Category Archives: Alyssa

Fun Friday

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First and last day of 2nd grade
We are down to the last few days of school. I guess there has to be a last day either way, but when they start having “Technology Day” and watching movies what is the point of going? Alyssa had field day today, proceeded by Toy Story 3. Monday she gets to bring something to entertain her and Tuesday she just has to show up for attendance and report card. Is that normal? Why not just call Thursday her last day? Today was hot too. I think field day should be more like March and then they can actually learn up until the last “pretend” day of school. I was helping today and positioned in the open field in the scorching sun to watch kids jump on inflatables for 1.5 hours, but at least I got to spent some time with Alyssa. Just showing my face at her school, makes her day. Maybe that is a sign that I don’t visit often enough. A before and after shot of 2nd grade. She didn’t seem to change much to me this year. I think that is a good thing.

New videos

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Alyssa playing a few of her songs. For the first few months, I stuck with her. I would watch what she learned and practice myself. Christmas time came and I could play most of the songs in her book. Well, I am proud to say that she has far surpassed me. To the point that we were arguing the other day about a technique… she was of course right.


Then there is Audrey. There are few adequate words to describe this fireball. Like tonight at dinner, I thought she could just sit next to me in the booth. I am so tired of highchairs. She jumped, she twisted, she had her hands through the nasty blinds, she bounced, she was under the table at one point. All the while, Ethan calmly asked again and again, “do you want a highchair?” Finally, I gave in. She is full of energy, full of persistence, full of her own way. Here is a peak at bedtime.

Alyssa’s 1st Piano Recital

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We were gifted a beautiful piano earlier this year and took full advantage of the opportunity for Alyssa to start playing. All parents have ideas or hopes as to what their child may become, and I wanted to put the love of music in front of her. It is something I have never had nor am I good at, but I wanted to see how far she could go. Like many things, she seemed to pick it up quickly and with ease. I think she enjoys it and likes the end result that she gets when she practices and gets the song right. She can play many of the Christmas songs in her book, but chose these for her 1st recital. She was first up and I was so proud to see her sit with the students and walk up and play when it was her turn. All by herself, in a dark room, on a big stage, with a room full of parents. Oh, I was proud. And even more, she played beautifully. Not one mistake. Because the song was so short, she was told to play it three times. So the end of the clip, you see her confused and not happy that she didn’t finish what she thought she needed to. It was our first lesson in “following someone’s lead”. It was a joy to watch her and sit and listen to the older kids and imagine what one day she may be. You have come so far, Alyssa. From a child too shy to even step on the soccer field to a young lady who holds her own at a large piano. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.

New Bikes

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Our neighbors are the best! S and A live next door to us (not sure if they like their real names on the web). They have been super and loving to our children since we moved in. We eat and celebrate together, we have game night, we play in the yard. Recently, they wanted to do something special and get Alyssa a new bike. And as parents of three, we of course said, “great idea – she will love that! ” This weekend, Alyssa went over for a surprise and found a new bike. She was quite surprised and very thankful that her knees don’t have to hit the handle bars anymore. I do think it is time to replace that helmet too. The pictures show that her head has grown a bit since we bought that in 2007.

Then immediately, Megan got a new bike too. Strange how it looks just like Alyssa’s old bike, but she never said one word. She was just excited to be on a new, big bike. Poor middle child. Now they are both excited to go up and down the street again. Thank you G-wins. You go above and beyond for our family.




Soccering up again.

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We are back into the swing of soccer. That means never a dull Saturday, lots of bags, whining, cheering, wrestling, water and sweat. Alyssa is doing great. She really likes to play and has a good grasp on the game. She is fast and smart, but still is not the most aggressive one in the pile. In between watching Megan play from a distance and wrestling Audrey to stay off the field, I really enjoy watching her play.

We decided to sign Megan up with the Y at the last moment. She went to her first practice last week where she did great. She kept her shoes and shin guards on for over an hour waiting til practice, she ran, she kicked, she obeyed the coach, she did awesome.

