Time To Smell the Flowers

We were at church the other night and Mason was sweet enough to pick me a flower (from the church's landscapeing, of course). He brought it over and said, "This is for you mommie." Of course my heart melted. He gave me turn smelling the pretty yellow flower and then smelled it a little himself. The flower was pretty, but did not have the best smell as you might guess from looking at some of the pictures. Anyway, he is such a sweet boy, wouldn't trade him for nothing!

Adam was sitting in a chair on the porch the other day while we were waiting on Katy to get off the bus. He was grabbing his toes and trying to eat them, as usual. He just smiles all the time! What a cutie!

Tractor Parade!

Where else but in Hayesville might you find a first annual genuine "TRACTOR PARADE" filled with over 80 tractors of all makes and models and succeed in bringing half the town out to see it? I do love our town! A few weekend's ago we went to the the Tractor Parade in town and got to see all kinds of tractors, old ones, new ones, rusty ones, shiney ones, you name it, it was there. The kids had a great time walking around and climbing on almost every one they came accross, as well as a few trailors filled with nice yellow hay bails. The parade was held to raise money for the Dwight Smith scholorship fund. Dwight Smith was a boy that was killed in a farming accident on his family farm in the early 90's. Gran and Papaw Burch went with us, we endulged in a few hamburgers and hot dogs and enjoyed the atmosphere. It was a perfectly beautiful day, blue skys, warm with a nice fall breeze, sweet smell of fall in the air. Like I said, a perfect day! It was nice to be outside and to support the effort and enjoy the parade.

As the event came to an end the kids decided they wanted an ice cream after seeing other kids with them, so, I left Katy with a friend and Mason, Adam (in my carry pack) and I went accross the street for ice cream. Needless to say the shop was packed full, we stood in line just until we were 3rd in line, Mason decided that listening to mom and staying close by was not a great idea and that hitting the older man in front of us in the back of the legs was a much better idea, therefore we had to leave. After all that time we stood in line, we still had to leave with no ice cream, Adam in the pack on my chest and a crying Mason pickup and propped on my hip. As if that wasn't bad enough, we had to break the news to Katy that we would not be having ice cream and that it was time to go. So, add another one holding my hand (crying as well) and off we went to meet the grandparents at the car. We get there, I unload Mason, then Adam and put him in his seat (meanwhile dropping my camera-crap!) and loaded everyone in the famiy truckster and headed for home!

Oh, the joys of parenthood!!!

All in all, it was a great day, lots of fun and worth going even with a little chaos, what is life without a little chaos anyway!

Weekend Warriors

Fancy Face

Mason decided it might be fun to take a bath in Adam's tub one night, and there he sat watching cartoons for 20 minutes.

The kids and I were on our own this weekend, Dad went hunting, until Saturday night. We spent some fun time together and the kids were great. We all missed Daddy but still enjoyed the time we had together. We all went out for Pizza on Friday night, just me and the 3, they were really good. We came home and watched a movie together. Dad did not get a deer but did enjoy the time with family and time at the cabin. This week he goes to Raleigh, Monday-Thursday and then we are planning to go camping on Friday afternoon thru Sunday. Busy, busy. Our friends Chad and Heather and thier kids, Maggie and Nathan are going with us.

Katy will be starting back to gymnastics this week. She is excited, she really likes gymnatics, more than SOCCER! She is such a girl! Of course, I love it! She is getting so big.

Mason is a mess as usual, he must be the cutest thing ever. He is big into wanting to go to the football game (we have been to 2 this year). Therefore he thinks we should be goin every time we get in the car.

Adam is growing more every day. He is enjoying the taste of his toes and pushing up all fours a lot. He still is not sitting up and has no teeth. He laughs at Katy all the time. He is precious!

So that is our life in a nutshell for the time being. I am sure we will have new things to report soon.

