Christmas Pictures

We attempted to take pictures in front of the tree... some turned out pretty cute but I could have really hurt him at times. Our newest trick is standing on top of the four wheeler and the rocking horse (while rocking of course) so its a lot of fun. I hope everyone is having a great Holiday season. Good luck on all the shopping. Enjoy the pictures.

Thanksgiving Cake

I was baking a cake for Thanksgiving lunch at school after Braedon went to bed of course. Well somehow in the middle of doing it he woke up and John brought him in there and sat in on the counter. Praise the Lord I was finished icing the cake cause as you can see Braedon enjoyed the icing.

Fall

Bradley, Haley, Me, and John

Braedon's 1st Carasail Ride in Birmingham

The Wedding

Presents

Ole Man and Braedon

John's First Deer for 2009

Tractor Ride

Cotton Truck

Fall is finally here and we are really enjoying it. We have had a busy busy October but we are doing great. Busy lives means their are people in your life that are worth being busy for. We celebrated Braedon's 1st birthday on the 24th of September... it is so hard to believe this baby is one. He has grown so so much and he is now a busy body. He has also changed looks. He is blonde headed now and people say he is eat up with Presley. There are some looks that he can give where he is is Daddy's child but yes he looks like Michael and Jacob a lot. He has two teeth now and will eat anything that does not eat him first. We had his party on the 25th of September at the Legion Hut due to rain. We had a good turn out and we appreciate all the wonderful gifts and everyone that attended. Thank you so much.

The next weekend we celebrated with Maggie Lindley at her birthday party at Mrs. Mary Anne's house... They kids had so much fun.. Happy Birthday Maggie... We love you!The Next weekend we celebrated Miss Lilli Kat's birthday with her at Mrs. Lisa's house in Brooksville. Braedon was a little ill but Miss Lilli sure did love on him... Sorry we had to leave early. Happy Birthday Miss Lilli... We love you.

The next weekend on the 16th -18th... we had a big weekend. On the 16th we went on to Circle M to hang out with Cate and Heath King before their big day. We had a great time and everyone enjoyed catching up. All Johnathan's friends are like brothers to me and I really enjoy seeing them when they are acting appropriatly!!!! Everyone is married now... except Bradley... Who knows with him!!!! On the 17th we went to Bailey Bug's birthday party and Braedon had a big time. I hate these two don't get into mischief together like they used too..> happy birthday Bailey Bug... We love you... That afternoon we went to the wedding in the freezing cold. Braedon spent the night with Granny for the 2nd time in his life. He was fine but I would have slept better with him in the house. We had a great time at the wedding... Congratulations Heath and Cate... We love you!!!! ON the 18th, I woke up and went to Miss Laurel Greer's Christening at Cooksville Methodist. She was so so beautiful in her gown but she hated the dress just like her Aunt Chele hates dresses so I held her the entire time until she had to be disrupted to go up front... Congratulations Carrie, Jeff, Layla and Laurel. She is beautiful and I am so glad that she loves ME... I love her just as much. That afternoon Braedon and I went to Starkville to celebrate Allie Grace Williams and Savanah's Birthday. Braedon ate up some attention and had blast. Cat and Billy's house is gorgeous. AG got her a barbie jeep and Braedon loved loved the thing. We will have to go back and ride one day. Happy Birthday girls... We love ya'll John also killed his first deer with his bow for the season on the 18th... we are so proud of him!!!

This weekend we were busy to. We went to CA's homecoming festivities... Alex Dawkins won queen... Congrats Alex... We love you!!!! We also went to Grandma's to eat cake for Miss SHelby's birthday and had a wonderful supper. Happy Birthday Shelby... We love you!!!
We also took Braedon to the pumpkin patch and he had the time of his life doing EVERYTHING. He loved it all but he really liked chasing around Allie Grace... Thanks Cat for snapping a few shots of Mr. Braedon. I will post some pics of all the festivities of the month. Happy Halloween everyone!!!! LOok forward to seeing the Class of 2000 girls this weekend!!!!

Update on the Banks Family

These are our first year pictures.

Well I don't know where to start. It has been so long since I blogged anything. I will just go through the months.

