What up Holmes!

Kids were here

2012-02-03T22:21:00.003-05:00

Kids were here

2012-01-27T22:57:00.004-05:00

So I was reading a friend's blog and I absolutely loved THIS idea and so now every Friday I am going to post one...or maybe more than one picture of images from around our house/"world." Finding little gems like this around the house as I clean (or don't clean...ha!) make me laugh, cry, or sometimes just smile and ponder on how GREAT these little ones are and how the special chaos that is having small children won't be here for very long. So enjoy and come back to visit every Friday if you want to see that "kids were here."

A song for the Holmes Family Memory Book:)

2012-01-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

"There's a Wocket in my Pocket"

By Daddy/Dada

There's a Wocket in my pocket

And he likes to do a dance

When I close the door and lock it

He likes to wear my pants

There's a Wocket in my pocket

And he likes to yell and sing

There's a Wocket in my pocket

And he likes it when I dream

BEST. DAD. EVER!!!

T-Shirt Quilt is...DONE!!!

2012-01-08T00:29:00.002-05:00

I added a little snuggle pillow at the end when I found one last t-shirt:)

I'm SEW excited!!! (I had to...ha!)

2012-01-05T00:40:00.002-05:00

I'm making my first quilt out of my college dance team shirts and it really is bringing tears to my eyes. SO many wonderful memories! Oh how I love what it means to be on a team! There is a special memory behind each shirt and I'm so excited about having this in my home and as a part of my history. I can't wait to snuggle up on the couch with this quilt:).

Family Pictures 2011

2011-12-24T02:32:00.006-05:00

My wonderful sister, April, took these awesome photos:). I'm in LOVE to say the least and can't stop looking at them.

It's Christmas time!!!

2011-12-22T14:02:00.002-05:00

I LOVE this time of year:) I am especially excited about this year because the girls (well 2 out of 3) really know what's going on. We've done all sorts of fun things like decorating the tree, welcoming Frisbee baby (our elf on the shelf) back to our home, watching the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Greensboro, making reindeer "noses" and other treats for friends and family, and driving around town looking at Christmas lights!

Although all these things truly excite me about Christmas time, me and my family also remember the true meaning behind Christmas. This is the time of year we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He loved us enough to die for us and we remember him always. Merry Christmas!

Lexi's 2!!!

2011-12-22T13:40:00.003-05:00

Lexi Lu was NOT having it at her party! She loved all of her gifts (thanks friends) and played with them all after everyone left. However, I think there was too much attention on her and she wasn't sure of it all. None the less, she's 2 now and she LOVED her yummy cookies that Aunt Nicole made for her party. We had a blast and we love seeing this new stage for Lexi:). Enjoy the pics!

Mia's Birthday

2011-10-15T13:56:00.003-05:00

This was a simple, but AWESOME birthday if I do say so myself. Mia got to have some friends and cousins (yipee) over for her third birthday. They danced, played with dolls, danced some more, played with instruments, and did I mention they danced...ha!

Enjoy!

First Day...Take Two

2011-09-14T12:48:00.003-05:00

So the two big girls are doing a pre-school with a friend of mine once a week too so we had two first day of school events. I hear that Mia was shy and that Lexi stayed involved more than expected and that sounds about right:).

On our way with our "pack packs."

A pic with the little sis. She had a play date with baby Ben while the big girls were at pre-school.

I love this. Those backpacks on their little bodies just make me happy:).

The class:)

The siblings (minus baby Christian)

A New Adventure

2011-09-07T14:47:00.007-05:00

We started homeschool today!!! I have gone through several emotions since Jeremy and I decided to homeschool. I have been nervous, excited, nervous again, and back around to excited several times:). At any rate, we are ready and this homeschool train is taking off! Wish us luck!

Here are some pictures from our first day!

School Pictures

School work

She did this ALL BY HERSELF!

Shapes and colors for Lexi since she's new at this school thing:)

She LOVES cutting!

Lacing:)

Don't let her face fool you. She would use these Do-A-Dot markers ALL day if I would let her.

Lexi loves them too

A shout out goes to this blog for all the Letter of the Week printouts. She is amazing with all the things she does and she gives me great ideas too! She's got a pretty great name too, just spelled with a "c." :)

FHE tonight...

2011-07-19T00:27:00.004-05:00

Bedtime routine together as a family! It may seem lame and yes it was not planned, but we haven't been able to do this TOGETHER since the baby was born. So even though it was one of those nights where there wasn't a perfect lesson, I was pleased:)

The Cat in the Hat

(one of the favorites in this house)

Snuggle time with two of my girlies:)

Free food!!!

2011-07-15T21:49:00.002-05:00

Chic-fil-A had Cow Appreciation Day on July 8 and if it killed me we were participating this year! The sky "opened up" as we were preparing to get everyone dressed and Jeremy was a bit skeptical , but I would not be defeated...especially when we're talking FREE Chic-fil-A meals for the entire family!!! Do you know how much money a family of four (eating members) spends at Chic-fil-A??? A lot! So from now on this will be on my family's schedule. It was a ton of fun and the food was great as usual!

EAT MORE CHIKIN!!!

Mooooooo!!!

Bigger mooooooooooooooo!!! Ha!

Hot Tots

2011-06-04T12:23:00.003-05:00

So I work at a cheer gym and normally I do a tumble tots program during the day and my kids participate. Well today they got their first taste of having a tumble class where mommy was not the teacher. They were too cute and I wanted to share some pictures...Enjoy!

Girl in the Middle

2011-05-28T14:08:00.002-05:00

It's amazing how many friendships I have made in the past five years. We are all so different, yet we have so much in common and it's a cool thing to see us all come together. However, the observer in me can see how our differences pull us in different small groups, which fine...totally...I promise! The interesting thing I notice is how I am always the same girl in the "big" group that I have been all of my life. I am always the girl who can hold a conversation with anyone no matter their walk of life and I LOVE this quality about myself (I hope that doesn't sound weird...me loving myself and all...ha!). I just mean that I'm glad I am comfortable meeting new people and being in diverse groups. I think it opens me up more, it allows me to understand the differences in people, and quite often it allows me to help bring people together who would have otherwise never even spoken to one another.

It's hard sometimes because I don't feel as though I "fit" anywhere in particular, but I think it's better than not having any friends at all:)

I love you all, no matter if we talk all the time or once a month. Know that you are loved for all that you are!!! I embrace the differences in you and me because otherwise this world we live in would be really boring!

That is all...ha!

Sincerely,

Erika

Number 3 is here!!!

2011-05-10T13:24:00.004-05:00

Olivia's journey into this world was so enjoyable! I was induced, which made me nervous, but it was a grand experience after all. When I arrived at the hospital there was girl there, "in labor," getting checked in and I felt like hiding from her because I was just "strolling" in. I waited about 10 minutes and my nurse was ready to take me to my room. It was glorious! Just because I'm no "writer" I will bullet the rest of the time frame so that I can just get to the cute pictures:)

*7:30am Check in

*Midwife checks me and I'm a 5/6! I guess my contractions were doing some work even though I was still sleeping like a baby through

the night:)

*8:40 Water was was broken and now we wait to see what my body will do without pitocin

*11:41 HELLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO epidural! Oh how I love thee...ha! I will say though that the nurse had to keep asking if I wanted it because by her standards my contractions were pretty strong

*2:40pm Pitocin

*3:50 Ready to push, but midwife has to leave the room real quick for something else so we wait

*4:00 Started pushing

*4:19 Olivia arrived!!!

I have loved all of my experiences with labor and delivery. I will say though Olivia was the easiest and for me I believe it was the control that I was able to have this time. I am always a calm laborer, but I was barely being stopped by contractions right up until getting the epidural, I was very verbal about what was comfortable for me even when it went against my nurses advice, and I was very alert when it came time to push because I refused any additional medicine. Recovery has been amazing too! The best one yet!

We are so happy that Olivia is here and that we are both safe and healthy. Mia and Lexi absolutely adore her and smother her with kisses every chance they get:)

Easter 2011

2011-04-25T12:32:00.003-05:00

We had so much fun with our Easter festivities this past weekend. Lexi was a pro at finding eggs for it being her first time. Mia was such a big 2 and a half year old and took off to find her eggs:) We didn't get the best pictures with them in their dresses on Sunday, but it's hard getting Mia to stop twirling and honestly her twirling is just too cute to make her stop!

