The Guytons

T-Ball

2011-05-27T07:57:00.002-04:00

Gavin played his first year of T-Ball and he had a great time. He improved so much this year on his baseball skills. We were so proud of him!

Easter

2011-05-22T11:18:00.002-04:00

Dying Easter Eggs

2011-05-22T11:10:00.004-04:00

We had to play dress up while dying Easter Eggs.

Landon Turns One!

2011-05-22T10:45:00.005-04:00

I can't believe it has already been a year. Landon turned one on Good Friday and we were lucky that Kyle had the day off that day. We celebrated that day with Larry's Giant Subs and Ice Cream. The next we day celebrated his birthday with Family! He had quite a good time diving into that cake. We are so blessed to have him and we feel so complete. Its still hard to think about how close we were to loosing him before he was born. God intervened and gave us another miracle in him.

Landon at One

He started walking about two weeks before he turned one.
He has 6 teeth.
He is a great sleeper at night.
He is very very strong willed and has quite the temper.
He no longer likes baby food and came off the bottle very easy.
His favorite past time is riding on the tractor.

Church Pictures

2011-05-22T10:19:00.006-04:00

We had church pictures a few weeks ago and these were some shots I got before hand and they actually were better than the ones we got taken. It was quite an experience as we waited and then trying to get pictures was just as bad. By the end all Kyle and I could do was laugh. We kept insisting to the photographer that we really didn't need to try to get anymore pictures, the kids (Landon) were not going to have anymore of it.

Disney

2011-03-20T20:48:00.006-04:00

WOW! We had a wonderful time at Disney the World. The kids did great. We spent 12 hours on Friday at the Magic Kingdom. We had lunch with the princess', went to a luau, and ate breakfast with Mickey. We really had a great time and look forward to taking Landon with us in a year or two!

T-Ball - Go Giants

2011-03-09T12:13:00.004-05:00

Gavin had his first T-Ball game Saturday and it was the cutest thing I have ever seen. We definitely got some great laughs from watching all those little boys play. Of course Gavin spent most the game playing in the dirt but he did hit the ball all three times he was up to bat twice with the Tee and once without.

Upward Cheerleading

2011-03-09T12:07:00.002-05:00

I coached Upward Cheerleading again this year at church and they let Madison join the team too even though she was a little young. She did great through the season. She was a little shy of the big crowds watching her but she would warm up. Her favorite cheer was Pump It Up.

Blizzard of 2011

2011-01-16T17:46:00.004-05:00

We woke up Monday morning to a winter wonderful. It was so beautiful and fun the first day. Who would have ever thought it would keep the kids out of school all week and close the office 2 days. It was extremely icy on the roads so we were stuck inside for a few days. The kids had a blast in the snow and I even have some video of Gavin sledding down a hill at a friends house. I will upload that soon!

And y'all thought y'all were celebrating a New Year

2011-01-12T12:24:00.003-05:00

Well y'all thought y'all were celebrating a New Year but We celebrate the birth of Kyle. Kyle turned 33 on New Years Eve and we celebrated with friends at the Hanger. They had a huge bouncy house for the kids and they all played so hard. Gavin even stayed up to ring in the new year. He is such a Night Owl. We had a great time with great friends. One of the best News Years yet!

Day After Christmas Snow

2011-01-12T12:10:00.002-05:00

We actually got to see some snow the day after Christmas. Unfortunately nothing sticked to the ground at our house. But we headed out to have Christmas lunch with my grandma, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Christmas

2011-01-12T11:29:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas - We woke up to all the goodies Santa brought for the kids. They really did enjoy it so much this year. Madison wasn't really thrilled about the whole Santa Clause coming in the house but she did fine. We went to brunch at Kyle's Moms house and spend some time there with them.
Later that evening Kyle cooked a wonderful dinner and my family came over to eat dinner. My dad made each Gavin and Madison toy boxes and they turned out great. They were both so excited to get those!
Gavin's favorite toy was Woody
Madison's favorite toy was her Baby Alive Doll

My favorite gift is a weekend getaway to Charleston that Kyle planned for us!

Christmas Eve

2011-01-11T13:56:00.001-05:00

Christmas PJs

2011-01-11T13:49:00.001-05:00

Christmas Card Pictures

2011-01-11T13:41:00.001-05:00

My Best attempt at Christmas Card Pictures.

Thanksgiving - Camping at Stone Mountain

2011-01-11T13:09:00.008-05:00

Kyle and I decided to do something different this year for Thanksgiving. We went camping with our good friends Joey and Dee Anne and their kiddos. We had so much fun. We had a spread for Thanksgiving day lunch. Kyle and I took the kids to Stone Mountain and we saw Polar Express 4D, road the train around the mountain and played in a 4 story play house.

Light the Night

2010-12-07T12:04:00.004-05:00

Back in November I got the honor of being Team Captain for Team Cooper Hardy in the Light the Night walk in Charleston. It had been a nasty day all day but stopped raining long enough for us to walk that evening in honor of Cooper. Much to our surpise our team also placed 2nd in team fun raising and we had about 40 people show up to walk with our Team! We look forward to next year!

Halloween Weekend Fun!

