The Ezell Family

A Few of My Favorite Things

2011-12-07T15:57:00.002-06:00

Feeling a little blue this Christmas season, so I'm going to share a few of my favorite things to cheer you, and me up!

My family.

The boys learning how to do new things.

Austin at Awana's learning the Bible.

Serving others at our church at Thanksgiving.

Writing letters to Santa

Austin having drawing time by the fireplace.

The sound and smell of a fire.

These books, that God provided me.

Our Christmas tree.

Look A Likes

2011-08-16T08:23:00.000-05:00

So living in Texas, and living on the farm, the boys are being exposed to things that they have only seen on TV, books, etc. That being said, my boys have found some new accessories for their wardrobe. When we came to Texas one Thanksgiving, Austin was playing around with PawPaw John's cowboy hat, of course we took pictures of it. Later Lisa (Adam's mom) found a picture of Adam in a cowboy hat when he was a toddler. It only made since that we put Aaden in the same cowboy hat and take his picture. Later we where talking about how old each child was when his picture was taken. It turns out that they where all taken when each one was 16-17 months old.

Adam in cowboy hat ~ 1982

Austin in cowboy hat ~ 2007

Aaden in cowboy hat ~ 2011

Funny story: Austin is loving being on the farm. One day we had to go to the bank, in town. I got Austin out first and he goes to stand by Aaden's door to wait for me. All of a sudden I hear "Hi! Mr. Cowboy!" A "cowboy" parked beside us and Austin was so excited to see his first real live cowboy! The man just laughed and asked him how he was doing. I wish I had my camera, I would have asked to take a picture if I'd have thought about it!

Have you heard the news?

2011-08-11T16:11:00.000-05:00

We've Moved!

Man, this is going to be FULL of pictures!

The last weekend on June, we loaded up and moved to Texas. We had and continue to pray that God shut the doors that weren't for us and open the "right" doors for us. Almost instantly doors starting shutting in TN. Adam's mom and step-dad offered for us to move to the farm so we can get a "fresh start", I'd guess you'd say. Adam found a job about three weeks after we got here, and I'm loving staying at home with the boys. Austin is starting kindergarten in about a week. Adam is going to start on his masters degree in education in January, so we have to establish residency in June so he won't be considered out of state.

It took us two loads in the cattle trailer, plus more. We have a lot of stuff! I've come to realize that most of what we have is just stuff, most of it could be taken away from me and I'd never miss it. As long as I have my family and we have clothes, food and love - what else do you need? As I've seen my boys enjoying life, just playing and being boys a lot of my perceptions of the world have changed. Why do we need to listen to the world, to join the in rat race to have the big, nice house, the newest car, cell phone, fashion, etc? I have never relied on God more in my life that I have in the past two months. God has provided more us in more ways that I can imagine. Yes I know that we have to have money to put a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs, and food on the table, but I'll no longer strive to keep up with the world. As long as my families needs are met than I will give thanks, and continue to seek Him in ALL things that we do.

OK, enough of the soap box!

Breakfast on the farm. Adam and I really enjoyed the weeks that we had "off" from work together with the boys. We worked on the farm, and looked for boys, but we got plenty of play time in too!

Four wheeler rides!

Aaden thinks that he needs to ride EVERYTHING!

Aaden LOVES being outside! He'll find his shoes and bring them to you so you'll take him outside. If someone is making a quick run outside to do something, you have to sneak outside and hope that Aaden doesn't hear you.

Playing in the dirt and feeding the cows are the favorite past times around here. Oh, and going to town. Wal-Mart (fal-mart, as Austin still calls it) is 22 miles away. Gone are the days of running to the store for a quick thing. I think that we'll save a lot of money this way!

The cows know as soon as you open the garage and crank the four wheeler its feeding time.

It's been super dry here (no rain in 6 weeks or more) so we've been feeding and putting out more hay. It's cloudy today, but I don't think that it's going to rain. Adam has drawn a rain turtle and even paid it, but we've still not gotten any rain. The marquee at Austin's school is saying "Pray for rain!"

The hot Texas sun, we've had a record setting heat wave, which means little to no outside time for two boys. We have to go play outside early in the morning, because by 10:00 am it's 100 degrees, IN THE SHADE! It's too hot to even get in the pool!

All of the grass is dead and crunchy. The leaves are turning brown and falling off the trees. Fall will not be so pretty this year. Adam and John have been doing dirt work on the pond because the water level has dropped so badly. Trying to make the best out of a bad situation, I guess.

Aaden playing with Goofy. Austin is scared to death of the dogs, but loves the cows. I think because the dogs bark and are louder than the cows, most of the time. He's gotten a lot better about them in the past few weeks. Aaden loves all the animals: dogs, cats, and cattle.

Art time, Austin loves drawing and writing his name. Aaden says "ca-ca" when he want to "color". Mostly he just eats the crayons.

Play time with cousin Braxton. Austin and Braxton get along like most 3 and 4 year olds. They are ok until somebody gets a coveted toy.

Trying to stay cool inside, playing with the desk chair and laundry basket, who needs toys?

We "helped" take calves to sell on Saturday.

So we are adjusting to farm life, a much slower lifestyle. And enjoying every minute of it!

I've got more post up my sleeves, just waiting on another nap time!

Texas or bust!

2011-06-17T14:56:00.000-05:00

Adam and I have been praying about the future of our family. We have been praying that God close the doors that we are not to go thru and to open the doors that are for us. Well God really heard our prayers and has been shutting doors here in TN and opening doors to the road to TX. Next weekend we will embark on our new journey, and we are so excited. We are going to stay with Adams mom for a while, until we find our own house. Please pray that this is a smooth transition for us and the boys. We know where God is leading us and we can't wait to see what is going to happen next for us!

Aaden's Birthday

2011-04-05T21:31:00.000-05:00

I know that every parent says this, but I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. Aaden turned one on March 17, and we had his party that following weekend. It was a great day!

Momma and the birthday boy. Aaden has been the sweetest baby! Well most of the time, we are discovering that he has a little temper. When he wants something, he will let you know. But when he wrinkles up that nose and smiles, it melts my heart!

Look at those curls! Aaden has the cutest curls, should have been on a girls head. He started walking at 11 1/2 months old, now he's on the run. And into EVERYTHING! Austin never thought about getting into the things that Aaden gets into. His newest trick is going into the master bathroom and turning on the cold water and playing in it. I really have to keep my eye on this child!

Birthday cakes. You can tell that Aaden is the second child. We had a huge party for Austin's first birthday, and a much more scaled back party for Aaden's! But both of these boys are very much loved.

I had to show him what to do with the cake. I really thought that he would dig in, cause Aaden eats everything you give him, except mashed potatoes.

" This cake is pretty good!"

This was the messiest that he got. I was prepared to dunk him in the tub, but the wipes did the trick. Now on to the presents!

Aaden was SO excited to see the Cozy Coupe, he knows this toy from daycare. You should hear him squealing with excitement after we sat him in it.

So much fun for this sweet little boy!

And he got a wagon, later he will enjoy this, right now Austin is enjoying the wagon time.

Except Austin wants to play dare devil with his little brother in the wagon.

Boy, do I have my hands full with these two sweet bundles of energy! And I'm lovin' every second!

oh, man!

2011-04-03T07:20:00.000-05:00

Last night I was settling down at the computer, wanting to upload my latest pics from the camera. I have been uploading ALL of my pics to shutterfly, and I wanted to do the new one, and update my poor neglected blog. THEN I couldn't find the cord for the camera. Oh MAN! So I'm searching the house over...hopefully I can get some stuff done tonight!

Prayers are Needed

2011-03-16T05:36:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Please continue to pray for Lucy and her family. Lucy was moved to St. Jude yesterday to begin treatment. That is if her spinal fluid leak stops. Please click on the Lucy button to ready their story.

After I posted the last Lucy post, I realized that Kate (Lucy's mom) used to work with my dad. Small world! I wished that you guys could see all the "Lucy Bows" ( pick and purple bow) all over the county, even on a Fed Ex truck. God is really using this family to draw us all closer together.

And if any of you want Lucy shirts and bracalets, they can't ship out of town right now, but let me know. I can pick them up and ship them to you!

Thanks everyone for your prayers for the Rose and Krull families!

Happy Birthday Aaden

2011-03-14T21:15:00.000-05:00

So I'm a few days early. Aaden's birthday is this Thrusday, but I wanted to make sure that this picture made it to the blog! I love this little boy!

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by!

Seems like only yesterday that I was "meeting" this sweet little face!

More to come after the "birthday blowout" this weekend!

calling all prayer warriors

2011-02-26T03:56:00.000-06:00

I'm asking for my friend to pray for Lucy Krull. She is a four year old battling brain cancer. She is from Tipton County, where we live. You can follow their journey at
www.erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com

Mobile Blogging from here.

All about Aaden

2010-07-05T09:20:00.019-05:00

I can't believe that Aaden is almost four months old! Time is flying by, Aaden is such a easy baby. He only cries when he is hungry or tired. He loves to "talk" and to stand on someones legs to look around. He loves his big brother and he always has a smile for everyone. Aaden has rolled from his back and stomach onto his side, but can't get all the way over yet. He is still not sleeping thru the night, he's a little spoiled. We discovered that Aaden has some reflux, and gets mylanta twice a day. Right now he's fighting a cold and a little stomach bug, so he's sleeping a ton these past few days.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!
(He's still got his dark blue eyes, but I think they are trying to change to green.)

We had Aaden's dedication at church on the 4th. More than anything this was a dedication for us to remind us to raise Aaden (and Austin) in a Godly home and environment.

Candace, Aaden, Adam and Bro. Ron

First bath together- July 3, 2010
Austin loved it, Aaden was quite unsure why Austin was there.

Aaden was missing his little bathtub, but the next night he was ok with being in the big tub.
Like Austin's artwork in the tub? There is always something drawn on the walls there!

Trying cereal for the first time July 1, 2010
He was ok the first two "bites" then he just wanted his bottle.

We'll try again in a week or so... He is very interested in our food, so he should be "eating" in no time.

He loves his big brother, I think that the feeling is mutual!

We got the exer-saucer down last weekend, Aaden loved it!

Look at those chunky legs, last weekend Aaden weighed 16 lbs. 1 oz. at 3 1/2 months old.
He's not quite as big as Austin was but he's holding his own... And he only eats about 5 -6 ozs every 3 hours during the day.

"Talking" to Aunt Judy. He loves to stand up and carry on a conversation with someone!

This is how I found the boys a few days ago, watching a "mobie" Austin decided to sit next to his brother and "explain" the mobie. Austin turned around when he heard my camera turn on.

Love that I can put them in matching shirts! Aaden has a blocked tear duct in his left eye, it looks much better now after two weeks of eye drops.

He loves his swing, and he likes to hang on to something, Tiger or a burg rag or even his shirt.

Texas Trip April 2010

2010-05-15T14:19:00.003-05:00

We made a quick run to Texas while Austin was on spring break and I on maternity leave. Both boys did very well traveling. I didn't get many pics, we were too busy having fun! MawMaw and PawPaw John sure did enjoy seeing both boys. Austin got to ride some tractors and help feed the cows. Aaden just got some good ole lovin'! But Adam did get to go to the Nascar Race at Texas Motor Speedway for his birthday while we were there. Enjoy the pics!

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T09:55:00.016-05:00

I was really excited to celebrate Easter this year. We have so much to be thankful for now. It's easy to forget how blessed we are, it seems as we are always focusing on what we don't have, I have started everyday to thank God for the things that we do have, our needs are always met.

