The Berrys

WE LOVE TO SLIDE WITH ...

2011-09-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN!! Truett and I are enjoying this cooler weather! We had a big day at the lake. First, we fed the fish at "Mimi and Pop's" pond and then we had a little fun on the slide with Lightning.

HOOTY HOO! I MADE YOU!

2011-09-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

One of my sweet friends moved to Italy for 10 months and is obsessed with owls! (Yes, she was a Chi-O ...recently graduated). She mentioned wanting a stuffed owl to take with her. So, I was determined to make it happen! I did it and it was so easy and FUN!! We miss you Val! Hope HOOTY HOO is keeping you company!!

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL??

2011-09-01T21:13:00.000-07:00

We sure are!!! Since today was the opening day of Bulldog football, we got all festive!
Truett loved ringing his bell.

Heston and Mrs. Emily came over to watch since we couldn't get it on cable. Ryan did great getting everything connected to watch the live internet feed on the TV and then the site went down right at game time! Oh well!! We had good eats with good friends!
We'll try again next time!
Proud of our DAWGS for a blowout! Next week will be a WHOLE new ballgame!

Yea for GiGi's cupcakes

2011-08-30T13:29:00.000-07:00

BEFORE ... Someone was pretty happy mom went to Jackson with cousin Syd and Aunt JuJu Saturday! You can't beat a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing and chocolate sprinkles on top ALONG with a STAR!!

He ate most of the icing ... no cake, of course.

Thomas got all 'muddy'! Where's the cupcake? Well, mom didn't get one for herself. So, I had to eat PART of it, right?

ONLY THE BEGINNING

2011-08-17T20:01:00.001-07:00

I know this is blurry but I couldn't help but post how proud he was after FINALLY teeteeing in the potty!!
It was a long day! But he's so darn cute!!

WE'RE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE ...

2011-08-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

KBcreative: Child's Name Cards

2011-07-08T12:33:00.001-07:00

These cards are great for birthday gifts from your little one. I can even print them as stickers!
$24/50 cards (pricing for stickers upon request)

WHAT HAPPENED????

2011-07-06T13:03:00.001-07:00

AM I on strike? shut the blog down? or WHAT??

Ryan keeps asking so I thought maybe someone else was wondering too! No, no and no ... this is just what happens when you get behind! Hoping to get caught up one day! Any suggestions or encouraging words would be much appreciated! :)

Happy Anniversary to my beautiful Bride

2011-05-19T19:56:00.000-07:00

About this time four years ago Kellie and I were on our way from Kosciusko to Flowood in a limo I rented to escort my new beautiful bride to our new home in Flowood. Just six months before I purchased this home in Flowood and we were excited about making it our home. We headed HOME ready to start our new life together. We were also just a little excited about our honeymoon in Belize the next day (man that was an early flight!)

Here's a picture from the beach in Belize!

I am sure that four years ago when Kellie said "I do" she had no idea that very soon our life would change. Just a short time after returning from our honeymoon I got the call from Doug Evans offering me a job as an Assistant District Attorney. We made the decision to leave our comfortable life in Flowood and face the unknown in Grenada, causing her to quit the job she loved, leave great friends and an awesome church. Throughout our marriage Kellie has trusted me to lead her where I felt the Lord wanted us. She trusted me to sell the house she just moved into and pack all our belonging (including all the new wedding gifts) and place them in a storage unit and move into a garage apartment. She was such a team player about it all.

Our first home in Grenada... a storage unit! ha

This of course has turned out to be a great move for us!! God has certainly blessed this move tremendously. We have a great new church. Kellie is exploring the joys of being self employed:) And we have made great new friends, though we really miss our friends in Jackson. We have a beautiful, healthy son who makes us smile every day.

Truett taking a break with Blue

Kellie has been a true gift from the Lord. I do not deserve her but I am grateful to have her in my life. She is patient when I am not. She can calm me down when I am aggravated. She knows how to encourage and pray for me. In short, she is a picture of God's love! As any of you that read this blog regularly, you know that I don't write on here much.... actually i think only once. However, I wanted to take a moment to tell Kellie that I love her and I appreciate all she does to make our life wonderful!! We have had an exciting four years together and I know the years to come will be exciting. I love you!

Me and my beautiful bride!

Fun with Bebe!!

2011-04-22T14:24:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a visit from BEbe this week! We treated her to a big night on the town at the Tacky Shack! We all got our turn with T in the bug watching cartoons and gen the food arrived, Bebe's iPad was wonderful entertainment for a little boy who has no interest in eating!!

Daddy's turn

momma and T love the Tacky car

Bebe's turn!

lovin' Toy Story puzzles

Yea for Bebe time and now we're enjoying her house for the weekend!!

A BIRTHDAY TO REMEMBER

2011-02-28T20:47:00.000-08:00

For those of you who don't know, Truett and I almost share our birthdays! I went into the hospital the night before he was born. So, it makes for a wild month and week at our house. Bless our daddy's heart! He is amazing at making us both feel special!
It all started Thursday with our play date which happened to be our time to host! So, we had a little party since Case also shares a birthday with Truett (the same day). We played outside, had cupcakes on Toy Story plates (of course) and played some more!
Then, Friday was my day! Ryan being the sweet man he is, took the day off! So, I got to go on a morning run all by myself and then we enjoyed a nice lunch at Carmella's (a local Italian pizzeria-so yummy). Ryan's mom and dad arrived that afternoon and we had birthday dinner at 333 Restaurant. Truett loved having his Bebe and Pops at his house! It's so funny how Pop and Pops' get the prize for Truett's undivided attention when around.

CUPCAKES after some fun play outside
February 24, 2011

We even had birthday cake (Martha's Market's cupcake cake - yum!!)

and my birthday gift - very unexpected
artist Christy Saia Henderson

Thanks, Ryan and Truett for making my day so special!
Now on to the BIG PARTY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET BOY!!

2011-02-25T14:09:00.000-08:00

Wake up Baby it's your special day...a day fill with fun and surprises!
My parents always said this line from a childhood book every birthday morning when I was a kid.
I can't believe our little man is TWO!! What a year it has been! Truett has grown into such a little boy over the past 6 months. I see more every day why people tell you children are so great!

Truett, you are such a blessing. We love to watch you run around the house because you're so proud you can RUN! We love your sweet forehead kisses, hugs with a little grunt to let us know you're really trying, high fives after our blessing prayer, you LOVE Toy Story and can quote all THREE, you are funny about what you eat...not much, you love 'scuckers', and more and more. You're little personality is coming out more every day and it's too funny! You are a character trying to act like you're hiding when you close one eye.
We love you more than you will ever know! IT'S TIME TO PARTY!!!

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY, TRUETT MATTHEW BERRY!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BLUE!

2011-02-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

FOUR years ago, I gave Ryan the sweetest pup! He grew up with sweet Cookie as a kid and always talked about how much he loved Golden Retrievers! So, 10 days before we married, I surprised him with BLUE!! What a sweet girl she is! She LOVES Ryan and even more now that she doesn't get AS MUCH attention with someone else to compete with.
Though she drives me a little crazy sometimes, I'm not sure what we do without ole Blue! Truett loves her and I can only image that will get more fun as they both get older!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET GIRL!!

A LITTLE BEHIND...

2011-02-02T21:22:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I've gotten so behind on the Berry life since October. I guess KBcreative took over for a while. So, I'll just start where we are now and go backward.

It's February, and Truett is almost TWO!!! Did you hear me?? TWO!!! I can't believe it! I was walking today thinking about how it stinks I didn't blog over the past 3 months because our little man has become quite the character and is so fun! His obsessions, quirks, likes, dislikes, favorites, etc. are all so entertaining and sometimes TRYING!

Maybe that's another reason I'm a little behind!

We've been a little busy chasing an almost TWO year old.

HOW IT WENT DOWN ...

2010-12-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

I really didn't know what I was getting myself into when I started this ... FUN, no sleep and more FUN! b. mo did an awesome job in her mini sessions which made the cards I designed for her look even better.

And then there are the custom designs I've had the pleasure of doing. It's so fulfilling to me to give someone something they can't find anywhere else.

So, be thinking about what you want next year! Order as early as you want!
Hope you all had a Merry Christmas from KBcreative.

ORDERING CLOSED

2010-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

I am no longer taking orders for Christmas cards. WOW!! How fun it has been though! I will post pics of all of them when things slow down a bit. You can still order stickers for any occasion! AFter next week, my computer is going to the doctor and I'm going to NYC! Thanks to everyone who placed orders!
I can't wait for you to see them. This has been a great thing! Don't forget...I can do so many other things too! Invitations, Birth Announcements, logos, We've Moved cards, etc. etc. etc.

Comment with questions.
Merry Christmas card addressing!!!

ROUND 'EM UP!!

2010-11-24T12:04:00.000-08:00

I feel like the biggest dork for getting so excited about a RETURN ADDRESS LABEL, but I found a great place to print them. AND THEY ARE ROUND!!! Love it!
If some of you are like me and not living in your forever house — no need to order a permanent stamp just yet, right?
So, maybe a custom sticker for your Christmas Cards or just for everyday will suffice! I can customize them just for YOU!!