2010-11-01T10:01:00.004-04:00

We had a fun busy weekend with family and friends. We joined some friends of ours Saturday night for a hot dog roast and hay ride for the kids. We had a blast the kids were wiped out at the end of the day. Halloween night we went to the fall festival at our church. Kyle was in the dunking booth and was such a good sport cause I know that water was freezing.He got dunked a good many times The kids enjoyed eating popcorn and cotton candy and getting on the inflatables. Madison cried the whole time he was in the tank. We then went with some friends for some door to door trick or treating in Gilbert. The kids had a blast doing that as well.

Painting Pumpkins

2010-10-30T14:50:00.001-04:00

Landon's First Food - Carrots

2010-10-30T14:43:00.001-04:00

He's really not so sure.......

Gavin's MRI and Cyst Update

2010-10-30T14:37:00.002-04:00

GOD IS GOOD!!

We went and had Gavin's routine follow-up MRI to check to see if the cyst in his brain had grown any. He did great. He only cried for a few second when they did his IV. He was so brave but he was in such good care. It took him a little bit to wake up but he did great and was back to normal immediately and requested pumpkin donuts from Krispy Kreme!
Well.....the Cyst is GONE - We could hardly believe it. These cyst rarely go away but the MRI showed no signs of the cyst. This was such a relief. I think in the back of our minds we always watched for any little sign that the cyst may be effecting something, we always wondered will this require a shunt or major surgery. But we no longer have to worry about this. GOD IS GOOD!

Orlando - Nick Hotel

2010-10-30T14:08:00.003-04:00

My friend Dee Anne invited the kids and I on a last minute trip to Orlando to te Nick Hotel. I decided this would be the last time I could do something like this on such short notice during the school year (since Gavin will start school next year) so we left on a Sunday and came back Wednesday. I was a little nervous cause this was the first time I had done anything like this without Kyle. We had breakfast with Dora, Diego, SpongeBob, Boots and Little Bill. We watched movies in their 4D theater, we went to their onsite waterpark, we watched a live spongebob show. The kids and I had a blast.

Landon - 5 months

2010-10-29T10:15:00.002-04:00

I am behind - Landon turned 5 months on Sept 22. Here are a few pictures of him at 5 months. He started doing so many new things at 5 months. He started scooting, got two teeth, starting sitting up. Time is going by so fast. He's such a happy and good baby!

Light the Night - For Cooper

2010-10-14T16:46:00.004-04:00

As most of you have read Kyle's cousin's little boy Cooper is currently fighting Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Please continue to pray for him and his family. He is back in the hospital due to fever and has been there since Sunday. We are going to be walking in his honor at Light the Night on November 4th at Mt Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park. If you would like to come walk with us or donote money to help find a cure for blood cancers please follow the link below. Every amount is greatly appreciated to help fight this. You never think it could happen to anyone close to you but when it does you have to try and do everything you can to find a cure.

http://pages.lightthenight.org/sc/charlstn10/cooperhardy

Pray for Cooper

2010-09-30T11:38:00.004-04:00

Last week we got bad news that Kyle's cousin Melanie (who is more like his sister than cousin)that her little boy Cooper got diagnosed with ALL Leukemia. We are all saddened by this news but we know that God is the great physician. We were able to drive to Charleston last Tuesday Night and be with him and his family and Kyle got to go back down on Sunday to see them. Please continue to pray for Cooper and his family during this extremely hard time. If you would like to keep up with Cooper and how he is doing please visit his caring bridge site.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/CooperHardy

I was so glad that Kyle's Mom got to take Gavin and Madison to Cooper and Dixon's Birthday party a few weeks ago.

Madison Starts Dance

2010-09-25T11:32:00.002-04:00

Madison had been begging for months to take ballet. So I signed her up for tap and ballet. She has been going for a couple of weeks and LOVES it! She is always ready for the next class. I hope she continues to enjoy it!

Fripp Island

2010-09-11T11:23:00.006-04:00

We decided to head to Fripp for one last weekend at the beach before it gets cold. We really enjoy Fripp's relaxing atmosphere. Kyle was able to play golf a couple of times and we went out on the beach every morning and basically had the beach to ourselves. We were able to find a bunch of sand dollars so my goal is to do something special with those. The beach was so peaceful - even though Kyle and I both got stung by jelly fish.

Gavin and Madison's First day of 3 and 4 year old preschool

2010-09-11T11:02:00.002-04:00

I can't believe how fast time flies. Gavin started 4 year old preschool (I can't believe next year he will be in kindergarten) and Madison started 3 year old preschool. They are both going 4 days a week Monday-Thursday and they both enjoyed their first week of school.

Landon - 4 months

2010-09-11T10:56:00.003-04:00

Landon turned 4 months on August 22nd. I CANNOT believe how fast it has flown by. It definely goes by quicker with each child. Landon has been by far my best baby. He started sleeping 12 hours at night at 3 months. I couldn't believe it since Gavin has never slept 12 hours and Madison was one before she started sleeping 12 hours. He is such a good baby and has such a sweet spirit. I look at him everyday and realize what a miracle he is and how blessed we are that God protected him during my pregnancy. At our 4 month check-up he weighted 14 pounds and 6 ounces and was 25.5 inches long. He is defintely going to be the tallest of my three.

