Life as we know it...

New Years Eve at the Children's Museum

2012-01-16T12:50:00.003-06:00

New Years eve celebration at the Children's Museum was lots of fun, Brie and Kinley loved it and what a great way to celebrate Kinley's birthday with a party then fun jumping with friends for Kinley's birthday!

vow to do better....

2012-01-16T12:47:00.003-06:00

Life got a little crazy, and I have seriously slacked on my blogging. I have to get the past years printed, try to atleast post some pictures from last year to try and remember and start this year off with a bang... which I am already slacking on.
I know it is soooo important to blog for my families memories. I laid in bed last night thinking how sad it is that our memories grow and we can't remember every little detail. Plus the fact that I am getting old and can't remember anything, at 32?? My boys are 11 and 12 and yes I remember them being little, but alot of things are such a blur! Busy, crazy, and kids who were 13 months apart kept us crazy!
So anyway, here we go. This year is going to be blogged!

My last weekend with my daddy

2012-01-11T23:49:00.002-06:00

Ive wondered alot since my daddy died if god was preparing me for what was to come and giving me a little extra time that last weekend. My dad came to lots of all 3 of my kids activities and sports, many weekends were spent watching his grandkids play baseball. We were playing our last tournament of the year in October in West Memphis,and on that Saturday my dad rode his brand new blue Harley Davison down to watch the games. I was late for the first game because Brie had soccer. The first game was wrapping up as I walked up. I talked to my dad a few minutes and he left to go get some lunch across the street at dairy queen, said they had some good hamburgers. We watched another game finishing up, went to get some taco bell, and sat by the lake and ate with jenifer and Jamie while the kids played. We walked back up to the fields to watch the game before ours and I took my dads chair and mine and propped my feet up as I read my book while the kids played. I wondered where in the world daddy was, after all Dairy Queen was just across the street. Right before te game started he pulled in and had rode all the way to Forrest City just to ride he said! We sat together during the game talking about the game, bc we have to concentrate on the game while I keep the scorebook! The next day, Sunday, it was raining so he didn't come down for the first game. He drove the truck down for the championship game though and sat right beside mme, but he and Brian chatted the whole game. He told me mom had supper fixed and after game we drove home and all ate dinner. It was a good weekend. Tuesday Bailey wasn't feeling well, so I called mom and knowing she was helping Aunt Diane set up for Merry Market and I asked if dad could take Bailey to the dr., he text me about where to pick up medicine, i talked to him. Then took bailey down to granny so he could head up to the lake, which he loved. Little did we know he decide to take a nap in his recliner as usual, and would never wake up. I'll never forget that last weekend with him, and I hope my kids know how much he loved then and remember him spending his last weekend watching them do what they love.

My daddy and I were close, I still asked his advice, even if I didn't listen to it!

Where did the time go???

2011-08-17T14:01:00.002-05:00

Brie was excited to cheer for Bubba at his first Jamboree, even though he didn't get to play since he is a 6th grader!

I can't believe that Brent is already in middle school and playing football! Seems like just yesterday that he was starting Kindergarten! I thought I was ready for this football thing until I showed up to watch practice are there are practically grown men out there in 8th grade!

Kindergarten Graduation

2011-05-23T13:50:00.004-05:00

Today is actually kind of sad.. my last baby graduated from Kindergarten! I can't believe that 6 years has went by so quickly, seems like yesterday she was a baby! I am so sad she isn't a toddler anymore, but excited for Brie and how she loves school, meeting new friends, and learning! (Let's just hope that she continues to enjoy learning!)
Tomorrow will be even sadder as my first graduates from BES from 5th grade and prepares to head to middle school!

Acting shy... Brie loves Tanner!

We love Mrs. Jamie Hodge!

singing a super cute song!

It's Softball time!!!

2011-04-16T14:45:00.002-05:00

Brie loves to play softball, this was our 2nd game of the season. I hope her love for the game continues for many years to come!

Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-16T14:06:00.003-05:00

Brie has waited all week for her Easter egg hunt! First at 10 we headed to church for our annual hunt, even though I have been sick and in the bed with strep and sinus infection but knew I had to suck it up for her sake.

Then we stopped by the BHS Easter Festival on the way home, where she happily took a picture with MarySelle and a bunny, and her brother's hopped on it.

What I love...

2011-03-11T08:59:00.003-06:00

I can't even describe how much I LOVE these kids!

Who know going to eat lunch with her could make her so happy?

Happy with their new helmets!

Brie with her "prize" for getting Xrays at Dr. Klug's while scheduling to have her tonsils out, she is not so sure about having them out. She said she wants to keep them and that she is okay with being sick and missing school!

Getting Ready

2011-03-02T13:38:00.003-06:00

silly girl...

Daddy showing how to curl your hair?

Getting ready for church on Sunday mornings ofcourse is always a big rush with 5 people!

One of my favorites

2011-03-02T13:34:00.001-06:00

My children love the fireplace! After playing outside in the snow, they love to come in and have hot chocolate and warm their feet up by the fireplace!

Pray for Lucy

2011-02-25T12:47:00.003-06:00

www.erikandkatekrull.blogspot.com

Lucy will be in surgery at LeBonheur most of the day to remove 3 tumors from her brain and 2 from her spine, the diagnosis is medulloblastoma. I can't believe how fast this happened, within the last 48 hours. Kate posted this am, that "it happened in the blink of eye."
It's unreal to me, I can't imagine what that family is going through, but Kate is strong and is a very strong believer so I know God will take care of that family and lead them through this.
We have to believe and put our trust in God.
We aren't supposed to ask God why, but I have trouble with that when I think of sweet Lucy and so many others. But.. my faith is strong and I know God will take care of Lucy.

A Quick update

2011-02-25T09:43:00.003-06:00

A quick update with pictures from my phone! We have been so crazy busy, and I've been just tired and lazy and my blog is slacking! So here's pictures of what is currently happening in the Howard household!

Bailey and his hair he refuses to cut

Bailey's size 8 1/2 new shoes that fit me perfectly, he is 10!

Brent's new size mens 9 shoes that are too big for me, he is 11!

Saturday, February 19, 2010

A quick trip to the park after basketball games to play while Brent & Jason spent an afternoon at the boat show. I'd say the park was much more fun.

Duck Hunting

2011-02-25T09:39:00.002-06:00

Brent
Brent, Bailey, & William

goofy Bailey

A couple of weeks ago towards the end of January the boys went for Juvenile weekend duck hunting with Jason and William Lea. Ofcourse they had lots of fun!

Another broke bone???

2011-02-14T10:05:00.000-06:00

Boys will be boys I guess and while Jason, Bailey, and Brent were playing around wrestling in the floor Brent somehow pushed himself off wrong with his hand sideways and broke the middle bone in his palm. So now he's in a cast for 4-6 weeks which means he will miss the first two baseball tournaments in March which he is not very happy about.

What a great Valentine's Day present to get a cast! HA

Happy 6th Birthday Brie!

2011-01-06T13:26:00.000-06:00

I can't believe this little girl is already 6 years old. Where did the time go??? It doesn't seem like it was that long ago she was a little bitty baby! Now she's in Kindergarten? I miss those baby days for sure, but I love how as Brie is getting older her little personality blossoms. Girls so so much different from boys, a breakdown can occur at any moment, and temper tantrams do happen. However, I wouldn't change it for the world.

This year Brie decided that she wanted to have a skating birthday party at Munford Park & Rec. and the theme would be Minnie Mouse. She also insisted that we make her birthday cake, which I think turned out pretty well and we had a good time doing so!

Lots of friends turned out, even though we missed many due to the big snow that was scheduled to come in around the time of the party. Luckily it held off until everyone was leaving! It was a great day!

