Boosterathon-Fun Run!

Boosterathon is always so much for fun for the kids. As much as the parents would love for the school to choose another form of a fundraiser, we do understand, and then kids love to get pledges, prizes and then run laps on the last day. Ann Elizabeth once again did really well. She hit up all the parents and our friends for pledges and them ran her heart out for all the laps that she could. The kids had to run in the gym this year because it was raining and had to run under a time limit, but she did her best and ran all 35 laps. We are so proud of her. It was precious seeing her with her friends and her sweet teacher Ms. Maye that ran with them.

Father Daughter Dance

Every year our neighborhood does a Father-Daughter Dance. I think it is the highlight of Ann Elizabth's year. She always want to look her best for her Daddy. It is so sweet. The day of the dance she asked me if I had her makeup, flowers, shoes, nail polish and hair accessories ready....oh and of course the dress. Yes dear, Mommy has it all under control!

St. Patricks Day Fun!

So since it was our anniversary, my parents took the kids for the night so we could have a dinner out. The kids love going to Rock Hill on St. Patricks Day because they have a street party. They got their face painted and of course had the cutest outfits on. It is always something they look forward to doing. Mom was so gracious to bring them home and spend the night so that Walter and I could celebrate our 10year anniversary. Thanks Mom!

10 year Anniversary!!

I can't believe that 10 years have gone by. Who knew that I would be driving kids to school on the morning of our 10 year anniversary???
Walter and I have been together 12 years total, and we are more in love today than we were 10 years ago when we got married. He is my best friend, soul mate, wonderful husband and a fabulous father.
I remember getting dressed the morning of the wedding and being super excited, not nervous at all. But, once we got to the church, i was super nervous. I already had my dress on and had to go to the bathroom b/c my nerves were getting to me....I remember sneaking out of the room and looking around hopping Walter wasn't inside. So funny now that I think of it. As I waited for the church doors to open with my Dad at my side, he kept asking me if I was sure. Let me tell you that I have never been more sure of anything in my entire life. I KNEW that I wanted to marry Mr. Walter Edward Nichols. No doubt about it. And then the doors opened and I could see him smiling all the way from the back....i think I basically tried to run down the aisle, my Dad kept telling me to slow down. I couldn't wait. My prince was waiting. The next 30 min are a blur, but I do remember the first kiss and Pastor Mark announcing us as husband and wife....Mr. & Mrs. Walter Edward Nichols. Never have a heard 5 more beautiful words. WOOT WOOT!!!!
We have been through so much in the last 10 years...moved 7 times in 10 years (including apartment moves-which Walter doesn't count, but I still had to move stuff....so it counts), lived in 3 different states, had 2 children, been through about 5 different cars, traveled to Aruba, Carri bean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Colorado, Disney and many beaches and mountains. We love spending time together and with our kids.
Walter really is the ideal Dad and husband. He works so hard at his job to make a life for us and to allow me to stay home with the kids. He is setting a great example for our children with his work ethic and his leadership as the head of our house and as a christian man. Have I mentioned yet that I love this man???? The lord put him in my life and just the right time and I am so thankful for that everyday!
When I met him 12 years ago he made my heart skip a beat, and now 10 years into marriage he still makes my heart jump when he walks into the room!


2001










2011

T-ball for the little man! It's a HIT!

Our sweet boy has started playing t-ball this year at Calvary through Champs Sports. He played soccer last year and wasn't really loving it. But t-ball...it is a hit with him. He loves it. When he went to the first practice and got his uniform, he wore his team hat around for a week, to school, around the house, everywhere we went. It was so sweet.
He has really gotten out and done his best at hitting and catching. I think he likes it because he doesn't have to make contact with anyone and fight for the ball. Big Walter has been helping out during practices and games and it is so sweet to watch the two of them together. I think he has found a sport he loves.

The most inportant decision She will ever make!

Ann Elizabeth has been taking a class at church called First Steps. She has really expressed an interest in learning more about Christ and being baptized. We attended the class with her every Sunday morning for 4 weeks. She was thrilled to be in there and was very energetic in answering question. Her teacher Ms. Lee was FANTASTIC. She explains everything about Jesus and how we are made in his image, his dying for our sins, everything....so wonderfully and so simple.
On the last Sunday you have to fill out an information sheet and express that you have already made a commitment to Christ or that you want to.
Walter and I never doubted that she knew about Christ, but I just wasn't sure she had even "prayed the prayer". She sat at our kitchen table and shed the tears of a sweet child as she told us that she had asked Jesus into her heart...and then she prayed it again...almost like she wanted to make sure. We cried with her and reassured her that she didn't need to do it more than once that once she had prayed it, she was good!
The next day was Sunday and as her class teaches, she has to make the decision to go up front and hand over her information card to Dr. Poplin, our Senior Pastor. Well....she was so nervous, but she didn't hesitate one bit to walk right down to the front of the church and hand her card over! I was sooooo proud! It also happened to be the same day that her friend Carsen was baptised and her teacher Ms. Maye was in the church with us. Such a special occasion that we will remember forever.
Her big day of baptism will be June 5, 2011. It will surely be a celebration!!

Walter's 5th birthday Party

Walter's Star Wars themed 5th birthday party was at Sports Connection. He was very specific this year on who he wanted to invite. Just boys, with the exception of a few girls. It was hard to explain to him that if we werent inviting the whole class then he couldnt really talk about it at school because we didnt want to hurt anyones feelings. He is so sweet and really tried to keep it quiet....until he told everyone about the cookies that he was giving out for favors. He cracks me up!!
So for his party he chose mini-bowling and the jump room. All the boys...and the few girls had a great time.




All Walter's boys!


Sweet Olivia!!!

Walter gets his Camo belt!

Walter has worked so hard at karate and we are so proud of him. He is increased his rank every 2 months since October and double increased his rank on one of those months. He really tries his best, and his behavior has really improved also. This last belt he got was his camo belt and he was thrilled. Next up...camo with a patch!

My sweet boy turns 5!

My sweet baby boy turned 5 today. I can not believe it. He was so excited going to bed last night and even more excited when he woke up this morning. He is such a pure joy. He is such a well mannered, polite, considerate child. His teachers love him and today one of his teachers said that he has all the girls after him...they even fight over him. I would fight over him too...he is to adorable.
This year is a big year for him. He has already earned his camo belt in karate, he starts t-ball this week, will continue to take swim lessons and hopefully really enjoy the pool this summer. He will also start Kindergarten this fall. Wow! I can't believe it. I can't believe that 5yrs ago we lived in Charleston when he was born, and that for his 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birthday we lived in 3 different cities. Also, it snowed every year on his 2nd, 3rd & 4th birthday. Thank goodness no snow today in Charlotte.
He is growing up so much. He loves God and talks about heaven all the time. He is constantly singing and playing. He is some compassionate and wants to make sure that everyone is "ok". He makes me so proud to be his Mommy. He loves Star Wars, Legos, Bay Blades, Nerf guns, basketball and football. He is my heart and soul and carries my heart around with him.
Walter, Daddy and I are so proud of you and how much you have grown over this year. We are so excited that you love Jesus and really want to have a relationship with him. Continue to be who you are and grow to be a man of God. You are soooo loved!

1st sewing job complete!!!!

And it all began with this:




And then this:




To look like this:


To finally this:


And my little 50's girl herself!


Lots of love and emotions when into this outfit. It ended up being a little big on her, and I couldn't quite get the velcro/hook & eye closure worked out to be perfect, but she LOVED it and was super excited to wear it to school. I decided that it was fun sewing...so now onto the next project!