Eckman-Legrand Wedding and Casey Jones

Last weekend was traveling whirlwind!  Hayden took off Friday so we could begin our trek around the southeast headed to Kentucky to see Justin LeGrand marry the love of his life, Erin. We definitely made the most of each moment:

First stop, was to explore the Casey Jones museum in Jackson, TN.  We did the choo-choo boogie (Thanks, Mickey Mouse) as we ate lunch at the buffet, learned all there is to know about Casey Jones- more than the Grateful Dead had taught us through their song- and aced the quiz at the end of the tour.  Haley was overwhelmed by all the options at the buffet, then again in the candy store when Hayden let the kids pick 3 pieces of candy.  Oh, the choices!  The kids loved climbing on the train and ringing the bell.  Ms. Norma, the local historian, became our new best friend and told Hayden and I to study as we went through the museum because she was going to quiz us at the end.  Well, putting our two heads together we aced Ms.Norma’s test and won a prize!  It was so cute- she announced our Casey Jones IQ to all the customers in the gift shop as she presented our gifts- brand new Casey Jones writing tablets.  Haley was kept busy for the rest of the trip practicing her letters and drawing an endless amount of pictures for us.

After staying the night as the Caswell’s and eating an incredible breakfast, we were off to Kentucky.  We made a stop to the fourth-largest city in Kentucky, Owensboro, to visit the Kirkland Clans. It was great to catch up with John, Bailey, Drew and Morgan and to  re-live some college memories.  We know they are great friends because we weren’t too embarrassed to ask to do laundry the minute we walked it- we had to wash car seat covers and clothes due to some diaper shortcomings. 

The wedding was beautiful and the reception was a blast.  I was blown away with the classy, personal touches Erin put on everything.  The wildflowers she had planted for this special occasion on her farm decorated each table, tastes of South Carolina throughout, and strung lights to set the tone for an exciting and intimate night. Haley and Trey started dancing immediately and only paused to grab a quick bite and sips of Sprite.  Well, I take that back, Trey had a slightly rough night- all the dancing and spinning took toll on his stomach and he threw up all over one of Justin’s fraternity brothers and the table.  And Haley danced till she dropped.   Other than that slight hiccup in the evening we had an absolute blast celebrating the start of a great marriage for Justin and Erin- Congrats! (and thanks for a great weekend) I must say, the Platten’s know how to tear up a dance floor!  It was so fun having KJ and Jason around for the weekend.  It was sad to say good-bye, we miss them so much.

Diabetes Walk, Air Show, Millington

We’ve been slacking a bit on blog posts so we’ll be doing a couple this week to catch up.  The weekend of September 16-18 was a bit crazy.  It started of simple enough on Friday, just relaxing around the house.  Haley (aka, Pocahontas) and Trey were loving the weather and enjoying popsicles outside.  We couldn’t help but hang out with them.  Once they finally went to bed, though, the packing began.

Saturday morning started off with a bang.  We headed to the Diabetes Walk.  As many of you know, Laura was diagnosed in college with late onset juvenile diabetes.  She did shots for a while and soon got on an insulin pump (which she lovingly calls her "pancreas in her pocket").  What a blessing the pump has been in regulating her sugar. 

As soon as she found out her parents, and especially her Dad, took on the fight against Diabetes with a vengeance.  He learned all he could and was instrumental in getting Kroger to be a corporate sponsor of the Diabetes Walk in Memphis.  He fund-raised like a madman and even went so far as to be on the board of the ADA.  Meanwhile, Laura and I took most of that for granted.

Last Christmas we vowed to fund-raise more than him for the Diabetes Walk.  And that we did.  Laura set up a team called "Just My Type".  A handful of folks were on the team and Laura got to work raising money.  Not only did Laura beat her dad in fundraising, but she was actually the top individual fundraiser in Memphis.  I couldn’t be prouder of her!

Once the walk was over, we quickly headed off to Millington for the air show.  Our financial advisor, Pickler Wealth Management, had a tent set up in the VIP section.  Even though it was naptime, the kids’ attention was held.  Unfortunately, it didn’t hold long enough for the Blue Angels – we had to leave a little early.  I’d hoped to get some pictures of the Blue Angels.  I did get some pretty cool pictures of a bomber.

From the air show, we went to the land in Millington.  As an aside, we really need to come up with a name for the land in Millington.  Anyway, the kids got the nap they needed.  We rounded out Saturday watching a movie and eating popcorn.

Sunday morning we were back up early.  We really enjoy staying Saturday nights in Millington, but that means an extra 30 minute drive to church on Sunday.  When you consider we’re typically a little late for church even living 10 minutes away, the extra 30 minute drive is tough.  We were finishing loading the car.  Haley and Trey were hanging out on the porch.  All of a sudden, Haley’s sick to her stomach.