To my precious Brie-

You will never know how much we love you! You and your brothers are our world. You bring a smile to my face everyday and I love your caring nature. You care about everyone and I hope that you continue to do so.

Love-Mom

Putt Putt Fun

2011-01-01T08:59:00.000-06:00

Christmas Break fun at Putt Putt golf. After a game of laser tag with the Owen's, Davis's, and many more, Brent & Bailey wanted to do the obstacle course, it was pretty cool.

Kinney Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-30T23:45:00.003-06:00

My cousin Lauren Rose and I
My brother Shane and nephew Drake

Devin and Bailey, I think Bailey looks just like him

Uncle David wouldn't smile for me!!

time for presents!!

The first Christmas without my Grandmother was not an easy one for anyone in our family. Communion was the worst, she was the backbone of our family and not only kept us all on straight but together as one. What a blessing it was to be at communion and partake in the Lord's supper on Christmas Eve and though the tears fell, we knew we were where we were supposed to be.

Christmas Cookies

2010-12-30T23:38:00.003-06:00

Time to make Christmas cookies for Santa! Brent went to Granny and Papa's to spend time with them, so he missed out on making cookies but he made plenty of Christmas goodies with Granny.

Christmas 2010 with Memaw & Honey

2010-12-30T23:31:00.002-06:00

Christmas Eve before going to communion we had Christmas at memaw & honey's with Uncle Shane & Aunt Felecia and all the cousins. Sadly Madison had the flu and had to stay home in the bed.

Howard Family Christmas 2010

2010-12-23T23:23:00.000-06:00

Brie & Isa

Granny checking out their boots

New boots to ride Rocky!

Thursday night we had Christmas at Nana & Big Daddy's. Kids were super excited for this was their first place to be able to open any presents!

We love ice skating!

2010-12-21T20:43:00.000-06:00

School is out for Christmas and ice skating is ON! We had fun with our friends the Roe's and Lea's while on Christmas break.

Hockey Game

2010-12-21T20:38:00.000-06:00

After a full day of fun at the Zoo and Ice Skating, our next adventure was to take the kids to their first hockey game along with Jack Bailey. They had a great time!

Brie

2010-12-18T09:10:00.000-06:00

red nose from being Rudolph at school today!

This girl, Brieanna Renee is so funny. Her personality keeps growing as she is almost 6 years old! She loves to take pictures so every morning she would grab the camera and search the house for Ooddle (the elf on the shelf) and take a picture of his new place.

Ice Skating

2010-11-22T21:21:00.003-06:00

For our first day of Thanksgiving Break I took the kids ice skating and we met the Roe's down there for a fun afternoon at the zoo. My legs are a little tired and sore from all the skating, but the kids had a great time. They were a little wet when we left, but quickly dried since it was 75 degrees... who would have thought it would be 75 3 days before Thanksgiving? There were lots of falls, but for the most part they quickly got the hang of it and were skating so good. I, however, took it slow. That fearless child in me has long gone, but my kids are still very fearless!

A special lady

2010-09-15T20:02:00.003-05:00

Words can not even begin to describe how special my grandmother was to me and my family. As long as I can remember my grandmother has always been there. While my mom worked, she cared for me and my cousins. We celebrated birthdays and holidays as a family. Family was everything to my grandmother.

I will miss our weekly chats, our afternoon talks on your porch, our many trips to the flea market and shopping, our annual trips to the lake, and so many other things. You have taught to me to cherish family and never take them for granted, and I have just been reminded of that.

At some point, I knew this time would have to come... however I never expected it to be so soon. I'm sure spending your 78th birthday in the hospital wasn't much fun, but I'm glad I was able to wish you one last happy birthday...

Saying goodbye to you was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do in my life. I think I have still been in shock the entire past week. I don't want to talk about it, and don't even want anyone hugging me and trying to show their concern.. I just don't want to think about it. I know that is not how you deal, but that is easiest for me right now. But... how lucky were we to actually be able to say goodbye? People did without saying goodbye everyday, and you actually were able to talk to all 6 of your children and 8 of the 10 grandchildren... and we know you so tried to hang on and wait for Misty and TD to travel here. It was hard, but I am glad that I got to tell you goodbye, I will never forget your words to me. I will always take care of my children and love them unconditionally as you reminded me and I know you were tired and not giving up. We just didn't want to let you go.

I know that Heaven is such a happy place for you right now and what a joy it must be to be reunited with Paw and OMG... to see our Lord.....

It's time for school!

2010-08-09T18:51:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that Brieanna has started to Kindergarten, with a few tears shed we made it through the first day. It's also very hard to believe I also have a 4th and 5th grader! Brent & Bailey were just as excited to go back to school as Brie was to start!

They all got great teachers too! Brent got Mrs. Ginger Childress, Bailey has Ms. Tomika Poindexter, and Brie has Mrs. Jamie Hodge!

Brent & Bailey's Birthday party

2010-08-07T18:57:00.001-05:00

Brent's cake

Bailey's cake

For the 2nd year in a row, the boys decided they wanted to have their birthday parties together again at the Thorton pool. I actually think that it is so much easier to have one big birthday party together since their birthday's are only 1 month apart and they share many of the same friends. There's nothing like a bunch of wild boys!

Son, you outgrew my lap, but never my heart. ~Arthur unknown

then Bailey....

2010-08-02T23:21:00.000-05:00

you know at this house accident's can't happen to one boy without the other boy... the day we brought Brent home from the hospital Bailey goes outside to ride his bike. You know, boys will be boys..... so somehow while jumping his ramp on his bicycle he wrecks and the handlebars tear his side up. Ripped all the skin off and it is gross. This picture doesn't really do it justice, but hey it's all I have!

seriously... another accident????

2010-08-01T22:58:00.001-05:00

Summer's seem to be an eventful time for us Howard's. The past few summers sure have kept us busy with accidents from teeth being knocked out during a baseball game, broken arm, dog bite, barbed wire, broken bottles in trash, bike accidents, and sewing needles. Yes, a sewing needle.

Saturday night, August 31st, some friends of ours and their children were down and we were all out back cooking out. The kids were running in and out playing and the next thing I know Brent is screaming like crazy. Kathryn runs out and says he has stepped on something so we all look and don't see a thing there. Brent says he pulled a little staple out of it, but that it is still hurting bad. Every time we touched it he screamed!

So... you know how when you stick yourself with something it stays sore for a while right? Well that's what I figured was still hurting. During that night he woke up several times screaming, we'd comfort him and he'd go back to sleep.

Sunday morning, we're all getting dressed for church and he still won't even walk on it. Jason and I call him into our room and sat him on the bed where we continue to look around for something, but we see nothing at all! But... you touch the top of his foot and he screams! So, we decide to go ahead and take him to the urgent care to see what is going on. We drop Bailey and Brie off at church with the Lea's and Roe's and off we go to Lebonheur Urgent Care. They take a xray and sure enough there is one of my sewing needles in his foot, all the way in... into the bone and you can't see it without the xray. WOW! Don't I feel like the terrible mom!!

The Dr. and nurse there tried to make an incision, after me about getting my arm bit off while they shot him up with lidocaine and Jason held his legs. But they just couldn't get to it, so off to Lebonheur we were sent and scheduled for surgery the next morning.... my scheduled first day back to work after summer break!

Thankfully, the surgery went great, and there was no damage to any muscles or anything in his foot and he's doing great!

one of my favorites

2010-07-29T23:34:00.000-05:00

While we spent our week at the cabin the week before school started I just happened to take this picture with my phone. After getting home and looking at it, how perfect is this? Besides Brie's goofy smile.... they boys seem to be perfectly placed for a group shot!

