Last of the Beach

Thursday wasn't the best of weather days, but we still had a great time. Andy & I decided since it was raining a little we would head to a few golf stores and outlets. I found a few great deals and then I tore myself away before I got into the kids clothing stores. I have no self control and still buy one in pink and one in blue.... Then we headed back to Lulu's for lunch! We spent the afternoon playing games and hanging out.

Then it was photo session time. Thankfully the weather cleared and we had a perfect evening for it!!!! Aimee had bought the greatest outfits ever for taking pictures! I love the colors and how they looked on the white sand! It was such a great choice. Taking pictures is a HUGE passion and it makes me happy to know I am capturing moments!! There's nothing more fun than taking pictures of kiddos, thus the oodles of pictures of Layla & Tanner. It was a lot of fun and we got some great pics out of it! Taking pictures makes me happy~ (Even if I did get drenched by a wave there in the end. :)

Enjoy.... Aimee, Jason, Layla & Tanner Thurmond!!




Our favorite picture, which was totally NOT planned......





How cute are they?




I was taking pics of Jason & Aimee, but Miss Priss decided she needed to be in these too. I just think this one is sweet.....





That tongue, she's so funny.....





Nothing sweeter than a little girl & her Mommy.....





No fear of the bitty bitty crabs......




Yep, two bitty bitty crabs... that girl, that girl..... isn't she beautiful?!






Tanner and his Daddy testing out the ocean for the first time.....




Tanner's face just makes me laugh.....






Tanner and his Mommy.....




Aren't they the sweetest?

Wednesday @ the Beach

We spent the morning & early afternoon on the beach. Ms. Layla had fun in the ocean with Pappy holding her, knocking down sand castles and playing ball. It was a beautiful day!



What color are Pappy's eyes? Let's get a GOOD CLOSE look!!!



Silly girl!!



Aimee & Jason before we headed to eat at The Oyster House. How sweet are they?



There were catfish to feed after we ate, Mimi & Layla.



Then it was time for Zoo Land putt putt. Aunt Monica & Layla read to play "golf". She was so excited and we had a great time!




Uncle Andy enjoyed entertaining Tanner. Tanner also made a few girlfriends with the group behind us, the little flirt!!




Layla loved putt putt, more so than I ever would have imagined. She played every hole, over and over! She was hot and her face was red, but that little girl never complained and then cried when we left. A few mornings later Pappy asked her if she wanted to color or play Boggle and she said "no, play golf"!!




We were all melting by the time it was over and we headed straight to the pool to cool off!!!
Just one more perfect day at the beach!!!!!!!!!!! Makes me ready to go back just thinking about it!

Beach
Part 2

Monday the ocean was still a little choppy and the sea weed was back a little, but never quite like that first day. We spent the morning playing in the sand and then decided to head out for lunch @ Lulu's. Andy & I had never been before and we loved it. (We went back later in the week) It is a yummy, casual, fun joint on a marina and owned by Lucy Buffet. Great food and fantastic smoothies!! Then we returned for pool time for the evening!!

Lunch @ Lulu's. Surely someday this dork will stop making faces for my pictures. He should learn that I'll post 'em for the world to see. Dork!!

Uncle Andy, Pappy & Layla in the ocean. She never would walk into the ocean on her own all week. She loved being out there though and wanted Pappy to carry her further and further and further out. She'd have went to the edge of the world if Pappy would have carried her there!!

Tanner makes his beach appearance of the day!




Layla takes over my noodle chair in the pool and she & Uncle Andy fight with the float. I'm sure it went something like this:

A: I'm gonna get you
L: NO
A: Yes
L: NO
A: YES
L: NO

They had MANY of these same conversations during the week. He is the perfect Uncle in the way he annoys the dickens out of her and she thinks he is so silly. She's right, I think he's super silly too!!!

Tanner makes a fashion statement at the pool with his Uncle Luke's swim suit on. I guess it's 20something years old now, too funny! Not sure how he feels about the pink float. Why didn't we put that little guy on the blue one?

Tuesday it seems that I only took one picture, how interesting. Tuesday morning Andy decided to go play golf while I hung out with Aimee & Tanner watching a movie and then I spent some time at the pool with my new book "Twilight". (That will get it's own blog eventually) The rest of the gang was at the beach until lunch. After lunch Andy & I spent the afternoon at the pool! Andy & I went to shop around some after dinner, no beach trip is complete without wondering through a store that sells shells, shirts and beach toys! We headed to Walmart & Books a Million to find the next two books in the Twilight series, "New Moon" and "Eclipse" and then ended our nightly outing with a "Sno Ball" that we bought from the cutest little guy ever.

My one picture from the day seems to be of the little man in his seat.

