Aug. 18, 2008 Grandma turned 90!
It was wonderful celebrating grandma's 90th birthday this past Friday. She was so happy to have all five of her children there to be with her on such a special day. Actually with our two boys in the group there were four generations at our party. It was a wonderful weekend and we are so happy to have been able to be a part of it. |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Aug. 14, 2008 Quick camping trip!
Monday afternoon Tim decided we should go for a quick camping trip. He didn't have to ask us twice. Three hours later we were on our way. We hadn't been able to go camping since Tim started school so we were very excited to get up to our special spot.
With views like this who can resist camping here?
We arrived Monday night with just enough time to check out our camp site and then get everything ready for the night. Our idea of a quick camping trip is to skip the tent and lay all the seats in our van down and crash in the back. This cuts hours of set up and prep time down to maybe 30 minutes.
Tuesday we woke up very early....thank you boys.....built up our fire and enjoyed our traditional quick camping breakfast. Fresh fruit, yogurt, bacon cooked over the fire, donuts and chocolate milk. (Usually hot cocoa, but in our excitement we forgot our cooking ware) Tim and I enjoyed the fire while the boys ran around exploring the area around out campsite. We didn't get much time to enjoy the fire as the boys were anxious to get the inner tubes in the water.
Johnston and Jameson checking things out.
Johnston getting his tube ready.
The water was freezing! (It wasn't even 10am! Craziness!)
We couldn't keep Coalette out of the water. She was in doggie heaven!
Jameson did so well sitting on the side of the tube without falling off.
These guys are such awesome kids!
Johnston enjoyed the challenge of rock climbing up and down the creek bed.
This is the creek bed right beside our campsite. Johnston and Tim climbed up to the first waterfall and then came back a "safer" way for the rest of us to climb up.
Coalette swimming in the pool beside our campsite.
Thumbaleena had a blast camping with us for the first time. She wasn't the best at swimming, but she climbed the rocks and hills like a mountain goat.
I ran out of battery power right before we hiked up to the set of falls that are beside our campsite. It was beautiful up there. The first falls we came to had a pool about 40 feet by 10 feet. The water was about 4' at the deepest part. We had to slide down a rock face to the pool and crawl up carefully to get out.
The second part of the climb meant crossing the creek above the first falls, scaling a rock face with a rope and other adventurous things. This was definitely something Jameson and I did not want to tackle so we stayed behind to play in the pool while our guys braved on. Tim told me later that Johnston did great going up the rock face, but coming down was a little tricky. I'm so proud of him for doing it though. I look forward to the day that Jameson and I will be able to tackle the next stage of the creek hike.
We hiked, tubed, explored, and completely wore ourselves out. We would love to get one more overnight trip in, but if we don't we are so thankful to have gotten one fun filled, adventure packed camping trip in this summer. |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Aug. 13, 2008 Wordless Wednesday - Almost Aug. 10, 2008 Summer's Ending
School starts at our house on September 1st so we are enjoying our last remaining days of summer. We've been making sure to get as many hours of pool time in each day that we can. The boys have been clocking endless hours outside building, gathering, exploring, riding bikes, skating, and anything else they can come up with.
I ended up watching three little girls this summer which was CRAZY! Girls are way different then little boys! I had a blast though and enjoyed a couple months of dolls, braids, and playing girly stuff. We played so hard each day that all the kids crashed after lunch each day giving me a much needed break.
 BreeLynn (left) and Sahvana
 Jordyn
To top off our summer with the grandest of events was Tim's graduation from Georgia Tech. I can't believe we've made it through two years of him being gone 5 days a week. He graduated on Wednesday the 29th of July and to celebrate we drove down to Florida to spend four days at my parents. I am so proud of Tim for not only returning to school 20+ years after he started the first time, but for being on the den's list each semester. He worked so hard to keep his grades up, but he worked even harder to make sure that the boys and I had as much time with him as possible. On a funny note he did enjoy all the ribbing he got for his age. All his study partners were born the year he started GT the first time around back in '85. He is an amazing guy and I am so blessed to be married to him.
 Just a cute picture of Jameson eating lunch. With the added kids at the table his booster seat got booted to the floor for meals. Good thing I keep a clean floor!
|
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 25, 2008 Wordless Wednesday! Jun. 19, 2008 One busy day!
Our day started two hours earlier then usual with the arrival of Sahvana at 6:00AM! Even with the two extra hours we didn't get everything in that I had planned. I guess there is always tomorrow.
We did get our summer school hour in.
 Jameson always builds (does his schoolwork... ) with our Math-U-See blocks while Johnston does his math pages. He thought putting the unit blocks on his fingers was quite amazing and wanted his picture taken.
