Life With Kids

Garden

2010-06-14T14:00:00.005-05:00

We have a garden this summer. I am hoping that by growing our own veggies that maybe my family might start eating them. One can hope! And yes the grass outside the garden is growing fast than the things inside! We started everything from seeds. So while some people are starting to harvest we are just now getting blooms. We have gotten about 5 green beans!

We have quite a few tomato plants that have starting blooming. Our peppers didn't make it so Burk bought some plants. We now have a jalapeno pepper...

and a habanero pepper.

I can already taste the salsa!

What a Glorious Day!

2010-06-14T12:23:00.002-05:00

Last month Hunter asked Jesus to be the boss over his life! Burk was lucky enough to be home to pray with him. Hunter has been wanting this for awhile but hasn't been quite ready. We told him he would know when God was telling him it was time. One night when Burk was putting him to bed, he asked Burk what it was like in hell. Burk told him. Hunter came out of his room just awhile later and told Burk he didn't want to go to hell. They prayed together. I love this picture, he is barely out of the water and he is smiling! I pray he is always this excited about his relationship with God!

To make this day even better, he got baptized with one of his best buddies, Cam Man!

These boys were born 5 months apart from each other and have grown up together. It was so exciting they could share this special day together!

The Never Ending Birthday

2010-04-09T09:07:00.003-05:00

Jenna had her 4th birthday last month. Birthdays around here seem to last forever. It seems like we never have time to get all the parties done. Jenna had her first party on her birthday. We had breakfast cupcakes and presents.

The following weekend we went to Nana's where Jenna had spaghetti for her birthday dinner.

Marley was supposed to make Jenna a princess cake. Marley ended up getting sick, so the task was left to me.

Let me tell you, this is the ugliest cake I have ever made! There is a blog dedicated to cake wrecks and this one should be on it! We had been gone all day for Marley's OM. This is what happens when your tired and are rushed.

Jenna still loved it and that is all that matters! With their birthdays a day apart, Jenna and Nana get to share the birthday celebration. But you can see Nana's apple pie beside the cake!

A week later Jenna invited two of her best friends to McDonald's for lunch. Her other bestie couldn't make it in from England. Not sure why!

Don't let these sweet little faces fool you!

These are some sassy girls!

I think we are in trouble in a few years! Oh, who am I kidding we are in trouble anytime they are together!

Spring!!

2010-03-28T18:31:00.003-05:00

Our first day of Spring we got about a foot of snow!!

It was a beautiful snow. The flakes were so big!

We had a snow drift on the north side of our house.

Marley is wearing Ugg type boots. This shows how deep the snow was.

This can't be good for the roof.

It was good snowman making snow. However, it melted quick as you can see by Burk's lopsided snowman!

Actually the best kind of snow is when it snows when Daddy is home to play!

Boys Will Be Boys

2010-03-16T19:15:00.005-05:00

This paper came home in Hunter's backpack yesterday!

Just in case you need a closer look!

The balloon coming from the back just cracks me up! (No pun intended!)

I am not really sure what else I can say!

The Office

2010-03-10T09:33:00.002-06:00

I have been working more hours at church. Our Children's Minister kindly offered to share her office with me. We received a nice desk that someone wasn't using and moved it right in. Our CM also moved a small desk right next to ours for the times Jenna is with me while I work. Jenna thinks she is very important.

She even has her own office supplies!

And if you were to come into the office, Jenna has her sign in sheet ready for you to sign!

Redneck Sledding

2010-02-01T14:33:00.002-06:00

Last week we got around 5-6 inches of snow. We normally do not get this much snow and it sure doesn't last this long. Most people are not prepared with the proper clothes to keep warm or the proper sleds to sled on. In fact our W*l-M*rt didn't even get sleds in this year! They must not have checked their persimmon seeds! But this did not stop our town folk! They got very creative.
This young man and his friend stayed up until 3am working on their "sled." It was some kind of a chair that they screwed two skate boards to the bottom.

This family brought two plastic swimming pools. This was not a bad idea. You could take your whole family down at once! You pay big bucks to get into water parks to ride rides similar to this!

We saw a lot cat and dog food bags. This guy decided to wear his. What I would like to know is where is all the food? Some people had more than one bag. Is there a pile of food in the floor at home? If so, it won't be there when they get back.

Once we left this hill we saw someone going down on an air mattress. On Facebook they are telling stories of being pulled behind a truck on a truck hood. I would like to know how many people have old truck hoods lying around. Or maybe I don't! One person used a 4-wheeler to pull each other on a shovel. That just does not sound safe at all to me. Another pulled their kids with a lawn mower! I really should send this to the local stores as a plea to start selling sleds for the safety of our town.

Not Like Mom's

2010-01-22T10:05:00.002-06:00

Last night I tried my hand at biscuits. I pulled the biscuits out of the oven. Well, they didn't quite look like mom's. And they didn't quite tasted like Mom's, but I made gravy. Everything is good with gravy on it right?

Except that the gravy didn't quite taste like Mom's either. Not sure what it tasted like. I just know it wasn't good.

I guess I will have to make chocolate gravy to put on the remaining biscuits. Everything tastes better with chocolate. And chocolate gravy I can make!

My Little Man

2010-01-10T16:32:00.002-06:00

7 years ago on Christmas Eve we brought this little guy home in a stocking!

He has been a precious gift ever since!

Amazing Race Birthday

2009-12-26T23:02:00.007-06:00

For Marley's 10th birthday we decided to have an Amazing Race themed birthday party. We started out by sending Traveling Gnome invitations. The inside had the details on the party. And warned that if you were the "last team to arrive you may be eliminated!"

Nana made a gnome cake to go with the theme. I didn't get a picture, but Marley was wearing gnome earrings as well!

Once everyone arrived we had them draw out bandanna's to see which team they would be on and who their driver would be. Carrie drove the green team.

Rachel and Sami drove the white team.

Burk drove the pink team.

John drove the bandit boys!

Each team received 6 clues they could not read until them completed each task. To avoid having too many at one task we had them going in different directions. This also had them wondering what place they were in since they didn't know where anyone else was.

Our good friends at Twice Blessed, a consignment store helped with this task. I had specially marked shirts hidden within all the other clothes. They had to find the shirt to get the next clue.

The next task was to collect 10 non-perishable food items to be donated to the local food pantry.

One team collected ten can goods from local homes. One team collected 3 can goods and 7 sugar packets. One team went to IGA and bought 10 can goods. The last team went to the closest convenient store and bought potted meat! Yes, that was the boys team!

The next one was a food task. This was at a friends home. When the team arrived she brought out a tray of pig ears and pigs feet. She let them gross out a bit and then brought out what they really had to eat, which was a smoked sausage!