This is the Berry sticker that I can wait to get any day now!

$6.75/sheet of 35

CHRISTMAS CARDS

2010-11-21T19:08:00.001-08:00

I am having so much fun designing custom Christmas cards for everyone! Don't miss having your own custom card designed. Here is a sneak peek of ours this year.

This is a 5x7 two-sided linen card for $1.50/card

putting a full image on the back is a great idea for family and friends
or your favorite verse with an image or I can do whatever you want!

See my exclusive designs for b. mo foto to get an idea of some things I can do!

Here is my latest custom order ...

This is a 5x7 one-side photo quality card for$.95/card.
I'll post a pic of the actual card when they come in!

So, tell your friends, your grandmother, your mom, your neighbor!

KBcreative can do more than just Christmas cards ... baby announcements, invitations, logos, brochures, stationery, and so much more!

JUST A FREELANCIN' ...

2010-10-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

YEP! A lot of you know I've been freelancing for a few years on and off for friends and clients. So, I've officially decided to make it a public thing!
I do pretty much anything to do with print material (ads, logos, custom Christmas cards (a new endeavor), booklets, business cards, letterhead, thank you cards, enclosure cards, posters, and a so much more—you get the idea). I don't do websites ... got out of that groove a long time ago. It's fun but takes forever – did I mention I'm a stay-at-home mom?!
I will post things here until I feel the need to move things elsewhere. So, my business is about my business ... my life is number one to be a stay-at-home mom and second to work for the clients that I have now and see where things may or may not go.
Check periodically for projects I've been working on!

Giving Him ALL the Glory

2010-10-21T20:35:00.000-07:00

I must share these people and this story with you ... because I am in awe again and again at how people give God the Glory for ALL He has done.

Months ago, I was in Jackson doing a few things and hoping to meet up with my best friend in Jackson, Angie. While planning to just stay the night with she and Breisch, I get a phone call that her sister-in-law, Kristina, had just gotten news that her baby girl she was carrying was not ok.
So, needless to say, they rushed to get their son who was with Breisch's mom and be with family.

That is where this story of faithfulness started to impact me. Kristina gave birth to Layne Grace Gaston on October 14, 2010 not knowing the outcome of her birth. Layne has Trisomy 18, a fatal chromosomal disorder, and they were unsure if she would even make it to birth. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!! Layne is a week old today and holding her own pretty well. They were able to take her home today to be with them until the Lord brings her home with him. Just like all of us as adults and children alike, our days are numbered and how high that number will go – we don't know!
You can follow Kristina and Hamp's journal for Layne on CaringBridge by clicking here. Please pray for them as they continue this journey and cherish every day they have with that baby girl.
I am in awe of their faithfulness as they are allowing God to get ALL the Glory for this great thing He has done! No one really knew or thought they would have this many days with this precious child.

AND THE FUN KEEPS COMING ...

2010-10-16T20:02:00.001-07:00

At this rate, you're going to think I'm going to blog every day and Truett is going to think we're going to do FUN things every day!
Today was fall fest at our church. WOW! We had a fun day!
No nap all day, bless us! But we had lots of fun. Have I used that word enough yet??
After a fun morning with Daddy, Mimi showed up for the afternoon. Truett and I took Mimi out to show her a good time! (i.e. Fall Fest and Wall's!)

Truett is obsessed with CHOO CHOOs!!! (as he calls a train)
So, this was right up his alley. GO DAWGS!!

Mom tried to help him have fun ... failed!

He also loves COWS ... MOOOOO!!! and now, milking them...ha!!

Cassie attempted to paint a pumpkin on T's cheek and he attempted to wipe it away.

Truett picked this to eat and LOVED the green icing.

We loved Mimi joining us!!

and the conductor thought someone was cute!!
He's already like his daddy ... getting special treatment.

WE WENT TO THE FAIR ...

2010-10-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

I saw some cool cars.

I played with some animals.

I had lots of fun with mommy and daddy!

I rode A ride!

And mommy and daddy decided it was time to go!
We had fun but I was SOOO tired!

There is a lot to catch you up on, but I couldn't pass this up. We had a great day!

HE ALONE is MY ROCK

2010-08-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

"He alone is my rock and my salvation; my stronghold, I will not be shaken." – Psalm 62:6

Baby Berry #2 will forever be our little angel looking down on us until we meet one day in Heaven. We love you, little angel, and wish we would have gotten to meet you.

Though we don't understand it now, we know that God knows best ... in Him alone do we TRUST.

Thank you to all our family and friends for all your prayers and encouragement.

The Cow Goes MOOOOO

2010-08-10T11:41:00.000-07:00

For those of you who don't know, Ryan grew up showing cows. His family have a cattle farm as well and we decided the last time we were in New Hebron we would let Truett explore the REAL cows! Needless to say, he loved it. I wish I would have counted the number of times he said COOWWWW .... mooooo!

COOWWWW!

more COOWWWs!

then he just wanted to drive!

the horses as we were leaving ... not his favorite.
Maybe a little too close for comfort.

I'm just so glad our little man loves the outdoors as much as we do!

THE NEWS ...

2010-07-23T12:00:00.001-07:00

SAY WHAT MOM??
I'm going to be a BIG BROTHER??

YES!! That's why the blog is a little behind ... mom's hasn't been feeling so well!
Due March 4 {for those of you wondering ... Truett's due date was March 6}
They will be exactly 2 years apart!
Praying all goes well ... get ready for baby Berry #2!!

What a MAN, What a BIRTHDAY!

2010-07-22T20:07:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Ryan's 31st birthday!

What a man Ryan is! He's a hard working, caring, serving, fun, silly, thoughtful, deserving, loving man and father. Ryan has always gone out of his way to help me do anything! When we got married, we made a deal that whoever cooked, cleaned dishes and he's always stuck to that as well as washing dishes was his thing and washing clothes is mine! YES, he still does! Don't be jealous, friends! I realize he is one of a kind and I'm so thankful for him and how he serves me at home.

Not only is he a great husband but such a great father! He and Truett have so much fun together every moment they are together. There is no doubt ... Truett LOVES his daddy! They love to stack blocks, sword fight, read books, and be so silly together. I am so thankful for a man that makes spending time with his little man his priority.

Happy Birthday, RYAN aka DADDY!!!

A Wild Ride and Week

2010-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know! I'm a little behind on updating about our week and weekend in TN. I guess you could say I hit a wall when we returned. {We'll share all those lovely details at a later date}

My last post was about being in Nashville and in Nashville I was! We made it SAFELY to say the least. I had a WILD RIDE about half way there when I was run off the road by another church bus (in my own car following our bus – they didn't mean to of course!). I went out of control on the interstate and ended up going the opposite direction on the shoulder after almost flipping! A WILD RIDE. Thank the Lord everything was fine – only one tire came off the rim and had to be put back on. Thanks to the local firemen of Brownsville, TN, for changing my tire!!! Needless to say, I didn't drive the rest of the way there.

We really drew a crowd ... two more church buses up ahead and emergency vehicles.
Thanks to these guys below ... we were back on the road in 45 minutes.

One tire off the rim...
It is truly amazing I didn't flip ... almost ... but didn't flip!

MFUGE was great though! The week with our students was a blessing and so rewarding to see them respond to God's voice. We were all exhausted by Saturday but it was all worth it!

Sweet kids at The Shalom Zone

sweet little Kimberlyn was mad because we wouldn't let her have the camera.

Our crazy group

and all of us crazy girls!

kaylie and carli all geared up for MEGA RELAY

worship on Wednesday night ... amazing ... Tim Bertram painting this with his hands was it!

It was excited to see my boys Saturday afternoon as they met me on our way further East to Townsend, TN, for the Sudduth family reunion. (My mom's brother and sisters, my cousins, and all our kiddos) It was wild and so fun! It had been about four years since we were all together at Meemaw's funeral which was brief and not a huge time to visit. So, it was great to meet all the great grands and see all of them play together. Truett is the youngest and he loved the play time with so many little people like him!

this is the almost the whole gang...we miss you, Steve and Kirk Sudduth!

sweet Sydney ... 13 and still precious!

little man loved running ... a few scrapes and bruises but he had a blast!

two sweet girls ... princess Madelynn and Syd

Mom's sisters and brother and spouses ... Meemaw and Grandaddy would be so proud!

We spent the 4th of July together all day at The Lodge at Valley View. What a fun day! We're so blessed to be a part of such a precious family. There have been some major trials in all our lives over the past few years. Being able to be together for a short time was so rewarding!
Some of us even floated the river with all the other 400 people that were there too. Low river + holiday=Interesting.

we loved the fireworks

Somebody taught this little man how to say ... WOW!! at the fireworks.
So, now, Truett loves to look up in the sky and say, "WOW!!"

In NASHVILLE BY NOW

2010-06-29T01:07:00.000-07:00

Once this posts, I'll be in Nashville with a load of teenagers from FBC Grenada. Of course, not just me ... two more chaperones too. I'm praying it will be an awesome week for all of us! BUT I must say, I'm going to miss these boys! This is actually the first time I've been away from both of them for this long! I'm not one to freak over things like that or anything but I sure will miss my boys!! Can't wait to see you both in the mountains on Saturday!! In the mean time, BeBe and MiMi will be taking good care of them both!! What a blessing to have wonderful family allowing me to be apart of such a thing that is so dear to my heart!! I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us!
Join me as we pray for our students this week!!!