I began to think that she would do so good….so much better than Alyssa did on her first team. I was excited for a child who was aggressive. I was more than willing to pay that late sign up fee if it meant my child would have fun, play, maybe even… score? Well, Saturday came. When we stepped out of the car and she began complaining that her shin guards were itching, I knew it was all over.

That is EXACTLY what Alyssa did all season long at age 3. We would put bug spray, lotion, even toilet paper in her socks – anything to avoid the itchy legs. It went from itchy legs, to being bored, to hot, anything to not play. So Megan sat in a ball, head in her hands, pouting for oh… 3 quarters of the game. I tried everything – just like I did with Alyssa – and no bribe, treat, incentive would get her to play. Then finally, she seemed interested. We called her coach, “Megan’s ready” I yelled. Whoo hoo!! She is on the field. Yes! “Get the camera!” She took a throw-in. She ran. She tried to get the ball. And… the game was over. She played for about 90 seconds. But I was so proud of her. Maybe next week it will be different.


Alyssa’s 7th Birthday

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So lately this blog has been all about Julie. Sorry for the lack of posts there, I promise to give an update this week before my next round of chemo, but for now, this is all about Alyssa.

Alyssa is our first born. She kept me waiting 10 days past my due date, but I fell in love the minute I saw her precious face. She is probably your typical first born child in many ways. But since I only have one how do I know. She is sensitive, sweet, caring. Likes to have a playmate. Bright. Obedient. Honest. Loving. I love that she has made friends around her. I love that she loves her middle sister enough to play games on her level. I love that she needs to give hugs and kiss multiple times before bed. I love that she remembers things from years ago. I love that she loves to read ( a trait from her father). I love that she has parts of him and parts of me in her character. I love her sweet laugh. I love that she still needs my approval and help. I love that she is part of my life right now and that I have been given the task to teach her, love her and guide her in the ways of God. I can’t believe how fast 7 years has gone and I do not want to blink and miss the next 7.

Her aunt and uncle were in town this week which made this birthday even more fun. She chose M&M, chocolate chip and sprinkle pancakes for breakfast and finished up the day with CFA. The big celebration was at the skating rink the next day with some of her friends. I … I mean … she had a blast. See all the photos.



Let’s catch up

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It has only been 2 weeks since an update and to some people’s expectations, apparently that is way too long. So let me catch you up — if you are there, surely someone is: mom? ann? bev?


Two weeks ago Audrey was dedicated at Harpeth Community Church. The other little baby on stage with us, well, his name was Noah. I like this photo with all the hands stretched out toward us, committing their support to help us raise her to follow God. (Think out of your comfort zone for you CofC’ers) The girls all did good on stage, but I think Megan stole the show swinging her beads in circles. This may be the only photo where she looked serious and was not scowling at the audience. And though Mommy did not take a single photo of Audrey that morning, trust me, she did look cute.

Around the House:

While most families are play Wii, we are playing the real old-school games on N64. Alyssa has become really good. She races, plays a Ms PacMan game and Super Mario 64. And for now, Megan loves to just watch her. And when I play, she usually beats me. When I question it, Ethan responds, “Let’s be honest here, games were never really your forte.”



Well, I will tell you what is my forte, and that is baking stuff that is bad for me then running it off. We fried up some donuts for Valentines breakfast and much to my surprise, they were tasty. I may never need a donut shop again. And to offset my horrible eating habits, I have been running. I am in a group with some MOPS girls and we try to run few times a week and get in a long run together on Saturday. But with the weather lately, it is hard. We are up to 6 miles and have a 10K in two weeks. It has been very enjoyable for me. Lacing up the shoes, layering up the body for 28 degree weather, strapping on my new GPS watch and hitting the pavement – usually at 6am. The goal is the Nashville Half-Marathon in April.


And last up was Ethan’s birthday. We have been on a serious Dave Ramsey inspired budget this year, so just going out to eat was a treat for us all (or maybe just me!). We followed it up with my annual Carrot Cake and some good friends for company. Happy 33 to Ethan. Can you believe he is so OLD?

