folded clothes, put away towels, etc. To top it off, he washes all of my scrubs (on the sanitary cycle) and has them folded in my closet so that I can quickly grab a set on my way out the door.
2. He does all of the ironing.
3. He handles all of the finances. I never see a bill. I have no clue what our average water bill, electricity bill, etc. Most of you may think this is a bad thing, but at this time in my life, it is exactly what I need.
4. He does all of the yard work, and if you know me, you know I DESPISE yard work!
5. He rarely tells me no. I am an only child, therefore I do not cope well with that word.
6. He allows me to have a maid, and when the maid can't come, he gladly does her job.

The list just goes on and on. Basically my only responsibility is to work, handle all of the gift buying (he is pretty bad at remembering birthdays, etc. and buying good gifts), and anything to do with the kitchen such as grocery shopping and cooking.
So this morning, while I was lying in bed counting Michael's breaths, playing with his hair, and looking at his sweet face, I finally became aware of God's preparations that He made long ago for our present situation, and there is only one way to describe my emotions: undeserving, but finally truly grateful.

Heavenly Father, thank you so much for my Michael, and what he means to me. You knew long ago how much he would impact my life, and I am so glad that he is mine. Thank you for always knowing what is best. Please never let me take another day for granted with him. Thank you for allowing me to finally find peace and truly appreciating how omniscient you really are.

Long Time, No Blogging...

2008-11-11T16:42:00.005-06:00

I must admit...it has been a while since I have posted, and my friends John and Amanda have not let me forget it!! I have had a very busy couple of weeks with work and life. I have to remind Michael quite frequently that while some people are sitting at a desk all day in front of a computer with the blogosphere at their fingertips, others of us are saving lives and don't always have time for blogging!! I am only kidding...I love my husband, and I love reading his blogs. I am about to head to work for the night, but I thought I would leave you with some pictures that my friend Kelly took of the Ford gang...

Winston is Feelin' GOOD!!!

2008-10-21T15:24:00.006-05:00

This is mine and Michael's favorite time of year, and we have recently discovered that it is Winston's as well. Winston's day usually consists of waking up in the morning, eating, taking a nap until lunch, going outside (only long enough to "do his business"), going back to sleep, waking up when Michael gets home from work only to eat, sit in Michael's lap, go outside again, and take another nap before going to bed. Needless to say, he sleeps A LOT, and is usually not up for much playng...until recently!! Now, he loves to go outside, run around the yard, roll in the flower beds and cover himself in mulch, and play with the blue flags. Let me explain the blue flags...we are in the process of getting a fence for our backyard, and when the man came to measure, he precisely placed these blue flags around our yard to mark where the fence would go. Well, I hate to tell him, but he is in for a rude awakening because Winston has managed to attack every blue flag in our yard. I have done my best to put them back where they came from, but it's not easy when Winston just brings a pile and puts them by the back door. I tried to capture an attack on video...I am sorry if you throw up while watching:

Whew...I am EXHAUSTED!!!!

2008-10-16T17:08:00.009-05:00

Well, Michael and I had a really fun weekend in Bossier City, and I think we laughed from the time we left our house until we got home. I saw no one under the age of 60 there but us, and everyone was looking at us like we were crazy. I am not sure if it was our age or the fact that Michael looked like a kid on Christmas morning for the entire concert! If you were with us, you may have heard these "old people" jokes come out of my mouth :

* There's more people here on wheels than on foot!

* The line for the elevator is longer than the line for food.

* I think we are the only people not wearing SAS shoes or solid black Rockports!

* EWWW!!! What was that smell?? Someone should check their Depends!

* The parking lot looks a lot like the Fowler Buick dealership!

We came home on Saturday just in time to pick Winston up at the vet, and if you were with us at the vet, you may have heard these things:

* "He's as healthy as a horse!"

* "He tried to have a weekend rendezvous, but his girlfriend bit him on the lip."

* "Y'all should name him Tank...did y'all know he weighs 26 pounds at 12 weeks??"

* "Your total is $363.0o0, and we didn't charge you for the boarding, Mrs. Ford."
Michael and I will not be available to eat dinner with anyone for the next few weeks (or years)...we will be living off of peanut butter, bread, and water due to the vet bill, but boy am I glad they were nice enough to not charge us the $18.00 for boarding...we may not have been able to even buy peanut butter!!!

Saturday afternoon, we attended the MOST BEAUTIFUL wedding, ate at Bonsai afterward, and spent the rest of the night at Fannin Lanes where I kicked Michael's butt!!

Sunday, Michael went to church (sorry, but I had to sleep sometime!), we ate lunch, then attended another beautiful wedding. After the wedding, Michael's friend Jason (we really love him!) stopped by our house for pizza and a good visit!

I worked Monday and Tuesday night in the NICU, and saw some amazing things and learned a lot! Unfortunately, I would be crucified by HIPPA if I shared any of that with you.

Last night, Winston and I went to visit Pops and Meme's. They were having some digital camera/computer issues, and they are quite incompetent about those things. Winston just LOVES his Pops and Meme, and they spoil him ROTTEN!!

Weekend Preview

2008-10-08T12:17:00.007-05:00

I know it's only Wednesday, but I have a busy few days ahead of me. Won't be much time for blogging...or sleeping for that matter!