Mission accomplished ... sort of and other fun things!

2010-06-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

Is anything wrong with this picture? Well, to most people, 'NO', would be the simple answer! But for me, YES!! There is something wrong here. My child is not frowning, crying or screaming while wearing the floatie in the water!!!
Thanks to Kayla and her teamwork, we got this thing on him while he was not so happy about it. BUT right after she lowered him into the pool and he realized he could float, whala!! A smile!! Unfortunately this only lasted for about 3 minutes and then the water getting in his mouth freaked him out! But if you've been with me and Truett at the pool this summer, you know this is a major accomplishment! He'd rather be free of anything that floats and jump off the side or on the steps and hope someone pulls him out of the water! HA!! I'm convinced by the end of the summer, it won't be a fight! Thanks, Kayla bug!!!

We've been doing a lot of packing around here since Truett is going on a grandparent tour while I'm at MFUGE this week. Truett found a little something I had put away until he was old enough to enjoy it. He drug this thing from his closet to the den and insisted we open it up. BeBe, gave it to us months ago. It was Ryan's when he was a boy. It's great and compact which I love with the train and all the bridges and pieces inside. Then, you turn the box over and it's the track! We played with it twice yesterday for a while! There is no doubt Fisher Price toys are well made. This thing is great and looks brand new! Thanks, BeBe!! You sure know all the fun toys boys love and how sweet that my little man is getting to enjoy a toy his daddy once did too!

A Visit with Tanner and Dr. Molly

2010-06-27T12:42:00.000-07:00

Laura, a friend of mine from high school, lives in Oxford and goes to the same pediatrician that we do. We've been trying to get together. So, Thursday, Truett and I paid she and her little man Tanner a visit.

No, we did not get new bedding... this is Truett asleep in Tanner's bed!

This is where we began our visit ... Tanner asleep on the chair and Truett asleep in the car and then the bed! And, then they went after it — toys, monster truck movies, popsicles, hot dogs. FUN! FUN! FUN!

We had a great time and will definitely have to do it again! Thanks, Laura and Tanner for sharing your toys and house with us. It was a lot of fun!

So, then, on to the doctor.

This was T's 15 month check up since we have always been almost a month behind on doctor visits since our first. It was great!

Our little man is GROWING!!

He's officially 16 months. Weighs 28 lbs. 6 oz. and measures 32.5 in.
He really showed out for Dr. Molly saying all kinds of things while I held a book of animals. It was pretty hilarious. So, no worries on development. We're doing just fine!
Mom is happy shots are officially over until he's 4!!

Truett, today you are a precious big boy!
You love your squeaky shoes from Hayden. They are too funny!
You still LOVE milk! This morning you didn't even want breakfast...just 2 cups of milk.
Food likes come and go for you. Right now you love hot dogs, chicken nuggets, fruit cups (preferring to be fed it rather than eat it with your hands), fresh pears, chips, puffs, puffs, puffs, grapes, strawberries, whipped cream, cherries – ok, pretty much everything!
You LOVE to play in the water hose!! Nothing joys you more!
You love to watch movies in the car.
Your daddy is more fun than anybody!!! He's so much fun for you to watch and mimic.
You are saying lots of things especially when we ask you to. (down please, cat, cow MOOOO, dawwwwggg (when you hear one bark), BLOOOO (you and Blue have a loved/hate relationship) and lots more.
You have the greatest little laugh! I love it when we get you really tickled. It's wonderful!
We love you and can't wait to see you continue to grow even more. It sure is going fast!

A Fun Father's Day

2010-06-25T19:28:00.000-07:00

Father's Day was a special day! Not only was it all about our daddys but we got to spend it with the whole Burnham crew at the Rawson's house! The Rawsons are my oldest sister, Julie's, in-laws. They are like family! So, Mrs. Sherry invited us all out for shrimp and fish and LOTS of food (wish I had a picture). We were all STUFFED when we left ... shrimp, fish, potatoes, corn, slaw, hushpuppies, cream cheese pound cake with all the toppings, fruit, pies that never came out of the fridge, and homemade ice cream. I'm sure there was more that I never saw!
Let's just say, Mrs. Sherry knows how to host a big group!!

After lunch, we went out to the lake behind the house to do a little fishing. No one caught anything worth writing home about but we had a good time sweating our booties off!! And the Sasser kids just loved every part of it!

Jake got a few lessons from his daddy

Dean could do it all by himself!

Princess Madelynn can get anything she wants ... and Jake took advantage too!

So, Happy Father's Day to my dad and my husband!!

It was a precious day for me to be able to spend it with both.
My dad is a wonderful man. He is a humble, Godly man, a servant, and so hardworking. I have learned so much from him for the past 30 years. I am so proud to call him my DAD!

Me and my sweet daddy

three girls ... I wonder if we were a hand full growing up!?

My sweet husband ... I must say, I looked forward to the day that he would be a father to our children from the day we married. He's so great with Truett, and Truett definitely loves his daddy! Bath time is their time every night ... not always the most pleasant time lately but Ryan is still a trooper with him! Ryan is a wonderful dad too! It's so exciting to watch my boys together and know that Truett will learn so much from his daddy just like I have!

after church ... playing with Pops FIRST gift
Truett LOVES his daaayeeee!

We love our daddy!!!

the BERRY BEACH BASH

2010-06-24T19:40:00.001-07:00

Oh YES!!! We have tshirts! They are precious and so neat! Auntie Suzanne made them for us ... all the girls and all the grandkids. She tie dyed them herself and did all the lettering by hand!

So, this is the COMPLETE Berry clan. A few months ago, Bella (one of the precious little red heads on her knees below) asked BeBe if she'd take her to the beach! Well, how can a grandmother say no to that!?? So, Mrs. Susan looked EVERYWHERE for the perfect place for us to stay in Destin. And, perfect it was! Unfortunately I have no pictures of the actual SIX BEDROOM house with a pool and right across the street from the beach! SEAWATCH was our home for 4 days and those were the funnest four days! Thank you BeBe for not only a fun time, but a special time for all of our families. I believe June 12-16, 2010 will be a time we will never forget.
There are so many pictures to share but I'll only post a few since ALL of them are actually on facebook too. I have to admit (and you'll see why) I had major beach blues when we got home. I think I'm JUST NOW getting over it!

Day 1 – Truett got the perfect nap on the beach.

So, dad and I enjoyed the water.

HELLO!! then he was ready to play

just fine right here

after a great afternoon at the pool back at the house
and the photo session on the beach ... we enjoyed dinner

with BeBe and Pops at Kenny D's.
(FYI ... some of these were taken with my phone)

Day 2 with Bella ...
chillin in the chair at the East Pass
(see the crane in the background helping set up for the booms
to protect from OIL ... uhh!! Thanks, BP!)

just fine right here on day 2 until ...

mom and dad got me walking in the water ...
back and forth and back and forth

cousin Hayes loved finding hermit crabs

then the original Dewey Destin's was a must!

before Parker and Bella had to go ...
all the grands and BeBe in their tees!

tired of pictures at this point but such a sweet pic ...

pictures are done and Wilkes loved T's book just as much as he does...
or maybe it was just that BeBe was reading it!

Day 3 ... last day on the beach
my sweet little man getting used to the water again.

and then ... he couldn't get enough of it
especially with Dad!

and Bebe and Wilkes ... so much fun with cousins

so, on our last night out ... dinner at Louisiana Lagniappe.
T was great until it was time for dinner.

So, dad and I took turns eating until Auntie Suzanne
came to play so we could both finish.
Nothing like walking on a pier and up and down steps with a one-year-old!
Thanks, Suzy Q!!

This is my absolute favorite shot of me and my little man from the whole trip!
And these ...

my beach boys

Thanks, BeBe and Pops for the fun week!
We are blessed and so thankful!!!

OH MY SWEET LITTLE MAN

2010-06-07T13:21:00.001-07:00

Truett, you are a joy! You make us laugh and sometimes a little crazy. We are having a blast watching you hear and learn new things. It's especially exciting when WE hear you get excited about the things YOU hear!

I love it even more when you repeat things you've done before ... only with a different bucket!! Thanks Carsons!!

My little buckethead

The First Week of Summer

2010-05-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

So, this is the first week with no Mother's Morning Out. I told you I would miss that place! So, I'm learning that I need to have fun things for Truett and I to do every other day or so. So, my goal for the week has been to get him used to the pool before we go on vacation. I'm sure he'll love the beach but if he doesn't, he sure needs to like the pool, right?! He's not too fond of it right now might I say!
BUT most of all, I'm trying to be better about just hanging out with my little man. If you know me at all, I don't 'hang out' very well. I always feel like I should be doing something and have things in the back of my mind I 'need' to do. So, in turn, I don't ENJOY the sweet times as much as I'd like which makes me frustrated with myself!

playing old school Super Mario Brothers
and entertaining T on the Wii.

