Life's a Party When You're a Petty

Ansley's First Fieldtrip!

2011-12-20T21:30:00.004-06:00

Back in October I got the priviledge to go with Ansley on her first ever Field trip to Gentry's Farm with her preschool class. She loved it! She loves all things outdoors so this was right up her alley. We had a lot of fun together. It was sweet one on one time for me. That doesn't happen too often around here! Here are some pics of her big day!

Honeysuckle Hill Farm!

2011-11-11T22:21:00.006-06:00

In early October we went to Honeysuckle Hill Farm with our dear friends the Akins. This was their first year to get to take a little one to the farm. Hudson and Wyatt were so cute and pretty patient for the long day! Ty and Ansley had an absolute blast. There are so many fun things to do there. The pumpkin cannon was definitely a favorite for them. The hayride and cornmaze were a big hit. They also loved the slides as you can see. We spent several hours there, and you can see that they were worn out! The kicker was that we went straight to Ty's football game! Here are lots of pics from our fun day!

Ty Lost His First Tooth on 9/13/11!!!

2011-11-11T22:16:00.001-06:00

Noah and Micah's Birthday Party!

2011-11-11T22:10:00.002-06:00

Ansley and Wyatt's First Days of Preschool 2011

2011-11-11T21:53:00.004-06:00

We started preschool off with a bang this year! Wyatt came down with hand, foot, and mouth and Ty with Strep the weekend before school started so Wyatt and I missed the first week of school. Ansley stayed healthy and was able to start on-time. She is in the Pre-K 4's this year, which is so hard to believe. I can't even imagine that this is her last year of preschool! She loves, loves, loves her class this year, and her teachers are fantastic! Wyatt started preschool for the first time in the toddlers class. He is doing really great, and loves his wonderful teachers! And, yes, this all happened in early September! Here's to catching up!

What if everyday was September 11th?

2011-09-11T22:28:00.004-05:00

Today I cannot stop thinking.....Ten years ago today our country was attacked. It was horrible. It was wrong. It was devastating. We lost thousands of people to senseless violence. I think most of us have that day forever etched in our minds. I was a college student in Cookeville getting ready for my classes that day in the house I shared with several friends when I saw the news. I will never forget the feelings of that day and those that followed...fear, sorrow, anger, dread, confusion, loss of (perceived) control over life. Psychologically it was terrorizing for all of us. If you lived through it you know. I can remember being flat on my face before the Lord and crying out to Him. And as we look back we certainly need to remember those who suffered losses that day. I have been praying for each of them. We need to be sad and mourn what we lost both physically and psychologically. We need to look to God and know that He is our ever-present help in trouble if we belong to Him. What happened that day was no doubt horrible and will always be horrible.

But, here's what I cannot stop thinking about today.....Why is it that when we think of September 11th we are saddened, moved, angered, all kinds of emotions come up because of the injustice that occured on that day and the over 3,000 innocent lives that were lost. However, when we hear about a famine in Africa in which over 29,000 children under 5 have already lost their lives we just go about our business. I don't get it. I mean, yeah, something that happened here obviously hits closer to home. It relates to us on a closer level. But, these people are people. They are just as much God's children as we are. And, I cannot help but think that what is going on over their grieves God's heart as much if not more than what happened here on that horrific day 10 years ago. These people are experiencing the emotions we experienced on 9/11 everyday to some degree. They are watching as the most innocent of innocent die-thier children. As I am typing this you should know that it is my own apathy about world hunger and strife that moves me to write it. I want my heart to be broken by the things that break God's heart and not only by the things that involve my own little world. So, today I can't stop thinking......What if we got as angry about famine as we do about 9/11/01. What if we all did something in order to help? What if we rallied and fought hunger with the fierceness that we fight terrorists? What then? In that kind of world where we love our neighbor no matter how far, where injustice just isn't tolerated, where we are a human race instead of only individual nations, maybe terrorism would cease to be such an issue. Maybe......What if???

First Day of Kindergarten!

2011-08-13T22:30:00.003-05:00

Well, we made it! Ty went to his first day of Kindergarten on Thursday. It was a half-day so we are easing in, but all in all it went pretty well. He had fun, but is still not sure about all the new people and surroundings. I am hoping he will have a great week next week and really be excited. Momma is really struggling if I am being honest. I really didn't realize how hard this was going to be. Having been with him all the time for 5 years (and so thankful to have been able to), this is a BIG change. Your prayers for both of us as we transition would be greatly appreciated! I know he is going to a great school, and his teacher seems super sweet. "It will great, it will be great, it will be great......"."He will be fine, he will be fine, he will be fine.....".

Kindergarten

2011-08-08T23:28:00.005-05:00

How can this day really be here?

