The Reno Family

1st Birthday - Cupcake Party

2011-08-23T09:50:00.001-05:00

Not sure what is going on with me lately, but I feel

VERY CRAFTY!!!

Love everything that has to do with making some with my own two hands.

Lots to blame it on...

1) Having a Little Girl

2) Missing my scrapbooking time

3) Having no money to go buy stuff...

4) Pinterest.com....ugh! So addictive!!

So when it came time to plan Paisley's 1st birthday party...

the ideas were running wild in my head!

She needed a CUPCAKE PARTY!!!

Cupcakes are all the rage right now.

I personally have always loved cupcakes, but in the last few years they have picked up steam for the US.

Here are some highlights from her party....

Birthday Banner

Made using the Cricuit Cutting Machine

(I so need one of these!!! I borrowed a friend's while at my scrapbooking retreat in July. Easy! And Quick!! Friends and Family - my 30th Birthday is in December and I would LOVE a Cricuit!!!!)

Here is a close up of what each pendant looked like in the banner.

Cupcake Table

Instead of having 1 big birthday cake in 1 flavor,

I chose to make 3 different kinds of cupcakes (see picture below).

The cupcake table was easy....I wrapped 3 boxes in color coordinating paper and then taped a ribbon around the boxes. Then I used cake plates to serve the cupcakes.

All of the cupcakes were homemade! Yes!

I made most of them from scratch - cupcake and icing.

3 Different flavors to choose from

1) Chocolate with Nutella Frosting

2) Vanilla with cream cheese frosting

3) Strawberry with strawberry frosting

Treats For The Guests

My intention was to send them home with everyone,

but people dug into them before we even had cupcakes.

Oh WELL....

Chocolate Covered Oreos

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Sticks

BIG CUPCAKE for Paisley!

Paisley's "smash cake" was a large cupcake made with one of the AS SEEN ON TV cupcake pans. It was easy to use and looked cute for her. However she wanted NOTHING to do with it!

I bought plastic wear in coordinating colors.

Used a white napkin and tied a ribbon around them.

Easy, cheap and cute!

Handmade Invitations

I made the birthday invitations this year.

They even included a pieced together cupcake.

This was the first one I made, but once I started making them I changed it up just a little bit.

Very pleased!!!!

All thanks to this outfit....

(and little girl!)

I came up with the cupcake idea from this outfit I saw on etsy.com.

I had to have the outfit for her birthday and the colors were just perfect!

Everything matched PERFECTLY!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Paisley! (a few days late!!!)

2011-08-03T12:45:00.000-05:00

WOW! Has it really been a year??

I CAN NOT believe my little girl is a

1 year old!

It really doesn't seem possible!

What a great week/weekend we had to celebrate!

Paisley's birthday was Thursday, July 28th.

She celebrated by wearing a new birthday shirt to school.

I sent pink cupcakes to school to share with her friends and teachers.

That evening we celebrated with just the family (me, Braxton and Parker).

We had cupcakes again -

but she really didn't want to have much to do with them.

Getting ready to sing Happy Birthday

Time to blow out your candle!

Friday, July 29th, Paisley had her first official hair cut!

She had a few strands that just didn't look right - ie the one in the back

that looked like a rat tail!

Bye Bye rat tail!!!

She also got her first taste of a sucker!

Parker got his hair cut too so he got a sucker as well...

Saturday, July 30th, was Paisley's birthday party!

Paisley had a cupcake party

with lots of family and friends.

She was ADROABLE in her cupcake birthday tutu outfit!!!

(I am not posting too much stuff about the party now -

check back tomorrow or Friday for more pics!!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAISLEY!!!!

On a side note....

I have a wonderful husband that loves me,

a handsome son that has a personality of...

well, Parker,

and a beautiful 1 year old little girl!

I AM SO BLESSED!!!!

Remembering...Summer Church Camp

2011-07-12T13:28:00.000-05:00

SUMMER CHURCH CAMP

Camp Utopia

For 12 years, I attended Alabama Church of God Youth Camp

at CAMP UTOPIA in Springville, Alabama!

For 1 week out of each summer, I thought more about

God, My Camp Friends, Boys

and

Softball/Kickball, Nucum/Volleyball

than anything else on the planet!

Know what...despite the fact that I was at camp

(bugs, no air conditioning, pitch black dark,

old cabins and very old bathrooms),

I wouldn't trade those 12 weeks for anything!

Seeing everybody talk about Youth Camp on Facebook

and hearing stories from students and friends attending

and working this summer,

right now my thoughts swarm around great memories

of my youth camp experiences!

Here are my top 15 memories...

1. Being called into "ministry" at the age of 16

Although I am not in full time ministry (and your idea of ministry is not God's idea of my ministry either!), God placed a ministry burden on me at youth camp when I was 16 years old. To this day, I am still seeing His plans unfold in my life.

2. Church Services!!!

From the first years of camp sitting in a circle with your cabin members crying your eyes out because you knew you wanted to be saved and loved God, to the years when you just wanted to stand in the altar area for hours upon hours worshipping God and crying out to him. One thing is for sure...you came back from youth camp changed!

3. Friends

Every year at camp I could guarantee that Larissa Stephenson (Banks) and Kelly Hubert (not sure of her new last name) would be in my cabin at church camp! I know Larissa came all 12 years, and pretty sure Kelly came to at least 9 of those. Most of the time there were 2 or 3 others that attended and then once Tish Hunter (Engel) was attending church she came along also. Not only did you have your church friends, but you had your camp friends who you met because they were in your cabin or you just knew them from year to year.

4. Boys

From the minute we arrived at Camp Utopia, we were scoping at the boys! We wanted to know where they were from and who they were dating. For the most part, we nicknamed all of the boys - you had to because you didn't know their names yet! I can recall "Duck Head" being one name and "Polo Guy" being another!

5. Fun Time

Fun Time was just that - FUN.TIME! It was after service and you had the chance to relax and fellowship with friends. Plus they always played really cool games like "WipeOut"!!!

6. Thursday Night Banquet

Thursday Night Banquets were the best! You would search and "negotiate" all week long to find your date for banquet night! And used to - that was the night you wore the nicest outfit/dress, including panty-hose and all!! Yeah, some things have changed!!!

7. Swim Time

This enjoyment died down the older I got...maybe it ended around the age of 13. We never grew up close to anyone who owned a pool, so swimming at youth camp was a big deal!

8. Canteen

This was your time to eat. Yes they had regular meals, but you just didn't eat some of that stuff. At the canteen you got the important stuff - chips, candy bars, sodas, sno cones! That was your real substance all week. And when you were younger, you had "punch cards" where your parent/youth worker would turn in your canteen money so you wouldn't use it all the first day!

9. Bath House

This is a bittersweet memory - cold showers comes to mind! And to this day I blame Camp Utopia on my LOVE for cold showers!

10. Pen Pals After Camp

Back in the olden days! HA!!! We used to actually write letters to our friends after camp. You would take a note pad with you to camp and get the addresses of your friends. No Facebook or email back then!

11. Nurses Station

You never wanted to end up in the nurses station, but if you did, you knew you were in good hands. And they also had something called the "Homesick Pill" if you were really homesick! To this day I am telling you it was a RED SKITTLE!!!

12. Camp Staff

Once again this kind of revolves around boys! As young girls we ALWAYS had crushes on the older camp staff members - most of them were in college. We would talk about how cute they were and wanted to know what female worker the male workers would be taking to the banquet!

13. Spelling Out "We Love You Steve"

One year at camp - I was about 16 or 17 - we had multiple girls in our cabins that had to deal with mother nature during the week of camp....some we all tried to avoid! Well we didn't avoid it and we needed feminine products! We asked our youth pastor who was working at camp the same week we camped to got to the store and purchase items. The next morning during clean cabin awards (see #14) the head counselor saw our message - "We Love You Steve" spelled out in feminine products. SO FUNNY!!! I have pictures!!!

14. Clean Cabin Awards

Each morning before Bible study you would clean your cabin in order to get the clean cabin award. For the most part we tried to achieve this goal (once again I have my OCD to blame on Camp Utopia). One particular year - maybe I was 17 - we wanted to play around with the head counselor. On our made up beds, we laid out our undergarments to look like the rapture had taken place. Boy did Sister Rouse have comments to make to us!

15. My last year of camp

My last year of camp I was awarded the runner-up award for Super Camper. I mean I got a trophy and all! I was 18 years old and decided that was my last year of camp.

Unfortunately because of college schedules

and working full time jobs,

I never had the opportunity to work at Camp Utopia.

BUT in the next few years when I send my kids off for church camp, momma may be tagging along!

Not to just watch my child blossom and grow

spiritually and socially,

but to have fun myself!!!

BEHIND....oh my!!!

2011-06-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Yes...the Reno Family is still alive! Wow - am I ever behind! I guess I can play catchup, right???

MARCH

* Parker's 3rd Birthday Party

We celebrated at Froggy's with friends and family. The theme was Toy Story 3 with a cake including all of the Toy Story characters. He got some great toys and a cute toy chest to go in his bedroom to hold all of them. So hard to believe he is turning into a little man!!! Here are a few picture highlights of the party.

Parker with Mommy and Daddy

Parker with his friends and cousins (minus a few who had to leave early!)

Parker being silly

* 5 Year Wedding Anniversary

Braxton and I celebrated 5 years of marriage on March 18th. I am so blessed to be married to Braxton! He is truly everything a man should be - a loving husband, wonderful father, and he truly is the spiritual leader of the household. I AM BLESSED!!!! It is amazing to think it has been 5 years. Who would have thought we would have gone through all we have? And who would have thought we would have 2 amazing kids??

I LOVE YOU BRAXTON!!!

Anniversary Date Night!

*LOTS of SOCCER

For the first time, Parker played an organized sport this spring! We thought it would be best to try soccer first - before we try ragball/baseball. He did okay. He learned what it was like to have the ball "stolen from him" and how to listen (and not listen to his coaches). He played on a team with his friend, Brayden, and Braxton helped coach his team. The first game he did awesome - 3 goals!!! But the other games, I can't say the same! He was more interested in getting candy or Gatorade from the concession stand than playing. I was frustrated and his daddy was REALLY FRUSTRATED! All in all it was a good learning experience. Here are a few pictures...from the first game!

With his game face on!

Excitement after scoring a goal!!!

Parker and his friend Brayden - they are a mess together!!!

I will have to catch up on the month of April tomorrow! ENJOY!!!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, PARKER!

2011-03-15T14:00:00.000-05:00

Really? Say it ain't so! I can't believe that my sweet little boy turned 3 YEARS OLD yesterday!!!!

He went from this

to this!

And from this

to this!

It is amazing how fast 3 years will fly by in your life! I am thankful that God gave this sweet and precious, yet unique and energetic, little boy. No one will ever fill his shoes!

We celebrate on his birthday with cupcakes at school - homemade by myself (save your applause) and decorated with love. We were supposed to have soccer practice (yes - can you believe he is playing??) but we got rained out. Instead we had a birthday dinner with the just the family at Chilli's and he got his own scoop of ice cream. Our real celebration will come Thursday evening at Froggy's. He and his closest 15 friends and cousins will jump, run and play until they are worn out.

I love you Andrew Parker Reno!!!

A New Christmas Tradition

2010-11-29T16:58:00.000-06:00

I LOVE Traditions!! In all shapes, forms and sizes! I think they make a person/family and provide you the opportunity to "tell your story" to your family and the people around you.

Christmas time is my favorite time of the year to grow our family traditions. Although my family has traditions other times of the year, our Christmas traditions are the best!

Our traditions include...

* Christmas Scrapbook: I created a scrapbook solely for Christmas. Each year gets a 2 page spread and it includes a copy of our Christmas card, pictures from our ornament swap, and a family picture.

*Ornament Swap: This was something started after Braxton and I got married. Each Christmas we purchase and ornament to give to each other and we write a note to go along with the ornament to tell why this ornament reminds us of the other one.

* Duckworth Christmas Dinner Menu: Steak, baked potatoes, salad, and other items

*And many other traditions....

So, as Parker and Paisley are getting older, I want to help provide new traditions for them! This is not a new tradition for everyone, but it is new to us!

And here it is...

The Elf On The Shelf

I wanted to introduce the elf last year, but didn't really feel Parker was ready. I think he would have understood but I didn't want to risk it. I know this year he will get it and it will be fun!

I am really looking forward to reading this book to Parker tonight and naming our elf. We are probably going to encourage Parker to name the elf "Drew" because Parker's first name is Andrew.

And probably my favorite part about it the elf is ALL of the mischief he will get into. I have had time to do a little research and listen to many stories from friends about what each elf has done. I hope to post a few pictures and will definitely have to add pictures to our Christmas Scrapbook!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-11-10T15:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Paisley

(at 6:00am in the morning!!)

