Just checking in...

Whew! It has been an eventful couple of weeks for the Stark family. For those who don't know, we bought our first house and moved in last weekend. Eve loves the new house and thinks it is "Boo-ful." It isn't quite there yet in my eyes, but it gets a little better everyday. We are still in transition mode as we have some stuff still at the rental house and it needs a good cleaning, but the new house is starting to feel more like home. Eve told me yesterday, "I so happy here!" I think we all are!
The worst part of the whole moving experience has been that we are without DirecTV and Internet!! Our cable won't be hooked up until next Sunday and we are hoping for Internet any day. We have rented several movies, but it just isn't the same. TV time is our down time and we are missing it desparately!! (Thanks to Mom and Sarah, though, for the updates on our favorite shows.)
Tomorrow morning we are heading to the RSEC to see Sesame Street Live. I think Eve (and cousin Zak) will really enjoy it! As soon as we have access to the web at home (I am posting on the job right now) I will post pictures... I promise!!
Love to all!

The Olympic Games

We have been watching the Olympics every evening. Eve is most mesmorized by the diving. This is surprising to me because I thought she would enjoy gymnastics most. It must be the giant pool and the people jumping in the water that she likes. Tonight we were watching men's springboard diving together. When it went to a commercial break I said, "Eve, you know, we are watching the Olympics." She said, "Lympics?" I said, "Yeah, it is when people from all over the world have contests. Some people are running, some are jumping and swimming and diving..." Without missing a beat Eve said, "And falling!" I had to laugh... she is right!

It must be instinctual...

Recently Eve had her first Oreo cookie. (Well, I think it was her first. I've never given her one before, but that doesn't mean someone else hasn't.) She loved it!! She first licked the outside then carefully bit into the chocolatey cookie part, pulling off the top. After nibbling the top layer of the cookie she proceeded to lick all the white cream out of the middle. She finished by eating the bottom layer. That I know of, no one has ever taught her how to eat an Oreo... she just knew. Watching her savor the cookie brought back found memories of Sarah, Andrew and I enjoying cookies and milk every afternoon when we got home from school. How do you eat Oreos???

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Johnson

Yesterday Andrew and Kayla tied the knot in Williamstown, KY. Eve was the sweetest little flower girl anyone has ever seen... of course! Rather than have her practice and have time to realize everyone would be watching her, I decided the element of surprise would be our best tactic. When it was her turn to walk down the aisle, I armed her with her basket which she immediately dropped, spilling all the petals. We ignored the fallen petals and I pointed her toward her PawPaw who had a supply of Dum-Dum suckers in his pocket. She couldn't see PawPaw so Daddy leaned out of his seat and flashed a sucker at her. I said, "Do you see Daddy? Walk to him!" She started down the aisle with the ring bearer trailing behind. Suddenly she stopped to chat with a lady she had never even met (she had red curly hair, though, and she favored a family friend - Erin). The lady said hello to Eve and told her to keep walking. By this point the ring bearer had passed her and was almost to the front of the church. Eve finally made it to Daddy and enjoyed her sucker during the ceremony. The rehearsal dinner, wedding and reception were beautiful! It is hard to believe my baby brother is a married man. Congratulations, Andrew and Kayla!! We love you!!!

