Teena

Wow! It's been a crazy last three weeks. I started school... John Turner started daycare... John Turner turned four months old.... Kelsey left for East Asia.... and we had a death in the family.

On Monday, my neighbor called at 6:00pm and asked if John Turner and I wanted to meet them to go for a walk. We always meet in the park near our houses. I changed John Turner's clothes and my clothes. Heath was so excited! He was following us around the house. He knew he was going on a walk. We had gotten in from Birmingham the day before and I wasn't sure where Heath's lease was. But that is ok, but he's a really good dog and doesn't usually walk with a leash.

I stopped by the car to get my tennis shoes, which were still in the car from our weekend trip. We headed onto the park. We have to cross a fairly busy road. So I looked both ways - no cars. We started crossing. Next thing I know here comes a white Camry flying down the road. I was in one lane with John Turner and Heath was right behind me in the other lane. I turned around and saw the car. I started yelling for the car to stop and for Heath to stop, but it was too late. The car hit Heath and I had seen the whole thing!

I ran to get Heath out of the middle of the road. Thank God there wasn't another car coming. Of course I was a nervous wreck! I called for Christina my neighbor. We called the vet to find out which emergency vet service was open. The lady that hit him turned around. She was older and I think a little shook up. She started yelling at me "What's your name? Who are you?" Finally Christina just told her to go on. Another lady pulled up and asked if she could help. She drove me to the emergency vet. Christina pushed her baby, John Turner, and walked her dog home. But it was too late. Heath died before we even got to the vet, which was right outside of our neighborhood.

On Wednesday I found Heath's lease in the car! I am just thankful that the lady did not hit John Turner or me or hurt herself.

A part of our family has been lost. Gunter gave me Heath the first Christmas that we were married. He was the best dog ever! He was so sweet, so well trained. It's just weird to walk in the house and he's not there to greet you.

This picture was taken when Gunter brought Heath home to me! 

Heath's birthday was on Halloween, so we decided to name him after a candy!  Originally, Gunter wanted to name him "Booger" and I nixed that, and I wanted to name him "Wilber." He was the runt of his litter at the Humane Society, and Wilber was the runt pig in the Charlotte's Web. But after much discussion, we decided on Heath. 

Heath had many names , which we were just laughing about last weekend in Birmingham! 

Heath, Teena, Beefy, Beefy Teena... just to name a few! 

He has been a part of our life for so many monumental things. I will am sad that he won't be a part of John Turner's life growing up. On Tuesday, the day after he was killed, we fed John Turner rice cereal. I just kept thinking how Heath would love to lick the leftover cereal off John Turner's face!

We buried Heath in the backyard. Mom is getting a marker to put back there so we'll always remember where he is. Yesterday Gunter said maybe something cool will grow where Heath is! Like in Where the Red Fern Grows!   I loved that book growing up and had forgotten all about it! 

Heath with his cousin Belle, when she was a puppy! 

Modeling his beach attire! 

One of Heath's many "outfits!"

Tailgating in Auburn!

Heath was there when we brought John Turner home.

Last picture taken of John Turner and Heath

Say a prayer for our family. We are still very, very sad. It will get better eventually I know. I am praying for a better week next week too.

Next posts will be about saying goodbye to Kelsey and John Turner's 4 months old pictures! 

New Obsessions

So... I have mentioned before that my best friend, Hannah, and I are obsessed with the Royal Family. Back in April I talked about how we would scour over the People magazines in middle school with the beautiful pictures of Diana. Well, two nights ago Hannah texted me a web address... and that was it. Immediately I knew what she was talking about... the Duchess of Cambridge! You have to go to our new found obsession.

  www.whatkatewore.com.

It's all of Kate Middleton's dress, outfits, clothes, shoes, etc. Some posts tell you where she bought pieces of her wardrobe, how you can own her clothes, etc. In case you didn't know, her bridal gown is going on display in London. I desperately wish that I could fly over there and see it in person. For now pictures will have to do.

The commentary is hilarious if you read the article written about the new exhibit. 

