Driving Ms Mari!

Jake has been giving Mari driving lessons at Kroger. She tried to use her feet at first, but with a lot of "No, No Mari, HANDS" she eventually got the hang of it and I had two little Carrs driving me around the store (driving me what... one can only surmise).

Apparently, it wore her out and she fell asleep while I loaded the "groceries". The only groceries we got today was a six pack of Budweiser's new American Ale that James and my dad have been anxiously waiting on to make it to the shelves in Tupelo. We saw it yesterday, but you can't buy beer on a Sunday where we live now, so Jake, Mari and I swung by Kroger after I picked them up from Mothers' day out at St Luke's. I have pictures of their first day there (three weeks ago) but I haven't found them again to post them!

A lazy Sunday afternoon...

While getting ready for church this morning Jake had a meltdown. He had hurt his lip previously and while playing around in the bathtub he somehow reopened it and was very upset and dramatic. So, seeing as how I had to teach Sunday school and when Jake gets like this the best thing to do is to not push him- I went to church by myself. When I came home everybody was in a better mood and we ate lunch and then went to visit the new Barnes & Noble and their new Starbucks. We had a nice time and we ran into one of my friends from the Honors College (Trey Hankins) and a family from church (Sallie Kate Ray and her children) and one half of the former Two Tone Cafe who is now working at Starbucks. James' found a book he is supposed to read for work and Jake got to play with their Thomas train table in the children's section. Then we went home and played outside. Jake and Mari had fun splashing around in the wading pool and then we went inside where Mari is taking a nap on James while he watches TV and Jake is upstairs with me playing in his room. I think we all had fun!
The kids did not have clothing on so I crudely edited the pictures to keep them decent! I don't want naked pictures of them floating around the internet!

Although you can't tell in this picture, Mari got her third tooth on 9/25! It is her top right (her right, our left) tooth and three other top teeth are just under the skin about to come through any day! Her sleep patterns have been all off and I am hoping this is why!

Jake has really amped up his vocabulary. He is still such a little parrot! This weekend he was overheard saying "Mari, That is really not necessary" when she wouldn't stop crying in the car. He says "Hey Baby" to me and "Oh My Goodness!" in place of the much overused "Oh WOW". He has also been known to say, "Stay right here, I will be right back" and "Sit down now Mama" when he wants me to stop what I am doing and pay attention to him. Earlier in the week I heard him say, "Not now Mari, I'm busy." Just a few moments ago I heard him singing "Jesus Loves Me" in the hallway, so he must be learning something in Cherub Choir on Wednesday nights!

Who is bullying who?

We finally were able to coordinate a nice dry sunny day with the concrete delivery people and James poured the new patio. These pictures were taken at night, but I will have to take some later on in the daylight to show the progress of the patio. It isn't finished yet, but it is 900 times better than before! Jake and Mari like it as you can see below:)

FMC Family Day and 35 year celebration!

I took a picture of James, Jake and Mari under the big red FMC sign. We were at the entrance waiting on my dad to give us an official tour. So now Jake and Mari know where Daddy and Papoo (my dad) work! It was my first time inside the plant (I have only been in the lobby and up to James' cubicle) and I was very impressed and how big it is.

As you can see, Jake finally figured out what you are supposed to do in a bouncy castle!

Mari wanted in too, but she will just have to wait! She thinks she is a big girl and Jake thinks he is a baby so our world is topsy turvy with each of them fussing about what the other gets to do or gets away with. I am sure it will only get more complicated, but it is worth every minute of it!

Trip to Natchez

As Jake would say "Two Babies playing piano"

Mari checks out her great aunt Carolyn. In the background are my dad's parents (and also my Mom taking a picture of that spider on her blog from this trip).

Mari was eager to get down and explore!

And then she took a nap...

Jake still doesn't seem to get the point of bouncy castles and instead likes to pretend he is a dog in a cage?!?

James pushed Mari through the water fountain feature where we went for a scenic walk next to the Mississippi River.

Jake was glad to stretch his legs and ran most of the way.

Jake, Me and Mari walking on the River Front at the Vidalia side of the Mississippi River.

Under the two bridges over the Mississippi River at Natchez, MS/ Vidalia, LA

Jake throwing rocks in the Mississippi River (from the Vidalia, LA side)

Happy 10 Months Old Mari!

I can't see anything!

That's better.

I'm ready Mama, lets go!

Today Mari is ten months old! I cannot believe how big she is getting! I took these today of her playing with her purse and sunglasses (just like Mama-only mine aren't purple). I have a ton of pictures I need to post as well as some blogs I have been working on. I am struggling to keep everything in balance these days!