I was so excited about this next task!

One person from each team had to climb in a balloon! How cool is that! We did have one team that didn't want to do it. Yep, it was the boys!

The owner of The Balloon Closet helped them blow up the balloon and then told them how to get in it.

Once in they could bounce around!

Each team was equipped with a camera. It was very cold out the day of the party and is the reason we have no pictures of this next task.

They were to go to the park downtown and count benches. The drivers were instructed that if they counted twice and still didn't get the correct amount to just move on to the next task. I think maybe the drivers just stayed in the car!

Everyone had the same last task. I had hidden mini gnomes in our church's prayer garden. Since it was so cold we hid them where they could be found quickly.

From the Prayer Garden they had to make their way by foot to the pit stop, which was at the youth building at our church, where the last team could be eliminated.

Once they were checked in at the Pit Stop they received one of these candy bars.

Every received a Christmas ornament before they left!

This was such a fun party to plan. We got rave reviews from the girls! I think we might have to do it again. I was thinking that once they turn 16 it will have to end. We sure don't want them driving themselves! The competitive adult drivers were bad enough!

I had a lot of help from my parents, my sister and my friends. I couldn't have done it without them! Thanks to all of you!

Pine Car Derby

2009-11-16T10:17:00.004-06:00

Hunter's Cub Scouts had their annual Pine Car Derby Race this weekend. Here are some of the fancy cars. Hunter's is the second from the left. The blue truck with metal on it. He was underweight so they had to add some. This was our first year and had no idea how fancy some of them got.

Here is the starting line. It is all computerized. The computer tells which car is running the quickest and what lane each car needs to race on on the next heat.

Here comes Hunter's blue truck in the lead on this heat.

Here is the finish line.

Fancy or not, Hunter got 3rd place in his den! It was quite exciting!

Here is Hunter with his friend Trey.

Nan and Pops were there for the victory! He is showing off his trophy.

We went for celebratory ice cream afterwards!

Love Those Firemen

2009-11-12T20:18:00.004-06:00

This post is from last fall.

I went out to check on the kids climbing the tree. I heard someone talking to them. I looked a little closer...

The firemen were out checking their trucks. One of them thought the kids would like it if he swiveled the ladder around towards the tree. When I came out to take pictures he decided to lower it so...

the kids could be the only ones in our town to have their pictures made like this!

The fireman on the right even posed the kids putting the biggest to the smallest!

He posed them again on the front bumper.

What cute kiddos!

They got to sit the in seats that firemen ride in.

He took their picture with this heat sensor camera. If you look closely you can see their images. Pretty cool. He put his hand on the wall on the truck for a few seconds, then took it off and pointed the camera where his hand had been. You could tell where the heat of his hand was still on the truck.

We have the best firemen!

Movie Theater Tour

2009-11-12T19:09:00.004-06:00

Hunter's Cub Scout group toured our movie theater. We were shown how they thread the film.

It goes into this thing below called a "brain." It plays and rewinds the movie at the same time.

It is threaded through the brain and then over to the projector. The light bulb they use is a 2000 watt bulb. After turning the projector off you can't open it up for 15-20 minutes or it will bust and sound like a shot gun.

The film plays from one of the platter and reloads on another.

This was a very interesting tour to go on.

Dumpster Diving

2009-11-12T16:33:00.003-06:00

Marley is in Odyssey of the Mind this year. To keep their costs down they went searching for some free materials.

Of course Jenna has to be in the middle of it all!

Tricks and Treats

2009-11-12T16:04:00.004-06:00

The day before Halloween the downtown business passed out candy. Marley invited her friend Avery to go with us.

We went by the Firetruck House. Jenna wasn't so sure of this person in the chair. Especially when it started to move!

Tori was passing out candy at her grandma's shop.

Tori is a hoot!

We came across Hunter's buddy Mia.

Little did we know until the next day that Marley and Hunter had gotten some tricks for Halloween. They had lice! We immediately started them on a mayonnaise treatment since we had that at home. We treated Jenna just in case.

Instead of Trick or Treating for Halloween, we went to my Nan and Pop's to roast hot dogs and marshmallows and get the real lice treatments!

Don't worry we didn't use kerosene on them!

Catching Up

2009-11-12T14:08:00.001-06:00

I am at home with a sick child today. I thought I would try to catch on on some happenings around here. We will see what happens. Hunter is the one staying home today. I emailed his teacher to let her know. Her reply was "I've missed him today! He's so sweet and stinkin' cute. I hope he feels better soon."

Sweet Treat!

2009-10-13T22:05:00.002-05:00

We finally made it to Walmart and I found these!

Kiss M&M's! If the faces of each band member won't stop you from eating them the price will!

Cowboys Stadium

2009-10-13T21:50:00.002-05:00

I just needed to get to Walmart for some hairspray. I knew that it was across from the stadium and I only knew one way to get there. Which was right in front of the stadium. The only thing was that road of blocked off. U2 was in concert! I have never seen anything so crazy!

We could hear the music and the crowd from the outside! The streets outside were lined with limos! I have never seen so many limos in one place! I just kept wondering when you come out how do you know which one is yours!

We saw an armoured truck that was now a limo. And we saw this truck limo!

Marley loves limos so I got some pictures for her!

Laughter

2009-10-12T23:23:00.003-05:00

Ken Davis was our speaker tonight. If you have not ever heard him speak, look up where you can hear him now and then come back to finish reading this! I have not laughed so much and so hard in a long time! He is a great man of God and definitely uses his gift to make people laugh.

History

2009-10-12T23:12:00.002-05:00

Our conference didn't start until this afternoon so we took the morning to see some sights. We headed to downtown Dallas. I love the big city!

We went to Dealey Plaza.

This is the building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed President Kennedy from a 6th floor window.

This sign on the building tells about what happened. As you can see someone has scratched an underline under the word allegedly.

Arlington

2009-10-12T23:05:00.002-05:00

I am in Arlington, TX for Lifeway's Kid Conference. From the view from our hotel we can see the new Cowboy's Stadium...

And Six Flags.

As you can see it was raining when we got here.

The Things That Kids Say...

2009-10-03T17:02:00.003-05:00

Jim Wideman has said to parents "We will only believe half of what your children tell us about you if you only believe half of what your children tell you about us." Boy is this not great advice. The other night a friend of mine was over. She was Jenna's Sunday school teacher and preschool teacher last year. It was time for the kids to go to bed. I told them to get their jammies on. Jenna looks at my friend and says, "My mommy and daddy doesn't wear jammies!" What could I even say! I just said, "Yes we do." Jenna says, "No you don't" while Hunter is shaking his head no! I guess a big t-shirt doesn't constitute as jammies! But that story is not very funny anymore. This story has mine beat!