So, I've been enjoying the little things lately! Truett is growing so fast. Yesterday he was 15 months and he's becoming a little man full of words. Of course, Ryan and I can only understand him for the most part but he's really saying a lot! His personality is surely growing and he's become quite the independent one! I'll have to do some stats later. We don't see the doc again until the end of June.

WHAT A WONDERFUL WEEKEND

2010-05-26T12:08:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I ran away Friday for a little anniversary weekend. Mimi and Pop were taking Truett on their weekend excursion to the Sassers. So, we left town for Kosciusko to drop T off and then headed south. I didn't realize it until the day, but this was the first weekend Ryan and I have had together to do whatever we wanted. Truett has stayed away several times but it was always for some other reason. So, I was excited!

These pictures are from Friday morning
waiting for Daddy to get off work.

Truett with his box from a new toy.

He did this himself! Crazy kiddo!

We stopped Friday night and had birthday dinner at Berry's seafood in Magee for Pops' birthday. YUM YUM!! And spent that night at the Berry motel (aka Bebe and Pops' house).

LET THE WEEKEND BEGIN

Then, Saturday morning we headed out to canoe the Okatoma! If anyone has known me since I was a child, you would know I do not favor canoeing! (I almost drown on this river when I was around 5) BUT this was all my idea and I actually enjoyed it! I just wanted to do something outside that we would both enjoy! Of course, I have no pictures of this event! Urg!!!!! It was really fun and only took us about 2 hours ... supposed to last about 4. Oops!

So, we headed back to Jackson where we stayed at the newly renovated King Edward Hotel downtown. It was so nice and just down the street from where we had out first date!
So, we strolled down to The Mayflower (an old Jackson gem) for dinner! YUM YUM!!! rolls and comeback sauce!!! Again ... no pictures!!!

This is the Mayflower.
Ryan gave this to me framed for our first Christmas
the image is by Stephen Little of Jackson

Then, RobinHood was the movie of choice. ***** from me! I was really impressed that they could remake a movie that's been remade several times and it still be so good!!
Sunday morning, we headed back to KO to get the little man who was EXHAUSTED after his big weekend with Mimi and Pop and cousin Jake!

This was his position for the trip home after
he'd already slept an hour at the house while we visited!

What a fun weekend! Thanks everyone for making it possible and thanks to my hubby for making it great and just what I wanted! BUT we were all glad to back under one roof and ready to tackle the first week at home with no MMO!!!

We're Going to Miss This ...

2010-05-20T06:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Truett's last day of Mother's Morning Out at the methodist church. He's been going every Monday and Wednesday morning since he was almost 6 months old. So, these ladies have seen him grow so much in the past 9 months. They close for the summer, and we'll start back up in August when school starts back! Am I sad, yes, a little! Were they sad? Yes, a little! It's been the greatest things for me while I've been standing in the gap at our church with the youth. And, it's been great for Truett to get a little time with other kids during the week. It's the sweetest place and it's been such a blessing for us!
We sure will miss Mrs. Meridieth and all the little ones, but we'll be back in a few months!!
It's amazing how time flies!!

THREE YEARS AND COUNTING

2010-05-19T10:29:00.000-07:00

So, I guess this marks a full year that I've been blogging consistently! I started this last year on our anniversary (see here). Well, it's our anniversary today! So, one year of blogging and THREE years of wedded bliss with my man!
So, happy anniversary, Ryan! I love you for loving me (we both know that can be a challenge sometimes), for being the best father to Truett I could ever imagine and for providing so much for us. I can't wait to celebrate many more with you! Bring on the outdoor getaway!

these are the times that make it all as close to perfect as it can be

It's Been a While ...

2010-05-18T11:21:00.000-07:00

I guess a lot has been going on lately but not really. I honestly haven't really felt like myself for the past week and a half ... sick with head cold that WILL NOT go away! I finally went to the doctor and he loaded me up with meds that didn't work and then loaded me up again with something that did ... HALLELUJAH!! So, now I'm still feeling weird but BETTER!

But of course when you're a mom AND when it's too fabulous outside to stay inside, you have youth to play paintball with (yes, i said PAINTBALL... so fun!) and you have a friend coming into town. You get excited, go outside and endure! What a wild weekend!!

Beth aka B.MO (www.bmofoto.net- i've told you about her before HERE), one of my roomies in college came to Gtown to photograph a wedding. So, she spent the weekend with us. It was great to see her and as she always wants to do, we did a little photo shoot with Truett after his nap on Sunday. We debated because it was raining on and off all afternoon but I'm sooooo glad we did! You can see why below!! Beth is finally doing what she's always wanted to and she's so great at it! I think she gets better and better every time she comes.
Enjoy this little eye candy, and if you're interested in her shooting your family, kids, wedding,etc. let me know! Her prices are reasonable even though she'll make you look and feel like you stepped out of a magazine! You definitely won't regret it!

down set ... hut hut!

this is proof of his obsession with this book

walkin in riley's garden

this is his model pose on riley's tractor ... B.MO you have a good eye!!!
Amazing!!

Mother's Day for ME?

2010-05-10T07:42:00.001-07:00

Oh how thankful I am to have a sweet little boy that loves his daddy more than me right now! :)
It's STILL wild for me to think that I'm really a mom and that Mother's Day is for me too!
This picture really describes what Truett loved to do all weekend at Bebe and Pop's house. Baby Jaguar had to deal with him chasing her around. Sweet little man!!!

I hope everyone had a good one! I only hope I can be as great of a mother as my mom and Ryan's! Thanks Mimi and Bebe for taking care of us and putting up with us all these years!

I went to visit Mom Thursday for a bit since I wouldn't see her Sunday!

(I'm a little sad we didn't take a pic of me and T or Ryan and his Mom!)

Playtime ... TRY AGAIN!!

2010-05-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

Tuesday morning we decided to try again in playing with little Maya Diaz. She is ONE DAY younger than Truett and so different from him!
She speaks very clearly, is bilingual, and started walking very early (around 10 months). I told her mom, 'I'm not sure you realize how advanced your child is!'
It is my conclusion that all of these above things intimidate Truett a little bit. I only say that because the first two times we met Maya and her mom, Amber, T cried when M would talk and get close to him! HA! Who knows what he thinks about her and why he did that!

So, after about 2 months, Amber and I decided we would get them together again. Since our last visit, Truett has obviously grown up a lot... HA! (walking and talking more). So, I was sure it would be no big deal. We met at the park (neutral ground) and the moment Maya opened her mouth right when she and Amber arrived, TRUETT CRIED!!! HA!
Maybe I should be proud that he's scared of girls his age ... cause one day i'll wish he would be!
He finally warmed up and loved the time playing outside and eating Amber and Maya's strawberries. Little Maya is a doll ... tiny but large and in charge.

So glad we got to do it again! One day they will actually PLAY TOGETHER ... two 14-month-old stay-at-home kids don't quite get that yet!

Amber made a friend after being the strawberry lady.

OBSESSION???

2010-05-04T20:51:00.000-07:00

I think we are beginning to embark on some of the sweetest times of Truett's childhood. I'm sure I'll say that 5 million more times in his life (I hope) but this little favorite thing I can guarantee I won't forget!
Before Truett was born, I bought the Push and Pop book, "Things That Go!" at Dirt Cheap for DIRT CHEAP. I think it was like 50¢. He's liked it but OH BOY!!! Now, HE LOVES IT!! I mean, we're bordering on obsession! This is his favorite book!
He's so obsessed with it that we've started hiding it when enough is enough if you know what I mean! Let me just say that I am SO GLAD that my child is obsessed with reading and I hope it continues because I am not the reader I would like to be. But when you start to quote a book, you know it's bad!
I was telling my mother-in-law about it today, and she told me of a book she used to read to Ryan's oldest brother, Trey. She began quoting it and said she could just about remember the whole thing! Might I add that he's in his late 30s ... IMPRESSIVE, Bebe!!!
How precious! I love how Truett wants to sit in your lap and help 'push and pop' as he learns about the "Things that Go!".
Did I mention that there are things that pop up when you turn a wheel on the side of the book. I really believe that's the obsession, but at least it's about the book!

What sweet times!!! I love it!

Dad can't resist! I think SIX times is the max before the book disappears under the table!
Look how sweet!!

SOMEBODY LOVES TO ...

2010-05-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

ROCK, ROCK

vacuum?

A LITTLE GET-A-WAY

2010-04-30T06:09:00.000-07:00

Last week, we ran away to the coast for the MS Prosecutor's Conference. (I know, sounds so important, huh?) To say the least, we learned a lot on this trip!

1. BUY A PORTABLE DVD PLAYER (for long trips only) or improvise. (see below pic ... wonderful!)

2. DON'T TAKE TRUETT TO THIS CONFERENCE AGAIN ... unless you know the pool is heated (which I found out it was a day too late) and it's not summer. (playing at Chick-Fil-A with random coast kids saved my life!)

3. THERE IS ONLY SO MUCH TO DO WITH A CHILD IN A HOTEL ROOM!

BUT ...
We really had a great time though! It was so nice to get away...just the three of us!
We ran to the beach from the hotel and let T play. It was his first REAL time to experience the sand. He loved it for about 20 minutes.
We ate at our favorite restaurant ... The Blowfly Inn.
We ate at Five Guys burgers and fries. (Nothing to write home about)
We saw some old friends.
We met little Treven and his mom who had just moved from Arizona at the park.
We shopped at Target!
We went to Chick-Fil-A to play about three times! HA!