We finished morning jobs, breakfast, and school quickly so we could escape outdoors while it was still cool.
 We drew a chalk town for the boys cars. They loved it! I drew a park, playground, lake, hospital, some office buildings...Johnston drew a military base. Boys are so funny!
While I cleaned up the lunch dishes my helpers tackled their jobs.
 Johnston washed the fronts of the stove, dishwasher, and fridge. He thanks me every time I let him use a spray bottle. It seems the spray bottle makes whatever job he's doing his favorite! By all means....spray on my boy!
Sahvana washed the glass on the door in our kitchen and wiped all the chairs down.
The spray bottle really puts a smile on their faces! (Sahvana's spray bottle was on the table, but she was so excited to use it!)
I didn't get pictures of our trampoline fun, skating, bike races, water sponge fight, or playing with our Thomas the Train toys. You'll just have to take my word for it that serious fun was had by all! |
•
Comments (3)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 18, 2008 Wordless Wednesday! Jun. 17, 2008 What an adventure...
...a child's imagination is! I wake up every day not knowing who or what they will want to be. This weekend cowboys galloped through our house, yesterday the Marines arrived, and today it seems Peter Pan is here visiting.
This was Peter Pan's first visit to our humble abode, so we had to come up with a quick costume. Let's just say I'm not the craftiest person in the world, but Johnston seemed to be pleased with what we came up with.
 I made a Peter Pan hat our of construction paper. Ignoring the staples I think it turned out pretty good.
 We rummaged around and found Johnston's green sweats, brown belt, and pirate sword. Add our marvelous Pan hat and we have Peter Pan!
 Johnston wanted to have a Captain Hook outfit as well so he grabbed a red shirt, black shorts, and he made this hook sword!
 Johnston was in craft mode so he made a flag for the Lost Boy's tent that we set up as well.
What a blessing my boys are to me. They make each day such a wonderful adventure! I have no idea what adventures tomorrow holds, but I sure have enjoyed being "Wendy" today.
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Jun. 11, 2008 A day full of blessings!
Tuesday, we were blessed with the presence of our dear friends the Shaw's. To say it was a full day would be an understatement.
We got to work as soon as they arrived. Pressure washing the outside of the house, drive way, and back patio - done! Washed down inside walls, kitchen cabinets, windows, and baseboards - done! Add to that fellowship, food, and water fun and it's a glorious day!
Here are a few pictures of our day.
There were blocks to occupy the youngest of the group (and some olders too!)
Braden "amusing" Jameson...or himself. To bad you can't see the smile on Jameson's face.
Braden giving our monstrous yard a little attention.
Kendrick put a few miles on our bigwheel.
Skylar worked so hard on our walls and paid such close attention to little details.
Who could pass up this sweet face? Mendell seems to be enjoying herself while three of her older siblings help me get carrots ready for dinner.
We were all tuckered out at the end of the day!
Much thanks to the Shaw family and all their hard work. We are so thankful that God put them in our lives. I can't wait until our next get together. |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
We final got around to putting the pool up last weekend. We decided to go with a slightly bigger pool this summer so we got the 3ft by 12ft pool. As soon as the water hit the inside of the pool our guys were in it.
 With and without swim trunks!
I really enjoy having our own pool at the house. It cuts down on travel time during the week. It makes the few trips we take to the local swimming places a special treat. It gives us something (active in Georgia heat) to do as a family when daddy gets home from work (or school).
I love pool season! |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 20, 2008 A blue ribbon
Jameson found a blue ribbon in my goodwill pile. He found many uses for this ribbon, but the one that tickled me the most was when he asked me to put it on his head. He thought he was quite cute!
When I told him he looked a little like a girl he informed me that he was not a girl. He was a boy! Phew!
 |
•
Comments (3)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 20, 2008 Destination Greenville!
Saturday morning Johnston got Jameson up, changed his diaper and got him dressed. They had a mission. They packed up their tent and climbed in their car with one place on their minds.
Destination Greenville, SC!
I'm happy to see that Johnston is driving carefully with his eyes shut. Jameson thinking of his own safety fastens his seatbelt. |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 20, 2008 Moments to cherish!
Great-grandma and Jameson curled up under a blanket Friday. They took this opportunity to watch a movie together. It was so precious seeing them cuddled up tight! Great-grandma sure loves that boy and that boy sure loves her!
Jameson fought bravely to stay awake during the movie. He was more then ready to head off to bed after it was over though.
I'm so thankful that God has allowed for us to have this special time with Grandma. We will always cherish these moments and hold them close to our hearts! We love you Grandma! |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 20, 2008 Thank God for little men!
