The Peppers Patch

I'm Back!

2012-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, after about four month break I have decided I need to blog again. I know I will look back and be sad I stopped and not be able to remember the little things that I put on here. Poor Malloree, I think she has one picture on here... so I am dedicating this post to my wiggily waggily, haybambasadee, retroprocualty, wiggily, waggily MAL MAL MAL!!!

Things I never want to forget about my little Malloree at 7 months old...

Seeing your little neck stretch up every morning to look for me. (or in the middle of the night)

You love to cuddle

You are so fiesty and tough, I clunked your head on side of the door walking into it one day and you just looked at me kind of funny!

You love your daddy and reach for him often

You let Isaiah poke, pull, hit etc... you laugh at him often

Madison is the biggest helper with you. She will be an amazing mommy one day

We love you Malloree Grace with all of our hearts.

Fall Fun

2011-10-30T18:32:00.000-07:00

Malloree Grace

3 months old

October 2011

Pumpkin Donuts, MMMM

Sister Love

Isaiah Michael
3 years old

Madison Marie
5 and 1/2

Malloree Grace

2011-08-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

Isn't She Cute???

Where to Begin?

2011-05-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I am just a little behind with my blog these days. I really don't know where to begin so I'm just gonna do a bunch of random things starting back in April! Life is crazy these days, I'm 9 months pregnant, Maddie is 5, Isaiah 2 (and SOOO onery), our foster kids start at 17 and go down to the age of 4. 8 kids total and all I can say is I'm so thankful Antaun and I do it together! Antaun and I celebrated 6 years in April of marriage, we took the kids to Aunt Nikki's and had a couple of days to just be together. It was amazing! On the way home we stopped at a hotel and had some fun swimming.
This face made me laugh!I love this man a lot! New sandbox thanks to Grandpa!
We are so blessed to live close to a pond. Antaun loves to take Isaiah and this particular day I hiked along. Isaiah caught his first fish. He was soooo excited!
My husband is such a good daddy. I love watching him with Isaiah.

Celebrating Lainey's 4th birthday!

The most recent, Madison graduated preschool!

She insisted on having a patriotic outfit since one of the songs they sang was "Grand Ole Flag."

35 weeks!
I can't believe she is 5!
And for those of you who haven't heard or noticed, Madison lost her first tooth last week! It was dangling by a thread for a week before she gently pulled it. We were both so excited and did a little dance on the bed. Me with my pregnancy hormones had tears!

We looked long and hard for the perfect shoes to match her outfit! She lOVES shoes, thanks to Aunt Nikki. It's funny she is so much like my sister in a lot of ways!

Ok I feel much better now and the next time I blog I bet I will have pictures of the newest little pepper!!!

30, Really??

2011-03-22T12:15:00.000-07:00

So, we were driving down the highway on my 30th birthday listening to, "Keep Changing the World." The lyrics of this song talk about how there is a problem in our world because there are children without homes and not enough people are willing to do anything about it. Antaun looks over at me only to see tears streaming down my face, this was followed by two children in the back, "why is mommy crying, what's wrong with mommy?" over and over. Daddy's confused response was, "I don't know" over and over!!!

It was one of those moments for me when I thought about my life at the age of 30 and realized my life is exactly how I dreamed it would be one day. A handsome husband who I can sing with, a beautiful daughter that I can put those little poof balls in her hair like I always wanted too, a fun little boy who I can hear say, "Mommy I want a kiss." And another little life on the way...I get to carry another miracle inside of me.

Not only that but Antaun and I are living what we dreamed about together back in college. We live with hurting kids who don't have a mom and a dad. The other day one of our 10 year old girls couldn't believe Antaun was rubbing my feet, she has truly never seen a man and a woman show love to each other. Every night when we tuck in the 3 year old little boy, he says, "Jesus, mommy or daddy" (depending on who it is) that means sing Jesus loves me!

My heavenly Father has been so faithful to bless and give me the desires of my heart and for that I am so grateful.

More Christmas!

2010-12-28T21:01:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite of the season I think!
I had to put this one on... it cracked me up! Thanks Isaiah for ruining the Christmas 2010 photo with your finger up your nose!!!!!!!
These photos were taken at the Drumm Farm Christmas Party. Santa came and both Maddie and Isaiah would not go up to see him even though he had a present for them! Poor Isaiah looked at me sooooo confused and said, "mommy is santa real?" Later that night he was laying in bed saying, "I think Santa is real." "No Santa's not real." Such a thinker! The other day he said, "Mommy santa knows my name." I said, "No Isaiah he doesn't." He said, "Uh-huh, he said it." I forgot he called his name when he tried to give him his present!

Nikki will not agree with this statement but sometimes I wish Santa was NEVER created!

I don't have pics of our Happy Birthday Jesus party because I was very sick on Christmas. =(

Everything Christmas!

2010-12-28T20:34:00.000-08:00

We have had 3 Christmas celebrations! It's been a ton of fun. This is definately the year for the most toys!
My mom got Isaiah this outfit and after he put it on he said, "I look like a puppy dog."
I'm so happy Maddie is still into baby dolls!

This is by far Isaiah's favorite gift sent from Uncle Chad and Aunt Jennifer, Jules and Ava. This is also his first gun so it's extra special.

I Love This Time of Year

2010-12-16T22:14:00.000-08:00

Reminders

2010-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:00

I was just looking back at our blog from when I first started it. I LOVED reading all of the things about Madison and realized I haven't done very good with Isaiah. So this one is for me and my memory in a few years.

26 months

I called him sweetheart the other day and he looked at me quickly with a very offended look on his face and said, "I not a sweetie, I Isaiah silly."

Antaun walked in and said, "oh bob the the builder's on" Isaiah said, "That not bob the builder that handy manny silly."

The latest, "I wanna sleep in your bed mommy"

Isaiah carries on conversations, complete with uh-huh, I know, why not?

Says often, "Maddie not sharing"

I asked him who Jesus was awhile back and he thought really hard and said, "Jesus made the food."

The other day he looked at Antaun and said, "I love you so much"

He is trying to potty train himself. Lately he says, "I have to go potty reatty bad"

He could live outside.

He tells us often he is a football player and will ask me where his helmet is.

He fell down VERY hard today. I was waiting for a cry but he said, "I ok, I muscles." Daddy taught him this.

Isaiah has an amazing memory. The other day a therapist walked in the house that he has seen maybe once or twice and he said, "Hi Julie." He saw fireworks today and said, "the 4th of July" He hasn't been to Texas since this summer but was recently talking about "Chan's pool"

Isaiah is a wonderful sleeper, he loved his crib until a couple of weeks ago.

Isaiah's favorite people are his daddy, uncle seth and grandpa

Isaiah is terrified on any type of person/animal that looks real but isn't. An example would be the toy soldier that was by the santa display at Bass Pro. He was trembling.

He asks to go to Bass Pro Shoppppp about 5 times a day!

If you tell Isaiah something he does not agree with he says, "uh-uh, no that not it or that not right"

The other day I found his cute little self looking under the bed, I walked in and said what are you doing? He said, "Mommy can you find my bottle."

He has a very protective older sister. Today I overheard her say to a little boy they were playing with at a consignment store we were at, "Did you just call him a foo foo?" "He is my baby brother" I laughed out loud, she had no idea I was watching.

I love this little boy, so thankful for his life.

Super Girl and The Bee

2010-11-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

I was really surprised this year when Madison passed right over the princess costumes and picked this one! She announced passionately one night at dinner she did not want to be an animal this year! It made me sad. I thought she would be a bunny or a puppy for a few more years. =)
This was her idea. She is really quick to talk about how there is no super hero stronger than Jesus. I love it. (she did ask to take this off right before we went into the party) Poor Isaiah...I'm sure he would have LOVED to be spider man but I found this in a box of costumes downstairs in the basement. I was feeling frugal so he got to be a little bumble bee.
Maddie with her super girl moves!

So Blessed

2010-11-01T20:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this picture
Not the greatest family photo I was hoping for!

Our serious little boy making his Uncle Chad face
Isaiah wishing Maddie would let go of his head!
Maddie is tired of pictures by this point!

Example

2010-10-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I came back outside a few mornings ago after running in the house to grab something and this is what I found...

Maddie was watching...

Maddie followed...

I was blessed!!

Flying High

2010-10-20T20:50:00.000-07:00

After this Isaiah would say, "Will you do dat again daddy?"

First Haircut

2010-09-27T20:05:00.000-07:00

This face did not last long at all!It's unbelievable how a hair cut makes him seem SO much older.

Funny story about Isaiah: Yesterday I was talking to Maddie and called her babe, Isaiah turned around to me and with a very confused look said, "I not your babe." He thought I was talking to him! I never knew a 2 year old could be so opinionated!

Just a few days ago, Antaun and I were meeting with someone from Drumm Farm talking, not paying attention to Isaiah. I looked over only to see him jumping off the little kid table saying, "I buzightyeor, and beyond" it was complete with a landing noise as he hit the floor! I laughed so hard, it was hilarious.

I LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!!!!!

Well most of you all know that Antaun and I agreed I get to have Isaiah's hair the way I like it for the first 2 years. It's funny to admit but I had actually been feeling truly sad about parting with his curls. It took a little bit but I decided I like it. Antaun was gracious and did not shave it. I'm fairly certain he knew that would not be a good idea!