2010 Minor League Covington Allstars

2010-07-13T22:20:00.000-05:00

Bailey

Brent catching

Brent and Bailey both played on the Covington Allstars team for minor league. We had a great time even though baseball lasted up until the third week of July! Nothing could be better though than watching my boys do what they love, and spending lots of time with some great friends!

2010 Summer accidents

2010-07-07T23:14:00.002-05:00

more scars.....

Brent's nasty cut that is going to leave a nasty scar...

My boys are always doing something... 4th of July over at Heath and Amy's the boys were out playing and Bailey trailing at the end when they thought they heard coyotes and took out running, well Bailey didn't hear Jack Bailey yell "GET DOWN" So... Bailey ran through the barbed wire fence. Next day the Dr's office as open we were getting a tetanus shot!

The next day after Bailey's shots, Brent and I were taking the trash off and I tossed one of the sacks out of the truck and apparently something broke and when he picked it up and gashed his leg! So to Rosemary we went again for another shot and a little gluing!

Lake Time!

2010-07-06T22:49:00.002-05:00

Aunt Diane, Jess, Mom, and Madison putting their lives in Uncle Larry's hands!

Bailey and his cuts from running through a barbed wire fence 4th of July night...

T.D was home visiting with us too! We had so much fun with him throughout the week!

Daddy swinging

yep.... I can't believe I'm putting a picture of me in a swimsuit.. but remember this is for our family book! I can hear it now, years later when my kiddos look at the book they will never believe that I actually swung off the rope swing into the lake. They already think I can't do anything!

4th of July

2010-07-04T22:30:00.002-05:00

Sparklers with daddy

"What are we going to shot first!"

What are our crazy dad's doing???

Jade, Brie, and Riley with their sparklers

Jason Howard & Jason Howard figuring out what to set off next!

This 4th of July was spent playing baseball and a quick cookout with friends after the ballgame! It has been a great summer of baseball for the boys played with their good friends, and lucky for us parents we all have a good time together too! Looking forward to many great years with these goofy boys and friendship.

Father's Day

2010-06-21T22:25:00.003-05:00

Bailey learned to ski...

Brent learned to ski...

A few of our families favorite things are ball and lake time. Father's Day weekend we actually had no ball games or ball practice so we spent it at the lake!

Fun in the sun

2010-06-15T22:15:00.003-05:00

Bailey, Drake, and Brent

Cousins

What other way to spend the day other than in the pool with cousins and friends?

CMT festival

2010-06-11T22:09:00.002-05:00

My cousin Elisha won tickets to the CMA festival so off to Nashville Elisha, Cyndi, and I went! We had so much fun and want to plan on doing it again next year! I know Elisha and I took some pictures together.. they must be on Cyndi's camera b/c I don't have them!

Craig Morgan, Miranda Lambert, Rodney, Atkins, Reba, Josh Turner, Keith Urban, and Kid Rock were awesome... it was a great show.

What was even better was to see how downtown Nashville came together to get the city ready for this HUGE event to bring tourist back into the city after the May floods.

Friday Fun

2010-06-04T21:29:00.002-05:00

A little fun swimming, and I almost had a heart attack with this snake as I walked up to the door. Little did I know that my little angel Brent and my dad had just killed it and laid it there to scare me because they knew I was on my way! We tried to get my mom but she just sat in the truck and stared at it until she saw it not move and knew we were trying to play a joke on her!

Bailey and I measured it and it was 5 ft 2 in long, and a cottonmouth at that!

Beginning of Summer 2010

2010-05-29T22:38:00.003-05:00

Memorial Day marks the beginning of Summer and we kicked it off today with a trip to the lake. What a fun day we had with Memaw, Madison, Uncle Larry, Aunt Diane, Chris & Caroline, and Knox!

Preschool Graduation

2010-05-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

On May 18th, Brieanna graduated from Tipton County Preschool! She has attended the preschool since she was 3. It is a fantastic program and she will miss it and the friends she has made as they all go different ways to different schools for Kindergarten in the fall.

Friends...

2010-05-25T22:57:00.003-05:00

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work; If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
Ecclesiates 4:9-10

I saw this tonight and it made me think of the great friends that I have. The friends I have had for years and years, and the many newer ones that I get the pleasure of seeing each and every day. This bible verse holds so true. It is wonderful to know that there are friends there to make your day brighter with their crazy stories, encourage you, be compasionate, smile, or lend a hand.

Awana's

2010-05-19T22:14:00.002-05:00

Tonight Brie finished up Cubbies at Awana's at Oak Grove Baptist. She has learned so much and had some wonderful teachers!

Bailey loves FROGS!

2010-05-17T21:15:00.006-05:00

Since Bailey has been able to walk, the boy has loved frogs. When he was two, they were his best friend! He caught frogs and carried them everywhere. It's no wonder we're constantly freezing warts!

Yesterday after church while memaw was cooking lunch Bailey found these frogs in the pool, he thought it was great!

Field trip to Huntsville, AL Space Museum

2010-05-14T21:01:00.004-05:00

Ready to shoot up!

Noah & Brent

... a little rock climbing

these boys are going to be a mess!

Today I went with Brent on his 4th grade field trip to the Space Museum. It was quite a long bus ride, even if it was a charter bus! I was exhausted and Brent was too, as he slept the last hour or so. Even so, I enjoyed being able to spend my day with Brent on his field trip, however next year if 4th grade goes again with Bailey, it will be Jason's turn to go and ride that bus for 5 hours there!

Mother's Day

2010-05-10T21:42:00.000-05:00

this is only the beginning of the morning, before the dirt

Brent catching

Bailey

Brent pitching

What is better than spending Mother's Day watching two handsome boys play ball all day and watch a little princess see how dirty she can get. I wish I'd gotten a picture of her as we left and she was covered in dirt from head to toe!

Tadpoles

2010-05-10T20:57:00.002-05:00

of course Maisy had to ride with us tonight to Memaws

Memaw and Honey had to have all of their concrete around the pool tore out and repoured this year, so needless to say the pool is quite a mess! Last night Honey was draining the pool and there were tons of tadpoles swimming around in there. Brie and I caught lots of them and she can't way to take them to school tomorrow! She is so excited that her class is going to watch them turn into frogs hopefully before the last day day of preschool on May 20th!

Growing up

2010-05-07T14:02:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was a big day for Brie, we registered her for Kindergarten! She is so excited. I can't believe that it is already time for her to go to big school in August. Seems like just yesterday she was sleeping in the bed with us as a baby... but wait, that is still happening! Occasionally she will sleep in her own bed, but not too often. Everyone has their opinion on this subject, but for me I don't really care. This is our last little one and if it makes her feel safe to sleep with us most nights then that is fine with me! I love to look over at her and see the sweet little girl asleep beside me.

It's scary for me to think that my kids are growing up so fast. This week while looking for Brie's documents to register her for kindergarten I found a couple of pictures I used to have on my desk of the boys when they were little. Like 2 and 3 little... boy were they cute! It's hard now to remember exactly everything about that time when they were that little, it seems so long ago. don't get me wrong, I remember those times and have lots of memories, but when I try to think about it it is hard for me to exactly remember just having 1 child and everything about each one of them. When they're babies you think you will remember EVERYTHING, and 10 years later that just isn't the case! Too bad this blog wasn't around when the boys were born! I guess I will have to get my picture books in order to make up for that!

May 1 Flood

2010-05-02T19:08:00.001-05:00

Bridge on Holly Grove Road washed out (the day after)

Canal way over at Gilt Edge, the day after, Sunday!