Catching a view of her bed head!!

$42.51

2010-10-21T15:19:00.003-05:00

The last four weeks my husband, Braxton, has been teaching a series on Wednesday nights at our church entitled

"Modern Day Servant Hood".

He has challenged the class to think of how they can be servants in the community, to their family and to their church. I have been helping (just giving him my thoughts) on his series and have enjoyed what he has had to say. Little did I know that God would "test" my servant hood this week!

Tuesday evening I had a meeting at church after work. So before the meeting Braxton and I met for dinner with the kids and then he took the kids home. Once the meeting was over I ran to Wal-mart to pick up a few items.

I was tired...it was 7:45pm when I got to the check out line and I still had heels on my feet! I got in a line behind a lady and her teenage daughter. The cashier scanned her groceries and bagged them, and she paid cash for part of the groceries and started to pay the difference with her check card.

The check card failed the first time. She was shocked that it didn't work and commented that she had just made a deposit that day. So she tried it again...and it failed.

At this point I felt a tug at my heart. I felt that I needed to step in. I told God,

"if this is you, you will have to do a little bit more tugging if you want me to do something"!

The cashier suggested she try the card as a credit...it failed again. The lady even showed the guy her deposit ticket with the amount she had deposited! He then suggested that she try the ATM that was right across from our check out line.

She tried the ATM...it failed again!

I could feel my heart racing and God speaking to me, telling me to

BE HIS SERVANT!

The mother and daughter started digging through their bags, deciding what they could do without.

And then I asked the question, "How much is the balance?" The cashier responded, "$42.51".

"I'LL TAKE CARE OF IT."

Those were my words.

I swiped my debit card, entered my pin number and smiled at the lady. She thanked me and walked out of the store with her buggy of groceries. As she walked out, I told her, "God Bless You".

What did I sacrifice that night? $42.51? Are you willing to sacrifice $42.51 to help out someone...to show someone the love of God...to be His servant?

What did God sacrifice for us?

He gave His son! He sent His one and only son to earth so that we could have Everlasting Life!

I don't know who I impacted more. Was it the lady and her daughter? Or was it the cashier scanning our groceries? Or maybe it was the customer standing behind me? The one thing I hope comes from this is, is that God's love was evident in what I did.

"Lord, teach us to sacrifice just as you have sacrificed for us!

Teach us to be your servants.

And teach us to love!"

Miss Paisley Madison Reno

2010-08-04T21:33:00.001-05:00

She is HERE!!! Well, she has been here for a week.

Paisley Madison Reno

arrived on

Wednesday, July 28th

at 7:52am

She weighed 10lbs and 2 oz

NO JOKE!!!

She is 21 inches long.

Here are a few pictures taken at the hospital. Mommy and Paisley are doing well!!

Mommy and Daddy with Paisley

Her first kiss!!

It took Parker 4 days to "want" to hold Paisley!

I LOVE THESE 3 PEOPLE!!!

Kari Jobe singing "You Are For Me"

2010-07-23T11:18:00.000-05:00

This video - I can't get it out of my head! No matter what we face, God is ALWAYS For Us! When the world seems to be against us...when are circumstances seem unbearable...when WE are unbearable...God is there. Not just for the person next door, but for ME!

"You Are For Me"
sung by Kair Jobe

So patient
So gracious
So merciful and true…
So wonderful in all You do

You know me
You see me
You know my every move
You love for me to sing to You

Lord, I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
forsake me in my weaknesses
I know that You have come now
even if to write upon my heart
To remind me that

I know that You are for me
I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
forsake me in my weaknesses
I know that You have come now
even if to write upon my heart
To remind me who You are

1 Week...7 days...less than 168 hours

2010-07-21T16:09:00.000-05:00

We are only 1 week away from meeting our little girl, Paisley Madison Reno. Wow...never thought I would go full term with this child! Especially knowing that Parker was 3 weeks early. But it has happened. And as "upset" (only because my belly is huge and I am miserable in the heat!) as I am that I have carried this child around for 39 weeks, I am blessed to know God has had his hand of protection on me and Paisley during this pregnancy. We had a rough start in the beginning, especially with the fact that she was a surprise, but no other complications except for 2 stomach bugs.

As my OB checks me each week, she smiles and laughs a little bit because Paisley is NO WHERE near ready to come out! No dialation what so ever! She must hate hot weather too...at least in my belly it is a controlled temperature. Dr. Ingram tells me how lucky I am to be having a c-section, otherwise I would be in labor for DAYS. Isn't that just lovely to hear?

And Parker? How are we getting him ready?

Well, I have been asking him every day this week...

Me: "Who is coming to see you next week?"

Parker: "Nana and Papa" (my parents)

Me: "Yes, and who else is coming?"

Parker: "Nana and Papa!"

Me: "Yes, I know Nana and Papa. But who else is coming? Is Paisley coming next week?"

Parker: "Noooo, just Nana and Papa!"

At least I have tried! I also tried reading a book that Braxton's mom gave Parker's cousin when he found out he was going to be a big brother. I even changed the names in the book to "Parker" and "Paisley". It helped for the first page, but then Parker wanted nothing else to do with the "I'm Going To Be A Big Brother" book. I guess we will just see what happens!

The question now looming is...is everything ready for Paisley's arrival? Pretty much! We (mostly I) planned so much for an early arrival of Miss Paisley that I was pretty much ready at 36 weeks! The house is clean except for a few counter wipedowns and a clean sweep of the toilets. Bags are almost packed...just waiting for the last few items. Car seat bases are ready to be installed in both of our vehicles. AND....Parker and Paisley's shirts have been purchased!

http://www.lovelucascreations.com/

Of course Parker's shirt will have a "P" and it will read "Big Brother Parker". Paisley's shirt will have a "p" and it will read "Little Sister Paisley". Can't wait to take their picture in the shirts! It was really the last purchase that needed to be made. Now...hopefully they will arrive before we leave for the hospital on Wednesday morning!

So...it is all set! We will arrive at St. Vincent's Hospital at 5:30am to prepare for the c-section. My surgery is scheduled for 7:30am. Miss Paisley Madison Reno should arrive around 8:00am!

"C Date" Is Scheduled - Wednesday, July 28th

2010-06-24T15:40:00.002-05:00

Yes...I am calling it the "C Date"

because it is the date of my C-Section for Miss Paisley's arrival!

HOW EXCITING!!!

My due date is Friday, July 30th.

And my c-section is scheduled for

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28th

Am I bummed? Well a little! Why?

2 reasons....

# 1 - My doctor is on vacation and I had to choose another doctor...

#2 - I was really hoping for the week before...not 2 days before my due date!

All of this scheduling will only be "good" if I do not have any complications
OR if I do not go into labor for the scheduled date.
Which could happen...especially considering this is baby #2!

I am excited about having a July baby! With me and my sister,
we never got to have "warm"

birthday celebrations - her birthday is January 1
and mine is December 10.

Usually our birthdays were planned around holiday events,

Christmas musicals,and tons of Christmas parties.

At least Paisley can have pool parties...maybe even a lake birthday party!
FUN!!

This is of course very different than when we had Parker!

Our due date was April 1st (hahaha! - no joke!). And for my family, we were

trying to plan it around my sister's pre-planned weekend trip and Easter.

Easter NEVER falls in March but every 100 years or so...

and in 2008 it was in March! I could not have imagined having Parker on

Easter weekend and my family not being apart of the celebration!

But...Parker surprised us all because I had to have a "emergency"

(due to preclampsia symptoms) c-section on Friday, March 14th.

Trust me...everyone was happy because it was the preferred weekend!

So what is preference with Miss Paisley?

I want her to be healthy! No respiratory problems like her big brother.

No NICU time like her big brother - 7 days!

When I leave the hospital...Miss Paisley needs to be leaving with me!

But...I will be very honest and say, I hope Paisley arrives on Monday, July 19th.

This is my grandmother's birthday - Juanita Duckworth.

What a great day to share!?!? And maybe if Paisley arrives she will inherit

my grandmother's traits (well some of them...) - especially the one

of being a good cook!!

And what is my prediction?

I predict Thursday, July 15th!

Parker arrived at 37 weeks and the 15th would be almost 38 weeks.

Just my wishful thinking!

Worst part of the scheduled c-section...I have to take off my toe nail polish!

WHAT????

Bummer! Don't worry...the first thing I am packing in my hospital

suitcase is a cute fuchsia nail polish!

As soon as I am wheeled out of recovery,
my mom or my sister MUST paint my toe nails!

NO QUESTIONS ASKED!!!

Behind! What? Me? Never!

2010-06-04T14:51:00.002-05:00

How long have you known me?? Two years? A few months? My whole life? Well, you can't tell by the consistency of my blogs, but I am OCD about many many things. I guess my blog is just not one of those these days.

From baby showers, to a family funeral (we will miss Nanny VERY much!), to a holiday weekend and a stomach bug, all of those have put me in a tissy and I just can't seem to keep up. Then add to the fact that I am trying to keep up with a 2 year old while being pregnant during an Alabama summer does not help either!

And NO I can not believe that Miss Paisley will arrive in 8 weeks (if not sooner!). So much to do! We are still in the transition mode of getting the last few items of Parker's out of the "baby" room and into this big boy room, but we lack one piece of furniture to make the transition. Paisley's room is close to being ready. Here is the bedding that my mom and sister gave me for one of my showers.

It looks so ADORABLE in her room. I am just waiting on the last few pieces - her window valances and the room really will be complete....let me take that back! I still need to build up some creativity about what to do above her bed. Since I LOVE her name so much, I may stick with what I did for Parker when he was a baby (not one anymore - he is a "big boy") and paint her letters to match her bedding. Maybe...

The other thing on my mind is the lack of a vacation! I so was looking forward to going to the beach this summer, even if I was going to be hot, huge and uncomfortable...I still wanted a little time to relax, but that is not going to happen. Hopefully Braxton's sister and brother-in-law will have their pool open soon so we can enjoy a few hours of vacation. But I must remember that vacation will be here in only 147 days! WOOHOO!! The Duckworth Family will be taking a week long trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Relaxation, Productive & Blessings

2010-05-06T16:15:00.005-05:00

How do I get so far behind on my blog posting?? Unreal! You might not be able to tell it but I have a case OCD...but so much of it went down the drain when 2 things happened in my life! 1. I got married to someone who was not OCD and 2. I had a child. I really don't know what is going to happen when child #2 arrives. Do you think it might go backwards and I will gain back some of my OCD? I can only hope!
I read many other blogs and love the blogs which have daily themes. It keeps you in the routine (ummm...remember the OCD) and it gives readers something to look forward to. Well I don't have that many readers, but I enjoy routines! Which is why I will call my Thursday posts -

Threebie Thursday

Hopefully on Thursdays I can keep this theme going for awhile - that is if I keep remembering to post on Thursdays! My plan will be to post about 3 current things going on in my life. And this week is all about RELAXATION, PRODUCTIVITY, and BLESSINGS!

1. RELAXATION

This weekend I enjoyed a WONDERFUL girl's getaway at the Red Rooster Retreat which is located on Smith Lake. I am not a huge fan of Smith Lake (sorry peeps!) because I am very partial to Guntersville Lake and the surrounding areas. Nothing man made about Guntersville Lake - just God's creation! My family and I have been visiting Guntersville Lake on a REGULAR basis since I was 6 or 7 years old. So many memories made....but back to Smith Lake and the Red Rooster Retreat.

This was actually my 3rd visit to this retreat. It is a great opportunity to visit with friends, relax and SCRAPBOOK! My college roommate, Erica, is also a scrapbooker. She is actually the one who got me ~~addicted~~ into scrapbooking. She is gracious to plan this weekend by setting the date, gathering money and just making sure everyone knows what is going on! (Thanks, Erica!!) She is from Scottsboro, so all of the people who are on the retreat are from the same area. Not to worry, I have become very well acquainted with these ladies (especially Erica's mom, aunt and cousin)...and they are like old friends.

So why is it so relaxing? Well if you are a woman who has to cook and clean and just tend to someone whether it be a spouse or a child, it gets tiring and sometimes you just want a break to do something you love. That is what the RRR is about. They prepare all of your meals and you don't have to lift a finger to clean up the whole weekend! And the best part...you can stay up ALL night long and scrapbook (or quilt, paint, play cards, read magazines, etc.)! When I say prepare meals - I mean all of your meals...including yummy desserts! That is how I spell RELAXATION!

Unfortunately this may be the last time we visit the Red Rooster Retreat....sad, I know! You see Erica refers to the RRR as the "Fertility House". The first time we visited in 2007, I was pregnant with Parker. The second time we visited in 2008, Erica was pregnant with Aly Grace. And now the third time we visted, I was pregnant with Paisley. Erica is refusing to go another time because she can't be the one to get pregnant! We will see who wins this war!!

