Random Pictures

Here are of few of my favorite random pictures from the last couple of months. Hope you enjoy!

Christmas 2007

Michael was a very good boy this year and boy did Santa know it! Between us, Santa, and Michael's grandparents and aunts and uncles...I can't imagine anything else he could have gotten. At the time these pictures were taken, there were still more presents in Michael's room, my room, the kitchen, and the truck!!!! He got 2 wagons, toys, books, clothes, trucks, baby laptop, guitar, talking teddybear and monkey, rocking horse, tricycle, ball pit, story telling teddy bear...and the list goes on. Thank you to everyone and hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.

Our 1st Trip to the Barber Shop

Michael 1st Birthday Party

More Pictures....

It's hard to believe I have as many pictures as I do. I am constantly having to clear my memory card just to add more pictures!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I've been so caught up in getting birthday stuff ready that Christmas has snuck up on me. I've done most of my shopping, but there are still a few that I'm missing. Christmas has been tough on us the last two years though. Last year a new baby on the way had us worked up, and this year has just been tough all together. We are buying for Michael (of course), and our brothers and sisters and that basically it. We are buying for a couple of "draw" names for work and whatnot, but that's the only exceptions. I feel terrible about this, but that has made me think more about the true meaning of Christmas. It isn't about who you buy for or how many present you buy them, or even what it is...we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. Christmas is about teaching that message to future generations, spending time with family, laughing, and thanking God that we are able to be together. It kills me to think about all of our soldiers that are fighting for our country and loosing valuable time with their own families to do so. Whether you "support" the war or not, we all have to support the troops and the families they've left behind. My son is so young right now that he doesn't understand the concept of a birthday, or Christmas, or Santa so maybe I hav the perfect opportunity to teach him the most important Christmas traditions, instead of the traditions that aren't as valuable. Just a thought. I don't want to sound like a scrooge because actually I'm really very excited about Christmas. I'm just a different kind of excited this year. I get to teach my son that Christmas is Jesus' birthday.

SO-all of that being said.....MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

TAG!!! I'm it!!

I've been tagged by Terri! I first want to say that I have several people that READ my blog or visit to look at pictures...but I don't really know anyone, other than Terri, that blog!! What's wrong with these people?!! :) I may barrow some of Terri's friends to tag!!

Here are the rules...

1) Each player starts with five random facts/habits/stories about their child(ren).
2) People who are tagged need to write a post on their own blog (about their five things) and post these rules.
3) At the end of your blog, you need to choose a few people to get tagged and list their names.
4) Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

And here I go...

1) Michael is a very fast learner and picks up every little thing he sees someone else do. For example...I, unknowingly, growl/gunt and shake my fist when I'm frustrated. I was unaware of this habit until Michael started growling, gritting his gums together and shaking his fist when he'd get mad, (his Nana calls it his HULK impression). I couldn't figure out where he would've picked this up until a friend of mine pointed out to me that I do a "milder" version of the same fit! Another example of this would be Michael mocking his Papaw. Dustin's dad always makes fun of the slang and "homie" talk saying things like "yo, dog" and "yo, yo home baby" to Michael. He also does the "duces" while tapping his chest. Silly right? Funny...ALWAYS. However, it's even funnier when Michael learned to immitate Papaw. When Michael hears someone say "yo baby" or something similar...he pats his chest like Papaw!!! My baby thinks he's a "HOME BOY"!!!

2) Michael loves his Cowboy! Cowboy is our 2 year old Beagle who loves to sugar on Michael! As soon as Michael gets up he starts looking for Cowboy. This has become a great thing for all of us. Cowboy loves the attention...Michael loves petting him and giving him kisses...and Mommy and Daddy love that when Michael's in a bad mood-GIVE HIM TO COWBOY!!! Ha! Ha! Works everytime!!