Two Easter Baskets this year! (I forgot to order Aaden's! Oops!)

Austin diving into his basket, he was excited about the Easter Bunny this year.

Aaden slept through all the excitement.

Austin was showing Aaden how his new bubble gun worked.

Somebody did not want to have his picture taken. This was a shot from over the back of my seat.

Getting some shots on the sly. My MIL picked out this outfit for Austin. He was very cute in it.

Catching a few bubbles.

Aaden and Mommy, Austin wore this same outfit on his first trip to church. It was a lot smaller on Austin though, Aaden will get a wear or two out of this one.

Me and the boys, the only way we could get Austin to take a pic was to give him a balloon to play with! And we couldn't get him to look at the camera.

Hunting Easter eggs. He was really into this year!

Eggs where hidden in the rim of the tires...

And all over the yard, Brandon was great at helping the little ones.

Sadie and Judy got in on the fun too!

Aaden Pictures, Finally!

2010-04-04T17:30:00.020-05:00

You've already known that Aaden has arrived. (See the previous post if you missed it.)Now I can share the pictures from his birth.
Aaden was born on St. Patrick's Day. Yes, I made sure that we wore green to the hospital. I even had a green shirt for Aaden to wear.

Ready for surgery, I was scheduled for 2:00. Dr. Wilson was ready early for us. Aaden was actually born at 1:53pm. I have never had to wait on my doctor, I love that!

Adam all suited up, I said it looks like a Hazmat suit!

First glance at Aaden, unfortunately it was the last I'd see him for 7 hours! I didn't get to hold him until he was 3 days old.

Adam did get to love on him, and so down to the NICU to check in on him. He also got to take some pictures to show me what was going on with Aaden.

Aaden was voicing his opinion about being in the NICU. He was tachypneic for 4 days. He did get an umbilical cath and a NG tube. We did not get any pictures of this, but have it on video. We took video of him so we could show our visitors, only certain people where allowed in the NICU, parents and grandparents. Austin didn't get to meet Aaden until we got home.

Austin did get to come visit me in the hospital on Friday evening. He brought me white roses, and he recieved way too many big brother gifts. He did not like the hospital and was ready to leave without any problems. My mother in law came up and took care of Austin while we were at the hospital. He had a great time with her!

Austin discovered the wheelchair that was in my room, a great new toy for him! He was wheeling all over my room in it.

Aaden waking up for a feeding. He still had some adhesive on his little face from the NG tube. Late Friday night I got to go to nurse him, and he started taking all his feeds by mouth late Friday night. He was starting to turn it around by this point. He was finally released from the hospital on Monday. 5 days in the NICU.

Sweet face, waiting to be released from the hospital. But not without drama. His bilirubin was rising, but his abnormal biliruin jumped but 4 times the normal rate. This could indicate a problem with his liver. He almost did not get released, the doctor ordered more stat labs, we think now that it was a lab error because the new results were back to normal.

Finally, home!

Brothers getting to meet, Austin loves his brother so much! He had to show Aaden all his toys as soon as he got home. Aaden loves to hear Austin talk to him. Austin is always asking to give "brother" or "baby" kisses. The next morning after Aaden got home, as soon as Austin woke up he was asking for and searching the house for his brother. So sweet! Austin was done much better that I thought that he would. He's has not regressed with his pottying, but his little attitude needs some adjustment more often now.

It only took a day for Austin to start asking to hold his brother. We got him to sit down so he could hold him, as soon as he got his hands on Aaden he started sliding off the couch with him. Austin wanted Aaden to come and take a bath with him.

Adam with his two boys!

Me and Aaden at home, finally. now I can love on him all I want too!

Aaden says, "Hello everyone!"

Aaden is here!

2010-03-18T04:28:00.002-05:00

Aaden Miller Ezell arrived on March 17, 2010 @ 1:53 pm. He weighed 8 lbs. and 4 ozs. and is 20 in. long. I have some pictures up on my facebook page now.

But we are asking for your prayers for him. He was a c-section baby and was not pinking up has he should have after delivery. They put him on some oxygen, but he then started grunting when breathing. I did get to see him for a few minutes before they took him to the nursery to watch him. At this point he was breathing at a rate of 80 - 100 per minute. The norm is 40 - 60 per minute. His rate increased to as much as 120 per minute. They are keeping him in the NICU to monitor him and have started IV meds and fluids. They thought he would get over this quickly but it's not happening. His O2 staturatiom is at 100% so he is not on any oxygenwhich is good. They have performed a chest xray and lab work, which we are waitng on the results of and the neonatal doc will come back this morning. Last night they said he was showing some improvement. I was able to go see him last night also, but still have not held him. If he doesn't improve today than he will not be going home with us this weekend! They have to make sure that his rate comes down and stabilizies and that he can tolerate feeds. Please pray for us and espically for Aaden!

I miss blogging!

2010-01-26T09:46:00.002-06:00

I really miss blogging! You dont realize how you will miss a computer until you dont't have one!
We are shopping for laptops, trying to figure out the best deal for our money. And we are getting ready for Aaden. Hopefully I can get some pics up in a week or two of Christmas, Austin's new room, and Aaden's room. I still need to order Aaden's bedding. You can see at here: Wild West Bedding. I really love it!
Right now our lives are filled with work, potty training, painting, and re-orgainzing!
See you soon!

Blogging by Iphone

2009-09-13T14:21:00.002-05:00

The only way I have to post right now is on my iPhone. Austin pulled my laptop down and busted the screen. So post will be difficult until we can get it fixed. I did go to the doctor on Wednesday and we got to hear baby's heartbeat. It sounded faster than I remember Austin's, so maybe we will get a girl this time. I really don't care about the gender I just want a healthy baby. I had only gained one pound and my blood pressure was good! We off to a good start!

First Doctor's Visit

2009-08-12T20:55:00.003-05:00

"Star Student"

My first pre-natal visit went well today. I was weighed (ugh!), stuck, poked, and prodded as expected. My official due date is March 27, in which I will probably be scheduled about one week before that for a c-section. My only request to Dr. Wilson is no more 10lb. babies! He said that he would see what he could do about that and laughed. We will go back on 9/9/09 to hear the babies heartbeat. I am really excited about that! My first ultrasound is scheduled for 11/4/09!

Right now we are getting ready for Austin's 3rd birthday, and he will be starting his new school in September. He will start having speech therapy 5 days a week for 3 hours a day at his new school.

New Blogger

2009-08-02T07:59:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! My SIL just started blogging! Go and give her some bloggie love!
Their site is : johnshelnmaddiemoo.blogspot.com
This is Adam's older brothers family in Shreveport, LA!

BTW: I've only nagged them to do it since I started my blog ;)

Here comes #2!

2009-08-01T09:58:00.000-05:00

We are expecting our second baby! Adam and I are so excited! I took the first test and the second line was faint, so I waited two days to take the other test. My first doctors appointment is August 12th. We think that my due date is the middle of March. I started a poll to see what you think that the sex of this baby is, so go and vote!
I have lots to catch up on, my computer was broken and in the shop, we have had a busy summer!

New Beginnings

2009-05-05T08:19:00.003-05:00

Our life has been CRAZY for the last few weeks!
Austin has started on his speech therapy, and we can see a difference in his talking and using more words, but he is far from where he needs to be. And we also have had a developmental person come to the house, but she is kinda a joke. He know all of the things she tries to do with him and he gets bored and not wanting to cooperate. As we decided to stop the developmental stuff, he gets enough of that at school everyday. But back to the speech thing. at work yesterday a mom brought her 2 1/2 son with her (the same age as Austin) and he was talking in complete sentences! I wanted to cry because that's how Austin should be talking, not still jabbering and throwing real words in the mix. I know it will come, but I feel as if I did something wrong, like I am not teaching him enough.

My new job, which is a totally awesome answered prayer. I started looking for a job closer to home after Austin was born. But God decided to make me wait until now. I was not even looking for new job, and I go to the eye doctor, and was talking to him about what I did at my current job, and he was interested in hiring someone, turns out that the someone was ME! I started yesterday, and going from medical to vision is very different. I know that I will pick up on things quickly. But I love my commute now! And I can have lunch with my husband too!

Speaking of Adam, we were talking the other night, and God is definitely preparing us for some kind of change. We can feel it and are waiting to see what happens. Adam took his test to teaching again, and we are waiting on the results. And Adam's current boss told him about a job opening at the University of Memphis, an assistant football coach. He told Adam about it, and said that he should consider applying for it. So he did, and we'll wait to see what happens.

This scripture was on my blog today, and it fits my life perfectly right now:
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Happy Birthday, A few days late

2009-04-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday, Adam!

We love you bunches!

This is a few days late, his actual birthday was on Friday, April 17th!

Easter 2009

2009-04-12T20:20:00.013-05:00

Two outside Easter egg hunts, one inside Easter egg hunt, son rise service, nursery at the 11:00 service, and a missed nap... let's just get on with the pictures.

Austin's school hosted the first Easter egg hunt, with a picnic and moon bounce. This made for a great afternoon nap!

The second hunt was at church, Austin was finally getting the hang of finding the eggs, and then there were no more to find.

"Who me?"

"I'll look at the camera, but I'm not gonna smile!"

Toddler defiance at it's best

The family, still trying to get Austin to smile...

Hunt eggs inside at Grandmother and Poppa's...we got rained out

"I'm gonna get you Sadie!"

Now he smiles!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter!

Austin & The New Bed

2009-03-01T14:32:00.007-06:00

On Valentine's Day, Austin got the best present in our house! A new bed! If I had known how well he sleeps in his new bed, we would have gotten this 6 months ago. He loves his new bed, and is sleeping SO much better at night now!

Austin's first bed, a few days before he was born.

In April 2008, we transitioned him to the toddler bed.
Way too much freedom for him!

Here is his new bed!

Thanks to MawMaw and PawPaw for the bedding!

Super Cute bedding from Target!

Austin lovin' his new bed!

(And Momma loves getting a good night's sleep!)

Finally... Christmas Pictures

2009-02-24T21:00:00.036-06:00

Phew! I finally found some time to get my Christmas pictures uploaded. There is a ton of them, I guess I was making up from last year when Adam and I got so sick on Christmas Day!

We started off our Christmas season with Austin's first program. His daycare put it on and it was very cute. The 2 year old class sang Jingle Bells and did a finger play, but I can't remember the words to it right now. We heard Austin singing Jingle Bells for weeks after Christmas!

The finger play, double click on this picture to see the expression on Austin's face.
Singing Jingle Bells, when everyone clapped you could hear Austin cheering for himself!
Too cute!

We saw this pose a lot during Christmas, BowHead! And he put bows on our heads as well.

I decided that on Christmas Eve everyone in our house gets to open ONE present,

Pajama's!
This was his one present, Gingerbread man PJ's!

It was so warm on Christmas Eve, we had opened this windows and had the fans running!

It did not feel like Christmas, so much for a White Christmas!

After presents it was time to leave cookies for Santa. Austin was a great helper, but he

was still too young to understand what was going on.

Milk for Santa, which Austin had to take a "test sip"!

He did actually get upset that I would not let him have a sip, so he got to test it out for Santa.

Leaving the goodies for Santa!

The Christmas tree, b.s.c. (before Santa Claus)

After Santa!

Austin got the gift that his daddy wanted, a new truck!

