Busy, Busy, Busy

Hi Readers!

It's been a busy time in the Lipsey family, but just wanted to write to say that we are doing well. Thanksgiving was a wonderful time, and we got to spend it with a lot of our family and friends here in central Arkansas.

Since then we've been trying to tidy up our office area and Russell's bedroom by getting rid of a lot of those never used items. It's been a LONG process -- we seemed to have collected a lot of stuff since college!

Meredith is doing well. Her newest favorite things to do are to say back the alphabet to you -- with a few ommisions ("W" is not a letter she likes to say) and to count with you as well. Yesterday, we were watching trusty Barry Brandt on the 5 o'clock news and she pointed and said "H" for the high pressure symbol on the screen. She then started saying "I" -- too bad there aren't any pressure systems that start with an I. So, I guess all that wheel of fortune watching has done her a little bit of good.

Baby Russell seems to be pretty content with his place inside momma belly. I've got another doctor's appointment today, so hopefully I'll have more news to tell soon.

Jonesboro Trip

Meredith and Rachel joined Dee Dee and Big Daddy on a work trip to Jonesboro last week. While Big Daddy did his attorney duties, the rest of us visited the nice Turtle Creek Mall. For a city that is surrounded by farm land for as far as you can see, it was a pretty impressive mall -- and the best part for Meredith was their inside playground. Below are some pictures from the excursion.

After shopping it was on to a very yummy lunch at Lazzari's, and then the trip back home. Driving through all the harvested rice fields reminded me of all the work I have done for Extension. Oh the memories....

Ducks say "Quack"

Meredith about to go "Wee"
Taking a little break on the toy turtle

Baby Russell's Baby Shower

Matt and I were so blessed to have a baby shower thrown for us for Baby Russell this past week. Thank you so much to Kevin and Kim, Gary and Jennifer, and Daniel and Laura for throwing such a fun party.

So, Kim -- and all those other second (third, fourth, etc..) children out there -- I have posted this blog for you, as well as our precious new baby, to let you know that you are special.

Catch Up Time

Hi Blog Readers!

Sorry its been so long since my last blog. As I have been telling people, Halloween has somehow morphed into a fall edition of Mardi Gras -- with about a week's worth of activities before the big Halloween night. The Lipsey family had a great time. Meredith was a pink leopard for the festivities, and seemed to have a good time at most of the festivities (well, except Boo at the Zoo -- don't worry the fried twinkie seemed to brighten her spirits).

Meredith and I also had a good time with the Nantze clan at The Wonderplace last week. Mauree, Miles, and Jonas met up with Meredith and me for some catching up and serious playtime. Let's just say God gave me a glimse into the life of having two boys, and I am thankful to not have to worry about boys climbing into the water table and wrestling with each other! Bless you, girl -- I don't know if I would have the energy for them! Mauree -- we had a wonderful time, and I'm so glad that you called to let us know you were coming into town!

Meredith at the PHBC Fall Festival

Meredith with friends Savannah and Jackson

Meredith with friends Brooke, Abby and Jack

Meredith sliding at The Wonderplace

Meredith and Jonas in a rare time together in the picture frame

Unhappy Meredith and Mom at Boo at the Zoo

Family Pictures from Tyler Weekend

Here are the pictures from our weekend in Tyler earlier in the month.

Last week was pretty uneventful. It rained and rained earlier in the week, so we were stuck inside. I helped out with Cattle check in at the Fair, Matt played bass guitar in a band for Race for the Cure, and we had dinner with friends over the weekend. Meredith got to see lots of "balloon balls" and flamingos on sticks as they passed by where the band was playing during the race. One walker even gave Ms. Meredith her own balloon, which provided a weekend's worth of entertainment all by itself.

Loving those Pumpkins

Here are a few pictures of Meredith at the zoo yesterday. The zoo is getting preped for the annual Boo at the Zoo celebration, and Meredith was hugging all the pumpkins that she could.

Wednesday morning was one bad morning for an area deer, as it went head first into the back door of our green car. Thankfully, Matt was driving alone -- and was so calm when he called to let me know what had happened. So, just a friendly reminder to watch out for our little fury friends as the temperatures start to drop.

Texas Trip

This past weekend sure seems like a whirlwind, and I am finally getting around to posting about our exciting trip to Tyler, TX for Sean and Kim Lowery's wedding.

My little sister came into Little Rock on Friday, so we left town on Saturday -- of course carrying more things than Napoleon's Army -- but none the less we got off! First stop -- manditory picture at Texas State Line. Here is your picture, dad:)

Back on the road, things went well (except for a little DVD player malfunction, and Little Einsteins not being able to be played at our toddler's every urge), and we even got to listen to the OU-Texas game on the radio. Got settled into the hotel (more OU-Texas game), and then went to the beautiful wedding.

Kim looked amazing, and the during the whole wedding she had the most geniune smile on her face. I can only imagine that Sean looked the same way -- but its hard to tell when he's totally turned away from you. Meredith tried really hard to be a good girl -- and even helped Joe out by "directing" him during his solos.

On to the reception, and it was, of course, beautiful. The country club has pictures of all the former Rose Festival Queens -- so it was neat to get to see all the different dress designs and elaborate flowers. Meredith made several new friends that night -- our little social butterfly -- but finally got pretty tuckered out when we took this picture.

We ordered a few pictures from the wedding photographer, so I will try to post those family pictures when we get them. Thanks to Sean and Kim for inviting us to their special day!

Interesting tidbit -- I have only been to Tyler one other time for a wedding -- but both of these weddings were at the same church and the same reception site. Everywhere we went we thought "I've been here before."

In other Lipsey news, we are officially MDO dropouts. Sadly, Meredith never really got over her separation issues, and the teachers didn't feel like they could do anything else to help her out. So, more Meredith and mom time for us. I'll just have to find more things to do (hopefully with other kids and adults) during the week to keep me sane! Baby Russell is about 10 weeks from his arrival date, and our doctor's appointment went well yesterday. I've gotta get busy on his room, and start doing more Christmas shopping! December will be here before I can blink an eye!