A day in the life....The Lotterhos Family

Christmas Blessings 2011

2011-12-30T19:52:00.005-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Lotterhos Family!
Livie-5 and Jones-3

It was amazing once again. Every year Christmas just gets better and better because of the kids. The only downfall of this year was that for two weeks of this Christmas break, between the 4 of us, someone has been sick at all times. It's been a little rough and stressful(especially those last couple of days before Christmas), but we have somehow survived and were still able to enjoy Christmas.
The kids were overjoyed with all that Santa brought plus the awesome gifts all the grandparents gave them. We were able to go to church on Christmas Eve night and listen to Livie sing in the children's chior and then worship our Savior at one of the most moving services I've ever been to. Have I ever mentioned how much I LOVE OUR CHURCH???!!! :-)
It was extra special this year reading the Christmas story with the kids on Christmas morning(we always read out of Luke before we see what Santa brought). Watching their faces as the story was read, sunk in, and they could talk about all the different people who were a part of the only reason we were celebrating the day. It was the perfect gift for Chris and me to hear their sweet voices talk about baby Jesus and that he was better than any gift Santa could have left. Thanks to HIM our babies understand that amazing blessing. I hope everyone had a great Christmas with family and friends...here's to hoping 2012 is better than ever! Happy New Year!

Livie helping make our homemade cinnamon rolls

A small shot of all their Santa loot

Harley man

Happy 30th Birthday Uncle Evan!

Jones in his new Scooby pj's with his new best buddy Woody, watching Scooby. 100% satisfied!

Livie baking with her new Easy Bake oven...she's a natural

I caught this perfect moment...watching Dora and just loving each other.

A little Wii action. Definitely the favorite present of 2011.(for Mommy and Daddy too!) This is Just Dance 3...so much fun!

The Candy Can What?

2011-12-19T08:51:00.002-06:00

The Jones Lotterhos Christmas Traslation Guide:

Candy Can- n. Yes, you read that right, noun. (he tricked you) A red and white striped cane shaped candy often seen during the Christmas season. A favorite treat eaten by children and adults alike and can bee seen hanging on Christmas trees.

bethel-ham- n. BUT, not a proper noun to be confused with the town of Bethlehem. A bethel-ham is any animal in any Christmas book that you don't recognize.
Ex: "The animal standing next to the shepherds in that picture is called a bethel-ham."

and last but not least, my personal favorite...

Jo-fuss-n. The Earthly father of Jesus, husband of Mary, and citizen of Nazareth. Most commonly know as Joseph.

Another Catch Up...Fall Edition

2011-12-17T13:01:00.006-06:00

Once again, I have been a total slacker when it comes to blog updates. These past two months have been busy as ever, but I guess when school is in session, that's the way it goes. November and the beginning of December have been full of ups and downs. We celebrated the 60th birthday of my Dad(Granddaddy) and the 1st birthday of our cousin/niece Emily. And on the other end of the spectrum we attended two funerals and mourned the loss of friends gone way too soon, April(35) and Brad(34).
We've celebrated friends birthdays, had new experiences, learned new things, been with friends and family, celebrated holidays, and just been extra thankful for who and what we have. So, here's a recap of our last two months. Hopefully this will be the last time I get this behind!

Field Trip to Cedar Hill Farms

Soccer Camp together. Jones thought he was big time getting to do what Livie was doing.

End of the year soccer trophy~2nd season

Team Madrid

Hallie Dodd's birthday party

Jones dressed up for school

Sharkboy and Lavagirl~Halloween

MeMommy and Granddaddy

CeCe and G Daddy

Let the trick-or-treating begin, with Madison(Ariel)

Much needed night out with the Kleins

Christmas Parade with MeMommy and Granddaddy~it was extra special this year because our cousins from Jackson, MS were here!

Sweet cousins~Livie, Avery, Ella, Jones

Chris and me with our cousins, Melanie and Steven down on Beale after our yummy dinner at Bleu~Melanie looks amazing. No big deal, but this was only a few hours after she ran the FULL St. Jude Marathon....AND CAME IN 13TH!!!

Livie's first time to spend the night out with Emily and Emma

Another spend the night party...Lucas and Jones

Livie as Mary in her school Christmas pageant

Livie's class

Jones and his friend Hayes at their class Christmas party

We tried...they're 3!

Jones with his awesome teachers, Mrs. Amy and Mrs. Jennifer

Poor sweet Livie at her Christmas party. She didn't feel well at all, but insisted on staying and not missing any of the fun. You know she really didn't feel well when she wouldn't eat pizza or Christmas cookies. That was yesterday, and she's still sick today. Hoping for a full recovery before the Christmas festivities begin.

Fall Break

2011-10-22T09:07:00.003-05:00

Last Thursday through Tuesday was our school fall break. We stayed around here, but stayed super busy and had so much fun!

Downtown at Memphis Madness with the Marshalls...we didn't get in but ended up heading over to Blues City Cafe for a yummy dinner

Zoo with MeMommy

We finally got to meet sweet 3 month old Grace Egan and hug on her Mommy. We miss them and can't wait to see them at Thanksgiving!

She shoots...She scores!!!

2011-10-22T08:56:00.002-05:00

Last Friday, Livie scored her first EVER soccer goal. It was no fluke either. She turned and absolutely blasted it past the goalie. Chris was standing behind the goal and got to see her face, and he said it was one of the most precious moments and sweetest things he's seen in his 34 years. The really fun thing about it was our team won 1-0. Yay Livie! She was beyond excited and we are so proud of this little girl. As my dad said later...this was just the first of many!

post signature

And She's Off...Just Like That!

2011-10-09T12:43:00.003-05:00

Last week Livie got in the car from school, and matter of factly told me she wanted to take her training wheels off her bike. So, we got home, took them off, talked about balance....and this is what happened. I couldn't believe it.
It just so happened this was on Septemeber 28, which was our 9 year anniversary. Married in 2002, then the exact day, 9 years later, our 5 year old baby girl is learning to ride her bike without training wheels...I love the seasons of life!

Sasha free house...FINALLY!

2011-10-08T10:36:00.003-05:00

We have had a tough time trying to break Jones of his bad habit...ALWAYS having his "sasha", which is his name for his paci. Well, as of September 21, it is no more. We just woke up one morning, told him it was time for it to go, and that was that. Well, after about 3 hours of screaming and crying, but that was it. Really kind of simple. The worst part about it, for Mommy, is that now he doesn't want his Blue Bear either. I almost cried that night when he said, "I don't need Blue Bear anymore, because I don't have sasha." He's growing up!

Downtown Memphis Field Trip

2011-10-08T10:27:00.005-05:00

Livie's class took their first field trip of the year, and I went with them. It was a Downtown Memphis trip and we visited A. Schwab, The Peabody to see the ducks, had a picnic at Confederate Park, then a trolley ride around the loop. It was such a fun trip and brought back fun memories of going when I was little.

Before we left, we got to see them give their book reports for the week...Livie's was Fancy Nancy...anyone surprised?

The whole gang in front of A. Schwabs

Here come the ducks...those little suckers were on a mission that day...they were fast.

Livie and I taking a picture on the Peabody roof, in the exact same spot Chris and I did almost 9 years to the day.
September 23, 2011 with my baby girl
September 28, 2002 with my husband of about 45 minutes! (wish I had that one to post...we were pre-digital)

Football Time!

2011-10-08T10:14:00.004-05:00

And THIS is one of the main reasons why fall is my favorite time of the year. First weekend this year we got to watch all of "our teams" in one weekend. First, we saw Mississippi State absolultely demolish Memphis, then headed to Oxford to watch my Rebs get beat by BYU. Not a great start for my teams, but still so much fun!

At the Liberty Bowl with the Kleins and Browns

I was surrounded by Bulldog

Hotty Toddy!

Off to the Grove and The Walk of Champions

Ole Miss roommates...Hendu and Lotto

We got to meet Anna Garrett Henderson for the first time!

With the Brown girls in The Grove

Dennis, Joey, and Chris

Game #2 together for the weekend

With G Daddy and CeCe at lunch...Jones was a little grumpy! I guess he had a premonition we were about to lose!

It's Fall Y'all!

2011-10-08T09:36:00.005-05:00

My favorite favorite, did I mention favorite time of year! I love everything about fall...the colors, smells, weather, school, activities, and it always just feels like you can start over in the fall. We have been busy, but here are a few hightlights from the beginning of our fall season.

Well, it wasn't officially fall yet, but we celebrated GreatGranddaddy's 83rd birthday on August 24. So much fun, and so blessed to have such a special man in our lives.

Livie got her kindergarten shots and didn't cry AT ALL! She wore her scrubs to be official.

Jones' first day of 3 year old school

Dinner at Pete and Sam's with MeMommy and Granddaddy after soccer practice.

A birthday party with Livie's American Girl doll Hannah

Baseball practice with daddy

Lake weekend with the Houghs and Kleins

Bachelorrette Party for Amanda Purdy...now Mrs. Short

Monthly Ole Miss DG girls dinner. This was a small crowd for Cafe Piazza. I look forward to this so much every month!

They go at each other all day long every day, but this is how they end up at night.

Meeting new friends for the first time......
Carter Trimboli

Olivia Phelps

Cookout with the Scotts

Hangin with the puppies

Livie reading her homework book to the puppies. I just happened to catch this in action...LOVE IT!!!

St. Jude Gala with the Scotts. It was such a special night with so many friends raising money for St. Jude in honor of our friend Kathryn Stallins little boy.

That's My Boy!

2011-08-20T12:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Livie and her friend Madison were walking up the stairs to play.

Me: Livie, y'all turn off the TV when you come down.
Livie: Ok, we will
Jones: Excuse me, how bout a yes ma'am

It literally took me 5 minutes to compose myself from laughing so hard.

post signature

KINDERGARTEN

2011-08-20T11:35:00.004-05:00

Our baby girl started Kindergarten! She is loving it already so much and has the sweetest class and teachers. We are so excited for her and ready for a great year!

The three Musketeers together again

post signature

Jones is 3!

