My next 30 years...

I have been blessed in many ways my past 30 years. I can't wait to see what my 30's and on bring. Happy Birthday to me. The picture is from a really cool present I received from my best friend. She has know me since we were in elementary school. I thought I would share this idea with anyone that might want to use it for someone with a milestone birthday coming up.

Visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Baby Its Cold Outside...

...and I'm ready!

A Fun Day at Home

Our first snow of the year. It looks so pretty outside. It has been a fun day to spend just the three of us.

We had Red Beans and Rice- Very Yummy! If you want the recipe: http://www.patrickandbrookebox.blogspot.com/2011/02/our-valentines-day.html

Charles had rice cereal for the first time tonight. Ignore the wrapping paper we have been wrapping presents.

The next picture is a little blurry: We did get some in his tummy I promise. He figured out how to eat cereal pretty well for his first time, but as you can see he doesn't go hungry;) We went to the doctor yesterday for his 4 month checkup. He weighs 17 pounds 9 ounces (95th percentile) and is 26 inches long (90th percentile).

Hanging out under the tree looking at the lights.

Patrick teaching Charles to do the fist bump:

Another big accomplishment: I finished my cards and got them in the mail yesterday.

Dear Santa,

I just want you to know that I have been a really good boy. I have heard you bring all good boys and girls presents on Christmas day. I can't wait to see all the fun toys under the tree! Thanks in advance.

Love,

Charles

Ready for Black Friday

Charles being a little ham for the camera. All he wants on black friday is a LSU win.

Thankful in November:

Day 18: For a fantastic Friday.

Day 19: That ESPN got it together so that we could see the LSU game last night. Otherwise we would have had two unhappy men in our house.

Day 20: Freedom to worship freely.

A week of thanks

Thankful in November:
Day 12: For a husband that helps out around the house.
Day 13: For great friends that are fun to hang out with. I have been blessed with some great friends wherever we are.
Day 14: For part time work that I enjoy.
Day 15: For vehicles that get us from place to place.
Day 16: For coming home to a fully cooked meal and washed bottles after work.
Day 17: For a warm house on cold days, and a cool house when it is hot out.

Thankful Living

Thankful in November

Day 7: For 3 wonderful grandparents. They have all changed my life in one great way or another.

Day 8: For my in-laws Alex and Pat Box. They have welcomed me with open arms since day one. I am thankful for our relationship. They are both crazy in love with Charles, and great parents.

Day 9: For my two brother-in-laws Andrew (since 8/23/03) and Stephen (since 6/3/2006). It is nice to have brothers.

Day 10: For a loving Heavenly Father that provides for all of our needs. Who has promised me a wonderful future. I have a home in Heaven for trusting in him as my savior.

Day 11: For all of our service men and women past and present. Thanks for protecting our freedoms and keeping us safe. A previous post that honors family and friends that have served our country: http://patrickandbrookebox.blogspot.com/2009/11/always-thankful.html check it out. Feel free to add your family members in the comments sectionon on this post. Happy Veterans Day!!!!

Number 1

This little guy is happy that LSU beat the Tide last night! He expects a National Championship WIN too.

Love,

Charles

PS. My Granddaddy and Daddy are very happy about that big win too.

Three days of Thanks

Thankful in November

Day 4:
I am thankful for my beautiful sister. She is always being a big sister and looking out for me. I really appreciate her so much. She has a really big tender heart and is always willing to help others in need. She is a wonderful mother to my nephew and niece, and one awesome Auntie M. For more about my sister see an old post: April 3, 2010 My Sister.

Day 5:

I am thankful for my mom. We talk everyday at least one time! She is one great mama and an even better Mama C. She loves her babies: Mandy, Me, Truman, Sarah Spratlin, Charles, Andrew, and Patrick. More about my mom on an old post: November 9, 2009 Happy Birthday Mama. (If you know how to link to an old post in a new one please tell me how).

Day 6:

I am thankful for my daddy. I have been a daddy's girl for a really long time. We understand each other really well. I have been told many times that I am stubborn like him. He is a hard worker and loves his babies too. For more about my dad: March 30, 2010 You have watched me grow.

Always Thankful

Thankful in November
Day 3:
I am thankful for two very precious children: Truman and Sarah Spratlin. They are my very cute, sweet, and smart nephew and niece.

Giving Thanks

Thankful In November

Day 2:

I am thankful that God blessed me with a great husband. He knew exactly who I needed and I am glad I waited on my Heavenly Father to bring him to me.

He is a great husband.

A loving father.

A wonderful teacher and mentor to his students. He is always thinking of how to make music a life long love for his students.

He is a hard worker at home too.

Thankful in November

Day 1: I would like to do a short post each day this month stating something I am thankful for.

I am incredibly thankful for this little guy. He has brought so much joy to our lives since we found out we were going to have him back on December 5, 2010. His smiles bring so much life and light to our hearts. Since he entered our lives I have felt so much joy, and I pray daily for our dear friends that so long to have a little one of their own. I pray God blesses you with a little perfect miracle.

Pictures of Charles:

Halloween Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Shutterfly allows you to customize your photo book just the way you want.

Kick it to Cancer

I know October is almost over, but it is not to late to help with a cure for breast cancer. Remember to do a self check each month and to go to your doctor yearly.

Ladies you are special to many so take care of yourself.

I would also like to ask you to eat some Yoplait yogurt and either mail in the lid or enter the code online. http://www.yoplait.com Entering online is extremely easy!!!

