I am finally legal in the state of TN!!

Today was a great day. I received my nurses license for the state of TN in the mail. I think that I was just as excited today as I was the 1st time I received my NC state licence in the mail. YEA!! TN is beginning to feel like home!!

Just in case you are wondering...we have finally seen someone famous!

Since we moved to Nashville a year ago, everyone keeps asking us "Who have you seen famous?" Our answers always continue to be the same...."No one". Until this past weekend!!

Walter and I both have now seen famous people!

We spent the weekend at the lake with friends, and what do you know,we ran into 2 famous people. Walter saw Al Gore on the dock going over to a 50th b-

day party. And, the next day we were having dinner at the marina, and who do you know, Alan Jackson and his family came up in a boat.

Yes, I am star struck!

It was really neat to finally see someone famous. Of course, if our friends hadn't pointed Alan Jackson out, then I never would have noticed him. I wonder how many other famous people I have been around that I didn't notice?????

Once again we have seen God's work!

I wasn't going to post this but.........last night one of our friends from our SS class at church was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. Chad and Jennifer were on the way to "date night", when Chad began to experience the symptoms of a stroke. Jennifer pulled into a fire station here in Brentwood and they immediately took him to the hospital. We were all on our knees praying for Chad immediately-35yr old male, completely healthy. After 24hrs in the hospital and a battery of test, he is home this evening with no effects from the stroke. PRAISE THE LORD!!

True to being a southern girl, once the phone call was received that they were in route, calls were made to the other girls in our group, we jumped in the car, picked up Heather and her husband (the ER Doctor) and off we went, followed by 3 more friends from church (who dumped there children off on there husbands too-thank you guys!) More details are involved but it became very evident that the Lord was in control way before the night began . Everyone was in the place that they needed to be...in-laws, friends, Dr's, pastors, husbands (Walter) that kept 3 children until 9:00pm. It was awesome to go back this morning and think about it all. He is so in control. It is so awesome to see his hands in work. We are so grateful to have our SS class, and for me, this has brought us all a a little bit closer.

Please continue to pray for Chad and Jennifer. Pray for patience for them and the children! Strength for Jennifer with everything involved in being a Mom, building a house and taking care of her husband!!! And of course for Chad's health!
We have seen his work today and what an encouragement it was!! Thank you Lord for answered prayers!

The Ballerina and her debut at TPAC!

Our Ballerina Princess had her debut last night at TPAC . (Tenneessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville). She was even able to dance on the same stage that The Nutcracker (Nashville Ballet) dances on. It was a very special evening for her, especially when we reminded her about the stage "Wow Mom, that is awsome."

She of course was beautiful and danced her heart out. She was very confident of herself and was even whispering to the girls beside her to remind them of what to do. It was great! What a night to remember!

Walter wanted to be ballerina too. He has wanted to do everything that she does lately, it is super cute!

Unfortunately today, our super star ballerina has been in bed all day with a 102.5 fever. I guess that is want happens when you are exhausted from all the demands in the life of being a Princess!

Happy Fathers Day!

Happy Father's Day to my Dad! He is a wonderful man who has always been there for me when ever I needed him. He was always at every basketball game, concert, church activity and anything else that was important to me. He would stay up with me in the middle of the night when I was having leg cramps (growing pains), and he was the first one that I called when I found out we were moving...both times! I hope that you all are as blessed to have a fabulous Dad like I do.

He is wonderful wth the grandchildren and besides the good Lord, and my mother, his grandchildren and children are the most important thing in his life. WE LOVE YOU BOPPY!!!!

Here is to your fast driving spirit and your soft, warm heart!

My babies are growing up!

