While Miles is away.....

This week has been VBS week at NUMC. Since I am on the children's ministry team, I was put in charge of service/missions this year, which was very rewarding for me. Every day the children got to make things for people in need. Monday, they made dog toys for dogs at the humane society. Tuesday was Hope bags filled with snacks and water for the homeless. Wednesday, kids decorated love journals for the Women of Hope to write in. Thursday was reserved for decorating water bottles for people in the community who provided a service to the children and Friday, they colored crosses for the nursing home. Each day I helped teach a lesson that went along with the service project for the day. The end product was to ensure kids are living their lives for Jesus from the inside out! I sure do hope that these kids took away as much as I did. I am really enjoying getting involved with our church. We love NUMC so much!!

I did all of this while Miles was away with Hidee and Fairy at Uncle Brandon's house in KY. He left on Tuesday evening and stayed until Friday. One would assume that I would relish in being home alone, but I kind of was sad and lonely. Miles, on the other hand, had the time of his life. He got to play at the park, visit with some horses, splash around a public pool, see some airplanes, and hang out with Brandon and Casey.

Miles and Uncle Brandon

Miles helping Casey wash the car.

Riding on a plane with Brandon at the park.

Weeeeeee

Fun on the swing with Brandon and Casey.

Brandon gave Miles a Popsicle for breakfast! 

Playing in the water at the public pool.

Plum....tuckered...out!

Airplane!

Fairy, Miles and Brandon attempted a ride on the plane, but according to Hidee, the attempt was much like the bus riding extravaganza. Miles liked to look at the plane instead of riding in it! Oh, well. Maybe next time, Brandon.

Eating out at the "jellyfish" restaurant.

So sweet...hate I missed this trip to Lexington. 

Very thankful to Hidee and Fairy for taking Miles on their mini trip! 

I might have missed out on the KY fun, but Matt and I did get a date day on Wednesday, which was much needed and very pleasing. It was kind of weird not having to be anywhere or to be back at home so Miles can have a nap. We actually got to eat out for lunch and dinner. We also went shopping for some nautical stuff to put in Millers room. We've made a lot of progress on the nursery and here's where we are.....

Fairy got Miller this cross and hung it in his room.

We decided on putting our old recliner in Miller's room. The shelves are from Miles' old orange bookshelf. I spray painted them green. Thanks to Uncle Trey for the shells from Florida that we placed in a glass container on the top shelf.

This sign is from Hidee via Misty Collins. She painted a plate for Miles' room, so, we were pleased with the sign for Millers room. (check out her stuff-Gravel Road Art www.mmcollins.etsy.com)

My Meemaw sewed these curtains....

...and bed skirt. I am very grateful she can still sew and doesn't mind doing it! What a special treat in Miller's room!

And this is Miller's changing table with pictures of Greers Ferry Lake in Heber Springs, AR and Pelican Bay Beach in Naples, FL above it. Thanks to Margie for the blue cross that we hung from Miller's changing table. 

All of the furniture in the nursery was Miles' when he was little. We left the room the same color because we didn't want to paint again. However, we went with a new color scheme and theme. Matt and I both love the lake, ocean, and river, so, we decided nautical was best. We hope Miller enjoys his new pad!

So, as you can see, we are somewhat prepared for our new little guy to grace us with his presence. I'm still waiting on the quilt for his bed, which has whales on it. I am also looking for a rug to go in the middle of the floor, so, if any of you have any ideas....please shoot them my way. 

People keep asking me if I need anything for Miller, but all I can think of is diapers and prayers, of course. We are using a lot of Miles' baby things. I've washed clothes, towels, blankets, and bedding as well as semi packed my bag for the hospital. I am 35 weeks today, which means in 5 weeks or less Miller will be here! We can't wait to meet our new little gent, but we are savoring every moment with Miles. Keep us in your prayers for a safe, happy, healthy end to my pregnancy and delivery of our precious gift from above!

5 years down...Hopefully, Many More to Go

July 11 is a special day in my family. It's not only our anniversary, but it is also my parents' anniversary. You see on July 11, 2009, Matt and I got married on the same day, at the same time, in the same place, by the same preacher as my parents did in 1981. I also wore the same veil as my mom did.

One of the best days of my life-July 11, 2009!!

I only hope that Matt and I can have as long and as successful of a marriage as my mom and dad. They truly are best friends who love each other unconditionally. They are a team in every way and have shown me how important it is to give and take in a relationship, especially when you have kids and full time jobs. A big cheers to my parents for sticking together this long and showing me that marriages can be successful with a little bit of compromise, a lot of love, and of course God.

With that said, the 5th anniversary is associated with a gift made of wood. So, I got Matt a chainsaw! Now he can cut down limbs, trees, and other wooden stuff of his choosing. I'm sure you are wondering...what did he get me?

 A new couch...that doubles as a place for company to sleep! This gift is perfect because we don't have a guestroom anymore and I have a feeling that we will be having plenty of visitors in the near future.

And a new recliner, which is more of Matt's than mine!

