The Clamps

You know I like my Waffle Fries

2012-01-22T22:51:00.006-05:00

As we've started 2012, the Clamps are doing well. It is amazing to me how much the boys have changed. So many days I look at them and think how big they've gotten and then on other days I realize how little they are. Little Alex follows Ian around and wants to do everything he does. They love to play "hutball" (football) in the house and race around the house with Daddy. They both love the new John Deere gator they got for Christmas. Honestly, they make me laugh and smile (almost) all day long...of course, except for the temper tantrums, whining, drama, etc. But I seem to forget about all of that by the end of the day.
Luke and I have turned into "runners." Luke ran a half marathon in December and he is running another one in Hilton Head in a few weeks. I am attempting my first 10K at the Hilton Head race. Only through my stubbornness am I doing this. I used to say the only time that I run is when someone is chasing me, so this will be a BIG accomplishment for me.
One of the songs that I have on my new ipod that Luke gave me for Christmas is "Chicken Fried" by Zac Brown band. I am sure that you all know it.

Anyway, it got me to thinking about if I wrote a song like that what I would write... (Yes, I know I am a dork:)

You know I like my Chick-Fil-A waffle fries (with the cool new ketchup packs)
A sweet tea on any night (or day)
A pair of (non Mom) jeans that fit just right
And the radio up(dancing with the kids in the back seat)

Well, I was raised up
Beneath the shade of a Georgia pine (playing OUTSIDE because we didn't have a nintendo:)
And that's home you know
Sweet tea, pecan pie and homemade wine
Where the peaches grow

And my house is a blessing for us
And it's filled with love
That's grown and southern ground
You know I like my Chick-Fil-A waffle fries (with the cool new ketchup packs)
A sweet tea on any night (or day)
A pair of (non Mom) jeans that fit just right
And the radio up(dancing with the kids in the back seat)

Well, I've seen the sunrise (especially the ones at Edisto Beach)
See the love in my husband's eyes (for almost 9 years...can't believe it)
Feel the touch of 2 precious boys
And know a mother's love (unexplainable, unconditional love from a wonderful mom and as a mother)

It's funny how it's the little things in life
That mean the most
Not where you live or what you drive (Still babying these 2001 vehicles)
Or the price tag on your clothes (Y'all do know I am not afraid to shop for clothes at Wal-mart)
There's no dollar sign on a piece of mind
This I've come to know

So if you agree, have some teawith me
Raise your cups for a toast
You know I like my Chick-Fil-A waffle fries (with the cool new ketchup packs)
A sweet tea on any night (or day)
A pair of (non Mom) jeans that fit just right
And the radio up(dancing with the kids in the back seat)

Well, I've seen the sunrise (especially the ones at Edisto Beach)
See the love in my husband's eyes (for almost 9 years...can't believe it)
Feel the touch of 2 precious boys
And know a mother's love (unexplainable, unconditional love from a wonderful mom and as a mother)

I thank God for my life
And for the stars and stripes
May freedom forever fly
Let it ring

Salute the ones who died
The ones that give their lives
So we don't have to sacrifice
All the things we love
You know I like my Chick-Fil-A waffle fries (with the cool new ketchup packs)
A sweet tea on any night (or day)
A pair of (non Mom) jeans that fit just right
And the radio up(dancing with the kids in the back seat)

Go Gators!

2012-01-18T12:25:00.003-05:00

Check out "our next child" River Bluff High School. It's amazing to see it being built!
https://angel.lexington1.net/section/default.asp?id=RBHS%5FPublic%5FContent&ts=1312809644

We love our family!

2011-12-21T23:48:00.001-05:00

VIVA LAS VEGAS

2011-12-06T08:59:00.001-05:00

Luke and I made our first trip to Las Vegas to celebrate his mom's 60th birthday and retirment. We had a great time! We had great accomodations at Luke's Aunt Martha and Uncle Mac's house, which is about 10 minutes from the strip. We ate a lot, saw a lot of INTERESTING people, saw Jersey Boys, visited a few casinos, and celebrated as Luke completed his first half marathon.

Welcome to Las Vegas

Out to eat for Lexie's 60th Birthday

Eating AGAIN - Hash House a Go GO Chicken and Waffles and Eggs Benedict

Losing money at the blackjack table

Ready to go...

They did it!!!

Fun Times

2011-11-13T20:02:00.001-05:00

Daddy's First Race

Welcome to the World Baby Corder

Playing Football on Bowman Field

Tillman Hall in the Background...where Mommy and Daddy met

Beautiful Boys

2011-11-04T13:52:00.002-04:00

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T08:30:00.000-04:00

Mid Halloween Season, Ian decided he wanted to be a football player instead of a pirate. Luke was happy to help with the costume:)

The Pirate Fam (Ian is THRILLED about this picture)

I think we reached maximum golf cart capacity!

Who are the real kids???Hmmmm...

How We Spend Our Time

2011-10-26T00:06:00.000-04:00

At 3 1/2, Ian likes to spend his time...

- going to preschool in the mornings from 7:30-10:30 (He doesn't like to spend his time waking up so early in the morning. I basically get him dressed, spray and comb his hair, feed him, brush his teeth and he watches a cartoon all BEFORE he is even awake.)

- riding his new bike WITH BRAKES that Emma and Aunt Lauren got him for $5 at a consignment sale (He doesn't like spending his time waiting for Mommy to fix one of the broken training wheels while Daddy was out of town. It took Ian and I 2 days to find the right wrench size (Why in the world are there so MANY tool choices) change the tires and adjust them. Then, we find out that after I "fixed" it, he couldn't pedal because the main back tire didn't even touch the ground. Insert: Should have waited for Daddy to get home.)

- doing his "homework" in the afternoons. No, he doesn't really have homework, but the elementary age boy behind us does, so Ian thinks he should do homework too...it is so precious. (He doesn't like spending his time in the afternoon prying away toys, balls, papers, pumpkins, and anything else from our dog. The latest thing Ian found her eating was his miniature carved pumpkin...sadly, it was the THIRD one she has eaten this month.)

At 1, Alex likes spending his time...
- dancing. He loves to clap and bounce up and down to any groove we play. He has also recently add a spin move that is hilarious. (He doesn't like spending his time doing anything that he doesn't want to do...yes, this is a double negative. But, Alex has found his temper and his tantrum and he knows how to use it. These are the times in your life when I have to bite my lip to stop from laughing at his dramatics because I know that would just fuel a hot fire.)

- building towers and stacking toys. It is so fun to watch him learning how to play independently and stack blocks and crash them down and they clap for himself. (He doesn't like picking up after he has taken every toy out of the toy box, crashed it down, and thrown them across the room. He thinks a magical fairy comes and picks up everything while he is sleeping...hey, wait a minute...there is a magical fairy...she is tall with dark hair and is disguised cleverly as his mommy.)

- climbing. He loves to climb up the "childproof stairs"...yes, he has learned to push the gate over himself and make his way up to the next level. He has also mastered climbing the stairs and sliding down the slide on the neighbors play set. (He doesn't like climbing and getting STUCK. Today, I hear Alex screaming from my bedroom and I rushed in to find that he has gotten on Ian's stool that he uses to reach the sink. Alex was TERRIFIED standing up straight because he couldn't find a way down. I guess on the developmental scale, problem solving must be a later skill than climbing.

Having a great time in Lexington,
Luke, Alecia, Ian, Alex and Chloe

Getting big!!

2011-10-15T07:50:00.002-04:00

Alex - 1 Ian 3 1/2

Alex turns One!!!

2011-09-20T21:58:00.002-04:00

Eating a picnic lunch with Daddy at work

Ian "helping" Alex open his presents

Playing with his new water toys (and the hose, of course)

I WANT THAT CAKE!!!

Oooooo....this stuff is yummy!

Alex's football cake - it looked better when Ian and I first made it:)

Alex's birthday party cake at the Clemson tailgate

Mommy and the birthday boy in his cool birthday shirt

Go tigers!

Ian taking a few licks of icing before the cake gets cut.

Hmmmm....I am starting to get used to this cake thing.

Birthday boy with Emma and Buddy

Birthday boy with Grandmama

My two favorite things - airplanes and fishing!

2011-09-20T21:30:00.000-04:00

Future Pilot Ian

Fisherman Ian

First Day at Rocky Creek

2011-09-20T21:29:00.004-04:00

Ian's first morning of preschool at Rocky Creek came on August 31st. With two educators as parents, I think we were just as nervous (and excited) as he was. And, yes, we were "those" parents..Luke with the ipad videoing the whole event and me with my big lens Nikon camera ready to snap any pictures. I laugh at myself as I think back on it. When I was teaching, I giggled under my breath at people like us. But, when it's "my baby boy" everything changes. Ian has a great group of teachers: Ms. Horsey, Mrs. Yarborough (a fellow Clemson fanatic) and Mrs. B. Everyday that I pick him up he talks all the way from school to the house. It makes a Mama proud to hear him talking about learning new things and meeting new friends at school. I also LOVE seeing his work that comes home! As you can see in the bottom pictures, the work is genuine 3 year old work (not cutesy things done by the teachers just to make the parents happy.) Needless to say, we have a happy little boy to be a Rocky Creek Ranger.

Oh, the Tears

2011-08-16T08:06:00.004-04:00

I don't know whether its that Alex's first birthday is quickly approaching (September 1) or that Ian starts public preschool the day before (August 31), but the tears have been flowing lately every time I think about my little men.

I absolutely love staying home with these two sweeties, and I just can't believe how quickly time is going by. I'm enjoying every minute of it...

The minutes that Ian is chasing Chloe around the backyard and the minutes that he is swimming across the neighborhood pool. (Especially since he started the summer not even wanting to jump in the water during swimming lessons.)

The minutes that Alex cruises (almost walks) around the furniture and the minutes that he gets into everything from kitchen cabinets to the dog food container.

Especially moments like the family picture at the top...LOVE THEM ALL!!!

