albright archives

It has been a while....

2011-12-29T19:23:00.002-06:00

My new year resolution is to capture of some of who I am for my children. This will consist of photo albums, journaling, and blogging. I am a lover of blogs and read them quite regularly. My favorites are "Forgiven and Saved" and "Snippets" both by friends from college and Big Mama and Boo Mama, not my friends but I would sure like them to be! On the friend blogs I love that photos are shared much like Facebook but you get a different element of what experiences mean to my friends as mothers, women and wives.

I am embarking on a new journey this year as I have had our last child and now must face the work world. I have stayed home with each of my children for the first two years of life before returning to work. It feels different now, though, due to the fact that there will be no more two year hiatuses during my earthly life. I must now devote myself to not only children, husband, home, church, pet but career as well. I don't mean to make it seem like Chris is holding a gun to my head to return to work. In fact he doesn't offer much to that conversation at all. He loves me being home and "doting" on him! Returning to work will be a change for us all, especially baby girl who has had me all to herself for her whole life.

Even with 8 more months of staying home I am nervous. What if I don't find my "dream" job? What if Celia gets kicked out of daycare for biting? What if our family has difficulty making it work? I guess this is the time to "let go and let God". God will lead me down the right path. I just have to keep my trust in Him.

These babies are worth every second I get to spend with them...

TEXTAREA_ID

Two Stories

2010-01-29T02:51:00.006-06:00

I have two precious stories to share from our busy week:

Mondays are always crazy at our house (and I am sure at your house too!). We all disperse to work, school and daycare only to return home that evening totally spent! This Monday was a little different because Ava had Entertainment Night practice followed by Gymnastics class. (Thanks to a great friend, I was able to release my running around for these two activities. Ava was delivered home safe and sound at 4:30.)

I had worked a long day at Homewood Alternative School only to pick up Griffin at school with a yucky ear. (Sidebar: Ava and Griffin decided to play "doctor" on Sunday and Ava stuck a Q-tip in his ear. He screamed quite loudly and we immediately checked it out. Nothing was bleeding and after he calmed down, he said he wanted to keep playing. Needless to say, Q-tips have been put on the "no" list!) Because of this occurrence and the now yucky ear, I decided to hit the pediatrician. We got in and got out fairly easy with only a minor ear infection which was the cause of the great pain when she got too close.

I know I am being way too detailed but hang in there- it gets better.

So on those days when Mommy is weary and kids are not, we usually end up at our neighbor's (Miss Betty) home for the kids to play. Miss Betty keeps her grandson while his mom works so Griffin has loved all the time he can play with Ben (also age 3). Other neighbor kids end up at Miss Betty's also because of her candy drawer which is quite large, always stocked and on the lowest level of cabinets!

During our play time at Miss Betty's on Monday there were 5 adults (Betty, me, Jamie (another neighbor), Andy (her son) and David (her husband) and 6 kids (my two, Jamie's two, Ben, and Maddie (another neighbor). At this point, I really needed some relief and quiet!

Betty's husband is in a band and has the basement set up for rehearsals. He has a "real" microphone on the stand and a huge amp. The girls migrated to the microphone for some rock star time. To say it was loud is an understatement! Maddie got up and sang a Hannah Montana rock song, Kathleen did a song from school and then it was Miss Ava's turn at the 'phone.

Miss Betty, Jamie and I were in the kitchen talking about her home improvements to her kitchen when we were blasted with this song:

"JESUS, LAMB OF GOD..... WORTHY IS YOUR NAME-AMMMM.......JESUS, LAMB OF GOD.....WORTHY IS YOUR NAME"

I have to say it ranked right up there with one the sweetest moments with Ava for me. Miss Betty is cracking up and says "I know what that one listens to in the car!" Score for Mommy! It was wonderful and just want I needed to remind me on a busy, tiring day what really matters in my life....

http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-Lamb-of-God.html

Story 2: much shorter, I promise!

As we were leaving Entertainment night practice yesterday, there was the most beautiful sunset. It was pink and purple and swirly and just delightful! We were pulling on the Interstate and I mentioned to the kids (and friend with us) how beautiful the sky was during the sunset today. Ava and Victoria immediately ohhhed and ahhed. Griffin asked, "who made the sunset Mommy?" I said "God made the sunset and gave us this beauty to end our day with a reminder of Him." He was quiet for a second and sweetly said, "I want to give God a hug."

PRECIOUS!! Out of the mouths of babes....

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Where has January gone?

2010-01-24T15:54:00.012-06:00

Hello strangers! I know that I have about 2 people actually reading this blog so I know I have not disappointed masses of people but still.....I miss writing. When you love to write and express your feelings through words, it doesn't matter if others ever read what you wrote, you simply wrote because you love it. My mother was an English major in college and taught high school English but I never let her "proof" my papers before I submitted them. I have always been independent. Anyway, I have chased that rabbit long enough...

We have been so busy since school returned. I have been working everyday and really regret the decision to do it. I thought that it would be good for me to get some more hours but I have just turned into a crazy woman :( Oh well.... I will stick it out until the end of the school year and re-evaluate at that time.

Other than school, Ava has been busy with practicing for Entertainment Night at school and starting gymnastics. She is still doing piano and added a theory class this semester. She also got the opportunity to cheer at a Briarwood girls basketball game with her holiday cheer class group. Now before you say "poor Ava, so overscheduled"- let me explain. Entertainment Night has been alot of extra time but it is over this week when they do their performance. Cheering is over. Gymnastics is big for us because she does it for an hour weekly but piano is so low-key (and one on one with her teacher) that I don't consider that a big "activity" for her. Here is a photo from her cheering:

Griffin has been great! No activities for him yet but I am really excited that he will get to do soccer in March. I think he will be precious!

We took the kids bowling for the first time last week. It was a hoot! Chris and I were nervous wrecks because we were worried they would go past the "line" and slip on the waxy floor! Ava did great but Griffin soon lost interest. He just wanted his Icee :)

On another note, our calendar is filling up for the Spring and Summer! I love to travel and it seems that every year we get to do the majority of travel in these seasons. As a family we will travel to the beach, the lake and Disney in April. I have a girls trip with college girlfriends to the beach and another girls trip with Chris' aunts and cousin to New York in May. Fun! Chris has a canoe float planned with some friends for the spring. Busy, busy!

Take care ya'll and I promise that I will update the blog more than once a month :)

Happy 3rd Birthday Griffin!!

2009-12-27T20:55:00.004-06:00

My sweet boy is 3.....

where does the time go?

Devotion: What God's Care Is Like

2009-12-22T21:05:00.002-06:00

From Ava's Little Visits with God devotional:

Long ago Moses wrote, "Underneath are the everlasting arms." What do you think he meant?

Was he thinking of a boy jumping from a chair into his mother's arms? God's care is like a mother's arms.

Was he thinking of a girl whose father carried her over some water? God's care is like a father's arms.

Was he thinking of an eagle? The mother eagle flies under her young eagles while they are learning to fly. If they fall, the mother eagle catches them on her back and flies them safely back to the nest.

The everlasting arms under us are God's arms. We can't see God's arms, but God tells us that nothing bad can happen to His children because "underneath are the everlasting arms."

God's arms are everlasting- they never get tired, they're never too weak to help us, and they're always under us.

Smores anyone?

2009-12-22T05:49:00.004-06:00

We had some good friends over last week to make smores at the campfire Chris built in the backyard. (Note: we had to have some trees cut to save our play set in the backyard from being destroyed- now we have enough wood to burn a campfire for 50 years! Chris did say that splitting the wood was very "therapeutic" for him- where did he get that word? HA)

My Christmas Angels :)

2009-12-13T20:39:00.005-06:00

Griffin's 3rd Birthday Party

2009-12-06T10:08:00.007-06:00

Griffin will not be 3 until December 27 but we decided to have his party the first weekend of December so that he would have a special time before Christmas. We hosted a few friends at Chuck E Cheese yesterday for his party. Our friends are the BEST because several gave up watching the SEC kickoff to come celebrate Griffin!

He had a great time playing games and opening his presents. The thing he was most excited about was his cake as he picked the football theme :)

1st Grade Christmas Program

2009-12-06T09:47:00.008-06:00

Briarwood 1st graders had their annual Christmas program on Friday. Ava was an angel in this year's production. She was so beautiful! (I know that I am biased!!) Ava just loves the whole process of working on the program. I know that she would have been a terrific understudy to anyone as she knew all the parts from memory. At home, she would recite almost the whole script! She has a sharp mind and seems to have a keen memory. I am so glad she got those qualities from her daddy! Here is my little angel:

Piano Recital

2009-12-05T21:12:00.004-06:00

Ava was so wonderful in her very first piano recital today. She played Jingle Bells from memory and was very poise on the stage of the Brock Recital Hall at Samford University. Her teacher, Dr. Melodie King, has done an excellent job of teaching Ava the piano these past four months. We are thrilled for her to be learning this valuable skill for the future

Time with Family

2009-12-01T12:46:00.003-06:00

I am so thankful and greatful for my little family this year. We have had many struggles this year but have come out better than ever!

