Our Reeves Family

Biography "biggrfiy" of Jesus by an 8 year old

2011-01-23T18:29:00.001-06:00

Today after church my eight year old told me she wanted to write a biography for Jesus. I told her that sounded like an excellent Sunday afternoon activity and she went to work. What she wrote turned out so cute I thought I'd share. I scanned it just so you could see how cute she spelled some of the words or misspelled I should say. Here's what it says:

"My biggrfiy is about Jesus. He was born in Belthlam in 0000(in the year of). When he was born, a new star uponed (appeared) in the sky and His parents are Mary and Joesfa (Joseph). When he was twelve years old He was went to the Temple and Mary and Joesph couldn't find fim after five days they found him. Jesus help the sick, the death (meant dead) and the blind. One day he went to the Garden "of" Gesthamime and prayed "and" He cried blond (meant blood). He wore a thorn crown and got whipped and had on a cross and "was" put into a tomb afterwards they laid him down and put blankets on him. After three days the blankets were folded and Jesus called Mary's name. He was "then" an angel and talked to the children and so his life began in Heaven. So that was my biggrfiy of Jesus."

Pretty cute right?

2010-11-27T12:28:00.001-06:00

Merry Blossoms Christmas Card

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Ryder is FIVE!

2010-10-21T13:10:00.004-05:00

My youngest child, my baby, turns 5 today! It's so hard to believe he's grown so big so quickly. It seems only yesterday I was rushed to the hospital 3 weeks early from my water leaking only to have him take 3 days before he was ready to be born. I love you Buddy!

Picnic in a State Park

2010-09-26T21:04:00.000-05:00

This weekend our family decided to go on a picnic. There is a state park not far from where we live so we loaded up the food, kids, dog, and headed out. We ate lunch at the playground.

We took walks around the lake on two of the piers. The sun was shining and the day was gorgeous.

Gracie, our dog, found her way into the water. We usually like her to get wet since she's a black lab to cool her off. At the second pier we found out that probably wasn't a good idea since the water has alligators swimming within. At the second pier we saw three babies and one medium sized gator.

We also took a trail walk and walked around the camp grounds. They have canoes and boat rides but they were closed because was so far down. We enjoyed ourselves and had a great time.

The Buzzzzz

2010-06-28T00:15:00.001-05:00

This is my own little Buzz Lightyear! He is a big Toy Story fan at the moment and loves to watch the movie over and over as much as I'll allow him. He has the Woody doll and low and behold a Buzz Light year costume as well that I'd forgotten about. Two years ago around Halloween I found it at a local thrift store, with the tags still on it from the Disney store. I knew Ryder, who was two at the time, could wear it yet but I knew he'd grow as all kids do. At the time I can remember struggling if I should buy it or not b/c I wasn't sure he'd know who the character was or would even like playing dress up.

Well before we moved Ryder had to have an MRI done and was put to sleep in order to accomplish it. They told him he was a spaceman in order to put the gas mask on his face. Every since that day he's been telling everyone he was a spaceman, not Ryder, ha ha. So when we unpacked boxes this month and he found this costume you'd think he was in heaven. This is all he wants to wear. He wants to sleep in it, eat in it, even play outside in it. He doesn't realize or care that its a hundred plus outside or that the costume is padded plastic! When he doesn't have on buzz you can find him usually naked, his other favorite costume, ha ha. I did mention he was four right?

Favorite monkey. He also loves this monkey.. He's claimed it for the longest although it really belongs to his sister (but don't tell him that). It was given to Shelby by my Aunt Angie when she was a baby.. I had a monkey just like it when I was little and Aunt Angie went to a lot of trouble to find Shelby one like the one I had. You should know that my Aunt is only eight years older than I am and was my constant companion growing up, she thought I was HER baby. Still does, ha ha.

What toys can't your kids live without? What was your favorite toy as a child? I had a teddy bear named BoBo who I believe is still up in my mom's attic.. how bout you?

Shelby turns 8!

2010-06-20T18:59:00.000-05:00

Shelby already had her birthday party before me moved but we couldn't not celebrate her actual birthday. I think she was pleased how it turned out. She and I got dressed. She picked out her outfit and I made Ricky hush when he started to protest it was to fancy of a dress. Its never to fancy on your birthday right? So she and I went and got our nails done. She loves to get hers professionally painted. This time she got hot pink with white poka dots. Then we went to the mall to her two favorite stores, Justice and Build a bear. She got something from both, but used her birthday money to get it. It took forever to decide what she wanted to spend her money on, my money she can spend much more quickly. We came home and got ready for dinner. We went to a pretty cool pizza place that is a mixture of Ci Ci's with a buffet pizza bar and Chuck E Cheese with all the games. Shelby and Ricky rode go carts, we all played bowling, bumper cars, and mini golf. I think she was happy to when we stopped on the way home for ice cream!

Avery Island on our Anniversary

2010-06-17T22:44:00.000-05:00

How did we spend our 14th wedding anniversary? Touring local islands in Louisiana. We went to Avery Island and toured the Tabasco plant which was pretty cool. Shelby even tried the Tabasco ice cream (she was the only one brave enough though).

Then we went to the Jungle Gardens and they were beautiful. This is the Cleveland tree named after the President whom I believe visited the island (but don't hold me to it). We saw lots of birds, alligators and bugs while we toured. The Spanish moss looks so romantic flowing from the trees. I was also told the first Tarzan was made here as well. After we left the gardens we headed to Weeks Island to the beach...

Our new home!

2010-06-17T22:25:00.002-05:00

Ok, so maybe its not a picture of our new home, but its the reason we picked this house. That gorgeous tree in the back yard that already had a porch swing hanging in it. The yard was huge, from the back shed on the left to the fence all the way over on the right plus a big front yard too. This house has lots of room to roam for our two kids, two dogs, and two cats. We totally could envision ourselves spending many a summer afternoon in this yard, BUT we forgot about the bugs. We haven't spent much time out there yet... to HOT and HUMID! But we sure do love that tree! Ricky already has his golf flag set up to chip balls in the yard!

We are here!

2010-06-17T22:23:00.002-05:00

As most of our family and friends know, we've moved to Louisiana. It's an adjustment change but we are getting settled in. We miss all of our friends and family from Tupelo but will hopefully make new ones here too. I've been a little MIA on the blog lately but I'm planning on getting back into posting more often. Here's hoping:)

Memaw's visit

2010-05-21T20:42:00.000-05:00

Memaw came to visit this month. She came over and the kids and I loved having here here. She got to meet the local missionaries and play with all of her grandchildren too since Veronica brought the boys to visit us as well.

I was able to get all the kids to sit still long enough to snap this picture. How sweet right?

Trip to Sardis

2010-05-21T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sybil and Ruby
I love my grandmother to pieces!

Shelby, what a precious child she is to me!

Shelby and Christian

Shelby and Nana

Talent Show

2010-05-21T20:33:00.001-05:00

Ryder wanted to get involved at the Talent show. He wanted to dance when someone was dancing, he wanted to sing when a couple sang. So Julie added him to the program. He walked up to the stage, grabbed the mic and started talking. None of us knew exactly what he was going to say but when he was finished he said "AMEN" and we all knew what he'd done then! I was so proud of him and he got quite a large applause too!

The Beach boys!

Just more pictures

2010-03-05T21:55:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pictures taken after Church last Sunday and I thought I'd share them.

Here is a picture of Ricky and I before we left for the George Strait and Reba concert.

Slumber party & ART class

2010-02-28T21:45:00.000-06:00

Shelby "hosted" her first ever slumber party.. We invited Katelyn and Destiny over for a night of fun! The girls did two crafts, had yummy food and snacks, played games, dress up, and watched movies. They were up until two am and at that point I had to turn the TV off. The then woke up at SIX! WOW I got no sleep that night but they had so much fun and that is all that matters.

If you look closely, you will notice our LARGE, black lab on her green dog pillow covered up and tucked in under the blankets with the girls. Destiny is a big animal lover and wanted to sleep on the floor with Gracie. She wasn't to happy with me when I said no, but I did move Gracie's pillow right next to where she was sleeping so that Gracie would be closer to her, lol.

Last month, Shelby joined an art class. This is the craft they made. Its is a totally 3D picture on bent metal ( the edges still have the blue tape to protect the kids). It is such an adorable bird cage, this picture really doesn't do it justice!

Christmas morning 2009

2009-12-27T16:56:00.006-06:00

Santa came to the Reeves household Christmas morning. It was a very late night for him though. I "heard" it took two hours to put together one of Ryder's toys which had over a hundred pieces. Santa didn't go to bed until 3am! Shelby woke up at 7am and tried was so excited Santa had come. She went to check first before she came to wake us up. She tried to wake up Ryder but he wouldn't budge. She finally had to tell him that Santa brought his castle (what he's been asking) did he get up. His voice when he saw the castle was precious. I didn't quite make it in time to see the excitement on their faces. Below Shelby is listening to her video mp3 player.

Ryder wasn't sure what to play with first. He was so excited.

This is the ball that goes to the dinosaur toy that took so long to put together.

Shelby and her doll. She is so proud of her. They both have blue eyes and a dusting of freckles across their noses.

Dad, can you, this or can you that. Shelby is playing with Ryder game system he got for Christmas, haha. They have both being playing with each other's toys.

Ryder wanted Ricky to help him open his presents, Shelby opened hers before they even got all the way out from under the tree. She'd put it in her spot and have it open before she could even sit down. Because of this, Ricky and I didn't get to open any of our gifts until after both kids were done and were off playing. We didn't mind though b/c we loved seeing the smiles on their faces.

It was finally time for Ricky and I to open our presents so we moved the kids to the kitchen table and cleaned up the paper. I took these pictures of the kids playing at the table. Shelby was playing a game about girls shopping at a mall, ha ha..

This is the toy Santa spent so long putting together. And what happened when we tried to move it to Ryder's room? You got it, but we saved the instructions and it only took about fifteen to fix it. Should it come apart again, Ricky and I have decided superglue is a good idea!

Santa was very generous to me. I got many gifts I'm thankful for but my new camera is a personal favorite!

I took these last two pictures with my new camera and can totally tell the difference in the quality of the picture, can you?

Ryder loves his bouncing ball. Ricky and I both had one as children and loved ours. Memaw gave it to him but Shelby has been jumping on it too!

I have more pictures to post of our time in Arkansas to post late! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Traditions

2009-12-27T16:15:00.003-06:00

Like most families, we have a few family traditions. We make cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. The kids helped make the cookies and then we decorated them together. I put the icing on and they added sprinkles. Each got the same amount of cookies to decorate. We all enjoyed this and even sampled a few just to make sure they tasted good for Santa!

I ended up having to take Shelby to the ER on Christmas Eve b/c of her eye. What I thought was pink eye, turned out to be severe allergies. She is currently on antibiotics for her super red ears, but she is a real trooper. She didn't complain not once, so I had no idea she wasn't feeling well. At first I thought Ryder might have clocked her in the eye but the next morning her eye was not only swollen but red as well, thus the thought of pink eye. All is well now, thankfully.

My parents started a Christmas tradition with Jack and I as a child and Ricky and I have continued it with our little ones. They allowed us to open one present after we were in our pajamas, teeth brushed, and are all ready for bed. Mom gets to pick the present they open. Shelby wasn't happy about that but I once I mentioned that is she picked, she could end up opening socks and what fun would that be, she quickly allowed me to select for her, ha ha. This year they each got to open a movie.

We also all gather together in bed before prayers and read several Christmas books. We have a few that are read each year. It's the only time I read a book more than once, over and over again until they are tired of hearing it, ha ha. Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions?