Grandkids

2009-09-23T10:43:00.004-05:00

With all the grand kids together at the same time, my parents wanted to get a picture. We even made them in get in the picture.

But wait, is someone missing? Oh there he is...

over there having a fit! Hunter has decided he doesn't want his picture taken. I have told him that when he grows up and looks back at pictures he is going to wonder where he was. Well now I have a great picture to show him where he was!!

Jenna Goes to School

2009-09-23T10:22:00.002-05:00

Jenna started school a few weeks ago.

She loves school. And we are so lucky to have Miss Brenda as our teacher. Marley and Hunter also had her as a teacher.

Every morning she asks me if she gets to go to school that day. She cries when I tell her "not today." I hope she will always enjoy going to school.

Swagbucks

2009-09-17T14:03:00.003-05:00

Today I made a purchse at Amazon with all the gift cards I got from searching on Swagbucks! I had $30 to spend. I bought myself 3 books and the kids one. Easy money! Right now if you sign up and download the new tool bar they are sending a free code a day for the month. That means you can earn $14 by the end of September! Not to mention what you can make while searching! I am one dollar away from another $5 Amazon gift card!

Baking Again!

2009-09-17T14:01:00.001-05:00

Yesterday I was making brownies. Jenna asked if she could help. I asked her if her hands were clean. She said "Yes, I just licked them!"

Making Cookies

2009-08-28T14:06:00.004-05:00

Jenna asked if we could make cookies today. I asked her what kind she wanted to make. She replied "What about butter cookies?"

Instead we (I) decided to make No Bake Cookies. For obvious reasons!

Jenna was a big helper. She stirred. And even scooped.

Then she licked...

then she scooped...

then she licked

and licked a bit more!

Now who would like to come over for cookies? I know for sure Aunt Rachel would like us to save some for her!

King for the Day

2009-08-28T13:53:00.002-05:00

Hunter was King of the Day today in his class. They have a new King/Queen each day and it helps the class get to know each other. They tell the class some of their favorite things and get to bring in some of their favorite books, stuffed animal and/or family pictures. Jenna and I thought it would be a good day to each lunch with Hunter.

Update on Sam

2009-08-27T20:54:00.001-05:00

Sam was able to come home on Tuesday. I hear things are going ok so far. They still need prayers, it will be a long road. Thanks so much for praying.

First Day of school

2009-08-19T13:58:00.008-05:00

Summer is officially over! We started school today.

We are fortunate to have so many church friends in Hunter's class. Marlow is one of the two friends that sit behind him. Look at the two Mom's in the class. I hope they are using the camera on their phones!

Hunter is starting 1st grade at a new school.

Marley is entering 4th grade at the same school.

It was very different in 4th grade. We were the only parents walking their child to this class. Let alone taking pictures. This may be my last!

Jenna and I didn't quite know what to do with ourselves this morning! So we treated ourselves to lunch out!

Sam Update

2009-08-18T12:41:00.003-05:00

Update: I just came across a picture of Sam. I thought you guys might like a face of who you are praying for. I know God already knows who he is!

Sam had his surgery yesterday. They ended up grafting most of the back and even left arm. They took skin from his legs, left side under arm and some of his calves. It was a little more than they hoped but he's done. Best case they may be released next Monday. Please pray for low pain recouperation as the grafting sites hurt more than the burn sites. Thank you so much for praying. It means so much to the family.

Prayer Request

2009-08-06T14:07:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday the son of a friend of mine was in a burn accident. Sam is Marley's age which is 9. He was life flighted to Children's Hospital. He was severely burned on his right arm and his complete back. He thought to cover his face and it is more like a severe chemical peel and should be fine. Tuesday he went in for grafting. They only had to do two spots, one on his arm and just part of his back. The rest of the back they used biobrane, which is kind of like a saran wrap that helps regenerate new skin. Of course that is the preferred method. They went in to check it today and change the dressings. They did not get good news. None of the membrane took. The skin should have already started turning pink. It has not. They are going to give it until Monday and recheck. If it has not turned pink they will have to do more grafting on Wednesday. They will have to take skin from his stomach and calves. So of course our God is a God of miracles and that is just what we are asking for! Please be in prayer for Sam and for his family.

Swag Bucks Update

2009-07-23T13:26:00.004-05:00

I have told you about Swagbucks before. I just wanted to let you know I now have 240 swagbucks. I am trying to decide if I should cash those in on an Amazon or Target gift card or just have them put some cash in my Paypal account! Hmm! If you would like to sign up just click on the swagbuck button to the right.

Princess

2009-07-23T10:51:00.005-05:00

Jenna has been wearing this Belle costume all week. Yesterday I asked her how many days she was going to wear it. She said "2 days." Today I asked her again. She said "Lots of days."

She keeps forgetting who the princess is on her dress. Today she asked me who it was. I told her it was Belle. She said "Oh, I thought it was Sleeping Bag."

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

It has been our tradition for several years now to celebrate the 4th at my parents. Partly because they live outside city limits and we can shoot fireworks. I bribed the kids with festive garb if they would let me get a few good pictures of them!

As you can see Jenna's headband didn't quite make it through the day!

Part of our tradition is to shoot the parachutes first. We shoot them off in the garden where there is open space.

And the kids fight over who gets to catch the parachutes.

This one was called 82nd Airborne. It came with a little green Army guy attached. Hunter really wanted it because Uncle Bill was apart of the 82nd.

Then we move back to the front yard to light the smoke bombs.

Dad and Uncle Bill sit back and enjoy the show.

This picture of Mom and Aunt Karon was taken before a firecracker was sent flying towards them. Hence the smiling, they had no idea what was about to happen. I won't tell you that it was one of Mom's son-in-law's that lit it. I also won't tell you that she only has one son-in-law.

Next up is our little Drama Queen! She is acting like she is afraid of the fireworks. But after that last one maybe she was!!

Marley collected all the pretty fireworks that have been shot off. We bagged them up to bring home to display in her room.

Oops! I think that is the bag that made it to the curb. Maybe she will wake up before the trash guys come by. Or maybe she won't.

T-ball Champions

2009-06-27T13:13:00.003-05:00

We did it!! This season was very exciting. I never thought myself to be very competitive. But boy if you are winning it kicks in. I could write more about that but I will save it for another post. This one will be about the kids! These boys and one girl worked so hard. There was such improvement from the beginning.

What a great experience for Burk to share with Hunter. He was our coach.