Our Summer Tanner/Thurmond Family Beach Trip

Part 1

We had the best time at the beach and it couldn't have been better. I am always one who has trouble coming home, I just love to be away from it all on vacation and never want it to end. It was our first trip in 9 years with a week of no schedule at all, (no ports to count down to, no shows to see, no parks to visit) completely relaxing and go with the flow. Andy, Mr. Busy Body, totally enjoyed it and said he needed another week! I couldn't be more thankful that they invited us to go and we made it work! Here's a little run down of our adventures.

Gulf Shores, Alabama. Andy and I had been about 7 years ago for just a few night stay over spring break. We'd gone with Andy's brother Mike and his wife Faye. It was freezing that trip and although we had a great time with Mike & Faye, Gulf Shores wasn't on our list of favorite places. We sure weren't dying to return there. I'm a "Panama City Beach" girl at heart.

We were thrilled this time when we fell in love with the area. There are great places to eat, tons of things to do, great outlets, lots of golf and a complete family friendly beach!! The condo was just across the street from the beach and a great place. It was very roomy and comfortable, we felt right at home. The back over sized deck was over looking the pool and lagoon area. Our condo complex had a dock with boat slips and a covered sitting area at the end. There was always boat traffic to watch in the lagoon, fish jumping and birds/cranes/pelicans galore. Just a few minutes walk across the street and we were on the beach.

Saturday we arrived and headed to the beach for a little bit. The water was filled with sea weed, the most I've ever seen before. Layla's first impression of the ocean (other than when she was a baby herself) was "It's gross!!!" She wanted no part of the gross green water on the first day! We played in the sand, looked for "bitty bitty crabs" and checked out our home for the week.



The evening beach stroll, wind in his face, put Tanner right to sleep!! What a cutie pie~

The first of many "bitty bitty crabs" that Layla would find. Uncle Andy & Layla look at the little critter in there with all the shells she picked up. The bitty bitty crab only survived the shaking for about 10 minutes before he came to the end of his little crabby life. . . .

Sunday the water was gorgeous & clear, an overnight miracle. The clear water came with new critters though, the jelly fish arrived!! Andy & I would venture out into the water again and again, only to chicken out when we'd see a few of those squishy guys floating around. Yikes!! I've never been one who is scared of sharks coming in close, the tide carrying me out or fish nibbling my toes. BUT... I'm terrified of jelly fish!!

Sunday also brought serious beach ball playing . .




Intense hole digging . . .



Alligator building (see previous post) and then resting . . .





There was also a cute baby playing and napping. . .





There was wearing of the hat . . .




Then tons of beach play all evening until we were totally out of sun! There are a few pictures of that too in Sunday's post. We all went back that night covered in sand from head to toe.

Layla was building and taking things apart, bit by sandy bit. All ... with a pair of green tweezers! Her favorite phrases of the night were "Ocean's coming!!!" and "Here comes the ocean" with the waves. It was a hoot!




Here is the final Sunday picture, Layla had it with Aunt Monica's photo taking . . . (he he he)

Still Beachin'...



Yep, we're still at the beach. We have never stayed at the beach this long together, ever. We haven't even been to a beach (other than in the Caribbean) together in almost 9 years. Crazy~ We are having a great time with no time schedule, no plans, tons of sand & sun, great hanging out with family and the two little ones that we love to pieces!
(I'm going to be in serious withdrawals next week!!)


We can't wait until next time . . .

Fun in the Sun!!!





Miss Layla

















Mr. Tanner











Uncle Andy & Miss Layla sittin' on the 'gator that he made today!




Wishin' everyone else was here too....

Because I am leaving in the morning to head to the beach! I will be with wonderful husband, my great sister & brother in law, my funny niece and her hubby. Plus two of my favorite people in the world... even when she has this look....and even when he is covered in stickers. he he he he he he......... See ya soon!!

(Pictures of the kids *cough*stolen*cough* from Aimee)

Things God is trying to teach me this week:

Here are some rambling thoughts going on inside my head about things I've read this week in my devotional books. (Yes Katie, your blog got me started on rambling about it. Figured I needed to stop hijacking yours and ramble on my own.)