The Queen doesn't like that it looks like there is a floating head! Ha! Ha!

I would love to be the curator of this exhibit! 

Today's post on the site is about the sapphire earrings that Diana wore. Prince William had them remade for Kate. They are stunning!

My friend Mary-Peyton sent me a link for Pinterest twice. I guess she really wanted me to join! So yesterday, I finally joined. I had to call Kelsey and ask her how to pronounce it. For some reason I kept wanting to put another "e" in there. But it's like "interest" with a "pin" at the front! So cleaver! Pinterest is my new obsession, almost as addicting as Facebook :)

You can follow me at http://pinterest.com/karibp/ 

And finally... he has been my obsession for the past 3 and a half months... but I just had to share some new pictures with you! 

Smiling for the camera! 

John Turner has a new obsession too... his feet! He grabs them and plays with them whenever possible! He is enthralled with them! It won't be long before he'll be sticking them in his mouth! 

I took a class on how to operate my camera this morning, so maybe I'll be posting some really good pictures soon!

Summer Reading List

I was the dork that loved to go to the library in the summers and get my summer reading list. You would read all of those books for a little treasure from the treasure box! ha! ha! In high school, the reading lists didn't stop. I had to read some doozies in high school that were just plain terrible. Although I did discover one of my favorite books of all time - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

Many years later, I still love reading during the summers... well really all of time. But there is something about reading a good book on the beach. Last summer I read all of Emily Giffin's books, which I loved and wasn't sure that this summer could top it. But since I have joined my book club, I have been introduced to some spectacular books!

So here is my 2011 reading list so far... I still have a few more weeks of summer left!

This was our April Book Club pick.

Not a summer read, but I love this book so much I had to add it!  

I had read this book when Gunter and I first got married, so I guess about 5 years ago. I remember the majority of the book, but it was good to read it again. If you haven't read this, it's a must. Same Kind of Different As Me is a true story about a modern-day slave and a wealthy art dealer. They become best friends through the art dealer's wife. It is interesting to see how God works in their lives in unlikely ways. I have to admit, there is a sad part... but it ends happily! 

One day I was browsing through Barnes and Noble and saw this book, Georgia Bottoms. It is written by an Alabama author and takes place in Alabama, so I thought how fun! I will read this! It will be about places that maybe I've been to in Alabama.... So I downloaded it on my Nook. Big waste of money! Don't get it! I hated this book. The only reason why I finished it was because I paid for it to go on my Nook and I felt guilty. It was raunchy and terrible! In one sentence it's about a woman who sleeps around and has an illegitimate child. Don't waste your time or money.  

This was our May Book Club pick!

Ree Drummond is hilarious! This book tell the love story between Pioneer Woman (Ree) and her husband (Malbro Man). It's so funny to hear the things that happened while she was dating her husband. There were parts where I was literally laughing out loud! I do wish the book would have ended a little differently. But at Book Club we decided it ended the way it did because she is writing a sequel. Who knows if Ree really is or not... just our opinion. If you want a light-hearted read this summer, pick this one up! 

This opened the door to me reading Ree's blog more. I would occasionally read it, but now I look at it more frequently. I love her recipes, photography, and stories. Check out her blog at www.thepioneerwoman.com .

Speaking of blogs, my sister-in-law told me about a blog that I have enjoyed reading - The Lettered Cottage.  This blog is written by a couple who live in Alabama. They have great design tips/ strategies, pictures, etc. on their blog. One of their latest posts mentioned about how they are going to help the Pioneer Woman next week! How fun is that?

Speaking of my sister-in-law, I love reading her blog. Especially this summer! She recently did a post on my sister, Kelsey, who will be going to East Asia in less than one month! Read the post on Kelsey here, look for the story entitled "From Auburn to Asia."

June Book Club pick! 