Yoplait will donate $.10 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® for each pink lid redeemed by December 31, 2011, up to $2 million. Only 25 codes per user email address per day may be entered online.

Yoplait did not ask me to endorse their product but the have some really delicious yogurt. The dessert yogurts are pretty yummy.

Future Medical Personnel?

Local high school students that are interested in the medical field toured the hospital. Charles was a participant. They listened to his heart and lungs. He did a great job. He smiled and cooed the whole time.

He has gained 6 pounds since birth!

Costume Reveal 2011

I went with the popular vote. He will be a fire breathing dragon for Halloween 2011. Of course we will still have a Halloween post after we go trick-or-treating for the first time with Charles.

This Made My Day

Nothing is more fun than getting fun mail. Today I came home to a package. It was a nice way to end my work day. This gift is extra special to me. It came from Kathy and Bryanna. Bryanna is an extra special girl to me. I remember her at Danielsville Elementary, and then I was very blessed to have her my first year teaching at Madison County Middle School, and she handed out programs at our wedding. Needless to say she is a very special young lady to me. It is hard to believe that she is now in her first year of college. She is so smart and such a hard worker I know she will go far in life. Her mom is also a very precious lady. She is so sweet and kind. I will cherish this handmade blanket and book set. I plan on reading a book or two tonight to Charles before bedtime. Thanks so much!!!

Fall Things Make Me Happy

Today we went to Deal's Orchard. Enjoy our little photo opt.

A photo that is bound to become a tradition.

Warning the next few pictures need a cute warning:

A photo of the three of us:

Charles and I

Rolling Over

Charles rolled over for the first time from his tummy to his back this morning. He will roll either way now! He accomplished this at 9 weeks and 2 days! GO BABY CHARLES!!!!

Rattle Away

Take me to my Mummy

This little cutie earned the 100% boy this morning when he lovingly sprinkled everywhere.

What can I say: He loves his mommy! I love how cute he is in blue jeans. Baby's got his blue jeans on.

Halloween Costume Help

I think both of these costumes are too cute. Let the voting begin...cast your vote in the comments section or on Facebook. I will reveal the costume with my cutie in it on Halloween!

Tiger or Dragon????

Couch to 5K

I was cleared from the doctor to start exercising last week. I gave myself until this Monday to just relax. This past Monday Patrick and I brisk walked for 25 minutes. No that is not day one of couch to 5 K, but work with me here- I haven't worked out since I was six weeks pregnant except to stroll and at the end wobble. Wednesday I truly started day 1 of couch to 5 K. My body wanted to revolt against the jogging times but I pushed through. I never would have thought that such little jogging would be so hard. Because before pregnancy I was running and some brisk walking for anywhere from 30-45 minutes. I was never awesome or anything approximately 3-5 miles at a time back then roughly 3 times a week. Well back to couch to 5 K. I felt the burn yesterday and today I do day 2 of week 1. Patrick is being a great coach brisk walking, pushing Charles in the stroller, and timing me for my intervals. The Box house is getting into shape and trying to eat healthier. We want to start setting an example for Charles at an early age to take care of his body, therefore we must practice what we will be preaching.

Update on happenings in Charles development and learning:
We are continuing tummy time- during this time we work on holding his head up, turning his head by balancing up on his arms, practicing rolling over both ways with help, and introducing toys.
I try to read 2 books to him everyday. We rotate the books we have. I need to go to the library and get a few more.
We listen to music everyday too. The music ranges from fun children songs, children praise songs (things I found on the Internet that we sang in Children's church), and all the way up to Chamber Music, and Orchestra Music. I enjoy finding and listening to the songs we sang in Children's Church. I have great memories of wonderful church plays and Church Children Teachers. Plus the songs pack a punch to my heart. I find the songs stuck in my head and if you listen to the words the message is very powerful!
Other things we do: Sing our address and phone numbers to the tune of One little, Two little, Three little Indian Boys. Say our ABC's, and count to ten in English and Spanish.

It's in his kiss... That is where it is at...

Our sweet boy is 7 weeks old today. He is holding his head up better everyday, he will stand up for about 15-30 second (supported of course), smiles randomly and when talked to (of course when I pull out the camera he refuses to smile), and he is beginning to grasp onto things---my hair is his favorite thing to grab. He also is starting to follow objects better. When crying for his food if you hold the bottle in front of him he will stop (one smart baby) unless you don't get it to his mouth in a timely fashion. He is just too precious and when he is held up to my cheek he kisses me. Which of course makes my day.

The cute outfit is from the Fish's. He is so adorable in it thanks so much!!! The outfit says in case you can't read it: "Awesome like dad."

Take'em to the Pound

We went to the Carroll Homecoming Parade today. It was a warm day. I just put a hat on Charles to keep the sun from burning his little head. A very kind lady put the blanket up to keep the sun off of him but he wanted to be held not lay in the stroller.

Thanks for those that helped out with homecoming. A special shout out to Mrs. Cordes, Mrs. McKenzie, Mrs. Mortenson, and Student Senate you did an awesome job!!! It has been really nice getting to take care of the baby without worrying about homecoming plans. I appreciate all you have done. Words cannot express how much it means to me that I could cuddle with Charles these first weeks.

Charles and I at the parade.

Charles in his stroller right before the parade and before he cried to get out of the non-moving stroller.The rest of the pictures are of the Band. They did an excellent job. Good luck tonight on the half-time show. Pump up the crowd. Play and cheer our team to a victory. Take Winterset to the Pound!!! GO CARROLL TIGERS!!!