Mike & Shelli, Graham & Ellie

8 years!

2012-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

this last week, we celebrated 8 years of marriage (really!). My precious husband had planned a little 2 night get away to the north ga mountians, a place i met him on a collage retreat 10 years ago. We were both in college, both lived in atl, and both happened to be on this retreat. It was crazy weird to be back at the same place we both remembered talking in the lobby, meeting, and learning about each other.

we dated 2 years, and 8 years later, we are married, have 2 kids, and are so thankful for that meeting place!

sweet friends and fam...

2012-01-28T13:06:00.000-08:00

ellie's big day was filled with joy! her party was a blast but a blessing to us all as we watched this big 2 yr old giggle with a precious heart beaming from with in. Maggie- oh this girl....where do i begin? she adores miss ellie, loves her, is a master at feeding her, and gives much much love to ellie....we are so so thankful for this sweet friend...she is heaven sent!

aunt t always there to celebrate miss ellie with us. my kids love having the twins around to play with have one blast all together. thank you for your constant love, prayers, and love you give her.

sweet neighbor friends! ellie loves her auntie stace!

my prayer warrior friends- miss lauren is one dear heart. she is on her knees always praying for ellie- along with chasing after her 3 redhead girls....and mrs meredith is a champ mom is 2 girls....sweetest!

mr. robert and mrs. erica are jewls! Erica made all these therapy game boards for ellie and just loves making my kids smile!

banana, with her niece and nephew, and jd! thanks for always being so dear to us!

the girls!

the bates family girls....so fun to have you there!

mrs. kelly, banana and miss els!!!!!!!!!!!! we had a great great day!!!!!!!!!! thank you all for your constant love for miss ellie she is one blessed girl!!!

her big day....

2012-01-18T21:19:00.000-08:00

sat jan the 14th we celebrate with dear friends and family miss ellie's 2nd b-day! She loves yogurt so we found great girly yogurt shop to celebrate her big day! we love u els!

bi bi and ellie

i couldn't love her enough.....my happy girl.

happy birthday to you.....

pappy and ellie!
there are many more pictures to come...just wanted to share a few!

party at ellie school!

2012-01-12T13:46:00.000-08:00

we celebrated with her sweet friends and teachers yesterday...the b-day girl is 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yummy ice cream....

one proud momma

teacher, sweet ms. lakeitha.

how old is ellie? she is 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!

brother was so excited to have a party at sisters school....who ate chocolate icecream?

our family.

ms pat helping ellie walk....0h how she loves her some ms pat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

playing in the acvitity room.....so big!

getting in the ball pit all by her self.....

she did it!
what a fun day to celebrate you sweet girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ellie is 2!

2012-01-11T11:16:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday to my sweet ellie!

4 weeks old- g tube in tummy only 1 week...god oh how you've gotten us through so much.

Two years ago today my entire whole changed. I was blessed to welcome a precious 6 lbs 4 oz little girl into our family. Your mommy couldn't wait to put bows in her hair, to explode our house with as much pink and ruffles as mike would allow, but most of all have a mother daughter relationship with my little one. Two years has quickly passed, and with a teary heart, I say- I am one blessed momma. Ellie- you are my little love. No one meets you that you don't touch with your constant smile, your sweet spirit, or your cuddly heart. God created you one precious soul, a tender hearted child. I never knew the life you would live the first day of birth....but i knew God was mighty, and big. I remember looking out the hospital window and seeing a bird flying in the rain...i remember choking up- and thinking- god if you say you even take care of the birds od the field...then i KNOW you'll cover my girl. Things have been different for you, but we rejoice that you are ours. Your heart is tender and huge. We love to scream to the top of our lungs when you accomplish something new....you're laughter is a gift to us all. We thank god you are in this family. We couldn't ask for more.
We love your bubbly heart, the way you hug your daddy (all the time). The way you clap your hands over and over when you wake up from your nap and i come in to get you out of your crib. Aweeee what my heart feels, pure love! Everyone better watch out if you have a push toy, because you are on the move. I love your "heys" you tell everyone in stores, on the phone, or just to your teachers at school. We are so very proud of you.
Today we celebrate your life, you, and I am one thankful momma today to thank god for him blessing us with someone like you....i am forever changed b/c of you sweet girl.

To friends and family. I thank you all for covering my child the last 2 years. For praying for her eating, her developemental markers, and her health. We are truly forever touched by those that have encouraged us, loved us through difficult times, and love all over miss ellie. She is so blessed!
love you-
mommy 0x0x

look how much you have grown and how sweet you are....thank you for blessing us lord with miss ellie!
happy birthday sweet girl!

happy birthday to you!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-10T06:57:00.000-08:00

happy birthday to you mike

Today we celebrate your birthday with utter joy! You mike morrow are one amazing man! A man that loves your family whole heartedly, serves others often, gives constantly, is one loved daddy, such a hard worker, talented builder, loving, gentle, and manly all at the same time!
I love being married to you mike, you are more than enough for me. I love your heart for God, your children, and your wife. You can come home from a long day at work and leave your work outside the door as you constantly embrace your family inside the door. Your honesty is unheard of these days...you live a life full of adventure, love, and passion to be different (in a good way). I celebrate you today mike, the day that you took her first breath of air, and how god has formed you through the years to be just what our family needed!
We love you sweet daddy!!!!!!!!

today....

2012-01-05T06:18:00.000-08:00

There is a new found joy in the mornings....

this morning we all have fun play time...lots of coloring, counting, singing, and using our imaginations!!!!!!!!! good morning sweet loves.

graham and his fireman....do you see them on the ladder? he is alllllll about fireman right now, he wears this hat non-stop when he is home, and so there is a litlte someone in the house that likes to do just what brother does.....

fireman ellie. she has been scooting around the house in this hat...and just lovvvvves to put it on and off. i know she has been watching her big brother and wants to do the fireman "play" just like him.

in the midst of this morning- our joys are found- but our hearts are also heavy at the same time. this morning- we are praying for mike's cousin. her name is kelly. she had a baby two days ago and yesterday had major complications when they tried to take the spinal cath out of her back. She has been in critical care since yesterday. Please cover kelly with prayer today and her family. Kelly and her almost 2 yr old daughter, new baby charlotte, and husband would thank you for praying for her. They will try again today to get the spinal cath out...so pray it can come out with ease and she can start to tend to her new baby. God is mighty.

happy new year 2012!

2012-01-03T07:43:00.000-08:00

We had a fun new years night with our sweet friends the beckners! We had a yummy mexican dinner out with all their girls. Graham loves getting to play with reese and hadley, and miss ellie and baby brynlee were adorable together babbling at the table to each other. We had a great time together! After dinner they came over to roast marshmellows and make some smores!

we love our red head friends!
lauren has been such a devoted friend to me, prayer partner, and loyal sister through all our trials with miss ellie. she has been a great encouragement for me as a mom, through many hard days, she She's the friend that just knows how when to send a sweet note, randomly bring us dinner, or just call to check in. She has a hugeheart for my kids- especially miss ellie. Through her life she's been touched by other who have struggled health wise, so her love for those around her is real. I am blessed by her sweet heart.
miss ellie after getting her bath....have her new years drink......milk! =)

graham being silly in his superman pj's, that i must say...he lovvvvves!!!!!!!!!!

happy new year to my dear hubby! This year has been a struggle for our family in many ways. Watching this man stand firmly for christ and love me through hard days has been such a blessing. I couldn't ask for a sweeter more devoted family man. I am so blessed by him, his love, his heart, and the humbleness of his heart. happy new year babe.

this is ellie's little buddy brynlee...she's so sweet!

Not one minute after the beckners left our house, 4 of our neighbors saw mike's fire and decision to come over and sit around the fire til midnight. Our kids were sound asleep of course...but we actually stayed up til the new year! You know we are "real" parents when midnight seems sooo late! happy new year 2012.

welcome baby truett!

2011-12-29T07:11:00.000-08:00

We are so thankful and excited to welcome baby Truett Stephen Bruner into this world and our family. My brother and his wife Sarah on Dec 26th- were so thankful to welcome this little love in their family of 5 now!
We love you already sweet boy!

Brooks and Reese are big brothers and sisters, we can't wait to meet you, hold you, and give you lots of love through your life. God is so good to always give us more than our hearts desires...he is one cutie patootie!!!!! Congrats Brunerville!

christmas.

