I got back Abby's school picture yesterday, and I was pleased. I thought it turned out pretty cute. Especially considering she missed actual picture day due to a recurring case of pink eye! Poor gal. I also received the group picture of her class. She's not in it due to her absence. So, I have an 8x10 picture of five random kids. Don't think that will be going up on the fridge anytime soon! Maybe when I get a chance, I'll Photoshop her in. Sounds like a good solution to me!
I was kind of surprised this was the "school picture." It looks more like I went to a Sears Portrait Studio and paid $20 for a sheet, right? I mean, I thought she'd be sitting at a cute little desk with a cup of pencils and an apple on it. Instead, she sits in a chair with cushions circa 1989. I'm not complaining. But as my mom said, "That's not what yours or your brother's school pictures looked like when you were little." Agreed.
On a side note, I'm going to jump on my pal Holly's bandwagon for a minute. I, too, have heard of more people reading my blog than I realized, and I would really like to hear from y'all. It's nice to hear from someone other than a one year old yelling, "Mommy! Mommy!" all the time and dogs barking at the UPS guy. So, leave a comment every once in a while. You don't even have to have a blog to leave a comment. So, thanks Holly, for bringing up that point. You had been reading my mind for a while.
I think that's it. Back to getting Christmas cards ready to mail by this weekend. Happy shopping. Watch out for those crazy drivers!
Class Pic
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Postest With The Mostest
Monday, December 8, 2008
I just hit my 101st post. Is that possible? Wow! So, now that I've broken past the century mark, it is only fitting that today's post be big, right? Considering the time of year, what could be bigger than Santa? (Other than Jesus, of course, but Abby is unable to sit on Jesus' lap. And, by the way, I'm fairly certain Jesus wouldn't try to rip us off by asking for a MINIMUM of $17 to snap a pic with him, right??)
I'll admit it lacked the pomp and circumstance of last year. Last year, I felt like Ralphie in A Christmas Story. I kid you not--I was so nervous and excited about seeing the jolly ol' man. Isn't that silly? I remember feeling deflated when I saw the zig-zagging line of parents and their kids from afar. I got to the end of the line and prayed that Abby would be content enough in her stroller to last the long wait. But I also remember the excitement that occurred after we inched our feet closer and closer: as I approached the post that held the velvet rope, feeling triumphant that I was able to turn the stroller the opposite direction. I was now zigging instead of zagging! Success! And once we made the final turn, I swear I felt like a three year old, giddy about seeing Santa "in the flesh." There was something magical about the mall and its holiday decor, the Christmas music playing over the speakers, little boys in suits and girls in their Mary Janes and little bows in their hair.
Fast forward to today. Fanfare-less. Oh well. Abby was pretty excited about seeing him, but once she was in his actual lap, she froze. She just stared straight ahead at the camera, not ever looking at him. The picture takers were jumping up and down, jingling toys, doing everything they could to get her to smile. But nothing. Blank stare. I finally tickled her, and this was as good as it was going to get!! I was pleased though. Once she got off his lap, she was super excited because she got some stickers, and that was very thrilling!
Perhaps next year she'll actually talk to him! Ha!
So, here is her Santa pic, 2008!
Laughin'
Friday, December 5, 2008
Today's lunch was a silly, joyous occasion for some odd reason. Abby roared like a lion a few times (Have I mentioned how she thinks she's a lion these days and roars at complete strangers in the grocery store??), and she was just in a super silly mood. Here's a bit of her laughing at my tickling her. Enjoy!
Thanksgiving
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
We had a nice, long holiday break in Longview last week. Abby and I went to LV on Saturday, while Matt joined us all after work on Wednesday. Abby had the BEST time entertaining her grandparents, Uncle Jason and Aunt Emily and Uncle Chris!!
Abby with Mr. Scarecrow
We took a stroll around the neighborhood before lunch. And what a lunch it was. Rick smoked three (yes, THREE) turkeys and a ham!
