Toes

There's nothing quite as cute as a baby's toes! As you can see, Clayton loves to have his toes and feet out in the open- free of socks! They wiggle easier that way.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Andy!!!

28 Today!!!
-Just want to say "Happy Birthday" and "I love you!!!" Andy is the most amazing husband. He is always thoughtful and patient and is willing to sacrifice his own comfort for the freedom of this country and others. My HERO!!!

A few weeks ago, Clayton and I had a mini birthday party for Andy. we had balloons, cake, and gifts- to wrap! We sang Happy Birthday to Andy on DVD, and packed a big 'birthday box' to send him in Afghanistan. It was fun. I also took our camcorder and recorded messages from his close friends and family. He got his box this weekend, just in time for his birthday, and loved his DVD and gifts!!! It was so much fun to surprise him with it!

Andy's wrapped gifts ready to pack

Andy's box ready to ship

Clayton @ 3 Months

3 months today!!!

Clayton's Sunday afternoon nap

We are the 3 ladies who just had babies in our church. There are 3 others still unhatched! Clayton was born in January, Denyn in February, and Tyler in April.

Story Time with Daddy!

On New Year's Day, while still on Christmas leave from Ft. Bragg, Andy read some Curious George books that he had picked out to read for our soon-to-be-born baby boy. We wanted to have them on DVD for our baby while Andy was deployed. Well, today, I finally had Clayton watch them. He really seemed fascinated by Andy's voice, and of course, actually watching the colorful screen! I would like to play these almost daily so they become Clayton's favorites. That way, combined with the familiar stories, and Andy's voice, Clayton may just prefer Daddy reading them live when he gets home in December!!! I am just glad we thought to do this before Andy left!

No Quality

This is one of my more stupid ideas. I don't have a working scanner right now, so these are pictures of pictures...The outcome quality is so ridiculous, I should not even post them, but here they are- Clayton and the turtle Daddy bought him when he was born, and Mommy and Clayton.

Student Teaching

I started my internship this week as my last leg of school!!! This picture is of me reading to some toddlers, but it was taken in a different room than I am teaching in. I am working in the Kinder-Care room of Lewisburg Children's Center. I have all 5 & 6 year olds, and so far they are fun to work with. I am mostly observing this week, and will start some activities of my own, starting next week. This will last about 10 weeks, so you will be hearing more about this, I'm sure. My mom, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law are watching Clayton in the daytime, until I finish school. I can't wait to be done, but Andy reminds me to enjoy this part, and not just look at the ending.

I VOTED!

Pillow Talk

This is my favorite recent picture of Clayton! It's not always easy to capture such a big smile on camera, so I was thrilled to see this after the flash!

Meeting More Great-Grandparents

Clayton's first time to meet the Tillis' (my grandparents)


Clayton's first time to meet the Will's (Andy's grandparents)

Clayton's 1st IHC

Clayton and I rode to and from IHC on the "Cooley Coach." It was a great alternitive to driving with an infant, and it was very cost efficient!

Clayton's vacation crib

Lauren warms up to Clayton in the motel room

Clayton being held in services


College Mass Choir

At IHC

Clayton and I are IHC this week. We will be back Friday night, and will post pictures of our trip. Here's one I stole from my B-I-L's blog.

Cute Cousins

Cayden & Clayton

Sarah and Cayden were at New Columbia GMC to see her brothers in the Hobe Sound choir. We couldn't pass up a great opportunity to get some cute pictures of the boys! Aren't they the cutest cousins ever!? (I know I'm partial, but...)

Both boys smiling

Andy and Justin

I came across this picture, and knew I wanted to post it! Justin Ellison, our pastor's son, is one of Andy's biggest 'fans'. He tells me almost every church service that he prays for 'Andy in the Army.' He is such a sweet boy, and recently colored a picture for me to send to Andy. This picture was taken over a year ago, when Andy first came came home from Ft. Benning. I wanted to share it, since Andy hasn't been able to post onto the blog. They have most sites blocked, so he can't put any news about himself on here. Hopefully that will change in time...

Bandaids and Blankie

Today Clayton had to get SIX vaccinations. Poor little guy! I loaded him up with baby Motrin before we went to the doctor, but shots are shots, and let's face it- they HURT! He was a sweetie though, because after the initial shock and pain, he still managed to smile after it was all over. My mom made the blankie in the picture. Andy had requested Clayton to have a digital ACU blankie, so here it is! I love it and hope Clayton will too!!!

A somber Clayton with his new blankie

At the Plank Farm

Andy's grandparents have to be some of the dearest people on earth! I took Clayton to their house Saturday to spend some relaxing quality time on the farm. Granny loves babies, and Grandpa even got his share of holding time in too. Adorable!

Granny's homemade mashed potatoe donuts and coffee! YUM!!!

Clayton's first 4wheeler ride!

Right before we left for home

The home-stead

Not "Good-Bye," but "See Ya Later"

It's seems I've been having to say a lot of this lately, and it is always hard for family and close friends to say "good-bye" or "see ya later!" This is life though! Michael and Crystal Mason are taking their two boys and are going as missionaries to Mexico, and I couldn't be more proud of them. Crystal and I have been best friends through the years, and so once again there came the time to say another "see ya later." We went out to lunch today to Country Cupboard and had a nice lunch with our boys. (Michael already left for Texas, and of course Andy is deployed) I know our friendship will remain, despite the distance of our homes. Things will change like the size of our children and our every day tasks, but friendship never dies.