2011-08-20T10:49:00.003-05:00

On JULY 20, our baby boy turned 3. I can't believe it. I don't know if it's because he's our second, or what but it seems like time is flying faster with him than it did with Livie.
He had a wonderful birthday...birthday donuts for breakfast, opened presents from us and Livie, swim and cookout at MeMommy and Granddaddy's that night. That Saturday he had his birthday party at Oh! Susannah's donut shop with a bunch of his little buddies. It was a great week with our big 3 year old!

Here are a few things to know about Jones right now...
~He really is the sweetest, most loving, cuddly guy
~He thinks his big sister is the greatest, coolest, most awesome person on this Earth
~His 2 favorite songs are "Chicken Fried" and "Stuck Like Bwoo (Glue)"
~When you ask him why he did something he'll say, "Just puz (because)"
~His favorite books are "Green Eggs and Ham" and "Cat and the Hat"...he actually loves to read and wants us to read to him constantly
~Scooby Doo and Toy Story are still him 2 favorite characters/movies
~He cannot WAIT to play baseball...he brings it up at least twice a day
~He loves music and likes to sing
~Favorite food is hot dogs
~Favorite color is blue
~Loves popsicles and would eat them all day long for every meal if he could
~Drinks milk like no one I've ever seen
~Still has to have his sasha and Blue Bear to go to sleep...we're working on saying bye bye to Sasha....not a lot of luck

We love this guy so so much and are so glad he's ours!

Summertime Recap

2011-08-20T09:53:00.010-05:00

We're back. Summer seemed to come and go so quickly this year that updating the blog wasn't at the top of my to-do list. We stayed super busy and, of course, I had the camera with me at all times...so here is a recap of the highlights of the Lotterhos' summer.

Slip and Slide...water and Palmolive, all you need for success!

Memphis Fine Young Professionals Awards with the Browns~Congratulations Steph!

Redbirds game

Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Emily's Baptism

Livie and Jones painted rocks one day and then sold them out front. She made $11. Wow.

On her way to art camp...she LOVED it!

Basketball camp...she's ready for the season

A visit from the Adams'...you would think the 4 of them would be used to taking pictures together after the hundreds we've taken. This one makes me laugh everytime I look at it!

4th of July Weekend...
Uncle Evan came for a visit!

Fireworks with Tanner

Neighborhood fun

Neighborhood Parade

Cousin time

Making homemade icecream with Granddaddy

Evan and me with our beautiful Grandmommy

Water balloon fight
Boy team

Girl team

Grandmommy with all 3 of her granddaughters...fun day at the Dixon and then lunch

Boogerden Weekend with the Browns and Kleins

Serious poker game going on

Catherine's Birthday dinner

Summertime~Summertime~Summertime!

2011-06-08T08:52:00.007-05:00

Just a few snapshots of our summer so far!

We went to a baseball game to see one of Daddy's boys play. It also happened to be my alma mater who went on to win the State Championship! Go Eagles.

Fun at the park with Pony!

Serious bikers

Livie decided one morning she wanted to do Pilates. She did this all by herself and it was completely her idea. She dressed herself, fixed her hair, got the workout mat out and put in the DVD. I didn't even know she was doing it until I walked in and saw it. I wish I was as motivated in the workout department as she is!

Zoo with Jules and Michelle!

They both loved playing in the Geyser at the Teton Trek. I love our zoo!

Fountain at the zoo!

Our little visitors in the front yard. The kids loved feeding them.

Sun, Sand, Beach!

2011-06-08T08:31:00.005-05:00

We went to Rosemary Beach the week of Memorial Day and it was a MUCH needed family vacation. We were invited by some of our friends in Dallas to come stay with them for the week and just relax. It was just what we needed and wonderful to hang out just the 4 of us in a gorgeous place. Thanks Nick and Amanda for a perfect week with family and friends.

On our way we saw some of the tornado devistation just west of Birmingham. This entire neighborhood was completely wiped out. I took this picture standing on a tile floor, all that was left of a huge Chevron station. Definitely made us think and feel so grateful and blessed all of our Memphis bad weather didn't result in this. So unbelievable in person.

Before we left, we suprised Livie and took her to Anne Marie's salon to get a feather in her hair. Cloud 9, can you tell?

Not even a hotdod and milk could keep him up after a long day at the beach!

At the pool. Jones is SO potty trained now that he won't even tee tee in the pool which is great! Everytime he needed to go, he would come tell us and we would take him....until the last day. He stepped right out of the pool turned towards the lounge chairs, whipped it out and proceeded to tee tee in front of all of the other guests of the pool. EVERYONE saw it and the entire pool was laughing at our little guy being a guy!

Our "sand kingdom". Livie and I worked very hard on this and then it took Jones about .3 seconds to destroy which resulted in a complete meltdown and exit from the beach for the day.

Daddy buried us!

Feeling extra special with a Root Beer out to dinner

Chris and Nick

Ride home, relaxed from a fun week!

Potty Trained!

2011-06-08T08:16:00.002-05:00

Doing his business outside like a real man, ha!

After 5 1/2 years this house is officially diaper free!(we still do Pull-Ups at night just in case!) I have been trying for about 6 months to get this little man interested in the potty to no avail, he just did not want to do it.
Finally, on May 23(Aunt Holley-Re's birthday), I just told him we didn't wear diapers anymore. I really didn't want to go through the summer in them and he has to be potty trained before school starts in the fall. I thought it was going to be super hard....WRONG! He just did it. Like he'd been doing it for years. We have only had 2 accidents very early on, and are now in the clear. We are so proud of him and Livie has been a huge help and encouraged him every step of the way, and I mean every step. I walked by the bathroom one day and she was in there coaching him. He was standing up going tee tee, finished, then I hear Livie say, "Ok, now shake it off. No Jo Jo, not your head, your weenie."

post signature

Birthday Weekend

2011-06-08T08:02:00.004-05:00

I was so spoiled on my birthday this year! My Mom started it off with a shopping outting. Then, by friends, I was taken for a birthday pedicure and a few different lunches. Chris made it extra special by taking me to BBQ Fest to meet up with a ton of special people in my life, birthday lunch, and then extra surprised by a last minute suprise party at our house with a few friends. 33 is definitely a birthday I will never forget!

On our way to BBQ Fest with the Houghs!

The only picture I have from the suprise party!

post signature

School is Out!

2011-06-08T07:27:00.005-05:00

I now officially have a kindergartener and 3 year old pre-schooler. Wow, time flies.

We went to Livie's end of the year program on May 4 and it was the cutest thing in the entire world, well to the parents and grandparents at least! We were so proud of Livie singing her little heart out up there on stage. She was very animated with her facial expressions/hand motions and extremely intent on having an amazing performance, but who would expect any less for this little entertainer? During one of the songs, a little boy in her class decided he was going to belt it out, and it was more of a scream than actual song. This poor little boy happened to be standing directly behind Livie. In the middle of verse one, you could tell that this singing style was not in the least bit ok with her. Out in the audience, Chris, me, and all 4 grandparents were watching this with baited breath because we know our little perfectionist and could see it about to come to a head. Finally, when she just couldn't tolerate the screeching anymore, she stiffly threw her arms down by her side, turned around, and stared him down just inches from his face until he stopped. It truly took everything within all 6 Livie representatives in attendance to not fall off the pew laughing(it was definitely shaking with stifled laughter.) My mom said after that she knows for a fact Livie will be a great wife one day because she already has "the look" down! Later that day in the car, I asked her why she turned to look at poor little D. She said, with an exasperated sigh, "Because Mommy, he was just beeing so annoying." And that was that.
The actual last day of school was May 12. Jones had his end of the year singing program in the classroom and then lunch. Little guy was definitely out of his shell that day and all into the performance. We watched a sweet video while lunch was going on, and then it was over. School is over!
I actually cried on the way in the car to pick Livie up realizing she will be going 5 days next year. 2 of them will only be half days, but still, she is a big girl now. We are so thankful for our amazing teachers and such special years for both Livie and Jones.....Now, let summer begin!

(I don't have any pictures of Livie's performance because we forgot the camera that day, I know, so unlike me.)

Last day of school

Jones' class singing Tony Chestnut

Driving in the car, Driving far, Like a Movie Star!

After school picnic with Daddy at his office

post signature

Mudbugs In May

2011-06-07T09:48:00.004-05:00

Some of our sweet friends/neighbors, Joey and Stephanie Brown, put on the first ever Mudbugs In May on May 7 here in Memphis. It was held at the Agricenter and was all the Crawfish, Live Music, and Drinks you could imagine. They asked Sun Pro-Tec Systems to bring out a spray station and be a sponsor of the first event, and we were so excited and honored to be there. It was an awesome turnout of the first year, super fun, and we are already looking forward to next year!

The lay out

Spray Station!

Chris and I with the amazing hosts, Stephanie and Joey

Fun friends!

Watching the Grizz win

High school buds

Season Complete!

2011-05-09T21:40:00.004-05:00

Livie finished her first soccer season tonight. It was such a fun experience for her, and us! We all made a lot of new friends and are so grateful to 2nd Pres for making her first team experience a success. She was so proud tonight to recieve her first trophy. So much so that when we went to eat after, she took it in the restaurant with us and it sat on the table! We, of course, are so proud of her and very impressed by the player she has become in such a short time.
One unique thing about her team this year was that there were 8 players but only 4 families. Livie and her friend Kate were the only non-multiples on the team. The other 6 players were a set of twins and a set of quads! Wow!

post signature

Jones' Jam Session

2011-05-09T21:39:00.000-05:00

post signature

What?????

2011-05-09T20:23:00.002-05:00

Our conversation this morning at the breakfast table:
Livie: "Mommy, guess what?"
Me: "What?"
Livie: "Florida men like hotsauce in their coffee."

I mean, what???? We just looked at each other for a moment after that and then burst out laughing. Where she comes up with this stuff, I will never, ever know.

post signature

Happy 89th Birthday MeMe!

2011-05-08T10:17:00.004-05:00

We celebrated Chris' grandmother's 89th birthday yesterday. Carolyn's brother, Michael, came in town for the special day. Happy Birthday MeMe!

Proudest Mom Moment Yet? Pretty Darn Close!