I hope everyone had a great Easter too!

LIVI!!!

2011-03-09T13:46:00.004-05:00

Since Lexi was almost 2 lbs bigger than Mia and her shoulder got stuck my doctor's office scheduled two additional ultrasounds. Today we got to see Livi at 32 weeks!!! We've never seen any of our babies on ultrasound past 18 weeks so this was pretty exciting. She totally smiled for us and we melted...of course:)

We won't be getting induced though because she's "normal" size, therefore giving no cause for concern in the weight department. I'm fine with this because I like going into labor naturally. I still hope she comes at least "on time" because being overdue is NO fun.

This process NEVER ceases to amaze me!

Bows!!!

2011-03-01T13:35:00.003-05:00

So with two girls, a third on the way, and they all have full heads of hair I have decided I need to start making boutique style bows myself. They are rather expensive if you go out to the stores and purchase so I put my craftiness to work and I'm actually pretty good at making them. It was kind of surprising, but it was also a very therapeutic process for me. Sitting quietly involved in a repetitive project where I get to be creative...a great outlet!

I'm getting ready to get "stocked up" and make several so that I can sell them on the side. Be on the look out!

Here are just a few I've made so far with some store bought ribbon. I get better with every bow and with the good ribbon I order they'll look even better.

Erika's Journal

2011-03-01T13:29:00.002-05:00

March 1, 2011

I am 31 weeks preggo and cannot wait until Miss Olivia makes her entrance:) This pregnancy has been very different with aches and pains, but I've still been on the move. You can't exactly sit still with a 2 1/2 year old and 15 month old always buzzing to color, play upstairs, dance, or go outside. My girls are the light of my life and I LOVE being with my little princesses everyday:)

It's a ...

2010-12-02T13:16:00.004-05:00

GIRL!!!

The "It's a girl" picture isn't the best, but believe me there was no denying that it's a girl. The picture above was the best and sweetest little picture so I decided to post it instead.

The name is coming soon. We think we have it, but we need to the middle name before we do the official unveiling.

We are so excited and feel very blessed to have another healthy little baby on the way:)

Growing up!

2010-11-30T23:10:00.009-05:00

Mia and Lexi are completely different kids these days...and it's great!

Mia's latest:

Saying, "what's that (insert whatever you can think of), momma?"

Saying I luf you and giving wonderful hugs to go with it:)

Sleeping with her "nite, nite story' every night after daddy and momma read it to her.

Learning every nursery rhyme known to man and Christmas songs.

Helping momma clean up.

Loving the playground and story time at the library.

Lexi Loo's latest:

Taking her first solo steps this month...yipee!!!

"Reading" her family picture book in her crib while she waits for momma to come and get her.

Drinking the contents of every sippy cup she can get her hands on...haha!

Screaming and shaking her fists when Mia has something she

wants or whenever she wants something period!

Loving Yo Gabba Gabba and she says gabba gabba gabba over and over whenever the intro song comes on.

"Talking up a storm." Light, Gabba Gabba, ball, shoe, socks, all done, daddy, and book off the top of my head.

I am loving these two and really trying to absorb everything that they do so I do not forget.

Luf you Mia and Lexi Loo!!!

What's up with the Holmes

2010-08-15T20:17:00.009-05:00

So here it goes. A quick run down of what we've been up to the past month...and I mean quick...haha!!!

I've been doing cheer camps. Yes, I'm in there behind the cuteness that is Mia walking in my shoes:)
The girls have been hangin' out with Daddy a lot:) He's a great man and I am so lucky to have him in my life. He's super comfortable being with his girls. However, I will say we are both ready to have our normal schedule back.

Side note: There is no evidence of the summer daddy daycare that was Jeremy and Greg. They're good, but not that good...haha!

The girls are too adorable for words...hehe:)

Lexi has been crawling, is pulling up, and trying to move those feet to cruise across the furniture.

Mia is a mess...ha! She is independent, funny, and is definitely headed towards two!

So there is the update. Stay tuned for a more updated blog now that life is normal again...kinda;)

Erika's Journal

2010-07-31T15:47:00.002-05:00

It's been a while, I know. I am alive and I feel like myself again:) It's amazing how much two back-to-back pregnancies can make you feel like a different person. I hope to be able keep up with my blog better so be on the look out!

An Apostle of the Lord

2010-06-08T14:46:00.003-05:00

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles came to speak to the Greensboro Stake this past Sunday. He was amazing! I know this is going to sound crazy, but when I first joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and heard him speak the first time I knew that there was something about him. Something that was going to touch me personally and EVERY talk that he has ever given since that feeling has been a tremendous help and turning point for me in my continued spiritual progression. Here were a few thoughts he left with us:

*That moral agency is to choose to love one another and to choose God. Too many times we say we have agency so we 'choose' to stay home from church or 'choose' to obey one commandment and not another. However, Elder Bednar reminded us that when we were baptized that we came under 'terms and conditions' of Heavenly Father's making and therefore we must use our moral agency to choose the right. The example he gave was perfect:) A child says to his father that he's going to use his agency to choose not going to church. The father says to his child that he will either choose to walk to church or ride. I LOVE this! Elder Bednar went on to say that as parents we should be 'kicking and screaming' to guide our children back to Heavenly Father. How can we expect them to choose the right and live the gospel if we let them 'choose' otherwise?

*That going to the temple is about more than just going for yourself or not enough after you go the first time. That it is about the covenants and ordinances that are done there so go often.

*That spiritual power will not come from checking things off a checklist. I prayed today...check...we held Family Home Evening...check...we had scripture study...check. Spiritual power comes from living the gospel for real!

*That living the gospel standards no matter how many, is easier than going through this life without the gospel. When he made this particular statement it had so much intensity behind it and it was amazing! Do we really think it's easier to go through tragedy, loss, sickness, or any other trial without this gospel?

Finally, the last thing that I got after the meeting was how people that have been members their entire lives were also refreshed by his message. The things he taught were simple teachings too! It reminded me that I am not alone in my learning process/journey.

Our leadership was truly inspired when they decided that we all needed the gospel principles taught in Sunday School this year:)

I love the Lord and his Gospel and I am so happy that I chose this for my life!

It's been a minute

2010-05-11T12:36:00.003-05:00

So I know I haven't been around in a while, but things have gotten busy and I have chosen to hang out with the kiddos over blogging. Instead of trying to catch up I'm just going to start with the current, move forward, and try to keep up again:)

Man, Mia is such a great kid! She is talking, getting more teeth, running, jumping, dancing, playing on the big kid slide at the park and at our house. She's also telling us that she's has done something in her diaper, although I am not ready for potty training just yet. She loves her baby sister Lexi and they are even starting to "play" together! She is on this kick of saying,"I don't want to" as her yes and no and it's so funny! Jeremy and I laugh hysterically of this one time I asked her if she wanted her pop tart and she said, "I don't want to tar tart!" LOVE it!!!

Lexi Pooh is rolling all over the place, eating rice cereal, sitting up, and going after any and every toy she can roll into:) For some reason I cannot remember what I did as far as food with Mia, but I am so behind with Lexi. She'll be 6 months in a week and she's had cereal only twice! I can't wait to start giving her baby food next month...yum:)

Motherhood has been so much more than I had expected. I am totally in love with my girls and I am so glad that they are in my life. I love to snuggle with Lexi and tickle Mia until she can't stand up and I am looking forward to many more years of wonderful memories with these two (and more...later!).

...Oh and yes, they got their ears pierced! I am SO glad that's over:)

I don't want to tar tart! So that's cereal in her bowl...ha!
(and she was so posing in this picture which is a new thing)

When I asked her to pose so that Aunt Stacie could see her earrings, she folded her arms for the prayer:)

Lexi Pooh playing with the ball or should I say eating the ball!

Lexi

2010-03-17T20:55:00.003-05:00

Time is flying and Lexi is growing before our eyes:) She is such a happy baby. Here are some things she's really good at these days:

Tummy time and pushing all the way up

Rolling from tummy to back

"Talking"

Big open mouth smiles:)

Sleeping through the night AND in her own room

Taking naps

Grabbing for toys

Sucking her thumb (no paci for this girl)

Being cute:)

LOVE you Lexi pooh!!!

