Wednesday, December 29, 2010
She
1) is Nia Grace
2) is the definition of "something else"
3) is a fighter
4) was born 4 lbs 3oz and at 18 months weighed 22 lbs
6) used to prefer "Mommy" but now is a total "Daddy's Girl"
7) at any given moment is either very quiet or very loud and chatty
8) is quite the dancer and singer, currently loving to groove to anything Barney
9) is doing so well in potty training, primarily only wetting at night.
10) reminds me so much of my sister Charmaine in looks, ways, and mannerism, it's a bit scary
11) is a picky eater but will drink just about anything.
12) looks a lot like my sister, Charmaine, uncle Tim, and Grandma Thadia Mae, but a lot of people also see
her big sister, MacKie in her too
13) is constantly looking out for her twin Nala but loves to antagonize her as well
14) retires for the night at 7:00 p.m. and is the first to rise in the mornings
15) has wonderful manners - quick to "thank you" for anything you give.
16) loves to help pickup and for that has stolen her daddy's heart!
17) sucks her two middle fingers ALL the time...a habit we'd love broken and released.
18) wears clothing size 18 - 24 mos and has a size 5 foot
19) finally has enough hair for little pony tails
20) is pretty fearless
21) answers to her rightful name, "Nia" but when asked, answers her sisters, "Nala" and is nicknamed "Ni-
Ni", "Little Bit" and affectionally just called "eee-ah" by Nala
22) is nearing "2" much faster than I care to accept
23) was delivered naturally and painfree 16 minutes before her twin, Nala.
24) is often complimented on her eyebrows
25) is destined to a purposeful life
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday, December 5, 2010
20 Months Old
December 3 marked my girls 20 month birthday. That sounds so "grown up" and close to "2". Over the last month, I noticed that the girls are working harder on their communication. FINALLY FINALLY, Nala is saying Nia's name. But guess what? Now Nia isn't...or not very much anyway. Nala repeats over and over "Nawla, EEa" (Nala, Nia). The girls spend just about as much time getting along as they do pushing, shoving, sitting on one another (Nala), and biting (Nia)...all in love though :) I think that even if they weren't mine and I didn't know them, I'd know that they were sisters, only sisters fight like that and then love on eachother as bestfriends all in the same breath.
I'm excited about Christmas for them. I think it will be fun, though they still won't fully understand. I don't plan to get them very much, but I know they'll enjoy ripping the paper apart. I'm a little sad that we can't put up the tree as my big girl loves that part of the holiday, but in truth, I don't trust these girls to not knock it over and/or rip into the goodies. They get into EVERYTHING. NOTHING is safe.
Still no good shots of them together this month...which is too bad, I'd love to have had one for a Christmas card. But doesn't seem like it's going to happen this year...I could probably convince my oldest to model for me...would that be bad to just have her?? Decisions decisions when you have multiple children...
Nala has now made her bed blanket her lovey...as if we need another habit...I actually bought minature matching lovies that are sized as lovies...no they don't do the job...only this full size blanket will do. GREAT!
I'm excited about Christmas for them. I think it will be fun, though they still won't fully understand. I don't plan to get them very much, but I know they'll enjoy ripping the paper apart. I'm a little sad that we can't put up the tree as my big girl loves that part of the holiday, but in truth, I don't trust these girls to not knock it over and/or rip into the goodies. They get into EVERYTHING. NOTHING is safe.
Still no good shots of them together this month...which is too bad, I'd love to have had one for a Christmas card. But doesn't seem like it's going to happen this year...I could probably convince my oldest to model for me...would that be bad to just have her?? Decisions decisions when you have multiple children...
Nala has now made her bed blanket her lovey...as if we need another habit...I actually bought minature matching lovies that are sized as lovies...no they don't do the job...only this full size blanket will do. GREAT!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Teach Me How to Dougie
So yesterday, I blogged and stated that it was my nephew in the post below that first showed me the "Dougie". I got an email asking what in the world the "Dougie" dance was.