Our precious little ones...

Grammy and Poppa have had their "quiver-full" this year with the blessed birth of Elijah Clay Tinney! He brought their number up to a whopping 7 grands!!

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day

When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing

Thanks, amen.

Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload

We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minute more

To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed

My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those

Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure

Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place

And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food

You've provided And bless each and every person invited

Amen!

--Scott Wesemann

Breakfast with Santa

2009-11-22T20:37:00.004-06:00

We went to the annual "Breakfast with Santa" event that Jr. League hosts every year. This year it was renamed to "Snacks with Santa" which is more appropriate since 95% of the food there is 100% sugar! At least the kids get to see Santa and tell him what they want, eat a bunch of junk before lunchtime and wear their Christmas finery :) Fun times with the Albrights!!

Grayson at Samford Homecoming

2009-11-09T10:55:00.006-06:00

Me and the G-man hit Samford Homecoming last weekend for some football fun! Before the game, I gave Grayson the "nickel" tour of all my old stomping grounds around campus. We immediately hit the bookstore for Grayson to purchase a Samford shirt and cap. He was so pumped that they carried the Under Armor brand! Then we cruised by the food court (one of my favorite places back in the day) for Icees. We walked around the Quad and listened to a band play in front of the Student Services building. Vail (my freshman dorm) was just up the hill so I convinced Grayson to go up there so I could show him my old window and where I used to park. He was really anxious to get to the game at this point!

While we were waiting for them to open the football stadium gates, we peaked in the awesome Divinity School Chapel. It is incredible with a painted ceiling and very ornate furnishings. I made Grayson stand at the pulpit because I know that Poppa prays that he is a Pastor one day! As I took this photo, I told him that one day he may preach from this pulpit! We shall see...

Grayson's 3rd grade teacher at Brook Hill, Mrs. Alexander, has a son, Wes, that plays football for the Bulldogs. She was excited to have Grayson at the game and even brought a jersey of Wes's for Grayson to try on.

The highlight of Grayson's day came after the game when he got to meet Wes in person and have him sign his cap. I wish everyone (especially his mom and dad) could have seen Grayson's face when Wes gave him his actual game gloves. It was so precious! Pure joy! Wes was so kind to Grayson and wrote the Bible reference for Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

Trick or Treat!

2009-11-01T11:45:00.012-06:00

We had a busy but fun-filled Halloween night around the Albright home! Our morning was slow because Ava's last football/cheerleader game was called due to the rain. Let me tell you- we needed it! I feel like we have been rushing so much lately and I needed some "down" time. Our church's fall festival was from 2 to 4 and the kids always love that.

After we had done all our damage there, we headed to the Bloom's house in Mt. Brook. Their neighborhood has a parade with the kids for two blocks and then everyone enjoys a hot dog supper in the street. Martin and Kathy had some Boston Butt sandwiches and grilled shrimp for us. It was so yummy and they were such kind hosts for us. The kids loved passing out candy at their house!

Running over to Lake Cyrus was the next item on our busy night agenda. Thomas and Laurie hosted us and some other friends for the trailer ride around the neighborhood to load up on more candy. Griffin and Ava loved the stopping and running up to the doors with their friends!

Ava's first concert

2009-10-29T11:13:00.005-05:00

Well, we did it. Ava went to her very first "rock" concert last weekend. Although I regret the content of the show, Ava was oblivious to any questionable material and loved it. Miley Cyrus is definitely NOT Hannah Montana during the concert! Anyway, she had a great time with her friend, Victoria. Here are some photos:

World Vision

2009-10-23T09:02:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking alot lately about how blessed we are to live in the house we have, drive the cars we drive, and send our kids to the school of our choice. I wonder about the children who would benefit from our leftovers after dinner and would give anything to wear that outfit that Ava rejects as being "baby-ish".

The Lord has really been prompting me to give until it hurts to someone else. As I was driving to work last week, I listened to Rick and Bubba talk about World Vision and how to sponser a child so they may have food, clothes, medicine and a chance at a decent education. A light went off in my head! This is just the charity for our family! So I came home, logged on and signed up :)

I chose two children from Honduras, William and Yesy. William is a boy and was born on December 27, 2006- the same day as Griffin! Yesy is a girl and was born on March 7, 2003- the same day as Ava! What a providential God we serve that our family will be able to assist two children the same age and developmental stage as our biological children.

Ava and Griffin have really enjoyed talking about what we are doing to help William and Yesy and have remembered them in their prayers every night. Griffin says that William is his best friend! He also pronounces Yesy as "Wesy". Ava is very curious about where they live and what they do during the day. It has been a great teaching opportunity for her.

I want to encourage you to open your hearts and your wallets to charitable organizations. If you have the time to get out there and volunteer, do! It will feed your soul in ways you could never imagine...

New Camera :)

2009-10-20T20:52:00.006-05:00

So those of you who know me well know that I love to take pictures! I have loved cameras since my very first experience with a 30 pound Polaroid. I feel like I have kept up with the trends in cameras going from 'roid to film to digital until recently when I began noticing that friends with no camera skill what-so-ever had awesome photos. I nosed around and found the missing ingredient to my photo perfection: SLR!

After many months of research and ratting away money, I have purchased a Nikon D5000! I am so excited but I have no idea how to work it. My lighting is not great and I don't know what all the knobs are for but I guess I can watch a you-tube about it!

Here are some of my first shots:

Pumpkin Patch 2009

2009-10-15T19:39:00.008-05:00

This year we had a full day of activity with the Tinneys and Joneses as our annual Pumpkin Patch Day! Everyone was kind enough to come down to Birmingham to see our little cheerleader-in-residence, Ava, cheer for her Upward football game. She loved seeing all of her cousins watching her cheer!

After the game, we headed for a quick lunch at Chick-fil-A and then off to the farmers market here in Birmingham on Finley Avenue. Dad wanted to sell pumpkins at Lakeside this year so he found a place to get them wholesale at the farmers market.

After he got loaded up, we headed to Hayden Corner, Alabama, to the Grand Old Pumpkin Patch. It was a little smaller than we are used to and the drive was not great but I liked not having an admission charge. You just pay for the activities you want to do. Of course, our kiddos wanted to do EVERYTHING!

We did the bouncy jumps, the wagon ride with pumpkins and sunflowers, the pony rides (Griffin's 1st!), the petting zoo and sampled some little "treats" along the way. Since Poppa had just purchased wholesale pumpkins, we just looted his truck to get our pumkin fix.

The best part for me and Chris was that Grammy and Poppa took our two little ones home to Roanoke so we could go to the Alan Jackson concert that night!

Bro. Ron's sermon on Joseph

2009-09-28T17:00:00.006-05:00

This Sunday the sermon at our home church of Meadow Brook Baptist was made for me! We have been doing a series on Joseph. We are following him from childhood to death in small steps. I included a short excerpt of Bro. Ron's sermon from our church website: http://www.meadowbrookbaptist.org/. I think that we can all find ourselves in this fascinating story of the Bible.
Here we discover an essential and simple truth, which is this: There is no ideal place to serve God except the place in which He has set you down. There is no ideal job for you to hold, no ideal neighborhood in which to live, and no ideal church to join.
There are good jobs, good neighborhoods, and good churches, but no ideal ones. People who search for the ideal circumstances forget that the ideal and the perfect are reserved for heaven! They launch forth on a journey destined to end in disappointment.
Joseph’s life, at this point, was far from ideal. He may have been tempted to run away, give up, or become angry. But here we discover him making the most of his situation.
Responding to similar circumstances makes us want to run. We say to ourselves, If only I could get away for a while, maybe a weekend at the cabin or a few days at the beach.
Refreshment and a vacation may be of temporary help, but we can’t flee from ourselves. I don’t know about you, but my biggest problem is not my circumstances. My biggest problem is me!
Maybe we think, I never bargained for this. I never imagined being trapped in this mess. No, we probably didn’t. But God has chosen to set us down in this environment. Even in circumstances like those that surrounded Joseph, we can trace God’s hand.
It is immediately apparent that Joseph was under the protecting hand of God.

I hope that I can remember that God has set me down in Birmingham, Alabama, as a Mother, Wife, Counselor, Daughter, Sister and Friend! Where are you "set down" and what are you going to do with the time you have?

Fun Snaps

2009-09-24T17:20:00.003-05:00

I ran across these cute photos of the kids from this summer. They really brought a smile today after a long day of errands and the dentist~

Where does the time go?

2009-09-22T03:20:00.008-05:00

I know that I am not being the most faithful blogger these days so please forgive me! I am running on empty these days...laundry gets piled up, house is not very clean, 5 baby gifts need to be mailed....you know this could go on and on! I am up at 3 a.m. writing this blog post when I need to be catching up on my beauty rest but sickness has overcome the past few days and my clock is "off".