Somehow it just doesn't seem fair.

Just yesterday I was holding you tight

In that hospital room rocking chair.

I knew right away things were different.

My swelling heart would not be the same.

I promised to love and protect you.

Your dad and I gave you a name.

You are growing so fast and so wonderfully.

God has blessed you with so many gifts.

And now as you move on to school days

I can hardly imagine the shift.

I am so proud of you my sweet child.

You are one in a million indeed.

And I pray that these five years together

Have in your heart planted the seed.

I pray that you will be a light to the world.

To your peers that you'll always be kind.

I pray that you'll learn and develop, and grow

In your heart and your spirit, and mind.

And if you have hard days and feel all alone

Just know that I'll always be here.

I will welcome you home with a smile and a hug

And a loving and listening ear.

So go to school knowing you're loved, Child

By your Mama and so many more.

And look forth with joy and excitement.

For so many blessings the Lord has in store.

This one's too cute not to mention, and the summer posts come to an end...

2011-08-08T23:26:00.002-05:00

We spent time with family and friends.....

2011-08-08T23:17:00.004-05:00

We had some interesting days at home....

2011-08-08T23:15:00.002-05:00

We found baby bunnies and watched a caterpillar transform!

2011-08-08T23:11:00.002-05:00

Ty got a hold of my phone once or twice.....

2011-08-08T23:09:00.002-05:00

We even had Vistors from Texas!

2011-08-08T23:07:00.002-05:00

We had some more visitors!

2011-08-08T23:03:00.001-05:00

We welcomed our niece, Selah Evette Selam Dixon!

2011-08-08T22:59:00.004-05:00

We welcomed our new nephew Miles Kenneth Northcutt!

2011-08-08T22:51:00.004-05:00

We went to the Adventure Science Center!

2011-08-07T22:50:00.004-05:00

We Had Visitors!

2011-08-07T22:48:00.002-05:00

Here’s the Deal

2011-08-07T22:39:00.000-05:00

New computer, blogging issues. I am gonna breeze through our summer highlights! We have had fun! Here we go!

Discovery Center!

2011-08-07T22:09:00.007-05:00

Ty's Preschool Graduation

2011-07-29T22:39:00.005-05:00

As you can see, May was a very eventful time for our family! Did I mention that I also turned 30 in May. Yeah, 30. On May 15th sweet Ty graduated from preschool. This was a bittersweet day. We are so proud of Ty and how great he has done at preschool. He has had so much fun, learned a lot, and made many friendships. The graduation ceremony was especially hard because I was helping direct it! Try leading the most tear-jerking song you have ever heard while watching your firstborn stand up there and sing it. It was a precious, precious day that I will hold in my heart always. I always say it, but I cannot believe how fast he is growing. He will be heading off to Kindergarten soon. More on that to come! As you can see, he was filling a little silly after graduation! Signature Ty.

Wyatt's First Birthday!!!

2011-07-29T22:15:00.008-05:00

On May 6th my sweet baby boy turned 1 year old! He is all things fun! He is funny, active (very!), and so so adorable. He is full of life and curiosity. He has brought so much joy to our lives. His first year flew by so quickly! I am trying to soak these baby days up with him in spite of the millions of daily tasks that are always on my list! He is one very loved little boy. I am looking forward to watching him grow and learn this next year!

Moments with Moms

2011-07-29T22:11:00.003-05:00

This photo is from Moments with Moms at preschool. Ansley wasn't in the picture mood this day, but I love this picture with my sweet boy. This was his last one of these at preschool. I have so loved being there with him, and will miss having him there this year!

Ansley turns 4!

2011-07-29T20:55:00.009-05:00

On May 1st Ansley turned 4! It is so hard for me to believe that my little girl is 4. She is so precious. She is growing and learning so much. She is brilliant and creative and lights up my life everyday with her sweet smile and cute tiny voice. I absolutely love the age of 4. Although it is a little sad to move past baby/toddler days, these days are so much fun. We had her birthday party at the zoo this year, which she was sooo excited about. She loves all things animals. It was a great time. We moved it up a day due to the weather forecast and were so glad because she woke up on her birthday morning sick! This was not her first birthday to be sick. It seems to be a tradition for her, but hopefully this will be the last year! Anyway, here are some pics from the fun day!

Family Easter and Birthday Party

2011-07-28T23:29:00.006-05:00

After the church Easter Egg Hunt we went over to Sarah and Houston's house for a family dinner. The kids got to hunt for eggs again! They had quite a day! Wyatt and my little cousin Daniel are only a few weeks apart in age, and my sweet Aunt Tammy made them the cutest little cakes! They weren't sure what to think at first, but once they dove in they had fun! On another note, I would normally post pics from Easter Day. This Easter, however, I was sick. We missed church and Brian took the kids to his parents' house for a fun get-together with his family. I am so sad that I have no pics of this, but when you send your husband off with 3 little kids you don't really expect him to take pictures!