Happy 3rd Birthday Madison

2010-08-26T09:43:00.002-04:00

Well we celebrated with Madison at Larry's Giant Subs with ice cream and arcade fun instead of Chuck E Cheese but of course we had to start our day with the birthday donut. Usually I can say that the year flew by but between 2 and 3 with Madison seemed to last 5 years. So glad we are past our terrible 2 stage.

Gavin and Madison's Birthday Party at My Gym

2010-08-26T09:15:00.003-04:00

Happy 4th Birthday Gavin

2010-08-26T08:56:00.002-04:00

We started the day with donuts and presents and then against our better judgement we took Gavin to Chuck E Cheese for his 4th Birthday.

Hard to believe he is already 4 :(

Landon is 3 months

2010-07-26T09:03:00.003-04:00

I can't believe Landon is 3 months old. It has gone by so fast. He is such a blessing and sweet child. He is already sleeping through the night, which is a miracle since neither of the other two slept through the night till they were one. He is definitely spoiled and loves being held. I think he is our child that looks the most like Kyle.

Junior Miss

2010-07-26T08:59:00.003-04:00

We had some friends ask us if we would be interested in hosting some girls participating in the Junior Miss Pageant and so I decided to try it and we had the best time. It required very little work on my part, I fed them breakfast, took them to practice in the mornings and picked them up in the evenings. Washed some clothes and went to the pageants. Both Emily and Calla made it into the top eight and we were so proud of them!

First Camping Trip

2010-07-26T08:16:00.008-04:00

We decided to buy a camper (well we had been talking and looking into it for about a year) and try out the whole camping thing and wow we where really surprised. We all had a blast and it was the most relaxing vacation we have ever had. We went to Hilton Head and enjoyed, bike riding, cooking, relaxing, swimming and eating! The kids loved camping and keep asking when we are going back!

Look what I found

2010-07-05T21:31:00.004-04:00

We went camping for the first time this past weekend and look what Landon found.....his thumb. I am not very happy about this but there is nothing you can do to get them to stop. I push the paci on him and he is not having it. Hoping this is just a stage.

Two months old

2010-07-05T21:23:00.003-04:00

I can't believe Landon is already two months old. This is going by way too fast. Here are a few things about what Landon is doing now:
*He loves to eat (is eating 4 oz).
*He loves to sleep - We are even getting some 4 to 5 hour stretches at night (which is wonderful since neither of my other two kids did this till they were around one).
*He is a very serious child (it takes a lot to get him to smile).
*He is definitely my needy child and loves to be held.
*He is already wearing 3 to 6 month clothes - he is going to be my tall child.
*He likes to be on the move (I guess since I was in the bed for over two months with him).
*He has beautiful blue eyes and I think his eyelashes are going to long like Gavin's.
*He has a good bit of red in his hair (you can really see it in the sunlight).

Little Water Bugs

2010-06-24T16:24:00.001-04:00

Landon's New Bumbo Seat

2010-06-17T16:32:00.003-04:00

Garden City

2010-06-08T09:20:00.004-04:00

While Gavin was cruisen with Mimi, Pop-Pop, Aunt Jessica and Uncle Shane we decided to hit the beach for the weekend. Madison had a great time on the beach. I just wish we could have stayed a say or two longer. This was the first time we had been away from home since September and after spending over two months in the bed it was nice to get away.

Behind the scenes tour of the zoo

2010-05-28T14:23:00.003-04:00

One of Kyle's patients parents took us on a behind the scenes tour at the zoo. It was really cool and the kids really enjoyed it. Kyle could have done without the snakes.

Kyle wouldn't go near the caged up snakes but fed the alligator

Gavin's First Fish (3 to be exact)

2010-05-28T14:02:00.002-04:00

Landon Edward - Our third little miracle

2010-05-17T15:35:00.008-04:00

Landon Edward

April 22, 2010

6 pounds 12 ounces

20.25 inches long

1:00pm

This is how we announced if it was a boy or girl (blue and pink baseballs) God was truly looking out for us. When the doctor performed my C-Section they found that my uterus had already ruptured. Dr. Shipley said it was the largest rupture he had seen and they weren't sure how long it had been torn but figured with the size of the rupture it had been there a couple of weeks so we are very lucky that Landon survived. Recovery was very surreal for me as all the nurses were telling me how lucky I was. God was watching out for us. We feel very blessed. So needless to say no more babies for the Guyton Family.

Proud brother and sister (Madison calls him by his whole name)

It has been a long recovery and nearly 4 weeks later I am still having pain for the surgery. The kids have finally seemed to adjust well to Landon and Landon has adjusted to our loud house with 2 other little ones. Landon is a great baby, he loves to eat and eats about every 2 hours (sometimes if we are lucky we get a 3 hour stretch) but he is definitely the best sleeper so far of my 3 so hopefully in a few weeks he will be sleeping through the night (we are hoping at least).

Pregnancy Update

2010-04-17T10:54:00.002-04:00

Well the time is almost here for Baby Guyton to make its appearance. My contractions have picked up over the last few days despite the medication. I thought Thursday would be my last appt but he wanted to see me back on Tuesday the 20th to see how things were going. If my contractions continue to get worse it may be that we could have a baby on Tuesday.

Regardless we are scheduled for our C-Section on April 22 at 12:30pm. We are very excited to meet this little one and to have our family complete.