The coast has grown so much from the first time we were there three years ago when there was NOTHING but Waffle House down there.
Enjoy the pics!

this is what I mean by improvise!

sweet baby boy feet

love that little man ... so glad you got to see A beach, little guy.
Maybe FL will come this summer!

14 MONTHS

2010-04-27T11:37:00.001-07:00

It's hard to believe this little man is growing so quickly! He's a mess and so independent--no more help from mom on this little cat! Truett is a sweet little man and he LOVES his daddy!

If daddy's around, he's definitely preferred over me. I guess I should consider that a blessing! I actually love it and think it's precious that he has a daddy that spends that much time with him. He's definitely got his eyes on everything he does.

We're loving the warm weather and enjoying being outside as much as we can!

Truett today:
You are about 27 lbs, 32 in. and growing like a weed!

You wear 18-24 months clothes and a size 5/6 shoe (depending on the shoe).

You still LOVE your milk but don't care much for eating much of anything. Sometimes you like mandarin oranges, grapes, Nilla wafers, puffs, yogurt melts, goldfish, hot dogs, and a few other super unhealthy things...which bothers mom a little! BUT I know you're not starving, so we'll go with it for now.

You LOVE outside and can say it where mom and dad understand anyway!
You love to say BA (ball) and think everything is just that...especially in the produce section of the grocery store.
You love to play and do it very well! A ball is always your preferred item of course.
You love the water hose ... especially when mom and dad let you get all nasty and wet in the front yard.
You love Blue. You climbed all over her after being gone for a few days, and she let you!
You're a precious little man and we're so thankful for you! You get more and more fun every day!

FRONT ... BACK ...

2010-04-23T19:00:00.001-07:00

It's all looking better. Don't you think??? Click here to see before.

After, much deliberation, we finally cut down the GIANT holly bushes AND did a little landscaping! Next, privacy fence. New posts will come later!

The back porch is still not completely done but we DO have the swing hung! YES!!!

Berry Rewind ... EASTER

2010-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

How I missed all the Easter pictures I don't know. I guess I've been a little lax in updating. Maybe I took a little hiatus? I don't know. None the less, Easter was great! It all started on Good Friday with an Easter Egg hunt with the Sasser Crew at the annual Brickerton Easter Egg Hunt.
It was so fun getting to participate even though T was all about the two eggs in his hand and nothing else!

T and the Sasser kiddos ... and the baby chicks that lasted a week (sad)

Mom and Truett looking for eggs

Melanie and her crew

Dean got to hunt all by himself and racked up!

balloons always make this little man happy!
(for a little while at least)

But OH ... that was only the beginning of the egg hunts!
Saturday morning was the church hunt ... inside because of rain. This is all our little guy wanted to do!

If he's not athletic, he's going to be so sad!

Saturday afternoon, Aunt T (aka my saving grace) invited us to come for their hunt with the neighbors. They all love Truett! He even had his own little flower bed to hunt in! I'm sad there is no picture with Aunt T though! She's such a blessing to me. I'm not sure what I would do without her sometimes! Truett loved the hunt ... for the most part ...especially when he discovered there was chocolate inside!!

not so sure about this flower bed

not so sure about that face but love me some Kayla

Heh! love me some chocolate!
(on face, hands, knee..ha!)

OH!!! And we couldn't pass up an invitation to stay for some strawberry cupcakes,
fish, fries, and hushpuppies. Way to go Riley and Grant!!
YUM YUM!!!

NEXT, after Sunday School, we headed to Kosciusko. This was the year to be with my family, and it was so fun!

Everyone was there and even a few more which is always a blessing!! Nana Rawson (my brother in law Steve's mom) brought all the kids Easter baskets. I'm so sad we didn't get a picture before opening it. It was amazing and so sweet of her to do that! But we did get one of the cupcakes she made!

MMMM

After lunch, we had yet another hunt!

once again, T wasn't too interested in anything but his few eggs
BUT he DID put a couple in his basket!

and he loves the bubbles
(don't you love his arm band - so thug ... ha)

What an awesome time to be with family! AND also, what an awesome time to celebrate that our King is Alive!!! HE is RISEN!! Really...without His resurrection, our faith would be pointless!
God is good!!!

NOW THAT WAS A DATE NIGHT

2010-04-17T20:54:00.001-07:00

Blue is Lost

2010-04-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

It is hard to transition from the last post about Carter to this post but I will try anyway. It looks like Carter is doing well and hopefully he is on his way to a living a full life with a four chambered heart! Keep praying for the Oswalts and those taking care of him.

The short and skinny.... Blue, our Golden Retriever, is missing. As a reminder, Blue was an engagement present from Kellie just a few weeks before we got married. Here is a picture from when I got her. This picture was approximately 3 years ago when we lived in Flowood.

Anyway, the longer story. For several years I wanted to run in the Buffalo Peak 4 mile run. Every year I miss out for some reason or another. So yesterday I saw on their website that the race was today. When I get off of work I pitch the idea to Kellie about the race. She is ready to hit the road. After loading up the car with all the necessities (crackers, pack and play, kitchen sink, juice, 15 gallons of milk, you know the usual stuff), we head to Jackson with no place to stay. After grabbing a quick bite at Sal and Mookies, we we end up getting a room at the Sleep Inn in Flowood. Bumped into Karen Howell and some other old friend. We got up early and I ran the race at 8. Got to see lots of old friends at the race. Generally had a good time. After a few stops in the Metro we headed north.

When we pulled up to the house, I check the mail and then go to check on Blue. I didn't see her in the yard but I thought I heard Kellie talking with her. She wasn't talking to her. Then I noticed the gate was open and it looked like a dog tried to dig under the fence. The gate/fence is old and rickety and I had planned to build a new one this weekend. Instead, I went to run a race. Blue had just gotten out of heat so she was probably "frisky". Maybe TMI for some of you.

Anyway, back to the short and skinny... Blue is lost and the Trubluberrycrew is without our Blue. We are sad. If you see a Golden Retriever in Grenada, let us know. -RMB

***UPDATE: BLUE IS FOUND!!***
We got a call about six from a guy across town and he told us that he had our dog. Apparently she hooked up with a monster black lab and they have been roaming the creek behind our house. On a related note... let me know if you want me to reserve you some golden retriever/ black lab puppies... ha

Praying for Carter

2010-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

I don't even know this little boy personally. He sure has made an impact on me today though!
His mother, Lindy is from Grenada and apparently grew up in our church. I met her one day at the church while she was there for the day. About two years ago, I remember our church asking for money to give this family after they lost their home to a fire.
Remaining faithful, they now have four children (the last two twins of about 8 or 9 months) and have been waiting on a heart for this little guy, Carter. He is FIVE years old and received that heart today! He is currently out of surgery and will be monitored through the night to make sure his new heart is not rejected.
Please pray for him and his family! I cannot imagine experiencing such a big surgery with my little Truett but know that my Lord would carry me through! Carter's parents must be truly amazing people!!
Go here to read their story.

Also, I can't help but think about the parents that must have lost their little one with the strong heart Carter has received today.

Never say never!

2010-03-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

Never say say never. I admit it. I said never. I might have even said never ever. I remember seeing all those helpless parents. Stuck. Watching. Bored. But now I am in a place I thought I'd never be. And you know what? I kind of like it. ha!

So if the picture doesn't tell the story, here it goes. I came home for lunch at our house to find Truett watching the devil. Well not quite the devil but that big purple monster also know as Barney. Truett absolutely loves Barney! I have no idea but it is quite the phenomenon. He stands directly in front of our TV with his little hand stretched up to touch it (which results in us having little boy hand print smudges all over our TV! ha).

Anyway, back to the story. Truett is mesmerized by this big purple dinosaur. Fast forward to my favorite time of the week.... 5PM Friday. I was planning to stop by Walmart and pick up the movie Disneynature: Earth at the Redbox.... wasn't there. So I ended up getting "Where the wild things are." Anyway, I decided to run through the electronic section and make a loop. Because it IS friday in Grenada and that's what you do! So to cut off this long story I ended up buying the movie below (Barney. Numbers! Numbers!)

So, I guess it is official... I am one of those Barney parents! Kellie I guess this makes you guilty by association! And I have to say its not that bad. After all when something makes Truett as happy as Barney, I'm more than happy to spend five bucks on a DVD. Even if I did say "never ever." Why? I love that little boy!

Momma Berry: HA! I would just like to say that PBS is the ONLY cartoonish channel we have and at lunch time at 12:30, it's BARNEY!!! UHHHHH!!! But if he loves it, he loves it! And if his daddy loves to see him love it, it makes it even better! You really will do anything for your kids!!

13 MONTHS

2010-03-26T12:36:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this little man is 13 months old today! It's hard to believe around this time last year we were at Bebe and Pops' for Easter. I will never forget it was T's first Sunday in church. He was sleeping so silently when the pastor began to speak and at the first rather LOUD exclamation, Truett jumped and screamed and I scurried out ... from the VERY FRONT all the way out the back doors!! HA! It was a memory to say the least.

