Merry Christmas to ALL!!

What a holiday it has been. We've really enjoyed our time with cousins and family! We left home last Friday and it's been wild since then! Christmas with the Buckleys (ryan's mom's family) Saturday night, me back to Grenada for church and partying with the youth, Christmas with the Berrys Tuesday afternoon (SO FUN!!!), Christmas with the Burnhams on Wednesday, and Christmas Eve service with Mimi and Pop. It's been a lot of fun!
BUT ... Christmas morning, after Truett discovered what Santa brought and we all ate breakfast, Ryan started feeling bad and is now back home in Grenada resting after a LONG Christmas Day in the bed with some stomach bug we assume. So, Tru and I continued with our Christmas Day plans with Mimi and Pop. I felt terrible leaving dad behind but that was his wish. So, we got to enjoy Pop's side of the family at my Papaw's in Brandon ... got to see cousins I haven't seen in years and meet their kids. Truett also got to meet a lot of family he'd never met!
Now it's on to YEC Monday with the youth while Mimi and Pop keep little man!
What a blessing it has been to be with both of our families this season!

The Berry grandkids

the Burnham grandkids plus Melanie
(only way Jake would stay in the pic)

us after the Christmas Eve service at FBC Kosy

Christmas morning in his rocking chair from Santa

Tru and his great grandfather Burnham

And then there was JUST Blue ...

All the puppies are gone and she's enjoying her reward!!

Being a Youth Director

ok...so there has been a lot more going on around here hence the fact that I haven't updated in forever ... HELLO ... I have a child that is officially into everything and teenagers to tend to amongst everything else. Not sure I'll be able to handle more kids one day!!! How do you moms do it?! Sanity out the door, RIGHT?!??

Ryan and I took the youth to the Matt Redman/Casting Crowns concert last night! It was great and such a blessing! Here's a little taste of what 3.5 hours with them was like.

We have done a lot to the house lately! I'll have to take pics when I get a chance this week! The best of them all ... THE NEW FRONT DOOR!!! love it!

oh and Truett is of course crawling and DYING to walk! Santa, here he comes!!

WE'RE GRANDPARENTS!!!

Ha! I can't imagine what it will be like one day when Truett has a family! We are proud enough of Blue and she's 'just a dog'. YEP, she had puppies Friday afternoon! Ryan kept telling me that I was going to need to be there for her when she was giving birth and all. I didn't realize he would 'plan it' where he wasn't here and I REALLY DID have to be there for her!

It was quite an eventful day. I put Truett down for a nap thinking I would get all this stuff done and realized Blue was acting strange outside as she kept walking all over the yard which she never really does... and oh no! She got under the barn/shed in our backyard and I realized she was making a spot! So, the mean mother that I am, closed up the gap so she couldn't get back under there, called Ryan and he brought some hay where we could make her a few comfy spots (her dog house, another shed and the back porch). Needless, to say I messed up her plan and in turn had to work harder for it.

Blue ended up having only 3 puppies but each one in a different place! Thank the good Lord, Mrs. Teresa and her son, Riley came over by chance. She wanted to get Truett to surprise Kayla when she got home. (Kayla was Truett's first babysitter - post below somewhere)

I had to take the first two pups to Blue for her to do what dogs do when they give birth (no details) and kept them in a box until she quit wandering around and worrying me to death. Finally she had the last one on the back porch or we would have never found it in the dark! We found the first one that was born after the second was born in her dog house. (Thanks, Riley for getting it out!)

So, lesson learned...never mess up a momma's nest!

But we're loving having little pups around. They are so small but have fat bellies. So, Blue is taking good care of them! They are AKC registered goldies and will be ready about the week before Christmas! Can't wait to watch them grow and see Truett play with them when their little eyes open. He's not so sure about them right now!

Congrats, Blue Berry! You're a mommy!!!!

Blue's a sweet mommy

her little munchkins

little man is not too sure about this little thing

HALLOWEEN

Halloween was crazy in our neighborhood because people come out of the woodworks to bring their kids trick or treating! We thought about taking a picture of each little monster that came by but that would have been absolutely impossible! I seriously saw one house that had a line of about 10 kids at the door when Truett and I were coming back from his trick or treating!

While Ryan stayed at the house for the candy hungry kiddos, I took Truett to a few places so they could see how stinkin' cute his giraffe/cow self was!

Blue even got a little dressed up despite her preggo belly! (note her necklace)

our kiddos

somebody liked the candy bowl

cute little giraffe with a really short neck

HALLOWEEN ... 3 YEARS AGO

WOW!! So, while most of you are posting about THIS halloween and I probably will later, I was reminded this morning that 3 years ago around this time, Ryan and I had our first "date" not real date. We basically were dressing as similar things for a friend's halloween party and at the last minute, I boldly just told him to come pick me up! HA! We all knew it ... he liked me, I liked him ... you know how that goes! For some reason, I can't find the picture of us together on the motorcycle put you get the point! It was a hit ... we rode on our friend Chauncey's Harley ... so fun!

