The Glass Slipper Pageant

This is only our second pageant but our first pageant out of state and without Daddy! We were very sad to leave him behind but he had to work. So Ninnie (my mom), Kyndal (my little sister), Emmry and I loaded up in the Excursion at 8:00 am Saturday morning and we were off for Spartanburg South Carolina. This is about a three maybe three and a half hour long drive, so I was mighty nervous about how Emmry would do. Much to my surprise, she did fantastic. Emmry and Kyndal watched movies and she finally drifted off for about 45 minutes. (That was the only nap she had the ENTIRE day).We arrived, ate, put on our beauty wear and the pageant began at 1 o'clock on the dot. Emmry... oh my sweet Emmry ate up the staged and grinned for attention. As a mother, I couldn't have asked for her to do any better. She danced, smiled, laughed, played "Where's Emmry" with the judges and audience, and showed her personality the entire time.
We quickly had to change into Spring Wear and oh my! My little Spring Bee was BUZZING! I was very proud of myself considering that I made all of her accessories. Granny Pat made the adorable bows and basket and I made the bracelet and earrings. Emm was ROCKIN'!In this pageant, Emmry was required to create a hat from scratch that was "spring themed". I had a field day with this part of the competition! Stressed from the beginning but at the end, I was so amazed at the turn out of this hat. The hat was an adult gardening hat. I added the fake green moss first, topped it with huge, bright daisy flowers, added a few butterflies, bees, ladybugs, a dragonfly and coated it with some hot glue and BAM! Emmry's hat was born! One of the best and most creative things I have ever done and it paid off... BIG TIME!It was a very long, very tiring, very overwhelming day that I think ended very successfully! Crowning and the awards ceremony began around 5 o'clock that afternoon. There were 13 girls in her age group and about 60+ overall. Emmry won as follows in this order:
Best Portfolio
Most Beautiful
Best Personality
Best Spring Wear
Over All Spring Hat Diva
Supreme Division One Winner
Being proud of her is an understatement. Words cannot describe how happy and elated I was for Emmry. She took every bit of it in too. AND... For her to get up at 7:30 in the morning, have a 45 minute nap, last nearly SIX hours thru a pageant and not pitch ONE FIT.... THAT IS AMAZING and all I could ask for!

Emmry Won Her 1st Pageant!

In this blog, the title doesn't say it all! Emmry did so well at her very first pageant. I could not have been more pleased with the outcome. She was so well behaved and not to mention, she won THREE awards out of 15 girls in her age group. She won the title Easter Star Pageant Queen and received a huge crown, trophy, sash, and prize money. She won Over-All Most Beautiful (I'm most proud of this one) and received another crown. And she also won the Early Entry Award and received a trophy with her name on it. All the girls were absolutely beautiful, I wouldn't have been able to judge!

Pageant Time!!!

This is something either you are 100% for or 100% against and I just happen to be 100% for.... Pageants! From the moment I found out Emmry was a "girl", I knew I just had to put her in at least one pageant, just to see how she would do. However, I didn't think it would be as time consuming as it has been so far although it has been SO much fun planning for the big event(s). Emmry's first pageant is March 28 in Dalton and I am sitting on pins and needles waiting for this day to arrive. Her next pageant is April 17 in South Carolina and this one is a tad bit bigger than the 1st one so I am a little nervous! Nonetheless, I think she will do just fine and I can't wait to upload pictures! For now, here are some shots I took of her today! ENJOY! =)

A Headband, Diaper, and Crocs?

Yes... That's right. The title says it all! Check out my little baby model! She is rockin the headband, diaper and red crocs! Gosh, I just love her!

18 Special Things About Emmry

Emmry is now 18 months old and time is seriously flying by. I blink my eyes and she is doing something new. As sad as I am that she is growing up so quickly, I am very proud of her outcome this far.

1. Emmry can finally walk.
2. She can feed herself not only with her hands but with a spoon too.
3. Ball is her favorite word.
4. She can drink from a big-girl cup.
5. She dances endlessly.6. Emmry knows when bedtime is and goes to sleep on her own.
7. She can tell our dog Rusty to speak and he actually does it.
8. Mama is her second favorite word.
9. She knows what to do with a phone. (Hold it to her ear and say hey)
10. "TOUCHDOWN" is her favorite pose.
11. She loves to wink.
12. Chicken in her favorite food.
13. When I say "Daddy's home", she runs to the window to watch for him.
14. This child loves SHOES more than her toys.
15. Painting is her newest hobby.
16. Bath time is her favorite time of the day.
17. She love, loves, loves books.
18. When asked for a kiss, she'll give you one.
I love you sweet girl... more than you'll ever know.