My mind is running in a million directions but I am trying to remind myself that I have so much to be thankful for in my busy life. My kids are healthy, my hubby has a job, I have a job with great flexibility, we live in a warm house and have plenty of food to eat! Our schedule is full but I feel that we have smatterings of "down" time as well to spend with the kids.

The house has not sold but God may have a different idea for the Albrights. We are faithfully waiting on HIS time, not ours.

I am adding some photos of Miss Ava with her Upward Cheerleading squad (which she LOVES!) and with Griffin & my nephew, Abe (who thinks his Aunt Kate is a Rock Star!). You can tell from the cheer photos that Daddy and Griffin pet dogs at the football games instead of watching the actual game :)

Back to the grind...

2009-08-23T05:56:00.006-05:00

Well, our real world has kicked back into gear and we are busy, busy, busy! I will break this one down person by person...

G started "school" full-time and loves it. He did not cry when we left him on the first day! His teachers are wonderful women with patience and kindness. Our little man is well on his way to potty training and is trying new foods daily at school.
A was an old hat this year! She didn't want me to take her picture in her classroom but, thankfully, we were the first ones there so she "allowed" me one photo op! She got in the car the first day and said, "There wasn't anything that I didn't like!" I am so glad that she has adjusted so well. With school, church activities on Sundays and Wednesdays, cheerleading on Mondays, and piano on Fridays, we have a full schedule with her! I hope I can remember to take my vitamins :)

I have started back to my job with full force. I have already had some tough work this week and will in the weeks ahead but I love it. Helping others was what I was born to do!
Our fearless leader, Chris, hopes that he will manage to keep everyone sane with the busy schedule we all maintain. He wants to wiggle in some time for fishing and has planned a camping trip for us in September.

G walked right in!

A & G "posing" and sweet Miss Smith with A at Orientation

Such a big 1st grader!

Ava got....

2009-08-16T06:46:00.005-05:00

Miss Smith!!! We are so excited about Ava's teacher this year for 1st grade. Miss Smith is actually the daughter of Ava's K4 teacher, Mrs. Smith. Kerstin (Miss Smith) and I went to Samford together and I know what a sweet spirit she has! I cannot wait to hear all about Ava's first day with Miss Smith on Tuesday. It will be a great year!

On a different note, I know that I mentioned I had photos made of the kids but I only posted one. Well, I decided to order a collage of my favorites as well. Here is the "proof" that Heather emailed me. It is so precious!! I love it!

Getting ready...

2009-08-11T05:32:00.002-05:00

Well, that blessed time has come upon us when the kiddies return to school and Mama rests her weary head from a full summertime of activity.........NOT! Mama gets to return to work too! No, I am really excited about returning to schedules and organized days and activities. I love the smell of freshly sharpened pencils and new notebook paper.....takes me back to some carefree days of yesteryear.

Anywho, everyone is prepared in the Albright household to tackle our new challenges ahead. Ava will begin first grade and is so excited. I have to admit that I am excited today because we get her class list in the mail- FINALLY! Between waiting for that blessed list and dress code worries, I am overwhelmed with my baby entering first grade. K5 was hard but this is as "real" as it gets. There is now homework and no toys in the classroom and social worries and did I mention, the dress code?!

Griffin will begin full-time REAL school at Samford CLC. He has been needing the structure (which I am obviously inept at providing) and the academics this program provides. Hey, college is not getting any cheaper! With his social ability, I am confident that he will succeed at learning the play/snack/story/lunch/nap routine! I cannot wait to hear what he tells his precious teacher, Mrs. Katrin, about our family!

Homewood Alternative kids better watch out because I'M BACK!! I am so excited about starting fresh and implementing some new ideas this year for my kids. I'll keep you posted about their progress.

Pray for us--

I Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you."

Open house on Woodbridge Drive!

2009-08-09T20:52:00.003-05:00

So.... we are selling the house. No, we do not have a place to move yet but are ready to try something new. We are toying with the idea of building but may also look around our area for a pre-loved home. Chris wants something very new so we'll see.... If you know anyone wanting to move to Meadowbrook, let me hear from you. I know that the Lord has a plan in all of this and I can't wait to see where He may lead us next!

WOW! What a fast summer!

2009-08-07T13:31:00.003-05:00

We had a great summer here at the Albright abode! We got to travel to the beach and the lake, went on outings to the Zoo, did a variety of church activities, swam in the pool, had pictures made of the kids and cleaned out our house and put it on the market (!). Mommy & Daddy traveled to Antigua for our 10th anniversary (AMAZING!) and the kids have only been "bored" for the last two weeks.

School starts for both kids the week of the 17th. I am starting back next week so we are squeezing a few more fun times before the daily grind begins. A will be in 1st grade (heaven help me!). G will be going to "school" full-time for the first time ever and while I debated this choice, I think that it will be the best for all of us. He needs a schedule and I need to get back to full-time work. Now, I do not currently have full-time work, just part-time at Homewood which was the same as last year. I am going to apply to substitute the other two days a week so that will do for now. I am just keeping my ear to the ground about counseling work that I can do in addition to the Homewood gig. Please add that to your prayer list....
We have decided to jump ship on the house because we are rapidly outgrowing our space. I would like less yard for Chris to fight with on the weekends and more grassy area for the kids to run and play. If you know anyone who wants to live in Meadowbrook, let me know!
I covet your prayers for our family because even though we have had a wonderful year for our little foursome, some of our extended family members are really hurting right now. There have been some great disappointments along with great hills to climb. The Lord knows what will come...
Blessings to you and yours! I am excited to be blogging again!!

Ava's K5 field day at Briarwood

2009-05-13T21:33:00.006-05:00

Ava had a great time at the Briarwood K5 field day. She loved the water balloon toss and the egg race. They also did the baton run and tug of war. The rain shortened their events but she still had a ball. What fun to be in Kindergarten!!

Girls Weekend

2009-05-07T09:29:00.009-05:00

I enjoyed some great R&R during our girls trip to Rosemary Beach last weekend. It was my college friends from Freshman year at Samford- yea Vail Hall!! We had great fun catching up and catching the rays. I got a little too much sun but I was so glad to relax that I didn't care...

Chris and the kids had fun back in Birmingham visiting the Zoo, eating too much ice cream and ignoring bedtime! They had a great weekend sans Mom- I am so grateful that I have a husband that said, "Go and have fun!"

Carol and me Amy and me

Here are the friends I spent the weekend with:

From Left to Right:

Heather- She is actually 2 years behind us at Samford and was Carol's little sister in their sorority. We got to know Heather when we traveled to Rosemary Beach for Carol's wedding in October. We had so much fun that she came for our reunion trip! Heather is expecting a baby girl, Caroline, in September.

Carol- She organized the event and hosted at her house in Rosemary. Carol lived next door to Carrie & me in Vail during our Freshman year. Carol's husband owns Bud & Alley's, the Pizza Bar and the Taco Bar in Seaside. We had some great food on the trip! Carol's baby is due in late October.

ME!

Carrie- She was my roomie during Freshman year and lives in Smith Station. She is expecting baby Jake in July and already has a cutie pie Katie at home. Carrie was a trooper being 30 weeks pregnant at the beach!

Amy AKA "McFadden"- She was also our next door neighbor in Vail (opposite side of Carol) and lives in Ft. Payne. She has two boys, Connor and Grayson. We enjoyed being the "non-pregnant" friends on the trip!

Easter Photos

2009-04-16T15:24:00.004-05:00

Griffin enjoyed the 1-2's Easter Egg Hunt at our church, Meadow Brook Baptist!

Ava and her pals anxiously await the K-1st egg hunt at church!

Easter Morning at Grammy & Poppa's house in Roanoke and then we are off to First Baptist Church for services...

After our lunch we loaded up the car and headed to the "creek", Chris' family cabin in Wadley. We always love our egg hunt there!

Grayson's baptism

2009-04-07T09:34:00.008-05:00

John Grayson Jones (our nephew- son of Claire & Darrell) participated in the ordinance of Believer's Baptism on Sunday, March 15. I believe that Grayson, age 8, has been feeling the Holy Spirit tug at his heartstrings for several months now. The two of us have talked about it several times over the past year and I feel like Grayson is fully committed in his walk with Christ. I am so proud of the young man he is becoming and am ready for great things to come from his little life.

Grayson and I have always had a special relationship because I was in graduate school when he was born. I made a point of spending most school holidays and any time I could squeeze in coming to see him and helping Claire and Darrell catch up on sleep.

The Jones family is Methodist so they have the whole sprinkle versus dunk issue. Because of that, Claire & Darrell still wanted him to be dunked and decided to have it done in Roanoke at Grammy & Poppa's Baptist church. Plans were moving right along so he could have it there during the first weekend of Spring Break, however, word came down the pipe that Bro. Jeff had to be at a revival that weekend and would be unable to baptize Grayson. After some thought and prayer, Poppa stepped forward and said that he wanted to baptize his first grandchild. According to the tenets of the Baptist faith, a deacon is also allowed to perform this ordinance of the faith.

