How is it already June 14th?

We have been super busy over the past few weeks. I have MUCH to blog about, but no time to do it!

This week we have VBS, and we leave on Friday for the beach. I'm hoping to get a post up about the end of the school year/beginning of summer stuff before we leave. We'll see if that happens. Hope everyone is enjoying life! It's supposed to be in the 90s all week...ummmmm...hello hot!

I'll at least leave you with a few picturs! These were taken on Memorial Day at "Lawn Chairs and Lemondade"!

Spring is in the air...and so are the girls!

The weather this weekend was OUTSTANDING!!! This afternoon we took a long walk around the neighborhood and then spent about an hour playing in the yard! I must say that I despise losing an hour of sleep due to Daylight Savings, but I am LOVING how much lighter it is in the evenings! I have Spring Fever...big time! While we were playing, I kept looking at the sky and marveling at how beautiful it was...it was just so BLUE! Rus kept throwing the girls up in the air, and I caught a few pics that turned out pretty cute!

Thank you God for making all things new! "To everything there is a season..."

Weeeeee!!! Higher Daddy!

Look at that grin...what a dare devil!

Christmas 2008

As of last night around 11:00, my house was officially clean and back to normal (that is, if it's ever normal around here). The Christmas decorations are put away, new toys have found a home, old toys have been stored, and the dust that collected during the holidays (or should I say the entire month of December) has been cleaned! It feels good to have things clean and fresh, but it always makes me a little sad that it's all over. BUT...it's hard to stay sad when I think about all the great memories we made this year. It truly was a great Christmas!

*~*~*~*

We started our celebrations on Friday, the 19th. We had our annual "Big Family" Christmas at my parent's house. This is the time when all 4 of the Baddley children, their spouses, their children, and Nana and Doo Daddy get to celebrate together. This year my OLDest sister, Tracey, and her husband Steve were unable to make it (they had a company party in OKC that night), but the rest of the clan was there. We had a terrific time exchanging gifts with the ones we knew we wouldn't see during another part of the holidays, EATING, and talking a ton! If anything can be said for the Baddleys...WE CAN TALK!

Those in attendance: My brother, Tommy, his wife Amy, and their son Griffin; My sister Tracey's children: Steven, Steven's girlfriend (who has since become is fiance'- YEA!) Barbara, and Todd; My sister Tina, her husband Kirk, and their sons Joshua and John Thomas; Myself, my husband Rusty :), and our daughters Karson and Campbell! And of course...the patriarchs of the whole crew...Mom and Dad (aka - Nana and Doo Daddy).

I'm so mad at myself...I didn't take a single picture that night. Boo.

*~*~*~*

Our next celebration started on Chrismas Eve. My sister, Tina's family, and mine alternate every other year spending "real" Christmas with our family and our in-laws. This year was a year for our family, so we met our parents at their church for their Christmas Eve service. It was a very special time. Campbell didn't last long, so Rus spent most of the service in the foyer with her. She kept wanting to "talk" through the sermon. It was so sweet, but a little disturbing to those around us. The sermon was about anticipating the joy - how appropriate! Our hearts are still so tender right now after losing Mar, that the service was extra emotional for us...and that's okay.

After church we headed back to Nana and Doo Daddy's for some yummy snacks and fellowship. We got the children bathed and in their PRECIOUS matching jammies that Nana bought them, put out cookies for Santa and food for the reindeer, and then scooted them off to bed. Santa (or should I say the 4 elves) got to work! Thankfully Rus had already put together the bike Santa was bringing for Karson, so we didn't have hours of work ahead of us! We were still up til nearly 1:30. Oh! I almost forgot...We added something new to Santa's repertoire this year...we made boot prints out of baby powder coming from the fire place (it looked like ashes)! So cute, and the kids thought it was so funny the next morning!

Christmas morning started as late as we could hold the children off...7:30 (but I did have to wake Campbell up - bless her soul). We let them come downstairs all together and the festivities began. They discovered all that Santa had brought them with MUCH delight, and then spent quite a bit of time opening their gifts from each other, Nana and Doo Daddy, and Mom and Dad. We had to take a breakfast break after the "children's portion" of the morning and re-fuel. After a YUMMY breakfast of biscuits, bacon, cinnamon rolls, garlic cheese grits, and fruit - wow!, the children got to play with their presents while the adults opened their gifts. What a blessing! After it was all over, we were on "joy overload".