6 Months Old

Adam turned 6 months old on September 21st. He is growing and gaining new personality every day. I wonder what he is thinking about this world, with Katy and Mason contantly causing a ruccus (word ?) around him, jumping, laughing, screaming, fighting... I bet he is thinking, "wow, what have I gotten myself in to around here." Katy seems to be the comedian around here as far as Adam is concerned. He laughs at her all the time, I mean, out loud belly laughing, he will only smile at the rest of us. He also gets "bed buddies" quite often. Katy and Mason both like to climb up in bed with him and play, he doesn't seem to mind though.

I think he might be teething a little bit, he is chewing a lot. He is not sitting up yet, but can balance a little with his hands on the floor in front of him. Of course, he can roll around everywhere, and he likes to play with different toys placed in front of him on the floor.

All in all, he is beautiful! He melts my heart with his sweet smile that spreads out all the way over his face every time we look at him. He is perfect!

We love you Adam!
We love you all!

Cause for Celebration

Saturday, September 15, 2007 Pam, Kellie, and I hosted a 50th wedding anniversary celebration for our parents. They were married 50 years on September 10th. They say that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger, well my parents should be the strongest people on earth considering they haven't killed each other yet. Haha! Really, they have spent a wonderful 50 years together and still love each other very much. It is inspiring to me, they give me hope that I too will be married 50 years, and that my kids could also be so fortunate. They are a good example to all of us.

They were blessed with lots of friends and family in attendance and had the opportunity to spend special time with each of them. It was a great time for us all and a wonderful celebration of thier years together.

Fifty years have come and gone
So much time together
Through lots of bright and sunny days
Through rain and stormy weather

A long long way

They have come
From first a trailor

And now a home

They raised three girls

Along the way

And did a good job

Some might say

Then came grandkids

A total of eight

As most grandparents do

They think they're GREAT

With lots of friends

Both near and far

Each are special

No matter where they are

Retired now

the years roll by

But still they prosper

Embracing life

And as they look back

At the time they've shared

They leave a legacy

Of love and care

Congratulations on your 50 years together.

Thank you for your guidance and steadfast example of life, love, determination and endurance.

You have been a wonderful example to us all!

We Love you!

A Quick Note

I am super busy with work and trying to prepare for Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary party, so I haven't had much time to "blog." The kids are doing great, Katy is still loving school, see the picture above, it is of her first day off the bus at our house, what a big girl. However she is not loving soccer so much, it may not be her thing this year. She still likes to play at home, but the whole team thing with all the kids being at least one year older was not going so well. She tried but 1/2 way through her 2nd practice she was totally overwhelmed and cried the whole time. We think we will stick with gymnastics for now and try team sports later. Mason is rowdy as ever and is missing Katy a little while she is at school, but enjoys some of the QT we get to spend together too. Adam is getting bigger everyday and has world's of personality! He will be 6 months old on the 21st, WOW! How time flies!

Well as tigger would say TTFN (ta ta for now). I will write more soon!

Great News!

A few weeks ago Adam had his check-up at the Doctor, at that visit the Doctor said that he was not gaining weight the way he should be. He was only 12 lbs which put him low on the growth chart. I was told to start giving him cereal and baby food and to come back in 3 weeks. After 2 weeks I went to the HD to have him weighed, and still, only 12 lbs. My heart sank, worry set in and I was afraid something was wrong. I spoke to a friend (an early interventionist) who advised me to also include some formula into his diet while continuing to nurse. I listened and began giving about 8-12 oz of formula on top of his baby food and nursing. Today we went back to the doctor, and much to my relief he weighed 12.14, 14 oz. he gained in 9 days. Thank you Lord for your blessings and guidance. He is doing well and is continuing to grow.

Tonight we were playing and he was laughing because he is ticklish under his arms. His smile spreads all across his face. I love him (all of them) more each day. I am so thankful that Adam seems to be fine. He just needed a few more calories in his diet.

We are blessed!

Labor Day Week-end

This was a great Labor Day weekend, nice and mostly relaxing. We were able to spend lots of time with each other. Friday night we had "Family Movie Night." We rented a movie for the kids, properly placed the bean bags in the floor, popped stove top pop corn, and gathered up in the family room for "Everyone's Hero." The movie was good and the kids loved the popcorn and bean bags!