Some Favorite Pics from the summer

2011-08-02T13:54:00.004-04:00

Love this picture...it's a perfect snapshot of each of their personalities

Adults Night Out - thanks to Andie and Ann

Perfecting his golf shot

Loving the beach

WOW - Massive shark:)

The Princess and King

This is Alex's favorite face this summer

Sharing with Chloe

Look at those beautiful eyes

The Morning Catch!!!!

2011-07-08T14:30:00.003-04:00

Today I got to go fishing with daddy and grandmama at Aunt Maxine's pond. We had a great time fishing but even more fun eating. Plenty of smarties and juice. The fish were sooo big. Papa would be proud.

Love these boys!

2011-06-07T22:08:00.002-04:00

After a fun day of Alex's 9 month check-up (He's doing great!) and playing outside with the neighbors, we closed the day with a great date on the town with Mommy. Yes, I am with them all day, but going out to eat and to the park after dinner was extra fun! These two boys never cease to make me smile and laugh. I'll just "narrate" these pictures from their point of view.

On the way out of the neighborhood, "Wait Mommy! Turn around...I forgot my Moe's hat!" Of course, we went back and got the hat that Luke aquired after a night of making burritos to make money for Lexington High School.

Once we got to Moes (and I promise, we don't eat there often) "Mommy, I would like a cheese quesadilla cut into little pieces, Sprite, and a chocolate cookie." Do I need to be worried that a 3 year old knows what to order at Moes without any adult assistance?

And in this picture, Alex is trying his first taste of burrito ingredients of chicken, rice, and beans. I hate to see his diaper in the morning, but he is saying "YUM!"

After Moes, we headed to Food Lion to get a few items. For the first time, Ian got to do his own shopping. He said, "OH WOW!! Look! It's just my size!" Take note of the items in his cart - a few of his favorite things Yummy Tummy drinks, bananas and applesauce.

After our shopping trip, just having FUN at the park!

All of that adds up to a night of fun. After a nice warm bath, both sweet boys are tucked soundly into bed!

Mr. Determined

2011-05-31T21:32:00.005-04:00

Dear friends,

Can you believe how big I am getting? Tomorrow I will be 9 months old and I am such a sweet boy. I am getting lots of hair and my Mommy thinks it is going to be blonde. I am learning so much every single day. Who knew that there was so much to do in this world?

Lately, I have learned...

- That I have an opinion and I don't mind sharing it. I would rather have fruits than vegetables, but most of all I want whatever Mommy and Daddy and Ian are eating. I also really like feeding myself Baby Mum-Mums, Cheerios, and puffs.

- That I want to be mobile! I am so close to crawling and walking. I can pull up on furniture and "cruise" around. I even let go every now and then when I get up the nerve. Right now, while I am trying to learn, I just spin around like a helicopter until I get where I want to go.

- That my smile melts ladies' hearts. I have a killer grin that I flash at ladies young and old and then I have them wrapped around my finger. I use this tactic to get people to hold me and give me lots of snuggle time.

- That I love to explore the house in my walker. It's amazing the places that thing will go. I've almost pulled down the dog food onto my head, I got down the swiffer to play with, and I cleaned off Mommy's bookshelf. It's a blast!

- That I like to play in the pool. My Mommy takes me to our neighborhood pool and I love to kick, kick, kick in the water. I also really like to play in our blow up baby pool with Ian. Hey, we've got to cool off from this Columbia summer somehow!

Well, I guess that is it for today. I'll keep you updated!

Love,

Mr. Determined...Alex

Captain Ian

2011-05-31T21:19:00.002-04:00

After going on a few boat rides with Mr. Reggie, Uncle Travis, on Papa's boat, and recently on Mr. Ed Davis's boat Ian has decided that he wants a boat also. Here is the story...

The other day we were riding by the boat store and Ian said, "Mommy, are those boats for sale?" and I responded "Yes, Ian, those boats are for sale." Then, he responded, "Well, then let's go buy one." I then explained that boats cost a lot of money and that we would have to talk to Daddy and then would would have to start saving money to buy a boat. He answered that with a few moments of silence (thinking). Then, "Well, Mommy does Daddy have a hooker (hitch) on the back of his truck?" "Yes, Ian, Daddy has a hitch on his truck." "Well, then all we have to do is go get Daddy's truck. Hook up one of those boats. Go to the lake and put it in. Then, we can go to that sandy beach and swim and play."

If only things were that easy:)

The Good Old Days are NOW...

2011-05-18T20:08:00.002-04:00

We just got in from playing out in the yard and there is just nothing like it. So many people say that this generation is only run by technology and stuck to the t.v. Well, I beg to differ! I just got to watch a t.v. episode in real life as I watched the kids play monster and run from "castle" to "castle" defending themselves against the "yogurt monster". (Really, climbing onto the neighbors' play set and then into our tent that's still outside from the camp out Friday night. And the yogurt monster is David, our neighbor, who was eating yogurt and got more on his face than in his mouth.) Yes, I should have gotten pictures. I definitely will next time...you'll have to stay tuned for the next episode to see what happens:)

So, here's a shout out to the neighborhood kids from my neighborhood growing up, Eagle's Rest, who played kick the can and bail off our front porch. To the many laughs had at the dock and skiing on the lake. I hope my kids will be able to enjoy the same wonderful memories of growing up outside with neighbors and friends. The "good old days" are now.

What we love most at 3 years old and 8 months old...

2011-05-02T22:01:00.006-04:00

What we love most right now...

Ian: Daddy

Alex: Mommy

Ian: Playing crash cars (A game Ian made up and named where you, guess what? crash cars)

Alex: Watching Ian play crash cars (Really, watching Ian do anything.)

Ian: Eating anything dipped in ketchup. The other day he dipped strawberries in ketchup and I almost couldn't finish my meal.:)

Alex: SOY FORMULA - HOORAY!!! and solid foods. He just loves to eat. When the spoon gets near his mouth, it is already WIDE open and ready. Also, if you take too long getting the next bite, he bangs his hands on his plate. He's definitely a Clamp:)

Ian: Going to preschool two days a week. He is learning new things and loves telling me all the details of his day when he gets in the car. He will also have self confessional immediately when he sees me if he got in trouble that day. I hope it stays that way.

Alex: Going to story time with Mommy at the library.

Ian: Saying "Look, I'm a big boy." when he gets himself dressed or undressed, puts on his shoes by himself, goes potty by himself etc. He is always so proud of himself. He also enjoys saying bodily function words... how do boys already know at such a young age that men think that is funny?

Alex: Saying "DADADADA" (No Mamama of course) and Uh-oh. He also likes to hear himself makes all kinds of noises. His most favorite is a grunting/growling noise. It makes me laugh.

Ian: Putting on his super hero cape and pretending he is "Super Ian". He can save anyone from anything with the powers that cape has!:)

Alex: Putting on his pajamas after a nice warm bath. Nothing makes him happier...especially if its those pjs with the feet in them.

Ian: Snuggling. Who can resist a 3 year old saying, "Mommy, would you just snuggle with me for 2 more minutes?" Gets me every time.

Alex: Snuggling. There is nothing like rocking a baby to sleep and him falling asleep on your chest. Gets me every time.

#1 thing Ian LOVES right now is....

OUTSIDE (fishing, golf, soccer, baseball, football, need I name every outdoor sport? playing "ship" on the neighbors playground, running ANYWHERE - All you have to do is say "On your mark, get set, go" and he is gone, bubbles, walking Chloe, going on a walk and picking up rocks, playing derby car, and many more)

#1 thing Alex LOVES right now is...

BEING HELD (I think that the ladies at the church nursery and the gym nursery get their own personal work out when I bring Alex. At almost 20 pounds, "being held" for long periods of time is a tall order. But, he is just so adorable nobody can resist.

Blessings...

2011-04-04T23:20:00.004-04:00

I am overwhelmed by the blessings that God has bestowed on our family recently.

First, let me start with a funny "blessing" story...

In our small group, we have been studying the book Crazy Love, which is an amazing book that is challenging me to reexamine my faith. It talks about praying to God and to not let it be rote and mechanical, but a conversation with God. You know, don't always say the same blessing at dinner, etc. Well, as Luke and I have been working on that, we have been CRACKING up as we have watched Ian's version of a blessing lately. For some reason, he has decided that singing the ABCs is his "special blessing" before dinner. It is the most adorable thing! Luke usually says a blessing and then Ian busts out with the ABCs and we thank God for the alphabet so that we can read and talk. Its things like this that make you love your children more and more every moment.

We've also been very fortunate to have many other blessings...

- Luke was named principal of the new high school being built in Lexington called River Bluff High School. We are really looking forward to how God works through our family as Luke leads this amazing project.

- Luke also passed his doctoral dissertation defense today. No, I'm not going to call him Doctor...but I guess some people will. Luke has been working on teaching Ian "Doctor Daddy." Actually, I think I deserve an honorary doctorate for all my hard work too:) Really, he has worked so hard for the past 8 years on this degree and we are amazingly proud of him. He has shown determination, passion, and dedication to receive this honor.

- Alex had his tubes removed due to him having a foreign body reaction to the tubes and he had a cyst removed off of his head. Since these procedures, we have noticed that he is feeling much better. He is cuddly, smiley, loving (and best of all a Mama's boy:)).

- Ian turned 3! I can't believe it...for some reason 3 sounds so much older than 2. He loves life. He is growing like a weed and loving life. He says the funniest things all of the time and I think he has Buzz Lightyear as an alter ego with as many times a day as he says "To Infinity...and Beyond." He loves playing every sport and playing outside. He has now even taken up golf with some great little clubs.

- We continually thank God for all of these blessings because without Him, we would have none of this. Yes, we have had our trying times in the past few years also. But good times or bad, we give all the credit to Him!