We all rested for a little while, and then started up the cooking for Christmas night. My brother and his family came over and we had a yummy dinner and fun time with them. My parents had given each of the grandchildren his/her own fleece blanket as one of their gifts, and we all got tickled watching all of them wander around with them. Those blankets were totally multi-purpose - they were turned into forts, capes, skirts, lovies, trampoline partners, and other assorted things. I don't think Nana expected quite the amount of joy they would bring! By the time we went to bed that night, we were EXHAUSTED! Thankfully everyone slept well and woke up rested.

The day after Christmas, Teen and I were able to stay at Mom and Dad's and help take down ALL of the Christmas decorations. With Mom's MS, this is always such a huge task for her. The kids played so sweetly (even little Miss Campbell crawled around happily) while we worked. Not only were we able to help Mom out, but we got to spend fun time together talking and working side by side. I know these are the times that always make the best memories. By the time we all went home, my heart was completely FULL!!!

Those in attendance: Nana, Doo Daddy, Teen, Kirk, Joshua, John Thomas, Tommy, Amy, Griffin, Rusty, Melissa, Karson, and Campbell - fun times!!!

Look! Santa brought Karson a bike! She was showing us her mad driving skillz. That's John Thomas following behind on his new big wheel!

Campbell says, "Oooooh!!! Look! Santa put these yummy wagon wheels in my stocking!"

Sticking with the "Baddley girl tradition" of trying on all new pairs of shoes...here's Big Girl in her new and very cute rain boots!

This precious hat came courtesy of Nana and Doo Daddy. Now that is some cute!

Karson took this picture of us after we had finished the Presents Extravaganza of '08! As you can see, we dressed for the occasion!

*~*~*~*

Our final celebration took place on Saturday with the Zumwalts. On years that we are not with them for "real" Christmas, we usually try to celebrate before, but with Rus's job change, the timing just wouldn't work out this year (we're missing those days off work for Winter Break). We had a fabulous time, nonetheless!

I must say that I married into one of the funniest families on the planet! These people are comedic from the oldest to the youngest. It's so fun to watch (and participate with) them all together! It's also somewhat comforting to know that the next generation will carry on - the kids are hilarious too!!! We had some moments of side-splitting laughter and fun! We all opened MORE presents and so enjoyed spending time together!

Those in attendance - Jerry and Martha (aka- Rus's parents, aka- Ma and PaPaw); Rus's brother Rob, his wife Leigh Anne, their children Parker and Bella, Rus, Melissa, Karson, and Campbell

Here are the girls in front of Ma's Christmas tree!

*I have 2 more pictures I want to post...but my computer is taking forever! I will have to post them tomorrow.
*~*~*~*

That about sums it up! It was a VERY Merry Christmas, indeed! We anticipate 2009 with great joy!

Thank you God for the blessings of this year - the gift of new life, the triumphs, the struggles, the sad endings, the changes, the new beginnings, the loss of precious life, the nearness of treasured family and friends, and most of all, for the gift that is YOU!

My sweet grandmother, Mar

After a really tough battle with Alzheimer's, my sweet grandmother opened her eyes this morning, and then went home to be with the Lord.

Marjorie Elaine Chitty Ferrell Shumate, "Mar", was a lady of class. She was tiny in stature, but she made up for it with spunk! Until she got sick, she was one of those ladies who NEVER acted her age. And she was sassy. She drove around in a little Mercedes, wore cute clothes, and exercised daily. More importantly, she was a godly woman. I am so proud to be part of her heritage, and hope to honor her legacy.

Mar was never really the "typical" grandmother. Now don't get me wrong, she was awesome...just not "typical". She didn't have gray hair. She didn't wear grandma clothes. She didn't send bad gifts on birthdays or holidays. I just never remember her acting like a typical grandmother.