5 Little Monkeys, 2 Bananas, & 1 Sucker

This summer we have been working on potty training with Eve. Though we have dropped back to only using diapers at bedtime, the process has been slow-going at best. Eve "pee-pees" in the potty every time we take her, but we have to remember to take her... she rarely tells us when she has to go herself. So, you can imagine our surprise the last two nights when she let us know she needed to go "poo-poo." After no success last night (and a mess in the training panties) I was determined tonight would be better. When Eve came to me and said, "My tummy hurts, Mommy," I told her that means she needs to go potty and strain. Jay talked to her about it a minute or two and then I asked, "Do you want to go sit on the potty and strain?" She nodded and said, "Mommy's potty." So, I took off after the cushy Dora potty seat and a stack of books to settle in for the long-haul. Eve sat on the potty, but only faked some strains while we sang a few rousing verses of "Baby Beluga." Then, as she began to read 5 Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake, she stopped suddenly to strain... this time for real!! I never knew what a sense of pride I would feel when my girl pooped in the potty, but I tell you, I was almost brought to tears! Daddy came in to congratulate Eve and to take her order for any kind of sucker she wanted. Eve picked orange. While Daddy was gone to get the sucker we finished up the process and Eve got down to look in the potty. I said, "Eve, what is that?" She sucked in a breath and said, "Banana... 2 bananas!" Choking back my laughter I said, "No, that's poo-poo!" After she started to have her sucker I asked if there was anyone she wanted to call and tell about her good news. She chose to call Aunt Emily. The conversation went something like this...
Em: Hello.
Eve: Hi, Emily.
Em: Hi, Eve! What are you doing?
Eve: I habin' a suckor.
Em: What did you do to get your sucker?
Eve: I go pee-pee poo-poo... wike nanas!
What a girl! You gotta love her!! We certainly do... beyond words!!!

Singer in a Marching Band?

Last night we went to watch the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp rehearse at Stewart Stadium. Jay marched with the Scouts in 1999. Eve liked watching the color guard practice and said, "Wook! They're twirlin'!" when she saw the rifles. She liked the cymbal crashes and pointed out the tubas and trumpets. She cheered everytime they stopped playing and shouted, "Good job!" while clapping with her hands over her head. We told her that Daddy used to play the tuba (contra) and Mommy used to spin a flag. I asked her what she wanted to play and Eve said, "Hmmm... I fink I will sing!"
Note: I can't find another background I like so I am sticking with this one for now... despite all the negative comments... I said I would only listen if I agreed... :)

New Feature!

Notice under Eve's birthday countdown ticker that I have added a new feature to my blog! It is a virtual scrapbook. I just downloaded the software from a free website called www.smilebox.com and quickly created a scrapbook that I can attach to my blog site. After creating my photobook for our Florida vacation I have been looking for more ways to scrapbook digitally. This software is really neat and I can even print the pages!! Enjoy!

Church

Eve has become much more aware of the church services going on around her each Sunday and Wednesday. Sometimes she will give the play-by-play, "Wook, mommy! People praying!" "Wisten, Mommy! Daddy singing!" She loves the singing most. This morning she asked, "Mommy, what Mr. Todd doing?" Mr. Todd is our song leader who does an awesome job. Tonight we had a song service and after every song Eve would say, "We gonna sing some more songs, Mommy?" When I would tell her yes she would get excited. Today when the Lord's Supper was passed she asked, "Time to eat, Mommy?" She wanted some of the grape juice, but I told her it was only for grown-ups. So, I gave her the usual quarter and she announced, "Wook! Here it comes! Here comes the baksick!" and she dropped her quarter in happily. She loves Sunday school and I always get a good report on her behavior. Today the teacher even said she was a good helper! (Now, I am a teacher and I know what this really means... She was the brown-nosing, bossy daughter of two teachers who kept her know-it-all nose in everyone's business and "helped" her friends with their papers.) The best comment she has made in a while came after the sermon today. Last week, two people came forward to be baptized and Eve watched the event with great interest. So, this week, when someone came forward to only ask for prayers Eve expected more action. After Mr. John led a prayer, Mr. Todd began leading a song at which point Eve asked, "Is somebody gonna go swimming?"

I certainly appreciate the humor of seeing our church services from a two-year-old point of view, but my heart is warmed by the under-lying point. Even at the age of two Eve is noticing what is happening around her and is learning about something that Jay and I hope will one day be the center of her life... God. The icing on the cake is that in her own way she is beginning to take part in church and, to some extent, enjoy it!

In these pics Eve was practicing her ballet (like Ruby does) before church this evening. They are blurry because she was in constant motion and had trouble balancing in a pose long enough for my camera to capture it.

Our Topless Princess

I had some cute pictures of Eve I thought I would post... of course they have stories to go with them...