He also got me this orange and white shirt from a local boutique. I have been eyeing that shirt for a long time and he listened!

Matt's cousin, Mary Claire, came over that night to keep Miles while Matt and I went to Charlie Bulldogs to eat, Maggie Moos to get ice cream, and then on to our fun outing at Target....to get none other than dreaded school supplies. Miles is beginning the junior cubs program at University School of Jackson in August. Therefore, we had to get him some school supplies. Who knew 2 year olds had to bring so many school supplies? Whew! Nap mats, paint markers, and antibacterial wipes...oh my! Even though we had to search high and low for all of the items on his list (and there were dozens), we had the best time. I don't think I remember the last time I have enjoyed a school supply shopping trip as much as I did that night. 

Me...stuffing my face with ice cream. Thanks to Matt for the photo. What can I say? I crave ice cream. I don't feel as guilty, though, because it was frozen yogurt with strawberries mixed in.

Happy 5 years to my sweetheart!

Matt is trying to comprehend that there's a difference between markers and paint markers.

Our cart full of supplies...we didn't even get everything on the list. Apparently 2" nap mats are hard to come by in most stores. 

Last 4th of July as a Family of 3

We spent the 4th of July weekend in West Memphis with my parents. They have an oasis in their backyard, so, we decided to hang out there for a few days.

Isn't it nice?! I mean it may not be the beach, but it is pretty close to it in my opinion.

The day we arrived Miles had to get into Hidee and JoePa's pool. He donned his swim trunks, swimming diaper, puddle jumper, and swam with Matt.

The next day, we ventured over to Southaven, MS to get Matt some new shades. Miles even tried on a few hats....

Miles wanted to swim that night, too. He even tried putting on his own swimming trunks this time.

Friday was the 4th and we spent all day outside by the pool. I'm talking 10:00 in the morning until at least 4 or 5. God surely blessed us with great weather here in the South this year. We kept going on and on about how nice it felt outside.

Miles swam from 10 until about 2 when he needed to stop for lunch and a nap. Most of his lunch consisted of yummy fruit and fruit dip that my Meemaw made for us. 

I think Miles enjoyed the dip more than the fruit. :)

After nap time and pool time, we got all cleaned up and hung out on Hidee and JoePa's porch to watch the Macy's fireworks on tv and the other intermittent firework mini shows around the neighborhood. Miles enjoyed the sights.

On Saturday, my mom and I got pedicures and Miles hung out with Daddy and JoePa. Then, that night Miles spent a little time with Hidee and JoePa while Mommy and Daddy went on a date. I've been hearing great things about this little place called South of Beale and wanted to try it out. So, that's where Matt and I went for dinner. 

It is a quaint little bar and restaurant with very progressive food. They don't even carry Heinz ketchup b/c they make their own! I had grilled salmon with maple bacon brussel sprouts and a side of Gouda mac and cheese. Matt had the fish and chips. We enjoyed our food and will definitely go back, especially once Miller arrives and Mommy can have a signature cocktail!

After dinner, we drove to Maggie Moos on Main to have ice cream for dessert.

We were extremely grateful to Hidee and JoePa for hanging out with Miles while we went out on the town. I have to say, though, our night on the town was a lot different than our Downtown Memphis nights out once were. However, I would not change it for anything. It is weird how things change over time.

Hidee left for Vegas on Sunday, and the Cleek's headed home to Jackson. Miles had a great time on our "staycation", and so did Mommy and Daddy.

In fact, Miles had so much fun that he was worn out. 

Miles can Count and Miller is an Acrobat

Since Miles can say his ABC's and count to 10, Matt and I started working with him on the numbers past 10.

Here's where we are at now:

Our sweet little man is very intelligent and we are extremely proud of him. He has also learned how to say, "Yes mam/sir." and "No mam/sir." These recent developments are on top of his increasing urge to talk about anything and everything he sees. He is warming up to the idea of wearing hats a little more, as well.

Especially when it is Daddy's hat!

We have also moved out of the high chair at the kitchen table and on to his plastic table and chairs.

Miles eating lunch at his big boy table.

He likes it and does a really good job sitting there and eating. Now if we could just get him to potty on his Elmo potty we would be set! That is a work in progress, and we are struggling.

As for our other little guy...he is still doing well. We are incredibly blessed with a healthy pregnancy so far. (No swelling yet!)  Miller is moving around in my belly just like his big brother did. Today, Miles got to feel Miller. I asked him to put his hand on my belly. Miller did several somersaults and Miles face looked surprised and he said, "Mill-ner!". We go back to see our midwife Holly on Thursday for our last monthly visit. After this it is down to visits every 2 weeks! EEK! He is going to be here before we know it.

We are still in progress on Miller's nursery. Therefore, I am going to wait until we are finished to post pictures. On the other hand, we have gotten out all of Miles' baby "stuff". I'm talking outfits, blankets, bibs, cradle, car carrier, swing, and other gadgets. It is fun to see all of the baby things again, but it is even more enjoyable watching Miles' reaction to all of it. He wants to sit in every seat and swing as well as play with every toy.