And here is my other project. I am attempting a Photo a Day for 2010 and this is the kit I bought. Here are a few of the pages, click on the photos if you want to see details.

Winter Fun

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Growing up in Houston, I have never had this much fun in the snow. Ok, I think I went skiing as a kid once, and remember a photo of me riding in a gondola, and it snowed once in 1987 and I ate snow off our pool lounger — but beyond that don’t remember anything like this.

Friday was a snow day, and I heard it was the most snow we have had since 2003. It snowed most of Friday, froze that night and Saturday everything was coated in white with a top layer of ice. We tried to get out for church today, but it didn’t look good. Later today the sun came out and we wanted to play. Ethan found a piece of old wood and made a sled out of it and it worked for a bit. Then we borrowed a friend’s discs and headed to the elementary school where we heard there was some good sledding. Audrey pretended to take a nap at our neighbors and we had a blast. Alyssa was hesitant at first, but after the first time she was fine. Megan I think will be the adventurous one. First time down, all by herself, she had a look of panic and shear fun in one. I’ll admit, I kept riding with her just so I could play too. Now, school is canceled for Monday too. I sure wish we had some ski gear for these kids so we could play without getting wet…and next time we would be ready for some real skiing. It was a great day!



Whaleys to the Rescue

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That’s right. We are all superheros. I had planned out a great idea for costumes. The two little ones were going to be home-made hand-me-down costumes that I was very proud of. So I just had to think of something for Alyssa. Well, as it turns out, she can think on her own now. Dang! And she picked Super Girl. Well, then of course, Megan doesn’t want to be a puppy, she wants a superhero too. Then Bat Girl is born. Now there can’t be any fun unless Audrey too is one and Dad comes up with The Flash. Then he stops by Hobby Lobby on the way to work one day (how cute is that) and we all now are superheros. It was a lot of fun putting them together. All pics

Here are some others of my almost ONE year old.


And since I am a words of affirmation type person, here is my Halloween dessert. After the photo, Ethan decided the pumpkin patch needed a gum drop fence. I love him like that.

Playing catch up

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I really don’t like to do this, but realized that I have not put photos up in awhile. If you didn’t notice, well, this blog isn’t for you. I know some people that check daily to see their beautiful granddaughters. Daily may be too much. Just kidding. It’s not. Just kidding. It is. Really.

Megan, is well… Megan. There are no words to describe her other than herself. She is three. Loud. Moody. But immaginative. Hysterical. Unlike her sister in many ways, but just like her in others. God is so creative. She doesn’t want to go to school in the morning, but jumps right out of the car and comes back happy. Who knows what really goes on in there. She likes to play anything from pretend animals to Wall-E and Even. Mostly follows her big sisters directions, and in turn gives them to her little sister.



Audrey is almost one. She is everywhere and into everything, but not walking. She eats like no other I have raised. I had to give her some chocolate cake one night after dinner because she did such a good job with her green beans and I thought she needed a treat. She loves to play whatever her sisters are playing, which drives one of them crazy. She gets parented by 4 people in the house. She cannot sleep without her “nuffle bunny”. She does the roar of the tiger, says DaDa, BaBa, waves and the occasional MaMa. But she is darn cute.




And that leaves Alyssa. She is 6, in 1st grade. She loves school. She excels. She can totally entertain herself with a book, like most of the Whaleys. She has lost three teeth. She plays, but doesn’t love, soccer. She thinks maybe “it isn’t the sport for me.” Too bad, mom and dad say it is right now. She is affectionate, nurturing, and kind. She can still throw a fit like a 3 yr old, and get her feelings hurt very easily. She has several buddies in the neighborhood that she wants to play with daily. She obeys and is the one I can control when chaos comes knocking at my door. She is the one who will cuddle, give one more hug, and generally be anything you need her to be. Am I blessed with these girls or what?