It was a very special morning as Poppa and Grayson prepared for the baptismal service. I have rarely seen my Dad so moved by an event. Grayson holds a very big piece of my Daddy's heart so it was moving to us all. The introduction that he made from the baptismal pool was very heartfelt and sincere. Becoming a man or woman of God is the greatest decision any person can make; holding God's heart in your own is indescribable....

Spring Break '09

2009-04-02T20:22:00.009-05:00

We were so ready for our Spring Break this year! It has been a wild, busy year for the Albrights and I was looking forward to some down time. The kids were just looking forward to being "outside" (FYI, if you know Griffin, you know that this is one of his favorite words!)
We spent the first weekend at the Lake with good friends, Amy (McFadden) & David Kinsley, and their boys, Connor and Grayson. The kids had fun and enjoyed spending time together although Chris and David had to forgo their canoe trip because of the rain.

On Tuesday, Chris headed back to work and the kids and I went to Orange Beach to meet up with Grammy, Claire and her three kids and Melanie and Abe. It was cold and windy on the beach but the kids enjoyed the indoor pool and The Track and Adventure Island. The best part (for me) was shopping at the best swimsuit store (H2O by H.L. Hood) with my sister and sister-in-law for a new suit for our Antigua trip in July. It was so much fun playing dress-up and having them give me very honest opinions! That is what sisters are for!!

Griffin was too cute "writing" his name during our time at the beach. Someone (!!) is learning alot from his big sister!

Floating with Daddy

2009-03-23T07:42:00.004-05:00

Chris and Ava enjoyed a "float" during the nice weather. It was her first trip on the canoe and she LOVED it!

Ava's big #6

2009-03-09T05:45:00.009-05:00

The official celebration of Ava's 6th began early Friday morning as we prepared for school. Ava put on her cutest outfit and posed for photos with Griffin. During snack time at school, Mom brought Krispy Kreme doughnuts for everyone to share. After school we joined Claire, Grammy & Hendon at the Summit for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. Grammy then treated Ava & Hendon to "treats" at Pottery Barn Kids.

The birthday party began at 6:00 when 20 of our closest friends joined us for making appliqued purses with iron-ons, eating pizza, watching Hannah Montana episodes, destroying the play room, beading necklaces, consuming cupcakes, applying tattoos and disassembling a pinata hereby taking whatever sanity Mom had with them out of the door at 8:00 p.m. WHEW- what a night! Ava had FUN though and isn't that what really matters???

The calm Saturday celebration (her actual bday: March 7) was a low-key affair with Clay, Melanie, Abe & Poppa coming in from Roanoke to meet us for lunch at Jim & Nick's followed by a trip to the Galleria to Build-A-Bear. Ava built a precious girl rabbit that she named Hannah (imagine that??) and dressed in a pink halter top dress with Hello Kitty panties carrying a sequined purse with a cell phone and white sunglasses singing Hannah Montana "Best of Both Worlds". Poppa was not amused with all the frills but he can never say no to Ava! She had a terrific birthday and it was another day for the record books in the Albright household- our baby is really growing up!

More Snow Photos...

2009-03-01T12:16:00.007-06:00

Snow Day!

2009-03-01T10:46:00.004-06:00

Here is Ava having fun in the snow with Maddie, our neighbor. She and Maddie had a blast with making snowballs and running around in the snow. Griffin was not too sure about it and didn't want to be put down. It reminded me of his first experience with sand; he didn't like it either!

My playlist

2009-02-26T14:53:00.002-06:00

Please disregard it if you hear music that is unbecoming to my blog. Playlist is having some technical issues and other playlists are popping up on my player. You know that I have only clean music on my blog!!

Almost 6 year olds are funny creatures...

2009-02-26T13:56:00.002-06:00

Ava and her friend, Regan, were in my car yesterday on the way to church. They take Gymnastics together on Wednesdays so her mom and I swap taking them home and then to church. Their conversation went a little something like this:

Ava "Mom, can I cut on the light to see my Skittles"

Mom "yes, but remember to cut it off. we don't want to leave it on."

Ava (to Regan) "we always have to cut off the light in the car because we don't want the battery to run out"

Regan "what"

Ava "this is a funny story. when we went to Disney World last year, I think it was last year but I don't know, it could have been this year...... ANYWAY, I cut on the light to see something and we left it on for like 20 hours or something. I mean, it was on for five nights, really, it was..."

Regan "really?"

Ava "yeah, my daddy was really mad because we thought the car wasn't going to start. you have be really careful with the lights in cars"

Regan "oh, I left my light on in my room"

Ava "I think it is just cars that you have to worry about...."

I love being a parent because these kids are so darn funny!!

~My funny Valentines~

2009-02-17T20:07:00.007-06:00

Ava and Griffin love (ha, ha) Valentine's Day. It is filled with kisses and little trinkets and fun with Mom and Dad. This year Mom provided heart-shaped doughnuts from Krispy Kreme for her K5 class at school and then Grammy provided Mommy & Daddy the best gift of all: a childless two days to celebrate our love and catch up on our sleep!

We enjoyed our quiet dinner at Tavern on the Summit....while these kiddies were being loved on by their Grammy & Poppa!

Party planning....

2009-02-17T20:00:00.003-06:00

Plans for the BIG #6 for Miss Ava are in full swing around our house! If any of you have been under a rock around Ava lately, here is her theme:

Go figure! My little "pop princess" wants the perfect rockstar birthday complete with a guitar cake and guitar invites for her little friends. Now why can't she want a nice calm birthday like a tea party? I know why..... she is her mother's child. Her mother, yours truly, used to dream the big dreams as well. When I do something, why not go all out in the first place so you will never be disappointed! Where did my Momma go wrong? The hostess with the mostess still reigns in this household. I hope our guests won't be disappointed. Please send me any suggestions on how to orchestrate a rockstar and her groupies for two hours........ please.......

Tiresome days with the kids....

2009-02-07T20:05:00.011-06:00

I know that every mother reading this right now will now exactly what I mean by the title on my post. Some days are just tough... I have great, imaginative children but the playing and the cooking and the laundry and the cleaning wear me out at times. I know that motherhood is not for the faint of heart but some days I cannot wait for that magical time of 7:45 when both kids are snug in their beds, sleeping away! It is not that I have anything pressing to do that I cannot do with them around. It is just the stillness that I desire at the end of a long day. I just want to lie down and bask in the quiet. If you have kids, you know that feeling I am talking about. The feeling that a good days work is over and time to recharge for the adventure of tomorrow.

I found a quote on Lyn's FB the other day that has resonated with me. George Bush recited this statement upon returning to Texas after the inauguration: "The days are long but the years are short." I pondered on how often I cannot wait for the day to end so I can enjoy the stillness but it will be very still in this household sooner than I know. My precious children are only really "mine" for 18 years. With today's society, I am sure that I will have done most of what I can do for them in 15 years. When I think about the average lifespan of a woman, I realize that I only have about 25% of my life to have this household of dirty dishes and mismatched socks and strewn headbands and rumpled blankets. Oh, how I will miss the constant chattering and sloppy kisses and bedtime prayers! My days are long.... but the years are truly short. I pray that I will remember that everytime I wish my long days away.....

25 things about me

2009-02-07T20:00:00.003-06:00

I did the 25 things about me post on my Facebook account and I thought I would share it here too~ Just some good clean fun on FB!

1. I am washed in the blood and saved by grace
2. I have been married to Chris for almost 10 years. We have a relationship that is imperfect but perfect for us. He is the only person who truly "gets" me.
3. I will be spending my 10th anniversary this year with Chris on a dream vacation to Antigua!
4. I am a counselor who sometimes needs counseling!
5. I have two wonderfully different but equally amazing children~
6. I love my kids at school even though most are heading down a path that truly frightens me...
7. I know all of my faults better than anyone else. I own my issues.
8. I despise foul language! Don't use it around me!
9. I love the line on Lori's FB: a cup of coffee to start my day and a glass of wine to end it!
10. I am obsessed with photos. I love to have my kids photos taken and love to get all the photo christmas cards every year.
11. It annoys me that everyone sends me Christmas cards with photos of their kids but not of them. I want to see my friends with their kids!!
12. I have a blog but wish I had more time to write on it.
13. I have been all over the world but have never been to Mississippi.
14. I am a Baptist more by default than desire.... I think of myself as a BaptoPresbyterian...
15. If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!
16. My favorite place is Disney (is anyone surprised??)
17. I am a Daddy's girl and love to visit with him alone with a cup of coffee and a good political debate!
18. My childhood dream was to be a television anchor who traveled the globe but I switched my major after meeting Chris because I wanted to be a mother to his children and not on the road all the time.
19. I get very sad when I think about friendships that have gone by the wayside...
20. I am obsessed with reality tv (Idol, Bachelor, Real Housewives, Wife Swap, etc....) and love my new DVR!!
21. My family bought a marina last year and I am learning all about being a small business owner......help, anyone??
22. I love to color my hair, get my nails done, wear pink and get in the tanning bed during the spring..... I am so pathetic!!
23. I always dream of getting my Ph.D.... my mom really wants me to go for the gusto but with two kids, I am just too tired...
24. I want a tatoo and really wish Maria had taken me with her during our Sophomore year at Samford!!
25. I try to live practically while remembering that you can't take anything with you when you die....