2011-05-06T11:30:00.003-05:00

I still cannot believe this happened last night. Honestly, it took me a while to go back to sleep because I was still laughing.
Livie was dead asleep in our bed, and about 3 o'clock this morning, I heard her little voice. I sat up, looked over and heard her, DEAD ASLEEP, say
"T-I-G-E-R-S, Tigers!"
Yep, truly happened.
We're raising her right, even in her sleep she is cheering our beloved Tigers on! Love it, proud moment for this Mama! ;-)

post signature

Past Few Months...This and That

2011-05-01T12:42:00.004-05:00

I always forget to post the pictures from my phone...here are some from the past few months.

Saturday morning family donut trip

Visit from Clyde

Beale Street with MeMommy, on our way to see the Tigers

Out of the shower, he wrapped his towel around his waist and said, "Look Mommy, just like Daddy."

Jones on his new Toy Story sheets...thank you MeMommy and Granddaddy!

Jones' first visit to the dentist...he was awesome!

Livie in my old Care Bear pj's

My sleeping angel

Livie playing goalie

Birthday Celebration Week

2011-05-01T11:59:00.005-05:00

We celebrated three family birthdays this week. Chris and Bradleigh had their birthdays on Tuesday and then Lynlee and Bradleigh's party was Saturday. It was a fun week of celebrating so many people we love.

April 26~ Happy Birthday Daddy! He woke up to a breakfast of pancakes, omelet, and bacon and a new shirt and painting from Livie.

Birthday dinner that night with CeCe and G Daddy

Jones really enjoying his spaghetti

Birthday cake time!

The birthday girls and Livie

The beautiful and delicious cake made by Holley-Marie

Their tea table

The tea party

Happy Birthday Lynlee and Bradleigh

Our little lady at tea

Happy 34th Birthday Chris!

2011-04-26T00:04:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to the sweetest husband and daddy any family could ever ask for. We love you!

Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

2011-04-25T20:36:00.007-05:00

Happy Easter!

It was an amazing Easter weekend full of family, friends, and most importantly celebrating the ressurection of our Savior. We serve a LIVING Lord, that's pretty awesome! We hope everyone had a great day. Here are just a few highlights from our Sunday.

What did the Easter Bunny bring?

Livie and Jones both had a vintage Easter! Livie wore my flowergirl dress from when I was a little girl and Jones wore Chris' seersucker pants from his younger days!

After church, it was over to CeCe and G Daddy's
Sweet girls, Lynlee and Livie

Crazy boys at lunch

Ready for the Cousin Hunt!

Look Mommy, I got A LOT!!!

Sweet baby Emily watching the big kids hunt eggs. Maybe next year Em!

The cake Teresa and Lynlee made...the same one that Carolyn and Teresa used to make when Teresa was a little girl at Easter.

A rare occurance of everyone sitting down together!

Then it was off to MeMommy and Granddaddy's house.
Jones couldn't stand it. Found 2 eggs, but wanted to eat the candy that was inside more than keep hunting!

An after hunt picture...JoJo's face doesn't give it away at all!

Livie and Jones with their older cousins, Abby and Casey

The family (minus Evan and Chris, he's taking the picture!)

It's Almost Easter

2011-04-25T20:17:00.003-05:00

I was one of the Mom helpers at her class' Easter party

Her cute class (minus Griffin) after their Easter egg hunt. It was rained out so they had to do it in the sanctuary. It was nice though because the organist was in there rehearsing for Emmanuel's Sunday service!

Livie with some of her buds: Madelyn, Mary Paige, and Della

Chris and Jones taking an Easter weekend nap

Easter egg dying time!

post signature

First Soccer Game

2011-04-25T20:04:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Livie pre-game

Pre-game prayer

Go #8 Go!!!

Livie's cheering section (G Daddy was out of town)

Good Game! It was a 0-0 tie

Livie and MeMommy and Granddaddy

Livie and CeCe

ECHO, ECho, echo (Part 2, boy style)

2011-04-25T19:40:00.004-05:00

This entire moment had me laughing hysterically, in disbelief at the similarities, but the differences at the same time.
If you remember this post in October of 2008, sweet Livie heard her echo for the first time. Well, fast forward 2 1/2 years later and Jones heard his for the first time. The absolutely unbelievable moment for me as a mom, is that this happened to both of them at 2 years and 8 months old. The complete difference of the situations and the thing that had me laughing hysterically was Livie said the sweetest thing you could possibly hear and this is what happened with Jones...he walked out the front door and yelled really loud. I am so glad I was watching him at that moment, because his face was priceless. His eyes got big and he just froze. He let out another yell and realized he was getting the same result, a very loud, very multiplied sound coming out of his mouth. As I watched what he would do next, I saw what started as a small smile that crept across his face into a HUGE smile, then he very boldly yelled, "JoJo toooooooo-tttttttttt-eeeeeeddddddddd!"
And there you have it, difference #3,217 between girls and boys.

post signature

SOCCER!!!!!!!!!

2011-03-29T10:07:00.003-05:00

I don't know who was more excited about last Friday...Livie, Chris or me!
Livie had her first ever soccer practice. She is playing with her friends from school and didn't stop talking about it all week. Chris and I took her Wednesday night to pick out new tennis shoes, shin guards, and a couple of shirts and shorts to practice in. She also picked out a new pink(of course!) soccer ball. She had an absolute blast at practice...the smile didn't come off of her face the entire time. It is going to be so much fun to watch her play this season...I still can't believe our baby girl is old enough to play organized sports!

All dressed and ready to go. Her practice was at 4:30 that afternoon and she was up and dressed, in shin guards and all, at 8:30 that morning.

Madelynn, Livie, and Sarah Henry...on the same team!

Exhausted! After practice, we went to dinner, then she fell asleep on the way home. We took her out of the car, put her to bed, and she didn't wake up until 9 the next morning! She worked hard!

post signature

Spring is Here!

2011-03-29T09:34:00.013-05:00

A few pictures to catch up on our past month...

Livie and Daddy on their way to school for Breakfast with Dads

Spring Break 2011...I took the kids to Nashville for the week. Chris was out of town, again, and so we went to stay with the Adams. Brent was out of town too, so Amanda and I thought it would be best to indure the week of single motherhood together!

Emma Cate and Livie, best friends and absolutely hilarious/crazy together

Off to the zoo for the day...Amanda and I were walking in together, pushing these two big strollers, looked at each other and just laughed. We were talking about how 6 1/2 years ago we were in San Antonio for New Year's, just two kidless couples, and look at us now!

The gang

The girls...

Will and Jones

Just happy to be together

Brent got home and took the two girls out on the town for St. Patricks Day

It was such a great week! Just hanging out, having nothing in particular to do and being able to spend time with our Nashville best friends. It was a much needed get away and we can't wait to do it again!

This past week, we got an awesome surprise! John Owen, another one of our Nashville friends, came to visit. He was on his way through, back to Nashville, and stopped to say hi. It was so awesome to see him. The Owens were like our family away from home for Chris and me when we lived in Nashville. John O and Mary Jean, his wife, took us under their wing when Chris and I were newly married and had just moved. They lived 3 housed down from us and we were so blessed to have them. John hasn't seen Livie since she was about a year and a half old and had never met Jones. It was so great to see him, and the kids, of course, just loved him and clung to him all night. It's amazing how there are those people in your life that you can go even a few years without seeing and right when you see them again, it's like no time has passed.

Chris and John O

The kids and their new buddy

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-02-13T09:43:00.001-06:00

Happy Birthday to the best Mom in the entire world. We all love you so much!

post signature

Mama

2011-02-12T10:19:00.003-06:00

My Aunt Amy and Uncle Scott with thier mothers on January 2
Nancy(Mama) and Elizabeth(Grandmommy)

We lost another precious member of our family last week. Nancy Walters, who we all call Mama, lost her life 5 days before her 89th birthday.
She was an amazing woman and led an wonderful and interesting life. She loved literature, and was a very well respected part of the Memphis City Schools having taught for many years. She will be missed so very much.

Mama's Obituary

Happy 5th Birthday Livie!

2011-01-27T22:27:00.003-06:00

Five years ago today, January 27, I met my sweet baby girl for the first time! I can't believe she's ours!
Happy 5th Birthday Livie!

Let the Birthday Week Begin...

2011-01-24T22:37:00.005-06:00

Yes, it's official, Livie's 5th birthday week has begun. Since Chris won't be here for the actual day, Thursday, we took her out for a family dinner tonight. She chose Booya's and ordered quesidillas, a side of sour cream and japelenos. Yep, that's my girl. It was a fun night, but I'm afraid we've created a birthday monster. As we heard tonight from Livie, "I love this, it's like I'm a Queen." and "Here is my garbage Mom, will you please throw it away for me? I'm the Birthday Girl."
.....At least she said please.

A little arcade playing to finish up the night.

post signature

Hair Trim

2011-01-24T22:21:00.005-06:00

After having been mistaken for a girl too much lately, Chris and I thought it was time for Jones to have a trim. He still has the long hair, just trimmed up and manly looking now! He was awesome and sat through it like a champ...wasn't crazy about the blow dryer, but that's only because he's never had it done in his life! We are all about the air-dry in this house. Here are the pictures...I'm not putting the final picture up because after she dried it, he totally looked like a baby Bruce Jenner, so we'll just let you see it in the posts to come this week.

Get that hot air away from me...only time he wasn't fond of the experience

post signature

Livie's First Hunt

2011-01-21T08:43:00.004-06:00

We took our last trip of the season to The Fighting Bayou Hunting Club in Boogerden, Mississippi for Livie's first hunt, last weekend. Chris decided that since she was almost 5, it was time to sit on a deer stand! She had such a wonderful time with Chris...he taught her all of the basics, had some great talks, and just had wonderful father/daughter time doing something Chris has grown up loving to do. They didn't even see one deer, but earlier in the day, Chris killed his deer of the season by bringing in a 10 point. My little princess gets dressed up, and goes into town shopping with her CeCe and Mrs. Becky in the morning and is on the deerstand with her daddy in the afternoon...love it! It was a wonderful weekend, and a fun "first" to watch Livie experience.

Showing off her shopping purchase, a new outfit for Hannah

Ready to head out

...and one with Jones

Chris showing off his 10 point(yay for him, gross for me!)

Like father....

....like son!

SNOW!!!!!