Here he is in "his" car seat, just cheesin it up for the camera.

Matt and I asked him today if he was ready for his little brother to come and he said yes, but then Matt asked him if Miller could come live with us and Miles did not really care for the idea. We will work on this a little more and hopefully our sweet little man will love his little brother to pieces.

Miles is a Big Boy

A few weeks ago, with help from Hidee, Mimi, Papa, Todd, and Julie, we converted our guest room into Miles' new "big boy" bedroom. We decided on a hunting theme because Matt wanted to keep his prized deer mount on the wall and well I kind of feel bad for him because he doesn't have a man cave. So, I caved in.

Miles helped Daddy get supplies for the big renovation.

Now, it looks amazing but I'll tell you it took a lot more than just painting and decorating...

Being married almost 5 years and living in our house almost 6, Matt and I have accumulated a lot of "stuff". The guest room, the guest closet, and the attic were the dumping ground for this "stuff". And when I say Matt and I, I mean that very loosely considering that the majority of "stuff" we got rid of was mine. We cleaned out the closet, attic, and drawers. We had 30+ bags that we donated to Goodwill. So after a month or so of getting people to take our old furniture, going through drawers and clothes, and donating things we were ready to get started on Miles' new pad. (Side note: I didn't take any before and after pictures. Once we finished, I realized I should have to show our progress so sorry.)

Papa and Mimi helped us buy new furniture for the little man, which is perfect for his hunting themed room. Hidee came and faux painted the back wall to look like camouflage. She also helped me transfer Miles' clothes and toys over to his new closet as well as helped me decorate and clean. Todd helped us move the furniture in the room. We couldn't have done this project without all of these helping hands so thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Here's the finished project:

And Matt built the headboard to Miles' new bed. He used pallets he got from a work friend of his.


Miles helped him anchor it to the bed and the wall.

I am proud of my husband for this wonderful addition to our son's room. I think it is perfect!

Miles has done a great job sleeping in his new room, which is a surprise to us because Miles isn't a good sleeper. I think he believes he will miss something big if he falls asleep so he fights it with all of his might. The first night in his new room, he slept in his new bed with Hidee. Then, the next day, he took a nap in his big boy bed, but it took Matt and I both laying up there with him for him to go to sleep.

Miles was excited and very satisfied with his new room.

The second night, we were a little apprehensive about putting him in the big boy bed all night, but we treated it like a band aid and just ripped it off and put him in his new bed. Well...Matt checked on him about 1:30...I woke up at 3:30 to use the restroom (imagine that) and I checked on him and then I woke up for the day about 7. He slept until after 8. It was like he loved sleeping in that bed.

If you squint you can see Miles sound asleep.

He has been in his new bed and room for about two weeks now and he loves it. I am incredibly proud of our big boy...and elated to have one room finished. Now on to the nursery for Miller. Hoping to finish it pretty soon so stay tuned.

**I also want to give a shout out to Tim York and Uncle Trey for helping us get our old furniture out of this room. Thanks guys! Additionally, we appreciate Tim and my friend April for graciously taking most of our furniture to their houses.**

Happy...to Papaw!

This past weekend we spent in West Memphis celebrating my Papaw's birthday. We left Jackson on Friday evening. When we got to Hidee and JoePa's we had our favorite dish, lasagna, waiting on us. Then, Miles had a little fun with NanNan and Joe.

The next day was a nasty one...I don't know about you, but the past few days here in our neck of the woods have been downright awful. Rainy and chilly. In fact, we had a lovely pool to swim in this past weekend, but the weather kept us away. So...Saturday, while Joe and Matt went fishing, Hidee, Miles and I took naps.

Joe with one of the fish he caught.

That night we went over to Meemaw and Papaw's for some spaghetti (another favorite dish of ours) and of course birthday cake.

Every time we sing happy birthday for any one's birthday, Miles thinks we are singing to him. He also can't help but assist in blowing out the birthday candles.

He also takes after his Mommy. Instead of eating cake with icing on it, he prefers to eat the icing and leave the cake. I don't blame him...the icing the BEST part. After cake, Miles was full of energy and played with every thing under the sun...including my Meemaw's old telephone booth.

We got up early Sunday, and came back to Jackson. We joined Northside Methodist Church and are thrilled about our new membership. After church, we went to eat Don Pancho's with Mimi and Uncle Trey. All Miles wanted to eat was the cheese dip.

ABC...It's Easy as 1...2...3!

I finally was able to get Miles in action. Every time I get the video ready to go...he wants to look at what I'm doing instead of continuing what he was doing.

As I said in his 2 year old update post, Miles can count to 10 and recognize and say his ABC's. Here's video evidence:

I am very proud of our growing boy, who is so smart. I enjoy seeing him explore new things every day. In fact, this past Sunday, I believe I heard him counting by tens. I'll be working with him more this summer and he starts at USJ's Junior Cubs program in the fall. We are hoping he continues to expand his knowledge and zest for life and the many things in it! God really blessed us with Miles. We hope and pray his little brother, Miller, will be just as curious, kind, cute, and perfect!