Griffin is 2!!

2009-01-03T14:33:00.009-06:00

Our little man turned 2 on December 27. He was our very special Christmas present two years ago and we are so thankful for him! God has blessed our family beyond measure... A big thank you to all of our family and friends who attended even though we are all a little "partied" out from the holidays. Griffin enjoyed playing with his cousins and the terrific cake! Thanks to everyone!!

John Griffin's first REAL haircut

2009-01-02T12:48:00.002-06:00

Griffin got a REAL haircut at Sweet & Sassy in Hoover on December 30. He looks so big now! I don't have a baby anymore and it makes me very sad!

Zoolight Safari and Bass Pro Shop

2009-01-02T12:21:00.007-06:00

We took the kids to Zoolight Safari at the Birmingham Zoo for a little fun on December 30. It was the last night for the lights of the holidays. They were really beautiful this year but I would like to go early in the Christmas season to see them next year.

Since we all had cabin fever on New Year's Day, we decided to check out the new Bass Pro Shop in Leeds. It was incredible! I felt like I should have paid admission to see it!

Christmas with the Clarks

2008-12-31T15:59:00.004-06:00

We had our traditional Christmas Day festivities with Nanny, Chris' mom, at her house and then we moved on to the Clark cabin on the creek. The cabin is getting smaller every year as the family keeps growing and more people visit!

Santa arrived at our house!

2008-12-31T11:18:00.008-06:00

SANTA CAME!!

HE WAS VERY GOOD TO AVA & GRIFFIN!

Christmas with the Tinneys

2008-12-30T15:25:00.018-06:00

Christmas with the Tinneys was interesting, as usual! The kids were great and we all had a wonderful time together but I think we have reached an interesting intersection with our Christmas celebrations together.

Chris and I decided that we would do Christmas Eve as usual with the Tinneys but drive back to B'ham after the Come and See service at FBC. We want our children to know that we value our alone time as a little family unit. Chris and I loved being with our children in our own home for Santa and play time.
Our typical meal for the Tinney Christmas Eve is steak, baked potatoes, salad, bread and a wide variety of desserts. I don't think I needed to eat for a week! Thanks Dad and Mom for the great meal- it was yummy!

For a special time together, Mom and Dad organized the taking of food baskets to less fortunate families around Roanoke. We made the baskets with ham, apples, oranges, can goods and candy canes for the families to enjoy and assist them in their Christmas meal preparation. Ava and Grayson really "got it" as they asked many questions and wanted to know all about the families in need.

Another side note to our Christmas Eve together is that during the Come and See service at FBC, Grayson was asking alot of questions about the communion which was being offered that night. We all explained that you are eligible for communion when you ask Jesus in your heart and believe in him 100%. He told Mom & Dad's pastor at the end of the service that he had asked Jesus into his heart and wanted to be baptized. We were all very touched, to say the least! He is a precious boy and I know will do great things for the Kingdom of God.

Christmas with the Albrights

2008-12-30T15:07:00.004-06:00

We always enjoy heading to Valley, Alabama for our Albright family Christmas. Rog grilled us some steaks (from Clark brothers, of course!) and we let the kids run loose in the backyard since the weather was so nice. The funniest part of the night was when Jack Frost, their Jack Russell terrier, knocked Griffin down and stole his paci! Jack took off with it and it took all 3 girls (Ava, Casey & Jamey) along with Chris and Vicky to get it back. They were chasing him all over the yard. Griffin was in pieces!! We finally got it back and Vicky washed it VERY WELL before we gave it back to Griff. After we ate and opened presents, we went to the carousel at the Valley Community Center to enjoy their FREE rides. The kids loved it but Granny really got a big kick out of it. We had a great night!!

Christmas Fun

2008-12-26T21:21:00.007-06:00

I am going to post these in several sets....

Ava made Mommy & Daddy a card for our present!

My little girl is really growing up!

Waiting like a big boy!

Our little ballerina, Griffin!

Ava with her teacher, Mrs. Meter, and her friend, Collin.

Ava and Mommy at her class party

Christmas family night at Meadow Brook

2008-12-22T13:56:00.004-06:00

Our church, Meadow Brook Baptist Church, had a Christmas family night where the children decorated ornaments, played games, ate snacks and listened to the Christmas story by a "fire". Griffin and Ava brought their pillows and blankets for this special time at church. Ava had fun with her friends and Griffin ran around the church exhausting both of his parents who tag-teamed with him. Fun, fun!

Tiny dancer

2008-12-22T13:49:00.003-06:00

Our little ballerina at her Christmas "show" for the Moms and Dads (and Grammys!)

Ava and one of her little BFFs, Victoria, who happens to be a little country girl like Ava!

Christmas at the Mansion

2008-12-22T08:48:00.007-06:00

We travelled to Montgomery on December 13 to enjoy "Christmas at the Mansion" with Governor and Mrs. Bob Riley. Poppa & Grammy always love this event and this year they decided to take us with them. My uncle and aunt kept Griffin so we could enjoy the event. The Mansion was decorated so beautifully but it was very crowded! There must be so many VIPs in Alabama these days...... (ha-ha)

Poppa and Grammy with their two of their six favorite Alabama residents: Ava & Grayson

Grayson will be living here one day! Our future governor..... so cute!

Claire and Ava (and me!) were loving the chocolate fountain with fruit and marshmallows!

Ava was very cute enjoying her chocolate covered marshmallow!

I'm a little behind....

2008-12-17T16:12:00.002-06:00

My precious girl was an Indian maiden for her class Thanksgiving lunch. I thought these photos were too cute!!

Prayers for my children

2008-12-09T15:43:00.003-06:00

I lifted the following from Angie Smith, wife of Selah's Todd Smith. Angie and Todd lost their baby girl in April and her blog has been a great source of inspiration in my life. Here is her plan for praying for your children 7 x 7: 7 times a day, 7 days a week. I am going to commit myself to following her plan for seven days and seeing where it takes my little family. I know it will be somewhere special...

7 x 7:

1. When they wake up: "Let the morning bring (child's name) word of your unfailing love, for she has put her trust in You. Show (her/him) the way (she/he) should go, for to you (he/she) lifts up her soul." (Adapted from Psalm 143:8)

2. When they are getting dressed: "Therefore, as God's chosen child, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Lord, help (him/her) bear with others and forgive whatever grievances (he/she) has against others. Help (him/her) forgive as the Lord forgave (him/her). And over all these virtues, help (him/her) put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Adapted from Colossians 3:12-14)

3. While they are eating: "Teach (child's name) the secret of being content in any and every situation whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Teach (him/her) that (he/she) can do everything through him who gives (him/her) strength." (Adapted from Philippians 4:12-13)

4. When they go out of the house: "(Name of child), do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will." (Adapted from Romans 12:2)

5. While they are taking a bath: Lord, give (name of child) clean hands and a pure heart, and let (him/her) not lift (his/her) soul to an idol or swear by what is false. Let (him/her) receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God (his/her) Savior. Let (him/her) be part of the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob. (Adapted from Psalm 24:4-6)

6. When they are going to bed: "The Lord Your God is with you; he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, be will rejoice over you with singing." (Zephaniah 3:17)

7. While they are sleeping: "I pray that (name of child) will do everything without complaining or arguing, so that he/she may become blameless and pure, a child of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which he/she shines like a star in the universe as he/she holds out the word of life-in order that he/she may boast on the day of Christ that he/she did not run or labor for nothing." (Adapted from Philippians 2:14-16)

Oh Christmas Tree

2008-11-30T09:39:00.011-06:00

Our Christmas tree adventure began at Home Depot. I know that it is not very "green" of the Albrights to support the mass cause but $$ dictates this economy-friendly choice. Ava was thrilled at the prospect of decorating hearth and home. She helped Melanie with their Main Street house for the tour of homes in Roanoke and she got the decor bug!

Here is a shot of the tree at Home Depot...

The kids had fun with the hanging of the lights...

Ava did her ballet in front of the tree before church...

Griffin and Ava in front of my mantle which I am proud of but is still a "work in progress"...

What I am most thankful for....

2008-11-29T06:55:00.003-06:00

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-29T06:37:00.005-06:00

I am going to try with this post to be more in depth about my family and my feelings. I have been reading some really great blogs lately and I am surprised (in a good way) about how honest and forthright my friends can be with their blogging.