Church Easter Egg Hunt

2011-07-28T23:14:00.004-05:00

Our church has a preschool Easter Egg hunt and lunch every year at the home of Stan and LeEllen Ezell. It is always a highlight of Easter for the kids. Aunt Jan was kind enough to keep Wyatt while I took Ty and Ansley since Brian was at work. It was great to have some time with the 2 of them. We had a blast! As you can see, they got lots of eggs!

Wyatt's First Haircut

2011-07-28T22:54:00.004-05:00

On April 11th Wyatt had his first haircut! I tried to make it to his first birthday, but he was looking pretty raggedy :). He was a real trooper and did great for most of the haircut. When she turned on the clippers he got scared so that is the crying picture. He also had his first sucker, and he rather liked it! Here are some pictures of my big boy. That first haircut always makes them look so much older!

Spring Program - "Go Into All the World"

2011-07-28T22:36:00.003-05:00

The kids' spring program at preschool this year was so cute (if I do say so myself!). Our theme was "Go into all the World." We learned songs about sharing God with others and even some lyrics in other languages. Each age group represented a part of the world with their little hats. They did such a great job! I was so proud of all of the kids including Ty and Ansley. They did wonderfully. I am so thankful to have a job where I can share Jesus with these sweet children. Sorry I didn't get more pics! This happened to also be the day that Brian had ankle surgery. More on that later.

Ty's First Baseball Game

2011-07-16T22:29:00.005-05:00

This Spring our family entered a new frontier: Team Sports! Ty played baseball in the Spring. It was his first team to play on, and he loved it. We all enjoyed going to the games and watching those sweet boys play ball. I had an advantage of knowing most of the boys because they go preschool where I teach. Ty did so great and learned so much. He got pretty good by the end of the season! Here's to lots more fun days at the ballpark!

First Annual Daddy and Ansley Valentine's Day Date

2011-07-02T23:01:00.002-05:00

On Valentine's Day this year Brian came home with flowers for both Ansley and I, as well as some goodies for the kids. Then he took Ansley out on a date for dinner. It was so sweet, and she was so excited. She looked at her flowers and carried them around all week. I hope this becomes a yearly tradition for the two of them. What a sweet daddy she has!

Growing Up!

2011-06-22T22:20:00.002-05:00

These pictures are from February. Wyatt was starting to stand on his own. He is growing so fast. You always hear that it goes faster with each one, and it really does. I am trying to enjoy these baby days and love on him as much as I can! He is so full of life! He is active and really funny. I don't know how someone can be so funny without being able to speak, but somehow he pulls it off. You light up my life, Little Man. Now stop growing so fast! :)

Why This Picture Makes Me Happy...

2011-06-22T22:11:00.002-05:00

This picture reminds me of the faithfulness of God. After years of struggling to conceive, our friends Johnathan and Brooke welcomed Hudson Grant Akin (the one I am holding) into the world in October. We were blessed to be able to share the journey with them, and had been petitioning God for so long (along with so many others) to bless them with a child. Hudson is absolutely precious and wonderful, and God has done so much through their experience. I am excited that he and Wyatt will get to grow up as buddies, and I am so thankful to get to share this journey of motherhood with one of my dearest friends.

Snow Days

2011-06-22T21:58:00.003-05:00

We had a lot of snow days this year! The kids and I had fun playing in it. We built the world's tiniest snowman once, and a big snowman another time whom the kids named "Frosty". They were so proud of him. I remember the excitement of snow as a child. I try to hold onto that, but it isn't quite the same. I am glad to see it in their eyes every time!

Christmas Morning 2010

2011-06-22T21:32:00.004-05:00

If you have known Brian and I for very long you know that we both have large families. You also know that we adore them and enjoy spending lots of time with them. At Christmas time we are constantly around extended family members, and it is such a blessing. However, Christmas morning is the one time that we have just as our little family. I treasure those sweet few hours every year. We get up and see what Santa brought, I cook breakfast, and then we play with the new toys the kids opened. It is so much fun. For all the days that I wonder if I will survive the years of the kids being so little, there are these beautiful days when I just want so badly to freeze them right here at these ages. They get so excited about the little things. They still think their parents are great. They trust, and love, and play wholeheartedly. Things are more simple now than they will be when the diapers and baby food and preschool days are over. Christmas morning this year was one of those times where I was just overwhelmed with thankfulness for my family, and I tried to soak up every moment and live only in the present.

