Visit from the ATL Owings!

This weekend Jay's cousin Tripp and his family visited from Atlanta! They made the journey for Cole's Birthday Extravaganza and we are so glad they did. We have not gotten to spend much time with them in the recent years, so we had a lot of catching up to do. They have an 8 month old named Dock who is energetic and smiley just like Eli! Eli loved playing with Dock. It was such a joy to watch the boys interact and to have "mommy" talk with Tijen. Tijen is also a stay at home mom and we had so much to share with each other. I have really taken for granted the blessing I have of being surrounded by other new mommies. Thank you all for your wisdom and advice!!! It has made a world of difference in my comfort level as a new mom to know that so many of you out there share similar struggles!

Happy Belated Birthday Cole Bucket!!!

Okay, so I planned this big post for yesterday, but obviously it did not happen. So before I get ANOTHER day behind... Happy Birthday Cousin Cole!!! I cannot believe that you are now 1! We have so enjoyed watching you GROW and change this past year. You are such a blessed little boy and I know that you are already starting to discover what a joy it is to be surrounded by such loving family and friends! :)

So Kellye planned a wonderful Birthday Extravaganza weekend including an Italian family dinner with homemade ice cream (thanks Big Daddy Sam), as well as an incredible Birthday cookout for the entire Owings and Hinch families and friends! It was a large undertaking, but Kel was up to the challenge and it turned out fantabulously. Kellye also took this week off from work to spend with Cole (and to recover from the weekend, HA). So today we loaded up the boys, along with our friend Emily Belitz and her boys and headed to the zoo. We had a great time and the boys behaved so well! Eli even fell asleep in his carrier, allowing me to push Connard in the stroller for a few minutes (yes, I am so ready for #2). Great time, but I am exhausted! I love the zoo! Here's some pics from Cole's Birthday and I will post zoo pics later!

Cole and his AWESOME whale cake that his Gramma Vic made

Cole was not shy in destroying his cake
All the kids were interested in seeing what great toys Cole got from all his friends and family
Sailor was so impressed with the ball popper (Jay was secretly plotting for Joe to go push the button to make the balls shoot out. Isn't he mean!!!)
All those toys and Cole is playing with a water bottle?
Keith said this is the last birthday party for at least 5 years!!!

It's Football Time in Tennessee!

It is my favorite time of year in Tennessee: FOOTBALL SEASON! This is the time when my favorite season (SUMMER) meets my favorite sport (FOOTBALL). This weekend we were 2 for 3... Kingston and Rockwood had wonderful victories, but TN unfortunantly lost in overtime against UCLA. It was a sad, sad moment at the Owings house. Here are some pics from the football weekend. Eli did make it through the first half of the Kingston/Harriman game, as well as the first half of the Rockwood/Midway game. He loved watching the band (uh oh), and of course he was in heaven being passed around at the Kingston game. Thank you so much Dianna and Karen for entertaining him and being so loving towards him. He loved the attention!

Eli was all smiles as we got ready for the game!

Eli was entranced by the Kingston band.

My boys in their "Kingston" orange! Go Jackets!

Isn't this too cute! All the boys and their babies! Joe and Sailor, Donnie and Maddox, Jay and Eli, Mitchell and Noah!

Alicia with Baby Maddox! He was oh so comfy!

My TN boys!

Noah in his UT orange!

Eli and Noah in a stare down!

Sailor was so frustrated with the game that she couldn't even watch!!!

I had to post this video of Sailor cheering on the Vols just for Aunt Heather! She was such a good sport and was wonderful halftime entertainment!

The "Spaz" attacks again!

Attention all budget moms!

Recently, I have been investigating some of these online baby product suppliers (diapers.com, etc) looking for the best deals on formula and diapers. Eli is now on Enfamil Gentlease (yes, he is a gassy baby) and we LOVE Pampers Swaddlers. I thought that if I could purchase these online in bulk they would be cheaper. So far... NOT! I guess you pay for the convenience of shipping directly to your door. Which is nice, but not necessary since I'm at Kroger or Walmart at least twice a week. Here are the best bargains that I've found so far. Please comment on your favorite bargains and share your experiences with us new moms!

So far the awards are:
Formula - Kroger!
Diapers - Walmart
Baby food - BeechNut at Kroger seems to be the best deal

Of course all formula moms must sign up for rewards programs! I bet I've received at least $100 in coupons from Similac and Enfamil! Nikki and I are trading coupons since Sailor is a Similac girl. :) I don't think Nestle GoodStart does any rewards.

Things you don't say to your wife!

This week our devotion subject is "communication". This video is a perfect example of how men/women communicate differently! Enjoy!


Things You Don't Say To Your Wife - Watch more free videos

Jesus Bring the Rain!

Eli is sleeping, I am blogging, and I just realized that it has started to rain! The first thing to come to my mind when I saw the sprinkling of rain was this song by Mercy Me and I thought I'd share it. Sometimes when we are struggling, it is easy to ask rhetorically "why God". Are we really interested in the answer? Or do we just need to express our confusion or pain? This song is a great reminder that "I know that there will be days when this life brings me pain, but if that's what it takes to praise You... Jesus bring the rain".

Thanks!

Thank you Michael and Katie for letting us come visit you in Birmingham! We had such a great time and were so lucky to spend so much time with Michael, as well as Katie and Josiah! We love you all and miss you so much!

Michael and Eli