tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82304435885317295972024-03-16T03:08:19.946-04:00The Layne FamilyHome is where our story beginsThe Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-47380232193702251602011-03-29T09:58:00.002-04:002011-03-29T10:12:33.996-04:00Waving and Crawling<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rgSEjHEYLII" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZUoMPzeaLr0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-2526870296892981022011-03-23T19:58:00.003-04:002011-03-23T20:23:37.179-04:008 Months Old<div align="center">This little man is 8 months old today!!!</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 267px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587430665840400850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBLOZfQ8FRvIaktHraqubkhErduvPvCebtHUjom3XGTQUqwuJ7MgrGMUY38P_yv4z6E_upHoj0HrTOP8meKs6tz-5ImOoNqdekGdUEqSzWY3rwEY0eKcBHFTq-bxK6E-Bbs6zUhyphenhyphenszc8DU/s400/010.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"><strong>8 month stats:</strong></div><div align="center">(He hasn't been to the doctor this month, so I'm not sure of these stats, they are just my guesses.)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Height: 29 inches</div><div align="center">Weight: 23 lbs.</div><div align="center">Diaper size: 4</div><div align="center">Clothing size: 12m or 18m (mostly 18m)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <strong>New Milestones This Month:</strong></div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Waving "bye-bye"</div><div align="center">Perfecting the "army crawl"</div><div align="center">Still working on the "traditional crawl"</div><div align="center">Going from laying down to sitting up with ease</div><div align="center">Still fighting sleep</div><div align="center">Still has separation anxiety</div><div align="center">The "nasty" face (I need to get that on video.)</div><div align="center">Cut teeth #s 7 & 8</div><div align="center">Eats mostly table food</div><div align="center">Experimenting with feeding himself</div><div align="center">Can almost clap his hands</div><div align="center">Says "no no", "da da", "um ma" (Mama), and "ba ba" (bottle)</div><div align="center"> </div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEIJg3wsuGBZH-ue8ocAAhc3TakF33D08pHsDw8DTsOMMdlmaOkegbR7B1gZ90hnUrK0nN4dOAca1R_hPhFDAXW7VUW6GderqMD5wXz06tXLd2WfJ4bDDn-wG9PDGfwFbo7n9MaQNe0jl/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587430679380697106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifEIJg3wsuGBZH-ue8ocAAhc3TakF33D08pHsDw8DTsOMMdlmaOkegbR7B1gZ90hnUrK0nN4dOAca1R_hPhFDAXW7VUW6GderqMD5wXz06tXLd2WfJ4bDDn-wG9PDGfwFbo7n9MaQNe0jl/s400/014.JPG" /></a> <div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChQHKIxwRdHDCTZg4wjLunEy1vQoNgT6Sk9JXsKVdJgjqULSF5qEUxWirXoSTmz92enG1DOnsHh6a1CBI7NI9UMb-496KvtupKCBDSKbydCbZZ0JsrrlkC9rL1LNDJJqaOW2QMoSlqw0j/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587430673306087810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChQHKIxwRdHDCTZg4wjLunEy1vQoNgT6Sk9JXsKVdJgjqULSF5qEUxWirXoSTmz92enG1DOnsHh6a1CBI7NI9UMb-496KvtupKCBDSKbydCbZZ0JsrrlkC9rL1LNDJJqaOW2QMoSlqw0j/s400/010.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtL6BvAqYQEeOKFoKVOo5FyHu3WP3acBM5S5qjqRjLoHdpS6LqzPJCYSk-9NjCKF9owJzvjsKtdtnC2R6-j9xWB5hqaWZSbW8hi4IIALGHcS35Ysnnrc2U4-ckz6fpdbW5hi5jJ1ItdNF/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587430671394818146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtL6BvAqYQEeOKFoKVOo5FyHu3WP3acBM5S5qjqRjLoHdpS6LqzPJCYSk-9NjCKF9owJzvjsKtdtnC2R6-j9xWB5hqaWZSbW8hi4IIALGHcS35Ysnnrc2U4-ckz6fpdbW5hi5jJ1ItdNF/s400/013.JPG" /></a> <div><div> </div></div></div></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-62677464393945363672011-03-19T18:56:00.004-04:002011-03-19T19:35:32.682-04:00New House--Before Pics<div align="center">Please keep in mind that we didn't buy a foreclosure house that was move-in ready. Not even close. We bought one like you see on <a href="http://www.aetv.com/flipthishouse/index.jsp">Flip This House</a>. It needs a lot of work and it's not fancy by any means! But, we are not fancy people. With 3 kids, fancy is just not practical. Here is a glimpse of the house before.</div><p align="center">**Please just click on the pictures to see the full view. Joshua is screaming because it's bedtime and I don't have time to go back and fix all of the pictures from photobucket**</p><p align="center"><br />This is the front of the house, looking from the street. We are planning on doing some landscaping, but that will happen after we move in. This will include flowers and boxwoods.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_0.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_0.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">The Garage that will hopefully be enclosed soon.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_3.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_3.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">A little closet off of the garage.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_4.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_4.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Living Room</p><p align="center">This will be painted burgundy and trimmed in white. The stone wall will stay (too hard/expensive to remove) but the stone slab will be removed and a fireplace and mantle installed. Opposite of this stone wall is a plain wall that will be home to my beloved portrait of Scarlett O'Hara. :)<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_9.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_9.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Kitchen</p><p align="center">This will have stainless and black appliances, new hardware, new lighting, painted a goldish yellow, new glazed porcelain tile floors, and most likely new granite counter tops.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_8.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_8.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Dining Area</p><p align="center">This will also be painted golish yellow because it flows into the kitchen.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/?action=view&current=017.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/017.jpg" /></a><br />Kids' Bathroom</p><p align="center">This will be painted blue and have the same tile as the kitchen. We also removed the flower stickers, much to Olivia's dismay.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/?action=view&current=007.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/007.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Olivia's Room</p><p align="center">This will be painted pale pink with a chair rail. The bottome half will be pale and dark pink stripes. Her choice. It will also have new carpet.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_11.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_11.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Jacob's Room</p><p align="center">This will be painted blue and decorated in a sports theme. We will include the Armuchee "Rockin' A" in white on one wall. (I can't find a picture of the "Rockin' A at the moment.) It will also have new carpet.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_10.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_10.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Master Bedroom</p><p align="center">This will be painted blueish gray and will also have new carpet.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_12.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_12.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Master Bath</p><p align="center">This will have the same tile as the kitchen, dining, and other bathroom. It will be painted khaki.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_13.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_13.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Back of the house</p><p align="center">We hope to add on 2 more bedrooms, 1 bath, and a den/movie room. This will likely come off the right of the back door.<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_7.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_7.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Another view of the back<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_5.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_5.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p align="center">Back yard</p><p align="center">The back yard is completely fenced in. See that hill? That will be sooo much fun to sled down next winter!!!