She was born October 22, 2010, at 10:05 a.m. She weighed 7 lbs and 1 oz and was 20 inches long.

She is precious and has stolen our hearts!

It’s official this is the longest I have ever been pregnant. After having three kids and being pregnant with this little bit this is the longest I have ever been pregnant. Jake was born 13 days early, Judd 9 days early, Anna Kate 8 days early, and I am now 7 days away from my due date wondering if I am going to carry this little one until October 27. A whole 40 weeks! I don’t think I can be pregnant for 10 months! Yikes! However, I must say this has been an extremely easy pregnancy. I am still not uncomfortable or miserable. I still enjoy feeling lil bit move around. Actually, I think I will be a little sad when the pregnancy is over.

She has always allowed me to make my own decisions in life
8. She loved me even when I was a “pain in the butt”

God’s perfect timing but a little to early for me……

On October 5, 2010, we said goodbye to a wonderful man. To some, he was Benny. To me, he was Mr. Brown. To Jake, Judd and Anna Kate, he was “Sweet Papa.” His granddaughter Alex gave him that name and it stuck with all the rest of the grandkids. He was “Sweet Papa.” And he was! The kids absolutely loved him and he was so sweet and kind to them.

Sweet Papa was funny. I am not quite sure who will teach my kids how to play music with an empty water bottle. He had a quick wit. Always told us that he wouldn’t buy a Mac until the Apple didn’t have a bite taken out of it. He was a hard worker. He taught the boys how to work in the garden and in the yard. He loved my kiddos and they loved him. Now all of the light switches will constantly be switched on and off as the kids run through the house. Who will I call when life questions are beyond my experiences? I guess I will have to rely on my mom to say, “I can’t even tell you are pregnant.”

Mr. Brown certainly wasn’t perfect, he made mistakes and he had regrets. I have always been proud to be his step-daughter and I will always be grateful for the lessons that he taught me, the sacrifices he made, and the memories I will treasure.

When I was in Elko in September, if you had told me then that I would have just 4 more weeks to talk to him, I wouldn’t have believed it. I wish I had asked more questions. I wish I had enjoyed our moments more, instead of taking them for granted, assuming there would be years to make more memories.

Who will wave us goodbye as we leave? Benny had a habit of waving when we would drive away and leave for Tennessee. I know what you’re thinking, “what’s so special about that?” Well, it wasn’t just any wave; it was a long, continual wave until we couldn’t see him anymore. He would stand outside the garage and wave and wave and wave and wave. Our family loved it. The last time he did that was less than a month ago. But this time, it was a bit different. This time we rolled down our windows and let the kids scream “bye” just as loud, as long and as often as they could. I’m glad that’s the last thing we got to say to him. “Bye.” I know, there’s so much more to say, and there’s so much more to be said. Goodbye Sweet Papa.

If Benny were here today there’s one thing he would want you to know. One day, death will be our end, and the most important thing in life is what you do with Jesus Christ.
You need to know a few things:
1. You’re a sinner
2. Your sin will lead to death (both physical and spiritual)
3. Death is inevitable for us all
4. Only Jesus has conquered death through the cross and resurrection
5. Jesus offers victory over death to you
6. In order to receive that victory, you must accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior
7. You can do that today!

Tonight we were given another chance to visit the Double B Boys Ranch in Millington. Our family just LOVES to go to the Boys Ranch. It is hard to explain but it is just an oasis for us right in the middle of Millington. We always enjoy our time feeding the animals, visiting with the Epps family, and enjoying a little piece of country.

We took a few pictures while we were visiting.

Excuse me:

Friday night, Anna Kate and I were upstairs putting some clothes away and she looked at me and said “Mommy, you are a drama queen.” Seriously, my two-year old drama queen called ME a drama queen. Too Funny!

Another Anna Kate Classic
Saturday afternoon, Anna Kate was eating lunch and she had a cup of milk. She didn’t want to eat her sandwich but she did want to drink ALL of her milk. I allowed her to have the milk for most of lunch but I took it away to help persuade her to eat more of her sandwich. She didn’t want to sandwich so she asked to be excused and I said sure.

As she was getting down, she asked for her milk. I responded by saying, “no ma’am you didn’t eat your sandwich. You may get in your seat and eat your sandwich if you want your milk.” She then got in her seat took a small bit and then asked to me excused.

As she was getting down, she asked for her milk. I responded by saying, “no ma’am you didn’t eat your sandwich. You may get in your seat and eat your sandwich if you want your milk.” She then got in her seat took a small bit and then asked to me excused.

This happened two more times expect the last time when I said, “no ma’am you didn’t eat your sandwich. You may get in your seat and eat your sandwich if you want your milk.” She said in a very matter of fact manner “Mommy, you are wearing me out.”

It was so funny I had to walk outside and tell Jim. I had tears in my eyes, I was laughing so hard.

One more:
Anna Kate’s conversation with Jim when walking back to the house:
“I am going to ask her (mommy) for more crackers. She might say yes…isn’t that sweet.”
As they walk in the door she asks,” Mommy, can I have more crackers”.
I respond “Yes, you may. “
Anna Kate looks at Jim with a smile and says “She said yes.”

While we were in Georgia we took pictures at various places at the Mansion also. Of course, we will have to take more at Christmas after Lil Bit arrives, but I wanted some out on the lawn. Most of the winter ones will be taken inside. These are a few of my favorites.

During our visit to Georgia last week, we took advantage of our last opportunity to visit the Georgia Capitol while “Big Buddy” is still in office as the Governor of Georgia. It was a fun visit and the kids really enjoyed seeing Big Buddy’s office. We took some pictures inside and a few outside. Jake enjoyed learning Georgia history for school.

I found this card in Mr. Sonny’s office and couldn’t think of a more appropriate sign for Anna Kate to hold.

I told Jake that he had to get his picture taken on these steps because almost every kid that graduates from a Georgia elementary school has a picture of themselves on these steps. Usually, they are in a class picture but this is his class:-)

Since the State Senators are not in session, we were able to go in the Senate room and take a picture.

The kids were able to take a picture with Big Buddy just before he started taking pictures for 45 minutes.

Taking a walk around the capitol. By the way, this is where you can find Anna Kate most moments of the day, holding my hand.

Sometimes he says the funniest things…

“For God so loved the world the gave his only forgotten Son that whoever believes in Him would not parachute….”

“Mommy, I am going to run for governor because I am really fast. I will win.”