2011-01-10T15:08:00.004-06:00

We got at least 4 inches last night and had a lot of fun today. Usually (I know this is horrible) I dread playing in the snow. I don't like it, not as a kid and not now either. I don't like the obligation of having to do it, I don't like the cold, and I really don't like being wet and cold. I know that sounds very Scrooge-like, but it's just never been a favorite past time of mine. The Lord definitely knew what he was doing by putting me in the South! :-) I love to look, just not touch!
But, today was a blast! We bundled up the kids and hit the front yard where there were neighborhood kids all over playing. Jones lost interest after about 20 minutes so we brought him in, wrapped him up in a blanket and turned on cartoons. The three of us hit outside again to finish building our "Snow Angel" Garcia. (For those of you that don't know, Angel Garcia is a former Memphis basketball player). About 30 minutes later, Livie lost interest and went inside out neighbor's house to play. So, then it was all Chris and me. It took us a total of about 2 hours, but we had fun doing it. Happy Snow Day!

Our "Snow Angel" Garcia

Chris trying to dunk on him

Big Boy Bed!

2011-01-10T09:45:00.002-06:00

Look where Jones slept last night!
We finally set up his big boy bed downstairs. Not quite ready to move him upstairs yet, but it was DEFINITELY time for him to be in a bed considering he's been climbing out of his crib for about four months now. We are using one of the twin beds Chris had in his room as a little boy, and his sheets were his Uncle Evan's. He did awesome last night, but I can't believe there is no baby in a crib in our house. Last night was the first time in 5 years, almost to the day, that there has not been a baby sleeping in a crib in our house. Bittersweet for sure! What a big boy we have, so proud of him!

post signature

School Days

2011-01-10T09:42:00.002-06:00

Jones didn't go to school this past fall, but we put him back in this semester. This was on the way out the door on the first day, and man, was he excited! He woke up that morning and I told he he was going to school and he said, "Yay! I get to see AAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLL my fweinds!"

post signature

Uncle Wes

2011-01-08T20:05:00.003-06:00

On December 29, we lost my uncle, Wes, at the age of 56. He was the middle of 3 brothers, my Dad being the oldest and Uncle Scott being the youngest. Besides my Dad and Uncle, he leaves my grandparents, Elizabeth Linder and Dick Linder, along with the rest of our family and many friends. Uncle Wes was an amazing musician, loved to tell jokes, and I have so many fun memories of him as my uncle. He was greatly loved and will be missed so much.

Uncle Wes meeting Jones

Marty, Mom, Granddaddy, and Uncle Wes

A lot of our family that came into town from New Orleans, Nashville, and St. Louis to celebrate the life of my uncle

post signature

Christmas Time Is Here!

2011-01-07T20:03:00.005-06:00

CHRISTMAS EVE: We started the day off by doing a few errands in the morning, then off to see Santa(for the 3rd time). I guess we just wanted to make sure he knew what we wanted. We left from there and went straight to Cece and G Daddy's for a full and fun day with our Lotterhos side of the family. It was Emily's first Christmas and was great to have a newborn around for the celebration. Now that I think back, I guess we've pretty much had a newborn or pregnant Mommy(between Teresa and me) the past 5 Christmas's! Wow.
We hung out, decorated a "Happy Birthday Jesus" cake, and opened gifts the first half of the day. Livie got her American Girl Doll (list item one, check!) whose name is Ruthie, but Livie has renamed Hannah. She LOVES her! Jones opened up his big surprise gift which was his own Leapster and a Toy Story Leapster game....oh my goodness he couldn't believe it. His very own Leapster just like his big sister, he thinks he's so cool now.
Of course CeCe and G Daddy spoiled all of the grandkids and kids with lots of special goodies. We went to Britton and Teresa's church this year(we take turns every year on whose church we go to) and got to see Lynlee, Bradleigh, Wilks, and Brock in the Christmas play and heard an awesome message. Then, it was back to the house to open stockings and eat the amazing meal CeCe made. After we said goodnight, we headed back to our house to get ready for Santa. We put out cookies and milk for Santa, oats and carrots for the reindeer. Another tradition we continued since Livie's first Christmas and one that we used to do at my house on Christmas Eve growing up was read, "Twas the Night Before Christmas". Then, it was off to bed and hoping for Santa...

Singing Happy Birthday to Jesus

The final masterpiece of the grandkids...Jesus' birthday cake...ummmmmmm don't you just want to dig into all those sprinkles!

CeCe with 2 of her 3 Grand-girls

Chris holding up a gift from Britton and Teresa...a "House Divided" flag...perfect for the Egg Bowl weekend and really all weekends!

CHRISTMAS DAY: Believe it or not, Chrismas morning did not come early in the Lotterhos house! Jones woke up at 8:45 and the three of us had to go upstairs at 9 to wake up Livie. I'm sure this year will be the last of that luxury. Chris and I stood at the bottom of the stairs in full paparazzi mode(He with the video camera and I with the still) and made the kids wait at the top of the stairs until we were ready. Let's just say Santa did not disappoint. Livie got her Barbie Mustang Convertible(request 2, check) and a real purple guitar (item 3, check). He also left quite a few surprises which she loved! He left the car kind of out of the way and she didn't even see it at first. Her face when she saw the car was the most priceless thing I have ever seen, just what Santa was aiming for, I'm sure. Jones was about to explode with excitement. All we kept hearing him say as his little eyes took in all of his goodies was, "Oh my goo-ness, Oh my goo-ness." He had a complete Toy Story Christmas...Buzz, Woody, Jessie, and all of the little characters from 3. His surprised includes a train table and a Handy Manny 4 wheeler. We spent a lot of the morning outside riding in the car and on the 4 wheeler, even though it was a little chilly...it even snow flurried a little bit. Both sets of grandparents and Uncle Evan came over to see all the loot and have Christmas brunch.

Christmas afternoon we headed over to MeMommy and Granddaddy's house for the Linder family Christmas. We opened gifts with Mom, Dad, and Evan, and played played played! Livie saw a little tiny gift under the tree which really intrigued her and wanted to know who it was for. My Mom told her it was a little gift for a little girl and she better open it. What was it? A hot pink iPod with the name Livie on the back. (present request #4, check) Needless to say, she was a little excited about it. You could almost see her daydreaming about being in her convertible listening to her iPod...wow. Jones opened up a trunk with Woody and Buzz dress up clothes, which of course were immediately adorned. He also opened up a Curious George stuffed animal (who comes in a very close 2nd favorite to Buzz and Woody) and as soon as he saw George he said, "Where's Ted?" For those of you don't know, that's George's buddy, The Man In The Yellow Hat. We all laughed and laughed about that...in Jones' eyes, wherever George goes, Ted can't be far behind.Once all of our family arrived, we sat down for an unbelievable(as always) Christmas dinner made by my Mom. We opened gifts with the rest of our family and relaxed for the rest of the day. Of course, it was a somewhat bittersweet day...it just wasn't the same without Marty there. As I sat in Christmas Eve service, tears unexpectedly just started pouring as I thought about her, her life and how much she meant to me. I can't even type this without the tears. I miss her voice, her laugh, and at Christmas missed her thoughtful and sometimes amusing gifts. We also missed my Uncle Wes, who was in the hospital over Christmas.

We celebrated the birth of our Savior, were with our precious family, and I can honestly say, it's the best Christmas I can remember.

Santa's dropoff for Jones

Santa's dropoff for Livie

Santa and the reindeer cleaned their plates

Waiting to come down...oh the anticipation

"Oh my goo-ness, oh my goo-ness!"

4 wheeler heaven, I don't know why but seeing him ride around on this makes me laugh uncontrollably!

Stylin' in the Stang

Daddy's gift from Livie and Jones...a handpainted and handprinted mug

Oh wow, are we in trouble or what???!!!!

MeMommy and Granddaddy watching her open the iPod...YAY!!!

Some of the Linder clan

Case hating this!!! JoJo was wiped out!

Woody and Buzz

Uncle Evan with Buzz and Woody(and one of my new all-time favorite pictures!)
Precious memories

We hope everyone else had a Merry and Blessed Christmas too!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas...

2011-01-07T19:31:00.005-06:00

...or at least it WAS when all of this happened!

Christmas Party at school

Livie working hard on her gingerbread house

Iced cookie Livie made...can you tell?

Homemade, from scratch, yeast and everything cinnamon rolls...time consuming, but oh so worth it! This is what we give to friends as a gift and save a couple of tins for us so we can have them for Christmas Morning Brunch.

Visit with Santa. They actually went 3 times this year, but this is the only time Chris and I went with them. Livie's list was still consistent with her first and 2nd trip: iPod, Barbie convertable, American Girl Doll, real guitar. Jones' list: Buzz and Woody.

One of the things that gets me in the spirit every day of December...Christmas cards! We put our Christmas Countdown Santa on our pantry door and then display all of our cards around it. Livie was in charge of going to the mailbox every day this year and we had so much fun sitting down and opening them up together. I love being able to walk through the kitchen and see all the people that mean the most to us smiling back!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-21T23:06:00.007-06:00

As we get closer to the Christmas weekend, we want to wish you all a blessed and happy Christmas. My wish for our family and all of you is that we keep the true meaning of December 25 at the forefront of our celebration.
May the humble incarnation of our Savior, for us, keep us all in amazement throughout Christmas.
Love, The Lotterhos Family

post signature

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2010-12-12T11:00:00.005-06:00

It's been a whirlwind month of December so far, so here we go...

Cappie is back from the North Pole for another year!

A whole afternoon of playing and making homemade Christmas tree ornaments

Best friends(who just happen to be cousins) on their way to the Collierville Christmas parade

After MeMommy stuffed us with her homemade vegetable soup and cornbread, into the wagon and down the end of the street we went for the parade

Picture with Elmo(this guy charged $2 for a picture with him, with OUR camera. But it was too late to say no thanks at this point!)

MeMommy and Granddaddy bought them Snow Monster suckers!

Breakfast with Santa at Emmanuel with cousins Abby(the elf) and Casey!

Santa baby! Livie asked for a Barbie car, ipod, American Girl doll, and a real guitar. Time will tell if Santa comes through! Jones asked for nothing, my little laid back guy was just happy to be there!

Casey and Ashton with the kids

My crazy-hair look-a-likes

Livie's first ever school Christmas program

She sang her little heart out, and practiced all of her songs many, many, many times at the house the week before!