Well it is a catchy dance that you will NEVER ever see me do...but check out the video below to see a couple Glee cast members Teach Me How To Dougie. Yes, I'm a huge fan of Glee!
Well it is a catchy dance that you will NEVER ever see me do...but check out the video below to see a couple Glee cast members Teach Me How To Dougie. Yes, I'm a huge fan of Glee!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
All Boy
This is my nephew. He seriously has the most amazing chocolate brown skin. He is ALL BOY...no questions, ifs, ands or buts about it...
He's all about football right now...but I'll always remember him as the first person to show me "the dougie" dance. He was doing it before it was big and replicated by all the young stars.
It's been a year since I've seen him, and I really wanted him to still be 3...4 tops, but he insists that he is now 6. Oh how time flies and though he's still quite young, I can already see that he is going to be a strong man in no time at all.
And a handsome one at that...
Again, tell me again why all of these kiddos have way better lashes than me?
here showing off his "mean face"...somehow still cute :) Linking this one for Sweet Shot Tuesday :) Click on the button below to see the other submissions!
He's all about football right now...but I'll always remember him as the first person to show me "the dougie" dance. He was doing it before it was big and replicated by all the young stars.
It's been a year since I've seen him, and I really wanted him to still be 3...4 tops, but he insists that he is now 6. Oh how time flies and though he's still quite young, I can already see that he is going to be a strong man in no time at all.
And a handsome one at that...
Again, tell me again why all of these kiddos have way better lashes than me?
here showing off his "mean face"...somehow still cute :) Linking this one for Sweet Shot Tuesday :) Click on the button below to see the other submissions!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Donuts and Flashbacks
Over the last couple of weeks we've been stopping at Krispy Kreme after church. My thighs hate my guts for this...but my three girlies love me for this!
I got the girls these little reindeer dresses for Christmas last year...this year, they still fit...just "differently". Doesn't feel like it's been a year.
I got the girls these little reindeer dresses for Christmas last year...this year, they still fit...just "differently". Doesn't feel like it's been a year.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Remembering What Matters
So over the summer, I made a decision/effort to try to learn a bit more about my camera and how to shoot in manual mode. As a result while I think image quality somewhat improved and that I have a better understanding of the exposure triangle, I actually have less pictures of my girlie girls. Once I started trying to shoot in manual, I realized the limitations of my beloved Canon Rebel. It's a great little camera but it doesn't do so well in low light without the on-board flash. In my mind that has crippled me - I get home from work and it's already dark - so no pictures. That was never my intention. The whole idea was to get better pictures, but not at the sacrifice of not having them at all.
I struggle to not feel like I'm taking a step back like I was finally starting to learn to ride my bike with training wheels and all of a sudden, I'm back on the tricycle. But, I've missed out on capturing alot of these silly happy moments for the last few months...and I regret it. And the truth is, this still looks a lot better than the camera phone pics in the post below... :)
My girls won't care in a few years that the picture was taken with a flash...that I chopped their limbs and even part of Nia's head (just for starters) they'll just love seeing how happy they looked.
So....
Hello Automode...it's been a while...but, with the time change, I think it's time we got reacquainted...don't plan on staying forever, but until I learn a bit more about what I'm doing with my camera and what my different options are to work around the low light situation...I'm going to lean on you to keep these snapshots of our life coming. Thank You In Advance.
I struggle to not feel like I'm taking a step back like I was finally starting to learn to ride my bike with training wheels and all of a sudden, I'm back on the tricycle. But, I've missed out on capturing alot of these silly happy moments for the last few months...and I regret it. And the truth is, this still looks a lot better than the camera phone pics in the post below... :)
My girls won't care in a few years that the picture was taken with a flash...that I chopped their limbs and even part of Nia's head (just for starters) they'll just love seeing how happy they looked.
So....