2011-12-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

we started out cmas eve eve (friday) getting our hearts ready for the christmas celebration with lots of singing, talks about jesus's birthday and excitement everywhere.

uncle stephen, aunt ra ra, and our bruner cousins sent a fun package--our kids were so excited! ellie got a precious baby doll, one of her older cousins favorite little thing....she was excited!

and graham got a drum that oh my goodness, he lovvvvvessss! thank you so much, we miss you all oh so much!

for cmas my dear hubby has been so patient and working so hard to save brick, to have a fire pit...he finally got it finished for an early bday gift...he loves it, and has been such a servant to our family and friends- always putting others before himself- he never asks or wants anything- so this was a big thing for him- i was soooo thrilled for him to have a place to go and have some guy time!!!!!!!

cmas eve my parents made a trip over to bham from atl. they were such a blessing to have at our house to celebrate with. my mom was so sweet o have in the house and dad always is the life of the party wherever he goes...laughter always fills our house when he's here. thank you all for coming!

about to go the cmas eve service with our precious ellie....she's really getting so big!

look at ellie- she is standing- a big accomplishment for her.....

our family- so thankful.

merry christmas ellie and graham- i am so thankful to be your mommy and so blessed to have you both as my little loves!

ellie!

doctor graham- got an early cmas eve gift from bi bi and pops....he fixed us all b/f cmas morning came!

ready for santa in their cmas pj's!

the big day! cmas morning 2011 with their daddy about the go down the stairs to see if santa came...and have a jesus's birthday celebration!

who's excited?

santa came! he came! graham kept saying....he really came!

merry christmas graham and ellie.

10-4.....over and out.

ellie's new chair.

we had a sweet sweet cmas morning- a yummy brunch, a celebration, and lots of love. I am so thankful for the time we had with my family and the constant encouragement they give.

spider man outfit.

christmas afternoon mike's parents came over for the 2nd party....we had a nice dinner with them and opening gifts, sang happy bday to jesus....and watch a cmas cozy movie.

hello- ellie loves her new phone.

and her chair.....

and for the 3rd party....we had a morrow cmas party monday night with our cousins!

the girls!

classic

the morrow boys

the boys and their muscles.....guys will always be guys.

and lastly---music always has been a huge part of my life and my families....and i think these sweet sounds will be heard in the heavens as we all sang and rejoiced for our savior coming to the world and being born as we all played instruments and sang....happy birthday jesus.

ellie on the drums!

g on his (uka-loy-a) as he calls it.

happy birthday jesus!

superman going to bed and so is a tired mommy and daddy! thank you lord for all your precious blessings....they are overflowing....we say thanks.

gingerbread house!

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

to make a homemade gingerbread house you have to have lots and lots of candy...some candy we had never seen before now....

daddy was excited to "build" almost as much as g!!!!

putting the icing or "glue" on to build their walls....g was singing aways as he built.

team work!

candy......candy....candy.....

working so hard to build a house...he couldn't wait!

building fences, sidewalks, putting shrubs in, flowers, and peppermint benches in.......he is for sure related to his daddy and mommy!

eating a little along the way....i was the candy police!

complete!

my joy!

2011-12-20T13:32:00.000-08:00

even if ellie has a cold, or isnt feeling good...this is what she is like, she's my pure joy!

we are really starting to "go go go" around here!

i love this picture......she's thinking...."am i really allowed to do this mommy?"

well even if i am not allowed, i sure love doing it........i couldn't stop her, she was having the time of her life, cracking herself up!!!!!!

sweetness

2011-12-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

A special day. Today I woke up in one of those moods that you have so much to do, that you don't even know where to begin. I had to get dressed and showered b/f the kids were off to school b/c today we had g's cmas class party. I had to make sure ellie had her stuff ready for school, g's lunch packed, the recycling out front to be picked up, teacher gifts ready, breakfast fed, I just felt like I was in a tissy.

I got ellie out the door, and g and i headed to school. I was still in a little bit of a mood. G said, mommy- let's sing this morning on the way to school....I thought- ok. So he started singing- jesus loves me, then away in a manger, then mary had a baby. By the time we got to school from our house (only 1.5 miles away)- my eyes were full of tears. Tears that were thankful ones. Tears that made me think about what today was going to hold...what was I going to do with today. My little boy jumped out of the car and started running to his classroom- so fast- I had to start running myself. He was sooooooooooooo excited to see his friends and to tell his teachers- Merry Christmas. He knew this was his last day of school b/f cmas comes. He is still at the age that he'll kiss me goodbye (oh my goodness, the day this stops, sad sad!). He then runs the a certain window in his classroom and waves goodbye to me, as i walk out the door- i turn around ever school day and see his bright smile wave back, and then we both blow each other a kiss- then give each other a thumbs up (meaning, you're going to have a great day)! These memories are the sweetest gifts to hold on too. I know he is getting bigger and each day- I want to hold them just a little longer. My heart has been so tender these last few months with the life struggles with in my family- but God has for sure shown up. He has shown me his grace, he unchanging love, and his true forgiveness.

I am excited about this cmas b/c of my family- we are truly more than blessed, not by money or materialism- but with true love. Miss ellie will be a sweet sweet gift this year with her precious personality coming out- she is one tender soul. A little love that is. She adores all those around her and will love on you all day long if you let her. I couldn't imagine my life without her. And yes, her daddy is still her number one heart throb, which we are totally ok with at this point....hope your memories can be found this year through all the madness of life right now....take a time to enjoy them. It's worth it! I promise you....

singing, and sugar cookies!

2011-12-17T10:27:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year as my kids are getting older and really starting to understand and enjoy the sweet celebration of christmas. we are singing about baby jesus, away in a manger, happy b-day jesus, and many new found cmas songs in our house this year. i just love it. graham's little voice just belts to the top of his lungs as he blesses his mommy's heart with his child like faith. he could care less if we are in the grocery store, hobby lobby, or just alone in the playroom- he just sings....loving it.

this last week graham had his first cmas program at school....yes i was i think more excited than he was....this is the best picture i could get b/c i was videoing at the same time...but he did a great job loved being with his classmates.

nana came for a few days to enjoy a little holiday fun. graham and nana made some sugar cookies- in the shapes of the navity. He loves making baby jesus- we had several!

graham rolling the dough.

ellie woke up from her nap and wanted to join in on playing with the dough.

cookie time!
thanks nana for coming to play!

dec 16th.

2011-12-16T04:46:00.000-08:00

Today is a special day to me. As a mom, a daughter, a wife, and a woman trying oh so hard to be a woman after god's unchanging heart- its a day that touches me each year. It is a day that makes me smile, rejoice, say thanks and want to sing a little tune. I love this day because- I can take a little extra time to say- Thank you LORD for your over flowing blessings. It's a day that makes me remember how dear life is, and reminds me how HE has everything in His perfect plan. A day- I get to give my mom a gift. To express my love to her. She is a lady that has had a really hard year- but today- we want to make her smile- because- It's her birthday!

Happy birthday to bi bi! This lady is the strongest soul I know. She loves constantly, gives of herself always- complaints are soooooooooo small, and adores her family, worships with music, cares for those in need, forgives oh so often, trust in jesus, makes me smile, gives me hope, plays the piano like no one else, and takes trials with so much grace.

May your day today sweet bi bi- be celebrated- rejoiced fully- and know we are loved. We are so thankful for your life, your love, and your heart! We pray today you feel the love for all that love you....heaven is shinning down on you!

happy day!

Christmas time is here.

2011-12-11T17:01:00.000-08:00

Our family this year- they love talking each night by the cmas tree and looking at all the lights- ellie everymorning points to the lights and claps when she sees the tree! It's been a neat year to see the kids both so excited for the joy of the season.

Pink Pig 2011

2011-12-10T16:49:00.000-08:00

My mom as a little girl always went with her dad from Macon to Atlanta to ride the Pink pig at cmas time. She now has taken the tradition on and takes her grandkids every yr after thanksgiving. They love it!

The ride is really sweet and cute. It's simple but exciting for these little excited hearts.

who's excited?

love this pic.

miss ellie loved the ride...she giggled the whole time.

it's beginning to look a lot like....