August... Braedon and I both started at a new school. We both absolutely love it. He cries when I pick him up instead of when I drop him off he loves it so much. He loves his new teacher, Miss Tammy. He has been to a PA pep rally and danced along with the beat of the band. (This is our new thing... dance dance dance.) I love Pickens Academy just as much. I still support my CA Vikings every chance I get but PA is a great place to teach. I have 26 students in my class and they are all just precious. John had a birthday this month. He turned 28 years old... He is getting old. We also went to Landon's party this month. Braedon had fun. Of course he has fun wherever he goes.

September.... This month has been a busy one. We have been busy busy with school. Braedon went to his 2 football game. (He went to his first when he was 2 and half weeks old) He just watched the boys on the field and got everyone's attention. We also lost two important people in our family. Uncle Sam Vernon passed away and Aunt Nancy Gerhart (2 different sides). They will surely be missed but we know they are both in a better place because they were both so sick. I went to CA ballgame on the 21st. I thank God everyday that I went this ballgame. The Vikings did fantastic but they lost one of their seniors, Hunter Campbell. I am sure everyone knows he is my "heart". I remember when that baby was Braedon's age. I saw him play his first game and unfortunately I have seen him play his last. I pray that he is out of the hospital for good but he still needs prayer. Please remember him and his family. I LOVE YOU HUNTER CAMPBELL... Braedon also had a birthday this month. On September 25th by baby turned 1. This is so hard to believe but he did. Time flies by so quickly. I think back to that song, Don't Blink. It is so true. We had his party tonight, September 26th. He has so much fun and got so much stuff. John said some of this stuff needs to go in the attic and we can bring it back out at Christmas... (he has lost him mind) This baby is fixing to think its Christmas cause he has so much to play with this week. I hope I have caught everyone up to date. Maybe I can keep it up to date now that I am caught up. We have our 1 year appt Friday so I will try and update everyone then. Have a great weekend.

Banks Update

Felix's on the way home


Daddy and Johnathan playing arcade

Loving the little pool we had

Best baby sitter ever... Savanah and Braedon.

We love you Vanah, so happy you were with us

Running away from pictures

First time seeing the ocean

Well it's been a while since I updated my blog. I have been busy busy trying to get ready for school. I am ready for my little 4th graders but its already way different than high school. WAY more lesson plans, getting room decorated, and getting to know the new people I will be working with. They are all wonderful wonderful people and go out of their way to try and help me. It has also been great seeing Coach White and Michele. I am sure this will be an interesting year with Michele Banks and Brach White back under the same roof!!!! I start Monday and the kids start Wednesday. Please remember me in your prayers. I am not really worried about the meeting new people part or the kids but leaving Braedon is not going to be easy. He is staying with a lady over there that has a daycare in her home and she is super sweet but I still gotta leave him. It was hard telling everyone bye at Tender Years last Friday but I managed to keep it together. I love each and every one of those children almost like my own and I miss them everyday. They are all lucky and are still staying together with the same day care workers. SO they don't know how good they got it. But I have chose my path with much prayer and thoughts and think I have made the right decision. So I am not going to harp on my feelings about any of that any longer.

We went to the beach this past week. BOY WAS IT A TRIP. Braedon had the time of his life. I am so glad I took him at this age. It was just wonderful hearing his giggles and watching his eyes light up every time we walked toward the ocean. He loved the sand, loved the water, and was a great great baby the entire time. I will say this. My trip to the beach was nothing like it used to be. I almost need a vacation to get over my vacation. Praise the Lord Jenn Jenn let the Savanah stay with us. OH my word, she was a God send. She is the best little baby sitter. Don't get me wrong!! Mama and Jacob and Amber were a lot of help but Savanah was wonderful. Johnathan came down Sunday night and surprised us and spent the night. He took me, Braedon, and Savanah to Bubba's to eat and then to Adventure Island for the "kids" to play arcade. The "kids" had a blast too. We went to the Hangout as well and it is great for anyone with children. I will post some pictures for everyone to see. There are not very many family pictures cause we took a pile of them the week before thanks to Catherine. She did a great job. Maybe one day I will post some of them when I can figure out how to do it like Cat said I could. Anyway have a great weekend everyone. All pictures from the beach are on facebook for those that are friends with me.

