Jack of all trades...

Well, I was just sitting here trying to think of something to write about because I was feeling blogsy, and I decided to write about good ol' Girdley Flying Service & Girdley Brothers Farms. 

I seriously love my job... there's never a dull moment, and I'm learning ALL kinds of things.  Here are just a few of the things I do on a daily basis and a few ways this job has changed me.

I'm really starting to understand farming and appreciate it much more than I once did.  I love learning about all of the careless weeds, army worms, and different chemicals, and who knew that you had to check the moisture on rice before you cut it?  Hmm, learn something every day...

Greg (the salesman) & Polly

Ernie & Mike (dad's worker) looking at Ernie's new toy

I've also become really good at purchasing things.  I went on a wild goose chase (this happens quite often) the other day to locate the perfect new truck for Ernie (dad's brother).  He couldn't take a day off due to cutting rice, so he sent us (me and Polly) to purchase it for him.  I traveled over 200 miles for him that day and finally found the perfect truck.

I'm also getting quite strong, well strong-er... Just last week, I went to Jonesboro to Sam's to buy 17 cases (yes, 17 CASES) of Rotella T oil for the farm.  Let me tell ya...they weren't light.  I loaded all of the boxes myself and then pushed them to the register to check out.  I can't tell you how many people I almost ran over because I couldn't see over the boxes.  Not to mention, I had to squat behind the cart and use my thighs to make the thing move... and then I pushed them to my car and unloaded them all by myself.  I should've asked for help, but I was determined that I could do it.  I'm sure it was pretty funny to bystanders.  I was so proud of myself, I took a picture of my cart. 

I'm also learning about directions and about the landscape of Arkansas.  I'm terrible with highway names, which direction I'm traveling in (north, south, east, west), and when you work with men all day long, they expect you to know these things.  I've been sent to several different tiny little towns all over the state to pick up parts, air filters, oil filters, you name it.  Of course, I always take Cody's GPS, but I'm actually starting to remember some hwy names and I'm getting better with my directional skills.  Maybe, before too long, I won't be telling people to turn by the little white house to find our office. :o)  You know what I mean... I use landmarks to explain how to get places, but I'm working on it!

Hope I haven't bored you too much today!

Teary reunion

Well, last weekend, Cody and I took a road trip to Hattiesburg, MS, for Jayson & Sandy's wedding.  Since Cody was a groomsman, we headed South early Friday morning to make it in time for rehearsal/rehearsal dinner and such... and yes, I had to leave Manning behind for the first time EVER.  I really didn't want to leave him, but Cody convinced me that it would be best for him to stay home since we were going to be so busy and would be staying in a hotel.  After a long discussion, I agreed that he probably needed to stay with Dee-Dee and Papa. 

I did really well at first... until Manning's bedtime arrived.  I called Dee-Dee (my mom) and told her over and over how to do his bedtime routine, how to work the video monitor, etc.  I finally stopped calling when she threatened me with my life and reminded me that she had raised me and Molli.  So, I stopped calling and assumed all was going smoothly until I felt my phone vibrating in the middle of the rehearsal.  I ran outside to return the call to find that they could not get the video monitor to turn on....  Panic set in.  After talking them through it, we finally got it working and all went totally fine.  However, I didn't sleep a wink.  I worry an unhealthy amount, I know.  No need to tell me....

The next morning, I called first thing to find that Manning was happy and slept all night.  Whew!   So, I headed to the Turtle Creek Mall to do a little shopping.  Then, we headed to the church...the wedding was beautiful and very fun... I called my cousin, Lindsey (aka Lucy), to come "crash" the wedding (meaning she knew neither the bride nor groom) and she gladly accepted the invitation.  We had a FABULOUS time.  I love getting to spend time with her... she's one of the most fun people EVER!

Night #2, I did much better and didn't call any after Manning went to bed.  I actually slept, too.  However, I am NOT a fan of leaving my little man overnight, so we woke up bright and early and headed back to Arkansas.  Since the Helen Brett Show was in Memphis on Sunday, Cody and I met up with my mom and aunt there.  When I saw Manning, you would've thought I had been gone to war or something because I burst into tears and hugged and kissed all over him.  It's crazy what those mommy hormones will do to you!  When I got my hands on him, all was right in the world, and I guess it's needless to say that I am HAPPY to be home.