<br /><a href="http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/?action=view&current=17_4161944_6.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/a_layne/House%20Pics/17_4161944_6.jpg" /></a><br /></p>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-74192755790510586652011-03-02T17:40:00.003-05:002011-03-02T18:01:50.974-05:00Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!<div align="center">We love Dr. Seuss! We have so many Dr. Seuss books and I read them so often that I almost have them memorized!</div><div align="center">Jacob's favorite is <em>"The Cat in the Hat"</em></div><div align="center">Olivia's favorite is <em>"Horton Hears a Who"</em></div><div align="center">Joshua's favorite is <em>"The Foot Book"</em></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">Their school celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday with Who Hair Day today. Both kids, but especially Olivia, had fun with this!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rtv_cjjNz2nl3jY4WeZdSjW38gLoL6UlNLZq7XEKW17BRoc_CHq6nzskGoY7HvBhf2hDzuIfcfG4hXcDThjT0e7e9z9nZrLIhWSFjadYYn5p_fhdID5tnZbFH5iTZ9Uyf5MHFLRx2LbZ/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579617040075906930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Rtv_cjjNz2nl3jY4WeZdSjW38gLoL6UlNLZq7XEKW17BRoc_CHq6nzskGoY7HvBhf2hDzuIfcfG4hXcDThjT0e7e9z9nZrLIhWSFjadYYn5p_fhdID5tnZbFH5iTZ9Uyf5MHFLRx2LbZ/s400/002.JPG" /></a> This was my best attempt at Cindy Lou Who hair.</div><div align="center">It was a hot mess when she got home! </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnT9wNEUsKd7kuCgCe1HJrcwkhWf-MTJc715XjVlragQtmEkZJBJjpgGecOIcLPLfTbrnGxkzG6p-fzLBM4vgsYfB0U1666nOEiUKcwEsvs2dPnBos7NOSzr0AuPP9IjbE4D0wKkWIWxm/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579617036034547714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnT9wNEUsKd7kuCgCe1HJrcwkhWf-MTJc715XjVlragQtmEkZJBJjpgGecOIcLPLfTbrnGxkzG6p-fzLBM4vgsYfB0U1666nOEiUKcwEsvs2dPnBos7NOSzr0AuPP9IjbE4D0wKkWIWxm/s400/003.JPG" /></a> Jacob just wanted his in little pony tails.<br />...which were all out by the end of the day.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS!!</span><br /><br /><br /></div><p align="center"><br /><em>“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Youer</span> than You.”</em> </p><p align="center">-Dr. Seuss</p>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-71994285195882435262011-02-28T11:44:00.002-05:002011-02-28T12:44:05.531-05:00Moving on Up...<div align="center">Well, not to a deluxe apartment in the sky-iy-iy. </div><br /><div align="center"><br />But, we are moving! It's been a great 4 years living in a small singlewide mobile home in my mother-in-law's backyard (no, really, it has) but sometimes good things must come to an end. She's better, healthwise, than she has been in many years and that was our purpose for being here. So, we found a foreclosure deal that we just couldn't pass up. And, it's in the same area we live in now so the kids won't have to switch schools. That was my biggest concern when we started house hunting. Our new house needs work but it's mostly cosmetic fixes. (new floors, paint, good cleaning, landscaping, etc.) It's still only 3 bedrooms (you do the math...we have 3 kids). Joshua will remain in our bedroom for now. We kinda like it like that though. He's our last baby, so we're holding on for dear life. :)</div><br /><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center">Mark had the cutest idea when we closed on the house. We told Jacob and Olivia that we didn't quite have enough money to pay for the house, so we would need to borrow $5 each from their piggy banks. But, since they paid for some of the house that meant they owned a part of it. We explained that owning a house was a big responsibility and that meant they needed to take care of it. They signed contracts at the bank and handed over their $5. It made them feel so grown up and really a part of buying our new house. Kudos to Daddy for coming up with that great idea!! Here is a little video of the mortgage banker reading their contracts to make sure they understand. We are a happy, but extremely busy family right now. And, I wouldn't have it any other way...</div><br /><div align="center"> </div><br /><div align="center"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1LLJho50ZEQ" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RyW9WRip4cU" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="349"></iframe></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-70748774992307413252011-02-23T17:44:00.010-05:002011-02-23T18:20:15.063-05:007 months!!<div align="center">Joshua is 7 months old today!!!</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577021755492431394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWqCfi6WcGVwjE0KWkDCZyD_A33K1ykxJ8M7cZCOYCvF__omE3g9BdghZSyDLMPFu0CNNHvTkEyhW3W25oJpsxlwzzOA4eZcJO7iE4st1W2Uq5OYfoC_U-oaUpmRwYroUvfnD5OESuCD1/s400/006.JPG" /><br /><p align="center">Here are Joshua's </p><p align="center"><strong>7 month stats:</strong></p><p align="center">Height: 28 inches</p><p align="center">Weight: 21 lbs. 10 ozs.</p><p align="center">Diaper size: 4</p><p align="center">Clothing size: 12 months</p><p align="center"><strong>New milestones this month:</strong></p><p align="center">rocking on his hands and knees</p><p align="center">sitting up independently for long periods of time</p><p align="center">rolling and scooting to get anywhere he wants to go</p><p align="center">fighting sleep (ugh.)</p><p align="center">seperation anxiety</p><p align="center">trying to clap his hands</p><p align="center">playing peek-a-boo with blankets</p><p align="center">sitting up in the bathtub</p><p align="center">eating "table food"</p><p align="center">drinking from a straw</p><br /><p align="center"><a title="IMAG0131 by amanda2002@bellsouth.net, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/59889669@N04/5472377026/"><img alt="IMAG0131" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5254/5472377026_e561383c65.jpg" width="299" height="500" /></a></p>Joshua has been sick for over a week now. He has a really nasty cold and cough, so we've stayed in as much as possible. <em>(This is why there wasn't a Thrifty Thursday last week or today.) </em>And, since his last name is Layne,</div><div align="center">cold/cough = breathing treatments</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">So, this is what my sweet baby was doing on his 7 month birthday. :(<br /></div><div align="center"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvOX7CCJJEg0tZNLj5Bjokh0zuC8JT7ylcQMI17emu7IoKWw5HlG6o6JLPi9bBShK5rf9H-Yh9XO6cXdZ-w3v5ABdwqOeBRzFkSypS8vXa7NNPynnIuFDHzne81A0q-2vDggQCDYkvMAt/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577020291959801186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvOX7CCJJEg0tZNLj5Bjokh0zuC8JT7ylcQMI17emu7IoKWw5HlG6o6JLPi9bBShK5rf9H-Yh9XO6cXdZ-w3v5ABdwqOeBRzFkSypS8vXa7NNPynnIuFDHzne81A0q-2vDggQCDYkvMAt/s400/027.JPG" /> <p align="center"></a>He's been very happy during this sickness though. He still plays and plays all day long. Most who know him say he's the happiest baby they've ever met. Here is a short video of Joshua learning to clap his hands. So stinkin' cute!! I could just eat him up!!</p><p align="center"><em>Please excuse the voice in the background. I never knew how crazy I sound </em></p><p align="center"><em>when I'm playing with him!!</em></p><p align="center"><em></em></p><p align="center"></p><br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XBk2cpZGl3I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-48642893975320540822011-02-15T16:04:00.002-05:002011-02-15T16:17:11.714-05:00Joshua's 6 month Photo Shoot<div align="center">I took Joshua to Berry College today for a photo shoot. I'm just now getting around to taking his 6 month pictures and he's almost 7 months old. :) We went to Swan Lake and it was such a beautiful day!! He isn't smiling in one.single.picture, but I think they are still good! </div><div align="center">**Tooth #5 just popped <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">through</span> yesterday and he's cutting 5 more! </div><div align="center">I wouldn't want to smile either...</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxUVB6l_9iWL0cmw6IUgLEsGeQVotqEez4tAifwuWdex1kJ13IbBq216wABBQMexfOfAURiUSTXTCk-VUTRDxaWv45eaFRLu0y3HRzyvgFzettkBzKxeic6X4Q-wUZcyQRsDYP98tIN6l/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574026386154863490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtxUVB6l_9iWL0cmw6IUgLEsGeQVotqEez4tAifwuWdex1kJ13IbBq216wABBQMexfOfAURiUSTXTCk-VUTRDxaWv45eaFRLu0y3HRzyvgFzettkBzKxeic6X4Q-wUZcyQRsDYP98tIN6l/s400/002.