Hello Automode...it's been a while...but, with the time change, I think it's time we got reacquainted...don't plan on staying forever, but until I learn a bit more about what I'm doing with my camera and what my different options are to work around the low light situation...I'm going to lean on you to keep these snapshots of our life coming. Thank You In Advance.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
19 Months Old
Nia & Nala:
Earlier this week on the 3rd, marked 19 months together. I tweeted a pic of you all today and Aunt Brandy responded that you all don't look like babies anymore...boy do I know that. You aren't acting like babies anymore either. Even when or if you do let us hold you all, it's not for long anymore. You both just want to be on the go and very BUSY. So again, I ask, Where are my little babies?? Gone?? It's bittersweet because I'm loving watching you grow, but this is it for me. No more babies for mommy...
In Music/Rhythm:
You both are still loving music, but it seems as though Nala got her groove this month. Nala girlie you are dancing at every beat. You guys have both start singing along to your favorite songs and even anticipating the next songs on your cds. We let you practice a little big on big sis's piano and you guys loved that! One your best new moves is jumping. It's super cute!! Also, you are enjoying Ring around the Rosie. I love to hear you say "ashes ashes"
ABCs/123s
You guys are getting better with puzzles and Nia you've started memorizing a few words in some of your favorite books.
Words
Recently, Nia you have started combining ThankYouWelcome, when really you just mean thank you. I love that you are so polite and know when to say Thank You. Nala, although you are a real sweet heart, you do not consistently say thank you. Mommy is going to need you to work on that.
Early this month Nia you got sick. A weird virus where you were vomiting and extremely lethargic. You really weren't yourself and lost a bit of weight. After we finally got some antibiotics for you, you got better quickly. It was rather strange, and we all really hated seeing you sick.
In the same week that you got sick Nia, we began hardcore potty training bootcamp. It's a work in progress, but you guys are doing sooooooooooooooooooo well. Accidents are few and far between and for the most part just at night. We weren't able to convince the teachers at MDO to work with us, so on school days, we get a little bit off, but I'm proud of you guys!
This is your last month in your class at church. It's too bad, because you've finally become more comfortable over the last two months.
Nia your hair is growing a bit, and I'm managing to make the smallest of ponytails. Nala doesn't understand why it takes so much more time to do your hair than hers. I love that you sit so patiently to get your little ponytails done. Nala, I love that your hair is low maintenance. You look good bald!
You guys are hilarious and your big sister mentioned today that she loves you even more today than so when you were babies. She finds you both really fun - except for when you enter her room uninvited. You both know better, because as soon as you get to her door you automatically yell "OUT! OUT!" because you've heard her say it so often.
We are enjoying watching you grow girls.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of you together this month, except for those on my cell phone...
day 1 of potty training boot camp
{car seat straps loosened awhile waiting on big sis - don't think you weren't safe! :}
Earlier this week on the 3rd, marked 19 months together. I tweeted a pic of you all today and Aunt Brandy responded that you all don't look like babies anymore...boy do I know that. You aren't acting like babies anymore either. Even when or if you do let us hold you all, it's not for long anymore. You both just want to be on the go and very BUSY. So again, I ask, Where are my little babies?? Gone?? It's bittersweet because I'm loving watching you grow, but this is it for me. No more babies for mommy...
In Music/Rhythm:
You both are still loving music, but it seems as though Nala got her groove this month. Nala girlie you are dancing at every beat. You guys have both start singing along to your favorite songs and even anticipating the next songs on your cds. We let you practice a little big on big sis's piano and you guys loved that! One your best new moves is jumping. It's super cute!! Also, you are enjoying Ring around the Rosie. I love to hear you say "ashes ashes"
ABCs/123s
You guys are getting better with puzzles and Nia you've started memorizing a few words in some of your favorite books.
Words
Recently, Nia you have started combining ThankYouWelcome, when really you just mean thank you. I love that you are so polite and know when to say Thank You. Nala, although you are a real sweet heart, you do not consistently say thank you. Mommy is going to need you to work on that.
Early this month Nia you got sick. A weird virus where you were vomiting and extremely lethargic. You really weren't yourself and lost a bit of weight. After we finally got some antibiotics for you, you got better quickly. It was rather strange, and we all really hated seeing you sick.