Here he is last year at Easter

and here he is admiring Bebe's Easter decorations
outside last weekend.

I just found these and didn't realize I had not downloaded them. My mother-in-law always has the greatest decorations at any holiday. From the time you drive up and all throughout the entire house. I love it and I think T already is too!!

Today, Truett weighs about 27 lbs and is about 31 in.
He likes to eat when he feels like it. He loves chocolate pudding thanks to Aunt T. YUM YUM!!
He still LOVES his milk. He's talking a lot ... mostly jabber.
He says STOP a lot (I'm assuming I need to learn not to say that as much ... ha!)
He loves his daddy and expects to see him in the morning when we walk into the den.
He is learning to love Blue more and more and Blue is learning to let him.
He gives sweet love BUT has figured out that those front teeth can hurt someone. (He's only done it to me twice. We're working on that. OUCH!)
He's so silly and loves to be outside!!

We love you little man! Can't wait to see you keep growing up!! You're a blessing and a mess!!

so many pictures ... such a fun weekend

2010-03-23T20:31:00.000-07:00

I won't say much because the pictures speak for themselves. Starting Thursday night, Truett and I started a long journey full of cousins! So, here are pictures from the weekend.

We started at Mimi and Pop's in Kosciusko!

Mom, what have you gotten me into?

all bathed and ready for bed ... at least the Sasser kids were
Baby Truett was awake for 2 more hours

Madelynn loves her Baby Truett

SEE!!! She's too cute and sweet.

After shopping in Jackson, we went to Papaw Burnham's in Brandon.

Truett and Papaw
My grandfather is 83 years-old and still tills two LARGE gardens every year. Oh how we love the fresh veggies too. Can't wait!!

Sweet Landon is growing up!

T and Ms. Jessie playing ... they have great toys!

See!! Jake took Madelynn's pink pony!
poor thing kept falling off. We finally realized he was just being silly!

Then T had to try!

Then after some yummy veggies from last year's garden,
Sydney and I found Papaw's hats!

then Madelynn wanted to play

I'm not sure they knew what this thing did but it sure looks interesting!

Dad's family portrait ... had to be around 1958 or so.

Ms. Jessie and Papaw next to his Caddi.
It's OLD and still runs great! They even took it for a spin.

Papaw was loving the grandkids and greatgrands in front of his Caddi.

walking with Landon

Sydney loves her Truett too!

Papaw, Dad and little man

Then we stopped in Puckett and
surprised Kimberly at her store (Miss Priss).

Kimberly was a single mom for over 3 years
and was my prayer partner before we moved.
I have learned so much from this girl!!
It was so great to have a short visit with her.
Note: Truett had his first Airhead thanks to Mrs. Kimberly! YUM YUM!!!

Then we went to NEW HEBRON for Haye's birthday party and the rest of the weekend.

T and Dad outside ... where he preferred for most of the party!

It was fun.

lots of presents

and lots of crazy kids

The birthday boy had a good day!

Truett loved it too!

Mallory was just chillin' in the Police Car

and Uncle Andy was BRAVE!!!

What a fun, cousin-filled weekend!!!
We had a great time everywhere we went!
I just hate we didn't get a picture of all the Berry kids together.
Maybe next time!
Thanks, Mimi, Pop, Bebe, Pops for giving us a place to lay our heads!
Whew...that was long! I'm off to bed.

Another FIRST ... this one is BIG!

2010-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

Ok ... so, if you haven't noticed, my little man has GOT some hair!!! So, after realizing Sunday that he was looking a little homely with his ferociously long bangs, I decided it was TIME. Truett is 12 months 2 weeks and 4 days old today and he got his FIRST HAIRCUT!

Lindsey cuts my hair and Ryan's and she's also a precious person — so sweet and loves little ones! Side note: The shop she worked in burned a couple months ago and they are in a temporary spot but will open in the new place this summer!! I know they are so ready!

Anyway, I text her this morning and asked if today could be the day to cut the little man's hair! She told me to come on! So, we arrive and our entourage soon after. HA! (See them in the mirror shot: Aunt T (Truett's 3rd grandmother), Kayla (t's daughter and Truett's first baby sitter, and MayMay (Madison: their sweet little neighbor who loves Truett)

Truett did great! He was a little overwhelmed by all the hairdryers blowing, the giant bib he

had to wear and Mrs. Lindsey snipping away at his sweet hair. BUT she did an awesome job and was SOOO fast!

Thanks, Lindsey for making it quick and fun and for letting us bombard your station like the paparazzi! YEA...

NUMBER 9 ... TRUETT'S FIRST HAIRCUT

Mrs. Lindsey and T before the chop!

Truett and his paparazzi

beauty shop boy in his cape

is it over yet?

Mom reading the dinosaur book to get him to look down

way more interested in the lady using the hair dryer!

YEA!!! We survived!

Mom and her big boy ... his hair is too cute!

Thanks, Mrs. Lindsey and entourage for a fun first haircut!

CONSTRUCTION ZONE and MORE FIRSTS ...

2010-03-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

I guess when you have a one-year-old just about everything is a first ... at least what you want to blog about anyway!
BUT, before we get to the firsts, I must show you the progress Ryan and Pop made this past weekend! The back porch is our last BIG project. And oh how we are ready to be done!! There are a few more things to be done (front posts and landscaping), but they aren't BIG. I'm amazed at my husband's work! He's amazing! Here you go ... here's the work.

the porch after they were done ... it has a coat of paint on it now.
Click here to see the progress before this.
AMAZING!!! Thanks, POP! B & B Construction is ready to begin!

Then they cut down a few trees, limbs, etc.

And Truett was amazed!

--------

NOW ... more firsts!

NUMBER FIVE ... playin' in the mud.
I'm a little disappointed in myself for not just letting him stick his face in the mud.

then we had to get a bath ... of course NOT A FIRST!

NUMBER SIX ... PB & J
loves it and not allergic ... YEA!! (Sorry, cousin Jake.)

NUMBER SEVEN ... meeting the Easter Bunny
not so sure about him as you can see!

NUMBER EIGHT ... WALKING!!!
Mr. Truett just decided today that he would be a walkin' man ... walking more often than not.

A HAND FULL OF FIRSTS

2010-03-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

It's amazing what this change in weather can bring! We've definitely been enjoying it. Blue finally got a chance to get in the water again. T was a little concerned about her being all wet and did NOT like her shaking off on him. NUMBER ONE ... going to the lake with BLUE.
Everybody knows this time of year brings baseball. And, we have four guys in our youth that play for Kirk Academy. So, we bundled up last week when it was still pretty cool out and went to the game. Truett was in awe of the boys running around the field, the bats, the balls, and everything! I think we've got a baseball boy on our hands! NUMBER TWO ... BASEBALL
This past weekend was DNOW 2010: A Passion for Purity with the students at FBC. Since I'm in 'charge', Mimi and Pop kept T so we could blow and go freely all weekend. What a blessing!!! It was a great weekend but we sure did miss our little man. I just knew he'd be walking all over the place when we went to get him.
He was definitely showing out but not walking on his own quite yet. See the pics and video below. NUMBER THREE ... TRYING TO WALK.
Thanks, Mimi and Pop! I think somebody loves you!!!
And as if that's not enough, we went ahead and turned our big boy around so he can see where we're going now! He weighs 26 lbs. and is 31 in. long. Those feet were kicking the back of the seat again! Love it!! But not sure I like how he looks like such a big boy! NUMBER FOUR ... RIDING FACING FORWARD.
So, that's a lot of firsts in the past 2 weeks. But we're loving every minute of it.

BASEBALL ... Go RAIDERS!!

Somebody loves his Mimi and Pop!!

He just won't let go!

showing off for mom and dad

Big boy on his first ride facing forward.

Truett loves His Blue ...

2010-03-10T20:23:00.000-08:00

a little too much!!!

All I can do is laugh at this!

MAYBE THIS IS WHY ...

2010-03-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

Truett loves his daddy! Maybe this is why ...

note the increasing performance once he knows I'm videoing! He's a good daddy!
Thanks, Bebe, Mimi, Pops and Pop for the Cozy Coupe!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN!!

2010-02-27T12:52:00.000-08:00

Well, we did it! One year! Yesterday was Truett's actual birthday but today was his party! Both days were 'filled with fun and surprises!' (as the book says). Last night we had a special visit from the Rawsons. We went to dinner at 333 since they weren't able to be at the party today. (Those Rawson kids are busy playing ball again! (see here for Sydney's big news)

Truett did exactly what I was afraid he would do, got up a little earlier than normal and was so TIRED during the party. BUT he endured and had a great time playing with his cousins!

Thanks everybody for making it such a special day!

I had a fun time thinking up and making all kinds of things for his party (the invitation, wreath, mailbox decor, both of his birthday shirts, cupcakes that we haven't eaten yet, and a display of pictures of him from every month so far — see in the birthday cake pictures)

It's hard to believe we've made it through a year already. But what a year of blessing it has been!

Truett, you have taught your mom and dad a lot. I am better at time management, prioritizing and loving you today more than I was a year ago. I wondered what it would be like to share our birthdays so close, but it's been a lot of fun actually. I look forward to the years to come. We'll have fun sharing the whole week together and letting Daddy spoil us!