Mia Moments - Phrase Edition

2010-03-17T19:54:00.005-05:00

Disclaimer: There are so many other words and phrases, but this post would be super long so here are a few funny things Mia is saying these days.

"Let me see it"

"No way"

"More pease" (please)

"Hi Momma"

"Bye Momma"

"Cold"

"March, march, march" (while marching around the house, almost like she has a limp and swinging her right arm...ha!)

"Star"

"A book, a book"

"Roar"

"Ilk, ilk" (milk)

"I stuck"

"Olor" (color)

"Push, push...Yo" (turn the TV on and play Yo Gabba Gabba)

and...................................................................

drum roll please...........................

"No!"

I LOVE this girl:)

Mia Moments

2010-02-17T10:03:00.000-05:00

I wanted to have pictures with this month's post, but my camera is dead and February is almost over. So no pics, but at least we have some moments:)

1.7.10 - M can fold her arms when you say it's time for the prayer, but we haven't gotten a good Amen yet...until last night. It was so clear.

1.8.10 - I've caught her playing with them before, but today she was so cute. She found a big sunbeam on the floor and started to crawl on it like a balance beam.

1.13.10 - M now repeats what we say during her prayers. It's too cute! Today she said, "Heavenly Father," "food," and "Amen."

1.17.10 - M has always loved using her fork to "eat." Today she actually picked up the big fork and started really feeding herself. She's growing up too fast!

1.18.10 - Tonight Jeremy got M ready for bed so when they came back out to the living room (because it wasn't quite time to go up) she started folding her arms for the prayer. She would walk around and then say "Amen." She's such a smarty! On top of that she repeated Lexi and BJ's name in her prayer tonight. We pray for Lexi's hip and Uncle BJ's surgery every night. Very sweet girl we have:)

1.26.10 - M and Jeremy were watching Yo Gabba Gabba and Tutie was singing the "High Five" song. During the song M runs over to L and peels her hand back to give her a "High Five!"

Just hanging out with my girls:)

2010-01-26T09:46:00.002-05:00

Such a big girl! Where did my baby go?!?!

Look at that belly:)

Love 'em!!!

Erika Journal

2010-01-26T09:42:00.004-05:00

January 26, 2010

I am soooo tired! Lexi, for the most part, sleeps pretty well. Then there are nights like last night where she decides she just can't get comfortable after she nurses. All I want to do today is sleep and every chance I get I'm going to do it and I say it's OK:)

Lexi "talking" :)

2010-01-22T13:59:00.002-05:00

"Oh, that's so nice!"

2010-01-06T15:02:00.004-05:00

Mia loves to bring things to Lexi and put them on her chair or Lexi's body. I try my best to get a picture every time she does it. The first time she did it she took the orange sock below from my room, went into the living room where Lexi's seat is located, and then came back and clapped her hands with a big grin. Well Mia always claps when she does something well so the first thing I thought was, "where is the sock?" and "Lexi." This is what I found:

...along with these other gems:)

I love being the mommy of two:)

Mia Moments

2010-01-01T08:00:00.005-05:00

Disclaimer: As Miss Mia gets older I'm sure I will have more things to write in Mia moments. Plus I kind of had another baby and had no time to get more moments on the blog:)

12.14.09 - M loves playing in boxes. Well tonight she wanted to get in a box that was too small so we showed her the box that she would fit into. She then proceeded to motion for the smaller box but we didn't know why. Then at the same time J and I knew that she wanted Alexis to get in the box! It was too cute!!!

On the way to a friend's house M found her shadow outside and was dancing and watching the shadow move.

12.23.09 - M was headed towards Poppi's cell phone charging on the floor and didn't want her to touch it. So I said to M, "No no, that's Poppi's phone." She looked at me and said, "No no, Poppi's phone." I was amazed!!! She's started to repeat our sentences now:)

12.2009 I was getting ready one day and saw M dive into the bassinet from the bed! I thought Lexi was in there but Jeremy had her in his arms. She's our little acrobat these days:)

Lexi bonus pictures:)

Notice something different??? No brace!!! Lexi gets to come out of it during the day, but still has to wear it during the night until she gets another ultrasound next month. Hopefully at that point we can stop the brace altogether then we'll just have to go back when she's a year old to check how her walking is coming along.

Alexis' Blessing

2009-12-30T10:35:00.005-05:00

Sunday was Alexis' blessing. She did well and was quiet through the entire blessing and daddy's blessing for her was beautiful! We are so blessed to have this little girl in our lives and I pray that she has a healthy life full of success, happiness, and love:)

Do they look alike?

2009-12-30T09:46:00.002-05:00

I get this question a lot. What do you think?

Christmas 2009

2009-12-26T20:00:00.000-05:00

Mia, Mia:)

2009-12-20T13:44:00.002-05:00

She was 4 months old and I have always loved this picture because you see all of her chubby little face:)

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!!!

2009-12-19T12:31:00.003-05:00

Sleeping Beauty, PB&J, and smiles:)

2009-12-16T22:17:00.006-05:00

So I'm no writer by any means, but this title is what came to mind when I went to get Miss Mia from her nap.

When we decided I would stay home with the girls I knew I would love it, but I knew it would be work also. I knew that I would need to make sure I taught my girls life lessons, that I would need to make sure they were learning, and that we would need to have lots of FUN:) I also knew I would have tender, sweet, ordinary moments that would stick with me and them forever!

So today's ordinary moment was going to get my toddler from her crib. I do this everyday, twice a day, but today touched me differently. She took a 3 hour nap (longer than she normally does, but she didn't have a morning nap) so part of me missed her running around because she slept for so long. When I went to get her I was ready!!! Ready to see her smile, ready to see her reach for me, and ready to feel her little hand pat me on the back as I walked her down the stairs to get her PB&J sandwich and chocolate milk.

Today, as I made her sandwich I felt like I was back in my master's degree program training to be a school counselor. I FELT the importance of staying at home with my children. It's not that I didn't think it was important before today, but I FELT it today and it was strong and I wanted to document this moment. I wanted to post this here and shout to the world that I LOVE BEING A SAHM!!!

Yes, she's in the drawer. She's climbing in EVERYTHING now!!!

Now for the smiles part of this post:

I love these girls!!!

Thinking about...

2009-12-15T14:44:00.002-05:00

Running!

Yes, I'm thinking about running a marathon...eventually. I want to start with a 5k, then a half marathon, THEN a marathon. For those of you who don't know when I was in college I was on the dance team. However, we would joke that we were the NC State TRACK team, not dance team because we ran sooooooooo much. We would run AT LEAST 3 miles, 4 days a week and then we would practice for 3 hours. We also had to do timed miles in under 7 minutes and 30 seconds in order to dance at any performance.

So when I think about getting back into shape in addition to my pilates DVD I also want to run. Wow! I thought I would never say that, but it was always a great workout and it maintained the college figure I was so proud of back in the day:)

I've looked up some training schedules and I've found that if I never actually enter into a race the workouts are excellent running schedules.

Anyone got any tips before I embark upon this journey?

Mia Moments

2009-12-01T06:22:00.009-05:00

Sorry, but November has been a blur as far as Mia Moments go. We celebrated my birthday, Mia was with Grandmom and Granddad for almost two weeks while we awaited Alexis' arrival, and then Alexis came. So we didn't witness many Mia Moments. She has blossomed this month though. She has all kinds of words in her vocabulary, she's eating better, and she LOVES her little sister. Hopefully I'll be better about Mia Moments in December.

Nov - M likes to put her head down on the ground and get into a tee pee position. This lets you know she wants to flip. Well Grandmom was giving her a bath and she mentioned one of the toys flipping. M then proceeds to put her head down...in the water!!! A little shocked, yes, but she kept doing it! She's so silly:)

11/17 - M can now tell me when she wants to get "up" and "down" from anything. Everyday she gets more words!

11/18 - M finally got her first tooth!!! Apparently she cannot be outdone by her sister who's still not here yet.

