December 2011

 holding an old wooden ornament passed down to me from my family

 decorating our tree

Natalie is a star in Angels Alert, the church Christmas program 

 Ryan singing with the girls from his Sunday school class. He actually looked at them all like they were nuts while they sang their hearts out. =)



First Grade Christmas Program at school (Natalie's class were reindeer) 

 Christmas party in Natalie's Classroom (her teacher, Mrs. Cockfield)



Dancing in our front yard

 Practicing his cast with his new fishing pole

hanging spoons on their noses =)

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil

Cousins!!! (they love their cousin, Brandie)

taking a walk in the yard

Natalie's Thanksgiving Drama

Over the Thanksgiving holiday, Natalie's arm was broken. She attended a day camp to play with friends and participate in activities, but during a game in the gym, she was knocked into by a bigger boy and fell on her arm. She said she felt something pop...ouch! After picking her up from camp, I immediately took her to Nurse Nana. We made a call to one of the doctors she works for and made an appointment first thing in the morning. The area around the elbow was swollen and tender, so I wrapped a bag of crushed ice in a rag and placed it around the swelling. I then wrapped an ace bandage around the ice to keep in it place. Natalie slept next to me that night so I could monitor her (one of the few benefits of waking up constantly to pee). My mother's pediatrics office was very concerned and anxious about Natalie coming to see them. They all came to examine her arm and discuss...and immediately sent us to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon took x-rays and sure enough, a distal humerus break (above the elbow). They cast it and sent us home. Each week we returned for xrays to watch the healing process. I would take a picture of the x-ray with my phone and send it to my mother's office. Natalie's cast didn't fit properly and I voiced my concerns at her last appointment but was waved off. Nana's office decided to send us to an expert in New Orleans for a second opinion. He said that her arm is healing well but did indeed need a better fitting cast. So we now have a hot pink splinted cast that can be removed at home but worn outside the home. What an ordeal for our girl! Please continue to pray for healing. 

 X-ray number 1

 Natalie's first cast, and she even got to choose the colors

Taking a bath is a new challenge with a cast

November 2011

 Natalie won a contest at school and was able to take a limo ride to Chic-fi-la for a special lunch for winners!

 I participated in a Zumbathon (arranged by my Zumba Sista, Myka, far left) for Veteran's Day. The donations (over $700!) were given to the Wounded Warrior Project. My other sistas pictured are Tracey, Heather, and not pictured is Karen.



 Daddy's birthday!!!

 family birthday picture

Decorating Nana and Papa's tree =) 

We gave Sophia a birthday cake since we aren't able to have her on her actual birthday

Baby Shower!

I love my employer, the West St. Tammany YMCA. I have met some of the greatest people being part of this organization, especially the women. These ladies are inspirational, admirable, encouraging, and all around awesome. My fellow coworkers decided to host a baby shower for me. I love these ladies! I was blown away by the effort they put into this wonderful afternoon. So many people came! Daniel and I were given a plethora of gifts for our unborn angel. I am truly blessed to know these women and call them my friends. We have more babies on the way among us, so I look forward to helping with future YMCA showers!

 the date of the shower was actually 11/12/11

my fellow coworkers =)

marble cake and homemade cupcakes...yummy! 

my boss made this lovely blanket...gorgeous! 

me and my momma admiring a tiny baby bracelet 

the 'cake' delivered to me from Daniel

Halloween 2011

Rapunzel and Transformers Bumblebee
CANDY!!!

Family Halloween tradition...roasting hot dogs and homemade chili

our Trick-or-Treat crew, complete with Baby Neie #3

October 2011

at the St Tammany Parish Fair
Ole! At a friend's birthday party

little man playing in the dirt

at the SAGE Halloween party

SAGE Halloween party guests

Cousins at the pumpkin patch =)

the kids' pumpkins

our front porch

petting a baby alligator at Boo Fest

sweet siblings playing in the yard

Ricardo Sanchez

Pictured below is Northwood Church Worship Team with Ricardo Sanchez (back row left, he jokes about being the tallest Latino ever) and his drummer Terry (far right).

In October, our church worship team had the privilege to perform with Grammy nominated Christian artist Ricardo Sanchez. What an amazing experience! He is friends with our pastor and visited our church October 9. Our choir practiced for weeks ahead of time to nail down our parts so we would be ready for him and his team. He lead the worship at both Sunday morning services and then a praise and worship concert that evening. The resume of each of his band members is quite impressive...the keyboard player is pretty much a legend, having composed works for Tyler Perry, performed at the Grammy's, and worked with Bobby Brown and other artists. Ricardo writes his own music and his songs speak to us all. To see these talented individuals playing their hearts out to and for God was inspiring. To be a part of their team, even if just for a little while, was a true blessing and something I'll never forget. He even mentioned that our singers were better prepared than most. (We rock!) I'm compelled to improve myself, not only for my team but for the purpose of being a servant of God. Ricardo Sanchez has been nominated yet again for another Grammy for his work.