The children started "camp" this week on Tues & Thurs from 9am-2pm at our church. It is more like bible school for 6 weeks. Ann Elizabeth loves it and of course it fast to make friends. She is so outgoing and friendly and really doesn't take no for an answer when she ask someone to play with her. It is really neat to watch her mature into such a little girl. She is so grown up already noticing the differences in people and children her age. Like.....the first day of camp we had a "disagreement". She now wants to wear her hair in a ponytail. Fine, I just think that she should still wear a bow with it. She thinks not! After running to her Daddy and telling him how terrible it was that I was making her wear a bow (don't we little girls always run to our daddy's), we compromised. We decided that she would wear the bow until we got to camp and if she was the only little girl with a bow in her hair, then we would take it out. Who at 4 understands that and agrees with it?? Well, needless to say, she was NOT the only one with a bow!

In talking about running to our father's, I am going to pause there. As I am typing this, I was reminded that we not only need to remember to run not only to our earthly fathers, but out heavenly father as well. It has been very evident to me lately that we can not do it ourselves, nor should we try. I have been reminded on quite a few occasions in the last week or so that I need to go to HIS feet, and to turn everything over to him. He is awsome and is our most important father (don't worry when I say this, my Dad knows what I mean and that I love him dearly). I say this because HE does set us free...on his terms, but he does "rain mercy" down on us. He loves us and coming up on Father's Day, we should not only remember our earthly fathers but our heavenly one as well.

Camp & Walter! What a change it has made in him the last few days. The little ones are supposed to bring a favorite stuffed animal and blanket, or whatever they sleep with for "rest" time at camp. Well, you all know my son and are probably thinking the same thing I was-Good luck getting him to lay down on a mat. HA! Well, to my surprise, when I went to get him on Tuesday, he was still sleeping. And here is the best part....without his binkies! I know-shock! He is my baby so I have been prolonging taking them away (he does only have them in his bed). But, for some reason I forgot to put it in his camp bag. He had his blue bear and blanket, but no binkie! His teacher said that once she covered him up he went right to sleep and didn't even ask for them. So, when I picked him up he was so excited that he had taken a nap at camp and he even told me that he didn't have a binkie. What an exciting day. So, big Walter and I fed into his excitment, bought him a Spider Man toothbrush (as a treat for no binkies) and we said "Bye Bye binkies" at bedtime. He did great! We were so proud when he woke up the next morning. How grown up. My baby is not a baby anymore. It saddens me, but also fills my heart with joy to see him having so much fun at camp and getting so excited in telling me about it when I get him.

He and Ann Elizabeth are becoming fast friends. They want to go everywhere together! She had a playdate last week and he stood at the door screaming for her as she left. Very sweet I think. they have a great bond and love eachother so much!! The Lord has truly blessed us with 2 wonderful children, that aren't babies anymore!

Our FAB trip to the Lowcountry!

We just returned home from a 2 week stay in the wonderful lowcountry, where for 2 weeks we bounced between the wonderful beach and the fabulous Dunes West pool. The children had a blast and were exhausted when we returned home!

I don't even know where to begin on telling you everything that we did. We were able to reconnect with most of our friends and their children, enjoy our favorite hangout on Shem Creek-REDS, eat at great resturants, and (me) have a fun and much needed Girls Night Out with all my girls. We even were able to celebrate my Dad's birthday while on the IOP and have cake from the famous Amy Hogg...and yummy it was! (She also made one for our GNO so I was able to enjoy her cakes twice-yea for me!) One night we cooked out (or shall I say Guy cooked for us...as ususal) at Kevin & Shawn's house, where the children were able to enjoy one more trip to the pool. The children also got a visit from our old babysitter Ashley. She stayed with them one night at the hotel so that that Walter and I could meet some friends out. When we got home, everyone was fast asleep, but only by about an hour.....and it was 11:00. The children love her and she let them do whatever they wanted. We had some great family time with the children as well. Neither one remebered much about Charleston so it was fun to revisit our old house and places that they (or just AE) had once loved. Her memory quickly returned when we took them to Blackeard's Cove for some fun one afternoon.