11/26 - Me, Grandmom, and daddy were at the dining room table talking and eating Thanksgiving lunch when M tells us to shhh. We can't figure out why until she gets down, heads over to Granddad (who has Alexis, who is sleeping), looks back at us and repeats shhh. Apparently we were too loud:)

11/29 - M has a book that she "read" all by herself. She says her own version of the word and then does the sound for each. It's adorable:)

Here are some cute pictures to enjoy of both girls:)

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-11-27T20:25:00.004-05:00

We are so blessed to have family in town so we still got to have the two Thanksgiving meals we're accustomed to:) We figured it was not the best thing to take a four day old out around lots of people, but we really wanted the food because Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

Candy and Rick came over and brought us lunch and hung out for a bit. Then later on that afternoon my mom brought dinner and took Mia to visit with my family. It was a wonderful day! We still got to see some family, eat really good food, and relax.

Welcome Alexis

2009-11-26T22:24:00.000-05:00

My labor experience again was awesome!!! I think in a lot of ways it was better actually. At 11:30pm Saturday night (Jeremy's birthday) I started timing contractions because I was getting a little uncomfortable earlier in the day. Nothing too bad though. So they were coming, but I knew we weren't "in labor." So the night goes on and around 1:15 am I wake up from a little nap watching TLC and feel like I maybe had gone to the bathroom...maybe my water breaking (sorry if that's TMI)! When I go and get freshened up it happens again so I call the midwife that's on-call. She wanted me to lay down for 30 minutes and then walk for 30 minutes to see if it happened again (another gush happens as we talk by the way). She also reminded me that the contractions could start to come really heavy if it was indeed my water. So not even 10 minutes after hanging up with her the contractions were coming 2-3 minutes a part, then 1-2 minutes. I went through this for an hour because she wanted me to call back in an hour. When I did call back she asked me to come on in. So at this point I'm going through some good contractions but didn't want a false alarm like with Mia.

So once we get to the hospital the midwife checks me and I'm a 5/6 and it was my water!!! Yipee:) I know I'm not going home now. So to make a long story story...I got to Women's at 3:00am, to my room by 3:30am, epidural was in and working by 4:15am, and when I got checked at 5am I was 9 and a quarter!!! Oh my goodness!!! The Midwives switched out and the only reason I didn't start pushing sooner was because she was trying to discharge 3 other women. So when she finally got to me I started to push at 9:55am and Alexis was here at 10:35am.

I was very proud of myself. I could have totally stayed home for at least another hour or so but after being a week overdue I was excited to do something. It was an awesome experience and I can't wait to do it again, but I am going to enjoy the two that I have for a couple years this time...ha!

Side note: Isn't it funny how at the end of pregnancy you can't wait to be done, but as soon as labor starts and that baby is here you can't wait to do it again. Hilarious!!!

Alexis and the proud daddy:)
Weight 8lbs 12 oz
Length 20 in
Time 10:35 am

I love my girls!!!

Erika's Journal - November 2009

2009-11-26T14:56:00.002-05:00

November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving! I am so blessed to have such a beautiful family:) My in-laws came over to bring us Thanksgiving lunch, Mia is with my mom enjoying Thanksgiving with the extended family, and Alexis is sleeping. It's quiet and it's given me a moment to really think about life's blessings and who and what I am thankful for. I love my life and am happy I get to live it with such wonderful people. I am grateful for the fullness of the gospel, that I have it in my life, and that I can share it with family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving everybody:)

Happy Birthday Jeremy!!!

2009-11-21T17:43:00.004-05:00

Daddy and his girl on his special day:) Hopefully his other girl will join us soon!!! We love you!!!

Our cutie!!!

2009-11-20T08:57:00.003-05:00

Reading her "ook" (book) while she "ock" (rock/rocks) in the chair.

Playing with daddy's hat:) She's such a funny girl!

Awww! There's that sweet smile:)

Momma, why are you flashing that light in my face while I watch my show and drink my milk?

Now Alexis can come:)

2009-11-06T14:39:00.002-05:00

I FINISHED THE TWILIGHT SERIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now Alexis is free to come join the family:) The house is ready, I've got a fresh haircut, and I'm FINALLY done with the Twilight series. It's almost as though I've got this imaginary list in my head and slowly, but surely items are getting checked off. I'm too excited!

Now on to Coraline...

I'm 30!!!

2009-11-03T09:23:00.006-05:00

So today is the big 3-0 for me so I wanted to post 10 things that I want to accomplish this year:

1. Starting date night with my sexy husband;)
2. Getting back into shape with a consistent workout plan.
3. Working on having FHE every Monday night.
4. Taking better care of my hair.
5. ACTIVELY LOOKING for opportunities to serve others.
6. Adding some classics to my reading list.
7. Drinking more water!
8. Making up my bed everyday (strange, yes, but I'm telling you when I do that first thing, the day is more productive).
9. I want to do Christmas shopping throughout the year so that I don't feel like we go broke trying to have a decent Christmas.
10. Having relaxation time for me everyday.

So there it is. These are the things I want to focus on this year. Wish me luck:)

Mia Moments

2009-11-01T11:44:00.021-05:00

10/2/09 - M's really quiet in our bedroom so I send Jeremy in to check on her and she's on the step looking into the tub. Five minutes later M's quiet again so I go in the bathroom and she has climbed into the bathtub. (I watched her do it later that day and she actually knows how to climb in properly)

10/6/09 - M and I were playing with her frog Taz that sings. Mia was done with him and when you don't touch him for a few seconds he says "bye bye." Mia walked away and said "eye yi." It was too cute!

10/9/09 - M has a new word. It's "uh oh." Anytime she drops something or toots :) she says it now and it's the cutest thing ever!

10/12/09 - At the park today M saw an Elmo stuffed animal and I heard her say what I thought was "e-mo" but I just went on because I wasn't sure. Well tonight Jeremy and I were talking and Mia brings over an Elmo DVD and gives it to us and says, "e-mo." We both stopped and were, of course, amazed!!!

10/15/09 - We always say our prayers before we eat, but when M eats before or after us sometimes we don't get one in with her. Well today I decided that we pray so much with her that she probably knows what we're talking about. Sure enough I say, "M we're going to say a prayer." She proceeds to fold her tiny arms and gives me this big 'ole grin like she was so proud of herself. Jeremy and I were both really happy!

So daddy and M have a workout routine that they do when I'm at the cheer gym...pull ups. When I came home tonight and Jeremy told me that M did 3 pull ups!!! Now she goes around the house trying to do pulls ups on everything...even the stove! We had to have a little conversation about that one.

10/19/09 - M said "ball" today!!! She's known what a ball is for a while now, but she actually said the word. Where did my infant go?

10/21/09 - On the way home from story time today I gave M a cracker and her milk. I was talking to my friend when I heard a little voice say, "ca- ca, ca-ca, ca-ca." She was saying cracker!!! I cannot believe how just all of a sudden she's saying words.

10/26/09 - M is repeating everything we say and remembering the connection to the actual object. She said shoes, socks, and hi today!!!

10/30/09 - M has a song that Grandmom sings to her that involves dancing and snapping fingers. When you sing it to her she goes in complete dance mode, hips shaking and all. She also snaps her little fingers when you change up the words. She IS my child:)

11/1/09 - During sacrament meeting when the sacrament was passed Jeremy whispers to Mia about how we should think of Jesus. Mia looks at him and repeats, "Jesus." If we weren't in church I think we would have both screamed.

Fall Festival

2009-10-27T13:43:00.003-05:00

We had a fall festival at our church this past weekend and we had a blast. Mia was here by the time Halloween came around last year, but she was just a little blob:) I knew she would be cute as our little Mia-bee, but as I started to dress her I was overcome with excitement. I knew it was the start of getting all mushy over future Halloweens and anytime, for that matter, our children get dressed up for anything.

Enjoy!

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-20T19:41:00.001-05:00

Last week we went to a local pumpkin patch with our friends from church/Joy School. Mia had such a good time at the pumpkin patch with her friends! She loved the freedom to run around and play in the patch. I guess I need to take the hint and let her run around in the backyard on the days we aren't already out and about.