2011-12-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

Christmas!

pure joy.

tried a curler- not long enough yet....

every morning- this is what g does- he is my christmas tree turner on boy (elf).

graham helping daddy put the tree up a week ago....big helper.

There are times in your life when the smallest thing means the world to you. This year having my two little ones in my house is the best gift to my heart. I was driving this morning and graham was singing to the top of his little heart, "away in a manger," and ellie was sitting in her chairset as calm and peaceful as could be. Every time I turned around to look at her, she'd giggle and wave "hi" to me. My heart said without even thinking- thank you jesus for my little ones. I am so content this year with the gift of love- my blessings are overflowing.

family

2011-12-05T17:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we took a quick trip to atl to visit one last time with the cawood cousins, before they head back to alaska. Mike's oldest sister jenn, lives in alaska with her three kids, so when we get to all play, catch up and enjoy all being together, it's a treat. In the cozy blanket is baby ryleigh, mike's youngest sister's new little girl. She's too cute!

mike, and his little sister, amie with cutey tootie ryleigh bug!

we started out the day, going to visit santa and standing on his fire truck- before a day full of playing.

lilly-3, graham 3 1/2, liam-9, and emma-6. we missed will and logan but they were home sick with a little bug!

nana loving on miss ellie...she is one loved little girl!

look at sweet sweet lilly, she's my little buddy! she loves life, her heart is so adorable. I got a chance to feed ryleigh....

liam and emma- these cousins are so sweet for my kids to play with. we miss them already.

cmas pj night, thanks nana for our cozy cmas pj's and slippers.

cousins.

uncle mike giving cmas rides....not just for one, but all!

lilly.

aunt jenn and ellie playing dress up- even though miss ellie is a little angel!

this is the face graham gave me when i told him he could sleep on a bunk bed.......

all the girls playing with miss ellie-- they were so proud of her.
We had a quick but sweet trip visiting and playing with our family and cousins. Hope you cawoods have a safe trip home, get your boots and coats ready for that alaskan snow.

thankful hearts

2011-11-29T09:20:00.000-08:00

This Thanksgiving weekend was a time to be thankful for the sweet things in life. The gifts that God gives us daily, and the love He constantly gives. His love is greater and mighty in every season of life we walk through.

We enjoyed a thanksgiving out this year. We had thanksgiving with my parents this year. We loved getting up, being thankful, getting dressed and going out on thanksgiving. This was a first- but we all really enjoyed our lunch, talking about what we are thankful for, and being together as a family.

my little turkey had to climb a tree.....maybe he's more like my little monkey.

i sure am thankful for this man. i couldn't ask for a sweeter, loving, go fearing, man in my life. I am so thankful for this man. He blesses me grately.

these little loves....they are my gifts each day. Thank you lord for my little loves. I am one thankful mommy.

My parents have walked through many life challanges this year. We rejoice for my dad standing in this picture and healing so well from his fall 3 months ago. It was a blessing to have you at our table, making us laugh, always spicing up a holiday, going out at midnight for black friday, loving on our kids, and always making your laughter laugh so much. You pops- we are thankful for.
Bi bi- your walk with jesus this year has been so graceful, full of real honest hardship, but your love for Him has shown. Never complaining- full of brightness, and love, we are so thankful for your heart of love. We were so thankful to have a day to give thanks with you, and remembering our sweet me me. You have had a year were you gave so much to your family- your mom, you did what you had to do with a heart full of love....a testimony.

                                  Our little tucked away table...it was yummy, a great place for kids, and relaxing- dad loved not washing dishes this year....and mom needed not to cook, enjoy this day- and we really did.


                          Thank you bi bi and pops for a sweet thanksgiving. I can't go with out saying.....

We sure do miss you me me. It was a day we talked about your life, the ways you touched us all..how much we miss you, but we also talked about how thankful we are- you are in heaven....we are thankful for our memories.

This is one of my favorite pictures of me me and bi bi.
We are thankful for.....

ellie- 23 months- 2011

graham 3 1/2- 2011

graham this year really got into the things he was thankful for...it was neat to hear him really talk about his thankful heart....he is thankful for..every morning we would talk about a few things we were thankful for...and these are some...

jesus, cookies, his fort, toys, bobbi, trucks, bi bi, daddy, juice, cousins, nana, ppj's, his bike, little sisters, pops, fireman sam, candy, blankets, pappy, mommy, chips, chocolate milk, chick-fil- a, bubble gum, rain boots, fireman hats, will, logan, aunts, trees, uncles, gymnastics, lolly pops, apples, brooks, reese,sunshine, baby rj, liam, emma, lilly, coats, friends, books, love, happy hearts, bedtime stories, singing.

With a thankful heart...we say thanks.

Vera Montine Moore

2011-11-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Remembering Meme...

our days

2011-11-08T18:46:00.000-08:00

"Teach me to number my days, that I may gain wisdom....satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy all of my days." Psalm 90:12,14

I drove home to birmingham from Macon Ga, Sunday night with my sweet little buddy graham. Daddy and miss ellie had a daddy daughter date in his truck. It was a heart battle to leave Macon Ga, as I said goodbye to my precious god fearing me me. I didn't want to leave b/c i felt like my heart was leaving her forever, but my soul told me different. Heaven is one glorious place. A place we will worship jesus, where the rain drops sing praises to the lord. Can you imagine? Glorious! Indecribable.

I drove listening to praise songs, sang some, felt complete peace through most, and cried tears of thanksgiving as some songs exploded about the praises of heaven. My me me taught me that love is the most precious gift given. She had her most earthly prized things- the things she needed all in her walker bag her last days. She loved her lipstick, lotion, glasses, tissues, and tums! Her Bible was always with her as well. I held it this weekend, and just ran my hands over her preicous scribbles, the tattered pages and cover showed her daily devotion. She moved me.

She is home now. Forever- she is free from pain free from memory loss, able to sing, worship, talk, and visit with so many she loved that have already gone before her.

My me me didn't have an easy life in her earlier days, but she chose to always stay possitive, to see the best in everything, and forgive and forget. Life is too short she would say. Just love, love, love.

As I mourn through this time in my life, I miss her grately. I will miss the letters on my birthday, my kids birthdays, with scriptures in them. I will miss her hands, painting her nails, the warmth she gave when she loved or hugged you, her adorable giggle, and her voice as she prayed.

But, today I have hope. Hope that there is a God. A God that was gracious and loving to give me a sweet me me. A lady to love my dear mom, that she left so many traits of hers in my mom. I am one blessed lady to have two ladies leading before me to show me, Jesus. Thank you Lord. I pray that through this mourning state that the hope will outshine the pain, and that God will let me see His face as I miss me dear me me. I am pressing in to him, and stand holding on to hope.

she moved us all

2011-11-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

This weekend my family celebrated the sweet, servant life of my dear me me. She lived a life full love. She was a quiet soul that didn't have to say much, just her presence was powerful. She adored who she is with now, her Lord! I remember as a child laying in bed with her as she prayed- there was nothing but a humbled heart praying before the lord. She lived to love on others- never complaining, simple, always up lifting, cooking for others, taking sick meals, and always laughing. I will miss her laughter, her sweet hands, the way she made me feel when she huged me, her letters, her voice, going to macon ga to see my me me, her pound cakes, her heart, her giggle, and the sparkle in her eyes when she smiled at you.

This weekend we had a beautiful service for her life. We rejoiced for the life she lived, the love she gave, and the god she served. She is home. I miss her deeply. I wish I could tell her just one more time on this earth what she meant to me. But I am thankful for the memories I have with her and the way she pierced my heart forever. I will see her again.

Her favorite hymn was below.

(this was her 90th birthday) 4 yrs ago.

this year at her 94th birthday (aug 13th, 2011). She fell a week after this birthday.

look at that precious smile.

Great is Thy Faithfulness

Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father;

There is no shadow of turning with Thee;

Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not;

As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.

Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

How Great Thou Art

When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation

And take me home- what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration

And there proclaim, my God, how great thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art, how great Thou art!

me me, we miss you grately, but rejoice you are in the arms of jesus. thank you for all you left with your unfailing love.
love you always. missing you,

shell

Heaven

2011-11-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Today my precious me me, 94 year old grandmother had one glorious homecoming. Jesus swept her in his arms today at 2:10...she passed very peacefully and my mom and aunt were with her. Her sweet daughters were both with her reading her scripture and playing hymns to her. We rejoice she is home and worshipping Jesus, but we sure miss her. She lived a beautiful strong god fearing life. We thank god so much for blessing us with a lady of love, forgiveness, and joy, who always gave grace to everyone. Thank you lord for your over flowing blessings of her love for you and the love she gave u all.