Human

2010-09-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Lately this song gets stuck in my head, makes me smile and know I am right where I'm supposed to be.

I'm so thankful for music.

Every life has a choice
to rise up to fill the void
Every heart has a mission
And we are called to be human.

We gotta do better than this cuz
we only have one chance to make a difference
We gotta do better than this cuz
we only have one life that we've been given
A little love, a little kindness, a little light in this time of darkness
It'll be what makes us different
It'll be what makes us human
I'm human, you're human, we are human.

We are marked with His image
And we are scarred with indifference
Maybe now we should listen
Hear the cry of God's children

Look who's two!

2010-09-17T20:41:00.000-07:00

Our Birthday Boy, who LOVES pider man!!
Uncle Seth hooked him up with a MWSU jersey

Isaiah with one of his favorite people

I did a very bad job at taking pictures of everyone at the party. We had a great time, Isaiah loved it all. He was so excited for his pider man, motocycle cake! A few nights before the boy woke me up at 4:00 in the morning. I could NOT get him to go back to sleep so of course naturally I lay him beside me (I now take care of 10 children and I wanted some sleep) as I drift off to sleep I hear, "Hey mommy (in this deep little voice) I want my pider man cake." He went on to talk about his birthday party for a few minutes. It was funny in the morning!

We are so thankful for our little boy. He makes me laugh every day. My favorite lately was when I asked him if he pooped and he replied, "no it just gas!"

Maddie goes to Preschool

2010-09-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Maddie busting a move before we left!
Love this smile
Isaiah was sad after Maddie left and kept asking for her with a sad face so I tried to make him laugh and he started making this silly smile! He kept saying , "where my sider mayon (spider man) backpack?"

So I have had the world's WORST day ever!!!!!! Like the kind of day that makes you want to give up. I was sitting thinking about what would help get my mind off of many different things and sometimes it just helps to blog and read other blogs.

I told Antaun this week that having my baby go to preschool and having my other baby turn 2 is WAY too much for a mama in one week!!! On a happy note, Maddie LOVED school, did not cry and asked if she could go back the next day.

Fun on the Farm

2010-09-05T19:21:00.000-07:00

It makes me sad I can't put pictures of the kids on here so I am trying to be creative!! It's been a good week. I think life here gets easier and easier everyday it's still hard but getting better! Antaun had a blast today playing football with all the boys in the other houses. We went to church this morning and then a sweet lady took us out to lunch. So blessed and thankful for life.

We are still alive!!!!

2010-08-31T11:47:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know...WE MOVED!!!!!! And not only did we move, our family has grown by 8 people!! Yeop, we moved to Drumm Farm a beautiful place for kids who are in foster care. We live with 7 girls and one little boy who is 3. Ages range from 3-16. It is interesting to say the least! I have really great moments and really bad moments but overall we are all adjusting well.

Maddie and Isaiah have many new friends to play with. They are doing well with the change. We talk with Maddie a lot about why we are here and I think she has a pretty good understanding (for a 4 year old) of what our goal here really is. We know God opened this door and trust He will walk us through it all, the good and the bad! We are thankful, this truly is Antaun's dream job. I remember when we were dating Antaun telling me he would love to work at a home for children and now 11 years later, here we are. God is so good!

Please pray for us as we minister to hurting kids who can't live with their families. It's tough stuff but we have an awesome opportunity to show them Jesus's love. It was so sweet last night when I tucked in a little 3 year old girl she said, "Kimberlee will you pray?" The first night I prayed with her she looked at me like what are you doing? And now she wants to pray before we eat! So precious...

Our House

This house is being renovated. Drumm Farm has been around since 1929. You can read more about the history at www.drummfarm.org

For my sister...

2010-05-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

So this one is for Nikki...

My 8 1/2 month pregnant excited but miserable sister...

Wish we lived closer...

Wish we could put our booty's together and toot (did we do that?... =)

Wish we could try and fit all of our stuffed animals in bed with us so one wouldn't be left out...

Wish I could hear you say, "boundaries" as you drew out which side of the bed I should stay on...

Wish we could sit in dad's old brown chair and fight over her got the best side...

Wish I could catch my coat on the mailbox as I ran from Jason Stephan and fall flat on my back with my pink slicks and brown boots on...

Wish we could sing Darlene on your bed with hairspray as our microphones, "all things are possible"...

Wish we could play bakery in the sandpile....

Wish we could sing Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella...

Wish we could chant through the house, "Strike, Strike, Morton girls on strike, Chad calls us idiots but we will win our cause, we will not take abuse, we will not take abuse".... I have tears but am laughing as I type that one

Wish we could hear Chad call us "girls"... I miss him =(

Wish I could say, "Sweeping the floor, shoving it under the hutch" and make you laugh... Yea mom I would sweep the dirt under the hutch =)

Wish I could hear you say you wanted to watch the Wiz Kid and the mystery at Riverton, AGAIN...

Wish I could beat up all the people who have said dumb comments about your belly....

Wish we lived closer...

Love you sister, hope this brings some cheer to your day!!

I've been thinking...

2010-04-24T21:36:00.000-07:00

After several different conversations I am feeling a bit sentimental. I'm not usually the sentimental blogger type but felt like typing. I've been thinking a lot about life, how confusing it can be, how wonderful it can be, how hard it can be. But mainly thinking about what I want others to say about me when I go on to be with Jesus. I have sooo many qualities I want to pass on to my little girl (and boy) and so many days I feel SO FAR from being the mommy I want to be. After thinking and praying through a lot, this song came to my mind so I thought I would share it.

When the music fades into the past,
When the days of life are through,
What will be remembered of where I've come?
When all is said and done?

Will they say I loved my family?
That I was a faithful friend?
That I lived to tell of God's own son?
When all is said and done.

Of how I longed to see the hour,
When I would hear that trumpet sound.
So I could rise and see my Savior's face,
And see him smile,
And say 'Well done.'

You can forget my name
And the songs I've sung,
Every line and every tune.
But remember the truth of Jesus' love,
When all is said and done

When all is said and done.

FIVE YEARS!!!

2010-04-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I can't believe Antaun and I celebrated 5 years of marriage Friday! Thanks to my mom and dad we spent the entire day and evening together. We had a blast, we would stop at whatever store we wanted and look as long as we wanted. I tried on clothes in peace and the day wouldn't have been complete without pictures by the tulips! I love my husband and I am so glad I married him!

2010-04-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Another free picture slideshow by Smilebox

YIPPEEE!!

2010-03-06T21:14:00.000-08:00

I am shouting a loud yippee, because I FINALLY updated our blog! For those of you who check it often, I know it has been looking oh so pretty the past few days! I was having issues with the cd these pics were on.

I'm quite certain I lost my mind for a few minutes whenever I decided to take Isaiah (at 17 months old) and Maddie BY MYSELF to surprise Antaun with pictures for Valentine's Day. It was a work-out to say the least. I'm actually getting tired thinking about it. As you can tell by the picture below, ISAIAH IS ONERY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He is all boy, has no fear and can throw an impressive fit, YES, it's true I am one of the mothers you stare at in the grocery store, wondering why she cannot get control of her kid. YEOP, that's me!! And I wouldn't have it any other way than to be Isaiah's mommy! He has a very, very sweet side as well.

He was impressing the photographer with the way he would throw the ball up and down in his hands and catch it.

Our pretty Maddie and our big 4 year old. I can't believe she is 4, she is really at a sweet age. ( I say that about all of them) Madison is so thoughtful. Today I was writing on some paper just using my leg and she came up and said, "mommy, do you need a hard surface?" She went and got me a book to write on.

Did I mention he is EXTREMELY fast??

This is my favorite of Maddie, such a little girl, always my baby but growing to be a little lady!!

Merry CHRISTmas!

2009-12-28T18:15:00.000-08:00

Here a few memories from the past few days...

We hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating JESUS!!

Way too long!

2009-12-17T21:19:00.000-08:00

So I can't put pictures because of our computer situation right now but I wanted to put some things on that I don't want to forget about our kiddos....

Isaiah is starting to bust out lots of little words lately...
15 months
hot, hat, mama, dada, dog, woof woof, moo, raarrrr, he is really attempting Maddie, it's sounds like daddy, uh-oh, nana, more, BALL, BALL, BALL, EVERYTHING is a ball. The other morning he woke up saying ball. So, I'm not proud of this but it's a memory, he pretend burps after Uncle Seth, thanks bub! He is still climbing like a monkey, today he fell down 3 times while attempting to stand on something he shouldn't. He is as sweet as can be and gives kisses often. He gets very mad at Madison and lets her know when he doesn't like something she does. He loves tofu and avocado, it's funny!

Madison...
Almost 4, did I really just type that??
The other day we went to cut down our Christmas tree, we walked in to get hot chocolate and she saw Santa and the Nativity with Baby Jesus. She could have cared less about Santa and yelled out, "JESUS" and ran over to see him. AAAAAAAA, I was so proud of her, I had a tear and then thought, "She is getting it, she knows it's not about a man in a beard but about our Savior, JESUS!!!!!!