All of the proud grandparents

When one of the songs ended, Jones said very loudly, "That was a pretty song Pie Pie." He loved watching her up there!

While Daddy is out of town hunting, we watch Christmas movies, eat junk food, and have delicious dinners with Lovey and Blue Bear in front of the Christmas Tree!

Playing outside in the snow flurries.

This is what I'm Thankful for...

2010-11-28T12:15:00.005-06:00

Thanks to our sweet friend, Kristen Reed, we had these precious faces photographed over the holiday weekend. Kristen is so good at what she does and perfectly captured both of their personalities.
Thank you so much Kristen for letting have these images and ages forever!

Here and Away in One Day

2010-11-14T20:52:00.005-06:00

Rub a dub dub, two babies in a tub

Madison, Livie, and Jones...Go Tigers!

Ready for another season!

Double Trouble!

Pretty darn cute Tiger fan, even if I do say so myself!

A full day for Livie at school, while Jones and I played at the house...then playtime all together and a Tiger game to wrap things up....a pretty great day!

Happy Birthday Granddaddy!

2010-11-06T09:10:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Dad/Granddaddy!
Yesterday we celebrated my Dad's 59th birthday. We started his day out with a call of singing "Happy Birthday" by Jones, Livie, and me...he loved it, minus the singing! We went over to Mom and Dad's last night for a birthday dinner and had a fun night of celebrating with Dad's cousin Jody and her husband, David, who were in from St. Louis. It was a special night and so thankful for my dad and what he means to so many! We love you!

A little help with the candles

David, Jody, Mom, and Dad

post signature

Emily Anne Wilkins

2010-11-04T11:52:00.003-05:00

Our family was blessed once again on November 1, by the birth of our niece.
Emily Anne Wilkins
9 lbs 13 oz
21 1/4 inches
Yes, you read the weight right. Little Teresa, my amazing sister-in-law, birthed an almost 10 pound baby. Thank goodness for C-sections! Everyone is doing wonderful and are home and getting settled now. Mommy and Daddy and big brother and sister, Samuel and Lynlee are all over the moon.
We are all absolutely in love with this precious new baby, one who has been prayed for and loved way before Teresa and Britton even announced their pregnancy in March. It is amazing to see God's perfect plan happen right before your eyes. Thank you Lord for our beautiful Emily!

Big brother and sister anxiously awaiting their little sister

Pround Daddy coming to announce the arrival

Announcement of her very special name

This is what 9lbs 13oz and 21 1/4 inch long newborn looks like...lots to love on!

Chris and Teresa with all of their offspring

Sisters-in-law(we now have 8 babies beween us!)

Meeting their new sister

Our new niece/cousin, we are all so proud

The grandparents- #5 grandbaby for CeCe and G Daddy, #10 grandbaby for LeeLee and Pop

post signature

Halloween 2010

2010-11-04T11:44:00.002-05:00

Once again, another fun year of dressing up and festivities!

Pumpkin carving!

Ariel and Little Pouncer

Our "blanket ride" instead of hay ride(due to Lotterhos family allergies) with the Houghs

Kenny Powers and his girl, April, at the annual Hope Spooky Soiree

post signature

Gavin Bradley Parker

2010-11-04T11:34:00.004-05:00

Our sweet friends, John and Brandy Parker, who also happen to be Livie and Jones' godparents, had their first precious baby on October 25.
Gavin Bradley Parker
6 lbs. 13 oz.
20 inches
He is so precious and we are beyond excited for John and Brandy as they enter into the amazing, challenging, unrivaled world of being a parent. We love y'all so much and can't wait to see this special little guy grow up.

Proud Daddy John coming out to announce the arrival of his son! Such a cool moment.

The whole gang

The moment, after 9 long months, they've been waiting for

Heaven for this little girl!

post signature

Fall Snapshots

2010-11-04T11:22:00.003-05:00

Livie made a bed out of a big box, brought it into the kitchen and actually fell asleep in it! Don't worry, we moved her to the bed for the night!

My boys in their matching hats

Livie had seen something on tv where a woman had put cucumbers on her eyes and got in the tub. Well, of course we had to do it too. Here is Livie at the Lotterhos spa!

After school hot chocolate and movie on a rainy afternoon...so much fun!

post signature

One of those moments...

2010-10-26T18:19:00.003-05:00

...I thought my heart was going to explode with love. It happened today on our way home from picking Livie up from school, and really happend for no reason. I looked back at her and smiled, she smiled back, and my heart just swelled with love, pride, and complete thanksgiving for this special little girl the Lord has trusted us with. Then, the short conversation that happened next, is what almost caused the explosion.

Me: "Pie Pie, I love you so much, I can't even tell you."

Livie: "Why can't you tell me?"

Me: "Because I can't think of a word big enough to describe how much I love you."

Livie: "Oh, don't worry Mommy, I know alright!"

My first thought, as soon as that came out of her mouth, was,"Thank you Lord", that despite all of my Mommy downfalls, my impatience, raised voice, and so many other imperfections daily I don't have to worry, because, "She knows alright!"

Marty

2010-10-16T18:42:00.005-05:00

My sweet grandmother, buddy, and just one of the coolest people I've ever known, passed away last night. We love her so much and already miss her beyond belief. It's so weird writing this post, because Marty loved reading this blog. She would call me and tell me if I wasn't posting enough new pictures for her liking! She loved watching the babies grow!

Marty and Livie

Marty and Jones

1st Field Trip

2010-10-16T11:19:00.004-05:00

Livie went on her first ever field trip Wednesday with her class. They headed out to the zoo, were unbelievably all well behaved, and had so much fun. I was glad I was able to go with them, see how they all act with each other while they're at school and just see all of their sweet faces take in all of the fun animals. Our zoo really is great, and I love going, especially with 15 4 year olds!!!

Showing off her Field Trip shirt!

The whole gang

Madelyn, Livie, Sarah Henry

Watching the Sea Lion show

Livie's favorite animal

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-15T08:24:00.003-05:00

We went out to Priddy Farms http://priddyfarms.com/ this past Sunday with a lot of our church friends. Halloween is almost here!

Riding around at the Patch

Running after the hay ride to the pumpkin patch because they couldn't ride...darn hay allergies!

We want these!

Livie and her friend Sarah

Jules, Livie, and Jones

Friends, friends, and more precious friends

2010-10-15T08:04:00.003-05:00

We've been able to catch up with some of our oldest and most precious friends lately...Thank you Lord for amazing and loving friends!

Livie, Jones, and Lydia-worn out from playing hard!

Playdate at the park with school friends

Playdate at the park with Connor Bevard

Out with The Adams and The Kleins

Jones, Will, Livie and Emma Cate

Oxford Reunion

2010-10-15T07:47:00.003-05:00

We went down to Oxford the weekend of the September 17th for my 10 year DG pledge class reunion and the Vandy game. It is hard to believe my class graduated from college 10 years ago...really hard. We had an awesome dinner on Friday night at one of our sorority sister and her husband's new and AMAZING new restuarant Petit Millets. http://www.petitmilletts.com Only 14(plus husbands) of us could make it out of 58, but it was fun seeing all the girls and getting to catch up in person. I feel like we were all caught up though thanks to a little thing called Facebook!
Saturday, we took the kids to the Vanderbilt/Ole Miss game. It was horrible, we stink. That's all I have to say about that.

Festival Time

2010-10-15T07:32:00.004-05:00

We took the kids to the Germantown Festival in September: food, rides, and lots of fun...until it started raining!

Before the snowcone...

During...

After!

post signature

Here and There

2010-09-10T10:13:00.002-05:00

Daddy and his babies at Boogerden for the dove hunt

The new spray station at the hunting club

Loves his noodles, but sure has to work hard to eat them!

This is what happens when big sister gets alone with him for just a few minutes...poor guy

post signature

Baby Biggs #3

2010-09-10T09:59:00.003-05:00

Holley-Marie and Brad welcomed baby #3 on September 3. Brock Louis Biggs was born 4 weeks early at 7lbs. 14oz. 19 inches and almost didn't wait on his pilot daddy to get back for his birth. Brad walked through the door exactly one hour before his son was born...I was at the hospital before he was! It was definitely stressful, but such an answer to prayer when he walked through that door. Holley-Marie was awesome as usual, and now they have another perfect baby boy in the family! Congratulations Holley-Marie and Brad!

Big sister Bradleigh and Big brother Wilks meeting baby Brock for the first time

Family of 5!

post signature

Dentist Time

2010-09-10T09:54:00.002-05:00

Livie had her first trip to the dentist last week and was so awesome! No cavities and was so cooperative the entire time. She got to choose her cleaning flavor(chocolate chip), got to pick out some cool shades so the detist light didn't bother her, and chose a new toothbrush for both her and Jones. It was a great first experience, like she'd been doing it for years!

post signature

Wraping Up the Summer

2010-09-10T09:29:00.005-05:00

We went to Heber Springs for one last weekend of summer fun with our friends/neighbors, the Hough's. We hit the lake on Saturday, tubing and just enjoying being outside. Jones actually loved being in the tube and so did Livie. It was so much fun and relaxing and a great way to get the busy fall schedule started.

post signature

1st Week of 4 Year Old School

2010-08-19T14:50:00.003-05:00

Livie's first week of 4 year old school is underway. We went on Tuesday to meet her teachers and then she went half day yesterday and today. She has been asking me for the past month and a half..."Mommy, does school start tomorrow?" I think she was floored this week when she asked and I finally said "Yes!" She loves her teachers, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Dickey, and her class is AWESOME!!! She had a bunch of good friends this year with her, and best of all, her BFF Sarah Henry is in her class again! Next week will start full days and carpool which Mommy is fired up about! Yay for not having to get out of the car everyday! She looks like such a big girl walking in everyday and is so happy to be back at her favorite place...SCHOOL!

Ready to head out to her first day!

Mrs. Baker, Livie and Mrs. Dickey

Checking out her classroom on the first day

Sarah Henry, Livie, and Madelyn(Sarah Henry's twin sister)...partners in crime together again!

post signature

And She's Off....

2010-08-14T21:52:00.003-05:00

...to the University of North Alabama in Florence. My baby cousin Casey leaves for college in the morning!!! Livie and I stopped by to see her today to give her a big hug, a little happy, and just see her before she leaves for this next chapter in her life. We are so excited for her and can't wait to see what the next 4 years hold for this special special girl that we are so lucky to call family. We love you Case and are so proud of you.