Christmas Family Festivities

2011-06-20T23:13:00.009-05:00

I have always loved Christmas for as long as I can remember. Even now it makes me downright giddy. There are many things I love about the ways in which we celebrate, but my one of my favorites is getting to spend time with our family celebrating Jesus, our Savior. We are so blessed to have two families that we really enjoy spending time with, and who share our faith in Christ. Here are lots of pics from our various family gatherings this Christmas!

Fun with the Akins

2011-06-20T23:05:00.003-05:00

We have a yearly tradition of going to dinner and Opryland hotel with our friends the Akins, but this year we changed things up a little. We had baby Wyatt and they had their sweet baby Hudson. By the time we finished dinner at the Caney Fork the babies were pretty tired out so we went for a drive through and awesome outdoor Christmas lights display instead! It was so great, and the kids loved it. I love these little family traditions and the Akins!

Making Christmas Cookies :)

2011-06-20T23:00:00.002-05:00

Preschool Christmas Parties and Program

2011-06-20T22:28:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures from our annual Preschool Christmas Program. The kids all did so great this year. We practiced so much with them, and they really showed off for the parents. I was so proud of Ty and Ansley. They were great. It made me sad that this would be Ty's last Christmas program at Preschool, but I know we have many more programs to look forward to in Elementary School! I love the kids in their little PJs. So adorable!!!

Family Pics November 2010

2011-06-20T22:07:00.004-05:00

"Giddy"

2011-06-20T22:01:00.003-05:00

This is "Giddy", our Elf on the Shelf. The kids named him "Giddy", which I love! This was his second year with us, and these were his first surprises of the year. He brought a few goodies and pulled lots of pranks this year. The kids have so much fun with it, and every morning they look for him first thing. He is supposed to move each night to a different place. Thanks to Jenny for passing on this tradition to us as a gift :).

Pictures with Santa

2011-06-20T21:54:00.003-05:00

The kids were so cute with Santa this year. They all did great and no screaming! Ty and Ansley really talked to him. This is a fun tradition that our church has every year. Our children's minister has Santa at her house. Usually Mrs. Claus is there also, but she was under the weather this year.

A Few More Pics from Thanksgiving - Oops

2011-06-20T21:44:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving 2011 Festivities

2011-06-19T22:47:00.006-05:00

We had such a great Thanksgiving! We got to spend the day with both families. We are so very blessed to have two amazing families that are so loving and supportive. The kids are blessed with lots of cousins to play with! I so love Thanksgiving, and the way it makes you really think about all of the blessings in our lives. Too often we take them for granted. This was sweet Wyatt's first Thanksgiving, and we are so thankful for the blessing of this precious baby boy. Here are some pics of the day and also a few from the Thanksgiving feast at preschool.

Ty Turns 5!!!

2011-04-16T20:29:00.005-05:00

For Ty's 5th birthday we celebrated he and his cousin Malcolm had a party together at Grandmother and Grandad's house the day before Halloween. It was lots of fun! We had hayrides, sackraces, donut strings, smores, hotdogs, and more! The kids had such a great time. Then on the actually day of his birthday our little family of 5 went to the Snappy Tomato (Ty's favorite) for dinner and games. I cannot believe that my sweet baby boy is already 5 years old. He is growing so fast. I am so proud of him. He is smart, funny, sweet, and compassionate. He is a precious blessing in our family. Here are pics of all the fun!

Halloween 2010

2011-04-16T20:07:00.008-05:00

Here are lots of pictures from all our Halloween festivities last year! We had lots of fun making cookies, going to preschool parties, going to Trunk or Treat, and Trick or Treating in our neighborhood! Ty and Ansley loved getting dressed up this year! Ty just had to be a superhero. We have passed the cutesie days with him. :( Ansley wanted to be a lion and perfected her roar! Wyatt was a little mouse because that is what Mommy found at the consignment sale and it seemed to go with the lion!

Wyatt's First Babyfood!

2011-02-27T21:17:00.004-06:00

On October 6th, 2010 Wyatt had his first baby food. He was a big fan!!! He scarfed down the jar in about 5 minutes and hasn't slowed down since. This boy is my big eater! He was so cute with the sweet potatoes all over his face. Just for fun I put a pic of Ty with his first solids at the bottom. Pretty crazy how similar these two look!

Somebody loves babyfood!

Ty at this age

Ty's First Fieldtrip

2011-02-27T21:06:00.004-06:00

Church Family Picnic 2010

2011-02-27T20:39:00.003-06:00

Back in September we had our annual church family picnic. This was the first year we were able to go, and it was so much fun! We are so thankful for the church family God has blessed us with. It is so great to be a part of a church family that is filled with God's Spirit and is reaching out to the world around us. Here are some pics from this great family time!