1st Trip to the Georgia Aquarium

This was a very last minute thrown together trip but I am so pleased with the outcome. Emmry and I planned a play-date with Brittany and Gracie Rowland to have a mother-daughter day at the Georgia Aquarium. Since our girls love animals... this is the second best place (Zoo would have been better but it was too cold). We loaded up our girls and off we went with GPS in hand. This is the first time either of us have gone to Atlanta without our husbands so I don't know if it was a bit of excitement that we were doing something on our own or if we were scared about doing it on our own. Note: we made it safely! =)

Gracie and Emmry absolutely loved the aquarium, Emmry even put her hands in the water to pet the stingrays! (I won't even do that). The day was very adventurous and only just a few fits were pitched during the entire day. I'd say that is very good considering we were with an 18 month old and a 13 month old! Here are some pictures from our trip.And this is how our wonderful mother-daughter day ended. Sleeping Beauties!!

Meet Charlie

Everyone... We'd like for you to meet Charlie, the newest addition to our family. Charlie was born on October 15, 2009 and he is a toy poodle. He will be around 4-5 pounds total. He is full chocolate and white mix. His nose and paws are even brown and he has the most gorgeous green eyes. After Sammy died, we knew Abby needed a playmate. We couldn't stand to see her looking out the window, waiting for Sammy to return. So, we loaded up the car with Emmry and Abby and headed to Petland.I walked in the store, eager to see all the little puppies in hopes that I would find one to melt my heart. We played with all sorts of them but I spotted Charlie in the store manager's arms and just knew I had to have him. I held him and that was it. I was gone. In fact, Todd was gone too. We both fell instantly in love. The funny this is, we went to Petland on a Saturday which was obviously the most busy day of the week. There were tons of people and each one of them waited for us to put Charlie back so they could hold him. One family even came in, as we were checking out, to purchase Charlie. I guess he was the "favorite" of the pet store.
Though Charlie will never replace our Sammy, he is definitely loved and definitely made such a wonderful change to our household. He is playful, he wrestles with Emmry and Abby, he has the most tiny bark I've ever heard and the way he sleeps is hysterical. I don't feel like we "chose" Charlie, I feel like Charlie "chose" us! (Charlie with his tongue sticking out)

Rest In Peace My Sweet Sammy

Rest In Peace Sammy
July 30, 2006 to January 1, 2010
You'll be forever in our hearts!

2010 didn't start off as I had planned nor do I think 2009 ended how I expected. After a date with Todd, we arrived home as usual. Unloaded Emmry out of the car, unlocked the door, sat Emmry down by her toys, and played with Abby and Sammy who were dying for our attention. This is our every day routine when we get home. For whatever reason, we didn't take the dogs out when we got home (which is a pretty common thing we do is take them out asap).(Abby to the left, Sammy to the right)

Around 9:45, Todd noticed that Sammy wasn't upstairs in the bed with us. Once he realized Sammy wasn't down stairs either, the panic set in. We immediately went outside, checked the road, searched the backyard and starting yelling his name. Then... something just hit me; my heart stopped as I went towards the road for one last look. I stood there for a minute trying to clear the tears from my eyes so I could see clearly. I was freezing and my breaths drew faster and harder. I knew in that moment, it was My Sammy. I screamed Todd's name. Over and over again and even though it was only moments before he reached me... it felt like days. My heart was shattered, empty, speechless. I cried endlessly, sobbed for days.
(Emmry feeding Sammy)

Sammy was my very first pet to have all to myself. He was my Christmas present from Todd in 2006. Sammy was never afraid of anything, very curious but also very protective. He loved us all in a way that could never be replaced and the bond he had with Emmry was truly one of a kind. He played with her, chased her, kissed her, and whenever she would wake up from nap time... he'd always be right there at her crib waiting on me to put her down. I miss him. We all miss him.(Sammy getting some of Emmry's drink)

Todd buried him in our flower garden. He even has a headstone and flowers. It took me days to be able to go out and see it, maybe because I felt so guilty. I think of him daily and often want to call out his name. I hear his bark. I can sometimes smell where he used to lay. I know he is in a better place. I know I'll meet him again.
(Abby on the left, Sammy on the right)

Sammy, wherever you are... I love you. Todd loves you. Emmry loves you. Abby loves you. You are and will always be missed.

A Tad Bit Behind.... (sorry)

I do believe the last time I "blogged" was in October, after my birthday. There is soooo much catching up to do and figuring out a place to start is mind-boggling. I'll just pick up where I left off and ONLY give the most important details of the event(s). First up is Halloween 2009...