Here is Hunter with his trophy and medal. He was very proud to receive them.

Someone could have washed the ketchup off his face before the game. Carrie, I think you had him last!!!

Wha'ts Wrong?

2009-06-27T13:11:00.002-05:00

I actually sat down to post pictures and blogger won't let me upload. Is anyone else having problems?

We Are the Champions!

2009-06-20T17:26:00.002-05:00

Hunter's t-ball team won the championship last night! I will post pictures soon!

Little Rock

2009-06-11T10:22:00.006-05:00

To walk off all that fish we ate we walked through the River Market in search of some history. The kids always ask "Why is Little Rock called Little Rock?" We were determined to find out.

We came across this guy. Jenna was the only one who would give him some money. We you put money in his hat he would dance.

I loved these hanging baskets. I think they would look great on my front porch. I tried to get Burk to put a couple in the car but he wouldn't!

La Petite Roche is how Little Rock got its name.

This place was under contruction. We checked the map to find the location of "La Petite Roche" and could not find it. We decided to walk across the river on the pedestrian bridge. We spotted this rock. Could that be it?

Heading to the pedestrian bridge. What is wrong with this picture? Honey is getting a workout!

The view of downtown Little Rock from the bridge.

From the bridge we spotted a playground.

This playground is so cool. From where Marley is she can climb up to the top of the rocks. There are several places like this.

Hey, we spotted another rock. Could this be the "rock?"

Jenna found a tunnel.

At the end of the tunnel was this fun water fountain.

And a waterfall!

We found more rocks! Could one of these be the "rock?"

According To Wikipedia, I think this last picture is "The Rock." Located near the geographic center of Arkansas, Little Rock derives its name from a small rock formation on the south bank of the Arkansas River called la Petite Roche ("the little rock"). The "little rock" was used by early river traffic as a landmark and became a well-known river crossing.

What a fun history lesson!

Flying Fish

2009-06-10T09:39:00.003-05:00

Swimming always works up an appetite. So we head to downtown Little Rock to one of my favorite restaurants, The Flying Fish.

What to order, what to order.

The whole family enjoying their lunch.

I have no problems ordering. I get the same thing each time. Fish tacos! Before you start to wrinkle your nose, you really have to try them. Not all fish tacos are created equal. The best are at Wahoo's in Denver. But these come pretty close. They are made with fried catfish so they are not as healthy as some. But boy they are good!

I told you I worked up an appetite!

Swimming in Little Rock

2009-06-08T22:34:00.000-05:00

Last Friday night we took off for Little Rock. Saturday we got up and the kids could not wait to head to the neighborhood pool.

Man was the water cold!

The best way to get in was just to dive right in. No easing into this!

The freezing temperatures did not deter Jenna. She is a fish. We could not get her out of the pool. She would shiver as she told us she wanted to stay in.

Hunter was being a great big brother, helping Jenna swim.

Grandad was smart and did not wear his swimming trunks so he could relax by the side.

Schools Out!!!

2009-06-07T21:10:00.001-05:00

Do you think Marley is a little excited?

Good-bye Forever

2009-06-01T12:11:00.008-05:00

Jenna and I had just left my parents house. I looked back and she had her paci hanging out the window. I told her if she let go that was it. Next thing I see in my side mirror is Jenna's paci bouncing down the road. Ten minutes later she was crying for it. As soon as I got home I gathered her stash of paci's and threw them away. That night she cried for about 10 minutes. The next night was a little better. But then she found a paci under the seat in the car. I threw that one away. When she went to bed that night she kept telling me to get the one out of the car. That was two weeks ago. I guess it is time to plan our celebration at Chuck E. Cheese.

Update: Jenna must have read my post. She has started asking for her paci today.

Sunset

2009-05-24T19:05:00.001-05:00

After the storm passed through we had such an amazing sunset. I missed the best pictures because I was driving. I took these once I got home.

Jenna's Spring Program

2009-05-24T18:54:00.003-05:00

Jenna's Spring Program with her preschool was in April. I wish I had this on digital video because it is so funny. She was quite proud of herself on stage. On her right is the triplets from her class. As you can see another little girl is already telling them to behave.

In this picture they have moved one of the triplets away from the other two. Everyone else is looking up because a heavy rain storm was moving through.

In this picture one of the triplets have been removed from the stage! They kept pushing each other. I just knew one would fall down the stairs.

The only one left to push now was Jenna. When he does she turns to him and yells "No!" Then turns back to the crowd and continues smiling!

Toothless!

2009-05-24T17:13:00.001-05:00

Hunter has freshly lost a bottom tooth. I don't know if he will ever get his top teeth in. He has another loose one on the bottom. Not good during corn on the cob season!

Pool Party Pops

2009-05-23T21:43:00.004-05:00

Today we had Luau themed family reunion. The kids and I made Pool Party Cake Pops. We started off by giving teddy grahams bikinis and swimming trunks and put them in gummy life savers.

We then went to get free snow cones from the new snow cone place. When we came back our bears looked like they had been drinking margaritas!

Too many margaritas!

We then put them on the cake pops.

We put them in a cute pail. The heat and humidity did nothing for them! But everyone loved them.

I hesitantly give you the site that I get these ideas from. Hers looks so much better. www.bakerella.blogspot.com

Jenna Speaks!

2009-05-15T12:21:00.002-05:00

The other day the girls and I went to Happy Hour at Sonic. They both wanted to try the Mango Limeade. Of course Jenna spills her all over the back of my car. I asked her how she did it. She said, "Like a river!" Yes it was.

Bird Update

2009-05-13T11:06:00.005-05:00

On our way to church we had to stop and check on the birds. The last two had hatched. They are still not real cute! This is what they looked like on Sunday.

Kentucky Derby

2009-05-09T20:04:00.003-05:00

I was invited to a Kentucky Derby party. My mom helped me make my hat.

Cammi is the one who got this all together. So is so festive. She bought this balloon for the festivities. The Balloon Closet makes the best balloons. And yes we had to try a mint julep. We were not real impressed.

Here is all the girls with their fancy hats!

Nikki also made her own hat. It was hard to take Nikki serious that night with the bird looking at you!

We drew numbers out to pick our horses. Sarah's horse came in first. Her prize was the horse picture and some roses. She was very excited!

Jenny's horse came in second. She was Kentucky salt and pepper shakers.

Nikki was this little statue for best hat! Wait until next year Nikki!

Donuts with Daddy

2009-05-09T19:06:00.001-05:00

Burk and Hunter at Donuts with Daddy at Hunter's school.