1) "So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going to work and walking around life - and place it before God as an offering." Romans 12:1 (The Message)

I love this, really love it and am working on memorizing this one. I love that it's not only the big stuff that God is concerned with, but he wants us to give him glory, thanks, praise and control over the "ordinary life" just as much. I may never be a missionary in a foreign country, may never stand in front of hundreds to share my testimony, may never work in prison ministry or start an orphanage. Those things are amazing and thankfully God has equipped others to do those things. I have had the priveledge and honor to pray with a child at children's camp when they accepted Christ as their personal savior in a little cabin in the mountains, I have been able to teach children the song "Jesus Loves Me" when they'd never heard it before at preschool, I've been able to hug a child at a back yard Bible school in an inner city that probably doesn't get many hugs, I have held the door open for elderly ladies in the grocery store and chatted a few words of kindness, told the cashier that she had a great smile after she'd just dealt with an unruly customer in a patient way and prayed for my preschool babies every morning of school. I've done these things, but how many things have I missed? How many blessings to others and myself have I missed by not committing the little things to Christ? Just a few months ago I posted one of my favorite songs by 33Miles "Thank You". I want to remember what that song says about starting each day with thanking God for all he gives me or even what he takes away. Because he provides me with what I need and he loves me, what else is there really?? I also want to commit to him the little things, the ordinary things: the driving in my car, working with kids, going out to eat, hanging with friends, being with family, working with others, being a wife, daughter, friend kind of things.......

2) "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins - offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" 1 Peter 4:8-9 (NIV)

Yeah it's that "without grumbling" part that gets me in trouble. I am human and a prideful one at that. If I do something good, way too often I want recognition for it,
I want someone to notice. That's not the way God wants us to serve him, serving others. I do things with a smile on my face and grumbling in my heart. That isn't
doing any good for anyone involved. I'm the one missing a blessing! I need to work on this, complaining comes way too easy and I need to concentrate on the spirit in which I do things!

3) Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, truthfully administering God's grace in it's various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things, God may be praised through Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 4:10-11 (NIV)

I use the excuse way too often "I don't have the energy, the resources, the time, etc..." to serve in a certain capacity. I don't want to drive to church every Wednesday night
to work with kids because gas is so high, I don't want to join the group going on a mission trip because we don't have time this summer, I don't want to volunteer in the community because it's way out of my comfort zone. I have volunteered before and I know the rewards in my own heart and that it is what's expected of me as a Christian. We aren't to sit on our rears and watch the world go by. We're to be "his hands & his feet" around us. I love this says that we'll have the strength God provides, we just have to seek it!!


***So there you have it, thoughts from a woman just pondering "out loud" this morning about what God wants for her life. *****

Because I need something to entertain me right now.

(and Holly just sent this)

I bring you another question do hickey.

The great news is, I haven't done one in a long time!

50 ODD Things about you! ((I'd love to see some of you copy, paste and play along!!))

1. Do you like blue cheese? crumbles on my salad, yes. (blue cheese dressing, no)

2. Have you ever smoked a cigarette? never ever

3. Do you own a gun? sort of

4. What flavor do you add to your drink at Sonic? none, i get a strawberry/lemon fresh fruit slush

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? more than i can even describe to you!!!

6. What do you think of hot dogs? love 'em, a favorite and no thanks on the bun!

7. Favorite Christmas Song? "Baby it's Cold Outside" .. over and over and over and over

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? a Coke if I'm cheating and a Coke Zero if I'm not

9. Can you do push ups? pathetically a few

10. What's your favorite meal? seriously? mcd's double cheeseburger & sweet tea .. or fiesta lime chicken from applebees...or california chicken salad from O'Charley's (without the chicken)

.11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? wedding rings (both sets, my husband rocks!)

12. Favorite hobby? Reading, taking pics of kids

13. Do you work with people who idolize you? ha, idolize... maybe more like put up with because i'm such an over achiever...lol.. they might want to strangle me....

14. Do you have ADD? about somethings sometimes, sometimes it's the opposite an OCD

15. What's one trait that you hate about yourself? i worry - i don't like speaking in groups

16. Middle name? Susann (think "Suzanne", i tell my Mom she spelled it wrong)

17. Name 3 thoughts at this moment: 1-Tracey just emailed and i need to go see what she said, 2-I will never sleep tonight, 3- I am so thankful I got out tonight with Misty (thanks again, you have no idea)

18. Name 3 things you bought yesterday: yesterday - nothing, today was errand day

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink: Coke zero, milk 2% and fruit punch crystal light

20. Current worry right now: just know there is one

21. Current hate right now? not hate, but i'm struggling with the letting go when I hand things to the Lord...so i don't like NOT being in control of things, but I know that the one who has the best plan for me IS in control and I'm reminding myself to take comfort in that!!!

22. Favorite place to be? Walking down Main Street USA @ Disney World on the first morning of a long trip, makes me cry! ..After that.. the beach with a great book (or at the beach with my niece and nephew.. I can't wait for Saturday!)

23. How did you bring in New Years? We were at Disney World, but the parks were closed b/c of full capacity and we hung out in the hotel as the New Year arrived. Still was a great trip!