And a new Buzz Lightyear, Cars stuff, basketball goal, and plenty of other things.

Showing Austin all of his goodies.
This year he still did not understand everything, and was a little overwhelmed but it all.

Personalized Tags for this Truck!

Getting frustrated with dad, who was trying to teach him to drive it!

Eating cereal in this new truck.

He loved this truck from the beginning, but didn't know how to make it go.

While he was eating, I was trying to take pictures of him, and all of a sudden he

found the gas pedal and was heading for the tree! I had to grab the tailgate to keep him and the tree out of the living room window!

Opening presents at my mom and dad's house later on Christmas day.

This is a bowling set that my brother's family got for him. Guess where the balls are? Hidden!

Playing around with Uncle Scott.

Pirate Ship from Grandmother and Poppa.

These are the toys I like, no noise, very little parts to it, and Austin loves it!

Showing off one of Austin's shirts, way cute!

Gracie, Austin and Luke playing around with balloons!

Austin singing Jingle Bells, keeping us entertained.

Grandmother getting some Sadie and Austin lovin'!

My aunt made this TV tray for the kids, and they started using them as drums.

Such a blast when you are two!

Then we went to Texas for New Years to celebrate with Adam's family!

Trying to potty train Austin!

He is still a little to young, just getting him used to the idea. He did great while we were there, but stopped going to the potty when we got home. I'll start up again later in the spring.

Opening more presents, he really has the hang of this now!

Adam being silly. He will probably shoot me for posting this one!

Austin and Daddy riding fourwheelers, or four-for as Austin called it!

Austin showing off his Christmas program footage to MawMaw (Adam's mom) and Nanny (Adam's grandmother)

Austin LOVES tractors, and was thrilled when he got to "drive" one.

While we were there, Austin got to be a little farm boy, helping to put out hay for the cows, checking and petting the cows, and chasing kittens and dogs. Not to mention running all over the place with no boundaries. He had a blast and came home very exhausted!

I think that MawMaw was having fun too!

Exhausted little farm boy!

Hello New Year!

2009-01-30T08:00:00.003-06:00

I know that I have been a slacker on getting Christmas pictures posted. But I made a slide show of them, but blogger will not accept it! Bad Blogger!

But I have been busy doing other things, not just being a slacker. For one, I just got over a nasty cold that lasted for over a week. I could hardy function! And other thing that I have been working on is Austin. For a little while I have been concerned about his talking abilities. I tried the whole " he will talk when he gets ready to", but a mother's intuition says something is wrong. I did some research, and we have been working with TN Early Intervention Services. Austin has gone through developmental screenings, assessments, and a hearing screen. We found out that Austin has a 40% delay in his communication skills. His daycare expressed some concern, and I was concerned, so we have decided to start speech therapy to work on his skills, and hopefully get him on track with the other kids in his class. Right now, Austin speaks on about a 12 -18 month level. He is 28 months old! We have got some catching up to do!

In other news, not much is going on with Adam and I, just working and trying to stay warm this winter, working with Austin on his skills, and getting over the holidays.

I realized just this week how old we are, I received an email about our 10 year high school reunion. Yikes! That came quickly!

This weekend I will work on getting pictures caught up! ;)

2008-12-24T13:27:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas

from The Ezell Family

Jesus is the REASON for the Season!

If you give a boy a Balloon...

2008-12-21T15:54:00.007-06:00

And it will become his favorite toy, until bedtime. We went to Wal-Mart to pick up a few things and the ladies there were hading out balloons. You would have thought that Austin won the lottery.

Adam trying to make static in Austin's hair.

Stopping for a minute to watch Santa Clause on TV.

I love this picture.

He had a blast and did not want to let it go so he could get in the bed.

So, we decided to tell Santa not to worry with all the commerical toys, just bring us balloons, boxs, and rolls of wrapping paper for presents!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-15T13:52:00.015-06:00

OK, I finally found time to get these pictures posted. Thanks to the ice storm that is on the way, and daycare closed early, I finally found some spare time!
Love this action shot of Austin. This was a complete accident, but I thought it was cool.

Uncle Heath came home for two weeks leave from the Navy. We were so excited to see him and spend some time with him. We love you and miss you Heath!

Austin with Grandmother playing peek a boo with Poppa's hat.

Austin and Cousin Kasey riding in the office chair after Thanksgiving lunch. He was having a ball!

Austin "getting" Sadie's nose! With Poppa encouraging him and Sadie does not know what to think.

Austin tried to get Grandmother's nose, but she got him instead.

After Thanksgiving dinner in TN, we headed out to Texas! We surprised MawMaw and PawPaw that night, they had no clue we were coming.

On Black Friday we did a little shopping and stopped by Whataburger for lunch. We got Austin chicken tenders to eat, but he decided that he wanted a burger. He reached over and grabbed Adam's double cheeseburger, and went to town!

Total enjoyment! Everything that you seen eaten, Austin ate it, Adam didn't get a bite.

MawMaw playing with Austin and Braxton, Adam's step brother's son.

Eating cereal, I love that I caught them both with a mouthful.

Playing in the leaves with PawPaw John!

Austin loved to throw the leaves in the air on himself. He was having a blast!

Austin loved the tractors!

Going for a fourwheeler ride with Daddy.

Now we are done with Thanksgiving, done Christmas shopping and wrapping, now we are onto Austin's 1st Christmas program and BRING ON CHRISTMAS! Finally ready!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T14:41:00.004-06:00

We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

(And I thought I would share some of Austin's artwork)

Hand Print Turkey from Chruch last year.

(It was too cute not to share, even though it is from last year)

Hand painted Turkey, from School this week.

From School this week, a Special Turkey!

We wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season, and safe travels for everyone!

Up next: Christmas Pics!

Happy Halloween!

2008-11-02T08:11:00.010-06:00

To Infinity and Beyond!

So after seeingAustin's love affair with Toy Story, and his BFF Woody, I set out to find a Woody or Buzz costume. I found this one on Ebay. At first, Austin refused to wear it, I think that he thought it was Buzz. But I finally got him in the costume!
"No Pictures, Please! I'm trying to eat!"

"Show Time"
Austin now loves to "cheese" for the camera!

Love this kid!

We took my brother, Shannon, along with Sadie and Brandon to our church for truck or treating.

But first we had to have a photo shoot. Brandon was a pirate and Sadie was Minnie Mouse.

Uncle Shannon and Minnie, or Sadie as we know her.

" Let's go Mom! I've got no time for pictures."

I didn't get any pics of him trick or treating because he was to busy pulling me from one car to another. Adam had to work Safe Night Out in Atoka, or he would have been with us. We did stop by so Adam could see Austin all dressed up, but I forgot to get pics while we were there!

The next day Austin was invited to a birthday party from a child, John Michael, from school.

The parents had rented a train for the kids to ride on, it was very cool.Not wanting to smile, the sun was too bright.

"Let's go, Choo, Choo!"

Austin loved riding the train! And playing with the trains they had set out!

Maybe he would like a train set for Christmas!

Harvest Festival

2008-10-27T20:55:00.015-05:00

Last Saturday was Austin's harvest festival at school. We had such a good time eating and meeting other kids that Austin goes to school with and their parents.

Austin showing us he fave toy at daycare, but he discovered that it works better on the concrete that he usually drive it on.

Then we discovered the moon bounce. He had such a great time in here!

You could hear him all over the place laughing and screaming. He was having so much fun!

" We all fall down!"

Then we went "bobbing" for ducks, if you got one with a "X" on the bottom you won a prize", the first one he picked up had a "X" on it.

"How about this one?"

I caught him in action on this shot!

I got to help Austin paint a pumpkin. He had a blast, but was getting tired and cranky. Hence the paci, we had to leave shortly after this.

I love fall decorations, especially the pumpkins that Austin got to paint!

" Trick or Treat!"

Hamin' it up for the camera!

Playing around Sunday morning....

"Cheese!!!"

He has finally learned to say "cheese" for the camera.

Sorry about the craziness of this post, but blogger is being stupid right now, and not doing things right.

Hopefully our Halloween post will be better!

Whoa! It's Been Awhile, Let's Catch Up!

2008-10-25T12:29:00.013-05:00

Ok, so I know it's been awhile since I last blogged, but we've been busy! And I've been a nerd, catching up on Grey's Anatomy so I will be caught up on this season! Nerd, right? And I have been following the new babies in blog land! The Hicks' new baby Brecken and The Markee's new baby Sarah Ann.

New School!
Anyway, after Austin's birthday we made the switch from an in-home sitter to a daycare for Austin. We love Nanny and she treated Austin as one of her own kids, but Nanny's house was 10 miles out of our way, and Austin needed more structure in his day. So we put Austin on the waiting list for the best daycare center in they county. In September a spot became open for him. It was a hard decision for us to make, but after more than a month of going I feel good about our decision.

Saying Bye to Nanny, Austin's last day.

We made a big deal out of going to a "big boy" school.

OK, enough with the pictures!

Daddy's little mini-me! I love how they walk just alike.

After a month of being at the new daycare, it was time for parent teacher conferences. I knew that Austin would be a little behind the other kids in his class, simply because he has never been in this type of setting before. But Austin seems to be a little further behind that we thought. His language skills are dragging behind, which makes for frustration and temper tantrums! And a few biting episodes. We have contacted TN Early Intervention Services for screenings for Austin. Hopefully we will be able to get this started this week. We have discovered that Austin will repeat words that you tell him, but he will only use a few of this words independently. This has caused some concern for me and I would rather have him screened to know that nothing is wrong with him, than to not know at all. Knowledge is power, right?

Saying Goodbye to Summer

We have been spending time outside and at the park before the cold weather sets in. This was our last trip to the park.

I love the look of pure joy on Austin's face as he slides down.

We were having to tell him to sit down as soon as he reached the slide because he was trying to run down it!

He loved climbing up and down on this, but quickly got bored with it because the gator doesn't do anything.

Swinging with dad, enjoying the last few warm days.

Adam looking tired after chasing a two year old.

Other Happenings:

At the beginning of October we got to celebrate Austin's cousin's, Gracie, birthday. She turned 4 this year. My how time flies. And I have never seen so much Hannah Montana stuff!

Gracie, and mom Jennifer (my cousin) opening gifts.

During the same time my aunt and uncle came up for a visit. Austin had a good time playing with Uncle Scotty.

And last week Austin got sick with strep throat and an ear infection. It was not a fun weekend! I found Austin asleep on his couch one morning. He fell asleep watching TV, and he slept like this for 3 1/2 hours!

Don't worry, I did cover him up, and he slept while I got some housework done.

Austin is now fully recovered and being his normal little self. But the being sick at home seem to have helped with the biting episodes that he was having at school. Anyway, tonight is the Harvest Festival and Hayride tonight, hopefully I will get some good pictures to share, if not Halloween is next week!

Austin's Birthday Party!

2008-09-08T20:40:00.019-05:00

Austin had a great 2nd birthday party. Thanks to everyone that showed up. Earlier this day we were watching the Lion King, and Austin was "singing" along with the songs, and I started to cry! I cannot believe how fast time is going by! It seems like only yesterday that I was getting up in the middle of the night to feed him! Like I only just brought him home...

Enough, let's get on with the pictures!

Nascar Cake (His Daddy picked it out!)

Instead of blowing out the candle, he was trying to get to the car!

Little fun in the sun!

MawMaw (Adam's mom) helping Austin eat a hotdog

Grandmother (my mom) helping cousin Luke slide...