Soccer

2009-05-09T18:56:00.002-05:00

Marley is really stepping it up on the soccer field! She is really getting into the game and even came close to scoring! With just a few games left before the tournament her Pops has told her he would give her $10 for every point she makes! And I told her if she scores a point I will take her to get a pedicure, something is has been begging for.

Spring

2009-05-09T18:42:00.003-05:00

A robin built a nest on the top on my wreath in the front of the house. As soon as the kids noticed they stacked things up so that they can climb up to peek in. Somehow with no privacy the robin laid four eggs. Today Marley checked and two have hatched.

I have since made them play in the back yard to give the birds some privacy!!

Swag Bucks

2009-04-24T13:01:00.002-05:00

We all do searches on the Internet. Why not get paid for it? If you haven't yet discovered Swag Bucks, you should check it out! During the search process on Swagbucks, you will occasionally earn 1,2, or 5 Swagbucks on any given search. After you accumulate 45 or more Swagbucks, you can start trading them in for gift cards from great places like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Starbucks, iTunes.... the list goes on and on! Burk joined under me and after a few weeks I already have 68 bucks!
If your interested just go here: http://swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=387671

Catch Up

2009-04-19T16:20:00.004-05:00

In the month of February the Casino had their lunch buffet at a discounted price. We thought we would take advantage. The kids gorged themselves at the chocolate fountain. (The real reason that we went to the buffet!)

We celebrated Jenna and Mom's birthday at the beginning of March. Jenna turned 3! I am too smart to post Mom's age! Although if I told you you would be very surprised.

We had to make another E.R visit. Hunter hit is head at church one night. He got 7 stitches!

Unfortunately we had a death in the family, but that is one way we get together. Cousin Cody took the kids for a wagon ride pulled by donkeys! The kids loved it.

Marley took a chimes class at church. She performed in front of the church to show off her new talent.

Monday of Spring Break, Burk took they day off to spend with us. We went to the Eagle Watch. Once there we found out the Eagles come in October and leave in March. The only thing we saw was a baby snake!

After that we went to the safari. We always have a great time there. We are so lucky to have this close by. It is so much better than the zoo. This baby camel was born the day before.

During Spring Break I worked at Main Street Studios. Dad watched the kids. The first day I got a call from him pretty early after me dropping the kids off. Jenna had stuck a tic tac up her nose! He brought her up to me with some tweezers. I couldn't get it out. I called the doctor and they made an appointment for a few hours later. Dad took them to lunch. At the appointment he was told the tic tac was no longer in her nose and might have come out when she ate! This is the card Hunter made for Jenna while she was at the doctors:

The last few days of Spring Break the kids spent in Little Rock with Honey and Grandad. Saturday we went half way to pick them up. We came home to snow!

The very next day, Jenna was smelling flowers at Papa's!

Soccer season has begun! So has baseball but no games yet.

That has me caught up through March!

Anyone in NW AR might want to check this out!

2009-04-08T16:51:00.002-05:00

Dad, Jenna and I went to Fayetteville this morning where the city was giving away free mulch. They had this huge chipper shredder. One tractor would fill it up with branches and sticks and it would spit out the mulch on the other side.

Then another tractor would scoop it up.
And dump it in your truck bed. Some people brought trailers.

And we left with a truck load of free mulch.

We spread it on my flower beds and barely made a dent in it. Dad took the rest home for his beds.

Poor Me

2009-04-08T09:39:00.001-05:00

Hello?

Is anyone still there?

You may or may not have noticed I have not posted in awhile. I have been busy with several things. One of which is feeling sorry for myself. I gained several pounds during the ice storm and can’t seem to lose it. But I have started a running program. It is a 9 week course. Well not really a course. It is interval music that I downloaded to Burks Zune. If I follow it correctly I should be running a 5K by the end of the 9 weeks. I have never ran in my life. At this point I think I will be on week one for two weeks! But I am moving. Another reason I am feeling sorry for myself is we have had several pay cuts the last few months. We were already on a tight budget and Burk has been working two jobs leaving me as a single mom several nights of the week. I can hear some of you saying “Why don’t you get a job?” Well I have several jobs. All that let me stay home with the kids. Most jobs pay just enough to cover child care and that is not worth me leaving my kids full time. And I know it is not easy for Burk either, but this is my blog and it is about me!
The other thing I have been busy with is trying to save money. I have found several blogs out there that find all the good sales for you. You just have to read the blog cut your coupons and go get the deals. But even that much is a lot of work. Most blogs are from different areas and prices differ from one region to the next. But so far I have stocked up on some free or very cheap shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste and body wash. I have even gotten free mascara! I won’t bore you with details but you can google it or here is one of the blogs I read. www.thefrugalmuse.blogspot.com. I have a few more things to tell you about but I want to try them out first. Don’t worry this will not turn into one of those blogs! But I do want to pass on any good ideas.
I will try to give a brief update on what else has been going on around here soon.

Limo Ride

2009-02-21T20:18:00.002-06:00

Back in the fall Marley's school did a fundraiser. If you sold a certain number of items you would be rewarded with a limo ride and a pizza lunch. Marley sold enough to get the prize. That day I had to work and was afraid I would miss it. But I ran by the park where they took them to eat pizza and found the limo. As I rounded the corner I saw kids. Marley was still there. When I got up to her she wasn't very happy. As the limo was taking her back to school it broke down. So the kids were waiting for a ride back to school.

They all had to ride the bus back to school. How disappointing!
They rescheduled the limo ride for a later date. It got canceled because it was in a wreck. The next time it got canceled because of weather. I was beginning to think Marley should not get in this limo!

Finally the day came. I showed up to take pictures and was asked to ride along.

I really enjoy being able to do things like this so I can get to know the kids Marley goes to school with.

Jenna even got to ride along. Miss Sassy just got sassier!

Cooking with Marley

2009-02-20T10:25:00.004-06:00

Last night was Marley's night to cook. She wasn't as enthused as Hunter was. In fact, I almost thought we were not going to get dinner at all! But she pulled through. Here she is getting the marinated steaks onto a pan.

Here she is getting her potatoes ready for the microwave.

And here is the finished project: steak, baked potatoes and corn.

This morning Hunter asked me what was for lunch at school today. I told him I had not looked yet. He asked why. Burk told him to tell me that was my job. Hunter answered with a quick "No!" I think he might be getting it!

Cookie Time!

2009-02-18T11:02:00.007-06:00

The cookies are in and now it is time to deliver and collect the money! I should probably be organizing that instead of on the computer!

