Happy Fall, y'all!

This past weekend, we were very busy, but very happy and entertained!  I love getting to experience things all over again through the eyes of my son.  It's so much fun seeing him have a good time and to sit and think about the way he perceives different places and experiences.  It makes me appreciate simple things...like how beautiful fair lights are!

Friday night, Cody and I enjoyed Manning's first trip to the fair.  He loved seeing the lights and all of the people.  The hubs and I had a blast, too.  We rode the carousel and the train over and over.  Who knew kiddie rides could be so fun?!

Saturday, we got ready for Manning's next "first" experience...his first Ole Miss football game.  We were a little nervous that he wouldn't like it and were prepared to leave whenever he decided it was time.  After a rocky start and a few terrified cries when he heard the opening hotty toddy, he got accustomed to the noise within about 15 minutes.  Before long, he was bouncing up and down, and waving a pom pom.  I was so proud! :o) 

While at the game, I also noticed something else... people are so nice to you when you have a baby. I made all kinds of friends because they wanted to talk to Manning...and of course, everyone LOVED his name.  Wonder why?!  ;o)  Once when I took him to the restroom for a diaper change, a girl grabbed my arm and said "Oh my gosh... the cutest baby EVERRRRR!"  She said it with that much expression, and that Delta Gamma sorority girl made my night!  

Happy Fall, y'all!  I am so loving this cool, fall weather.  I can't wait to decorate the outside of our house for Halloween.  The inside has been decorated for weeks now.  I love to get a jumpstart.  I feel like I get to enjoy the holiday more if I start early.  Enjoy the pics!  Have you decorated yet?  Why wait?

My spooky fireplace

Happy Halloween!!

Manning's best bud... welcome Ford!

September 17, 2010 is a very special day.  It's Manning's best friend's birthday!

That morning, I woke up bright and early to go be with my best friend, Joanna, and her husband, Chase.  They had been in the hospital all night and were getting ready to welcome their precious son into the world.  I sped the whole way because I didn't think I'd make it in time.  After my arrival, I quickly realized that Ford would be taking his time and didn't almost miss anything.  The funniest time of the day to me was when Chase told me he was shocked how much went into this labor thing... He thought it was gametime right after JoJo's water broke at 8 a.m. that morning.  It was funny and too cute!  :o) 

I stayed with Joanna all day long and didn't leave her side until I had to, when she was getting ready to push, which was around 4 or 5 p.m.  Finally, at 6 p.m., we got word that Ford Ashton Chafin had arrived, and the celebration began! 

If you're wondering, of course I got emotional and cried a little... but I'm just extremely sensitive when it comes to babies.  After the journey Cody and I traveled to have Manning, I realize what a miracle childbirth truly is.  As Joanna lay there, I was listening to Ford's hearbeat on the monitor and began to thank God for the many miracles we get to experience here on earth.  It is so amazing!  I'm just thankful for my precious son, and I feel blessed to have been able to be with my best friend on the day that her sweet son arrived.  I just know that we are going to have a blast raising our boys together and am looking forward to all of the stories, birthday parties, and even tantrums that we will share!  Motherhood is the most amazing blessing I've ever received, and not a moment goes by that I don't thank God for it.  Words can't describe the joy and love that dwell within my heart. 

Uncle Cody & Ford

Aunt Marci & Ford

Ford, we are so happy that you are finally here!  We love you, buddy!

We love you so much already!

Holy Masoli...

Well, kickoff has come & gone now, and Ole Miss football is in full swing... and we are loving every almost every second of it! When football season rolls around in our tiny little town, the pranks and the bashing begins.  If you aren't a razorback fan, boy "they" let you hear about it.  Here's a picture of Colonel Reb who was...I guess we'll call it "hogged" by some anonymous hog fan.  We never know who does this stuff, but I've got to admit it is fun to see what they keep coming up with. 

As you rebel fans know, I say we are loving "almost" every second of football season, because we went to Oxford for one of the most disappointing games ever, the Jacksonville State game, and now after today, our second embarrassment, our loss to Vandy.  Let's just say we had a very quiet drive back to Arkansas after the game.  Cody was very upset and didn't want to discuss it. I was pretty much devastated as well... Right after our loss, I turned around to see one little fella, probably 3 years old, balling his eyes out.  I wasn't quite as sad as him, but I was pretty darn close!

This past weekend, we watched the Ole Miss vs. Tulane game on tv, and even though I'm still not impressed with our defense, I will always love and support my team.  However, I am a pretty big Masoli fan, and so is Manning.  We proudly sported our matching #8 jerseys last Saturday.  Cody jokes and says I have a football crush, but I'm in no way, shape, or form attracted to Masoli, but there's just something about him that I like to watch.  It could be that he's short and stocky (just like I like 'em) or the fact that he is wearing the number 8.  One of my best guy friends in high school was #8.  We called him "Brother."  He was the quarterback and one of the best, most fun people ever.  Sadly, he passed away my sophomore year of college and I miss him dearly...maybe this is why the #8 is so dear to my heart. 

Back to the rebels... boy, is it going to be a looooong season, or what?!  Don't get me wrong.  I love the rebels with all of my heart, but I just think we're off to a terrible start, and I just don't know if we're going to win any games since we can't win any of the "easier" ones.  But, I guess we shall see... Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to wear my red and blue and chant Hotty Toddy because I'm no fair-weather fan.  I'm in it for the long haul!  Peace, love & hotty toddy! ;o)