You must know that Mar was a true Southern lady. She had an accent as thick as any Southerner you've ever met. I can hear it in my head even as I type this. I LOVED to answer the phone and hear, "Hello Darlin' ". That was always her greeting. I can only guess that she greeted many heavenly friends this morning with that exact phrase!

In the Summer of 1997, Rus ended up playing pro ball for a team in Meridian, MS...which happened to be the hometown of one Mrs. Marjorie Shumate. What are the chances? Anyway, it was so fun to hear about my Mar from Rus. She took him to church with her and showed him off to all of her friends. She told me later that they all thought he was cute! She also made him brownies!!!! Now, remember, I told you that Mar was not the "typical" grandmother. This includes the fact that I never in my life remember her making me any sort of baked goods...but she made Rus brownies! During that Summer I traveled to Meridian with Rus's parents to watch him play. I stayed at Mar's house for a whole week. This is one of my most special and cherished memories of her. It is the only time in my life that I spent time completely alone with her (without my mom or my siblings). We had so many special talks during that week. I am so thankful for that time that only God could have planned for us.

When my mom called to give me the news this morning, I broke down. Mar has been getting progressively worse for the past 5 or 6 years. She has basically been in a coma-like state for many months. Because of the progression of the disease, babies being born, finances being tight, etc., I haven't been to see her in a long time. I regret this. I regret that my children never got to meet such an amazing woman, and that I never got to introduce her to 2 of my biggest blessings. I regret that I didn't get to say goodbye.

What I do not regret is that she is no longer suffering. I do not regret the fact that she is alert, awake, and no longer confused as to where she is and who people are. I do not regret the fact that she got to see my grandaddy for the 1st time in 28 years. I do not regret the fact that she is in Heaven with Jesus. I WILL SEE HER AGAIN! Oh, how I can't wait!

Tonight, my heart is heavy. I'm hurting especially for my mom. She has been preparing for this for years, but no one is ever ready to lose their mother. She and my dad are already on their way to Mississippi. My siblings and I will go in a few days. The funeral is planned for Monday. It all seems so final...yet so chaotic at the same time.

Lord, give us comfort in this time of grief. Help us to rejoice over her new body and remember that we will be reunited someday soon.

Mar, you will be missed. I love you so much. Thank you for the blessing of your life. You were truly one of a kind.

The Name Game

Happy 4th of July!!! I must say, I can be a bit cheesy on days like today. I am a patriot at heart, and I get emotional watching fireworks. I am thankful for my freedom and grateful to those who fight to protect it. I am truly blessed to live in America.

We have had a great time celebrating. Last night we went to the Drillers game with my parents. The game was fun, the weather was OUTSTANDING, and the fireworks were awesome! Karson still plugged her ears this year, but she loved watching them. Campbell didn't seem to be bothered at all by the loud booming going on all around her.

Tonight we went to Jerry and Martha's to celebrate with them. Rus's brother and sister-in-law were there too. It was fun to be with everyone. Karson and Parker played in the back bedroom most of the night. We all decided it was a sign that they were getting big (they didn't want to be in the same room with us any more). Bella LOVES Baby Campbell, and is so sweet to her. I think those 2 are going to have fun times in the years ahead.

This morning, my sweet husband let me sleep in! Oh, if you know me at all, you know that sleeping is one of my love languages. I'll have you know that I did not get out of bed until 10:30!!! It was heavenly. I can't say that I slept the entire time, but I didn't mind. While I was drifting in and out of sleep, I could hear Rus talking to the girls in the living room. During the course of their conversation, I heard him use several of the nick-names that we've given them. It made me realize that we have A LOT of them. I thought it might be fun to make a list!

Our nick-names for Karson: Kars, Kars-McGars, Sweet Pea, Pea, Pea-Pea, Crazy Lady, Wookie, Wook, Pretty Girl, Pretty, Cla-Cla, Silly Head, Sissy, Sissy Pants, Karson Larson

Our nick-names for Campbell: Cam, Cams, Campbellina, Cami, Campbell Mambell Boo, Campbelly Bambelly, Sissy, Snookie, Snook, Smiley Miley, Campbell Brown, Drooly Julie

I must say that since my husband has not referred to me by any name other than "Lucy" in years, I shouldn't be surprised that we have this many names for our children. I've always heard that nick-names are a terms of endearment - I agree!!! I do love my girls!