February and March Madness, well Happiness

2011-03-19T08:31:00.006-04:00

Ian made a cake for Daddy...and ate some icing too

Celebrating Mardi Gras at Emma's House

Clemson "Wamp Weekend"

Fishing at Aunt Maxine's Pond

My God How Great Thou Art

2011-03-03T14:36:00.003-05:00

I am not going to lie, these past 6 months have been a challenging chapter in my life. Yes, I am eternally thankful for the precious baby boy that is sleeping on his stomach and sucking his pacifier in the next room. If you had spoken to me yesterday you would have heard..." I am so sick of doctors. No body is helping us! I think I am just going to move somewhere on the other side of the world where one of those medicine men can fix him!" As I sit here, exhausted from lack of sleep, frustration and worry I realize that the ultimate "medicine man" is right here. I've actually known Him for a long time. All I have to do is trust Him and watch Him work His medical expertise. He has blessed me with a perfect child in His eyes...my worry and stress implies that I don't quite trust that He is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of Alex. So, right now I say, God I am not going to "lean on my own understanding" I am going to lean on yours. I am not going to be a mother of a baby with a variety of ailments...I am going to be Alex's mama. I am not going to be someone who feels helpless...I am going to trust that God has big things ahead for Alex and our family.
He's already started...watch this video
http://vimeo.com/20543490

"Poor Little Peanut"

2011-02-25T21:55:00.002-05:00

For some reason, I have taken to calling the boys peanut lately...little peanut, big peanut. Ian added "peanut butter." So, I took little peanut to the pediatric surgeon yesterday for a "look" at a cist that has been on his head since birth. Unfortunately, the cist is attaching to Alex's skull whereas it used to be totally mobile. So, we have an appointment for surgery on Monday, March 1st at 10:00am. Prayers would be appreciated...especially since he has to have an IV and the last 2 times he has needed one it has been a MAJOR ordeal.
On to my story...today Alex was crying in his seat and I look over to see Ian talking to him and playing with him. It melted my heart because they are finally interacting with each other and Ian is starting to give Alex ANY attention. Then, I heard him say, "Awwww...it's o.k. poor little peanut you can stop crying..." I think my heart skipped a beat. What a sweet boy!

Alex Over the Months

2011-02-22T13:59:00.002-05:00

Newborn Baby Boy - September 1, 2010

1 Month Old

2 Months Old

3 Months Old

4 Months Old

5 Months Old

The Boys' Rooms

2011-02-09T13:38:00.005-05:00

Alex's changing table (with Alex modeling:)) Notice the green tub on the floor for all the clothes we get on him and then realize they are too small...he is growing so fast!No, you aren't seeing things. His mattress is at a slant. We're trying to combat the reflux as much as we can.

One of my favorite places in the world. I love this chair - rocking both boys at all hours of the day and night - priceless.

The penguin is not for decoration. It is Alex's nebulizer. I guess the company thought that us parents wouldn't feel as bad about putting a mask up to our babies if it was coming out of a cute penguin. (Good marketing technique.)

We just finished doing this last night. I am determined that he will love books!:)

Ian's little "nook" in his room. Notice the Delta airplane flying from the ceiling - a necessity in a "Wheeler" boys' room.

Two sweeties "snuggling" on Ian's bed. It was Luke's great-grandmother's sleigh bed and rocking chair. Aren't they beautiful?

One of "those" stories

2011-02-04T23:10:00.002-05:00

You know the ones that I am talking about...the stories that your parents tell over and over again when they talk about your childhood. For me, some of the main ones were "when the ceiling fan fell on your head", "when you had to take the big red coat to school during the hot spring days because you lied to dad", and "the time when you got a perm"...oh my, there are pictures to prove how tragic that one was.
Well, this week I think that I experienced one of "those" stories with Ian. As we all know, kids are smart and they KNOW when and how to push our buttons, even when they are sweet innocent 2 year old boys. Ian and I have been going back and forth in the daily getting dressed drama. I thought I had finally figured it all out, but apparently we have not.
It was this past Monday morning and we had a well visit for Alex at 10:00...obviously plenty of time for all of us to get up and out of the house. As I have learned in previous experiences I have to mentally prepare to leave an hour before any appointment to actually get there on time. It was 8:30ish and Alex and I were both dressed, fed and ready to go. I took a deep breath and told Ian it was time to get dressed. The whining began, but I was not going to back down...after 45 minutes of stomping, time-out, screaming, wooden spoon spankings and crying (by Ian, not me) I marched out of the house with Alex as I said over my shoulder "I guess you will just have to go without a shirt on...I wonder what Dr Cope and all the kids at the doctor's office will think about that." I was hoping this reverse psychology would be the trick. Of course, it didn't work. So, I put on my big girl panties, hoisted him over my shoulder, used my forearm to hold him in while I strapped him shirtless into his seat and off we went. On the way, I couldn't decide if I wanted to cry with him or laugh at the apparent demon that had taken over his body. The screaming continued until about 3/4 of the way there... and out of nowhere came a sniffle, a big breath and an "I am sorry Mommy for not obeying, I would like to put on my shirt, shoes, and socks please" Not believing what I had heard, I looked in the rear view mirror and my sweet little boy had returned. Much to my relief all 3 of us marched into the doctor's office fully clothed...definitely one for the books!

I don't have to look far to see my blessings...

2011-02-01T21:50:00.004-05:00

It's amazing to look around and see so many blessings that have been bestowed on me as a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a friend. Today marks Alex's 5th month birthday and I am not usually one to celebrate mini-milestones, but I am today! Here are two of the many things I have to celebrate...

"My Giga"

2011-01-27T17:04:00.003-05:00

Growing up, my cousins used to tease me when we went to our Giga's (my mom's mom) house. They would say "My Giga" and I used to get upset and say "NO! She's my Giga!!"

Well, after attending her funeral yesterday I would say that she was all of our Giga...

- She was a Giga to 6 children who were 8 1/2 years apart. She loved them all from head to toe. She took them places and let them experience things that most kids didn't get to experience. She taught them how to love.

- She was a Giga to 11 grandchildren. She had spend the night parties, she let us jump on her beds, she taught us how to cook her special recipes. She taught us how to love.

- She was a Giga to 6 great grandchildren. Although she had the least time with these precious children, she had already made a dramatic impact...especially on her Nina. She held them and kissed them over and over, she was so proud to call them hers. She taught them how to love.

- She was a Giga to so many young and old, so this video is for all of you who want to see her precious face again. (This was shown at her funeral)

May her "Giga Magic" live on as all of you find ways to show others how to love...

Can you guess?

2011-01-11T20:47:00.003-05:00

I'll give you the clues and see if you can figure out the answer...

What has happened when...

- Luke and Alecia have cleaned out their closet, organized all clothes by color and rearranged each individual pair of shoes residing in the closet.

- Luke has cleaned out and organized every other cabinet, drawer, and closet in the whole house. (Alecia stopped after the first one:))

- Horrible (yet yummy) eating...Breakfast: homemade cranberry-orange muffins, Snack: sugar cookies with cream cheese icing, Lunch: Hamburgers made by Luke (with cheese and bacon of course)

- Ian painting, watching Lion King and other various cartoons, making all kinds of Alecia-forced crafts, and LEARNING the inevitable - how to play Ms Pac Man!!

Yes, you guessed it SNOW DAYS. Honestly, you would have thought that we were stuck in our house for years the way we were behaving. you can tell that Luke and I are used to being "out and about" socializing with the world.

It was too funny, one of our neighbors rode over on her bike to ask Luke a question. We were so excited to have company that she had to beg to leave.:)

No, honestly we have had a blast being home with the kids. Ian LOVES the snow and helping Daddy all day long. Alex has observed the snow from the window and he is not amused. I think I have decided that snow is fun for a little while, but I am so thankful to be a southerner who doesn't have to deal with it too often.

Luke was so excited to show Ian Ms Pac Man and Pole Position Car Racing game...remember those from Atari??

Preschool versus Mother's Morning Out

2011-01-06T15:20:00.006-05:00

"Awwww mom, come on let's go!"

Off to "My New Church"

Until I became a mom, I didn't know the "seriousness" of preschool. Even as an early childhood educator, I didn't understand. But, now I do...it is hilarious! I know people who have slept, yes SLEPT, in their car waiting to sign up their child for preschool. Even in normal, level-headed mothers, the claws come out, tensions rise and all bets are off.

We have had Ian in our church's Mother's Morning Out program for the last few years. We have LOVED it. The teachers and interactions with other children have been wonderful for him. However, as Ian has gotten older he has realized that church and school are the same place which added a few complications to our routine. So, I started investigating possibly moving him to a "preschool. " Yes, apparently there is a difference between MMO and preschool. In Lexington, there are many options and I found that EVERYONE has their own opinion of what preschool is best. My palms started sweating every time I thought about it. Then I sat back and realized that I, too, was falling into the insanity by preschool trap.

There did happen to be an opening at a church preschool here in Lexington in the 2 year old class, so the anxiety hadn't gone to waste. Ian had his first day this past Tuesday. On the way, he said "Ummm, Mommy I really don't want to go to a new school. I want to go to my old church." I thought I had convinced him of how fun it would be to meet new friends and play with new toys, then his little voice started quivering. "But, but, but....I want to go home. Pwease, pwease, pwease Mommy." At that moment I had a decision to make. I could be the tough mom and tell him to suck it up, I could turn around and go home or I could do the unthinkable - bribery. Of course, I went with option 3. "Ian, if you are a good boy at your new school I'll take you to McDonalds" (Knowing that Tuesdays are $1.99 happy meal days.) Ian took the bait, thank goodness!

After wondering about his status for the 3 hours from 9 to 12, I went to pick him up. His teacher said he did a great job and that "He sure did like the girls." (of course). Ian ran out of the class smiling and said, "Hey Mommy I'm ready for my Happy MILK." And off we went to America's favorite fast food restaurant. Another battle won.

2011 Diet

2011-01-04T06:09:00.003-05:00

No, Baby Alex didn't realize it but he made a new year's resolution to sleep through the night. Much to his dismay, Mommy boot camp started 1/1/11. I think it was 3:30 in the morning when I was eating left over cheesecake and making a bottle of his liquid gold that I realized that our resolutions had to coincide. Yes...maybe Alex's resolution could help the budget and trim my waistline all at the same time. Buying Wal-mart's $14.99 "designer" jeans a size bigger, McDonald's dollar sweet tea and a broken scale had only encouraged me to hold on to these extra baby pounds.
As many of you moms out there know, it takes a drill sergeant mentality to start a venture like this "Take No Prisoners." Crying can't phase you, screaming can't rock you, you have to be strong. So, we started boot camp 3 nights ago and this is how it went.

