A Decade of Bliss and a Couple of Gifts!

Today, Bengi and I celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. WOW- Is all I can say! It has gone by so fast, but yet taken so long to get here. It is so hard to believe that 10 years ago, we exchanged our wedding vows at Hillcrest Baptist. When we left the church-drove to Nasville to spend the night before our honeymoon to Gatlinburg the next day. I will never forget walking in to the restaurant with my veil still on and the woman asking if we had just gotten married. "Yes, " we said. She replied, "Then what are ya'll doing at Burger King!" Yes-we went to Burger King on our wedding night. It was after 7 pm, rainy, chilly, and we were starving. I didn't care where we ate just as long as my stomach got full. It was now that I could eat as much as I wanted, because I didn't have to worry about that tight wedding dress anymore.

Our lives together have been very blessed. God put us together like a puzzle. Same likes, smiliar dislilkes-perfect match. I thank God daily for my husband. He is a wonderful man, after a little tweeking. (Just Kidding-still try every now and then) God has blessed us with 10 years of marriage and 2 gifts from above: Marleigh and Milly.

Thank you Lord for putting this man in my life. I thank you for the good times and the bad. The bad times-we learned from. The good times-we remember. Thank you for our times of rich (still waiting for, LOL) and poor. Thank you for our health and getting us through our sickness. Most of all, Thank you for the gracious gifts that you have blessed this marriage with: our daughters. I pray that we will be the parents you would have us be. Help us to love, cherish and teach them always about you. I only look forward to see what lies ahead for the next 10 years. Amen

Bengi-Thank you for the past 10 years. I am so proud to call you my groom. I love you! Happy 10th Anniversary!

Tara

Pictures!

Milly Bug!

Cheese!

All I want for Christmas is . . . EVERYTHING!

Our Gerber Baby!

Marleigh is sponge rollers night before Easter!

Little Pee pot!

Priceless!

Always posing!

Milly birthday party-cake was so far up her nose, I had to use Q-tips.

Precious, Milly Bug!

Marleigh's Birthday party!

Watch out, Charlie's Angels!

Still Kickin!

Hello, there! Yes, we are still alive! Life is so hectic! A LOT has gone on since my last post! So I don't even know where to start!

I will start with my big girl. Marleigh turned 6 in January and it so tall now. She is 4'2'' and weighs 69 pounds. Yes-We grow them big! Marleigh is playing softball this spring and is doing better. She is such a girly girl. If the ball nix her- she cries. I do believe I use to be that way, so there maybe hope for her yet. Marleigh is loving her Kindergarten year; however, doesn't like getting up early to go. I have to wake her around 5:30, so I can understand her being tired. She is learning how to read. It so awesome to see how much she has learned this year. Good job teachers!

Next, baby girl: Milly is getting so big. She turned 1 on March 26th. It is so hard to believe. It seems just like yesterday when she graced us with her presence. Oh, how time flies. At her checkup, she was 29 inches long and weighs 23 pounds. She is crawling now and will stand on her on for about 10 seconds. Once she realizes what is going on, she falls to the floor or grabs on to something. She is saying-Mama, Daddy, JB (our dog), sissy, Uh-oh, and baby. Milly is no longer on formula or baby food. Thank you, Jesus. It is helping my wallet out just a bit. Notice I said, "Just a bit." She is in a world of discovery right now. It is so amazing to watch. She has also discovered what her teeth are for-BITING! She loves to bite me on my shoulder and laugh. She gets a spanking almost daily. Milly is going to be my problem child, while Marleigh is my angel.

Well, there are so many other things I need to share but my fingers are cramping. I will try to do better, though. Summer break is coming up and should be able to post more.

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love
Tara

Hello, Again!

I know what most of you are thinking: What is wrong with her? She never puts any pics on here. Life is SO BUSY! Oh, well-No excuses! Here are the latest pics of the girls. I will try to put a video of Milly eating her supper on here. But sometimes, it doesn't work. She does the funniest thing with month-chops like she is chewing her food up. Enjoy! Lots of love to everyone!

