The lake...

The girls had matching jammas..... (Thanks Gwen:-))
And we had matching koozies on a string!!!
Check out Gwen's blog for more photos---I forgot to take my camera with us on the water. OOPPPPPSSSS!

Remember when...

You watched the news and it didn't affect you? You browsed the Internet for useless crap? Well those days are long gone. It seems like something is always affecting us...everywhere we go and everything we do. I have struggled all week about whether or not to post about the topic; and I can to the conclusion that life happens whether we like it or not. It isn't always princesses and rainbows. Life is hard and difficult and challenging. And I am learning more about that everyday.

Eric is at Barksdale AFB today for the memorial service for the guys that were on the B-52 crash earlier in the week. He has had a rough week trying to make sense of the tragedy. It hits very close to home for him. He knew 3 of the 6 on board the jet. One was our cul-de-sac neighbor in Bossier. One was a guy that Eric knew from High School. And the other was from the 96th BS that had just gotten back from Randolph as Eric was headed out. Nevertheless, it is very tragic and Eric felt his place was in Bossier today. I am thankful that he was able to go to reunite the spirit that lies deep in his blood---the spirit of the B-52.






It is an amazing jet, huge in size. We lived very close to the base and were accustomed to hearing them take off and land. It was routine! A sight that visitors always admired, one that we just expected.

Lately as I lay in bed, I find myself praying more than before. I pray that the families find strength in their time of weakness. I pray that God will take the crew into his arms and show them his undying love. I pray that the families receive closure in knowing that God is in control. I pray that time heals all wounds.

May your souls rise to the Heavens and may you rest in Peace forever.

Maj. Brent Williams

Maj. Christopher Cooper

Capt. Michael Dodson

1st Lt. Joshua Shepherd

1st. Lt. Robert Gerren

Col. George Martin

Party Pics

We celebrated Katelyn's 1st Birthday on Saturday with family, friends, and food (all of the finer things in life). She looked so precious in her birthday dress but it just wasn't very PLAY friendly. So she changed into a different birthday outfit for the rest of the party. We had a cupcake cake, cupcakes, a cupcake pinata, and a bouncy. I hope that everyone had fun. I cannot say enough thanks to everyone for coming because it really means so much to us!

One year ago...

We were getting ready to have another baby girl.

Madison had her bags packed too. She took her baby and carrier, a diaper bag, and playdoh.
We had to wait for 5 hours before a bed was ready. The people in active labor get priority over c-sections. CRAZY! I finally got a room and it was lightening fast to the operating table.

Katelyn Elise was born at 1:30pm, weighed 7 lbs. 12oz, 21 inches long.
Madison was so anxious to hold Katelyn. And then she was done!

I got a quick "Hello" before they took her the NICU for observation (a fast heartbeat).

She had to get a stupid ol' IV in her hand. Later they replaced it in her foot---OUCH!

Katelyn came back to my room on the 17th at 8pm. She was so exhausted after being away.
After a nice long night's rest, we took her footprints and handprints and checked out.

Maddy greeted us outside. She couldn't wait to see her baby sister!

She even left a note on the sidewalk saying "Welcome Home Mommy Daddy Katelyn Love Madison"

In just 2 days, we were back in the NICU. This time for 5 days! It was horrible leaving Katelyn but the nurses were great and we knew that she was getting the best care. We made the 50 mile round trip drive for every feeding because that was the only time that we could hold her. She had to be under the UV light 100% of the time. And she got to wear a cute little mask. Madison called it her "CAT WOMAN".

Madison helped give Katelyn her first bath at home!!!

Madison and Pinky

We were all so happy to have Baby Kate home, once and for all!

We love you Katelyn

Happy First Birthday

The only way to get Kate to stand still was to have Maddy hold her hand!!!

After her 1 year checkup, she got to eat McDonalds chicken nuggets and french fries....YUMM-O

Our precious baby girl, always smiling, with lots of teeth and dark curly hair.

We love you so much!

Katelyn's new chair

Thanks Nana and Pops for the new chair...I Love It! Now I have one just like my big sister Madison. We watch our movies in our chairs. It is so fun.
~Katelyn

Photos

We took the girls to Landa Park on Friday. It was so much fun. We played in the wading pool, swam in the big pool, and then ended the day with a train ride.

Maddy got her first set of stickers from the sticker chain letters. She was so excited. I barely got the pictures before she tore into the envelopes. She immediately ran upstairs to get some blank paper to stick the stickers onto. She was so excited and could not believe that she had friends that would send her stickers!!!

Listen to that...

So I have added music! Pretty cool, huh????

Long delay...Happy 4th of July

My camera broke---my world stopped..until I got a new camera on Friday... sorry for the long delay.