3) Since Michael has learned to walk pretty well, he has decided that he also loves to play hide and seek. I'll duck down behind the couch corners or sneak behind a cabinet and say "where's mommy?" and he comes running and laughing as hard as he can. As soon as he "finds" me, he'll turn around a run wanting me to chase him. If he's ever somewhere I don't want him to be or at least somewhere that I cannot see his face, I say "where's michael?" and he'll pop his little head out and laugh-then do it over and over again!

4) Michael has a wonderful family. There is something unique that he loves to do with each person and he remembers each one. You heard about Papaw. Nana plays ride the horsey. Grandaddy chases him around the house. Mimi plays hide and seek. Nanu and Paw let him chase their kitty-kitty. He tackles Uncle Drew, plays music with Uncle John Thomas, snuggles with Aunt Leslie, and plays on Aunt Lindsey's computer keys. Michael also has Godparents that Spoil him rotten! Aunt Penny sneaks Michael treats :) and Michael likes to "ignore" Uncle Joey until he tickles him. Michael also loves to play the drums at Aunt Penny's house. He won't hit them with his hand..he will go and find the real drum stick and bang all day long!

5) Michael is a sweet baby, but has been teething lately and a little fussier than usual. My little man didn't get his first teeth until he was 10 months old and he woke up with two in one night! One was in a little further than the other...but they were both there! I'm afriad this time he'll get 6 at one time the way he's been acting!

OKAY...since I don't have a lot of blogging buddies...I'm tagging some of Terri's friends. I tag....Beth, Carla, and Elaina. Let's see how this works out!

HAVE FUN!

Michael's 1st Halloween

GREAT NEWS!!!

One of the reasons I haven't posted in a while is because I went back to work. Dustin and I were wanting to save a little money, so we got rid of unnessesary bills (i.e. my internet) and I started working at JCPenney in the catalog department. Not bad, but also not what I went to school for. I heard from several people that the County Attorney's office was taking resumes. I dropped one off, had my first interview-no call back. A while later I receive a call from Mike Foster's secretary asking if I could come in for a second interview that the position and offer had changed a bit. To my complete shock it was a BETTER offer than the 1st time! He offered me the job! I've been the receiptionist at the Christian County Attorney's Office for about 2 weeks now and I love it. They laugh at me and say I love it because I'm nosey. Whatever the reason...I'm very happy and Michael, Dustin and I are doing great.

Til next time...

LONG TIME NO SEE uh...BLOG

Sorry I've been out of commission for a while. Lots to catch up on!

First things first...MY SWEET LITTLE BABY IS GROWING UP!!!! Who knew that babies could learn so much and teach us even more? It's amazing to watch him walk, (he tries so hard to run), laugh, roll, chase the dog, say Momma and Da Da. Ugh! It makes me want to cry. He's been walking since he was about 9 months old (first steps at 8 months...just not very good until 9 months). He's been using a sippy cup EXCLUSIVELY since 8 months, and "riding" his powerwheels 4 wheeler since he was about 9 months. We are currently getting ready for his 1st birthday next month!!!

BY THE WAY...TERRI, IF YOU'RE READING THIS-I COULD REALLY USE SOME TIPS ON THE BDAY INVITES. For those of you who may not know, Terri-Dustin's cousin-is one of the craftiest (if that's a word) people I know. Her daughter, Allison, has had the cutest bday invites the last two years I have ever seen.

Secondly, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! We are getting out decorations, making lists, getting presents and singing the carols!! I love Christmas. Halloween was fun too though. We entered Michael in a Costume Parade at the mall where he won 1st place for the 2 and under age group and 1st place-with his cousins Allison and Garrett, for the trio group. Michael was a scarecrow, Allison was Dorathy, and Garrett was a handsom Lion. We actually didn't plan it this way, but it turned out really cute. Dustin and Michael's "Uncle Joey" built a wooden wagon out of scrap wood and shopping cart wheels to pull Michael in. Joey also built his son, Lane/Police officer, a jail wagon to pull his prisoners-big brother Dustin, friend Dannie, and dog Max! Lane won 2nd place in his age group...but I personally think he was robbed!! :) We had a great day!

