Little Brian

Today I ran across this picture when I was shopping for baby clothes online. This is exactly what I picture Josiah looking like, and exactly what I hope to dress him in! I just had to share this with you all.

CC Learning Center Cooking School

Today was the final day of the three day 2007 Learning Center Cooking. I was so glad to be a part of this event that Mrs. Gwen planned and put on. The school featured three different classes on nutrition and cooking, a daily lesson on manners and a daily lesson on fitness. Since I have been completing my summer Practica hours with Mrs. Gwen for school credit, she let me help in the production of this fun three day session. There were over 50 children enrolled in the school ranging from going into the first grade to going into the sixth grade. Here are some pictures from the school and thanks again to all my youth volunteers that helped out, y'all are awesome!

Jr. High Pool Party

This past Saturday Skylar's family had the junior high kids over for a pool party in their backyard. As you can see, we have a very acrobtic bunch of middle schoolers.

My Sunday Afternoon

I don't have much to write about so I think I will just report about my Sunday. Brian and I had a fabulous lunch at the O'Leary's house with some of our friends in our small group. We all had a great time watching Maddox and McKenzie eating chicken nuggets and playing together ( or rather, side by side). After lunch I met Allyson McAbee and he mom at the Binns house for swimming and lounging in the pool. This was followed by us all eating Fried Green Tomatoes and other yummies, complements of our favorite, Grammy. By this time our very own Zach Binns joined us and then Al, Zach and I headed out for TCBY and to my house to meet up with Brian and make Allyson join this century and get a Facebook. Fun times were had by all and we eventually end up back at Grammy's house to watch several episodes of our favorite show, The Office and freshly baked smore's cookies. After way more laughter than what I am typically used to Brian and I headed home at 3:15 AM. Now I am attempting to stay away during my eight o'clock class just 5 hours later........ Oh the excitement of my life! Thanks for a fun night guys, food, fun and friends, a great combination!

Hanging Out with Maddox

Today was Brian Voletine's birthday and to celebrate, he and Jamie went to go see the new Harry Potter movie, so Jamie asked if I could stay with Maddox while they went out. Maddox is such a fun kid, we read lots of books together and even the Wilton Cake Decorating Catalog! Here are some picture from of the cute little guy from our fun day.

Well that's all for today I am about to make a Wal Mart run!

Just an Update on Today

Today I had a prenatal appointment and exam and I am effaced already! No dilating yet but the doctor said it looked like it was just about to start. only 3 and a half weeks to go and I cannot wait! After my appointment I enjoyed a nice lunch with my mom and two brothers. The older one, Joshua, needed a head shot for a church bulletin board that will highlight his upcoming mission trip to Guatemala. Please pray for him, as he is leaving Monday and this will be his first trip out of the country, at only 13 years old. Well, that's it for today!

Happy Two Year Anniversary Tony & Jade!

Tonight our small group hosted a luau-style shower for Tony and Jade Heggins. This very special couple got married 2 years ago just before Tony was sent to Iraq for 18 months. They never got to experience all the pre-wedding goodies such as wedding showers so tonight their family and freinds gathered to give them that belated experience and fun was has by all!

Jamie made this AWESOME cake! Isn't it so cute!

The "Tiki Bar"
(The Lite-up sign looks like its on fire, but I assure you that it is not.)

Congratulations!

Today at 10:34 AM Taylor and Leigh Ann welcomed Alayna Claire into the world! She weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 19in long. Brian and I got to see her this afternoon and she is BEAUTIFUL, just like her big sister! I enjoyed getting to visit with Leigh Ann but forgot to get pictures because I got so wrapped up in hold Lainey and talking. Maybe there will be pictures tomorrow....for now here is one that Jamie took while she was there, hopefully she won't mind me borrowing it!

To My Husband

This post is dedicated to my sweet husband. Brian, you are my best friend, my greatest encourager, my biggest challenge, and I love and appreciate you so much. This is for all that you do for me and everything you mean to me. You are so talented, thoughtful, and loving, and I could not be any prouder to be your wife. I am so excited to start this next phase of our lives together.

Love,

Crystal

The amount of O'Leary posts lately has become a little extreme, but here are some pictures to prove that Jeremiah was a happy little boy after his nap on Thursday. These kids are so fun!

Oh if this is not the child of JohnO.....

Joy had by all during Raffi's "Brush Your Teeth" Song

Jeremiah plots his next move...

Happy Birthday Ashley!

This post is dedicated to my sweet friend Ashley, who since I've known her has always been supportive of me and had a listening ear open. Thanks for being a great friend that I didn't expect to have. I love you!

April 2003

June 11, 2005
(At my wedding, Ashley was two weeks from having Jeremiah and she was dancing and looking awesome!)

McKenzie

Jeremiah

My sweet friends, youth girls and youth parents threw me a fun shower yesterday! I had so much fun and Josiah got lots of cool stuff! Thanks guys!

As some of you may know Brian and I are planning a natural (yes unmedicated) birth in August. Last week was the final class in a series that teaches the Bradley Method of natural childbirth. We loved it so much that I am planning to get certified to teach the courses in our area this fall. They offered lots of knowledge, tips and rehearsals for labor. Brian and I feel as though the classes and our awesome teacher Tracey have done a great job preparing us.
Why would you not want drugs? So many have asked us this question. The reason started out that I had learned a lot about childbirth in one of my child development classes and received encouragement from professors that it was the healthiest way to give birth for the mother and the baby. After a lot of reading and research new reasons have been added. Natural childbirth has prepared Brian and I for being parents better than the mentality of most soon to be moms. I hear often that "Well I don't need to know because my doctor has it under control." But, what if your doctor does not have your baby's best interests in mind, what if money, time and scheduling all play a role in your birth as well?
A girl in one of my college classes who had planned on having an unmedicated birth was talked into having an epidural when the doctor told her she was "too small" and was going to have a "hard time." The girl ended up having her baby pulled out with forceps because she could not felt ANY contractions or her muscles to push. This and other birth stories brought me to the realization that doctors would like to plan your birth, set a date and have it over with on their schedule using epidurals to drug you up and pitocin to speed your labor. Because of all of these medical interventions many women end up having C-sections to give birth to their babies. So in a short answer: we believe that a woman's body was designed to give birth naturally and medications should only be used in instances where there are unusual complications with the mother or birth. Here is some information about a book called Pushed, by Jennifer Block concerning childbirth in the US. (I'm currently reading it!)

Fact: The United States has the highest Cesarean rate of any country and the worst infant mortality rate in the industrialized world.

Today Brian took a couple pictures of my belly. I have been feeling HUGE so it wasn't as much fun as I thought it would be. Oh well, here's me and baby Josiah!

Some of you out there have asked what "Baby Items" we are still in need of. The answer the One-size cloth diapers from Bum Genius. These super cute cloth diapers do not require plastic pants or diaper pins, are easy to use, and best of all easy to clean. The problem is that they require a large initial investment but with the cost of disposables, they will be cheaper in the long run. So if you are looking for the perfect gift for our little Josiah, look no further than cottonbabies.com!