If it's a boy we are naming him Landon Edward
If it's a girl we are naming her Laney Marie

Thank you to all my friends and especially my family for all they have done for us over the last 9 weeks. Thanks for all the prayers - Bed rest is no easy task.

Easter

2010-04-17T10:39:00.003-04:00

Gavin's Big Boy Bike

2010-04-08T20:24:00.002-04:00

Home Stretch

2010-04-03T10:03:00.002-04:00

I had my doctors appt yesterday and we have an official birthday for baby Guyton. They scheduled my C-Section for April 22 at 12:30pm. I will be a little over 37 weeks. The doctor didn't want me to go much further than that as he felt my body could not handle it. I am still on my contraction medicine and will be on that until April 21st. The doctor is afraid I will go into labor if I stop it before hand. I did have a good week last week and actually ventured out for a night out with the girls for pedicures and dinner. It was much needed! We finally got the babys room finished. I will post some pictures later.

Pregnancy Update

2010-03-13T16:40:00.002-05:00

Well its been a long 3 weeks on bed rest but I went to the doctor Friday and he says the bedrest is doing what its supposed to and was pleased with the improvement. I am still on modified bedrest and will most likely be in the bed until the baby comes. I will continue to take my terbutaline until 34/35 weeks at which time we will reevaluate and he will decided whether to keep me on it until 37 weeks. At 37 weeks I will go off of the meds and he said I will most likely go into labor after the medicine is stopped. He is planning on taking me around 37 to 37 1/2 weeks which will be around April 20-23. We will see how everything goes. We still don't have the nursery ready but that will come in due time.
By the way I feel for anyone who has ever had to be on bed rest. This is definitely a lot harder than anyone could imagine especially with two little ones that don't understand.

28 Week Pregnancy Update

2010-02-22T15:33:00.002-05:00

Well. its been a long week this week. Thursday evening started having mild contractions pretty frequently without any relief so I called my OB and off to Labor and Delivery I go. They hooked me up to the monitor and my contractions were coming pretty frequent. Everything else looked good - baby was handling the contractions very well. So I got my shot of brethine (to stop contractions - which it did) and then got to go home. The doctor sent me home on terbutaline every 6 hours to help with contractions until 32 weeks. I stayed off my feet Friday and Saturday. By Saturday afternoon the contractions had slowed down a lot even though they had not stopped completely.
Got up Sunday Morning felt pretty good (it was a great feeling to stand up without having contractions instantly) so I went to church. Half way through Sunday School the contractions started back - Got back home got back in the bed.
Called the doctor this morning and they wanted me to come in and get checked out again so they hooked me up to the machines and I was still have mild contractions so they increased my terbutaline and gave me a progesterone shot. I will stay on the shots until I have the baby and have been put on bed rest until Friday morning when I go back to get another shot. We will take it day by day at this point.
Hopefully by Friday we can get things quieted down and I will be able to go about my daily activities by this weekend.
I'm doing good - I am not concerned God is in control of everything that happens so there is no point in me worrying or getting stressed cause it doesn't do me or the baby any good!

Snow Storm of 2010 :)

2010-02-16T15:34:00.005-05:00

Well the snow was nice while it lasted but I am sure glad it's gone. Gavin had a blast in the snow. He made snow angels, ate some snow, sledded and rode the 4 wheeler. It was hard a times to get him to come inside. I enjoyed watching Kyle act like a little kid throwing snow balls. I was a little sad I couldn't really participate. However, I would hate to have to deal with this day in and day out.
Madison on the other hand was not interested and was quite miserable. She didn't last long (maybe 5 to 10 minutes) before she was screaming and crying to go in and warm her feet and hands under warm water. She is such a diva.

24 Week Pregnancy Update

2010-01-20T16:13:00.005-05:00

Well its been a long couple of weeks with this pregnancy. Been to the doctor every week since before Christmas - Been given more than enough medicine to last me a little while - Hoping to stay out of there next week. So far so good - just really tired. Trying to keep up with a 2 and 3 year old can be a challenge when you are 6 months pregnant. We are busy trying to prepare our house for the new baby (we still don't have names picked out). We are converting our office to the babys room, we are moving Madison into a bigger room with a big girl bed and converting her old room into a guestroom/small office area. We should have the rooms painted by the end of next week. I've been looking for bedding for the baby and found its very hard to find a good modern, gender neutral bedding ........ so I decided to make my own. Below are the bumper pads and one curtain for the room. We are using black and white and I am painting the room green. I haven't stuffed the bumpers yet so that is why they look a little strange.

(curtain)

Christmas 2009

2010-01-20T15:36:00.004-05:00

We had so much fun this year at Christmas - The Kids both somewhat understood what was going on and they were so excited - Gavin didn't go to bed the night before until after 11. Here are just a few from our busy day!

This is me at 5 months - This may be the only picture you get!

Our 18 week ultrasound

2009-12-09T20:43:00.002-05:00

We had our ultrasound on Monday and we did NOT find out what we were having. We think it will make it a little more exciting when that day comes. The baby looks good. Kidneys look good, heart looks good, Spine looks good - God is so good. They did find one little cyst in the baby's head we will go back at 24 weeks and have another ultrasound. We are not concerned about it - Those can be very common. The baby was very active they had a hard time getting good pictures of the baby cause it was moving around so much. The baby is measuring a week ahead of schedule in size so that is good that everything is growing like it should be. I will try and post some pictures later!

