Lil Mess Pot

This is my hopeful business name. I would like to soon have my own website and sell these items online. I really enjoy learning to make new things, and I have made all of these from 'scratch'. I haven't used any patterns, etc...I am self taught and just make adjustments as needed. I am trying to get the word out, so if you know anyone that might be interested please let me know. These have been huge hits at showers! Everything can be made to coordinate with room decor, diaper bags or just mix and match eclectic. Send me an email if you are interested. Thanks!!! sdchaplin@att.net

Baby Jack

Items include: (not all are pictured)

•Small wipes case •Large wipes case •Burp cloths •Bib •Tinkle tops •Onesies (Neck tie, Bow tie, Coordinating, Lace) •Baby pillowcase •Pillowcase dress •Cloth wipes •Baby sling

Back to Austin

We drove back after Hunter's party and went straight to a kick ball tournament!

Kickball, softball, volleyball...Braxton cheers for Daddy in every sport.

Sunday, June 22nd

Happy Birthday, Hunter!

Hunter's birthday party was today...his actual birthday is the 29th. I can't believe he will be 9 years old. Look at this cake - it's pretty cool, but the candles were forgotten. So, a good friend of ours went home to grab some. The options were to use pink (he has 2 girls - one is in the picture) or use 4 +3 + 2. We figured they could practice their math during the summer!

Piñata time!!!

Hunter Blayne and Hannah Bliss...my wonderful nephew and niece.

Hunter's favorite gift was from Mawmaw - a 'go' phone! Look at how interested Hannah and Regan are :) Hunter has already broken that phone in, as he called me twice yesterday and sent me 4 text messages. He is precious. I love you, Bubba.

Saturday, June 21st

Hunter had the second day of his tournament on Saturday, so we made the trip to Rowlett to watch him play. Although they lost, he was the only one with an RBI!!! I am so proud of him.

We then went to Garland to visit more family, Pops, Gammie and Megan. This is Megan with little man.

Oh, and we learned the strangest thing while we were there. Before we went to dinner, Gammie had to go feed the neighbors pets. I decided to go with her....they have 2 miniature horses!!!! Yes, in their backyard. Apparently in Garland you can have 2 of any pet you want. Isn't that crazy?

Friday, June 20th

We made it to Dallas/Rockwall on Friday around 10:30am. We were busy running errands, visiting family and friends, etc... I was able to meet and hold one of my dear friend's 2 week old little girl, Kiaya. She is absolutely beautiful. Yes, I am ready to start trying for another baby. :)

Friday evening we went to watch my nephew's first baseball tournament! A few minutes before the first game started, Braxton began clapping!!! This was his first time to ever clap, and boy did he love it.

Yea, Braxton!!

Busy

Sorry I haven't been able to blog much. This past week was crazy busy. I decided to volunteer at VBS with Austin Stone last week, and I worked in the nursery with the worker's children. So, each day we were worn out, and by the time we got home and napped, it was pretty much time for dinner and bed. The evenings were filled with dinner with friends on Monday, softball on Tuesday, workers at the house on Wednesday, errands on Thursday and we left for Dallas on Friday. I did some sewing and made my first pillowcase dress and baby sling. I will post all of my baby items a little later. Here is a shot of Braxton playing one afternoon - Bevo was just as tired as the rest of us.

I did happen to catch Braxton blowing bubbles during dinner one night, too!!!! The funniest part is the sneeze right when I am about to feed him. Unfortunately the camera cut off before I tried to feed him that bite again... he sneezed at the exact same time. It was like he was doing it on purpose. :)

Braxton in the raw

This is Braxton's everyday demeanor - curious and adorable. He loves to blow bubbles, but he hasn't allowed me catch that on video yet.

Father's Day

Ode to David

David is the most amazing father. (I knew he would be!) Witnessing his love for Braxton is one of the most wonderful miracles God has allowed me in my life. He is a gentle, loving, caring, giving, and accommodating provider, leader, daddy, husband and friend. There is no way I could describe the plethora of blessings I've received in the three years of our releationship. Watching him in his 'daddy' role is extremely rewarding, and I can't wait to experience all that God has planned for us. Braxton and I love you, David! Thank you for making us the happiest family. GOD IS GOOD!!!

All our love ~ Summer & Little Man

Softball Saturday

Before Braxton was around and when we lived in Dallas, David used to play in softball tournaments every weekend. Yesterday some friends from Dallas came to 'Austin' to play and invited David to join them. We were excited about this until we found out at 9 am that the tournament was in Marble Falls!!!! Obviously, not Austin. So, we packed everything up and drove an hour and a half so David could play. We enjoyed it - even in the heat. Here is Braxton hanging out (in his Texas chair of course) at the first of many tournaments, I am sure!

Shopping Spree

Most of you are thinking, oh no, she doesn't have the money for a shopping spree. Others of you are thinking, oh boy, what discount/consignment/thrift store did she find now. (You all know I only shop deals & steals.) I am going to surprise you with my news. I went shopping last weekend, ended up with 4 dresses, 7 shirts and a swim cover-up and didn't spend a dime! That's right...I spent no money at all. So, now you've figured it out. I received these items from someone. BUT WHO? Let me tell you.

Betty Chaplin :) Braxton's Grandma, my dear mother in law!!! Yep - I went through all of her old clothes - it was a blast from the past. She enjoyed going through everything as I tried them on and took what I wanted. Isn't she great!?! Here is my new/old wardrobe.

Family Reunion

Cloninger Family Reunion

Braxton & Pop Pop or Pops (my dad)

Russell (cousin) & (wife) Elizabeth My grandmother's family on my father's side has been meeting for family reunions for 61 years! It's always the first full weekend of June and it's always (in my life) been held at the same club house in Slaton, Texas. Of course we took Braxton this year so that we could introduce him to our extended family and so he could spend some time with his grandparents and Great Granny.

Kaci (cousin) & (husband) Lee

Braxton, Pops & Great Granny

This weekend he ate fresh peaches and chicken for the first time. He took his first shower, and he used a sheet in bed for the first time. We are so blessed to have such a happy baby that travels well and adjusts to every situation.

Braxton & Gammie (my step-mom)

Highland Homes

Before David and I moved to Austin/Manor, we visited the neighborhood of ShadowGlen. I saw a house online, and David just knew that was where we would live. We drove directly to the Highland model house, where we met Brian. He is the wonderful, sincere and fun guy who sold us our home. Today, Braxton and I went to visit him (across the street), and he gave Braxton a house!!!! Braxton loves it. I am thinking Highland should use these pictures for advertising. :-)

HIGHLAND HOMES...DEALS SO GOOD YOU CAN TASTE THEM!!!

7 months old

My beautiful blue eyed blond is 7 months old!

Rubber Ducky...

Little Man bathed all by himself in the sink on Saturday!!! Isn't he big? He just loved the duck, too & just like everything else-----it went straight to his mouth.

Manor Fellowship

This past weekend was the first monthly preview service for Manor Fellowship. We were so busy all weekend. The walk through was on Saturday, and afterward David & I had everyone (20+ people) over for a cookout. Sunday was the service! There were 50 people in attendance, which was an answered prayer. We realize there are areas that need improvement, but overall it was a fantastic preview. As a church, we continue to pray for financial provision, workers, protection, softened hearts, attendees, guidance and miracles. Our God is SO big, we expect and look forward to BIG things so that no man may claim or receive credit. Our God is an awesome God, and we give all the glory to Him. Please join us in prayer as we prepare for the next service July 6th.