In the same week that you got sick Nia, we began hardcore potty training bootcamp. It's a work in progress, but you guys are doing sooooooooooooooooooo well. Accidents are few and far between and for the most part just at night. We weren't able to convince the teachers at MDO to work with us, so on school days, we get a little bit off, but I'm proud of you guys!
This is your last month in your class at church. It's too bad, because you've finally become more comfortable over the last two months.
Nia your hair is growing a bit, and I'm managing to make the smallest of ponytails. Nala doesn't understand why it takes so much more time to do your hair than hers. I love that you sit so patiently to get your little ponytails done. Nala, I love that your hair is low maintenance. You look good bald!
You guys are hilarious and your big sister mentioned today that she loves you even more today than so when you were babies. She finds you both really fun - except for when you enter her room uninvited. You both know better, because as soon as you get to her door you automatically yell "OUT! OUT!" because you've heard her say it so often.
We are enjoying watching you grow girls.
Unfortunately, I don't have any pics of you together this month, except for those on my cell phone...
day 1 of potty training boot camp
{car seat straps loosened awhile waiting on big sis - don't think you weren't safe! :}
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
30 Days of Gratitude
I've decided to participate in Nutwood Studios 30 Days of Gratitude Project. I've been blessed and have so much to be thankful for. To learn about this project go here. I won't even pretend that I'm committed enough to blog my gratitudes daily, but my plan is to come back at least once a week with my compiled list. Join in! We all have so much to be thankful for!
From her blog:
From her blog:
30 days of gratitude ::
during the month of november, i invite you to join me in a daily ritual of expressing gratitude.
what it means ::
for thirty days, i will focus on the people i love, the talents i have been given, the lessons i have learned, the things that make my life most fulfilling. i challenge you to do the same.
when it occurs ::
november 1 - november 30. (but you can begin anytime)
how you can participate ::
write a sentence, tell a story, take a photo...
blog it, tweet it, facebook it, journal it, scrapbook it...
share your gratitude daily or summarize it weekly...
invite your friends, your family, your neighbors...
Monday, October 25, 2010
i heart faces | pink week | sleeping beauty
This week’s PINK theme is in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month.
Here is little Hannah here - dressed in a soft pink pettiskirt. Look at how big she's getting! She's 3 mos old now though her actual due date was just a couple of days ago, October 23. So had she been born to term, this is what she would have looked like as a newborn - perfection I tell you!
Click the button below to see other entries...I'd love to see yours! :)
Have a great week!

Here is little Hannah here - dressed in a soft pink pettiskirt. Look at how big she's getting! She's 3 mos old now though her actual due date was just a couple of days ago, October 23. So had she been born to term, this is what she would have looked like as a newborn - perfection I tell you!
Click the button below to see other entries...I'd love to see yours! :)
Have a great week!

Saturday, October 23, 2010
Being 30
I've literally spent this entire week celebrating the welcome of the next ten years my life - my thirties. As soon as I turned 25, I started dreading this year. Now that I'm here, I'm pretty excited about my current place in life. I feel so absolutely blessed to be surrounded by people that truly know me. I love being content with the relationships I've made and not having to give backfill to tell a story. Over the last 30 years, I've made and maintain the absolute best friendships. I have two bestfriends that I'm lucky enough to call sisters and two sisters that I'm blessed enough to call friends.
My friends and family went out of their way to make this birthday special. I was showered with well wishes and several items on my short running wish list including an IPAD (yes, my husband is the absolute BEST) and The Vintage Pearl goodies. I'm now convinced that I either spend too much time talking about things that I want or my friends/family just happen to listen REALLY well :) Honestly, it wasn't about the tangible items, instead it was the revelation that I got this week. I've surrounded myself around people that have listened to my heart and to who I am. They "get me"... the good, bad, and the ugly. I have so much appreciation for this - I am humbled & I am blessed.
So, I have high expectations for my thirties as my twenties brought so much that will shape the rest of my life:
My First Born | MacKenzie
A new role | "Aunt Hope" to Tyson, Eden, Robin, Rani, Cydney, Brynna, Hannah & a host cuties in Dallas!
