I got a little video crazy--#1 of many

Our first real Halloween

Well, Halloween '08 was a hit. Lanie Mae had the best time. We made it to 5 or 6 houses and then, all Lanie Mae wanted to do was go home and eat candy. She did very well in the short trick or treating period. She said "trick or treat" and "thank you" just like a big girl.
The first "candy" she chose to eat out of her pumpkin was a popcorn ball of all things. Boy, was she disappointed. She quickly moved on to a lollipop, then a butterfinger, then another lollipop. (she only licked the lollipops a couple of times ;)

We are now fighting over meal vs. candy with every meal! We may just have a candy bandit stop by if it continues. Lastly, we can thank Halloween for Lanie Mae's newest word..."cary". In adult words, SCARY. A few of our trick or treaters were way different than Tinkerbell. She is still pointing at the door saying "that boy was cary". Bless her little heart. Maybe she won't start having monsters under her bed or anything.

This was Costume #1 (for school)We practiced at our house before we ventured out.Off we go...Right after one more picture.Thank goodness for the wagon. Too bad, for Neil, we live at the bottom of Mt. Rushmore.

I am posting more pictures on our family site http://www.themortonfamily.shutterfly.com/

Everybody loves a Scarecrow

Lanie Mae and her new best friend...

I was attempting to take a few pictures on our porch with a pretty fall background.......but, Lanie Mae has developed a special relationship with the scarecrow. She hugs her and tells her "I love you Cwarecrow" (this is how she pronounces it--so cute) So, when I wanted the scarecrow to be in the background, Lanie Mae protested, and insisted that she hold her hand, hug her, or put her arm around her. Here are a few of the pics.

Big girl

Here are a few of Lanie Mae's School pictures. I was very pleased that her school pictures were something other than sitting in a chair with your head cocked sideways...i was wondering how a 2 year old would do that anyway.

Daddy's girl

It's been a while, huh? I have been up to my usual over-commitment self. Neil went to Colorado for 8 days a couple of weeks ago. And, I must say, I felt a great deal of appreciation for him while he was gone. It's true, distance does make the heart grow fonder. He does so much to help me with Lanie Mae and his trip confirmed that. I was worn out by the time he got home. The happiness I felt when I see him was so great...but, even greater was watching the sweet reunion of Daddy and his baby girl. Lanie Mae was so happy to have her Daddy home. I have posted a few pictures from Neil's trip. Forgive the nature pics. I know they are boring, but, they are just so beautiful.

These two are my favorite! I was just going through his pictures, and I saw these. I knew he missed us, but, this made my heart melt. (to know that he was always thinking about us)

Lanie Mae's smile speaks for itself.

I will add a few more pictures on the next post. There are some really great ones. Also, I need to put Lanie Mae's school pictures on here....next time.

Lanie Mae's 2nd birthday

This past Friday was Lanie Mae's 2nd birthday. It sounds so cliche', but, I really cannot believe it has been 2 years since she was born. Friday was a pretty typical day. Although, I was so busy getting things ready for her party on Saturday. You see, I decided that it would be too expensive to buy a $50 cake and I thought I would just make one. Well, $40 and countless hours later, the cake was made (thanks to help from my mother-in-law). Lesson #1...JUST BUY THE CAKE! Although, it did turn out very cute. The party was great! Family and a few family friends came over to celebrate. Lanie Mae was SO EXCITED. She squealed and laughed all day long. I, on the other hand, cried before the party. I was so crazy busy and exhausted and when I was heading upstairs to take a shower at 9:40 for the 10:00 party, I just had to have a little break-down. But, at 9:59 when I was heading back downstairs w/ clothes on, hair dry (sort-of) and make-up on, all was good. We had a great time!

After the party, my family hung around a little bit since they came from out of town. My sister and brother-in-law spent the night. So, we thought it would be a great idea to go out to eat at STIXX and have the staff sing to Lanie Mae. BIG MISTAKE. Lesson #2...never take a 2 year old to a japanese restaraunt. The first time Lanie Mae saw the flame (at the table next to us-mind you), she FREAKED OUT. Neil and I had to take turns taking her outside until the guy got done cooking. Comical now, last night, not so much! While I was standing outside, a lady saw me holding Lanie Mae (who was saying, "I want to go home"). She looked at me and said, "How old is she, about 2?" I told her yes. She giggled and said, "I had to take my 2 year old out of here about 4 years ago." Lesson learned and reinforced!