As a counselor, I was taught that listening is the key aspect to being successful at this job. I don't listen enough. I listen to my students and I listen to my Sunday School teacher and I listen to my boss but I don't think that I am truly listening to those I need to listen to the most: Chris, my kids, my parents, my extended family members, my government, myself. Life is too short to let circumstances weigh you down.

I have been on a kick recently about wanting a new house. How crazy is that?!? I don't NEED a new house. Sure, I would like more space for us to roam and closets for all my junk but do I really NEED a new house? Do I NEED to stress over an increase in our mortgage payment? Do I NEED to stress over selling our house now? Do I NEED to uproot the kids when they are perfectly content? No to all of the above. I want to be content. Content in my circumstances and in my life. I have so many blessings. I have healthy kids, a terrific husband, a wonderful church family, a job I love and most importantly, the love of a savior who died for me. What more could I want? Why do I let myself be ruled by "stuff" instead of just living life to the fullest?

I am going to make my resolution for the new year now: I will strive for contentment in my life. Thanksgiving is a great time to start because you are already humbled by what you have. Thanks to all my friends and family for supporting me as I begin this journey......

Odds and Ends

2008-11-25T21:04:00.005-06:00

Ava cracks us up with her "fashion" sense! She loves to put together her own outfits and coordinate bow and accessories with clothes I pick out. Chris and I thought we need to be photographing just in case she is a fashion designer one day!

Griffin loves to "help" Mommy cook and frost cupcakes. He has the best time!

I am so grateful for my mother and the time and effort she gives to our family. I complain alot because we have no family here in Birmingham but she has never said no when I ask her to come and HELP!! Thank you Grammy!

Halloween catch-up

2008-11-25T20:51:00.006-06:00

I am so behind on Halloween photos! Ava was Jasmine and Griffin was Aladdin. They were precious! We enjoyed our church Fall Festival and then went trick or treating in our neighborhood on Halloween night. We also enjoyed some festivities at the Splawn's (some church friends). Griffin was also Santa for his school party (so we wouldn't get Aladdin dirty!)

Christmas Card 2008

2008-11-08T20:26:00.000-06:00

Disney 2008

2008-11-04T13:04:00.008-06:00

We are back from our annual Disney trip with the Tinneys and came home tired and ready for a REAL vacation! The kids enjoyed their time with Mom and Dad as well as Miss Amber, (our sitter/ dates my cousin), who came with us. The highlight (or lowlight!) of our trip was Griffin's first haircut at the Main Street Barber Shop. He had just awakened from his nap and was quite disturbed at the strange lady cutting on his hair. I think he wanted to keep the surfer look! Ava had a ball visiting with all of the Princesses and with her cousin, Hendon. Here are some of our photos from our tourture, I mean, our trip....

Handley High Class of 1995 ROCKS!!

2008-09-08T06:08:00.003-05:00

Here are the photos from our 13th year class reunion! Yes, 13 is right- basically, we never had a 10 but all wanted to get together so we just decided 13 sounded good for us. There was sadness because we have lost two class members but there were good times in catching up with one another. We missed you Chandie!!

I have the Kindergarten blues...

2008-08-24T12:56:00.004-05:00

O.K. The time is upon us. Ava has begun her academic journey of excellence: Kindergarten! She arrived with fresh crayons in hand to begin this quest of knowledge at Briarwood Christian School. While Mommy & Daddy are somewhat bereft and Griffin is downright downtrodden, we know that she is in a good place in her little life. Life is not that complicated for her yet. She has so much going for her and we have some major praying to continue so that she will lead a good and true life serving our Lord and others for His kingdom. Please say a little prayer for Ava and for us as you read this. We need them! Thanks!!

Random Cuties!

2008-08-09T06:03:00.003-05:00

My little Ava loves Build-A-Bear!

Griffy loved the ferris wheel at the Wharf

Ava and "Ashley" are loving the ride!

Griffin loves Pebbles and I am pretty sure Pebbles wants no part of it!

Our new trick is hiding in small spaces

Ava is dropping off Griffin at car pool

Hendon and Ava are "helping" get ready for Grammy & Poppa's party

I love this shot of Grammy and Griffin

Griffin's first haircut

2008-08-04T06:47:00.003-05:00

After months of avoiding and people telling me to cut his hair, I relented and cut off a little snipet that was consistently getting in his eyes. Here are some before and after pics. Now he looks like a "real boy"!

Hendon Reunion

2008-08-04T06:33:00.004-05:00

Each year we attend the annual Hendon reunion in Ophelia, Alabama. This year was extra special because we had a great new restaurant cater the event: Lakeside Marina! We really do have a great time with family from Idaho, Georgia, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia and Alabama represented. Here are some photos from the family time together~

More Lakeside Photos

2008-07-29T20:58:00.004-05:00

Welcome to Lakeside Market & Grill!

2008-07-09T15:28:00.007-05:00

Well, we did it- Lakeside Market & Grill is open for business! Located on beautiful Lake Wedowee, we are operating a restaurant, c-store, gas station, campground, boat launch, and boat storage for your enjoyment. Poppa (John Tinney) has worked so hard to get this family project off the ground and we are thrilled to be done with the construction phase. Now our focus is providing quality service and great food. If you are in the Lake Wedowee area, come try us out. I am posting our menu and directions on our website http://www.lakesidewedowee.com/. Thanks!!

Grammy & Poppa will all the grand kids on opening day in their matching "work" shirts. Grammy paid each one $2 for their "work" for the day. Abe is not in the photo but did earn his money doing p.r. work!

Mrs. Marie (our store manager) was so sweet to allow Ava to ring up her own bubblegum. Thanks Mrs. Marie, you made her day!!

Griffin is 18 months and Ava is a Ballerina

2008-07-09T15:14:00.003-05:00

My little hunny-bunny is now 18 months old! Griffin is running us ragged but we love his energy and personality. Everyday is a new adventure for him (and for us!). He is very loving and gives great kisses and hugs. He "blows" his hot food off by scrunching up his nose and blowing through it instead of his mouth. He says "Daddy", "Mommy", "Bible", "Uh-oh", "Wa-Wa", "Nigh-Nigh" and something that we assume is "Ava" because he says it all the time. His favorite past time is to follow his sister around and get into her stuff. He loves her purses and make-up, probably because those two items will illicit the loudest screams from her. He can follow directions: take this to the trash, close the door, stand up, give me your hands are a few examples. Griffin also knows when he needs a diaper change and comes to get me. I know that now is the time to really step up the potty-training but frankly, I am not up for the task with all we have going on right now. Maybe in the fall.... Griffin is a joy and a gift to us and we praise the Lord for his abundant blessings upon the Albright family.

Am I biased or is this the sweetest little ballerina? Ava attended Briarwood Ballet Camp last week and loved learning about choreography, props, set design, and the ballets of Spain: Don Quixote and Swan Lake. This was the only camp I could convince her to attend this year and it was definitely worth it! Their performance was wonderful and she was so proud that she made her own props.

Thirty-One

2008-06-27T10:11:00.008-05:00

To: my beautiful blogger friends
Re: new business for Kate

Now is the time that I am requesting support your old pal in my new business endeavor: Thirty-One Gifts. This stuff is so great! Monogrammed items galore in the catalog as well as personalized stationary, candles, luggage, totes, purses and much more. There is something for everyone and the prices are great (we all know how much monogramming costs!).

Thirty-One is a wonderful company based on the bibical principles of the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. Please check out my website @ www.mythirtyone.com/kate for more information and to place an order. I am looking for party hostesses and those who just want to gather orders for a catalog party.

It is my dream to be able to earn some extra money while also staying home with the kiddies. Thanks!! I will appreciate your continued support and prayers.

Love, Kate

Fun shots

2008-06-27T10:08:00.003-05:00

Griffin decided to try some early potty training..... in a real pot!

My fun-loving children playing in the $5 sprinkler from Wal-Mart! Griffin is putting his best side out to blogger land!

Beach photos

2008-06-26T15:07:00.003-05:00

Here are some photos that we took during our recent Orange Beach jaunt with the Kaufmanns (UA Law School friends). The kids had a great time together and Tatum & I discovered that we have both spawned Hannah Montana addicts! What joy, what bliss...... We had professional photos made on the beach for the first time and I'll upload them when we get the proofs online. Keep checking the blog- seeing my numbers rise makes me smile!!

Zoo time!

2008-06-26T13:58:00.002-05:00

We love to visit our local Birmingham Zoo! The kids and I decided to spend an afternoon there recently and we got some great pics. Enjoy!

Sips 'n' Strokes

2008-06-11T20:10:00.002-05:00

The gals from Meadow Brook Baptist decided to drop their duties of kids and husbands for an evening of laughter and bad abstract painting (just from me!). We had such fun at Sips 'n' Strokes off of 280 in B'ham. Our instructor was actually an old friend from my alma mater of Handley High in Roanoke, Alabama. Small world!! Fun times with girlfriends are always good nights.