Me and Roo
Abby loves feeding people. Here she is feeding Papa Rick. No one EVER gets fed in that household! (That's sarcasm, in case you didn't read two captions above!) :)
Emily, Jason, Matt, me, Abby with Honey (Matt and Jason's grandmother) in Shreveport
She was chasing Uncle Chris
The parents-to-be
Chris, Abby, and Pops before they headed out to the Lobo game
While we Tenner ladies sit and chat in the den, this is what the Tenner guys do in the study--play with guns.
Matt has been teaching her "Guns Up." I plan on teaching her "Gig 'em," so she'll be one confused little girl soon!
I hope y'all had a very blessed, relaxing Thanksgiving.
A Message
Thursday, November 20, 2008
It seems like we get so caught up in the mundane, day-to-day business that sometimes we forget about what's truly important in life: Faith, family, friends. Frustration about bills, lack of decent winter clothes, annoyances at rude drivers, red lights that last too long. It can all start to really get me worked up. And then something snaps me out of it, and I come back to the basics of what I really should focus on in my life.
This week, I have shared in the news of a high school friend's recent pregnancy, and one day later, been saddened to hear of a friend's sister-in-law give birth to a stillborn baby. I have rejoiced in Abby's good doctor's report this morning, and later felt the sadness of hearing about a girl who graduated a year behind me pass away from leukemia. And then tonight, I, along with all other members of our church, receive the devestating news that our pastor's cancer has spread to parts of her brain, and she has decided not to prolong her suffering any longer, and go home to be with the Lord. This was enough to knock the wind out of me. Rude drivers? Long red lights? Clothes? Money? Is that what's really important in life?
Overwhelmed with emotion, I hugged Abby hard tonight, a true reflection of what really matters in my life. I kissed Matt and told him I loved him. Why does it always seem to take a roller coaster of emotion, good and bad news, to make us stop in our tracks and remind us of what we should be focusing on in our lives?
So, this Thanksgiving, I urge you to join me in really looking at your life and give Thanks and Praise to God for the things that bring you joy in your life. As we know all too well, what we value most can be taken away at any moment, and we should be thankful for the blessings that we have.
Call your parents just to say hi. Take a deep breath when your child does something that frustrates you. Write your grandparent a note and mail it to her--it will absolutely make her day. Let go of the grudge you've been holding against your friend. Put a note in your spouse's lunch reminding him how much you love him. Kiss your child.
I have to live my life knowing that God has a plan. If I didn't believe that, I honestly couldn't get through life. Tonight, say a prayer for those in your life who need it most, those who are hurting. And yet don't forget to thank God for all of the wonderful blessings He has bestowed upon you.
The Many Faces of Abby Mae
I took some pics of Abby yesterday. SHOCKING, I know! Ha! :) Anyway, here are some of her "head shots," and The Many Faces of Miss Abby Mae!!
Goofy DADDY and Goofy Abby
Cheesin' Abby
Laughin' Abby
Beautiful Abby...or Up-To-Something Abby. You decide!
And my personal favorite, Too-Cute-For-Words Abby
Oh, and here's Abby before Mother's Day Out yesterday. She LOVES MDO now. When I drop her off, it's like "Hello class! Mom Who?!" :(
Happy ALMOST Friday, people!
18 Months
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Miss Abby Mae is 18 months old today. I can't believe it!
Here she is just a few hours old...
...at six months...
...at one year...
Here are 18 reasons why I love my little 18-month-old:
1. You are truly compassionate. If we fake cry, you immediately go over to us and give us a kiss!
2. You have started to say more words. Among your newest are: boo-boo, ball (bah), bus (buh), bow (as of today!), Mommy (although when asked my name directly, you still say “Dada.”), and Pooh (once for the bear, twice for the stinky kind! Impressive!)
3. You love to stack anything on everything!
4. You also love to dip your food—waffles in yogurt, cereal in jelly—it doesn’t matter the combo. You’re dippin’!
5. You are obsessed with shoes and love to put them on and run around the house. You have been known to wear only a diaper and shoes. Classy.
6. You no longer want to be rocked before bed. You are a Big Girl now and much prefer Mom and Dad to leave you be in your crib to fall asleep on your own, thank-you-very-much! It makes me sad to know my baby is a baby no longer.
