Ridding The Train with Meme!

Today I got a special birthday treat! For my Birthday, Meme and I rode the train home from Charleston. I spent a few days with her this week in Charleston. While in Charleston, we played, saw the airplanes and fed the ducks. I had so much fun at she and Mel's house. I loved riding the train. We saw lots of neat things. When we got to the train station in Florence, Mommy, Daddy and Mel were there to meet us. What a fun ride!

HO! HO! HO!

This Santa thing is very confusing to me. I am just not wild about the the idea of a stranger comming into our house while we sleep. This isn't a good idea. I think the man needs to just go to Gaga's house and leave me stuff and toys there. I have had several opportunities to meet Santa these last few weeks. I am simply not interested in sitting on this guys lap. At the Joy Gift program at church, I did walk up (holding Mom's hand) and get a bag of goodies from him. That is as close as I intend to get. A few days ago, Sissy and Gaga took me with them to the mall. They tried to get me to go sit on his knee and tell him what I wanted for Christmas. They kept asking me how he was going to know what I wanted for Christmas. I told them I wrote him a letter and I thought that should work. While we were at the mall, I ran into my good buddie John Young. Seems John had just gone down and sat on Santas knee and told him what he wanted for Christmas. I thought to myself...if John can do it so can I. I discuss it with Sissy and Gaga and we decide that I am going to sit on Santas knee. As we walk towards the center of the mall (the red suit came into sight) I feel that yucky feeling in my gut again. Oh no....I just can't do it. Just infront of JC Penneys, I stop dead in my tracks, close my eyes real tight, while maintaining a death grip on Gaga and Sissy's hands. I ask Sissy "Can he see me?" When she replys "Yes." I say pretty loud so he can hear "Santa- forChristmas I want a Dora Car, princess stuff a watch and a squishy thing! Okay?" The people in the mall were laughing at something. Gaga and Sissy were laughing really hard...I guess, Santa must have done something funny when I had my eyes closed. I don't think I am going to be sitting on his lap anytime soon!

Mary Catherine, Dora & Swipper

Today we headed home from Disney. Traffic was really bad. We were on the big interstate and were going very slow. Daddy had driver stress...He doesn't seem to like sitting in one place on the interstate for long periods of time. While sitting in traffic, I decided that I was going to be potty trained and needed to use the rest room. Mommy and Daddy panicked and attempted to find a place to stop. After making a lot of turns and going down roads we have never been on before, Daddy was finally able to locate a place that looked clean enough where we could stop. Mommy was sound asleep so Daddy took me in. When I got in the restroom, I told my Daddy that I didn't "really" need to go potty but my (imaginary) friends Dora & Swipper had to go. My Daddy did not think it was very funny. He picked me up, tucked me under his arm and took me back to the car. Once we got to the car daddy said that from now on if Dora and Swipper needed to go potty they would need to wait until I have to go. Daddy seemed a little upset as mommy was laughing so hard she couldn't talk for about 30 minutes.

Dinner At Cinderella's Castle

Today I got a special treat. My parents & I had lunch as Cinderella's guest in her castle. We had a wonderful meal in the dining room and then after lunch we went down stairs and met the princess. How exciting! We also went to Ariels Grotto. Ariel and I hung out and chatted a bit. She is really pretty. Her grotto is groovy.

Day 6-Thanksgiving At Disney

What a magical day. We spent Thanksgiving at Disney World. This morning we went to the magic kingdom. We had lunch at Epcot. It was YUMMY! We enjoyed watching the parade and fireworks at the Magic Kingdom in the evening. I was afraid of the fireworks so we got on the fairyboat and watched the fireworks from there. It was so nice to cuddle up with my Mommy and Daddy and watch them together.

Day 5- Dinner with the Princesses in Norway

Tonight we went to a special dinner with the Princesses at the Norway pavillion in Epcot. The food was not that great but we saw, Ariel, Jasmine, Belle, Sleeping Beauty and Mulan. It was so much fun. I wore my Snow white Dress. Sleeping Beauty came and gave me a kiss on the head. They all signed my autograph book. I loved this dinner and wish we could eat here for every meal.

Day 4- Animal Kingdom

Today we went to Disney's Animal Kingdom. We saw lots of neat animals. We went on a safari ride and the animals came right up to the car. We saw a funny show called Bugs Life. The parade was really neat with all of the animals and all of the disney characters. I touched a lizard. My Mommy ran the other direction. We saw Stanley from the disney channel and we rode on a train. It was a fun day at Animal kingdom.