2. PRODUCTIVE

Sticking with the RRR, it was also a productive trip! A little over 2 years ago, a friend I used to work with came to me and asked if I was interested in making a scrapbok for her daughter. She is not the most creative person (at least when it comes to scrapbooking), but her other talents far out-weigh what I am capable of! I agreed and actually had a WONDERFUL time making her daughter's first book. A few months ago she emailed me (she lives in Huntsville and I in Hayden) and asked me about making a book for her second daughter. "Of course I would LOVE to" was my response! Not only do I enjoy helping people out anyway that I can, but I get to use my creativity and it allows for a lifelong keepsake to be created!

I began on her daughter's book when I arrived at the RRR on Friday afternoon. When I left Sunday around lunch time (we left early to dodge the yucky weather) I only had 4 pages left to complete. THAT WAS SUCH AN ACCOMPLISHMENT! Sunday night when I finally arrived home, I stayed up and made sure I finished the last 4 pages. That is what I call a PRODUCTIVE weekend!

3. BLESSINGS

I have an older sister...much older! Actually she is only 7 years older than me, but when you are 7 years old, 14 seems so far away! (She will probably kill me after that comment!!) We might not have gotten along when we were younger, but in the last 10 years I see her as one of my closest friends! We have fun together no matter what we are doing! One of our favorite things to do is people watch - nothing planned, but if we are out in public we are people watching...and I promise you if you ask us what we are thinking our opinions are pretty much EXACTLY the same!

Elesha has been blessed with 2 beautiful children, Gavin, 5 and Dakota, 8. I have posted about them previously. I love those kids so much!! And before Parker came along, they were first in my heart! And a few months ago, my sister made the decision to have a tubal reversal. So she traveled ALL the way to North Carolina to have surgery a little over 9 weeks ago. After having a reversal, your chance of becoming pregnant is lower, and if you do become pregnant you are at a high risk.

On Saturday, April 24th, my sister called the house and asked "How does January 7th, 2011 sound?" I asked her where we were going and she replied "To the Hospital!" Elesha found out she was pregnant! What a BLESSING!!! She has since visited the doctor a few times for blood work and her first ultrasound. Everything to this point looks great! The doctor and staff in North Carolina where amazed at the news! She will be closely monitored during this pregnancy because she is a "high risk" pregnancy. We know that God is in control and we will continue to pray blessings on her and this tiny baby. I NEVER thought I would be pregnant while my sister was pregnant!

Parker's 2nd Birthday Party

2010-03-15T13:50:00.000-05:00

What a birthday filled weekend we have had! It all started with cupcakes for his class on Friday at school. Then Saturday was the big party! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse was the chosen theme. Boy was Parker surprised to see all of the Mickey Mouse goodies!

It all started with a fabulous cake! (No I didn't make it!) I would love to claim it, but I can't! A relative of a fellow church member, Michelle, made the cake. And it really did taste as good as it looked. Parker loved the cake! He went with me to pick up the cake. When he saw it he wanted to touch it and of course eat it.

Other decorations included balloons. My child loves balloons. I know what you are thinking...every child loves balloons! But, my child REALLY loves balloons. There were plenty for his taking. He especially the Mickey balloon!

We were so blessed to have almost all (minus my sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew) of our immediate family members present. Not too mention the friends that also joined us for the special party. Parker got presents galore! Including a remote control car, a lawn mower that blows bubbles, a Mr. Potato Head, puzzles, cute shirts ("Dirt Is My Favorite Color" and "King of the playground"), Little People barn and animals, kids bowling set, Cars watch and even some necessities like sheets for his new bed, decorative pillows in the shape of a football and baseball and his comforter for his bed. I haven't ordered it yet, but he is also getting an outdoor play set. He will LOVE it!

Parker has been practicing his candle blowing skills for over a month now! I will light a match and sing "Happy Birthday", then he blows it out at the end of the song. He was SO ready Saturday to show everyone his new skill. We even sang it twice so he could blow out his candle twice!

The party was a huge success and I crashed as soon as eveyone left. I was sore from all the cleaning the night before and just plain tired! Here are few other pictures from the party and the birthday weekend.

I am not a professional photographer and I try not to be obnoxious about how cute Parker is, but these pictures just about proves all of my thoughts about him! A heartbreaker in the making!!!

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY!!!

IT'S A GIRL!!!

2010-03-11T09:29:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was the big day! I had my ultrasound appointment to find out the gender of baby #2. This pregnancy has felt different than my pregnancy with Parker. I haven't been as sick...I have been much more worn out...and the baby doesn't move as much as Parker did, even in the early months. I just felt it was different. Oh, there were lots of predictions...LOTS! But only some of the people could win.

Our appointment was at 8:00am. I was anxious...more than wanting to find out the gender, I wanted to know that the baby was okay. I needed to know the baby had 2 arms, 2 legs and a healthy heart. The last few weeks have been mentally tough. The thoughts that run through your head that the baby is not okay....just a little trying on a pregnant woman! So...to add to the anxious feelings I had, it was raining and traffic was HORRIBLE!!! There were wrecks all over the interstates and so we chose the highway like everyone else. We ended up being late, but luckily we didn't have to wait too long.

After the usually measurements (by the way I am measuring about 5 days early) and checking to make sure that all of the body parts where there, we got to see HER!!! Clear view and no doubt that it is a GIRL!!! I was happy and Braxton was nervous! The questions and thoughts that crossed his mind....

"We will have to pay for her wedding...ballet class...prom dresses...I don't know how to put a bow in a girl's hair...how do I play with a little girl?....she is going to be expensive...I just don't know what I am going to do with her!"

Good thing he had the day off from work to think about it all! And after much discussion and thinking...we decided on a name for our sweet little girl.

Paisley Madison Reno

Here are a couple of shirts I am looking at purchasing now that we know what the baby is.

I need this shirt right now!

A cute shirt for Parker!

Almost 2...really?

2010-02-24T11:24:00.006-06:00

It is so very hard to believe that my little "baby" is almost 2 years old! It really does feel like yesterday that I was laying on a surgery table waiting to hear the first sounds of his cry. It truly is amazing how fast he has grown up. I can't say he is the best speaking almost 2 year old, but he knows alot about sports and how to throw a ball!

So in planning his birthday party this year, I wanted to stick with a theme that I knew he would enjoy. We (Braxton and I) threw around the idea of Elmo, Mickey Mouse or maybe Sesame Street. Well, we finally decided on one with the hlep of Parker! MICKEY MOUSE CLUBHOUSE!

The boy loves that little mouse and all his friends. He calls Mickey (and Minnie) "Mimee" - he has a tough time with the "ck". But he knows all of the characters from Donald and Daisey to Goofy, Pluto and even Pete on the tv show.

Here are the cute finds for his party...

Balloon for the guest of honor! (The thing is huge!)

Dessert Plates for Mickey cake and ice cream

Instead of hats we have Mickey Ears (I have tried to get Parker to wear his and he refuses!)

And last, but not least! A Pinata for the kids - with lots of candy!

Maybe Parker will remember this one as a memorable day with his closest friends and wonderful family. And just maybe we can have some spring like weather that day just like last year! Parker is getting a big surprise for his birthday...a outdoor swing set and slide! Now it will even be harder to get him to come in from outside.

Snow...in Alabama!

2010-02-15T10:20:00.005-06:00

While all the "northerners" laugh at the southerners, we were enjoying the snow! Yes, it never snows and it especially never snows in Hayden, Alabama! But it did this past Friday. We knew there was a threat, and of course the schools canceled classes. To everyone's disappointment we woke up to nothing! But that didn't last long....around 10:00am the first BIG flakes began to fall. It was a pretty snow.

Even though the church was closed (because the daycare was closed) I still needed to go into work and complete the bulletins. Nanny (Braxton's grandmother) kept Parker for a few hours. We got home around 3:00 and waited for Daddy to arrive so we could play in the snow. Even though we have had a few minor snow storms (hahahaha!), Parker has never really had the chance to play in it. This was his first experience. And boy did he love it!

His first taste of snow! I love this little boy!!!!

Daddy trying to get him to sit on the trashcan lid and ride down the hill. He did not want to do this!! It was my idea!!!

Learning to throw snow balls at Daddy!

All bundled up and having fun!

He kept getting closer and closer and we kept hitting him with snowballs!

On another note....it was Valentine's weekend. I celebrated my 6th Valentine's Day with Braxton. We actually had our first date on Valentine's Day in 2004, when we went and watched "50 First Dates". I love my husband so much and I am so glad that we are spending our lives together...forever!

Reading List...

2010-02-08T10:05:00.009-06:00

I promised myself I would be better about blogging...well that hasn't happened! How will I find the time to blog when there are 2 kids to tend to? I must find the time, and I will find the time!
It is hard to believe that January is long gone and we are almost to the 1/2 way point of February. Time flies when you are busy and having fun. I wish I was having more fun than being busy. So what has consumed me the month of January? The answer would be READING! I don't really know why I am on a reading kick. It usually hits me around the summer months when I can sit out side, or hang out at the lake with my family, or better yet sit on the beach listening to the ocean waves. But no, my reading kick hit during the cold month of January. Since January 1, I have completed 5 books, and my 6th book will be finished by Tuesday evening!

Here is my list...

1. "When Joy Came To Stay" by Karen Kingsbury

2. "Nanny Returns" by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

3. "Left Behind" by Lahaye and Jenkins

4. "Dear John" by Nicholas Sparks

5. "Tribulation Force" by Lahaye and Jenkins

I am going back and reading the Left Behind series because I never finished them up when I graduated college. I read books 1-7, but then stopped. So I am going back and reading them now. And I am enjoying them so much! I have a goal of 20 books in 2010. I have gotten off to a pretty good start!

I am one of those readers that wants every book to become a movie! Even though I am talking about myself, I have to say that I have one of the best imaginations. The imagination can really make the book come alive.

July 30, 2010

2009-12-09T16:54:00.004-06:00

Braxton and I started our family on March 18, 2006.

We had our son on March 16, 2008.

Our new bundle of joy is due July 30, 2010!

Yes, we are expecting child number 2! We are thrilled. A little on the nervous side but happy to know we will become parents for the second time. The news was a little unexpected, but when you are not preventing it, then it should not be unexpected!

How did we find out? The day before Thanksgiving I went to the ER because I was having severe lower abdominal pain. When it started hurting on the right side, I thought it was an appendicitis. They asked if I was pregnant and I told them "NO". (I had taken a pregnancy test just 2 weeks before and it was negative!) They did a CT scan and discovered I had an enlarged ovary. AND after the blood test and urine test, discovered I was PREGNANT!

I called and scheduled my appointment with my OB and took an at home pregnancy test the next week. And today I began my monthly OB visits. They will perform an ultrasound next Monday just to be sure everything is okay with the ovary.

Braxton, Parker and I so thankful that God has blessed our family with our new miracle!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-12T16:39:00.011-05:00

Fall is here and it is lovely. Well, some of the days have been lovely. It would be nice if the rain would hold off a bit so we can at least enjoy the fall weather. We did find a break in the clouds and took Parker for the first time to the Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden, Alabama. This particular pumpkin patch is located close to where we live.

I have to be honest and say that I did not grow up visiting the pumpkin patch as a child. To my knowledge I never visited a pumpkin patch with my family or with my school. And no, I don't hold a grudge because I can list numerous items that other people never had the opportunity to do, but I did! But as a first time mom, I wanted to be sure that my son got to experience the pumpkin patch.

Sunday, we made our plans. Parker fell asleep in the truck on the way home from church, so we let him sleep while Braxton and I went by the house to change clothes. We grabbed a quick bite to eat at the local mexican restaurant, then headed to the patch. Just as we arrived, the sun came out! Yippee!!! The first thing that caught Parker's eye was the big green and yellow tractor. See, Parker loves Braxton's lawnmower, but more than that Parker loves his Papa's lawnmower. Every afternoon when I get Parker out of his carseat, he immediately runs to Braxton's riding lawnmower and climbs up. He thinks he is such a big boy sitting up there acting as if he was driving. So when he saw big JOHN DEERE TRACTOR, wow was he impressed!

After we convinced him to get off the tractor, we visited some of the decorations for a couple of photo ops. As any 18 month, almost 19month old would...he wouldn't look at the camera. OH WELL! Those are the memories we have!

Parker as the Pumpkin Sheriff! He loved smiling for this picture!

Wondering why he was holding this thing!

Still not real sure about the pumpkins! They looked like balls, but they were not as light!

Next on to the wagon ride and to pick out our pumpkin! I was excited about the wagon ride. Parker of course could not take his eyes off of the tractor that was going to be pulling our wagon. His eyes were glued. The ride didn't bother him and we know he is not allergic to hay! We found two great pumpkins to decorate our porch. No carving this year....maybe we will try it when he is 2 and 1/2!