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43AAXAwRvCRId5uQs0GhOVThP-aGTiN_pRCdP2DVDKdlzjLq0VIwsa1GSFSFPWX6iM5m7q1qlpRwnjdl6oh-KV6WzD9N2EBjcelfBoyvPVq5rTqOelsEFmLK79mjbBcK9-USLSXOv7o0W/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574026383964044178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43AAXAwRvCRId5uQs0GhOVThP-aGTiN_pRCdP2DVDKdlzjLq0VIwsa1GSFSFPWX6iM5m7q1qlpRwnjdl6oh-KV6WzD9N2EBjcelfBoyvPVq5rTqOelsEFmLK79mjbBcK9-USLSXOv7o0W/s400/003.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAjzXg7nggcPu1c_mK23LwCGD4OAJwjo7SxZszKN6fkQHLC98yG_O6nFbCEqFl97hOuE54g_Jw9stxI0ynCJBDiDFXRyacMznaCcC3cTWgFWewl7o2dBgIu7MkTxhydqoTHDgsYrFesWc/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574026377428548178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZAjzXg7nggcPu1c_mK23LwCGD4OAJwjo7SxZszKN6fkQHLC98yG_O6nFbCEqFl97hOuE54g_Jw9stxI0ynCJBDiDFXRyacMznaCcC3cTWgFWewl7o2dBgIu7MkTxhydqoTHDgsYrFesWc/s400/007.JPG" /></a> He wanted to eat the leaves.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC4SkXB_dFFZ56qb5WNBDhh7_Jt8kbg1Mki_MmpW7P8JIETh7Zbx5cqblPhHFQNS_VFaKi6w5Cm0D_EH6as6Oy0hA_-yfNanunUaU782IuAzEGm8-Jfz9tUs-CwMznhCofJgU_Amgk-V2/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574026379083244050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQC4SkXB_dFFZ56qb5WNBDhh7_Jt8kbg1Mki_MmpW7P8JIETh7Zbx5cqblPhHFQNS_VFaKi6w5Cm0D_EH6as6Oy0hA_-yfNanunUaU782IuAzEGm8-Jfz9tUs-CwMznhCofJgU_Amgk-V2/s400/013.JPG" /></a> While I was taking pictures of him in front of Swan Lake, a beautiful swan came and sat down right behind him, perfectly in frame of the pictures I was taking!! How lucky is that?!?! We take pictures out there a lot and this has never happened.<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhovaWdIpFUSxZkEDXZZPHMkBnc5k4XU4CinjO-pfBhOU8axlcl4QRUKPQRlqi0xQk1l52dkBxUx32QKfqlZoFu7O2aAEgp-EUJO9f0GKspMvGaBzO9xU07hl8FLbcjJp_hsv5mib1p4r/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 287px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5574026372519895154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhovaWdIpFUSxZkEDXZZPHMkBnc5k4XU4CinjO-pfBhOU8axlcl4QRUKPQRlqi0xQk1l52dkBxUx32QKfqlZoFu7O2aAEgp-EUJO9f0GKspMvGaBzO9xU07hl8FLbcjJp_hsv5mib1p4r/s400/014.JPG" /></a><br />He looks so big in these pictures! Why do they have to grow up? :(</div></div></div></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-7540576825860089622011-02-10T10:22:00.002-05:002011-02-10T11:02:45.422-05:00Thrifty Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyMH6x-LELzY7DkNWsmVIVOknnGiF-fBzScvUaDrkY7GHma3NNtq5JcPfY8NYbSV_e0cvOqz8GCxmv6q4Aj_pJBu_LpwFW3BgY-dSIkfsjEzr48hjn2mBsx2mqEOe_pNUQz7oTzxrEIfk/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 257px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5572082300101423042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeyMH6x-LELzY7DkNWsmVIVOknnGiF-fBzScvUaDrkY7GHma3NNtq5JcPfY8NYbSV_e0cvOqz8GCxmv6q4Aj_pJBu_LpwFW3BgY-dSIkfsjEzr48hjn2mBsx2mqEOe_pNUQz7oTzxrEIfk/s320/003.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured Above:<br /><br />1-Nike UGA football shirt (<a href="http://www.ugaredzone.com/ugageorgiabulldogsnikeblackyoutht-shirt.aspx">retail: $17.00</a>) <em>I paid $1.00</em><br />1-Ralph Lauren short sleeved tshirt (<a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10888349&cp=1760783.1760916.1960675&ab=viewall&view=all&parentPage=family">retail: $16.00</a>) <em>I paid $1.00</em><br />1-Ralph Lauren long sleeved button up (<a href="http://www.ralphlauren.com/product/index.jsp?productId=8359654&fbn=Brand%7CBoys+2-7&fbc=1&pg=3&kw=shirts&f=PAD%2FDivision%2FChildren&f=Taxonomy%2FPOLO%2F1760783&f=Brand%2F1000006%2F&fbx=0&parentPage=search">retail: $35.00</a>) <em>I paid $3.00</em><br />1-Petite Ami outfit with hat (retail:$25.00) <em>I paid $2.00</em><br />1-GAP madras plaid shorts (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-Gap-Kids-Boy-CROSBY-Madras-Patchwork-Plaid-Shorts-5-/270434876259?pt=US_Boys_Clothing&hash=item3ef72cbb63">retail:$20.99</a>) <em>I paid $1.00</em><br />1-Cherokee polo shirt (<a href="http://www.target.com/Cherokee-White-Short-Sleeve-Stripe-Shirt/dp/B004AG6ERI/ref=br_1_3?ie=UTF8&id=Cherokee%20White%20Short-Sleeve%20Stripe%20Shirt&node=145235011&searchSize=30&searchView=grid5&searchPage=1&sr=1-3&qid=1297353417&rh=style_name%3APolo%20Shirt&searchBinNameList=target_com_category-bin%2Cstyle_name%2Clifestyle-bin%2Csleeve_type%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin%2Ctarget_com_character-bin&searchRank=salesrank&frombrowse=1">retail:$6.99</a>) <em>I paid $1.00</em><br /><br />Retail for all of this would have been <em>$120.98.</em><br /><em></em><br /><em><strong>I paid $9.o0 plus tax!!</strong></em>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-70917515663345088922011-02-04T10:14:00.000-05:002011-02-04T10:15:43.658-05:00Friday Flashback<div align="center">How did this baby...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 216px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569518505194340370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVW3orewTJu8lqotjEzTO-4WGQUfVsEH6iC565Y_GnI2u6Dqy6iQRZYz-zITgnuPsVZoqNb9api1Z6321eeZEfH2WMegKqebYIe6DY7u7bHGri6IJN54kyEwF7-KJn8CC8XLoLIvwjyVXG/s320/0259668-R1-052-24A%252520%2528Large%2529.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">...this toddler...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569518510643388642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuWI-Crfl4fEDl8l-QKmrFH2fBt6QYN59r6U4kSLM9KcS_ybFtUwCKALTXE0_1s2tVUAYSj97z34Vdn74bRhC0vkEoLNF8uUUUmuJwXALPiNZ9fW29Vhjb5lCeWC2eXpiOZMnYLE4rSgSt/s320/0328718-R1-048-22A%252520%2528Large%2529.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center">...this preschooler...</div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569518514666192562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGmN0549YhFQallBL-jOoX0304MRd8uoEjZB5aFNkkzSO-0fsr38ZN9LNuI9gPJbbVpeMYWfI_wGaodznOcZbmdO1blV4ej-ZTejeLbjdJe958w55oWWJO3ffCHuOOGBlKwgUlf0zRF-J/s320/IMG_1584%252520%2528Large%2529.JPG" /><br /><br /><div align="center">...turn into THIS little boy? Overnight.</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 230px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569518517326643698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2dGDdJJP5Fmz2Wr2bqv7fFfCoj_jypmUZ7PJC4O0gwODXw0oIZYI4Zx_aLcnB99kg-oTO9bQ3BZwyqyu2LfWd3DmyXwomqOR177Q1cZHWQY4ukfAyqIT62zvdGA-3nDSPi6Vij24LAgd/s320/009crop.JPG" /> It seems like he was born last month and now he's <strong>SEVEN</strong> years old! Time is going by way too fast for this Mommy...</div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-86602880333011502852011-02-03T11:34:00.003-05:002011-02-03T12:23:13.942-05:00Thrifty Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIemFmwY1a4cXRky8OLzjyrvWIi6sKG2DEPma68R0pUIpFH_A883OQNmeilB80XO_cvJBb58o0wnqSKrBBog9y8Wi_7KQUi9z0Yzh8NRqak0GhJ2kHhP1YfrDEMrG-5OihDFNVtocIkv6J/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569503108842254658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIemFmwY1a4cXRky8OLzjyrvWIi6sKG2DEPma68R0pUIpFH_A883OQNmeilB80XO_cvJBb58o0wnqSKrBBog9y8Wi_7KQUi9z0Yzh8NRqak0GhJ2kHhP1YfrDEMrG-5OihDFNVtocIkv6J/s320/001.JPG" /></a><br />Pictured above:<br /><br />*1 Nike tshirt (<a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/nike/kidsapparel/boys820/PRD~656169/Nike+Just+Do+It+Tee.jsp">retail: $12.00</a> each) <em>I paid $.50 each.</em><br /><strong>Jacob is wearing the other Nike tshirt. I bought 2.</strong><br />*1 Urban Pipeline tshirt (<a href="http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/landingpages/urbanpipeline/boys820/apparel/PRD~757567/Urban+Pipeline+Striped+Tee.jsp">retail: $7.20</a>) <em>I paid $.50.</em><br />*1 Old Navy tshirt (<a href="http://oldnavy.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=65151&vid=1&pid=774731&scid=774731112">retail: $5.00</a>) <em>I paid $1.00.</em><br />*1 pair Tommy Hilfiger shorts (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-TOMMY-HILFIGER-DENIM-JEANS-SHORTS-GIRLS-6-NEW-/220631666961?pt=US_Childrens_Clothing_Girls&hash=item335eac1111">retail: $26.89</a>) <em>I paid $.50.</em><br />*1 Chaps Ralph Lauren polo (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-CHAPS-RALPH-LAUREN-BOYS-POLO-SHIRT-SIZE-4T-/180618403155?pt=US_Baby_Toddler_Boys_Clothes&hash=item2a0db21d53">retail: $14.99</a>) <em>I paid $2.00.