MGM Day- Day 3 Disney Trip

Opps...Gaga has a stomach virus. She stayed at the condo this morning but she went with us for the afternoon. Mommy, Daddy and I went to meet Aunt Flo & Uncle Jay at MGM. We went to Belle's Beauty & the Beast show. She is so beautiful. She is now my favorite princess. We did all kinds of neat stuff at MGM. I got my photo made with Pluto & Goofy. We went to a really neat Muppets show. I also got to see Jo Jo & Goliath. Donald Duck was really nice. We saw a great Stunt show from France. It had lots of fast cars and they did neat tricks. I got to see play house disney on stage. There we saw Stanley and Bear in the big blue house. We also got to see The little Mermaid show. She was so beautiful. We saw the Fantasmic show at the end of the night. That was really neat but loud. I got upset when the bad villains came out but at the end all of the characters came around on a BIG BOAT! I loved it!

DAY 2 DISNEY!

We finally went to see the PRINCESSES in the Magic Kingdom today. I wore my Cinderella dress. Mommy made me wear t-shoes. I wanted to wear heels. We watched Cinderella's coronation. I had my picture made with she and snowwhite! I have been getting all kinds of autographs in my books. I got to see Belle telling stories. I also saw Mickey & Minnie mouse! I love the carousel horses, peter pans flight, dumbo, and small world. I was not wild about snow white's scary adventures. I do not like the evil Queen. We could just do carousel and Dumbo rides over and over and I would be happy! I am having such a good time! It rained a little bit today but that didn't slow me down. I am not confident about the 3-D and 4-D movies just yet. I am trying to do better with my potty training but, I get so excited that sometimes I forget. Uncle Jay moves fast. I like for him to push my stroller. He makes it zoom. Mommy can keep up with him but, Aunt Flo, Gaga & Dad are dragging behind.

Mary Catherines First Day at Disney World

We are in Florida for my first trip to Disney World. I am traveling with my Mommie, Daddy and GaGa. Meme and Mel were meeting us but Mel is feeling a bit under the weather. Gaga took their place and came with us. We are glad she is with us but we miss Meme and Mel. When we were on the way, Aunt Pam called to let us know she and Uncle David weren't going to be able to join us either. Uncle David has to work. Bummer, I am gona miss them. Aunt Flo and Uncle Jay Vinson have been in Florida since Wednesday. They have been staying at the Ritz Carlton Hotel. Aunt Flo had a conference on Social Security Law. Uncle Jay is a family court judge (goverment employee) so he wasn't here for the conference. He has just been chilling out waiting for me to arrive. My Aunt Flo and Mommie call Uncle Jay "Mr. Disney" because he is an expert and knows all of the "ins" and "outs" of Disney World.

Last night we drove to Jacksonville Florida and spent the night. This morning we drove in to Orlando. Tonight, we are staying at the Double Tree Castle Hotel. Our hotel looks like a huge large pink castle. Once we got checked in, we went over to Epcot to meet Aunt Flo & Uncle Jay. My very first ride was Spaceship Earth. I didn't like it very much. When I got off the ride, I asked Aunt Flo and Mommie where all the princesses were? Aunt Flo said this is the last time, she lets my Uncle Jay be incharge of ride selection. So much for "Mr. Disney"! After purchasing my first autograph book, we went over and met Figament. I also went to see my first movie in a theatre. The movie was about conservation and recycling. Some of my friends from the Lion King were in the movie. For supper we went to the French Bistro. I was so good in the restaurant my Mommie was very proud. My favorite thing was when the waiter made the crepes catch on fire (flambay)! WOW! After supper aunt flo took me to the French exhibit where I created a mask and gaga bought me a french hat. Uncle Jay and I played in the fountain. We all went and watched the fireworks show at Epcot. I love the pretty colors but I don't like the loud noise. I covered my ears.

THE WIGGLES

Today we went to Columbia to see the Wiggles. Mom, Dad Jen Jen and Gaga went with me. We had so much fun. We saw Jeff, Murrey and Anthony. Greg was sick so they had a substitute for him. They came in in the BIG red car. Dorothy, Wags, and Henry were there dancing and singing. There was one wiggle dancer that entertained the adults. The adults said he definately had ADHD. We danced to the D-O-R-O-T-H-Y the dinasour song, the good ship feathersword, and the Quack! Quack! Quack! Quack! Cockadoodado! song. I love Jeff he is my favorite wiggle. He kept falling asleep and we would have to scream WAKE UP JEFF! We saw my friend Robbie Jordan and his parents at the concert. It was definately worth the trip to Columbia to WIGGLE!!!!