Walter and I are so very greatful for everyone that changed plans around to see us and meet us out. Everyone knows that Walter waits until the last minute to make plans, and we really appreciate all our friends joining us on such short notice! It was great to relive the "Charleston days", but even better to get back home to Nashville! Thanks for reliving all the old memories guys and girls and for making many new ones this past couple of weeks! God has truly blessed us with some true friends in Charleston and we hope to never loose track of you!

Much love to you all!!!

Catching up...Summer is here!

We have a had a busy few week so I apologize for not updating sooner. I know that you all are vey sad that it has taken me so long to post.....




We "graduated" Ann Elizabeth from the "old 4rs" preschool to the "young 5's". Her preschool is so sweet that they graduate every child in every class and give them a bible. Needless to say, she was super excited to get her first "big girl" bible.





A few days later we were on our way to the lake with our friends The Livingston's, and there little girl Addy Grace, and then back to Charleston for 2 weeks (blogging from the beach). My car was packed and I was ready for a 9hr car ride with the children by myself.....but really the 2 weeks stay at the beach. The children were great in the car. It took us about 10 hrs with all the detours and traffic, but the drive was a piece of cake.
















So here we are, finally, and having a great time. We spent all last week with my parents at Wild Dunes on Isle of Palm, and this week we are anxiouslly awaiting Daddy's arrival on Tuesday (we haven't seen him in 10 days). We will be staing on IOP and hanging out with all of our "old" friends. The children are loving it here and are in no hurry to head backto Nashville. They have eaten more ice cream, pop corn and junk food here than they every think about getting at home. The detox back in Nashville is going to be dreadful!


Later from the Low Country!

Weekend at The Nichols house!

Well, soccer has come to an end for the season. The girls did great. The Sonic team had their last game on Saturday and won! (They won b/c the other team didn't show up, so they just played eachother.) All the girls were coming to our house after the game for the end of the season party. Needless to say, they were so excited about the party that they could barely pay attention to the game. Everytime one of the girls would come off of the field for water, she would ask "is it over, I am ready for the party?" It was hysterical. We enjoyed 9 little girls and families at our house for the celebration. The girls love eachother and really had a great time.

Our other great idea this weekend was to roast marshmellows on an outside chimnea in their PJ's no less and slippers (notice Walter's Spider Man shoes and AE pink w/rinestones). Where else would you do it when you don't have woods in your backyard?

The children thought it was wonderful. I found these neat "skewers" at Target that extend, and hold 2 marshmellows at a time. Walter loved to burn his and them eat them (just like I like them). Ann Elizabeth on the other hand only wanted hers soft. I think that they ate more out of the package then they did roasted. This was true city gone to the country!

Rodeo Girl!

On Wednesday Ann Elizabeth and I went on our first field trip through school together. We visited a farm/horse stable (what else would we visit in TN) and the children were able to learn a little about the horses and ride a pony. She loved it!!

New Life!

Some of you will remember this plant as it was decorations at Walter's 1st birthday party in Charleston. Walter's mom has kept it alive in Altanta and then brought it to us when we moved into our house. Well, I haven't done a great job with is, so I decided a few weeks ago to replant it. When I went to pull it out of the pot this is what I found........if you can't see it well, it is a birds nest with 6 eggs in it.

We haven't touched the plant or given it water since I found the nest. This morning I went out to get the paper and saw that the eggs had hatched and we have little baby birds. The mother was quick to get back on top of them once I went back inside to get my camera. Maybe I can catch them tomorrow.

Isn't it neat how this little mommy was a mommy on Mother's Day. The good Lord does bless us all..........and, he has kept my "Charleston reminder" plant alive through it all.

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mothers' Day to all of you mothers. Both of my mothers were in town this weekend and we had a wonderful time. It was crazy around here, but we had a wonderful time. Friday we went to Ann Elizabeth's school for a Mother's/Father's Day program. It was very special b/c both of her grandmothers could be here.