My Best attempt at a Christmas Card Picture

2009-11-30T13:58:00.004-05:00

We generally get professional pictures done this time of year but we decided to wait until the baby came so I had to attempt to get pictures on my own. Wow what a chore. We didn't last long and we didn't get a good picture of Gavin and Madison together. Oh well, I did the best I could with my cheap-o camera (I think I need to just spend the money and get a nice digital camera). I'm not going to post the Christmas Card pictures you will just have to wait for those in the mail.

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-30T13:54:00.005-05:00

What a great Thanksgiving we had. We have so much to be thankful for. God has truely blessed us in many ways! Gavin and Madison had their Thanksgiving Program at Preschool and they did a wonderful job.

On Thanksgiving we started the morning by attempting to watch the Macy's Parade. The kids loved watching all the floats but got board really fast. We left it on and they would periodically come back to it to watch.

We then went to my Grandmas for lunch and cornhole. We had a great time celebrating the holiday with Family. We then came back to our house to have Kyle's family over. We ended the night with Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. We were all pooped out and in bed by 8:30.

Decorating the trees

2009-11-30T13:00:00.004-05:00

Picking out the Tree

Gavin being camera shy (in front of our tree)

Gavin putting on his Christmas Ornament from last year

Madison putting on her Christmas Ornament from last year

Gavin and Madison decorating their Christmas trees for their rooms

Pregnancy Update

2009-11-25T19:42:00.003-05:00

Had a Doctors appt the other day. Hard to believe I am already 16 weeks. Everything is going well so far. The baby's heart beat was 150. I started to feel the baby move a little over a week ago. I have been having some issues with my blood sugar dropping suddenly so I carry some peanuts in my pocketbook now just to be on the safe side.
We can find out what we are having on December 7th but Kyle and I have decided that we want to be surprised. I am so excited to not find out the sex of the baby. Just praying everything looks good on the ultrasound. Ever since I was pregnant with Gavin ultrasounds make me very nervous and anxious since you never know if they will find something wrong but we know that GOD is in CONTROL!!!

Gavin's First Real Train Ride to Baltimore

2009-11-02T10:51:00.005-05:00

For Fathers Day I surprised Kyle with a train ride to Baltimore and tickets to the Baltimore and Red Sox Baseball Game. They took the trip back in September and Gavin did great on the 12 hour train ride up there. They decided not to take the train back just because Kyle felt it wasn't the safest place in the world for a 3 year old (or 31 year old for that matter) so they drove back.

Miss Photogenic

2009-11-02T10:39:00.003-05:00

Pregnancy Update

2009-10-26T07:48:00.003-04:00

Well I had my 12 week appointment with Dr. Shipley and so far everything is looking good with the baby. My official due date is May 11th but I am already measuring ahead of schedule. We had a talk about my weight gain seeing that I had actually lost weight from my 9 week appt. He wasn't concerned since I just don't gain a lot of weight during pregnancy (yes I am blessed). I told him with my last pregnancy I only gained 12 pounds. He is going to watch me and the baby more closely starting at 28 weeks due to my Celiacs Disease. They want to make sure that the baby is growing properly and getting the nutrients that it needs. Part of my disease is that my body rejects a lot of nutrients and vitamins that my body needs, so they will just watch me more closely and will do more ultrasounds towards the end.

Fripp Island

2009-09-21T08:46:00.005-04:00

Gavin and Madison's First Day of 2 an 3 year old Preschool

2009-09-21T08:09:00.002-04:00

Gavin and Madison started their first day of 2 and 3 year old preschool a few weeks ago. I really thought that Madison was going to have a hard time leaving me but I was wrong. They both walked into their classrooms and didn't even look back to tell me bye. They have become so independent. When I picked them up they both said they had fun but the best part of their day was that they got to see each other on the play ground. I think they were supposed to be twins.

Isle of Palms Vacation

2009-09-08T15:25:00.004-04:00

Gavin and Madison's Birthday Party and Monkey Joes

2009-08-26T10:09:00.004-04:00

Congratulations Matt and JoDee

2009-08-26T09:34:00.004-04:00

The Rehearsal Dinner was at our house

His Groomsmen wore tacky outfits to the rehearsal

Matt and Dad

Matt gave JoDee a Bible before the wedding

Matt and his Best Men

Gavin's 3rd Birthday

2009-08-12T10:49:00.003-04:00

Gavin turned 3 several weeks ago - Its amazing how fast time flies. He will be going to 3 year old preschool this year for 3 days a week. I'm going to miss him. Kyle was working in Hartsville for his birthday so we made a day trip to see Kyle and we did presents and took him to get his birthday donut. As most of you know Gavin has an (unhealthy - As Kyle likes to call it) obsession with trains so of course we got him more trains to add to his collection. I don't know what we are going to do with all these trains when he grows out this stage.

Madison's Latest Adventure - Baby Powder

2009-07-09T14:16:00.001-04:00

Tweetsie Railroad to see Thomas the Train

2009-06-22T16:31:00.007-04:00

We recently took the kids to Tweetsie Railroad to ride Thomas the Train who was there visiting for a week. When we first arrived Thomas rounded the corner on the mountain and we thought Gavin was going to start crying because he was so excited about seeing Thomas. He was a little gun shy when we first got up close to him. Gavin really was in stimulus overload with all the train stuff. Madison wasn't interested so much. We each let them pick out a toy and she picked out sunglasses and jewelry (as you will see in the picture below).