Timmy having fun with the trucks...

I loved the giant # 2 balloon, so did Austin!

Firetruck Flashlight (say that 3 times fast!) from the Markees!
"Look Mom, clothes!"

Actually reading a card? Nope just listening to the music!

Lovin' the trike from Mom and Dad!

Nice paci!, Big Boys that ride trikes do not need pacis!

The Gift to end all gifts: Woody from Toy Story

Uncle PJ did a great job on this gift.

Austin and Woody = BFF

Enjoying a little cake with Dad, this was the first time that he willingly ate cake. Normally Austin would not touch it!

So sweet! I think next year we will do this at Chucky Cheese, so someone else can clean up!

Note: Santa Claus' visit will be canceled for our house because Austin does not need anything else! We need a storage unit just for his toys!

Thanks to everyone for helping make Austin's 2nd very special!

Thank you, Lord!

2008-09-03T20:39:00.002-05:00

First, I want to say Thank you for our Heavenly Father for his goodness, and secondly say thank you for all of you who prayed for Adam.

The mass on his pituitary gland was benign, and the low testosterone is coming from his fat cells changing it into estrogen. The next piece of the puzzle was to start testosterone replacement. But if we start that, then his body will no long make testosterone itself, and this will decrease fertility. We want more children in the future, so we decided not to start replacement therapy. If after one year of trying to get pregnant, if we are having difficulties then we are to see a reproductive endocrinologist to start clomid, which is what they give to women. But I think that after he loses weight, and me, that his levels will be fine.

Thanks again for your thoughts and prayers!

FYI: I will get Austin's birthday pics up later this week!

Happy Birthday Austin!

2008-09-01T16:28:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday, My Little Man!
It's been a wonderful two years, and I look forward to many, many more wonderful years!
I love you, Momma

Prayers for Adam

2008-08-19T13:38:00.002-05:00

I want to ask everyone who reads this blog to pray for my husband.
In early July Adam decided that he needed to go for a physical. Since I work for doctors, I made him a list of blood work that needed to be done (since guys never think of this stuff). He was getting the normal (cholesterol, iron, thyroid levels) done and I told him that he needed to get his testosterone checked as well. I had recently heard an ad on the radio about a study for men with low testosterone levels, and what the symptoms were. Well Adam matched all the symptoms. Two days after the physical he got a phone call saying his cholesterol was high, and testosterone was low. The doctor wanted to repeat the tests. The next levels were even lower, so they wanted to start him on testosterone replacement, and I said NO WAY, first he is way to young to start a lifetime of testosterone replacement, and why is his testosterone low? Well, I work for endocrinologist and I wanted Adam is see one of my doctors. Dr. Myers saw him and told him that everything is probably related to his weight gain, but we'll get more blood work to check his Pituitary gland. Well the Pituitary blood work came back low, now we have to find out why his Pituitary is not kicking into overdrive to fix the testosterone. (FYI: fat cells turn testosterone into estrogen and the Pituitary should kick in to over drive to correct it) So last Tuesday Adam went to get an MRI of his brain and Pituitary gland to see what is going on. The MRI came back and found a 4.4 mm mass on his Pituitary gland, which they think is nothing. But Dr. Myers is getting more blood work to look for cancer markers. The test should come back in about 2 weeks. So please pray for these test to not show any cancer markers and to come out normal. Also Adam is at high risk for diabetes and heart disease, so he is trying really hard to loose weight and is finding out his body doesn't work the same way it did when he was 19. It really sucks, sometimes, getting old.

It'll be a long two weeks...

Children's Museum

2008-08-10T12:42:00.013-05:00

Last weekend my mother came in to town for a quick visit. After Austin and I picked her up from the airport, she took up to the Children's Museum of Memphis. I had been trying to take Austin all summer, but never got there. For the first few minutes we where there, Austin was running from place to place, not being able to place what to play with first. I was exhausted when we left from chasing after him with a diaper bag and camera in hand.

Note to self for our next trip:leave the diaper bag in the car, drink an energy drink, and wear tennis shoes!

"Whoo! Whoo!"

Austin recently got a Matchbox firetruck, and he knows what the siren noise makes. He was in awe of the firetruck here. We could hardly get him away from it.

"Can we take this home, PLEASE?!"

Austin was in love with the firetruck. I will pay $9 per person just for him to play on this bad boy again, plus it is in the air conditioning!

"Knock, Knock, come in!"

Austin loves playing with doors, doorbells and light switches; so this wall was right up his alley!

"Cheese!"

I think that this is the happiest I have ever seen anyone while sitting in the back of a police car.

The people on Cops never look this happy. I just said " Bud, I hope that this is the only time that you see the back of a police car!"

"Hop down!"

Now this is more like it. I would rather see Austin driving a police car than riding the in back. All of the kids flocked toward the police car and the fire truck. They even had dress up items to play with like police hats, firefighter helmets, reflective vest, and fire suits.

We where trying to get a picture of Austin with his hard hat on but he rips it right off after you put it on him.

"LEL GO!"

Austin got pretty frustrated with this kid in the picture. In the front of the museum there is a FedEX plane where the kids can play in the cockpit. Austin was trying to play with the dials and stuff but the bigger kids would not let him in. So he started telling this kid to "lel go!" We left the museum shortly after this.

"I'm supposed to do What?! Why should I brush his teeth when I can brush mine?"

Austin tried to brush his teeth at first in the "Dentist Office". The person in the "dentist chair" had a pretty flat chest so that the kids could set on him to brush those teeth. Austin was trying to brush his nose, eyes, and everything but the teeth.

"Brush, Brush!"

Grandma Mel showing Austin the proper brushing technique. He kept saying "Ahww!" Which is what I say went I'm trying to brush his teeth and he wants to just suck all the toothpaste off the toothbrush.

"Watch out Momma! I'm gonna run over you!"

Austin loved the "Kroger Store" in the museum. I think that he thought that he was on Supermarket Sweep ! He just started racing around the "store" not putting anything in his cart. We had to show him how to shop.

"Cucumbers? or Banana's?"

After we showed him how to put the groceries in the cart, everything went in. Kids are only supposed to get three items. I think that we had about thirty three items. Not too bad until we had to put everything back.

"Onions, maybe not. They don't look so hot!"

I like that he grabbed lots of veggies, Tide, and Cool Whip. A very good shopper, don't you think?

"Monkey!"

There was a Curious George exhibit on at the Museum. When Austin saw Curious George sitting on a bench, he gave him a hug and said "Monkey!" There was a wall of doors with a different Curious George picture behind it. He loves monkey's, maybe because I call him Lil' Monkey all the time, since he was born!

Thanks Mom for the fun outing, and for a great excuse to take the day off from work!

Update on Wyatt

2008-07-29T21:17:00.002-05:00

Today around 1:45pm CST, Wyatt went to be with our Lord in Heaven. Please remember the Stafford family, in your prayers, for the lost of their child.

Wyatt Cole Stafford

2008-07-27T13:58:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone!

I want to ask everyone to pray for the Stafford Family. We go to church with them and they had a little boy on July 18. Wyatt was born with Downs Syndrome, heart problems, renal problems and intestinal problems. Brooke and Chad, I believe, did not know that their baby had any of these problems. Wyatt is in LeBonheur Children's Hospital right now in the ICU. The family has set up a "Care Page" so that everyone can check in for updates. The care page name is "WyattColeStafford".

Thanks for your prayers!

Happy...Everything

2008-07-05T17:14:00.002-05:00

We have had a great weekend so far! An extra day off, fireworks, and My Birthday!

Austin and Luke want to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July!

And a Happy Birthday to me! I LOVE birthdays, and I am truly thankful

for the family, friends, and life experinces God has given to me!

We hope that everyone has a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend!

From the Mouthes of Babes

2008-06-21T16:06:00.003-05:00

Kids say and do some of the funniest things, this week I was witness to two of them!

This is a note that one of my co-workers found from her daughter. Amanda is 8 years old. I think that we all can relate to this some days.

This is Luke, Gracie, and Austin at a cook out at my parents. Luke and Gracie are my cousin's kids. All three of them go to the babysitters together. Everyday when I get to Nanny's house to pick up Austin, it's a race between Luke and Austin to see who can get to me first, for me to pick them up. One day I told Gracie that I was going to take Luke home with me to play with Austin, she looked at me and said" No! Grow your own little brother!" I tried not to laugh and said" But I promise that I will bring Luke back home." She then said "Grow your own!" Is that a hint?

Anyway, one a much heavier note, please keep The Hicks Family in your prayers. See their blog for details on their situation.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T13:32:00.003-05:00

Happy Fathers Day, Adam! Thank you for all the sacrifices that you make for our family. Thank you for you hard work, and devotion to us. Thank you for being the father that Austin deserves.

Austin and Adam playing Xbox, Dec. 2006. This is one for my favorite pictures of the two of them.

Austin being like his daddy. I always tell Adam that his shadow is following him. They were headed to the pool for a quick dip.

Slam Dunk! Austin loves his own personal pool, but can't quite reach the goal. A helping hand from "Da", as Austin still calls him, helps Austin to reach the goal.

Bye Uncle Heath!

2008-06-09T20:39:00.002-05:00

My brother, Heath, is leaving tomorrow (June 10th) for boot camp. We had a cook out Saturday to wish him good luck! Please remember him and my parents in your prayers as he leaves for Great Lakes Base in Northern Illinois and will be gone for 22 weeks, total between boot camp and the A school. This will be a big adjustment for us all as he is leaving.

Happy Anniversary

2008-05-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

Happy 4th Anniversary Adam! Thank you for being my best friend, husband, father, provider and helpmate for 4 wonderful years! I look forward to many more!

I love you, Candace

Memorial Day Weekend!

2008-05-28T20:35:00.002-05:00

We had a nice relaxing weekend for the kick off of summer. Well almost relaxing... Adam helped my dad make a rock patio and walkway in my parents backyard. It looks great, but I forgot to get a photo. We did a lot of hanging out with family and eating!

But let's not forget why we got a three day weekend. We want to thank all of our service men and women who are serving and has served our wonderful country, so that we can enjoy the freedom that we live in today. This holiday will have an even greater meaning for our family after my brother leaves for boot camp in June. My dad also served in the Navy. So, Thank you to those who have sacrificed for us, so that we can enjoy our country today.

2008-05-18T15:16:00.006-05:00

Happy, Belated Mother's Day! We had my family over for a cook out after church on Mother's day, and I was too wiped out to do anything after everyone left. Then I realized that I did not get one picture of me and Austin on Mother's day.

But Adam and I had to keep the nursery on Mother's day and Austin was throwing a fit to get into the cribs. It was hilarious!
So we put him in one, and you would have thought that he was put in jail! He was trying so hard to get out and just couldn't figure it out!

Or so we thought, he got it raised about two inches and was trying to crawl out! So we decided to be nice parents and get him out. Only for him to get right back in again.

After church everyone headed to our house for a cookout. The weather was nice but the wind was very cold, so everyone stayed inside were there was not enough seating.

Who says that you're never to old to sit on Mom's lap? This is my youngest brother, Heath. He is leaving for boot camp in 24 days. He has joined the Navy and this is probably the last family get together with him for a while.

Austin thought that it was his job to entertain everyone. He is playing with his great grandparents, MawMaw and PawPaw Jones.

And with Austin being our only child, he is always right in the middle of everything. He decided to pile up on the couch with his Poppa (my dad), Judy (my brother's girlfriend), and a sleeping Uncle Heath.

