the ranch is moving...

It's the end to a season for the Chambless Ranch.  We're officially moving.  And not just houses...cities.

Long story short, Chams was approached about an opportunity in North Alabama, and we couldn't have felt more peaceful about moving there.

Yes, it's only 20 minutes from free babysitting (Gran and Granddaddy), but even more importantly, the Lord really laid the groundwork for us to go.  A calling if you will.

So, in a couple of weeks, we'll be packing up and heading north.  Permanently.    

It's bittersweet.  We have so many great memories here.  

This is where we both came right after college.  Our first jobs were here.

Where Chams and I met...our companies shared this building.

It's where we met and were engaged.  

It's where our first home was, and is.

It's also where this sweet little guy was born, and brought home to. 

Birmingham is where our friends are.  And there's alot of them...and we're going to miss them dearly.

 And, I couldn't forget Chams, jr.'s best bud, B and our wonderful friends and neibs, the Barley's.

It's where we love our church, and where some of our favorite restaurants are.

Chams, jr. first went to "school" here, and met his favorite teacher, Ms. Vette.

We're going to dearly miss it here, but are so thankful for the 7+ years we've spent here and the memories we carry with us.  

I don't know what the Lord has in store for us, but I do know that He will be there with us, walking beside us the entire way.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  Proverbs 3:5-6

If you're ever in North Alabama, please drop by and see us!  The Ranch's door is always open!

baby steps...

It's official.  The Chambless Ranch has a walker.

We knew it was coming.  Yesterday, Chams, jr.'s walking confidence sky-rocketed, and he's quickly becoming a pro.

I'm one proud mama.  

My hip is looking forward to some breathing room, now that he can get around on his own.  

In other Chams, jr. news, he continues to eat us out of house and home, loving just about anything that we put in front of him.  This past week, though, he gave green beans the cold shoulder.  I'm not sure what that's about, but we won't let it get us down.

 

Playing Gran and Granddaddy's piano!

He also enjoys brushing his own hair, and helping us dress him for bedtime.  It's amazing the changes in just the little things.  He is growing up in so many areas.

We're loving the springtime, and looking forward to being outside more.  He still loves being carted around in his wagon, and this mama is going to cherish that as long as it lasts.  I have a feeling he's going to be crawling out of that thing soon.

Chams and I are headed on a little get-a-way for a birthday I'd rather not talk about, and Chams, jr. will be with the grandparents.  It's bittersweet, but I have to say, I am looking forward to some relaxation and sunshine!!!

Happy Hump Day, friends!  

one...

Well, it came too fast, and passed by too fast, but little Chams, jr. officially turned one.

He's not a baby anymore.  It hurts my heart to think how fast a year has flown.  I will say, though, he's more fun than ever these days.  Those first few hard, hard months in the newborn trenches are totally worth the joy  (and sleep) we're experiencing now!

We had a small "fish-themed" party for him at the Ranch, with all of our sweet friends.

Even Uncle Brew, Aunt S, and Cubbie came from Mobile!

Poor Chams, jr. didn't know what to think.  He didn't even smash his cake.  Stage fright.

I'm the type person that really dreads planning such a big feat, and belly-aches the whole way...but I have to say it wasn't so bad, and really turned out great!

At a year, Chams, jr. has really started to show his personality.  He likes things his way or the highway, and the fits he throws in the floor proves it.  

We have one hefty eater on our hands.  He's down to milk only 3 times a day, and is chowing down on whatever we give him.  Green beans are his new favorite. He also loves, loves Cherrios.  Why in the world did we wait so long to give them to him?!?

Chams, jr. wants to be outside if at all possible.  He loves watching Puddin and riding in his wagon.  I'm really looking forward to the spring when we can enjoy some pretty weather.

He's walking with little assistance these days, and has even taken up to 5 steps on his own, so I'm thinking that walking is right around the corner.

Happy 1st Birthday, sweet Chams, jr.  You are such a blessing to your daddy and me, and we are so thankful God that he gave us such a beautiful gift.  Our cups run over...

happy valentines!

It's one special day for this girl.  I've got these two handsome boys as my valentines.

Chams, jr. and I are headed to his school at 3:30 for a very special party....

and then, it's a low key, cooking in, night for Chams and I.  Our favorite.  

I've always thought Valentines was WAY overrated, but now that Chams, jr. is around, somehow it's just ever so sweet.  What can I say...I'm feeling the love.

Happy Valentines Day, friends!!!

eleven...

Eleven months.  Here we are, knocking on a year's doorstep.  Wow, how times have changed in just under a year.  It seems like yesterday we were anticipating Chams, jr's arrival, and now we're anticipating a one year birthday blowout.

Chams, jr. has changed so much in just a month.  He is not only pulling up and standing, but also taking steps with just a little pinkie help.

He can walk behind his John Deere tractor, and thinks he's some kind of big when he does.

One of his favorite things to do these days is climb on the dishwasher....and take the spoons out.  Big helper.

Notice the foot...I'm terrified it's going to come crashing down

He has also started dancing to the tunes of his toys.  It's pretty precious.

We now have 8 teeth, with what I feel are the worst ones on the horizon...the eye teeth.  The drooling and chewing has started again...just some warning signs of what's to come.  

Chams, jr. loves, loves to eat.  It seems that ham is a new favorite, joining the ever popular bananas and grapes.  I'm so relieved that the puree's are starting to dwindle, and we can now feed him from our plates.

The allergies seem to still be pretty strong.  We recently had a run in with pecans (cooked in sweet potatoes).  While scary, it wasn't near the soy escapade.  We're praying for a change...that he grows out of them.  Until then, we have an allergist appointment later in February.

Naptime with Boris

His vocabulary is expanding, what seems to be, daily.  He's got "do" (dog) and "da" (daddy) down pat, and now tries to say his name.  I can't wait to hear more of his sweet little voice.

Chams, jr. and "do" aka Puddin

One of his favorite things is books.  He also loves to play ball, and has a pretty impressive arm.  It looks as if he could be a lefty, but that could change at the drop of a hat.  Chams, jr. loves to "throw" the ball and chase it around on the wood floors.  It's all too cute until he gets stuck underneath the table, or the ball finds its way  under the buffet.  Game over. 

He seems to be getting tall, and his hair is growing like crazy!  I've always dreamed that our kiddos would have curly hair, and well, I'm thrilled that there's a few signs of curls behind his ears and right on top.  I may never cut his hair for fear they'll disappear forever.

This month has brought on a whole new level of enjoyment with Chams, jr.  He enjoys being out and about and doing things with his mommy, and while at times he's extremely clingy, he's so sweet and happy, and just a joy to be around.

Funny faces!

 

 Thank you, Lord, for the gift of children...