Wow! If you haven't read One Thousand Gifts it is a must this summer! Our Book Club discussion last week was so good. Talk about being challenged! Ann Voskamp is a very poetic writer, so that took a little getting used to, but the message is wonderful! Her book is about being thankful for everything that we have. "Thanksgiving precedes the miracle." This was a statement from the book. She often referred back to the Last Supper. Jesus first thanked God, before taking the bread and wine. We should do this as well in everything that we do. Voskamp kept a journal of 1000 things that she was thankful for over the course of 1 year. She also talked about slowing down and enjoying the things around us - the moon shinning down, the load of laundry you're folding, freshly baked cookies. You will be challenged through this book! 

My pick!

I am currently reading Summer Rental. I first heard about this book on The Lettered Cottage blog. I wasn't sure what it was... and thought maybe it was a book about beach rental houses! ha! ha!  Then I saw a write up about it in People magazine (where I love to find books to read). I thought I might try it out. So far, so good! I am about 1/2 through and I am enjoying it! 

June Book Club pick

I haven't heard much about this book. I do know that it is not all about football. The other pick for our book club was Gene Chizik All In. Guess Florida beat out Auburn on this! If anyone has it on their Nook or a copy of the book that they would let me borrow, it would be greatly appreciated! 

Summer Wish List: 

I have a few books that I wish to read before summer is up! 

My friend Leah gave this to me when I was in the hospital with John Turner. 

I am going to read it this summer! 

The girls in my Book Club tell me I need to read this before John Turner gets any older!

Heard this one sucks you in like Twilight!

And you'll read it in a day! 

I can't wait! 

I am always looking for new books to read! Looks like I have a lot to do before the Fall gets here! 

3 Months and Counting!

On Wednesday, July 13th, John Turner turned 3 months! I can't believe it! The last few months have gone by so quickly! I am trying to cherish every minute I get to spend with him. In less than one month he will be heading to "school" and I will go back to work. Sniff, sniff....

In his Big Boy PJs! These are 6 month!

Sitting up like a Big Boy!

He had a little help from the couch! 

He found his hands a few weeks ago. Now they constantly stay  in his mouth. When he gets sleepy he starts to rub his eyes. It's so cute! Just in the last few days he has begun noticing his feet and grabbing onto them. He is becoming so observant, which is fun. But now when we are at restaurants, he wants to get out of his carseat, so that he can see everyone. He may be a little social! Mom says that he is going to be a talker! Now that he has begun cooing and talking, he doesn't quit! Speaking of Mom.... she came to visit for his 3 month birthday! 

John Turner and Cha Cha

John Turner is a happy baby the majority of the day! Which makes life so much better and enjoyable! He has a few new tricks - like sticking his tongue out. I tried to get a picture, but I wasn't fast enough! 

I finally finished smocking 2 plates for John Turner - an Auburn tiger plate, to match the twins, and some cute yellow ducklings! I have given them to my friend in my book club to put them together for me. When she returns them, I will definitely put pictures up! 

Until next time.... 

Happy Birthday America!

Aren't we blessed to live in such a wonderful country? I am so proud to live in the United States and call it my home. I feel like over the past few weeks, Gunter and I have been discussing this idea so much! It seems to just come up in conversation between us. We are blessed with a healthy child, a wonderful marriage, a nice house, a loving family, friends, a great church, jobs that we enjoy going to each day, yummy food to eat, and beach houses to vacation at! We spent the Fourth of July weekend in Panama City at Worth the Wait and Gunter's family's beach house.

Mom and Kelsey came and picked me up on Wednesday and we headed down to the beach early for a little girl time. Gunter came down on Thursday night. We dined at Old Florida Fish House, one of our favorite beach restaurants, but one that we haven't been to in quite a while. It was delicious as usual!

Then Friday morning we moved down to the Price's place. We enjoyed spending time in the sun and in the sand! The water was beautiful and the weather was perfect! It wasn't too hot! John Turner even got down on the beach a little bit, but stayed under the tent of course!

Chillin' on the beach in his bouncey seat! 

Yes, he is wearing an Auburn t-shirt that says 

"Aubie Rules! 2010 National Champions" 

I love it! 

Playing with my cousin's toys!