Joyner 2nd Grade Christmas Program

2009-12-18T19:15:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was the 2nd grade Christmas program at Joyner Elem. Ricky, Ryder and I were all able to get a good spot up front so we were able to see very well and even record the program too. It will make a great gift for both grandma's for Christmas since they were not able to come. Here is a picture of Shelby walking up toward the stage.

This is Shelby with her teacher, Mrs. White

These are some of Shelby's classmates, Reagan, Shelby, Alex, and Destini.
Shelby and Ryder

Merry Christmas!!

Santa comes to visit the Reeves Family

2009-12-18T19:06:00.002-06:00

Would you believe Santa came to visit the Reeves children? He knocked on our door last Friday and came in to visit with us. Destiny and Katelyn were here visiting so they got to talk to him too. Santa came right in and greeted the children, let them sit on his lap and talk about what they wanted for Christmas, told the children a Christmas story and answered a few questions. He went outside with them and showed them where the reindeer were waiting for him in the tree line, and told them what time they needed to be in bed on Christmas Eve. It was a great visit! We were all happy to get to visit with Santa.

This is part of Ryder talking to Santa. This is the first year he hasn't cried when he saw him so I had to take video to share with everyone!!

My December Craft

2009-12-18T19:03:00.001-06:00

A group of girls from church get together to make crafts once a month. This month we made these established signs. This is the one I made. It cost a whole $1.75. Not bad right?

Decorating our Christmas Tree!

2009-12-05T22:30:00.003-06:00

Normally we put our Christmas tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving, however, this year we put it up a week earlier. I'd already put most of the other Christmas decorating up the day before so all we had left as our tree. We turned on some Christmas music. We have a favorite CD by Harry Connick Jr, that is Christmas songs that we love to listen to this time of year. We had a fire in the fireplace, and hot cocoa! It was a perfect setting! I put the hangers on and then handed them to Shelby and Ryder.

I was tempted to move some of the ones that Ryder put all in one area but didn't. It adds character to our tree that one spot has tons of balls right? Ricky and I put the breakable ones on top, as well as the ones I got pre-children there as well. That way they can be looked at but not quite reached, yet!

This year it was Ryder's turn to put the star on the tree BUT Ryder didn't want to do it. So Shelby got to do it again.

Happy Decorating everyone!

Go Away Rain!

2009-12-05T22:26:00.002-06:00

We got lots of rain last week! I woke up one morning to take Shelby to school and this was my back yard. I figured I needed to take a picture of this lake for everyone to actually believe me!

Our Thankful Thanksgiving with Family

2009-11-29T19:26:00.003-06:00

These are not in order. This year for Thansgiving we drove two hours to Ricky's mother's house in Arkansas. Below is Shelby with Ricky's mom, Debbie, and Ricky's grandmother Oleta.

We took a family picture while we were there. Eddie had left but everyone else who attended was in the picture (family anyway).

Me and my girls, Brady and her sister Chelsey. They live pretty close to us, only 45 minutes, so we see them quite often. They are about ten years younger than me but I don't think they mind hanging out with the old lady:) On my side of the family, I am the only girl on my dad's side, and the oldest on my mom's side. I only have one girl cousin close in age with me while the others are much younger so I'm use to being the old lady in family pictures with my cousins. And since Ricky and I have been married over 13 years, I love them like they were my own. Not to mention they were practically babies at my wedding:)

Me and my hubby.

My children. Shelby and Ryder playing on the jumping castle. It was hard to get them into the house to eat! They had so much fun playing with their cousins, Emma, Clay, Evan, and Luke.

We dressed all in blue to get a family picture of our Christmas cards. This rock wall is in my mother-in-law's back yard. Brady was kind enough to take what felt like hundreds of pictures trying to get that perfect picture with both children looking at the camera. This is as close as we got to perfect. But its us and we like it.

CMOM

2009-11-29T19:18:00.002-06:00

These pictures are not in order but that's ok right? This past week, school was out for the whole week of Thanksgiving. We have a membership to the CMOM and invited our friends the Powell's along with us. The kids had a great time playing and running around exploring, dancing, and interacting with each other. They put on a play, flew airplanes, fished in the Mississippi, drove police cars and firetrucks, went grocery shopping, visited the dentist, built paper airplanes, and I'm sure much more than I can remember at the moment. They had fun and Robin and I had fun watching them. Below is Shelby performing on stage.

Ryder playing with one of the numerous puzzles. I didn't mind b/c I could sit down and rest for a bit, haha.

Robin and I while the kids were doing an activity with the other children and workers of the museum.

Shelby, Destiny and Ryder flying an airplane. Destiny really liked the airplane simulator.

Robin and Katelyn walking down the stairs from the airplane. Cute picture right?

Student of the Month

2009-11-29T19:08:00.002-06:00

Shelby was selected to the Joyner Joey of the Month. It is a great honor to be selected among the second graders whom has shown the most improvement, has been respectful, responsible, and resourceful during the month of November. Ricky and I were both at her awards ceremony and couldn't have been prouder of her!

November Craft day

2009-11-29T19:03:00.002-06:00

a group of ladies I know started up a monthly craft day. We made two crafts in November, a countdown to Christmas and a Christmas sign. Mine are below as well as a picture of me doing it. I posted more pictures of the other ladies who crafted with me on Facebook.

I'll post the December craft ideas in December!

Veteran's Day

2009-11-29T18:43:00.003-06:00

Veteran's day! What can I say, its a day to honor those brave men and women who protect and serve us! As a spouse of an Army man, I am super proud of my man. Each Veteran's day, Ricky gets the day off (well mostly), however, instead he puts on his uniform and goes volunteering. He goes to the local high schools that sponsor a Veteran's day program, either by giving a speech, carrying a flag, or just saying hello. This year a few of the other recruiters in his station volunteered to go with him. They totally enjoyed the experience. Afterward they all got together and had lunch for free, thanks Applebee's.

Here is SFC Reeves, SGT Guitreau, and SSG Shields at Mooreville High School

This year Ricky did something he'd never done in the past and something I couldn't be more proud of. He volunteered to go to a local elementary school to visit a class of 2nd graders. He'd volunteered to do the whole second grade but they lacked enough space to get everyone together. Anyway, he told the children about the history of Veteran's day, talked about the meaning of the American flag, discussed the various services in the military, and talked about past and present wars. Several of the children had family members who had either served or was currently serving so many of them could relate. Ricky also brought them a bag full of free goodies as well and everyone totally loved that too.
Here Ricky was showing the class all the places he'd been as well and is answering a question from Clinton. He is "going to be a soldier when he grows up". He came dressed in camo, was tickled pink to talk to Ricky, knew some army lingo, and is a fourth generation military family. I think he was more excited to see Ricky that Shelby was, haha.

Here is the class of girls, since there are so many.
I snapped this picture of Ricky with Shelby and Ryder outside Joyner Elem. School.
Happy Veteran's Day!

Halloween

2009-11-29T18:12:00.002-06:00

Ok so I'm a little behind in updating my blog. Please forgive me, he he. Here are pictures from halloween. I have a ton more but these give you an idea of what the kids were. Ryder was a pirate and SHelby was Ariel. She thought the red hair was pretty cool until it was time to wash it out and the red went everywhere. We got lots of candy though while Ricky stayed home to hand out candy.

ATC part 3.. the Ball

2009-10-28T15:40:00.004-05:00

Yes, we get all dressed up and attend a formal ball. For one evening we get to feel pretty and gorgeous and enjoy a military ball full of traditions, food, and friends. This year however, I didn't feel so well. I realized a few hours before I needed to start getting ready that I had a UTI. So I wasn't at my best this evening but I put of a brave face, and proceeded. Here is a group picture of Ricky's company. He is on the second row on the right.

Here are the guys in the Tupelo Recruiting Station. SSG Shields, SFC Reeves (station commander), SFC Hadnot, SSG Guitreau, and SSG Hanes. SSG Daily and SGT Cook were not in attendance.

Ok, I'm only posting this b/c I'm a dork and want to prove it. While I was sitting in the bathroom with my UTI and nothing else to do... I decided to take a picture of myself. So yes, that is a picture of me sitting on the toilet in my ballgown, trying to take the pain go away...

My handsome hubby!

Here is Megan DeAugustine and me. She is a sweetheart and looked so gorgeous in her dress.

Taken inside the ball.

Me and Katherine (Kat) outside before the ball started.

Ricky got his Morrell. This is a major award that Recruiters get by earning points. Its very rare to get it in less than 3 years like Ricky has done. I need to do a separate post on how special and important him receiving this award is!

The theme for the ball was Mardi Gra so there was a parade with beads being thrown and our table was decorated with these masks. I took this one home since it sort of matched my dress.

More pictures to come...

New Orleans Part 2

2009-10-28T12:26:00.003-05:00

Company Halloween Party

Each year Companies host their own party, the themes change each year. This year it was Halloween. Here are Tupelo's guys plus me dressed up. On the far right in the back is Mike, then Curtis, me, Julius stabbing my head, Ricky and then Phelps who actually is in Martin recruiting station but since he's a good friend we adopted him:) I was dressed as Dorthy, and I won the sexiest costume. A guy in a monkey suit won most original for the men's costume. There was a pumpkin carving contest per recruiting station and our station won which is pretty good considering they only had ten minutes and someone else brought power tools! They won half a day off work. There was arm wrestling contests, and musically chairs which turned out to be pretty funny with grown men fighting over that last year, haha. There were some pretty cool gifts given out too. After the party, we changed clothes and went back out to Bourbon street. I'll post those pictures too.

This is Ricky in Phelps clown mask. And Hanes is in the background.

New Orleans Part 1

2009-10-28T12:15:00.003-05:00

Once a year, Ricky is required to attend the Annual Training Conference (ATC). This year it was in New Orleans. We drove down on Thursday and arrived around 4pm. We checked out our room and then some of the guys in Ricky's station went with us to walk around downtown. Of course, we headed to Bourbon street first. A front was coming in so we got a little rained on but it didn't matter, we still had fun. Here are some pictures from that night. We didn't get back to our room until around 2 am and the guys had PT the next morning but only one was late. We also went to eat some awesome seafood at a place called Deanie's. It was sooo good! Our doorman recommended it and we even brought him some back with us when we headed back to our hotel!

Ricky, Julius, and Curtis looking out the window in our room. They had rooms on the river side of the hotel. Curtis is afraid of heights so I'm surprised he was looking!

Ricky on Bourbon Street.

Check out my hair, can you tell the wind was blowing?

The next day at lunch, McDonald's since the guys didn't have long to eat before they had to leave for the Saints Stadium while I went shopping with a few of the girls!

More pictures to come...

Ryder turns 4!!!!!!

2009-10-28T12:03:00.003-05:00

Where has the time gone? I can't believe my baby turned 4 last week! It totally slipped up on me and I wasn't ready for it at all. We weren't able to throw a big huge family party since we had to go out of town but we made sure to celebrate it for sure. I took him to Chuck E Cheese for lunch where he got to dance and party with Chucke, he got to go to Toys R US and pick out a birthday toy, he got a cake that he helped make, with birthday wishes, and lots of presents and then he got to go spend the night at Grandma's house along with another stop to get more toys! So he was pretty happy with his birthday loot! We did the firetruck theme and he loved it! here are some pictures taken throughout the day (the date on the pictures are wrong.. his birthday is Oct 21st).

A Great Friend visits...