Night One: I prayed for all the stars to align. Maybe, just maybe he would sleep through the night and I wouldn't have to go through this pain! Yeah right. I fed the little man at 11:00 p.m. and what ensued at 3:32 a.m.? Screaming...I held strong, turned off the monitor and thought of happy places. Surely it had been at least 30 minutes. I checked the clock 3:35 a.m. Then, I thought of a solution DVR. Yes, I could watch the latest episodes of Oprah. After a date with Oprah and Mark Furhman, I caved.

Night Two: O.K. I made it to 4:30 last night. I knew that I could do it again. I prepared the DVR and forewarned my husband that I was "serious" this time. I had a little pep talk with Baby Alex, "Mommy doesn't like to hear you cry, so let's just sleep all night and make it easier on all of us. You can do it!" I don't know how much the pep talk helped, but I knew it couldn't hurt. What happened at 3:31 a.m.? Screaming... it's like someone had trained him to do this. Oh, well maybe WE did (by accident of course). I was tough. I watched Oprah. I watched House. Then, my husband came out of the bedroom in a stupor and walked straight into the nursery and picked him up. I was so tired that I didn't care. As I stumbled back into bed I said, "At least TRY to see how long you can hold him off from a bottle."

Night Three: Alex went to sleep at 8:30 p.m. without his reflux meds or his breathing treatment. I knew this was a recipe for disaster. I went to sleep around 9:30 p.m. having already learned the lesson that I better sleep while he was sleeping or I would be sorry. I woke up at 12:00 a.m....still asleep, 1:30 a.m.....no noise, 2:30 a.m....went into the combat zone to check for breathing, 3:30 a.m..... I knew it was coming...but no he was still sleeping. How ironic it is that I was awake more wondering why he was sleeping than I was in previous nights when he actually woke up. Finally, at 4:30 a.m. he awoke. I was so thrilled that he was awake and all of his parts seemed to be working that I whisked in to his nursery and scooped him up. O.K. so I'm not a drill sergeant.

We'll see how tonight goes... at least I haven't had any cheesecake, right?

Belly Laughs...

2011-01-04T05:59:00.005-05:00

So, I've read Jenny McCarty's book called Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth about Pregnancy and Childbirth and I laughed so hard I cried. Yes, it was a little crass, but it was hysterical. Then, I started thinking about our family stories as if I were writing a book, of course, making myself laugh. Many of you who know me realize that I will laugh about a story for days on end. All of this made me realize that I need to write down some of these funny Clamp family stories if not just for a good laugh on a rainy day. So, along with updates on the boys I am going to intertwine some rainy day laughs on the blog...starting with the 2011 diet.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T23:16:00.009-05:00

Our sweet family. Amazingly this picture was taken in our back yard by our teenage neighbor. I was thrilled with how they turned out! Yes, I tried every trick I knew how to try and close my mouth in this picture...even down loaded a free trial of photoshop. Oh well, we know who the stars are of this picture are and it is not me:)

Getting a picture with these three looking at the camera is hilarious! I think this one turned out pretty good. What sweet boys they are...Alex 4 months, Ian 2 1/2, Grayson 1

Since we didn't make it to Clamp Christmas, Grandmama came to see us. As you can tell Alex is feeling much better.

Little Man's first Christmas!

HOORAY! I got my fishing pole!

Ian and Caroline making cookies for Santa with Mrs. Claus, I mean Emma.

Here is Ian feeding some of the animals at the park. He only wanted to feed the little ones. He would say "Here you go little guy." It was so precious!

When I look at this picture I laugh out loud every time. We went to the wild animal park in pine mountain, georgia. My dad would feed the animals as he rolled up the window to just open a crack. I guess he isn't as tough as I used to think he was:)

I just love this picture of Seeley and Alex chilling in their Buddy's chair. So many wonderful memories with my friend Lauren. It is going to be so much fun watching the boys grow up (and get in trouble) together.

Goodbye 2010 Deductible

2011-01-01T22:45:00.005-05:00

Needless to say, we definitely met our health insurance deductible for last year and just for the sake of reflection, here's a look at all of the minor health issues Alex has encountered since he was born on September 1....thankfully they have all been minor and fixable. I am praying that 2011 is a healthy year for this fantastic little boy!

- born September 1, 2010

- breastmilk jaundice = bilibed for a few days

- thrush = medicine that made it look like he ate an ink pen

- reflux = trying different medicines...zantac, prilosec, prevacid

- inconsolable non-stop SCREAMING = Mommy going to Drs office crying, trip to ER, admission to hospital on Halloween due to dehydration, after endoscopy diagnosed with Milk Soy Protein Intolerance

- Milk Soy Protein Intolerance = prescribed powered gold (Elecare) for formula

- Double Ear infection = multiple oral antibiotics, 2 rounds of rocefin shots

- Trip to the Dr for a bite on the nose

- Wheezing/Gasping for air = trip to ER on Christmas, admission to hospital with RSV

- Continued double ear infection = tubes on December 30th...we barely got that one in 2010:)

With this big smile, his New Year's resolution is to be healthy in 2011...

Proof Positive

2010-12-14T21:41:00.004-05:00

As I figured, after posting about the 10 hour sleepy night of Alex it hasn't happened again. Actually, nothing CLOSE to it has happened. It is challenging to have a child who you've seen being poked and proded over and over again in the hospital and at doctor's offices weekly during his first few months. I praise God that Alex is doing much better now and I am so thankful for such a precious baby. We went to a follow-up visit with his pediatric GI doc last week and he gave us a good report...we'll continue with the powerd gold formula (Elecare), stay on the Prevacid for another few months, add cereal to his bottles, and hope that he continues to improve. It has been s much fun to watch Alex talk and mimic my expressions and to begin to develop his little personality. There is nothing like being a mother...what an amazing gift God has given me!

We are looking forward to a wonderful Christmas. Ian keeps saying "I want a fishing pole and...hmm....that's all I need." He is such an amazing little boy! He is starting a new preschool after Christmas and I am looking forward to watching him grow there. He LOVES airplanes and everything that has to do with them. A funny story...I was in the other room folding clothes and I walked into our living room area. There I found Ian standing on top of a stool leaning over a shelf and stuffing his face with gumdrops from our gumdrop tree. After he gave me the look of "I'm busted!" He said, "Well, Mommy I was just getting a wittle candy. That's ok, right?" I just fall in love with that boy more every day!

May you have a great December filled with lots of candy kisses too!

"One night is not a trend"

2010-11-30T07:15:00.003-05:00

When you are talking about kids, you always get excited when they do their "firsts"...first time sitting up, first time sleeping through the night, first time going potty, etc. Although each "first" is exciting...Luke always reminds me that one time isn't a trend; however, I hope that 3 nights is a trend! Here's to hoping.

Alex slept for 6 hours on Saturday night in Clemson, 6 hours at home on Sunday night and is STILL sleeping this morning....going on 9 hours!! Maybe he is starting to feel better...hopefully we're starting a trend. The trick to all of this sleeping has been his car seat. Yes, we are those parents who have his car seat IN his crib. Whatever works, right?

Daddy's Little Cowboy/Football Player/Monkey

2010-11-12T01:08:00.001-05:00

I know that it is a little late for Halloween pictures, but with everything we had going on I haven't had a chance to put up any pictures...and this is a good story. First of all, let's go back to the "planning" of Halloween. As October began, I also began thinking about what I could dress these two little boys up like for Halloween. My sweet neighbor offered her Curious George costume to Ian and I was THRILLED that we weren't going to have to buy him a costume. I mean, the boy loves Curious George, so he would love to dress up like him for Halloween, right? Of course that got my wheels turning and I found a banana costume at Target for Alex. Boy, did I think I was so funny...a monkey and a banana. As the story goes, we know that kids don't always have the same ideas that we do. As we arrived to our first "Halloween Event" at Boo at the Zoo, Ian flat out refused to wear his monkey costume. He sounded just like me as a kid, "It's itchy...it is crooked...I don't like it. " So, off the monkey costume went and he dressed as "Ian" at the zoo. The next event we went to was the Hallelujah Hoedown at Lexington Baptist church. He decided he would be a cowboy (pictured with Daddy). But, of course, we ended up carrying the horse and the hat all night. Then, Halloween day approached and I had no clue what Ian was going to be...as we slung him in the car to go to Aunt Kimmy and Uncle Jimmy's we threw in his Clemson jersey and he was a football player. So, the moral of the story...don't spend a lot of money on a Halloween costume when you have perfectly good costumes in your closet.

Dear God...

2010-11-10T16:55:00.004-05:00

Dear God,

Thank you for loving me and giving me such a wonderful and loving family. Although the first few months of my life have been a little hard, I know that you will always take care of me. Thank you for giving me doctors who were able to figure out what was wrong. Thank you for making formula that I can eat and medicine that makes my tummy feel better. Thank you for my big brother, Ian. I know that it has been hard for him to hear me cry so much. I can't wait to play with him and love him as I get older. Thank you for loving me unconditionally for I am wonderfully made.

You are an awesome God and for this I praise you,

Alex

P.S. Please give my Papa a hug for me...tell him Daddy is teaching Ian and I how to fish!

P.P.S. We just got back from my 2 month check-up and guess what?? I have a double ear infection. It looks like I am going to be one tough cookie...Mommy had no idea I was sick.

Home Sweet Home

2010-11-05T22:53:00.003-04:00

After being in the hospital with a new baby, you realize how good home feels. Our lives are getting to look a little more "normal" now. (Of course, normal is always relative when you are talking about us:)) It is so amazing to watch Baby Alex now that he is feeling better. It brings tears to my eyes to watch him discover new things every day. Now that he isn't always hurting and crying he is able to take in the things around him. Today, I just sat and watched him under the mirror on his activity mat. It took him a little while to realize he was looking at himself, then he made faces and cooed and smiled. It was priceless!!
Also, Ian has been so sweet and tender-hearted towards Alex since we've been home. I think he is also relieved that Alex is feeling better. He has started talking so sweet to Alex, rocking him, holding him, and even sharing his "night night" with him.
We are so blessed to have two beautiful boys! I am amazed by them every day!!!