Waiting for the Wagon to arrive

He was not about to take his eyes off that tractor!

Enjoying the ride!

Not real sure about all the pumpkins. He mainly liked the ones that were rotting!

Although there was so much more to do besides just getting a pumpkin, we decided that we would add something new each year. Probably the Pony Rides and the Petting Zoo next year. Then when he is a little older (and it is worth the money), he can enjoy the inflatables. Of course we did let him go by the tractor one more time! Here he is with his Mommy. And yes he refused to look at the camera again.

Fall Has Come! Or at least FOOTBALL SEASON!

2009-09-05T21:47:00.013-05:00

Yes, the Reno family still exists! Wow and have we been busy. It is hard to believe I haven't posted in almost 2 months. Sorry followers!!! So here is a little update!

JULY

July was a great month for us. We went on our annual beach trip with the Reno family. This was the first time I have ever stayed at the beach for a whole 7 days! It was great. We had great weather and Parker LOVED the beach - including the sand and the ocean. Not that I am trying to rush through the next year, but I know he will have even more fun in 2010 at the beach! The rest of July was the same old thing. Work, church, family time and just enjoying the summer and beautiful weather.

AUGUST
August was a busy month for the Reno family. Every weekend was booked with family time and home improvement projects. During the month we actually laid SOD in our front yard and on the sides. It was alot of hard work for the guys who helped out and it looks great. Braxton likes it because he hasn't had to cut the front yard in over a month! HA! Parker also got tubes put in his ears at the end of the month. He had 9 ear infections in the last 12 months. It was time and I can already tell a difference! Once again we spent the month enjoying the weather and staying busy with work, church, family and friends!

NOW....can you believe it is already September? CRAZY! And best of all.....FOOTBALL SEASON is here!! So this is the first weekend of college football and Braxton made it known on the fridge calendar "No work! Only football" for Saturday, September 5th! And that has been pretty much it for him! And I am glad he has gotten to enjoy it. I on the other hand get a little bit of cleaning down to the house.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend my first Kelly's Kids clothing party. It was so tough to decide what to buy. We have been VERY blessed by my sister who has passed down all of my nephew's (Gavin) clothing to us for Parker. Not only is she what I would call a shopaholic for her children, but she kept the clothes in great shape! So we have been fortunate to not have to spend alot of money on clothing for Parker - just a few things here and there because of Gavin being born in November and Parker being born in March. So....I splurged a little!
A MUST have for this football family! I didn't get it monogrammed because I want to be able to use it for another boy (if we have another boy)!I did get this shirt monogrammed with Parker. Aren't the pants adorable?!!?!?! This outfit will probably be used for his 2 year pictures! So it was worth it...at least that is what I keep telling myself.
So we have had a great weekend so far and looking forward to the rest of the weekend with the Duckworth family at Lake Guntersville. Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!

Huntsville Weekend

2009-06-30T21:27:00.006-05:00

I had a successful first week on my new job. I loved it! The atmosphere was great. I got so much done, and some of my tasks are already being put into action! So after a great work week, we were excited to spend some time with my family in Huntsville.

Friday night we hung around my parents' house. We were outside playing and heard the ice cream truck. Parker got to purchase and eat his first Popsicle! Let me just say that prices have gone WAY UP! We paid $2 for a rocket popsicle! CRAZY!!! I remember when I could buy a rocket popsicle for under a $1. Oh well, he had a great time eating it and got it everywhere. We tried to get him to play in the sprinkler when he was finished, but he wasn't game for that!

Saturday morning we spent time around the house. Then we met for my dad's birthday celebration lunch at Red Robin which is located at Bridge Street. We had a great lunch with the entire family (minus Brant because he had to work at the fire station). Lunch was yummy and my dad had the opportunity to turn red as they sang happy birthday to him. I must say I love their food and the entire atmosphere. Plus if you have kids, they can be as loud as the like! Me, my mom and my sister pitched in and bought my dad a GPS for his father's day/birthday. Too bad he can't find my address on there!

Papa with his grandkids - Dakota, Gavin & Parker

After lunch we walked through Bridge Street and let the kids play in their "mini water park". I guess you could say this is Bridge Street's version of Gardendale's Splash Pad! Parker was a little unsure at first, but then he warmed up to it...with the help of Dakota and Gavin!

Parker Enjoying The Water!

Dakota Teaching Parker What To Do!

Dakota and Gavin

Saturday afternoon we had to go to Athens to pick up Briella, Braxton's sister, and take her to her parents' house. Then we rushed into Birmingham to meet friends for date night - dinner and a movie. We ate at Moe's, which I LOVE!!! And then went to see The Proposal. It was a great movie and I will be buying it when it comes out on DVD!

Sunday we went to church and then over to Brandie and Rodney's for Briella's 15th Birthday party. It is hard to believe she is 15 years old! I don't have any pictures from the day because I was actually in the pool enjoying swimming with Parker and Braxton. It was the first time Braxton had swam in the pool with Parker since last summer. He was so happy to be in that pool and he did not want to have to get out!

Hope everyone had a great weekend! And Melissa, if you are reading this....hope you are doing well and hope Erik is doing well!!

Change In Employment

2009-06-14T22:20:00.005-05:00

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I have quoted this scripture many times as I have grown up. For so many situations, this scripture fits to a T. God is so real and he knows exactly what we need when we need it.

As a little background....I have been working in Huntsville, AL at Huntsville Hospital for the Foundation (the fundraising arm of the hospital) for the last 4 years. I started working for HHF in April of 2005, at the time I was living in Huntsville with my parents. Then after Braxton and I married in March 2006, I began the search for a job in Birmingham. From May '06 to August '06, I worked in Birmingham, but within my 90 days of leaving HHF (89 days to be exact!) I made the big decision to return! And I NEVER regretted my decision!

So for 3 years I have been driving 80 miles ONE WAY to work. That is 160 miles a day! 800 miles a week! I did break this up some by having the opportunity to work from home on some Fridays and by staying with my parents 2 nights a week. And for the last year and 2 months, I have toted Parker all along the way. Burning up I-65!!!

In February of this year, I started a long and rewarding process of interviewing for a job. During this long process many prayers and much fasting took place. I truly wanted God's will in my life. Two weeks ago I was offered (and I accepted) a job as an administrative assistant for ChristWay Church of God (my new "home" church). I will start my job June 22, which means my last week at HHF is this week.

This is a bittersweet opportunity. I will miss my friends and "family" at HHF. I will miss the awesome opportunities of growth I have had. And I will miss the awesome events I had the chance to plan and assist with. But I can honestly say, I will not miss driving! I am going to get the opportunity to be a wife, mother, housekeeper, and best friend to my husband 7 days a week! I feel like I am getting a part of my life back that was missing. Not only am I doing this for Parker and Braxton, I am also doing this for myself.

To my fellow employees at HHF, I will miss you all greatly! I will never work with another group of people who are so talented and devoted to their work as you all have been. I wish the Foundation much success and growth!

God has his perfect plan on his perfect timing. Thank you, Lord!

Parker aka the Musician

2009-06-06T22:31:00.001-05:00

Okay, so my dad, my sister, my mom (a little bit) and myself are all musicians. My dad plays piano/keyboard, the trombone and in high school the tuba. In addition he is an awesome singer. My sister played the cello, clarinet and piano growing up, and is an awesome singer as well. My mom, well she sings. And myself, I play alto saxophone and I sing. SO....of course Parker has to have some musical talent in his blood.

Some of his favorite songs include....

The Alabama Fight Song
I Feel Good
Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Song
Clean Up, Clean Up
If you're happy and you know it

Here are a few pictures of my little musician.

Parker's first experience playing the drums at his Auntie E's house. Thanks Gavin for letting us use your drums and you Disney World Drum Sticks!

Now...lets just hope he keeps the Duckworth family talent and maybe his dad's singing ability won't rub off too much!

Hair Cuts & T-Town

2009-05-04T21:55:00.008-05:00

"Don't cut those curls!!!!" I can't tell you how many people said that to me this weekend. It was time. Parker has been a year old for over a month, and sticking the old wives' tale concerning cutting a child's hair, I have waited long enough! Plus...I can only imagine this summer in the HOT Alabama weather those precious curls matted to his sweaty forehead! Not so precious.

So, Saturday Braxton and I had hair appointments scheduled. I asked Shelly if she thought she could squeeze in Parker and she said it would be fine. So....goodbye curls? Parker sat in his daddy's lap while mommy took pictures (while having foil all in her hair!). He even got to wear a cute fish drape. He cried a little bit, but after bribery with marshmallows and singing songs from Sound of Music, he made it through.

The first locks gone!

Not a happy camper!!!!

Almost done!!! How handsome...and the curls are still there!

After the hair cuts it was time to drive to Tuscaloosa. It was our annual Reno Family trip to release balloons on campus in memory of Braxton's brother Bryan who passed away in 2003. This was only Parker's 2nd trip down to T-town. His first trip was last May and he was only 2 months old!

Alabama is #1....well really he is saying "I am 1"!

So, I am not wishing my son's life away, but it does mean alot to me to see my son on the University of Alabama campus. It is where Braxton and I met and I guess you could say we fell in love there, but UA has so many memories for both of us. And one day we do hope that Parker will follow in our footsteps and carry on the family tradition of Crimson and White!

A Long Weekend

2009-04-27T21:22:00.003-05:00

This was definitely a LONG weekend! Friday night we stayed at home and had a pretty quite evening....BLTs make an easy dinner. I even had a little bit of time to clean out Parker's closet. Thanks Braxton for watching Parker!

Saturday was an early morning...Parker woke up at 7am. I cooked breakfast and things went downhill from there! Parker would not eat and would not drink anything. He would not even get down and play. If you needed him to go into another room, you had to carry him. He would not walk! All he wanted to do was lay on you and take cat naps. We had to run an errand in Trussville so we got ready and to run errands. We stopped to have lunch at Chick-fil-A. Now...Saturday is a very busy place at Chick-fil-A especially at Noon. Parker was crying so much that we had to leave the restaurant!!!! When we got him in the truck and buckled in the car seat, he stopped crying! We were successful at Wal-mart then it was time to go home. It only got worse at home. Parker's fever was 102.7 and even after a nap and medicine it stayed at 102.7. Time to go to Children's South after hours clinic. We were there from 6:30pm until 10:30pm. After having blood drawn, an attempt to get a urine sample and a chest x-ray, the doctor couldn't find anything. But his fever decreased and was back to normal. We truly believe that God touched Parker. We had lots of praying family members. Parker did not want to sleep once we got home...he was feeling better of course. He did not go to sleep until 1:15am!

Sunday morning was an early morning in preparation for a long day. We went to church then to eat with Braxton's family after church. Tiffany and Brent offered to keep Parker for the afternoon. Braxton and I had a meeting at church from 3-5 and then we had our first session of Fireproof Your Marriage. We didn't get home until 8:30 last night. Once again Parker was not interested sleeping. Around 9:00pm he finally went to sleep.

Now I am ready for this week to be over so I can hopefully enjoy next weekend! Have a great week!!!

Parker's 1 Year Pictures

2009-04-17T07:47:00.005-05:00

I must share and brag a little bit. Parker is pretty darn cute! These photos were taken by Adria Gooch Photography. For more information, you can check out her blog http://adriagoochphotography.blogspot.com/ or she is on my list of "Blogging Friends".

He loved this basket! I love the green pants!

We will call this is STARE!

He will stay in a chest if you bribe him with marshmallows!

One day those eyes will get him whatever he wants...at least from me!

The Reno Family

You'll Never Thirst Again

2009-04-16T22:10:00.000-05:00

In our His Passion musical, Carolyn Perkins - who has an amazing voice, ministered with the song below.

You'll never find her story in a fairy tale
'Cause she wasn't like, the other women at the well
Her life was full of pain, hurt, rejection
Her loneliness she didn't want to show
But Jesus saw the desert in her soul

CHORUS
Drink from this water
Drink from this water
And you will never,
You'll never thirst again
Drink from this water
Drink from this water
You will never, you'll never thirst again

We all search for something
To fill us up inside
But it's only an illusion
You know a True Love's hard to find
But I'm here to tell you there's one place
Your thirst is quenched for ever more
You will never leave empty disappointed
You will find what you are looking for

CHORUS
Drink from this water
Drink from this water
And you will never,
You'll never thirst again
Drink from this water
Drink from this water
You will never, you'll never thirst again

And oh Jesus will meet you
At the place of every need
And only He can make the wounded whole
And make the blind man see

What part of the song speaks the most? "Jesus will meet you at the place of every need"! What is so awesome about God is He knows what each of us is in need of....each and every one!!! Just the same, Jesus died on the cross for EVERY sin. I don't know what sin is in your life, and you don't know what I am facing, but Jesus died on a cross so that we could be forgiven! But then to top it all...HE rose from the grave so that we could have ETERNAL LIFE with Him in Heaven! Thank you Carolyn for allowing God to use you!