Conversation Starters

2009-02-18T10:28:00.003-06:00

This is a gift my good friend Cammi gave us for our anniversary! The Family Dinner Box of Questions was designed to help families get the most out of this simple but age old tradition. It says pick a card and let the fun begin! Yesterday when I opened this I had extra kids here. I asked them one of the questions. "Where is the coziest spot in your home?" They all answered their beds. I will be sharing more questions and my families answer periodically. But for now, Where is the coziest spot in your home?

Cooking With Hunter

2009-02-18T09:59:00.003-06:00

The other day I teased Hunter and asked if he would cook dinner because I was too tired. He said "No, Mom that is your job!" It is my job most of the time but that didn't settle well with me. So I informed him and Marley that they would be cooking dinner one evening the following week. When I sat down to make out my menu and grocery list I told them to pick a day and what they would be cooking. They even went to the store with me to get their ingredients. Hunter chose last night. He was very eager to get started. He chose popcorn chicken, shells and cheese and carrots with Ranch dressing.

Jenna really wanted to help and Hunter really didn't want her to.

Don't worry I surpervised around the stove!

Hunter even made tea for his dad.

Here is Hunter with his plate. Excuse his hair, he said he rested at school!

Hunter even had to clean the kitchen after dinner. He said he enjoyed it and would like to do it again. I am thinking of giving them a budget to buy their food and letting them do the shopping on their own. I thought maybe he appreciated me a little bit more. Until this morning. Hunter will usually make his own toast styx for breakfast. This morning I asked him if he had made his breakfast yet. He said "No Mom, that is your job!" Marley said "Dude! She's going to make us make breakfast!" Looks like this will be an ongoing lesson. I will keep you posted!

Happy Anniversary!

2009-02-15T18:41:00.003-06:00

This is where we were 12 years ago tonight!

For Mia

2009-02-05T19:10:00.002-06:00

The other day while driving in the car Hunter and his friend Mia were having a conversation. She was telling Hunter that she was getting a goat. Surprised by this I asked her if her mom knew. She said her dad said she could, if her dad said yes then her mom would say yes, because he is the boss of her! Hunter replied, "My mom is the boss of my dad!" (I told him to make sure his dad knew that!) I was telling Mia how I used to have a goat when I was in about 4th or 5th grade. We got them as babies and had to bottle feed them. They were so cute and then they grew up! It turned into Kelly had a Little Goat that followed her to school one day! We lived next to the school and they would go to the school, climb on the teachers cars, chase the kids and try to get in the school! Thinking I was helping her mom I told Mia all this to discourage her. It didn't work, she went home telling her mom that I used to have one so that meant she could have one! Sorry Cammi, I tried! I promised Mia a picture and here it is:

Our goats were born on St. Patrick's day. My sister named hers Patrick and mine was Murphy. I wanted to add the picture of my sister but I knew she would kill me. I really wanted to show you here stylin' satin jacket she was wearing! She was really cool! Unlike me in my "Purple Pride" shirt! Go Yellowjackets!

Not Good

2009-02-05T09:30:00.003-06:00

What could be worse about an ice storm? Well, OK losing power and still not having it. What is second? Losing cable and having a Wii Bowling Tournament and finding out the next day that one of the players whose remote you shared has pink eye! We found out that Hunter had pink eye on Friday. Marley started showing signs Friday evening. Blake got it on Monday. And now I have it! And I am being the biggest baby about it!

The Clean Up Crew Has Arrived

2009-02-02T09:19:00.005-06:00

As of Monday morning my parents are still out of power. We went down yesterday to try to help clean up. Here are some pictures in the daylight.

It is not showing up in these pictures but you can see the downed power line. So until the utility trucks are parked in front of their house they will not have power.

Dad pulled his grill out and made us hamburgers for lunch

Time to get to work! We started at the front!

Jenna even helped!

These two carried their first load to the pile and got a little distracted!

Jenna had to stop to freshen up her lipstick!

We worked for two hours. We filled up the back of Dad's truck. We will have plenty of wood for next winter and maybe the one after that!

Before we started.

And after!

This is going to take awhile!

More Ice Storm

2009-01-30T10:59:00.003-06:00

My parents needed more kerosene so Burk braved the road to get it to them. Once he got to Westville the highway to my parents house had been closed, but that did not stop him!

This is what he found when he got there. He said it looked like a war zone.

They are still out of power. They have a broken power line in front of the house and no workers have shown up. So it might be awhile. Looks like we have lots of work to do when this all thaws and we won't have to worry about firewood for next winter.

Ice Storm

2009-01-28T14:44:00.002-06:00

We are very fortunate that we still have power. Many in the area do not and may not for a few days. My parents do not have power. They are using a kerosene heater that keeps them pretty warm. It went out on them last night but my dad has it fixed now. They can still use their stove and Mom has a pot of stew on! We have offered to come get them but they are refusing. They said they have trees down all over. They must have a hedge of protection around them. They keep hearing branches fall all around but they have missed the house and the propane tank! My niece Sami lost power yesterday as well. But she is going to come to our house soon. We did lose power yesterday for about 3 hours when this tree finally fell on the power lines.

Burk and the kids went out to inspect and the fireman told them not to play around power lines!!
I have plenty more pictures. I will be them posting soon.

Wow!

2009-01-05T22:49:00.001-06:00

How exciting is being with 2100 other people that God has called to minister to children?

Our Christmas Gift

2009-01-03T20:30:00.002-06:00

We got our big Christmas gift a few days before Christmas. As you can see the family is full of anticipation!

Here she comes! Rachel was able to come home for Christmas! Look at her all tan!
Here we are waiting for Rachel's luggage. My kids were in awe of the luggage carousel. I was surprised they didn't know what it was. But we have not flown for awhile and with the new regulations we usually drop off and pick up any travelers at the curb. We really need to get them out more!

Hunter's Birthday Dinner

2009-01-03T19:13:00.001-06:00

Leaving Little Rock we headed straight to Nana's for Hunter's birthday dinner. Hunter, like Sami, picked fried chicken, mac n cheese and hot rolls!

For dessert he had chocolate cake!

Christmas in Little Rock

2009-01-03T09:58:00.003-06:00

The next day we celebrated Christmas. Here is the family shot:

We opened gifts.

Uncle Slade even made it home for Christmas!

And we had a Christmas dinner.

Headed to Little Rock

2009-01-03T09:54:00.002-06:00

After school parties we loaded up for Little Rock. When we got to Honey and Grandad's we celebrated Marley and Hunter's birthdays. Each got their own cake. Honey always has party hats and horns for the occasion.

School Parties

2009-01-03T09:49:00.003-06:00

The last day of school before break, the kids had Winter Parties! Not only can we not call the Christmas Parties, you can't take younger siblings! That cuts out most parents willing to help! But luckily I found someone to keep Jenna for me. So off to Marley's party I went! When I got there they were watching the movie Elf. They had pizza rolls for snacks and decorated sugar cookies.

