beautiful baby!

Isn't he or she beautiful? I can't wait to find out which it is! 

Only a few more weeks until I know if I should say niece or nephew!

Nana says that he/she looks like a sad little kid - walking down the street kicking rocks. 

Probably because he/she can't wait to meet us!!

FOURTEEN!!

 Tim is FOURTEEN years old today!!

Here are some things that I know to be true of my handsome boy --
and some photos from this past year

He is musical - he loves to sing and play the piano and has a talent/passion for both!

He spends several hours a day on the piano and gets so frustrated that homework,

 chores and sleep interfere with his piano time!

He ALWAYS has his headphones in his ears listening to music. If I ask him to be quiet - he just dances! I have come to discover recently, that I think he isn't merely enjoying the music, but actually picking it apart and breaking down each song in order to learn to play it or sing it to perfection!

Acapella groups are his favorite. 

He loves to read books - any book really. He also loves to watch movies and draw.

His favorite author is Rick Riordin - and he likes 'guy' movies, like The A Team. I would list more, but I don't keep up with those dumb movies!

He loves soccer - goal keeping in particular. He has really developed a skill for that position and he enjoys playing keeper in both indoor and outdoor games. 

Indoor may be his favorite because of its fast pace.

His sister is his best friend, but his dad is a close second! 

Actually - Tim truly believes that EVERYONE is a friend - maybe just one he hasn't met yet! He talks to every person he comes across and he never fails to brighten the day of a stranger!

He loves fast food - Popeye's, Cane's, Chicken Express and ChikfilA - it seems that he likes chicken! 

His favorite 'at home' meals are Eggs Benedict & Chicken Cordon Bleau.

He loves chocolate milk and peanut butter (although, sadly, he is allergic to peanuts - and shrimp, sesame seeds and soy!)

Tim is witty and sarcastic, but never mean-spirited. He is kind and has a very big, gentle heart. His is spiritual and has a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Tim is a kid who, no matter how many times he may feel knocked down, ALWAYS gets back up with a smile on his face. He is forgiving. He is happy. He thinks he is a charmer - I think he is on his way to becoming a professional B.S-er!! He loves to dress nicely. He loves cats. Tim is a lover - he will not hesitate to smother me with hugs and kisses and snuggles. He is not at all embarrassed by his need to show affection - especially to me. I bet I get hugs from Tim at least 20 times a day!
 He will be a great husband and father one day, as he respects women and understands that when his sister givers him advice on girls - he should take it! 

He annoys me and is obnoxious pretty much every day - but I've dealt with it for 14 years now - I guess I'll keep him!

Its about time!

Stephanie & Matt are going to have a baby!

I was 14 years old when Steph was born. She came unexpectedly and moved in immediately after she was born. I was a self-centered brat at that age (youngest child, only girl!), but the thought of a new baby in the house thrilled me! 

I loved her before I even met her and I love her still today as if she were my own. 

Tommy loves her as much as I do and my kids don't think of her as a cousin, but as their sister. 

She brought Matthew into our clan many years ago - and I will admit, it took me a while to love him because I thought he couldn't possibly be good enough for our girl - but I was wrong. He is her match in every way. I love Matt so much and I am so proud of the life they have built together. 

Now they are bringing us a little bundle and I absolutely can not wait! We all think it is a girl - but no matter who he/she ends up being, it is sure to be the most loved child on earth! You see, Stephanie's situation growing up was that she was raised by the whole family. She was lucky enough to not only have a mom and dad but also Tommy and I, and Nana and Pa. I hope this baby has great lungs - it may feel smothered with all of our love!

Be prepared for this blog to turn into posts about my foursome - and the baby! 

Curly!

A HUGE Congratulations to Tim - he was just cast as Curly in Oklahoma!!!

I can't wait until May 15th, when I will get to see him up on that stage in his first lead role!

Tim's callbacks were after school - so I sent him this text. 

His response is so typical Tim!

T

Not much to tell here - except that the weather has been just right lately! Not too warm, not too chilly - perfect for an afternoon walk through the trees!

Here I go again!

I used to be so good about documenting our lives. I am, after all, a professional photographer - I SHOULD be good at it!

I got such satisfaction in jotting down various happenings around our house and keeping a general record of our family.
I never had anything super interesting to post about, but it was fun to look back at the end of the years and see what we had been all about.

I turned all of those blog posts into beautiful books for each of the kids that I have no doubt will be cherished. But I stopped doing it. I don't know why - but I quit back in Dec. 2011.

I found one of those blog books recently and had such a great time reading it, that I decided I need to get going again.
So much has happened and I have relied on Facebook to document it. I know that is how most people share their lives, but I like the blog idea too.

I want more than just a few books - so here I am!

Feel free to read through - or not. I promise I will never say anything particularly insightful or fascinating, because I'm really just posting photos and writing a few words of explanation for my families sake.
I Will, however try to keep up with it this time - for a while anyway!

The next SEVERAL posts are of the quick catch up variety, so please excuse their random nature!
--jenni

SC/VA

 So at the end of January, my mom called and said 

"Hey - i want to surprise your brother with a visit for his birthday - want to come?"

So I packed a bag and off we went!

It took us 2 days and another morning to get there because of car trouble - we ended up stranded on the side of the road a few times! We visited with Steve, Mark and his friends for a couple of days and then we headed to Virginia to see Maggie for a few days! Its was such a fun girlie road trip!

Birthday dinner!

Hands down, the best pizza place on the planet! Vinnie Van Gogo's in Savannah

a very Mature evening in Savannah with Mark, Steve, Nana and Steve's friends Robin and Sharron! 

Happy Birthday, Steve!

My oldest brother and my niece, Mimi!

Mark and my nephew, Midas!

Steve used to work at a coffee house that has since closed down - these are all of the ladies who were regulars there. They have remained friends and gather for breakfast every week - mom and I had such fun joining them! I like to call them Steve and Marks Harem

Shopping in Lexington with Nana and Maggie! Beautiful, aren't they?!