Staci's Bridals

Staci and Chad are getting married on July 20th in Jamaica. I took her bridal pictures yesterday evening. Her dress is so amazing! Lindsay came along and carried my ladder for me. We had a blast and got lots of great pictures. Here are some of my favs. (Notice...the one in front of the white chapel. Lindsay really wanted to be in the picture. See if you can find her!)

Britten's New Bikini

Staci bought Britten this bikini at Old Navy. We couldn't resist putting her in it and taking a few photos. Her daddy even got to see her in it on the WebCam. What a cutie!!

Staci & Chad

For those of you who don't know, this is my sister Staci, and her fiance, Chad. I took their engagement pictures this weekend on Tech's campus. We had a lot of fun!! Chad, it sure was bright out there! And Staci, it did stink really bad by that stairwell! You two make me laugh!! I am so happy for ya'll, and I know you will both be blessed!


Chad really wanted an arm wrestling picture for the newspaper!

Finally Friday!!

It's finally Friday...the day I look forward to every week! I realized, though, when I checked americanbaby.com that I only have 24 Fridays left until my due date! I can't believe how quickly the last couple of months have gone! I have been feeling great this week! I am hoping I am past the throwing up and sleepiness. I seem to have a bigger appetite and much more energy (and my tummy is starting to show the affects of my bigger appetite).

I know that I should be excited that it's rainy outside, but just for today, I want it to stop. I am suppose to take my sister's engagement pictures tonight. Basically, tonight or tomorrow are the only days we can do it b/c she is moving to Farmington on Sunday. So, if the Weaver's and other farmers will please forgive me, I am praying for the rain to stop today. Staci is also graduating on Saturday!! I know she is so excited to be done with school. Congrats Staci...I'm proud for you!!

Ronnie & Missy

Ronnie and Missy are getting married in June. We had fun tonight taking their engagement pictures. Ronnie was a true gentleman and carried my camera bag for me and even opened my car door. Missy...you've snagged a good one!

Mallory

This is Mallory. She is a Senior this year and we had a blast tonight taking her Sr. pictures. She actually told me a couple of times that she wasn't very photogenic. Boy, I wish I "wasn't photogenic" like her...Mallory, you could definitely model. You're a natural. It was so good to see you again (and you too Margie). I had a great time! You make my job easy, and you make me look good!!

Baby Update

So, I realize I haven't posted much lately. And I've gotten some emails from friends (thanks for your concern) to see how everything is going. So, here's the latest. (I alternate using "he" and "she" when referring to the baby b/c I just can't handle calling the baby "it."

We went to the doctor a week ago Monday and heard the heartbeat. Then, we got to have another sonogram. The doctor found the baby and holy cow...I saw the arms and legs moving! It was so cool. Then, the baby put his arms above her head in a "touchdown pose." So, I figure we've either got a cheerleader on our hands, or a show-boat football player. We should know in about 5 weeks!!

In other baby news...Last night, I was sitting in the rocking/glider chair with my feet propped up, eating ice cream for supper, and watching Law and Order, when suddenly I felt 3 little flutters. Now, I have mistaken this for gas in the past, but not last night. It was for sure the squirmy little baby inside! I think the baby must have his dad's and grandad's love for ice cream. I asked her to move again, but the little thing wouldn't cooperate. I guess he's a little stubborn, just like her mom!

Happy Thursday to everyone...almost the weekend!! :-)

Our dogs got "fixed" on Thursday. I swear that they ADDED testosterone to Cowboy because he is so hyper!! They both did great through the surgery and they're back to their normal selves today. Cowboy tried to mess with his stiches too much, so the vet put this "lampshade" on him. He has no control with that thing on and runs into everything...door frames, walls, us, and Cassie. He is out of control, but oh so cute!

What's Going On & A Surprise to Some

This week has flown by!! It's been almost 3 weeks since my last post...oops! On Monday, Dustin and I watch Britten while my sister worked out. She is an absolute doll. I would change a thousand dirty diapers to hang out with this girl. Wednesday, I taught the 2 & 3 year olds at church. They absolutely crack me up. It's such a fun age, and they say the funniest things. I had one little boy (I won't mention who) that told me if he didn't go to the bathroom right now, he was going to poop his pants. It was so hard for me not to laugh at him!! Then last night, we watched our other niece Mikaela. She'll be three in May. She is so smart and funny, and talk about attitude. She's got the eye roll down!!

All of this baby/kid time this week I guess will help prepare us for parenthood. Our little one will be arriving around October 20. That's right...WE'RE PREGNANT!!!! I am 11 weeks to be exact. We've had two sonograms, and the peaunt is right on track. I have felt pretty crummy, but that's a good sign. I never thought I would thank God after throwing up, but if it means a low risk for miscarriage, then I'm fine with it! We are very excited and feel very blessed. We go back in a week to hear the heartbeat. We've seen it twice, but we haven't heard it. I think this will be an amazing experience. For all of you who have known, thanks for your prayers. They mean so much to us!

Yard Work with my Honey

Dustin and I went flower shopping on Saturday afternoon. We got lots of flowers and our first tree!! Dustin worked very hard yesterday digging a giant hole and planting the tree. Today, the dust couldn't keep us away! We planted all the flowers. I am so excited!!! It was a lot of fun for us to spend time together. My favorite is the purple and yellow flowers - it's a type of pansy. We also got petunia's and some plants (forgot the name) to line the back of the flower bed. It all looks great!

