September Recap

While updating on all of the bigger events and holidays, I wanted to be sure to include the little moments too!  And rather than do that with one humongous post, I opted to do it by month.  I have no idea how much of life actually got blogged prior to the fall, but I thought starting in September was reasonable!  I look at these pictures and it is amazing how much the kids have changed in just a matter of months!

I enjoyed some Friday afternoon patio time with my girls before getting the kids off the bus!  Not to worry - Brad had come home early from work...I didn't leave the boys at home by themselves :)

Jack has decided that Hank is his best friend - it is always so entertaining when they play together!  Sweet boys!

Stella and Katie - such a sweet pic!  Slow down time!  They already look so different than they did here...

And college football was in full force! We got together with the neighbors to watch some football - and the kiddos sported some Auburn gear!

We also got some hikes in!  On this particular day we went further than planned, but the boys did a good job!

I snapped this of the crazies before heading down to the bus one morning! Love it!

Katie had her bridging ceremony from Daisies to Brownies!

My soccer season started!  This was when Jenn and I were headed home from our first game, I think.

I managed to get some good runs in!  Boy, do I miss getting outside and running.  I can't wait for some milder, rain-free days this winter to get out and run!

On Meme's birthday, I went to visit with her for a little while before she headed out to lunch with my mom!  I love this picture I snapped when she and Ryan were playing peek a boo through my keyring!

I started a Bible study at church!  It was a really great one!

A week of Katie's outfits for school :)  Clearly we still hold Matilda Jane near and dear to our hearts!

These boys love a stop at the park anytime!

These pictures were from Katie's Spirit Week at school!  Neon Day, Cowgirl Day, Wacky Day, Decades Day, and Spirit Day!

That Friday night was the Fun Fest at her school!  It is always so fun - the weather was perfect this year!  Jack had a blast doing some of the inflatables too (mainly the obstacle course one).  Next year I need to remember to have Katie wear a super bright color that is not green so I can find her more easily!

I got my hair done!  I think I am going to do this color again - looking at this picture makes me ready for a dark color!

I also got to go on Katie's field trip!  It was so fun to spend a day with her and her class!

Brad and I ended the month with a date night!  Dinner at Whiskey Kitchen and then a concert - Rob Thomas and Counting Crows!

I'd say September was a keeper! 

Daddy-Daughter Dance

Watch out, world.  Two posts in two days! HA!  I really am going to catch up, so just hang tight!  Back to the Daddy-Daughter Dance...it had originally been scheduled for February, but it was during the weeks when we had so much snow!  So naturally school was out the day of the dance, so they had to reschedule.  Katie was bummed that they had to wait even longer - she was SO excited about getting dressed up and going on a date with her daddy!  So when it was the big day, she could hardly stand it!  I actually picked her up from school so that she had enough time to get ready -- which really meant I needed enough time to give it a go with the curling iron.  Yikes!  I am not so creative when it comes to hair and styling, so this was a big deal.  And as I type this I can still smell the hairspray!  This was the countertop as she was getting ready!

And Daddy was waiting patiently at the bottom of the stairs with the corsage I ordered for him to give her on their special date night!

 She was a little bit embarrassed to come down the stairs, but I think she really was more excited than anything!  Here she goes!

And Daddy helped her get her corsage on!

 A close-up...so sweet!

 Good gracious.  I know I am her momma and all, but sheesh!  She looked absolutely beautiful that night.  I really should try to curl her hair more often - she loved it!

 And another one!

 And yep - one more.  Love that smile!  I wonder what Brad was doing behind me to get that genuine smile!

 And of course I had to get one of Daddy by himself - I can't believe he actually cooperated!

 And one of the two of them before they headed off!

They went to Chuy's for dinner (of course - because where else would they go on a date night)!

And then they headed to the dance!  They danced and had a big time - though Brad said Katie preferred dancing with her friends...not surprising at all!  Here she is with Hannah Jo!

And with Sydney!  Brad said at one point, Katie was at the front of the conga line/train!  I just love that.  And during the evening the dads and girls made a big circle and took turns dancing in the middle.  And of course there was a photobooth and treats.

And while they were out having fun, Jenn and I headed out to a wine drinking fundraiser!  And since the curling iron was already out and hot, I decided to curl my own hair -- and it worked!

Definitely a fun night for all of us!  I love that Katie's school has fun events like that!

 

Daddy Date

A couple of weeks, Brad and Katie went on a Daddy Date to their favorite place - Chuy's!  That is where they always go...but it had been a while since they went on a date!  Here they are before they headed out...such a great picture!

 And Jack wanted in on the picture too - he sure loves his Sissy!

After they ate, they went to get an oil change and got a treat at Sonic while the car was worked on.  Sounds pretty similar to my date nights with Brad - except we usually end up at Target :)

 

While they were out, I took the boys and picked up Sonic.  We ate it at home and then played in the backyard!  So fun :)

 

I love that Brad and Katie have that special tradition.  Brad and I are already trying to figure out something special we can each do with Jack now that he is getting old enough to enjoy special one on one time!

Bluebird Benefit: Where There's A Will, There's A Way

Last Saturday night was an absolutely amazing night!  The dad of a friend of mine from high school saw that my brother was raising money for this high-tech bed that will turn him at night (so that he can sleep and be painfree...and his caregivers can get some sleep as well) and offered to coordinate a benefit at The Bluebird Café!  It had been a few months in the making, and man oh man was it worth the wait! 

 

Four different songwriters were in the round and went around and performed some of their songs that had become hits with various country artists.  And The Bluebird is such an intimate experience anyway - I think there were 101 people there last weekend.  My cheeks hurt from smiling so much.  And the whole feel of the room was amazing! 