We are MOVING...

Well, you heard me correctly!  We are moving.........eventually.  Cody and I drove to Jonesboro last week to sign some legal papers and now it's official.  We now own a lot in Barrington Park in Jonesboro.  We are very excited, but we are taking our sweet time in actually starting to build.  Why, you ask?  Because I looove living down the street from my mom and dad (they are the BEST).  I don't know how I'm going to survive being a whole hour away from them considering I'm at their house every single day.  I am excited though for Manning.  I know that he will love living in Jonesboro and going to such a great school.  We're going to be sending him to Valley View (top public school in the state...yay!).  However, he's only 9 months old, so we do have a while before needing to relocate.  I figure we'll start building sometime within the next year or two.  Right now, we're just having fun searching for the perfect (but still affordable) house plans.

Our future neighborhood

Our lot

While in Jonesboro, Cody had never even seen the school, so I drove him around and showed him where the Valley View Blazers reside.  As you all know, I ALWAYS have my camera with me, so I decided to take some pics. 

Let's see... what else have we been up to?  We went to see Dr. Mathis on August 2 for Manning's 9 month checkup.  The doc loved spending some time with Manning and told me that he was perfect and was "such a joy to be around".  That made this momma so proud!  Manning really put on a show for him, too.  He waved bye bye to him and just laughed and smiled at Dr. Mathis.  Here's my little big man's stats:  He weighs 24 pounds and is 29 inches long.  (I really think he's more like 30 inches long, though, because the nurse didn't stretch his legs out all the way, but oh well.)  He's in the 95th percentile across the board.  WOW!  That explains why we're now wearing 18 month clothing, I guess.  :o) 

I guess that about wraps it up for today.  We haven't been too busy lately other than all of the Kelly's Kids parties I've been doing.  They've all been GREAT, and I'm so proud that I decided to be a rep.  Manning is going to have some super cute clothes to show from it.

Not too much longer 'til football season.... Here are some pics of my favorite lil' Rebel!

Good Golly, Miss Molli...

Today's post is dedicated to someone very special to me, my baby sister, Molli.  Today is her 20th birthday.  Today has really hit me like a ton of bricks to tell you the truth.  I cannot believe that she is 20 years old... where has the time gone?  Molli is no longer a teenager?  WOW....  that's the only word that comes to mind. 

My post today is going to be a bit sappy and sentimental, and Molli hates these things, but she's gonna have to deal with it, because that's just how I am.  At least I'm not trying to embarrass her, right?!

Well, let me start by telling the story of her "birth"day.  I will never forget that day.  I was SO excited to be getting a baby sister.  I had spent the night with my best friend, Anne Marie, and I woke up to find that my mother was in labor.  I couldn't wait to get to that hospital. I didn't want Molli to be born before I got there. On the way to the hospital, we stopped and picked up some Shipley's donut holes and chocolate milk for a snack because they assured us that we wouldn't miss Molli's debut.  When I say debut, if you know Molli, that's EXACTLY what it was.  :)

Later that afternoon, Molli Taylor Girdley was born.  I was finally a big sister, and I had imagined that she would be a girly girl who loved to play Barbies  or house with me and play dress up... That's not exactly what I got.  I got something FAR better.  I got a little sister who loved to make mud pies, ride 4-wheelers, and say a few "curse" words every now and then (she stayed stays in trouble), but most of all, I got a sister with a bigger heart that I could ever have prayed for.  She doesn't always show it, but I know her better than most people.  She says she doesn't worry about what people think, but she does.  She says nothing hurts her feelings, but they get hurt quite often.  She puts on a smile even when she feels like crying just to keep from making others sad.  She likes to have a good time, but I know that more than anything, she can't wait to find her prince charming and settle down...even though she won't admit it.  My point is, she's a wonderful person and would give you the shirt off of her back to make your day better. She is also one of the most FUN, outgoing people I've ever met.  Consider yourself blessed if you know her, and you probably do, because Molli NEVER meets a stranger.