The weekend, overall, was great. The only thing is, now, Lanie Mae and I both miss my family. It could be worse, they are only 1hr 45min away. I hope everyone has a great week!

the cake...

Lanie Mae blowing out candles...(a little 2 year old spit never hurt anyone, right?)

We fingerpainted with all the kids (ladybugs and turtles) and one ROLL TIDE

Turning over a new leaf

This posting is a little heavy, so here is one of my favorite oldy but goody pictures of Lanie Mae

Sunday, our pastor (Pastor Paul Lawler) preached an awesome sermon. Maybe it was so awesome, because it was something that I really needed to hear. He talked alot about marriage and the normalcy of family. He quoted the divorce rate at 50 % which most of you probaby already know. However, the next thing he quoted was the divorce rate of couples who daily spend time together in prayer...only 3 %. That was an amazing thing to hear. I don't know why I as so shocked. My precious grandparents who were married 61 years before my Paw Paw died, prayed every single night together. When we would spend the night with them, my Maw Maw and Paw Paw would come into the room where we slept and pray with us. Just after that, they would go into their lamp light filled room and I could see them both on their knees, holding hands, saying their prayers. I could hear them one by one pray for everyone in our family. I particularly remember them saying "please watch over little Karla and little Kelli".

As we left church Sunday morning, I said to Neil, "you know, it's true...we need to pray together." See, up until that moment, we had only prayed together at meal times (and that has only been in the last 2 years). We, on very rare occasion, have prayed together about a special circumstance. NEVER, have we just prayed together b/c that's what couples do. Starting Sunday night, Neil and I started praying together at bedtime. This is NOT natural for us. But, I know that eventually it will be. I would love for little Lanie Mae to have memories of her parents holding hands and praying together. I would love to be in the 97 % not the 50 %. I would love to make this natural so that when we need prayer the most, we are prepared to do it together.

I don't know why I felt so compelled to share this, but, ever since Sunday, I have just felt different. I feel gentler and more peaceful. I am sure that I will have terrible bad attitude days where I am a jerk to Neil. But, if I can keep those to a minimum, we have made progress.

if you want to check out Paul's sermon...www.christchurchunitedmethodist.org

Preparation for Birthday #2

As I prepare for Lanie Mae's birthday party, I hear the words "it's just another day" in my head. I have heard these words from so many people and have said them myself as I have gotten older. But, I would like to challenge that statement. In the past couple of months we have had a friend's 7 year old daughter die suddenly and unexpectedly, a friend's father pass away at age 67 (just a few years older than my own Daddy) and, a dear family friend of my husband's passed away just last night.

With my heart so heavy and tender with these deaths, I have to say that a birthday is not just another day. A birthday is a gift from God and we are supposed to celebrate it. From here on out, I am going to make the best of the birthdays in my life. Both mine, as well as family members. Starting with Lanie Mae's 2nd birthday this Friday. My heart is so full of love for this precious girl and I thank God that he has blessed me with her. Two years ago this week, mine and Neil's life changed forever. It is almost like I had blurry vision regarding the love that God put's into your heart when you have a child. But, the minute she was born, my eyesight was 20/20. My understanding of the love that my own Mom and Dad have for me was suddenly so much clearer. The absolute apathy in regards to how stupid I looked in public when I made silly googly eyes at her just to make her laugh. (although, i must say, there are some days where i am sure glad there are blinds in my house--i am sure i look quite silly shaking my hips like wags the dog or dancing along with Barney) So, if anyone reads this, CELEBRATE your birthday and those of your friends and family. Thank you Lord for my little Lanie Mae and the wonderful past 2 years you have given us---even though, they have flown by! Until next time, I will be counting my blessings and Thanking God for them. Here are a few special birthday celebrations. (Lanie Mae's 1st birthday is in an earlier posting, so I put her REAL first birthday picture on here.