I'll post a picture album as soon as possible. Keep in touch... post a comment or email me at maryfrances.austin@yahoo.com!

ALL ABOUT DUSTIN

I talk about Michael a lot, but I'm just as crazy over my husband. We started dating in July of 2002. We got married in September of 2004, bought a house, put me through college, had and baby, and here we are. Dustin is a truck driver for Covan/Allied moving. I'm so proud of him. He started off just moving furniture around for other people, now he has his own semi and trailer and his own jobs with people working for him. He's also an usher for our church, Edgewood Baptist, and plays on the church softball team along with several of our closest friends and my little brother. He's a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan, he loves to hunt, and he'd fish everyday of the week if he could. Most importantly...Dustin is a wonderful husband and the best father any little boy could ask for. So, even if I don't talk about him as much---I love my husband!!!

Dating 2002

Our annual trip to the Smokey Mountains 2003

Our Wedding Day!
September 18th, 2004Niagara Falls Honeymoon 2004
Dustin & his Truck 2007

HE'S INTO EVERYTHING!!!

As you can probably tell, my life is nothing but my husband and my son. To me, these two guys are the most precious gift God has ever given me, so I intend to share them with everyone (at least stories about them). :) So here is my update on Little Mr. Michael...

In the last week, Michael has started crawling, pulling up in his crib (and whoever might be laying on the floor), saying "Ma-ma", sitting up completely by himself, and babbling a lot more. He started getting to his hands and knees and rocking around at about 5-5 1/2 months old, but his been babbling "Da-da" for quite a while. I expected all of this to come eventually, but not this fast. He seems like his grown up so much just this last week. Every time I blink he grows a little more---NO MORE BLINKING! :)

With all of this new found knowledge, Michael has started getting into everything. Later on it might become a problem, but right now I'm still so excited to see him playing with new things. He's finally started going to the nursery at church and loves playing with the other kids, he grabs my trinkets of the bottom shelf of the entertainment center, crinkles every piece of paper he can find, and splashes in the dog's water bowl. See for yourself...I have the evidence!

"I'd rather stand up!"
"Where's the sports page?"

"Water, anyone?"

"I'm BUSTED!"

BLOG QUESTIONS????

I've actually had my site up for quite a while, but I'm still figuring stuff out. For example...I was viewing my site the other day trying to see how my ROCK YOU slide show turned out (actually pretty good) :). After I checked everything, I let Michael bang around on my keyboard, (he loves the keyboard!). Of course all kinds of things popped up and I just kept "x-ing" out of them...then, all of my letters on my blog got smaller! WHAT!? Yes...all of the letter shrunk. Now this hasn't affected anything else on my computer, but I can't seem to fix my letters. Can anyone else tell that these letters are REALLY small? Maybe it's just me.

Father's Day on the Lake!

Photo Album

I would like to know how to add a photo album to my blog if that's possible. I wanted to check on some slideshow type albums from rockyou.com but I havn't been able to connect to their page because of an error. Anyone else know how I can do this? I don't like adding pictures straight to the post because they are never in the place that I want them and they take forever to upload.

Well untill I find a better way of doing this, here are a few new pictures...

He's trying so hard to figure out the crawling thing!

Granddaddy feeding Michael his 1st ice cream cone at the ballpark

Michael loved the ice cream cone & would not give it back my Dad!

More Michael News!

The last two weeks have been so much fun with Michael. He is learning something new and getting stroner everyday. He gets to his hands and knees and rocks around, sometimes jumping like a frog-sometimes diving into his blanket face first! He loves to play with our Beagle, "Cowboy" and his God-Parents' Blue Healer, "Savannah". Savannah hardly notices he's there pinching her and pulling her hair almost out...Cowboy, however, can only take it for a little while. He eventually gets tired and walks away to take a much needed nap!