Please lift our family up, we sure miss our me me.

Aug-13- 1917- Nov. 2- 2011

halloween night 2011

2011-10-31T20:26:00.000-07:00

happy halloween 2011!
We had a fun night with some sweet silly friends who all looked so cute in their outfits. i didn't realize this, but after taking this picture and looking at it- all our sweet friend tonight all had red hair but graham and ellie!!!!!!

graham, reese, hadley and ethan.

daddy beckner and miss hadley or miss hello kitty i should say....

mommy and a cute little fire fighter.

ellie before she became a beautiful flower......

there she is, a sweet flower.....

not so sure about this costume again mommy...is what she is thinking.

mrs kate, baby #2 (in tummy), and sweet ethan! we love these sweet faces...they are dear!

daddy was so happy to see ellie as a flower, can u tell?

the clan, look at ellie, she was so excited and felt soooo big to sit with the big kids on the steps...

take two!

the queen on her wagon ride!

headed out for the night, one of my dearest friends-momma beckner with little bryn in the stroller, sweet kate, ethan and mr. donnie, daddy and graham, getting ready to trick or treat!!!!!!!!!!!

these silly kids had a fun fall moment in some leafs.....their giggles were absolutely uncontrolled!!!!!!!!!

miss hadley grace, and ellie on the road together, a little road trip!

daddy and graham the fire fighter! thanks bi bi and pops for our halloween flashlight- the candy in it was quite the treat! thank u!

trick or treat!

c-a-n-d-y-!

and the crew is off!

on a mission, can u tell?

love this girl, maggie, she is our amazing babysitter, friend, prayer warrior, and we just love her!

auntie anna banana always loving on the kids, always brings a smile to our house!

we had a great time all together eating, catching up, watching the kids dress up, race to the houses, have fun, laugh, and enjoy the fall weather! happy halloween!

my little flower

2011-10-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

today at ellie's school, we had her halloween parade! it was so fun seeing all her sweet little friends play with her, talk to her, tell me how much they loveee ellie, and watch my precious little girl play and interact with her buddies. daddy and ellie before school.

daddy and ellie headed to school one morning this week...it's their daddy daughter dates...they love their time together.

graham's newest silly face....singing--he is the king of the jungle....

ellie learned to sit in a chair--it's amazing to me the things we all learned so easily and how we see gods faithfulness and love as he pours out on our families.

at school this morning for ellie's parade- she was a flower- ms. earnistine, and aunt t.

ellie in her pumpkin shirt at school...she loveees school...

mommy and ellie about to start her halloween parade.

sweet ms. lakietha with miss ellie....she isn't so sure about this outfit...

ellie and her sweet friend- juilia.

so happy to start the parade.

my sweet flower.

playing at school.

going around in the parade.

precious precious ms patt! we loveeeeeee this lady...she loves on all these kids and adores them!

playing playing playing.

getting so big....

standing and pulling up.

we are so thankful for ellie's friends, sweet teachers, therapist, and love that covers her daily....she is one happy girl!

get away

2011-10-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

this week mike went to calloway gardens for a night with his company. at the very last minute the 3 of us decided to join him for the night and a day of "not so normal" life. We walked trails, road bikes, saw beautiful butterflies, slept in a cabin, all shared a room, and had a little change of pace from b-ham. It was beautiful, great to be a family of 4, and be renewed by god's sweetness he so freely gives.

this is what the kids thought about going to see daddy and get away for a night...they were so excited!

this boy is all boy. he loves his bike so much, he could ride and ride on his bike for hours, and he did at the gardens! i just walked behind him in amazement at how big my boy has gotten and how thankful my heart is for this fun loving child.

our family of 4.

graham couldn't have been more excited to be playing outside, wearing a helmet, and being one wild boy!

sweetest thing being so sweet in the stroller- staying warm and taching all the butterflies in the green house.

i had to get this....we were walking and i looked up and graham had his pants down and just was helping himself to the restroom- like i said- all boy!

my precious blessings! so thankful!

daddy with his little ones in the butterfly green room- it was amazing!

miss ellie being so sweet....

we wore them out....graham was out in about 5 minutes in the car.

and little sister was out in about 8 minutes....they had a fun trip! thanks daddy for letting us join in your fun for a night!

fully blessed

2011-10-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

this morning miss ellie was in a play play mood! good morning little bit!

mr. graham is really into dress up...really into it. he thinks these glasses are a hoot, he wore them half the morning- i'd look at him and laugh and there he's go again with these silly things.

do u see this? this ellie is standing all on her own. she has stand on her own for about 3 secs and then sits down. sooooooooooooooooo proud of you big girl...you are getting stronger and stronger each day.

i see these faces in my house this morning and can't help but find complete delight. thankful for these little loves.

graham loves spending time playing with his sensory ben, he makes lots of different pretend foods out of the dry black beans- makes smoothies, pies, you name it- encourage using that immagination! These bens are a great way to encourage counting- colors, sorting, hiding and finding fun things hidden in the beans. He loves playing in them. Its a great way to encourage learning in a fun way. For each season its fun to change the beans and colors for different holidays/seasons. Just make sure if you make these that your child wont put the smaller iteams in his/her mouth. and- thanks mrs. tori for our fun fall shirts! we love them!

verse for today- "for today has enough worries of its own, do not worry about the future; it is in the father's hands."

we need this.

2011-10-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

our lives recently have been a bit crazy recently. there have been some really difficult circumstances thrown our way the last 6 months. our kids have been sick for about 2 weeks now, and mike and i are truly worn out right now. this weekend we needed a little fun, rest, and yummy cooking!

i know in the midst of trials our god is much bigger than we are. he knows our known heart better than me do (kinda crazy). As a believer my heart must lean deeper and stronger into his will, and trust his ways are mighty, good, and perfect. it is hard at times for sure. my human heart kicks in all the time, but i must believe he is working in the midst of trials. for my dear hubby- there is nothing more enjoyable than a camp fire...so we made one if the bk yard this wknd and i had one happy hubby.

graham had to give a sneak peek in his fire fighter outfit- once he tried it on...there was no taking it off.

who is so big?

graham after his much needed hair cut!

anything can bring a smile with bi bi's yummy peanut butter pie....

my dad; for you all that have prayed- thank you, and here is my miracle dad- exactly one month after his fall- he is healing more each day- we are still praying for his eye and his ribs to completely heal...love u pops!

even graham loves some peanut butter pie- he is for sure mike's son!

my angel- after bath....she blesses us all! where did my little baby go?

miss ellie ate by mouth an entire banana cut up on sunday. yes you read that right. we had to get a picture b/c we were so thankful and proud and she was too! it was amazing- she just did it- no gags- no chokes- just ate it. god is faithful...always.

playtime!

2011-10-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

This week we've had a week! Mike's been out of town, grahams had a tummy bug, and ellie's had some awful, fever, congested, crying, sad little body. We are praying for a healthy weekend...we need a little breather around here!

The best part of my week was on weds- before these bugs hit our house, my little twin nephews got to come play with just "aunt sheshy", for the morning- while mommy went and had some girl time. It was a huge treat for me to play one on one with will and logan. They were so sweet, and talking up a storm!

we made some fall/halloween sensory bens to play in and sort things in their pumpkin trays! If you have little ones around and can make a fun sensory ben for different seasons- it's a lot of fun and great learning for them!

sorting!

we wanted to make something yummy for snack time- so the boys helped me make some pumpkin cookies for their tummies and some extra for their mommy.

yummy!

snack time!

i' ve wanted to make these fun hand print fall tree's i saw on pinerest last week. So the boys and aunt sheshy wanted to make their mommy a fall surprise! So we painted lots of little hands...try and be clean...and made a little happy for their mommy to always have!

so cute!!!! they did great!

play time. these sweet boys are all boy...i think every truck and car in the playroom was used!

thank you little buddies for being so sweet and coming to play with me! What a treat....you boys are a blessing to watch grow..so thankful for your little voices, i could listen to you say my name all day long...aunt sheshy...priceless.

fall

2011-10-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

fall is my most favorite time of year. i love the smells of fall, anything pumpkin, and out getting boots, long sleeves, jeans, cozy blankets, orange pumpkins on the porch, pumpkin spice lattes, and warm soups to throw in a crock pot- love that!
Here are my two little pumpkins wearing their matching pj's getting ready for halloween!