Long Time.. Happy Birthday Carrie Franks

So it's been a long time since I have blogged. I have a little busy body on my hands these days and I do not have time to sit down and type. We have also been a busy little family. John came home this past Tuesday PRAISE GOD because we he got home and got settled, mama called and was on her way with Jacob to the ER. I immediately headed to West Point when mama called back to let me know it was something just didn't know what. Well we found out it was Appendix and he had surgery the following morning. Jacob did not do so well immediately following surgery because he wouldn't really eat which meant he threw up his pain meds and it was just a slow go at first. Now he seems to be doing a lot better; he just has a long way to go before he will be back to Jacob. Please keep praying for him and mama too!!! We had family pictures done Thursday night and Catherine Williams did a FANTASTIC job. Every picture is great. I have a very hard decision to make. If I am lucky maybe she will let me post some of my favorites on here!!! We'll see. Even Johnathan was impressed! Thanks Cat!!!! John worked a lot while he was home but we did get to see a lot of him. Saturday we spent the entire day at the lake with Jimbo, Jenn Jenn, Landon, and Isaiah Conner. Savanah was at the coast with a friend. John came by and the boys played football all afternoon and we just hung out. It was great. Saturday night, Johnathan and I had "date" night alone. Granny kept Braedon cause Grandma was down. It was enjoyable. The rest of the weekend was laid back and rainy. John let me take a 3.5 hour nap Sunday and he cooked supper so that was WONDERFUL. He has gone back to work now so he is well missed. This is Tender Years last week to be open which is sad. Central Academy is taken on the day care starting next week. We leave for the beach Saturday which is great. Carrie Franks birthday is also Saturday so HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARRIE.... WE LOVE YOU!!!!
I have taken the 4th grade teaching position at Picken's Academy in Carrolton, Al. This was an extremely difficult decision for me and John to make but its made. I am excited, overwhelmed, and nervous, but I think I will be fine.... I know my favorite Coach and his wife will take great care of us. Braedon will be going to a local daycare over there too. I am not thrilled at all about being away from him but I think I will make it. I will let everyone know how that goes but I am sure my heart will be broken. 1st time to work away from him. Pray for me. Johnathan takes his final class to be a river boat captain on August 17th. I ask everyone to remember him in your prayers as well. This is great and means great things for our family but it is also sad because we both know he will never be able to come home and make the money he is about to be making.
I ALMOST FORGOT... BRAEDON IS OFFICIALLY WALKING. I cannot believe it but he is walking more than crawling now. He is a little wobbly but he can do it. My baby is growing up. Have a great week everyone.

Busy week

We have had a terrible, great, fun week and weekend. The week started off really really bad. As most of ya'll have already heard, I had to give out the terrible letters Wednesday to let everyone know that Tender Years will be closing their doors July 31st. It is just terrible. The committee decided the devastating news Sunday night and the parents all found out on Wednesday. We just don't have enough children to pay salaries, taxes, buy groceries, and keep it running on a day to day basis. It makes a hard ship for everyone (including myself) in this county. Everyone is growing up and leaving the county which means the kids are going with them. Which is wonderful for the families but sad for the county. I hope and pray that Central Academy can hold out and make it in the future. Tender Years closing means I also lose my job which is terrible. Granted I do have my education to fall back on and go back to teaching but unfortunately most of these positions have already been filled. But good news on the horizon.... I have a job interview at Mississippi State Univ. today at 3:30 and I pray it goes well. It is at the child development center on campus working with infants which would be wonderful if the pay is right. Please pray for me and my family. Hopefully something will come along soon. I have always said if one door closes, another one will open... but as my friend, Becky Syfrett said, sometimes it is hell in the hallway!!!!
John has been home this week. First time is 6 years that he has been home on the 4th. We had a pretty decent week. He fished a few days, hunted one day then his dogs got hurt, went to lake ALL DAY, and went to the river on Sunday. YEA he spent some time with us in there as well; we've just been busy. We spent the 4Th with family and friends. We went to Mawmaw's for lunch and the entire family made it so we took family pictures. I will post them asap. We then went to the lake where we saw lots of friends and even more family. Braedon had a big day and enjoyed every minute of it. He really loves going to eat at Mawmaw's cause he never knows what he might get to eat. This week he ate corn on the cob and he loved it... NO TEETH... He just gummed it. So cute. Yesterday John went to the river and Braedon and I went shopping... Braedon got new shoes and I got a few new wardrobe pieces. Last night we went to eat at the Banks house and enjoyed visiting with them. This week will be a long one. John is leaving tonight some time and I have a meeting at CA, I will be awaiting news from the interview, and Savanah and Landon have allstar games at the same time in two different locations so the week should be interesting. Have a great week everyone... I will post all the pictures soon.