7. You love to play Peek-A-Boo. Whether it’s your hand over your eye, blanket over your face, or you hiding behind the clothes in the closet, one uttering of “Where’s Abby?” is all it takes to get you excited!
8. You love baths and get mad when we pull the plug.
9. You love the park. When we turn the corner past the bridge and you see the swings, you stretch out your arms and grunt!
10. You are a girl who loves to snack! I have found you at the pantry door many times, banging on it, in need of a cracker…or eight!
11. When music comes on TV, you stop what you’re doing and you start to dance. You have some awesome moves, Roo!
12. You love The Wonder Pets, and most nights we gather and watch it right before your bathtime.
13. You can’t stand to have anything on your hands. A dog hair, a crumb, if it’s on there, you run to us, hand outstretched for us to wipe it clean.
14. You freak out when you see an airplane, a big truck, or a bus. At Hobby Lobby yesterday, a school bus pulled up right in front of us, and I thought you were going to explode from excitement!
15. You love going through our bathroom drawers and “re-arranging” them.
16. You make the absolute best lion roar!
17. You detest long car rides and would much rather be “out and about.” Thank goodness for Baby Einstein DVDs! (Thanks, Cappettas!)
18. You absolutely are head over heels in love with your family. You see pictures of your grandparents, aunt, uncles, parents, and you get so excited. You point to them, kiss their pictures, you just love them to death. And when you see them in person? Well, you love giving out hugs and kisses.
Obviously, that list could go on and on, but I think you get the idea! Matt and I feel so blessed to have had this little girl a part of our lives for the past 18 months, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds. Happy 18 months, Roo! We love you!!
Checking In
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Let me start with a pic of Abbster I snapped earlier tonight on her rocking horse. Words cannot express how appreciative we are of Cheryl for making this for Abby with her own two hands!
So, not too much has been going on around here. Uncle Chris came in town for a visit this weekend, and he and Abby had the BEST time playing together! Abby has been blessed with the best aunt and uncles!
Here they are doing what they do best: goofing around!
And yes, I DO exist! A rare picture of me and Abby. :)
So, for those of you who know Abby, you know she is quite the entertainer. This girl is go-go-go all day, and she absolutely loves an audience! Lately, I've noticed she has turned to some interesting forms of entertainment. Here are just a few:
1. Stacking on her sippy.
Her Happy Meal toy was this talking giraffe (which she absolutely LOVES), but better yet, she loved stacking it on her sippy. When she was successful, she would squeal with delight and clap her hands, as she is doing in this picture. Note the McNugget on the sippy too. Two items. Very impressive. :)
2. Inserting straw in juice.
Side note: She says juice like this: "jhoooooooooooooosh." It takes a full 5 seconds for the entire word to come out. It's hilarious.
Here's the play-by-play:
Eye on the straw. She's about to pull it out.
The straw is out. Now, she's got to put it back in. This takes lots and lots of concentration, folks.
Will she do it??
Can she get the straw back in??
I know you're on pins and needles....
Yippeeee!! Success! The straw is back in its juicebox!
She is SO proud of herself. Can you tell?!
Sweet girl
3. Anything and everything is a shoe.
How is it that things like old wipes cases are one of her favorite items? Roo is absolutely obsessed with putting things on her feet (mainly our shoes), but here she is with the wipes case as footwear.
It's as though she's thinking, "Dada, get this thing off me NOW!" She'd better get used to that pain. As a woman, don't most cute shoes feel like that?!
Abby will be 18 months on Tuesday. Where has the time gone?! Here is Abby one year ago this week.
And here she is now, ALL GIRL. Where has my baby gone?! Miss Abbster loves to "text" on her "cell phone" that her Papa gave her. (Don't worry--it's fake. Although around here, I'm pretty sure some kids her age probably have their own Blackberrys!) 
I've heard that they grow up way too fast, but boy, I never really got it until Abby was born. I'll write more about her life as an 18-month-old in a couple of days. In the meantime, I hope life treats all of y'all well! :)