Friendship with my sister | Shawn
A Family in Dallas
Degree from OU | Boomer Sooner!
Career
My First Home
A Better Relationship with my parents
New Genuine Friendships | Bershunda & Betsy
Church Home | Spiritual Maturity
Marriage
Nia & Nala
So if my twenties were this good - bringing me all of the above and so much more - AND if it's true what Jay-Z says - that 30 is the new 20...I can certainly look forward to a good ten more years of pure bliss!
And because for me, a blog post without a picture, is no blog post at all - a pic of my cake. My husband actually special ordered a cake for me...this is a FIRST! He's a Walmart bakery, plain white cake kinda guy... and well I'm... SO NOT! I'm so proud of him - it was my fav...if I didn't get anything else for my birthday I would have been content with this right here:
Thanks for the well wishes on my birthday!
My friends and family went out of their way to make this birthday special. I was showered with well wishes and several items on my short running wish list including an IPAD (yes, my husband is the absolute BEST) and The Vintage Pearl goodies. I'm now convinced that I either spend too much time talking about things that I want or my friends/family just happen to listen REALLY well :) Honestly, it wasn't about the tangible items, instead it was the revelation that I got this week. I've surrounded myself around people that have listened to my heart and to who I am. They "get me"... the good, bad, and the ugly. I have so much appreciation for this - I am humbled & I am blessed.
So, I have high expectations for my thirties as my twenties brought so much that will shape the rest of my life:
My First Born | MacKenzie
A new role | "Aunt Hope" to Tyson, Eden, Robin, Rani, Cydney, Brynna, Hannah & a host cuties in Dallas!
Friendship with my sister | Shawn
A Family in Dallas
Degree from OU | Boomer Sooner!
Career
My First Home
A Better Relationship with my parents
New Genuine Friendships | Bershunda & Betsy
Church Home | Spiritual Maturity
Marriage
Nia & Nala
So if my twenties were this good - bringing me all of the above and so much more - AND if it's true what Jay-Z says - that 30 is the new 20...I can certainly look forward to a good ten more years of pure bliss!
And because for me, a blog post without a picture, is no blog post at all - a pic of my cake. My husband actually special ordered a cake for me...this is a FIRST! He's a Walmart bakery, plain white cake kinda guy... and well I'm... SO NOT! I'm so proud of him - it was my fav...if I didn't get anything else for my birthday I would have been content with this right here:
Thanks for the well wishes on my birthday!
Saturday, October 16, 2010
My Twenties
This is Me. And tonight I say goodbye to my twenties. I wanted to remember how I looked (with the pimples that I was promised would go away when I said farewell to my teens, gray hair streaks, and racoon eyes and all - no makeup) and how silly I was...that although sloppy, I can still "kinda" do a bridge-kickover. Sure, I wanted it to be a back walkover and could only dream of it being a back handspring, but I hey, I'm nearly 30 and have birthed 3 babies so I say, "Not Bad"! Here I am with a hilarious outtake.
Here (listen for my cheerleaders!) and Here (the outtake!)
Yes, I'm real mature! Only a mature mom would ask her nine year old to capture her so gracefully on the eve of her 30th Bday...
So long Twenties! It's been REAL!
Here (listen for my cheerleaders!) and Here (the outtake!)
Yes, I'm real mature! Only a mature mom would ask her nine year old to capture her so gracefully on the eve of her 30th Bday...
So long Twenties! It's been REAL!
Sorta Fairytale Actions
Tried out some Black and White Actions by Mandy at A Sorta Fairytale.
This is Miss J. She's 8 and FABULOUS! Love her beautiful eyes and thick hair!
This is Miss J. She's 8 and FABULOUS! Love her beautiful eyes and thick hair!
Sorta Fairytale's Indigo Action
And Onyx Action
You can download these FREE actions and more in the same set here! I'm loving them :P
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Brynna Grace
Is it wrong to be jealous of a 19 month old's lashes?? This is Brynna Grace. She's as smart as a whip, cute as a button, has a will that could combat Samson's strength, and has AMAZING eyelashes. I love her bunches. Her mom, Regina, and I have been best buds since 6th grade - 19 years. Brynna is god-sister to my three girls. AND she has incredible eyelashes, did I say that already?