2009-10-28T11:53:00.002-05:00

I have known Maria for about seven years. We are both military wives and at one point we were both stationed in Georgia together. Just because we military folks tend to move every 3 years doesn't mean we can't stay in touch. Maria and I have kept in touch and "talk" almost everyday through email. She has been there for me when I really needed to cry, vent, laugh, share whatever and I've done the same for her. So when she told me that she wanted to come visit for a weekend, I said heck yeah! It rained on them on the way down here and most of the time she and her five kiddos were here but that didn't matter because we were together and enjoying ourselves. We watched movies that the kids hadn't seen yet, took shopping trips, went to the park when it wasn't raining, went to Chuck E. Cheese, and just let the kids play outside. Shelby, Izy, and Mav had so much fun doing girly things while Noah and Ryder just had fun playing with boy stuff. The twins tried to keep up with the older kids and Maria and I got to talk face to face for the first time in over a year. It was so much having my friend here to laugh with, show scrapbooking pages too, and to show her the things that I'd only been able to talk about in emails. I know she has a great time too, and loves me as much as I love her b/c she is allergic to animals and I have FOUR! So we made sure she covered in benadryl the whole time she was here and just kept rolling with the flow. I'm so thankful she came to visit us and can't wait until we get a chance to visit again! Thanks for coming Maria! I miss you already!

Soccer

2009-10-28T11:22:00.002-05:00

Shelby is playing soccer this fall. Ricky and I are coaching her team. He does the coaching part while I handle the paperwork, phone calls etc. We are enjoying it! Here are some pictures of Shelby playing soccer, and one of Ryder too.

Ryder and Emma

Shelby and Lydia, her best friend

Ricky and Steven coaching. Steven is Lydia's dad.

I'll post more soccer pictures later.

Sorry its been so long since I've posted anything!

What we've been up too lately...

2009-09-15T11:18:00.008-05:00

I got a rare opportunity to scrapbook lately. I love to scrapbook our family memories so I had to share the two pages that I got a chance to do over the weekend.

Ryder has been learning to drive. He loves his little jeep and has even wormed his way into driving the riding lawnmower, and gotten rides on his dad's 4 wheeler too.

I have been trying to take pictures while outside with the kiddos. This one I thought was cute

We've been busy with birthday parties. We went to two this weekend. I took this picture of Shelby at the skating ring.

Ryder has been busy with speech therapy. He goes twice a week to therapy at a doctor's office (below) and once at Shelby's school who also has a speech therapist. He is speaking 100% better than he was this time last year!

Ricky and I are also coaching Shelby's soccer team this year. We volunteered somewhat grudgingly. Our first game is next week! Hopefully I'll have more pictures to share with ya'll soon!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-08-19T10:03:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Daddy

Happy Birthday to you!

I hope you have a great birthday daddy!

I love you

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-08-18T10:56:00.002-05:00

Ok, so technically its not my birthday, yet, ha ha but it sure feels like it! After much fighting with this little guy, we are finally potty training!!!!! Ok, so he still has a few accidents if he waits to long, and I still worry because he won't go in anything but this frog potty BUT I'll take it! Next, getting him to not freak out over haircuts!

Super Saturday

2009-08-18T10:50:00.004-05:00

This Saturday I went with Robin to Super Saturday. It's a day full of fun classes and crafts for women to enjoy! We had so much fun learning how to cook different foods from around the world, gardening, cake decorating, food storage and crafting fun. Below is a picture of Robin working on her picture and also me working on mine. I hung mine on our front door. The flower is made from coke cans, cool right?

First Day of School

2009-08-15T20:08:00.003-05:00

Shelby is in the second grade this year. They started school yesterday (Friday). I think she looked very cute in her cute dress. I think I was the only mom taking pictures of my second grader but I don't care. I'll take them as long as she will let me and then when she won't I'll probably be sneaking behind the bushes to take pictures anyway, ha ha.

A Proud Army Moment!!!

2009-07-28T23:48:00.003-05:00

Army Recruiter Ring Earned!

I just wanted to say how proud I am of my husband! He received his Army Recruiter ring this past month. He is a great Army Recruiter and I'm very proud of this great honor. I just wish I had been there when the Col. gave it to you so I could snap more pictures!

Here's a little history on the Army Recruiter's Ring. It is "the highest achievement award for recruiting excellence offered by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command.

The ring is custom-made of yellow gold, inset with a green stone to symbolize the Army. Around the stone is cast "US Army- 1775". The liberty Bell, surrounded by 13 stars, is molded into the right side of the ring, while the left side is embellished with a representation of the Army Recruiting Badge. Laurel leaves surround the ring and enhance the design.

The goal of earning the Recruiter Ring begins upon graduation for the Army Recruiter Course, when the recruiter receives a silver badge. At the bottom of the silver badge are three silver stars used to symbolize the recruiter's success. As the recruiter progresses, the silver starts are exchanged for gold stars. To earn the gold stars, a recruiter must display exemplary performance and consistently meet and exceed the Army's manpower requirements in all appropriate recruiting categories. After all the silver stars are placed by gold starts the recruiter is awarded the Gold Recruiter's Badge.

The gold badge is the same design as the silver. As the recruiter progresses successfully, the stars on the gold badge are exchanged for sapphires. When all gold stars are placed by sapphires stars, a recruiter qualifies to earn points towards the Recruiters Ring.

The long quest for the ring takes an Army recruiter through eight levels of proficiency that test and prove his or her ability and skill in recruiting. The ring is not easily earned; a small percentage of Army recruiters wear this award. When recruiters earn their Recruiting Ring, they are forever marked as the finest members of the Army's recruiting team."

Source on the ring found here

I'm proud of you Ricky! I knew you could do it!

I love you babe!

more swimming

2009-07-23T22:02:00.003-05:00

These pictures were from the last full day we had our nephews. Ricky got to go to the pool with us and I know the boys both enjoyed having Uncle Ricky there, well my kids too, ha ha. I really liked how this picture of Ryder turned out. Cute right? Or is that just his mom talking.

Sun in his eyes but still looking mom!
Excitement! Jay Rod was ready to go again.

The blond bombshell was next.

Jay loved jumping off and so did Jack Jr.

I had to get some of Uncle Ricky throwing them too. They love for him to do that. It seems they go so high in the air when he does it too!

We were sad to see the boys go! We sure hope they had a great time. We wished Justin could have come too but he had football practice. Maybe next year he will be able to come as well! We missed you Justin! We sure did enjoy having the boys though. Thanks Jack and Veronica for letting them come stay with us! We love you guys!

Swimming pictures

2009-07-23T21:57:00.004-05:00

We are lucky to have a really nice pool very close to our house. While my nephew's were visiting we got to go a few times. This was our first trip and they had a blast.

I just love this picture with her missing her front teeth. I makes me chuckle at how cute she is.

Jack and Jay came to visit us!

2009-07-19T12:31:00.004-05:00

We brought our nephew's home for a week and had a great time. We tried to keep a busy with fun activities each day. The first day we went to the park but I forgot my camera. Tuesday we went to Chuck E Cheese and to Baskin Robbins. Here are some pictures.

Ryder had never gone up in the tunnels that hang from the ceiling. He followed the older kids but but then got lost and was left up there crying. Ricky had to crawl up the tunnels to get him down. He wasn't a happy boy but it didn't take long for him to jump to the next ride.

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream!

Shelby has makeup on that Jack Jr put on her. He wouldn't let her put any on him though, haha. It reminded me of the days I use to try to get Jack Sr. to let me decorate and play with his hair!

Ryder has a swollen eye, totally and accident on the trampoline b/w the cousins and thankfully didn't turn to a black eye.

And this i had to share! Jay was Uncle Ricky's shadow while he was here. Anything and everything Uncle Ricky did, Jay wanted to do too. Jay didn't want to jump on the trampoline while Ricky changed the oil, but rather wanted to help. So Ricky talked to Jay and explained everything he was doing as he did it, and even let Jay get his hands dirty. Jay is a talker, and loves to talk. On the way to meet their Aunt Brandi, Jay told me when he grew up he was going to have three kids and was going to name the first one Uncle Ricky, then Sponge Bob and then Lion King. That is high praise indeed!

More pictures from the boys visit to come.

Newest Member of our family!

2009-07-18T12:30:00.004-05:00

There ain't no bugs on me,

There may be bugs on some of you mugs,

But there ain't no bugs on me!

We have adopted a puppy! We got him on the 4th of July as well as his sister for my mom whose name is Sookie Sue. We've named our new addition:

Sergeant Major Kilo

Sarge, is what we have decided to call him for short. For those of your that couldn't guess, my hubby is in the Army and Kilo is what they call tankers (19K).

They don't sit still so I had to get pictures of them on the go. Sookie is now at my mom's and getting use to her dog Nugget while Sarge and Gracie (our lab) are bonding well. We are working on potty training, and commands. My nephew's sure did enjoy playing with the puppy this week for sure!

My Flower Girl got Married

2009-07-18T12:06:00.005-05:00

Thirteen years ago, Ricky and I got married. My cousin Brittany was our flower girl and July 11th we celebrated her wedding to David Ragland. She was such a beautiful bride and you could see the love between the two of them! As the oldest cousin of eight, man do I feel old! These pictures are not in the order they were taken. After the reception while the couple opened their gifts, Ricky was outside being cool Uncle Ricky. He was blowing bubbles, watching the boys play on the swing set. Landan and Jay really enjoyed hanging out with Ricky.

These are most of the bigger kids from the wedding. My cousin Latisha's daughter, AnnaElise, my Shelby, my Ryder, Latisha's son Landon, my brother's son's Jay and Jack Jr.

Our family

Jack, Jack Jr., Jay and Veronica

Me and my mom

Me and the bride who is so super skinny, not kidding when I say a negative zero, haha.

Love you Britt!
I took some pictures of her after they'd cut the cake. I sent her all the pictures I took but I couldn't resist playing with a few of them to make them a little different.

My mother made their wedding cake. The back of the cake and a few pieces of icing missing from where Ryder got into it while no one was looking.

Cutie!

Daddy love

Me and my grandmother. She is wearing the same flowers she wore to my wedding. She said she wore it to the first and she wore it to the last (1st grandchild's wedding to last). It about made we want to tear up, sweet right? I had no idea she'd kept it!

Here is the groom's cake that I made. It turned out really cute I think but it tasted even better. It was chocolate cake with which chocolate and cream cheese filling, and chocolate buttercream frosting. I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did making it, and sampling the frosting and filling before putting it all together, ha ha.

Me and Ryder

Ryder with a new playmate. His name is Logan!
I think this was around the time they got into the cake, haha.

I didn't post all the pictures I took on this blog but did on my facebook account since most of my family looks at facebook. If you want to see those just look me up on facebook! We had a great time at the reception and got to bring home our nephew's for a week of fun. Those pictures are coming to this blog soon in addition to pictures of the newest member of our family!

Shelby went to summer camp

2009-07-13T14:51:00.004-05:00

Shelby got a wonderful opportunity to go to a camp for military kids supported by Operation Purple. Her camp was ran by Girl scouts for girls ages seven through fourteen. I found out about this great opportunity from my dear friend Maria whose children had already be accepted. She told me about the program very last minute but the deadline hadn't passed so I thought it wouldn't hurt to try. They asked questions like how many times had Ricky been deployed and what branch of service was he. I didn't think we would qualify because of the late date but I was wrong. Shelby got in and the camp was free. We only had to pay $25 dollars to save her spot! (Even though it cost $240 in gas both ways just to get her there, he he)..

Shelby was super excited about getting to go. Ricky and I both worried she would be crying to come home the very next day and neither of us was looking forward to driving the four hours it took to get there nor the four hours it took to get home, but we would have done it. But to our surprise and amazement, we heard not a word from her and couldn't wait to get done to Wiggins, MS to pick her up to hear all about her time. Here are pictures of us driving her to camp. We stopped to grab a bite to eat and then arrived.