Singleton Parkway exit off 385

BCI in Brighton

Candy Lane and Turkey Scratch

Creek by my Grandmothers, VERY high!

Hwy. 51 & 385

supposed to be a field behind Jason's Uncle Kyle Hanks

Saturday morning we woke to a lot of flooding. I have never seen anything like it. Jason had to be at work Saturday morning at the VA for a shutdown and he called to tell me it was getting bad and that the VA's first floor had water pouring in and it took him 1 1/2 hours to get to work! I already had plans to go and visit Grandmother at Baptist East as she was recuperating from her open heart surgery. Brie and I waited until around 1pm and decided to go ahead and try to go. I had no idea how bad it was really going to be. I couldn't get to Memphis through Candy Lane because it was completely under water, as was 59 west through Gilt Edge. Tried Holly Grove, but the canal was over the road there too and had washed out huge drops along the road. Finally we made it to 51 and I thought we were clear! As I turned off Navy Rd. onto Raleigh Millington, the road was being closed in front of the railroad tracks. We were rerouted through a neighborhood back to Navy Rd. Brie couldn't believe all the kids playing in their flooded streets with floats! It was crazy!

We went up 51 to 385, only to learn that not only was Raleigh Millington flooded but water was half way up Munford Funeral Home! Singleton road was completely under water!

We managed to get there through Brunswick Rd., no problems at all. Of course we had to stop by Target and Once Upon a Child, and while we were in there the sirens began to sound! Tornado had been spotted!

After much excitement we made it to Baptist East and Grandmother was excited that I had driven by her house and took lots of pictures to show her that her house was completely fine, but that what was once a field across the road was now a beautiful lake! It saddened her to see it look like that knowing the Baskins had just planted it that week.

Grandmother was adimate that I get myself and Brie home before dark, but little did I know that would not be the case. I thought it would be an easy trip, but now Brunswick was closed due to the bridge there being flooded. I was routed through a road I had never been down and ended up making my way to Highway 14 long enough to get on 385. Once we hit Hwy 51 I was not excited that I had to go through lots of water over the exit just to get onto the highway. I couldn't believe how much had changed in a few hours. Police were everywhere, Los Reyes parking lot was under water and all of the apartments there were too. It was such a sad sight.

The kids were out of school on Monday due to roads being washed out, but teachers reported to clean up leaks and such. At BHS we have several students who lost everything, one of the students I came to know well this year lost not just her house, but all of her new baby's everything and they already didn't have much.

We take it for granted, and something happens so quick. President Obama declared Tipton County along with many other counties a disaster. FEMA has moved in to help and I hope we don't see anything else like this again. I believe the last time anything like this happened was 1939.

Nashville was also hit extremely hard, it is horrifying to look at pictures of Nashville and see that downtown is under water. The Opryland Hotel, the Titan's stadium, etc. Tennessee has a long cleanup ahead.

All good things come to an end

2010-04-17T12:20:00.002-05:00

I can't believe that spring break has come and gone. I didn't get much of anything done off my to do list, but atleast summer is not too far away. I planned on working outside Wednesday, but Jason was off so we spent the entire day after lunch until 9pm that night buying a new truck. I hate doing that which is why i was just fine with keeping my Expedition, but since it was about to hit 140,000 miles it was time to trade. So my day was gone. Thursday I did get to work in the yard, but still didn't get mulch. The kids and I just messed around until Brie's game that night. Friday we hung around the house and then went to Big Daddy and Nana's pond to fish. Boy were the kids mad that I caught 8 fish to their 1!

Spring Break zoo trip

2010-04-13T12:02:00.000-05:00

Our second day of spring break began with taking Brieanna to Dr. Saino for her 5 year old check up and to get her 5 year old shots so we can get her registered for school! She was very nervous about having to get shots, but she did great. I can't believe I didn't take a picture of her, but she has to go back to get a polio shot this week somewhere else b/c of the combination changes so maybe I'll remember to get one!

After a quick visit to my allergist and a quick lunch at chic-fil-a, we were off to the zoo. Lots to see before 2 came and the zoo became crazy when it opened up free!

Ofcourse, this day was great. It was my birthday and Jason ended up being off work so it was a great day since we got to spend it as a family!

1st day of spring break!

2010-04-12T22:25:00.000-05:00

Bailey had his checkup today with Dr. Klug from having his tonsils taken out, everything looks great and he is free to go back to normal! We took a little time for a little picture taking before heading home to play.

Easter

2010-04-04T22:22:00.002-05:00

Daddy swinging with Brie while the boys hide eggs!

Brent wants to make sure everyone knows he is hiding eggs for his little sister, not hunting!

Bailey feeling much better!

Isn't he the cutest thing?

Out of the church clothes, dinner, then a little muddin'

We had a great Easter. We didn't quite make the 7 am Sunrise service as we had planned, but we were packed at Sunday School and preaching and service was great. We have a great sunday school class, and last week they were so sweet and brought Bailey a basket of goodies and supper after his surgery. He was so happy to have some more new things to lay on the couch and play with, this sitting still is killing him!

After church, the Kinney's gathered at the Burlison community center, as there is so many of us it gets a little crowded at our houses! Lunch was great, and the kids loved playing outside on the park and hiding eggs.

After lunch, we loaded up the four wheeler and headed over to my cousin Jason Howard's to ride four wheelers with his family. We had so much fun, it's crazy how a little mud makes the best time ever for the kids. They were completely worn out when we got home last night.

Lifelong friends

2010-04-03T11:48:00.002-05:00

These girls and I share many, many memories. All of us except Noel have been in school together and friends since Kindergarten! (Noel went to Munford!)

Girly flip flops

2010-03-28T21:10:00.002-05:00

Last summer while at the beach Brie saw a pair of flip flops with ribbons and had to have them. She has worn them out, so much they break very often! She just had to wear them to the Easter Egg Hunt, and everytime she runs to fast the toe thing comes out, so I promised her we would make some new ones. So after church and lunch at memaws, we came home and made her flip flops. Now, she can't wait to wear them tommorow even though I told her it wasn't quite warm enough.. but I guess it will be okay! She's ready to go pick out new ribbon to make more already!

Easter Egg Hunt

2010-03-28T21:06:00.002-05:00

Ofcourse the only picture of now I have is one taken with my phone! I just love it when I get ready to take pictures only to realize that my batteries, yes both, are completely dead. With Bailey's surgery I completly forgot to charge them. Luckily my friend Kim took some that she is going to email to me!

Brie had a great time, but I was a little sad when I asked Brent if he wanted me to run get him from baseball practice early so that he could go to the Easter Egg hunt at church and he said "NO!" I asked why, and he said "Mom, I am 10! I'm too big!"

Bailey's surgery

2010-03-28T21:01:00.003-05:00

Before

After

Thursday, March 25th Bailey had his tonsils and adenoids removed. Yesterday and today have been a little rough on him. The hardest part is trying to make him understand that he can do nothing! He just doesn't understand why he can't just ride his bike up and down the driveway and not do any wheelies! I told him that Dr. Klug said nothing, not even riding a bike! I don't know how we are going to make it 2 weeks!

2010 Charity Ball

2010-03-23T09:42:00.003-05:00

Amy & I

Aimee and I

Aimee, Carlyn, & I (members going associate/life!) missing Sherri Wallace!

This past weekend was the Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball, this is our biggest fundraiser of the year to help serve the children of Tipton County who are underprivileged so we have worked very hard to make it a success. At the end of April, my active membership of Junior Auxiliary will come to an end. I will go on as associate or life, but will no longer have to participate in finance or service projects unless I want to help out. I have enjoyed my time in JA and will definitely miss the friendships and memories that were made.

Busy, Busy...