Seriously, just look at those lashes!
Seriously, just look at those lashes!
She also has pretty amazing baby blues hiding under those lashes...yep, she's a doll! And I'm pretty sure she knows it!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
18 Months!
Nia & Nala:
Today you are 18 months old and know I sound like a broken record, but I really honestly can't believe how big you girls are now. Where are my little babies??
In Music:
You are both now loving to sing along to "Happy & Know You It!", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "I'm a Little Teapot", and "Mr. Sun". You know all the moves and motions too...You guys are all about the "motions!" You also can't get enough of big sissy putting on Black Eyed Peas "I got a Feeling" (thanks YouTube). In the car with Daddy, you love to groove to the "Chocolate Train" cd that Miss Melissa at BAWS made for you. Nia you love to dance and Nala, you like to nod your head and seem really interested in the music.
ABCs/123s
Your ABCs are currently just mumbles, but you can both count to 5. Of the two of you, Nala you show more interest in reading right now. You LOVE books and can entertain yourself reading all by yourself! Nia, you generally just pick up a book after you see that Nala has one! :)
Body Parts
You both know your nose, eyes, ears, arms, feet,hands, head, and belly button. I love to hear you repeat belly button! (Super cute!!)
Words
You are saying quite a few words these days including Mama or per Nala "MaMUH", Dada, Pot Pot (for potty), Belly Button, Stop That, No!, Sissy or "Thissy" per Nia, Ball, Up, Down, Yay!, Shoes, I, Nose, Mine, Thank You, Love You, Hi, Uh Oh, you both say Nala, and Nia you say Nia too, but we haven't heard Nala call your name yet Nia. Funniest of all, most recently Bye Bye Girl (yep, we are now calling everybody girl)! In First Sentences - Nia has started saying "Here You Go."
Interaction
You are both still a little cautious of strangers, but are generally friendly. Nala you still have a thing for men...we'll give you 6 more months and then we're putting a stop to that! :) You have finally stopped crying when being dropped off at church, now that it will be time to switch classes in a month from now! At school, they say you are both happy, but pretty quiet. It's still new, so I'm sure you'll eventually show em how crazy/wild you two really are!
You're growing up girls!
WE LOVE YOU
These two little girls who have absolutely no interest in being photographed, are now 18 months. I so do not have the patience to try to get both of them to smile for a pic...so this is as good as it gets...this is how their 18 mos bday will be remembered.
Today you are 18 months old and know I sound like a broken record, but I really honestly can't believe how big you girls are now. Where are my little babies??
In Music:
You are both now loving to sing along to "Happy & Know You It!", "Itsy Bitsy Spider", "I'm a Little Teapot", and "Mr. Sun". You know all the moves and motions too...You guys are all about the "motions!" You also can't get enough of big sissy putting on Black Eyed Peas "I got a Feeling" (thanks YouTube). In the car with Daddy, you love to groove to the "Chocolate Train" cd that Miss Melissa at BAWS made for you. Nia you love to dance and Nala, you like to nod your head and seem really interested in the music.
ABCs/123s
Your ABCs are currently just mumbles, but you can both count to 5. Of the two of you, Nala you show more interest in reading right now. You LOVE books and can entertain yourself reading all by yourself! Nia, you generally just pick up a book after you see that Nala has one! :)
Body Parts
You both know your nose, eyes, ears, arms, feet,hands, head, and belly button. I love to hear you repeat belly button! (Super cute!!)
Words
You are saying quite a few words these days including Mama or per Nala "MaMUH", Dada, Pot Pot (for potty), Belly Button, Stop That, No!, Sissy or "Thissy" per Nia, Ball, Up, Down, Yay!, Shoes, I, Nose, Mine, Thank You, Love You, Hi, Uh Oh, you both say Nala, and Nia you say Nia too, but we haven't heard Nala call your name yet Nia. Funniest of all, most recently Bye Bye Girl (yep, we are now calling everybody girl)! In First Sentences - Nia has started saying "Here You Go."