Even though it was a very yucky and rainy Halloween, it was definitely a great time for Emmry, who I must say was the sweetest little ladybug I had ever seen. We (Todd, Emmry and I) first went to eat at one of our favorite restaurant and then headed over to PawPaw and Nana Gayle's house to go trick-or-treating! She loved going from door to door and this child loves candy so this was a very enjoyable event for her.The next big event is Thanksgiving and oh what a long day it was. Todd had to work on Thanksgiving, so his missed the Thanksgiving feast at my grandma's house with my dad's side of the family. If I remember correctly, Emmry wasn't in a very pleasant mood so she sat in my lap the entire time and ate ham (5-6 HUGE pieces too)! PawPaw and Nana Gayle decided to go on a trip for Thanksgiving, so we didn't have a family gathering with Todd's side. Around 5 or so, Emmry and I loaded back into the car and headed off to Aunt Debbie's to celebrate with my mom's side and needless to say, Emmry still wasn't in a better mood. She cried most of the time UNTIL.... her wonderful daddy made his entrance! Her face lit up and in the moment, the child had changed. She was completely different the rest of the evening; she played, laughed, threw a ball back and forth with everyone, ate cake and she discovered that she LOVES whipped-cream! From all the food we ate the entire day, I believe we all put on about 5-10 pounds! =)
Christmas is a different story and I have to admit, I wasn't really in the "Christmas" spirit this year. But, I didn't let it stop me from putting up the tree or decorating the house. Most of December, I don't remember. However, Christmas morning is morning I'll never forget. Santa brought Miss Emm LOADS and LOADS and LOADS of things. She got clothes, shoes, books, dolls, barbies, learning activities, etc... But the BIGGEST gift from Santa was the convertible pink barbie bug. The moment she laid eyes on it, she was gone. In and out. In and out. In and out. Priceless! Let's just say, Santa REALLY over did himself this year but we are VERY THANKFUL!As far as Emmry goes, she is a growing girl that is full of energy and giggles. She is now nearly 17 months old and weighs 26 pounds. Not quite sure how tall she is but at her next doctors appointment, I'll be sure to update. She eats anything and everything and is very "nosy". She likes figuring things out on her own. Her smiles are endless and everyday, together, we learn something new. Emmry loves pictures, books, shoes on her hands, chocolate milk, chicken nuggets, balls (everything to her is "ball"), her blanket, and yes she still has her passy. She can say words such as ball, mama, dada, get, and stop. Although her vocabulary isn't large yet, she knows what we are saying to her. She is so bright and I couldn't ask for a more wonderful daughter.

It is now January 13, 2010 and the new year is looking brighter than ever. We are all excited to see what the new year will bring to us. As of last night, we have an OFFICIAL WALKER! Yes, my dear and precious Emmry is walking now (it's been a LONG few months). I do believe I have worried myself sick over the ordeal but just like everyone said, she will do it in her own time. I have a gut feeling that 2010 will be one of the best years for us... But only time will tell! =) I am truly blessed and thankful to have my family. I love them and I know without a doubt, they love me too.

Happy Birthday to Mommy!

Yes, I finally turned the BIG 21 on October 12th. Such a young milestone that I have been exciting about crossing. Not for the drinking part but because it FINALLY makes me legal for anything and everything. It's like once a person turns 21, you don't get the question of, "You're only 20"? I was so blessed to spend my birthday evening with my family and very close friends. We went to Olive Garden and had a fabulous time! I'd like to thank the following for sharing the big night with me: Todd, Emmry, Mama, Buck, Kyndal, Taylor, Bill, Gayle, Dad, Jaymie, Ben, Hunter, Aunt Debbie, Erin, Jeff, Kim, Brittany, Kyle, Chelsea, and Lan. My birthday was the best and it's because I have all of you in my life.

Thank Goodness!

I am proud to announce that Emmry is not only DRINKING from her sippy cup, but she is also holding it herself too! Whenever I feed Emmry, I always put her sippy cup on her tray. While I was fixing her lunch the other day, I notice that she was gibbering as much. I turned around and was so amazed at the site I saw; my sweet Emmry holding and drinking from her cup! I quickly ran to get the camera because I knew I had to treasure that moment forever. I am so amazed at how much she is learning each day. She knows how to clap, point to your nose, mouth and eyes. She knows how to give you a five and right now we are learning our colors!This is off subject but while Todd and I were cleaning the car the other day, we rolled down the windows and let Emmry walk around. I just happened to have the camera ready and I got some great shots!

Unplanned Weekends...

Gahh, they are my absolute total favorite! Like, when you get a "surprise" text or phone call and something so small turns into be so great! With that being said, I received a text from Chelsea asking if we (Todd and I) wanted to watch the Georgia game and cookout. Of course, Todd and I never turn down a date with Chelsea and Lan (they just happen to be one of our favorite couples!) We decided to cook hamburgers and wings. #1. I am NOT a cook especially with a deep fryer. Let's just say there was an "explosion" in my back yard! I called Lan over to put the FROZEN, not even thawed out a little bit, wings in the deep fryer. The oil was about 400+ degrees. When Lan dropped the wings in, the oil split over and there was a GIANT ball of fire! I screamed, Chelsea screamed, and Lan... He was just scared! =) I will note... our wings and hamburgers turned out GREAT! However, we are no longer cooking wings at our residence!Later in the evening we decide to go to Buffalo's in Acworth to Karaoke for Kevin's birthday. I might add that I has six people in my 4-Runner, poor Brittany was in the very back, hiding from any police seeing her! Needless to say, I am pretty sure Kevin had a good birthday since our "party train" arrived! We got home kind of late and Miss Emmry was wind awake, playing and carrying on. She was enjoying all the attention. It seems that wherever we go, the attention follows her and she eats it up.As everyone started to leave, Chelsea realized that the wing sauce was leaking out of the bowl, down my couch and pouring on the floor! We couldn't help my laugh because the night had already been so "eventful". These are the moments that will last a lifetime! Great friends, great fun, great laughs, great memories!