We're Still Here!

Hey, there! We are still here! School is back in full swing. It has been hard getting back into a routine. Marleigh started kindergarden this year. WOW! Time flies! She absolutely loves it. I really like being able to check in on her every day as well. She loves her teachers, classes and art. (GT art-that is :-) She is growing like a weed. She is so tall and is wearing size 8 pants. She is definitely my big girl. Since school has started there are so many funny stories that her teachers have told me about her. She is such an awesome child with a mile long personality and sometimes too much attitude. :-) She acts so grown.

Milly is growing as well. She is such a happy baby. Milly smiles at everyone. She has found her hands and her feet. It is so funny. She will just look at them-like what are you and what do you do? She has also gotten her first tooth. It finally came in 2 weeks ago.

Please pray for her. She has had 2 ear infections in a month. The doc wants to wait until she is 9 months old to go to the ENT. Pray that she will not have to.

Just a quick note to let you know that we are still here and doing well. Love you all. Have a blessed weekend.

For some reason, my pics are not downloading correctly. Will try again tomorrow! Sorry!

Until next time- Live, Laugh, Love
Tara

I need a MAID! ...and a COOK!

You people wear me out!
Even during a game, I can always say "cheese!"

Put your dukes up!

Oh my, I didn't think it would be that loud!

What is going on?

Well, it is 5:00 and I am just now done with all of my housework, except my laundry. Why can't it just fold itself and put itself up in the drawers? If only it was that simple.

This summer has been wonderful. We have played t-ball, gone swimming, chucke cheesing, jumping at the jump zone, and sleeping in. Of course, we have also spent most weekends at the ballfield. (Imagine that! :-) All of it comes to an end on Tuesday. It is back to school! Marleigh starts kindergarten this year and Milly will go back to daycare. The girls are growing so fast. Marleigh has lost 4 teeth and is wearing size 8 pants. (Chunky Monkey) Milly is 4 months olds and weighs 16 pounds and is 25 inches long. She is doing so much better at night. There for awhile, she was crying anywhere from 5-7 hours a night with colic. It was horrible. I was about to loose my mind. IF Milly would have been our 1st baby, we probably wouldn't have anymore. Everyone in the house is now in a better mood because she is a much happier baby.

Not much news to tell, just pictures to share. I will keep you posted on Marleigh's 1st day at school. She is excited, but nervous. She will be going to school with me, so I can keep a close eye on her.

Until next time - Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Goals for Tomorrow!

My goals for tomorrow include:
1. posting pics and updates on my blog for all of you that have thought I have fallen off of the face of the earth.
2. Laundry
3. Dust
4. Vacuum
5. Mop
6. Take care of my precious girls

All in a days work!

Guess Who Is Back!

Hi, all! Yes, it's me. Did you think that I had fallen off the face of the earth? No, not quite, but close. A lot has changed lately. We welcomed our 2nd child into the world on March 26th at 8:13 pm. Her name is Milly Anne. Labor and delivery went great, didn't feel hardly any pain. I had a tubal the next day and that was the worst. I would have had 3 babies over that anyday. I couldn't imagine having to have a c-section. The pain was tremedous.

Marleigh has ajusted well. I thought that she would be jealous, but actually she has been great. She is a huge help when she wants to be. I am having trouble with her attitude and her sassy mouth. Pray that I don't smack that mouth off of her. I am hoping that this is just a phase and that we all live through it. :-)

We had a scare with Milly. I got a call from her doctor 2 weeks after she was born, saying that some of her blood work can back abnormal. Th cystic fibrosis test was above normal and he wanted more blood work done and had to be sent off to Frankfort. I was so scared and was fearful of the future. With a lot of prayer, her results finally came back 2 1/2 weeks later with normal results. She was fine. God is good. All of the glory goes to him.

Now, we are dealing with colic and/or acid reflux. She is a very unhappy baby at times. It all starts around 9:30pm and lasts anywhere til 1:00am. All you prayer warriors out there, please pray for this to pass soon. It is very exhausting and you feel so helpless and hopeless. We have given her Mycelcon and Gripe Water-changed her formula and nothing seems to be working. I am going to try to take her to the doctor tomorrow. I go back to work a week from this Tuesday and something has to give before then.