Madison's First Hair Cut

2009-06-19T07:58:00.004-04:00

I took Madison to get her first hair cut - She did great - No Tears were shed :)

Before

After

Great Wolf Lodge

2009-06-10T14:20:00.013-04:00

Kyle and I decided to take the kids for a couple of days to the Great Wolf Lodge in NC. This place is the ideal place to stay for kids. They have an indoor waterpark - putt-putt course - outdoor pool - magic quest - arcade the list goes on ...... The kids really did have a great time. They enjoyed the pools and story time at night.

Gavin in the wave pool

Madison making her funny face

Gavin getting ready to eat a Chocolate Covered Cricket (he also ate a chocolate covered worm)

Gavin eating the Chocolate covered cricket. He said it tasted like fish :)

Story Time at the Lodge

The kiddos listening to story time

Congratulations

2009-06-10T13:44:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to my brother Matt and future sister-in-law JoDee. Matt proposed to JoDee on May 3rd on the lake in the cove between my grandmother's house and JoDee's parents. We grew up knowing JoDee and we are so excited for them both. We are excited to add JoDee to our family. They aren't wasting anytime and are getting married August 1st of this year so we have a summer full of fun times. We love both of you!!!!

Gavin's Last Day of 2 year old Preschool

2009-06-02T22:02:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it but Gavin has already finished 2 year old pre-school. He had such a great year and really enjoyed going to school. He learned to count to twenty and how to say his ABC's. He even mastered Jesus Loves Me (which they sang at their program on the last day). His teachers made a wonderful book for me that had all of his things he made this year (what a treasure). I look forward to sending both Madison and Gavin in the fall to Lake Murray's pre-school. His class sang Jesus Loves Me and One Small Voice (with sign language) at his program on the last day.

Mother's Day

2009-06-02T21:58:00.002-04:00

(Gavin and I out on the boat on Mother's Day)

God has truely blessed me with two wonderful children and the privilage of being a mother. My heart goes out to all the ladies out there who long for children of their own. Stay strong God will bring you through it in His time.

Hartsville Train

2009-05-15T09:40:00.002-04:00

Gavin is obsessed with trains and a few weeks ago Kyle was working in Hartsville and we decided to go down for a night and near our hotel is an old train car and of course Gavin had to go get his picture taken with the train.

Irony

2009-05-14T20:23:00.002-04:00

Saw this over Christmas and had to snap a picture.

Easter

2009-05-13T13:30:00.005-04:00

Well I didn't get any good Easter pictures with all of us cause Kyle had to spend the afternoon with one of our dogs at the emergency vet. He passed away the next morning. These were the best shots I could get of the kids in their outfits. The kids had a blast hunting for Easter Eggs.

Dying Easter Eggs

2009-04-12T15:15:00.003-04:00

Our Experience with Vasoline

2009-03-14T15:51:00.004-04:00

Most of you are probably wondering what in the heck is in my children's hair. A few weeks ago we had our first experience with Vasoline. Gavin and Madison decided to get into a tub of vasoline that I had sitting out (bad mistake). Gavin decided to bath himself in it as well as put half the tub on his hair. Wow what a nightmare it was to get that stuff out of their hair. Madison's was easy she just had a little bit in her hair so I only had to wash it 3 times versus the countless times I had to wash Gavin's hair (I lost count). Several friends and some internet research advised me to put cornstarch in their hair and then to wash it. So that is what is in their hair in the pictures below.

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

2009-01-20T12:23:00.008-05:00

Well we finally got a little bit of snow - I don't think we got as much as some areas (the disadvantage of living close to the lake) but we got enough that the kids could go out and play. This was their first experience with snow and Gavin loved it. He didn't want to come inside and loved running around in the snow. There were a few times where the snow was falling so hard the pictures don't do it justice. Madison was hit or miss I don't think she is old enough yet to really understand.

Monkey Business

2009-01-16T08:11:00.005-05:00

I took the kids to Monkey Business for the first time and Gavin had a blast. His favorite was the large slide. At the end he got brave enough to go down by himself (thank goodness I don't know how much I could have walked up those stairs). Madison was not to sure about any of it.

Christmas

2009-01-14T15:26:00.006-05:00

So this was by far the best Christmas Ever for Kyle and I - It is amazing to watch the kids and their reactions. They still didn't fully understand but next year should be a different story. Santa was good to all of us :) Gavin was really into trains this year so he asked Santa for trains and a train table. Madison still isn't real interested in anything yet but she got a baby doll and stroller. We had a great time with family over a two day period. We look forward to next year!

Madison and MiMi

Madison and her cousins Shelby and Audrey

Gavin and Pop Pop

Madison and her PigTails

Dad should never lose the remote again

Gavin and his Thomas the Train

Santa was good to Maddie

Gavin and his Train Table from Santa

Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

2009-01-08T20:59:00.006-05:00

Our Sunday School Class had an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and White elephant gift exchange (which are completely funny gifts only) As you will notice in the picture below Kyle gave away a picture of himself. We had the party at an Airplane Hanger and we all had a great time.