That was such a fun night! Oh how we miss those friends and oh how times have changed!! Love you guys!!!

Me with my roommate, Melissa and Penni

Ryan and Penni ... he was the coolest guy there!

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBB

After his daddy left for a night with the men, he ate his dinner and then did this until bedtime! Why is he so stinkin' cute!? I was trying to be discreet with the camera hence the funky angle.

More lately ...

We are loving working with the students at our church!

More fun at the farm with the youth

sweet boy in his hand me down outfit! LOVE IT!

fun with the youth

Ryan was the fish in our fall fest fishing booth!

Lately ...

Here are a few of the things we've been up to lately (minus the stomach bug mom had this past Sunday-thank you, Lord for being at Bebe and pop's)! You are a life saver, Bebe!

Cousin Emily at Cousin Lauren's rehearsal dinner

Parker and Bella love baby Truett

especially Bella!

Home with mom playing with the wet dish towel ... hilarious!

FBC Fall Fest

Here We GO!!!

I just had to post this real quick before Truett decides to take off! This is his first real time with full reign on the floor in the den. Not only are we finally getting our FIRST TWO TEETH on the bottom, but we've decided to scoot over to the exersaucer and teeth on it! Ready or not, here we go!!

Mid-Term Time

I never really thought I would ever go back to school, but I've enjoyed A&P doing ok for a stay-at-home mom with a temporary part time job. (little side note: I am officially the part-time interim youth director for our church. CRAZY but so EXCITING!!!) I had my mid-term last Wednesday morning in Kosciusko. So, my sweet husband got his mom to come stay with us Tuesday night to keep Truett while I was gone. What a blessing it was to have here and not have to worry about coordinating someone to keep him on top of everything else!
Thanks so much, Bebe for all your help!! Truett absolutely loved having her here!
Of course, my Carson girls came to the rescue too! Kayla came and got Tru Monday afternoon so I could have almost a whole day of studying! Thanks, sweet girls!

Truett and his Kayla ... can you tell he loves her!?

Just In Time

We are finally about to get one of our biggest projects started and hopefully over with! THE BACK PORCH!!! Just in time for this cool weather, we'll be able to sit out and enjoy in a few weeks! Ryan demoed the addition in about 2 hours last weekend while Truett and I watched ... Truett enjoying his new swing from Pops!
It's amazing how something such as a room can come down so easily. BUT when it looks like junk, it kind of makes sense! After getting down to the frame, boy are we glad we're doing this even more! Talk about gross! The wood ants have had a hay day out there!

sweet boy loving his swing

don't you love the barn in the back yard ... lovely

thank you, Lord for a happy little man!

NOT a passy man but loves chewing on the thing and it's just too cute

Hello wood ants and waterlogged wood

We love our Cousins

Last week was a fun week of seeing cousins! Since we are going to be a little busier over the next few months, we wanted to make a few quick trips to visit! Sydney was cheering in Winona on Tuesday afternoon. So, Truett and I went to check it out. Despite the poor rain that never stopped for two weeks, we only got to stay for 30 minutes before the bottom fell out. We did see Landon too but he was too busy playing with friends to get a picture. Sydney is so grown up! I can't believe she's a cheerleader!! She loves it!
Thursday was Madelynn's actually birthday party. So, Truett and I went to celebrate and spend the night with the Sassers! Madelynn was so excited to have baby Tru at her party and to take over her room for the night. Thanks, Madelynn!!

We love our Burnham cousins!!!

The Sassers and Tru before the party.

Welcome to the world Baby Gage!

Born September 28, 2009

4:34 p.m.

6 lbs. 5 oz.

19 3/4 in.

This morning Truett and I made a quick trip to Jackson to meet Baby Gage! It was so fun and I was so excited. He's tiny ... so sweet! I even got to change his diaper. I didn't even change Truett's diaper in the hospital. Angie was doing great and her same ole self ... dying to get her IV out. I sure hope they finally granted that wish after I left.

What a blessing that Baby Gage is here and mom and baby are doing great!

Praying for Mom and Baby Gage

Tomorrow one of my dearest friends, Angie Stallings, goes in to spend overnight in the hospital to be induced Monday morning. She's been on bed rest for the past few weeks with high blood pressure, swelling, and all the things a pregnant woman has to endure. Sweet Angie! You're going to do great! Please pray that she, baby and dad will do great and that all will go well on Monday! We can't wait to meet BABY GAGE!!!

Pray for The Sullivans

I don't even know this family but after reading my friend Janna's blog, I discovered this story. The Sullivans are friends of she and her husband through the Air Force and were stationed with them overseas. Please read their blog and pray for this family!

