Not Daddy's Little Girl!

OK, let me explain the title and picture. When we found out we were pregnant with a girl, Rhyne said two things: "I am NOT repainting the bedroom - make chocolate work and she is NOT wearing those elastic bow headbands!!" I think it is so funny what Rhyne decides to take stances on!! I am not sure why he has such disdain for elastic hair bands? All of our friends and family know this, so you know someone had to "get him"!! My college roommate, Mandy, gave me a set of elastic bow headbands as a baby gift just to make Rhyne mad!! Since I have been without the boys this whole week, I have been a little bored (I can't believe I just said that!!!!). So, I decided to try one on Ann Phelps today and greet Rhyne when he came home from work! Needless to say, he was not too thrilled! I got some cute pictures though. She looks so sweet!!

Fun in Carrollton

Grandmother with Ann Phelps


Pops with Ben

MaMaw

This past weekend we went to Carrollton to visit with Rhyne's family. We had so much fun just sitting and watching the kids play. I am always spoiled when we go there because the rule is I can't do anything - no diapers, no feedings, no bathing, no anything!! It is great!! I wish I had the pictures my good friend, Hollie, took (she lives down the road from the Martins)- she is a much better photographer than me! Rhyne and I had to come home Saturday night to help with nursery Sunday, but the boys are still in Carrollton (being spoiled, I am sure)! We will pick them up Wednesday. (Ann Phelps is at home with me, loving the peace and quiet!!)

First Food

In the last two weeks we have started Ann Phelps on baby food. She doesn't like it as much as Ben did. I remember having to go through two level 1 packs for Ben at one sitting, but Ann Phelps hardly finishes one. She makes such bad faces!! It always makes me a little sad when we get to the baby food stage because that means they are getting out of the newborn stage - it has been going to fast in AP's case!!

Pump it Up at the house!

I have been trying to find things each day to keep the boys busy. Since it has been too hot outside, I have been planning inside activities. This becomes more challenging when we try to stay home rather than go somewhere!! My Mom gave the boys this little tikes jumping house for Christmas. Obviously we can't keep it inflated all the time or we couldn't walk in our living room! (I have made sure Rhyne knows we have to have a play room in our next house!) So I decided to "pump it up" this morning. It always amazes me when I bring out toys we haven't used in a while how excited the boys get! Also, watching Ben play on it reminds me how much he has grown since Christmas - we had to watch him at Christmas because he would walk off the front and fall, now he knows exactly what to do!!

Will turns 4!

Letting the balloons go in memory of Matthew and Harris


Uncle James and Aunt Kay had this hat made for Will so he
can be a "real" construction man


Grandmother made sure Ben didn't feel
left out.

Ben enjoying the cupcakes

cupcakes for the kids

Once again Ms. Christina did a fabulous job!!

The birthday boy

Ben having fun!

Boots (aka, Justin) being a kid

My oldest kid, Rhyne

Rhyne, Grandmother, Mae Mae, Will, and Ben

I know parents say this all the time, but I really can't believe Will is 4!! It is always a bitter sweet day when we celebrate Will's birthday. We chose a long time ago to focus on the miracle of his birth and not the tragedy. God is so good! Because of His grace we can celebrate this day with such joy!! Once again we had his party at Pump-it-up in Brandon. It is so easy to have parties there. Plus it is nice to have a fun place to party where the temp is a cool 70 degrees :)!! I think everyone had a fun time. After the party we went to eat at Cock of the Walk with Rhyne's family - Will was determined he wanted catfish for his birthday supper!

4th of July

Yes, that is a marshmallow dipped in mustard!

all the cousins

cousin Bernie

Ann Phelps and Nel-Noo

Daddy and Ben

Every year since before I was born, my Mom's family has been getting together every 4th of July at my grandparents' cabin near Belzoni. Due to my grandparents' health, we didn't think we would have it this year, but it came together at the last minute. It was so much fun to see my cousins' kids and my kids playing just like we used to years ago! After the cabin, we went back to my parents' house. Justin (uncle Boots) played with the boys on the slip-n-slide and then we had a hot dog roast (and marshmallows, too)!

Being Bob for the Day

Friday Will and Ben had the chance to be Bob the Builder for a day! Mr. Craig invited us to his sod farm to ride the bulldozer! I don't have to tell you how excited Will was! Ben was excited also, he kept saying "bullozer".