Close-Ups

2008-06-11T20:00:00.005-05:00

I absolutely loved this close-up of Griffin & Ava! They are the best of friends and it warms my heart everyday.

We are loving the pool this summer! We have started a tradition of PB & J's, chips and juice boxes for our lunch by the pool. The kids are doing great with their swimming. Ava did not have to use swimmies this weekend at all. Griffin loves to jump off the side which scares me to death! Life with kids: always exciting!

Vacation Bible School- Yeah!!

2008-06-04T20:47:00.004-05:00

Welcome to VBS 2008! We are having a great time at Meadow Brook Baptist doing Outrigger Island VBS. I am teaching 4th grade girls and love it. I have a wonderful group of girls who love Jesus and serving Him! Ava is loving the K4 class (thanks Mrs. Christy and Mrs. Blakeley!) and Griffin is tearing it up in the Toddler class (thanks Mr. Chris!). Here are some photos of us this week... (yes, that is Griffin in his natural state- actually IN the play kitchen! The teen years will be so fun with him....)

Honeysuckle days...

2008-05-28T21:16:00.006-05:00

I hope my child remembers these little moments with her daddy. He was so excited that she enjoyed her first taste of honeysuckle right off the vine! I am so guilty of getting caught up in moving on to the next activity that I forget the simple pleasure of the present. Ava, your mommy and daddy love you so much!

Lake Wedowee is at full pool!

2008-05-27T17:00:00.003-05:00

We spent the long holiday weekend at Lake Wedowee. Mom and Dad let us crash at their lake house and we slept and relaxed all weekend. The kids did so well with their sleeping there that I told Chris we ought to move there for the summer! Ava romped and played with her cousins while Griffin took long naps and ate homemade ice cream. The geese were fed by all and Sydney entertained us with her jumps into the lake after her tennis ball. Does life get any better? Thank you Lord for your bountiful gifts to us! We are so undeserving of it all.

Chris is 34!

2008-05-27T16:57:00.003-05:00

Chris turned 34 this week amid all the chaos of the end of school and beginning of summer. I didn't want him to be slighted so here is a "Happy Birthday to you, Chris"!! We love you and are so proud of the daddy and husband that you are!!

Pool time is here!

2008-05-27T16:53:00.002-05:00

We love the pool and the time is here!! Here are Ava & Griffin enjoying their first "dip" of the year...

It's Grammy's Day!

2008-05-27T16:41:00.005-05:00

Kudos to our sweet Grammy (aka Cecelia Tinney) for her service to First Baptist Church in Roanoke, Alabama!! Grammy was honored by the church on Sunday for her many (44 years!) of service as pianist and organist for her church. She began playing at the age of 16 for a little country church and has played at every church home since then. Her continuous service at FBC has been since 1974. What a blessing she has been to her church and her family! We love you Grammy!

Mother's Day 2008

2008-05-13T16:02:00.005-05:00

My Mother's Day was great! We went to see the "fam" in Randolph County on Saturday (very long trip with approximately 5 stops!!). Everyone was glad to see the kids, especially Maw-Maw Velma who celebrated her 82nd birthday that day. She had a wonderful, gooey chocolate cake (my kids dove in!!) and many family members to help her celebrate. Maw-Maw is more than just Chris' grandmother, she is the grandmother I never had due to the loss of both before I was three. She has been so good to me over the past 12 years! I love you Maw-Maw!!

I was awakened Sunday with coffee in bed and breakfast smells wafting through our room. The eggs, bacon and toast were better than any 5 star restaurant I have ever been to! We attended church at our home church of Meadow Brook Baptist followed by a lovely lunch at Panera Bread (we had to move fast due to nap constraints). After we got home, Chris put Griffin down for a nap and swam with Ava while I indulged myself in my latest read. After their swim, Ava & Chris cooked me homemade chocolate chip cookies. I was good for nothing on Sunday!! It was great!! Here's a cheer to Moms everywhere!!

As for the last photo, I realized that the only pic of Sydney is on our very first post. Here is a reminder of my precious firstborn...

He's a Super Lawyer!

2008-05-08T07:57:00.006-05:00

John A. Tinney

Seriously Outstanding

only 5% selected each year

visit superlawyers.com

Dad (aka Poppa) was elected to the most recent addition of Super Lawyers. He is the only Lawyer from East Alabama to receive this honor. YEAH!! We are so proud of you Poppa!!

Dance Recital

2008-05-08T04:52:00.006-05:00

Ava was a beautiful ballerina on April 26 when she danced in her recital "A Child's Garden of Verses" with the Briarwood Ballet. She was so precise and serious in her movements. Sonja (my old dance teacher) would have been so proud! She may be headed for a career in the Ballet!

Beach Fun

2008-05-05T20:27:00.006-05:00

We enjoyed a weekend trip to Orange Beach courtesy of Chris' work last weekend. He had to be in Foley for a deposition so we decided to tag along with both sets of Tinneys as they had already planned to be there. Abe, Ava & Griffin had fun despite the nasty weather on Friday and Saturday. Abe was sick with a double ear infection but did great anyway. It was fun to be with Clay's little family as I am now seeing him in a whole new light. He and Mel are doing a great job and it is obvious that Abe is a very happy little fellow. Abe loved watching his older cousins and really does love the chaos of many people living in a small space. Here's to Orange Beach and Pop's legacy of love for the coast!!

What a week!

2008-04-22T17:01:00.005-05:00

I know that I haven't posted in several days but it has been a whirlwind of activity! After our Bargain Carousel preview party on Saturday, I turned 31 on Sunday, April 13. It was a very weird birthday since I was not with my mom (first time ever on my b-day!) and I had some things weighing heavy on my mind. The day of April 14 could not come quick enough!! My sister's twins turned 4 on that day so it was very uplifting to me to celebrate for them. After the long week, we headed to Athens for the birthday party luau! Hogan and Hendon were precious and we had a great celebration for them. Great job, Claire!! Saturday we watched Grayson play baseball where he had some super hits and carried on my family tradition of playing catcher. Go A's! We shopped around Athens and hit the Athena league party on Saturday night. Sunday, we were so tired but Chris, Ava & I cleaned out the garage while Griffin napped. Now I am getting ready for the actual BC this weekend but first I have a job interview tomorrow- everybody say a prayer, please.......

Come get some bargains!!

2008-04-11T16:00:00.003-05:00

Come get some bargains at the annual Bargain Carousel sponsored by the Junior League. I have been working my hiney off this week! I am working as Co-chair of the Adult Clothing department for this year's BC. All of the members bring $100 of re-saleable items to raise money in a huge "garage" sale. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and I am super pumped about it. The theme this year is Dancing through the Decades with a very 70's feel. Our preview party will be held Saturday night and the general sale begins April 26. I have never been to the opening day but they tell me it is very spectacular to see. One woman camps out every year to be the first one through the door! Anyway, just thought I would give our worthy cause a shout-out!

A great man is gone...

2008-04-02T20:55:00.002-05:00

I received word about 8:35 p.m. that Uncle Ed is gone. He had fought this fight with cancer for 15 years. I remember so clearly the day that Mom and Dad told us that he had this awful disease. As a young 16 year old, I cried and cried because everyone I had known with cancer eventually died. Now, this man has gone home to be with the Lord and I am still crying and crying. My tears are not for what has been but for what was to come. I am crying because his two grandchildren and one on the way will not get to fully experience the man I called Uncle Fred. I know that stories and photos help but I cannot help but hurt for them. Please pray for our sweet family who, while rejoicing at the home-going, cry at what we have lost.

Uncle Ed

2008-04-02T10:51:00.002-05:00

Hi everyone. I told several of you that I would do updates on Uncle Ed here so here goes. He was moved yesterday to Bethany House, a hospice facility in Opelika. I think that Aunt Ruth and all of the family will be much more comfortable there than in the sterile environment of the hospital. They are keeping him comfortable and Aunt Ruth is not leaving his side. Prayers for her, Patty and David and families are much appreciated. I'll update as I know further details.

Sadness about Fred

2008-03-31T20:08:00.006-05:00

Today I was very sad. Sad for many reasons. My uncle is lying in a hospital bed with family and friends surrounding him. He did not know much about who I was yesterday and it really depressed me because we used to have such fun joking each other. He has lived a good life and as a nurse said yesterday to my mom, "you can always tell those who are rich by those he has around when it truly matters." Uncle Ed (I always joked with him about the Fred part) is rich. He has a loving, devoted wife and terrific, accomplished children. He is the very proud grandfather of two adorable kids. He has friends and extended family beyond measure. Although cancer, that dreaded, evil family killer, will take him in the near future, his legacy will live throughout generations. He fought the good fight and he will be at peace with his Savior in heaven. Where will YOU be when the time comes?