Grandmother (my mom) getting some good lovin' from her grandkids, Sadie and Austin.

So Happy Belated Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers in our life!

2008-05-06T20:18:00.002-05:00

Wow, You're a Labrador Retriever!
Labrador Retriever
The Caretaker
Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk. Learn more »

FAMOUS LABRADOR RETRIEVERS: Bill Cosby, Jackie Onassis, Dr. Phil, David Beckham

LIKELY PROFESSIONS: Doctor, Sales Executive, Teacher

I don't know about my "dashing good looks may lead to a modeling career", but I pretty much agree with the rest of the stuff. The professions I like, I thought about going into pharm. sales, and I tried nursing (I faint at the sight of blood) and I think that a teacher is the best fit for me. Overall I think that this is a pretty good description of me.

Visitor's from Texas

2008-05-04T20:49:00.010-05:00

Two weeks away MawMaw Lisa (Adam's mom) and PawPaw John came to visit. We celebrated Adam's 27th birthday and the nice warm weather that finally moved in. A wonderful lady that we go to church with gave us this swing set for Austin, all we had to do was go and get it. So Adam and John went to get it and set it up in our backyard. It was a big hit with Austin.

MawMaw showing Austin how to get on the swing.

We put the "baby" swing up since he is not old enough to set on the others. Now he won't fall of the tree. ;) (Just the week before this swing was hanging from a huge oak tree, where it had been all last summer, and I noticed that the rope was kinda fraying. As soon as I said something to Adam, while my dad and I were swinging Austin, all of a sudden the rope broke and Austin was flying through the air and landed face down in the dirt. After the initial shock, and no cuts or broken bones Austin wanted to swing again!)

"Blast Off" Little Einstein style!

MawMaw enjoying time with Austin.

Of course, MawMaw and PawPaw had to spoil Austin a little bit, they bought him this lawn mower that blowers bubbles, and brought 5 new outfits for him for this summer. While she was here she also spoiled us by cooking and helping with Austin to give me a break.

Austin loves the bubbles that this puts out, he'll only push it long enough to get the bubbles out, and then he's off chasing after the bubbles.

Austin likes to explore in our neighbor's yard, and recently he's found her flowers. He was giving these poor things what for with a little stick that he had in his hand. But don't worry, Mrs. Patsy loves Austin and like the rest of us, he gets to do pretty much what he wants to. We just stood back and enjoyed him exploring the world around him.

Doesn't he look sweet?

Mother, Mom, Momma, Mommy

2008-05-01T20:51:00.003-05:00

**** Tissue Disclaimer, you may want a box, I need one!***

The other day I turned on my radio at work, which was set on Kix 106, and they were doing their fundraiser for St. Jude. Their big fundraiser is the Dream Home Giveaway. But the first thing that I heard was a mom telling the end of her daughter's story. I heard the mom say that her little girl very peacefully said "I love you", she then closed her eyes and went to heaven.

This story made me start thinking about how lucky I am to be a mom to a wonderfully busy toddler. Sometimes he is all I can handle one minute, then he crawls into my lap and gives me a hug the next minute. I know how blessed I am in these moments. I once read a mom say what a privilege it is to get up in the middle of the night to go feed, rock and quiet a crying baby. I truly believe that, there are women in the world that would give their right arms to be able to do this. Sure, I still groan about Austin's nightly visits into our bedroom, but as soon I pick him up and he tucks his little arms between me and him, I feel like everything is right in this world.

But the main point that I wanted to get to, is to say I love you, mothers of the world. Some of you I know, some of you I don't know. But sometimes is world sees motherhood as a bad, or inconvenient thing. I don't, nor will I ever. And to all the moms and women who have suffered heartache, either with not being able to have kids, having child fight diseases that are beyond a doctors help, and the women that have lost children, I just want to say what strong and encouraging women you are to me and may God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand.

I found this story/poem on the KLove website that I wanted to leave you with:

What is a Mother?

Somewhere between the youthful energy of a teenager and the golden years of a woman's life, there lives a marvelous and loving person known as "mother"A mother is a curious mixture of patience, kindness, understanding, discipline, industriousness, purity, and love. A mother can be—at the same time—both "lovelorn counselor" to a heartsick daughter and head football coach to an athletic son.
A mother can sew the tiniest stitch in the material for that dainty prom dress, and she is equally experienced in threading through the heaviest traffic with a mini van.
A mother is the only creature on earth who can cry when she's happy, laugh when she's heartbroken, and work when she's feeling ill.
A mother is as gentle as a lamb and as strong as a giant. Only a mother can appear so weak and helpless, yet be the one to put the fruit jar lid on so tightly that even Dad can't get it off.A mother is a picture of helplessness when Dad is near, and a marvel of resourcefulness when she's all alone.
A mother has the angelic voice of a member of the celestial choir, as she sings a lullaby to a baby cradled in her arms, yet she can dwarf the sound of an amplifier when she calls her boys in for dinner.
A mother has the fascinating ability to be almost everywhere at once, and she alone can somehow squeeze an enormous amount of living into an average day.
A mother is "old-fashioned" to her teenager; just "mom" to her third-grader; and simply "Mamma" to the little two-year-old sister. But there is no greater thrill in life than to point to that wonderful woman and be able to say to all the world, "That's my mother"

Frederick E. Kruse

2008-04-16T21:37:00.002-05:00

This is an obituary from Sunday's Commerical Appeal in Memphis.
It is quite funny, and I thought that I would share this with everyone.
We (me and the other women in my office) determined that Mrs. Sills wrote this, or her best friend. But we were all shocked that the paper printed the whole thing, but if you have a paying costumer would you turn them down?

IDA MAE RUSSELL SILLS began this world as Betty Jean Cherry, the daughter of Howard Cherry and Betty Thompson of Middle Tennessee. In the 1930�s it was unthinkable for a child to be born to a single mother. The Thompsons contracted Georgia Tann at the Tennessee Children's Home. Georgia, now famous for selling babies, found a couple who was willing to purchase the child. Everett and Elsie Russell were chosen, who had already adopted one high profile Memphis baby. The Russells renamed their new baby Ida Mae. Ida Mae had a rich but strict childhood. Ida graduated from Messick High School in 1950 and attended Memphis State University. Ida married High School friend, Karl Hadaway. On January 31, 1953, a child was born named Mary Denise. The marriage decayed and the couple divorced in 1954. Ida�s marriage to Karl was a three ring circus, engagement ring, wedding ring and suffering. Ida met and married Albert Sills in 1960. Ida said �I never knew what real happiness was until I got remarried, then it was too late�. Ida Mae and Albert settled down in Fox Meadows area of Memphis. Albert wanted a son, Ida wanted a dog. Ida quoted �with my way we just ruin the carpet�. But on March 6, 1966 a son was happily born named Lee. Albert and Ida owned several dry cleaners and restaurants. Owning your own business with your spouse in the best of times is challenging. Ida worked all day as a Supervisor at the phone company, she would come home and prepare a home cooked meal for the entire family. She managed to pay all the bills, balance the books of the family business and at the end of a long day still be a supporting mother and loving wife. Ida said �Children grow up so fast they're like sand held in your hand. Held loosely, with an open hand, the sand remains where it is. The minute you close your hand and squeeze tightly to hold on, the sand trickles through your fingers�. Ida grimaced daily with anticipation of what her gifted children would bring home and ask �Mom can I keep it�? for Lee it was stray animals but Ida�s daughter Denise, well she brought home a steady stream of poor hungry musician friends (are there any other kind). No one was ever turned away or left hungry. It is still a mystery how Ida fed, supported and influenced so many individuals on her budget. At Ida�s house gravy was a beverage. Albert retired in 1985, Ida said �great I now get twice the husband and only half the income�. Lee went off to college and Denise got married and had a son named Josh. Ida retired from Ma Bell in 1989. After a long illness, Albert passed away from Lung cancer. In Ida's spare time she became an assistant coach to the University of Memphis Tigers, The Memphis Grizzlies, The LA Lakers and The Miami Heat, if not in reality in her mind. As a professional armchair consultant to the NBA, Ida was nick named Hoop Mama Two. Ball handling and dribbling was Ida Mae biggest weakness. If Albert was the frog prince, Ida was certainly the frog queen. Ida loved and collected frogs from all over the world. Ida moved to Waverly Gardens with her dog raven where she made a lot of new friends. Ida developed a cold that progressed into pneumonia. Now Ida was a smoker. She said �to quit smoking well that's easy. I ought to know. I have done it a thousand times� but the years of smoking left Ida's lungs damaged and beyond repair. On this Good Friday March 21, 2008 Ida Mae Russell Sills slipped away and joined her beloved daughter in Heaven. Fortunately her husband Albert preceded her and joined his mother in a much warmer climate. Ida leaves behind a best friend Betty Brown of Memphis. Few people in this world are privileged to have such a beloved sister. They had many adventures, loves and tragedies over their 70 years of friendship and sisterhood. Ida also leaves one of her greatest joys her grandson Josh. Josh has been the light of her life since his birth. Ida regrets not being here to influence his future children, but she will be watching. Ida lost her daughter Denise Sills Barnes 2 years ago. Denise was a successful local Memphis singer and musician and was a manager with Nike for 15 years. Ida also leaves her son in law Roland Barnes an engineer with Federal Express. Roland has been devoted when many would have moved on after their wife's death. And finally she leaves her son, her baby Lee. Lee lives in Orange County California and is President of Kredit Banque. Ida influenced so many people, too many to list. Ida is now a falling star who has finally found her place next to her daughter in a lovely constellation, where she will sparkle in the heavens forever. In Lieu of flowers please give the gift of life to Saint Jude Children�s Hospital in Ida's name. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday April, 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Waverly Gardens on Knight Arnold Road.

Published in The Commercial Appeal on 4/13/2008.

What do you this about this? I also thought about what my own would say, I guess that I'll make my first draft...

Calling in Sick

2008-04-08T08:27:00.003-05:00

Austin and I decided to call in sick today. Yesterday the babysitter called me at lunch time to tell me that Austin had a fever of 103 around 10:00 and that it only went down to 101.7 with Tylenol at 12:30. So I left work and took him to the doctor. There was a little fluid behind his right ear, a red throat, and fever. The ear test, strep test, and CBC blood count was all negative, so he has a virus. Nothing that a little lovin', Tylenol, and fluids won't cure.
I don't like it when Austin gets sick, but he gets very lovable when he is sick. I feel like a freaked out a little yesterday, but Austin never gets sick, and rarely runs a fever. So when it happens I jump into immediate action. He was burning up with fever when I got to him and the whole time that we were in to doctor's office he just sat curled up in my lap. I felt so bad for him.

Today he is a little better. You can tell that he does not feel like himself, very fussy and still lovable. His fever is not so high today, but I didn't feel comfortable taking him to the sitter's, so we decided to call it a sick day!

Growing Up (Right Before Our Eyes)

2008-04-06T10:47:00.005-05:00

It has been a busy weekend for the Ezell Family. After Austin spent the night with my parents, Grandmother and Poppa, we decided that it was time to make Austin's crib a "big boy bed". He had been trying to climb out of his bed, so the transformation began!

Here is some pictures taken before Austin was born of his crib:

As you could tell, Austin's room used to be organized and neat, then the baby and chaos came!

Austin loves to climb in and out of his bed, he will lay is head down and "snore" like he is sleeping.