Riley Barfield's Birthday Party at the Fire Station

Today was Riley Barfield's 3rd Birthday. He had a party at the Florence Fire Station. The firetrucks were big and red. Mommie was christmas shopping so Daddy went with me. Daddy helped me slide down the fire poll and we checked out all of the trucks. All of my buddies were at the party: Robbie and Taylor Jordan, Tallon Goff, Baine Avant, RJ Lee and of course Riley Barfield. We ate pizza and cake in the firehouse kitchen. We also got to watch a movie about fire safety. I loved everything except when the fire man put on their hats and hoods. That was scary to me. Daddy explained to me that I shouldn't be scard of the firemen and they were there to help people in fires. Regardless of what Dad says, I was just not very confident and decided I would rather have Daddy hold me. Hopefully, I will have the chance to meet another fireman soon and maybe next time I will not be so afraid. It was a fun day at the firestation! Happy Birthday Riley!

We are having a BABY!

Okay-- I have decided to give up on Mom and Dad getting me a baby sister from Walmart. Tonight while in the tub, I poked out my tummy and announced that the baby in my tummy was just kicking and jumping around. My mommy and daddy said "WHAT?!!!!!???!!" "Yes," I told them (as I rubbed my belly like Aunt Sissy) ..."The baby sister in my tummy is just jumping around in there!" They were so proud! LOL!

Our First Day of Ballet Class

"I am going to be a ballerina when I grow up!" Mary Catherine Rawlinson. I love to dance and I have been asking my Mommy and Daddy to let me take ballet classes for a few months. They finally found a dance company that would take me for lessons even though I am not yet three years old. My teacher is Ms. Tina Hathcock at showbiz studios. Her mother, Mrs. Patsy Hathcock was my Mommies dance teacher. I will have class every Monday from 5:45 -6:15pm. We are dancing to all kinds of songs. Jeramiah was a Bullfrog is my favorite dance song right now. I love doing the butterfly and pretending to be a frog. I love to jump! Our annual show case will be June 3rd. After my class, Mommy , Sissy and Gaga took me to Redbone for supper. They then took me to K-mart to get a pink and black dance skirt to wear over my leotards and tights. I am very excited about dance class and I like the pink outfits best of all!

Well, Dance class was short lived...the next week I decided, that i did not want to be a ballerina. I refused to go back to class. Mommy said it is okay we will try again next year if I want to.

Disney On Ice

Jennifer Stroup (Jen Jen) and Celia Urquhart (Sissy) took me to see Disney on Ice at the Florence Civic Center. We had such a GREAT time. They bought me cotton candy, a snow cone, a program and a Sleeping Beauty Doll. I think I almost broke them! I loved seeing the Disney Princesses. They were all there skating and twirling around on the ice. I didn't like the shark from Nemo and the Whale from Pinochio. I covered my eyes when they came out! I called Mommie and Daddy on the cellphone as soon as the show was over. I told them every detail of the show. Thank you Jen Jen and Sissy for this fun filled night!

TRICK O TREATING 2005

This was my first year to go Trick or Treating! What a great time. Originally, I wanted to be Sleeping Beauty (not because she is my favorite princess but because she wears pink and that is my favorite color). I have a sleeping beauty costume but it is almost worn out from all of the love I give it. When we went to get my friend RJ a birthday present at Walmart, I found the perfect costume and just wouldn't leave the store with out it...I was going to be TINKER BELL! Walmart didn't have the crown, shoes and wand to go with the outfit so, we had to search high and low at all of the good stores until we located the balance of the costume. I wanted high heels. Mommy and Daddy made me watch Peter Pan to prove that Tinkerbell wears ballet shoes. Of course, I think she should wear high heels. Finally, after significant discussion on the matter, I agreed to wear ballet shoes. At school, we had a grand Halloween Parade & party. Gaga, Sissy, Mommy and Daddy came to see the parade. All of the children at school wore costumes and marched around the gym. My friends RJ and Tallon were red power rangers, Lauren was Snow white and Sam was an Army man. We wore our costumes to school. The teachers wanted us to stay on the line around the edge of the gym. That was a very hard thing to do. We had a big Halloween party at school and got lots of neat treats. Mommy and Daddy took me Trick or Treating when they got home from work. We went to Gaga's, Aunt Linda Stricklands, Sissys, Aunt Flo & Uncle Jay's, Jen Jen's Meme's house and Mrs. Bobbie McElveens. I got so many treats that my pumpkin was completely full! At the beginning of the night, I was a little shy and Mommy had to help me remember what to do. By the end of the night, I was banging on the doors screaming "Trick Or Treat!" It was so much fun, I wanted to wear my costume to school again today!