Eve has a new jewelry box filled to the brim with lovely plastic jewelry. She loves to put it on and take it off and organize it in the little drawers. It is just like Ruby's (off her favorite TV show, "Max and Ruby"). On this occasion she had just fancied up her elephant. She told me, "Take a picture, Mommy. Elphant is BOO-FUL!"

Recently Eve got a new toy box from Mrs. Alvey at school. She loves it!! More than fill it with toys, though, she likes to climb inside. She gets in and pretends to put on a magic show (also something she picked up from Ruby). It took me a while to figure out why she kept referring to Jaclyn as she would play. She was saying, "Ladies and Jack-a-len!"You may have noticed that Eve is topless in the photo above. This is a new endearing habit... she hates wearing shirts! My favorite time was when she came up to me in her Cinderella skirt with no shirt and told me, "Mommy, I look like a princess!" Here she is saying her lunch time prayer topless. We don't think God minds, but we are hoping she outgrows this phase quickly!!

"Construction"

I am in the process of trying to find just the right background for my blog. This one seems a little busy, but I like the colors...
Let me know your opinions as I test out my favorites. If I agree with you, I'll listen. Ha!

Big Girl Bed

This week has been busy! Kacey and Finley have been in town visiting. Micah joined them this weekend. It has been fun having them around. We always miss them when they are gone, but now that Finley has joined the family, and we can see how much she grows between visits, we realize how much we miss. That's okay, though... we will look forward to the next time they visit and enjoy every minute with them we get!! For those wondering, Jay and Micah did play golf twice this weekend. Jay wants me to mention that he won both times. Fortunately for Micah no crazy bets were placed this time. Jay should plan his victories better!!

After continuing to have trouble getting Eve to sleep in her crib without her pappies, we decided to try letting her sleep in the twin bed already in her bedroom. She has been doing well! She knows not to get up, but to call out if she needs us and she is napping much better. This has certainly been a summer of growing up for Eve... she is truly such a big girl... sniff, sniff.Now that we know she will sleep in the big bed... we have invested in a bed rail... don't worry!

Okay... So, as you can see we are still trying to convince her that this big girl bed is a good thing...

Indepedence Day

We have had a fun-filled weekend of July Fourth activities! On Friday Tim, Emily, Zak, Daddy, Mommy and Eve all went to Grammy and Grandad's house for supper... after Daddy, Tim and other friends played golf, of course. Then on Saturday morning we all attended the parade. Eve did not like the sirens so Daddy taught her how to hold her ears. She did enjoy all the candy, cars, trucks, tractors, horses and mules, though!After the parade we all chose a place from which to by BBQ on the square and then brought it back to our house to eat. Eve didn't care for the barbecue, but the rest of us enjoyed it... even if it did cost $6 a sandwich! After lunch Eve napped while Daddy and Uncle P went to... you guessed it... play golf!

Last night we had a quiet supper at home and then headed over to the church building to watch the fireworks. We ate cookies, visited with family and friends and took lots of pictures while waiting for the fireworks to begin. When Eve grew restless she and I collected a cup-full of rocks from the landscaping. Eve played with those rocks the entire rest of the night! She wasn't afraid of the fireworks, but didn't really like the loud booms. She asked Daddy more than once to, "turn it off." Isn't it amazing how children think their fathers can do anything? I know if he had a giant remote with which he could mute the sound he would have. Isn't it also amazing how fathers will do anything for their little girls?

This morning Eve wore a special dress to church. I made it for her last year in the hopes that she would wear it on July 4th, then. Unfortunately my sewing skills are lacking and the dress was way too big last year. Fortunately, it fit perfectly this year!

New Friend and "New" Toy

On Wednesday Eve and I finally got to meet Baby Jaclyn. She is so sweet and cute! Eve was a little confused as to where Luke was (since his mom's name is Jaclyn, too) and she mistakenly called the baby Finley and Tremp a couple of times, but she loved her nonetheless.
I thought I would add this last picture because it just makes me laugh. No one can ever say that we don't buy Eve the very best of everything! These are the world's most expensive building blocks... you are looking at about a $150 castle here!!