Addicted

Yeah, okay, so I'm addicted to this little girl!! But look at her and you can see why...she's just so darn cute! Some people (Ashley) have requested a new post, but not much is going on. I had a pretty boring weekend...cleaned house a lot on Saturday. I did stop in the middle of my cleaning to go see my sisters dog give birth. I had never seen it before, and I actually found it pretty fascinating. I saw two of the pups being born...here is a chocolate one.
It's actually cuter than I thought. So, if anyone is in the market for a black or chocolate lab, I know where you can find one!! Then, on Sunday I enjoyed baby day at church (which was awesome!) and then took a good long nap. I've just been working this week and vegging out in the evenings. Not much too exciting. But sometimes that's a good thing...

They Made Me Sleep in a Laundry Basket

Lindsay and I stopped in Shreveport, LA at an Air Force Base on our way home. There was a laundry basket in the closet, so we decided that would be perfect for Britten to sleep in. She looked so cute laying in that basket. She also turned 6 weeks old on Thursday (the 16th). What a sweet and perfect baby she is!

What? I'm not prissy?!

Carla and Mikaela came over last night to eat left overs. Mikaela was acting silly after supper and was dancing around. She put on her cute little hat and my scarf, and I couldn't resist getting out the camera. She had just had chocolate ice cream, as you can tell by her mustache. She is so prissy. What a ham!

The Kids...

Athletic Dog



Just Plain Cute Dog

Four Things

Not much going on lately in the Wall household, so I copied this from Shanta's blog to keep you all entertained.

Four Things
Four jobs you have had in your life:
1. Babysitter
2 Paper collator and stapler at my Dad's print shop
3. Pharmacy Technician
4. Medical Equipment Delivery

Four movies you would watch over and over:
1. Nothing to Lose
2. Sweet Home Alabama
3) Sound of Music
4. Serendipity

Four books I could read over & over:
1. Any Mary Higgins Clark
2. Power of a Praying Wife
3. How to study the Bible
4. Life of David Gale

Four places you have lived:
1. Slaton, TX
2. Lubbock, TX - Sedona Townhomes (awww...the memories)
3. Lubbock, TX - LCU Girls Dorm
4. Lubbock, TX - Our first home
(This one was a strech seeing as that I've lived in two towns my whole life!)

Four TV shows you like to watch:
1. Friends
2. The Office
3. Extreme Makeover Home Addition
4. Law and Order

Four places you have been on vacation:
1. Manitou Springs, CO
2. Ruidoso
3. Florida
4. Hawaii

Four web sites I visit daily:
1. BLOGLAND
2. Photography Forum
3. Launchcast
4. Air 1

Four of my favorite foods:
1. Jalepeno Garlic Tilapia (at Carinos)
2. Guacamole
3. Thick, juicy hamburger
4. Any kind of sweets

Four places I would rather be right now:
1. Vegging out on the couch
2. Bed and Breakfast with my hubby
3. Shopping
4. On a Tropical Island, laying on the beach, sipping some tropical drink!

Before and After

I hadn't looked at the before pictures of our house in a long time. Dustin did a presentation for school and used this "before and after" of our kitchen in his slideshow. I am really amazed at what we did! Thanks, Uncle Mike, for your help with the countertops...the kitchen is really looking great!

The End of the Spear - I recommend it

Last Friday, Dustin and I went to see The End of the Spear. I don't know how much longer it will be out, so I recommend you go see it. It is an amazing story of forgiveness. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this true story, it is about five missionary men that seek to change the lives of the Waodani Indian tribe in Ecuador. This tribe was known for it's violence and killing of other tribes. After the missionaries delivered many gifts by dropping a bucket from Nate Saint's airplane, they decide to land and attempt to make contact with the tribe. After making contact, everything seems fine, then the Indians turn on them and spear all 4 men to death. This is just the beginning of the story. The movie is narrated by Nate's son, Steve Saint. He tells how the tragic day that the men were killed forever changed his life and the lives of all the missionaries' famililies. It also shows how the lives of the Waodani tribe were saved. I thought it was interesting that the producers gained the approval of the tribe. "The tribe agreed that if their story can help others stop killing and live in peace, then they would agree to do the film." Go see it and be blessed...

Best Friends

Back by Popular Demand

So many people have been requesting more pictures of Britten. Well, I am a proud aunt and not ashamed at all to brag!!! So, here are a few more from my stay in Georgia. Isn't she just precious?!

Coming Home

It was so hard to come home yesterday. The drive to the airport seemed so long! I kept looking over at that beautiful baby girl beside me and tried to choke back the tears. It is hard enough to leave my sister and brother-in-law, but now, it's even harder to leave that beautiful baby girl behind. I cried because I know how much I will miss them all.



We had a wonderful four days with them. Wonderful, but too fast! I thought that this experience would probably make me think twice about having a baby. Instead, it made me want one all the more!!! I am amazed at the miracle of a baby. I am amazed at how quickly my sister healed from giving birth. And I am amazed how a baby, not even my own, can bring so much joy into my life (I can only imagine the joy my sister and brother-in-law must have).



Britten is perfect! I can't wait to see her next time, probably in about 5 months. As her aunt, I know I will spoil her rotten and teach her some tricks that her parents will hate me for. But then again, isn't that what being an aunt is all about?? As you can see, I've already started working on her. She's a quick learner!!



Britten - You are beautiful. I pray each day that God blesses you and your Mommy and Daddy. I told you this while I was there, but I want you to know that I love you so much!! I know you will grow up to be smart, talented, beautiful and lovable. You don't have much of a choice with the great parents that you have. I know one day you will realize just how lucky you are. I will always remember these last few days. When you get older, I'll tell you what a sweet baby you were and how your aunt and grandpa spoiled you while they were there visiting. You've already got your Mommy and Daddy wrapped around your finger, and I think it's great. I love you!!