First (and second) Day of Preschool

2011-02-27T20:26:00.004-06:00

These are some pics from the first couple of days of preschool this year. Ty is in the Pre-K 4's class this year and Ansley is in the 3's. They are both having a great year. They love school and have amazing teachers. Wyatt gets to hang out with Miss Lea on Tuesday and Thursday while I teach music, and he really loves her. I can't believe how much they have all already changed since I took these pictures!

Ty's First Titans (pre-season) Game

2011-02-27T20:21:00.000-06:00

Ty, Ansley and Wyatt's First Photoshoot

2011-01-31T22:02:00.005-06:00

Okay, I am going back to May here, but here are some pics I had made at Portrait Innovations when Wyatt was a few weeks old.

More Summer Pics

2011-01-31T21:54:00.004-06:00

Gymnastics

Little Swimmer

4th of July 2010

2011-01-31T21:44:00.003-06:00

For July 4th this year we went to the infamous Pegram Parade out in our hometown. Then we went over to Brian's parent's house for lunch with the family. We had a fun day and then Brian and I took the kids to get ice cream and watch the downtown fireworks from the Baptist parking garage. They loved the fireworks this year and had a great time playing with cousins!

Family Vacation 2010

2011-01-31T16:25:00.010-06:00

In June we went with my family (minus little brother John unfortunately) to Seagrove, Florida. We headed down with a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and a 6 week old! It was a great trip. We had so much fun just being together. The kids love getting to spend this much time with their cousins. Wyatt did really great on the trip. He was such a trooper. We did lots of fun things together, but were pretty low key at the same time with all of these little ones. I am so thankful for the gift of family and the comfort of knowing you can just be yourself with those that love you most. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great trip!!!

Shade Bathing

Thinking about getting in.

Movie Time

Game Night We had lots of fun in the pool!

Weirdo :)

We spent a little time at the beach, but it was very seaweedy!

We went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D!

Aunt Jenny got some good Wyatt time in. :)

Game night again. Don't they look thrilled?!

Aunt Jenny's fun craft time!

More Beach Time

We went to Seaside for ice cream and playtime!

Our last night we went to Panama City for some fun.

I wonder why I look tired?

Supermodels

Inflatables!

Yes, that is my barely 3 year old daughter doing the bungee thing at her request!

Too much fun for Wyatt!

Just a Few More

2011-01-31T16:12:00.003-06:00

Beautiful

The Gang!

First Tub Bath

Wazzup?!

Chocolate Chip Muffins!

Still cute even with "baby acne".

More pics of Wyatt's first weeks

2011-01-31T15:49:00.004-06:00

He didn't love the bili-blanket for obvious reasons.

This is my fav!

First sponge bath given by Nana

"Aunt" Brooke

"Uncle" Johnathan

Aunt Sarah

Um, that isn't your bouncy seat....

Everybody needs a big brother superhero.

Moses Basket

The guys.

Swaddled Sweetie

Wyatt's First Few Days of Life

2011-01-31T15:05:00.008-06:00

Here are some pictures of Wyatt's first few days of life. We had so many friends and family come to see this precious boy. I don't think I managed to get pics of everyone, but I tried. He is one loved little boy. We were already starting to learn in these first few days what a sweet personality little Wyatt has. We also learned that he, like his siblings, would struggle with jaundice for the first few weeks of life. The last picure is of him wrapped in his "bili blanket", which ultimately kept him from being admitted to Vanderbilt Children's hospital like Ty was as an newborn. Enjoy the cuteness!

Aunt Karen

Uncle John

Grandy and Ty

Michael and Meghan brought us Logans!

Sweet

Ashley

Precious

So sleepy!

Proud Papa

Going home outfit.

He is finally here! :)

Already in love.

Car ride home.

Aunt Linda

Uncle Matt and Aunt Traci

Cousin Clay

Uncle Gary, Clay and Ryan

Happy Big Sister!

Awwww.....

Great Grandmother (Ma)

Great Aunt Karen

Cousin Noah

Love it!

Aunt Jenny

Cousin Sophia

Bili Blanket

Wyatt Douglas Petty

2010-10-22T21:58:00.005-05:00

On Thursday May 6th, 2010 around 4:00 in the afternoon we welcomed Wyatt Douglas Petty into the world and into our family! He came on the heels of the big flood so we were actually staying at Brian's sister Kim's house when I went into labor with him during the night. We were so ready to meet him! He was born with relative ease and weighed 7 lbs and 12 oz! We were shocked immediately how much he reminded us of Ty. Ty and Ansley were so excited to meet their baby brother at last! It is amazing how with each one you fall completely in love with them like it is the first time all over again. Wyatt has been a complete joy and there will be many more pics of him to follow, but I want to keep this all in order. So for today, here are some pics of Wyatt's first day of life, the day God blessed us once again with a gift we could never imagine or deserve. Praise be to Him for His mercy and blessings.