The little pumpkin in her hand was the first one she picked up when we got there. We were a little early and were waiting on friends so she carried this little pumpkin around the ENTIRE time. It was adorable! So even though the price came with one pumpkin Mia went home with two!
The 2.2 seconds Mia actually sat down the entire time we were there. She just wanted to play in the patch:)

This is me, Mia, and Grandmom on the hayride. (Mia rarely ever smiles in pictures these days because she's always "talking.") The workers were singing songs with the kids and I was trying to help Mia with the actions, but she was running towards the pumpkin patch...again.Here's Mia and some of her friends coloring.

Finally, here's my "big" girl trying to pick up a huge pumpkin. She's so funny!

She had so much fun and I'm so glad we have this memory together as mother and daughter:)

Birthday Pictures:)

2009-10-12T19:31:00.005-05:00

Mia had such a wonderful first birthday. There was so much love to go around and it was surely felt at each celebration. We love you all for making her birthday so very special:)

Mia with one of her cakes and taking a water break:)

Mia with Grandmom and one of her new baby dolls!

Mia with us at party #1

Mia baby on her actual birthday! She was such a happy little girl that day:)

Mia's Fufa cake that I made...and we still haven't eaten. I just had to make it to say I did:)

This was Mia's special birthday plate at Nana's house:) No one else had one like it.

Mia and the other bday girl, Nana!!! (This was celebration #3)

Us with our little Princess!

Eating away at her chocolate cake...mmm;)

Erika's Journal

2009-10-11T20:24:00.002-05:00

Whew! I'm tired. Stake Conference was great! Actually got there ahead of time and got a good seat with friends. Then we had the last of 3 Mia birthday celebrations at Nana and Poppy's house. She had a ball and we stuffed our faces with good food. Other than that, we're good at the Holmes house except we're ready for Alexis to get here:) Five more weeks...just five more weeks. Please send any positive comments, articles, kind words, or anything to uplift my spirits. I'm excited, but ready because being preggo for 2 years is rough on the psyche.

Erika's Journal - October 2009

2009-10-06T11:54:00.002-05:00

October 6, 2009

Last night for FHE Jeremy and I watched Elder David A. Bednar's talk from the Saturday afternoon session. It was wonderful!!! Sometimes I put pressure on us to have very thorough, detailed scripture sessions or FHEs but his talk made me realize one thing. It's consistency. That's all. When our children grow up their memories will come from how consistent we were with these daily goals and not how detailed or elaborate they were. There has always been something about Elder Bednar that has touched me and I'm not sure what it is. After this talk, though, I'm going to look into other things he has written because I think I'm supposed to get something more from him.

Mia's First Year in Pictures

2009-10-05T20:01:00.009-05:00

I can't believe our Mia is one today! She has been such a blessing in our lives and we love her soooooooo much. Here's a year in pictures of how our little one has grown.

Enjoy!

November

December

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October!!!

Erika's Journal - October 2009

2009-10-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

October 5, 2009

It's Mia's birthday! We have had a wonderful day so far. We went on a walk, played with friends, had lunch with Nana and Poppy, and we've been happy, happy, happy! I can't believe it's been a year. I love you Mia baby:)

It's fall yall...ha!

2009-10-01T13:03:00.003-05:00

I am sooooo excited that it's October! This is my favorite time of year because I get to put out the fall decor, wear fun fall clothing, it's the start of pumpkin bread, the holidays, my birthday, and Jeremy's birthday!!! It's also when I seem to LOVE to have babies. Mia will be one this month and her sister is coming in November:) I am too excited! I can't wait for all the great food that comes with the next few months...I LOVE food!

Happy Fall!

Some pictures...

2009-09-18T09:51:00.007-05:00

So Mia and I have been hanging out and having some "us" time before Alexis comes to play too. It's been so fun seeing her grow, learn, and become a little person. She's my everything (next to her daddy) and I love her so!

First trip to story time:)

Cute rain shoes a friend gave to Miss Mia

First time at Joy School. She learned about her colors!

Being a silly girl at the library:)

Lookin' cute in her dress. Jeremy loves this picture!

Lookin' like a big girl at the playground

I love this picture for some reason! I love them all though!

My baby girl. I love you Mia baby!!!

Walking:)

2009-08-26T20:49:00.003-05:00

Our baby girl is learning to walk!!! I am soooo proud of her and so amazed at the same time. She's turning into a little girl.

We love you Mia baby!!!

(sorry about my crazy laugh at the end...ha!)

What's happening with the Holmes?

2009-08-11T12:44:00.010-05:00

Swinging with daddy at our second family reunion this summer

This past Sunday in her dress for church:) I love it when we get that big 'ole open mouth smile!

Feeding herself...she knows what to do with the fork but of course it's faster to pick the food up with her hands:)
Kind of blurry but the point is...she's got shoes!!! We finally purchased these cute little tennis shoes and a pink dressy pair for church. She keeps them on, but every once in a while she tries and shake them off...ha!

and finally...funny faces with daddy:)

...and that's what we've been up to this week!

Reunion 2009

2009-08-03T20:58:00.008-05:00

We just got back from my family reunion and we had a good time. I love seeing family because we just sit around, talk, and hang out! Here are some of the pictures from the weekend's festivities.

Enjoy!

Erika's Journal - August 2009

2009-08-01T11:38:00.000-05:00

I am reading, reading, reading!!! I am so excited to get my brain working with books I actually want to read. Believe it or not, I don't think I've ever read for pleasure in my entire life.

Other than that I am trying to get my house in order...get rid of growing tree in backyard, get new water heater, re-do floor that got damaged from lots of rain last year, and paint Mia's new room and furniture. It makes me tired just thinking about it.

Children's Museum

2009-07-22T20:43:00.011-05:00

Mia had a BLAST!!! We are looking into the family membership because she had such a great time. Here are some pictures of her in action. She was all over the place and we couldn't keep her from pulling up on random mommies...ha!

"Talking"

2009-07-11T21:11:00.003-05:00

Too funny:)

Why do I get so behind?

2009-07-11T20:39:00.005-05:00

Here are some pictures that show what we've been up to the past few months.

Enjoy!

Happy Father's Day

First Swim

Happy 4th of July!!!

Hair Braided for the first time:)

Shoving a big piece of cookie in my mouth before mommy could get to me. Can you see that smirk underneath my full mouth...ha;)

"Stank Face"

2009-07-01T18:07:00.004-05:00

Mia started this thing where every time we wiped her face she would scrunch up her nose, mouth, and eyes and start to sniff really hard. Now when you do it back to her she will do it even harder and even smile at you through the "stank face."

This week it doesn't seem to bother her as much when we wipe her face so I'm glad we got it on video:)

Enjoy!

Look at what we woke up to...

2009-06-15T20:59:00.003-05:00

She is getting to be such a big girl:) She started crawling yesterday too. The video below isn't very long and it's not her best run, but I got what I could:)

Mia's First Piano Lesson

2009-05-26T18:29:00.002-05:00

Just a few pictures of Mia from April and May

2009-05-26T18:07:00.004-05:00

What keeps me going...

2009-05-06T19:45:00.001-05:00

Easter

2009-04-18T18:17:00.001-05:00

Adults or kids???

2009-03-25T19:56:00.002-05:00

Don't we look like a bunch of kids? Ha!!! That was a great day:)

Picture Tag

2009-03-02T17:08:00.004-05:00

Jackie tagged me to do this and I thought it was cute:

1. Go to your documents/pictures.
2. Go to your 6th file folder.
3. Go to your 6th picture.
4. Post and blog about it.
5. Tag 6 people to do the sameThis is right after Mia was born. Jeremy was snuggling with her so that she would know her daddy. It's one of the sweetest shots we got with our iPhone when we were in the hospital. Only 5 months ago, but it seems like forever ago. They grow so fast!

I tag Brisa, Shelley, Stacie, Andrea, Carrie, and Carrie.