Baby Alex Update Tuesday at 2:00

2010-11-02T14:14:00.002-04:00

Praise God...from whom all blessings flow!
As I look back at my last post, I realize how many of our prayers have been answered in one short day.
- Alex has started eating!! He finally took 2 oz (formula and flavored pedialyte mix) last night (Monday) at 7:15pm. We were so relieved that he ate the bottle since he had been rejecting eating for so long. Just now, at 1:30pm on Tuesday, he ate a bottle that was fully formula with just a splash of pedialyte to make it taste better! He has to eat and tolerate formula bottles before we can be discharged.
- We have had a visit from our pediatrician and the GI doctor today and they both think we are on the right track.
- As you can see from the above picture, Alex is MUCH more comfortable and happy. I even got the childlife specialist to get us a bouncy seat that he is enjoying.
- Ian has been taken care of by wonderful family and friends that past two days. Thank you to Kimmy and Jimmy, Ken and Sandra and Becky! He came up to the hospital this morning and was intrigued by everything. He is now back at home with Luke taking a nap.
-Finally, I just got a call from the referral department at our pediatrician's office. This is who schedules the appointments when you get referred to a specialized doctor. They did not realize we were in the hospital and were calling to tell me that the first opening the GI dr (that we saw yesterday morning) had is on November 17th. So, obviously God knew that we would be able to see the right doctors quickly if we came to the hospital. Therefore, I have to take this hospital visit as a blessing...God always knows better than we do.
We hope to be discharged tonight or tomorrow.
Love,
Alecia

P.S. Luke was so wonderful last night. He stayed here at the hospital while I went home with Ian. I got a full night of sleep for the first time in a long time. It is wonderful to have such an amazing husband!

Update on Baby Alex Monday 3:00

2010-11-01T14:38:00.003-04:00

Thank you to everyone for your phone calls, texts and prayers for Baby Alex.

We are currently in Palmetto Children's Hospital being evaluated for feeding/stomach issues with Alex. We were admitted last night for IV fluids due to dehydration. He had an endoscopy this morning and the GI doc thinks he has a milk allergy with some possible reflux. We will wait on the biopsies to confirm. He has put us on Elecare (allegedly hypoallergenic formula) and is continuing Alex's reflux meds.

As you pray, please pray specifically for...

Praises:

*We got to see the pediatric GI doctor this morning and had an endoscopy today. (This dr is extrememly hard to get in with.)

*Alex has "perked up" since he has been on IV fluids. His skin color is back to normal and he is more alert.

Requests:

* The Drs will be able to find some type of formula/food to feed Alex that he can keep down. Currently, he has not had any formula/milk since Friday afternoon. He threw up his first bottle of Elecare today also. We will try it again in a little bit.

* The Drs will have a definite answer for us before we leave here. We are tired of playing the guessing game.

* Patience for Luke and I in trusting the doctors.

* Alex will not be in continued pain and discomfort.

* Ian will be taken care of and understand what is going on (as much as a 2 year old can).

Thank you!

Love,

Luke and Alecia

My Buddy's Plane

2010-10-12T12:09:00.003-04:00

Dear friends,

You're going to love this story. Last Friday, my mommy took me (and Baby Alex) to the airport and she told me we were going to see my Buddy. It was so cool. First, we went on this really neat sidewalk that moved. I went superfast all the way to the terminal. Then, I got to see all kinds of airplanes out of the window - big ones, small ones and medium ones. Then, Mommy told me to look in the air and a REALLY BIG airplane landed. Guess what?? My Buddy was flying that plane. He brought the Alabama football team here to play (and lose) to South Carolina. When I saw my Buddy get off the plane, I screamed and jumped "THAT'S MY BUDDY!!!" We got to see him for a little bit, then he had to fly the plane back home. The coolest part was when he took off, he waved his wing at me! I think I want to be a pilot when I grow up!

Love,

Ian

P.S. Did you know that they make stairs that MOVE...Mommy called them an escalator. I got to see those at the airport too!

Here is me, Buddy, Mommy, and Baby Alex's head

Here I am looking at Buddy's airplane pulling into the Columbia airport

Cousins

2010-10-12T11:58:00.001-04:00

We are so happy to welcome our newest cousin, Grayson, into our family. He came to visit our house of chaos this weekend and he survived, so he must be a true Clamp. What a blessing it is going to be for Ian and Alex to have a cousin so close to them in age. We're looking forward to many great times with him!

New Family Pics

2010-09-23T08:20:00.003-04:00

These are our new family pictures that our neighbor Dawn (Photos By Dawn) took this weekend. I can't wait to order some and put them up in the house.

Sweet Baby Boys

2010-09-15T14:40:00.005-04:00

Content to be out of his bili-bed

Baby Alex in his bili-bed to fight his jaundice

Welcome Home Baby Alex

Sweet boy in his coming home outfit

Ian "I'm not so sure about this baby..."

Guess who?

2010-09-02T13:37:00.006-04:00

Which one is Ian and which one is Alex?

Baby Alex is Here!!!

2010-09-01T22:12:00.003-04:00

Alex Furman Clamp was born today, September 1, 2010, at 12:41 p.m. weighing in at 9 lbs 14oz. He and Mama are doing great! God blessed us with a smooth delivery and a precious boy. Here are a few pictures.

First Day of School for Ian and Baby Alex Coming on Wednesday

2010-08-30T15:36:00.005-04:00

Ian on his first day of "school". What a big boy he is!!!

Here I am...Can't wait to meet Baby Alex on Wednesday. We're going in for an induction at 6:00a.m. We'll post pictures when he gets here.

This picture makes my heart melt...just had to share

2010-07-30T12:37:00.003-04:00

Playing with "Buddy" at the Beach

2010-07-22T08:23:00.002-04:00

Edi...SLOW

2010-07-17T18:26:00.002-04:00

Family Picture on the back porch

Ian LOVES watermelon...look at those eyes!

Ian helping Mommy and Aunt Lauren blow out their 30th birthday candles

Uncle Luke snuggling with Ian and Caroline

Two handsome boys on the beach

June Update

2010-06-27T21:36:00.005-04:00

Yearly rendition of God Bless America from my Aunt "Butter"

The Martin Siblings

Giga and the great grandchildren

Ian and Caroline after popsicles

The Clamp cousins (at least the ones who agreed to lay in the sand for a picture...so, minus Blake and Kelsey:))

Mama's Boy!

Luke and Ian

Wow! I can't believe that June is almost over. The good news for me is that time is going fast...even being HOT and VERY PREGNANT!!! Now, I am even more convinced that Columbia, SC IS in fact the hottest place on Earth. I got in my car today and my thermometer read 112 degrees. I didn't know that they went up that high!

We've had a great month of June. As usual, we've been galavanting up and down the coast from beach to beach. We started out in Hilton Head with the Clamps. We all had a great week...sprinkled with laughs, moments of sadness, lots of food, and wonderful memories of this year and years past with Mr. Alex. The kids loved the beach and Ian became Shannon Tanner's number one fan. Grandmama even bought him a Shannon Tanner hat with the helicopter on top like his cousins. We enjoyed spending time with our newest family member, Baby Greyson (Len and Nicole's foster baby), who is an absolute doll. To top off the week, we TRIED to have a family picture session, but Ian would not cooperate proving that a two year old has a mind of his own...and there is NOTHING you can do to change it. But, I wouldn't have it any other way!

After a mild run in with some pre-term contractions, I started "laying low" after Hilton Head. Mom met us and took Ian and I to Giga Beach the following week. I enjoyed letting all of the aunts, uncles, cousins, and Emma help with Ian. Our house this year had a pool - which was wonderful! We got to spend time telling stories, playing on the beach, and even play "pig" with the family. Eventhough I might get the bad mom award for this...I enjoyed NOT going to Family Kingdom, the water slide, etc. this year. Ian was perfectly content staying home and playing in the water. I know that there will be many years to come when the attractions will be first and foremost, so we decided to "lay low" on that too. Another great year at Martin Beach!!

Photostory of Mr. Alex

2010-05-22T13:58:00.002-04:00

My Poppa

2010-05-08T22:18:00.003-04:00

Dear friends and family,
My Poppa went to be with Jesus today. He was a wonderful man and I am so glad that he was my Poppa. I am most thankful that he knew Jesus and that he is in Heaven with him today. Although I will miss him, I will always have pictures and get to hear stories of what a wonderful man he was. This is a picture of my Daddy, my Poppa and my Uncle Len on Poppa's last shrimping trip. He taught so many people so many things. But in my opinion, the best thing he ever did was raise my Daddy. He is the best Daddy a little boy could ever have.
Thank you, Poppa, for such a wonderful gift.
I love you,
Ian

Birthday Boy!

2010-04-03T20:55:00.005-04:00

Birthday Morning - Chocolate Chip Waffles!

Gourmet Birthday dinner with Daddy and Mama at McDonalds

Playing with Sophie from his Playgroup

Cutting the grass with the birthday boy

Ian and his friend Owen

Celebrating in Williston with Grandmama and Poppa

Caden and Connor helping Ian blow out his candles

Ian's birthday party with his 5 best friends at the park

Caroline and Uncle Travis came to celebrate

Buddy teaching Ian how to play his new t-ball set

Ian and Daddy at his party

Mommy helping Ian with his cake

Ian and his best buddy Sam

Snow Pics

2010-02-26T07:54:00.003-05:00

Love to see the house covered in snow!

Ian and Daddy with our homemade sled

Is it bad when your snowman isn't as tall as your 2 year old? Obviously we need a little more practice:)

Clamp Family Christmas

2010-01-07T21:56:00.003-05:00

For Clamp Family Christmas, we all brought sides and ate a delicious ham. The kids and adults had a great time sharing stories, playing and laughing. The kids all drew names and exchange gifts. The adults all brought gag gifts for a chinese gift exchange which is always hilarious!!