The Winners Ashley and Chad

All of us that had on Ugly Sweaters (We are missing a few in the picture)

Nicky and Tanya (Nicky was making his political statement)

Kyle and I in our Sweaters (Kyle had lights attached the the back of his that lite up)

Theres Kyle's Picture (I think he was disappointed it didn't get stolen)

How ironic :)

Saluda Shoals with the Delaney's

2009-01-07T13:48:00.003-05:00

We went with Joey, Leslie and Carlysle to see the lights at Saluda Shoals for the the kids to ride the Cho-Cho train (which is what Gavin is into right now). We had a great time and the kids really enjoyed it. Afterwards we went to the Delaney's to exchange our gifts. I think we have a new tradition. (Thanks Les I stole the pictures from your blog since I was the bad mother without a camera).

Decorating the Tree

2008-12-03T21:43:00.004-05:00

Well we put up our Christmas Tree tonight and I couldn't even get the lights on it without the kids wanting to pull out the ornaments. Madison was really interested in putting the ornaments on the tree. (It should be interesting over the next several days to see how many ornaments we lose). We only lost one ornament while decorating, which I thought was pretty good.

Then......the tree fell over - luckily the dining room table broke the fall. Gavin got upset at first but we were able to get it straigtened back out. We only lost a few ornaments to the fall even though a lot of them fell off the tree most of them made it. I will just have to spend some time glueing some ornaments back together over the next several days.

Halloween

2008-11-02T16:17:00.002-05:00

We decided not to go to the churches Fall Festival and to take Gavin door to door trick or treating this year to test that out. We went with some friends of ours from our Sunday School Class (The Waters, The Breedloves, The Crapps, The Price and The Adams) to a subdivision in Gilbert. We pulled a trailer behind the polaris and put blankets out for the kids to ride in the back. Gavin had a blast. We just didn't know how he would do considering he didn't want to wear a costume and ended up in his Spiderman PJs and he hates masks but he did great. Madison had a good time to dressed as a ladybug. I have a few pictures but will post some more later.

Pumpkin Patch

2008-11-01T16:02:00.007-04:00

We took the kids to Harmons Tree Farm last week before Halloween. Neither of them were interested in having their pictures taken.

Gavin and Madison

2008-10-31T10:13:00.003-04:00

Everyday I am amazed with these kids. It has been interesting to watch to see their different personalities. Its funny just how different they are.

Gavin has always been an easy child to take care (despite the fact that he didn't sleep through the night until he was one and has never been a good napper) but otherwise he has been so easy. He is my layed back child but is very independent. He is very sensitive and is a great listener. I can discipline Gavin my just raising my voice at him. I never have to count to 3 twice. He loves to watch out for his sister but is really good about not aggrivating her too much. He loves to go to preschool but I have learned he does not like anything to do with dressing up (tonight for Halloween we are wearing our Spiderman PJS).

Madison on the other hand is quite opposite of Gavin. She likes to be the center of attention. Always on the go. She keeps me on my toes. She is also very independent (I guess thats what happens when you have parents that are independent). She drives Gavin crazy. She is always messing with him and stealing his toys and pulling his hair. She does not sit still, she will not watch TV. She will not sit still long enough to read a book and last but not least she does not listen. She will be my child who tests me to my limits. She laughs when she gets yelled out or spanked so we will have to come up with alternatives that work for her. However, she is extremely loving and really has the cutest personality. And you should see her dancing. She gets that foot stomping(its very funny).

They have a new sitter that comes and stays with them some during the week while I go to work. The practice is going well and it has gotten to the point where I have to be in everyday (since I do insurance and billing). God has truly blessed us. Also we were released from the kidney doctor a few weeks ago. Gavin's bad kidney has scared down completely and his right kidney has doubled in size so while physically he only has one kidney his right kidney functions as two. Still not contact sports and hopefully he will never have any kidney infections.

Sorry I haven't posted pictures lately my digital camera is broke and I am having to use my old school camera. Should have some pics soon to post.

Beach Trip

2008-09-04T11:16:00.005-04:00

We just got back from a week long vacation to Wild Dunes in Charleston with Jonathan and Misty Koon and their kids Saylor and Kennedy and Tanya and Nicky Waters and their son Austin. We had a great time and I really didn't want to come home. Madison was not a fan of the beach sand and we couldn't take Gavin back out to the beach because he got a bad rash. So we spent most of our time at the pool. We also to the kids to College of Charleston for the first time. We took the kids to James Island County Park's water park and they had a great time until someone pooped in the pool and as Austin would say "The Party was Over."

Madison Turns One!

2008-08-31T22:26:00.003-04:00

Madison turned one on August 10th and we celebrated her birthday with some friends and family. She really got into her cake and fussed when I took it away and she ate half of the cake. She started walking 4 days later. She keeps me on my toes and she is much more active than Gavin and does not understand the concept of sitting still or just sitting to read a book or on my lap. I can't believe it has been a year -- time flies especially when you have two kids that are one year apart in age. She is definitely going to be our wild child.

