Tornado {2019}

On January 19, 2019 we knew we had some bad weather headed our way, but our weather people always hype up nasty weather so we normally just watch it but usually go about our day. On this particular Saturday I went to get a massage that morning while Ben kept the kiddos. When I got home we ate some lunch and then put the kids down for a nap. Around 2:50 our sirens started going off. Ben turned to the weather channel to see what was going on. About that time they announced that there way a tornado in town down Wetumpka. Immediately I started worrying about the historical down town and the many students in my classroom that lived there. Then several minutes later they said that First Baptist Wetumpka was destroyed along with First Presbyterian Church. My heart dropped, mainly because I was worried about Mrs. Cathy and Mr. Edwin and the fact that Janie Beth could have been there if it was during the week!

Praise be to God, no one was killed or seriously hurt. Mrs. Cathy and Mr. Edwin were safe along with everyone else that was in the path of this F-2 tornado. The only places that were seriously damaged was out church, the Presbyterian church, Prissy Hen, Fain Center, and the Police Station. 

Below are damages to our church.

The Impact Building

Impact Building and looking at the Presbyterian church

Mrs. Cathy and Mr. Edwin's Home

Parking Lot, bus shed (where JB would have been), and Playgroud

Impact Building

Bennett James {one year}

Happy First Birthday, Benny Boy! 

My how this year has had so many highs and lows. So many laughs and tears, but so many memories. You my sweet boy have given this mommy (and daddy heart) a run for our money! From the helmet to your fat thumb, with ear infections, and crazy skin issues, you have truly shown us how to be thankful! You are tough. You are strong. You are brave. You are the absolute best and I am so thankful the Lord blessed us to be your parents.

Your personalty is my favorite and I pray that you continue to be your awesome little self. You are quiet and observant. You will sit and play with a toy or puzzle for several minutes before moving on to something else. You will quietly watch your sister or daddy while your content sitting. Then, you have your loud side! When your sister isn't around you find your voice and let yourself be known. It is so cute listening to you babble and repeat us. 

You love to dance, clap, and copy your sister. You can wave bye bye, give high fives, and give the sloppiest kisses. The most popular words you can say are ma-ma, da-da, uh-oh, bye-bye, thank you, and when we say "where is Bennett" you will say "there he is" and that probably my favorite little word you say! 

I can't wait to see what the future holds for you! I know you are going to make things happen and I cannot wait to see it all unfold! We love you!! 

Flannel and Flapjacks

On December 15th we celebrated you turning one! It was such a fun morning and I really enjoyed your birthday party theme "Flannel and Flapjacks"! We encouraged your guest to wear flannel and we served the best breakfast spread! All your family came and celebrated you! 

 With your birthday the day after Christmas I hope we can always make your day feel special and separated from Christmas! Everyone's birthday should be about them and their special day! I love you sweet boy!

Bennett James {11 months}

How on earth are you going to be one years old in just a short month? You my sweet boy are so dang sweet, cute, and demanding! You know what you want and you want it then. You have recently learned how to throw the biggest temper tantrums when you hear the word no or we take something away from you!

Highlights:

• You weigh roughly 20 pounds. You were a big chunk, but you have recently leveled out!
• Still wear size 5 diapers and mostly in 12-18 months clothes.
• You are down to half formula and half whole milk 3 times a day! 
• You still aren't eating the best. Some days you chow down and some days you could care less about food.
• Still sleeping awesome and you love your lovie!!
• You say Ma-ma and babble all day long.
• We are still working on waving bye bye and giving high fives.
• Your favorite place is to be walking outside. You just wonder all over the place and take in the world.
• You love following your sister around.
• You are starting to be more observant and will sit and play with a toy for several minutes.

Health Update:

• Your helmet is completely gone. It still didn't give you the total round head, but it is much better than what it was before.
• We are still taking the blood pressure medicine for your thumb, but I personally see no regression!