2009-03-01T14:38:00.002-05:00

It's been 5 wonderful months in the world of motherhood and I'm trying to remember what I did before Mia baby. She is so funny and adorable and I just want to eat her up! Everyday she's a different person and therefore I have to keep my eyes open or I'll miss something. She weighed in at 12 lbs 13 oz at her 4 month appointment and she also checked out fine with her growth for head and length. She has SUCH a personality already. She has my way of not being able to hide what she feels on her face, which I think is hilarious since she's barely 5 months old. She is also starting to do this thing where she'll be playing or watching someone talk (which she loves and thinks is hilarious) and then she looks back at me to see if I'm watching. I love it! I love that she wants me to see the hilariousness that she sees because it means she knows momma:) I know you're reading this thinking of course she knows momma. However, when you work full time every little sign that she needs you and wants you there is that much more amazing. I love her:)

Jeremy and I are so blessed to have a healthy little one and we wouldn't change our lives for anything!!! I can't wait until we can spend everyday with Mia over the summer. She's so fun now, but at 8,9, and 10 months I know she'll be a hoot:)

4 Months

Mia's Blessing

2009-01-21T21:40:00.001-05:00

We were so happy that we were able to have lots of family around us on this special day. We love you all and thanks for being there:)

Playing Catch Up!

2009-01-21T20:37:00.010-05:00

So I am fully aware that I have been M.I.A. for a while now, but that's all about to end. So in an effort to catch everyone up in a timely fashion, I am going to just download some pictures that tell the story of our holiday season. Enjoy!

...and yes, they are kind of backwards in how they happen because I didn't think to download them in the opposite order in which I needed them and I am too lazy to drag them in the correct order...ha!

Playing with toys

First Snow

Sunday Dress Grandma Tina got for her

"Sitting up"

Great Grandma Tina

Great Grandmama Holmes

Great Grandma Blair

That's right...3 Great Grandmas! What a lucky girl:)

Christmas Day...and yes Mia has a black tutu on with a black polka dot ribbon for the waistband:)

First picture of Mia baby's first Christmas

Random cuteness ;)

Christmas Eve with her doll Penelope!

She LOVES this doll:) It goes with her everywhere and she eats her face and talks to her when we are riding in the car. Too cute!!!

Well there goes my "catch up" attempt. Now I'm on track and I hope to have posts coming at least once a week.

Toodles:)

More Mia...

2008-12-07T21:46:00.008-05:00

Cute face :)

There is something about the two of them together that's always soooo cute!

Getting ready one morning half asleep and kind of smiling.

Another cute face :)

I can't get enough of this girl!

Disclaimer: I totally know that my blog is ALL about Mia and I'm OK with that right now:)

Thankful

2008-12-01T20:31:00.002-05:00

I just felt like I needed to post and say what I am most thankful for...and that is family. I have so many friends who are not able to be around their families on a regular basis, yet I sometimes forget how much of a jewel it is in my life to have them ALL so close.

Jeremy's mom and dad, sister, one brother, both Grandmothers, and an aunt and uncle all live in either Greensboro or High Point. My mom, step dad and 2 sisters, dad, Grandma, one aunt, one uncle, and about 6 or 7 cousins live right here in Greensboro or High Point!

It's comforting to know that we are all here to help one another out and that the drive to do so, at the most, would be 30 minutes!

I love you guys and I hope you feel that love from me all the time!

Other things I'm thankful for...

1. Grandma's candied yams, mac and cheese, and dressing (good thing I'm nursing this year because it's an excuse not to watch the girlish figure)

2. My AWESOME, incredibly SEXY husband! He really does anything me or Mia baby need him to do...thanks Jerms!

3. My Mia baby!!! She really does give me purpose. I don't have the words to explain what I feel for her...I just know I LOVE her and I am grateful that she is healthy and so much fun!

4. The jobs that Jeremy and I have. I have been in turmoil lately about having to work, but since I have to what can beat... off at 3:45 and summers off with BOTH Mia AND Jeremy!!! I'm a lucky girl:)

5. Cozy socks and my blue fleece robe (I hate being cold!)

6. Hugs from Jeremy

7. Mia baby's little legs...they make me giggle:)

8. Friends that make friendship easy

9. The Gospel

10. Desire...desire to do anything...be anything...and help create the future I want for my family!

I hope all of you got to spend Thanksgiving with the ones you love!!!

One Month :)

2008-11-10T16:04:00.008-05:00

Our Mia is 1 month and she's amazing!!! She had her 1 month check up and she's PERFECT! Mia is 8 lbs 13 oz and 21 3/4 in long. Here are a few pictures of our Mia baby. Enjoy!

Our Ladybug on Halloween!

Looking cute ;)

and the cutest thing ever that she started doing...

SMILES:)

Win a FREE handbag!

2008-10-14T13:33:00.004-05:00

Mia, Mia!!!

2008-10-13T10:02:00.004-05:00

We finally have our Mia in our lives and we are sooooo happy:) Parenthood has been amazing thus far and I can only imagine the adventures our little family will go through.

To make a long birth story short...

I thought I was in labor Saturday morning (in the wee hours) and they sent me home:( So, I thought there is no way I'm going to know when it's the "real deal." Well on Sunday morning (in the wee hours) I knew it was the "real deal" and at 12:56 in the afternoon we had our Mia:)

The hospital stay was great and the EPIDURAL WAS MY BEST FRIEND!!! I had some pretty serious back labor so I needed the relief. This little girl has changed me! Shelley, I cry now! Things have always touched me, but it's different now:)

She is a joy and she is thriving and we LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her to bits!!!

Check out the pics below...Enjoy!

So in love!

Preggo Photo Shoot

2008-08-20T19:48:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures that my fabulous little sister took of Jeremy and I a couple of weeks ago. She did a great job and we love them all!!! Enjoy:)

We are total Blackers... Sorry

2008-08-15T09:35:00.002-05:00

So, I was sitting around thinking of how we haven't posted in forever, and how we're huge blog slackers, and trying to figure out some type of clever combo of blog and slacker I could come up with. Unfortunately the only one my Summertime Brain could come up with is Blacker. So, sorry to all of you faithful blogging friends out there who are not blackers... things have been busy around the Holmes Home.

Erika is doing great. She is a cheerleading/dance camp this weekend for her UNCG girls. She still cannot be stopped, I can only hope to contain her.

Mia has got to be the cutest little baby waiting to be our daughter there is. She is very active right now, just like her Mamma, and likes to kick Daddy in the face when he is saying family prayer at night... just like her Mamma?

I'm doing very well. I'll be trying my hand at teaching English 9 and 12 this year at Ragsdale, and I've been hanging out with the Golden Vlazny all week becoming good buddies with Caden. I even got to babysit for about a two hours yesterday and we had a great time.

Erika will have some more to post about soon. I will try to get her to stop long enough to do that soon. Love you guys.

Singing Kids

2008-06-30T15:35:00.002-05:00

Here are our nieces and nephew singing one of Grandmom's favorite songs:)

My Growing Tummy:)

2008-06-21T17:12:00.003-05:00

Different family members have asked to see my growing tummy so below is a slide show of my progress:) I waited so long because I thought it would be more impressive if you could actually see a difference. I am currently in my 25th week so as I continue to grow I will add to the album until it's complete and Mia is here!!!

Enjoy!

On Writing...

2008-06-18T11:26:00.003-05:00

So, two days down in my summer vacation, two days closer to my book being finished. Don't any of you go getting your hopes up too much. I still have a loooooooong way to go. But, my goal is to write 2000 words a day for the remainder of the summer, roughly 3 single spaced pages. So, in the last 2 days I have written over 4,100 words and I'm feeling good. I decided, while I'm writing to give those interested a little taste of my adventure story in the form of a picture detail of my main character Mychal. This is an origional pencil sketch by my great friend, Oren Ralph. He's an amazing artist, and I'm very lucky that he has a lot of interest in my story and drew this from my descriptions to help to motivate me. A character that looks this cool is just begging to be written about don't ya think?

That's the face of determination.

I've got a bunch of pics to post in the near future, so stay tuned.

A Poem for Mia

2008-06-02T20:20:00.005-05:00

I'm usually pretty ridiculous. I know. I try to be witty and look at things from a slightly different perspective. But, every once in a while I get serious and do things that are a little more meaningful. Last week, I taught a mini lesson on Greek lyrical poetry to my sophomores. As my assessment for this quick unit, I had my kids try to write their own lyrical poem about someone or something that is important and personal to them. I decided, while they were writing, I would do it too. Here's what I came up with, a poem for Mia.

You May Forget to Remember

You may forget to remember,

But I loved you long before

I ever knew you.

When you’ve grown

And let go of the simple trappings of youth,

And put aside your childish things,

Hair bows and princess evening gowns,

You may forget to remember when you’re mad at me

Because I’ve had to say, “No.”