After a massive cleanup effort by Laura (way to go, babe!), we were off to church.  Laura ended up taking Haley home and coming back after church was over to pick me up.

Sunday also marked our 7 year wedding anniversary.  It seems like we were married yesterday and a hundred years ago all at the same time.  I couldn’t be happier spending my life with my best friend. 

My birthday was Monday the 19th, but I got my present from Laura and the kids on Sunday night.  An electric smoker!  They gave it to me early so that I could use it on my birthday.  And boy did I!  I smoked a Boston Butt on Monday that was absolutely unreal.  I even woke up at 3:30 Monday morning to put it in the smoker.  I think I just might enter BBQ fest next year!

(and I threw in a picture of Avery in her game day gear just for grins)

MS 150 (AKA – MS 95)

2 weeks ago I had the pleasure of riding in the MS 150 bike ride.  For those that don’t know what that is, it is a bicycle ride from the Desoto Civic Center to Tunica on Saturday and back on Sunday.  Typically, it is a 75 mile ride down and a 75 mile ride back.  This year, they had a “short route” that you could ride either or both days.  You wouldn’t get your full 150 miles in, but at least those who didn’t prepare could have a graceful way of “completing” the ride.

And lets be clear, I’m in no way knocking the people that weren’t prepared.  In fact, I was one of them.  Quite frankly, I hadn’t ridden my bike over 100 miles since last year’s MS150.  So I was one of those “whimps” that opted for the short route.  The first day I didn’t ride the short route as it was laid out.  I really wanted to see the Accredo rest stop, but they were the first stop of the LONG route.  So, I decided to take the long route until the Accredo stop, then turn around and finish out on the short route.

Saturday night we stayed at Harrah’s.  Typically, I pay extra to have a guaranteed single room.  That allows Laura to come down and stay with me without being totally awkward to a roomate.

Unfortunately they were out of single rooms this year.  I went pot luck with the roomate situation.  I ended up with a nearly retired Navy guy.  Really nice guy, but definitely strange sharing a room with a guy I didn’t know.

The ride back Sunday was great.  I cut out a little earlier than the ride “officially” started so I was alone for the vast majority of the ride.  I didn’t mind being alone at all.  The weather was great and I enjoyed the bit of solitude.  I don’t do it often, but there is something special about watching the sun peek over the horizon while you’re riding a bike.  The fresh cool air, the almost imperceptible ticking of a well tuned bike chain and beauty of God’s creation in front of you is tough to beat.  (well, it may be overshadowed by fresh cool air, whistling wings and the infrequent sounds of non-lead based projectiles).

I was actually very pleased that I didn’t try to over-exert myself by doing the long ride both days.  Of course, I can’t say that I did the MS150 this year (at least not with a straight face), but I can say that I rode in the MS bike ride.  The other thing I can say is that I have some fantastic folks that helped support me in the ride and MS research. 

Avery Grace

Avery Grace is two months old! She is growing and changing so fast. Every day she gets prettier, more alert, and engaging. She has started smiling a lot and those smiles are one of the highlights of my day. She is on a great schedule and is a very happy baby. Like her big sister, Haley, she is very content wherever she is. Trey needed constant attention and affection (and still does!) but both girls are more laid back and just take in their surroundings. Avery is my little buddy and is pretty much attached to my hip…which I love. The kids still fight over who is going to hold her but the snuggling doesn’t last quite as long now that she is getting bigger.

The other day, Haley and I ran into Kroger to grab a thing or two and we took Avery. Well, Avery had been in the car seat a long time so I carried her in since we only had a couple things to grab. Both Haley and I realized we had to go to the bathroom while we were shopping and juggling Avery while snapping pants was quite a challenge. I let Haley hold her standing up and Haley looked up at me with the brightest eyes and the proudest smile and said, “I’m like an adult!” I hope I didn’t start a new idea stirring in that head!

Avery weighs 10lbs, 5oz and is now 22 inches long. If you saw her in her newborn clothes, you’d expect her length to have increased MUCH more. All her Newborn pants are capri’s now. She is officially in 3 month clothes. I’m excited to dress her in her new wardrobe! I need the weather to stay nice so she has time to wear her summer 3 month clothing. We hardly have any long sleeve attire!

I’m obviously a proud mama and LOVE being a mom of three. I am constantly reminded how great God is and how blessed I am. He is displaying His love for me, sense of humor, and power of Creation through my kids. Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I (they) am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” I’m happy to have three beautiful reminders.