Lanie Mae Morton 8/22/06 8# 1 oz 21 "

oh my, how time flies

Lanie Mae with Pop, Riley with Terry at Ben's 40th B-day celebration

(please keep these guys in your prayers as they lost a good friend last night)

Anna Charles with Pappy at her 3rd Birthday

Joel and Milla at her 2nd Birthday

Still Friends after all these years

I had a girl's weekend this past weekend at Lake Martin. I have been friends with these girls since kindergarden (no lie). There is something about this friendship that is like no other. Over the years, we have grown up, apart, and back together again. God has blessed each of us in different ways. We are all different, but, we have ties that keep us similar. I guess you could say it is a small town thing.

This is my twin sister, Karla, and I and her little girl, Anna Charles.

Also, an update on the potty training thing. Um, it's not going so well. We went to the library and checked out some books for LM to read about going tee tee and poo poo. She loves to sit on the potty and read them (which is very cute)....But, no pee or poo in the potty yet. She loves to sit her duck on the potty so that he can "go tee tee & poo poo". She talks to him in mommy talk..."you tee tee and poo poo in potty" "you wash you hands?". It is so cute! She is also loving dressing herself ( in layers). I will hear grunting and struggling and she will have on 2 dresses, pants and a hat. Oh yeah, and don't forget a pair of shoes (usually mine or Neil's). I could go on and on, but, I will spare you.

This day, she had on my panties and shoes. She walked into the bathroom and said, "Look Mama, I got shoes on"

Weekend follow-up

Ross Bridge was wonderful. Leaving Lanie Mae was not bad at all. It didn't hurt that she was in a terrible mood the morning that we left. By the time I dropped her off w/ Neil's Mother, I was so frazzled, I needed a break. She slept great and has talked non-stop about her Nonee.

Back to Ross Bridge... If you haven't gone, go. It is so nice and it is in HOOVER. The food was great. The hotel was great. Neil says the golf was great. And, our friends are great. Our weekend couldn't have been any better. I laughed so much, my stomach muscles are sore.

Here are a few pics...have a great week!

the girls by the pool... Neil and I Group shot

My handsome hubby

(past his bedtime)

Katie and me Late night

Good Grief...

This has been a crazy week. It has been so long since I've logged in here, I forgot my password. Pitiful, huh? The week started out with me working 3 nights in a row without childcare. Poor Lanie Mae had to play solo while I layed on the couch trying to stay awake until nap time. Finally, on Wednesday, my Mom (Nana) and my neice, Anna Charles (Cha Chas) came to visit. I got a few hours of uninterrupted sleep and things started looking up. The visit from my Mom was great. We just hung out and watched the two princesses play (and fight...what can I say??? they are ages 2 and 3 & FEMALE) Mostly, they played. They are adorable if I must say so myself.
o.k....I cannot figure out how to rotate this on here (it keeps showing up vertical) But, I just wanted to show what I get greeted with when I get home from work. You can get the idea, even if it is upside down.


Neil had to bring LM to me one morning at work. This is the souveneir she got (and O.R. cap!)..unused, of course!

Cha Chas loved Lanie Mae's t-ball set

Nana and her girls

The last entry I made was before we went to Eric's b-day party. We had a blast! Good food and good friends, what more can you ask for?

Lanie Mae is practicing for Aug 22

Neil and I are headed to Ross Bridge today for a couples day/night. Lanie Mae is spending the night with her Nonee and PaPaw. This will be the first time she spends the night away from us. I am very anxious...but, I know she will be fine. I know we will have a good time (I will post pics next week)


Oh yeah, this is for Christy...my husband rocks b/c he cleaned the house while I was at work Monday night. That's all I've got this time! i'm tryin! :)

I promise, this is it...

Ready to hunt Easter eggs.

Reading a book w/ her sweet Maw Maw Mae

Once again with Anna Charles ("Cha Chas")

I love this one...she has her eye on the prize!
Lanie Mae and her boyfriend, Brayden. My best friend, Jennifer, and I had babies w/in a few months of each other. I hope they are as close as we are.

O.k...just a few more and we will be up to speed.

This was taken the DAY she started walking. She looks so victorious!
Christmas Card picture
Her favorite gift from Santa


Growing up so fast!
Mama's little helper. I tell her it is time to clean up and this is what she does.