We are memorizing Luke 2:6-11 and she is doing so well with it.
She wants everyone to know that Santa is not real but we can pretend he is real.
She said the other day after hearing the song about santa, "only Jesus can see me when I'm sleeping."
She said the other day, "I believe in God but some people don't and they go to jail." I think she meant hell, I asked her who told her that and she said daddy.
She is as sweet and sassy as can be. Sometimes she looks like she is 13 when she talks to me.
She got to come to work with me tonight and it was the coolest thing ever!!! She played office at my desk and had a blast!

Antaun and I are doing well, he is such a blessing to me. I'm so thankful we will celebrate 5 years in April. I am one blessed lady!

Merry Christmas!
I will post pics soon, I have SOOO many!

The Greatest Show on Earth

2009-10-07T21:47:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed some too!

We went to the circus a few weeks ago. It was so much fun. I think I enjoyed it more than anyone!! It took Maddie a little while to like it, it was loud and she does not like loud noises at all. Isaiah loved it from the beginning but toward the end was like, "I've had enough." It took me back to my childhood, I have the best memory of going to the circus with my family.

A Few of My Favorites Lately from Maddie

2009-10-07T21:29:00.001-07:00

This was her favorite

This was not her favorite

We took a free gymnastics class a few weeks ago to see how she liked it, she LOVED it!!

A Few of my Favorites

Madison looking at a baby says excitedly "Oh well bless my heart"

Madison looking at the dead skin on my feet, "Oh, my, what in THE Gosh?"

Madison still says "I reeegot" instead of forgot. I'm not telling her =)

Madison sobbed on Sunday evening when we told her who her teacher would be, she DOES NOT like this certain lady. Antaun had to go talk to the teacher because Maddie reported "She won't let me dance AND she yells" (in hysterics) "I want Ms. Kay and Ms. Connie" I didn't think this stuff started this early. I have to admit I don't really like the lady either. hmmm...

Madison insists that her daddy is her husband. She loves him to pieces.

I can't believe Maddie will be 4 in January. My baby, wow, it has gone SOOO fast. I find myself holding her a little longer and tighter knowing she will be 14 before I know it!!

Happy Birthday Isaiah

2009-10-07T20:12:00.000-07:00

Not quite sure what to think of this sweet stuff.
Love This Smile!

Fun New Toys!

Fun With Grandpa

I'm a little late because of computer problems. But we did celebrate Isaiah's first birthday a few weeks ago and had a blast!! He is a big fan of dump trucks, bulldozers, trucks etc... So we did a dump truck theme! I transformed a fire truck cake pan into a dump truck and was pretty proud!

A Few Things I Never Want to Forget about Isaiah at this age...

You are a climber, o wow, do you climb!!

You LOVE food, you never turn anything away, you even liked chili tonight!

You already kick a ball, standing up. No joke, you look like a little soccer player.

You already tackle your big sister

You have learned not to pull her hair because daddy would pull your's (how mean =)

You wave and say hi to people you see in a loud "HAA"

You are started to not like when I leave you in the nursery

YOU LOVE OUTSIDE, you could be outside exploring all day

You already throw VERY BIG fits and you are only 12 months old

You are VERY determined and don't give up when you want something

You look sort of bow legged when you walk, it's pretty cute

A peeled apple is your favorite snack

You LOVE your bottle

You love to ride in the car and listen to music

You sleep from 8:00pm-9:30am and most days you take a 3 hour nap

You are so busy when you are awake that you just wear yourself out!

We love you so much, what a fun year it has been. We are so thankful you a healthy, happy, energetic little boy

Last Days of Summer

2009-08-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

We had a fun photo shoot today. Thank goodness for Daddy or we wouldn't have had all these smiles!! He is a favorite in our house!!

Gotta Brag on My Boy...

2009-08-19T21:19:00.000-07:00

On My Way
I Did It!!
Really Proud of Myself!

Ok, so lately I have been noticing how EXTREMELY smart Isaiah is. I know EVERY mom thinks this and so I just want to be like EVERY mom for a little bit...

Isaiah at 11 months

Today I said, "Isaiah, do you want to eat?" He said, "mmmmmmm"

Everytime he hears the word kiss he makes the kissy noise complete with smacking his little precious lips!!

GET THIS, today I said, "I love you" and he made the kissy noise. The boy knew to associate the words I love you with kiss, I just know he did!!!!

I ask him to clap, he claps

I ask him to do peek-a-boo, his hands go over his eyes

I ask him to make this funny noise with his mouth and he does it

I ask him to stand, he stands

We are working on "Isaiah can you sing a song?" and he says "AAAAA"

Maddie and him have a wonderful high pitch screaming game where they compete with one another

IT'S CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It has really shown me he can understand the word no and knows when I am telling him to not do something!! So we are working on this concept!

He weighs a whopping 24 pounds and 31 and a half inches long.

He recently got two shots and cried for a VERY short period of time (Seth is my witness) Seth said, "He's a beast." =)

The doctor commented on how large his head is measuring, I had to laugh because Antaun's childhood nickname was "Buckethead" She said sometimes this is a worry but I knew it was just part of being Antaun's little boy!!!

He is standing and looks like an old man as he gets himself up, it's pretty funny! I think walking will be in the near future and I am scared. =)

Butterfly Festival

2009-08-11T20:01:00.000-07:00

So we headed off for a daycation at Powell Gardens to be like Fancy Nancy and go see some butterflies. We didn't tell Maddie where we were going and gave her clues the whole way, she guessed butterflies right when we pulled in, it was lots of fun! I have never seen so many butterflies and they were so pretty! Highly recommend it! Our Big 3 and 1/2 year old!
Had to take a picture of the peppers!
A sweet lady volunteered to take this. Maddie had a mouth full of peach!

They were so beautiful.

To My Texas Family...

2009-08-08T20:15:00.001-07:00

Dear Family,
I just wanted you all to know that I am really excited for my first trip to Texas. I'm really sorry I haven't been able to travel there yet, my daddy is working so hard for us but I think he is going to have some days off soon. I'm especially excited to meet my memama, my big sister Maddie told me she is really special. I'm growing really fast and my favorite thing to do is CLIMB!! Today I did a really cool trick in the shopping cart, my mommy even had me belted in but I stood straight up in the seat. I think I scared her, glad she was right there to get me!! I will be turning one soon and my mommy and daddy are going to have a monkey themed party for me because they call me their little monkey! Well, I love you all and will see you soon.

Isaiah My mommy got me this hat today at a garage sale for 1.00, I knew you all would like it!

A Night Away!!

2009-08-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Well I don't have very many pictures BUT, this is evidence that I recently had a girl's night away with my best friend, sister and we scrapbooked for hours and hours!!!!!!!! It was to put it mildly WONDERFUL!!!!!!!! The first few hours I think I repeated, "This is so fun" about 5 times!!

Panera, Bean Dip, Cookies, Talking, More talking, crying (happy of course), a trip to Michaels to look at scrapbook stuff (Nikki had to drag me out), Laughing until we were crying, No children interrupting, sleeping in until 10:00!!! I could go on and on! Our only complaint, it wasn't long enough!!!!!!! =) It's so awesome to have a sister so close to me that knows me sometimes I think better than I know myself. I really miss having her 5 minutes away but I am really thankful for quality time like this! Love you Nikki! We need to plan our October or Nov. one!

And I have to tell everyone how great Antaun was with our kids at home. Madison only had one almost meltdown and she didn't even cry for me! It's funny because she still, four days later is asking me all the time, "Mommy where are you, where are you going, when are you coming back!" And I don't think Isaiah missed me at all, he is quite the daddy's boy and is just fine when he is with his daddy. Antaun left for work today and he cried for him when he left!

10 and 1/2 Months!

2009-08-03T20:41:00.000-07:00

Our big boy with his new top two teeth!!
Peek -

A Boo

He is getting closer!

Lately Isaiah has been standing for a few seconds alone, we always get real excited for him and then he falls! His newest phrase is "Boika Boika etc..." I love it, it's so cute!

He is sleeping 12 hours a night!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord, I put him down at 8 usually and he doesn't make a peep until 8 the next morning. It's very weird for me and I told Antaun the other night I was tempted to sneak in and get him and put him beside me!! I never have but I'm tempted too. He is also taking a REALLY long nap sometimes like 3 hours, so I really do find myself missing him throughout the day!! He sleeps so much but I'm thankful.

Isaiah is a climber and a couple of nights ago he dove out of his bath seat! It was not funny at the time, it scared me and him but I laugh about it now. It's just so funny how much different he is than Madison.

He has a new sad face that I have to get on video, it's really funny.

I can't believe he is almost one year old, what a blessing!

Waterpark Fun!!

2009-08-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

We recently took the kiddos to a small Waterpark. We had a blast. Isaiah was HILARIOUS, he loved the water shooting up at him, he crawled through getting drenched and just laughed and laughed. HE LOVED IT, as you can tell from the pictures. I couldn't believe how brave he was.

Madison was NOT a big fan of the water splashing in her face but she loved the "quiet pool" as she said.

Summer Family Fun!!

2009-07-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure they are best friends forever
The girls wondering what we are doing??
I love Ava's face in this picture!!
A few weeks ago Chad, Jennifer, Julianna and Ava came for a visit. We had tons of fun and it was so good to see the girls all together!!