</em><br />*1 Samara jon jon (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/Samara-boys-blue-plaid-romper-shorts-baseball-6-9-m-NEW-/230577183949?pt=US_Baby_Toddler_Boys_Clothes&hash=item35af789ccd">retail: $6.99</a>) <em>I paid $1.00.</em><br />*2 pair Keds shoes (<a href="http://www.keds.com/store/SiteController/keds/productdetails?catId=cat610199&productId=5-168224&skuId=***5********KT32021*M065&stockNumber=KT32021&showDefaultOption=true">retail: $26.00 each</a>) <em>I paid $1.00 each.</em><br />*3 yards of sports fabric (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/BASEBALL-SPORTS-EQUIPMENT-GLOVES-HELMETS-COTTON-FABRIC-/150551177130?pt=US_Fabric&hash=item230d8ca7aa">retail: $4.59/yd</a>) <em>I paid $.50 for all 3 yards.</em><br />*2 Danielle Steel books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Southern-Lights-Novel-Danielle-Steel/dp/0440243327/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296752973&sr=1-2">retail: $7.99</a> each) <em>I paid $.50 each.</em><br />*2 Debbie McComber books (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Always-Dakota-3-Debbie-Macomber/dp/0778325695/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1296753092&sr=1-3">retail: $7.99</a> each) <em>I paid $.50 each.</em><br /><em></em><br />Retail for all of this would have been <em>$182.80</em>.<br /><br />I PAID <strong><em>$10.50 + tax</em></strong>!!!!!<br /><br />And, I found another thrift store to go to!! This has been a great week!!The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-77752349168849836082011-01-28T19:00:00.000-05:002011-01-28T19:01:20.301-05:00SweetnessOlivia: "Mommy, do you know what the most bestest day of my whole life was?"<br />Me: "No, Baby. What?"<br />Olivia: "The day Joshua was born. He's the best, most sweetest, cutest baby in the whole world!"<br /><br />*insert Mommy tears here*The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-90473816937325753672011-01-27T11:30:00.004-05:002011-01-27T12:19:48.464-05:00Thrifty Thursday<div align="center">Thrifty Thursday is a new blog ritual I'm starting.<br /><br />Let me start with a little bit of a back story.<br /><br />I have a degree in Radiology and I worked full time until Olivia was born, 5 1/2 years ago. When she was born, Mark and I decided that I would stay at home with the kiddos. So, we went from 2 paychecks to 1 paycheck. That meant, we had to scale back our spending. When Jacob was a baby, everything he wore was name brand (Gap, Gymboree, Ralph Lauren, Nike, and every boutique brand you can think of). And, we went out to eat. A LOT. Obviously, we couldn't continue spending money like that. So, we stopped eating out. We only go to a restaurant 1 day per week and sometimes not at all. I cook every single night. I had a problem with dressing my kids though. I like name brands. Materialistic? Maybe a little. But, you can't beat the quality. Plus, the clothes are a lot cuter. I started buying my kids' clothes from eBay, but have since moved on to consignment sales and thrift stores. I find some awesome deals!! We have a great thrift store in town and another in a neighboring town. So, I go shopping at the thrift store once every week and I'm always surprised at what I find! And, I thought it would be fun to show you guys what I find every week too! Thrifty Thursdays.<br /><br />This week was a good thrift store week for me! Here is a picture of what I found.<br /></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1Uw8nfIywbpgjDLNjRcO3w3eqsFifRbWhUZtSsARtKJ3JAt62P9rIBpn_FPHbotnkla2WOhA9sxYazbikyxCrKaEttHdwRjBhFoIj5nLysLToLU4-TRkjw999lBPtUWw9E8HPfZANZpG/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566907173806741154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC1Uw8nfIywbpgjDLNjRcO3w3eqsFifRbWhUZtSsARtKJ3JAt62P9rIBpn_FPHbotnkla2WOhA9sxYazbikyxCrKaEttHdwRjBhFoIj5nLysLToLU4-TRkjw999lBPtUWw9E8HPfZANZpG/s320/006.JPG" /></a> Here is what's pictured:</p><p>*3 Carter's sleeveless rompers (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NWT-CARTERS-Boys-Keep-Cool-SUNSUIT-3-Mos-Shark_W0QQitemZ200565839587QQcategoryZ57784QQcmdZViewItem">retail: $5.99</a>) <em>I paid $1.00 each.</em></p><p>*3 Land's End rompers (<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Boys-LANDS-END-Red-Knit-Elephant-Oneall-Sz-18M-/150359114415?pt=US_Baby_Toddler_Boys_Clothes&hash=item23021a02af">retail: $16.99</a>) <em>I paid $1.00 each.</em></p><p>*2 Carter's onesies (<a href="http://www.carters.com/carters/Red-Scooter-Bodysuit/V_111-474,default,pd.html?cgid=carters-baby-boy-bodysuits">retail: $7.00</a>) <em>I paid $.50 each.</em></p><p>*2 GAP Curvy jeans--MY FAV!! (<a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=48598&vid=1&pid=804168">retail: $69.50</a>) <em>I paid $5.00 each.</em></p><p>Retail for all of this would have been: <em>$221.94</em></p><p><em>I PAID <strong>$17.00 + tax</strong>!!!!!!!</em></p><p>I love love love thrift stores!!!!!</p>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-48925647696732365632011-01-25T20:06:00.005-05:002011-01-25T20:54:15.030-05:006 months old<p align="center">Well, another month has come and gone and Joshua is 6 months old already! Time needs to slow down...</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566296961803165266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRxgDV-tT92Id_Zq9Viaepf7YQzg148HbaYtZU7Bg9d_r7Pf6AbjoJRLAF9BNxxzAQpJniAiLsFdjBaPZkbmh2-sr-Ww4gtnx64kpX-xNQAhH6Ff-gXHJYGJv3_H1XVJ4PiLAppgsx8Nl/s320/060.JPG" /><br /><div align="center">Here are his</div><br /><div align="center"><strong>6 month stats:</strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center">Height--28 inches</div><div align="center">Weight--20 lbs. 12.5 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">ozs</span>.</div><div align="center">Diaper size--4</div><div align="center">Clothing size--9 months (some 12 months)</div><p></p><p align="center"><strong>New milestones this month:</strong></p><div align="center">Still trying to get on his hands and knees</div><div align="center">Sitting up independently</div><div align="center">Blowing raspberries</div><div align="center">Separation anxiety</div><div align="center">Rolling and rolling and rolling</div><div align="center">Scooting to get wherever he wants to go</div><div align="center">Eating more baby food (his favorites are broccoli and blueberries)</div><div align="center"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Starting</span> to drink from a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">sippy</span> cup</div><div align="center">2 top teeth and cutting 2 more!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 319px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 215px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566300698717178370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAB__1K1tlpHomD0VI28g5mOWOD3DcThXIy5TksmXqJQ-37lVb3FaBD0300UuHcelLHsZlST3F86DVjcpia2Bmsf9KomGHsr-lzDQfMObY0i1N-fQ85eFy1AV2DF0EZAWWMLwTeVvS0qiS/s320/064.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566300693530632530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcEgYH7jn-2ANWMZqgHDvKnCnUYTTE8FNNorQKiKS4mFtncLVnKTu3FYRrlur2dJFKYE74NemZxL8BHfqYlwDx45vHJKAAt1AANbCKD5N9-ZfzyoHxyd766PdERUtjrGjiE-9teRZrPib/s320/012.JPG" /><br /><br /><br /></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-76666444099250534352011-01-23T20:12:00.003-05:002011-01-23T20:56:04.194-05:00Living in the world, but not of the world<div align="center">I had an epiphany this past week. I'm living my life OF the world instead of just IN the world. I have had strong convictions about the ever popular <a href="http://www.facebook.com/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span></a> for a while now. I felt like God was telling me to take a break from it and all the potential drama it brings. I resisted. And resisted. <em>And resisted.</em> Truthfully, I'm addicted. Sure, there are worse things to become addicted to but this crazy addiction was changing me. And I didn't like who I was becoming. See, I joined <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> a few years ago and it was great to be able to connect with old high school friends and keep up with friends and family that I don't see often. Unfortunately, it's become a site full of drama, whining, complaining, and generally distasteful words and actions. And, I am guilty of feeding into all of it. I'm disgusted at some of the things I've seen/read on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> and also ashamed of things that I have written myself. So, I deactivated my account. And, you know what? The world didn't end. There are still people posting statuses that are full of drama, whining, complaining, and distasteful words. But, I am no longer a part of it. And I'm happy. :)<br />During this epiphany, I read Romans 12:2.