Happy Birthday, Mom! October 7, 2008

Today is my mom’s birthday, so I wanted to give a little shout-out to her!  I won’t announce how old she is…you wouldn’t believe me, anyway, she looks at least a decade younger than she really is.  (One of the many characteristics I hope I inherit!)

Growing up my mom and I were always close.  We always spent a lot of time together.  Whether it was shopping, cooking, talking or just hanging out, I remember always wanting to be with her.  As I’ve gotten older and have become a mom myself, I appreciate her even more.   I am so thankful for the role she has played in my life and for the role she is playing in my childrens’ lives.

Mom, thank you so much for the encouragement you have been to me and for all of the advice you have given me,  whether it’s about cooking, raising children, how to be an encouragement to my husband, or being a part of ministry.  Thank you for your listening ear and your wisdom over the years.  Thank you for showing me how to love God, love my family and love other people more.  I love and appreciate you more than you know.  Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday, LaLa September 23, 2008

Just wanted to give a Happy Birthday shout-out to my sister, Larissa (or LaLa as my children have affectionately named her)! 

I have lots of funny memories of Larissa and I growing up.  She is five years older than me and I was always the annoying little sister.  I was always in her business.  We shared a room until she was a junior in high school.  I loved it, I know she hated it!  I would try to be like her, sneaking in her make-up and perfume, eavesdropping on her phone conversations with her friends and boyfriends.  (She only thought I was fast asleep!)

I don’t think Larissa even liked me until I was in my sophomore or junior year in high school.   That’s when she would come home from college on the weekends and we would spend time together, shopping, hanging out and just talking. 

I knew I was truly her friend, not just her annoying little sister when I was a senior in high school thinking about where I was going to attend college.  Towards the end of my senior year she asked me if I wanted to move in with her in Orlando while I attended UCF.  WHAT?  My big sister who has a real job and a real life wants ME to live with her?  Of course I jumped at the opportunity and of course I dragged Leigh Ann with me and we all lived together my freshman year of college.  Fun times, fun times…

Over the past few years, we’ve shared a lot, fought some, cried a lot and laughed a lot.  I love you, Larissa and I’m so glad you’re my sistah!  I hope your day is great.  Eat lots of cake and enjoy every minute of it!

Larissa, Tim (my twin), and me

Week in Review August 31, 2008

Lots of things have happened in the last week or so that I just haven’t made the time to blog about.  I decided to show you what we’ve been up to…enjoy the pictures!

Emma lost her first tooth last week.  When she asked me about the tooth fairy, I told her, “All I know is that she is tall and thin and beautiful.”  Her response was, “Is it Staci?”  (I know that made Staci feel great!)  Emma was so proud and couldn’t wait to go to school and put her name on the Lost Tooth chart!

 

Barry completed his first triathlon last Saturday.  He did awesome, placing 5th overall.  Way to go, Babe!  We were all able to make it out to cheer him on.  I sure was glad it wasn’t me who had to run through all of that standing water that Fay left behind.  (YUK!)  He was a trooper!  (And no, not everyone who trains for a triathlon looks this good!)

 

Ansley was the first student in her preK class chosen to bring her class mascot, Delphina the dolpin home for the weekend.  She was so excited to bring her to Melbourne overnight! 

 

Jackson is getting so big…I think this picture shows how grown up he is. 

 

My brother and his wife, Tim and Robin, came down from Tennessee for a visit with their daughter, Kylie this past week.  Kylie will be turning a year old next week, so my parents threw her a little birthday party for the family on Friday night.  We had fun, but I’m not sure she liked the cake so much!  Happy Birthday, Kylie.  We loved spending time with you celebrating your first year.  Now that you live a little closer, we hope to see you more in your second year of life than we did your first!  We love you!

 

First Day of Pre-K August 20, 2008

Ansley was really disappointed that Fay postponed her first day of school.  She was supposed to start yesterday, but instead got to start today.  She was really excited and couldn’t wait to get dressed and get out the door.  (If you know Ansley, you know this is not typical behavior…let’s just say that I use the phrase “Hurry up”  with her about a dozen times every morning!)  I was happy to see her so excited and eager to start her school year.   Everything went well her first day, except for the fact that they didn’t get to play on the playground.  She made lots of new friends and can’t wait to go back tomorrow.

Ansley, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you.  We can’t believe that you are already starting Pre-K!  We know you will do great at school.  We love you and we are looking forward to a great school year!

It was odd having just Jackson with me today.  I almost didn’t know what to do with myself!  (almost!)  We started off the morning with breakfast with Angie at Morning Glories for her birthday.  Happy birthday, Angie!  I’m so glad you were born and that you are a part of my life.  Your friendship means more to me than you know! 

Happy Birthday, Baby! June 3, 2008

Thirty something years ago, my husband, James Barrett Leathers, entered the world.  I met him when we were in the sixth grade at Meadowlane Elementary School, only 11 years old!  Here we are, two decades later, celebrating another birthday.

I love you, Barry, more than words could ever tell you.  You are an amazing husband, father, and friend.  Thank you for showing me what it means to truly love others and love Jesus.   Can’t wait to celebrate many, many more birthdays with you!  I hope you have a wonderful day!