i am back!!

IT has been a crazy few weeks.. I haven't been blogging because our computer crashed...but, it was good for me to have a break from internet and blogging world.. I couldn't believe how much I got done without it! I did miss it..but, I for sure need to time manage it a little better.. Presley and I went to Memphis this past week to visit family..we had so much fun, and our now back home.. I am busy cleaning today, because I am giving a baby shower this Sunday for my sweet friend here, Lindsey..then Mon. we leave for Gatlinburg for a family vaca.. I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Since I have gotten older.. my favorite place is the mountains..take it over the beach ANY DAY!!!!!!!!!!!! It is just so pretty, love the chilly weather, and I get to break out the fall clothes.. whoo hoo!! Here are a few pics of our time in Memphis... P was NOT happy about taking pics.. only one she actually wasn't screaming in.. :)

On a sad note, my brother John is leaving for Iraq for a year.. He is in the Army..and has been sent over as part of the exit group..thankfully, he won't be fighting..but, I know his sweet family is going to miss him! We got to say our goodbyes..and I was so happy we could all get together one last time before he had to leave..
I had one of my very favorite days this past week.. My sweet parents went in together and bought us a new MacBook Pro for early Christmas.. seriously..BEST. Present. EVER! I am learning new things daily..and have the one on one classes for a year.. so I will be doing those as soon as I get back from vaca! I also got a lot of practice in with my photography..and can't wait to get photoshop to start editing away!
I also have chosen the theme for Presley's 2nd bday.. She LOVES her monkey..so I thought this would be simply, cute, and fun. Going to just get the plates and do pink and green cups, napkins, etc... It will be fun, but alot less stressful that last year! We are planning to come to town the beginning of Dec. and do a  family party.

Where is your?..

 EYES?

 NOSE?

 EARS?

We have been home..lots more lately..b/c we have both been sick..I guess because the weather changed soo fast? Anyways.. sorry for the horrible lighting in 2nd picture.. the fact that I caught it was priceless..she is THE HARDEST model..b/c she is constantly on the go! I am so happy to be her mommy..she is full of life, and energy..she makes every day special!

Fall is my favorite time of year!

 I just love how this picture turned out! Even though it isn't perfect.. I love it!

 Presley is loving this time of year, too.. She LOVEs picking up leaves and sneaking them in the house-to later crush into a million pieces :)

She is such a big helper! :)

She is so smart.. this little girl.. She has watched me water the flowers most everyday..so she thought she would take it upon herself to carry the pitcher to the faucet ( which is on the backside of our house) You just never know how much they really watch everything you do.. until they are doing it the EXACT same way.. :) I helped her..of course!
She loves being outside..so we go out most everyday...
We loved it today--it was perfect weather- 70 degrees!

just some fun editing..

I took P outside yesterday to play...and so I thought I would snap some pics while we were outside.. I edited some of these a more funky style.. just for fun..These pics are pretty grainy..which I hate..but, maybe when I get a new lens.. that will change! I have been doing a ton of reading up.. on my camera..and how to use it. I can't wait to get a new lens! I think it will really make a difference in some of my pics.. Here is to a fun day with P.. It is always fun with her.. In fact, today.. she took off her diaper during nap..and lets just say there were little brown surprises everywhere when I went in to check on her.. FUN!! I had to wipe down the crib, give her a bath, and wash all the bedding.. Then, tonight..in the tub..she thought it would be a great idea to take a bite out of the soap...Let's just say, I don't think she will be doing that again! LOL

 

A very special dress..

Before we moved..my mom gave me a box of random things that were mine when I was little.
I found a few outfits I had as a little girl ( so happy my mom hung on to them all this time! ) A few of the outfits my great-grandmother actually made for me..so that was really special!

I need lots of practice taking pics.. and so I put one of them one P today..
now, I do realize I should have put her in it a few months ago.. that girl is growing!!
So pretend that its a little longer..and that her shoes match better than they do! :)
I also was playing around with some fun borders. I would never put these on other people's pics..but for a blog.. its kindof fun..

I also started MOPS this morning ..and LOVED it!! The girls are so friendly..and made me feel so welcomed! I can't wait to see what the semester has in store! Next week, a lady is coming to talk about being a good friend to women that have special need children..which is very dear to my heart b/c one of my best friends, Courtney has a little boy, Carter who has spina bifida.. I think it is great to make people more aware of special needs..and to know how to be a good friend.. because those parents have to be super strong..and their daily tasks are much more involved than most understand.. So, I am looking forward to hearing some advice.. This lady actually has a special needs child and her other daughter is in our group.
Here is a vintage dress :) That I wore..a long long time ago.

fun times with Presley

I LOVE that God choose me.. to be this sweet little angel's mommy..
She is so beautiful, so smart, but, mostly has such a loving heart..I see the way she interacts with other kids we are around.. and my prayer is that she always stays the way she is now. She is getting more and more cuddly with her daddy and I..and is sharing more kisses these days. She is also able to say her name.. which is the sweetest thing ever! :) I pray that she remains kind. This is a crazy world, full of temptations..material things.. things that take your eyes off Jesus.. and although, at times we all fall short.. I pray she not only believes..but, truely shines for HIM. It is my prayer as a mother. It is a prayer for myself and Matt as her parents.
I just started a new Ladies Bible study (meets every Tues.)
Also, starting MOPS this week..( its biweekly)
I am excited about learning more about becoming a Godly mom..and build relationships with other Christian moms! God has been so good to us this year.. and I have learned so much!!

I have been practicing more at taking photos.. I know I am FAR from GREAT..and I have so much to learn..but, I think it would be so much fun to start my own business.. I am praying about it..and maybe one day.. for now, I am just asking friends to be my models..so I get more practice. It would be more for fun than anything.. just really enjoy doing it.. even love to edit, which most people hate! lol..
For now, I will enjoy taking pictures of this gorgeous little girl..
We are pretty excited about fall, can't ya tell??

Got my Camera back!!

YAY! I was so excited to get my Rebel fixed-- I think the Fedex guy thought I was going to hug him :)
Presley loves her monkey! She sleeps with him for every nap.. every nite-nite, and sometimes he joins her for breakfast, too!