"BEFORE"
Monday we gave Michael his first "cookie", (a Gerber snack made for 6 + months we found at Krogers). He does really well for never feeding himself before, but he gets extremely dirty! After I seen him starting to get messy, I tried to take it away to clean him up a bit...that did NOT go well! It ws so funny I just gave him his cookie back and let him have at it. I'm still nervous about him bitting off a chunk and getting choked, so I eventually did have to take it back. :(
"AFTER"

CAMPER FOR SALE

I said that I would try to get some pictures of the camper, so here they are! I couldn't get a good picture of the side because of the way we had it parked, (Dustin wasn't home & I had no idea how to move it to a better "picture" spot!). We've dropped the price from $1000 to $600. We're really trying to get rid of it, so spread the word!!! :)

What's Going On?

Lately everything seems like a blur. I'm trying to get ready for 5 different birthdays this month, my "baby" sister moving out on her own, my step-sister's baby shower, and the most important...Dustin's 1st Father's Day! Since he usually doesn't check our blog...I have a secret planned for Dustin. It's going to be great! I'll have to post the details afterwards...just in case he does read this!

Also...We're trying to sell our camper if anyone's interested. We have a 70s model 28-ft. trailor-pull camper. It has two beds, a bathroom with standup shower, stove, sink, etc, air conditioner, and table. We really need to get rid of it asap! Right now we're asking $1000, but feel free to make an offer! :)

I better get back to this hectic life of mine! I'm shocked I've had this much time to write. Hopefully in a day or so I'll have some new pictures to post (hopefully a few of the camper too).

LATER....831

My Little Man is Gowing Up!

When I first had Michael, everyone warned me that he would grow up so fast. I guess it was impossible, then, to realize just how fast that would be. Michael will be 5 months old this Sunday. 5 MONTHS! I just can believe it. He learns something new everyday. His most recent accomplishments include making a "kissy" face, rolling back and forth, and rocking on his hands and knees.

I love the kissy face. When you "kiss" at him, he puts his little lips together and pops them back at you like he's trying to mock you. He actually rolled over on his own for the first time on March 19th, (his Poppaw's birthday), but just two days ago he really started getting the hang of it. Now it's hard to get a diaper on him before he flips over!

Here are some new pictures of Michael that I just couldnt wait to show!

Michael is trying to sit up on his own more too!

Fishing with Daddy! (Notice the tattoo?)
"Here Dad, let me show you how it's done!"

Michael & Uncle Joey with his first fish! Michael sure didn't mind touching the fish--he's already "ALL BOY"!!!

MY FIRST MOTHER'S DAY!

I just celebrated my first Mother's Day! It's hard to believe that this time last year we were just announcing that we were expecting! Now here he is--my perfect little man! This Mother's Day was very special for several reasons.

First--Dustin & I "dedicated" Michael to the church. A lot of people were confused by what this means. We do not believe in baptizing a baby. We believe that has to be a personal decision when a person is old enough to make it. A "dedication" is a small ceremony in which the parents make a promise to their child and to the church to raise their child in a Christian home with Christian role models, teach them about Jesus Christ, lead them towards the Lord, and support them the way Jesus supports us. The church then makes a promise to be supportive of the parents and child in this way. It is very special to particpate in this promise. Michael received a Certificate of Dedication and a small Bible with his name engraved.

Second--Of course, this being my first Mother's Day, Dustin had something wonderful planned. We spent the weekend fishing at the lake, relaxing, going to a nice dinner, and not thinking about his work or phone calls or bills or anything else. We just spent the weekend together with no worries. I also got a BEAUTIFUL Mother's ring with Michael's birthstone! I wasn't expecting something so special, but I LOVE IT!!!!

All-in-all........I couldn't have asked for a better Mother's Day!

Michael is a very smiley, happy, alert baby. He learns new things everyday that just amaze me. He is already growing up so fast. I take pictures of him all the time and still feel like I can't have enough. Here are a few of my favorite pictures over the last 4 months.

Mommy, Daddy, & Michael

My handsome little man!

Smiley baby!

Country Boy

Michael's 1st Easter

"I want to be just like Daddy!"

Michael's 1st time swimming!

Our 1st family trip to the Smokey Mountains!

"Look what I can do!"