Life in FULL swing

Wow! We have been super busy lately. Where did June go? What have we been doing?...

1. VBS was great - so glad I decided to work. Shelbi and I had a great time working together again. It was like old times!!! Karson had an awesome time with her friends, and Campbell did great in the nursery (she's so big)!

(Here are the girls on the last day - they were worn out, but so happy!)

2. Karson completed her 2 weeks of swimming lessons. SHE ROCKED!!! We are so proud of her. After crying every day last year, we were not really looking forward to it. She was a little timid the first day, but after that, she loved it and learned a ton! It's so fun to watch her conquer something that you know scares her - so brave!

3. Campbell is doing so well with her new medicine!!! She is MUCH happier and seems to feel a lot better. We had to adjust the dosage, but other than that, she's doing great. She even got to have cereal for the first time yesterday! She's growing, growing, growing. Last night was the first night we put her to bed before 9:30, and she still slept until 7:30 (that's my girl!)

4. We went to the lake and had an awesome time. My sister's husband's family has a lake house at Eufala, and we always love the privilege of getting to go. This time was no different. It was such a relaxing and fun weekend for all of us! (Pictures soon!!!)

5. Our friends P and J are too funny. There is a history of the "prank game" with these 2!!! We've found all kinds of things on our porch over the past few years! We try to get them back, but they always seem to be one step ahead of us. Well, when we arrived home from the lake the other day our sidewalk was lined with about 15 American flags. The next morning Rus and I both received text messages simply saying, "God Bless America". We replied...GAME ON! We'll let them live in suspense until we make our move! :) This picture does not do it justice (the flags are lining both sides of the sidewalk) - it really is quite patriotic. I've decided it looks festive and will leave the flags there until after the 4th! Thanks for the decorations, guys!

6. I'm getting ready to start the "camp circuit". I will be going to Dallas 3 times in the next month. I also have one camp in Austin and one here in Owasso. I always enjoy teaching camps once I get there, but between now and then it's going to get a bit crazy around here. I'm never good at leaving the girls (this will be the first time to leave Campbell over night), but I know it helps our family. I'm grateful that God has given me the ability and opportunity to use His gift. I'm trying to stay focused on that!

7. A quick Karson story...Yesterday morning I was trying to get laundry finished, and straighten up the house. Kars got very frustrated with me because I couldn't come play with her in her room. She stormed off and mumbled, "then I'm not letting you in." Soon after, I saw her go into my room and get a piece of paper. She began making a sign to hang on her door - one that would "not let me in". The funniest thing about the whole thing was that she asked me to help her spell all of the words. By the time she finished making the sign, she forgot she was mad at me...but she hung her sign up anyway.

I'm grateful for a busy life - it is always full of God's blessings! Tonight we're taking Karson to Bass Pro to go fishing in their pond, and tomorrow we have a play date with Mommy Pose, Mia, and Cole! Let the adventures continue!!!!

Happy Father's Day!

We had a very busy but very good Father's Day. We went to church this morning, then drove into Tulsa to see both Doo Daddy and PaPaw, and then came home for naps (and mowing for Rus). Rus later went fishing with our nephew, Todd, and then he and Karson went swimming at Aunt Tracey's. Woof! What a way to start a week. This week brings VBS in the mornings and swimming lessons in the evenings. I think we'll all be sleeping good at the Zumwalt house!

Karson had a birthday party to go to yesterday, and while we were in the car we talked about what she loved about her daddy. So that I will never forget, here is what Karson loves about her daddy (at age 4).

1. He plays ball with me.

2. He snuggles with me before bedtime.

3. He likes to play outside (unlike Mommy).

4. When I'm supposed to be settling down for bed, he makes the "claw" get me and makes me giggle!

5. He lets me run on the field after his baseball games.

6. He lets me watch Star Wars (I don't know where this one came from).

7. I like to go to Bass Pro with him.

8. We go get donuts on Saturdays.

9. He lets me drive the tractor at the baseball field.

10. We go fishing together.

I would give you a list of things Campbell loves about her daddy, but...well, she can't talk yet! BUT, if you've seen her look at her daddy with those "adoring eyes", you would know very quickly that she thinks he is pretty wonderful!