Lessons from the Flood

2010-08-23T22:44:00.002-05:00

As mentioned above, on May 1st we went to Opry Mills. The next morning we woke up to news that Nashville had some pretty serious flooding. As I was online trying to find out more at 9:00 AM our power went out. I figured it would be back on any minute. Not quite. Brian and I had both forgotten to charge our cell phones the night before so we were trying to communicate with our friends and family, but trying to conserve our batteries as well. We decided early that morning that it wasn't wise to go to church so I was trying to get some housework done while we were stuck at home. Brian went out to get lunch at Publix and came back with the news. We were trapped. There was no getting in or out of Bellevue except by helicopter. I had a brief moment of panic as I knew that I was already dilated to 2 centimeters and had been having contractions on and off for a couple of weeks. It was an incredibly helpless feeling. Needless to say, I stopped cleaning and did as little sitting as possible. The power stayed out, and we were told it would be several days before it returned. So here we were. We prayed that I woudn't go into labor and tried to make a plan just in case. A woman in our neighborhood actually had her baby at a nurse's house in our neighborhood with the assistance of a local OB and got taken to a hospital afterward by way of boat and ambulance. I wasn't afraid of delivering a baby without meds as I was hoping to do that anyway, but I was scared to death of there being a problem and not having the equipment we needed to help the baby. I can't describe the feeling of helplessness that came from being trapped, almost unable to contact the outside world, and without power. On Monday night we were finally able to get out when one of the roads reopened and we spent the night with Brian's sister, Kendria. It was so great to have air conditioning again! What we experienced was nothing compared to the tragedy that so many faced from the floods. All we lost was all of the food in our refridgerator and freezer, and that seems like nothing. So many lost so much more. The flood was truly devastating. I feel that experiencing this flood was an installment for me in the lessons that God has been trying to teach me about how selfish and blind we are in our culture. Experiencing the helplessness of not having medical care available made me realize that so many women in the world have no medical care available when they have babies. That is why infant mortality rates are higher for them. Not having power and air conditioning felt like such a terrible thing, but there are millions in this world who could never dream of such luxuries. Why do I feel entitled to these things? What can we do to help others who don't even have clean water or power? How do we live so blindly to the plight of so many people in this world? I am such a work in progress. I think that the flood taught us all about what is important and also about how little control we really have over our own lives. It also taught me that we don't take enough time to just enjoy each other without commitments or technology. Brian was home from work. We played games together. We talked to our neighbors more than we had in 3 years. We cooked out with friends that lived in Bellevue and just talked. Three days later we had a baby. What a wild and crazy week.

Ansley Turns 3!

2010-08-23T21:58:00.005-05:00

Since we had Ansley's party on April 18th in case of an early birth we decided that on her actual birthday if I had not yet had Wyatt we would do something fun as a family. So on May 1st we took Ty and Ansley to Build-A-Bear for the first time. We met Mom and Dad at Opry Mills where we ate dinner, the kids rode the carousel, went to build a bear, and ate cake from Chili's! There was some really bad weather that night and we almost didn't go, but we decided to brave it. Little did we know the flood of 2010 had started and we would be some of the last at Opry Mills before it flooded. Anyway, more on that later. Ansley was so excited to make a bear, as was Ty! Ansley had to have a pink bear with bunny slippers! Ty not surprisingly chose to make a Batman dog. They also made a bear for their new baby brother as a gift. It was a really great night! It is so hard to believe that my precious girl is already 3 years old. I love her so much! Although we have our battles I love her fire and excitement for life. She has so many amazing qualities. I am so thankful and humbled to have been entrusted with her care for a while. Here are some pics from the night and the last few years.

Ansley's Birth

Ansley's First Birthday

Ansley's 2nd Birthday

Third Birthday

Ansley's 3rd Birthday Party!

2010-08-23T19:48:00.007-05:00

I knew Ansley's birthday party could not be at my house this year because I was so pregnant and miserable! I gave her the option of Monkey's Treehouse or Pump it Up and she quickly chose "the bouncy place!" We celebrated a couple of weeks early because I was 36 weeks pregnant at this point and afraid to wait until 38 weeks, which was when both Ty and Ansley were born. We went to eat at Pie in the Sky in Franklin and then headed over to Pump it Up. We had a blast with lots of family and friends! Ansley had a slight injury and was an observer for the second half of the jumping, but she still enjoyed herself! Then there was cake which made it all better. There are a lot of pictures here, but I couldn't choose! More about my birthday girl in the next post!