My little pumpkins! graham 3 1/2, ellie 22 months.

This little man is my heart. His smile delights my heart. He has been a great big brother- now that ellie can play with him, he lovvvvves some good play time with little sis. They can have one good time together! The kitchen seems to be the center of play time quite often recently! I can tell I am one real momma now b/c a kitchen filled with toys on the ground only means- there are happy kids in the house!

look at this big girl standing on her own. I still get chill bumps when i see her working so hard to be a big girl. She is moving all over the place and loving her ability to move on her own. God sure teaches us the sweet blessings of life when you see this little bug make big girl steps! God is so gracious to us. Thank you for my baby girl and my big boy who is learning more to honor God each day.

we are so proud of you sweet girl!

Today Show

2011-10-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

Graham, ellie, and mommy all three woke up and quickly turned on the today show! why? step my brother is a partner in the new product called Corkcicle! It was featured today this morning- on the today show! We wanted to cheer him on and his company--this is what graham thought about it (above)!

I tired to get some pictures of it- kinda off- but i got it!

Congrats to Corkcicle!!!!!!! You can get one of these great things for gifts- friends, and the Holidays!
Go to here! And get one! Check it out.....

miss ellie was so excited for unlce stephen- she went looking for one in the frig! =) ha ha!

sept birthday love!

2011-09-30T10:05:00.000-07:00

before this month is over...we have to post our birthday celebration for our aunt t!

the boys getting ready for the birthday dinner celebration!!!! they have so much fun together!

happy birthday to you aunt t!

bath time together!!!!!

a night night dance party-to get all their energy out so we have some sleepy eyes!

dance- shake that leg!

everyone dancing- uncle andy getting down! =)

aunt t- may your birthday month be celebrated fully. we love you!

home!

2011-09-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

This picture above my brother took as he was walking into the hospital one day. He saw this and had to capture the sweetness of my dad's life and also can u see which stretcher is my dad's- hint- his nickname now is paintboy!

It is saturday and we are so thankful and excited b/c dad is coming home today! He has been in the hospital a week today, and he is ready to be in his own bed, rest, and heal at his house. God has given him so much during this difficult time. His friends have been incredible to sit with him, talk, and show him what a miracle his life is! There is a lot recovery once he is home...but he is home!!!!

Way to pray-
Right eye healing but praying it will open again.
Blood behind that eye to go away
For his broken ribs to heal
Oxygen levels to stay above 95
My mom to get some rest now
My dad's business not to be on the front of his mind this first week home
Healing to cover my parents house

The prayers love and encouragement has been a huge blessing- thank you all.
The meals for my parents are huge (even though my mom didn't want us to make her a sign up list) She doesn't have to worry about cooking!

His ways are mighty and real, thank you all for doing life with my family!

hope

2011-09-21T11:26:00.001-07:00

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout generations, for ever and ever. Amen." Eph. 3:20-21

dad

2011-09-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

My precious dad. Today he was moved to a room, out of ICU. Did I think on saturday that my dad would ever walk again, speak to me, or even leave to hospital to go home with my mom, no. God has mighty plans for my dear dad. After seeing the deck he fell on the ladder he was on, he IS a walking miracle. It will be a long hard recovery for sure, and they may be other surgery's to follow. But, we rejoice that my dad is alive and still loving on his sweet grandkids, and being his fun loving self even with all his pain. All the nurses are loving my dad b/c he is so sweet and love everyone he meets. He sure scared us all to death, but he does now have a new nick name, paint boy! He has not been able to take a shower so he is still covered in paint from the fall. Poor thing.

He still has a chest tube in his lungs, and the pain from his broken ribs is hard to bare. His right eye is still swollen shut and may never open again. But, we are praying it will. The blood between his right eye and the brain is still there but hasn't gotten larger, so we are praying it will go away and continue to not harm his brain. Please cover my mom's strength, and let her let other love and serve her through this time. She needs rest and is still going 100 miles a minute.

Thank you all for your prayers and love. Dad's loved for sure. He loves seeing all of his friends and family. Today graham and ellie took the morning to see him, and graham loved seeing his pop pop. Than you all for your love. Truly.

we love you pop pop!

update on dad

2011-09-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

thank you all for your prayers, visits, and constant love. My dad is one loved man, today this waiting room was packed with his sweet friends and family, praying for him, and thanking god for saving him. He is blessed.

Dad is in lots of pain still in his head and lungs/chest. He still has a tube in his lungs and many fractures in his face, and broken ribs. Hid head is pretty beat up from the fall, and his right eye is swollen shut. It is black and blue and gives him lots of pain. His bones around his right eye are broken in several places. A plastic surgeon came in today and looked at it- he might not be able to ever open it again, but we don't know, time will tell. There is a pool of blood behind his right eye that they are watching closely to make sure it doesn't bleed more into his brain. So far, the docs think this will go away with time.

He sat in a chair today for a while, watching tv a little and loved on everyone that came to see him. My precious dad is for sure a rock, he gives everything he has to others. He is still in ICU as of now.

My mom- she is extrememly tired. She is holding on the the good news and thankful for the life he saw quickly almost almost leave her. If my mom wasn't at home when my dad fell off the ladder my dad would not have lived from the blood coming out of the his mouth and nose. My family is holding tight together for the goodness and greatness of our god.

he is good, he is good, and his love endures....
thank you all for prayers.
ps. i hope this all makes sense i am so tired...i just wanted to update you all to take some pressure off my mom with emails and calls. although she loves hearing all of your sweet messages and voices on her phone, thank you.

my dad

2011-09-17T21:24:00.000-07:00

today around 2:30 i got a call that my dad was painting on a 20 ft latter at their house in atl, and we aren't sure what happened, but he fell off of the latter onto their deck. We quickly threw things in the car and headed to atl. I saw my dad tonight at 8:45. He has blood behind his right eye (which is fractured) and that is something we are asking you to pray for. We are praying this will not collect any more blood from the trama. His left lung collasped this afternoon, so they rushed him into surgery and pierced his lung with a tube so they could get the air in his lung out and try and rebuild that lung. Because on the brain injury's they weren't able to give him anesthesia- so we was awake during the surgery. He is in a lot of pain- but is talking which is a true miracle. We are asking you to stand together and pray for my precious dad. There is no one in the world like him. We don't know any of the other broken bones b/c they are treating the major things tonight. He is in icu tonight. Please cover him, and I thank you deeply.

I got to go in icu and hold his hand tonight and he knew i was there and talked me. He is one strong strong man. He is completely covered in paint since he was painting...so we knew the doctors and nurses that were taking care of him b/c they would come in and out of the doors with paint on them.

That is all for tonight...i have got to get a little sleep. Pray for my mom- she need to covered fully!
I am thankful to have my dad with me tonight more than ever...

welcome!

2011-09-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY RYLEIGH JOY LEDFORD!

We can't wait to meet you sweet cousin! Another sweet girl to play with! She came into the world tonight around 8pm weighing 8:14! Amie and RUSS are doing great, and we are rejoicing and can't wait to see some pictures soon!

9/11

2011-09-11T20:40:00.000-07:00

I sat in church this morning watching a remembrance video of the 10 yr mark for 9/11 in nyc. The day stunned us all, we all knew where we were at that moment, remember the new flashes and stood in awe of the american distruction. A year after 9/11 in ny, I sat with family and friends in a hospital in atlanta ga, pleading with butter flies in my stomach to save my mother's life from kidney cancer. It is a day I will never forget-ever. It was a day that we all sat on the edge of our seats waiting for the doctors to come bring us the news...will she be cancer free, or was the cancer outside of her kidney.

I was a 21 year old girl sitting in the room with all these friends and family i knew...they all meant so much to us. But, as we all know. There is no one like our moms. The moment I will never forget- the elevators opened as the doctor came in to speak to my dad and I. He starting going through the details of the surgery- my dad quickly said- "doc, did you get it all?" He said the words I still rejoice with- "It was only in her one kidney- the one we took out." I had nothing to hold back- so I leap on him with a huge hug...then my dad said- well i guess i'll give you a hug too! We were so thankful, rejoicing for the goodness God always gives.