We had to check her in when we arrived, talk to the nurse, and find out which village she would be in. We dropped off her luggage which was delivered to her village and we walked to her cabin.

Shelby was in Native Village with all the other seven to nine year olds. Her cabin was only seven year olds and she was very happy about that. She went inside and made friends RIGHT away. She has such an open personality. She told me all about her new best friend but couldn't remember the girls name. (a trait she gets from me).

She found a bunk and we put all her stuff away once it arrived. I got to meet some of the other parents and of course her leaders who were wonderful young ladies eager to play with the girls (each leader had a super soaker water gun and was using it on each other when we arrived).

I had forgotten to pack family pictures for Shelby and saw a few displayed from her friends that were already there. So I ran back to the truck and grabbed all the photos that were in my wallet. Did I mention that is was a very hot and humid day. It had to have been somewhere in the 90's and we were all sweating like pigs! But I wasn't about to leave her with nothing to remind her of us! I even stopped at the post office to make sure she got a letter from home the first day mail was delivered.

We had to show our id to pick her up on Friday then they radioed for her. She came running out, trying to carry all of her stuff, but didn't' quite make it. She ended up dropping quite a bit of her stuff in her dash to give us a hug. Me first, then Ricky and Ryder (not that I was bragging, ok I was ha ha. I'm her mom after all). Then we went to get her other luggage at the drop off spot while she told us all about her week. She told me that she did not want to come back the next year unless she got to sleep in cabin number one (she was in two) b/c she said that something would knock on the door and then there would be nothing there. Guess she didn't realize it was probably those 9 year old girls trying to scare them which it did. She also said they went canoeing, played at the pool almost every day, they had a carnival, the played frog in the mud and did tons of crafts, at least one a day. I could tell she hasn't washed her hair all week either. She said she tried but she couldn't' get the water on in the shower and there was mud CAKED in her hair. It took me washing it 3 times plus combing it with conditioner to get it all out! I was freaked about the mud but Ricky said that was the different b/w him and me, he didn't care about that kind of stuff, haha. She got two backpacks and a t-shirt. The first one she got the first day which had water bottles and hats and stuff and the last day she got another one with snacks and stuff. It also had a letter from the President on ACTUAL white house stationary. It was a stamped signatures but still! She got a picture of the President's dog too which she thought was cool. She just stuffed the letter back in her bag and I had to get it to preserve it. I'm sure she will think the letter is cool when she gets older I hope. Each day she has told us something new and exciting they did while she was there. I'm so glad she had a good time. She did get a little sun burnt and had got bitten by a few ants but other than that, (and the dirty hair) she came home happy and excited. We went to a wedding reception the next day for our cousin and brought home two of my nephews with us for the week. They are here now and we are having a great time enjoying their visit. I'll post pictures of their visit sometime next week. Here is a picture of us picking Shelby up, the only one I got!

Fireworks, and kids!

2009-07-07T16:22:00.010-05:00

We went to my brother's house second to celebrate Justin's birthday party and the 4th. This picture is of Jack Jr and his cousin Kala (I think) I always get the two little girls names wrong.

All the kids watching fireworks! Jay, Shelby, Jack, Kala, and Conner. The girls both wanted to sit by Jack Jr so Veronica had to put him in the middle.

I love this look of excitement on her face as the fireworks were going off behind me.

Ryder did not like the loud fireworks and spent the second year in a row watching from Aunt Veronica's window. My mom watched with him for a bit and then went back outside.

Isn't she cute?

I took a few different pictures and decided to post them all b/c they turned out good!

Jack Jr. holding our new puppy. He tagged the puppy around with him most of the evening until it was time for fireworks! Cute right?

Ricky having a pop war with Jay. It was funny watching it too. Ricky would run after him and through lots at one time. Then Jay would do the same. When Jay would run out, he'd go hide behind someone and say "I wasn't trying to get you Uncle Ricky". Its to cute!

Jack Jr. smiling for the camera. I think Shelby took this picture. I let the kids take pictures of different things and they had fun doing it.

My parents. Jack, Veronica and Kendall are in the background.

Ricky was a big kid in the pool with all the other kids. He threw Shelby and Jack Jr like tinker toys. Look at the expressions on Jack's face as he throws Shelby. Its just so cute. I tried to get several of Ricky throwing Jack Jr but one managed to get one good one.

Jay balancing on the ladder.

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

And on we continue...

2009-07-07T12:25:00.002-05:00

We then loaded up and headed the hour drive to our next party at my brother's house. I being the corny scrapbooker that I am took a picture of all of us on the way. Oh I forgot to mention in the last post that we got a new puppy Ricky's Uncle's party. A yellow lab we've named Sarge.

Taking a nap between parties. I don't remember where we got that stuffied tiger but it is his favorite snuggle toy. He calls it his baby.

Pictures from our next party to follow!

Busy 4TH weekend for us!

2009-07-07T11:53:00.005-05:00

We had a very busy fourth of July weekend. Here are some pictures from the first party we went to that day at Ricky's Uncle Eddie's house. They are in a random order. The first is Ryder eating, ha ha, while memaw rubs his hair. I love the shirt I found for him at Old Navy on clearance that says "mom's pride and joy".

What a great dad! He is wearing the Honda racing shirt we got him for father's day. Now he matches, haha. I know, I know, but I have a thing for matching colors.
Ryder did not want to ride. I sat him in front of Ricky and was going to go get both of their helmets but Ryder said nope, and wanted off.

So this is me hugging on him after I took him off, see him still pouting. I think its just so cute the way he pouts. You can see Angela in the background.

Shelby and her cousin Becca. Becca didn't want me to take her picture so I told Shelby to go stand next to her. Becca gave me a look that said "that's cheating" but she let me take the picture, ha ha.

My princess! Wearing her Old Navy clearance shirt that says American Sweetheart.

I don't think Becca knows I got this picture, hehe.

Ricky and I with Luke.

Evan with deer horns in his grandpa's lap with Jerry behind them.

My baby holding a baby!

Debbie with Luke.

And a picture of Luke by himself. We had tons of other cousins there too but they were all off playing together and since Luke doesn't walk yet, he got his picture taken a ton that day by me, haha.

More pictures to come.

Just a few more...

2009-06-23T02:25:00.004-05:00

For some odd reason, blogger wouldn't let me upload these last four pictures to the last post but I couldn't not include them either. I had other pictures from the party of the pinata and such but figured those could wait. But I had to take a picture of Shelby with her birthday glasses on and isn't this just an adorable dress I found at the thrift store for six dollars?

After such a long day of playing and partying, Ryder was tuckered out. I knew he was outside on his jeep but one of the older kids came to tell me he had fallen asleep in it. I grabbed my camera and off I went to find him. I grabbed these pictures before Ricky picked him up and took him in the house. He slept the rest of the night too!

Shelby's Birthday Luau

2009-06-23T01:15:00.006-05:00

Shelby's birthday party was Saturday at our house. We invited friends, family, and neighbors to come and have fun with us. We had a really nice BBQ lunch, Shelby wanted pizza for the kids. The bigger kids had this blow up slide to play on and we had a small pool for the smaller children. As you can see, the adults lined up to watch but not quite close enough to get wet.

Time for cake? Ryder got him a front row seat! He was licking the edge of the cake for icing while I was trying to cut it and serve it!

I thought this was a super cute picture. Shelby lost her second front tooth a few days before he birthday so she had no front teeth.

The cake I made. You can click on my link to the right to see more pictures of the different surf boards and where I got the idea for it.

All the kids had fun on the slide. Shelby and Jack Jr. are cousins who are only about 6 weeks apart in age so they've always been close. They held hands as they went down several times and it was just to cute not to take pictures!

Someone suggested that I try to get Ricky close enough to the pool to push him in. I told him that Gracie (our dog) had dropped a golf ball in the water and I needed him to bend over to get it out for me. He wasn't fooled and ended up splashing me. I don't like this picture of me at ALL but what's one bad picture among friends? I included it b/c its the only one taken of me and Ricky that day and I thought the situation was comical.

But them my brother got me! He didn't have to try that hard either. He just picked me up like a rag doll, tossed me over his shoulder and dropped me into the water. I yelled his whole name, like a mother would do when she was scolding her small child, but it didn't work. He still dropped me and I got soaked! I think I ended up in the water 3 times total that day, fully dressed!

I tried to get Jack after I was soaked but it didn't work. He ended up getting pushing me back in. At that point, I think his wife Veronica came up behind him and was able to push him in. I feel bad b/c he then pulled her in who was holding both of their cell phones!

Here's that picture of Veronica pushing Jack in! I also got a picture of Veronica getting pushed in and soaking wet but she came out with a see through shirt so I decided I'd be nice and not post it! But I will remind her that she owes me for it, teasing:)

Ricky decided he wanted to get in too so he tossed me his wallet and keys and climbed in as well. Ryder had so much fun going down the slide with his dad. Ryder would only climb up to the top and then climb back down instead of sliding down until his dad took him down the slide then we couldn't get him to stop!

Shelby opening her gifts.

Ricky and Emma. This little girl has her finger wrapped around Ricky's heart. He loves her to pieces and I do too! She is one special little girl and just so stinking cute!

Ricky or Regina must have taken this picture with my camera b/c when I uploaded them this was on it. I thought it was a nice picture so I uploaded it. Possession is 9/10th law right?

More pictues of the kids playing. They would have stayed outside playing on this thing til midnight if we'd let them!

Shelby on her way down!

Thank you everyone who came, and or sent birthday wishes. We are so blessed to be at a place in our lives where we live so close to our family. I appreciate each and every one of you and am so thankful to have you in our lives. Thank you for coming and being a part of Shelby's birthday!

Regina's pictures

2009-06-23T00:05:00.005-05:00

Shelby's birthday party was this past Saturday. I took pictures which I will upload next but a friend of mine also took pictures and let me upload them before she left for home. These are some of the pictures Regina took at Shelby's party. Below is a picture of Regina and her hubby Brad. She and I have been friends for over 27 years!

Our cousins, Brady and Emma Rose, whom we all adore!

Brady, Chelsey and Angela

Me, not sure whose arm is in the corner?

Lydia, Shelby and Jack Jr.

My brother Jack

Regina and her daughter Makenna

A little bit over everyone in the blow up pool, Uncle Bill, Brady, Savannah, Clay, Evan and Luke.

Jack and his wife Veronica

I just love this picture because all the adults are trying to cover Ryder's mouth. We were singing Happy Birthday to Shelby and while she was waiting to blow out her candles, Ryder was trying to do it for her. It was rather funny and I'm so glad Regina got a picture of it!

A picture Regina took of me in the kitchen. I thought it turned out rather good.

Ricky holding Luke. Ricky has a soft spot of babies and they just love him too!

I have tons of pictures to post from the party that I took. I was also asked to post some of them to facebook as well. I wasn't sure if I should post all of them here and some there or split it up. So I'm posting most of them here and I'll figure out what to post when I make it over to facebook to post there, ha ha!

Happy Birthday Shelby!

2009-06-22T14:54:00.002-05:00

Shelby's birthday is June 18th which was on a Thursday. We didn't want her actual birthday to pass without celebrating it in some small way. Her best friend, Lydia, came along with us! The girls had such a good time and Ryder did too.

I can't believe my little girl is seven! She lost her other front tooth just the day before! She has the cutest little lisp when she talks!
Happy birthday Monkey Due!