Tonight, Michael and I will take part in the Ford Family Fellowship at his parent's house. Then, I will go to work at 7pm and get off at 7:30am tomorrow.
Thursday morning, I will meet my friend, Amie, in my driveway at 8am and we will head to the Canton Flea Market. Michael is not happy that I am going shopping instead of sleeping, but he doesnt't understand the effects of retail therapy. Michael will be taking Winston to the vet Thursday morning to get his shots and toenails clipped, and he will be spending the weekend there (I am very sad about this, but you will see why later). I will go back to work at 7pm Thursday night, and I hope that I can work in just a couple hours of sleep?!?!?! Who knows!
When I get off Friday morning, Michael and I will head to Bossier City, LA for a Gaither Concert, and if you know me, you know that I AM PUMPED!! (HA, NOT!!) We will catch a little shut-eye at the Hampton Inn in Bossier before heading back home to pick up Winston by 12 noon Saturday morning, and attending 2 weddings.

WHEW!! Now you may see why I won't have much time for blogging!! I will be back next week with pictures from our trip to The Mississippi State Fair, Canton Flea Market, Gaither concert, and anything else interesting that may happen before Monday!

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Winston Update

2008-10-06T12:22:00.007-05:00

Winston is mine and Michael's new favorite thing. He is so mellow and sweet, and we have loved every minute of him!! Here are a few recent pictures...he is getting so big, so fast. He has gained over 10 pounds already!!!

This is my attempt at a "Fall" picture! This was approximately take #90 due to the fact that he was way more interested in trying to eat the pumpkins!

He was being very quiet so I decided to go looking for him, and this is what I found. I think he may be getting the idea of going OUTSIDE!!!!

Sitting with Michael in his favorite spot!!!

Waiting on Michael to get home from work...he LOVES to sit in the chair with Michael because he gets his belly scratched the entire time!

Our Wonderful Saturday Together...

2008-10-04T13:29:00.003-05:00

Well, I guess me making fun of Michael for being sick has come back to bite me in the butt!!! I am laying in the bed with a pile of "used" tissues on the floor, a rather raw nose, cough, a fever that has managed to peak at 102, a sick husband beside me, a dog who is wimpering in his cage because he has had no attention, and a house that is getting slightly out of control in the cluuter department!

So, here it goes (cue the soft, "I'm sorry" music). Michael, I am very sorry for making fun of you while you were ill, and I will work on being a better nurse as well as being more sympathetic. Ok, enought of that being nice stuff!

Since we were both ill, I decided that we may need to head to the doctor. If not, we would probably just pass these "cooties" back and forth. So, we spent our Saturday at this place with this man. He fixed us up with a Decadron shot, Z-pack, and decongestant. Thanks Dr. Whitton for bringing us back to health fast and saving our marriage. You know 2 sick adults with a puppy who is being house trained can lead to some pretty heated debates on who's turn it is to "go potty outside"!!

Love This Video

2008-10-03T07:44:00.008-05:00

Most of you probably know that there are certain members of my family who could be categorized as a Die Hard Rebel Fan. Although, I do not fall into that category, I thought this video was neat...

House Training

2008-10-02T10:30:00.003-05:00

I am beyond frustrated with Winston. He has made great strides with only using the bathroom outside...until yesterday! Yesterday morning he pooped (alot!) under the kitchen table, after we had just taken him outside, with Michael and I standing RIGHT THERE!!! I have been home all day today, and I have taken him out multiple times. I just walked into the living room and my POOPdar alerted me...the smell of poop was in the air. I go to Winston's crate (in which he has never had an accident in!) and he has pooped and peed!!!!!!! UGHHH!!! How long will this take??? PLEASE HELP!!!

Nursing Diagnosis: Caregiver Role Strain

2008-10-02T08:18:00.010-05:00

Although I love my job, and I love being a nurse, I like to leave my work at work. Well, that hasn't happened this week. Michael is sick, and if you asked him, he would tell you that this is the worst cold he has EVER had. I have tried my hardest to provide compassionate care to the love of my life, but to be honest...I AM SO OVER IT!!! I am accustomed to providing care for babies. Newborn babies cry, but only when something is actually wrong with them, and they can usually be calmed with a few simple interventions: a bottle, diaper change, or pacifier. Last night, he was running fever and complaining like crazy so I decided that I needed therapy QUICK! I convinced him that I was going to do something nice for him (wink, wink), and after a long drive around town with the sunroof back, windows down, and radio up really loud, I went to McAlister's and got him a bowl of his favorite potato soup, a piece of chocolate spoon cake, and a sweet tea. I delivered this meal to him in bed on a TV tray accompanied by decongestants and ibuprofen...he never realized that I was drugging him!!! I listened to him moan and groan about how awful he felt, and I did everything I could to make him feel better, but I must say that the highlight of my week was when I pulled the thermometer out of his mouth this morning and it said 97.5!!!!! YES!!!!! He is going to work, and won't be staying home with me!!
I don't want anyone to think that I don't love my husband...I love him SO VERY MUCH, but I, too, am suffering from an illness. I am experiencing a diagnosis that I learned about in nursing school: caregiver role strain. The symptoms include exhaustion, anger, irritability, and lack of sympathy and are usually induced by the man in your life being sick! Some sinple interventions that can help to treat this diagnosis include:
1. a day by yourself without the ill person.
2. a trip to White House Black Market, TJ Max, and Marshalls with the ill person's debit card.
3. a Sonic Route44 Diet Coke
So, to the women are reading this, next time you find yourself providing care for the man in your life who is about to die because he has a simple cold, try the interventions listed above. I promise they will satisfy!!!