The Browns and the Prices got together for dinner one night at Louie Louie. If you haven't eaten there... it's a must. It's owned by the same people that own the Red Bar. The positive aspect of Louie Louie's is that they have crabcakes every day... which are my favorite! 

The Price family

The Brown family

Sunday we got to have lunch with my good friend from college, Amy, and her husband Clayton at Seagrove Market Cafe. It was yummy as well. (As you and see, all we do at the beach is eat!) I haven't seen Amy in quite awhile and it was so good to catch up and for Amy and Clayton to meet John Turner! 

Amy and I with John Turner

On Monday we celebrated America's birthday with both of our families. We spent time on the beach, ate dinner at Shades on the Loop, and then watched fireworks on the beach. It was the perfect ending to a wonderful weekend! 

The twins and John Turner! 

Happy Birthday America! 

Something Old, Something New

There is a christening gown that has been in my family for years... over 110 years to be exact. It is on my dad's side of the family. My grandmother, Barbara Brown's (we call her MeMe) grandmother made it in 1902 for her children. It was hand- made and is beautiful! We have several pictures of the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren wearing it. It was lost for a little while... sadly when my dad was younger, but has been found again. Therefore, we have started a new tradition of taking the new grandbabies picture in it.

We do not christen at our church. The babies are dedicated to the church. But because this gown is so small, we were unsure if John Turner would fit in it when the Dedication Day rolled around. So when we were in Birmingham in May, I went ahead and took pictures of John Turner in MeMe's christening gown. It was so delicate that I was afraid to button it in the back... but you can't tell from the pictures!

My grandmother, MeMe, in the handmade christening gown. 

This picture was taken in the 1930s. 

John Turner in MeMe's christening gown. 

I love the beautiful lace that was hand stitched onto the gown! 

It is such a special heirloom to have in our family.

This picture was taken back in May when John Turner was 6 weeks old... 

and could still fit into the gown. 

Not sure that would be a possibility now !

Father's Day and 2 Month Check-Up

This post is a little belated, but I still wanted to share pictures from Gunter's first Father's Day. We headed to Montgomery on Thursday (June 16th) night. For Valentine's Day, I had given Gunter tickets to see the comedian Ron White. He was at the Renaissance Theatre in downtown Montgomery. He was hilarious, a little dirty, but still fun and enjoyable! We spent the night with Raleigh and Christen and they were kind enough to keep John Turner while we attended the show.

Friday morning we headed to Birmingham. My friend, Elizabeth Wyatt, got married Saturday. Check out her pictures on Hillary Gamble's website. I am obsessed. Hillary took pictures of our family a while back for my mom's Christmas gift. She is so talented! I got to see many friends from high school and my friend Elizabeth de Shazo got engaged! So I got to meet her finance and see her beautiful ring!

Sunday we celebrated Father's Day and went to Church of the Highlands with my family and lunch at Chuys afterwards. Yummy!

Gunter and John Turner celebrating Father's Day! 

John Turner completed his first art project and made his Daddy something sweet for Father's Day! I painted his feet and he stamped his footprints on a framed paper! It turned out really cute. I wish I had a picture, but Gunter rushed it off work to show it off before I could snap a pic! 

John Turner, my Dad, and Me

We headed home shortly after lunch to celebrate with Gunter's dad at the Cracker Barrel! 

4 Generations! 

Gunter's granddad, Martin, Gunter's dad, John Turner and Gunter

On June 15th, John Turner had his 2 month old appointment.... which meant shots! He had to get one oral vaccination and three shots. It was sad, but I held myself together! John Turner weighed 12 pounds 3 ounces, he was in the 60th percentile for weight. He was 24 inches long, he was in the 75th percentile for height! He is a growing boy! 

He is smiling much more and is cooing/talking to you constantly. He loves the morning time, baths (which we sometimes do multiple times a day for entertainment), and walks. He is just as sweet as can be!

His Popeye grin! 

This picture was taken on Sunday.... like Father, like son! 

Getting ready for football season! War Eagle! 

He is growing like a weed!