Sunday, September 27, 2009

Happy Fall Y'all!


Already broke out the pumpkin shirt...

Can you see my matching socks? so cute

Seriously, please, no autographs......

I love playing with this ball and saying "ball, ball"

First time having homemade chicken noodle soup

messy and yummy

Woo hoo!

Tree hugger:)


Summer is officially over and we are busy around here ! We had somewhat of a rough week. Chase was under the weather though we arent sure with what. He had a low grade fever all week and a clear runny nose. We originally thought a cold but then he was chewing on his hands so much that we thought maybe molars.....But then...yes, there's more....a friends child got a cold to which we then went back to our first thought. Who knows?? Chase has not been "sick" at all in his last year. This was the third time he has had the runny clear nose and low grade fever...the first at 9 weeks, the second around 7 months and then this. But it has never turned into much. I went to M2M the week before and he was in the nursery with several kiddos...a few days later, the fever. It is so hard to not want to lock ourselves in the house as I hate to see him feel bad. I know it is only normal and I have to get over it!

Chase is all over the place these days. He is into everything and I can barely get anything done besides playing with him. It will take him a while to learn what to touch and what not to touch. He did obey the other day when Brian told him no about climbing the stairs, so he is beginning to get it. (though I am sure this is quite confusing since Brian was so excited to teach him to climb them..hmmmm) He is also saying mama more and "up" when he is in bed with us in the morning.

We also had lots of soccer games for Tayler. I didnt get to go to any b/c of Chase feeling bad and overall bad timing of games. Brian went to most of them. Tayler is doing well in high school and really enjoys it there-favorite part: they get to chew gum! They had homecoming on Friday night and he got to go to his first highschool dance...he loves dances and unlike most guys, dances the whole time-his signature worm move included...ha (no pics of Tayler as he has basically refused to have his pic taken for the last year)

I am getting better at the coupon thing. I am still using http://www.moneysavingmom.com/ and http://www.couponmom.com/. I also found http://www.freebiesforall.com/ this week. You can sign up for lots of free samples there. I also sign up for them on MSM. I got my first few samples in the mail this week-gotta love free stuff! I would like to get a Sunday paper subscription as that would really help us save even more. However, last week my groceries were $39 for eight dinners, breakfast stuff, and even laundry detergent! We did have to go back for a few things but I attribute that to a growing teenage boy!

I also attended my first writing critique group. It was so mentally stimulating and encouraging. We each submitted one chapter. I submitted the first chapter of my novel. We meet once a month. We have a diverse group so that keeps it interesting. Next time, we are submitting two chapters plus our revised first. I was pretty nervous going in as this is my first attempt at fiction. Writing has been such a good outlet for me.

I have been training (from couch potato to 5k in 6 weeks) the last several weeks. I should be up to 3 miles in 6 weeks. So far, I have ran 1.5 miles without stopping. I run with a group of girls and they are so motivating! I am already addicted....

Brian is doing well and is now working about 20 hours a month volunteering as he continues to lead his college small group as well as now leading our adult small group. It is refreshing to see him come alive in this way and be able to use his passions of teaching. His job is going well and he continues to climb the ladder. Sales are low right now but his position is solid and he is respected by his boss/es. He is gaining knowledge that we believe will be used later on in a ministry position. He has also lost 25 pounds and is only about 5-10 pounds away from his goal! I am so proud of him; now I just have to get him to work out and get a six pack:) and Arnold arms...(j/k ewwww) But some muscles are nice.

If you are still reading, let me know what you have "been up to" by leaving a comment! (yes, even you anonymous stalkers out there:)
My advice for the week: Buy and burn some pumpkin spice candles, make an apple pie or chicken noodle soup and maybe even pick up a pumpkin spice latte! Tis the season!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

In Honor of Allie Mohney

My third article was just published on www.ungrind.org Please take a moment to read it and pray for the family of Allie......

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Chase at 1 year!


A hat we got at the Gap with a gift card from Papa!




Cheese


He loves his little farm (we call it little Pittsboro- he has a farm, race car and a fire truck. If there was a little people bar it would be complete)

The first time Chase showed any interest in climbing the stairs he was trying to catch up with me. He was looking up at me and so I started encouraging him to climb the stairs.