Thursday I decided to take down the bed in the guest room as it is becoming the boys new room. This is usually Tim's domain, but with him in school I knew I would have to wait until the end of this semester. So I called Johnston in and asked his advice. (Picture him standing a little taller and prouder!) He informed me that he knew just what we needed and where the tools were. Within a few minutes he was back with the exact tools needed for the job and he was more then willing to have me "help" him. Sigh....tis wonderful to be taken care of so well while daddy is away.
Jameson was not to be left out of his manly duties. He was the keeper of the nuts and bolts!
After all our hard work we rewarded ourselves by making a massive tent. It turned out fabulous! The boys have so enjoyed playing and sleeping in it this weekend.
Memories of their grand adventures: Priceless!!!!
 |
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 8, 2008 Goodwill Treasures!
On our adventures yesterday we went to a new Goodwill. I browsed the shoes quickly and picked up a pair of sandals for Jameson to trash this summer for $2.60. They were in great shape and the only thing he needed for the summer. Having only a few minutes to shop I quickly scanned the books looking for anything that we might possibly want. We found treasures I tell you...7 of them.
We found 6 out of the 10 books from The Bible Story Series by Arther S. Maxwell. I wanted to buy this set when Johnston was little. We had a few when I was young and I loved them! So a few years ago I went online to price them and after seeing the price tag I decided it was not going to happen. The price for the series is $179.99 for the paperback. We got all 6 (hardcovers) in very good condition for $9.00! I was so excited!
Our last find was just as exciting!
 Johnston keeps checking this out from the library. Now we don't have to!
|
•
Comments (3)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 6, 2008 Boys and Georgia Red Clay!
My boys have had the best time in the Georgia red clay we have here. They were so dirty I striped them at the door and put the same clothes on them the next day when they escaped from school. Why wash a bunch of dirty boy clothes when they could easily put the same pants on before going out yet again the very next day.
 Johnston had just done a dirt angel. Sigh...I guess he'll need a bath now.
 They begged Daddy not to pressure wash the dirt off the driveway from the past Tornado storm we had. Ok...maybe I did a little begging to...I mean how much fun does this look?
 I'm not sure what they were doing, but they just sat there talking. Making plans, talking shop, soaking up the sun....
|
•
Comments (1)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Apr. 5, 2008 Yet another year!
It seems like only yesterday that God placed you in our family. A missing piece to our unique puzzle!
 Getting a thrill from your first time in your bouncy toy.
 Not sure about your first time in the lake!
 You always had your tongue out!
 Your daddy loves you so much!
 You've had a few crazy hair days! (Don King eat your heart out!)
 If you squeeze your eyes tight...it's not that scary!
 You are ambitious! (We can't wait to see you conquer life.)
 You and your hats!
 Don't roll your eyes...he's just trying to protect you. (Jameson was running toward the street)
 Not just brothers, but best friends!
 Happy 3rd Birthday Peanut! We all love you!
|
•
Comments (5)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Mar. 26, 2008 Wordless Wednesday! Mar. 4, 2008 How to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon!
I heard Sunday was going to be beautiful. I couldn't think of anything better to do then sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. So I invited three friends for the boys to play with and they had a grand time.
 They gathered rocks to build with. Our friend Christopher showed us how to start our rock fort.
 Johnston found he was brave enough to skate up our driveway and fly down it without injury!
 They pulled bikes, trikes and wheeled things up the drive only to peddle as fast as their little legs could down it! I loved how Sahvana's curls flew as she came down the hill.
 They played friendly neighborhood! Jordyn kindly showed the "men" where the gas needed to go in their family car!
I sat in the shade enjoying their laughter and dirty faces. Tried to read a chapter in my book, but kept stopping to take pictures. It was a beautiful day! |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
Feb. 25, 2008 Trip to Greenville!
Saturday we visited our friends in Greenville, S.C. It was beautiful! We went and walked by the river downtown. The boys loved the water and the park.
 Johnston, Jameson and Miss Destiny!
 The kids loved climbing on these rocks.
 There were a lot of ducks (white and mallard) and big geese swimming and sleeping on the rocks out in the river. It was so cute..they were all paired up! Can't wait to see all the babies this spring/summer swimming around with the parents!
 Destiny and Jameson posed by the rose bushes in the kids park on the river. Johnston of course was off doing his own thing!
 Jameson pulling on Peter Rabbits ears!
 The three bears! Well...they eat as much as three bears!
 We will be having a picnic this Spring down on the grass! It is so peaceful there.
Thank you Uncle Kenneth for taking such great pictures of the kids. We can't wait to come and explore Greenville with you all again soon! |
•
Comments (2)
• Post A Comment!
• Permanent Link
|
|
|
|
|