A Happy Birthday

I am officially enterring the last year of my twenties. (Or, as Sarah so kindly pointed out, I am officially starting my thirtieth year... Thanks, Sis!)
When I came in from my training yesterday Eve met me at the door to exclaim, "We got Mommy a prize!" Apparently she and Daddy had been shopping while I was gone. Jay tried to explain to Eve that it was a secret... it was a sweet moment. They gave me a beautiful blue picture frame that is perfect for one of the blue beach pictures from Florida. Daddy says Eve picked it out all by herself! Today I had the joy of sitting through another day of training for school with my M.E.S. team members. (Go, Universe!) Grammy and Grandad brought me a cake complete with lit candles this evening and Mom and Dad got me the traditional DQ cake when they were here over the weekend.
A big thank you to all of you who have sent your happy birthday wishes via text message (Dad's wins for coming from the farthest away and Vaneece's wins for being the longest.), phone call (Special thanks to Mamaw, PawPaw and Lisa for the traditional Johnson song.), voice mail, e-mail and snail mail. (Props to Boof for sending all five!)
Birthdays are always a time to reflect on what a blessed life I lead. I have such good friends, such loving a family and the best husband and daughter for which anyone could ask.
GOD IS GOOD!!
P.S. I am sure many of you are concerned about Eve's pappies... or lack-there-of. She is getting better everyday, but still cries a bit when she goes to bed. In the mornings, though, she wakes up singing!!

No more pappies!

Congratulations to Aunt Nette and Uncle Chris! Trent was born yesterday around noon!

This morning we took Eve to visit "Baby Tremp" (Trent) at the hospital. First, Eve put her pappies in the box. Then we tied a ribbon around it and attached a tag.

Eve was excited to take her pappies to Trent. Unfortunately, Trent was in the nursery getting his picture taken when we arrived, but Kennette took Eve's present and promised to give it to Trent as soon as he came back. Aunt Nette said she just knew Trent would love them!Eve did so well taking her pappies to Trent that we took her to the store to buy an official big girl toy! She chose (with help from Mommy and Daddy) a Disney Princess tea set and a Cinderella dress (Like Rylee's.)
Eve has just gone to bed for her nap and...it's not going well! When I took her to the bed she looked around at first then asked, "Where's my pappy?" I said, "We took them to Trent, remember?" Not understanding she said, "Where is it?" I calmly reminded her again, "Baby Trent needed them. Remember how you put them in the box and we took them and gave them to Aunt Nette? Now, it is time to take a nap. Hold your bunny." I told her I loved her and to sleep tight and left the room. Choking back tears I realized this wasn't just hard on Eve, but hard on me, too. I went to our room and watched her on the monitor for a few minutes. Eve was tossing and turning amid cries of "Noooo!" (albeit over-dramatic and lacking in tears). She would stop occasionally to search the covers for a hiding pappy, but to no avail. I worried irrationally that we had taken away... no, given away... her only security and that she may never sleep again! Then her crocodile tears gave way to singing and calling for "Max and Wooby" and her tossing gave way to kicking the side of the bed and I realized the real truth to the matter... Without a pappy there is no guarantee Eve will ever stop talking and singing long enough to get any sleep! So I went back to console her (and myself) and tell her that it's time to rest and we will play tea party and watch Max and Ruby when she wakes up. She is still not asleep and is now crying in earnest... I think she realizes that the pappies are gone and she has to learn to fall asleep on her own. It reminds me of when she was a little baby and she cried herself to sleep learning to be a good sleeper (just like Baby Wise says). We made it through that time and I guess we will make it through again. But, for now... it is going to be a long afternoon at the Stark house.