Livie, me, Casey, and Abby

post signature

Summertime This and That

2010-08-14T09:28:00.004-05:00

Livie's 1st canvas painting...taking after her Daddy. She did every stroke of this!
Daddy made an awesome homemade tent for a slumber party with our friend Tanner

A rare date night

Paint time!

Fun 50th Birthday Party for a family friend...the theme was Fabulous Bling and Pink

A moth we found on the front of our car...is this not the biggest thing you have ever seen?

An attempt at taking the training wheels off...ha ha! They are back on now.

post signature

Jones' 2nd Birthday

2010-08-14T09:10:00.003-05:00

This post is a few weeks late, but here we go.
Jones woke up on his birthday, July 20, about the time he was actually born, 7:24 am. I had made 2 of his favorite things for his birthday breakfast...scrambled eggs and homemade blueberry pancakes, he loved them! We put 2 candles on his pancakes and started singing, but he blew the candles out as soon as we put the plate down. Haven't quite caught onto that concept yet, but at least he got to experience it!
That afternoon we headed over to the Collierville Sprinkler Park for a Handy Manny themed party. It was so much fun to have all our little friends there to help celebrate. Miss SallyAnne came out in her ice cream truck for special treats, and we had yummy cupcakes to top it all off. It was a very special day and we feel so blessed to have our little guy to celebrate!

Special Pancake Breakfast

Hanging at the sprinkler park for the big party

Lydia, Livie, and Madison

Miss SallyAnne came and brought ice cream treats for the party

The whole gang with their treats

Happy Birthday JoJo!

A family pic attempt

Are you kidding me?

2010-08-04T20:38:00.002-05:00

YUM! I can't stop. My absolute, 100%, new favorite.

post signature

No doubt, my baby girl

2010-07-24T09:29:00.003-05:00

Her snack while watching cartoons...a fork, and a jar of pickled japeleno peppers.

post signature

Happy 2nd Birthday JoJo!

2010-07-20T00:55:00.005-05:00

Happy Birthday Jones! July 20, 2008

Happy 1st Birthday Jones!

Happy 2nd Birthday Jones!

Two years ago today, our sweet guy, after delaying his arrival for 8 days, got here in a hurry. We arrived at the hospital at 4 am and he and his beautiful face got here at 7:24 am. On July 20, 2008...8 lb, 15oz., 22 1/2 inch long William Jones Lotterhos joined our family.
It seems like from that point on, time has moved fast. I truly cannot believe he is 2 years old today. He has made us smile so much, all three of us. Here are a few things to know about Jones as his 2nd year is complete...
~He thinks his big sister hung the moon...copies everything she does
~Like his Mommy and his sister, loves spicy food
~Favorite vegetable is "bockie" and favorite meat is "chi-chen"
~Does not go anywhere without his Blue Bear and "sa-sha"(paci)
~Talks in 3rd person constantly. "JoJo hungee." "JoJo nite nite." "JoJo poo poo" You get the picture, and it is so funny.
~Favorite cartoon is Scooby Doo- first thing he says to me in the mornings when I wake him up is "Mo milk" and "Watch Doo"...his priorities are definitely straight!
~Will cuddle with you ALL DAY LONG. Has found a way to get out of going to bed. I will say, "Come on JoJo, it's nite nite time." His response, "I want to cuddle Daddy." Outcome:Sorry Mommy. I never win that situation!
~He is turning into a fish like his sister...loves to swim
~Has a major sweet tooth. He is constantly asking for "cacky"(candy)
~Loves anything with wheels, but is not scared to push a baby doll around either
~Constantly wants me to read to him...his favorite book..."Scooby Doo and the Water Park"
~Loves to sing and dance...sound like any other Lotterhos' we know?
~So very gentle and kind...if someone cries he runs up, "You kayyyyyyyyy?" If Livie does something to him and we tell her to apologize, he says sorry first, even when he did nothing. The other day I was sitting on the couch reading, he and Livie were watching a movie and he got up, out of the blue, and said, "Mommy bank-it." Walked over to where we keep the blankets, got one out and brought it too me. I mean really, you just want to squeeze him.
BUT!!! At the same time, he will get a little rowdy with his sister if she is bugging the heck out of him(which is all the time) and stand up for himself.
~The funniest thing he does(which he's catching on very quickly that we all think this is hilarious) is we'll play with him and call him by a random name. We'll say, "Hi Gerald." And he'll say, "I not Hi Gerald, I JoJo."(while pointing to himself) He will play this game for a long time, and it never gets old.

We cannot imagine our life without this precious miracle. We love him so much. Happy 2nd Birthday Jo-Man!

post signature

2 Years Ago Today...

2010-07-12T19:27:00.001-05:00

...was this little guys due date. Wow were the next 8 days HOT!

post signature

It's the simple things...

2010-07-10T15:38:00.002-05:00

Friday night treats from the ice cream man with my babies!

post signature

Livie Gets Her First...

2010-07-02T21:15:00.006-05:00

...Bikini!!!
She's been asking pretty much all summer long for one. My mom promised her the other day she would buy one for her, and that's all she's been talking about since! Tonight, we went to eat dinner and Mom and Dad surprised her with one....actually 3, but she had to choose her favorite. Of course she picked the one no one thought she would, but she sure looks cute in it!
And, don't worry, Jones had a surprise too. A new outfit with Mississippi State colors...he loved his treat too. Thanks MeMommy and Granddaddy!

Close your eyes Livie, MeMommy and Granddaddy have a surprise for you

Such cute ones to choose from

This one!

Oh yeah baby, lookin good!

JoJo's turn for a surprise

Open!

He loves his new outfit! Thanks MeMommy and Granddaddy!

Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

2010-06-29T00:01:00.003-05:00

36 years ago today, two of the greatest people I know got married...and I am lucky enough to call them my parents!

I couldn't ask for a better example of two people that love each other, their family, but most of all Christ.

We love you Mom and Dad....Happy Anniversary!

Happy Birthday Samuel and G Daddy!

2010-06-28T15:34:00.007-05:00

Last week we celebrated two pretty special people. Samuel turned 6, and G Daddy turned 6 plus 1! Thursday, on Samuel's actual birthday, we went to his party. Livie and Jones were both in heaven at the "Combat Center" and played hard the whole time. After lots of activity, pizza, and cake, we had two sleeping babies on the way home!
Yesterday, we headed over to Cece and G Daddy's house, to have a family celebration for both G Daddy(June 22) and Samuel. We swam, ate some Bar-B-Q and had a fun time together. We love you G Daddy and Samuel, are both so glad you were born and that you're ours!

Our precious Samuel

Jones and Wilks patiently waiting on the cake

"Cheese"

Once again, our best attempt

Summer Fun

2010-06-28T15:25:00.003-05:00

Staying busy and having fun!
Go Kat Go!

My crazy monkeys

Precious Catherine and baby Luke

Jeff, Chris, and Trace at the 15 year Germantown HS reunion

Heather and Chris "Prom" posing

Chris, Robert, Justin and Jones building the gate in our back fence

Water Babies

2010-06-17T19:44:00.003-05:00

We've been entertaining ourselves this summer at some sort of water source everyday. It sure makes the days a lot more bearable considering it's been ridiculously hot here already, and it's only mid-June. We swam with our friend Jules yesterday...Jones liked showing her the ropes on his new slip-n-slide, but liked showing off for her even more! He isn't scared to sneak in for a quick sugar throughout their times together either! Livie is all over the pool these days...no floaties, rings, or noodles even in the DEEP END!!! She absolutely loves to swim and will go to our neighbor's house and go down the slide all by herself, completely fearless. I am so glad she loves it so much.
Jules, Livie, and Jones enjoying a poolside snack of pickles!

Swimming in the deep end

Showing off for Jules

Taking a spin through the slip-n-slide

Hanging out in the rain

post signature

When your sister....

2010-06-09T10:06:00.002-05:00

...is super fashionable and a shoe diva....

...it's hard not to follow in her footsteps!
(poor guy)

post signature

Memorial Day Weekend

2010-06-01T19:49:00.006-05:00

Such a fun weekend, and we're still recovering!
We jumped right into Memorial Day weekend Friday night with a nice Mexican dinner and margaritas with Frank and Tanner. Saturday we had an awesome day with a long run/bike ride, followed by a full house clean, and then Frank and Tanner coming over to celebrate Frank's birthday. We swam, cooked out, then had a few more fun friends over to help with the celebration. Sunday we went to my cousin's graduation luau, follwed by a full day Monday with both the Lotterhos and Linder families. It was a busy and non-stop weekend, but so blessed to have so many amazing people to spend it with!

New guest at the Lotterhos house. Mama duck has made her nest in the middle of one of George and Carolyn's ferns by the pool...and laid eggs!

The 10 eggs

New slip-n-slide

Long day!

Graduation Time!

2010-06-01T19:25:00.007-05:00

My cousin Casey graduated from Germantown High School on May 18. Even when I type that I still can't believe it! I remember being at the hospital and holding Casey right after she was born. I remember teaching her dances to Spice Girl songs out by my parents pool, babysitting Casey and my other cousin Abby, having her stand up in our wedding as the Junior Bridesmaid, watching her play High School/Club soccer, watch Livie and Jones get SO excited about their cousin Casey coming to babysit for them. So many memories of my sweet baby cousin, and I couldn't be more proud of the amazing person she has become. We love you Case and sure are going to miss you when you head off to the University of North Alabama in the fall!

The four of us with the graduate!

The whole fam-minus Evan

Jones, Uncle Rick, and Aunt Judy with their neice

All the grandparents

The cute cake

Graduation party-Luau time!

Livie in full swing with her hula dance at the luau

Jones really dirty from having such a fun time at the luau!

32

2010-06-01T19:09:00.006-05:00

May 14th was the big 32 for me. Chris, Kathryn, Robert took me downtown for BBQ Fest where we met up with Anne Marie and Patrick and about 25 other fun people to celebrate! It was one of the most fun birthdays I can remember in a long time. We spent the night Friday night(thanks Mom and Dad!), out to eat Saturday, then a full day at the pool with our babies and the Hough's. Definitely a birthday I will never forget!