My Favorite Little Boy

2009-07-08T20:35:00.000-07:00

This is my favorite!!
Complete with slobber!Of course he decided to climb up the bench!

So happy in his new outfit Mawny bought him!!

So these are a few of my favorite pictures of our 10 month old!! (in one day) He is growing so fast and keeping his mama busy let me tell you!!

Happy 4th!!

2009-07-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is definately a different 4th of July! I am usually ALL about the fireworks but tonight I sit inside and listen!! We celebrated with Katie and Nathan's wedding so Maddie and Isaiah were both really tired so they went to bed early, Antaun had to work so I have been cleaning!! What fun! Maddie and I did watch a few from our bedroom window! It's funny how things change as you get older with babies!

Congratulations Katie and Nathan St. Clair!!

Nikki will be proud of me!! This is from the same day!

Random Summer Fun

2009-07-03T18:48:00.001-07:00

We went to this fun thing at our church called "Reminisce" and all the ladies brought their wedding dresses and albums and we shared memories from our weddings. Madison loved to play dress up with all of it! It was a lot of fun. I love this!Madison painting daddy's Father's Day cross

Isaiah's first taste of popsicle, he was not a big fan.

Madison groovin' to Funky Mama, for those of you who have not seen Funky Mama, it was an experience to say the least!!

This little girl watched Maddie the whole time and looked at her like she was nuts!! We made these silly hats at this fun thing called "Popsicles in the Park"

You can't tell from the picture but Maddie thought it was sooo cool.

Something about this picture I liked!

So Proud!!!

2009-07-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

The past month has been so busy! But full of excitement and milestones! Isaiah is one wild little man!! Our big 9 and a half month old, I can't believe in a few short months he will be 1!!! It has been so fun to learn about being a mommy to a little boy! I have learned ALWAYS even if I am moving the stroller for a few seconds, always belt him in! The other day he was standing straight up in the stroller. Isaiah is a climber, he climbs OVER our barricades on the stairs and heads up to the top!! Yesterday I put him down on the deck for just a couple of seconds and he went straight for our pot of dirt!!!!!! HE IS ALL BOY and we love it!

Lately he has made several attempts at saying Maddie, he said nanna for banana!! He babbles all the time and when he wants out of his crib in the morning he tells us all about it!!

Which leads me to BIG NEWS in the Peppers House!! The other night I randomly decided to let him cry it out to learn how to sleep!!!!!!!!!! For those of you that know me well this was HUGE!! It was at the point where he wanted me to come in and rock him back to sleep. He cried for 30 minutes the first time, I sat on the couch VERY angrily with my ears plugged and thought, "I can't believe people tell you to do this." After 30 minutes suddenly it was quiet, I knew something had happened so I creeped into his room, I had to know he was still breathing and he was!! Now he does cry for a few minutes everytime I lay him down but he is sleeping completely through the night!! I feel like a new woman!!!! =)

I've learned a lot through it and I am REALLY thankful I did it! I haven't felt this proud of myself for awhile. This really was something I didn't think I could do! And it makes me feel like we will and can have more children!! I was wondering there for awhile. Of course many years from now!!

These are for Nikki!!

2009-07-03T07:51:00.001-07:00

Well my big bully sister (kidding) was about to have a fit if I didn't put some pictures on here so here you go... Now no more mean phone calls!!! We finally went swimming this summer and had a great time. Maddie loved the water, was a lot more cautious but got braver as the day went along. Isaiah LOVED the water, he was so fun to watch. He has NO FEAR of course, so he didn't get very far at all from his mama!!

Maddie singing a solo at age 3!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

If you click on the link below you can go to Madison singing at church a few weeks ago. Pretty precious! We were so proud of her!

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2009-06-16T13:45:00.000-07:00

#/profile.php?id=706837164&ref=profile

The Discovery of a Fun New Place (wow long title)

2009-05-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well after the past couple of days I have had with my beautiful children, I needed a nice, happy post!! Isaiah is teething and Madison well I'm not sure what's going on with her. But a few days ago we went to the Deanna Rose Farmstead in Olathe Kansas. IT WAS FREE to get in and really inexpensive once you got in and we had THE BEST time ever!! We made LOTS of memories! Ok, for those of you who know our little Madison well, YES YOU ARE SEEING HER ON A HORSE, our little scaredy cat went on a pony ride. I had to almost wipe away a tear because I was going to stand with her in line and she said, "Oh no mommy, I can do it by myself." She then without even thinking twice hopped up onto the "little pony." (in her words.
I will say she did have her eyes on us every turn they made making sure we were watching!
The proud fishermen!! They caught two fish within the first few minutes, it was VERY exciting!

This was right after the first big catch

My Men

Look at Isaiah's face, he's like, "what are they?"

You could even feed a goat a bottle at this place and it only cost $1.00, it was soooooooo neat! Madison was getting a little bit mad at one of the goats that kept following her. He was a starving goat!

It was pretty precious to hear Maddie say, "Aw, come here little goat, I have some food for you."
We named her Dairy the cow! We could have stayed and watch the farmers milk her but it started after we were tired and ready to leave. But I thought it would have been cool to show Maddie. We had quite the discussion about the udders or is it utters?? =)

This really cracked me up!

Isaiah was an angel baby all day long, it was a little bit warm toward the end of the day, he just chilled and was great!

Ok, so I am going to have to say that this place was WAY more fun than the zoo! I didn't even put pictures of all the fun playgrounds.

It was definately worth the drive and we HAVE to take Lainey, Ava and Jules there!!

Mother's Day

2009-05-22T12:37:00.000-07:00

We caught Madison playing with Lainey's hair, she LOVES hair!
Love this picture

Being Silly!

I love this little girl!

I love Isaiah's face in this picture Me and my mama, you kept your eyes open mom!!

A Busy Week

2009-05-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

Isaiah has been busy working on lots of things and last week he got them all down!!!!!! Wow, what a big 8 month old!

Pulling to a standing position

Clapping, he is cheering for Uncle Seth here!

Crawling!!!! Look out!

He is also waving bye bye, it's precious!

And he definately has mama down!!

Now if only he would get these teeth in he is working on!!!

Our Little Bulldog

2009-05-09T20:10:00.000-07:00

Isaiah Michael Peppers, I can't believe he will be 8 months old tomorrow!! Wow, how time flies. We are well aware of his very sweet but feisty little personality. For those of you who have seen "Hotel for Dogs" (an adorable movie) he reminded Antaun and I both of the bulldog in the movie!!! He is VERY determined when he wants something. He yells a loud AAAAAAA, when he wants more food, not crying, YELLING!!!!!!! He would be happy eating from 1:00 in the morning until 7:00 in the morning and then he is content to not eat during the day!!!!!!! Little stinker, I am working on a plan for this! Antaun keeps mentioning little things about a haircut!!! I think we have agreed to me getting the first two years and then after that he can buzz away!!!!! I love his hair!

One of my favorite things about Isaiah right now is how he looks at his daddy. I can already see how much he loves him. He looks at him like, "That's my daddy." He yells a loud DAAAAAAAA, when Antaun walks in the room and proceeds to kick his little legs as fast as he can. Antaun is such a great dad, I can't wait to watch them bond as he grows. As I think about Mother's Day tomorrow, I just feel sooooo extremely blessed to be a mommy to two extremely amazing lives. We get to dedicate Isaiah to the Lord tomorrow at church, I can't wait to see the man of God he will grow to be!!

One cute story about Madison ( LOVE that little girl) I came back today to get her from my mom and dad's, I hugged her and kissed her and said, "Oh I misted (her word for missed) you." She said, "Me too mommy, I thought about you in my memory, in my heart." I have been very emotional about my little brother graduating, I fought back tears!! SOOO sweet.

Sorry, I think I am in a wordy mood!!!!!!

I Can't Believe it has been 4Years!! (I'm a little late)

2009-04-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

Antaun and I celebrated 4 years of wonderful marriage on Thursday (um now it has been a few thursday's ago). I have been learning a lot about my relationship with him lately. It's been so good. I am reading two books by Gary Thomas one called Sacred Marriage and the other called Sacred Influence. They are BY FAR the best marriage books I have ever read. In Sacred Marriage he starts off by asking, "What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than make us happy?" HMMM,,, a lot changes when you think about it that way, huh? Antaun and I spent some time thinking about our favorite year so far and it was by far for both of us this year. I think for me it is because I have finally stopped having SO many silly expectations and have been focusing a lot more on him more than "my needs." Gary says in Sacred Influence, "Ironically, if more women would concern themselves with being responsible instead of obsessing about whether they feel happy, fulfilled and "important" we would have a lot more women who are happy and fulfilled and a much stronger church and world." We celebrated with a little memory from our honeymoon. MMM, sooo good!

Another part of the book that stood out to me was, "When did 'please God change the world through us', suddenly become, 'Should we watch Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts?' How does that happen? When we were dating it was all about what we were going to do to change the world together and now we find ourselves saying, movie or mall?? It's frustrating, but this was a good reminder to me to think about why God brought Antaun and I together, to help Him change the world, not eat pizza together!!!!!

So this is what I have been learning lately, just wanted to share. But more than anything, I am so thankful I married Antaun, he blesses me everyday and it gets better and better!!!!!! And man, I am so thankful for the beautiful children I have because of him!!!
Thank you Jesus!