All of these pictures are all old and I will post some new ones. I am sorry that it has taken so long to post updates, but I have been busy. I can't imagine why. :-)

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Eye Doctor for Kindergarten

Hello! Hope everyone is having a great week! This past Friday, I took Marleigh to get a physical from her pediatrician for kindergarten. Today, I had to take her to the eye doctor to have her eyes checked. She is so funny! She has a phobia about doctors-don't we all. She is so nervous as we waited in the waiting room-asking me all kinds of questions. Am I going to get a shot? What is he going to do?

So we get back to the room and the nurse comes in. Marleigh said, "I thought you were going to be a boy not a girl!" The nurse laughed and explained. Then she left and Dr. Bob came in. He examined her eyes, which were 20/20. Thank you, Lord! She didn't take after her mother there! She told him-you have gray hair like my grandpa. He about lost it. It was so funny. Leave it up to my child to remind someone how old they look.

It is so hard to believe that she is starting kindergarten this fall. I can't believe it. She is going to go to the school that I teach at, so she is not going to be able to get away with much. I feel sorry for teacher's children. Somehow, they have to live up to and act better than the norm.

Update on Pregnancy:

I went to the doctor this past Thursday. My blood pressure was down, which the doc was glad to see. I still have some swelling, as to be expected in this stage of my pregnancy, so he says. I go back this Thursday. Hopefully, he will be able to tell me more about when he thinks Milly will want to make her way into the world.

I have a lot going through my mind about labor, delivery, coming home, making time for 2, making sure that Marleigh feels just as or if not more important than before. All of these thoughts are streaming through my head and sometimes keep me up at night. Please pray, as I have asked before, that this transition will be easy for all.

Have a blessed and great week!

Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

High Blood Pressure and Kankles!

Stay tuned for a video from Marleigh. For some reason, it will not upload. I have tried twice. So check back later-hopefully, it will work.

Update on Pregnancy- Well, I have started swelling this past Monday. When I woke up Monday morning, all was well. But by the time I got home, I no longer had ankles-I had kankles. (For those who don't know-this is when your calf muscles go straight into your ankles with no curve at all. Your ankles are the same size as your calves.) The only time my ankles are normal is when I first get up in the morning. By 9:00 am, yes-kankles!

I went to the doctor today and my blood pressure was up, as well. This alarmed him due to my swelling. I have to go back next Thursday. He said that if my blood pressure was still high, he was taking me off of work. PLEASE PRAY that my swelling and my blood pressure goes down. I also asked the doctor if he thought I would make it another 5 weeks. He looked at me and just shook his head, "NO!" He said he wants to at least get me to week 37, which is only 2 weeks away. I am so nervous! He wants me to keep my feet up, but I have children to teach, laundry to do, supper to fix, and a nursery to finish! I know that it will all get done-I am just so anal and controlling. I feel so helpless, if I am not in control. This is where God comes in to help me with this interstruggle. Please pray that I can let go of all of the stresses of a mother, wife, teacher, and maid-so that I can prop my feet up to help the swelling.

Well-Hope all is well with you out there! Have a great and blessed week.

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Better Late Than Never! :-)

OMG! I look bigger than I thought. 34 weeks pregnant! Almost there!

My baby loves to eat!

What's food without dessert?

Hey, there! I am so sorry that it has taken so long for me to post an update on the Reynolds' crew. Well, let me start from after Marleigh's birthday-since this was the last time I wrote. As many of you already know, at the end of January we had a terrible ice storm. Many of the people in Kentucky were without power for extended periods of time. Thankfully, we were only without for 16 hours. We were out of school for 7 days, but many counties around us were out longer than that.

Marleigh is growing like a weed and is getting more excited by the day about Milly's arrival. At times, she has become a little twit. She is excited but is very aware that her days are numbered as being the only child. She is seeking attention because she knows soon she will have to share it. Please keep her in your prayers. She is such an awesome little girl, I just want this transition to go very smoothly and very easy for her. Please pray for us as well-that we will have patience and understanding for Marleigh as Milly comes into the picture.