Chris and Robert acting like Chris and Robert
Kat and me

Last Day of School

2010-06-01T19:01:00.005-05:00

May 13th was the last day of school for Livie and Jones. It was such a fun year for both of them. We were sad to say goodbye to all of their teachers and friends but looking forward to a relaxing, non-scheduled, fun summer!!!

Jo Jo and some of his friends enjoying their last day of school snack

Jones and his sugar cookie

Livie with her friends Sutton and Sarah Henry

Livie with her AWESOME teachers Ms. Ann and Mrs. Kim

All the Moms and kids met at the park after school to play and have a pizza party!

Last days of school are exhausting!

Wedding in St. Louis

2010-05-31T09:25:00.004-05:00

We headed up I-55 to St. Louis the weekend of May 8 for my cousin Jessica's wedding. It's always so much fun seeing our Missouri family. It was such a fun wedding, meeting new people, and seeing my beautiful cousin get married.

Rehearsal dinner- Jody(mother of the bride/cousin), Jessica(bride/cousin), Livie, Jones, Mom, me, Marty(grandmother), Aunt Miriam(my great aunt)
Jess and me

Livie blowing bubbles at the bride and groom

Mr. and Mrs. Nick Eaton

Livie and Jones were SO good during the ceremony...not a peep. Livie was completely enthralled with the entire experience while Jones was just happy with the piece after piece of gum we kept giving him to keep him occupied!

All the women in my family who have carried my great grandfather's WWI bible in their bridal bouquet

The "Memphis family"

Livie's dance partner for the weekend, Gus

Brother and Sister slow dance

Livie and Granddaddy tearing it up on the dance floor

Livie in the Botanic Gardens, at the reception

Serious wedding cake eatting!

Mom, Dad, Marty, Granddaddy, Aunt Miriam(Granddaddy's sister)

The guys and their dance partners

Our tire after it blew on the interstate on the way back home. So thankful we are safe.

This and That...May

2010-05-21T09:53:00.005-05:00

May has been fast and furious so far. It seems like until this past Monday, we have had something, or many things, in each day. These are just a few "this and that" pictures I didn't want to forget!

Celebrating Chris' birthday with our neighbors out to dinner. Livie, Jones, and Madison tore it up on the dance floor all night!

My stylish boys

Uncle Joe stopped by for a quick visit on his way back to Jackson

One of my favorite memories of all time...Livie's class hosted a Mother's Day breakfast for all of the Moms. They were all dressed up in aprons, seated us(she even pulled out my chair!), and served us a delicious breakfast of muffins, strawberries, and juice. It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. I literally had to pinch myself to keep myself from bursting out in tears. Livie was so proud. The funniest thing about it was that they made homemade placemats, painted a beautiful butterfly on them and them described their Mom. This is how mine read...: My Mom's name is Carrie. She is 22 years old. Her favorite thing to do is ride bikes. She doesn't have a bike, but could get one if she wanted to. Her favorite things to eat are spagetti, steak, and nachos." Hilarious! This is Livie and her friend Kitty

Clebrating Meme's(Chris' grandmother) 88th birthday. All of her great grandbabies

post signature

Birthdays All Around

2010-05-03T10:05:00.005-05:00

Livie and MeMommy with the cake
Always nice to have help blowing out the candles
The whole crew
A rare good one!
We had celebrations everywhere last week. We celebrated Chris' birthday at my parent's house on Sunday night with an awesome dinner and Chris' favorite chocolate cake.
On Wednesday night we went out to eat with Chris' family to celebrate all the adult kids(Britton, Teresa, Chris, and me) birthdays. We are all within a month and a half of each other, so a lot of years, it's just easier to celebrate once really big!

post signature

Happy Birthday Chris!

2010-04-26T10:04:00.003-05:00

Happy 33rd Birthday Chris! The three of us sure feel blessed to have you as our Daddy, Husband, and amazing leader of our family. We love you so much and are so proud of who you are. Have a great day.

post signature

21 Months

2010-04-24T10:00:00.005-05:00

Our sweet blonde haired, blue eyed boy is 21 months old! It's hard to believe his second year is coming to a close. In the past month...Wow, the talking has come alive! He will repeat everything...some not so understandable, but he sure does try. He is so loving, will give you unexpected sugar right on the lips at any time, and if anyone is upset or crying, he walks up to them, pats them, and says, "Kaaaaaaaay" in the most precious southern drawl you have ever heard, to make sure they're ok. He eats like a horse. Yesterday morning for breakfast, he ate 10, yes 10 mini pancakes. He would pop a whole one in his mouth at a time! He calls Livie, Pie Pie and Pie Pie only. He doesn't even try to say Livie. He has the deepest, most raspy voice I have ever heard on a little guy and it's hilarious. I guess he hears Chris and I say this a lot, but the other day he was walking through the house looking for Livie calling out, "Pie Pie, baby, are jew?" He loves being outside playing in the backyard. He throws a complete tantrum and has to be carried in the house when you tell him it's time to come inside. He loves playing with anything with wheels. He is completely dependent on his Boo Bar(Blue Bear) and Sass sha(Paci) and you will find him with them at all times.
He is such a fun little guy and all 3 of us in this house think the world of him!

post signature

Play Dates!

2010-04-24T09:48:00.004-05:00

It has been the perfect weather for play dates! We met almost all of Livie's class as the park last week for a picnic and lots of fun play time. MeMommy and Granddaddy have come by for the park and ice cream, Cece has had afternoon fun at her house, and our neighbors, the Hough's, are regulars as far as playdates are concerned. Spring is here, and we're having fun!

Fun girls!

The boys

My crazies!

Their faces when they saw MeMommy and Granddaddy drive around the corner to pick them up

Livie and MeMommy

Happy April Birthdays!

2010-04-24T09:23:00.005-05:00

We have a lot of special people to celebrate in April! Our celebrations started off with a double birthday party for Lynlee's 4th(April 3)and Bradleigh's 5th(April 26-the same as Chris!). It was an Easter egg hunt themed party complete with 3 egg shaped cakes, a ton of eggs to find, face painting, and a visit from the Easter Bunny(Janalee...what a great sport!)The kids were in heaven, and it was fun to celebrate two of our favorite girls in the world!
The next week we celebrated GG's(my grandmother)birthday. We went to my parent's for a wonderful outdoor dinner, great talks with GG, entertainment by Livie the hula dancer, and my Mom's famous key lime birthday pie.
We have a couple of more to go...today is our puppy Ford's 6th birthday, and Monday we get to celebrate Daddy's big day.
Happy Birthday April Birthday's!!!

The birthday girls, Bradleigh and Lynlee

The fancy cakes made by Aunt Holley-Re

The birthday girls with Grandmothers, Mommys, and Livie!

All the festivities

Jones and Janalee(the Easter Bunny)

Happy Birthday girls!

Jones taking it all in

GG and her great grandbabies

My boys

Livie, the hula dancing entertainment, and GG

Easter Weekend

2010-04-24T08:31:00.005-05:00

All dressed up to see the "not there" Easter Bunny

Egg dying party with friends

Go!

Worn out and heading back for cookies and kool aid

Easter tradition...dying eggs with Daddy

Look what the Easter Bunny brought

He brought "The Princess and the Frog"...her favorite movie!

Scooby snacks!

A chocolate chick...just like "Max and Ruby"

My loves

Hunt #2 with the cousins at Cece and G Daddy's house

Best friends and cousins

Granddaddy and MeMommy with their egg hunters

Hunt #3...getting really good!

Always crazy, always fun! We started our Easter fun with an attempt to see the Bunny. We met our friends Michelle, Juliana, Claire, and Eloise at Bass Pro Shop, but unfortunately for us, we got the times wrong! Oh well, they all looked cute and I was able to sneak a quick brother/sister picture in clean, cute clothes!
Our next Easter adventure was having an Easter egg dying party and hunt at our house. It sure was fun being with sweet friends, eating LOTS of candy and cookies, and dying and hunting eggs to start the awesome weekend off!
The next day, we hung out just the 4 of us, dyed eggs again, but this time with Daddy, and read the Easter story MANY times! It makes my heart so happy that Livie is so interested in hearing about our risen Savior. Livie and Jones have both been prayed for continually, by many amazing people before they were even born. One of our main prayers for them both(and one that is prayed still on a daily basis)is that they will be come to know Jesus at an early age as their personal Lord and Savior. Not Him be a religion to them, but for them to be in an intimate, personal relationship with Him. It is already such an answer to prayer to see her interest, and want to talk about Him. Great is His faithfulness!
The next morning, we woke up SUPER early to get the day started. We were able to see what the Easter Bunny brought, eat a little candy to start our day off on a complete sugar high, then headed off to church. We were nursery workers for the first service, so the 8:30 arrival time was a challenge, but we made it, and were all bathed with a few pictures in our Easter best along the way! After our unbelievable worship service, we were off to Cece and G Daddy's for a delicious lunch, fun egg hunt, and precious family time. After a little nap for Jones, we headed over to MeMommy and Granddaddy's house for hunt #3 and family time that we are so thankful for.
It was a perfect weekend with so many great people and the biggest reason for celebration there is...the tomb is empty, He is Risen!

Welcome Spring!

2010-03-28T16:41:00.006-05:00

Spring is here! We have had so much fun getting outside and playing this week. We have been to the park a few times already and were so excited Daddy went with us yesterday. Baseball, soccer, playground, and a long stroller ride around the park...so much fun!

She can't wait to play on a team
They both loved watching the big kids playing in a real soccer game

And so it began...Jones' 1st hit

She was absolutely ripping them!

Break my heart

2010-03-24T09:45:00.007-05:00

I don't even know what to say about this. Funny, sweet, but also broke my heart. Last night we were all sitting on the floor in the den, just playing and hanging out. Surprise, surprise, but Livie did something to bug Jones. What did Jones do? Reach over and with both hands grab a handful of Livie's hair(or what's left of it) and start pulling in all directions. I know it hurt. It took me a minute, but I finally pried his hands away. When I finished, I turned to him and said, "No no Jones. Don't do that again or you will be in big trouble."(If you heard my tone you would laugh! When I get onto him, I can't even be stern looking at that sweet little face. It sounds more like a get in trouble song...oh well) But, obviously, he knew he was getting in trouble because he backed away a little bit, then ran off. Chris walked by the dining room and stopped mid step....this is what we found....