<br /><em>"Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."</em> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">NIV</span></div><div align="center">The world tries to squeeze us, as Christians, into a mold and if we are not alert and resisting the temptations, the world also has the power to form and shape us. In my case, into a person we don't want to be. The world (i.e. Satan) has an influence on our mind, on our emotions, and on our attitudes, and this influence ultimately shows in our conduct. Conduct begins with our attitudes, with our points of view, with our values, standards, and ideals. If those values, standards, and ideals contradict the way of God, we cannot resist the world's constant pressure to squeeze us into its mold. My <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> conduct had become to contradict the way of God...the WILL of God in my life. And, I never want to willingly stray from that. So, I took a break from the one thing in my life that was holding me back from my God. And I don't regret it.</div><div align="center">So, if you are here because you miss my postings on <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span>, don't expect the same rude comments that became the norm on my page. This blog will be about my family, my interests, my faith, and my journey to become closer to my Saviour.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong></strong></div><div align="center"><strong>In other news:</strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Joshua is 6 months old today!! I'll post later this week, after his checkup, with his 6 month stats and milestones. For now, I will leave you with this cute little fella laughing.</strong></div><div align="center"><br /><iframe class="youtube-player" title="YouTube video player" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/poe7bDMMfMA?rel=0" frameborder="0" width="425" type="text/html"></iframe><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54489/57/AA7BBFD70C1F755215DC709284A901AE.png" /></a> </div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-80484890051257139872011-01-01T20:03:00.001-05:002011-01-01T20:03:54.732-05:00Christmas in Pictures<p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmLc8AXOawqQvBmxCbLFtG3Z5xoRu7JsYrbtkEu4W0c1Pm0QrtqGPQG0be6G0_pL6DVoC5Rpzi38VmbaY7q9PS39GKkkbNAunJZ4tVqfRq3HG-ZEVbToUFvcQbZPsOiNLnlxckvVo7HI/s1600/download_163724_479222752662_633492662_5864837_1103772_a-734733.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LmLc8AXOawqQvBmxCbLFtG3Z5xoRu7JsYrbtkEu4W0c1Pm0QrtqGPQG0be6G0_pL6DVoC5Rpzi38VmbaY7q9PS39GKkkbNAunJZ4tVqfRq3HG-ZEVbToUFvcQbZPsOiNLnlxckvVo7HI/s320/download_163724_479222752662_633492662_5864837_1103772_a-734733.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388043232670562" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pcGDJ57wrsP8ILi2gZT7rL0Gp0RHG1rFnEWG_lAOGYUnQkZJXteS9a26TizHBRY57qLqTxzAPiuZ3Z5BMM5RcQORgXMrUwY4cVulr8vr61nGFsriJXuzB0MukqytIFK8gu0hbW_B0J9Y/s1600/download_47617_481066862662_633492662_5894880_3090290_a-735484.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pcGDJ57wrsP8ILi2gZT7rL0Gp0RHG1rFnEWG_lAOGYUnQkZJXteS9a26TizHBRY57qLqTxzAPiuZ3Z5BMM5RcQORgXMrUwY4cVulr8vr61nGFsriJXuzB0MukqytIFK8gu0hbW_B0J9Y/s320/download_47617_481066862662_633492662_5894880_3090290_a-735484.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388044073097506" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI84r5CLgT5yek4fynXQ3z9BJxkR4H7X1tZg0fBjlq2aze_jrxkjktgAr5Yeb5v5cMhiTuyvioW7hyphenhyphenmfFZvbW9Luj8VJsFUXWRG6oFWsqyCv_i4-OrejeK_jiQi2d4TZ3-pLnKBjHvkv1g/s1600/download_57987_482255997662_633492662_5926185_4766813_a-735857.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI84r5CLgT5yek4fynXQ3z9BJxkR4H7X1tZg0fBjlq2aze_jrxkjktgAr5Yeb5v5cMhiTuyvioW7hyphenhyphenmfFZvbW9Luj8VJsFUXWRG6oFWsqyCv_i4-OrejeK_jiQi2d4TZ3-pLnKBjHvkv1g/s320/download_57987_482255997662_633492662_5926185_4766813_a-735857.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388046109468594" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFiTig8O2nlFNv6pMjBhFB6tx4tyehm726lQbVE5SiccrqSI1Xkt8w83HrFx380b9SI1hBsPJMURFsNfcJmwE-SErl2l83cGWxp90cgs805IMd9lip28Hxsz4rMsmnuEFSaAvQ1S_D_3U/s1600/download_165223_482256507662_633492662_5926196_2368261_a-736855.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFiTig8O2nlFNv6pMjBhFB6tx4tyehm726lQbVE5SiccrqSI1Xkt8w83HrFx380b9SI1hBsPJMURFsNfcJmwE-SErl2l83cGWxp90cgs805IMd9lip28Hxsz4rMsmnuEFSaAvQ1S_D_3U/s320/download_165223_482256507662_633492662_5926196_2368261_a-736855.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388047751372402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT5XSj3D7Rxdr_DlT_yjgeOrNtIVdXIQ6mK9oSc3idVweywttt85tIzkc3uVi3GGKC0wC1J6UNJ2Pvb6V1_n-5REmtXkltKiDXx0Nts9WhogunUzKyMw6Fv0m1GAXhEq3AsL0L1rAmqIu/s1600/download_164191_482256887662_633492662_5926209_7251485_a-737346.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGT5XSj3D7Rxdr_DlT_yjgeOrNtIVdXIQ6mK9oSc3idVweywttt85tIzkc3uVi3GGKC0wC1J6UNJ2Pvb6V1_n-5REmtXkltKiDXx0Nts9WhogunUzKyMw6Fv0m1GAXhEq3AsL0L1rAmqIu/s320/download_164191_482256887662_633492662_5926209_7251485_a-737346.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388051464118402" /></a></p><p class="mobile-photo"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP65vXU7kWQzIaY4oeDK3J9Ex_Smp8UwAzvpWSqYFgvnnTYQpuVEgfLEhvC0d_Dq_te3MjWHsMKr1iikFZi4tPHR9IoyEDIAjNRgd0x5QAd2-Af1vC23G9YZGrwogNdzHedBs3msMLsSP_/s1600/download_166879_482258637662_633492662_5926257_6155296_a-737711.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP65vXU7kWQzIaY4oeDK3J9Ex_Smp8UwAzvpWSqYFgvnnTYQpuVEgfLEhvC0d_Dq_te3MjWHsMKr1iikFZi4tPHR9IoyEDIAjNRgd0x5QAd2-Af1vC23G9YZGrwogNdzHedBs3msMLsSP_/s320/download_166879_482258637662_633492662_5926257_6155296_a-737711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5557388054286578066" /></a></p>Joshua's first ChristmasThe Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-15211725439952256512010-12-23T14:17:00.003-05:002010-12-23T14:45:24.451-05:005 months old<div><div align="center">Has another month went by already? Really!?! Man, time is going by way way way too fast! Joshua is 5 months old today. He's still the sweet little baby he's always been. Here are his </div><br /><div align="center"><strong>5 month stats:</strong></div><div align="center">Height--27.5 inches</div><div align="center">Weight--20 lbs.</div><div align="center">Diaper size--4</div><div align="center">Clothing size--9 months</div><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong>New milestones this month:</strong></div><div align="center">Trying to get his hands and knees</div><div align="center">Sitting up with support, but not as much support</div><div align="center">More consonant sounds (mama, nana)</div><div align="center">Squealing</div><div align="center">Separation anxiety (not fun for Mommy)</div><div align="center">Eating baby food (peas, carrots, green beans, squash)</div><div align="center">Putting his pacifier back in his mouth</div><div align="center">Starting to hold his bottle</div><div align="center">Grasping and playing with his toys</div><div align="center">Playing with his feet</div><div align="center"></div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553964711903034306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOXymMJYE_vjoD7yv-sQdOHe6RPE_1cQSEfuakeM5NkotLWLEQ4F-IYuGPoiubetsmvCO7Q8srNVyGeML0YtMBV3QB2lL37v3md120nrs1zaEvsKtHKdnpC_jkQHTCz_XCsCJXAGYBFfn/s320/002.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553964712612968722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5aBfN8eRuy0QShAmFYsnkXQg0S3-E4Kxd-ywnyh12Wysz_Z8AieaPc72sXCi2eYYUMvtcKsFsBgOJiF6is-NH-jRV5hSmXogFmnR2Dj2AxQtb3CpZURNOXVRtxhZT28qJwQPQQjQUhQAb/s320/013.JPG" /> <div align="center"></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center">We brought out the high chair and Exersaucer this month also. We are so excited for Joshua's first Christmas and can't wait to see Jacob and Olivia's faces on Christmas morning!! Joshua's favorite toy is a stuffed bear ornament on the Christmas tree that we leave on the bottom branch and let him play underneath it. I'll post again tomorrow about our Christmas celebrations thus far. Right now, I have 2 sickies (Andrea and Jacob) who have been vomiting all morning. Yuck yuck yuck!!