Interaction
You are both still a little cautious of strangers, but are generally friendly. Nala you still have a thing for men...we'll give you 6 more months and then we're putting a stop to that! :) You have finally stopped crying when being dropped off at church, now that it will be time to switch classes in a month from now! At school, they say you are both happy, but pretty quiet. It's still new, so I'm sure you'll eventually show em how crazy/wild you two really are!
You're growing up girls!
WE LOVE YOU
These two little girls who have absolutely no interest in being photographed, are now 18 months. I so do not have the patience to try to get both of them to smile for a pic...so this is as good as it gets...this is how their 18 mos bday will be remembered.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Good Things | Hannah Lynell
I have found that good things come to those who wait.
Today, after 10.5 weeks, my best friend, Brandy, FINALLY got to bring her baby girl, Hannah, home. Hannah was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation on July 20 weighing 2 lbs 3oz. Today she left, in complete health at 37 weeks weighing a healthy 5 lbs 12.2 oz! Hannah's story is one to not be forgotten. Her mommy and daddy and everyone around them are left humbled by that which God has done and how he never for one second forgot about little Hannah, a miracle baby. Their strength was tested, but today,they are renewed!
You can follow Hannah's journey by visiting Team Davis United. Although the blog has been interrupted over the last 10.5 weeks, Brandy is planning a 365 so we can peek in on little Miss Hannah throughout the week. I have a permanent link in my blog roll!
Isn't she a beauty??

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. - Isaiah 40:31
Today, after 10.5 weeks, my best friend, Brandy, FINALLY got to bring her baby girl, Hannah, home. Hannah was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation on July 20 weighing 2 lbs 3oz. Today she left, in complete health at 37 weeks weighing a healthy 5 lbs 12.2 oz! Hannah's story is one to not be forgotten. Her mommy and daddy and everyone around them are left humbled by that which God has done and how he never for one second forgot about little Hannah, a miracle baby. Their strength was tested, but today,they are renewed!
You can follow Hannah's journey by visiting Team Davis United. Although the blog has been interrupted over the last 10.5 weeks, Brandy is planning a 365 so we can peek in on little Miss Hannah throughout the week. I have a permanent link in my blog roll!
Isn't she a beauty??

Monday, September 27, 2010
aspire photo challenge - black & white / secret keeper girl
Hannah has a new photo challenge posted. The theme is Black and White.
Click on the button here to see others. Lots of great images! I'd love to see your play :)
Black and white photography is especially great for story-telling and for images that reflect emotion.
Black and white photography is especially great for story-telling and for images that reflect emotion.

Here I have captured MacKenzie. I think she looks stunning. In this image, I see her innermost natural beauty. Not perfection by the world's standards, but true God given beauty - the only standard that truly matters.
MacKenzie and I enjoyed a Mother-Daughter night out on Saturday and attended the Secret Keeper Girl Pajama Party Tour which made a stop in Tulsa. It was all about modesty, fashion, and beauty and was a just a perfect event for moms and tweens in today's culture. At one point during the show, they asked the girls to reflect on any physical insecurities that they had so that they could take those insecurities to God and we could pray over them. MacKenzie said that she couldn't think of anything so she prayed about her "big feet". She said that was all that she could come up with. My first thoughts were "oh no!" I've made her feel bad about her feet, and while I will genuinely be more conscious of this regarding any comments I make about her feet, I feel so blessed that she actually struggled with something to come up with. It's because I know that for her, it's not because she's vain or full of herself, in fact it is the opposite. Her outward appearance is not where her focus is. I love this innocence and hope it never goes away for her. Love the raw purity of being 100% content with how you are wonderfully made. From her, I could learn a lesson...
I'm so blessed to have a little secret keeper girl - a true masterpiece created by God's hand.