3 Year Olds & Musical Chairs

Whomever in the world came up with the game musical Chairs for kids should be shot! As many of you know, Mary Catherine goes to Central Methodist Mothers Morning Out. This is a program which I highly recommend and think is absolutely wonderful. However, I must share with you our most recent school discipline issues with Mary Catherine. The year Mary Catherine was born, I think everyone else in the world had boys. Until this year, her class has been all boys. Not that there is anything wrong with it but, boys are generally rougher playmates than little girls. To say the least, Mary Catherine fits right in with the guys! She pretty much bosses them around and tells them what they can and can not do. She is pretty bossy ( I have no idea where she gets this trait from-HA!). Well, to make a long story short, we were getting reports from school that Mary Catherine was being sent to "TIME OUT" on a pretty regular basis for pushing and shoving. We spent considerable amounts of time "discussing" this aggressive behavior with her and we tried every kind of punishment you can think of from taking the princess dolls to no princess movies. After a week of "Time Out" reports, we told her we would not tolerate behavior that hurt other people and if she did it again she would have to be spanked. The next day, Mother was to pick Mary Catherine up from school and if the teachers reported any problems she was to bring her to me at my office. I dreaded 12 noon. When I saw the white CTS pull up at the office...I almost wanted to cry. In comes Gaga with Mary Catherine following behind with her head hung low. Mother reports that she once again spent a considerable amount of time in the "TIME OUT" chair today. I sat her upon my desk and asked what in the world was going on? In the sweetest little voice you have ever heard..."Mommy, I shoved Riley." Break my heart and make me want to cry. Okay I asked, "what did I tell you was going to happen?" Lip poked out..."I am going to get a spanking." So, I take her into the conference room and she gets a spanking. I feel like dirt but I had promised. I decide the next day, I am going down to the school and observe. So at 10:30 am, I head to MMO. When I arrive, I go to the observation window but the teachers know I am there. I see all the precious little 3 year olds playing, singing and laughing. Then Mrs. Patricia says..."Now it is time for Musical Chairs." She lines the 3 year olds up and sets out the chairs in a straight line. The music starts. The kids begin to walk. The music stops. Panic sets in as several of the 3 year olds want the same chair. They are pushing and shoving and tackling...It is awful! This continues for 5-6 more times. Then I see it about to happen. As chairs disappear...Fear is setting in. At this point Mary Catherine is in the middle of RJ Lee and Robbie Jordan. RJ is in the front and Robbie is in the back. The music stops as Mary Catherine is rounding the end of the chairs. RJ continues to the other end and Robbie takes a seat in the last chair. Mary Catherine turns, puts her hands on her hips and looks at Robbie as if you say "HOW DARE YOU TAKE A LADIES SEAT!" and shoves him right out of the chair on to the floor as pretty as you please and sits down in his chair. Of course, she was immediately disqualified to the "TIME OUT" chair. It was a sad moment for this Mother. I immediately knew the feeling she was having...Being "OUT" and "NOT THE WINNER" and in her mind failing! It was an awful feeling, I remembered from my childhood. I knew what I had to do. I waited until her "TIMEOUT" period had passed and I went to the door and got her for the day. I told the teachers I had seen what had just transpired. I assured them it wouldn't happen again. She and I were going to go have a "talk". Mary Catherine and I went to lunch and we talked about "winning, losing and how we play the game." We also talked about being "OUT". We learned that afternoon that being "OUT" didn't mean we weren't succeeding or that we were failing. It is funny, I remember having this discussion with my Dad some 30 years ago...Mine came when I showed a horse, lost and then acted like a bad loser. I am sure this isn't the last time I will have this discussion with my daughter but, I hope she learned "it matters not if you win or lose, its how you play the game that really matters!" If she can carry this with her, she will be okay for the rest of her life. Stephanie