9 Months Old

Can't believe it. My baby is 9 months old. He is so full of personality and life that it amazes me sometimes. Braedon is even mean sometimes. His newest thing is "fake" crying. He throws his head back and makes a face and makes a crying a sound. We can't help but laugh at him when he does this. It is really pathetic though. Braedon is crawling (really crawling like normal children no more army crawling), pulling up on everything, he can pat-a-cake, say bye bye and wave (although its backwards; he is waving to himself), and sometimes it sounds like he says YAY when he is clapping. He is into EVERYTHING and he is super quick. He even took 2 steps to my daddy who we have been calling "ole man". I guess he is just short of walking.
It has been a long few weeks. IT IS HOT for one and I hate hot although it means pool time. Pool time is not what it used to be. It used to mean grabbing a towel, maybe a drink, and some oil and head to the pool or lake and relaxing for the day. NOW its pack up the house, rub baby down in sunscreen, load the car with everything from the house, and head to the pool or lake where you never even get to sit down or relax for even a minute. Its not as much fun as it used to be BUT then again its wonderful having a little one.
Friday, June 19, 2009 Laurel Greer Franks was born in Columbus. She weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and has a head full of dark black hair. She is beautiful. Congratulations to Carrie, Jeff, and Layla...
Saturday Braedon and I went to Baby shower for Morgan and Mary Milton. We got to see lots of old friends and their children. We hate Mackinzie and Macki didn't make it and we hope they are all better soon. We had a blast and Morgan looks GREAT pregnant. I will post pics soon of the babies.
Sunday was Father's Day and unfortunately Johnathan had to work but we did get to see my daddy and Pawpaw Presley. We had a great lunch at Mawmaw's and of course Braedon loves Mawmaw lunches cause he gets to eat EVERYTHING IN SIGHT. I hope all the Father's had a great day Sunday.
Today we went to the dr for follow up check up with Braedon's breathing. We have been to the dr like every week for about 6 weeks due to his wheezing and coughing. Last week it got really bad and I got worried so I ran him up there Thursday. He was put on treatments 4 times a day which was awful and I was told that if he was not better today, we would be hospitalized. WELL PRAISE THE LORD WE GOT WONDERFUL CHECKUP. He said his lungs sounded great. SInce we were there, I asked him if we could go ahead and get his 9 month check up out of the way since I was suppose to have an appt next week but I really didn't want to go back next week. Thank Goodness he said yes. We got a wonderful check up, had a great visit, got a shot (Braedon didn't even whimper), and was told he'd see us at 12 months. Let's hope so; but I am guessing he will see us before hand knowing my luck.
We want to say CONGRATS to our wonderful "extended family", Landon and Savanah Stapleton for making all stars. Can't wait to see them play in the coming weeks. We love ya'll and good luck.
Anyway that is all for now. We are looking forward to a great 4th with Johnathan.

Almost 9 months

Can't believe it; time does fly. Braedon will be 9 months old next week and it seems like it was just yesterday I was still pregnant. He is doing so much now. Crawling like a normal child... no more army man, pulling up on everything, standing alone, walking behind anything that will move, he can wave and attempt to say bye bye, he has da da down pat, and he can pat-a-cake. Matter of fact when he gets in trouble or is told NO he turns around and smiles at you and claps like he is proud of himself or something. His little hand has been even been popped numerous time but he goes on and does it anyway and grins while doing it. He don't understand that concept yet. We still have no teeth but they are right on the surface. Guess they will all come in at the same time. We do have lots of bruises everywhere; he is a rough child or rather I say a true little boy. We have still been going to the lake or the pool a lot. He loves it; its just not as relaxing to me as it used to be. It's more of a workout kinda like church now. Anyway no more major news. I will try to have an update and pictures next week for his 9 month milestone. Hope everyone has a great week!!!!

New Week

Nothing much as been going on in my world so I have not posted much on here. Just work and Braedon which is a job in itself. We have been to the pool or the lake the last few weekends and he loves it. He either eats the sand or drinks the water so it's all good. I am having a hamburger supper at daycare this week so I will busy busy all week long. Johnathan will be home tomorrow and he will be cooking the hamburgers so since we will be at the church maybe we won't kill one another. I also had another ortho appt. I now go next Tuesday to the oral surgeon to discuss cutting out my wisdom teeth, removing two baby teeth and placing buttons on two impacted teeth in the top of my mouth... OH WHAT FUN! Anyway I have no news for now. We are still patiently waiting on Laurel Greer Franks... hopefully soon but for sure by the 23rd of this month. Anyhow got to run to the dreaded grocery store. Have a great week everyone!!!!