Millington

The house that we’ve been working on in Millington is done.  For those that aren’t aware, my dad recently purchased some land in Millington, which is about 30 minutes from where we live.  The primary intent of him purchasing it was to give us a place to go hunt when he was up. 

When we bought it, it had a house on on it that was built sometime around the early 40’s.  It hadn’t been lived in for 9 years and it was in shambles.  We actually used the fact that we’d incur the expense of tearing it down as a negotiating tool.  Once we bought it, we took another hard look at the house.  We’d probably spend 10 grand or more to tear it down.  And it definitely had some potential.  You had to squint to see it, but it was there.  The renovation process began.

The house is pretty simple.  2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen, sunroom (that is a converted porch) and one bathroom.  There’s one picture of the renovation below.  I’ll post more as I remember to take pictures.  We sleep in one bedroom and the kids sleep in the other.  There are three twin beds in the kid’s room.  As of now, Avery sleeps in ours, but Haley and Trey can’t wait until she can join them.  We’ll be making a lot of memories there. 

Here we are about 8 months later and I’m happy we chose to repair it.  It’s got a charm to it.  We’ve spent the night there a couple of times over the last few weeks.  We’ve been checking off the punch list – final cleaning, brining in furniture, stocking the closets and hanging pictures.  We’ve nearly got it to the point that we can grab a change of clothes and head out to spend the night on a whim.

I knew having a place to go like this would be nice.  But frankly, I had no idea just how nice it would be.  Away from the phone and computer.  Away from the honey do list at home.  Just relaxing.

We’ve been bringing a small TV and a DVD player so that we can watch a movie as a family (typically Fern Gully or Tangled) and eat popcorn.  The ONLY thing that gets the kids in front of the TV out there is darkness.  From the minute we get there until it gets dark, the kids run around like crazy outside.  This past Saturday, I don’t think they stopped squealing for the first few hours they were there.

I love watching them run around.  There are a couple of acres around the house where they can run till their hearts are content without danger of streets or being kidnapped.  There’s no such thing as strangers…just a couple of overly nice neighbors that would do anything for you.  We’re so grateful to have a place to go where kids can be kids like we were growing up.  Where there were no worries.  Where skinned knees were a clear indicator that we had a lot of fun that day.  Where riding 4 wheelers isn’t something you do every once in a while as a reward for being good – it’s how you get to the pond.  And where there’s always a ring around the tub after giving them baths.

First Day of School

Yep, I know we’re fashionably late on this post.  But now we’ve got two weeks under our belt and we can tell you how school really is.

Both of them are in pre-school at St. Paul’s Methodist.  (thank goodness their curriculum is a step above their website design!)  Haley’s been playing musical schools over the past two years.  We were hoping to get Haley in St. Paul’s each year, but the waiting list is pretty long.  So welcome our leverage – Trey.  We knew it would be easier for Trey to get in.  If Trey made it, Haley automatically went to the top of the waiting list.  Mind you, she didn’t automatically get in, but it would give her priority.

We got word about mid-summer that Trey made it.  Now it was a waiting game for Haley.  We had already registered Haley at another school in case we didn’t get in to St. Paul. 

The good news about Haley getting in came while we were in the hospital right after having Avery.  Laura was super excited.  This meant that she could drop BOTH kids off at the same school and St. Paul is only about 5 minutes from the house.  While she had the lady from St. Paul on the phone, she actually went ahead and put Avery on the list!

Their first day of school was a smashing success.  We’d told Haley that she’d need to teach Trey what to do at school, since this was his first time.  Haley took her job VERY seriously.  The whole way there she told him what to expect.  Then it was the cutest thing watching her hold his hand while they walked in…explaining to him the whole way what he should expect.

Trey’s little backpack is as big as he is.  And Haley Michelle Pirate Simons is totally rocking her personalized pirate backpack (big thanks to Ali, Richard and Griff – nice pick). 

Now, as long as we can keep them out of the principal’s office, we’re set!

Pickin’ Peaches

Hayden’s parents kept the kids in Jackson for a few days to give Avery and I a little time to sew, run errands, eat lunch out, and breathe!  When they brought the kids back to Memphis, they spent the weekend with us.  We decided to stop at Jones Orchard in Millington on our way to go check the land and house at Millington.  It was hot but we had a great time picking peaches!  Both kids really got into it and didn’t want to stop.  All I could think while the basket got more and more full is 1) can’t wait to make peach cobbler; 2) I’ve got to find more peach recipes!  After working hard to find the best peaches in Memphis, we hit Chick-fil-A for lunch and ice cream!!

Visiting the land and house in Millington got us fired up about having a “camp out” so we spend the night out there this past weekend.  We really enjoyed ourselves and are looking forward to a lifetime of memories spent out there…four wheelers, hunting, cook outs, and soy beans!