Mary Catherine has 2nd Laser Surgery on her Birthmark

Last night Kevin, Mary Catherine and I traveled to Charleston, SC and spent the night at the Hampton Inn on the Ashley River. Mary Catherine was fascinated with the river and the things that live in it. This morning she had laser surgery at 7am at the Medical University of South Carolina. This was the second in a series of treatments they will be doing to the birthmark on her face. She was a very brave little girl. She rode in a red wagon to the operating room. Her doctor was Joel Cook. Mary Catherine likes him because he has a BIG watch. He says Mary Catherine is a very good little girl and the procedures are going very good. Dr. Cook is a laser surgeon specializing in dermatology. Mary Catherine was not in the operating room more than 15 minutes. They did not even put a tube down her throat. They simply gave her a little bit of gas to put her to sleep. She has some patchy bruising around her nose and eyes. We were in the recovery room approximately 1 hour. While there Aunt Pam and Uncle David came in to check on us. There was another little girl in the recovery room with us. She was crying very loud. Mary Catherine went to talk to her to see why she was crying. Dr Cook says the bruising should clear up with in a week. Our next appointment with Dr. Cook is on October 31st. At that time, we will evaluate the situation and decide on any further course of treatment if necessary. On the way home from Charleston, we stopped by for a visit with Pop Pop Rawlinson. Then we went by Toys-R-Us to purchase the new sparkling Cinderella doll. While there Meme & Mel Wright called to tell us they were getting off of the interstate and wanted to meet us. They came and met us at Toys R Us. We had a nice visit.

Aunt Flo & Uncle Jay

Flo and Jay Vinson are my godparents and my parents good friends. They aren't my real Aunt & Uncle but, I love them just the same. Uncle Jay is a family court judge and Aunt Flo is an attorney. Uncle Jay likes to play fun games and stomp around the house with me. Aunt Flo likes to blow raspberries on my tummy. Tonight, I had a great time at their house. We ate supper and played in the fountain on their sun porch. I like to put my fingers in the water and plug up the holes so the water stops. They have a giant pool in their bathroom with colored lights. It has a waterfall faucet. Uncle Jay let me play in it. I made a picture for Aunt Flo with my finger paints. She said she would hang it next to their Blue Sky. Uncle Jay colored a picture of a red bird with me. It has red and blue stripe wings.

Uncle Jay and Aunt Flo always bring me neat presents from their travels. They brought me a little red riddinghood plate from France, a caddy bear from the masters, a music box from Russia, a hard rock t-shirt from Madrid, an armadillo from Texas and they brought me a cute little judge bear from the national judicial college in Lake Tahoe. My favorite gift from them has been my FLOBUNNY. If you know me, you know my FLOBUNNY. He is a floppy little off white bunny that I carry everywhere with me. I love him and sleep with him every night.

Aunt Flo & Uncle Jay are going to meet us in Florida for the first portion of our trip to Disney World in November. Uncle Jay is a Disney World Expert. He and I have been making plans about all of the things I want to see and do. I am especially looking forward to dancing with the princesses. Uncle Jay and Aunt Flo say we will get to go to Cinderella Castle and have lunch. I can not wait. Uncle Jay says I can wear a different princess dress each day we are there. Which one will I wear first....HUMMMM.

One Last Day on the Beach

Mom, Dad and I went to the beach for the day. We met Aunt Sissy(Celia Urquhart) & Gaga(Donna McLaughlin) for one last beach blast. We left after church and met on the beach. We played in the waves, built sand castles and picked up sea shells. I love to feed the little white birds gold fish. The birds kept trying to get my toes, little did I know Dad was throwing more gold fish near my feet for the birds. I wanted to catch them but they move too fast. Sissy and I saw a sting ray in the little pools. Mommie kept catching little hermit crabs for me. I didn't like them. My favorite thing was laying in the sand castles after Mommie and Aunt Sissy got them finished. We had to leave when it started raining. What a great day at the Beach!

Mary Catherine Moves up to Young 3's class

Mary Catherine has moved up to the young Three's class at Central Methodist Mothers Morning Out. Her new teachers, Mrs. Patricia and Mrs. Elaine, are very nice. The class is much more structured than the toddler two's class. They have been learning to sing fun songs, say the pledge to the flag, and making lots of gluing projects. So far they have made a caterpillar worm, a mask, a dinosaur, and some necklaces.

Some of Mary Catherine's friends in her class include: Robbie Jordan, Drew Starling, Madison Hindman, RJ Lee, Riley Barfield, Trinity & Kylie Stewart, Murphy Fulmer, Sam Farnsworth, Tallon Goff, Erick Hyman, Lauren Stokes, Joshua Acosta, Scott Morris, Baine Avant, Emily King, Krista Mainard, and Michelle Russell.

We have been learning about our United States government. I know the names of the president and vice president- George W. Bush & Dick Cheney. I also know the names of the 2 senators from South Carolina- Lyndsey Graham and Jim Demint. Sometimes for fun, when Mom and Dad ask me I tell them that Gus Gus and Jac Jac ( the mice on Cinderella are the Vice President and senators). They laugh very hard with me.

