American Idol Concert

We have always been big American Idol fans in this house so when they announced that the summer tour was coming to Jackson there was no doubt we would be there!  My grandmother, Meme, also enjoys watching the show on TV so we got her a ticket to the concert for her birthday.  Lili and Shuffie went with us but had to sit in another section since we couldn't get six tickets together.

Patiently waiting for the show to start!

First concert for this little boy and first concert in a LONG time for this sweet lady.

Look who Sam got to visit during intermission - Mimi!

I loved dancing and clapping with my boy during the performances!

Priceless experience with these two special people.  :)

My Bathing Beauties

Bathtime Buddies

Love That Smile!

Knocking 3 Out of the Park!

I woke up this morning to the sounds of rumbling thunder and pouring rain and immediately panicked.  The very thing Sam had looked forward to the most for his birthday party was supposed to go outside in the backyard.  

I held my breath as they tried to inflate the baseball tee/batting cage in our garage and was so relieved to find out it fit perfectly!  Look how happy the birthday boy was!

Nice swing, Sammy!

Glad the rain let up in time for our guests to arrive.

Sam on deck!

Some of Sam's teammates

Welcome to Milner Stadium!

Inside we had a "game ball" for everyone to autograph...

...and some pictures of Sam enjoying baseball over the past three years.

After a few rounds of batting practice, it was time for some fruit, hot dogs, chips and drinks at the concession stand.

We also had rice krispie treat baseballs that Lili made.  They were just as delicious as they looked!

Sweet Jack missed most of the action since he enjoyed a good snooze on his buddy Chelsea.

Sam was thrilled when he saw his cake and couldn't wait to dig in...

...but he got very shy as soon as everyone started singing "Happy Birthday" to him.

Sam had lots of great helpers during present time!

Favors

"Thanks For Making My Party A Grand Slam!"

Jack and Pops

So glad he woke up in time for a few pictures before the party ended!  

Thanks to everyone who came and helped us celebrate Sam's 3rd birthday.  It was a such a fun day!!

Three Years of Blessings

Today we celebrate the third birthday of one of the sweetest little boys I know.  Samuel Edward Milner was placed in my arms at 1:29 p.m. on July 20, 2009 and from that moment on my life changed forever.  I will forever have a piece of my heart walking around outside of my body and will always treasure my role as his mother.  

Nothing could have prepared me for the blessing of Sam.  I imagined how wonderful motherhood would be for quite some time before his birth but as he has grown and developed over the past three years the reality of it all far exceeds any of my expectations.

He is so special to us each and every day and we wanted to do something out of the ordinary to make sure he had a wonderful birthday.

He requested his favorite, donut holes, for breakfast and we started the day with the first round of "Happy Birthday." 

We left Jack with Lili and the three of us hit the road to spend the day at the Geyser Falls Water Park in Philadelphia, MS.

We played in the water all morning and then stopped for a cheeseburger and fries around lunchtime.  

Mid afternoon we had worked up a little bit of an appetite and thought a snow cone would be the perfect, refreshing snack.  By the looks of Sam's lips the Grape one was the best!  :)

Having fun!

We didn't make it far on our way home before his sweet eyes closed for a much-needed rest.

Dear Sam,

I looked at you countless times today in disbelief that three years have already flown by.  If only it would slow down!  I often wish I could freeze you just the way you are right now but as time passes I love each stage with you even more than the last.  I have enjoyed every minute of watching you grow and seeing your precious personality develop.  Your smile is so genuine, sparkles through your eyes and can light up a room.  Your tender heart is so sweet and just like your Daddy's.  You aren't ever afraid to tell someone exactly how you are feeling or that you love them and I hope that never changes.  Your inquisitive mind is so sharp for your age and I hope you always enjoy learning as much as you do now.  I pray that as you continue to grow you develop a special relationship with the good Lord that gave you to us and that you hold that relationship close to you throughout your life.  I can tell you that He blessed me with the gift of you and I feel His love for me every time I look into your eyes.  I get so much joy from watching you and Jack play with each other.  I know he hasn't been as exciting as you probably imagined he would be but I promise, he's getting there.  :)  You are always so patient with him and the simple fact that he can't help but grin when he sees you is evident of the special bond I hope the two of you will share forever.  You are the wonderful big brother your daddy and I always knew you would be.  We always wonder what we did before you came along and I am certain I wouldn't go back to those days for anything in the world.  You are such a special part of our family and I hope you always know how much you are loved.  

Happy Birthday my sweet Sam and thank you for the three years of blessings you have brought us all!

Tooth #2

Lower Right Central Incisor

Backyard Fun

Weekend with "Bekah"

We were thrilled to have a sweet college friend come to town to visit us this weekend.  Rebekah is about to start her first year teaching and made one last trip to Jackson before the busy school year begins.  Friday night we ate dinner at Cerami's and then had some girl time at Sweet Tree Yogurt after the little boys went to bed.  It was wonderful to catch up with her and enjoy some girl talk.

Sam was so excited when he woke up Saturday morning and realized that "Bekah" was still at our house!  We took her to the Natural Science Museum so she could see all of the dinosaurs that Sam loves there.  

Wow, look at those teeth!

Sam was quick to tell Rebekah that the dinosaurs were really just robots so she didn't need to be afraid.  ;)

"Rrrrrrrr"

After we finished at the museum, we took Rebekah to eat lunch at Brent's so she could experience where some of "The Help" was filmed.  She loved it!  

Sunday morning we ate breakfast together at Corner Bakery before she had to head back to Fulton.  

Jack had his first taste of cheese grits and thought they were pretty yummy!

Sam sure loved having "Bekah" at our house for the weekend.  He told her this morning that he was really going to miss her when she left.  Sweet boy!  We enjoyed having her here with us and can't wait until she comes to visit again.  So thankful for the precious friends God has placed in my life!

Happiness