The first nap in his bed went really well, he did not climb out and play, and he stayed in the bed until I came and got him. I knew that this behavior would not last long.

Last night, Austin went to bed just fine, but about 1:30 he decided that he had enough of his bed. I rocked him and laid him back down, but that lasted only about an hour, so I went back to rock him again, and he went back to sleep for about 30 to 45 minutes, so we did the same routine again. At 3:30 he started back up again, so I asked Adam to go and rock him. Well Adam brings him to OUR bed, and I'm saying "No Way!" I try to rock Austin again, but he wanted to run back to our room, so I laid him back down, and pulled his door shut (well almost shut). He slept until 7:00 this morning and I was awakening by Austin slamming his door open and running into our room!

I know that this is a learning experience for all of us, and I am going to keep putting him back in his bed, but I am not ready for the sleepless nights again. I pray that this gets easier, and so far nap times are the easiest. (He's been down for two hours right now). Any advice is welcome for adjusting to the world of toddlers!

Easter Pictures, Better Late Than Never

2008-03-30T20:34:00.017-05:00

We started our Easter Celebrations with a Easter Egg Hunt at church on Saturday. Austin was still a little to young to really understand what is going on, hence the group photo...he was not wanting to stand still for a picture, there were too many people to entertain! Right after I snapped this pic, he started dancing for everyone.

Here we are looking for some eggs. There were about 15 kids under the age of 3 looking for eggs, Austin was the second youngest there, and he really didn't understand what was going on...he just wanted to run from place to place.

We found 3 Easter Eggs! Not bad for our first hunt!

See my egg! He was very proud of himself!

After all that hunting, and chasing, we stopped in for a snack with Sarah Kate and Aiden.

Later that night the Easter Bunny was nice enough to stop by and fill up his basket. The Easter Bunny even put his name on the bucket!

When we got Austin up on Sunday, he really did not know what to think about the basket full of stuff. I had to tell him a few time that it was ok to get the stuff out.

Mom, don't you think it's too early for pictures?

Now he has gotten the hang up it, he calls his eggs, "balls". Which I guess that could be correct since they are sports-themed eggs.

Nice pic of me first thing in the morning, thanks Adam! I was showing Austin the coloring books that he got.

During church Austin was nice and fussy, I think that he was tired, so I had to sit with him in the nursery, so we did not get a family picture in our Easter's finest. But let me tell you that Austin was very cute, um... handsome.

Adam and Austin enjoying a jelly-bean high during lunch at my cousin's house for Easter.

Austin being center of attention with his Dad, Uncle Pee Wee, and my dad, aka Poppa.

Austin and Uncle Pee-Wee enjoying an after lunch laugh about something.

Austin's newest trick, "Show me Your Muscles", he will act like he is flexing his muscles for you.

Daddy and Austin coloring in his new coloring book.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let... Wait this is March!

2008-03-08T15:31:00.011-06:00

One week ago, it was a nice 70 degrees, short sleeves, and nice breezes. Last Sunday it reached 80 degrees, and full sunshine! So we pulled out some shorts to welcome spring. I love the fact that some of Austin's shorts from late last summer will still fit...maybe. They are still too big in the waist for him, so we have low-riding Austin, showing a very fashionable diaper.

I spent most of the afternoon pulling up his pants, but I should have just pulled them off. But I thought that it was cute, and wanted to share some pictures with you.

Austin has learn to run and jump, while his shorts continue to fall off of him. Not a care in the world, as long as he has a clean diaper.

Austin with his cousin Sadie, it looks like Austin is telling his Grandmother that he needs a belt, she bought him one the next day at Baby Gap. I did not know that they made belts that small!

Moving on to this morning, we woke up to 5 inches of snow. It started snowing on Friday afternoon, and piled up on the yards and streets. This is Adam get the "offical" measurement this morning. 5 inches for the "hill" of Atoka.

Getting Austin bundled up for his trip out to play in the snow, we went out right after breakfast because most of the snow has melted off already.

Austin not being quite sure of the snow. It took him a minute to figure out how to walk in it.

Austin checking out all of the white stuff covering his yard.

We walked over to the tree, and fell. But he thought that it was funny. He was beginning to like the snow.

Sweet snow baby!

Austin's little footprints in a clean spot of snow...so sweet.

Our house covered with snow, not a sight that we get to see very often.

This is what living in the mid-south will do, if you don't like the weather, just wait it will change in a matter of hours.

Happy Weekend!

A Few of My Favorite Things

2008-03-01T14:25:00.007-06:00

Ok, so this is not a list if my favorite things, but Austin's. Today Austin will be 18 months old, boy how time flies! Now Austin really knows what he wants and what he does not wants.

Some of his favorite things include:

Food, especially grilled cheese!

His four-wheeler (yes Austin does have a "babydoll" in his hand, Thanks MawMaw!)

And Austin does love the "girls"

But one of his most prized possessions is this little blue thing in his mouth, the paci!

Oh yeah, and like every other little boy, Austin LOVES his cars!

Adam and I have been trying to "break" the paci habit. Normally Austin only gets the paci at nap time and bedtime, but this resourceful little boy has learned that he can get his arms in between the rails of his crib, and reach a paci. Then he pops it in his mouth! I try really hard to hide the paci's in the bed, but sometimes I forget. But the paci I do not mind so much (I think that it is cute!) but I think that because we let Austin have the paci for so long, I think that his speech is a little delayed. We started taking the paci way and using the bed only rule went he was about 11 months old. Right now Austin says about 18-20 words (I had to count them up because the doctor will ask at his check up next week). Austin will follow commands, like get your milk, find your car, etc. Austin know what things are, and what they are called, but he will not say them. I have heard that boys are a little slower with things like this, and are faster at things like walking and climbing. He is doing both of these things really well. But the talking things has got me a little concerned, and I am going to talk to the doctor on Friday about this.

But if any of you have kids, let me know about their speech patterns, esp. little boys!

But on a side note, Austin really likes to play on mine and Adam's bed. He will crawl up to the pillows, snuggle in and cover up. The other night, I laid down on the bed beside him, and was doing the fake snoring thing. Austin laid down beside me and acted like he was "snoring" too! It was very cute!

Also, Adam's job offer in Texas is finally happening! We should know more details next week, but in the coming months, MOVING! I hate packing and unpacking! It should be a lot of fun with my little "helper"! So if you have tips on moving with little ones, please pile on the advice!

Our First Visit to the Park!

2008-02-10T15:35:00.001-06:00

MawMaw Lisa and PawPaw John's Visit

2008-02-10T15:11:00.001-06:00

2008-01-27T13:36:00.000-06:00

So I know that it has been a long time since my last post. Since then, nothing really exciting has happened. I have started back to school, and moved into a new office at work. Adam is still working for public working here in Atoka, and Austin ha been fighting a runny nose, and teething for a few weeks now. But here are some highlights:
Last Sunday, we were putting Austin to bed, and Adam noticed something on his ceiling. After inspection, we discovered mold on the ceiling. Now we use a humidifier every night in his room, for noise, and for not so dried out air from the heater. So we put Austin to bed, and said that we'll deal with it tomorrow. Well on Monday Adam went about cleaning Austin's room, and found more mold in his window. So after bleach and scrubbing the mold is gone. So we tried not to use the humidifier that night. What a mistake, you can hear every little noise that our neighbors make! So we have been using the humidifier, but being every careful to wipe down the window, and make sure that his room airs out everyday!

Our next subject is a bit more difficult to talk about. For those of you reading some know us personally, and knows that my husband has a quick temper. Over the past few years Adam has taken some major hits to he ego with his lack of career success, and his ability to feel in control of his situations. For the past few weeks, this has gotten really out of control, and Adam has been a bear to deal with. Not only has his anger put a huge damper on our relationship, it is affecting every relationship that Adam has. So Adam has admitted that he has a problem with anger, and hate, and is going to seek help with this. We had a meeting with our pastor last week, and our church is sending us to a retreat called Encounter God. We will go away next weekend, and go to this retreat to release some for hopefully all of our emotional baggage, and get our lives back straight with God. After that Adam is going to see a therapist that deal with anger management.
So these things are very hard for me to talk about, and hopefully God will use us in the way that He sees fit. So please pray for Adam and myself as we go through this. This situation holds many first for us, the first time that we are away from Austin overnight, our first retreat at out camp, and first (and hopefully only) time with a therapist (who is a Christian therapist recommended by our preacher).

Merry Christmas and Happy (Healthy) New Year

2008-01-01T20:25:00.001-06:00

Well this Christmas was one for the books. Let me just start off by saying that I LOVE Christmas, and everything that Christmas means, and what Christmas brings. This year Christmas brought Adam and I a severe case of tonsillitis. We ended up in the ER on Christmas morning with my parents taking care of Austin. I was ready for someone to put me out of my misery! I got really upset that I could not spend Christmas with my son, but I knew that he was going to be taken care of, and not going to be exposed to our germs. Enough with that, one with the few pictures that I have from this season.

This was us at church the Sunday before Christmas... now Austin does not want to smile for the camera all of a sudden!

This was Sunday afternoon at the Jones Family Christmas. I love taking pictures, and I am not the best picture taker, but sometimes I get a really good picture. I love this picture of Austin.

Adam was showing Austin how to open presents. Austin was still not really into opening the presents, he just wanted to play with the paper and ribbons.
This is Austin's cousins Connor, and Gracie (who Austin goes to the babysitter with everyday) playing the drums on this box. Austin was dancing to the beat, and trying to snap his fingers.

Uncle PJ brought Austin this Go Diego four wheeler. Austin loves it! He was figured out how to make to GO, but has not done so well with the steering! This was taking on Christmas Eve morning, when Adam woke up feeling really sick!

This was Christmas Eve night at my parents. Austin loves to play with the snowman. If you push the button, he sings and dances. Austin dances right along with him!

Austin and my niece, Sadie, playing under Grandmother's (my mom's) table on Christmas Eve. Neither kid really understood what was going on, but we will have lots of fun next year!

Boy, did Santa come to see Austin! It was all that Adam and I could do to "help" Santa put out toys. We were both feeling like death, and only wanted to go and get into the bed!
This is the ONLY picture that I have of Christmas morning. Adam would not get out of the bed, and I could not even play with Austin with his new toys. He kept walking around the living room pointing to everything and he finally sat down and played with a few things until my parents got to my house. They were truly a god-send to Adam and I on this day.

This is Austin at Christmas dinner. I had heated up some leftovers to feed ourselves, and while I was trying to sneak a few bites, I noticed that Austin was snoring in his highchair. Grandmother and Poppa worn him out! He played so much that he fell asleep during dinner and slept until the next morning, I could barely get pj's on him!

So after a week of recovering, we spent New Year's day at my parents house, watching football (could you tell that we a UT fans?), and eating. Adam and I missed out on some good food during our sick time, so we tried to make up for it on New Year's. I think that this was the first year that I actually lost weight over the holidays! But we are all well now, and looking forward to a new year. We had a great year in 2007 and I hope that 2008 brings many new adventures, new growth in our spiritual lives, new opportunities for us and awesome friendships!

Happy New Year!

Christmas is Coming...

2007-12-16T20:51:00.000-06:00

First Attempt = One Perfect Christmas Card!

Trying to get the perfect picture for our card...Still trying.....
This is what I saw last Sunday morning... and just think of all the money that we spend on toys, I think that Santa should just bring laundry baskets!

