Checking Back In....

Makenzie and Kinsleigh (Supper Club May '09)

Laura and the kids (as usual)

Lake House Dock (Memorial Day Weekend '09)

Love this picture as it shows Landon and his Dad fishing with Laura Beth... She's in heaven!

Laura Beth's 2nd fish and she's only 2!Visiting with Mema (Memorial Day '09)

Laura Beth have a blast in the sprinkler's after swim lessons...

Laura Beth in her pool with Daddy. (Father's Day '09)

Laura Beth and Jack (June '09)

Had to show these two pics to update you on the Fuller twins. Mom is home and doing great!! Babies look healthy are should make their debut sometime in August.

Lara at her shower with the tee/onesies I made for Jack and the girls.
Brandy and Ryan at their reception

Me and My Sisters

A Family Shot

A picture of all eight of us...oh the memories....

Addison Kate McKneely Arrives...

It's summertime and although I do have alot more time on my hands I am spending it with my family and convincing myself it's o.k. to be lazy sometimes! Laura Beth and I are enjoying sleeping in, playing, swimming, and as many playdates as we can squeeze in... a must when you have an only child who needs playmates! (and a Mommy of a head strong busy 2 year old who needs moral support) May ended with more birthday parties and the close of school. Yay!! I was ready for this school year to end. I had quite a demanding load last school year. I will be moving to 1st grade next year and relinquishing my responsibilities as the Grade Chair..a position that came with lots of extra work. Although the challenges of teaching first graders aren't 100% appealing I will be happy to only have to worry about my 20 kids verses the 200+ I had to worry with this year. I applied (not planned) for an Assistant Principal position at a nearby school. I had been "recommended" for the position and decided to give it a shot. I didn't get the interview and deem it a blessing. I was unsure of taking on such a job with a little one and knowing I want more children. I think I will save that one for later years. Being able to pick Laura Beth up at 3:30 everyday and spending all holidays and summers with her is a blessing I am not ready to lose. I suppose the 25 to 30,000 pay raise would have been nice; however, I know money doesn't buy happiness nor does it replace these precious years. So with that said, we'll see what the future hold but for right now.. I will be a first grade teacher next year. In June we've just been relaxing and playing with friends. Brandy's wedding was this month as well. It was a nice night with family and cherished friends. Although Jan wasn't there I truly felt her presence and know she was watching down on us kids and smiling.

Laura Beth took swim lessons this month and proved to be quite the fish ... way to fearless for me. The lessons turned out to be too simple and basic for her. In hindsite I should have signed her up for the extensive survival swim lessons. The girl is a total nut! She just jumps in the water (no floaties or anything) and attempts to swim. I have to grab her and she wants to go out on her own. She doesn't know how to swim so it's scary for me.

More pregnancies announced, babies born, and more ready to make their debut! Seems as though 2 years old is the prime time for a new sibling. Laura Beth is currently obsessed with babies and would love one of her own. Not sure how sharing Mommy would be though. We are just enjoying watching great friends add to their families and enjoying these precious times. For once there's no exact timeline for us. We continue to soak up all the time we have with Laura Beth and I do look forward to bringing her a little brother or sister someday.

May 2009

Abbi's Birthday Party

Brandy's Wedding Shower

Nana and Laura Beth

LB's First Haircut (can we say "drama queen")

A month of birthday parties, Mother's Day, and Laura Beth's first haircut. We were blessed to meet a lot of new friends when Laura Beth was a baby. Everyone was born within about 2 months. So that means lots of birthday parties March through May (and even one (Maddox) in June). The spring and summer are definitely party months for us.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day weekend. Just perfect I suppose! I got to do some shopping for myself on Friday afternoon and then out for Laura and Olivia's birthday's downtown. The highlights were a quiet shower by myself at the W before going out and then sleeping in (well not really Laura and her crazy energy did get up around 8!)

Saturday we went to Aubrey's party and then Nana and Papa came for Mother's Day. Landon made breakfast Sunday and then I got to get a massage. After Nana and Papa left, Laura Beth and I laid down for a late nap around 3:30 and never really woke up!!! Laura Beth slept until the next day. Crazy! I suppose that was my last mother's Day present.

This weekend we went to Abby's party and Elmo showed up! Laura Beth was not a fan. I had to stay outside with her during Elmo's stay. Once he was gone she was ready for more fun.

We are just enjoying the warm weather and counting down the days untils school is out! Not having to wake up at 6 a.m. every morning is what I look forward to most! Laura Beth and I start swimming lessons in June.. so that should be fun too. Summer here we come!!!!

As I sit on my couch tonight for a quiet moment to check email, facebook, etc. I am once again reminded how precious every day and each second is. A friend of mine has been hospitalized at 23 weeks pregnant with twins. Doctors say she has an 80% chance of miscarrying and will have to remain there until she gives birth. I have hope and faith that she will hold her baby girls someday but continue to pray that they will hang on and enjoy the womb as long as possible!
"Don't lose hope. When it gets darkest the stars come out".-- Unknown.

Then, as I turn on the t.v. to catch up on the latest Oprah on t-vo I am presented with the story of Madeline McCann (a 3 year old girl who was abducted from her family on vacation). I get this sinking feeling and my heart truly "hearts" for the mother. Although I know I could never understand her pain, I feel pain for her. It wasn't until I became a mother that I could feel this way. It's a sinking pit in your stomach. It almost truly feels like your heart hurts. I can't even begin to imagine the horror the mother must experience.