So-- today is a sweet day for us. We rejoice to God for the lady of love. She gives all the time to others- it is never about her...he is constantly thinking of others and giving everything she has those around her. We are so thankful and celebrate with you mom, and our bi bi today!

God knew every plan he has for you mom. Even from the time you were a little girl. You adores you and loves the delight you take in HIM! Happy 9 years momma cancer free! He is good, He is good and his love endures! You will always be a blessing to so many bi bi!

my mom as a little girl.....precious!

soccer player...

2011-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

this past thursday night we started our first team sport! soccer! We had more fun that graham i think getting him ready for soccer, buying cleats, and shen guards, and a # 3 soccer ball! Graham was super excited, but the most exciting part of the night was, the coach.

yep....daddy is the coach! He was a hoot to watch...i am not sure who i had more fun watching, graham or mike....excuse me...coach. They all call him coach, it's precious! Mike did a great job keeping these 3 yr olds interested in soccer, and taught them "the no hands rule", very well!

There is their little team- two more kids showed up after i took this picture!

coach even made them do jumping jacks.

stretching......

learning about the ball....and taking turns kicking it into the goal....

our little soccer player...yes the shirt is bigger than he is...but it didn't stop him.

go graham!

mike was great at talking to them...he told them all the sit on their balls while they listened to him...great idea coach!

graham had a great first night of soccer....he loved it!

my little family...so thankful!

happy big 2nd bday cousins!

2011-09-02T14:57:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate with our little love cousins- Brooks and Reese! We hope you guys have a great big day! Wish we could celebrate with you all!

graham loving on brooks!

the family of 4!- now almost 5! god is so faithful to us!

bi bi loving on reese!

little brooks and reese at 3 months old- how are you two now!

Here are some sweet pictures of the bruner twins when they were only 3 months old. Last time they came to our house! happy sweet 2nd bday big boy and girl! we love and miss u!

love

2011-08-30T11:18:00.000-07:00

This past weekend our family of 4 took a 4 hour trip to macon ga. My dear me me needed a little loving from us all. We were able to stay with our aunt faye and graham's new best buddy uncle paul. He loves hanging out with him...they had breakfast out of their porch every morning together and enjoyed their time together for sure!

Aunt Faye is so dear...she has always been a lady of love! Always loving on everyone around here. She needed her nails done so we had a little girly time together.

My me me. It was an extrememly difficult weekend seeing my dear grandmother in the state she is in. She is bed ridden, not eating anything but fluids, or mushy textures, and her days are mostly spent sleeping, she awoke for about 2 hours on saturday, but the rest is sleeping. I know she is preparing to go be with Jesus and what a Glorious day that will be. I got to spend a lot of time holding her hand, telling her what she means to me, and gave her as many kisses as I could. There are those people that walk into your life and touch you forever- she is one of those. My dear me me, we love you! This is my mom and me me's hand above. Thank you all for your cards, love, and prayers- i sure do feel them. Its been a long weekend but we are beyond thankful for our time with her.

having a little sunday brunch together.

blessings

2011-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

i went to drop this little boy off at school today and I had an overwhelmed since of thankfulness as i was walking to my car. I prayed for a long time to have kids and today I couldn't stop thanking God for his blessings. Graham and I have had more one on one time together the last week. Since I get ellie at 4pm from her school and get graham at 1pm- we have a mommy date, we call it together. He has been so sweet and loving this week...we have barely had to discipline at all...it's amazing! I am so thankful for our time together- having these two blessings in my life are the greatest gifts!

she is 94!

2011-08-18T13:21:00.000-07:00

last weekend so many family members took their weekends to all gather and celebrate with food, fun, rejoicing, napping, and singing happy birthday to my sweet dear 94 year old me me. here are some cute pics of the kids all eating corn.

grace (above) and faith (below)

mr. books man!

reese not so sure...but a trooper anyways.

(below) the three redheads!

me me and her girls.

the crew! brooks, faith, graham, grace, and reese.

happy 94th b-day sweet me me. you are dear to us all.

all the girls 2011

her girls....what love and devotion these 3 have.

mary- me me and mary have known each other cince 4th grade...a precious lifelong friendship.

donna and ellie.

ellie is sooooooo big!

her day....

this picture chokes my heart....nothing like a daughters love and a mother's love.

uncle paul and aunt faye- these two are a gift to us all!

look at these faces...thank u jesus for your faithfulness always.

watermelon time.

this b-day celebration for my 94 yr old gma will be a day we will all remember, be thankful for, and cherish in our hearts. she has touched us all, given so freely, and showed us all amazing grace and love. we love u me me.

first day of school for ellie and graham!

2011-08-15T12:46:00.000-07:00

a busy weekend- and last night our upstairs unit (ac) decided to go out. So we piled the kids in our room last night for a last night of summer slumber party. graham on the air mattress and ellie in the pack n play! graham thought this was extra exciting the bounce and sleep on this fun thing!

ellie (below) eating breakfast before school. 7 am!

dressed and ready to go!

daddy giving her some extra lovin!

ellie saying hey- i really think she knew she was going to big girl school...she was so excited this morning.

graham with his new preschool book bag- rockin t-shirt- and big sweet smile!

they are ready to go!

me- having a sweet prayer with both my kids b/f school...dont look to closely- my eyes are swollen from tears...can't believe my two little loves are both in school....boo whoo!

taking ellie to school first- look at graham carrying everything in- he wanted to help her do everything.

graham taking everything in for ellie- what a big helper!

ellie with her teacher!

new little friends......

graham saying goodbye-- and mommy so thankful for his loving heart!

one off- now graham! look at my big boy!

his new teacher- mrs. aubrey and his new cubby!

so proud of his sink in his classroom- he had to show daddy!

have a great first day my big boy graham- i am so proud of you and the tender heart you had today with your sweet little sister! I am so thankful for my two children- god is so faithful!

thank you all for you calls, texts, emails, and prayers. it was a different day for sure as miss ellie started school and i had to release her care and control to god and her teachers. we are so thankful for the center she is at and couldn't be more excited for her therapy and progress to come! i can't wait to pick her up- see how her tube feeds went, if she ate by mouth, and goodness gracious how sleeping on a cot went....this is all so new, but we are so thankful- and hopefull my free time will bless my heart as a mommy, wife, daughter, sister, friend, and more! a big day today!

just us girls...

2011-08-06T08:55:00.000-07:00

these last few days miss ellie and mommy have had lots of one of one playing time! graham is having the time of his life playing in atl with his bi bi and pops for a few days. ellie and i have had so much fun playing- working on standing and lots of tickle time. it is AMAZING how quiet my house is with just ellie- i miss my wild man, but am getting so much done cleaning, oraganizing, and getting ready for school to start in 1 week. breath! ellie will be going to school this year and it's been a lot for me to swallow these last few weeks. god is so faithful to give me everything i need as her mom. but leaving her in the hands of someone else- will be espically hard since i've done everything for her these last 18 months. thankfully, her delighted sunshine spirit is always a comfort to me, because she loves life fully. through this adjustment period, i pray god will quiet my soul and give me a full peace to know she will be just fine with all those other busy 18 month old friends.

a visit with nana and pappy!

2011-08-01T11:48:00.000-07:00

last week- mr. g went to visit his nana and pappy for a few days of fun, swimming, sleeping in a top bunk bed, giggles, boz the green bear movie, tee teeing in a doll house potty (sorry nana), playing with some of daddy's old toys when he was a kid, and loving time with his family- and smores! this picture above breaks my heart- why? b/c he looks 5 yrs old here...he is wearing my hat and looks too old! no no no!

he is a ham, can u tell? he was being silly b/c he was so excited about eating smores!

smores!

pappy and graham roasting marshmellows! oh goodnes- he loved these! loved!

roasting time...with ellie too!

he is all boy...this was too cool for him!

pool with miss ellie!

my little watermelon!

thank you pappy and nana for a fun, restful weekend with our famliy- the kids had a blast and we loved spending time with u both! memories were made!

nana and ellie! thank you nana for letting us have a goods night sleep and giving ellie some extra love one night- i am sure she loved it.....we are blessed!

us

2011-07-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

This last weekend and the beginning of this week, we just did a lot of hanging out and laying low around the house. It was much needed and completely wonderful to just spend some time doing family things....last week and this weekend we were all a little sick so we played in our pj's til almost lunch time on Saturday, spent lots of time in the playroom, and rested rested rested. (Above- Mike and ellie). My dear hubby is absolutely a life saver- he spends many nights tag teaming it with me if miss ellie doesn't sleep well...we aren't sure what is going on still with her sleeping patterns but they are all over the board. We have many nights of 4 or 5 hrs of sleep, and as you know- mommy's and daddy get grumpy tired, and worn out quickly when lack of sleep is involved. I couldn't be more thankful for a man that is right there with me through it all. God sure knew he would be perfect for miss ellie, and mrs. shelli!