Molli, I hope you have a wonderful birthday and just know that I love you with all of my heart.  When you were born, Mamaw Gert said that "there would never be another Molli," and boy was she right...You are one of a kind, and I'm so proud of you and all that you've accomplished!  Happy 20th Birthday!  Enjoy the pictures of some of our journeys together.....

The Tradition Continues...

Well, this past weekend was busy but fabulous!  As y'all probably remember, we went to Bruce, MS for my very first Kelly's Kids party and to stay with one of my besties, Heather.  Her party went very well and she racked up on some free stuff for her precious little girl, Lily Kate.

We stayed with them for a couple of nights and they were such gracious hosts!  Thanks for a wonderful time, Ben, Heather, & Lily Kate!  Manning (and his mama) miss you already!  Cody has talked about LK since the time we left.  He can't wait to have a little girl just like her one day... yesterday, if it were up to him!
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All of the girls @ the shower

We also got to visit with some of my other besties this weekend.  All of the girls who flew down to surprise me at Manning's baby shower last September, made the long trek to Oxford, MS for the big triple baby shower for Jo, JoBeth, & Fuq.  After a fun Friday night dinner at Waltz on the square and the baby shower itself on Saturday at the Southern Living Estate in Water Valley, I am one tired girl! 

Mia & I in front of the "Shark Tank"

If I haven't mentioned it before at least a million times, I LOVE hanging out with these girls.  They are the best and are the most fun bunch of gals you'll ever meet.  I thoroughly enjoyed catching up with them and introducing Manning to all of his aunts!  :)  Enjoy the pics.... my fabulous photographer of the weekend was none other than the wonderful Miss Mia Marie Giannini. 

Pregnant Belles of the Ball

Shower for Ford, Parker, & Warren

Of course, one can't travel to God's country without loading up on Colonel Reb merchandise, and this time, Cody went a little WILD.  Since he will no longer be printed on Ole Miss stuff (sad day), we bought all kinds of fan gear to preserve his legacy.   We bought everything from t-shirts and belts to Col Reb pillows and a size 4 pair of embroidered pants for Manning.  WOW is right.  The tradition of Colonel Reb will continue in our house!

Manning's pants

I love this pic :o)

Long talks...

Well, I'll start today's post by telling y'all how the Chez Ami party went.  Even after so many of my friends were out of town (I picked a bad weekend), the party ended up being a very successful one, and Manning is going to have several cute outfits to show for it.  Most of all, I enjoyed getting to visit with good friends.  Sometimes a good chat is just what a girl needs to de-stress a little.

As today has been a slow one at Girdley Flying Service, I've had lots of time to sit and think.  Today, I've been thinking of one person only...my wonderful husband.  Sometimes, life gets so hectic, I forget to slow down and actually enjoy having long talks with Cody.  I know that I enjoy making fun of him from time to time (let's face it..he's a funny guy), but I love that man with all of my heart! 

Last night, Cody, Manning, and I loaded up after work to go get haircuts from my sister.  After being at her shop for a couple of hours, we rushed out the door and decided on going through the Chick-fil-A drive-thru because it was a quick, easy choice.  We wanted to hurry and get little man home because it was already past his bedtime.  As soon as we got on the highway, he drifted off, so Cody and I enjoyed a peaceful ride home and got to enjoy one another's company. 

We talked about things ranging from how many kids we hoped to have to the show, "Teen Mom."  We love watching that show together and find one couple in particular hilariously funny.  That's one thing I truly love about Cody.  He can make me laugh when noone else can.  He's truly the funniest person I know.  Who else would sit and watch Teen Mom with me and massage my back while watching?  Who else would text message me 50 times a day... from random things to make me laugh to telling me how much he loves me?  What other guy loves to talk about having a houseful of children?  Who else would break out some dance moves when I'm feeling down just to see me smile?  Enjoy the pics down memory lane...

I remember my daddy telling me years ago that he prayed that God would bring me a man that loves me as much as he does.  Thank you, Lord, for sending that man to me!  Manning and I are extremely blessed to be able to call him ours.

Best day of our lives

Such a good daddy