</div></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-14027542716675034392010-12-15T16:14:00.002-05:002010-12-15T16:34:52.630-05:00Getting Organized: Take 2<div align="center">My organization plan was a big fat FAIL. Apparently, the organized lady inside of me doesn't want to come out and play. I had it all planned out and I tried really hard to begin my journey to organization. It just didn't happen. I'll tell you what DID happen though. LIFE. That's what happened. My life is so chaotic and crazy right now that I don't know what day it is most of the time. Like today, for example, I was scrambling around trying to find ice cream cones (waffle ones) for Jacob's gingerbread house making party at school. His teacher had to have them by Thursday so I was panicking because TODAY is Thursday!! You should have seen me running around Food Lion trying to find ice cream cones because FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS if I don't get these cones there will be children who can't make the greatest gingerbread house ever and I will forever be known as "that lady who ruined Christmas for me when I was in 1st grade." Okay. Maybe not. But still, I needed those cones because it's Thursday!!! (They are on an end cap beside the ice cream, by the way.) As I was paying for the beloved cones, I looked at my phone and realized it's Wednesday. And, instead of feeling all relieved, I got back to my truck and bawled. I just want life to slow down. I'm tired. I'm ill. Did I mention I'm tired?</div><div align="center">So, this is why The Great Organization Plan 2010 failed. I'm tired. Maybe it will happen in 2011. Happy Thursday!! (ha.)</div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-71993197432784452012010-12-01T16:15:00.002-05:002010-12-01T17:00:00.288-05:00Getting Organized<div align="center">Those of you who know me (in real life), know that I live in a very small 3 bedroom 2 bath house with 3 (sometimes 4) children, a husband and 3 cats (they live outside). Needless to say, organization is key around here. Or, it SHOULD be. But it's not. I read a comment from someone recently that stated, </div><div align="center">"I have a very organized person trapped somewhere in the clutter within…I hope someday to liberate her! I CRAVE order yet for some reason simply can not overcome the chaos…it’s maddening…"<br />This sums it up PERFECTLY. I want to get organized, but I take one look at everything that needs to be done, get tremendously overwhelmed, and decide to play on Facebook instead. (Just being real.)</div><div align="center">My main concern is developing a cleaning schedule and a different way to organize my coupons. So, imagine my DELIGHT when I saw <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2010/12/vlog-my-very-simple-homemaking-binder.html">this post</a> on a blog I've just starting reading. I love her Homemaking Binder and I have everything printed and ready to go for tomorrow. I even printed off new Chore Charts for Jacob and Olivia because they keep asking me when they can start doing chores again. Imagine that, kids who WANT to help...you don't see that much in kids these days.</div><div align="center">And, I think I found an awesome new way to organize my coupons, using a binder and baseball card inserts. <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Coupons">This</a> is the website I found and I like their organizing tips.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I mentioned yesterday that I'm changing my grocery shopping plan and I'm so excited about it! Yes, it may seem boring to some but it works for me. Mark gets paid monthly, so I have always shopped for groceries monthly. Well, I've decided that I can save more money and cut my grocery budget even more by shopping weekly. My plan is to make a <a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/1wk_menuplan_shop.pdf">weekly meal menu</a> based on what's on sale for that particular week. We'll see if that works and how much money I save. Wish me luck!!</div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-34904801021841743022010-11-30T11:46:00.002-05:002010-11-30T12:21:51.074-05:004 months old!!!<div align="center"> I can't believe it!! Joshua is 4 months old! Where has the time gone??</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">I know I don't blog very often, but I'm trying. Really, I am. I need to get into a good blog schedule. I always think of great ideas to blog about but I never write them down and, therefore, forget them. Such is my life and Mommy brain. Anyway, back to Joshua...</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here are little man's (ha!)</div><div align="center"><strong>4 months stats:</strong></div><div align="center">Height--26.5 inches</div><div align="center">Weight--18lbs. 11ozs.<br />Diaper size--3</div><div align="center">Clothing size--6-9 months (mostly 9 months)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong>New milestones this month:</strong></div><div align="center">Consonant sounds (baba, gaga, dada)</div><div align="center">Engaging in "conversation" (Jacob and Olivia LOVE this!)</div><div align="center">BOTH bottom teeth</div><div align="center">Laughing out loud at anything (and everything...)</div><div align="center">Eating rice cereal from a spoon (yum yum!)</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">His pediatrician is very pleased with his growth and development. He is the perfect size...of a 7 month old. HA! She's not concerned though because his height and weight are proportional. He was not happy with his shots yesterday and has been a total pill so far today. But I expected it, so I'm armed with infant's Tylenol and cuddle time. </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Here are a couple of recent pictures of Joshua Evan.</div><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545389055019305954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqCGBbAxAHj3mY-vDWAI9qxwPr6-cJJVLimjcea0SbSCe_N9TXTp8rv8S1VY2YozgiKwcWn7y15RElAbQCKtvhw3_sqQ6Fs7AFQywT5U_xjAWCMs7xTB69gE3dwual6WnZsKRmmFJViEmL/s320/022.JPG" /></div><div align="center">This is his flirty, I-know-I'm-cute smile. :)</div><br /><div align="center"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545389059478987794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjHQ-pQzkMpT92f411oboMuOMzpqlc7cbpbrIixC_Pq3nid5ZwCXE8VmUK2qSp5R3_qSlhoDrUEXUc80iMtBLmX7cWquygAJJGr3DN0qWHPvt5wze61r6Ld8l1c7rpen700y51z71P2Q3/s320/019.JPG" /> GO DAWGS!!<br /></div><div align="center">Today is a rainy, gloomy, yucky day. It matches Joshua's mood perfectly. So, we're hanging out at home in our pajamas until it's time to pick up Jacob and Olivia from school. I think I'm going to try Drunken Chicken for supper tonight. Oh, and I'm totally changing my grocery shopping plan. I'll blog about that tomorrow. Maybe.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">And, I just realized exactly how boring my life is because I am SO excited to change my shopping plan. Yeah. Dull.</div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-60578710494812604332010-10-14T08:50:00.005-04:002010-10-14T09:49:58.682-04:00Our Year<div><div><div><div><div><div>So, I promised I would come back and get everyone updated on our past year. Here it goes...<br /></div><div>Right after Thanksgiving last year, we found out we were expecting baby #3. This babe was planned (kinda), but we weren't expecting to get pregnant on the first try. Literally. My pregnancy was ok, but not great. I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes at around 6 months and that was a really hard pill to swallow. I was able to control my blood sugar by completely changing my diet so that I didn't have to give myself insulin shots. (Thank you Lord!) I felt pretty good, physically, throughout my pregnancy except towards the end. But, I don't know any woman who feels great towards the end of their pregnancy, especially in 90+ degrees in July!! My due date was August 2, 2010 and we did not find out the gender. Jacob and Olivia were so super excited! Jacob wanted a little brother and Olivia did too! So, on July 23, 2010 at 2:30am, I woke up with contractions 5 minutes apart and we headed to the hospital a few hours later. I was admitted at 5:26am. (This will hold significance later.) We thought my labor would go quickly because of Olivia's birth. (got to hospital at 8:15am and she was born at 9:33am) Well, we were mistaken. After 12 hours and MANY Facebook status updates, but only 2 pushes (!) Joshua Evan was born at 5:26pm. EXACTLY 12 hours after I was admitted. Joshua weighed 7 lbs. 7 ozs. and was 18.5 inches long. He looks exactly like Jacob! Joshua is almost 3 months old now and he is a precious addition to our family. He is a very easy going and content baby, who loves his mobile, swing, and stroller! He's smiling and laughing now. At his 2 month appointment, he weighed 12 lbs. 7 ozs. and was 23.5 inches long. So, he gained 5 lbs. and grew 5 inches in just 2 months!! Oh, we all just adore this sweet baby boy!