Since last time, I have gone to the doctor several times. Again, sorry for no updates! I had an appointment this past Thursday, in which, I was there from 1:45 to 3:20. It wasn't fun; however, the doc said that everything looked great. I have gained 30 pounds, as you can tell-I'm sure. This is pretty good considering I gained 50 with Marleigh. My goal is to gain no more than 40. I know that sounds like alot but I can't give up my "Carmellos"candybar. No can do! I go back to the doctor in two weeks. After this appointment, he will start to see me every week. This is when it all comes to reality.

We only have 6 weeks to go and tonight we got our baby bed set up. Marleigh was so excited. I still have alot of rearranging and decorating before the big day, so we need to get moving. It is so hard for me to have to rely on others to help me do stuff. I am such a do-it-yourself kinda girl, that this has really tested my patience. I can't bend over much less to put my shoes on but to try to organize my closet, get stuff ready, clean, cook, and do laundry-well, let's just say that I sound like I have asma and definitely look like a beached whale.

Well, it is getting late and I need to go to bed. I will try next time not to wait so long before I post anything. Hope everyone has a great and blessed week.

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Happy 5th Birthday, Marleigh!

I find myself tearing up as I am posting this. Today, Marleigh turns 5. My-how time flies! I have reminisced all day long thinking about the day that she was born. I look at the clock to remember what was going on at that exact time 5 years ago. It is amazing how fast a child grows-mentally, physically, and emotionally. Marleigh is such a joy and an amazing part of our lives. Life wouldn't be the same without her in it. It is hard to imagine what we did and how we spent our time before she came. With everyday comes something different with her, something said, some different face, different gestures, and different Hanah Montana song. I am so blessed and thankful to God for putting her in my life and allowing me to be her mother. My prayer is to be a nuturing, caring, loving, and most of all Godly mother that I can be.

This past Saturday, we had Marleigh's birthday party at a local skating rink. She invited about 10 of her friends. They had a blast! They played so hard, some tried to skate, but most of the time they played on some play equiptment inside. It was so much fun! I even enjoyed myself, this place took care of everything-cake, ice cream cups, drinks, table cloths, plates, party hats, napkins, goodie bags, and pizza. Marleigh even got a t-shirt that everyone got to sign. All we had to do was show up! It very stress-free!

It is hard to believe that this year my precious little girl will be going to kindergarten. Before you know it she will be off to college.

Well-hope you all have a great week. Until next time - Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Merry Christmas!

Well, another Christmas has come and gone. We had a great one. Marleigh is at such a fun age for Christmas. She was so excited to see what santa had brought to her. She got all kinds of toys, clothes, and of course undergarmets. She also got a cupcake maker, which we just had to make two cupcakes as soon as our traditional sausage-gravy christmas breakfast was over. All while I was trying to fix my sweet potato casserole for our family Christmas in Princeton, while her daddy took a midmorning nap. Must I say-those cupcakes are horrible, but she could care less. The first one she gave to her daddy-he pretended to like it. THe second one was for her, but we put a candle in it and sang "Happy Birthday, Jesus". It was precious. Christmas eve was spent at Bengi's moms house, then my mom came over to spend the night. The next morning we did the presents ate breakfast and went to Princeton to visit and eat with my dad and the rest of the Tandy gang. On the way over, we decided to go to Louisville that night to see Bengi's dad. After we left Princeton, we went to Bengi's mom house to do the present thing. We racked up. We came back home to pack, house was left a mess from the morning and on we went at 6:00 pm to Louisville. We got there around 11:00pm their time. It was a very long day, but a fun filled joyous day.