We did a little painting project and after paint and a 3 yr old are friends- it isn't clean that's for sure. So after we painted some little projects graham wanted to get in our sink and clean off and play for a bit. I wasn't paying close attention when i looked over and realized he had gotten ellie's feeding supplies from the counter and was "eating like ellie" as he said. Tears filled my eyes- not bc of the feeding tube- but b/c that was completely normal and totally ok with graham that this is the way ellie eats sometimes. He thought the world of this b/c this is what his baby sister does. He knew exactly what to do- I am amazed- he just said he didn't have a button in his tummy- so would eat through his mouth- but still like her. It was one of the those child like faith moments. dear.

who knew mommy's rain boots could be such a hit- he loves these things- wears them numerous times a wk!

our sweet friend mrs. tori made this fun shirt for graham and he loveeeees it- he asked me to take a picture of him- so thought we'd say hey and thanks to mrs. tori for our new fun shirt!

the old days- i remember so well as a child eating oatmeal for breakfast with either banana's or peaches in it. When it was a special day my mom is sweet me me would put a little scoop of ice cream on top to cool it off and for a little extra yumminest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

graham was quite excited to eat oatmeal to way mommy did sometimes as a child! hmmmmm good!

one busy boy!

2011-07-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

Oh graham is one busy boy! He for sure keeps his mommy on his toes! Graham is a mess these days! He is one strong willed 3 year old so excited for the next learning adventure for sure! He is my child that likes a plan, doesn't want to be thrown off guard, enjoys task, and loves being the leader of any task! Mike and I woke up this morning- and when daddy is home on a saturday there is nothing more thrilling to mr g than having his best buddy home- graham woke up saying- goodmorning- today we are going to 1. go to the park 2. then go to target 3. eat lunch 4. then go exercise! We laughed and laughed. My little planner! He and ellie are really starting to play together more and more now that she's on the move! He loves having someone to play peeka boo with, make pretend food for, and roll the ball back and forth. Graham has always been my non-stop child. So this picture below is perfect and priceless for his age!

here is our silly 3 year old boy who has had a fun summer for sure!

18 months.

2011-07-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

I can't even believe that in the title of this blog...i just wrote 18 months. Miss ellie is now 18 months old- and full of personality!

2 months old

4 months old....so tiny!

7 months old- little pumpkin

8 months old

10 months old

she is 1!

14 months.

love this b/c they r both making the same face...she reminds me a lot of me me.

16 months old--my happy girl....what a joy you are!

17 months- what fun riding!

i love this picture of the cawoods with my kids b/c look at little ellie on the end- liam has his arm around her....priceless to me!

so big!

18 months- wow! where did this time go? miss ellie- you have for sure given us a run for our money-no doubt. But, let me tell you- as your mommy- I am overjoyed and delighted to call you my little girl. Your smile lights up anyones days, strengthens anyone heart, you forgive brother for taking toys faster than anything, you give all day long, your giggle delights us all, your face gives us hope that Jesus is so real! Your dad and I joke now, b/c through this hard feeding battle, now that babyfood is your love- we fight over who feeds you now- it's so exciting to see you eat with total pleasure! You love to play with all toys, but a basket full of small toys that can be dumped out and then put back into the basket- your game to play! Today as we were playing on the floor all of the sudden i left something on my back. It was you- you were pulling up on my shirt- so i turned around and there you were reaching up for me. I said, " baby what is it?" With your big smile you reached again- I picked you up and you just planted your head in my shoulder- you just needed a big long hug- and so did i! thank you for your precious soul and love miss ellie!

stevie award.

2011-07-11T13:02:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but post this! This is time square and on the tv in my older brother- Stephen Bruner! See him! A few weekends ago he was nominated for a stevie award. I am not sure if you know what this- I didn't. But it is a HUGE honor! It is the Americans Business awards. Stephen was nonimated for marketer of the year- OF AMERICA- i tell you- and yes, with tears from a proud sister- HE WON! This is stephen excepting his award on time square. I kinda feel like he's a movie star here. Stephen works oh so hard- and give it his all- well I guess it shows.

The Morrows here in b-ham are so proud of you! Even if you didn't win this unbelievable award we'd still be cheering for you- always!

love and congrats step- marketer of the year!

happy birthday nana!

2011-07-09T17:50:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrate mike's mom's birthday! Thank you nana for all you do. We hope you have a great celebrated day! Happy happy birthday to you! oxoxoxox

you have lots of little ones and lives that love u! happy birthday!

july 4th weekend!

2011-07-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

we started our the weekend making playdough smoothies.....yummy, thanks g!

ellie is really learning to drink her sippy cup- look at her!

yeah i am doing it---this is what she is saying!

daddy had to join in on the playdough fun- he made an egg and cheese mc-muffin!

made some homemade saturday morning iced coffee- it was so refreshing and just what our saturday morning needed.

the 4th! these two bless my heart!

hi! happy 4th!

we had some sweet cousins come join our fun, after a long day of these three boys swimming together- here are these three boys- i just can't believe all of them are so big....sniff sniff! I loves seeing all play!

a pizza party! they all got a pretend play pizza! lots of cooking arond here!

uncle andy and ellie!

so we were having a silly hat party....ellie did have a hat on but it just fell off right as i took the pic...i wish you could see them all b/c it was a hoot!

hats!

mr will the fireman!

we finally got them all to smile! look at these boys...i love this...having a playful 4th of july together! memories!

watching some "daddy and uncle andy" fireworks show.

graham covering his ears for some of the louder fireworks gave us a little scare! boom! boom! boom! graham kept saying.

ellie enjoying her daddy and some fireworks, she loveeeed them!

the morrows- will and logan 2 1/2, aunt t, and uncle andy! happy 4th!

Does this weekend have to end? We had a wonderful weekend with cousins, family, friends, rest, yummy southern food, what a special weekend to rejoice for being free in our country! happy 4th!

He speaks....