2010-03-14T21:24:00.003-05:00

Enjoying a warm day playing in the ditch in the pasture!
Junior Auxiliary's bookworm buddies, it's Dr. Suess's birthday!

I came home to find this.... they decided they need to get faster?!

Getting to enjoy a short ride with daddy around memaw's house

What a busy week we have had. Basketball has ended, and baseball and softball practices begin this week. Last night we had our basketball banquet at church, Brie was so excited to receive her award! Brent and Bailey were excited, but not near as excited as she was!

Last week was spent with me running around crazy trying to figure out what in the world is wrong with Bailey. Three Dr. visits later, they have decided that the antibiodic he was on for 10 days to cure his strep is not working since he still has it and has no energy at all and headaches which he cries with everyday. It's been 3 days with the new antibiodic and it seems to be working a little better. After our visit to the ENT, he is now sceduled to have his tonsils and adnoids out on the 25th of March. I hate he has to, but he just gets well and then a month later the strep is back again! Thank goodness we got Brent back to normal after his surgery a few weeks ago trying to save his tooth that was knocked out a few years ago by the baseball. It was put back right after it was knocked out, and they repaired it then, but apparently the roots were dying off and this surgery was needed to go in and try to repair and reattach them. Hopefully this will help him be able to keep the tooth until he is old enough for an implant.

Brie is practicing hard for her program at church, Donkey Tales, she loves to sing. She is excited she has a little part to sing.

Big Change

2010-02-17T09:06:00.003-06:00

Your love, oh Lord Reaches to the heavens
Your faithfulness stretches to the sky
Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains
Your justice flows like the ocean's tide
I will lift my voice To worship You, my King
I will find my strengthIn the shadow of your wings

Since July when the boys came back from church camp at Camp Clark Williamson with Holly Grove. They enjoyed it so much and were so happy to have other kids there age that they could learn more about God's word with. We have attended Smyrna since I was born with my mother, so that is where we have always went. There were children there, but not just a whole lot and not much of a structered childrens program. So, that has led us to Holly Grove. They have a wonderful children's program, and also I love it. And... it is nice to feel comfortable since most of my family goes there. The Kinney's and Goforth's were raised there, and I spent alot of my childhood there with my grandparents.
Don't get me wrong, I liked Smyrna and but just felt the need for more, something different.
We have once again gotten very involved in Sunday School, and now while the kids are at their Wednesday night programs, parent's are attending an Essentials of Discipline class that I think is going to be great on ideas for helping raise children.
Sunday, we have decided will be when we officially join the church. It's an easy decision, but then again I still feel bad leaving my mom, even though I know that she doesn't mind as long as we are going. Change is just not easy! Now... just by Sunday I have to work on the courage of walking up in front of the church with my family to join, not so easy for me! I don't like being in front of a crowd and everyone staring at you!

Our Community Park burned down

2010-02-16T20:58:00.002-06:00

I ran to the grocery store quickly after Brie's basketball practice tonight, while Jason stayed at practice with Bailey. On the way back home there were emergency vehicles going every where! I got home only to find out that Cobb Parr Park playground was on fire.

Like most people in Covington, we frequent this park on a regular basis. My kids love, well loved, it. I showed them the pictures earlier and they all teared up, Brie wanted to know why someone did that. That is a question of my own. It is being investigated as arson. Why? Who would want to take away the many smiles this gives our children?

Valentines Day

2010-02-14T20:54:00.003-06:00

I guess we are pretty boring around here for Valentine's Day! No special dinner or anything, just spent our normal Sunday together. We started off with church, then our usual Sunday dinner at moms, then we celebrated today as a special day for Big Daddy and his birthday! The kids then had their Valentine's party at church. Brie and I had a great time last night together making Valentine cookies for their party at church!

Mini snow vacation

2010-02-11T16:40:00.005-06:00

We had so much snow and ice Monday that we have been out of school all week! It's back to school though tomorrow! We have had a lazy week, Monday and Tuesday were spent playing in the snow, while Wednesday we ventured out to Wal-mart for a couple of much needed necessities like milk and sugar!

Surprise snow

2010-02-08T11:03:00.004-06:00

As the alarm went off this morning, and I grunted and hit snooze before getting up I heard my phone in the kitchen beeping with a text. So, I wondered into the kitchen and read the message that said "Look outside! No school!" I ran to the back door and looked out and sure enough we got a surprise snow! I had briefly watched the weather and saw that there was a possible 1 inch, but never dreamed it would be anything to get us out of school. Thank goodness we go that extra time everyday to give us our snow days!

Lucky for us, Jason has to work a shut down this weekend so he is home to enjoy it with us!

Brie's 5th Birthday

2010-01-13T21:32:00.003-06:00

Brie had a great 5th birthday!

a little karaoke

..a little dancing

and lots of fun with friends!

It is so much fun to watch each of my children grow and change. It is so sad to know that Brie is no longer a baby, but just turned 5 and by this time next year she will be half way through her Kindergarten year!

Reflections of 2009

2009-12-31T22:50:00.000-06:00

Wow.. I can't believe another year has came and gone. We've had quite the eventful year. In 2009, the spoiled princess turned 4, crazy Bailey turned 9, and Brent turned 10! Wow, by the end of this decade both boys will have graduated high school and be off to college and Brie will be in highschool, scary!.. the next decade is sure to bring many family memories and lots of good times.

January 2009 started us out with Brieanna and her Strawberry Shortcake birthday party, we even had a little snowfall towards the end of January.
February: Basketball was in full swing and Brie had her first sleepover here and at her friend Kinley Escues house. Brent and Bailey were on different basketball teams and continue to amaze me everyday. They adjusted well to a new school throughout the first semester and have continued to do great in school. We celebrated Papa, Big Daddy's and Uncle Nick's birthdays.
March: On February the 28th- the first few days of March we had more snow than we had had in a very long time! We were out of school for nearly a week and the kids enjoyed every minute of it. Maryselle and Conlee were here with us the first day after school when the snow hit us hard!
April: Easter egg hunts and family time always makes for fun. Of course we can't forget this year I turned the big 30. Spring break brought memories of a trip to the zoo and lots of family time. Of course, Brent and Bailey were nice and busy keeping us going at the baseball fields. Even Brie started softball this year. It was quite interesting with all 3 kids playing on different teams!
May: Brie's first dance recital, she did great! On May 6, we got our new Schnoodle Maisy! Brent and Bailey got to pick her out! School ended for another year.
June: Summer's off are great! I enjoyed June and bright and early mornings of teaching swimming lessons! We spent just about every day at my parents pool enjoying our time together. We missed memaw and honey as they were gone for 2 weeks to New York and Canada and many other places traveling. Jason had a birthday!
July: Brent turned 10! Brent and Bailey both made All Stars. We had a tragic day where we visited the ER twice! First Brent fell and broke his arm chasing Maisy around the house, we got home from Campbell's from getting a cast, and shortly after Bailey got bit by a dog that sent us rushing to the ER a second time. What an eventful day. Needless to say, Brent's team advanced another level the day before was when he broke his arm. We were still there to support the team. We took a great family vacation with one my good friend Amy Lenagar and her family. When we returned Brent and Bailey had a great birthday party at the Thorton swimming pool together. Brent & Bailey both went to church camp at Camp Clark Williams, this was Brent's 2nd year, Bailey's 1st.
August: Back to school we go. Brent began 4th grade, Bailey 3rd, and Brie her second year of preschool. At the end of August, I was one of the lucky first to be out a week with the H1N1 and Brent and Bailey both got it 2 weeks later. Brent got his cast off, and we ended the month of August sick and all at Pin Oak for Grandmothers birthday weekend. Once again it was some great family time and fun! Also on the 29th, a great little boy, Bailey turned 9!
September: Labor Day started us off with great fun at the cabin with the Lea's, Grant's, and Roe's. Riding 4 wheelers and mudding all day was the highlight of the kids weekend. We are blessed to kids that love to play together and get along great!
October: Brent, Bailey, and Brie all showed in a sheep show at the Union City Fair. The BBQ festival also involved a sheep show and piglet chasing which all 3 kids loved! This was the first year the boys decided they were too big for Trick or Treating and spent the entire weekend hunting for the Juvenile hunt with their Daddy and Big Daddy. Brie proudly wore her lady bug outfit to trick or treat, and her Indian outfit given to her by MarySelle to school. Memaw took her for the 2nd year to her trip to the Pumpkin Patch.
November: Thanksgiving Break was rough, We all endured the Stomach Flu! But, we all ended up getting through it by the end of the week and enjoyed time with our families and ofcourse I made it for a little while shopping with my great group of friends for Black Friday!
December: Kids enjoyed riding with the Brighton FFA during the Brighton and Covington Christmas parades. Brent and Bailey both did an awesome job in the Holly Grove Christmas Program and Brent even had a solo! Brie also participated in the Covington Assembly of God program where her Nana goes to church. We made lots of gingerbread man cookies for all 3 kids to take to school. Christmas was great! New Years Eve was spent at our Annual place of Malcomb and Renee Coulston, filled with lots of memories and great family and friends.