Home and Happy

Jay and I arrived home yesterday afternoon at about 3 p.m. after a long, but uneventful return trip from Florida. Eve was napping, but was excited when she woke up to see her Mommy and Daddy. We gave Eve her prize and she loved it, of course! She named the bear Destin (well, PawPaw did) and she wore her necklace with her name on it. We think she loved the seashells best!

Today PawPaw and Daddy are playing golf... apparently Daddy didn't get his fill in Florida! Thank goodness at Oaks it is free! Mamaw, Eve and Mommy will hang out and probably head to Wal-Mart.

We are most excited that Zak's cousin Trent will be arriving today!! Aunt Emily's sister Kennette is in the process of having her baby boy as I type this e-mail. We are awaiting an update and can't wait to meet Trent Christopher Jones! Eve is such a big girl... she is going to take all her pacifiers ("pappies") to Trent at the hospital. I am not sure how that will go... she is likely to have a little disdain for Trent for awhile... Sorry, Aunt Nette!

Our final day!

Jay and I have reached our final day in sunny Florida. We have enjoyed good eating, good shopping and good golf while in Sandestin with Jennifer and Jeff. Jay and Jeff have one more round of golf to play and Jenn and I have one more round of shopping today. We are so blessed to have such good friends with whom we can be ourselves and have fun. Thank you, Tuckers for a great week!!

For those of you who are concerned... we have Eve's prize ready for her. Jay and I went to Build-A-Bear and made her a sweet teddy bear complete with "big girl panties" and a Destin T-Shirt. I know she will love it. We can't wait to see her and love on her tomorrow afternoon!! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we make the long trip back tomorrow morning.

On to the next destination...

"Aunt Jenn" and I are finally reconnected to the Internet! We are sitting in a Starbucks in Sandestin catching up on e-mails and blogs.
The final day in Panama City Beach was fun and not without incident. Unfortunately for Jay, he lost the last round of golf to Micah and had to wear hot pink toenail polish to dinner (painted by Micah himself). More unfortunately for Emily... she had to clean it off! Sorry, Auntie Em!
At 2 a.m. on Saturday morning, everyone but Jay and I headed north from the condo. Eve road with Grammy and Grandad and looked forward to a few days with her Mamaw and PawPaw. Jay and I went back up to the condo very sad to stay without our girl. I shed many tears and Jay was choking them back himself. We knew she was in great hands, but have never been away from her for so long before.
Eve is doing great at home, though. She knows that Mommy and Daddy are with "Aunt Jenn" and "Uncle Jeff" and that Mommy is going to bring her a prize when she comes home. Eve is looking forward to a day with her Aunt Sissy tomorrow, too.
Jay and I are staying with Jeff and Jennifer at his company's condo in Sandestin. It is gorgeous and laid-back here. We are sad without Eve, but are excited about the prospect of spending quality time with good friends and reconnecting with eachother. Without Internet access in the condo I won't be able to blog daily, but will report with pics and golf scores as often as I can.
Mamaw, PawPaw, and Sissy: When you read this give Eve a hug and a kiss and tell her we love her, miss her and will be home soon! And we won't forget her prizes!!

Family Photos

There isn't much to report from yesterday. We followed our routine of breakfast, beach, pool, lunch, naps for some and sun for others, showers, supper and bed. I must admit this is a tough life!! :) We did get some really good family photos, though. I will post a couple here for now.

Golf Tournament Tied After Two Rounds

Well, yesterday morning was another time for sand and sun. Eve, Kacey and I hunted for seashells and played in the sand while Daddy, Tim, Emily and Micah played football and homerun derby. Eve thought the bat and ball would be better used for the only sport she really knows... golf. :)And speaking of golf, the boys played round two yesterday afternoon. This time Micah was the victor, winning by only one stroke! As a result, Jay had to shave his chest! He did so and now his chest is as bare and white as Eve, Zak and Finley's little bums. Who knows what round three will bring tomorrow?!?!

To conclude the night the girls went out to Pier Park. It was fun, but our food took so long we only had time to shop at one store... Target! You know Emily and I were happy with that!

Our time in PCB is running short, but I am sure there is plenty of time left for more antics!