Mary Catherine and John Young

What a good bud I have! His name is John Young and he is in 1st grade. We play so well together. John and I got to stay home from the horse show one night this past week and watch movies with his grandma (Mrs. Merlene Bunton). She was lots of fun and is now one of my favorite people. John and I like to play horse show. We also like to play with the ball, watch movies, play hide and seek, and play chase. On Saturday, September 3rd John and I found some really great stuff in the garage closet at Cedarhill. It was all of the Star of the Future Promotional items. We had a grand time playing with all of the goodies!

My First Sleep Over

Tonight I had my first friend to come over and spend the night. Her name was Jayden Jackson(daughter of Jacqueline Elliott). Jayden and I have so much in common. She is only 6 months older than me. We both love princesses and ponies! Our Mommies shared a baby sitter the last two nights of the celebration- Miss Mallory. We love Mrs. Mallory. She is so much fun. She lets us do all kinds of great stuff. We kept her busy thou. We had so much fun watching princess movies and talking about the "ugly" step mothers and evil queens. We communicate with each other better than we communicate with other folks most of the time. After the horse show end of the first night Jayden's Mommie came and got her. I cried when she had to leave. When our Mommies got home from the horse show, we enjoyed putting on a show for them. We danced, sang, and said the pledge of allegiance. We also had our own horse show in the den on play horses. Jayden is in beauty pageants. She showed me how to do a pageant turn. The second night our Mommies agreed that Jayden could spend the night at Cedarhill. While our Mommies were at the horse show, we played very hard with Ariel the princess and watched the princess movies again. I tried to bargain with Jayden and trade her two of my old dolls for the mermaid doll filled with water. She was smarter than me and wouldn't go for the trade. When it was time to go to bed, we both said our prayers and crawled up in my twin bed. Jayden went right to sleep. Mommy had to sit with me for a while before I was able to sleep. The next morning we were going back to South Carolina. Jayden's mommy met us at the Hardees in Shelbyville. I was very sad to leave her. I can't wait to go back to Tennessee so we can play again!

Our Day at the Science Museum in Nashville

Today we spent the day in Nashville at the science museum. Mommie, Daddy and I started the day at McDonald's where we ate lunch. We had so much fun. Mommie and I climbed a jungle jim three stories high to the very top of the building to look out and see all of Nashville. It was a beautiful site. We (mommy and I) slid all the way to the bottom on a down a big blue slide. I wasn't sure Mommy was going to make it at first! I told her I was worried because we didn't have on our bathing suits. I thought it was like the slide at the beach with all the water! We went in the plantitarium where we saw lots of beautiful stars and watched a movie about a funny Rusty Rocket and the different planets. I told Mommy that " I don't like airplanes...I like horses best!" Mommy told me I needed to learn to appreciate the stars too. After we finished there we went to this really neat play house. You could see the insides of the walls. There were pipes, wires and insulation. It even had a door bell. I liked going upstairs and watching the TV there. Mommie and I put together a train track while Dad played with the ball digger thing. We then played with an auger that pulled little Styrofoam noodles up and then dropped them down a funnel into a barrel. It was very neat. They also had a section with musical instruments. There was a BIG guitar that Mom and I stood inside and played. There was a piano that we walked on and a pipe organ that you played with a hose. It was very loud. The last exhibit we went in was "THE BODY". This exhibit had every part of the body and allowed me to walk through the human body and learn how all the different parts worked. I really liked the brain, the circulatory system and the digestive system. When you went down the large intestines (big pink sliding board) it made a very loud tooter pooter sound. I laughed very HARD and thought this was very funny! They also had a big ambulance in the area. I loved driving it and working on patients in the back...My Daddy says I might be a doctor one day. After a snack in the refreshment area it was time to go home. We had so much fun playing, we hope to go back again next year!

Mary Catherine and Rolex are 8th in the World!