Saturday was super special as well, because everyone was able to see her play a soccer game. She did wonderful and scored the only goal the team had (which by the way, is very important to her....already.....at 4yrs old.).

Sunday, my darling husband treated us to a home cooked breakfast and then lunch at Sperry's. It was great, and the children behaved for the most part so it made lunch even more enjoyable.

Here is to my Mom's.....We love you and thank you for spending a great weekend with us!

Soccer Team! Go Sonic Cookie Monsters!

The sweet girls are sponsored by none else but Sonic. We couldn't really come up with a good name for them, so we followed with color of the uniform-blue. We attach Cookie Monster to their goal every week and tell the girls that Cookie Monster needs to eat some soccer balls. Luck???? Not so much, but they try hard anyway, and are very cute at it!!

She may play soccer, but she is still a princess....even in uniform, with her side-kick supporting her!

Sweet Angels at the Nashville Zoo!

Can you believe it is May...time for more Nichols nonsense!

I know it has been a while since I updated and I am sure that I will be able to come up with lots to tell you. We have a busy month. The kids continue to amaze us with everything that they do and say.

For example: Little Walter is now fascinated with everyone that is different than him...meaning Mommy, and I think you know what I am getting at. He is already asking TONS of questions, pointing LOTS, and Daddy only helps to explain in the most inappropriate way of course. What more do you say about a really curious little boy....isn't it going to be fun. He also very fascinated with your nose and the things in it. He has had a stuffy nose for the past few days and we have taught him to blow his nose. He thinks that is really cool and says "let me see my booger". Gross I know, but he is all boy. Today we were sitting at the breakfast table and he got down on the floor face to face with the dog and says, "Mommy, Molly has a booger." GREAT! So I reply with "Thank you for telling me Walter, but please don't touch it." What in the world??
He is getting so big and chatting more and more everyday. Still sassy like his sister. He has begun to say the blessing with us when we eat, trying to say what Sissy says..it is very sweet. He may be a boy, but he does have a really sweet side. He now just comes up to you for no reason and tells you that he loves you and gives you a hug. No matter what he says, a hugs and I love you from a 2yr old makes up for everything.

Ann Elizabeth is doing great. She loves school and has made really sweet friends. She did have a rough week this week. She had a splinter in her heel that needed to be removed. It has been there for about 3 months, and we didn't realize it. We knew that she had gotten a splinter from our hardwood floors, but we thought we had gotten it all. Evidently we didn't. She started to get a knot on her heel and it began to hurt. Our ped. said to just let it work its way out, our ER MD friend said that it should come out and our Dermatologist said that it should come out.....but.....no one would touch it. They knew that it was going to be tough. So, they sent us to a podiatrist of all people. We told her all about it and tried to warn her about the pain (ie shot in the foot). She did great once her foot was numb and wanted to watch them take the splinter out. Being just like her mother, she asked if she could take the splinter with her to "show it off". They put it in a nice specimen cup and off to school she went with it. Needless to say it has been the topic of conversation around here, and everyone she sees has to see the splinter and hear the story about it. Hopefully she will be a nurse one day...she sure has the curiosity for it!

Enough for now, I don't want to bore you......lator gators!

Time of change in the Nichols house!

Not sure how to start this, but my heart is really heavy. I have been reading some "friends" blogs from church and am very motivated, but heart heavy too. I am so not where I want to be, or where I was a yr ago (physically and spiritually). So, in saying that, I have to apologize to those of you whom I have not been a good influence to. Life has thrown our family some curve balls the last year and I have not taken them well. I have let myself fall into a time of being needy and not strong. SO, my goals have changed! I am getting out of the rut and the family and I, are going to change some things. I have been in a wonderful bible study that I need to start acting out what I am learning, and Walter and I are in a wonderful small group that we really should "be a part of".
Thanks to all of our friends who have stuck by Walter and I through our changes this year. We won't let you down! Please continue to pray for us and our challenges that we still face with being in a new town and continuing to get settled. Thanks again!