As I write this reflecting, I can't believe once again how fast the year flew by. Just looking through pictures to remind me of what happened when I can't believe how much Brent, Bailey, and Brie have grown and changed throughout the year.
I am looking forward to a new year filled with love and lots of time with family and friends and many more great memories. Happy New Year!

Christmas 2009

2009-12-24T20:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas 2009 started out Tuesday at our house with the Howard's

Brent is ready to begin

Granny and Papa

Brie and Isa having a tea party

Ready to open presents

Oops, Nana gave Bailey the wrong present!

Just what he wanted Nana! How'd you know?

Big Daddy and Brie

Then on to Memaws Christmas Even afternoon for gifts with Uncle Shane and family

Jason enjoyed his yummy dinner with the Kinney's!

All the great grandkids exchanging their gifts

Christmas morning, Brie is checking it all out

Brent got golf clubs, but Bailey's green machine was the hit

sad when boys get older and all you see is video games and clothes!

We had a great Christmas and enjoyed all the time we got to spend with family, it was busy but sure was fun!

Christmas Program 2009

2009-12-13T21:46:00.004-06:00

Brent and Bailey had a great time in the Holly Grove Christmas Program!

Brent even had a solo!

Starry NIghts

2009-12-13T21:40:00.003-06:00

We got an early sneak peak at Starry Nights since Jason's company did all the electrical wiring for it, which was very neat. Christmas City is always one of our all time favorites and since we live so close normally go through it atleast once a week. Although Christmas City has lots of lights, I loved the animation of lights that Starry Nights had, I thought that was pretty cool and I know that it took a lot of time. It was worth seeing it anyway!

"Throw me Daddy!"

2009-12-13T21:24:00.003-06:00

"Throw me Daddy" are the words that we hear around here over and over. Brie loves to be thrown into the air. It makes it fun that our den ceilings are so high.

"My turn!" (notice the rollers she has gotten into to make "yo yo's in her hair as she calls it!)supergirl!ofcourse Bailey had to have a turn, although his days of nearing the ceiling are over!

Brighton Christmas Parade 2009

2009-12-07T21:28:00.004-06:00

Terri Lea and I waiting on the parade to start
Brie riding with Santa and Mrs. Claus

The 3 Musketeers, Balfour, Bailey, & Hunter

Brent & my niece Jessica

Santa and Brie waiting on Mrs. Claus to get off the phone with mama claus!

Brent, Bailey, and Brie had a wonderful time tonight with their friends on the Brighton FFA Christmas Parade float. One of the many perks of my beginning teaching a last year has been the great friends that we have all made. I have made many new great friends that I get to work with on a daily basis and the kids gladly love for mom to have to work late in her room so they can play with all the other teachers kids!

Ofcourse some how my rowdy outdoor loving kids have already decided that Brighton FFA is already in their future and now that they will be involved in everything going on there at that school! I have a feeling between the football field they drool over while the players are out there, to the basefield they can't wait to play on, to the sheep they want to continue to show, and the shop where great things come to life we are going to be quite busy when their highschool years approach. Though... that is still many years to come and I don't want to even think about those highschool years yet!

What happens when you give a 4 year old a camera?

2009-12-07T21:09:00.004-06:00

Now, everyone knows how I love my Nikon big camera, it is awesome and takes the best pictures... but it is not so easy to tote around everywhere and my first digital camera was well.. a little outdated. So, on black friday I bought myself a small Nikon digital camera that I can keep in my purse. I have found that Brie loves to take pictures on my phone and this new camera certainly kept her entertained in Target while Terri and I did some Christmas shopping. It is so funny to me and amazes me to see the world through her eyes! She was so funny taking pictures of everything she wanted from Santa! It also continued when we returned home the next day!

My long time very talented friend Aimee made my boys sock monkey's when they were younger. Brie has inherited them and absolutely loves them along with her new colorful one that her Aunt Di sells at Old Town Hall that are named "Bailey"

her bows must be important, a new bouncy is on her wish list, and I hope she just wants momma to add that game to my phone b/c she has quite a while before a phone will be given by the big guy!

Be thankful

2009-12-03T20:36:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving break was not so great around the Howard home. We caught the awful stomach bug and spent the week battling it. It all started Saturday with Brie, went to Brent by Tuesday, me on Wednesday, and Jason by Friday night! My kids sure seemed to get over it in one day, but getting older must take a lot more out of you because I was still hurting and trying to regain my energy on Saturday!
Jason and the kids made it to the Beckett's for lunch on Thursday, and I was able to go to my family that night for a little bit. I even joined my great group of friends a little later than normal Friday morning for our girls shopping day. A couple of times I had to sit in the truck to rest, but atleast I got to spend the day with them!
However, we are just thankful that we have a wonderful extended family and food to eat. Our sickness was nothing compared to what some families are battling and we are thankful for that.

Chris's Wedding

2009-12-03T20:27:00.002-06:00

Larry, Aunt Diane, and Ashley
How sweet!

Chris & Caroline tied the knot

Aunt Donna, Aunt Debbie, Mom, Me, and Brie at the rehersal dinner

Bunko

2009-11-06T22:44:00.002-06:00

Last night was bunco reunion with my great group of friends from high school. We have fell of the wagon and decided that playing monthly has gotten impossible with everyone now having kids and the busy lives that we all have with our children. I miss these girls so much and had so much fun catching up with them. We were missing a few, but we had a great time! I am hoping that we can start slowly to try and get back into a bunco outing every few months!

In live I think that most of us have learned that true friends are hard to find. I don't talk to all of my girlfriends on a daily or weekly basis, but I know that I could pick the phone up and call any of these girls anytime and they would listen and I hope they know the same holds true here. I am grateful for the chance I have had to have had these great girls as friends for many years.

Thanks Kendra for the picture, we all need it for our scrapbooks so we can remember our conversation and know we don't look a day over 25!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-05T18:19:00.003-06:00

Brie was so excited to get to see Aubrie, they stay at Mrs. Karen's together before she goes to preschool!

MarySelle "Dorthy", Zac "todo", and Brie the ladybug!

Just what Ms Chatterbox, needs... a stick of sugar!

Brent and Bailey decided that they were too big to trick or treat and rather hunt all afternoon instead! BRie had a great time though!