Success in the Photography Studio

2009-04-15T11:24:00.001-07:00

Best Buddies

Seven Months Old

Our Big Three Year Old

I titled this blog Success in the Photography Studio because I left not feeling completely frazzled, I didn't buy a million pictures that will just sit in the envelope, there were no breakdowns (the kids of course) and I only spent 42.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yippeee for Kimberlee!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

This is about the best one I got with the two of them together, hmm, and it's not very good!

Cousin Lane, what a cutie!

I got this picture on the first try, it was quite impressive.

Easter Bunny with no ears!

Isaiah's latest favorite thing to do, I am afraid we may skip the crawling thing! He has also busted out mama a few times. I love it!

So Many Memories Made!!

2009-04-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

We had so much fun this week with our family in St. Louis. It was so good to let the girls play together and make so many fun memories. We did fun stuff every day. We were exhausted by the end of the week!! But it was well worth it.

At the Zoo, they loved riding side by side, well most of the time!!
I pretty much LOVE this picture!!! Isaiah did great, he hardly made a peep all day aside from his fun babbling noises. The newest is baba it sounds A LOT like mama.
Isn't she sooo cute?!? This was our favorite by far.

Thanks to Jamie, Nikki and I (and Isaiah) got to go out one evening. It was a lot of fun to catch up and not have little voices interrupting us!!

On the way home we were in much need of a stop. So we went to the mall and let Maddie and Isaiah play in the play area. Madison spotted the carousel and wanted to ride it. This was very random because she usually will have NOTHING to do with it. She suddenly was a big girl who was not scared at all. It seems like that happened over night! She was so excited to be back with her daddy, she had several break downs while we were gone, "I want my daddy" (sobbing) "Daddy I want you to come here" This was her first time as a three year old away from him and she did not like it at all.

This one is for Uncle Seth!

We Miss You Daddy!

2009-04-07T13:54:00.000-07:00

We are having a great time in St. Louis with Nikki and Lainey but we really miss our wonderful daddy and husband!!!! These are for you babe, hope you enjoy....

Isaiah LOVED these mirrors at this fun place we went to today. It was so funny, he would crack up laughing.

Look at these cool girls!!

The next president and vice president of the USA!! This fun place had an oval office to play in.

We love you Antaun, can't wait to see you!! Hope you are enjoying some time for yourself that you NEVER get!!

Bath Time Fun!

2009-03-28T19:33:00.000-07:00

Something about this picture reminds me of my brother Chad when he was a baby. Check out those arm muscles!
He was soooo determined to reach his duckie.

We decided it was time for Isaiah to use his big boy bath seat. HE LOVED IT!! He splashed and just smiled. I kept checking the seat to make sure it was very secure because he was about ready to jump out of the thing!
Frozen bagel, one of Isaiah's favorite to chew on. I don't think it will be long until we see his first little tooth.I came home from the grocery store yesterday to this!! Pretty creative and Isaiah LOVED being close to his daddy. I kept asking Antaun, "Are you sure he can't fall out?" (like Antaun would let him fall out) but his big booty was holding him in!!

This One's for Lainey Grace

2009-03-22T18:34:00.000-07:00

Wow, girl after all you have been through lately, we decided you needed some new pictures!! Madison in her sandbox complete with PINK SAND!!!!!

We asked Maddie if she wanted pink and another color and she said nope, ALL PINK!!!
This is actually your's Lainey, thanks for letting us borrow it. Isaiah LOVES it!!

Some fun with Maddie's hair, we had it in twistie's all over, it was pretty cute!
I love this smile!
Sleeping Beauty's, they slept until 10:00 like this!! I actually had to wake them up, sleepy heads!

I walked in and Madison was playing with Isaiah's hair!!!! For those of you who don't know Madison still plays with my hair to fall asleep. The other day Isaiah started playing with my hair, I like jolted away thinking, "Oh no, I can't get that started!!!!!

WE LOVE YOU LAINEY, CAN'T WAIT FOR YOUR POODLE PARTY!!

Praise the Lord for Spring!

2009-03-14T20:39:00.000-07:00

Our First Picnic of the Year, SOOOO fun!
Our big 6 month old!

It's gonna make me really sad when she figures out these are on the wrong way!
It's been so fun to watch them become little friends! Isaiah LOVES Madison and he cracks up at her daily! Madison honestly has never said or done one mean thing to him, it's so cute, she loves him so much.

Things That Make Me Happy

2009-03-06T18:56:00.001-08:00

Happiness is... Waking up to sunshine and pink daisies, just because he loves me!

My little boy sucking on his toes, it's his favorite.

Coming down the stairs to see this...priceless.

My little girls beautiful curls...

Squeezing these chubby baby legs...

The smell of spring in the air...

Opening all the windows...

Going to a job interview not at all nervous because I am a mom and don't really truly care about the outcome...

Sitting on the living room floor on a Friday night coloring with my little girl...

Watching Maddie look up at me and say, "Your A SUCH good mommy."

Asking Maddie if she has anything she would like me to pray about and she says, "Yea, pray for daddy because he needs help." I asked why and she said, "he doesn't have work and wants work." Hmm, I think she has picked up on more than we thought! He does have work but it's not always want we want!!

Coming down to a quiet living room at 8:30 p.m on a Friday night. (hmm, if only my husband could be awake, darn night shift, oh wait, I'm talking about happiness)

Looking on the bright side because I can now spend time with Jesus and do my Esther study!

Finding out one of my closest friends is going to have a baby GIRL after having three little boys...

I've been thinking a lot today about the little things in life that make me smile! It's been a good day.

Let's Go Fly A Kite

2009-03-05T16:51:00.001-08:00

It was an absolutely beautiful day today so we got out and enjoyed it!! When I decide to be positive about Antaun working nights, I think how great it is he can enjoy some of the days with us!

We went to the store and Maddie picked out a Thomas the Train kite.It's a pretty funny story because the same thing that happened last year happened this year. It was soooooo windy we lost the kite to the tree and it was the same tree we lost Barbie to last year! Maddie didn't take it as well this year being another year older! We had to talk about how the kite wanted to be friends with the tree! She was waving as we drove away so she ended up taking it well. Um yes...if you look closely Maddie lost her pants!! Daddy tried to take her to squat by a tree, that didn't work so well and I being the prepared mother I am didn't have extra pants, SO...she is in Isaiah's diaper!

Antaun said, "This is country livin'"Oh, our sweet little Isaiah. I just LOVE THIS LITTLE BOY!!!!!!!

Sittin up like a big boy!Precious Toes!
And a kite flyin' day just wouldn't be complete without an ice cream cone from Dari-B!

Random Fun

2009-03-03T12:57:00.000-08:00

We went to see the chicks. They were so cute.

Madison LOVES carring this purse of mine. She carried it to church on Sunday, pretty cute!

We couldn't let Maddie play in the snow because she has had a really bad cough, but her wonderful daddy made her a snowman very early that morning as he was shoveling snow (what great husband I have) She had a fun surprise to wake up to!

Isaiah almost 6 months old.

5 months Old

2009-02-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

I think this is my favorite picture so far!

Ready for some food!

Lookin' a little scared!!

He liked biting on the spoon much better than the oatmeal.

Well, this picture says it all!

We tried Isaiah on homeade baby oatmeal tonight. He was not a big fan! I've decided I'm going to make all of his baby food for my new hobby, and I'm excited about it! Since we have the Vita-Mix it is super easy and fun too. I think I might wait until he is 6 months old based off of how tonight went. I really don't even think he swallowed any of it at all.

I'm kind of scared to say it because of what happened last time, but we are back to him sleeping most of the night, which I am thankful for. He is still the sweetest, happiest baby. We just love him so much. Madison told us today she wants two sisters and two more brothers. Hmm...I don't know about that. But I am past the feelings of "I'm not having anymore kids." The first three months did that to me! My mom will be happy to hear that!

And Mom his bib says, "Ask me about my grandma" I thought that was cute!

Our Little Ballerina

2009-01-30T14:38:00.000-08:00

For Maddie's birthday we are getting her dance lessons. As I have been looking for classes, something about it has made me really sad!! Happy but sad, I don't know it just makes her feel like a big girl, like not my baby anymore!! She is so excited and I know she will be the star of the class!

I Can't Believe He is 4 Months Old

2009-01-28T15:26:00.000-08:00

This onery little boy apparently read my last post about him. The stinker has been waking up consistenly at 3:00 and last night it was 2:30!! Then the little guy just wanted to snack from 4:00 on!!! Hmm, hoping this changes. He is teething, he drools constantly and bites at everything. Maybe that is to blame?? I don't know.

Madison reads to Isaiah daily, it's soo cute!

Madison LOVES giving him his bath!

Isaiah loves his bath!

Somebody came up to me at church on Sunday and said, "Well you can't deny who his mama is, he looks just like you." I had to give her a hug because nobody ever says that!!!!!!

And if you can't tell I am LOVING being able to blog again!!!!

Fun with Daddy

2009-01-28T12:53:00.001-08:00

I will dance with Cinderella while she is here in my arms, I know something the prince never knew

Cause all too soon the clock with strike midnight and she'll be gone.