Singing with his music toy.


Riding his car saying "bye"



Chase loves smashing into things with his new car

He loves all his new toys- now we really need a toybox!
  • Chase is 16 pounds and 5 ounces (25-50 percentile- up from his usual 5 percentile) and 28 inches (25-50 percentile)
  • He loves singing, clapping to music (Laurie Berkner Band on Noggin and Fresh Beat Band are his favorites), dancing and playing music.
  • He loves to be silly and is always laughing.
  • He is fascinated with cords to all of our electronics and is focused on getting them.
  • His vocabulary consists of "ball", "bye", "hi", "dad", "ci" (which we think is short for paci), tries to say "book", and says "vroom" when playing with his vehicles
  • He is pulling himself up and attempting to walk on his own
  • He loves books- his favorite is one about animals which does not bode well for not having anymore pets
  • He loves his family and loves to rough house
  • He is quite curious and independent (within our house- still has stranger anxiety)
  • He is learning to climb the stairs
  • He loves toys with wheels and that make noise
  • He is figuring out how toys work and how to play with them
  • He loves to see things bang, smash, fall and drop- he laughs so hard
  • He is very particular in how things should and shouldn't be
  • He is starting to not want to be rocked at night :(
  • He LOVES baths and playing in the water
  • He is developing problem solving skills
  • He is easy going but loves his routine

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Chase Officially Turns 1!





























































A much smaller celebration with just dad, mom and brother but just as meaningful as we are so thankful for Chase. Two years ago we couldn't have imagined this day possible and yet here it is- a healthy, beautiful, loving boy. We are so grateful for the joy, love and happiness he brings to us and we pray that we can guide him and he will know how loved he is.











Sunday, September 06, 2009

Chase's Birthday Party


Monkey cake-so cute

This monkey welcomed everyone to the party!

Chase playing

Sisterly love! (Rachel is preggers with another girl!)

Aunt Liz taking pics!
Scott and Laurie Hume and Lisa Hudson to side (friend from Bethany)

Julia, Hannah, Reannon and Rachel

Julia and Joie, Hannah and Cash

Melody, Shon, Tay, Jackson and Julia

Brian showing the slide show he made for the end of the party..it was so touching and cute... we hope to post it on the blog soon

balloons

Water bottles with labels....

The food spread (fruit, veggies, buffalo dip and cake)

Yummy (mints next to veggies that said Baby Boy turns #1)

Gift bags for the kids to take home (and Chase's sock monkey that he had his pic taken with for party) The bags had monkey socks, monkies in a barrel, and mints that said Baby Boy turns #1

The labels up close (Our little Monkey is turning #1)

Monkey hanging from the chandelier!

His one year pic we had everyone sign that came to the party-a great keepsake now hanging in his room

15 Minutes after the party started...still napping.

Trying out the cake (he ate little morsels at first)

Playing

Daddy was so excited about the Vols Jersey (s)

Art pad from Aunt Rachel

Little People Barnyard from Aunt Liz

All the kiddos helping out (two nephews, Jackson and Calvin)

He was leaning over eating morsels

Playing football and cornhole in the yard

The Williams family (they are like family to us!)

Guests hanging out

Then he started to dig in face first (then energy was slowing coming to him:)

Yummm


Children's Museum with the family before the party...Mommy and Chase next to where we hope to soon visit!

Hume boys and Chase

Playing at the museum

There was a Star Wars Exhibit!

Brian, Jackson and Chase

Chase's party was a blast! We had family fly and drive in as well as many friends attend...My favorite memory is when I heard the voices of over 30 people singing happy birthday to our miracle baby Chase. It was so touching to have all of the people here that are very special to our family and have loved on Chase this last year. We had such a good time and Brian and I decided we make a great team for hostessing! We are so grateful for all of our friends and family and really enjoyed this weekend. We ended it by going to breakfast with my sister, Rachel and her family this morning. Now it is just a lazy day at the Hume house. Check back next week for our family celebration pics as Chase's true bday is next weekend!