The grandbabies (minus the teenagers) Sitting at Ian's new table with Grandmama

I was so excited to get my singing Mexican chip bowl back after 7 years of it being passed around the family:) This came into the family when we were engaged and I THOUGHT the gift exchange was supposed to be gag gifts, and it WASN'T. I only cried out of embarassment for a few...years. Of course, it became a family joke and it has been ever since.

Len's gag gift from our nephew who is a freshman at USC

Luke and his sweet Grandmama

Christmas at Home

2010-01-07T21:39:00.003-05:00

We did get to Lexington for Christmas Eve service at church, which was amazing! Then, we made cookies for Santa and woke up in our matching family pjs(yes, we are cheesy). Ian opened up his gifts...most importantly, Baby Jesus to put in his manger. We had a wonderful morning celebrating and playing together.

Making cookies for Santa

Are they ready yet?

A lopsided photo of Luke reading Twas the Night Before Christmas

Ian loves his new kitchen!

But, of course, his favorite toy was the ball that came with the soccer goal.

Ian's LaGrange Christmas

2010-01-07T21:22:00.005-05:00

Yes, Ian TOTALLY understood presents this year. Not necessarily the meaning of them being for Baby Jesus's birthday, but that they were for HIM!!! It was too cute watching him trying to open all of the presents at Christmas - whether they were his or not.
We started out our Christmas adventures in LaGrange with Emma(Mom) and Buddy (Dad). Ian loved his new car and vacuum and of course his Clemson tiger pillow. Luke was so excited to get a burner driver (whatever that means) from Dad that he couldn't hardly talk. We had a great time celebrating with them, then we headed to home to Lexington.

San Diego Trip

2010-01-07T21:08:00.002-05:00

For Luke and Len's 30th Birthday, we went to San Diego for a great trip with Len and Nicole. The weather was perfect, the hotel was unbelievable and, of course, the company was the best! If you'ver never made it out to California, plan a trip to San Diego...it was amazing!

The four cuties standing on the beach at La Jolla Luke and Len with their Uncle Mac and Aunt Martha. They live in San Diego for a part of the year in their big bus...enjoying the weather and the views.

Three of a kind

The Chargers - Bengals game. Don't you love Luke sporting the jersey!

Orlando with the Clamps

2009-12-07T12:45:00.005-05:00

We just got back from a great weekend trip with the Clamp family to Orlando. With 20 of us, we took the town by storm. We drove down Thursday, went to Sea World Friday, Magic Kingdom Saturday and home on Sunday. Here are some of the fun things we did...

- We watched the Disney holiday parade. (Notice that Uncle Len is more excited about the parade than Ian is.:))
- Our nephew, Caden, got "slimed" at our hotel for the Clamp family winning the game show. He's still trying to get all the slime out of his hair.

- Mr. Alex's favorite ride is "It's a Small World". However, with not such of a small family, we took up an entire boat on the ride.

- Ian was PUMPED about riding the Buzz Lightyear ride...can't you tell?

- Here are all the grandbabies with Poppa. Hopefully Santa will get them all something nice this year.

- This was my favorite part - the Shamu "Believe" show - it was amazing!

- The kids fed the dolphins at Sea World. Poppa laughed at them for paying $7.00 to feed dolphins when they all have fed dolphins in the wild on his boat.

- Here we all are...having a great time in the cold rain. As I say, we were "wet, cold and happy."

Thanksgiving in LG

2009-12-07T08:06:00.002-05:00

Proud Giga with Travis on the way to fly

Emma reading to her grandbabies

Papa's 90th birthday family celebration

Game of Wheeler cut-throat croquet

A few funny stories

2009-11-02T13:47:00.004-05:00

A few funny stories...

- Mom and I met a group of my girfriends and their kids at Boo at the Zoo while the guys played poker. We had a great time tick or treating and Ian LOVED the candy. The child had more candy in that one night than in his whole life - combined. So, he was on a sugar high as we made it to the "dance party" at the end of our trip. Well, Ian started breaking it down. I guess the ghetto dancer in Luke and I has been passed down...at one point I look over and he is on the ground spinning around break dancing .Then, I couldn't stop laughing when he rolled over on his stomach and was doing his version of the worm. I immediately called Luke to ask him when he and Ian had been working on these moves ...must be hereditary...HILARIOUS!! Unfortunately, I didn't have the video camera with me.

- As is tradition, we always head to the South Carolina State Fair with out friends each year. And Luke always has try eat his way through the fair and, of course, try the new item. This year it was the chocolate covered, deep-fried bacon. Yes, we actually spent money to buy and eat this item. As always, the new item was disgusting and is always beat out by a corn dog and some Fiske fries. We had a great time with all of us together!

- As all of you know, we are a bit psycho when it comes to Clemson football. This year has tested our faithfulness...not because of the football team but because of the weather. As Dad says, "It hasn't rained for a game in 10 years and its rained EVERY home game this year!" So, yes...we did sit in the rain to watch Clemson beat Coastal Carolina. We had a great time tailgating and trick or treating with the Player fam. We are crossing our fingers for no rain against FSU!

He's still our baby boy

2009-10-14T21:24:00.006-04:00

We fall more and more in love with Ian every day! Is that face not just adorable?

Last night, Luke and Ian went on a Daddy date to Edventure and had a blast...he especially loved shopping in the miniature Piggly Wiggly. Sometimes I just have to laugh at the name of that store:)
Ian and I have really enjoyed being a part of a playgroup called "Sandbox Soiree" on Wednesday afternoons. It is a group of children who are friends from Mother's Morning Out and Library Time. It is great to have time to chat as moms and give the kids time to play together (or beside each other...trying to get toys from each other:)

Ian goes to Mother's Morning Out on Mondays and Fridays while I am at work. The other 3 days he goes to his Mena's house (Mrs. Kim) to have fun and play with her. I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to work part-time and have such wonderful people to teach and love on Ian.

And, yes, he is almost 19 months old, and he's officially been a "toddler" for a long time. But, honestly, Luke and I can't stop thinking of him as our baby. So, to our "Baby" Boy...

The way you suck your thumb and hold your night-night

And how you hug Mommy and Daddy so tight...you're our baby boy

The way you yell as you run everywhere

And how you have such soft, (blonde!)beautiful hair...you're our baby boy

The way you talk and talk in your very own way

And you're never at a loss for what to say...you're our baby boy

The way to bat those long eye lashes

And how find all the goodies Mommy stashes...you're our baby boy

The way you snuggle and hold on tight

And how you sleep so sweetly at night...you'll always be our baby boy

Pictures, pictures, pictures

2009-09-27T21:40:00.004-04:00

Here's my sweet cousin Caroline. She's learning to defend herself since I seem to enjoy hitting her with remote controls.

I am staring down those silly gate people because they made my Mommy empty her ENTIRE bookbag into plastic trash bags because they said a bookbag didn't qualify as a "diaper bag." Boy, was Mommy hot!

My cousin Connor is trying to teach me how to spell C-L-E-M-S-O-N.

Here I am having a good time with all the tiger fans at the football game. I am laughing because Mommy and Daddy think I'm actually going to sit down and watch it.

Me and Emma watching the tigers get off the buses and run down the hill. I love Dabo!

Don't you love my golf cart? We go on a ride every night after dinner and I LOVE it! Cool seats, huh?

At the zoo with my buddy Zach. We'll pretend like I was sharing my cookies with him..I think I was really hitting him - SHHHH don't tell!

Helping Daddy drive his car in the driveway. I LOVE the steering wheel and pushing all those cool buttons.

On my first car date with my neighbor Holly. Don't you like my ride?

When I grow up I want to be a fireman...do they really have to keep these hats ON?

Sweet Abby Girl

2009-09-11T14:42:00.005-04:00

It's been only a few days since we lost our sweet Abby girl. We miss her so much. Ian has been walking around asking for Abby and saying "Abby sick?". Wow - it is so quiet here without her! But, it has been amazing this week to encounter God working through people around us.

God has shown us His love through the little things, like...

-Our friends who donated to the Humane Society in Abby's name - what a wonderful, thoughtful gift.

-Our neighbors who came over within seconds of me calling to help with Ian while we went to the doctor with Abby.

-My mom offering to get our carpets cleaned in our house to clean up from where Abby was sick.

-The endless cards, phone calls, and e-mails we have received from people near and far.

Then, today I was totally blown away by Heidi, a lady who cut my hair. We just met today. I was just chatting with her about Len and Nicole's fostering adventures while she cut my hair. Then, when I went to check out, she didn't charge me for the cut and asked me to use the money to buy diapers for them. WOW!!!

Don't ever lose hope in humanity...sometimes you just have to look closely to see how God works through the little things!!

Can't go without posting a picture of the little man. He is now saying 2 and 3 word phrases, helping me "clean" the house, taking naps in a big bed, and just laughing and enjoying life!

IF I had one month to live...

2009-08-31T13:04:00.005-04:00

As I study the book One Month to Live with our church and our small group, I realize the importance of using the talents, gifts, and time God has given me to bless the world. This week's reading also inspired me to watch for and enjoy the little things in life for those are the moments that are most precious. Here are some precious and extraordinary moments we have had lately...

Spending time with Ian and Luke (and the giraffe) at Riverbanks Zoo
That smile melts my heart!

On the way to Ian's first day of Mother's Morning Out. He's trying to find the blanket I put in his bag...Little Linus

Aren't I cute?

Visiting the cemetery where my great grandparents are buried with my 90 year old grandfather...and listening to how things used to be when he was growing up

Realizing that a good snuggle can make almost anything better

O.K. so one more trip to the beach never hurt anyone, right?

2009-08-07T18:59:00.003-04:00

Yes, we keep claiming we have gone on our last beach trip of the summer, but we just keep adding on one more:) Oh, well...there is lots of fun to be had on the beaches of South Carolina. Last weekend, we went to Hilton Head with Luke's parents and his brother Craig's family. We had a great time in the sunshine. Also, we got great news! Luke's dad has started a clinical trial at MUSC and will start his therapy tomorrow to slow down (hopefully stop) the growth of the tumors on his liver...answered prayer!! Thank you for all of your thoughts and especially prayers for Mr. Alex. We'll keep you updated.