A Secret Keeper Girl values modesty, she surrounds herself with wise friends and she embraces Godly beauty. She also knows that she can share all of her heart secrets with her mom at any time. The coolest thing for you to know is that a Secret Keeper Girl is a masterpiece created by God.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Enjoying the Park
We had a lazy weekend. We went to the park Friday, Saturday, and Sunday...the girls loved being outside and with comfortable temperatures, I really didn't mind either.
We went at times that I thought it would be quiet without many other people so that I could feel comfortable letting them walk little bit. Nala was so excited that she fell down every few steps...her big sister thought it was hilarious...
We went at times that I thought it would be quiet without many other people so that I could feel comfortable letting them walk little bit. Nala was so excited that she fell down every few steps...her big sister thought it was hilarious...
They absolutely loved swinging. Weekends are certainly to be treasured because it is then that I get to really spend time enjoying my three.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Laughter we picture {this} - a little drama too

Camera: Canon Rebel XSI
Lens: 50 mm 1.4
Exposure: 1/200 @ f/2.8 ISO 400
Mode: Manual
I took this picture of Nia last month. MacKenzie got behind me and made Nia laugh. I love it! In the same breath she gave me this dramatic pose...
Camera: Canon Rebel XSI
Lens: 50 mm 1.4
Exposure: 1/125 @ f/2.8 ISO 400
Mode: Manual
Combined these two pictures capture the essense of Nia...in one little package she is silly and intense all at once!
Check out more laughter posts by clicking on the we picture this button.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Just Plain Gorgeous
Today we celebrated my niece Cydney's 4th birthday in Oklahoma City. She celebrated costumed as Princess Tiana. Her mom, my sister, asked me to take her outside quickly for some pics before I left. Here is one of my favs! Simply put, she is just plain gorgeous!
and another of her smiling this time ;)
and with the notebook that I had customized for her bday
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Complete Enjoyment
Usually on Sundays while at church I learn so much more about God, oftentimes more about myself, but this past Sunday I also learned more about my little Nia. The title of the sermon was "Just Ask" - a message delivered by Ethan Vanse. In the illustration of his point that we need to move beyond asking in general to being specific in our invitations to have people join us at church he told about how he went on an awesome trip to Disneyworld with fellow church staff members and they went to a really nice restaurant with a view of the parks and super yummy food - his favorite food. He noted that being there was magical, but he snuck away realizing that something was missing - his wife and kids. He snuck away to call his wife and told her that as soon as he got home he wanted to schedule a trip for all of them to go. He realized that his personal enjoyment wasn't complete because he wasn't sharing it with the people he loved most.
If you been around me lately and we got to talking about the girls, you've probably heard me say that every morning when Nia wakes up, the first thing she does is yell for "Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaa"
If I hand her a treat, she turns and looks back and yells for
"Naaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
When it's time to go and she makes it to the door first, she yells back for
"Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaa"
I wouldn't describe Nia as the "sweetest" baby in the world, BUT one thing is for certain - she LOVES her Nala. She is always looking out for her, but as I sat in service on Sunday, I realized it might be more to it. I think right now, Nala is the person she loves the most and knows the most intimately, more than anyone else in the world. Because of this, it is only natural that she wants to share her enjoyment with her sister.
I sincerely hope that my girls are always close - and always find joy in sharing with one another...
If you been around me lately and we got to talking about the girls, you've probably heard me say that every morning when Nia wakes up, the first thing she does is yell for "Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaa"
If I hand her a treat, she turns and looks back and yells for
"Naaaaaaaaalllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"
When it's time to go and she makes it to the door first, she yells back for
"Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllllllllllllllaaaaaaaaaa"
I wouldn't describe Nia as the "sweetest" baby in the world, BUT one thing is for certain - she LOVES her Nala. She is always looking out for her, but as I sat in service on Sunday, I realized it might be more to it. I think right now, Nala is the person she loves the most and knows the most intimately, more than anyone else in the world. Because of this, it is only natural that she wants to share her enjoyment with her sister.
I sincerely hope that my girls are always close - and always find joy in sharing with one another...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
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