Our Summer Fun

Braedon in the BIG freezing swimming pool.
Him in his little pool... eyeing the big pool

Playing with Granny

Driving Daddy's boat.... life jacket was beside Johnathan...we never cut the moter on so he was not in it... but he will be from now on

Big boy with big boy cup

He loves his daddy!!!!

He knew that was water!!!! He got to it fast too...

Headed straight to the water!!!!

Adorable little Toot!!!

Well we had a great Memorial weekend and John was home which made it even better. It has been a while since I posted anything but I am just going to pick up on Memorial weekend. It was of course rainy and nasty but we had a good time anyway. We took Braedon riding in the boat for the first time Friday and he had a blast. He loved driving!!! That is until he realized we were on water and then he through a fit cause he couldn't get in it. HE LOVES HIM SO WATER!!!!Friday night we went to eat the famous La Fiesta in Macon. I was the mom that had my baby in the bar part of the restuarant... But it was only because no one was over there and after Braedon eats he wants down. Therefore I put him down and let him play. He was fine. Saturday we were house bums. Didn't even get dressed until we had to Saturday evening but I am not real sure why we did cause we didn't go anywhere. Sunday John slept in for some much needed sleep and then I fell back asleep so unfortunately we missed church, but we got on dressed and went to Mawmaw's for her famous Memorial day ribs, chicken, baked beans, potato salad, cake with strawberries, banana pudding, and the whole nine yards. Boy was it good. After lunch we thought it was going to storm but John went on the river without us (cause I hate the river) and Braedon and I went to the pool for the first time. The water was really to cold for him to get in or so I thought it was but we had his baby pool that he played and played in forever. He did finally notice the big pool and just had to touch it. We let him play around in it for a minute but like I said it was like ICE. Sunday night we went back to Mawmaw's cause it was SOOO good the first time and ate again. Monday we were pretty much lazy too... it rained. Johnathan and Bradley fished in a fishing tournament (came in 5th place) from sunrise to lunch so Braedon and I slept in. When John got back we went to Columbus shopping for a rug for the living room but had no luck. Braedon was an angel on this trip... Never fussed once and we were in and out the whole afternoon. We also saw something we really needed....a new shitzu but we only looked and played... it won't be long though cause I really want another one. We had supper with the Pat and Bubba Monday night and got to visit with Jayden, Ty, Sherron, and Heather. Braedon had a big time. Food was wonderful of course. John got great news... he got to stay home an extra day... YAY for him. SO THEREFORE he got to go to one more fishing tournament (that makes 3 in one weeks time). He and Bradley fished again Tuesday night (didn't place) so Braedon and I went visiting. We took Carrie Franks a swing and a bouncy seat and Braedon played with Layla for a while... we are patiently waiting on Miss Laurel Greer. Then we stopped back by the Stapleton's to visit with them a minute. We got home just in time to fix supper before John walked in the door about 9:45. He had to get his stuff together for he was leaving the next morning. Wednesday was a fantastic day... yeah right. We went back to the dr for Braedon's follow up appt for his ears.... they were all cleared up PRAISE GOD but unfortunately the doc heard Braedon wheezing so he had to check all that out and now we are on breathing treatments... not sure if it is asthma or allergies or just something weird. We'll soon see. We go back on July 2nd for the 9 month check up. Which is hard to believe!!! Time Flies!!!! I took Braedon to the lake for the first time to the swimming area Wedneday night... boy was it interesting. I didn't put on a swim suit and he was in clothes because we were just going to see Granny, Jacob, Landon, and Savanah. But he had different plans. He bellied crawled on the sand straight to the water and he didn't stop when he hit water... he loved it...Anyhow that is our week right now... I will post pictures quick as I can.. Have a great week everyone....

Recent Pictures

Braedon thinks he is a big boy at Santa Fe in Birmingham
He got a hold of icing on Mawmaw and Jacob's cake but I wouldn't let him eat any

Terra and Braedon

Not sure why he is naked but he of course loves it

Ole Man and Granny and Braedon