The Power of Prayer

2009-07-26T20:44:00.003-04:00

Last week was a very tough week for us. After hearing the news about Luke's dad having stage 4 renal cell carcinoma, two of our best friends' parents passed away suddenly. Our dearest friends in Lexington, Gerrick and Dana, his father passed away on Wednesday morning. And my best friend growing up, Lauren LeGodais, her mom passed away on Thursday. She and her sister Leanne also lost their father this past January. Mrs. Debbie, their mom, was also my mom's best friend...they looked alike, talked alike, and acted alike...two of the most wonderful women you will ever meet.
So I ask any of you reading this blog to pray for these three families...
The Clamp family, The Taylor family, and the LeGodais family.

Thankfully, all of these families are strong Christians who understand the power of God's love and His plan for us on this Earth. However, they(we) need extra strength right now.

An important note from Ian

2009-07-20T19:22:00.003-04:00

Hi guys! I am doing really good...walking (running) everywhere and smiling all the time. The other day we got some news that made me sad, but then I realized that Jesus is here to help us. So, will you do me a big favor and please pray for...

My Poppa - the one who fish fear

My Poppa - the one who always gives and never asks for anything in return

My Poppa - the one who catches the best shrimp in Hilton Head

My Poppa - the one who adores his family

My Poppa - the one who feeds me ice cream

My Poppa - the one who makes me laugh when he makes silly faces

My Poppa - the one who is strong

My Poppa - the one who is courageous

My Poppa - the one who will beat this cancer

Thank you for your prayers...GOD IS listening!

Love,

Ian

EdiSLOW

2009-07-14T14:06:00.003-04:00

We loved our trip to Edisto...it is always great to go there to relax and enjoy time with our family and friends. We named our group the "Hometown Tailgaters" and made dad a sign to hang up at the tailgate and on our beach house. We chose the name because all of our parents were born and raised in Clemson. Anyway, we had some fantastic meals, of course, including Sandra Mae's lasagna, shrimp boil and lots of pimento cheese and sweets. Ian and Caroline had a blast and we all enjoyed watching them. Now, we're counting down to tailgate season:)

June Beach Bum

2009-07-03T10:49:00.004-04:00

As you know, we are professional vacationers during the summer. In June, we headed to Hilton Head for a week with the Clamp family and to Garden City Beach for a week with the Martin (my mom's) family. Here's a note from Ian about why he likes the beach...

Hi friends!

I love the beach because...

I get to run, run, run as fast as I can on the sand (and I laugh as the adults chase me)

I get to put sand in my ears, mouth, and all my other cracks and crevices:)

I am the center of attention - all my family just watches me and laughs at everything I do ( I must be pretty funny:))

My mommy lets me have juice boxes on the beach (eventhough she said she would never let me have one...it was actually flavored water)

I got to splish and splash in the water with all of my favorite people!

Playing in the pool at Hilton Head

Peek-a-boo with Daddy

"I don't think so..."

Playing with Grandmama on the Playground

The Clamp Fam

God's Greatest Gifts

2009-06-14T00:17:00.004-04:00

God’s Greatest Gifts

In this world of light and dark, just look around and see

This life is filled with precious gifts given especially to you and me

The Lord has blessed us with his presence each and every day

In the little things around us that change us in priceless ways

Like seeing a great-grandma basking in every move of her little man

Or laughing as a toddler destroys the print of his perfectly painted hand

A Daddy and his little tyke steering the turns as they mow
And grandparents so filled with joy that you can’t mistake their glow

The feeling that a Mommy feels as she opens the door in the morning

And listens to the perfect song of her little prince charming

God is here and God is there, in these little moments

The amazing gifts He gives each day are merely just a glimpse

Of the life that we will see when we join Him in His glory

Yes, this is just the beginning of our perfectly written life story.

Our Little Gardener

2009-06-09T08:28:00.006-04:00

Ian picking the first squash of the season...YUM!!

A regular at the neighborhood pool

Still lovin' his thumb and his blankie

Ian's first experience "licking the spoon"

Happy Birthday to Caroline

2009-06-09T07:59:00.004-04:00

I can't believe Caroline was born a year ago! Ian and his sweet girl cousin have had so much fun together this year. Here are some photos from her butterfly celebration.

Fun, fun, fun

2009-05-12T22:37:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I have written. I am trying to learn how to do lots of new stuff so I haven't had time to stop and write. As you can tell, I am walking...well, mostly running at all times. My mommy and daddy stay busy trying to keep up with me. I am talking a lot more too. I also have a unique way of always getting my opinion across, whether it is saying a word, pointing, or just squealing...I always get their attention. I have a new fondness for "awsiiii" also known as outside, now that the weather is pretty. I have no fear, which kind of makes my mommy and daddy nervous. I climb stairs, run around the backyard, and love to kick, throw (and try to eat) all types of balls. I am helping my daddy grow a garden in our backyard now that we have 21 pallets of new sod in our yard. I am so happy that I was too little to help lay all of that grass:) Well, I better get going...things to do, people to see.

" Caroline, what is that stripey looking horse?"

" IT'S HOT OUT HERE!!! Are we having fun yet?"

" Weeeeee...driving this tractor is so much fun! Just wait until I get my own wheels!"

I put this one in to make my mommy proud. Here is a picture of me reading a book in my tent.

My favorite place to be...my little tent house.

Go Tigers!! Wait, I'm not so sure...

2009-05-08T15:03:00.002-04:00

We, along with 790 other people, headed to see Dabo and Oliver Purnell at the Clemson Club meeting last night. Since it was at Lexington High School, Luke was first in line to get his football signed. Well, with a baby with so much orange in his wardrobe you would think he would embrace the Clemson spirit. And, he did until....he saw the tiger! He was scared to death of the greatest mascot in the land. Hopefully, the more exposures he has, the more he will like the tiger. I hope this is not an indication of the college he will go to.

Grammie and Giga visit and Strawberry Picking

2009-05-01T13:16:00.004-04:00

Easter Weekend

2009-04-18T21:05:00.004-04:00

I think that this is the first picture I have of Ian and I since he was born. :)

The girls (and Ian) celebrating Easter

Cousin Caroline "YEAY! It's Easter"

Cousin Ian "Huh?"

Hey, let's eat some dirt and mess up these frilly clothes our moms put us in!

Dressing Ian and Caroline like twins is too cute!!

Ian stealing other people's balls on the beach because his parents didn't think to bring beach toys, oops! We'll remember next time.

Pondering how to solve the problems of the world

It doesn't get any sweeter than that!

Luke, Ian and I all took a trip to the coast for Easter weekend. It started with a day at Isle of Palms at the beach and visiting Aunt Jane and Uncle Joe. Then, we went to Summerville and dropped Ian off with his SWEET Aunt Minde. Luke and I then went to the Lodge Alley Inn in downtown Charleston for our 6th anniversary. We had a wonderful weekend, eating, shopping and walking around in the beautiful weather.

So, here's the funny part. You know you are married to a sports fanatic when your husband wakes up at 3:00am on your anniversary to drive from Charleston to Augusta for the Master's Golf Tournament by himself (of course meeting Len at the front gate so they could be at the front of the line.) Honestly, I knew that I would be better off with him in Augusta than having him with me wishing he were in Augusta. So, Minde, Caroline, Brecke, Ian and I celebrated Easter and my anniversary together over a nice meal after church at Oscar's in Summerville.

We have so many blessings in our life, but the most important one is our savior Jesus Christ. What a wonderful Easter we had celebrating his resurrection.

First "Real" Hair Cut

2009-04-18T20:48:00.002-04:00

Yes, I had to trim the little man's mullett at 2 weeks old and again and again over the months, but he finally had his first "real" hair cut. We just walked into one of those hair cut places in a strip mall and Mrs. Daisy was so excited to cut Ian's hair. He wasn't still, but she still got it looking mostly even. Of course, the most exciting part for Ian was the sucker. He has never had a lick of candy in his life and WOW was he thrilled. I didn't have the heart to tell Mrs. Daisy that he couldn't eat candy, so I let him enjoy a few licks...it won't hurt him, right?:)

Birthday Party

2009-04-09T14:26:00.004-04:00

We had a BEAUTIFUL day for Ian's party last Saturday. All of his friends and family (including both great grandmas) came to see him turn one and to spoil him rotten. I think the hit of the party was the easter egg hunt in the front yard...the kids were hilarious! Of course, we couldn't have a first birthday without the birthday boy having a red rash all over his body (including his face). Oh well, that's what makes good stories. Luke's grandma made Ian's football cake that he tore into. He had orange icing from head to toe and loved every minute of it...I guess a tiger is a tiger through and through:)

The Story Behind the Trip to Picture People

2009-03-30T09:09:00.004-04:00

So, I have to let you know the story behind Ian's 1 year pictures. The photographer was taking pictures and Ian was doing good.

Then, he asked "Does he stand up?" and I said "Yes"...
so he asked "Does he walk?" and I said
"No, he may have taken one or two steps, but he should stay standing for the picture."
And, what does Ian do? He walks across the entire studio!!
As mom says, they will always prove you wrong, won't they?
It was too funny! Of course, I was spazzing out going
"OH MY...OH MY...HE'S NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE!!!"
And I am sure the photographer was rolling his eyes thinking "PSYCHO mom."
Now Ian is walking all over the place and into everything. I just love it!!
And the best part is we have a professional photograph of his first steps.

The little man's birthday is tomorrow...I have been crying all week thinking about it! I guess I might be a psycho mom after all:)

One Year Pictures

2009-03-20T15:41:00.002-04:00

WOW! There's a whole wide world out there!!

2009-03-16T17:17:00.005-04:00

Ian's Grammie and Grandpa are giving him a new car seat for his first birthday. Well...since it ALREADY came in the mail, I couldn't resist. I knew I had definitely turned into a mom nerd when getting his car seat was an exciting event in my day- I couldn't wait to open it up and put it in the car. I mean, the poor kid has been scrunched up in a little cocoon looking at the head rest of the back seat for the past 11 months. Anyway, he LOVES it and so do I. He is so much happier being able to see out. Since he loves sleeping in the car, I was a little nervous at first that he wouldn't be able to figure out how to take a snooze, but it only took 2 car rides and the car narcilepsy is on again...