But I’ve loved you since before

You could draw breath,

And I’ll love you still long after I’m gone.

I don't really consider myself much of a poet, but sometimes I get touched.

Registry Rodeo

2008-06-02T19:51:00.005-05:00

So, Last Wednesday, or Humpday, if you prefer, we decided to have an impromptu date night consisting of fine dining and shopping. We don't have to schedule date night yet since Mia has not yet arrived, so we like to just go sometimes without really planning all the details.

The evening started with a bang as we both got home from work without wanting to kill anyone, and we were in great moods. So I says to Erika, "Ay, Yo Erika, yous wants ta go for a ride?" (Jersey accent added for spice.)
"Why I sure do my handsome husband. You are just the greatest and most gorgeous man on the planet," she says. (Okay, so maybe I'm paraphrasing a little.)
With that we hit the road. First stop, food. Can you believe we got seats at Arby's at 5:00 pm with no reservations? It's good to be loved.

Fine dining at Arby's. None but the best for my Puddin'.

After the wonderful feast provided by the gourmet chefs at our local Roast Beefery, forces conspired against us to prevent us from the second part of our date, a shopping spree to end all sprees. We walk out of Arby's and get in our chariot to drive to the store and I turn the key. A series of clicks from under the hood told this car wiz that something was wrong. So, I get out, open the hood, and tell Erika to try to crank it up while I stand there peering into the nether regions of the engine like I know what I'm doing. She tries fire it up and, sure enough, more clicking. So we immediately resort to our contingency plan which is... calling Mom.
Luckily Rhonda, my favorite mother-in-law, was on her way home from work and was able to pick us up and take us home to get our other high performance vehicle. We drive back to Arby's and I do the only other thing I can think of and try to jump the Honda. Luckily, it works and I end up looking like a genius. We take the car to Autozone and get the battery checked and it's bad, but it's under warranty so we only have to pay $20 for it, but I have to drive from High Point Rd to Guilford College Rd to get the right battery.

The fruits of my labors. Isn't it a thing of beauty?

Finally, undeterred, we arrive at the shopping location of choice, Babies 'r' Us. While wandering around the store registering for all kinds of stuff for Mia, we were under constant assault from vicious hoards of ninjas who, apparently, have nothing else better to do but mess with us. However, little did they know that we are each class 5 marksmen with our super awesome scanner blasters. We made short work of both the registry and the ninjas.

We can't be stopped. Why do they even try?

The ninjas are masters of stealth. If you can't see them, I can't help you. But, believe you, me, they're there. Don't be mad just cause you can't see them.

This post was written to the soothing strains of Ben Harper.

Jerms' Weekend Without Erks

2008-05-27T20:52:00.009-05:00

For Memorial Day weekend, Erks had to go away.
Jerms was sad.

No matter what he did, He just wasn't happy allllll weekend.

Playing video games, he was sad.

Eating NY Strip and corn on the cob, he was sad.
(Although it did help a little.)

Reading books, he was sad.

Even sleeping with the penguins, he was sad.

But, finally Erks got home!!!!!
(Acutally quite a bit earlier than she was posed to!)

We made it in time for a cookout with Shalyen and Ben at Mike and Shelley's, and everything was alllllllllllllriiiiiiiight!

I love my Erks.

Lord of the Cribs

2008-05-27T16:59:00.019-05:00

One crib to rule them all
One crib to find them
One crib to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them
In the land of Nursery when babies lie.

This is a story about cribs and other baby things.

Life was good to Benli Miles and the Holmes's. Erikaladriel was pregnant with little Mia, and Benli and Jeremyagorn had become fast friends, hanging out often and stamping out terrorism one virtual terrorist at a time via XBOX Live. However, unbeknownst to any of them, their good fortune was fated to change.

You see, the crib changed everything.

It was a Friday night like any other. Benli and Jeremyagorn had finished their workout and had returned to the house to perform what seemed to be a simple chore to make Erikaladriel's week. Who knew there was an evil so malicious lurking in the depths of a large card board box that had been festering in the basement for a fortnight.

(Cue Sinister Music....Duh duh duh duhhhhnnn!)

Never has there been a crib so nefarious.

At first Jeremyagorn and Benli were stymied by the criptic runes which accompanied this ominous artifact out of it's cardboard tomb.

It are hard too read stuff.

Jeremyagorn soon set about the task of unleashing the power of the crib by opening up all of the little gibblets.

Huuuuuurrrraaaaghhhhhh!!!!!

But, it was no use. The warding magic was too strong and Jeremyagorn did not know the elven word to open it. Benli however had another plan.

"Hold still..." Benli said.
"You have done this before right?" Jeremyagorn inquired.

After reattaching his left ear... and a couple of fingers... The work was well underway.

Good thing there was an Allen wrench to reattach that ear.

Halfway through, the tension grew palpable.

Back to work, but there was treachery in Benli's eyes.

Oh snap!! What did I say??

Benli had the drop on Jeremyagorn and a life and death struggle ensued. After several cunning strikes by Benli were parried, Jeremyagorn was able to regain his weapon.

They waged war with such ferocity the very house shook with every strike.
For hours they fought.
Jeremyagorn began to tire as Benli was fortified by the power of the crib.
His onslaught redoubled as Jeremyagorn finally made his fatal mistake.

At last, Jeremyagorn was left defeated.

The crib stood silent but within the depths of it's evil sentience, it was pleased.

Thanks Benli.

Nursey Ryhmes

2008-05-14T12:38:00.006-05:00

So just a quick note on how dorky or just darn cute Jeremy and I are now that we are preparing for parenthood.

My mother-in-law got me a nursery rhyme CD to play for Mia for Mother's Day and so I decided that I would start listening to it so I could sing to Mia on the way to work. It was really fun and the songs are really jazzy...ha! Being the dancer that I am I could totally see a group of 3 year old kids doing a acrobatic/dance routine to the version of Humpty Dumpty on the CD. Anyway, Jeremy and I were on our way to our friend's house for dinner Tuesday night when I thought I would let him listen also and it was fun times from there. Both of us went crazy singing parts and dancing! I am sure that the people in the cars next to us were wondering what was wrong with us, but we didn't care:) It was all for Mia!

Sooo...

I just wanted to share this moment because it's is one of the many reasons I love my husband so much. He allows me to be silly and he joins in the silliness with me and it makes for lots of laughter in our home. I'm sure when Mia gets here she's going to get a kick out of her mommy and daddy because we can be downright dorky sometimes:)

Toodles!

Mother's to-be Day!

2008-05-12T16:32:00.005-05:00

I had so much fun for Mother's to-be Day/Mother's Day:) On Saturday Jeremy made a wonderful breakfast for me, my mom, mother-in-law, and and sister-in-law. He wouldn't let anyone lift a finger and it was sooooooooooooo worth it. I don't have pictures of that part of the day because it's on my old camera and I don't have the proper equipment to get those pictures downloaded. However, the omelets were beautiful! We all felt as though we were eating at a gourmet restaurant. Before we ate, Jeremy gave a wonderful prayer and it made each of us feel as though we were the most precious woman on earth. I love my Jerms!

He also got me a card that was pretty and purple:) I asked him if he was boycotting pink and he kind of said yes. We aren't really pink people, but I have definitely started to like it more since we got pregnant and even more since we found out we're having a girl!

On Sunday, we got up to go to church and when I came out of the bedroom Jeremy had made some cinnamon rolls that I mentioned wanting the night before (yum). We NEVER eat breakfast before church so this was huge.

Jeremy and I really want Mother's Day and Father's Day to be more about the small things and spending time with family...not about money. I was very pleased with the entire weekend and I am looking forward to many, many more Mother's Days to come.

I love you Jeremy and thanks for one the best days of my life!

Me (19 weeks preggo) and the bestest guy in the world...my hubby, Jeremy aka Jerms:)

The results are in...

2008-05-07T20:33:00.004-05:00

We are having a...GIRL!!!

We have decided to name her Mia Elizabeth and we were so excited to see her today. She already steals our hearts and she's so calm and for those of you who know me, you know that this is AMAZING because I am anything but calm. We are now on a mission to get things ready for Mia and to get to know her better:)

We'll be back soon with some ultrasound pictures and to report on the latest with the Holmes crew.