 

They started off the show reading something about Will that my mom put together so that the audience that just showed up on a random Saturday night knew what they were getting themselves into.  And then they said to throw money as the audience felt led.  So throughout the entire show, money was being thrown to the middle of the room.  All for this bed for Will.  And various people made donations.  And there were several items auctioned off.  And it was the most fun we had all had in quite some time!

 

Here I am with Will waiting to go in.  Excuse his half-shut eyes.  The dude NEVER keeps his eyes open in pictures with me!

 We tried again inside and had a little bit better luck!

 And this was on each table...the only thing that was different was that Shane McAnally was sick, so JT Harding participated instead!

 And I do believe I have a similar picture from when we were in probably 8th grade or so.  Oh these guys.  Andrew, Justin, Beau, and myself.  So much fun to see them!  And a huge thanks to Justin and his dad for putting this all together.  And for Andrew kicking in some $$$ for Justin to take his shirt off and dance around the room.  I am sure the folks that just showed up had no idea they would be apart of that experience! HA!  And I got to meet Justin's fiancée too - such a sweetheart!

 And the songwriters set up and performing in the middle...

 And the "rain money" - this was all wadded up piled of cash to go towards Will's bed!  I know it took my mom a few hours to count it because it was folded into paper airplanes, wadded up teeny tiny, etc.  The generosity of that evening left my whole family speechless...

 And a picture with Brad in front of the iconic Bluebird Café!

I was talking to a woman who happened to be one of the songwriters' mother-in-law after the show and she told me she had been going to various venues to see him play for more than 16 years.  And of all the shows she had seen, this was the  most amazing.  That she had never been in a room that felt so magical and in the moment and entertaining.  And I couldn't have said it better myself. 

 

If you want to learn more about Will's bed and his effort to raise money, visit the website {here}!

 

And here is the piece that Justin read about Will at the beginning of the show...

 

Nashville’s own Will Ferrell bears a striking resemblance to the renowned comedic genius in several notable ways - - - his amazing smile, good looks, and sense of humor.  But, in truth, he is far more akin to his most admired genius, Stephen Hawkings.  He is an insatiable techie genius in all things computer.  He has been recognized all of his life for his academic achievements, community service, odds-defying accomplishments, and WILLPOWER!

 

Our 26-year-old Will Ferrell graduated National Honor Society from Hillsboro High School, served as a Warner Park intern, was named one of The Tennessean’s “Top 40 Under 40” at age 16, received a newly established youth award from Nashville’s Mayor Purcell, and served on an influential committee for Mayors Purcell and Dean for six years.  He has raised funds for local, national, and international causes, sponsored friends on mission trips, and donated refurbished computer equipment to outreach ministries and individuals in need.  He has achieved five levels of computer certification since high school.  His ten-year-old home-based technology project WILLPOWER was recently renamed WILLPOWER and More since his focus is ever broadening. He has been the subject of mini documentaries, print media, and local newscasts.

Did I mention that he just happens to have severe quadriplegia cerebral palsy?

Will was born very prematurely and his initial prognosis was not encouraging.  He has spent his whole life proving the naysayers wrong.  His profound faith, loving community of support, and focus on making a difference in the lives of others, make him extraordinary.  He is WILLPOWER and More. 

First Football Weekend

Boy, is football season fun!  I am sure our kids are a little confused with all of the Auburn AND Tennessee cheering!  Just today, Jack was jumping around with an Auburn shaker yelling, "GO TENNESSEE!!" - pretty entertaining to say the least!

 

The kids were pretty excited about football last weekend.  And it was perfect that Auburn played on Saturday and Tennessee played on Sunday! 

 

Here the kids are ready to cheer on Auburn!  Ryan looks a little unsure :)

 I was going to take a picture of Katie with the banner and Jack wanted in as well - precious!

I love that Katie was doing the "WAAARRRRRRRR EAGLE, HEY!!" at kickoff :)  And then she went back to watching a movie on the ipad!

 And Brad and I were able to get our first date out without any children!  We weren't sure what to do with ourselves - we weren't interrupted by kids or hauling anyone to the bathroom or doing whatever it takes to get a child to eat or making sure a cup of milk wasn't flung on the floor.  Instead, we went to a sports bar and watched the rest of the Auburn game and several other games.  It was great to get some drinks and food and talk! 

 Proof that it was just us!

And we had planned to go to Arrington Vineyards or something along those lines after the game, but it started POURING down rain, so we just watched more football and then went home a little earlier.  We are such party animals aren't we??   Here we are before heading home! 

 Sunday was gameday for the Vols and Katie was so excited!  I love that all the kids have such cute clothes to support our teams :)

 She has already said she wants to be a Tennessee cheerleader.  We are in trouble.

 And then Katie suggested doing a boys picture, so here it is!

 And then a girl picture (with a side of Jack) - of course Sadie had to be in the picture since she is a girl!

 Jack likes to wear Brad's hats...in this one he looks like he is asking Brad how it looks on him!  So funny.

 And I think Katie looks so cute wearing a hat - love this!

 And then she put it on Sadie.  And it was actually pretty darn cute.

 I love this one that I got of Sadie.  It is focused on her freckled nose and she just looks like the happiest dog ever!

 And at multiple times during the game, Brad and both kids were jumping up and down yelling, "GO TENNESSEE!!" - it was quite insane.  And then a child would be tossed in the air.  Like this.  And he wanted to do it over and over, of course!

 And Katie wanted in on the fun...and that is certainly more of a work out!

 And Ryan was just a calm, chill little dude the whole time.  It sure will be interesting when he is mobile and jumping and yelling!

Love all of these cutie pies - and so glad that they seem to enjoy some sports.  Not that they have a choice :)

Such fun watching all that football.  We didn't watch nearly as much this weekend but thankfully both our teams won again.  Hope that continues for everyone's sake!