Happy Easter 2008

2008-03-27T20:26:00.009-05:00

Our Easter was great and filled with family events. We enjoyed dinner Friday night at "Mexico", our favorite place in Roanoke.

Saturday, the Albrights traveled to Anniston for the annual Easter photos at Studio One and then visited with Maw-Maw & Paw-Paw in Wadley. Late afternoon we really had fun at Grammy & Poppa's egg hunt with the cousins. Poppa grilled us some great steaks for dinner Saturday night.

We attended church at First Baptist Roanoke (where we were married) and had lunch at Grammy & Poppa's. After loading the car with all the goodies the Easter bunny left us, we ventured to the "creek" to hunt eggs and eat (again!) with the Clark family. Ava & Griffin are pros at the egg hunt thing now! Griffin was so funny!

Spring Break!

2008-03-27T18:10:00.007-05:00

Here we are Spring Break 2008 at Orange Beach, Alabama!!

We had a great time alone with the kids with no schedules to keep but the weather was not great. I think that next Spring Break will have to include Disney plans!!

We did all of our "regular" beach things like eat at Doc's & Lulu's but we were unable to really enjoy the sun and pool. Griffin liked the sand better than last year but he just wanted to eat it!! That was alot of fun-- Ava just loved going to Grammy & Poppa's beach place. She wants to move there!

My baby is 5!!

2008-03-18T09:54:00.003-05:00

I cannot belive that 5 years have flown by! My precious little Ava is now a big #5.... She had a great party with her family and a few friends at Sweet & Sassy in Hoover. They dress the girls in "princess attire" and do their hair and a little make-up. She had a ball! Thanks to all of our sweet family and friends for making her feel like a real princess for the day (or week or year or lifetime!).

Ava is such a special little girl and we have been so blessed by her presence in our lives. She is thriving at school and at home with her live-in playmate, Griffin! Please continue to pray for Ava as great things are ahead for her in her life!

Brother and Sister

2008-02-25T11:27:00.004-06:00

I am absolutely loving this stage with Ava and Griffin! What stands out most to me is their relationship with each other. Sure, there is a fair share of screaming and "keep him out of my room!" happening, but they are just so sweet together. From sharing food to playing together to Ava's "mothering" of him, I am amazed by the depth I am witnessing. Being close to my own siblings is one of the things I am most proud of in life so I am hoping my two children will be close friends and confidants as the years go by....

A brave, new world

2008-01-25T16:58:00.000-06:00

Well, we have entered a brave, new world at the house of Albright. Ava has become the little pop star that we have been dreading for 5 years. She loves Barbie and cheerleaders and Hannah Montana and such. She still loves the kids stuff like babydolls and cartoons but she is entering this "tweendom" too soon! I love this stage of being able to reason with her (most of the time) and have her still love me more than anything in this world. I know that every parent faces the dilemma of allowing your child to fail (on purpose) for character-building but it is so super hard! Ava is such a perfectionist that failure is not an option to her! Oh well, she is like her mama...

John Griffin cracks me up every day of his life! He is my let-loose and party-down child! (Also some of his mother's worst characteristics....) He loves to belly-laugh and destroy anything his sister so carefully created. Lately, she has begun cutting out items from my Southern Living magazines to "decorate" our house. She tapes these pictures at every door frame in the house and screams VERY LOUDLY when Griffin rips them down. I know I shouldn't but I just have to laugh because my children are polar opposite! Griffin does have his quiet moments when he just loves to be in my arms as I am stirring spagetti noodles on the stove or talking on the phone. He is a mama and a daddy's boy.

Here is a photo of my crew during our pitiful little snowstorm in January. You would have thought we were going to have 2 feet of snow listening to the news. I know that our family in Chicago and Michigan would have laughed at us! We didn't even have enough to make a tiny snowman. We spent the day at Grayson's birthday party in Huntsville instead. Maybe next year....

On the job hunt...

2008-01-17T10:43:00.000-06:00

So today I am continuing the job hunt. It is an exhausting process because (joy!) I chose a career in which the search is based on word of mouth rather than the classifieds. I know that there has to be a disturbed individual out there who need a counselor! Why not me?

Anyway, I had some good leads but I am frustrated with those now. I am pondering whether it is part of the Lord's plan to teach me patience while staying home with my kids. Don't get me wrong, I do love being with the kids and doing the domestic thing. I just dream of a life whereby I can be totally self-involved 8 hours a day. I know that I need to realize that the kids are only little once and I can always work once they get in school, blah, blah, blah.....

Please keep me in your prayers as I continue the search for a job and for my purpose.

Moms and tennis shoes

2008-01-11T20:23:00.000-06:00

Sorry about the spacing on the last post with the photos and descriptions- hope everyone figures out who is who.

Based on my day today, I believe that every new mother should be given a new pair of tennis shoes upon the birth of each and every baby she delivers! Here's why... My day began at 5:30 a.m. as usual. I did all the routine morning routines of drinking coffee, reading the paper, emptying the dishwasher, get Griffin out of the crib when he cries, greet Ava as she comes downstairs, feed the kids, dress the kids, shower, dress and fix myself, finish the grocery list and do basic straightening and cleaning so that we can leave the house in peace. I send Ava to school via Chris and finish routines and put on a load of laundry before I take Griffin to Mom's day out (yeah, right) at our church.

I should stop here and point out that I have already burned many calories up and down the stairs six times. I should also point out that Chris does assist in this morning routine! While he is not quite as fast as I am in the morning (he is not a morning person), he does help in many ways when I give him his tasks.

So anyway, by the time I drop off Griffin, I am pooped... I trek to Wal-mart where I weave through every single aisle and manage to leave 2 hours later and much, much poorer. I scurry home to unload cold items before I book it to carpool to pick up Ava at 11:45. My five minute wait in the carpool line was like a mini trip to the spa because no one was talking and I had nothing to catch up on in the car. After Chick-fil-A with Ava, because she needs alone time with Mommy too (!), we rush to pick up Griffin at MDO where the teachers inform me that he has eaten no lunch and don't know what is wrong...

Once home I put the other groceries away and begin my first of three loads of laundry. In between laundry, I feed Sydney, the dog, play "family going on the trip" with Ava, get Griffin to nap, start a load of dishes and talk to our children's minister about my upcoming trip to Shocco with my 4th and 5th grade bible drill class. (Did I mentioned that I am back on Weight Watchers and had only consumed about 7 of my 22 points at this point?)

I think I should stop here because I feel that you all get the picture: Moms need tennis shoes, good and sturdy tennis shoes.

Our nieces and nephews

2008-01-11T18:45:00.000-06:00

Hello all- Here I am for Day 2. I decided to introduce my nieces and nephews to everyone today before I begin my panderings...

This first little fellow is my brand new nephew, Abe. He belongs to my brother, Clay, and his wife, Melanie. He is a 3 month old cutie and rolled over this week!

Hogan, a twin, is 3 1/2 and belongs to my sister, Claire, and her husband, Darrell. He is a strong boy and loves any type of automobile or truck, especially those in Nascar.

Hendon, the other twin, is 3 1/2 and belongs to my sister, Claire, and her husband, Darrell. She loves babies and purses and is the biggest girlie-girl I know. (Everyone says that she is just like me! Sorry, Claire and Darrell!)

Grayson just turned 7 and also belongs to Claire and Darrell. He loves to read and all sports. The kid is an encyclopedia of ESPN!

Casey is 7 and belongs to Chris' sister, Vicky, and her husband, Rog. She was so excited at Christmas to get a "chapter book." Boy, do I remember those days!

Jamey is almost 3 and also belongs to Chris' sister, Vicky, and her husband, Rog. She is so sweet and has the cutest voice you have ever heard!

Christmas recap

2008-01-10T09:33:00.001-06:00

I decided my first regular post should be a recap of our wonderful Christmas season. We always travel home to Roanoke for time with family and friends. This year was so exciting because it was Griffin's first Christmas. Last year I was on bed rest awaiting his arrival and could not travel "home" for Christmas. We also had some extra excitement due to the fact that his birthday is December 27! Chris and I decided to throw it all together and have his 1st birthday party with family while we were home. Needless to say, we will not be doing that next year! It was too much to try to combine with Christmas and we felt like he was a little overlooked due to that fact. Next year we are shooting for a birthday celebration early in December before the maylay of festivities.

Ava, Griffin and Sydney had a great time playing with cousins and opening presents. Santa was very good to them this year!! Here are a few photos of the fun Christmas and 1st birthday times....

Here are the Albrights!

2008-01-09T17:06:00.000-06:00

Here we all are-
From L to R: Chris, Griffin, Ava, Kate & Sydney.

My little family is my greatest joy in this life!

Ava is precise yet creative
Griffin is funny and on-the-go
Sydney is spoiled yet loving
Chris is practical and wise
Kate (the author) is organized yet free-spirited (My mother says that...)

Here's to many posts yet to come!