Our Anniversary

2009-06-22T14:50:00.003-05:00

June 15th was our 13th wedding anniversary. Since that is a very busy week for us with Shelby's birthday, party, and father's day as well, we were super pleased to get able to go out to dinner without our children! Thanks again Robin for watching our kids for us! Anyway, we went to Olive Garden and had a really nice early dinner. I had some steak pasta dish and Ricky had the cheese ravioli. We ordered two desserts, sharing one there and bring home one to share later! Happy Anniversary, babe! I love you!

New pictures of the kids in their rooms

2009-06-16T21:53:00.002-05:00

Shelby was ready to update her room. She had a cottage doll house bed and was ready for a more grown up bed. So we updated her room just a little bit. Shelby helped design it and she was very happy with the way it turned out. THANK GOODNESS!

Here is Ryder in his room. He was watching a movie at the time but stopped long enough to turn toward the camera.

Just another cute picture of him under his bed.

Tea Party

2009-06-16T21:47:00.003-05:00

Another idea to keep the kids entertained, a tea party. The girls all got dressed up in fancy dresses, put bows in their hair and came to our tea party. I'd made brownies and chocolate chip cookies for them. I served them as if we were in a fancy restaurant and allowed them to have all they wanted. Below is Katelyn and Shelby.

Destiny was ready to dig into the brownies!

Ryder was the only one who didn't dress up, he didn't really care and only wanted to eat!

A group shot!

More creative, crafty summer ideas to come!

Crafting

2009-06-16T21:41:00.003-05:00

With Summer in full swing, I've had to come up with creative ideas to keep the kids from being "bored". I pulled out tons of stuff for the kids to make all types of cards. Once they finished them I could just put them away and pull them out when I needed a card for grandmothers or whoever. They also made get well soon cards for their friend Lydia. I was also babysitting for my friend Robin for a few days so her daughter Katelyn joined in the crafting as well!

Ryder didn't really care for the stickers but he had fun coloring!

A group shot.

Backyard Fun

2009-06-15T14:15:00.002-05:00

We get the kids a small pool for the yard each year. This year they picked out a yellow one. Ricky filled it with water and they jumped right in. If you look closely you can tell that Ricky helped her into her bathing suit b/c its on backwards, ha ha.

And it wouldn't right without our dog Gracie in the pool too. What lab doesn't love water?

Natchez Trace State Park

2009-06-15T14:01:00.005-05:00

Last weekend we went to the this gorgeous state park not to far from our house. We were amazed at the beauty of the trees, the lake and just nature in general. Here is a picture I snapped of Ricky.
A picture of the two of us with the kids playing on the playground behind us and the lake in the distance.

Ryder is saying cheese but his face was at the same level of the dock.

Both kids really liked the lake. There were people out skiing and on tubes, both kids enjoyed watching them!

On the playground.

Surprise Birthday visit

2009-06-03T13:21:00.002-05:00

My Mother-in-law's birthday was this past weekend. Ricky and I decided to drive the two hours to AR to surprise her. Ricky had to bring his new toy "just in case" he had a chance to go riding too! So he gave the kids and his mom a ride in the yard, very slowly since we didn't have a helmet for Jacob (the child in her arms next to Ryder).

Uncle Joey sets these air up yard things for a lady in town so he called to see if there was not rented out that weekend. Turns out this one wasn't and she let our kids play in it! Thanks Ms. Brenda! They loved playing it in! I of course didn't remember to pack swimsuits so my children swam in their underwear, so you won't be seeing many pictures, ha ha.

We all really had a great time. My parents drove over to visit as well. We all sat outside under this huge shade tree and just laughed at the children as they played. It was such a nice afternoon. Then we all went inside for a really nice pork chop dinner my mother-in-law had cooked for everyone. She told us we really made her birthday special with our surprise, the presents we brought and her grand kids visiting I'm sure! And we had a blast too!

Summer Fun!

2009-06-03T13:12:00.003-05:00

What summer wouldn't be complete with kicking back at the pool. Here are some pictures from our trip. I loved seeing my two little ones playing together, which is something they rarely do!

Here they are in the kiddie pool.
Ryder in his scooby doo jacket. I had him wear it most of the day but let him take it off a few times when he was in the baby pool with Shelby.

While Shelby took swimming lessons last summer, I still feel better with her wearing a vest when jumping off the diving board. I think she feels better about it too.

Happy Summer Everyone!

What is a MILITARY WIFE?

2009-05-24T19:26:00.003-05:00

This was e-mailed to me and I just had to share it because this is SO my life! I hope some of you enjoy it too.

What is a MILITARY Wife?
They may look different and each is wonderfully unique, but this what they have in common. They have THIS IN COMMON!
Lots of moving
Moving
Moving
Moving far from home
Moving two cars, three kids and one dog
all riding with HER of course.

Moving sofas to basements because they won't go in THIS house
Moving curtains that won't fit
Moving jobs and certifications and professional development hours.
Moving away from friends, moving toward new friends
Moving her most important luggage; her trunkful of memories.
Often waiting
Waiting, waiting, waiting for housing; waiting for orders; waiting for deployment; waiting for a reunion; waiting for phones calls; Waiting for the new curtains to arrive; waiting for him to come home for dinner----AGAIN!

They call her 'military dependent', but she knows better.
She can balance a checkbook.
Handle the yard work.
Fix a noisy toilet.
She is intimately familiar with drywall, anchors, and toggle bolts.
She can file the taxes, sell a house, buy a car, or set up a move, -- all with ONE Power of Attorney.

She welcomes neighbors that don't welcome her. Reinvents her career with every PCS; locates a house in the desert, the arctic, or the deep south and learns to call them all 'home'. She MAKES them all home.
She is fiercely IN-dependent.
Military Wives are somewhat hasty.
They leap into decorating, leadership, volunteering, career alternatives, churches and friendships. They don't have 15 years to get to know people. Their roots are short but flexible.
They plant annuals for themselves and Perennials for those who come after them. (I plant roses and 4 o'clocks and always leave them for the next family to enjoy)
Military Wives quickly learn to value each other. They connect over coffee, rely on the spouse-network and accept offers of friendship and favors and record addresses in pencil.
Military Wives have a common bond.

The Military Wife has a husband unlike other husbands, his commitment is unique. He doesn't have a job, he has a 'mission' he can't just decide to quit. He's on-call for his country 24/7 but for you, he's the most unreliable guy in town!

His language is foreign:
TDY
PCS
MOS
FOB
ACU
And so, a Military Wife is a translator for her family and his. She is the long-distance link to keep them informed and the glue that holds them together.

A Military Wife has her moments.
She wants to wring his neck, dye his uniform pink, and refuse to move to Siberia...
But she pulls herself together.
Give her a few days, a travel brochure, a long hot bath, a pledge to the flag, and a wedding picture.
And she goes.
She packs.
She moves.
She follows.

Why?
What for?
How come?
You may think it is because she has lost her mind.. But actually it is because she has lost her heart. It was stolen from her by a man...
Who puts duty first.
Who longs to deploy.
Who salutes the flag.
And whose boots in the doorway remind her that as long as he is her Military husband, She will remain his Military wife.

Graceland...

2009-05-24T18:46:00.005-05:00

Saturday we decided to take a tour of Graceland, the home of Elvis. Neither Ricky nor I had ever taken a tour despite both having living in the city previously. They offered a military discount, both kids got in free since Shelby won't be 7 until June so off we went.

Ryder loved the airplanes and the cars. I have to admit it was pretty cool to see. It was very 70's decorated, but very cool to imagine how high tech it would have been back then. After the tour of both airplanes we grabbed a bite of the super expensive dinner food. This was the only time Ryder sat still, while eating his hot dog bun minus the hot dog. He's on this no meat kick!

Graceland is a beautiful southern style mansion that is gated. We were given a headset and road the tour bus to the front door. One of the guides was kind enough to take a picture of us while we were there. Sorry about Ryder's finger, he he.

Shelby got her own headset so she took off in front of us pretty much as soon as she hit play while Ricky and I struggled along behind passing Ryder between the two of us. I swear I have a notch in my hip for him to sit on! This was Lisa Marie's play set when she was little. Its in front of Elvis's dad's office where all his fan mail arrived and still remains.

It was really amazing how many gold records lined these walls. Ryder wasn't to excited to see them but Ricky and I thought they were pretty cool.

This was in a different part of the estate located in the racquetball house. The walls are covered on all four sides with awards, and costumes he performed in are in glass cases.

The last part of the tour is where he and his family are buried. This statue overlooks their grave site.

You know I had to try to get a picture of my two children together. This was the closest I got. Sad I know, Ryder just won't look at the camera. He does say cheese but NOT while looking!

I can always count on Shelby to smile for the camera though so that made up for not getting a killer shot of them both together.

After the tour of the house, we rode the bus back to the other side to check out the cars and pick up or photo we all took together. I did buy it but haven't had a chance to scan it yet.

There are some pretty cool cars on display. My favorite was a pretty sweet convertible '66MG with white wash tires. It looked almost exactly like the car from CARS the movie.

We took this pictures right before we walked into the gift shop.

This was the last picture of the day. Ricky said I could have a chance to be in the picture, ha ha. I kind of wish he hadn't because my bottom looks huge at that angle, or maybe its just b/c I'm pushing it out to help hold Ryder up, ha ha. Either way, watch the fat butt jokes, teasing:)

Just some cute pictures

2009-05-24T18:38:00.004-05:00

Ryder decided it was finally time to ride his bike with a little help from his dad. He rides his big wheel through our neighborhood 90 to nothing so it was good to see him slow down a little on his bike, which actually has brakes!
Just a few pictures I snapped of Shelby and Lydia who are the best of friends. We "know" there is a strong chance we are moving this summer so I've been taking pictures of Shelby with her friends. I plan on making her a memory book so that she won't forget her friends around the world. I liked the way these pictures turned out.

~ Miss Sassy~

I just think she is so cute, I know I know, I'm her mom, ha ha.

End of the Year Field Trip

2009-05-19T19:56:00.005-05:00

Today was Shelby's school field trip. I had planned to go but did not have anyone to watch Ryder for me. The other mom who was going to go with her class couldn't make it either. But when I went to tell Shelby's teacher they said it was ok to bring Ryder with me. So he got to go on his first field trip! They went to the Circle Y equestrian park. The first activity Mrs. White's class did was get on the tracker wagon and took a ride to the catfish pond.

Each child got a handful of fish food and got to watch as the catfish jumped out of the water to grab at the pellets.

These pictures are not in the order of what the kids did today but does it really matter? They got to play mini putt-putt. Ryder was more interested in dropping his ball in the cup but Shelby played all 18 holes!

There was also a petting zoo. Shelby was scared to hold the rabbits and any of the other animals but the lady that worked there gently placed this baby in Shelby's arms and I was able to snap a picture before she handed "it" back.

Here you can see she was getting upset b/c her classmates wanted her to hold a bunny.

At lunch the class had sacks from school. I grabbed lunch for Ryder and I at the food bar and enjoyed snapping a few pictures too. This is one of Shelby and Derek. His dad is a Navy Recruiter and they live one street over from our house. He and his siblings play at our house all the time. They are moving this week and I know Shelby and her classmates will miss them!

There were numerous bouncy, jumpy things for the kids to play on. They were suppose to come down one at a time but as you can see that didn't' happen. Even though Ryder is 3 years younger than all the kids, he kept up with them really well and was right in the pack with them all day long. He knows most of them anyway from us coming early to pick up Shelby and getting to play on the playground with them.

I have to admit I was pretty impressed he could climb this since his feet couldn't reach each step. But I shouldn't have been surprised he'd find his own way to make it work.