Austin trying to firgure out all the Christmas stuffing...socking = Santa fills this up on Christmas Eve!
Austin was telling me where to put the first ornament.
This was our ONLY attempt to see Santa. Adam was Santa, and Austin did not like it one bit!
Doesn't everyone had at least one picture of their child like this? I feel like everyone has to have at least one of these!

Now that school is finally over, we are just getting started on things like Christmas cards, and wrapping presents and cooking. I am really far behind on everything this year! So you may not get a Christmas card from us until after Christmas. I will be mailing them tomorrow, so we'll see what happens!

I hope that everyone has a great, safe, and Merry Chirstmas! I can't wait to see what Santa brought everyone! But let's not forget the reall reason for the season!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Thanksgiving 2007

2007-11-28T04:48:00.000-06:00

Well, we traveled to Texas for Thanksgiving this year, and I was afraid of how Austin would fare. But he fared very well, thanks to a dvd player in the car, and my mother in law that purchased a crib for him. (It's for her other grandbaby too, but we'll let Austin think that is was just for him.)We had a great time eating, watching football, eating, sleeping, eating, watching more football, and did I mention eating?
Austin had a blast watching all the dogs and cats, but he did not want to play with them. In fact, on Thanksgiving day, I put Austin down for his morning nap, but I failed to check to see if the inside cat (Hootie) was under the crib (I don't have this problem at home). About 20 minutes later I head Austin crying, and then we heard straching at the door. I don't know how wast more scared, Hootie or Austin. Needless to say Austin would not take a nap after that!
I hope that everyone had a good Thanksgiving! And for my next post, Adam is playing Santa Claus this weekend, so I thought I would take Austin to see "Santa". I can't wait for those pictures!

Before Chruch Fashion Show

2007-11-11T14:01:00.000-06:00

Ok, normally I do not take pictures of every outfit that Austin wears. But this morning he was looking so handsome that I had to capture it. We have been so very blessed with Austin, and GOd send us His angels on earth to help clothe my child. I have not had to buy much for him because people have been so generous to us. Thank you everyone who has pasted things down to us. It means so much to me!

Happy Fall!

2007-11-10T08:59:00.000-06:00

Well better late than never! Here are some pictures from this fall season. For my family fall consists of birthday parties, football games, spending time with family, and trunk or treating! Next week we will be traveling to Texas to see Adam's mom for Thanksgiving! Austin last went when he was six months old, and then he made the trip pretty well. This time I think will be a little different, but now we have a portable DVD play (it was giving to us, yeah!)to take with us! Thank you Lord for small favors! I probably will not post again until after Thanksgiving, so Happy Thanksgiving, and safe travels to all who may be traveling on this holiday!

It's been a awhile...

2007-11-08T08:01:00.000-06:00

Yes it has been awhile since my last post, but I have been extremely busy. My full time job, my full time school schedule, and my full time family takes up all of my time now. I love my life, but I really wish that I did not have to work. If you want to quit reading now, I understand, but I really need to blow off some steam right now.

Since I have become a mother, I want better things for my son than I had growing up, and I think that most parents out there agree. I mean, is it too much to ask for a decently clean house? I feel like that I have to do everything, because my husband does not want to help most of the time. And when I try to clean up he fusses about not spending enough time with him. Well I would have more time for him if he would help me clean up. If I was a stay at home mom, then I would not ask him to help out, because I would have the time to do it (I think so anyway).
So another issue that we are facing is money versus family time, because Adam is working close to home now, I am able to ride with another girl to and from work, saving me half of my gas money a month, and even working extra at work, making more money.I get home at 5:15 right now after picking up Austin, and would probably not be getting home until almost 6:00, or later on some nights. This is great for us in terms of money, since we have taken a $700 a month cut in pay since Adam is not teaching. And we have not heard a thing from the job in Texas in a few weeks now. So with the rising gas prices, and the holidays come up, what is a girl supposed to do?

I crave financial security, and for most of my married life, this has been a huge struggle for us. Adam has been helping us by working on Saturday, and some Sundays, and I really admire him for doing that for our family. So please pray for us, and this situation. This is really putting a strain on me and Adam, and we all know how that is!

But I PROMISE that I will put up pictures from the past few week this weekend!

The Ducks and Austin

2007-10-06T08:14:00.001-05:00

This video was taken by my mother and stepfather when they were here from New York last weekend. The Duck March happens everyday at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis. If your ever in Memphis, this is a great thing to see! The rest of the video is of Austin just messin' around, and saying his fav word "NOOOO!NOOOO!"
Enjoy!

A Nice Suprise

2007-09-19T21:41:00.000-05:00

Tonight I got a nice surprise to end my very busy day...My world lit exam got moved back a week! I was going to have to stay up late studying for that one, and now I don't have too. In other news, I had to leave work at lunchtime today to take Austin back to the doctor (we were just there on Friday for his one-year check up), he now has tonsillitis. This makes for a VERY cranky baby.
And as for Adam, we are still waiting to hear about the Texas thing, which reminds me, Melissa have John give Adam a call when he has a few minutes to talk.
Patience is not one of my virtues, and I can't and won't do anything about our situation. We are still waiting on God's plans for our family.

But since I have a few free minutes, I have decided to share some pics with you guys!

Hello Again!

2007-09-12T12:13:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! So it's being so long since my last post. I am drowning in school work, house work, and regular work! But the reason why I am posting is because Adam and I need your prayers. Over Austin's birthday my MIL came up from Texas, and gave him a pep talk about his job situation. Well included in that came with a job opporunity in Texas. Adam has applied for it, but we are unsure of when he will hear somthing. Now we are faced with moving away from ALL of my family (we would be close to Adam's mom). We have to decide what it best for our family. My parents are very upset about it, and I don't know what to do. I am praying for God to open on door and close another. Partly because the Town of Atoka has shown an interest in hiring Adam as the Park and Rec. director. But the job in Texas would pay double of what he would make here in Tennessee.
Sorry that I am rambling, am I at work on my lunch break and try to type and eat at the same time.
IF we took this job in Texas, it would give us the opporunity to pay off debt, me to stay at home with Austin, and it finish school, and we would be able to buy or build our first house.
Any advice and prayers will be greatly appreciated!

Candace

A Look Back... Austin's First Year

2007-08-31T06:18:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow Austin will turn ONE! What a year this has been! It has gone by WAY to quickly for me. I miss the cuddly little baby, but I am very proud of his milestones. One year ago I knew that my life was forever changed, but no one warned me how much I could love someone, how happy and sad I could be at the same time (like now I'm setting here with tears rolling down my face!). What a wonderful, exciting, scaring adventure this year has been! I love you Austin, and I cannot wait to celebrate tomorrow, and many more tomorrows with you! ~Mommy

First Haircut!

2007-08-26T14:03:00.000-05:00

We have begun celebrating Austin's first birthday a little early. We took him Saturday morning and got his first haircut. He did REALLY good. No fussing, crying or screaming. He was really interested in what Melinda was doing to him (and trying to see how many animal crackers he could get into him mouth at one time!)I know that it is bad luck or something to get baby's first haircut before their birthday, but he looked like a had a comb over when I fixed his hair, and we had pictures made yesterday afternoon. He really looks like a little boy now, instead of a baby! What a difference a few snips of the scissors can make!

NEW 'DO!

2007-08-16T20:17:00.000-05:00

My NEW 'DO, I just got it cut after work tonight!

(This is a reminder of what my old 'do looked like)

In other news, Adam received a tip on a teaching job today. Munford Middle has been approved to hire one more teacher for this year. So Adam went today to give them a resume and to talk to Principal Glenn Turner. So we will see what happens from here. Now keep in mind that Adam is NOT a certified teacher. He has to get his master's to get completely certified. And the master's degrees is a whole other story...
It turns out that the University of Memphis will not award students any financial aid if they are not degree seeking graduate students. Well one might say well apply as a degree seeking student. But it's never that simple. Adam first has to get his GPA up (its a 2.49, and they require a 2.50) and he must past the PPST. So there are four classed that he could take to get his GPA up, but we must pay for these. We're talking $2500 A SEMESTER! Which we do not have, but God will find a way if it is meant to be.

So anyway, I hope that everyone likes my hair, if not, it will grow back. And you don't have to deal with this heat and Memphis humidity ;)

Everyone have a GREAT weekend and we'll catch up next week!

2007-08-13T21:10:00.000-05:00

Things have been busy in the Ezell house lately. Austin started walking one day after his eleven month birthday, and he as finally gotten his two top teeth. I have been busy taking care of planning Austin's birthday party, working, getting together loan paperwork for mine and Adam's student loans. I have been pretty exhausted. Also a little mind-weary (is that a word?), because here it is the middle of August and Adam still does not have a full time job. Bless him because he has been working his tail off doing part time mowing and public works here in Atoka, but no full time work yet. We have taken about a $750 a month cut in pay right now, and things are not looking so pretty for the near future.
I have prayed and pleaded with God about our situation, but no answers yet. I also have a feeling of guilt because I know that our problems are so minuet (sp?) compared to friend of ours (The Hicks Family)Please continue to pray of them, has they just said a very short hello to Janey. Please read her story on their page. But God gives us problems that He knows that he can handle, nothing more. He gives us problems to help us learn. Well, I would like to hurry up and learn this lesson of our live right now. Maybe it's patience, but my grandmother told me never to pray for patience or you will be tested to all of your might.

So, in the next few weeks we will be celebrating Austin's birthday, and Adam and I will be starting school on August 27th. Adam has applied for two parks and rec directors jobs (one in Atoka, and one in Munford). Hopefully one of these will work out so he can work on his Master's and not be to overwhelmed with work. Stay tuned...

Austin continues to light up our lives, and is such a joy. He is walking, talking a little, and trying to eat table food (I'm trying to make him cause he wants mommy to feed him). Like I said we are getting ready for his birthday, and grandparents are making plans to come to town. I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by. When does the time go? I am so proud of his achievements, but I also miss that sweet little baby that we brought home from the hospital (little at 10 lbs...HA!) All of you mommies out there are understand where I am coming from.

Enjoy the new pics.

Jesus and Lazarus: A Bible Study

2007-07-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

OK, So we all know the story of how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. But over the last
three Sundays, we have really dug deep into this story. God has really laid it on my heart to
share this with everyone, for as we were studing God showed me the people that I really
need to pray for, myself included. So go and get your bibles and study along!

Part 1: The Unpredictable Jesus
Main Text: John 11: 1-16

"Some things to keep in wind when God doesn't perform as desired or expected."

1. It's likely that your assumptions are wrong.
v. 4
v. 14
v. 11
2 Corinthians 5:8
2. It never means you're not loved.
v. 3,5
v. 5-6
Ephesians 5: 1-2
Jeremiah 31: 3
3. His purposes overrule your desires.
Isaiah 26: 8
v. 14-15
4. Your obedience is not optional.
v. 8
v. 16

Part 2: Struggling in the Collapse
Main Text: John 11: 17-37
"Principles Gods wants us to remember when (not if) life crashes."

