Ky State Fair

There is just something about the fair. I have been going since I can remember. The food, the animals, the live music, the rednecks:)...it is just a good time. Here are some of our pictures from our recent trip to the fair with the Webbs:

A little Perspective

Recently the Lord has been teaching me a lessoned that I learned a long time ago but most definately need to re-learn. I love being a mom and I have been blessed (knock on wood) with two incredibly healthy boys, that are full of life, good sleepers and all around just very joyful. Most day are awesome. I have wanted to be a mommy my whole life and most days Caden is so much fun...we have dance parties, we play drums, go on walks, play in the pool, play basketball, read books, I try to teach him a thing or two every once in a while...most of the time we genuinely enjoy eachother. Then there are the other times that are not so nastalgic...when he gets so frustrated that he hits, or kicks, or throws himself on the floor. The times where he tells mommy "NO" or screams until my insides cringe, the fact that he hates riding is his carseat...the times when he doesn't want to go to sleep or share with his friends or sit still when I really need him to. I know how this may sound to some of you; but the joy of a blog is that once in a while I can share "real life," honest moments with other mommies without the fear of being judged.

A couple days ago we were having one of our not so pleasant mornings. Caden was frustrated with me because I couldn't understand what he wanted (and I am not even sure he knew) and I was frustrated with him because we had been having a pretty tough morning. So, I started doing the only thing I know to do when it comes to parenting guidance...pray. And within seconds, the Lord brought the story of this little girl who passed away of cancer and would be Caden's age; and the story of this little boy who passed away at just 12 days old. I can think of story after story I have heard of parents losing children and it is just devestating. Those parents would give their right arm to have a "bad" day with their baby, or to have a child screaming in the carseat, or one who doesn't sleep.

I know it is SO normal to get frustrated as a parent so this post is not meant to say that I am putting all this pressure on myself (or you other mommies). It is just that I am learning that even in the tough days and the hard moments I need to be grateful that I have been blessed with babies to have tough moments with. Sometimes, I just need to take a step back and get a little perspective.

Girls Night Out

I think we planned our girls night out a month in advance...and man it was worth the wait! 14 mommas/ladies loaded up and caravanned down US 60 to this great restaurant. I don't think any of us realized how much we all needed a night out until we got there...and stayed for 3 hours:) It was so refreshing to just hang out with women, eat some good food and relax...I most definitely see another one in the near future! Here is a pic of the whole group:

we would LOVE for you to join us next time...email me @ katie.gaither@live.com so we can include you in!

Friday Night Lights

it was packed!

Picture this: Friday Night Lights, Varsity Blues, Remember the Titans...last night I felt like I was a part of a movie scene. Our little family went to support the Collins Titans in their first EVER football game; and it was exactly what you think of when you hear the words "small town high school football game." I am pretty sure 90% of Shelbyville was there, there were people everywhere, and the weather was awesome. There is nothing like a football game to bring out your small town pride and the feeling that fall is almost here.

football may be Charlie's sport of choice...he seemed to REALLY like it:)

My Little Man

this is what Caden looked like this morning....

and this is what he looks like now....

**notice who is the one smiling:)

Elijah Clay's Birthday!

Eli is one of Caden's very best friends (which is nice because is mama is one of mine:) Other than having a super crafty mom...check her blog out here) Eli is one of the cutest kids ever; with his dark hair and light eyes he is definately hard to resist:) Caden and Eli have taught eachother a lot...how to jump from coffee table to couches, how to play basketball, how to make animal sounds, how to terrorize, i mean love on, baby Charlie. They have taught eachother that it is only appropriate to have a dance party if you remove all of the toys off of the top of the toy box and stand up on it, that sharing is not super fun yet and that maybe watching TV together is not the best idea because Caden is terrified of Eli's favorite show (Yo Gabba Gabba!) Here are a few pics yesterday from Eli's (2 year old) Elmo birthday party! We love you Ballard family:)

Happy Graduation Day

Yesterday Chris graduated from Georgetown College with his Masters Degree! I cannot express in words how proud I am of him. He realized that God was calling him into teaching/coaching during the first year of our marriage and has been pursuing that calling ever since. Not only did he receive his diploma yesterday; he graduated with a 4.0! Chris has overcome so much diversity in his life and I am SO SO SO proud of him!!!! (so proud in fact that I made him take a picture holding his diploma...)

My (little) Giant

Weighing in at a whopping 14.4 pounds and standing (well laying:) at a staggering 24 inches long at only 2 months old...Chaarrrllliiiieee Gaaaiithhherrrr:)

Our pediatricians reaction when she saw him at his 2 month check up pretty much sums its up..."So I guess breastfeeding is going well for ya!?"

Charlie is in the 95% in weight and the 90% in height! Thank God for a healthy baby:)

8.11.2007

Three years.

I love you, Chris!

Oh, Boy!

I kid you not...this is what my oldest son looked like when I went to check on him last night...I am still not sure if this is appropriate to put on the blog but I cannot resist....

When Mommies are away....

(or just not paying very much attention:)

This is what happens when two mommies are hanging out and let their two toddlers (and Charlie;) have pretty much (supervised) free reign.....

which then leads to this...

Happy Monday!

Uncle Buddy

If you ask Caden who his favorite person is (other than daddy, of course) he will no doubt say "CAY, CAY!" Who he means is my brother, Clay. I am the oldest of four and buddy (his actual real name, we have called him buddy since my mom found out he was a boy--sometimes I forget he is actually named Clay:) is the youngest--there are 11 years between us. You would think that with that much time in between us we would not be very close; but somehow we manage to have an awesome relationship. Caden LOOOOVEEES Clay...as soon as we turn down my parents street he starts screaming and from the time we get out of the car until the time we wrestle him back in his carseat Caden is Clay's shadow. Buddy just turned (gulp) thirteen this week (although me and my sisters still see him as 5;) and I am so glad that Caden has someone like him to look up to.