Easter Weekend

2009-04-13T21:48:00.005-05:00

WE SURVIVED!!!

Friday night was the performance of His Passion. The performance was an awesome time of worship. Christway had over 1,000 in attendance. If you missed it, sorry! Don't forget to catch us next year!

Saturday morning, Braxton went to the men's fellowship breakfast at church and Parker and I stayed in the bed and watched cartoons. Then we had breakfast together and got ready for the Easter egg hunt at church. IT WAS COLD and WINDY!!! We had practiced last week putting small items in his basket. I was impressed by how well he did!

Parker dropping in his egg - he got 12 in all!

All afternoon he held on to 2 eggs! Even during lunch!

Parker's friend Brayden - thought we might have to do some damage control!

Parker also got 3 Easter baskets. One from my parents, one from Braxton's parents and one from me and Braxton. Spoiled child! We got some practical items....beach equipment including a shovel, sand sifter and beach towel!

One last Easter egg hunt at Nana's and Big Daddy's

And to end the weekend with a bang, this morning (Monday) I woke up at 2:00am sweating. I noticed that our ceiling fan was not on. Then I looked over and Parker's video monitor was not on either. NO POWER!!! I had to drive all the way to Huntsville with wet hair. My husband is staying in a hotel while Parker and I stay with my parents. News around our subdivision is that we probably won't get power until Wednesday or Thursday. And to top it off...I went to the grocery store on Friday! Everything will be ruined! Oh well....Easter can be new beginnings! So that is what it will be, a new beginning!

AND FINALLY...The 2 most handsome men in my life!

HAPPY EASTER!!!!!

Feels Like Redemption

2009-04-11T20:41:00.003-05:00

A MUST SEE VIDEO! Watch this amazing human video of Christway's (Gardendale, Alabama) youth drama team performing to "Feels Like Redemption" by Michael English. This is AWESOME! It makes you so proud of all their hard work!

His Passion - Friday @ 7:00pm

2009-04-10T10:09:00.002-05:00

I would like to invite all of my blog readers to HIS PASSION tonight. If you live in the Birmingham area we would love to have you join us as we celebrate our risen Lord. Plus, there is a beautiful alto saxophone player that is not too shabby! =) If you need it, childcare will be provided. If you can't make it Friday night, join us Easter Sunday morning as we once again worship together. It will be a condensed version, but still awesome! Sunday morning, the service will be begin at 10:00am.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Easter weekend. May we all remember why we celebrate this weekend.

Ugh - Easter Week

2009-04-06T22:31:00.005-05:00

Some of you may have read the title of this entry and thought "how horrible"! But what you don't understand is how BUSY this week is for me and my family. And it has ALWAYS been like this.

For those of you who don't know, my father is a minister of music at a church in Huntsville. And for the last 27 years of my life, I have spent every night of the week leading up to Easter at church. Easter was always a time where the choir/musicians would put on a big Easter production. I have had the opportunity to sing in kid's choirs, carry banners, play alto saxophone, wave palm branches, dress in biblical costumes and sing in 22 Easter productions! Some musicals were more outlandish including live animals and "Jesus" carrying a cross down the center isle. It takes lots of practice and preparation thus why I spend 7 straight days at church!!!

Even though I do not have the opportunity to participate under my father, I still am involved at another church in Gardendale, Alabama (Christway Church of God). Although I have not spent every night at church, this was the schedule

Sunday - Morning Church Service then practice from 2:00 pm until 4:00pm

Monday- OFF

Tuesday - OFF

Wednesday - Practice from 7:00 - 9:00pm

Thursday - Dress Rehearsal from 7:00pm until!

Friday - His Passion Performance @ 7:00pm

Saturday - No performance or practice....but the Easter egg hunt

Sunday - Morning Church Service

And can I just say playing alto saxophone is terrible on my lips! A reed (aka a piece of wood) vibrates to make the sound that comes from the saxophone. This piece wood tears up my lip! I have raw places where the skin pulls off! Braxton can forget about kissing this week!

I promise to have a better attitude by Easter Sunday and by Friday's performance. =)

Changing Tables

2009-03-30T20:41:00.000-05:00

My theory is that a blog can also be a "soap box"....especially for this for this mom!

Before I was a mom I never walked into a public restroom just to see if there was a changing table....but now I do! I would assume if someone was physically handicapped, they would hope there was a handicap accessible restroom when the visit a public restroom. Isn't it against the law to not have a handicap restroom? Then I believe it should be against the law to not have a changing table in the public restroom. Let me share my experiences!

Casa Fiesta - Fultondale, Alabama
Last summer we stopped to eat at this restaurant for the first time on our way to the beach for vacation. I had to change Parker's diaper...no changing table. I actually had to sit on the toilet and hold him in my lap!

Stix - Fultondale, Alabama
Once again, I had to change Parker's diaper. And once again, there was no changing table! UGH! I had to lay Parker in between the two sinks. Pretty much Parker's butt was hanging into the whole where you throw your paper towels away!

Arby's - Gardendale, Alabama
Multiple times we visit this fast-food restaurant. We do not get out of church until late on Wednesday nights and Arby's is one of the few places open after 9:00pm. And there is NO CHANGING TABLE! We usually just take Parker to the car. But a couple of weeks ago, Parker's diaper was BAD! Luckily there was a Chevron station next door where Braxton could throw away his diaper....maybe he should have thrown away the shirt!

O'Charley's - Fultondale, Alabama
Parker was trying to recover from an ear infection and the fact that he was teething. I took only a diaper and wipes into the restroom. Once in the restroom, I realized I was going to need the entire diaper bag to get more clothes! The whole ordeal was MESSY!!!! To make it even harder, the changing table was broken. I had to stand with one leg propped up on my knee to hold up the changing table. AND......it took forever to change/clean up Parker and the changing table was in the handicap stall. I felt horrible.

MULTIPLE RESTAURANTS - All over the South East
Even though a woman carries a child for 9 months in their stomach, gives birth to the child and wakes up multiple times during the middle of the night for feedings, they are not the only one that needs to change diapers! The father must share in the duties, but if a public restroom does not have a changing table in the men's bathroom....it is just NOT FAIR! UGH!

So here are the NEW CHANGING TABLE LAWS.....

1. At least 1 changing table must be in the women's restroom.
2. "Family Friendly" restaurants should have at least 1 changing table in the men's restroom, especially it the restaurant has more than one television!
3. Changing tables should not be put inside a restroom stall. Sometimes it takes longer to change a diaper than the normal "bathroom time".
4. Changing tables should be checked at least once a week for repairs....a drooping table does not help changing a dirty diaper!

Washington, D.C.......here I come!

Parker is 1 Today!

2009-03-13T20:34:00.009-05:00

It is so hard to believe that Andrew Parker Reno is 1 year old!

Braxton and I were talking about the night I went into the hospital unexpectedly. On Thursday, March 13th I had not felt Parker move in over 24 hours and I was worried. I was so swollen that day that I wore flip flops to work. Remember, I work in a professional office! I called the doctor's office and they asked me to come in at 2 that afternoon. They hooked me up to the monitor and we heard Parker almost immediately and of course he was cruisin' around my belly! Although everything was good, they were a little worried about my blood pressure and decided it was time. Dr. Reidy sent me to the hospital immediately, not even allowing me to go back to my office to close things up! I called Braxton in Birmingham and told him to grab the bags and come to the hospital.

Then on Friday, March 14th at 12:00pm I went in for a scheduled c-section. Parker was born at 12:48pm. He was a big boy, weighing 8lbs and 11oz! He was having breathing difficulties and was taken to Huntsville Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Nursery for observation. What started as a 2 hours observation, lasted longer!

Parker ended up staying in the NICU for 7 days. It was tough, emotionally and physically. Working for the Huntsville Hospital Foundation I heard of preemies staying in the NICU for 30, 45, or even 60+ days, but for a baby born full term??? That was the hardest part. I did not even get to hold Parker for 24 hours. Braxton and I shed alot of tears and prayed alot of prayers. Yesterday I was looking through Parker's hospital items and I saw his prayer cloth that we taped onto his bed.

Parker and his space helmet!

Parker's main health problem was his breathing. Watching his chest rise and fall so rapidly was tough. I would sit by his bed and just wish I could take away the problems. But God was making Braxton and I stronger! I believe that God wanted to show us that He was still in the healing business. Every night when I hold Parker in my arms, I thank God for His beautiful creation! And I repeat the words "He's Been Good"!

Happy Birthday Parker! Mommy and Daddy Love You!

Parker's 1st Birthday Party

2009-03-11T11:32:00.009-05:00

What a weekend! It is hard to believe that my little boy turns 1 on Saturday and that he has already had his first birthday party! Time flies! But leading up to his birthday party was a task! Of course Braxton and I had just gotten back from our trip to Asheville. Then on Friday, the musicians and front line singers were asked to perform at Music Explosion in Cleveland, Tennessee. So, we left at 9am and did not return to the church until 9pm. This was the day before I was planning to have 40+ people at my house! Luckily my sister pitched in and stayed Friday night to help with the final preparations.

All in all Parker's birthday was a success. Here is a picture of his cake. Tish Engel, a great friend of mine in Huntsville made his 2 cakes. Remember, he was having a Modern Monkey Birthday Theme. The cake not only looked great, but was absolutely YUMMY!!! Tish, don't forget about next year, the theme...Mickey Mouse! And I can't forget to post a picture of Parker's very own cake.

Unfortunately, I could not convince Parker to take a nap before his party. I think he was too excited to know that Dakota and Gavin were visiting. And there was too much commotion with the balloons as well. We were so fortunate to have mine and Braxton's families at the party. We also had some closes friends who have kids close to Parker's age. And Tish and Jamie Engel (my "cake lady") also came and brought their son Hudson who is good friends with Gavin. It was a HOUSE FULL!

Because of the lack of a nap, we had to rush through some things. After we ate, I started opening presents for Parker. Some people did a great job of sticking with the Monkey theme! He got a couple of shirts that had monkeys, a monkey picture frame and even a monkey piggy bank! Great job, Misty!! But as you can see, Parker was getting a little tired!

Next it was time for cake, and to tell you a funny story. The entire time I was opening presents, I was sitting beside Parker who I left in his highchair. He is a busy body and will not sit still for anything! So I was holding his little birthday cake, getting ready to lite his candle and sing. When I went to sit down in the chair....it was not there! Unfortunately we do not have video or pictures of this. But let's just say that the entire house was watching and waiting to see what was going to happen to the cake. I must say, I have lots of balance! The cake stayed in one piece and I simply sat on the floor. Mom, next time don't move the chair!

Parker loved the candle and the flame! Plus his face lit up when everyone sang Happy Birthday to him. It was as if he knew it was all for him!

He didn't do alot with his cake. This was the most he did! He almost looked like he was getting a manicure.

Our happy little 1 year old boy!

Trip in Review

2009-03-09T20:36:00.001-05:00

Braxton and I had a WONDERFUL trip to Asheville, North Carolina. We left early on Friday morning and arrived in Asheville early evening. Friday night we went to a movie...but not just any movie. We visited a movie theater called Cinebarre. I have been to other movie theaters where you can order "real food", but never where you actually find your seat in the movie theater and you order your food, and eat in the theater. The waiters/waitresses were quick and didn't block your view at all. The food was really good, a little pricey, but good. It was a cool experience and a great concept! I wish we had one in Birmingham! It can be difficult to get a babysitter on Friday night for 5 hours to include travel time, eating dinner out and going to a movie.

Saturday we spent the day at the Biltmore. I asked Braxton multiple times to build me a house just like it! I don't see it happening! The house was amazing! If you have never been, I do recommend making the trip. After touring the house, we took a behind the scenes tour where we learned more details about the house and the Van der bilt family. I didn't really get any good pictures because it started raining harder, but here is a look at us standing in front.

Sunday we woke up and drove to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Braxton made my day and let me shop for about 5 hours! We found some good deals and Braxton got a few things for himself! We checked in to the hotel and relaxed before we enjoyed a wonderful dinner at The Chop House. And while everyone had snow in Alabama, Pigeon Forge got none! Gatlinburg did get some and we drove up to see a little of it.

It was a great time for Braxton and I. We got along the entire weekend (we usually do! =) ) and had a great time relearning how to communicate with each other with no distractions around us. But we missed Parker and we were ready to get home to see his smiling face! Monday was back to realty and a BUSY week!!!

#26 - Visit The Biltmore Estates

2009-02-24T19:54:00.002-06:00

Yes, Braxton and I have a list of 101 THINGS TO ENJOY AS A COUPLE. This was a list created by me while I worked in Birmingham....I didn't have enough to do for 40 hours each week! But this list has been interesting in seeing what we have completed and how long it has taken.