By the way, Katy lost her earring on Thursday night and refused to let me put it back in. So, me being the great Mom I am decided to try a little bribe, I bought her a new Pet Shop toy in hopes she would let me put it in in exchange for the Pet Shop, however she did not. She has looked at the toy many times, but even though she wants it she won't let me put the earring back in. Eventually I will break down and give it to her, but right now I am still hoping she will let me try to get it back in.

Sunday we went to church and then to our Burch family picnic. It was good and it was nice to see everyone. However, it was a little sad to realize that out of the 8 brothers and sisters, only 3 are left. Aunt Mary, Aunt Tommie, and Daddy. Aunt Mabel just passed this year. Ann and Joe presented our Burch family cookbooks to everyone, that was great. They are filled with good recipes and great old pictures. That night we went to a cookout with some friends.

Monday was spent cleaning and chasing youngin's. Then off to dinner with Chad and Heather. Fun! Fun! The kids love it there since they have a "Jump-a-line."

Here we go again with school, Katy's second week. Wow, she is so big, she will ride the bus home this week! Big step!

To the fam-I have loved the time I have gotten to spend with you this weekend. Katy, you are beautiful and so sweet. Mason, you are helarious, and so sweet. Adam, you are growing every day, and are so sweet as well. Darren-you are a great husband and I love you! I love you all!

Getting In The Swing Of Things

Today is Katy's 3rd day of school and she is loving it. Mason is enjoying his time as the "oldest" and Adam is doing those baby things, now playing with toys, reaching, holding, and slobbering on every thing! We are beginning to get a good routine for bedtime and getting up and ready and out the door by 7:40! Katy eats at school so that helps. Me and the boys, we are still going to playgroups and learning new things. Pretty busy, lots of fun!


Katy is playing soccer this fall. She is pretty cute in her cleats and shin guards. She is the youngest on her team, so she is lacking a little of the coordination that her teammates have, however, she did well yesterday at her first practice. Most of the kids are 5, she is 4, but is as tall as any of them. Of course, Mason wants to play too, his time will come!




Gotta love those camo boots, plaid shorts, and Star Wars shirt...Total Fashion!

Soccer Star!



Sweet boy!

High Expectations!

There you are, ready for your first day of Pre-K, you are so beautiful and so grown up. I am filled with mixed emotions of joy and pride, and sadness as we see you off to "Big Girl School" for the first time. You are so excited and ready to go. I wonder what kinds of thoughts you have had in anticipation of this day. Have you wondered what it will be like, or who you might play with, or what it will be like to eat breakfast in the cafeteria or to unpack and eat your "packed" lunch for the first time. Have you wondered about the friends you will make and what they will be like. Have you had butterflies in your belly. Have you wondered about your teacher or what it will be like to play on the playground at school, or where the bathroom is. I wonder if you have wondered all or any of these things. I have wondered about all of them and more. I know you will love school and will be a great learner, I also know I will miss you each day, and will wonder how you are and what exciting things you are doing. It seems like just last week we brought you home from the hospital as a baby, and now (2 brothers later) you are starting school, my how time does fly.

Prayers for you!

We pray you'll be safe

We pray you'll learn new things

We pray you'll make new friends

We pray you'll have fun

We pray you'll be a good listener

We pray you'll be kind to others

We pray others will be kind to you

We pray you know how much we love you

We pray you will love school, love learning, and that you will think of us a little along the way !

You are a blessing to us in so many ways, we have been blessed with the best daughter in the world and we love you so much. We will always be here for you, to support you, to push you forward, to catch you when you fall, to cheer for you when you succeed, to hold you when you are afraid, to encourage your independance, and most of all to love you through it all!

OUR CUP RUNNETH OVER!

Lilly-Our New Dog

Lilly (a chocolate Lab) came to live with us by chance last week. She was pretty banged up, and hungary when Darren found her, but is now doing much better after a trip to the vet and some good food. The kids love her and she is very protective over all three of them. She is fitting in to the family just fine and we hope she will stick around for a long time to come! Mason gets a little nervous sometimes considering Lilly is bigger than he is. He probably thinks she is horse, however he hasn't tried to ride her yet.