Weeeeeeee!

They got to ride the train as well. Its a pretty cool little train too.

Each child got their own seat and got to ride around the "track".

There was a huge playground too! Ryder swung for a minute and was then off to something else.

Crawling through a tunnel!

This is the same tunnel just the different side.

Mrs. White's 1st grade class,

Joyner Elementary School

Our Weekend in Arkansas

2009-05-19T16:44:00.004-05:00

This weekend we went to AR to my mom's house to celebrate the birthday's of my nephew's, Jack Jr and Jay. I took a few pictures and wanted to share them. I love this one and plan on giving it to my mom. She is going to love seeing her grandchildren!

My princess just before we ate!

A picture of Ricky and I. He took this one so that both of our faces were in the shot, ha ha.

I took this one, see how part of his face is missing, haha. I just don't have long enough arms.

Uncle Ricky playing with Jack Jr., or I should say spraying Jack with a water gun! They got Uncle Ricky back with a large can of water!

My "enhanced" husband.

My tree climber. I love this tree in my mom's yard. I can't believe this is the first time I saw the photo op potential in it!

Same tree, same boy, one very cute smile!

I know I've mentioned that I had a goal of getting both of my children in ONE picture. This was as close as I got!

Jack giving Jack Jr and Shelby a ride on his four wheeler.

Another great picture!

Me and Shelby before it was time for cake.

This is Shelby's last week of school. I took pictures of her field trip today so I'll be posting them soon!

It's that time of year again!

2009-05-12T22:39:00.002-05:00

Yes, Ditch Diving!

Yes, it has been raining here pretty much every day for over a week. The "ditch" in our back yard has not had a chance to drain. This afternoon the rain stopped, although it has since started raining AGAIN! Anyway, we went outside to play. I say we meaning me, Ryder, and Gracie, our black lab. I told Ryder to stay away from the water numerous times, but kept inching closer each time to see how far he could go before I got up out of my chair. He finally picked up golf balls to throw in the water. Yes, golf balls. My hubby is a golfer and hits golf balls in the back yard. He has Gracie, the dog, trained to fetch them for him. So, my son is throwing balls in the ditch water and Gracie repetitively brings them back to him, shakes to get the water off and in the process gets Ryder wet which causes him to laugh. So I finally gave up trying to keep him dry, and let him be a kid! Of course I couldn't allow him this freedom without my camera in hand to share this joy with all of you!

I just love how I caught the water splashing!

My favorite! Look at that smile. It was not fun at all stripping him of his clothes afterward, to let him walk into the house. Nor was the surprise he had in his diaper while I was standing there with no wipes, covered in ditch water, holding him upright so he didn't fall and praying none of the poop was going to drop onto the floor before I got him into the tub! Ahh, only something other mom's can appreciate!

My Blue eyed beauty

2009-05-04T08:21:00.002-05:00

I just had to take a picture of Shelby with her hair like this since its one of my favorites. So I took a few pictures of her playing around. Then she watched a video from the Iron Man cartoon and I caught her dancing to it. I had to share that too!

How much?

2009-04-29T07:55:00.004-05:00

How much does a bad week cost?

Last week was a pretty bad week for me. It just didn't go at all how I wanted it too. I can't remember what day it was but the kids and I had been at Robin's house visiting. We were about to head home and Robin and I were cleaning up toys in the girls room getting those last few minutes of adult conversation before going home. That's when I got a call from a neighbor down the street that my 3 year old son was playing in the street (a big no no) in a mud puddle, and Destiny was trying to get him to come back. I jumped into the truck and as I backed up, I ran over Destiny's scooter that Shelby (my daughter) had left behind the truck.

Cost .........$30.00

Then I did something stupid. I forgot to pay one of our bills. I don't really know how I did it since I pay them online and this one gives me a reminder when its due. So I had to pay two months worth and the late fee.

Cost.......$318.00

Then I decided I wanted to go to Home Depot to get wasp spray since we had quite a few around the house. On the way, I got off the freeway and hit a lady that thought had already merged into traffic.

Cost ....over $6000.00 dollars
My cost.... 250.00

My cost for the week..........$598.00

Thankful the week is over PRICELESS

Afternoon at the Park

2009-04-27T11:50:00.002-05:00

Sunday afternoon, after church the kids and I invited our friends the Powell's to go to the park with us. We had a blast in such nice weather. Drinks and sunscreen in hand, we spent hours there playing. We'll they played while Robin and I talked:) Here are a few picture from yesterday!

Ryder going up the slide the wrong way in shorts that would not stay up. They fit fine at home while he was just walking around but as soon as he started to run, down they went!

We stopped at the pier to look at the ducks but they are feed so much at this park they didn't' even come when we walked up! Below is Katelyn, Shelby and Destiny.

Robin with her almost adopted daughter Destiny.

There goes those shorts again! Going up~

Coming down~

My pretty princess.

Robin was kind enough to take this picture of us! Thanks!

Here is one I took of Robin and her girls, Destiny and Katelyn.

And aren't these baby ducks the cutest? We saw these as we walked around the lake headed for home for ice cream!

Cruisin the streets

2009-04-27T11:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend I charged the battery for Ryder's jeep. He got into our cove and just drove the jeep until I had to get out and push it back home. He was having so much fun. Shelby had gone swimming with some friends so it was just Ryder with his jeep and me with my camera.

I love this smile. I see his daddy within those smiling cheeks!
You will notice he is barefooted. That is all me. His daddy wouldn't be caught outside without socks much less shoes. Its a trait I got from my dad who my mom swears was barefooted at their wedding.

Once he really got going he was doing spins and would floor the jeep to see the tires slide. He would through it in reverse (seen below) and turn it in another direction. I wonder if I have a nacar fan on my names? Maybe Tony Stewart orange?

Easter hunt in our yard

2009-04-15T19:09:00.002-05:00

Easter Sunday while my parents where here, we all went outside to hunt Easter eggs. Ryder really got into finding eggs this year. He would shake them to see if they had candy in them. If the egg didn't rattle then he would toss it over his shoulder as a "bad egg", ha ha. You'll also note that he isn't wearing shoes. He had them own when he went outside, took them off to get on the trampoline and then wouldn't let me put them back on. It runs in our family, I like to be barefoot, and so does my dad.

Doesn't she look so sweet in her Easter dress and her cast, ha ha. The cast matched some of her eggs. She had fun looking for the eggs that were tough to find. She found them all with help from memaw as she got warmer, warmer and hot when she got close!

This is my favorite. I gave them their baskets after they got of the trampoline so they could find eggs. Ryder decided he didn't' want the grass in his basket and decided to take hand fulls of it and throw it in the air while saying weeee several times.

My mom and dad hiding eggs. you can see the kids on the trampoline in the background.

And the finish, chocolate M&M's from one of his eggs. All in a days' work, ha ha.

Our Easter morning

2009-04-13T00:08:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. It was a late night for our Easter bunny. Ryder did not go to sleep until late since he had a late nap. So that meant it was late when I finally crawled into bed. Shelby, on the other hand, went right to sleep and woke up super early. She came into my room and told me that the Easter bunny had come and for me to get up. I tired to ignore her at first which didn't work. Then I asked her to just tell me what he'd brought her. Ok, so finally I get up. I sit on the sofa and watch with one eye still closed while she shows me her basket and toys. Since I'm up, I might as well go wake Ryder. He doesn't want to get up and tells me "no". I ask, "do you want to see what the Easter bunny brought?" he replies "no". Do you want to see your new toys? Do you want some candy? He then looks at me, pats the bed and tells me to get in, haha. A child after my own heart. I do finally get him up but I have to carry him into the living room, only until he sees the basket then he was all smiles. My dad had driven over from AR to spend the day with us as well so he was here to see the children's excitement. Here are a few pictures from Easter morning. I have some more pictures from today that I'll post a little later.

I love my mom!

2009-04-12T23:52:00.002-05:00

Ricky is out of town for work for a while and I was very sick when he had to leave. So what does my mom do? She packs up her truck and comes for an extended visit. Ok, so I wasn't bed ridden and I would have been just fine without her but there is just something to be said for a little bit of your mom's loving when you don't feel well. She came over and helped out with the kids, COOKED DINNERS, and was an actual adult I could talk to during the day. She's been here a week and its been a total blast. Ok, I've been better for a while now, but I'm still not ready for her to go home just yet. We go shopping just about every day even if we don't buy tons. We run tons of errands that have been on my to do list for a while. She cooks all my favorite dishes and I cook the dishes she really likes of mine. We've been able to just relax and read books, a hobby I picked up from her. The kids have been in heaven too. Both my children have argued over who Memaw sleeps with at night, and mom doesn't want to hurt either of their feelings so she sneaks into Shelby's room in the morning before she awoke for school. Ryder, my shy child, refuses to go anywhere without "maw". They have bee totally enjoying having her visit. Ryder gets that one on one attention while Shelby's been at school and then when she gets home she gets Memaw's attention too while I give Ryder mommy attention.

Both kids want to cuddle and play and she can't tell either of them no. So she plays with Ryder while snuggling with Shelby. Shelby told Memaw that she didn't ever want her to go home. My mom also bought hermit crabs while she was here. Several of the little girls in the neighborhood have them and mom wanted some too. Shelby also wanted them but I told her she'd have to wait b/c I didn't think she would take care of them but I was wrong. Memaw told her how to take care of them, give them a bath, feed them, etc. So a few days later I took her and bought her two smaller ones of her own. I guess Ricky will be surprised at the new pets when he gets home, he he.

Friday we had bad weather come through and the tornado siren went off. We grabbed the kids, my 72 hour kit and emergency kit and ran to the bathroom. I took this picture after we were ok to get out of the bathroom but Ryder and mom were having to much fun to leave quite yet.
I just wanted to take a minute to say that we will miss you Memaw when you go back home next week! I love you,

Sybil

Easter egg hunt

2009-04-05T20:40:00.002-05:00

This weekend we were invite to an Easter Egg hunt by some of our friends. We had a great time too. Ryder actually found quite a few considering he was in the zero to three age group. Shelby got some too but she wasn't as fast as all the other kids and only had one arm so she struggled a little. She still managed to end up with six or seven eggs though. Here they are both out hunting for eggs in their groups. Afterwards, they had donuts, fruit, and juice! Thanks for inviting us Robin!

Our Firemen Rock!

2009-04-05T20:34:00.002-05:00

I saw a flyer at our library that said our fire stations were taking up gently used or new books for a program where Cops redistribute them. I filled up two plastic bags full and we took them to our fire station. The Tupelo fire fighters were awesome too! They took the books, then let us play on the fire truck. They gave us a tour of the truck, let the kids turn on the lights and even took a picture for us. It turns out one of the guys use to be in the Army so Ricky had lots to talk about with them. They were super nice to us and even told us that we could have a birthday party at one of the stations FREE! How cool would it be to have a birthday party at a fire station with real firemen?

Shelby sitting in the front seat!

Both kids inside the truck.

What to do on a pretty day?

2009-04-05T20:30:00.002-05:00

Have fun with your friends of course. I sat the sign out to let my neighbors know the kids would be playing in our circle. They pulled out the chalk and went to work.

Pictured, Lydia, Ryder, Gracie (dog), Shelby and Essence.

Shelby and Lydia.