Ian's Thoughts...

2009-03-16T16:59:00.003-04:00

"Hey Mom, make sure you get a close up of my Bubba Gump lip!"

"Isn't it funny that I bit my lip and it is swollen and I am supposed to get my picture made tomorrow?"

"Poppa...will I hit a homerun like Cousin Blake when I get to be big?"

"I think I'm going to break Aunt Nicole's arms. I think I need to cut back on eating all of those fruit flavored puffs Mommy gives me to keep me quiet in the grocery store."

All Done...

2009-03-05T07:40:00.003-05:00

Ian had tubes put in both ears this past Monday. God really used our fake out snow day to our advantage. Luke was supposed to be out of town, but the trip got postponed because of the weather. (We didn't get a single flake of snow, but I wasn't complaining.) So, Luke got to go with me to Ian's surgery. Sweet Baby Boy was so brave and he didn't even cry when the anesthesiologist took him back. It only took about 15 minutes and we were all done. I can already tell that Ian is feeling and sleeping better. Praise God!! My goal is that he doesn't have an ear infection for his first birthday.

Little Ears

2009-02-21T23:45:00.004-05:00

"Oops...did you just bust me demolishing the cookbook shelf?"

I can't believe my little man is almost 11 months old. He is so much fun! He crawls everywhere, plays all the time and loves being outside. He is ALL BOY and I would never ask for anything different. He has recently called 911, reprogrammed all of our remotes and eaten Abby's dog food. All you can do is laugh with him. I am so thankful that he is such a happy boy even though he has pretty much had an ear infection for the past 5 months. We had a visit with the ENT last week and he suggested that Ian gets tubes in his ears. He will get put to sleep for only a few minutes and then he will be done. It is a quick and easy procedure. We are praying that this will put an end to the endless antibiotics. The outpatient surgery will be done on Monday, March 2nd, so please be thinking of him that morning.

Skiing in Tahoe

2009-01-24T09:58:00.006-05:00

As is typical for the Clamps, we had a hilarious and fun vacation to Lake Tahoe, California.

First of all, our flight to Chicago got totally cancelled because "the landing gear wasn't working." Of course, I was just thankful they figured it out BEFORE we got in the air. As my dad always says "You would rather be down here wishing you were up there than up there wishing you were down here" (Advice from a true pilot:)) Anyway, after Mr. Organized(Luke) realized that his itemized schedule was not going to work, we made the best of the situation and had fun in the airport people watching, eating, and shopping. So, we traveled all the way across the country to go snow skiing and didn't see one flake of snow fall from the sky. The skiing was fantastic and the weather was beautiful, but no falling snow. We skied for 2 days with our friends Gerrick and Dana. It was a blast! Then, we head back across the country and fly into Charlotte and what do we see - SNOW!! I just started cracking up. We got into the Volvo and started driving...until we couldn't see a foot in front of the car, so we had to stop in Richburg, SC (I still don't know where that is and got a hotel room and spend the night. Thankfully we were lucky enough to get an extra day off of school! So, the moral of the story is - when you are traveling with the Clamps there will never be a dull moment.

The snow bunnies

The Snow King

Gerrick scouting out long needle pine straw for the business:)

Out to eat at a great dinner at the Chart House

The house when we finally got home - SNOW!

Fun Christmas Memories

2009-01-06T09:53:00.005-05:00

First of all I have to admit that I am entertaining myself looking at Christmas pictures and thinking of captions from Ian's point of view. I know, simple minds have simple pleasures...oh well! Ian had a wonderful first Christmas. He got to see everyone in his whole family - and that is saying a lot. We spent Christmas in LaGrange and then went to Williston after Christmas. I am almost embarrassed to admit that we had to borrow Luke's parents' hitch-all to get all of our (mostly Ian's) presents home. If it weren't for the hitch-all, Luke was about to leave ME behind:) After being with me constantly for 2 weeks, he would have probably appreciated the quiet. All of that to say, we are truly blessed and here are some pictures to show it. Everyone better get my autograph now, because I am in training to be a famous rock star! Wait...is that a piece of wrapping paper? That looks way cooler than this silly microphone.

Grandpa got me a Delta T-shirt!! I can't WAIT to wear it! The tag say 4T- what does that mean?

Uncle Len is trying to show me culture by helping me make music with my maraca...oooo, it tastes so good!

Nothing like snuggling on Grandmama's "soft bosom"

You better watch out on the roads - I have wheels now!! Why do my parents keep following me around with that gray thing in their hand? That is so annoying, can't they just let a man drive?

I love to dress like my handsome Daddy. I am also wondering why my mom always cries when they sing some song called Silent Night and light candles??I got to go into the big church service because I threw a big temper tantrum in the nursery. So Mommy held me the whole time. That was a pretty good idea wasn't it?

Visiting the Atlanta Aquarium

2009-01-06T07:46:00.003-05:00

Chatting with the beluga whale

Oh no! It's going to eat me!

Grammy and Grandpa taking me to new heights in the aquarium

We had a great visit to the Atlanta aquarium. It was awesome!! Both Ian and Caroline LOVED it. So, if you haven't gone, it is totally worth the money and the trip. It was fun to watch Ian's expressions when the big fish and sharks would swim up to the glass. We also had a perfect seat to see the three beluga whales - so cool! It was a great start to our Christmas vacation.

Giga Christmas in Clemson

2008-12-17T08:37:00.003-05:00

Ian and his cousin Caroline

Grandpa and the 2 grandbabies
Ian LOVES Santa!!!
The Fam at Church with Giga
Uncle Travis and Grandpa entertaining the babies

We had a great get together at my Giga's house for Christmas. Santa even came to visit and hand out presents. (My poor cousin Lee drew the "short straw" and got drafted to be Old St. Nick!) We look forward to a great Christmas in LaGrange and Williston.

Oh Christmas Tree!

2008-12-08T08:49:00.005-05:00

Thanks to my parents we are passing on the tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree to Baby Ian. I felt like the paparazzi with the camera, the video camera and Ian on my hip. Luke (aka Clark Griswald) was on the hunt for the "perfect" family tree. We, I mean he, chopped it down as Ian, Abby, and I watched. Then, we had hot chocolate - I even let Ian have a little bi of marshmellow - and we headed home in the big green sleigh. Once we got it home, it was looking doubtful that the tree was actually going to fit in our living room with 10 foot ceilings. Our eyes were bigger than our ceiling...I held my breath as my husband, Clark Griswald, cut the string around the tree. Thankfully, it fit with about 2 inches for the angel on top. Here are some pictures...

P.S. Ian started crawling on Thursday. I'll take pictures and post them later. He is a man on the loose - I'm in trouble:)

Cold Fall Fun

2008-11-21T14:48:00.005-05:00

We went to visit Aunt Minde, Uncle Travis and Caroline in Summerville on our way to the Lexington High girls' volleyball match. I think it's called a match. Anyway, we had a great time hanging out and watching Ian and Caroline. By the way Caroline has just learned how to sit up this week- CONGRATULATIONS to you!! It's a whole new world from this perspective. Aunt Alecia and Caroline

Aunt Minde and Ian

Uncle Travis "topping off" Caroline

Baby Ian snuggling with Grammie at the Clemson game

Knocked out at the zoo - at least he wasn't screaming bloody murder like he did his first trip.

I HATE PEAS!!!! Yes, the child has a major opinion on peas...hates them, even when I try to disguise them. Hopefully we can get him to like green beans so that we can get a few greens in.

From sleeping dragon to charming prince

2008-11-03T09:25:00.006-05:00

Ian dressed up as a dragon for Halloween. Luke INSISTED that Ian's costume was something "manly". I don't think you can get more manly than a dragon. We enjoyed trick-or-treating to ONE, yes, one house before the dragon fell asleep. My mom, Morgan and I sat on the front porch and held the sleeping dragon while we passed out candy to the precious kids. I just love seeing them all dressed up!! (Luke and Dad opted to go to the Williston-Elko football game against Blackville-Hilda.)

On Sunday, our friends and family came for Ian's christening at the church. He was so cute - thumb in mouth the whole time!

The South Carolina State Fair

2008-10-24T08:24:00.003-04:00

Luke is glad that the state fair is gone for 2 reasons. 1-so I stop going around the house singing the state fair song from the commercials on t.v. 2 - so that we can start saving our calories (and money) for next year. After we combined ate...corn dog, Fiske fries, steak on a stick, pork loin sandwich, caramel apple, cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade, and a chocolate dipped cone...we were glad that Ian is too small to ride rides. Now we will have to do weight watchers until the next fair comes next year:). Ian with the ugliest fair toy...a consolation prize for Luke for getting 2nd place in the water squirting game.
Stroller brigade of friends- Railey and Sidney, Sam, Trace and Anna Kate, and Ian

Same sink 28 years later...

2008-10-06T22:07:00.007-04:00

So, my mom used to bathe me in my Mama's sink when we went to visit. Now, we go up to Clemson on game weekends and stay in the same house. Here is a picture of me taking a bath at Ian's age and Ian taking a bath in my Mama's sink 28 years later.

I tried to get a picture of Ian and his sister Abby with both of them actually looking at the camera. Of course, that didn't happen. So, we'll take both of them not looking at the camera. Abby is adjusting to Baby Ian being in the house slowly but surely.
The only caption needed for this picture is "Real men wear pink."
Here is Luke and his principal working at Moe's to raise money for the high school. I told Luke not to quit his day job.

End of Summer Fun

2008-09-26T09:20:00.003-04:00

As a Halloween preview, here is Ian in his dragon costume. With as much as he is growing, I hope that he will still fit in it in a month. If not, a friend has let us borrow a back up costume.

We attempted to get some pictures of Ian and his cousin Caroline. I love the one below where they are looking at each other - too cute!

Ian is already a high school and college football expert - above with a Lexington football and below in his Clemson orange overalls. He has already seen so much football in his first 6 months to make the play calls at the games.

First Clemson Game

2008-09-09T20:42:00.004-04:00

Which one is my daddy?