Mary Catherine showed World Champion leadline pony Mr. Rolex at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration on August 27th, 2005. The pony was leased from Tyler and Kayla Baucom of Monroe, North Carolina. Mary Catherine had been practicing with Rolex every day for a week. Tyler Baucom was her trainer and worked faithfully with she and Rolex daily to make sure she was going to be on top of her game on show day. Rolex is a bit larger than Mary Catherine's own pony Lou Lou. For the first few days, she was afraid and wanted someone to hold her knee while I lead the pony. After about two days she wanted to do it all by herself. Of course I was still holding the pony but, she was quite impressive for her age. She and Rolex established quite the friendship. On the morning of the show we got up early and got our riding suits on. The show started at 9am sharp. We were in the 2nd class. Mary Catherine and I wore matching navy blue suits with white shirts and pink bow ties with palmetto trees on them. Gaga said we looked like the Ice Cream people! When we got to the show grounds you could feel the excitement in the air as all the young 6 and under equestrians prepared to mount their ponys. When Mary Catherine saw Rolex entering the warm up area she clapped and screamed! She was so happy to see him. Mrs. Jeanette Baucom and Kayla brought Rolex over to the show grounds and helped us get him ready for the class. When we put Mary Catherine into the saddle...She squealed with delight! We practiced a few times. I noticed Mary Catherine was rocking a bit and I told her to sit still. When we entered the ring...The crowd went WILD! We had our own fan club. Daddy, Mrs. Jeanette & Kayla Baucom, Gaga, Sissy(Aunt Celia), Aunt Jenny, Mrs. Linda Potts, Mr. & Mrs. Bunton and John Young, Mr. Larry Kyte, and the Moonies were there just to see Mary Catherine and Rolex perform. I hope I didn't forget anyone. (Please add your names if I did.) Mary Catherine was fascinated with the crowd. She continued to do this rocking thing but add to that looking at and waving to the crowd. We were having a GOOD time. When we got about half way around, I looked back to see Mary Catherine hugging Rolex around the neck. I about fell out...I asked, "Mary Catherine, what are you doing? " She explained that she was "Loving Rolex". It was so very sweet. After I got her to sit back up we finished the class with flying colors. When we got to the line up for final judging, Rolex parked out perfectly and Mary Catherine sat up so straight and pretty. She looked GREAT! When the judges came by, she gave them a cute little wink. I asked her, "Are you having fun?" She said,"Oh mommy, I am having so much fun, Can we go around again?" Our hopes were for a PINK ribbon (5th place) but we got a BROWN (8th place) this year. We were very pleased with 8th out of 13 entries in our class. Next year we are going to work very hard for that PINK one. Special thanks to the Baucom Family for letting us use Mr. Rolex and for all the help from our friends and family!

Baby URQ

My sissy is going to have a baby. I am sooo excited. I can't wait for her to get here. I think it is going to be a "gurl." I said my prayers tonight and thanked God for my baby cousin urq but I asked him..."God, did you for get about bringing me a sister?" Mommy assured me God has not forgotten and that when the time is right God will send me a sibling. I was just making sure.

My Friend Claudia Gribble

I made a new friend today. She is very cool. She is older than me but she plays with me anyway. Her name is Claudia Gribble (daughter of Crystal Honeycutt Gribble and Blaire Gribble). Claudia lives in Tennessee but her family has horses like mine and they are here in Ashville North Carolina for the horse show. I met her this morning at the practice ring where she was helping her Aunt Amanda, Uncle Marion, Mommie get their horses ready to show tonight. She and I played horse show and rode Neigh! Neigh! together. I think Claudia and I will be friends for a very long time!

Where Do Babies Come From????

While I was at my Meme's in Charleston this last week, I decided that I have a baby sister. When my Meme would introduce me to people I would tell them about my baby sister. They would say, "where is your sister?" I told them the baby was at home in Florence. They would reply "Oh really? " They wanted to know what the baby did and I told them it cryed alot and that I had to feed it candy and a bottle. They wanted to know the baby's name and I told them Ella. When I got home from Meme's I couldn't find the baby. I had daddy help me search the house. He and I decided it must be at Gaga's. When I went over to Gaga's and it wasn't there, we decided it had to be at Sissy's. Mommy wanted to know where this baby came from and I told her the same place everything else comes from. . . Walmart. She seemed a bit concerned that I thought babies came from Walmart. She sat down with me and we talked about how babies are a gift from God and when God decides to send us another baby we will have one. We talked about that when we say our prayers we need to ask God that if it is his will that he send us a baby. I really want a sister...not just a baby. My mommy says that God will have to decide that. I am makeing sure that every night for the last 2 weeks I have asked God specifically for a baby sister. My friends Robbie Jordan and Murphy Fulmer have one and I want one too.

FLUFFY

Guess what I got for Easter? A BUNNY named Fluffy. Fluffy ,the "he" bunny, is so pretty. He is white with brown eyes, nose and tips of his ears. I want to keep him in my room but Mommy and Daddy say he must stay outside in his special house that Paw paw Anderson built him. Daddy was not excited about having a bunny but Mommy loved the idea. Mommy grew up on a farm and thinks every child should have lots of animals. We got fluffy a red leash and I like to lead him on it.