Ending Spring Break on a BREAK

2009-03-29T11:54:00.004-05:00

Shelby went to my mom's house for part of Spring Break. She had so much fun playing with Jack Jr., my nephew whose only 6 weeks older than her. They are very close and had a blast playing. Friday on our way to picking Shelby up, we got half way to AR when I called my dad to let him know where were when he said Shelby hurt her arm and my mom was taking care of it. So I'm thinking a band aid and a little blood. A few minutes later I got a call from my mom that said Shelby's arm might be broken. She left right away to take her to the ER. When we got to the ER in Helena, my mom and my mother in law where both there. They x-rayed her arm and sure enough it was broke and because the hospital is so small there we had to drive to Memphis to get a cast put on. So off we went, another hour in the truck. We get to the LeBonehur hospital and go to the ER. We didn't have to wait long before she was admitted and more x-rays were taken. Only when the doctor came back in he said she would have to have surgery to fix the break. So around 1:15 am she is wheeled into the bunny room to pick out her prize before going into surgery. This hospital rocks! They explained everything to her before they did it, where she could understand so she wasn't afraid at all. She came out of surgery around 3:30 and was then brought to a room. That morning the doctor came in and said they wanted to watch her for 24 hours to monitor the swelling. Ricky said they wanted to monitor our insurance money, ha ha but he was just teasing. She woke up and was in a good mood, we got her dressed and she went to the children's play room for a little bit, played a video game with another child there and then came back to her room. Not long after, my brother Jack, my sister-in-law Veronica, and my nephews Jack Jr. and Jay came to visit. They told us about a health fair going on downstairs and the nurse said Shelby could go. We got her into a wheel chair and off we went. I forgot to mention that my mom took Jack Jr home while we were on our way to the ER and then came straight to the hospital until after the surgery before she went home. She felt so badly that this happened at her house and thought we'd be mad at her. I also think I forgot to mention that Shelby was outside running and tripped on a rock then landed on another rock and that's how she broke it. Anyway, enough with the details, on with the pictures!

Shelby has a high tolerance for pain. At this point she had no medicine and I even asked my mom" did you give her something for pain?" I even had her swear, ha ha. I just couldn't believe she wasn't crying at ALL?

We were in the children's hospital ER here waiting on her surgery. She had some wonderful nurses, Carolyn and Drew who took super care putting in her "straw" her IV.

This picture was taken after her surgery. She had to have 3 pins put in her arm. You can also see her Minnie Mouse that she picked out from the bunny room.

There pictures were taken when when we went down to the health fair. There was a playhouse and the kids all jumped to play, including Shelby. Here she is with Jack Jr.

This is the slide in the playhouse with Jay.

My brother took this picture of us at the health fair. This children's hospital is located in Shelby County so must of the stuff has Shelby County on it. Shelby thought it was super cool that most of the stuff they gave her had her name already on it!

Out of the hospital and showing a little of her cast for the camera! Still smiling, can you believe it?

Boy's New Toy

2009-03-28T17:23:00.003-05:00

Ricky has wanted a 4-wheeler for a very long time. He hasn't had one since we were dating. During spring break we went and picked one out for him. He was in Heaven. I just had to snap a few pictures. He is holding the title.

He is waiting for the guy to bring it outside so it can get loaded in the truck.
They give you a quick run over on where all your switches are and what you need to know. I needed this info more than Ricky :)

That is one happy hubby! For all of our military friends out there, he was on leave hence the facial hair. I don't know a military man that does shave on his vacation, ha ha.

Spring Break @ the Memphis Zoo

2009-03-27T17:45:00.004-05:00

Shelby had already gone to her grandma's for a few days to visit during Spring Break so Ryder and I went to the zoo with my friend Robin and her girls, Destiny and Katelyn. We had so much fun too. Here are a few pictures I took that day. As most of you know, Ryder is 3 years old. Therefore would NOT look when I called his name. Its as if he knew I had the camera in my hand and refused to look. But I have some really nice pictures of him from the side, ha ha.

Here is a picture Robin took of us in the monkey area. The money behind us was making some very loud sounds and Ryder wanted me to put him down so he could go look.

How cute would this picture have been if he'd looked at me and smiled, right? Well he was sitting on top of a large rock with Robin's girls and I tried so hard to get him to look at me but this was the best I could get :(

Again on top of the rock.

Here he is trying to convince me to let him get on the rock. I made the mistake of letting him get on this very large rock and then Robin and I were each on a end of it trying to keep him from falling off. Nor would he come when it was time for him to get down. We got had to chase him around it to get him off, which he thought was quite funny.

Katelyn and Ryder sure did try hard to get up there on their own. Only Destiny was able to climb up without help.

Ok, so what you don't know is that I am having to hold him to keep him still. He did not want me to hold him, nor take a picture with me. Oh well. He suffered through it and then I let him go, ha ha.

The Only picture I got all day with him looking at me and he actually said "cheese". He can be so cute and sweet at times.

Cute with the elephant in the background and the sky was so pretty blue.

I just love this pose. He quickly left the tree to go see the Pandas'.

I thought this picture was super cute of the two turtles on the log. Cute right?

And these last two are just two pictures I snaped of Ryder.

I will post more picture from our Spring Break within a day or two! Hope you enjoyed these!

The last of the lake pictures

2009-03-26T11:12:00.006-05:00

Grenada Lake

Final pictures

This is the Morgan family. As I mentioned before, Regina and I have been friends for a long time. Also pictured is her husband Brad, Quintin, MaKenna, Savannah and her niece Kayla.

Ryder had so much fun playing on the beach. I snapped these shots prior to his dunk in the water.

A shot of Ricky and I.

A picture of Shelby at the park by the dam. She is such a cutie, I think. But them I am her mom!

I also snapped this shot of her on the fence!

We had such a great time at Grenada Lake. We had great food (thanks Brad for that awesome steak!) and very better company!

Ok, Regina took the pictures of all the picture with me in them(thank you) and also this last picture. I'm sure Shelby will kill me when she gets older but I had to post the first and hopefully only picture of her sleeping with a boy. Quinn is more like a cousin than a "boy" but it was still to cute not to post.

Grenada Lake ~ more pictures

2009-03-25T10:23:00.003-05:00

Our second day, we got together for a few family pictures. It was overcast but I still think they turned out ok.

Ryder really liked watching the water rush out of the dam.
Ricky and Ryder fishing. Sadly they didn't catch any fish.

A cute picture of Ryder on a shopping trip we took that day. I thought it was a super cute picture of him looking at the camera which is rare. He does have a car seat but it was in our truck.

Shelby went fishing with her daddy but after about an hour, she called me and asked me to come pick her up. Ricky had taken her to the park until I got there. She had fun playing at the park with Ricky.

Cute right? He had already fallen/jumped (depending whose telling the story) in the water.

She liked seeing her name in the sand. She wasn't happy when Gracie (our dog) ran through her name not to long afterwards.

She climbed a ridge with Savannah (not pictured) and then posed for the camera.

Regina took two pictures of us with our last name. I couldn't decide which I liked best so I am posting both. Which one do you like best?

More pictures to come!

Spring Break

2009-03-24T21:04:00.004-05:00

Grenda Lake Camping Trip

Part one

The first weekend of Spring Break, our family went camping with our good friends the Morgans. Regina and I have been friends since the summer after 1st grade. We have been friends ever since. So when her and her family invited us to tag along to Grenada Lake, we couldn't pass it up. We rented the above cabin for the weekend and had a blast. Ok, so it wasn't really "camping". More like a cabin in the woods. We had our own rooms, bathrooms, kitchen, dining room, living room with fireplace, screened porch and a view of the lake. That's my kind of roughing it!

Here is a view of the cabin from the beach.

Ricky and Ryder sitting on the sofa in the living room after a morning of playing on the beach. Ryder jumped in the water and had to be changed and chased to get him to come back inside. Gracie, our dog, had a blast too playing in the water.

Shelby, Kayla, and Makenna found a waterfall with water trickling down and couldn't resist playing in it. Regina climbed up there and ended up sliding down on her bottom, I so wish I'd gotten a picture of that!

Shelby playing in the water. She thought it was so cool.

Another Shelby shot. After a while she got tired of me asking her to stop and turn toward the camera.

Shelby smiling with Linda, her baby alive.

This is a picture of Ryder after he'd gone through the water behind him the first time. He went through it many more times before the morning was over though. I should have brought his rubber boots.

Aunt Gina and Shelby smiling for the camera. Cuties right?

Me and Regina just hanging out the first day. I climbed up on the chair with her and balanced while Brad took the picture. At least I think it was Brad. I have many more pictures of our trip so I'll spread them out and post them over the next few days so you aren't just looking at tons of camping pictures all at once. I have other pictures from later in the week to post as well.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T11:23:00.003-05:00

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today my mom turns, ahhh 30! At least that's the age she has sworn me to tell, ha ha. Yesterday she and my dad came to pick Shelby up for her spring break and we threw her a surprise party. I didn't have time to make her a cake though :(

I only put one candle on her cake and we all started to sing but before she could blow it out, Ryder did it for her. So I lit the candle again, only for him to do it several more times which had us all cracking up. Ricky finally picked him up so that Shelby could help Memaw blow it out the final time.

Here Memaw is sitting with Ryder helping him eat his cake b/c he wanted to just lean over and stuff all the icing into his mouth without using his fork.

Yummy, cake!

My dad and Ricky enjoying cake and taking "man" stuff.

And finally, just me being silly. I held out the camera and took a picture so I could in a picture too but it turned out to be kind of a funny angle of me. Oh well!

Happy Birthday Mom

and

Happy St. Patty's Day to all of you!

Afternoon with nothing to do? Not quite!

2009-02-27T15:56:00.003-06:00

Today its been raining here all day so rather than get out in it I decided to stay at home. Normally on a rainy day, I love to read a good book. But I knew if I did that I'd still be reading, and nothing would be done. So what did I do? Just a few scrap booking pages and pretty much nothing else, ha ha. I'm not a professional scrapbooker by any means. I have all these scrap booking embellishments had then I'll forget about them or won't like how they look etc. I have more scrap booking paper than any one woman should have but I can't help stop from buying more! Here are the pages I put together today. The first two pages are from Ryder's birthday. I made the Diego cake and found the Diego stickers at the dollar store.

Here are some Halloween pages. Most of the Halloween embelishments are chip boards I found at Tuesday Morning.

I liked the way this page turned out. I used glittery stickers for Shelby's name, and Karen Foster stickers which are my favorite. I found the glittery paper in a pack from Hobby Lobby. I thought it turned out cute.

I wasn't sure what I was going to do with this page but I wanted Shelby to have a picture of all of her friends b/c we tend to move often. That way she could look back and remember everyone. I wish I'd had an extra picture to add to the page but I made do. I used several brads and think it turned out ok.

Updated Bathroom decor

2009-02-27T14:26:00.003-06:00

I found this shower curtain at Goodwill in Memphis a while ago. It was just sitting in my hall closet so I decided to use it and change out bathroom around. I found all the accessories from Hobby Lobby for fifty percent off. Sweet!

I already had the blue shelf in the above picture but everything else is new.

I wish I'd taken a picture of the four shaggy rugs I got in hot pink, lime green and orange that match everything. I love how the bow holder I made matches as well. The bright colors are perfect for a kids bathroom I think.

Thrift store finds

2009-02-27T14:03:00.004-06:00

Are any of you big thrift store shoppers? Finding hidden treasures in thrift store is one of my favorite things to do. We have a thrift store here that I like to stop at which has been quite frequently this month, ha ha. I was sharing what I'd found with my friend Maria and thought others might want to see as well. Some are really great deals, some are just ok and others were just to cute to pass up. This first one is a Tiffany style candle stand holder thingy. I really liked it although I'm not sure I'm going to be leaving it where it is in this picture. I have no idea how much I should have paid for this item but I gave ten dollars for it b/c it is real stain glass, loves antique and is pretty.