From Bumbo to Big Boy

No, this is not a post about Truett just now eating solid food! This picture was just too cute. BUT it is a post about his new high chair! Some people wouldn’t be so excited about something so big and bulky to go in your house, but ME, I’m SO excited that Truett finally has a high chair.
I think the best advice I could give a parent if you don’t have every single thing for your child before he/she is born would be... try to live without it as long as you can! I told Ryan after we got Truett’s Bumbo, we’ll just get a tray and that can be his “high chair” until we really think we need one. That’s just was we’ve done and oh how thankful I am that I don’t have to put the baby on the coffee table to feed him any longer! HA!
Saturday, I made a trip down to Jackson to buy a high chair and see Bebe and Pops. Suzanne joined us for lunch and we all four made the trip to Babies R Us to pick out the perfect high chair! If you know me, I’ve been trying to think of every way possible to come up with an alternative or find an antique chair that I could refinish. BUT I finally realized the other day, I have a child and my house is going to look like it! Thank you, Jesus for that freedom! So, we touched and felt and put Truett in the one we liked most. He absolutely loves it! Ok…well maybe that’s just me! But he can sit up high anywhere we put him and it’s too cute! Thanks so much Bebe and Pops! What a blessing!!

Mom and baby so excited about our new chair!

Happy Birthday to EVERYONE!!

That's what September seems like in the Berry and Burnham families! There are birthdays all over the place! So, since I've been a blogging slacker, I decided to compile them into one post. I really do love you guys! But since 2 of them were yesterday and one today, here goes nothing!

September 17 — Oh Bella! She's so silly and boy does she love her Uncle Ry Ry! Bella is a super silly girl. She loves babies and especially baby Tru. She loves to WATCH you change poo poo diapers and all that a baby entails. For a SIX YEAR OLD little girl, she's quite intrigued by it all. Happy Birthday, Bella Wella! We love you!!! Hope you enjoy your fun bath stuff!!


Well, how do you wish your sister's happy birthdays when they were born on the same day?! No, not twins! My older, middle sister, Melanie, and Ryan's older sister, Suzanne were both born on the same day, same year!! September 20, 1976! Isn't that crazy!
Suzanne is the greatest sister to Ryan. She is all heart! She will do anything in the world for anybody! The girls LOVES to shop and loves to sparkle! I'm so thankful for her in our lives!
Happy Birthday, Auntie SU!


Melanie is the greatest sister to me! You know how when you can't call anyone else because they won't understand...SHE WILL! She's a great mother to three crazy kids and the wife that does her best to keep it all together! HA! She knows how to put you in your place but only because she loves you and expects the best!
Happy Birthday, Aunt Mel!!

Last but not least is someone's special day TODAY!!!
Happy Birthday to Madelynn! She's a tough little girl and she's 3!!! She knows how to hold her own in between those two boys, but she's still ALL girl! She loves Dora and Diego! and anything PINK!! Happy Birthday, sweet girl!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEPTEMBER GIRLS!

Downtown Jubilee

For the past 2 years since we have lived in Grenada, we haven't been able to make it to the Downtown Jubilee. So, for the short time that it didn't rain, we went to check it out and see what it was all about! It was a nice little festival around the square with fun things for the kids ... nothing like the Natchez Trace Festival and a little bigger than the New Hebron Pulpwood Festival. We just enjoyed getting baby Tru out and strolling him around. As you can see, he was a delight as usual!

Truett went to see his Aunt T (as she likes to call herself) for the afternoon while I stayed around the house and helped Ryan on the house. YES!!! We're still working — Ryan especially! We're almost done with the little things on the inside but still have a long way to go. Truett always has the greatest time with Mrs. Teresa. He was watching the Bulldogs get beat by Auburn when I went to pick him up! He's learning early that the Bulldogs mays not win but at least have fun watching them! Thanks so much, Mrs. Teresa! You and your family are such a blessing!

Tru and Aunt T

OMG ... Have I told you how FABULOUS she is?!

Ok ... so, you saw my maternity pics taken by my friend Beth aka B.Mofoto. Well, she came to see us yesterday and took these fabulous pics this afternoon. How blessed am I to have such a fabulous friend?!

She's in MS until she stops getting bookings which means she just might move here!! HA! So, email me if you're interested or check out her facebook. It would be totally worth it!

Here are a couple shots she let me have in advance ... LOVE THEM!

love my little man

A Visit and New Shoes

Over Labor Day weekend, I went to stay with my mom and dad because Ryan had planned to be out of town all weekend. Well, he didn’t end up getting to go. So, Tru and I went anyway and shortened the trip by a day. We had to have some shoes for church. So, good ole KO came through and we went to Leonard’s for a sweet little pair of baby shoes … the first ones I’ve bought. (such a blessing to have family hand things down!)
So, Sunday morning Tru was looking super spiffy in his outfit from Hayes and Wilkes and his new shoes!
Saturday night we paid a visit to the Henrys too. It was great to see their amazing new house that they have worked so hard to construct and to see Mr. Abb. Please be in prayer for him as he is suffering from cancer. Mr. Abb and Mrs. Theresa are dear friends of my mom and dad and have been through so much in the past two years! Truett was just a little ray of sunshine for them that day! ☺