A few of them we have completed....

#51 -- Sing a solo before Braxton preaches a message

#64 -- Buy a brand new house

#65 -- Paint a baby's room pink or blue (well we painted it khaki!)

#85 -- Take a picture on the beach wearing white shirts

#94 -- Create a family webpage and keep it up-to-date (what are you reading???)

So, they might be the small things in life but to Braxton and I, they mean alot!

Back to #26! Braxton and I are leaving Friday morning for a trip to the Biltmore Estates. Braxton has visited the Biltmore before, but this will be my first trip. I can't wait! This is our first anniversary trip and we can't wait. We are taking a 4 day weekend visiting the Biltmore and coming home through Gatlinburg for one night. The only problem....it looks like rain for most of the weekend. Hopefully the rain will hold off or get over with before our trip.

ALL that matters is that Braxton and I are having a chance to spend quality time together. I can honestly say we don't get much of this time! On top of adding a child into the mix, the fact that I stay in Huntsville on Monday and Tuesday nights does not help the effort of "spending more time together"! We can work on that plan later!!

A HUGE thank you to my parents and my sister for being so willing to keep Parker this weekend. They are sharing the love. My parents think they will have Parker walking before the weekend is over! All I hope for is that he will learn "How Old Are You Parker?" And then hold up one finger! GOOD LUCK!

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND! I will post pictures soon!

Planning Parker's Birthday Party

2009-02-23T21:45:00.008-06:00

It is hard to believe that Parker will be a year old next month! I think the things that excites me the most about him turning a year old is that he can face forward in his car seat! No more pulled arm muscles trying to hand him toys or feed a bottle. Have you ever tried 80 miles to work and keep a 11 month old happy the whole way????

So the planning has begun for Parker's birthday party. Well, pretty much the plans are complete. I ordered invitations from a friend at work. TOO CUTE! And I have ordered his birthday shirt and all of the party supplies.

It is a Modern Monkey Theme....

Plates

Napkins

Plus a I ordered him a cute shirt that says "It's This Silly Little Monkey's Birthday"! TOO CUTE!

And to top it all off....I have ordered cakes from my friend in Huntsville, Tish. I am going off of faith about what the cakes will look like, but trust me, it will be great! If you saw my cake from my baby shower in Huntsville, or if you have ever seen her work, you know it will be great. SO excited....we are having a PARTY!

Valentine Weekend Flop!

2009-02-17T20:04:00.000-06:00

Recovering from a sickness is not the way to spend a "romantic weekend". As I posted earlier, Parker and I stayed in Huntsville on Friday night so I could get some help. And just to let you know, Braxton was not just sitting at home doing nothing. He could help take care of Parker because he was helping with a church event. ChristWay showed "Fireproof" Friday night for all of the couples....so he couldn't be at home to help.

Saturday morning I tried to recover, and left my parents' house before lunch so Parker would sleep in the car. I felt horrible trying to drive home! When we got home I noticed on the kitchen table a box of chocolates and a card. No flowers, but that doesn't surprise me! Word of advice for all of the non-married gals.....never tell your boyfriend, fiancee, future husband, etc. that flowers are a waste of money. I made the mistake and I NEVER get flowers! But I did get chocolates. As soon as I walked in the door I put on my pjs and sat in my red chair! Luckily Parker was not that playful either, but Braxton was great helping with him. We spent the entire day in our pjs (seeing a trend from last weekend???), and we watched 13 episodes of LOST! Crazy, I know!

Sunday was our normal routine of church, lunch and naps! Then Sunday evening we took Parker to his Nana's for the evening and so she could keep him on President's Day since the daycare was closed. Although Braxton and I could have gone to dinner and a movie, we opted for a little free time for ourselves. He wanted to play his Playstation and I really wanted to scrapbook. And that is exactly what we did....and I finished a book! YEAH!!!

Now on to another week of work.....but I know that later part of this month is going to be GREAT! I will post later!

HARD TO BELIEVE....Parker will be 1 years old in less than month! AWWWW!!!

Stomach Bug for Parker & Me!

2009-02-13T20:16:00.002-06:00

Horrible! That is how I am going to describe the last 48 hours! Wednesday night we went to church as usual. After band/choir practice, I went to the nursery to pick up Parker. He was sitting in the sink covered in vomit. My poor little boy! Not only did it get ALL over him, he also got one of the teachers. SORRY! Instead of going out to eat with our group of friends, we headed home. When we got home Braxton went to lay Parker down in his bed and he threw up again! This would be sheet change #1!

Well, we had to give Parker a bath because it got in his hair when we took his clothes off. So, then I have him sitting on the couch with me and I start to put his pjs on. And he threw up again! From there we decided to put him in the bed with us for the night. And once again he threw up. This would be sheet change #2! And once again!!! Sheet change #3! And if it can't get any worse he then throws up on Braxton while they were sitting in the rocking chair.

All in all, I washed 5 loads of clothes/linens. Mainly because I had to wash everything from sheets, to mattress pad covers to blankets. Not to mention 3 wardrobe changes for Braxton and Parker!

Thursday, I stayed home with Parker. He seemed to be feeling pretty good, but I kept him on mostly liquids. One positive about being at home....I got all of our tax information together. What a blessing in disguise! That little excitement was short lived. As we were feeding Parker his last bottle Thursday night, he threw up again! UGH! I called my mom and she said she would keep Parker on Friday so I could get some things done in the office.

Friday, I drove to Huntsville for work and dropped Parker off at my parent's house. I decided to call the doctor to schedule an appointment because I also feared he had an ear infection. After visiting the doctor he determined no ear infection, but did give me some meds if Parker was to get sick again. Well, he never did....but while at work I started feeling terrible. I left work early and went to my parent's house. I went to bed and thankful my parents watched Parker. It was too terribly long before I got sick! UGH! Other than morning sickness, I have not been sick to my stomach in probably 4 years. So, just in case I get sick again, Parker and I are staying in Huntsville with my parents. What a way to spend Valentine's Day Eve!??!?!?!

Weekend of Relaxation and Success

2009-02-09T22:10:00.000-06:00

What a weekend! Probably one of the most productive weekends I have had all year. Hopefully I can keep up with for the rest of 2009!

Friday I worked from home while Parker traveled through the house. He does such a great job at playing by himself while I worked. Trust me...the rest of the weekend was plenty of Parker play time!!! After Braxton got home from work, we loaded up and visited the big city of Cullman!

Saturday we spent the day at the house. Before Parker was born, Braxton and I used to love to schedule a "lazy day". The only requirement for lazy days....you have to stay in your pjs all day long. And that is exactly what we did. We enjoyed playing with Parker and just spending time at the house all weekend. Kudos to me...I cooked breakfast, lunch and dinner! What a great wife and mom!

Sunday was church. And what a great service! Bro. Bryant really challenged the church. He challenged us to turn off the tv 30 minutes every day and spend those 30 minutes reading and study the Bible as a family. I know speaking for myself that it will be a challenge. Sometimes I get so caught up in my day that I do let it slip my mind. I do take the time in the mornings on my way to work to pray, but as far as actually reading what God has to say....well I need to step up the challenge! Sunday night was spent being productive. It is sad to say that I have not had the opportunity to go through some of my Christmas presents! I had 3 shopping bags of presents and hand-me-downs that needed to be "processed". AND I DID IT!!!! I was so proud of myself. Hopefully the next two weekends will be as productive.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week! If you are in the south, go out and enjoy the beautiful weather!

VOTE for PARKER!!!

2009-02-08T17:10:00.003-06:00

Okay, so as a crazy mom who thinks their child is the cutest, I have entered Parker into a little contest. If you want to help out a crazy new mom, visit the website below, scroll down until you see Parker's picture, then click on the picture and it will allow you to vote.

http://web.waaytv.com/bom/alphaindex.php?alpha=p

REMEMBER...you can vote one time per day.

The Mom Song

2009-02-03T10:11:00.003-06:00

This is an amazing performance! And what a great song too! ENJOY!!!

When Will It Slow Down?

2009-02-01T21:41:00.002-06:00

I have had to ask myself this question multiple times in the last few weeks. I need a break. It is not that I need a break from anything in particular, I just want to slow down a bit and soak in the beginning of 2009. Can you believe it is already February 1st! OH MY!!!

So, let's play a little catch up....

Two of the weekends this month, I had work events in Huntsville. So, we have spent some time with my family and friends in Huntsville. Hopefully we can get back to Birmingham on the weekends for time with Braxton's family and our friends from church. The other weekends have been spent at the house kind of being lazy. Parker has the opportunity to enjoy playing with all of his toys and Braxton and I have the opportunity to watch Lost.

That is the truth...Braxton and I are caught up in the Lost craze. We have been renting all of the past seasons of lost and watching them on the weekends. My dad has been kind enough to record the new season so that when we eventually get caught up we will have season 5 to watch. It is good....but addictive!

And I must tell you about my WONDERFUL day I had last Tuesday. On mine and Braxton's one year anniversary, Braxton bought me a 1 hour massage. It has been almost 2 years and I had not yet used it....pregnancy and time had to do alot with that fact! I finally took time off work to pamper me! I worked the first few hours of the morning, then I had a dentist appointment. After my teeth were cleaned....everyone should be proud...I actually went to the gym. I cleaned up and then had a very relaxing 1 hour massage. The massage therapist recommended I come back every 4 to 6 weeks. My checking account does not completely agree, but Braxton and I talked and we think once every 3 months would be more reasonable. I can't wait until APRIL!!! After my massage I went to one of my favorite scrapbooking stores in Huntsville called Once Upon a Scrapbook. I was looking for items so that I could make Dakota's (my 6, almost 7, year old niece) birthday invitations. I saw them in Parents magazine in November and knew I had to make them. Aren't they adorable???? Just think, it only took 4 hours to make 8 invitations! But it was worth it to see her face.

It is a little girl in a sleeping bag!

And the invitation wording is on the body of the little girl!

Recipe for the New Year!

2009-01-14T07:52:00.003-06:00

A sweet lady, Denise, from church sent this email. I thought it was great to share!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, Issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this really matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Happy New Year - With New Year's Resolutions!

2009-01-12T19:43:00.000-06:00

Goodbye 2008 and hello 2009! It is hard to believe that 2008 is over and we are on to a new year. Of course with a new year is a chance to start new and fresh. This year I have a few resolutions that I want to work towards. Will I accomplish them? I hope so, but if not, I won't count myself as a failure, but it never hurts to put it out there as a goal!

1. Become healthier - Yes I could put loose weight, but then if I don't...I would not feel successful. But if I can eat healthier, exercise more and just improve my health, then I will accomplish this goal.

2. Draw Closer to God - Not only will this strengthen my faith and my witness, but I know it will strengthen my relationship with Braxton.

3. Spend More Time with Braxton - Although Braxton and I spend time together, we don't' get much one on one time. Conversations revolve around Parker, work or just stuff! We really want to spend more time together and throw in some one on one dates and hopefully we can take an anniversary trip together!

4. Take Time For Myself - Since Parker has been born, I have let "me" go. I can't tell you how long my toenail polish was on before I took it off the third weekend in December! But I am starting this resolution off right....at the end of the month I am taking the afternoon off getting a one hour massage (thanks to my hubby) and a nice pedicure.

Whatever goals/resolutions you may have, I wish you good luck that you may accomplish them, and stick to them throughout 2009! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas - Week Long Celebration

2008-12-29T22:44:00.001-06:00

I love saying MERRY CHRISTMAS! I can't stand Happy Holidays! I saw one of the best magnets/bumper stickers that said "It is okay for me to say Merry Christmas!" How true is that...anyways on to the week in review.

My office was only open Monday and Tuesday the week of Christmas. Tuesday night we had a nice surprise....mom and dad offered to keep Parker for the evening. Braxton and I had date night and we went and saw 7 Pounds with Will Smith. Great movie!!! Wednesday, Braxton had to work 1/2 day. I got up and cleaned house then ran into Gardendale for those last few details. When I arrived back home, my mom and dad and Dakota had arrived to return Parker. Wednesday night we took it easy. I wrapped the last of the presents and cleaned up a little more.
Christmas day was great. Christmas Eve...not so much. Braxton decided to change Parker's diaper at midnight and Parker decided he did not want to go to bed! Parker and I had to sleep in the quest bed until 3:30am then I put him in his bed. Of course he woke up at 6:45! After he woke up....we opened presents.
Parker got three presents from Mommy and Daddy...Jesus got 3 presents when he was born, and so does Parker! Plus he got a stocking from Santa including a Cars Ball and his first Mickey Mouse.

We went to Chuck and Misty's "old house" for the Reno/Kennedy Christmas lunch. Then Christmas night we hosted the Reno family Christmas at our house. There were TONS of presents. Parker started getting tired, but never gave into wanting to sleep! After everyone left our house, we drove to Huntsville to spend some time with my family.