Pumpkin Carving

2009-10-29T17:53:00.002-05:00

We finally got our pumpkins yesterday and carved them. They made sure to pick out the biggest ones they could find!

Notice in today's pictures with their pumpkins they had to have some paint for their hair!

Zoo Boo

2009-10-29T17:44:00.003-05:00

We went to Zoo Boo this past weekend with lots of our friends from school. Many of my friends that I teach with have kids that are the same ages as mine so it works out great! All the kids had a great time even though Bailey was mad that the new part wasn't open because he really wants to see the Elk now that they are out! Maybe we'll have another nice day that we can go down and see them!

Beckett Family Reunion

2009-10-29T17:40:00.003-05:00

Fall Break

2009-10-16T21:41:00.003-05:00

Not much was accomplished during Fall Break like I had hoped. We were actually quite lazy, especially since it rained everyday except for Wednesday! Wednesday was a beautiful day for the zoo and me and the kids had a great time. The new exhibit at the zoo is very nice, and the kids loved seeing the bears and running through the water sprays.

We did get a few things accomplished though, hopefully our yard cut for the last time, Maisy got fixed:) and groomed, and I got lots of homework done.

Brie the beautician?

2009-10-10T21:19:00.002-05:00

Brieanna played so well back in her room this morning while I was doing my homework in the den. At one point she came in the den and was talking to me and I looked, then looked again, and said "WHAT IN THE WORLD HAPPENED TO YOUR HAIR!?" she responds, "I cut it, I'm sorry." I didn't yell, hey I once did it myself. Guess I should have expected it to happen at some point. She has done it once before, but it was on the side and just one little piece she cut.

I guess that she thought she needed some bangs, cause she sure cut her some!

First Brighton High Homecoming Parade!

2009-09-28T21:40:00.002-05:00

Hannah, Brie, and Mollie
The kids can't wait!

Brie loves Mollie

Poor Kirby had a hurt foot!

This year was the first year that Brighton High School ever had a Homecoming Parade. This year was a beginning and we just went to the elementary and middle schools, which the kids got very excited about! Next year we hope to have it expand to the whole community!

Disney on Ice

2009-09-28T21:16:00.003-05:00

I can't believe that we got into the FedEx Forum and discovered that I had left my camera in the car! All I had to capture the memories was my phone and I guess it was better than nothing! Brie loved the show, she wore her Minnie mouse dress and shoes that Grandmother and Aunt Linda got for her a month or so ago and was so excited!

Congrats to Chris and Caroline

2009-09-28T21:11:00.002-05:00

Chris & Caroline at their handyman shower

All of my cousins and I were very close growing up. Days spent together at Grandmother's were the absolute best! We played in the bean field hiding, played down by the creek where we weren't supposed to be, and found anything and everything to do that was so much fun! Christopher has always been so special and I love him so much, and he has met this great girl Caroline and I can't wait to see them get married on Saturday, October 3rd!

Cupcakes on a Saturday NIght

2009-09-20T09:45:00.001-05:00

Brent and Bailey spent the night with memaw & Honey last night, so Brie and I made cupcakes. She wanted strawberry with white icing and sprinkles so that is what she got!

2009-09-10T18:30:00.002-05:00

We got to new kittens to stay around the shop to catch mice this winter. Right now they are really small so we are keeping them in an extra large doggie crate in the shop. The kids have actually done quite well cleaning out the litter box and feeding them. Their names are Orea and Tootsie Roll!

The end of summer...

2009-09-08T19:27:00.004-05:00

We had quite the busy weekend. Friday night was Brighton vs. Cordova, we lost by 2 points but it was a great game. The kids love Friday nights as we sit in the endzone with faculty and everyone's kids have plenty of room to run around and we can keep a close eye on them. All the teachers kids love to run and play with one another.

Saturday, Brent spent the day with Papa and Granny and Bailey had Balfour down all day. That night some a couple of sets of friends came down and we grilled out and hung out while the 10 kids between us, 11 with my niece Jessica! They had a blast!!!

Sunday after church, everyone got ready to head to William Lea's place to ride four wheelers. It was so much fun! It was a late night and the kids slept great and late Monday morning. Bailey woke up not feeling well so I took him to the Take Care Clinic in Bartlett since no one else was open and we waited from 1145 and walked out at 515!! After signing in and finding out it would be a long wait, we got something to eat and sat in the car until 130. Then we sat until we were called back a little before 4. Granted they took lunch from 2-3. We got seen quickly, had to have the flu and strep test ran, then he has tonsillitis. Very large tonsils too, and he has a sore throat frequently so we are going to see an Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor Monday. After getting med's filled there at Walgreens it was 515 when we got in the car!

Now today, both boys are sick and running fever so they are both on antibiotics now. Hopefully they will have a speedy recovery and we are just glad it is not the flu!

But.... now as I read this later... we went back to the DR. a few days later as they both were still very sick and the peditrician informed us they both have swine.... lovely....

Day at the lake for Grandmother's birthday

2009-08-30T17:37:00.005-05:00

Growing up the Kinney family along with many other families from the Holly Grove area spent at least a week if not more at Pickwick Lake together. Of course as time as went out and families have gotten busier, those times have been long gone. Last year the Kinney's started a new tradition for my grandmother's birthday. We all go up the weekend of her birthday to Pin Oak and spend the weekend skiing and watching the kids play.

Unfortunately with me having the flu this week I knew I couldn't handle all weekend so we just got to go up on Saturday and I sat in the chair most of the day. I did ride in the boat a couple of times so I could take picture. Having the flu drained me and I have no energy at all. I was exhausted on the way home and had no trouble falling asleep!

The kids had a great time, the boys even stayed Saturday night with my parents so they could do it all over again. It was also Bailey's birthday so he had a birthday to remember!

Brie & Maisy

2009-08-27T18:27:00.002-05:00

Brie is excited to show that she has learned to do a proper back bend from Mrs. Leslie at gymnastics!
always aggravating..

Brie's first week of Pre-school

2009-08-26T16:00:00.003-05:00

waiting on the bus....
don't know where she got this?
Aunt Joyce is her bus driver!!

Since I came down with the flu, yes the real flu.. tested positive for Type A, on Sunday morning and preschool started Monday, I wasn't able to take any pictures of Brie on her first day of going back to the 4 year old class at TCPS. So... we had to make do with taking pictures today, her 3rd day when I was finally able to get out of bed!

Brieanna loves preschool and her teacher Mrs. Amanda Wade!

School has started!

2009-08-16T09:59:00.002-05:00

I can't believe the first week of school has flown by! It was a long one for me, but the boys had a great time their first week! Getting back in a routine is tough! Up early, getting 3 kids ready, and getting somewhere on time is tiring! Brieanna hasn't started yet, and hopefully they will start soon because she has asked every morning is the preschool bus coming to get her yet!
School brings back busy times. Brie decided this year that she wanted to just do flips and cartwheels... so we are taking time off from Showstars dance and doing gymnastics with Mrs. Leslie at the sportsplex! She LOVES it! Brent & Bailey are back to baseball practice, though Brent is having a tough time swinging a bat since he just got his cast off last Monday, August 10th, the first day of school! Brent is also taking Hunter's safety course every Tuesday & Thursday for the next couple of weeks.

End of Summer Break

2009-08-02T18:52:00.006-05:00

Swam with broken arms....

Loved time with mommy...
learned to dive....

and actually acted like they loved each other!

End of summer break is a little bitter sweet. Oh how I have loved my first summer off with the kids. We have had lots of time together. I loved teaching swimming lessons, and we had a great vacation and a couple of quick trips here and there. I've repainted my living room, foyer, hall, and master bathroom, and gave the kids bathroom a redo too.