Since Laura Beth was born, I have this fear of something happening to her. I have heard from other mother's a similar feeling but I do wonder if mine is unhealthy. I know God has given her to me to care for and we can never know how long that time is. All I do know for certain is that we have today. This moment is here and real. Make the most of each one.

Please continue to keep my friend Lara in your prayers and all of those mothers out there who worry for their children or who may have experienced the unimaginable loss of their child.

Another One Bites the Dust...

After breakfast as LB was telling everyone to "be careful."

Whitney and I at breakfast the morning after.

Daddy and Laura Beth.

An attempt at a family pic.

Just kidding.. We spent the weekend in Vienna GA for Whitney and Matt's wedding. It was a blessing to watch them declare their vows before God and begin their journey together. I spent most of the wedding thinking of my dear friend Paula who is staring divorce in the eyes. She and her husband made the same declaration five years ago and now he is asking her for a divorce. Very surreal. As the congregation stated "I Will" I wondered who would actually fulfill that promise. I haven't talked to Ben only texted him but was reminded of my promise to God so I am preparing what I can say that could possibly make a difference. Any advice is appreciated. :) I just can't believe it's actuallly happening to such a wonderful couple who were once so in love! Reminds me how sacred a marriage is and what hard work it can be. Even when you think it's easy.. you must be careful to make sure you are fulfilling each others needs and not letting the hustle and bustle of life make you forget or let things slip. I know I love Landon more and more each day and I pray that we never have to face such hardship. Just don't take it for grantef folks because if it can happen to Ben and Paula it can happen to anyone!

O.k. on a lighter note, we had a great time this weekend in Vienna. Laura Beth loves being in South Georgia and a crowd of people is just up her ally. She danced the night away and kept me on my toes! And Mrs. Debbie had breakfast at her house this morning to see the bride and groom off on their honeymoon. Laura Beth greeted everyone and then stood at the edge of the steps as people left saying "bye.. be careful!" She keeps me laughing these days!

2 Year Pictures

We did Laura Beth's 2 year pictures on Saturday. She was such a sweet girl during our photo shoot. It went well and I am sure Erin captured some great shots. Link over to her blog to see two "sneak peaks" from our session. And, the background is totally real! Crazy! Erin has such a good eye. http://www.mckneelyspace.blogspot.com/

April 2009

Where does the time go? April is already on it's way out! I survived National Board Portfolio submission and have had time to enjoy my baby girl, hubby, and family and friends. Laura Beth is doing wonderful in school and we had a great Spring Break and Easter in Augusta. We are potty training and so far, so good. I had hoped to wait until this summer but once LB started school we bought our first pack of pull-ups and peer pressure is a good thing sometimes. We have survived two days of panties. Oh, the little joys in life. :)

We spent Masters Week in Augusta visiting with old friends and family. We got spend an evening with our bestest friends Christine, Trey, Larry, and Kristen. Christine is glowing with her baby bump! Landon and I were able to go to the Masters on Friday and the weather was so nice and I actually enjoyed my time on the course. Then we had the pleasure of spend time with the Bachelders and love on the newest addition, Tanner. Laura Beth thought she could take care of him on her own and wanted to hold him by herself. A day of shopping with Mom was on Saturday. We had fun finding little treasures for everyone for Easter. Mom and I love giving to others. She had a basket for us 5 kids and then 7 grandkids and Randy of course. Everyone had a basket on Easter except me and Mom but I think we were the happiest. :) The kids hunted Eggs and I loved spending time with my siblings. Laura Beth was mesmerized by those little plastic eggs and "candy!" I was excited about the little dress up costume in her Easter basket and all she needed was plastic eggs with candy and bubbles.

Here are some pics of Easter. Couldn't take any at the Masters unfortunately! It's a beautiful place!

Woods World

O.K. I haven't blogged so much lately due to being very busy. The month of March has been .. well "madness!" Between celebrations, National Board Portfolio being due, The Whimsical Woods, and changes in Laura Beth's childcare.......whew!! It's amazing I am sane. O.K... maybe not sane, but functioning. :) I am reminded though that busy lives mean LIFE. Even in my mini chaos I am grateful for all God gives me. I always feel terrible if I come across complaining as that is not my intention. However, thanks to my mother I am a communicator and must "blow off steam" and/or talk about things (o.k. I know I talk too much!)

However this weekend I have locked myself in my house (well one trip to Target.. a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do -- right) and planted my bootie on my couch to try and complete my portfolio for National Board, a teacher certification I am seeking. (All due the 31st.. anyone up for a drink on Tuesday, March 31st!?!?!) Landon and Laura Beth went to Meme's for the weekend and to do some fishing. Oh, my poor little girl will be a tomboy no matter how hard I try! Landon said she was running around the pond, pulling in the fish, and even holding them and putting them back in the water. Wow!

For the big news of the week, Laura Beth started preschool. Or "lower preschool" as they like to call it at Primrose. Her nanny started thinking about a career move and we decided it was best to put her in a more structured environment. After much heartache and searching, we think we found the right place. She tried it out last week and loved it! So, Monday will be her official first day! I have only cried a few times. :) HA! I will try to snag a picture Monday.

So that's "woods world" for now. Leave me a comment so I will know who still reads this thing. My written journals are suffering right now so let me know it's meaningful to still post on here instead!