2011-07-03T22:04:00.000-07:00

We've had a relaxing weekend. It is almost like Christmas around here when we know daddy has an extra day off work- to make our weekend just a little bit longer, what a treat! I want to share what God is doing in our family and in our lives right now. Why do I want to share? Because over the last 6 to 8 months, my heart has been completely broken, worn out, discouraged, lonely, and frustrated. Oh goodness you are thinking, right? Well, as a believer I know that we all have to walk down lonely paths, hard paths, to strengthen our faith, and grow in our relationship with God. I know all this is be true. I know it. But, the last 6 months no matter what I walked through...I didn't "feel" God in any of it. Did I know he was there...yes yes yes. But did I "feel" him, no. We have been in many difficult doctor appointments with miss ellie. I will NEVER forget the words of the neo- doc looking into my eyes the day ellie left her 6 week stay in the nicu, and saying- "shelli, this child will be in and out of many doctors offices, just hold tight, you will not experience what you did with your first child." Well, as sad and gloomy as that sounds- it was true. But let me bring a little light into this, I would do this all over again, all the doc appointments, all the monthly illnesses, sleepless nights (not easy), cleaning up throw up, and the reason is.......ELLIE is almost 18 months old and just this week is getting up on all fours and scooting all over the place. JOY! Let me tell you....when you have done therapy like we have and constantly feel like you only smash a little harder into that brick wall...this weekend mike and i have thought....really, is she really moving all over the place?! She is! I tell you- to see the smile explode on her face and the pure-determination-look that covers her face as she goes and scoots....it is so exciting in such a thankful way (if that makes any sense!).
As a mom- we all want our kids to be the best, to do everything so well, not to struggle, why would we want them to struggle? This is why I have been so burdened the last 6 months. I don't know anyone around me that has the struggles miss ellie does, but even though that is ok in my heart and I rejoice she is ours...it is lonely at times because we have to do everything so incredible different. I can't ask people to understand something that you can't really understand until you live in it. And then we've had to really overcome the people who stare at us while we feed her in public, or the endless questions of -"have i tried this for her". I just want to scream and say- about 1,000 times and she just can't do it or get it! My heart is human! Mike and I now find it kind of funny now when we're in public because we have just had to make light of the subject. I have had amazing friends stand by me, cheer me on, and family pray with me constantly- oh so constantly.
So-this weekend even though i didn't really want to read His word...I did. The verse- do everything for the GLORY of the Lord- Could have been in purple font shouting out to me. I thought- I do love being a mom, a wife, a daughter, and friend...ect....But am I doing it for the GLORY of my God? Hmmmmmm, not everyday! So, Saturday I molded this to my heart...no matter what my day threw at me, this was my motto! Nothing was fuzzy, or wonderful feeling, but I felt the presence of God covering my emotions, heart, and strength. I realized God has been speaking to me for sure, and how he really has been there even when I haven't felt him. And like I stated before I knew in the depths of my heart He was there- and I knew that, I was just struggling as a mom to see your child gasp and choke while eating, not sit until 13 months, the list goes on, but it felt like we weren't making progress anywhere.
We met a lady today at church that has a 20 year old son. She was asking me why ellie had a g-tube, then teared up just a little and said- "you know my son had a g-tube until he was toddler, and now he is 235lbs and you'd never think he ever didn't like to eat." She said it so matter of fact and it came so out of left field to me, I was just standing there stunned. I truly didn't know what to say at first. I just looked at her eyes, and said....really, he does?! She acted like it was absolutely no big deal at all that ellie had a g-tube. Well, there I was like a magnet to her at that point...asking her questions about her son's development, feeds, doctors, the whole nine yards.........such a blessing to me....i needed her, that talk, someone to relate! I walked away from her- got in the car- mike just looked at me. I said- and God doesn't care about my small mothering heart does he? He does. Oh my goodness he does!

she loves sunglasses

SO- I share this because we have been in a hard place as a family the last year really. It has been a hard battle. And as we all know when we get down, worn out, and don't sleep, then you get sick. We have had our rounds of illness- no doubt. But, for any mom that is struggle with anything- from big to small.....disciplining, whatever the issue is, anything at all--I pray you read this and know- God cares. He does! I KNOW we have miss ellie to see Jesus in her smile, excitement when she eats well (she'll clap for herself), I wouldn't trade it for anything. Whatever your fears are as a mom, friend, daughter, sister, God cares about those small details I can promise you!

sweet beach trip!

2011-06-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

We were so blessed to be able to go to orange beach last week! Our family of 4 made our hike down to the gulf last Sunday and spent a week enjoying our time away from all the hassles of normal life. Mike needed a get away greatly. He has been working so hard, giving everything 110% and being such a dedicated dad...sometimes i truly wonder how he does all he does with never a complaint. We were praying about having a getaway as a family for months. Both our hearts were very dry, tired of the day to day life, and we both knew we needed a breath of fresh air (so to say). We put a number on paper that we wanted to spend on a vacation....I thought...ok God...you know our hearts and how discouraged we've been recently...so I started researching condo's. I emailed a friend who has a condo in orange beach and asked if her parents condo was open this week. It has been a different summer for us with scheduling therapy, and having a life with friends and family- but we knew we had this week free of therapy and it worked great with mike's work as well. So- waited to hear back from the condo in orange beach. The rate he gave us for a week was exactly the number mike had said we could afford for a vacation. I was amazed how God truly cares about the small things in our lives, and how he really wants us to see his beauty and relax as a family. We couldn't have been more grateful and excited to get to the beach. We spent the first 3 days as a family of 4. Just us going to the beach, napping, swimming, eating seafood, building sand castles, and trying to keep sand out of our condo! Weds. night my parents came down for a little babysitting and relaxing a little themselves. Mike and I were able to spend some time together just us on the beach, and had a fun Farris wheel date night! All in all- we couldn't have been more thankful for our week getaway. I am so thankful for the time we all had playing, seeing the ocean, and seeing how real our God is.

pops and ellie

styling ellie

daddy's little beach bum!

Lu Lu's had a great band and seafood....fun with the kids!

ellie and graham-- my little crabs! =)

bedtime- tickle book time.

ellie's beach tent- no sand- fun play pool! ellie can't go into the ocean b/c of her g-tube, so we made her her own little beach castle!

headed to the beach in the wagon!

what fun at the beach!

bi bi and g in the boat...daddy's favorite thing to do at the beach...i think my mom did this more for mike than graham..it was a hoot!

pops taking g for a ride.

ellie soaking up some sun

graham singing and reading on pops ipad....he couldn't get enough. oh goodness!

sweet ellie playing.

sweet girl...eating so well.....so proud!

date night...thanks for our night out just the two of us....so refreshing!

graham kissing sandwich!

so sweet

daddy and his little surfer girl....daddy loved ellie in this swim shirt....

graham totally warmed up to the water and the pool. He was jumping in off the side on his own going under water, holding his breath, and loved being thrown up as high as we could throw him!

daddy and graham holding their breath under water......way to go bud!

me and my little ellie....happy happy happy girl.

ellie is saying she is so big!

here (my fav) she is saying she loves you. i love this one.

graham and ellie at the beach---it was super windy so the sand was blowing everywhere...best snap shot we could get without getting sand in our eyes.

homemade peach ice cream--we had to take a picture of this on the potty- this is for sure Alabama style. But yummy peach ice cream--thank you bi bi and pops for making this yummy treat.

sweet ellie- 17 months

last day (so sad) eating lunch bf heading home!

pops and bi bi- thank you for coming and giving mike and i a little extra rest, and letting us spend some much needed one on one time together. It was a joy to have you guys there!!!

Even though ellie and i were both sick when we got to the beach, god knew we needed this week of special blessings. We started off knowing we were all under spiritual attack, God is faithful to always show us his loving kindness and how great he is. Just to sit on the beach and listen to the ocean waves, and feel the sugar sand on my feet, I just couldn't help but think....god did this just for us all to enjoy and play. Well, we were so thankful, and grateful! That's it for our orange beach trip for 2011.

emmy's wedding weekend!

2011-06-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

we had a fun weekend get away to nashville! our dear friend, and babysitter got hitched this weekend! we were so excited celebrate this special day with emmy and josh! graham was the ring bearer, with one of his best little friends aubrey who was the most precious flower girl. (above) me and my kiddos going to the rehersal!

aubrey, emmy, and graham at the rehersal! can you tell how much graham loves emmy....it was so sweet!

mr and mrs smith (aubrey's parents) being silly at the rehersal...we always have a fun time with the smiths!

practice makes perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!! they did a great trial run!

the last night of miss emmy being miss emmy goad! her mom made her this dress out of her mom's wedding dress...the white part was her mom's dress and her mom made it perfect for miss emmy's rehersal night!

afternoon of the big day--- i walked around the corner and saw the parents with pastor lee taylor praying...had to capture this priceless moment!

graham gearing up...with his flower....he thought i should wear it!

we went searching for miss emmy when we got to the farm house she got married in and this is the beautiful bride we found....she was stunning...so sweet, and so peaceful!

graham adores her! this is when i got a little emotional...thankful for this sweet girl...she's babysat graham since he was 7 months old.

miss ellie boo and daddy....

me and grahambo!

after the wedding pic...yes, had blue sunglasses on after the wedding....she was so cute!

the wedding party.

the dance party.....

the getaway car...emmy and josh left on a tractor...graham and ellie had to test it out to make sure everything was ok!

my loves!
we were so honored and blessed to be a part of this special weekend....congrats to mr and mrs hendricks!!!!!!!!

miss ellie

2011-06-05T08:12:00.000-07:00

miss ellie got into her small baby pool this saturday and had so much fun! it was perfect for her to splash, sit up, and play with her toys in the water.

saturday night we grilled out and afterwards graham was eating a sugar free fudge pop...when ellie seemed super interested. We thought, sure why not!? She loved it...if you can't tell!

yummy!