Little Man

2009-01-21T21:56:00.001-08:00

I really cannot even put into words how much I love this little guy. He is such a blessing. There is something so special about being a mommy to a boy and I am so thankful I am experiencing it. Isaiah is such a happy baby, I was thinking today about how it really has been a couple of weeks since I heard him cry, I mean cry cry. He lets out his little squeals to let me know what he wants but he really doesn't cry. I am thankful, I can't stand the sound of crying! Oh and the smiles, all I have to do is look his direction and there is a smile for his mama. He will spot me from across the room and his eyes just light up. He is definately a mama's boy already!

I remember hearing stories from other mom's who would say, yea they just started sleeping through the night and I thought, "You didn't have to do anything??" Now I know what they are talking about. For several weeks now, Isaiah just sleeps through the night!! He usually wakes up about 6, one morning it was 7:30, that was wonderful!! I'm just praying it continues!

Isaiah is one of those babies who makes you think you could have 10 more!

What a Memory

2009-01-21T21:45:00.000-08:00

Madison had somewhat of a tramatic experience shortly after Christmas. She was all excited to be the flower girl in one of her favorite people (Emily's) wedding. She looked beautiful in her dress, practiced great at the rehearsal dinner and the big day was here. She was bouncing around in the bride room, I thought, "Oh good, she is going to do great, she will probably wave and smile walking down the aisle." Not so.... Since I was a bridesmaid I had to walk out earlier than her, this did not set well and she wanted to walk out with me. It was all down hill from there, she did not want to walk down the aisle, in fact she wouldn't walk down the aisle, mawny (my mom) met her halfway down and walked with her, Maddie's little head was down the whole time, she didn't look at one person. So, she made it or well kind of, right as she got to me finally she tripped, yes, she tripped and fell FLAT!!!!!! It was awful, she cried MOMMY, as Antaun tried to take her out. Wow, what a memory for the poor little flower girl!! But the wedding was beautiful and Madison recovered quickly!

Congrats Emily and Tyler!!

Our Big Three Year Old

2009-01-21T10:11:00.000-08:00

Antaun and I were just talking about how we can't believe we have a three year old!!!!! We celebrated with a princess party!! And we are very proud of our three year old, she is officially potty trained AND before her third birthday!!! WOOO-HOOO!!!

So it's not really like the picture but hey at least you can tell what it is right??

I really love this picture!

Mommy and Maddie being silly!

I love my Maddie. We are so thankful for three years with this precious little girl, she is so full of life.

A few of my favorites lately...

Mommy, wouldn't it be neat if we could fly in an airplane to heaven and see Jesus, I wouldn't even be scared.

Importive (Important)

Awhile ago she saw the part in my hair and said, "Mommy you have a sidewalk!!!!"

She says on a consistent basis in this little high pitch voice, "Isaiah is just so cute, he is just so playful."

Revotion (Devotion)

I love watching Maddie sing and dance with Barney, the other day she said, "Mommy when I am on Barney, I'm gonna do it like this."

I miss the internet!!!!!

2008-12-02T18:05:00.000-08:00

Well in effort to save money and not waste time, we don't have the internet at our new house. I really didn't think I would miss it at all but I do!!!!! Here are a few recent pictures. Isaiah is the SWEETEST little baby. He is a very easy baby and I am so thankful. He smiles all the time, he is very happy. What a blessing!

Moses and Miriam

2008-11-14T18:34:00.001-08:00

Aunt Nikki gave us the brilliant idea for them to be Moses and Miriam for the Noah's Ark party, we won first place! Thanks Nikki!!

Happy Fall

2008-10-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

Always my baby, even though she looks so big.

Maddie and I had fun making sugar cookies for the elderly people at the nursing home. I couldn't keep Maddie out of the frosting.

I love how you can see the finger print!

Well, life is different, much different but good. I am glad those first few weeks are over!! Things seem more normal now. We had a baby, moved and Antaun started youth ministry all at the same time. It was a little nuts and we still dont have pictures on our walls but things are good.

Isaiah is a very sweet baby and Madison does great with him. She is actually a very good help to me. We are thankful. We dont have the internet at our new house so blogs won't be as often!

Love you all.

My Blue Eyed Boy

2008-10-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken yesterday, 5 weeks old

His fingers and toes are so incredibly long!

5 weeks old

Ok so you can't really tell by these pictures, but my little boy has my eyes!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so excited and yea, they could change but I am enjoying it now. Maddie's were always a very deep brown and so many of her features are Antaun that I enjoy that he has a little piece of me!!!

Our precious baby boy

2008-09-14T14:45:00.001-07:00

The "Crinkle" Ear, both of his daddy's ears used to do this and still kind of do. And his Uncle Chad has this! So cute.

The happy couple taking our kiddos home!

Madison is so proud of Isaiah, she is doing great except at nightime.

Lots of black hair

Isaiah is such a little blessing. We are enjoying him so much. He is so far pretty laid back and easy to soothe, I am thankful for that. I think he is going to be a lot like his daddy He has his days and nights VERY mixed up (so does Madison) =) So we are adjusting.

More to come of the Little guys fingers and toes, they are SOOO long.

Welcome Baby Isaiah Michael Peppers!

2008-09-10T21:16:00.000-07:00

The blue pedicure in honor of our little baby boy!

Being a Daddy really works up an appetite. Nothing wrong with a couple of corn dogs before labor!!

One minute old...8 lbs. 12 oz. 21 in. long

First family picture with baby Isaiah
Dr. Ohlhaussen, who delivered Maddie and Isaiah. He commented
on how much he enjoyed Antaun's enthusiastic cheers during the delivery.

The new big sister, full of excitement!

Our Little Lady Bug

2008-08-13T06:54:00.001-07:00

I couldn't decide between these pictures, so I posted a lot of them. We have had beautiful weather lately so Maddie and I decided it was time for a photo shoot. It's a lot easier to take pictures of her at this age.

Lookin' pretty cute, it's kind of funny if you look at some of these pictures the right way it looks like Maddie is wearing a turbin!!

Lookin' pretty confused with all of my photographer commands!

A Few of My Favorites

2008-07-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well my camera is officially broke from being dropped on the concrete by me!! It's about ready to kill me not being able to take any pictures. I am in the process of figuring out what to do about that.

Until then I haven't posted anything about Maddie's cuteness lately so I thought I would makes some notes for my own memory.

Age 2&1/2
*Loves to pray at the dinner table, one of my favorites the other night was, "Jesus for Jesus, Jesus for meemama, Help mommy and daddy." She leaves out the thank you.

*She went to Vacation Bible School this year because I taught and as I was putting her in her car seat she said, "mommy, I really love Vacation Bible School."

*She loves to feel Isaiah move (he moves constantly), the other day he was being still so I said, "oh I think he fell asleep." She sweetly said, "Oh I be quiet for him."

*About a month ago someone asked her where she got her cheeks from, she thought about it for awhile and said, "um, Wal-Mart."

*Today as we were walking out the house she said, "Aw, these bugs are killing me." I caught a glimpse of myself.

*I am loving it right now because she wants to be just like me, the other day she said, "Oh I have heartburn, I take medicine" (as she eats a marshmellow)

*A few of my other favorites, "my ribs hurt" "I pregnant" "I need a pillow for my legs."

*Recently learned Psalm 121:1 and it really is the most precious thing to hear her say, "I lif my eyes to the hill, where does my help come from? My help come from da Lorwd, da maker of heaven and earth." talm 121: VERSE ONE!!!!!!!! I love it!

*I love to hear her say, "ativity" when we are getting ready to do something fun together, I always say we are going to do a fun activity Maddie. So now when she knows we are getting ready to do something fun she says, "fun ativity." very cute.

*She loves to belt out "Shout to the Lord" it's one of those things I will never forget.

Oh, Maddie what a blessing you are!!

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-05T22:45:00.000-07:00

My Bad to the Bone Brother!!
Grandma's Flowers
30 weeks and counting...

Our Vacation in Texas

2008-06-16T22:06:00.001-07:00

I love this picture!
Having some fun in Uncle Gary and Aunt Deena's pool. We enjoyed this a lot, it was really hot in Texas.

All smiles with daddy's daddy.

Maddie and Meemama

Antaun and Chandler

Antaun and Garrison

Cuddling with Aunt Deena

Fudge Pops with Uncle Gary
Maddie looking onery with cousin Ashley

Having quite a conversation with Uncle Reggie and Aunt Alisa.

We had a great time visiting family. It was so good to see everyone. Madison is still talking about everyone in Texas!!

I did a lot better taking pictures, but I know I missed a few people!

Lainey Grace, How Sweet the Sound (as said by Madison)

2008-06-16T21:38:00.000-07:00

We love having Lainey over to play on Tuesday's. This is the poor people's way of swimming!!!!!! We got creative and had some fun!

Some Random Photos

2008-06-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

We took Maddie to the fireworks at Union Station on Memorial Day. We were RIGHT by the cannon! She was scared out of her mind. It was SOSOO loud.

Wow, I didn't realize how bad I am doing at posting new pictures. I don't know where May went. We are doing great, Madison is growing more everyday. She really really cracks us up, she is hilarious. Her latest adorable thing is running up to me or Antaun and saying, "mommy, your my very best friend, you know that?" I love it! She also walks around the house making up songs about how I am her favorite girl. I am enjoying these days because probably one day she will think I am the biggest nerd!