We've experienced a broken arm and a dog bite, both still healing. We've dealt with the death our our dog Diesel who the kids absolutely loved. We've had a rough summer, but overall it was great. I wouldn't trade anything for the time that I have had this summer to spend time with my children.

Today Bailey got stung by a wasp on his cheek, which he is allergic to and normally has to have an epipen injection if it is close to his throat but we are watching it. He normally still has to have a shot just because the swelling never seems to go down. He is out on the coach right now from the benedryl. Our fun never ends.

Back to school means back to routines. Back to getting up early, dropping Brie off at the sitter, (which is now a new sitter except on Fridays due to preschool bus not picking up at the old one anymore) and getting to BHS for me to teach, and kids to catch the bus over to BES. I am looking forward to seeing what another year of teaching brings. I am excited about the new classes I will be teaching and the new kids that will walk through my door.

I watched an episode of Oparah the other day that I had tivo'd while I was in California. It was the episode where the assistant pricipal who was a mother of two, forgot her 2 year old in her car while she went back to school for the first day back after summer break. It was a sad and touching story. Just like she said, we all think "what mother could do that!" but just like she said, we as mothers are so busy that we fall into our routines and sometimes when the routine gets changed we get off track. Her routine for the morning had been changed, the child was asleep when she put her in, and she just forgot her. I sure pray that even though I am a super busy mom, that I take the time to think and never let anything like this happen to my children. It was a touching story to remind us moms to slow down..... enjoy life..... don't make your life so busy.

That is my goal

Currently we are looking for a new church home. I have attended Smyrna for the 30 years of mylife. We are now looking for a church with more children my kids age and a great childrens department. We visited Holly Grove last week, Covington Assembly of God today, and will visit Central Baptist next week. Changing churches is not easy. I know that people are glad to have you there, but it's sort of like walking into a new job. Some people have been there for so long and you are not the normal person who is always there. I hate being that "new" person. But.. I know God will lead my family to the right church home. Change is never easy.

Something funny that happened just moments ago. This is to file in the kids say the cutest things:

(I'm cooking Spaggetti for supper)

Brie: "Mommy! I want some of that smell good, I'm hungry!"

gotta love 'em!

We love a lazy Sunday

2009-07-26T21:27:00.003-05:00

AnOthER Happy Birthday Celebration for Brent

2009-07-26T21:19:00.004-05:00

Since most grandparents won't come and sit outside for hours at the pool birthday parties we normally have a small family dinner with cake and ice cream for the kids on their actually birthdays. This year we had to do it a couple of days late due to the boys being away at camp on actual birthday for Brent.

So, tonight we celebrated Brent's big 10th birthday with hamburgers, hotdogs, and ice cream cake... oh.. and granny's special red velvet cake! YUM!

My kids are blessed not only to have their grandparents to celebrate with, but they also have their great-grandparents too!

Happy Birthday Brent!

Bathroom Project

2009-07-23T00:17:00.006-05:00

This is my last project of the summer since we only have one more week:( Where has the summer gone?

Brent & Bailey are at camp, so it has been very quite around here. I decided since I have bunko Thursday night that would give me something to make me hurry up and paint the bathroom that I have had the paint for since I painted the living room back in the middle of June!
Jason thinks the color is hideous, however I love it. (mom... I know you are reading this and agree with Jason)
I have several other projects I hoped to get done like clean out closets, clean out the attic, paint baseboards, and clean out cabinets in kitchen.... but I guess those will have to wait. I think that I will enjoy my last week off next week after Brent hopefully gets his cast off MOnday laying by the pool enjoying a good tan for one more week. Hoped to do some of that peacefully with a book this week since I only have one child... but this weather has not allowed any pool time! I'll hope for warmer weather for next week!

Covington Angels State Tournament

2009-07-23T00:10:00.005-05:00

Jess is a great catcher, I hope she continues to play!
Love the socks!

Brie and Memaw

Bailey, Brie, and I spent the weekend at Jessica's state softball tournament. How great it was for these girls to make it to state! Boy did watching these girls play ball and enjoy the friendships they have made make me miss playing softball so much. Softball was such a huge part of my life growing up and especially in high school that I love to watch my kids and niece play just to relive parts of the memories and know that they will one day feel the same way about the team sports we lived for in our "younger days!" I would love to be out there playing again! I'm not quite sure I could run the bases now without falling out on the ground though...!!!

Jason and Brent missed a great time. Brent stayed home to go to a friend's birthday party Friday night and Jason went to Little Sturgis riding motorcycles.

They sure missed a fun weekend. We drove up Friday afternoon and camped out with memaw & honey. Saturday night we rented a cabin in the campground and the kids thought it was great. While there we got to spend time fishing and even got to do some skiing and tubing with Aunt Diane, Larry, Chris & Caroline, and Ashley and her new boyfriend. We had a great time!

Brent & Bailey Big Birthday Bash

2009-07-14T22:20:00.004-05:00

I loved the look they shared while their friends sang Happy Birthday to both of them!

As you see.. the broke arm didn't slow him down at all

The pool is just beautiful!

This year we did a little something different. The boys wanted to have their birthday parties at the Thorton swimming pool so we had their birthdays together since they are only 13 months apart. Brent's birthday is July 21 and Bailey's is August 29, so we normally have their birthdays within a couple of weeks of each other. It was actually quite nice to do them together! We will celebrate here with family on their birthday!

Afternoon Cookies

2009-07-14T22:17:00.001-05:00

Thanks to Emily Peyton Cook and her blog yesterday I was inspired after a long day at the Ripley Waterpark today to come home and make some sweets with the kids. We made the receipe Emily posted yesterday and ofcourse some sugar cookies that Brie could decorate with sprinkles! They sure were yummy....

Orange Beach 2009

2009-07-10T16:34:00.003-05:00

We went to Orange Beach this year for vacation with some good friends of ours Heath and Amy Lenagar. WE had a great time! Brie & Riley were able to entertain each other and Jack Bailey, Brent, and Bailey were easily entertained. WE all got great laughs of the boys trying to ride their skim boards. Life at the beach is good, and coming back to the real world today was certainly a let down.... but I am glad to get home.

Update on the boys, we were able to find a waterproof cast cover Monday morning so Brent didn't miss out on anything! Bailey's face is healing well in most places, and we made an appointment with the plastic surgeon's office this am so we will go see him on August 5th. Hopefully they can make it look like it never happened.

Brent's broke arm

2009-07-04T15:01:00.000-05:00

Brent ready to go and cheer on his team since he can't play!

Bad, bad day

2009-07-03T11:35:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was not to great of a day. It all started Wednesday night. I was in the foyer finishing my painting of the walls and the boys were having a great time chasing Maisy around the house. She was barking and carrying on and they thought it was so funny. Brent & Bailey somehow tripped over each other and I heard the most terrible scream, I jumped down and looked and got him calmed down. Jaosn was at work so I we went down the road to Nana and Big Daddy's were we looked at it and he seemed to be able to move his hand and everything so I decided we would just wait until morning to see how he felt. WEll.. Thursday morning it was nice and swollen and he couldn't do anything with lifting or gripping. An xray at 12 at Baptist Tipton and the doctors office finially called at 3 and let us know it was broke. So then a trip to Campbell's Clinic for a camoflauge cast up past his elbow.

We came home it was around 8pm. Jason goes across the street with the boys last night to tint his windows. All the kids are sitting in the living room playing and Bailey reaches down to pet their dog and it bit him. So off to the ER we went. It is not pretty but it could be worse. It was an accident and please pray for a good heal so that plastic surgery will not be needed.