I will miss you Carla

2008-08-17T15:42:00.003-04:00

I lost a very dear friend this past Wednesday suddenly due to an unknown illness. Carla and I had been friends since 1987 when her dad was pastor of our church. We grew up together and continued our friendship. We lost touch for a couple of years during college but we reconnected in 2001. I really watched Carla over the last 6 years grow into a wonderful woman, wife, and mother to Linen. It is hard to imagine my life without her around. I last saw her a few weeks ago when she and her husband and daughter came to the house for Gavin's Birthday. If I only had spent more time with her that day. We take for granted that when we see someone that it may be the last time we see them. When I spoke to her last week she reassured me everything was okay and was concerned that I was concerned for her health and told me not to worry but to pray for her that her liver biopsy would go well. I know she never thought in a million years it would lead to this. She was the strongest, toughest person I knew.

Today we went to Radius church where they did a special service dedicated to Carla. It was very special. Afterwards we had lunch with Allison, Olivia, their husbands, Carrie and Lucas and we had some wonderful laughs remembering and sharing our stories of Carla. She always loved getting everyone together. We just all never thought she would be getting us together again under these circumstances.

I will miss you greatly. I know this happened to better God's Kingdom. You had such an impact on everyone you met and knew. I am so glad you had Linen so that you can live on through her.

Gavin's 2nd Birthday

2008-08-16T20:46:00.007-04:00

We celebrated Gavin's 2nd birthday on July 26th. We decided to do it later in the day so it would be a little cooler and that was almost a mistake because he was so sleepy and I had to put him in the car around 3:30 just to get him to take a nap. He ended up having a great time with his friends, Jackson, Carlysle, Wyatt, Jordan, Austin, Shelby, Reece, Mason, and Linen. We grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs and let the kids run wild and free. It is definitely kinda crazy when you have a bunch of toddlers running around.

Gavin's first initial reaction to his birthday present (the bouncy house)

Later on once his friends go there he really enjoyed it.

Madison being silly

Austin, Gavin and Jackson eating at his picnic table from Mimi and Pop Pop

Gavin opening his gifts

Carlysle or Car-Car as Gavin likes to say

Guyton Look-alike Meter

2008-08-01T09:26:00.001-04:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Geneology - Family history

Guyton Look-alike Meter

2008-08-01T09:19:00.000-04:00

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family search - Ancestory

Aunt Jemima aka Madison Guyton

2008-06-29T15:12:00.004-04:00

I finally got Madison to keep something on her head and she looked so cute I wanted to share the pictures. Kyle kept calling her Aunt Jemima but I didn't care. She kept it on her head all day long and didn't mess with it one time.

Happy 6th Anniversary Kyle!!

2008-06-23T10:44:00.002-04:00

Well yesterday was Kyle and I's 6th Wedding Anniversary. We spent the day at home cleaning up throw up and changing dirty diapers. What a day. The joys of parenthood. Just wanted to wish Kyle a Happy Anniversary to a wonderful husband and father who has worked so hard to may our lives better.

We had planned on going to Charleston for the weekend so needless to say that didn't happen and I am an awful wife and didn't even have time to get a card. I haven't left the house in about 6 days. (Thats what I get for waiting to the last minute, which I hardly ever do.)

Happy Anniversary - I LOVE YOU!!

What a Week

2008-06-21T19:59:00.006-04:00

Well we had our first overnight stay in the hospital with Gavin. Gavin starting getting sick Tuesday Night and by Thursday we took him into the doctors office to get fluids so he got a bag and a half of fluids and still no urine so we gave it to Friday Morning and he woke up wanting juice (so we thought he was better) but then he threw that up everywhere so off to Richland we went. He was very dehydrated with a bio carb of 15 and low blood sugar so we got an automatic stay over night. It was funny to see the reactions of medicine. After a shot of glucose to raise his blood sugar he jumped up and wanted to eat and then after about 30 minutes he was out again. I have never seen him so lathargic. He couldn't even walk he felt so bad.

And that is the last time I sleep in a caged crib. I slept in the crib with Gavin last night while Kyle was snoring on the sofa so needless to say I didn't get much sleep between, Gavin tossing about, having a bar in my back, the nurses coming in and out, the fact that no one had told us any of our test results, and Kyle snoring :) He perked up a lot this afternoon after they took him off the IV fluids. Turns out he had the Rota virus. Meanwhile back home Madison was suffering from a double ear infection. Poor thing I felt so bad not being there for her but hopefully our household will feel better soon.

Gavin finally standing up eating a piece of chicken

Night Night time at 7:30

Madison's First Time in the Pool

2008-06-16T21:11:00.004-04:00

We just got our pool ready for the summer so Madison is just getting in the pool for the first time and she loved it. Both her and Gavin love the water. Gavin makes me so nervous because he has no fear so I have been really working with him on pool safety (yeah right like a 2 year old understands that).

Jackson's Birthday

2008-05-30T10:00:00.002-04:00

Here are a few pictures from Gavin's best friend Jackson's 2nd Birthday Party. Gavin really enjoyed the icing on Jackson's cake. I think Gavin thought the party was for him :)

Lake Murray Pediatrics is Open for Buisness

2008-05-15T11:33:00.005-04:00

Wow we have had a crazy several months and it is all beginning to settle down. Lake Murray Peds opened on Monday and Tuesday Night we had a Private Grand Opening and had Leslie's Pop and Rev. Roger Orman bless the building for us. We have been so blessed and we were so glad to share in this moment with our family and friends. Thanks to all :)

2008-05-15T11:18:00.001-04:00