Pumpkin Patch

My precious son Elijah is getting so big! I am amazed everyday at how tall he is, as he truly seems to get taller everyday. Where does the time go? And why do kids grow up so fast?

Brooke took him to the pumpkin patch for some fun and a photo shoot last month. Here are a few favorites of my handsome young man.

While at the pumpkin patch they found a "booty pumpkin". Elijah loved it and ended up asking Brooke if they could get it for mommy. He said that he knew mommy would like it very much. So this year, we had a booty pumpkin at our house.

More Baptism Pictures

My sister's pictures from Payton's baptism are too good not to share. Brooke is always good to take lots of pictures, and it is an amazing bonus that she is an incredible photographer. So here they are...

TRICK or treat

I might have to say that this year trick or treating with the kids was the best yet. In past years we have gone to friend's neighborhoods to trick or treat with them, but this year we did it in our own neighborhood. It was like a street party with all the neighborhood kids. Lots of fun. It is always more fun to go in a group. So we really enjoyed the evening. The funny part is, Payton decided on a costume change at the last minute and decided to wrap her ankle and use crutches as her costume, but every where we went the neighbors all thought she was really hurt. So she had a great time TRICKING everyone all night.

Elijah also bailed on his original shark costume, and he decided to wear his Batman mask and cape. He had a big time.






Wednesday night there was a fall festival at church, so the kids dressed up and we went. Payton threw together a last minute "rockstar" costume, and Elijah wore his shark costume. I love the following picture.

Happy Birthday to you...

Today is October 30, my son Odell's 2nd birthday...in heaven. I have taken the day off work today to spend time with my family reflecting on Odell's life and death. Imagine, a birthday party in heaven...I wonder what that is like? Thrown by the King of Kings himself, what a party it must be. Far greater than what we can even imagine here on earth. How many angels do you think join in singing the "Happy Birthday to you" song...10...100....1000....or maybe more? Imagine what that sounds like, and then realize that they are all singing to YOU. And the balloons...imagine the colors of the balloons. Colors that we have never even seen before, more beautiful than our mind can understand. I just wish I could be there with him to celebrate.

This was me, 2 years ago today. I was trying for a v-bac, so it was something we had to schedule because the doctor needed to be there the whole time. Contractions never really got going, so it ended up being a c-section. In hind sight, thank God, He knew what was best for Odell.


Brooke was there with Marshall and I the whole day. Would you believe that I found a 5 dollar bill in the pocket of my hospital gown?! How random is that?! It was all folded up again and again and again until it was very small, and you could tell it had been washed several times. You can see it laying on my belly in the picture of Brooke and I.

Odell Andrew Presley was born at 7:21 in the evening. He was 7 lbs. 3oz, and had the best red hair. All was well with the world. And for about 36 hours life was great. We had no idea what was going on inside him, and how our world was about to come screeching to a halt.

Hallelujah!!

Today was an amazing day, because Payton got baptized!!! We are so very proud and excited, it was a very special day. She was baptized in a tub outside of church, so it was really neat. A little cold though, but that just made it even more exciting! Here are a few pictures that I love.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Anyone who knows Brooke and I well, knows who the Sharpe family is and what they mean to us. Growing up they were our very best family friends, meaning that our parents were best friends, so by default the kids hung out and became close. Actually, our mom's were college roommates. They always lived in Knoxville, and we obviously lived in Atlanta, but we would often vacation with them to the beach, Gatlinburg, or Chattanooga. We have such a special bond to them, and it has really changed and matured as we have gone through life's tragedies together.


This past weekend, Marshall, the kids and I went to Knoxville to see Ashley and Todd and their new baby Lexie! She is 4 weeks old. They also have a precious 15 month old daughter named Raegan. Going to the Watson's always means big fun, including 4 wheeling, tractor riding, lots of kids and GREAT food. We had an unforgettable time. And I don't know who is cuter, baby Lexie...or big sister Raegan.

Meet Baby Lexie

Payton and Raegan


Of course on the way up there God gave us another rainbow. He is so good to always remind me that he is going to keep his promises. It was really neat, and at one point you could actually see where the bottom of it went into a field...you know, you could actually see the end of the rainbow.

Did I mention they just got a new tractor? They live on lots of acreage with cows on some of the land, so it is absolutely necessary. Elijah got to enjoy his first tractor ride, and Payton looked all too grown up and country sitting on the tractor.

Elijah and Todd

Eric also came by with his family. His has a 4 year old son Beau, and 9 month old daughter named Georgia. Beau and Elijah became quick friends, and Georgia actually took to Marshall! They were both precious, sweet children- amazing coming from the Eric we all know and love!

Beau and Elijah

Georgia and Marshall

We always treasure our trips to Knoxville, as they truly are a part of our family.

Ashamed

I cannot believe it has been so very long since I have blogged about something...anything. My excuse is that school (work for me) started back, and life is crazy!!! It always takes several weeks to truly get back into the groove of things, and get both of the kids to transition and get accustomed to their new schedules. Anyways, so this is a little summary of what we have been up to lately.

Payton and Elijah have enjoyed spending time outside in the yard. Elijah likes his bike, and Payton has been roller skating. They are both getting so big!!!

























Work is going very well. Working with first grade is fun, but much different than the fifth graders. The people I work with are incredible, I truly couldn't ask for a better place to work.



We spent Labor Day at Six Flags with the kids. They had fun as always. Here are some of the pictures.

That's about it for now, but I will be posting again soon. We are going to Knoxville this weekend!