OUR LITTLE GUY PUT HIMSELF IN THE TIME-OUT CHAIR!

I know he will not always discipline himself! Better enjoy it while it lasts!

Pictures of the aforementioned hair incident

2010-03-22T17:30:00.006-05:00

Here we go...let me warn you, some of the images you are about to see may be disturbing. Viewer discresion is advised.

WOW!

If this doesn't look like an often seen Tennessee mugshot, I don't know what does

Never had layers, now she does

One side

The other, about 8 inches shorter

After...do not be fooled, it was still not so cute

We decided while we were there, might as well let Jones have his first cut

He did not like it...
...not one bit
On a more postitive note, we celebrated Jones' 1/2 birthday at school since he has a summer birthday...powdered donuts for all, they loved it!

Backed Up Blogger

2010-03-20T09:53:00.015-05:00

Wow...it's been a LONG time. I am still computerless for the majority of the time, so it's just been hard for me to post...hopefully my new computer will be here soon! I have so much to catch up on. All of my pictures are hostage on another, broken down computer at the moment. So, I am just going to catch up on the last 3 months and post pictures later.
CHRISTMAS:
Was amazing. Best one yet. Livie was so excited about it this year and so was Jones. Jones LOVED Santa. When we went to see him, we had to hold him back in the line from running up to him during another kid's turn. As soon as we let him go, he ran up to Santa, with arms up, begging to be picked up. He just sat on him lap gazing up at him! Any time, even now, that Jones sees someone with a white beard, he walks up to them and says, "Ho Ho Ho!" Livie delievered her very modest list hoping for him to come through....and he did.
Christmas morning was super exciting. I, of course, did not sleep much at all. I am the parent and I slept less than my kids because of all the anticipation. I think I saw every hour up to 4am, then managed to grab a few hours of sleep until about 7. I got up before the kids running around the house to make sure all the lights were on, breakfast was ready to go in the oven, cameras were ready to go, and the coffee was on. Wow, I hope I settle down a little over the years!
We had a fun time with all of our family, and loved hearing Livie talk about the birth of our Savior, understanding that this is what it was all about.

JANUARY:
We started back in the routine of things. School, Parent Council, Downline, church commitments, Memphis basketball games, Boogerden, and Chris traveling A LOT! He was out at least 3/4 of January. It was challenging to say the least as far as the kids and me being on our own. We definitely miss him when he's gone! But, the biggest, and of course most important event of the month was Livie's 4th Birthday! Luckily, Chris was in town the day before her big day, so we were able to take special birthday snacks to her class, and took her out for a family dinner that night. She chose Chili's and we gave her an Ariel bathtub doll...wow, you would have thought she hit the lottery when she opened it! It's hard to believe she is a 4 year old little girl now.

FEBRUARY:
We had Livie's birthday party the first weekend of February. She and I had been planning this since the middle of December. One night, we were reading one of her "Fancy Nancy" books, and she stopped me in the middle of it and said, "I want a Fancy Nancy/Butterfly party." It was so much fun planning for it and she and all of her friends had a blast. We went straight by the book, even hand delievering the homemade construction paper invitations. Livie dressed up as Fancy Nancy and all of her friends came as their favorite butterfly for a very fancy tea party. It was definitely a fun time!

We also celebrated our cousin Abby, Michelle, Juliana's 1st, and MeMommy's birthday in the first 13 days of February...lots of special people to celebrate!

Our most traumatic event of 2010 happened on February 15. Livie decided to give her hair stylist skills a whirl. My sobbing, Livie's sobbing, Jones pretending he was crying, and a picked up gallon sized baggie of hair later, we calmed down. In Chris' words, "She looks like Joe Dirt's daughter." Here is a picuture:

We went to Gould's the next day and the lady said, "I don't know what you want me to do." Well, we didn't either, we just told her to make sure it can still go in a ponytail. It can, but it usually requires no less than 7 clips to hold down the spikes. It is just hair, and I am slowly getting over it....SLOWLY.

I have told you before, I am going through the Downline Institute this year. It has truly been one of the biggest blessings of my life. I have learned so much, but I think the biggest thing I've learned is how perfect God's timing is. Downline held the first ever "Women's Legacy Conference" this year at Bellevue Baptist Church. Kay Arthur was the keynote speaker, and I was absolutely blown away. The entire weekend was great and it was so amazing to be able to spend it with so many wonderful women who mean so much to me. It is unbelievable how much the Lord is doing in this city I love so so much and how He's using Downline and other great people and organizations to do His work. What an honor and privledge to be such a little part of His plan.

MARCH:

So far, this month has been a little bit rocky. The kids and I have both been sick, on and off, with fever and really bad colds. We were able to head to Oxford last weekend with the family to celebrate Cece's birthday. We also found out that in November, we will have a new member of the family to love on! Britton and Teresa are expecting baby #3 and we can't wait to meet our new neice or nephew.

March Madness started this week and while it is probably my favorite Thursday- Sunday of the entire year, it's been bittersweet since my Tigers didn't make it. I am so proud of them though for having such an unbelievable year despite all of their tough circumstances. And, wow, are we going to be good next year! Chris had been out of town again, and we are really ready for his traveling season to wind down....we're almost there!

LIVIE:

Still hilarious as ever. Loving American Idol. We play "AI" at least once a day where she performs and Chris or I have to give her a full evaluation and tell her she's going to Hollywood. The girl is always in a princess outfit and loves talking with different accents. There is never a dull moment with her around.

"It's time to move to a new house." This is what she told me last week. I told her I thought she loved our house and our neighborhood. She said she did, but said, "I am ready to move to a house with no time-out." very creative!

"You are not being very kindful." New word of the week...This is what Livie told me the other day when I told her I was tired of looking for her lost shoe and just to pick out a new pair to wear.

JONES:

So sweet. He still gives kisses away very freely and will cuddle at the drop of a hat.

He loves his big sister so much and follows her wherever she goes. If she is out of his eyesight, he yells at the top of his lungs, "Pie Pie(her nickname)"

He is taking after he love of Scooby-Doo and when he hears the theme music on the tv, will come running from wherever he is and yell, "Doo!"

The boy LOVES ball. He loves going to the Tiger games and loves to watch it on the TV. If it's on, he says, "Ba ball." Definitely taking after his Mama on that one!

His vocabulary is slowly but surely growing. He understands it all, but would still rather sign, or point and grunt!

He is 20 months old today, and it the sweetest little guy I know.

Sorry I've been so bad about keeping up. After all of your many prompts, I decided just to post without pictures. I don't want to forget anything. As soon as I get my pictures, I will just do a picture post. Miss everyone, and hope this at least catches you up a little.

Catching Up...Holiday Edition

2009-12-13T10:20:00.006-06:00

Oh,the fun,fun,fun,fun. Crazy, but did I mention the fun. Thanksgiving we hit the ground running. Not just a jog, but full out sprint. Chris had the dreaded swine flu over Thanksgiving week/Day, so it was pretty low key around here that week, but then the chaos, I mean fun, began. That weekend, we had lots of visitors. My Dad's cousin, Jody, and her husband, David, came into town. Livie loves them both and had a blast dressing up in her princess clothes for them and showing off her big girl room/toys. Later on that weekend, one of my most precious, lifelong friends Debra was in town with her new baby boy Connor. We met him for the first time...Livie and Jones were competely taken by him and couldn't keep their hands off of him...a little too much so! Between visitors, and everyday routine, we finished up the Thanksgiving weekend by decorating the house for Christmas. Since then and this blog post, we are now -6 ornaments thanks to Mr. Jones Lotterhos, completely shattered. Oh well, at least they weren't sentimental ones!

Now that December has started, it has been non-stop. School, Screen Yo Body, Downline, new business, Highpoint Women's Christmas dinner, Overton Football Banquet, 1st Evan Christmas Dinner, Shopping(online, the way to go this year!!!), Cappie, our "Elf of the Shelf", has made his appearance again this year, the Collierville Christmas Parade with Memommy and Granddaddy, and just everyday stuff has kept us more than busy. Sometimes a little too much so, but I couldn't be more grateful for the amazing friends and family that keep our schedule full.

***By the way...Christmas cards from the Lotterhos Family are NOT happening this year! Just didn't want anyone feeling like we forgot you. Hopefully next year, I'll be back on top of things!***
Livie and her turkey leg...'Barbie and the Three Musketeers" style
Jones wanted a turn

Jody and David in town for a visit

Baby Connor Bevard and his admirers

My babies relaxing

Granddaddy, Memmommy, Daddy, and their babies at the parade
Parade fun!
Poor Jones had to wear Livie's pink tobogan, real men wear pink!!!
Michelle and I hosted a table at the Highpoint Women's Christmas Dinner
Lazy morning for Jones and Daddy

One Prayer I Hope the Lord Does NOT Answer!!!

2009-12-09T17:08:00.002-06:00

Livie just prayed this prayer, on her knees, in the bathroom, by the tub.

"Dear Lord, Please make me a mermaid. I would love to be one, with a purple tail. I really want to live in the water. Actually, I want my whole family to be mermaids. Thank you Lord, I love you, Amen."

No kidding. Please Lord, do not answer!!!

My New Business- Milestone Gifts!

2009-12-07T16:40:00.003-06:00

http://www.milestonegifts.blogspot.com

Hi Family and Friends...Wow, has it been a whirlwind week!
I started a new business on Thursday called Milestone Gifts. I have been thinking about it for a while, but had a new product "brainstorm" last week that gave me the final push to get it going. I have attached the link to my new blog that has the product information and ordering information. Literally, I had the idea last Wednesday night and put it all together Thursday because I was so excited. Just by word of mouth, I am already selling them, Unbelievable!
This would be a perfect, unique Christmas gift for anyone or any family you know. Also perfect for Wedding, Baby, Anniversary, Birthday, Easter or any other special gift occasion that might come up. I plan to eventually have some more products up on the site, but this is the only one for now.
I wanted to let you all know about this and ask if you could please e-mail the blog link to all of your friends.
I am so excited to share this with all of you. The Lord has already made SO many provision for me to help get this up and going and I am so grateful...He is Faithful!