Enjoy some pictures from Truett's 2-day birthday ...

Birthday breakfast ... the candle melted they were so warm!

He loved it!

last night with the Rawsons after dinner

(there was a cat diverting his attention ... HA)

THE PARTY

the invite I designed for the big party

the front door ... wreath I made

(Ryan's Nana always said if you don't toot your own horn, no one else will! HA!)

the cake by Cakes and Candles

a little teased by all the singing but not the attention

I'm one!

Proud of our one year old little man!

Wilkes wants some too!

all 12 months in pictures and some of the food

Mrs. Lane and the Sasser kids ... they were so sweet!

enjoying his Cozy Coupe before opening the gifts

having fun opening gifts

(thanks to everyone for the sweet gifts)

sweet Wilkes

birthday boy with his Mimi and Pop

boy cousins playing as everyone was leaving

TRUETT TODAY

Today you weigh around 25 lbs.

You love Nilla, wafers, crackers, fruit, chicken nuggets, and LOTS of milk.

You don't care much for veggies these days.

You have several teeth cutting through.

You're finally getting your front teeth.

You love to be sweet. Loving on us after you get in a little trouble for swatting at us is too cute!

You love playing with Blue as long as she doesn't get in your face.

You're the happiest baby we could've ever asked for! We love you, big boy!

We can't wait to get to know you a little more this year!!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY KELLIE!

2010-02-25T04:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's right. Kellie turns the bid 3-0 today. So......Happy Birthday Kellie! "I hope your day is filled with fun and surprises!" Kellie says that in her family there was a book of some sorts that was read on every child's birthday and that was a line in the book.

On February 25, 2009, one year ago today, Kellie and I loaded up in her little green car and went to River Oaks hospital to check into the hospital so that we could meet the boy we all know as Truett. What a birthday! Kellie is such a selfless person and took it all in stride. What a way to spend your birthday! ha

As most of you know Kellie is the interim Youth Director at our church. At church on Sunday I might have let it slip to a few people that Kellie is turning 30 this week. After a few of the kids got over the fact that she is turning THIRTY! One sweet teenager said, "I thought she was like 24 or 25!" Ha. Which is a common sentiment in our church:) So anyway, before the service had ever begun on Sunday morning, several of the mothers had organized a surprise birthday party for Kellie last night (Wednesday). I wasn't able to attend because I was in a trial in Choctaw County.

Kellie is the best wife that I could ever hope to have. She is beautiful, smart, funny, caring, generous of her times and talents and many other things. I know I don't thank her enough for all her hard work for me and all she does with our little man. So Kellie, I love you very much and "I hope your special day is filled with fun and surprises"

P.S. I hope you like your new phone! If anyone knows some good apps for the android please let her know!

Here we GO!!

2010-02-21T18:27:00.001-08:00

Just for documentation purposes ... we got home from church tonight — where Truett had a great time with Hayden Bridges apparently! (Hayden is several months older and a mess. He's also our hand-me-down friend) He was in such a good mood. So, put him down standing, and Ryan lured him with his phone to take about TWO STEPS!!! (this has happened once or twice before but I was not there to witness it) Only 5 days until his FIRST BIRTHDAY! So, I'm not sure he'll learn to walk in five days but it sure is fun watching him learn! YEA, little man!

I LOVE DIRT

2010-02-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

dirt and sticks ... yes, we're all boy!

After a fun morning with the Carsons and a nap, we enjoyed a little outside time while Daddy burned some leaves!

and then, it was time for dinner!

(see my new teeth?)

Thank you, Lord for this great weather!!

Another Wednesday

2010-02-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Another WACKY WEDNESDAY!!

Maybe I should say it's just been a wacky week at the Berry house! It all started late Sunday night not feeling so well and continued my 'not feeling so well' until later Monday afternoon. I'll spare you the details but that stomach bug was nothing to play with! Thank you, Lord that Ryan had the day off!

So, I get better and we think we're all clear and THEN after a long conversation about how to do Wednesday night, Ryan wakes up in the middle of the night Tuesday with a much worse virus than mine! So, we quarantined him and Truett and I left Daddy alone unless he absolutely needed something. That meant, no Mother's Morning Out for Truett and less studying time for me. Hello, WACKY WEDNESDAY... here we go! Needless to say, I realized that things don't always have to be perfect and I can show up for Bible study with the students 45 minutes early and STILL have things in order! Didn't I say I've learned not to let these days get me down?! I mean ... it is a little tougher taking the little guy to church with me (poor Aunt T was sick too) but what an awesome community of people we have there! Breann, you are my hero!

So, it all works out once again!

Only 3 more weeks of this Good Sex study with our students! Keep praying!

This ... well, I can't stand to post anything without a picture!

Someone was proud of his Valentine's card from Bebe and Pops!

My Valentine

2010-02-15T19:50:00.000-08:00

Ryan and I realized we've been together for 4 Valentine's Days! Oh how I love this man more now than the day we married (only 6 months after we started dating) ... I love you, Ryan Berry! Thank you for being you — a great husband, dad, friend, protector, leader, and provider.

Easter 08

One year anniversary in New Orleans

Kimberly and Jason Moore's wedding - May 08

MS Bar conference - June 08
(right after we found out Truett was on his way)

hiking at about 5 months preggo

engaged at Henderson Beach State Park — March 2007

Friday ... still behind

2010-02-15T19:19:00.000-08:00

So, I've been trying to get to Columbus to see my sister, Melanie and her kiddos, their new house, and give Jake his month-late birthday present! She and I decided I should come Friday afternoon!
Friday morning, I asked Ryan what he thought ... he hesitated but said, "Go ahead, have fun!"
So, I got home for lunch to find a rose for me and two balloons (his new love, remember?) for Truett. The card read, "Happy Valentine's Day! How about a date 2NIT?" OH NO!!!
Well, he insisted that I go ahead to Columbus and we would postpone our date. Did I mention he insisted?? Love my man!
It actually worked out though. He had to work later Friday night.
So, Truett and I enjoyed a wild night with the Sasser Crew!! Jake LOVED his Superman jacket. Madelynn had a date with her daddy. So, it was just the boys!
We had fun! Truett was a little unsure of all the chaos and stuck close to mom! We had a great time with the Sasser Crew!

silly boys teaching Truett a few tricks

breakfast ... Truett wasn't so sure about Jake

Madelynn loved baby Truett being at her house

ready to go

A week behind

2010-02-15T18:38:00.000-08:00

How did a week go by without me blogging at all? Especially after my great comeback! I'm not really sure! It was a wild week! And, I guess there wasn't anything too wacky that happened on Wednesday besides a little headache. I guess Satan has realized he can't get me down! YES!!!
BUT...
Truett and I had a few fun outings. First, a play date to meet little Maya who is only a day younger than him. I forgot to take my camera in...maybe we'll get to do it again! Then, we went to Southaven to check out House to Home, a store a few friends told me about that is more or less a wholesale decor store. I'm so excited to go back and pick out our new wool rug! They are a GREAT deal! I did buy some hooks to go in the kitchen. I'll post a pic when they're hung.
After our venture to House to Home...we went to lunch at Chick-Fil-A where Truett found his new love! (see pictures below)
Of course these pics were the morning after we aqcuired the balloon!

He wanted a balloon so bad after envying the little girl's in Chick-Fil-A.

He really loves it!

But loves mommy too!

A Before and After

2010-02-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

I realized I haven't done any updates or afters on the inside of the house in a while. So, here is Truett's room! See the BEFORE here. Of course, the child's room always comes first, right? Honestly his closet hasn't been painted yet but you can't see that!

Hope you like!!

It's Getting BETTER!!

2010-02-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!! I mean I love GREEN! BUT thank the Lord those kelly green shutters are gone! Now all we have left is to replace the columns and landscape!!! It's looking BETTER don't you think?

No, we didn't cut down the big tree!! Are you kidding?

Think We Feel Better

2010-02-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Well, we were still running a high fever on Thursday morning after doing Motrin and Tylenol and Ryan staying home with him Wednesday night while I was at church. So, the nurse recommended we come in and see Dr. Molly Thursday afternoon. Of course ... when we got there the whining and fever had subsided and he was just happy to see Nurse Lindy and Dr. Molly!
Blood counts were good along with everything else! I PROMISE HIS FEVER WAS ALMOST 104 THURSDAY MORNING!!!
Doc said his front teeth are definitely baring down (which might be a contribution to his feeling bad). YEA!!!! Front teeth for his birthday!!
So, THIS IS US TODAY!!! I think he feels better!

Please note the flying milk!! This kids cracks me up!

ANOTHER WACKY WEDNESDAY

2010-02-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

YES, it's Wednesday! So, this is the day for another curve ball. I usually take Truett to a MMO on Wednesday mornings so I can get everything set up for Wednesday night. Well, he's running fever today so he didn't get to go. He loves it too! Sad! But I have to be honest and say that I'm not surprised one bit!
Satan will find every way to get our minds off the prize. BUT what he doesn't know is that I was already prepared and am not sweating it a bit ... just focusing on my little man!
On the flip side, I'm hoping that the fever is from the front teeth I'm HOPING are about to protrude through any moment now. If not, we'll cross that bridge when we get there!