</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527894721856419282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1PbA6ODSQxGtux_k8a5NIhR17JSX8QeUqoVeErb_cnhD24TcfipJWJCwfntRu0qPeS5IOUrGVTxltG95Fg-MU01_s4lQ4-ldwsP_fUoAoR6Om02NU0PXRIRIia4ILzLcJxlXLGctFxWg/s320/059re.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527894725655826530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28cazPTe7RdqCPLvAAPdR7T3-A40bBferFmpEGCKxRVCiOpb3LH7j1poDkmhEZ2IAPyOES7KaW96ZCRnBAe5iCKYuvdHFvdtG-0yj7xrjN5Q1d5pRbhdj4lxnPfc0Vpy-ybCOFc9jeryK/s320/059re.jpg" /> <div></div><div>Now, Jacob started 1st grade in August and just turned 7 years old on October 1st. He is still the sweet boy he's always been. His teachers always comment on how well mannered and kind he is. We're doing something right! He is taking his role as big brother extremely seriously lately. He still eats, sleeps, and BREATHES baseball. He can now catch a ball in the air and he usually hits line drives into the outfield. He plays 1st base and just loves the game. The most important thing that happened to Jacob this year is that he was saved and baptized on March 21, 2010.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527896170205527906" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRxn05dW2eZlZ1iNvAk6mJU0PdzvK4eran4qud9hGoCz_SVYq3boGZfS9o9RoML44zyeEuqQwbLCHZqrf94Yhp337YVRvGhB2zYZcx4YJZVfofhnJlSRI7wJf5y-b4kox3TGk02D_Cu3JJ/s320/011.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527896176105421010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin0hdTSrS23zvem48hfqVuPo7Auc1Y4_uzQr3qMZUR0NZ7tDNCNPDQQ4ADqDW-AoJSZFUTb3S2UAnd8qVUEnYiSnS7usChwcfh8hmtWYpOCb9EByK9ldyocx41gwh-tg0ozq2l760qVECB/s320/011re.jpg" /> <div></div><div>Olivia started Kindergarten in August and turned 5 years old on July 6th. She has really mellowed over the past year. She went from being the wild and crazy little diva that everyone loves to a cuddly (still wild) and mild mannered (still a little crazy) little girl and everyone still loves her. (She lost most of her diva attitude.) Her teachers say that she is one of the quietest kids in the class, which truly surprises us because she talks nonstop when she's home. We joke that she's making up for lost time when she gets home. She is playing her 2nd season of Tball and really enjoys the game when she's not playing in the dirt. On August 21, 2010, Olivia's best friend was killed in a car accident. This tragedy hit us really hard. Maddy was only 5 years old. Olivia has had a really hard time coping with this loss, so she gets grief counselling at school 3 days per week. Please pray for her because, as she gets older, she'll begin to understand more about death and she'll ask more in depth questions.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527897596134396402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinP-j9oN7QPL0O5ixTnu91EHGpqa6S0Wwcw6PjYXAMV0Bz04TBBXxaXVYOr-HihKeSGNNM0mTRCwqwD2GWiHOcBi_H5LPOhO1gTWezhuC03d6vaXQu9i0cFNaJff6SYzLXbmV9igifNaCN/s320/027.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527897590972648898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSHct0LOrmVDBGBxrE8ERDAFGAN2SZylJ222oaraTmYdzO5vTv2__I3VOyGo98DTDAmI_qauZqqOkGYkTY886r0_86QhmQ-Su19gj9Sdwyy3FewXetwogZKeRByJG2Nc6TwpITGSsIpwWZ/s320/071.JPG" /></div><div></div><div>As for Mark and myself, we are just trying to survive with 3 kids and loving every moment of it. I still sew and embroider as much as I can in my free time. (free time. Ha!) Mark is head coach of Jacob's coach pitch baseball team and assistand coach of Olivia's Tball team. We're beginning to wonder if we should just pitch a tent at homeplate every night because we're always at the baseball field! So, that's what we've been doing lately. :)</div></div></div></div></div></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-8450771306822855432010-09-27T17:32:00.002-04:002010-09-27T21:24:28.769-04:00Starting OverSince I've been such a horrible blogger, I decided to start over. Here is a picture, only 1 picture, to catch you all up on what we've been doing. :)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDa8lSWgHbC6XS6cQ4c3pkr4NjyR1s3W3At7wXOi5t4hV5c-wLF7yvcv6RtNTjQ9RQ88gCKBC0EfsOwbCs10uUbMnRshSLALBBt9Uq1vFnRbxm__cbLS04sjRI_iFbb6rwCF-m1GDuEIC/s1600/032repic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521767819476791602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNDa8lSWgHbC6XS6cQ4c3pkr4NjyR1s3W3At7wXOi5t4hV5c-wLF7yvcv6RtNTjQ9RQ88gCKBC0EfsOwbCs10uUbMnRshSLALBBt9Uq1vFnRbxm__cbLS04sjRI_iFbb6rwCF-m1GDuEIC/s320/032repic.jpg" /></a> Isn't he the cutest?!!?!<br /><br />To be continued...The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-6745076401046893092009-10-01T14:21:00.004-04:002009-10-01T14:57:53.158-04:00Wow! 6 years old!Six years ago today, I became a Mommy for the very first time. Jacob Nicholas was born on this day in 2003, at 3:53pm and my life was forever changed.<br /><br />Dear Jacob,<br /><br />You are 6 years old today! I'm having a hard time believing it. Six years have flown by and I know the years to come will also. You are truly a gift from God and I love you more than you'll ever know. I remember bringing you home from the hospital and thinking, "Did they really let me leave with this baby? I don't know what I'm doing!" I learned.<br /><br />You are in Kindergarten and at the very top of your class. It's not a surprise to me, though. I'm constantly amazed by how smart you are! You are playing your first year of coach pitch baseball and you're the starting 3rd baseman. You have a natural talent and can hit and throw like 9 year old. In the past year, you have lost 4 teeth! In fact, you're missing both of your top front teeth right now. You love sports. Any type of sport, but you love watching football. You decided last football season that you're a Florida Gators fan. Since, Daddy is a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">UGA</span> fan and I'm an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">FSU</span> fan, it's a hard pill for us to swallow! But, we're letting you be independent and form your own opinions. <span style="font-size:78%;">(We hope you change your opinion on this one.) </span><span style="font-size:100%;">You love to play outside...mainly practicing baseball and throwing the football. You also love to draw. Your favorite foods are mac and cheese, cheese <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">quesadillas</span>, and pizza. Your best friends are Matthew, Jordan, and Noah. God is working in you and you're learning to listen. You love going to church and especially love <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">AWANA</span>....this is your first year in Sparks. You are such a sweet and well mannered boy. Everyone loves you and says how kind and well behaved you are. You also have a tender heart. It doesn't take much to hurt your feelings and that's hard for me, as your Mommy, to deal with sometimes....some kids are cruel. </span><br /><br />Jacob, my sweet, sweet boy, you changed my life forever when you came into this world. I thank God every day for picking ME to be your Mommy. You bring so much happiness into the lives of everyone who knows you. I am blessed to be your Mommy!!<br /><br /><div align="center"><em>"I'll love you forever,</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>I'll like you for always,</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>As long as I'm living</em></div><br /><div align="center"><em>My baby you'll be."</em></div><br />I love you forever and always! Happy 6<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span> Birthday!!<br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/4MyMEuz8zD-BGsHoaJinNKICRir6PfEG?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/300000020ed6742/1/0/_BxfTd9yvT-87x8x7HF_Etn03_3OgbaF.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/APlNcMZ8ez9E7IlCFt0V-Jk8agGygBQS?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/300000020ed6744/1/0/SAQlsO9nzz-2ds_FYDmnvDX61o7qFLnH.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/eZITplHl6T_oI5RCHshpv7ZwKCHdliIW?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/300000020ed674d/1/0/pVp20Py-4z_gt9AvJsBILtKjhuGflJAI.