I love to cook, bake and eat, haha. Our thrift store has discount days where on Monday a certain colored tag is only 99 cents. I found this book on a green sticker day!

One of my other favorite places to go is Goodwill. We do not have one here in our town but whenever we drive to Memphis I always stop or try too. I found this valance for Shelby's room for 49 cents.

I love purses and this Fossil bag caught my eye. I paid 9 dollars for it but it is just so cute. The other side has tons of pockets and it is going to look so cute with some jeans. That said, I'm not one of those women who change my purse with an outfit. So it may take me a few weeks to get around to changing out my purses, ha ha.

These ked shoes are super cute and I just had to get them for Shelby at 2.98.

Cute right? I was not sure what I was going to do with this travel case when I got it but at 3.98 I had to get it. Shelby is using it to put all the small pieces of her Polly Pockets and I'm just fine with that.

Another super cute purse made by Gymboree and only cost me 99 cents.

I try to also find my children's clothes there as well when I can't go to garage sales. Ryder is needing pants so I found these polo pants for 1.98 and the Children's place top was on a 99 cent green day.

I got these two shirts for my hubby by A& F and Gap. I did pay 4.98 each for them but that is still a great price for shirts that will fit my tall fella.

These shoes are cute for Ryder at only 99 cents.

How do you think I did?

Weekend of Fun!

2009-02-19T13:21:00.006-06:00

We had a very busy weekend. Friday the 13th was Ricky's birthday. I got the house decorated while he was at work. Ricky got off early that day so I made him ride with me to pick up Shelby from school (so he couldn't see the decorations). Once we got home, the kids and I sang him happy birthday, gave him his presents and ate his cookie cake. He didn't want to go out and do anything, just relax so that's what we let him do! Valentines Day was busy for us. We ran errands, went shopping and spent most of the morning and afternoon out and about. We came home in time to get ready for our date. My friend Robin watched the kids for us so that we could go out to dinner. THANK YOU ROBIN! Ricky and I went to Outback steak house and ended up having to wait 90 minutes to be seated! We ate well, the service was great and we had a good time though. By the time we were done with dinner, we'd been gone for 3 hours so we to get the kids. I knew Shelby would have a blast but I was a little worried about Ryder since he tends to be so shy. He did great though. I told Robin if he gets upset give him food, ha ha. That boy loves to eat. That's probably why there are only NINE pounds in weight between Shelby and Ryder! Anyway, Sunday we decided to head to Memphis for the Children's Museum. We'd been once before and this time we decided to get a membership. The kids had so much fun. Here are some pictures I took while there.

This is the only picture I got of me the whole weekend. I'm not loving the picture at all but I'm sharing it anyway.

We had to talk Ricky into going to the Museum but once he got there he had a great time. He loves hearing our kids laugh as they have a great time. He even climbed up in the slide with Ryder. While he was there he rescued a child who was lost for a mom. It was a tight fit down the tube on his way down for him and he didn't offer to go back up with Ryder again but I think he had fun, ha ha.

Shelby had put on the fire fighter outfit, hat and jacket while on the firetruck.

The jacket was to large for Ryder but he liked wearing the hat. Cute right?

The museum has an area for children who are 3 and under. Ryder had fun playing with the wooden puzzles.

Shelby's favorite part is the grocery store. She picked out her buggy, selected her items from the store and then took them to the register. Once there, she entered how much the items cost, and then hit the total button and it printed out a receipt. I have to admit I thought it was pretty cool myself. When I was about Shelby's age, I remember that when I grew up I wanted to be a grocery teller so that I could push the buttons on the cash register, ha ha.

There is also a part that explains how the Mississippi current system works and allows the kids to fish. Ryder and Shelby both caught a fish.

The also have a drama stage area where children can dress up and do a performance on stage. Shelby dressed up and got on stage. Ryder had no interest.

After we left, we went to grab a quick bit. I also got to stop at Goodwill which is my favorite store in Memphis. It is huge and always has great stuff. We stopped at Target and then headed back home. We had a great weekend!

A beautiful Saturday spent with family

2009-02-08T14:43:00.002-06:00

Our town is blessed with a really large and super nice park. Saturday the weather here was sunny and warm so we decided to venture out. We took the kids and picked them up some lunch at McDonalds and found a picnic table to sit down and eat. Once the kids were done eating we let them go play at the first play ground area. I snapped this shot of the American flag. I love the way it turned out.

Last year, my goal with photography was to include more pictures of myself when I was snapping pictures even if they were not the best I thought I should look. And while some people have comments how great it was to see pictures of me included; others said they couldn't or wouldn't do it. I challenge you to try. Your kids will appreciate seeing you "with them" in the pictures they look back on to remind them of their childhood. Anyway, this year my goal is to get pictures of my children together as much as possible. It is an impossible task though. At least for me. Shelby will at least stop and look at the camera but Ryder just keeps right on going. I tried 3 different times at the park to get a picture of them together and got no a single picture for my effort, haha. I'll keep trying. I liked the idea of taking a picture of Ryder holding Ricky and my hands while we walked around the lake. But I didn't have some else to bend down to take the picture. So I held the camera out in front of him and just took it. I think it turned out pretty cute. His face is dirty but what boy's isn't after playing?

The sun what shining and just so pretty. As we walked up the hill to the second play ground I saw this tree. It just looked so pretty as if it was touching the ski. Anyway, I don't want to sound corny but I couldn't resist taking a picture of it and sharing it with all of you.

I have also been trying to work on action shots since Ryder never seems to sit still. I set my camera to take action pictures and then zoom in as much as possible. I thought this one was the best of the ones I took.

I don't know why he won't look at the camera, I really don't, haha. I still thought it was a good picture though even though he wouldn't look at me, not even once!

And of course here is a picture of my Princess. This was as we were leaving the park. I called her name and as she turned around I snapped this picture. Cute right?

Day to Day

2009-02-08T14:36:00.002-06:00

Shelby is my one child that tries to stay up late but just can't seem to make it. Ryder is a night owl who will stay awake longer than I can! So I thought it rather cute that Friday night when I when to check on the kids that Shelby had crashed on Ryder's floor. She was covered in a blanket and had "Linda" her doll next to her. It was to cute not to snap a picture of.

There are just every day pictures I took Friday while Shelby was in school. Ryder and I were playing in his room and I thought I'd take pictures of him. He took my camera and took a picture of me but since it was only a half shot of my pants leg, I am not posting it, ha ha.

School festival!

2009-01-26T21:05:00.004-06:00

Friday night Shelby and I went to her school festival. Ricky stayed home with Ryder b/c he had a major headache, so it was just us girls. We had so much fun too. In this first picture, was pin the tail on the dragon. The lady spun Shelby six times and then let her go. Shelby caught a lady standing next to her and pinned the tail on the dragon alright, just not the paper one you see in the picture, haha. She did get put back on the right path and finally got the real dragon and then got a prize.

Shelby had a great time in the jumping gym.

And this was a slide and she had fun pulling up. Shelby had a problem with her pants staying up, poor child had no butt at all!

Shelby got her face painted and was standing in line for this gentleman to give her a penquin tattoo.

Shelby and I both participated in the cake walk. Shelby did the first cake walk by herself and didn't win. So the second time we both did it and she won cupcakes (her pick). I had my eye on something different so we both went one more time and I won a Italian Creme Cake (it was store bought) but oh so good. I've eaten half of it already over the weekend by myself. I did offer to share but no one else wanted any which is fine with me, I'll finish it off this week, ha ha.

I helped by volunteering the second hour working in Shelby's classroom. We helped children make the necklaces around the neck of the cutout. They are super cute and I just couldn't resist taking SHelby's picture in front of it!

School Project, 1st grader style!

2009-01-26T20:59:00.002-06:00

Shelby participated in her school's reading fair. It wasn't required but she wanted to do it and I encouraged her to as well. She did her report on Fancy Nancy at the Museum. She didn't win, a 3rd grader did but that's ok. She had fun telling the judges about her project. I was proud of her for being involved.

Brenda's Photo Challenge

2009-01-24T05:00:00.000-06:00

It's been a little while since I've entered Brenda's Photo Challenge but this month the theme was skyward or upward. I can't exactly remember,..sorry.... but I did know to point my camera up! So that's what I did. These are all things I found in my yard.

This is a berry tree right next to my house.
What military family doesn't have an American flag? Although I took a picture of it from the backside b/c that was the better sun angle.

Another tree close up.

Thanks for viewing my pictures. I had fun taking them.

And we are off...

2009-01-10T21:32:00.003-06:00

One evening, I decided to play with the timer on my camera and since my kiddos were already in bed I took pictures of myself. I thought I'd post a few of them to share with everyone.

Shelby's best friend is Lydia. She lives across the street from us and came come with us after school on Friday. The girls were jumping on the trampoline and stopped jumping long enough for me to take pictures. As you can see Shelby's hair had total static electricity and that's with her hair in a braid!

I also got a small video of Ryder doing a flip. He's been doing them all over the house too which can be quite irritating when its bedtime and he wants to jump on my bed with me in it and flips right into my face!

Shelby and I went swimming today with our friends Robin, Destiny and Katelyn today. My camera lens totally fogged up so I only got one good picture. I wish the other girls had been in it but you can see Destiny in the background and goggles and Robin was holding the orange float like Shelby has in the right side of the picture. We had fun with ya'll today thanks for inviting us!

He's where?!?

2009-01-01T15:36:00.002-06:00

We had really nice weather this week and pretty nice temps too so I let the kids go outside and play with their friends. I thought they were all on the trampoline when I heard the girls laughing. I was under the garage talking to my dad so didn't see Ryder venture into the ditch. Whenever we get lots of rain the ditch in our yard files up and we have keep Ryder from playing in it. I wasn't able to keep him out of it so I ran into the house to grab my camera instead. I didn't let him stay in it long b/c the water was cold. He threw a fit when I brought him in the house until he got into the tub. That boy sure does love water!

Cupcake maker or mess maker?

2009-01-01T15:28:00.004-06:00

Shelby got a cupcake maker for Christmas. I'm sure most of you saw a commerical for this on TV. It shows how pretty you can make and decorate cupcakes. Ours didn't work that way, and here's what happened. Shelby mixed the cupcake.

We "baked" it in the microwave.

And this is what we got! Pretty simple so far. Ok, this is pretty cool. I wash out the bowl so she can how mix her icing.

Ryder gets into the maker too.

Shelby mixes the icing, we put it into the icing tube and put the cupcake under it. Yeah, can you see the mess?

This is what the cupcake looked like afterward. I wouldn't want to eat that and Shelby didn't either.

She thought it might help if she added the sprinkles, but she still didn't eat it. I don't blame her I wouldn't either.

We did it!

2009-01-01T15:13:00.005-06:00

I've mentioned our little problem with Ryder throwing his mattress on the floor so this is what we came up with to solve it. Ricky and have done woodworking projects before so we knew we could do this one as well. I went to Home Depot and got what we needed and designed the loft while I was there on the wood isle using a tape measure, a calculator, this notebook and a pen. Can't you tell from my drawings ha ha?

This would normally be an ourside project BUT I am not one for doing anything in the cold! So we built it in our living room!

I did go outside to use the powertools though, haha. This leg move isnt' exactly how my dad taught me but it got the job done, haha.

Ricky is attaching the ladder so it doesn't fall while the kids are climbing it. I still hadn't attached the rail yet either but they just couldn't wait. They did not sleep on it though until the rail was up, I wouldn't let them!
Rails up, and there is plenty of space to play! Job well done!