Hot Springs Baby O and The Ducks at the Peabody Hotel

Mommy, Gaga (which is what I have decided to call Gram Mac) and I took a road trip this month. We were gone for two whole weeks. When we left Florence, we went to Shelbyville. While in Tennessee, we took Gaga for a check up at her doctors. They said she is doing great! We left from the doctors office and drove to Memphis Tennessee. We stayed at the Peabody Hotel. I slept with my Gaga. It was such a pretty place. It was night time when we got to the hotel so we went up to the very top of the hotel to see the duck house. The little duck palace was so neat. They had their own pool, and each of them had their own houses. After a good nights sleep and a bath in the old timey tub with the soap in the shape of ducks, Mommy Gaga and I went down stairs to watch the morning arrival of the ducks to the fountain in the lobby of the hotel. What an event! Everyone was there watching. I was fascinated with the ducks and how they sleep standing up on one leg. I can stand just like them. We left the Peabody and went to Graceland(the home of Elvis Presley). Mommy and Gaga had never seen it so they wanted to check it out. What a big bunch of tacky stuff! Everyone should go at least once in their life thou.

We then drove on to Hot Springs Arkansas to see the Brooks Family. We stayed with them from Thursday to Monday. We got to visit with new baby Olivia (I called her baby O). We went to Uncle Tim's church and visited with Lynlee at her office. We went out to lunch with Lynlee one day We also went to see Mrs Haddie at her Women's seminar at the Camp. It was so decorated and fancy. I liked all of the singing and dancing. I enjoyed playing with Aunt TT (Terri) and Uncle Tim.

When we left Arkansas, we went back to Shelbyville and stayed for a few days and rested. I got my own bed at Cedarhill this trip. It is a white twin bed. Mommy and Gaga put it up in my Mommy's room. I didn't sleep in the bed, I slept with my Mommy. There were in Tennessee there were thunder, electrical storms and tornado's all around the area. Mommy and Gaga were really scared and thought about getting in the closet under the stairs. We only had some limbs blown down in the yard when it was all over.

I love the movie Snow White. I watched it over and over in the car all the way to Arkansas. My mommy went to Walmart in Arkansas and bought me earphones to use as she was singing the snowwhile songs in her sleep. What a great road trip...but I was glad to get home!

The Harder Things To Learn In Life...

Mary Catherine has definately figured out the "terriable twos". It was freezing cold one morning and drizzleing rain about a week ago. When we got up to get ready it was still dark outside. I had an 8:30am meeting with the lawyers, Kevin had to be at work at 8:15 and so our house was in a hustle. I jumped in the shower while Kev shaved and then while he showered, I threw on a robe and woke Mary Catherine. She didn't want to get up. She was grumpy. I insisted that she needed to get up and let me dress her (hind sight-I should have just dressed her while she slept.) As I pick out the first outfit of the morning, she decides that she doesn't like it. She says it is too tight. The second outfit is too big, the third outfit she didn't like the shoes, the fourth outfit she didn't want to wear tights. By he fourth outfit, I didn't care, she was wearing it. I preceed to dress the screaming child. At this point, we have gone into complete FIT mode. I take the half dressed child and place her in time out. I explain she is there because she pitched a fit and she will sit there 2 minutes. I go into our room, throw on my pants and shirt and the timer goes off. I walk out and there in the time out chair sitting quietly is my child completely naked. I was fit to be tied! Once again, I put the clothes on her screaming and yelling. She doesn't want to wear tights. Once again, into the time out chair we go. This time,I turn my back to make her breakfast. At the two minute mark, I turn around and there she is...naked again. At this point I had completely had it. Kevin happened to be walking through the kitchen. He had on his khakis and t-shirt and the idea hit me. I said, "Okay Kev, it is time for you to take Mary Catherine to school." He looked at me funny as I handed him his coat and pushed his house shoes toward him. I handed him the naked Mary Catherine and opened the door. I kissed them both and wispered into his ear "Take your time getting to the car!" So, out my husband walks into the freezing cold rain with my naked child who will not wear her clothes. He takes his time, the cold air and the freezing rain begins to touch her back. Mary Catherine begins to reconsider not wearing clothes. She says, "Daddy I am cold." He said,"Well, if I take you back in are you going to let your Mother put your clothes on and keep them on?" "Yes SIR!" she replied. Since that day, we have had no problems getting dressed and staying that way!