Birthday Girl!

Classic Ty Face

The Adults had fun too!

My beautiful girl

Observation Time!

Hilarious attempt at a group shot!

Is Eric in timeout again?!

Baby Claire!

Easter Morning

2010-08-23T19:26:00.003-05:00

One last Easter post! No wonder Ansley keeps asking me when it will be Easter again! These pictures are from Easter Morning. The Easter bunny came with highlights of bike helmets(the Easter Bunny likes safety :) and hooded beach towels(which I am glad I got on consignment because I totally forgot about them for most of the summer!). They were very excited and even got to eat a ring pop before church. Easter is so fun with them at this age, but I look forward even more to when we can share the joy of what Easter is really about. We certainly talk about what Easter is really about and read books about it every year, but I pray that someday they will know Jesus as their Savior and love Him with abandonment. Then we can share Easter in its purest sense. Praise God for a risen Savior!

Petty Family Egg Hunt at Grandmother's

2010-08-23T14:40:00.004-05:00

Wyatt's Diaper Shower

2010-08-23T14:26:00.002-05:00

That night after the Spring Program at Preschool (April 1st) my girlfriends from church, also known as the "Thursday Night Girls" gave me a diaper shower! It was so precious. I had the best time hanging out with friends and getting free diapers! I have been using them like crazy. Everything was so cute and Brooke O'dell did the food (and hosted) so that was of course amazing. Thanks to all you ladies! I love you!

"God Made Me Special"

2010-08-23T14:04:00.004-05:00

The Spring Program this year was themed "God Made Me Special". Miss Angela and I had the kids sing songs about God's love for us, our love for others, and how he made us each special in His sight. The kids did such a great job! We were so proud of them. Ty and Ansley did great. Ansley even surprised me by singing (which she never once did in practice!). I couldn't take pics during the program since I was directing, and whoever I appointed as photographer did not embrace the role (no names!) so most of these are from before and after the program. It was a great day.

Preschool Easter

2010-08-23T13:49:00.002-05:00

Church Easter Egg Hunt

2010-08-23T13:17:00.004-05:00

Every year Stan and LeEllen Ezell host a preschool Easter egg hunt and lunch at their house. They are so sweet and generous to do this! The kids love it! It is so fun. They had a great time this year. I got tickled because without any planning or discussion of it Ty picked up only blue eggs and Ansley picked up only pink eggs. They completely skipped over the others! They definitely enjoyed the goodies that were inside them too!

Celebrating Wyatt and Daniel!

2010-08-23T10:30:00.004-05:00

I can't believe I am voluntarily posting these pictures, but here we go! My aunt Celeste (who is only 6 years older than me) and I got to go through pregnancy together this time. She was expecting her 4th little boy, Daniel and I was expecting Wyatt. They ended up being born just a few weeks apart. More on the new addition later! This was a night that we got together with our family to celebrate these new babies. We ate dinner at Cozymel's and just had a great time. All of these ladies are such a blessing in my life. I can't imagine life without them.

Cuteness!

Mom and Celeste

Jenny, Sarah, and I

The Girls Sorry, Jenny, couldn't resist.

The one who brought me into this world!

Oh my word!

Strike a pose.

Baby boys hugging!

Wilderness in the Smokies

2010-08-23T10:00:00.005-05:00

I'm back! I have some serious catching up to do so here we go. I am gonna try to keep these posts in order. Back in February we took a weekend trip to Gatlinburg and stayed at the indoor waterpark there. We went with Brian's sister Karen and her family so we had 4 kids under 4 years old, 2 very pregnant mommies, and 2 daddies! We had a fun time hanging out and playing in the water. I think the boys enjoyed it the most. Ansley was too cold in the water, and I was too pregnant to do waterslides or anything, but the family time was great. We also went to the Gatlinburg aquarium on our way out which was very fun. The kids absolutely love aquariums. This was our last hoora before we welcomed another newborn into the family. Here are a few pics! I didn't take many at the waterpark unfortunately because the priority was on chasing kids! :)

Valentine's Parties and Cookie Making

2010-04-02T20:41:00.003-06:00

Every year we make Valentine's Cookies. The kids love any occasion to make sugar cookies really! They both had Valentine's parties at school too and had a lot of fun. Here are some pics of the fun! I am trying to catch up on these posts before little Wyatt gets here!

Snow Days!

2010-04-02T20:19:00.005-06:00

This winter we had more snow than we have had in a very long time. It was so much fun for the kids to get to play in some real snow. They even got to sled for the first time. One snow was about 7 inches deep! Here are some pics from all of our fun.