When I got to Hunter's party they were playing bingo. Everyone was a winner and got a granola bar. For snack they had cheese, grapes and veggies. What a difference in snacks!

2009-01-03T09:46:00.002-06:00

Wow! The holidays are over and things still have not slowed down for us! I am hoping to get the rest of birthday and Christmas caught up here today. I will try to post some in between cleaning, shopping and packing for Nashville. I head out after church tomorrow with our Children's Minister for more training! Sounds fun, but the training is packed full. I am hoping for a little down time!

Making Christmas Goodies

2008-12-26T19:16:00.005-06:00

This cookie is what Burks grandmother used to make for him, so it has become one of our family traditons as well. I can not make these fast enough. I always have to make several batches several times.

Can you tell which is Jenna's favorite part? Her cousin Sami does the same thing.

This year we made Reindeer Cake Pops.

They turned out pretty cute I think. I wrapped some up and gave as gifts to teachers and friends.

The kids like to help make cookies.

Jenna just likes making a mess!

Marley and Hunter are great helpers.

This is where Jenna made her cookies! We don't call her Miss Mess for nothing.

Our Crib

2008-12-26T18:03:00.002-06:00

We have had this crib for 9 years. We are now done with it. Marley didn't sleep in it too long. She liked sleeping with her Mommy too much! Hunter started climbing out of it when he was 2 years old. Jenna will be three in March and we finally just had to kick her out so that we could make room for a Christmas present that was coming! She is now sleeping on the bottom bunk under Marley.

Christmas County Spelling Bee

2008-12-26T17:58:00.004-06:00

I have been so busy and have not been able to update. So I will be putting a lot on in the next few days. And for those of you wondering if Marley got to do her solo. She did! And she did great!

Here is Hunter fighting over the mic with Marlow! He also did very good!

This was a great program. All the kids did a great job! I can't believe how many talented kids we have in our church!

Marley turns 9!

2008-12-17T10:56:00.004-06:00

Our annual tradition for Marley's birthday is to eat plain spaghetti and play video games in the mall and look at the lights on the square in downtown Fayetteville.

Here is Marley and Jenna in front of Marley's favorite place to eat in the mall.

Since they took the arcade out we went to visit Santa. This is the first time my kids would sit on his lap. Hunter only would with his sisters not by himself.

We love to look at the lights! Although it was 29 degrees and misting!

Marley is wondering why she can't have a horse!

Marley wanted to open gift when we got back into the car.

It was matching jammies for her and her American Girl doll.

Marley wanted you to see her doll's slippers

The Hevener's got Marley this balloon for her birthday. The Balloon Closet has the neatest balloons. And they are willing to replace the part Jenna popped today, cheap! Shhh! Don't tell Marley, we will have it fixed before she gets home!

Marley's Birthday Dinner

2008-12-17T10:10:00.001-06:00

Marley chose egg rolls for Nana to make her for her birthday dinner.
And a brownie for dessert!

Krispy Kreme

2008-12-15T12:24:00.003-06:00

A few weeks ago I had just finished "Twilight." I ran to Walmart to get the next book in that series "New Moon," but they were all out! That meant driving to Rogers in the snow! Burk thought I was crazy that I could not wait until the next day for him to pick it up for me. I bribed the family with Krispy Kreme! Here the kids are watching the donuts being made.

When we walked in we saw Dale and Becky enjoying their coffee and a donut in the peace and quiet. They took off when they saw us coming. You can see them speed away through the window!

Sami Turns 20!

2008-12-15T12:16:00.001-06:00

Sami chose chicken strips, mashed potatoes and macaroni for her birthdya day dinner. Thanks Grandma it was yummy!
She had a chocolate chip cookie for dessert!

Hunter's Turn

2008-12-12T20:36:00.001-06:00

Just to prove Jenna is not my favorite, here is a video of Hunter being silly. Hunter and Jenna are my silly kids. They love to make people laugh.

Jenna Sings!

2008-12-12T20:17:00.003-06:00

It may appear that I favor Jenna. It is so not the case. I love each of my kids. Of course they each have their own special personalities. Jenna just happens to crack me up. Listen to her sing Twinkle Little Star and see if it at least doesn't make you smile. If her singing doesn't I am sure her hair will!

Sick Kids

2008-12-12T19:32:00.000-06:00

Wednesday morning we had a rough time getting out the door. Hunter was complaining that his tummy hurt and didn’t want to go to school. I asked what was going on at school, he just said “It’s too long.” We finally got out the door. I took Marley first so she wouldn’t be late since it was Hunter’s fault. When I went to check Hunter in at school he didn’t want to let me go. The secretary had to pull him off of me! I had planned to work all day in the church office. I was there about an hour when his school nurse called to tell me I was up for the “Mother of the Year Award!” He had thrown up and I needed to go get him. He got sick a few more times during the day and had developed a fever. Thursday he didn’t feel any better and by the afternoon he was complaining of a sore throat. I got an appointment with the Dr. and he confirmed strep throat. When we picked Marley up from school she said her throat hurt. You would think I would learn, but they like to play me! She didn’t feel warm to me. Burk took her temp later and she did have a fever! Luckily the doctor just called in a prescription for us. We have one for the rest of us on standby! This is not a good weekend to be sick. The kids are in a Christmas program at church on Sunday. Tonight was the first dress rehearsal. We have another tomorrow afternoon. We are not guaranteed that Marley will still have her solo after missing tonight. Right now it is not looking good for making it to tomorrow’s rehearsal. She doesn’t want to talk because it hurts how would she be able to sing! I feel terrible she has put a lot of work into this and has been so excited.

It's Beginning To Look Like Christmas!

2008-12-01T16:56:00.004-06:00

This is not a very good picture. I need to learn about ISO and Aperture. But then I would have to read my manual. I just want someone to show me! Anyways...We always put up our tree the day after Thanksgiving. I get up at 2am to hit the Black Friday sales. Burk stays home with the kids and listens to them whine about getting the tree up. Once I get home we get start decorating. This year by the time we got the tree ready to decorate Marley took off and left me to do it all! At least it kept me awake!

Hunter hung around long enough to hang his Spiderman ornament.

This year he helped Dad with the outside lights!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T16:02:00.003-06:00

We spent Thanksgiving with my family. We had way to much to eat. Which I am sure most of you can say the same thing! Marley and Hunter wanted Tara and Sam to sit with them. Tara thought that since is has turned 21 she should be able to move from the kids table to the adults. No such luck Tara!