Let’s Go Swimming

Well, as some of you know, we got a pool last summer.  Mind you it wasn’t in our back yard, but in the back yard of a house that we’ve been trying to flip.  This is our first attempt at flipping a house.  Let me tell you, it has been more of a flop.  When we bought it last August, we got an absolute steal on it.  It’s a good thing too.  Because we’re right at breaking even.

We’ve got friends that have said, “Even if you made a dollar, it is worth it.  You’ve learned so much.”  They’re right.  We have learned a lot about flipping houses, house repair and pools.  We’ve learned all about taxes and insurance.  We’ve also learned that we won’t be doing this again any time soon.

The ONLY silver lining to this cloud (outside of not completely losing our shirts on the deal), is that the house has a pool.  And it is in our neighborhood.  So we’ve at least gotten to make some use of it.  It’s been great watching the kids turn more and more into fish-like creatures.  Haley’s still a little nervous around water, but as you can see from the pictures, Trey’s all in. 

Trey had been jumping off the side without too much fear.  I was in the pool and said, “Hey Trey – why don’t you go jump off the diving board to me.”  Much to my surprise, he bee-lined it to the diving board, ran down it and flung himself off.  I told Laura to grab the camera and asked him to do it again.  Sure enough, we got the shot below.

We also managed to take sweet Avery for her first swim ever.  She sported her little MSU Bulldog one piece.  (she’s a little young for a two piece).

Now we’ve actually got a contract on this house.  Lord willing, we’ll have it sold on August 30th.  We’ll definitely miss having the pool that close, but sure as heck won’t miss the acid reflux holding on to this house has caused.

While the Cat was away…

Hayden had to go out of town last week and we hadn’t taken our token towel picture of Avery yet so he set up the backdrop and showed me a couple things about the camera/flash and it was up to me to get a few precious shots.  So, here is my first attempt to become a photographer!  I think I did pretty decent.  I had a lot of fun doing it and might even try it again some time.  It helps to have an adorable subject. 

Not only am I proud of the pictures here, but also proud of myself for being on my own with the three kids!  We even left the house a few times!  I had great help from KJ and Jason while they were visiting.  They were proud Aunt and Uncle taking the big kids swimming so I could go to the grocery store and holding Avery, after meeting her for the first time.  I think their first fight as a married couple was about who’s turn it was to hold the baby!

Pink and Purple Butterfly Pillow Pet is Finally Here!

Haley decided about a month or two ago that she REALLY wanted a pillow pet.  It started with wanting a Unicorn Pillow Pet, but there was a big problem…it costs $20!  So she started asking about how she could get some money.  Hayden and I sat down one night and made a chore chart.  Haley had ten chores to pick from- she could do as many as she wanted each day to try and earn some money…at 10 cents a pop.  The type of chores listed were: make bed, clear and wash table, set table, learn a Bible verse, spell a word, speak politely “yes Ma’am”, dusting, cleaning room, picking up toys, etc.  Well, after a month of hard work she finally had enough money to buy the Pillow Pet, plus tithe on her income. 

Well, you’ll notice in the picture that the Pillow Pet we ended up with is NOT a unicorn.  We saw a commercial about the new Pillow Pets and realized you could only buy them online.  Hayden and I wanted her to actually buy the pillow pet at a store so we ordered it online and took it to Cracker Barrel once it came in the mail.  They were great about letting us “buy” it from them.  All the workers were watching her look all over the store for the exact pillow pet she was hoping for.  She was jumping up and down hugging it, letting Avery feel how soft it was, and then didn’t stop talking about how great the Butterfly Pillow Pet is!  She even wore her pink and purple crocs so they would match her Butterfly!  We all had smiles on our faces all night seeing how excited she was.  She sleeps on it every night now.

Two favorite stories along the way:
1. Haley came home from a 4-day visit with Mammaw and Pappaw (who helped her greatly when it came to earning money- they paid her much better than us!) and was saying “Yes/No Ma’am/Sir” all the time.  After each time she said it she’d add, “and that means MONEY!” 

2. We talked with Haley about giving money to Jesus/church whenever you earn it.  She didn’t want to give away $2 of her hard earned money at first but after talking to her about obeying the Bible and doing what Jesus asks us to do, she started getting excited.  She drew pictures on her envelope and put her money in it to take to church.  We talked about all the great things our church does with the money we give and she listed many ideas of her own.  She was giddy telling her teacher about doing chores and giving back to Jesus.  Proud Parents here!

Oh, and now that she’s purchased her treasure, she’s informed us that she’s done doing chores!