1. You CAN come to God with your struggles.
(Even if your struggles are with Him.)
v. 37 The crowd: Why not Lazarus?
Luke 23: 33-39
v. 20-22 Martha: Why did he have to die?
v. 28-29
v. 32 Mary: He was my brother!
(You are COMMANDED to come to Him when you are struggling!)
2. v.33-36 God is with you in the struggle.
v. 25-26
3. In the crisis, God will ask: Do you believe Me?
4. v. 27 Thers's only one way to stand: faith
Isaiah 7:9
Matthew 7: 24-27

Part 3: Out of Our Graves
Main Text: John 11: 38-44
"How we serve the Kingdom in the Salvation Process"

Ephesians 2: 1-5
1. v.39 We're stone movers.
- We do this through: prayer, witness/testiomy, apologetics, and conduct.
2. v. 43 Jesus brings new life. Only Jesus can do this.
John 6: 44
Ephesians 2: 6-10
3. v. 44 We're grave clothes removers.
Romans 7: 15, 24
Matthew 7: 3-5

I really hope that you enjoy this study as much as Adam and I have. Many thanks to
Louis Brenton for filling in during Bro. Ron's absence. We have learned so much!

Catching Up...

2007-07-14T13:30:00.000-05:00

OK, I know that I have not posted in a while, but my mundane life keeps me busy. And I have dail up at home, an it takes FOREVER to upload pics, and posts.
But I have pics to share from 4th of July, and my birthday!

Some of my birthday presents included (if you should care) flowers from my mother-in-law, perfume and a new Willow Tree from my husband and child, a new bracelet from my parents (fyi: it's hard to take a pic of your wrist and get a bracelet into focus!), a Macy giftcard from my Grandma, and a Walmart gift card from my father-in-law.

So you can see how mundane my life is: go to work, play with Austin (and feed, diaper, and bathe), get forced to go to the gym by my husband, and do it all over again. But today, my mom and I did a little shopping. Austin's birthday is coming up and I can't help myself. We went to Toys'r'Us, and I wanted to but everything in the store! But I controlled myself, and only bought two presents, and diapers!
So now I will wait on Adam to get home from work, and wait on Austin to wake up, While I'm do that I will be reading everyone else's blogs!

Valdosta

2007-07-09T07:31:00.000-05:00

Ok, I know that I am a little late on posting this, but we've been recouping from traveling, then it was the 4th, and then my birthday. But we had a great time with the Hicks family. Melissa and I did a whole bunch of nothing, while our husbands worked (or played around). On Sunday Melissa got to see why John calls Adam "his first love". Austin was being really fussy, so Adam decided that it was best not to rock the boat and stay home form church. So while I was calming down Austin, Adam was picking up the house, taking off the trash, and picked up lunch, so when the Hicks come home we could set down to eat. Melissa, let me know when you need Adam to come back down there!
So here are some pics from our trip.

I have pics from the 4th and my birthday that I will try to get posted this week. But Adam signed us up at the fitness center, and he is pushing me out the door to go and work out now. Like I don't have enough things to do already!

Praises and Prayers

2007-06-25T08:11:00.000-05:00

Well today I have praises and prayers for our AWESOME God! My praise is that I will be able to receive my financial aid for school. When I went to register for school I was told that is was on financial aid suspension. This was due to me withdrawal from school in the last semester that I attended. The reason for the withdrawal is because I Had just starting working in Memphis and I knew that I could not fully devoted myself to school, so I withdrew so I would not fail and bring down my GPA. So I have to file an appeal and I got me letter on Saturday saying that I would receive my aid.
And I have prayers for my pastor, Bro. Ron McMillan. He is in the hospital in Orlando FL. He was there for the Heart-To-Heart Conference and had a serious heart attack. His wife flew down on Friday evening to be with him. He will probably be released from the hospital by Wednesday, but will not be able to travel. They are going to stay in the Ronald McDonald House there. My mom told me that she thinks that he only has about 55% of his normal heart function, as he has had previous heart problems and surgeries.
Also continue to pray for my husband as he is looking for a job. He is trying to go back to Ridgeway Middle and has also applied at Covington High School. We will be going to the University of Memphis on Tuesday to talk to them about his master's degree. He needs this to continue to teach and coach.
But we have a VERY busy week, VBS is going on, going to UofM, working, and then packing to go to Valdosta, GA to visit the Hicks Family.
I'll post more when we get back on Monday!

2007-06-22T07:23:00.000-05:00

Well, let me just say I feel like a bad parent... We have been trying to switch Austin to the Gerber Graduates food, and it is not going so well. At his nine month check up the doctor asked me how he is doing on table food. What!? I didn't think that he was ready for table food yet! So we picked up some of the "toddler food" and it is a fight at dinner time! The babysitter says that he eats it just fine there (but he will not pick it up himself and it his food) but I have my doubts about that. I don't know if we should wait a week or so and try again. We are talking about the same baby at nine and a half months old, who knows how to hold his bottle and cup but if mom is around (or dad or grandmother)he acts like he is helpless. He is a very smart baby who is reaching all of his milestones, but eating table food.
I don't know what to do!

Updates!

2007-06-13T07:26:00.002-05:00

Brain Lateralization Test Results

Right Brain (14%) The right hemisphere is the visual, figurative, artistic, and intuitive side of the brain.
Left Brain (80%) The left hemisphere is the logical, articulate, assertive, and practical side of the brain

Are You Right or Left Brained?
personality tests by similarminds.com

I have noticed this test on some other blogs and I thought I would give it a try!

Adam is starting to look for another job, his is thinking of getting a "regular" job while he takes his tests and gets his master degree for teaching. We are praying that God leads us in the right direction... also, I am trying to go aback to school in the fall (for elementary education). I pray that God can give me the strength that I need to work, raise Austin and go to school at the same time. Here soon I will have to quit work, and devote myself to school full time, and that depends on what type of job (and pay) that Adam gets. I think that God is trying to teach us how to rely on Him and to quit trying to do everything ourselves. Which is quite scary for me, you know that left brained people think that they have to control everything, and have a plan for everything. But I have faith that God will provide for us.

Happy Anniversary, Adam!

2007-05-29T13:31:00.000-05:00

*** Please note, these pictures are not in correct (date-wise) order!

I just wanted to say happy anniversary to my wonderful husband, Adam. Today we have been married for 3 years, and we have been dating since 1998. We have had our ups and downs, like any other couple. But I would not trade these last three years for anything. We have graduated from college (Adam), moved about 4 times, changed jobs, and became parents, and I could not imagine my life, or experiences be any different than the life that God as allowed Adam and I to build.

I love you Adam!

Funny Name Game

2007-05-22T20:45:00.000-05:00

My friend Melissa had this up on her blog, and it looks like fun! Enjoy, and pass it along!

1. YOUR REAL NAME: Avera (but I go by my middle, Candace)

2 .YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (first 3 letters of real name plus izzle.) Aveizzle

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (fav color and fav animal) Pink Lab

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, and current street) Candace Main

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME : (first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 3 letters of your mother's maiden name) EzeAvFin

6. YOUR SUPERHERO NAME: (2nd fav color and fav drink) Blue Diet Sprite

7. YOUR WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother's middle name, and father's middle name) Rene' Miller

8. YOUR GOTH NAME: (black, and the name of one of your pets) Black Hutch

Pictures!

2007-05-21T21:09:00.000-05:00

Well I finally figured out this whole picture thing. Now I will go crazy with all the pictures that I take of my fave subjects, my family and friends. I hope you enjoy!

Will work for food...

2007-05-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

As you may or may not know, my husband is closing in on the end of his school year. With this brings relief and fear. Relief, for knowing that the stress of inner city kids and sports that was causing his chest pain is over. For knowing that he can enjoy his family time more without worrying about grading this or that, and getting lesson plans ready. Fear, for knowing that one June 15th he will receive his last paycheck from Memphis City Schools, and there is no job lined up for him. Sure, Adam has been working his tail off getting ready for this summer. He has been mowing lawns with a small company at home on Saturdays, and they want his help this summer. But I'm afraid that this is not going to pay the bills, and put food on the table. Adam is not afraid of working, and he has contacted his last employer (Town of Atoka) to see if they have a job that he can come back to. (He worked for them before he took this teaching job) Atoka is saying that they are working on a new budget (budget is going to be approved in July) and they have included Adam in this budget. But my fear is that it is not going to work out. Now does his continue to look for another job, or wait on the city job? Our prayer is for God to open the right door for him. But really I think that God is going to have to slap Adam upside his head with the right job, because he's (OK, we have) been know to jump on the first thing that comes along, and it be totally wrong. Please pray for this for Adam and our family.

Baby Motrin = No Sleep for Anyone

2007-05-17T07:59:00.000-05:00

Since Saturday night Austin has been waking up numerous times a night. It started Saturday night, we put him to bed around 8pm (his usual bedtime) after I had given him some Motrin because he is teething, and I thought that it would help him sleep better. WRONG! We got up at 11:00, 1:30, 4:00, and he was up for good at 6:00 on Sunday. Happy Mother's Day to a very sleep deprived mother. On Sunday he was fussy, and would not take a nap, which made me think that there was something more wrong that teething. Sunday night I gave him Motrin again to help with teething pain, and whatever else was wrong. We were up twice that night, and he woke up at 5:15 Monday morning. So I sent him to the babysitters for a while and went to the doctor that afternoon. We have another ear infection AND teething. So we got an antibotic and ear drops, and the doctor told us to give him Motrin at night (when babies notice pain more) So we did what to doctor said, and we were up three times Monday night. By this point I would have done anything for sleep, and I'm thinking "Austin, mommy has to go to work, so if you want to be up, do so quietly." But on to Tuesday, the same thing all over again. By Wednesday I can hardly function at work. Wednesday evening Austin and I go out to dinner with my mom, and she says that Advil keeps my dad awake and is that Motrin affecting Austin. Great idea mom! So last night, Austin just got his antibotic and no Motrin, and guess what! We only got up one time last night! Which is normal for Austin.
Now my question is how do I get him to sleep through the night, without thinking that he needs a bottle at 2am.

Austin on the Move!

2007-05-02T21:04:00.000-05:00

Tonight, Austin finally decided to start crawling! We had been playing in the floor, watching "Notes from the Underbelly" and he wanted to get out of my lap, and get a toy. Then he noticed his daddy sitting on the couch, eating an ice-cream bar. He then decided to go see his daddy and crawled to him. But I think that he really just wanted the ice-cream. And, as usual, I did not have my camera within reach! He had been trying to crawl for weeks, but couldn't ever put it all together. I guess that the "baby-proofing" will begin. I know that I should have done it weeks ago, but life gets in the way and you just don't think about putting cabinet locks on. (But we bought them weeks ago!)

In other news, we are trying him on food with textures (the 3 foods). He REALLY does not like them at all. So I think that I'll wait a week or so and try it again.

Anyway, the same ole' routine with me, get up and ready for work, get Austin up and to Nanny's house, drive to Memphis, work, and drive back to get Austin, get home and work some more. Adam is doing the same (without toting Austin around), but that is only for a few more weeks, then school is out. After that I am a little concerned, Adam will not have a job, and does not have another line up. He says that he does not want to teach anymore, but we still need a roof over our heads, clothes, and food. God and I have been talking quite a bit about this, and I'm just waiting on an answer now. But I have to admit, it makes me a little nervous to wait so long.

Getting Started

2007-04-26T20:26:00.000-05:00

Welcome everyone! I've borrowed this idea for a blog from a friend of mine, Melissa Hicks. Don't worry, I've told her what I was doing, and she said that was fine. I told her that imitation was the best form of flattery. As you can see, I'm just getting started with this, so be patient with me as I learn to post pictures and such.

Anyway, I'm a twenty-something wife and mother. My son is almost eight months old, and he is growing like a weed! Right now he is learning to crawl, and "talking" all the time. My husband is teaching 7th grade, and coaching football and baseball. But we'll talk more about that later!