Yesterday we drove by Longhorn Steakhouse and she said, "Mommy, honghorn." She then listed off all the people we ate there recently with. It was pretty cute.

She is getting very good at communicating her feelings, she told a sweet lady at church on Sunday, "no say hi to me." Talk about embarrassing! She knows what she wants, I guess that is good.

She keeps calling Isaiah her little sister, this could be interesting.

We had to outlaw watching Annie around our house. She was picking up on Ms. Hannigan a little too much! And I think it was giving her bad dreams. We are back to Dora, Barney and Yo Gabba Gabba (which really gets on my nerves)

Your prayers are appreciated as I have many things I am putting off doing but really want to complete by Sept. We have a cute Dora toddler bed that we are talking about everyday, hoping to start sleeping in it. Everytime I ask her if she wants to go on the big girl potty she says, Naa. She is not interested at all. And her pacifier is literally her favorite thing in THE WHOLE WORLD!!!!!!!! I am not stressing about any of these things almost to the point where I need to be a little more proactive!

I've been learing a lot about treasuring each and every moment and not taking anyone or anything for granted. I have definately been spending less time on the computer, playing with Maddie more, reading to her more, hugging her more, laughing with her more, dancing and being silly more and it has been wonderful! I really can say I have no regrets and that is a good feeling!

A Beautiful Day in May

2008-05-18T18:14:00.001-07:00

Molly has grown so much.

Our $1.00 garage sale find. I love garage sales!
Madison telling stories.

Maddie's newest favorite thing, Potsicle's. She calls the vanilla ones, "No cinderella ones mommy, cha, cha one."

Our lovely flower bed, "before."
And after!! Ta-da planted by our "special" gardener!

Just a few random ones of working on Isaiah's room. Again an amazingly good garage sale find. The crib, rocker and changing table/dresser. And I just found a table for $1.00 that I am in the process of painting! SOO fun!

A work in progress!

IT'S A BOY!!! Baby Isaiah!

2008-04-23T22:29:00.000-07:00

Oh wow, words cannot even say the joy we feel today! We found out who will be joining our family, little Isaiah Michael Peppers. It was so neat to see Antaun find out this news, he was sooooooooo happy and excited. He wasn't surprised at all because he really felt like the Lord had already showed him we would have a boy. My favorite part right now is knowing his name, I am already bonding with this little life and now I know more of who he is. Antaun and I were looking at the meaning of names and read Isaiah-a Godly man in a nation of crisis. This is our prayer for our little boy. He is already smiling!

Oh I just can't wait to see a little Antaun running around!!
Madison thought this was really cool, we told her he was playing peek-a-boo with her. It was really cute seeing her reaction to the sonogram. She was really excited and kept saying, "good job mommy." April 23rd, 2008

We Love Spring!!

2008-04-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

April 22nd, 2008, Madison is 27 months old. Our tree is in full bloom in our front yard and I LOVE IT!!
Maddie's latest smile!

Celebrating 3 Wonderful Years Together

2008-04-23T22:10:00.001-07:00

Well, as you look at these pictures there might be one person you are surprised to see (or not surprised if you know us) MADISON!!!!!!!! Yeop, we had it all arranged for us to leave her and the night before I was having a semi meltdown. Antaun and I talked about it and agreed together it would be more fun to take her. Our family time is VERY limited right now because of Antaun's schedule so we just wanted that time together as a family. So off we headed to the good ole' town of Bolivar for a walk down memory lane!!

It only gets better and better every day!

At one of our favorite places, the Bolivar park

Antaun and I used to eat here every chance we had, the BEST mexican food you will eat.

Madison LOVED the ducks, so much so she almost swam with them once. It was a close call but we caught her before she fell in. She kept saying, "wait ducks, wait, hold you." =)

We went to the amazing pizza factory and had so much fun together.

Maddie's first time playing putt putt. The only thing I can say is, "Look out."

Maddie's latest smile.
Doesn't she look onery??

Look at the Little Fishies

2008-04-23T22:02:00.000-07:00

We took a swimming class this month with Nikki and Lainey. It was a blast! We were surprised to find out during the first class that we would be dunking our babies under water!!!!!!!!!! I thought, hmm, I don't know about this but it actually went well and Madison is really used to the water. She is really brave and loves it, so is Lainey.

To my surprise Madison only complained of wearing her cap one or two times. We built up how cool it was and how it would keep her curls pretty. We will see how this summer goes.

I really think this picture could be entered in a cutest baby swimming contest!

Lainey is so silly!

We love this little girl! 27 and a half months

2008-04-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

Madison is so much fun! I love this age so much. We can actually communicate together. Tonight Antaun and I were tucking her in (in our bed, hmmm) but she said, "Let's talk togever." It was so cute! She is very excited about our new baby coming in September and says she is going to have a sister and said we should name her guul (girl). We find out in two weeks what we are having so we will see. Maddie loves to talk to the baby, the other day she said, "Mommy, baby hiding."

One thing that really amazes me about Madison is her ability to express clearly how she feels at the age of two! Antaun has been working a lot and the other night she started to cry in bed with me and I asked her what was wrong, she said, "I sad, I miss my daddy friend." Then the other day in the grocery store she looked at me and said, "I'm grumpy."

And to date Madison's longest sentence, "Here go daddy, I'n done with this apple!!

Sorry for all of you who just want to look at pictures! It's helpful for me to type out this stuff so I don't forget before it gets in her scrapbook!

Happy 1st Birthday Lainey Grace

2008-04-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Lainey loved the frosting!

This is what they did when I said, "can you put your arm around him?"

Lainey trying to see what's going on

Giving her mama some love.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T21:43:00.001-07:00

Since it was about 45 degrees outside we decided to have an indoor egg hunt. Madison got her share of sugar from the candy inside the eggs!

I love this with Lainey in the background.
SOOO precious.

Man I have a handsome husband!

Little onery girl

With her new "lipstick" as she would say.

Looking through her easter basket

The night before Easter we colored eggs. She loved it!

For all of you who wanted to see what Maddie's hair looks like wet, here you go!

Her masterpieces.

"Booaaful eggs"

Just a quick funny story about our little Madison. We were sitting in church Easter morning listening to the choir perform. There was a little boy minding his own business at the end of the pew. Maddie did great through the whole cantata but at this point she was getting a little stir crazy. So she climbed over Mawny's (grandma) lap to sit by the boy. I thought oh no big deal, change of scenery. Until my mom taps me smiling and said look. I look over and my cute little two year old is sweetly holding this boys hand. He happened to be 7 or 8 and was not paying any attention to her at all. I cracked up laughing and said, "mom, get her." She protested a little bit, she really wanted to sit by this boy.

OH MY GOODNESS, Antaun just about flipped! He has already put her in "time out" (kind of) for sitting on a boy's lap at church!!

The other day she looked at me and said, "I like boys, mommy,"

What will we do with our little flirt!

My mom tells me I was the same way!

Welcome Spring!!!!!!!!!

2008-03-21T14:06:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful first day of spring. 70 degrees and the perfect day to go fly a kite!
Madison actually did really well flying the kite, she loved it. That is until she accidentally let go of the string and the wind carried it into a tree! This was tramatic to say the least but we recovered and waved to the kite as it continued to fly hooked to the tree even as we were driving away! It was quite hilarious watching Antaun sprint for the kite before it hit the tree!!! =)

Nikki and I took the girls to the park and I am making this face because right at this moment I am being kicked in the butt by a bratty little boy behind me! The next time around I said, "No kicking, kid." Well a little nice than that but you get the point...
Lainey LOVES the swing, she laughs and smiles, it's adorable.

Our Little Curly Q

2008-02-26T19:26:00.001-08:00

Madison's curls are getting a lot tighter as it gets longer.

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

Today Antaun walked in from work and Maddie walked up to him and said, "Hi Antaun (as clear as can be), pretty cute," as she looked at his clothes. It was hilarious. Antaun looked at me like, where did my little girl go???

Yesterday we drove by the park and Madison said, "I went to park long long time ago." She said it like, oh yea, I remember that place. I explained to her when the weather gets nicer we will go again. Which I cannot even wait for warm weather!!!!!

One more cute thing, the other day we walked out the house and Madison said, "Oh, it's a beautiful day." She is so joyful, such a blessing.

Our Little Talker

2008-02-23T15:10:00.001-08:00

A Few of our Recent Favorites... 25 months

Madison helped me make blueberry muffins for daddy. She ran in excitedly to wake him up, "Muffins reayee (ready) daddy," He jumps up to go see the muffins and picks her up, gives her a hug and says thank you Madison. Maddie responds with the cutest, "Taint (thank) you, verwee (very) welcome, MY daddy."

It was one of those cuddle mornings in bed with Madison, she woke up and said, "Mommy, I go see (Uncle) Jamie right now." I said oh you get to go see him and Aunt Nikki and Lainey tonight. I always ask her what she dreamed about and she looked at me and said, "um, Jamie." I think she has a minor crush on him!!

Out the the blue the other day Madison said, "I like Aunt Sharewee, Aunt Sharewee's nice." (Sherry)

Madison knows two Scripture verses she says very clearly, "I tan do all tings through Christ who gives me strength." Phipians (Phillipians) four, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen and she continues counting until she stops at 20!!!!!