24. Where would you like to go? On another cruise, always. To Disney World ASAP! The beach Saturday!! :) Someday - Greece & Hawaii

25. Name three people who will complete this? Who Knows? They got tired of these I think.

26. Whose answer do you want to read the most? Anyone who has too much time on their hands

27. What color shirt are you wearing? White PJ's with blue flowers

28 . Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Sure, I like soft & cold sheets!

29. Can you whistle? Pathetically, I suck- in to whistle, Andy laughs at me...

30. Favorite color(s): Red & Pink

31. Would you be a pirate? Only if Captain Jack is there!!

32. What songs do you sing in the shower? Depends on what's on the radio in there.

33. Favorite girl's name? Not saying right now, but there are now 10 on the list (for some reason I am now adding names)

35. What's in your pocket right now? no pockets

36. Last thing that made you laugh? A bunch of things tonight with Misty, did I mention she rocks?!

37. Best bed sheets as a child? Holly hobby, duh. (Oh heavens, I just read your answer Holly and it's mine too!!!!! I still have mine. I have to take a picture and show you!!!!! Or better yet if you come to the Tanner Inn you can sleep on 'em!)

38. Worst injury you ever had? You're going to laugh, but it was the glue gun incident. It was the worse night of my life and was very scary! Andy still calls me lobster girl when I get out a glue gun.

39. Do you love where you live? Yeah, I do. It's close to our family & friends. (Most of 'em) It's close to "stuff", but it's still country-ish and small town. I love our house too and notice that more and more.

40. How many TVs do you have in your house? 3 or 4, Not sure if that one is still in Andy's downstairs room or not?

41. Who is your loudest friend? Does my Grandmother count? Not sure about loudest friend.

42. How many pets do you have? 3

43. Does someone have a crush on you? I'd ask him, but he's asleep.

45. What is your favorite book? I refuse to answer this, no short answer even possible.

46. What is your favorite candy ? Can I have it all? Skittles, Baby Ruth, M & Ms, I love it all though!

47. What is your favorite sports team: The Dawgs (that would be University of Georgia BullDogs for yall' yankees!!)

48. What song do you want played at your funeral? I don't want "them" to have a funeral when I go! (I'm very serious) Have a cookout, have people over for good food and good times. Play all sorts of random music if you must ... Christian, southern fried rock, country, Musical tunes, kids music, swing, I love it all.....

49. What were you doing 12 AM last night? Watching my last "DVR"ed episode of "Tori & Dean"

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up this morning? What was I suppose to do today?????? Do I need to get up or hit snooze??????

Summer Flowers

We haven't had much luck with our summer flowers the past few summers, it's so dry! Thankfully we've had a little more rain this summer than last though. We still can't keep anything much in our front flower bed. Our lantana though is growing like wildfire! We couldn't keep that stuff back if we tried, it's as tall as I am!! I forgot to take pics of my gerber daisies, oops!

My inside flower that my kids gave me at the end of the school year. It's in a huge pot. They had each bought me gift certificates from different places. They were on little wooden stakes all in the plant sticking up. It was super cute!

Summer Time

Getting to spend days at my brother & sister in laws pool with our great niece & nephew is so much fun! We suddenly decided this week to take off with them to the beach soon. Brother & Sister in law, niece, nephew, great niece, great nephew (and us) will all head to Gulf Shores next Saturday for a week of fun! It wasn't planned on our side, we just decided this week to tag along. It makes it even more exciting as a surprise trip.

I've had visions of kiddos giggling, drooly babies, hearing the waves, board games, lots of laughs, good food, bright sun, swimming, reading, putt putt and maybe a round of golf dancing in my head this week! I can't wait!!!

Tanner this week

Layla this week:

"Some Dreams Take a Little Longer to Come True"
By: Barbara J. Hall
(From the book: I believe in You)

"Perhaps you've poured your heart and soul into a project, but it hasn't flourished as you'd hoped. It hasn't come alive the way you know it can. It hasn't taken on the shape of true success.

Now...don't give up. Sometimes one plan moves slower than another. Sometimes it creeps and crawls along it's path. But just remember, so do caterpillars, and look what they become!

Wait a little longer and you, too, can see that happy ending to your dreams."



My Grandmother bought me this book about 8 years ago now. It has all sorts of short stories and poems. I wrote this one down 4 years ago in my devotional notebook and ran across it flipping through just this week. It's funny how things can bring different meaning to you, depending on the circumstances in your life. This week as I become frustrated that our phone doesn't ring and we don't get emails in the inbox from potential birthmoms, I do take comfort in the fact that it will happen. The best things take time. God does want to bless our lives with a child, we believe that with our whole hearts. I guess what we do in the meantime will be character building for us.

So we pray, wait and take comfort in God's promises.

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."