WE DID IT!!

2010-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

It's official! Every wall in this house is painted! NO MORE DISGUSTING BROWN PANELING!!
Mom and dad kept Truett for the weekend (we sure did miss him) so we could get a full day's work done and party with some teenagers! Here is the before and after (well, still have to finish painting the cabinet doors, hang the clothes rod on the bottom shelf, paint the exterior door and install a new floor BUT 3 coats of paint in one day ... NOT BAD!!) Thank you, Jesus! It feels so CLEAN!!! I know it doesn't look it!

Please don't judge me for the mess that it still is! After it's all said and done, IT WILL BE ORGANIZED!!! We're getting there! Crystal Jolley at Blossoms and Vintage is probably thinking her laundry room wasn't that bad! And she's having a handy little giveaway too!

Goodbye LITTLE car!!

2010-01-29T12:28:00.000-08:00

Well, we took the rental car back today! Of course, Truett was SO fazed by the new scenery of the back seat. (He could care less what car he's in!) BUT Mommy was so glad to be rid of the Chevy HHR we had to rent because of the Wednesday damage I did to my BIG car! Like I said, I'll spare you the details. Let's just say, one of the youth called me DIESEL on the way out of his house Wednesday night after church! Thanks, Riley! It still makes me sick to think about it! I just had to have a picture to have a memory of this great experience! HA!
We'll see what next Wednesday has in store! Satan, you better watch out!

little man chillin' in whatever car I put him in! HA! He's a trooper!

Satan!!! Get Thee Behind Me!!

2010-01-27T13:02:00.001-08:00

If my mother-in-law is reading this, she's probably LOL at the title!
Well, it's Wednesday, and I think I'm going to label these days – Anything Can Happen Days or Wacky Wednesdays or SOMETHING! Satan always tries to get in my way and break me down! I shouldn't be surprised any more BUT I let this morning's happenings get the best of me (I'll spare you the details)! Sorry, Lord! But when I finally got it out of my system ... I'm good and SATAN, you're not stopping me now.
Tonight's talk with the youth, 'Girl Talk — What the Lord Expects of Us'.
Please pray for the hearts of these teens! They are great!

One More Month

2010-01-26T05:31:00.000-08:00

I can't believe that our little man is 11 months old today! We've survived the things I never thought we would at the time ... breastfeeding every 2 hours for forever (it seemed like it at the time), getting in a routine and then it changing, learning a good routine, adding a part time job in there, all kinds of fun stuff God has miraculously removed from my memory! I do know that the times it was time to transition out of something, we never had to do it, he has always done it himself. God knows what we need!
How thankful we are to have such a happy boy! So far he hasn't been sick aside from the occassional cold, loves to laugh and be silly, loves OTHER people, can play all by himself for a little while, and now he's standing up on his own without really realizing it! He's such a joy! We are so blessed. I remember times when I thought I would never make it and so many people have it so much worse!! Thank you Lord for such a blessing!
Only one more month and we'll be partying for a ONE YEAR OLD!!

What a Week!!

2010-01-22T17:54:00.000-08:00

What a week! My mom said it best ... "The angels must have come down with a bus and said, come on and load up!" Heaven has definitely had many victories this week (Mr. Abb, our sister-in-law's grandfather, Mr. Shearin, Nana, and about 3 more that we didn't know directly). I have been reminded in these past 3 days that family and friends are precious and spending time together is even more precious! Mom and dad have some amazing friends and will be Mrs. Theresa's support for the next while and New Hebron has showered the Berry family with love and GREAT stories of Nana. It's so neat how you learn so much about someone after they're gone.
Nana's funeral was precious! Everything was so NANA! There were so many expected at visitation last night that they moved her to the chapel (She would have been so proud! :)) I was able to do her programs which turned out great with her pretty pink lips in the picture on the front (so Nana). The service was simple, yet perfect. The pastor's words were perfect and so personal after using her Bible for reference! There were tons of flowers. "Nana loved flowers and handsome men" as her obituary stated! LOVE IT!
What a week! Lots of grieving and tears but happiness too! How can you be sad for someone who has won the victory!!

2010-01-20T06:24:00.000-08:00

What a week already! Yesterday afternoon Nana met Jesus too. What an amazing woman! She will surely be missed. Mrs. Ernestine Berry was a sharp, 97-year-old lady until just a couple months ago when she began to really lose her health. Having only known her for a few years, it was a pure joy! She was like my own grandmother since I lost both of mine before meeting Ryan. It was always so neat to sit and listen to her stories of the men that proposed to her and her turning them down to riding in the car in Big Creek, MS (where she grew up) while the curtains blew in the wind. I never heard the words for myself, but she apparently always told her granddaughters that "You can marry for money just as much as you can marry for love!" Ryan and I will miss all the letters and newspaper articles she sent for years. And, we'll never forget how she was so proud of Truett and said, "He is well made!"

Nana, Mrs. Ernestine, Miss Priss, The Queen will be missed, but she's so much better now!

New things at the Berry House

2010-01-18T18:05:00.000-08:00

I know you guys have been DYING ... I mean on the edge of your seat dying ... to see all the updates we've done to our house all finished and beautiful! I promise i haven't been holding out on you. We've been holding out on the house! Since I started working with the students at the church and taking a class last semester online, the blog AND the projects slowed down just a little bit! BUT we had a very productive weekend doing little finishing touches but we wanted to show off just a couple of our NEW things around the house!

This is the most exciting of all! We finally got rid of the solid wood door and let a little light in the den. What a beautiful door and just the beginning of transforming the outside of the house!

New ... teenage guys helping? HA!! No! But they did help me pull off a great surprise for Ryan ... not having to pick the bed up and put it together after a long week!

Ryan and I have been looking for a bed since we got married. The slow to find the right thing people we are, we've (or maybe I) FINALLY found the perfect bed and the perfect deal!! LOVE IT!!!

And last but not least, someone is doing A LOT of new things! Truett has overnight become quite the little man! No more baby food for him unless mom is too lazy to fix something! Seriously, I've realized how little I have cooked in the past 10 months but we're loving it! He thinks he's so big — really wanting to walk, but loving to crawl. He's such a joy and the highlight of our days!
It's hard to believe he'll be a YEAR OLD in a little over a month!

There is a lot more going on with the house. Promise, more to come!

Life is Precious ...

2010-01-18T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm faced this morning with news from my mom that she and dad's best friend, Mr. Abb Henry, met Jesus face to face this morning. Those of you that know the Henry's, know they are precious people and have been through a lot in the past 2 years. I'm so glad to have the picture below of Truett with them from a few months ago. Mr. Abb was given the news about a month ago that his cancer would take him quickly after choosing to discontinue his treatment.

Mom and dad were able to spend a lot of time with the Henrys over the past several months and are now with Mrs. Theresa and the rest of their precious friends at her house — a house that will forever be a beautiful memory of Mr. Abb.
Please pray for Mrs. Theresa, Morgan and his wife and little Abby (their granddaughter - she lost her mother only about a year and a half ago). I know Mr. Abb and Neely (Abby's mom) had a sweet reunion in heaven this morning! Life is precious and the time we have with family is as well. Mom and dad also had a friend pass away from a inoperable brain tumor last week. Oh how short our days are!

****
Please also pray for Ryan's family. His 97 year old Nana is not doing well. She is sleeping most of the day now as she is in hospice care at her home in New Hebron. Oh how we wish we were closer to spend some time with her. What a full life she has lived!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the COUSINS!!!

2010-01-12T09:21:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe how fast kids grow up. Sunday was Baby Jake's (who i guess we can't call 'baby' anymore) 2nd birthday! Melanie and Matt no longer have a baby and they survived! Congrats! Jake is a sweet little man regardless of what his mom and dad say. :) (I know, they have to live with him!) I think it might be called being the youngest child and having to hold your own! I can't wait to see this little boy grow up into a young man! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JAKE!!

Tomorrow is sweet little Parker darker's big day! She will be 8!! Parker is the sweetest child! She's the oldest of the Berry grands and a very big helper! She's also such the little singer and her favorite thing...she's a cheerleader! I mean a REAL cheerleader on a competition squad in Meridian. She is a tiny little thing and !so flexible. I can't wait to see her in action!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SWEET PARKER!!!

Merry Christmas to ALL!!

2009-12-26T20:54:00.000-08:00

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 ...

2009-12-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

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

Being a Youth Director

2009-12-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2009-11-09T18:42:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-09T18:33:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-31T15:04:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-30T20:02:00.001-07:00

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 ...

2009-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

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 ...

2009-10-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-10-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T11:49:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T11:29:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T13:14:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-09-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-26T20:04:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-22T12:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-21T13:05:00.001-07:00

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!!

2009-09-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

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?!

2009-09-14T21:07:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

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! ☺

After a Good Nap

2009-09-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Truett is nothing short of a happy baby! What a blessing he is! It is so fun to go in every morning to get him up and during the day from a nap. Well, Monday afternoon he took a four hour nap, (he hasn't been feeling so great—note the hoarse laughing) we had a SUPER DUPER special treat after changing his diaper. It's so funny how words can be so entertaining for about 10 minutes and never again! Enjoy this sweet baby boy!