We had a blast in Louisville. Marleigh's favorite thing was going bowling. Here is a video, absolutley precious:

(Mute the music at the bottom to hear)

Prayer Concerns: My uncle and his family, our economy, our new President

Praises: Everyone had safe travels over Christmas weekend, Jesus' birth, Milly kicking constantly, my bathroom getting fixed: Thank you, honey! :-)

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love tara

Recent and Miscellaneous Pics

No, I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I am still here. So sorry that it has taken me soooo long to post. Life has been pretty busy. We have gone Christmas shopping every weekend-I think that I am finished. Yee-Haw!!! We have gone to Opryland Hotel, and seen the Rockets. ( I highly recommend it! Marleigh was amazed and loved it!) We have gone to Pattie's 1880 Settlement to see Santa, which was a really neat experience. We have been out of school for the past 2 days due to about 1/2 inch of sleet/ice. Nice break, but this is messing up my maternity leave. I am feeling great, just fat-all nose and cheeks. I wish I was a lucky one that only my lips swelled at least I would look like Angelina Jo-Lee Pitt (I know I spelled her name wrong, sorry). But no I have to look like I have 2 noses on my face and balloons for cheeks.

I go to the doctor tomorrow morning for a check up. Milly is moving constantly. It is the most amazing feeling ever. It is a feeling that no one can describe. Bengi felt her move for the first time yesterday morning. It was quite special, but a man still can't appreciate that little flutter. Although, he did think it was pretty cool. Well, I'm pretty worn out and ready for bed. I will try not to wait so long until I write next time. Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love

Praises- my mother-in-law had a successful surgery and is recovering wonderfully

Prayer Concerns-my uncle and his prognosis

We are having ...

(You will need to mute the music at the bottom of the page to hear this video!)

The doctor said that everything looked great. A healthy baby that moved practically the whole time she was on the screen. She yawned and had the hiccups. It was so precious. She weighs 12 oz. They also moved my due date up to the 8th of April. So this week, I am officially half way there. Marleigh was ecstatic. She was so glad she wouldn't have to trade in her Barbie walkie-talkies. (As you hear in the video!) Well, all is well here! We are truly blessed. Hope you have a great week!

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love

Tara

Angels Rejoicing!!!

Today, the angels are rejoicing in heaven. I was sitting at the kitchen table when we had a knock at the door. Bengi said that Corky, Malic's dad, wanted to talk to me. If you remember a post back in June about Marleigh and Malic going to Bible School, well that is who I am talking about. Anyways, he, with tears in the corner of his eyes, came around the corner and said that Malic got saved this morning. He had gone to church with his aunt and realized that he didn't want to live without Jesus anymore. This was so exciting that it brought tears to my eyes. Glory to God! Anyways, I just wanted to share the great news that I had today. God does move and the angels are singing. Just pray now that this precious new christian can make a difference in his father's life. Keep Malic in your prayers!

On another note, we go to the doctor's office for our ultrasound to find out what the baby is. We are so anxious to find out. We can't wait! Well, Tuesday night check back to hear the good news.

Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love
Tara

Halloween Costume(s)

Marleigh, Halley, Hunter, and Hayden ready for the candy!

Marleigh's 2nd costume of the night!

Posing for the camera! What a ham!

1st costume of the night! I put this picture in here so all of you can see my baby bump!

Marleigh and Ganny!

1st costume!

This Halloween, Marleigh got to wear 2 costumes. It all started as her being snow white. She wore her costume to preschool for her party and took it off after. When I came to pick her up, we went to the bathroom to get her snow white costume on. When I took it out of the bag, I saw the rip around the waist, but I wasn't prepared for the eye-sore. When she put it on and turned around to get her shoes on, there was a huge split down the back of the skirt that was wide open and showed her panties when she walked. I asked her teacher for a stapler and stapled the back so that we could go to Ganny's and Auntie Marda's.

By the time, we got to Auntie Marda's after going to Ganny's the staples had all split again. So she had to walk into the nursing home exposing her back side. She did give the nurses a big laugh, though.

After we got home, we changed her into an outfit she had already had. IT turned out perfect. We went downtown for the trick or treating. Marleigh had a great time!

Humbled by a 4-year old!

