While I've Been Gone...

Hello, hello!

A lot has been going on in the past few months.

So much in fact, that I have seriously neglected this little blog.

So sorry to the three of you who read this. :)

I took my National Boards exams at the end of May, and feel ok about how things went.

Now I just have the looooooong wait until November when I find out if I passed or not.

Please say a little prayer (or a million) or keep your fingers crossed for me.

Or something.

Any token of good luck will be appreciated.

More big school news.... I'm LOOPING with my kiddos!!!

This means that I'm moving up to 3rd grade with them and get to keep all 25 of my sweet babies for another year.

Woohooo!!!!

I am more excited about this than I can even explain.

I've just been jumping up and down a lot to show my excitement.

And screaming.

People are beginning to think I'm a little strange.

{Luckily, Jenn understands how I feel...}

Now on to the good stuff... the pictures.

So sorry you had to see this awful picture, but I just had to show this since Ryan just did not believe that I actually held a snake.

My. biggest. fear.

I look awful because 1)it was pouring down rain 2)I was trying not to scream and frighten all the children 3)I was trying not to scream and scare the boa constrictor that easily could have choked me to death.

Shudder.

Our littlest angel, Elyse, turned 4 and celebrated with her besties at a spa party where they were all treated to manicures and pedicures.

These kids are living the life!

Payton made the team again at his junior high. Go Payton!

He also joined an elite AAU team out of Little Rock, The Wings.

This group is much more competitive and has players from across the state and even from Tennessee and Louisiana.

They are awesome!

Unfortunately, a week after joining this team he broke his big toe at practice and is now out for 4-6 weeks.

He's hoping it heals in time for Nationals at the end of the month.

Elyse started her dance classes.

She's had a great time learning ballet, tap, and tumbling.

Cutie Patootie!!!

Happy Birthday...

Happy 13th birthday to the most amazing young man I've ever known!!!

Payton, I am so proud of you. You are such a kind, caring, thoughtful young man. It amazes me how sweet you are and how much you want to take care of those around you. You're already way smarter than me... so glad you understand your math homework, because I sure don't!! Your talent as an athlete is so fun to watch. Your leadership on the court, your good sportsmanship, and your competitive spirit are going to take you far! I'm so glad that you and your teammates got a win last night - a great birthday gift! Love you sooo much!!!!

Welcome Baby Finley...

Congratulations to John and Beth on their sweet baby girl, Finley!

She is so adorable and we can't wait to meet her!

She reminds me a little of another sweet, dark haired, chubby baby girl I once knew. :)

New Addition...

Tomorrow is the BIG day that we've been anxiously awaiting... John and Beth will be welcoming the newest Baby Dugger to the family.

We can't wait to see pictures and to find out the gender and name. Here are our predictions:

Payton: a boy named Nikko

Elyse: a girl named Callahan Baby

Ryan: a girl named ????

Christy: a girl named Bryn or Sophie

We've got quite the bet going. We'll see who wins the loot tomorrow. :)

Congratulations to John and Beth! We'll be thinking of you all day tomorrow!!

The Big 3-0...

It's happened... I've hit the big 3-0.

Gosh, I feel old...

Elly's Birthday Celebration...

This week we celebrated our sweet Elyse's 3rd birthday. On Tuesday we had a family dinner complete with cake and present opening...

Sweet girl!

Silly face!


Playing with one of her new toys. She knows "E" is for Elyse!



Then on Saturday we celebrated again with a party at a local park. We invited some of her friends from school as well as her buddies she hangs out with on the weekends. :)

She loved the ballerina card that Nanna and Poppy gave her. It played "Fur Elise" and she just danced and danced to it all afternoon! I loved her ballerina spin. That girl can dance!

She had fun opening all the thoughtful gifts her sweet friends brought her.

This remote control car that Addye and Kynzie gave her was a hit! So fun!

Go Ava Go!

Eating delicious cupcakes with her friend Trinity.

Racing down the slide with Hayven.

Look at those smiles!

Elyse has such a sweet group of friends. I think it is just so great that she is friends with so many of my friend's children. I grew up with these girls, and now our daughters are going to grow up together. I can just picture them hanging out together as teenagers. Oh no... actually, I'm not quite ready to picture that! Let's just enjoy toddlerhood.

Happy Birthday Elly Belly!

It's Party Time...

Today we are celebrating Elyse's 3rd birthday with a party at the park. There will be friends, food, cupcakes, swings, toys, and hopefully nice weather! The little princess is so excited!

Happy Birthday Elly Claire!

Once Upon a Time...

there was a beautiful princess named Elyse.

Over the past year she had many adventures...

Today Princess Elyse turns 3.

We are so proud of you Elly! It's so hard to believe that three years could have passed so quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was feeling your kicks inside my belly. Holding you in my arms for the first time. Rocking you to sleep in the middle of the night.

Now you're a "big girl!" We are so proud of your caring demeanor, your independence, your large vocabulary (you really are brilliant!). We love to hear your sweet giggles, your singing, your feet tip-tapping across the floor as you dance. We are so proud of the princess you are!

WE LOVE YOU LYSIE LOU!!!!