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/3KRMS_bb1j-UCv33aF5scn0h_As61zEl?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/300000020ed6750/1/0/UQrSL1c84j96vvzWDEnJ3x3eZal62ZIo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/hv5kX4763j_u7J_cGr3zuvGOXU64hybB?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/1/W/300000020ed6757/1/0/NONteeRK2T-fVnRzqETK52BY1-jHoyMo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387705558103328722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgXNZC3t8Rxhc0u948GZW8_sFA9nIbTMI157l4NJD-icjB1V8PgLjykqemipRF81IivbErqPz7gd4pLoYFPwZynKoFNkwzeGInwGiN1Nb5rwlw3gV0nQcWwWfCzhkRfb0d8FkIB50uvMex/s400/154resize.jpg" border="0" /></p><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387707470216777666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 131px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 30px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCjBvKP6JVm5CkuiO2zqFt_QfX-QH90lETTVrdAOguJgpx-22hyFdveAHJmS5Jo0sYC1AJ6pfHCB9d9hc3W4yToInxCAWGxXtlQ1k2HzvHNvLdp4_mKz_LAfV5fMiiDDt3QnyRQ1M41Ud/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></p>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-50284434251651605922009-09-14T12:07:00.002-04:002009-09-14T13:21:18.188-04:00It's a God ThingAbout 2 years ago, shortly after I opened <a href="http://www.jacovia.etsy.com/">my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Etsy</span> shop</a>, I got an order for a white pillowcase dress with a pink monogram. As I prepared to make the dress, I had an overwhelming feeling that God was telling me to pray over this dress. It was a strong urging, like nothing I had ever felt before. So, I prayed over the dress. I prayed while I made, when I shipped it, and I've prayed several times since then. I didn't know what to pray, so I just prayed for God's blessings on the baby girl who would wear that dress. It left a HUGE impression on me!<br /><br />Fast forward to January 2009. I am a faithful blog <s>stalker</s> reader and I have a few blogs that I read daily. Well, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">JMom</span> of <a href="http://lotsofscotts.blogspot.com/">Lots of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Scotts</span></a> is one of those blogs. In January, she posted about a fellow blogger, <a href="http://kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly</a>, who had just delivered a precious baby girl after struggling for years with infertility. Her baby, Harper, had some serious complications after birth and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">JMom</span> was asking for prayer for Harper. So, I started <s>stalking</s> following Kelly's blog. I've read every blog post since January. After a while in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">NICU</span>, Harper got better and went home.<br /><br />Fast forward, again, to Saturday (September 12). I decided to get caught up on my blog reading and Kelly's was the first one I came to. I read <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/2009/09/gulf-shores-part-2-of-2.html">this post</a> and got chills. The dress looked familiar, so I went back to my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Etsy</span> account and shook my head in disbelief. There was an order from Kelly Stamps on August 17, 2007 for a white eyelet pillowcase dress with a pink monogram. If you read Kelly's post, she talks about how this dress was her "Faith" dress. She bought it before she got pregnant, in the midst of her struggles with infertility. I had NO idea Harper was the baby girl I prayed for until Saturday. It is absolutely amazing how God works!<br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"><strong>"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, <em>faithful in prayer</em>." </strong></div><div align="center"><strong>Romans 12:9-12</strong></div>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-20551911909765964392009-07-06T09:57:00.002-04:002009-07-06T11:28:30.288-04:004 years ago......at 9:33am, God blessed us with our precious little princess.<br /><br />Dear Olivia,<br /><br />Today is your 4th birthday. I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. So, forgive me if it's hard to believe that you are 4 years old. You are our little princess. I remember when Miss Kristy (ultrasound tech) told us we were having a girl. I was shocked. I always thought I would be a "boy Mommy". Since I have never been a "girly-girl", I didn't know what to do with a little girl. I learned. And I love it.<br /><br />You fill our days with so much laughter and happiness. Everyone loves you. Strangers comment on your beauty. (And, you usually respond with, "Yes, I know. Thank you.") You are a very smart girl. You surprise us daily with your vocabulary and you're even reading some words. You are a little fashionista who LOVES shoes. Any kind of shoes. And pink. Everything must be pink. But, you also love trucks and dirt. You are a well rounded little girl. You love Minnie Mouse, Strawberry Shortcake, Hannah Montana, and The Disney Princesses. Your favorite TV show is iCarly and your favorite food is pizza. Your favorite restaurant is Pasquales. You adore your big brother, even though you fight with him every hour of every day. You have a kind heart and you love animals. Especially cats. Your best friends are Sarah Beth, Emmy, and Mary Grace. You love gymnastics and you want to play tball this Fall. You love to color and draw on your MagnaDoodle. This weekend, you decided you love catching crickets.<br /><br />You, my sweet girl, are a bright ray of sunshine in my life and I am so blessed and thankful to be your Mommy.<br /><br />I love you "Cricket"!! Happy 4th Birthday!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/83ybkmF56z8hNVSON4-5lkFZig28UWc2?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/30000001f7aa87e/1/0/OFuymx6Tzj8OEzHRKYiu4wTnlFUSHy7o.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/8NgRSNf36z-HPs1EIYO_GTaU5-nlQSXB?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/30000001f7aa881/1/0/RH9MDijpxT_kd68PccKW-gbDS9ApAw4-.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/sIvDuJBz4j9kUR_era_CChMfQKlpmJAE?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" alt="Host unlimited photos at slide.com for FREE!" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/30000001f7aa88d/1/0/zP0c-t4ZyT8IiZeqvejODTw5xMJx-HRB.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/_BpwBljc1z86gJ4owiTxSbeyrk4OeEYC?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="" alt="" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/30000001f7aa891/1/0/qBIQV2VjvD8tysLHRohoJcKvcY_6rO1t.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/gJLlWNpmsT821NqirhX2hqgaqOiCsCus?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="013resize" alt="013resize" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/300000023bdf054/1/216/cPocmxJptD-1UEVzmwQer2b4QjkBlP9E.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.slide.com/s/0gAiwwiS3j_H3Jo8uWo3dbqFUPiFlOP2?referrer=hlnk" target="_blank"><img title="021resize" alt="021resize" src="http://widget.slide.com/rdr/1/1/2/S/300000023bdf05c/1/136/7-DFeFdP4z-Y0AbUz3vkwFTcDVEUK3_y.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8230443588531729597.post-36054290276408802412009-05-11T22:48:00.004-04:002009-05-11T23:08:42.432-04:00Do you everfeel like your life is spinning out of control and you're just along for the ride, holding on for dear life? <br /><br />I have felt this way more often than not lately. Everyday life is taking it's toll on me mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I find myself getting so caught up in <em>what needs to be done</em> that I miss <em>what's happening right now</em>. Lately, I've gotten too caught up in the image I feel I <em>need</em> to uphold. The Mommy who has it all together. (Or at least most of it.) The problem is, that's not me. I don't have it together. I'm just in survival mode. And, I'm extremely disappointed in myself. Defeated. Ashamed. Disgusted. Shall I go on? <br /><br />And, my babies are suffering because of it. <br /><br />Am I good Mommy? Yes, I think I am. But, I could be better. I could try harder. My sweet boy asked me <em>no less</em> than 5 times (if not more) to read him a new book this afternoon. He even waited patiently beside my sewing machine for 5 minutes. I never did it. I was caught up in getting my work done. And that, my friends, is a shame. I am ashamed.The Layne Familyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16448495181800424543noreply@blogger.com2