Lator Gators!!

Time to Catch up!

It has been a week since my last post so I thought that I should catch everyone up to speed and add some new pics of the family.

We celebrated Walter's 40th birthday with old friends from Charlotte and new friends from Nashville. We all had a great, long, fun weekend and really enjoyed catching up with our friends who made the trip here from Charlotte. Walter had a blast also and I am sure that Watermark Restaurant downtown has never seen what they saw the night we were there.

For those of that know Walter well, this is so out of character for him. Our friends from Nashville gave us matching singlets and Walter decided to put his on while we had dinner. HYSTERICAL!!!

We also celebrated Easter the next weekend with some friends who were in town from Charleston. It too was a fun weekend, but with 4 children in the house under the age of 5, it was CRAZY!! We did an Easter Egg hunt at the Nashville Zoo and then had one of our own in our back yard. I do have to say that the Nichols children are really aggressive when it comes to competitive activities-I have never seen children go after eggs like my kids did. The Lord has truly blessed us with good friends and a beautiful new home. We have so much to be thankful for, and for me, Easter and spring time really brings it all full circle.

Have a wonderful Spring and pray for sunny weather, Ann Elizabeth has her first soccer game on Saturday after 3 weekends of rain outs! We are very excited!

Soccer Star!

I am officially a soccer mom. Ann Elizabeth had her first soccer practice last night (finally after 3 being cancelled due to the weather) and she loved it. She is playing on the same team as the little girls across the street, Zoe, so she is very excited about that. This is a cute pic of them when they received their uniforms last night.

Thanks to everyone who asked about Molly. I took her to our vet yesterday and they want to see her every Friday to ck her out, but think that she will be fine with no longterm problems....YEA!!! What a relief!!

And to Mr. Henry.................YOU ROCK, and little Walter asks for you all the time!!!!!

What a weekend-Glad it is over!

WOW! Where do I begin? We had quite a weekend in our house. Walter's 2nd b-day party was scheduled for Saturday morning-pony rides, jump castles, the works-all outside of course. Well, on Friday it started snowing and was 29 degrees on Saturday morning with about 2-3 inches of snow in the ground. So, no pony! The party was moved to the basement and thank goodness we had a small jump castle that would fit inside. We managed to salvage the morning and all children and adults had fun. So that was fun until.....
I went to let our dog Molly out after the party. I put her in the backyard (that is fenced in ) so that she could play around in the snow, which she loved. I turned my back brielfy, went back outside to get her and couldn't find her. I knew that she had gotten out under the fence (only the 4th time this week she had done this), so I went around to the front, through the kitchen-inlisting help from all our friends to find her as I past through, and out to the garage where I was sure that she was. I went to the front yard, only to find that she had been hit by our mail lady. Molly was limping, but running back towards Chip (our dear friend) and I. Being the sweet soul that Chip is, he scooped her right up and asked for a towel and began to get into Walter's car. While we were all running around trying to get more towels, call the ER vet and find Chip's shoes, that Mr. David retrieved, after he sat holding/loving and calming our sweet dog in the car. We took her to the ER vet, who was fabulous with her, and found out that she didnt't break a leg, just lots of cuts and maybe some ligament damage, but she was going to be fine. We had to leave her overnight for sugery and observation but picked her back up this morning (Sunday). Molly is said to be doing well and hopefully no longterm effects from the injury. Once again no one told me that I would be so attached to that dog-she is like my baby #3.
So after a brief breakdown over my dog, morning the fact that my 2yr olds party did not go as I had so well planned it out, and a couple glasses of wine, all was back to normal in the Nichols house........other then little Walter having a meltdown when we got back from the ER vet, and trying to get dinner ready to celebrate big Walter's b-day with ALL the parents that were in our house (yes, everyone)-things were normal!

Wow, am I glad that it is Sunday and it is all over!!! On to next weekend for big Walter's 40th!!! YE HA!!!!