Toodles!

Sorry

2008-04-06T13:53:00.003-05:00

Hey guys! I am sorry we haven't posted in a while. Since we found out we were preggo we have been chillin' out. Up until last week, during spring break, I haven't wanted to do anything but come home and snuggle up on the couch. I am so glad I'm out of that funk and that I kind of feel like myself again. We are 14 weeks pregnant and things are going well:) I feel like I should be planning and purchasing, but I'm not showing that much and somewhere in my mind I've decided that showing equals having the right to shop for a baby. I think next month, after we find out if it's a boy or girl, we will start to actually nail down when we're going to go purchase our nursery furniture. Right now I just knit my blanket and read my Baby Bargains book to pass the time so that I won't go to Baby's R Us every spare moment I get:) I know, I know...I am a first-timer and I'm proud!

Well, I promise I'll get better at blogging consistently.

Have a great day!

We're Expecting!!!!

2008-02-01T17:05:00.000-05:00

We just wanted to share our news with everyone and let you know that we are expecting a little baby Holmes!!! There are no cool stories as to how we told everybody...sorry. We were so excited that we just made phone calls and sent an evite announcement so that everyone could know at the same time:)

It's early so please keep us in your prayers!

Tag...I'm It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-01-31T22:49:00.000-05:00

How long have you been together? 1 1/2 years
How long did you date? 10 months
How old is he? 29
Who eats more? Jeremy
Who said I love you first? Me...although Jeremy doesn't remember it that way
Who is taller? Jeremy
Who sings better? I dunno
Who is smarter? It depends on the subject
Who does the laundry? Jeremy washes and folds and I put it away after we leave it in the basket for 3 or 4 days
Who does the dishes? Jeremy because growing up it's the one thing my stepdad would make me do so I HATE doing dishes. However, when I'm in a mood and nothing seems clean enough I'm not above doing the dishes
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I sleep closest to the door so I don't have to hit the alarm when it goes off
Who pays the bills? Me.
Who mows the lawn? Jeremy...I've never used a lawn mower
Who cooks dinner? Me and Jeremy
Who drives when you are together? Jeremy
Who is more stubborn? Me
Who kissed who first? It was a joint effort. I gave the proper open communication signals and as he leaned so did I:)
Who asked who out? Jeremy asked me, but I couldn't because I had to take NC State to camp (I know...always about cheer and dance with me) but when I got home we talked for a couple of hours and he said, "I'd much rather talk in person if we're going to be on the phone this long." I said,"Well I told you an hour ago I wasn't doing anything." So basically he missed his cue to ask me if he could come hang out with me, but I still let him come over:)
Who proposed? He did on Friday the 13th! It's a very lucky day for us:)
Who is more sensitive? Jeremy
Who has more friends? We're about equal I guess
Who has more siblings? Jeremy
Who wears the pants in the family? We try to make things as equal as possible so we take turns depending on what needs to be taken care of in our family

I'm an Elf...ha!

2007-12-19T22:54:00.000-05:00

This is me and the coaching staff that I work with at UNCG...funny stuff:)

Thanks for making this Yemil;)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1493980120

It's Christmas at our house!!!

2007-12-18T16:37:00.000-05:00

Last year we had NOTHING for Christmas! We weren't sad though and we still enjoyed our time together, but I will admit having some decorations and a little $ to buy gifts has been nice. So enjoy the pictures and the fun little survey to get to know my Christmas likes and dislikes:)

The dining room table

The porch decorated!

The Christmas Tree:)

The mantel

The side table with my snowman bricks from last year's Super Saturday and the wreath

Entry way table welcoming our winter friends:)

Christmas Erika's Way

Wrapping paper or gift bags? A little of both. I like the variety.

Real Christmas tree or artificial (I like to say permanent)? Permanent. It seems cool to go pick out a tree, but even cooler to get your in-laws old permanent tree that's awesome! Plus I grew up on permanent so it's all good with me.

When do you put up the tree? In this year's case it was the second weekend in December so that my parents and in-laws could meet together and share in a little Christmas cheer:) In the future I would like to have it up the day after Thanksgiving.

When do you take the tree down? Jeremy and I sit with the tree every night and read our scriptures so we will probably keep it up as long as possible since this has become a sweet habit. So, basically sometime in January, but not exactly right after New Year's.

Do you like Eggnog? NOPE!!! Jeremy loves the stuff though so it will be on the shopping list this week.

Favorite gift received as a child? I loved everything I got as a child, but if I had to pick I would say the teddy bears that my mom and step dad would always give to me (unwrapped like it came from Santa) .

Do you have a nativity scene? No, but I would love to have the Willow Tree version.

Hardest person to buy for? My step dad because he's cool with anything. Should be easy right, but for me it's not because he can never tell me what he wants and I like giving people EXACTLY what they want so that I'm sure they like it.

Mail or email Christmas cards? I don't care how I get them because it shows that someone thought about me, but I like sending them to people too because like Jackie said, it's cool to get other things in the mail besides your bills.

Christmas movie favorite. Anything BUT the National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, but Jeremy's in the background telling how he likes it. So I guess I will check it out again this year. Seriously though I really like A Christmas Story and any of the cartoon Christmas movies or specials.

When do you shop for Christmas? November/December although I am going to try and buy all year in the new year so I don't stress out about what to get people.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I don't think so, but I would if I truly had something that I didn't particularly like, and it would truly make someone else happy.

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My grandma's macaroni and cheese and her dressing (actual squares so it's more like a bread) and just recently added now that I'm married...my mother-in-law's sweet potato casserole.

Clear lights or colored on the Christmas tree? Clear all the way. I think it's classic and since I have a symmetry issue colored lights would drive me crazy!

Favorite Christmas song? Hallelujah Chorus. We used to sing this every year at our high school Christmas concert with any alumni chorus members that wanted to do it. I should have done it this year since my little sister is a senior and is in the chorus:) There's also this other song called Fruit Cake that my chorus teacher taught us that's really cool. Everyone had a different hand held instrument to represent a Christmas sound and/or a sound like saying, "mmmmm" to represent a tasty treat . It was so much fun and we would sing it for the elderly in nursing homes and stuff like that. I need to try and find it recorded because it was soooooooooooooo fun!

Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay home:) We like relaxing and keeping things as clam as possible, but we have it both ways because all of our family is here in Greensboro or High Point. We don't want to start the habit of traveling so that when we have kids we will be used to keeping the "magic at home" as Jeremy's mom would say:)

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? If I tried I probably could, but I don't want to. My brain is off when I leave work and naming them would take too much energy:) However, I like Olive the other reindeer...ha! One of our nieces was telling somebody she liked Olive the other reindeer and they had no clue who she was talking about. But I guess if you're a little kid and you sing the song, "All of the other reindeer" sounds like "Olive, the other reindeer." I died laughing when I heard this story:)

Angel on tree topper or star? Neither. I love bows and I made my own from the lesson at our Relief Society party this year.

Open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? Christmas morning this year since we only have a few gifts under the tree. In the future, when we have kids, we want to open the sentimental gift we give one another on Christmas Eve in our room so that we are alone.

Most annoying thing about this time of year? How EVERYBODY is asking you for your money. If I'm going to give (and I do give) I will give. I don't need everyone at work asking me to be a part of a kazillion different things that cost money. I have enough people that I actually know and care about that I am giving to.

Favorite ornament theme or color? I am all about gold and red ornaments with white lights. My tree will always have this color scheme.

Favorite Christmas dinner? Same thing as my favorite thing to eat above:) Mmmm good!!!

What do you want for Christmas this year? At first I felt silly for putting this on here, but you're my friends so I'll be honest...a baby:)

Merry Christmas everybody!!!

Sweet November

2007-11-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

November is such a sweet month for the Holmes crew. My birthday was November 3rd, Jeremy's birthday was November 21st, and Thanksgiving break came right after that!!! We had lots of cake and other great food on both sides of the family:) I turned 28 and Jeremy turned 29 this year so get ready for the birthday bash for Jerms next year!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have fun decorating and planning for Christmas. I know we will since we actually have a tree this year:) Well, that's for another post.

Toodles!