Here is Dad and Uncle Bill filling their plates. This is the exact reason I do the picure taking. Except Dad remembered to get his out and he got me! But since this is my blog it will not be posted here!

Of course we can't forget the dessert! We had the traditional pumpkin, apple and chocolate chip pie. But this one was the best. I think it is called Black Bottom. I definitely had my share of this one.

But I won't say how much I had!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T10:40:00.003-06:00

Burk's annual Thanksgiving tradition is to fry a turkey!

Yummy!

Tara turns 21!

2008-11-27T10:05:00.003-06:00

Wow! I can't believe she is 21. Next thing I know my kids will be that age! I took lots of pictures but I noticed my dad has already posted some and I am lazy and behind on this blog so I am going to just link to his! http://wallaceblue.blogspot.com/2008/11/tara-turns-twenty-one.html

Zooming

2008-11-23T18:44:00.002-06:00

Jenna is taking off on her bike. It was not that long ago it took us forever to get around the block. Now I have to jog to keep up with her. That is one less excuse I can use to get out of exercising. Good thing winter is just starting!

Thanksgiving Meal

2008-11-23T18:38:00.002-06:00

Wednesday Hunter's school served a Thanksgiving meal for lunch. Burk was able to take a long lunch and join us.

Our Weekend

2008-11-10T18:42:00.002-06:00

Saturday was Marley's last soccer game. As you can see it was a cold morning! Marley is huddled in her coat.

Once she got in the game she warmed up. Here she is ready to take the ball from her friend and opposing team member Avery.

Saturday night I went scrapbooking. I have not scrapbooked in awhile and have a lot to catch up on. This is not even a dent into it but maybe it will getting me going again.

Sunday we cut wood at my parents house. Mom made us lunch. Free wood and a home cooked meal what else can you ask for. Well, maybe having the wood delivered.

Harvest Celebration

2008-11-01T19:39:00.007-05:00

Our church had a Harvest Celebration last night. They had inflatables to play on.

Games to play. Jenna played in the balls with her best friend Annalise.

This was the never-ending cake walk. Everyone wanted to play!

The best part was the Illusionists. Here is there web site: http://www.davidandteesha.com/

Camden got to go up on stage. Here he is testing the ropes, making sure they are strong.

Next they put him in this black jacket.

Then he helped tie up the assistant. I think he got it a little tight.

Then they both got in this screen.

When the screen came off the assistant was wearing the black jacket and Camden was very surprised! He didn't even know he was not wearing it until David told him to look!

Next Hunter got on the stage. They both got scarves. They had to pretend they were different colors. Like the red scarf was really blue.

Hunter holding up the "blue" and "yellow" scarves.

They put the scarves in the bag and made sure they were there.

The scarves turned into one long rainbow scarf!

The best part was at the end. They made it snow in the sanctuary! When it fell on us it was even wet! I guess Marley caught some flakes on her tongue she said it tasted like soap!

Trick or Treating

2008-11-01T14:30:00.005-05:00

We started off at Lowe's to show Tara our costumes! Jenna is a fairy princess, Hunter is Mr. Incredible and Marley is Rapunzel.

While Trick or Treating downtown you can always count on:

Meeting up with good friends like Halle and Mia...
the firemen...

the Gray's...

Friends from church...

getting vampire teeth...

getting full size candy bars from the bank...
The one thing missing this year was shoe string potatoes from Allen Canning and free hot dogs from Sonic! What is this world coming to?!!

We went by Aunt Karon and Uncle Bill's house. Hunter went in as Mr. Incredible and came out as Spiderman! How did that happen?

We did go to a few houses. Hunter's teacher wanted the kids to come by her house. Her street was great. Most houses got into the Halloween spirit. Especially this house.

Fall Parties

2008-10-30T19:44:00.005-05:00

We don't have school tomorrow, so the kids had their fall parties today. Hunter's class had races to wrap each other up to look like mummies. Hunter got to be wrapped up in his group.

It was then time to have snacks: cookie, cheese cubes, gold fish and apple slices.
Then is was off to Marley's party, where they made witches hats from cookies, candy and frosting.

Marley was excited that Sami could make it. Her friends thought that Sami was her sister.

Hunter ate Marley's popcorn ball! You've got to love little brothers!

Dentist Appointment

2008-10-21T20:38:00.000-05:00

Today Marley and Hunter had their 6-month dental check up. We got a great report, no cavities! But it makes me think about our previous dentist. We were going to a pediatric dentist before but our insurance changed and didn’t cover them anymore. This is the second time we have been to this new dentist. Well Hunter went when he had his bike wreck but the second time for checkups. Both times we have had no cavities. Every time we went to the pediatric dentist they found cavities and had lots of work that needed done. Even when we were just going for cleanings the kids had to take a whole day off of school. Today we were in and out in 40minutes. I just can’t believe that a dentist for children would treat kids this way by making appointments last longer than necessary and doing excessive work. It makes me wonder how much of the work done could have been avoided if we had not gone to the pediatric dentist.

At The Creek

2008-10-19T20:33:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures from the summer that I just found on my memory card.

We had our good friends come over to play. Instead of going to the pool they wanted to go to the creek. This trail starts near our house and a creek runs by it. So we could walk to it.

Except Jenna she got pulled.
I was so clever to take a picture from the top of the bridge!

Hey! What are those Collins boys doing? Marley and Jenna get up stream fast!!
While the big kids tried to catch crawfish Jenna ate everyone's snacks!

Last Summer Treat

2008-10-18T20:40:00.002-05:00

The air is crisp and the leaves are beginning to turn. Fall is in the air. So was the sound of the ice cream truck today. We could not pass it up. It may be the last for awhile.

Guess What Time It Is...

2008-10-17T10:14:00.005-05:00

It is soccer time. The fall soccer season has started. Marley is now on the Lady Bugs team. They are the ones in the pink shirts.

Hey kid get off the field, I am trying to watch the game!

Marley playing goalie!

Someone get those kids off the field, for goodness sake!

Slacker

2008-10-17T09:56:00.003-05:00

I am not doing a good job at keeping up this blog. It is alot harder than what I thought. Although it could be easier if I didn't use pictures but that is my favortie part! I keep thinking things will slow down. What happened to me being a stay at home mom? I am actually a stay away from home mom! What do I do all day you ask? Well let me just tell you a few things that I do. I have been helping with a Fall Special at a local photography studio. I fill in in our church office. I am the Box Tops Coordinator at Marley's school. I switch childcare with a friend. I am the childcare coordinator at church. I am the Preschool Sunday School Director. I am the Care Connection Volunteer Coordinator. I won't bore you with any more! But all that to say I will try to get caught up on some things that have been going on around here.