Her latest, "Those that trust in the name of the Lord, shall be saved." Acts 2:21

Madison and I had a rough night at our church revival, I was holding her, she started to cough before I knew it, she was throwing up!! This is grouse, some went in my mouth and all over me. I quickly went to the bathroom, several wonderful church ladies followed to help. Antaun took Maddie, I ran to the toilet to throw up. Maddie just looked at me mortified. On the way home she said, "I sawee I cough and got on you mommy." It broke my heart. She is not sick but she has a tendency lately to throw up when she coughs to hard.
What a memory!

I firsty (thirsty)
I want somefing to eat (she says this probably 25 times a day)
Where going? (she says this probably 25 times a day also)
What doing? ("")
Why? ("")
Polka Pots (dots)
Goshee store (grocery store) She constantly wants to go to the grocery store.

Our First Annual "I love you" Party!!!

2008-02-16T09:46:00.000-08:00

After every heart we would hang Madison would say,

"Booawful!"

We busted out the instruments and had quite a dance party!

Lainey joined the fun, she is so sweet!

Our beautiful sugar cookies, Madison loved dumping the sprinkles on!

Best Friends!

A party wouldn't be complete without the heart shaped pizza!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Things I Never Want to Forget

2008-01-22T20:18:00.001-08:00

24 Months (yes I am still counting in months!!)
- "I sared of clowns" as she ran to me during a Barney episode. Now everytime she sees this part of the video she runs to me "sared of clowns."
- "Oh good grief"
-Dishus (delicious)
- "I'm mad"
-"Be nice daddy"
-Maddie's latest is asking why after anything you say. I did not know this started soooo early!!!!!!!
-"Nemon (lemon) in my water" We have started putting lemon in our water for flavor and so now Madison thinks anytime she drinks water it needs to have lemon in it.
-Madison LOVES "She'll be coming round the mountain" and "Ring around the rosie" and a new favorite is "I'm a little teapot."
-At the end of every Barney show she runs to me and says SOOOONNGGGGG, mommy and we sit and sing "I love you" together. It's my favorite.

Happy Birthday Madison!

2008-01-20T19:51:00.000-08:00

My Barney Birtday Pawty
My Barney Take

Maddie licking the frosting (she did this all day)

Maddie's got wheels!!

She looks a little scared.

Maddie with her new baby and new car. She was up until right before bed driving this fun new toy into the furniture!!!!!!!!!!

Hugs from Mawny.

Cuddling with Daypa

Little Princess

(Emily got this for her)

Tea party with Emily

(Mawny gave this to her)

Lainey trying to get Maddie's hat.

Pretty Lainey, she is just the sweetest!

Maddie's Birthday party was tons of fun. She had a great time. She was very excited all of her "fiends" came to celebrate with her. And she just loves all of her new toys. Today she was saying "toy store" looking at all of them!! I told her she has a toy store in her room!

I'm so thankful for these two years with Madison and wouldn't change a thing. She is the SWEETEST little thing and I can't imagine life without her.

Thank you Jesus for Madison's life, what a blessing!

This Fun Little Almost Two Year Old!!!

2008-01-08T16:37:00.001-08:00

Oh SOOO much fun we are having. This by far is my favorite age. Madison is a BLAST!!!!!!!!! I love it. I came down the stairs after stepping away for a few seconds and she was exploring my purse. Good thing it was Arbonne-pure, safe and beneficial!!

Our Little Cover Girl

Maddie and I were very bored this afternoon as daddy slept. (he is working night's now) So we had some creative fun in the sink. We were both drenched after but it was worth it. She kept looking at me like, are you really letting me spray with this thing! So much fun.

22 Month Pictures

2008-01-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

It was so exhausting trying to chase around an almost two year old to get her picture. Our photographer was RUDE, Maddie would not sit still, I was frazzled, let's just say, I'm thinking pictures at home next time and I will be in charge of them!! But on a positive note, surprisingly we got a few good ones.

Madison really cracks me up these days. Yesterday we were in Bed, Bath and Beyond and the lady at the checkout asked Madison how old she was, Madison sweetly responds, "Almost two." Which really surprised me. So the lady and I go on to talk about Birthday party themes, Barney etc... As we were walking out she said, "Have a good birthday" to which Madison responds very loudly for all of Bed, Bath and Beyond to hear, "Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!!!!!!!" Several people laughed and I of course lost it! It was the funniest, cutest thing ever!

A few more of my favorite things...

Sawee mommy (sorry)

Cooze me (excuse me)

Oh Gosh

Hold you mommy

I'n teaning (cleaning)

I'n washing my cups

Madison singing Mandisa, "Only the World", priceless.

Nuv you (love) meese you (miss)

I nuv you, you nuv me, we happy family, great hug, kiss to you, say you nuv me too!!
No wunning (Nose running)

TEENEX!!!!!! (Kleenex)

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2007-12-26T22:36:00.000-08:00

What a fun Christmas! Madison was a blast. Antaun and I were talking about how much more exciting Christmas is with a little one. We both could hardly sleep as we thought about Maddie get to see her new toys! Maddie's new kitchen, she loves it!
Our second annual, "Happy Birthday Jesus" party with monkey bread. We read the Christmas story, sang and prayed (and ate) before we opened presents. I am so thankful for a husband who keeps us focused on what Christmas really is about.

LOVE those pajama's, they reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie"

Our little entertainer

Excited about the Doodlebops.

We got Madison a cute little purse with play lipstick, this was the first thing she did when she saw it.

Looking in her stocking.

Christmas Cookies in Georgia

2007-12-26T21:51:00.000-08:00

We recently made a trip to Georgia to visit my brother and his family. We had a great time. One highlight of the trip was making Christmas cookies with the girls. They had such a fun time. Chef Maddie

Lainey, the little Observer!
Ava was asleep!

Julsey's favorite part, licking her fingers!

Madison's favorite part, SPRINKLES!!

I think they were on 3 inches thick!

Yum...

Thank you Chad and Jennifer for the trip, we had a great time. Can't wait to see you all again soon.

It's time for a Christmas Tree!

2007-11-29T17:55:00.001-08:00

This picture made me happy because it really looks like me when I was little I think!
I am lovin' the pigtails!

This is Maddie's newest face she makes often when I take a picture.

Antaun putting our star on.

They had toys at the Christmas tree farm so Maddie enjoyed herself.

We came straight from getting family pictures so it was really funny to Antaun with a saw and on the ground cutting down a tree!

I thought this was cute.

Madison wondering what and the heck is so special about all these trees!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-28T14:18:00.001-08:00

Thanks to our wonderful Uncle Gary and Aunt Deena we flew to Texas for Thanksgiving. We had a great time with family. Madison loved everyone. It was so fun to see her so excited to see everyone. I am very sorry I did not do a good job at all of taking pictures. I think I had my camera out one time and snapped a few but I didn't get all the family. I videoed more. Anyway, we were very thankful to be with family we don't get to see very often. Madison's new hairdo...

Platts I believe is what they are called!

=) Kesha and Ashley taught me that, I called them twistie's!!!

Aunt Nece did Maddie's hair. She sat very still on my lap, I was proud of her.

It was really funny because little Maddie had a new personality with her hair like this, she strutted around like she was a diva or something!!

Madison "reading" to cousin Reagan

Reagan cracking up at Madison's reading ability.

Cousins Gawison (Garrison) and Chanler (Chandler)

Aunt Deena and Reagan

We love you Gary and Deena!

Thanks for the trip!

Pretty Pink Poodle

2007-11-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

We found an adorable poodle costume at Babies R Us the day before Halloween for $5.00, the price made it a lot cuter and of course Maddie's little face. At first she wasn't quite sure about putting it on, she said, "No way, Mama." I quickly put it on her and showed her in the mirror, Antaun and I went crazy over the fact she was a dog, then she decided she loved it and didn't touch the hood the whole night, I was surprised!!

Madison had never seen so much candy in her life. She went crazy, Chotette, sutter, tookies, etc... It was funny because they gave us a Wal-Mart sack for her to put her candy in after playing a game. Well, we sometimes use those for trash around our house, so she was not about to put her candy in the sack. She thought it was for trash, so she handed every piece to Mawny (grandma). It was hilarious!

Lainey really was the cutest baby there. She was just adorable!

The Tumpun (Pumpkin) Patch!!

2007-11-03T13:10:00.000-07:00

We recently made a fun trip to the Pumkin Patch! It was a blast and a beautiful day. Maddie loved the animals, the goats were her favorite. The llama was Antaun and I's favorite. It was kind of a bummer because my camera battery died right when we finally went to pick out our pumpkin at the patch. But we still had the video camera!! I put TONS of pic's on here, I just could pick between them all. Beautiful Creation
Antaun getting creative

I love this smile!

TUMPUNS!!!!

Rotten TUMPUNS!!

The llama really cracked Antaun and I up!

Antaun having just as much fun as Madison!

Maddie scared to death on the slide!

The funnest daddy in the whole world!!

Tisses Daddy, moe (more) tisses!

Antaun trying to get up in a tree, it was HILARIOUS!!!

Maddie was very concerned.