Happy Father's Day, Daddy! We love you to the moon and back!!!! ~the girls

Happy Father's Day, Dad!!! I love you so much. ~Melissa

Happy Father's Day, Jerry! Love you tons! (Could these 2 look any more alike?)

The Bottle...It Makes Me Sad

Campbell has been having slight "tummy trouble" for some time now. Karson was NOT a spitty baby, so when Campbell arrived and started the splendid practice of spitting up most of her bottles...well, let's just say we were less than pleased. At first we thought it was just acid reflux. Dr. Boyd prescribed some medicine, she slept at an incline, we changed formulas, and endured THE SPIT. It seems things have progressively gotten worse. For the happy baby she is, feeding time is miserable. She cries through most of it and groans through the rest. It breaks my heart and makes me feel like I'm poisoning her.

Today I picked up yet another new formula to try. This is our last resort. If this one doesn't work, we have requested that she have an Upper GI scan performed to see if anything more is wrong. We've had one bottle of it already...it didn't go so well. She fussed like usual, and then proceeded to spit most of it up and choke in the process. Fun times. I called my sister (Tracey - the best nurse EVER), and she said to give it one more try. If she reacts this way again, we can offically say we've tried it and IT DOESN'T WORK.

Pray for our sweet baby girl and her tummy.

Update: She's trying to keep us confused! She has fussed off and on all day with the new formula. I don't think we're going to stick with it. We have the Upper GI scheduled for June 13th.

Getting Started

Hello! I've been a "blog lurker" for almost a year now, and I've finally decided to join in the fun! Actually, what has really prompted me to do this is the fact that my babies are growing so fast, and I'm realizing that I must start documenting these moments that I know I'll forget!

Let me begin by telling you (not that anyone is reading this) a bit about myself. My name is Melissa. I'm a wife to a wonderful man - Ruston Blake. He is the head baseball coach at Jenks High School. He is hilariously funny, tremendously talented, and an incredible father. I am thankful every day to be married to him!

I am also privileged to say that I am the mother of TWO precious girls! Karson Elaine is 4 1/2, and Marion Campbell is 3 1/2 months. Besides becoming a Christian and marrying Rus, the days they were born...well...oh my goodness, I just can't put words to the joy they brought!

Karson just finished her last year of preschool yesterday. Is it strange that I'm sad? Next year she will go to the Pre-K program every day (more than likely all day - we're still deciding on that). How has my baby girl gotten so big? Allow me to be her mother for a moment :)...She is brilliant! She is beautiful! She is hilarious! She is painfully shy! She is kind-hearted! She is MINE! What an incredible blessing it is to be her mommy. I truly don't know what I will do without her home all day with me next year. I know God has BIG plans for this little girl. I can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Campbell is the happiest baby ever! Although she's only been here 3 1/2 months, I've already forgotten what life was like without her. She brings smiles to all who see her and tremendous joy to our house! She was born 3 weeks early and seemed so tiny when we brought her home. Well...she's made up for it! She has the sweetest chubby cheeks, and the most squeezable rolls on her legs. It cracks me up to hear people say, "Wow, she's filled out!" I just reply, "You can say it, she's chubby! We like it that way." She is daily doing new things and discovering this world around her. I'm reminded again, as I was with Karson, that life is such a miracle. I cannot understand how anyone who has been around children couldn't know that there is an AWESOME GOD who created them!

Tonight, Rus had to be at the field until late, so the girls and I were here alone (this is our usual status during the Spring and Summer). I had gotten the girls fed, bathed, and snuggled on my bed to watch "Snow White" while I took a shower. When I got out, I came to check on them. What I found was simply precious. There they were, both sound asleep...holding hands.

Lord, I give you the praise for blessing me with these 2 lives. I praise you even more that in a way that could only be Yours, that they have already, at ages 4 and 3 months, become friends.