Friday (the day after Christmas) we hung around Huntsville....returning stuff and just enjoying being off of work. Friday afternoon, Elesha, Dakota and Gavin came to my parents' house for the evening/night because Brant was working at the fire station. Friday night we played games and enjoyed each other's company. We played a new version of Monopoly that uses credit cards instead of paper money. Braxton was not happy....he lost! He went bankrupt first. He really tried to not go to bed mad, but it was hard!

Saturday morning we got up and began getting ready for the Duckworth Christmas. About 6 years ago the Duckworth family started the tradition of Christmas steaks. Instead of the traditional Christmas dinner we have steaks, baked potatoes, salad and other veggies. SO YUMMY!!! After lunch we opened presents. I love watching Gavin and Dakota open presents. This year Gavin and Dakota shared the opportunity of being Santa and handing out the presents. Late Saturday afternoon we drove back to Hayden for the rest of the Christmas holiday.

Sunday night I took down all of the decorations. I guess I am ready for the holidays to be over and to get back to some type of normal living! Whatever that is! I guess it is time for new year's resolutions and the famous four letter word D-I-E-T!!! HA! I hope everyone had a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Too Tired for Words!!!!

Christmas Catch Up

2008-12-29T21:56:00.004-06:00

Yes, the Braxton Reno family does still exists! Wow what a busy December and Christmas Holiday we had. Hopefully I can sum up everything in a short few paragraphs. And if you are checking in for pictures...well I have failed as a mom and my pictures aren't that great! OH WELL...we will always have next year!

FIRST WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
We spent most of the weekend in Huntsville. We watched the SEC Championship Football game with our friends and part of the Duckworth family in Paint Rock Valley, Alabama. After the game we had my mom's side of the family Christmas party in Scottsboro. It was a great time to see my family that I don't have the chance to see as often.

SECOND WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
Busy weekend following my birthday!!! It was the Christway Choir's performances of His Promise. Friday and Saturday night were tiring, but it was a great turn out both nights and a great performance.

THIRD WEEKEND IN DECEMBER
I was trying really hard to be in the Christmas spirit. I guess this month has just been a strain on me personally. Lots on my mind, lots to do, and just stressful all together! I was almost finished with Christmas shopping...just a little more to do. We took it easy this weekend. Not alot on the calendar which was nice. Friday night, Braxton and I, joined my co-workers and their spouses as the Chop House in Huntsville for our annual Christmas party. It was a WONDERFUL evening. I love my co-workers and their spouses are so much fun as well.

Parker Helping Put up Lights!

The Reno Christmas Tree

First Thanksgiving, First Big Boy Car Seat, First Crawl!

2008-12-02T07:58:00.008-06:00

It was a day of many FIRSTS! Even though it was not exactly Thanksgiving day, it was our first Thanksgiving meal with the Duckworth family.

Last Friday night we went to the Bridgestreet Tree Lighting ceremony. It was so COLD!!!! We buddled up the entire family and headed out for some Holiday fun. After we watched the tree light up, we went inside to Jason's Deli for some warmth!

Last Saturday (November 22) was the Duckworth family Thanksgiving. This was the first time for my dad's family to be together for Thanksgiving in about 8 years. We had a wonderful spread of food. Parker showed off as I knew he would...being as cute as he could possibly be!

Once the extended family left, Braxton and I went to Babys R Us and bought Parker a "big boy" carseat. He is still facing backwards, but it is definetly a big boy seat! It even has armrests for his little arms. While we were shopping Elesha sent a text message saying that Parker was crawling! It was an army crawl using one arm and scooting on his belly. This was the best picture I could get of him trying to crawl!

The 3 Grandchildren - Gavin, Dakota & Parker

Thanksgiving Around the Corner

2008-11-20T10:27:00.003-06:00

Well I am sitting here WAITING patiently for Thanksgiving to roll around. For me Thanksgiving will begin Saturday! The Duckworth family (my dad's family) will be having Thanksgiving at my parent's house. This will be the first time the entire Duckworth family (minus my uncle's wife, Marcia) has been together for Thanksgiving in 8 or 9 years! So it will be an exciting day.

I can't decide if I am looking forward to seeing my family more or the food!?!?! Just kidding! It will be nice to see everyone, and enjoy the food and fellowship with my family.

As I said this kicks off our Holiday season and I just can't wait. My plan is to put up our Christmas decorations Saturday evening and finish them Sunday night. I am also anxious to see how long our Christmas tree will stay standing up. I am thinking that once the bright lights, and shinny ornaments adorn the tree....Parker may start crawling after all!! I can't say that I won't be a little excited, but hopefully my tree can wish stand a 25 pound little boy pulling on it.

And yes, I promise to post pictures soon!

Crazy Few Weeks

2008-11-17T21:13:00.000-06:00

I have not done a good job of posting lately....but as I warned everyone in the beginning, no promise of posting every week.

This is a busy time for everyone with the holidays beginning, but things are even crazier because this is a busy season for me at work. How busy? Let's just say that the last 2 weeks I have had a headache EVERY DAY!!! But I am making it and I will survive. Once Monday, December 15th hits, my stress level will go from 150% to about 50%.

Last weekend was a little busy. Friday night we were in Huntsville for Gavin's 4th birthday. Hard to believe he is 4! It was at my home church. Parker was not feeling the best, but he survived for at least 3 hours. Saturday morning I drove back to Gardendale for a hair cut/color....it could not wait any longer! Braxton stayed in Huntsville for the morning to take Parker to the doctor. We thought he had an ear infection, but Dr. Laue saw nothing! That afternoon we went to Brayden's 1st birthday. It is amazing to see Brayden and Parker sitting beside each other. 4 months apart and Parker (the younger of the two) is 4 pounds heavier! Parker was definitely making a list of all the toys he wanted for Christmas and his birthday in March. That evening we sat around the house and just took it easy. Sunday was another day at the house. Sometimes it is just nice to get stuff done on the weekends.

This past weekend we took it easy. Friday night me, Braxton and Parker went to eat at Habaneros. It was Parker's first experience with all of the bright lights and bold color. Parker spent most of the night leaning back looking at the ceiling. And we did find a new love....refried beans (no cheese). Saturday we slept until almost 8am. I cleaned house during the morning while Braxton ran into town to run a few errands. The afternoon we spent hanging out and playing with Parker. Then we watched the football game. ROLL TIDE! It was a nice laid back, no makeup day!! Sunday we had church and then that afternoon we had our Choir Social at the Stardome Comedy Club. We ate lunch/dinner and heard Mickey Dean a stand up comedian. It was a great time of laughter and it was a nice chance to have some adult time.

I hope to post a few pictures of Parker from the last few weeks. One of my particular favorites is him trying to eat spaghetti noddles! TOO CUTE!

Hopefully everyone will have a great week!

Socks - Parker's New Friend

2008-11-05T08:13:00.001-06:00

Promised picture of "Socks" and Parker.....too sweet!

Halloween Weekend

2008-11-01T22:25:00.003-05:00

Friday evening we stayed with my parents. Saturday morning we got up and had a wonderful pancake breakfast thanks to Nana! Then we got ready and drove to Tennessee just south of Nashville. Braxton has a great uncle and great aunt (Uncle Mike and Aunt Pat) that live in a beautiful area of Tennessee. Other than pictures they had not had the opportunity to meet or see Parker. We ate lunch with them and stayed to watch the Alabama vs. Arkansas State football game. Uncle Mike played for Bear Bryant in the 60s. I actually got to see the letter that Bear Bryant wrote to him telling him that had received a scholarship to play football for the University of Alabama. It was pretty cool!! We had a some great food and wonderful fellowship. Parker fell in love with Aunt Pat. He actually let her rock him to sleep and before long, they were both asleep in the chair together. It was SO SWEET! Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Pat!

Sunday was church. We actually had a pretty smooth morning of getting ready for church. No ruffled feathers today! Sunday was Pastor Appreciation. We had a guest speaker from the Alabama Church of God State Office, Stan Holder. I had only heard him speak one time while Braxton and I were completing the MIP program. Wow did he do an amazing job. I think I pretty much cried last 15 minutes of his sermon when he was talking about how God completely healed his son and then we he talked about the mental healing he had experienced after he accidentally shot his brother in the face at the age of 8. If God can heal both of those situations, then there is nothing to big for GOD!!! After the sermon we had a wonderful time in the altar of God's reassurance that He is in control and an opportunity to just worship Him.

After church Parker, Braxton and myself went to eat lunch at Chili's and then to Target to pick up a few birthday presents. I think this was the first time that Parker had ever been down the toy isle. Boy were his eyes opened wide! As we were walking down one isle we saw a SOCK MONKEY stuffed animal. We showed it to Parker and his eyes lit up and a big smile came across his face. When Braxton put it back on the shelf Parker's eyes followed it. Well it was our first experience of being a SUCKER in the toy isle. We bought it. But to watch his face light up, it was worth every penny! I will try and post a picture of Parker with his new friend Socks.

Hope everyone had a GREAT week!

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-11-01T22:10:00.004-05:00

It is Parker's FIRST HALLOWEEN!!!!! I worked from home on Halloween. Parker was such a good boy. He is so good about playing while Mommy works. I was so proud of him that I had to stop and take a picture! He is so content. Sometimes he will try to "move" towards me and the computer. He isn't always successful. When he starts to get real fussy, I move him closer to me and he will sit beside the shinny trash can (paper only!) and look at himself...he loves it!!

I hope Parker doesn't always think that every Halloween will be like this years! We had a wonderful Halloween. We loaded up and went to Huntsville for Parker's first Halloween. Two of our great friends, Tish and Jamie Engel hosted a hayride and Halloween party. We all (about 25 of us) met at Hampton Cove and had a hayride through the community. We stopped a few times and let the kids (and adults) trick-or-treat. See Parker's first house? Picture is not great, but it is what I got! Parker was so good. He didn't cry once, but he did try and eat the hay. I guess Sock Monkeys and hay don't go together. At the end of the ride he leaned his head over and was out!

After the hayride we stopped by to see my boss, Candy and her husband John. It was a nice surprise on Halloween. Parker never woke up while we were talking with them. After a short visit, we went on to the Halloween party. It was crazy! Some of the grandparents had also come by to see their grandchildren all dressed up for Halloween. We had Peter and Lucy from Narnia (Gavin and Dakota), a skeleton, 2 princesses, Peter Pan, a cowgirl, Indian Jones, a knight, one of the stars from High School Musical 3 and an octopus. It was GREAT! We ended up not leaving the Engel's house until 11pm. Thankfully Nana and Papa took Parker home around 10pm. It was a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Week in Review

2008-11-01T22:01:00.003-05:00

It has been awhile since I posted anything, but we have been a busy family. Last week was just a busy day-to-day week. Parker was fighting an ear infection last week. I worked from my parent's house one day. When the work day ended I took Parker outside to grass (which we don't have at home) and took a few pictures in his "First Halloween" shirt. I think he was more interested in the grass than smiling for the camera.

Last weekend we just hung around the house. I wanted to get a few pictures hung up and I actually had the opportunity to go through all of Parker's (aka Gavin's old clothes) and hang up his clothes. It is hard to believe that he will be wearing 12 months in just a month or so!! Parker is actually slimming up....not to much weight gain, but of course his belly is still there.

We were just hoping that is 0-9 month Halloween outfit was going to fit!

Liz Hurley Ribbon Run

2008-10-16T20:57:00.000-05:00

Is it Sunday yet????? So this is probably the BUSIEST week at Huntsville Hospital Foundation. For those who might not know...I work for HHF. We are the fundraising arm of Huntsville Hospital. We have 12 employees in our organization. This week is our largest event, the Liz Hurley Ribbon run. It is a 5k run that benefits the breast cancer fund at Huntsville Hospital. Last year we had about 2,500 runners registered. This year as of Wednesday night we had over 2,800 registered...and when I left work (at 6:45) we had over 3,000! WOW!

Needless to say, I am tired and worn out. Tomorrow will begin at 8:00am (well probably 5:30 because that is when Parker usually wakes up) and I won't get home until after 9:00pm. Then I have to be at "work" at 6:00am and I will work until 1:00pm. And then Parker and I will finally go home to Birmingham since Monday morning to see Braxton/Daddy.

If you have a free moment, pray for sanity, patience and a strong back to lift all the heavy boxes! Signing out and going to bed....Crystal

Slow Weekend Preparing for a Busy Week!

2008-10-12T21:26:00.003-05:00

This weekend was a family weekend. Friday night was a low key evening. We cooked dinner and watched a movie in our PJs!