Papaw Cook's Coming!

We are all lookin forward to seeing Papaw Cook this weekend! I am sure the kids will wear him out while he is here, they always have lots of fun with Papaw!

Pre-K Open House

This is Katy just before we left for Open House!

Our Beautiful Girl!

Well, it's official, Katy is starting Pre-K on Monday! I can't believe she is big enough to go. However, "big" is relevant, she is taller than most kindergarteners! She is so excited. Tonight we visited her classroom, she met both of her teachers and got to play a little in her room. We found her cubbie, where she stated that that was where her backpack would go. She will do great I know. She is a smart girl!

Me on the other hand am a little nervous and a little sad to know that some of her innocence will be lost as she enters the public school system. And, a little piece of my heart will go into Pre-school every day with her. I/we will miss her so much during the day, especially Mason, he will really miss her! But she will be home every day at 3:30 and I know he will be waiting for her.

Katy playing with the doll house at school.

Speaking of Mason, here he is with his new (new to him) big wheel that he dad got for him. Of course he calls it his "cycle" meaning motor cycle. His feet do not reach the pedals yet but he gets around just fine pushing with his feet. He was a little upset that he did not get to go "meet his teacher" tonight. Like I said, he is really gonna miss Katy. He will just have to redirect his focus to teaching Adam how to be a "proper" Cook! Also notice the bandaid on his chin, he was doing butt drops in the tub last night, you know showing some of that Cook humor when he slipped and busted his chin open on the side of the tub! OUCH! Not to mention the fact that tonight he fell again and hurt his eye. An accident waiting to happen, I tell you! You know what they say, Like Father, Like Son!

Brothers!

Aren't they cute. Chillin in the recliner watching the morning "news" you know, "Little Einstiens." Adam is doing well. He is eating his baby food like a champ and is gaining weight well. He is such a good baby! You should see him smile, he smiles all the time, at everyone! He is so sweet and snuggly! He is going to be a handful like the rest of them though, you can see it in his eyes. He might give Mason a run for his money.

And now the day ends, one off to school, one one the injured list, and one waiting in the wings!

Dad's Go-Tee

D has a Go-Tee now and Katy is not so fond of the hair on his face. Every time he shaves he asks her if she likes it and her comment is always the same, "No, you didn't shave the part." (Part-meaning the hair remaining on his chin). She is a funny girl. Needless to say, she won't give him kisses on the "part" only on the cheek where he has shaved his face and it is nice and smooth!

First Blog-August 21, 2007

Happy 5 month birthday to my son Adam!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is my first attempt at a blog entry! Here it goes.

Growing up "Cook."
This is often joked about around my house, of course Darren(husband) is a true believer that growing up Cook means you grow up being tough, funny, athletic..., and he is right. Of course the Burch shines through as well providing our kids with sensitivity, patience, more humor... We are both a little biased.

About the fam: We live in a small town (where I grew up). Obviously we have 3 children, a girl, Katy, and 2 boys, Mason and Adam! We have been married 9 years and have lived here for more than 6. D is building contractor and works with a Christian based organization and I am an Early Learning Specialist working with Stay-at-Home moms and thier kids. It's a wonderful job, I have the opportunity to be with my own kids as well as spend time working with other families, helping them prepare themselves and thier children for kindergarten.

Next week my Katy goes to Pre-K, it is a 5 day a week, 8-3 schedule. We are excited, but a little nervous, I know I am. She is really looking forward to being a part of her new class and making new friends. I am, as most parents, excited and a little worried with things like, will she get made fun of, will she have any friends, will she be able to open her milk carton in the cafeteria... Oh the things that clutter our mind. All in all, it will be a positive experience for all of us. However, I know Mason will miss her during the day when she is gone, and he won't understand why he can't go too. Hopefully it will give us a chance to spend a little more QT together!

Well, that is it for my first blog! Pretty neat!