Hey, there! Sorry it's taken so long for me to post. Stephanie W. told me I better get with it, so here i am. Yesterday was crazy. I had a normal day at school, parent-teacher conferences until 5pm, picked up Marleigh from my moms, ran home to change and thats when my girl brought me to my knees.

Malic, our next door neighbor that is in 4th grade, has been going with us to church on Wednesday nights. Recently, he and his dad have moved a couple of streets over. Marleigh didn't know at the time, ran up to his door to get him so we could go to church. Bengi told her that he moved. She said with a frown, "Who is going to go to church with me?" She stood there for a moment thinking. She took off running in the front yard to our other neighbor's house where Rashaan lives with his Granny. She knocked and knocked. When no one answered, she walked slowly to me and said, "I don't have any friends to take with me?" She wouldn't stop until she made Bengi call Malic's dad to see if he could come with us.

This humbled me so much. If I/we as Christians would be more like this precious child, there would be a lot more saved people out there. It is our duty as Christians to not only witness, walk the walk and talk the talk, but to invite others to church.

Even adults can learn lessons or be reminded of what is really important from a 4-year old.

Prayers-Election on the 4th, Matthew Litchfield, lost, Frensley Family
Praises-the weekend is almost here, God's creations, another day given to make a difference.

Have a great weekend!
Until next time-Live, Laugh, Love
Tara

4 Weeks Until We Find Out!

I had a doctor's appointment today. Marleigh went with me. I am trying to take with me to every visit, (unless there is an exam), so that she feels apart of the whole process. We heard the heartbeat today for the first time. Oh, what an awesome sound that was-a reassurance, peace of mind, a blessing. The heart monitor registered 158 heartbeats per minute. If I can recall, Marleigh had anywhere from 160-168 a minute. He said he guesses that it's another girl. But he said he was "only guessing." We would like to have a boy, but if a healthy girl it is-that will be fine, too.

We go November 18th at 2:30 to find out what sex the baby is. I will be counting down the days. It is so exciting. If it wasn't so convinent to find out the sex for preparation purposes, I would like to wait to find out. Life needs more exciting surprises. But I don't think I could hold out, though.

Well, all is well here. We had fall break last week. It was great times-sleeping in, visiting cousins, and did I mention sleeping in. I didn't get half of what I wanted to get done, but oh well. House work will not grow legs and walk away-I wish it would.:-)

Hope everyone has a great week! Until next time - Live, Laugh, Love
Tara

Home of the Ham Festival!

What's the Ham Festival if you can't ride a pig?
Marleigh and the Llama
Daddy and Marleigh on the $10 train ride.
Marleigh and Justin Reynolds(family friend) on a camel ride.
Marleigh wore this slide out this weekend. She went down it a hundred times!

Last year, she was scared of it! We are making progress!

This past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday was spent at our hometown annual Ham Festival. It started Friday morning when Mamaw took Marleigh while I was at school and she won the 4 year old girl tractor pull. She won a ribbon and $3, which she later spent on a fish pond game to win the all-famous horn, that some how got lost before we made it home. I don't know what happened to it. :-) She rode the rides and had a great time with her cousins Hunter, Jay, and Hayden. Then, Friday night Bengi and I took her back to the carnival. Plus, I had been thinking about a chicken gyro all day, so I had to get my fix.

Saturday, we went back with my mom and her dear friend, Retha. We ate, people watched, Marleigh rode more rides, and ate some more. I figured I'm pregnant-this is one weekend no holds bar. This event only comes once a year and I was going to eat like it wasn't coming back for 5 years.

Yes-Sunday, we went back to eat, ride more rides and watch the parade. My husband grew up with this festival and he has gotten tired of it, but I can't seem to get enough. I love the Ham Festival. The food is out of this world. Sorry, I keep talking about food. But, man, it was awesome.

This week we are on fall break. Our plans consist of resting, cleaning and resting some more. I hope to be able to take Marleigh to Chuckie Cheese. Also, we hope to go spend time with family and friends. (Beware-Rhea Anne and Angie-we are coming over) :-)

Hope everyone has a great week. God Bless!

Until next time - Live, Laugh, Love

Tara