Saturday we tried to sleep a little late, but because Parker went to bed at 7:30pm on Friday night he wanted to get up at 7:30 Saturday morning. I cooked breakfast (which I don't always do Saturday) and we started the day watching football. It is amazing how Alabama can not be playing football yet we have to watch football....ALL DAY LONG!!! After breakfast we got ready to go in to town. Parker needed new shoes! I must say that infant/toddler shoe designers could do a little better! How can you get a wide foot in a narrow opening???? Doesn't work! ANYWOO....we got some cute New Balance tennis shoes in a large size of 4! It was nice having Braxton with us shopping. We walked up and down the store front pushing Parker in the stroller. It was a nice afternoon. Saturday evening we spent at the house playing with Parker and "picking up" the house and of course watching football! Parker also had his first taste of Baby Mum-Mum aka a teething biscuit. Wow, he had fun with that!

Sunday we got up and went to church. We had an amazing service. Bishop Nassan Ibrahim from Africa preached a powerful message on prayer. This was the 5th or 6th time I had the opportunity to hear Bishop Nassan. He really opened my eyes to my prayer life and how I want to change things. The first point of his message was "Jesus prayed". He talked about how Jesus had no problems, nothing to pull him down, nothing to weight him down, yet he PRAYED! After an awesome message we had an unbelievable altar service. I really feel like the congregation at Christway needed to hear and see the move of God.

Sunday night was preparation for the week to come. At work we have our largest event of the year, the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. Parker and I will be staying in Huntsville all week long because of me having to work late and of course the weekend is the event. Nana and Papa will be a big help this week! While I was packing, I put Parker in his Johnny Jump....what fun!!!

Hopefully this will be a good week. I PRAY that it will be as calm as possible and that I will have patience with myself and with work. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!!!

Promised Pictures

2008-10-08T14:40:00.006-05:00

I have been meaning to post some new pictures...here they are. Some are older, but thought everyone might enjoy them.

Gavin, Dakota, "Spot" & Parker

Parker and his friend Brayden

Parker at his sweetest....that is his friend, Sparky.

Bath Time at the Lake....the sink is now too small for Parker!

Catching Up

2008-10-07T21:48:00.000-05:00

I have been a little behind and have not blogged in awhile. So here is what has been going on. Last Thursday, Parker was sick. He had his 6 month check up on Wednesday. Everything was good. He weighs almost 23 pounds and is 29.5 inches long. Big boy....ready to play football! Dr. Laue saw a little fluid in his right ear so he wrote him a prescription for an antibiotic just in case. WELL....Thursday morning he woke up with a 100.4 degree temperature. I took him with me to work and my dad came to pick him up. He kept him until I could leave after lunch. Parker is feeling much better. Now we have moved on to cutting our top 2 teeth....tough times!

Friday night Braxton and I were supposed to go to a movie with couples from the new ministry we are working with "One Love" to see Fireproof. After some unfortunate circumstances when we walked up to the counter to buy tickets, they were sold out! We were supposed to leading other couples to this movie! Talk about a bad night. Braxton and I left the movie theater and grabbed a bite to eat....we might as well take advantage of having a babysitter. By the way, thanks Brandie for keeping Parker. After dinner we called Brandie and she was willing to keep Parker overnight. So, we went to the 9:45pm Fireproof movie in Cullman. WHAT A GREAT MOVIE!!! Braxton and I cried - pretty much through the entire movie. It puts your life into prospective and made us realize that although we have a strong marriage, there are still things we can work on to improve our marriage. We are a work in progress!

Saturday, Braxton went to the Kentucky vs. Alabama game. Parker and I ran errands in the morning. We bought his Halloween costume - Sock Monkey and picked up a few groceries. My parents called after lunch and asked if we (Parker and I) wanted company. They came to the house and watched the football game with us. Parker was a little shocked to wake up from his nap and see his Papa and Nana. Thanks Mom and Dad for the company and for helping with Parker. AND....ROLL TIDE! It might not have been pretty, but it is still a win. Braxton made it home about 9:00 and I was off to bed!

Sunday we went to church. We had a great service and it was nice to be back at church after missing last week. We (B, P & Me) went to eat lunch. Parker had mashed potatoes for the first time....yummy! We took a nap at the house. I love my Sunday naps. Then I had a meeting for church to go to. How the weekend flies by!

Last Weekend of September - First Weekend of Fall

2008-09-29T21:00:00.000-05:00

Why must our weekends be so short? It has been a couple of weeks since I posted, so I guess I need to catch up everyone up on the Reno Family!

The Renos have been fighting the fall time cold. Braxton had it first, then Parker, then Crystal, then back to Parker, back to Braxton and again back to me! NO FUN! Fighting the household sickness takes all your energy out and I had none left at the end of the week. Plus the work week was a trying one as well. Thank goodness for the weekend.

Friday night, Parker and I spent the evening with my parents at the camper in Scottsboro. It was great sitting around the campfire and laying on the hammock. Very relaxing! Saturday morning we woke up and went to Gavin's soccer game. He scored 2 goals...great for a 3 year old. He was decked out in his shin guards, blue t-shirt, soccer shorts (past his knees) and of course the famous blue mo hawk! After his game, Parker and I went to a pottery class where they took Parker's hand and foot print and the decorate a plate for Parker. I will post pictures once we get it back!

Saturday night we had friends/family over to watch the Alabama vs. Georgia football game. ROLL TIDE! WOW...what a game. It was unbelievable to watch Alabama play as hard as they did against a number 3 ranked team. Saturday night was a night filled with little sleep. I did not sleep well at all. When I woke up Sunday, I knew I could not make it to church and through the entire service. So...we did something we NEVER do....we called in sick to church. We actually had our own little church service. We watched First Baptist of Gardendale's church service....in our pjs! The rest of the day we spent at home relaxing and just taking it as easy as possible.

That was our weekend in a nutshell. Hopefully next weekend will be a more eventful one! And if time doesn't get away from me I will hopefully post a few pictures. Have a great week!!!

Parent of 3...just for tonight!

2008-09-15T21:42:00.003-05:00

Tonight I was a mom of three! I stayed in Huntsville with my parents (try to save a little gas money!) and my niece and nephew were staying as well. Elesha and Brant had to go to a trade show in Memphis, TN. Nana (my mom) had a planning meeting at church, which left Dakota, 6, Gavin, 3 almost 4, and Parker, 6 months with me and Papa (my dad). WOW...what energy those 2 children have. We started by eating pizza for dinner...nana and papa's treat. After dinner we went outside. The weather was so nice. I put Parker in his stroller and let him watch us all play. Get this....we played with a frisbee. I haven't played with a frisbee in forever! We had 5 frisbees, 3 softballs and 1 football. Dakota and Gavin won the "football game". And for a moment I thought about doing a cartwheel but was too afraid I would have to drive myself to the ER! Once we came back in the house, it was homework time....flash cards and piano. Finally it was bath time. After they smelt nice and clean, I fixed the kids orange sherbet and let them watch a little bit of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. AND finally at 8:30pm they were off to bed. But of course the day doesn't end after that! Lunches must be packed, clothes for the next day laid out and a much needed piece of chocolate cheesecake had to be eaten! GOOD NIGHT!

Our Weekend: Can you spell B-U-S-Y!!

2008-09-14T21:11:00.005-05:00

Wow, it feels like this weekend has flown by. And what do I have to show for it? Nothing except the memory of a weekend. Friday was a work day and Friday night we spent at the house hanging out and relaxing after a long week.

Braxton wasn't feeling well so we wanted to sleep a little late on Saturday...we just were hoping Parker would agree. HE DID!!! After a bottle at 5:50 am, Parker went right back to sleep and slept until almost 9:00 am! Braxton and I had decided to save money on gas we would not leave the house all day Saturday, but plans changed. We packed up the car and ran errands in Gardendale/Fultondale. Braxton really hates to go to the grocery store, but he was a trooper. I had a little leverage because I let him buy something at Bama Fever. =) We had planned to stay at home and watch the Bama game, but Braxton's family invited us over to the house to eat and watch the game.

Sunday was the busy day! We left the house at 8:30 am and did not got back home until a little after 6:00 pm. We went to church as usual then over to Braxton's grandmother's house to have lunch. Then we had a birthday party for Kennedy, Braxton's cousin at Froggy's. The picture is of Parker falling in love with balloons! He attacked this balloon. He had so much slobber on the balloon that no one wanted to touch it. I think for his birthday we will just fill the room with balloons! Parker also slid down his first inflatable slide with his mommy and daddy. Not too thrilled, but at least he didn't cry! After the party we went to Tiffany and Brent's (Braxton's brother) new house to check it out. Then we finally went home to wash clothes and get ready for the next work week.

Painting Class

2008-09-13T15:57:00.003-05:00

Not only am I a musician, but now I can call myself an artist! And this is more than just an art class you were required to take in elementary or middle school. I actually paid to take the class. This past Thursday night me, Elesha (my sister), and two ladies I work with, Susan and Michele, took a painting class. We painted a picture of Big Al. I must say that it is very tough for someone who is OCD to paint. Everyone in the class could hear when I would breath heavy and sigh. The artist and her assistant kept reminding me that you can't mess up. Well, as a musician you can mess up...it must be perfect! Oh well, it was fantastic evening....and I will do it again. Maybe once every two months??? The best part was spending time with friends and I have a cute painting to add to my Alabama room.

3 am ER visit & Baby Dedication

2008-09-06T13:03:00.005-05:00

WOW! What a weekend. Friday evening Parker and I spent the night with my parents in Huntsville. We were supposed to go to Intergraph's family picnic so that my mom could show off all of her grandkids. Thursday and Friday Parker was not feeling great. As far as I knew it was just a cold with a cough...but Saturday morning things changed. Parker woke up around 3 am coughing and unable to get a good breath. So, mom, dad, myself and Parker took a trip to Huntsville Hospital Pediatric ER. And might I say he was ADORABLE in his XS hospital gown! Unfortunately it was the one time I did not have my camera in the car. Parker was given a shot and a breathing treatment, and diagnosed with croup. After 2 hours of observation we left the hospital at 7 am.

And Sunday was a big day. Parker was dedicated at Christway Sunday morning. We were so blessed to have our entire family there including great-grandparents, grandparents, brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews. I must say that Parker looked cute. He had a beautiful dedication gown (yes a dress!!) on that was white with blue smocking. After church service we had lunch at our house. 20 people and a wonderful spread of food. Jim 'N Nicks does come in handy when you need lots of food. Plus some home cooked goodies including potato salad, peach cobbler and sweet potato casserole. YUMMY!! It was a great time to spend with both families together, however we are so thankful that it is over. And hopefully Parker will be back to himself in a few days.

ROLL TIDE ROLL!

2008-09-05T22:10:00.006-05:00

It is Friday, and I am just getting around to posting about last weekend! Talk about a busy week! Our Labor Day weekend was great. Friday evening and Saturday were spent in Huntsville because I had to work Saturday morning, then it was back to Hayden to watch the Alabama game. This was Parker's first Alabama Football game, and what excitement it was! ROLL TIDE ROLL! We made an appearance at our neighbor's house for a little while, then it was time for Parker's bath and bedtime.

After church on Sunday, we left for Jackson County State Park in Scottsboro. We spent the night at my parent's camper and then spent all day Monday on Guntersville Lake. Parker hung out at the camper most of the day. It was a great weekend with the Duckworth and Maynard families.

First Vacation Without Parker

2008-08-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

It had to happen sometime! Better earlier than later. Braxton is having to attend a government sponsored safety conference at Perdido Beach. I made the decision to tag along for a mini-vacation. Three days at the beach is not a bad time.

We left Parker with my parents on Saturday. As we were driving down the interstate I asked Braxotn if he would turn around and go back to pick up Parker. He told me "no". That evening Braxton and I actually enjoyed a peaceful night of rest. No baby monitor to listen for, nor a night lite to direct our path to Parker's room. It was very restful! And of course so was that Sunday. It is amazing how much later you can wake up when you don't have to get little man fed, dressed and ready for church!

Wednesday will be the last day at the beach, however we won't get to see Parker until Thursday afternoon when I get off work. WOW, 5 days without kissing his sweet cheeks! I do miss him!

Thanks to Nana and Papa for taking care of him while we are away. It means so much to us.

Welcome!

2008-08-25T21:12:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Reno Family Blog! I have decided this will be the easiest way for people (including those who do not use My Space) to keep up with the busy Reno Family.

Why did I decide to start a blog? Well, I am sitting at the beach on vacation and figured I needed something to do. Plus, we have so many friends and family who live out of town and we do not keep up with everyone as we should.

How often will I/we post? Well let's just say not as often as some of you would probably like! Hopefully I can get around to this once a week, or at least after big events with some great pictures.

Keep checking back to see our latest post. Trust me, there is always something going on with the Reno Family! SO....as we sign off for the evening we say GOODBYE, from Braxton, Crystal and Parker Reno!