"Fresh Prints" by Beth Moore

2010-03-12T23:06:00.002-06:00

We're inundated with the news

That all is at unrest.

We've not a clue

What this world's coming to,

Just thank the Lord we're blessed.

Beloved, this very day

You thought you'd never live to see

Is just the one God preordained

And chose for you and me.

We're not called to shake our heads

And utter "what a pity."

We're called as candles on a hill

And towers in a city.

We can draw far more to Christ than tracts

Or fancy steeples

We are proof in breathing flesh -

God moves among His people!

Please understand, this race you run

Is not just for your prize.

Grab young hands, courageous band,

Run for their very lives!

For us we must live for today,

For them, live for tomorrow.

Redeem the time for many blind

For there is none to borrow!

The prints of history's heroes

Will soon fade into the dust

If there will be fresh prints, my friend,

It is up to us.

Footprints that walk the talk that says,

"I'll go where You will lead!"

Kneeprints that bridge the gap

And make the hedge to intercede.

God, kick us off our cushioned seats

Don't let us turn our heads!

Let's cease to hide behind the cross

And carry it instead!

You beckon us, "My warriors,

The time has come, ARISE!

Draw your swords, fight the fight,

Sound the battle cry."

"Where are my few who dare to say,

'Come follow Him with me?'

Would you lay down your own dear life

So that my Son they'll see?"

"Consider Child, carefully -

Am I quite worth the cost?

To surrender hearts to holiness

And count all gains but loss?"

"I call you from your comfort zone,

Dare you be one of few?

If you'll not leave fresh prints, My child,

Then I must ask you, who?"

If you'll not lead the way, My child,

Then look around you,

Who?

A Few More Christmas Pics

2010-03-12T23:00:00.001-06:00

Christmas Morning 2009

2010-03-12T22:43:00.003-06:00

Christmas morning with the kids was so fun this year. They were so excited, and we loved playing with them and eating breakfast together. With all of our family gatherings these few hours are the only time we really have with just our little family over Christmas. I was obviously having a good time because I didn't take very many pictures this year, but here are a few!

Ty loves his new bike!

Daddy showing Ansley how to build with legos.

Reindeer Food and Santa's Cookies (crumbs)

Ansley was excited about her dollhouse!

Christmas Day at the Petty's

2010-03-12T22:28:00.004-06:00

We had fun at Brian's Mom and Dad's house on Christmas day eating lunch and playing with our many cousins! Here are a few pics of the festivities!

Christmas Eve at Mom & Dad's

2010-02-22T21:29:00.005-06:00

Sweet Family Photo

Grandy & his boys

Jenny and her big boy

Ansley had an early bath due to a "pooptastrophy".

Um, I think Noah liked the Star Wars figures we got him.

Love my baby girl!

John enjoying Ty's present

Bennett trying on his dress up clothes.

Noah making a great face.

How cute is my Mom?

Ansley had to get rid of the bow and try on Bennett's hat!

Duane was a little excited about the panini maker!

Ty got a cool Cars toy.

Ansley loving her My Little Pony toy.

Uncle John gave wagon rides.

Sweet NaNa and sweet Olivia.

Bennett had a good time!

Two peas in a pod.

He is too funny.

Sophia is so adorable.

Cutie Pie

Micah sporting his M&M's

Ty was pretty pumped too!

This one was too sweet not to post.

Forrest Family Christmas

2010-02-22T20:58:00.004-06:00

Continuing the Christmas pics here are some from our big Forrest Family Christmas. We got together at the church and had a great time. Lots of kiddos running around in this crew! Wish I had gotten pics of all of them.

My Sweet Girl

My Sweet Boy

Nana and Sophia

My Aunt Celeste and I (Both expecting boys this spring!)

Jenny & Duane were suprised by the money our family collected for their adoption. God provided just what they needed.

Goober

Trouble!!!

Bennett trying to sneak into the gym :)

Aunt Kristi and Jenny

Me and the Little Bro

Aren't they cute?

They are pretty cute too :)

Christmas Cookies Tradition!

2010-02-15T21:34:00.003-06:00

Preschool Christmas Program

2010-02-15T21:12:00.004-06:00

On December 17th Ty and Ansley performed in their preschool Christmas program. Since I am now a music teacher at the preschool I was directing the program as well. It was a big day for the Petty's! The kids were so cute. Ty sang really well, and Ansley did the hand motions to her songs really well. Daddy, Grandmother, and Nana and Grandy got to be there to watch!

Before the Show!

Doesn't she look thrilled?!

Nana and Grandy got to come!

Ty and his big buddy Campbell

Classic!

Sweet Pic of Ty's Friend Taylor

Grandmother got to come too!