Dollar General

The Greatest Show on Earth

2012-01-27T21:58:00.018-06:00

Jason and I took the kids to the circus. I know Anna and Noah has gone before but Anna could not remember. It was the babies first time. Isaac was mesmerized by it when we first got there. He sat on the edge of his seat and just watched without moving much. Anna was scared (she didn't know what to expect) and Mary also enjoyed it. We met some of our friends from church and sat in the absolute NOSEBLEED section. I have to admit I was constantly asking myself if I was ok, am I dizzy, am I scared? It was so hot up there and STRAIGHT UP!! I just would cringe when they would stand up. The rows were so tight. Luckily no one was in front of us, we did have some breathing room.

My all time favorite Circus acts are the Elephants, Tigers, and Motorcycles in the globe. But this year I enjoyed the domestic animals doing tricks. I loved the cats doing their stunts. How do you train a cat?!? I know dogs can be trained - had no idea cats could be - that was interesting - then they also had the farm animals do some tricks. I took a picture for Sue... Maybe Billy can go into the circus. The theme was the dragon so it had a lot of martial arts and mind over matter stuff. There was no trapeze but there was 2 guys who rode their motorcycles on a tightrope. Everything they did was of course amazing. They had girls who hung by their hair and girls in what I call ornaments that hung from the ceiling - they did limber acts.

It was fun!! I really enjoyed seeing the kids enjoy it. I enjoyed being with friends and I enjoyed playing with my camera too!! Fun night

Tornado's

2012-01-25T21:56:00.000-06:00

Early Monday morning tornado's ripped through our town again! They actually hit in Centerpoint (where we used to live) and Clay, Trussville, Argo area. Once again we knew people by name affected by the storms.

Wednesday Jason was asked to speak at a prayer service. Rush of Fools lead worship, James Spann spoke and gave a great sermon! Y'all like his weather - You'll really like his preaching! He just won me over with his heart for the Lord and the love of his job. He just shared very openly and with raw emotions concerning the storms and previous storms. He taught about when Jesus came to Peter during a storm and Peter eventually walking on water. He stressed the point that Jesus wants us to "NOT BE AFRAID" and we also much come out of our comfort zone and trust him. It was just really really good.

And what made it even better was Jason (my very own Jason) followed him up and spoke about not understanding God's will in storms but trusting the Lord. He spoke from Job. It was a very encouraging night. We were able to come together with many people and pray for those affected. It was just a sweet time before the Lord.

Thank you Kevin for inviting us out! Though not directly affected by the storms on Monday I was very encouraged by the messages! It was so nice to take time out of our schedule and go before the Lord on behalf of our friends. May the Lord do great and mighty things through this storm.

Slumber Party

2012-01-23T12:36:00.024-06:00

Riley and Anna's birthdays are 13 days apart and since Anna seems to get overlooked because of Christmas Shea invited us to Party with Riley. We had so much fun. We took over the youth room downstairs and transformed it into a SLUMBER PARTY! We had food, snacks, drinks, movies, MAKEUP, dancing, talking, laughing, story telling - ALL THINGS GIRLY!!

I'm still recovering. I love the little girls at our church - they are the sweetest, cutest, funniest things. What a blessing to have such sweet friends as a child. I'm loving the moms too. We had fun chatting and I entertained everyone with my dancing skills. I'm pretty sure I burned off all the cake I ate.

Happy Birthday Girls!!

Market Day Two

2012-01-20T15:18:00.003-06:00

Well, another Market Day is in the books. After we did magnets a few months back I was all out of ideas. So I PROCASTINATED!!! That just so happened to be one of Anna's spelling words.

This time we made Candy Necklaces from here. I was not sure how they would turn out! I also got an email from the teacher saying there would be 80 kids coming through the market so at least have 40 of whatever we made to sell.

I failed to mention we started this project at 6 p.m. the night before. After I got off work I had to pick up Anna and we had to go to the store and get the supplies. Then we came home ate dinner and then as a family we started this project. I thought it would get done faster if we all worked together but really when Anna and I did the project alone (because at one point we ran out of ribbon and Jason had to go get some) we knocked it out fast. It was super easy after we got the hang of it.

They ended up being super cute and she sold out of them!! YAY!! Anna had said that her teacher was worried she was not going to get done with this project. Her teacher even offered to call or email me to let me know it was important for her to have. But Anna said, "NO, my mom knows. We will do it." So, she was able to tell Mrs. Pearson Friday that her mom "was the best procrastinator in the world." - She agreed I had skills.

Another one is in the books. Now for the next one...who knows what we'll do!!

Bring home Gia!

2012-01-17T21:23:00.002-06:00

Go here and help bring this baby home to her forever family!! We've got a fundraiser going and there are limited slots - Let's fill it up!

First time for everything!

2012-01-14T12:40:00.004-06:00

I have not taken pictures for anyone since Dec. 28th. I had a couple of people lined up for this weekend. As I got my hair done friday night I told Marybeth that I was finally doing pictures this weekend for two of my friends one on Saturday and one on Monday.

ONE OF MY BIGGEST FEARS IS FORGETTING AN APPOINTMENT!! I mean it has been lingering in the back of my mind that sooner or later it was inevitable that I would forget - if you know me. But I've kept a mean calendar lately. I'm learning to stay on top of things but as a mother of 4 - it was bound to happen.

Friday night after I got my haircut we had the Lawrence/Ramos group over because Hazel had been in the hospital all week, I knew they would eat cereal so I made them dinner and hopefully we gave them some comic relief. We had such a great time visiting with them, especially Jasmine since she was leaving Tuesday to go back to school. GREAT TIME. So much fun that I TOTALLY FORGOT about my appointment on Saturday.

They stayed late so Saturday I found myself being SUPER LAZY. Sleeping late, waking up and not even getting out of bed...just turning the TV on and enjoying a movie I have not seen in YEARS (used to be my favorite movie) CLUELESS!! Yes, the movie Clueless. Anna brought me my phone and said... "here it's for you!" It was Brittney - who I was supposed to meet at 11 (and the time was 11:22). I felt HORRIBLE!! She had family in from Montgomery to do a big family picture for her husband's mom. Oops!! I told her - I WILL BE THERE IN 30 mins! Record time getting myself and 4 kids ready!! RECORD TIME! No I was not clean but I tried to cover that part up. Walk outside to find Jason had taken the van to our church work day. NOOOO!!! It was just getting worse and worse. She is one of my favorite (clients/Friends) and I was standing her up! So she told her husband to come get me. So him and his brother in law come get me. I failed to mention I had the 4 kids so we all pile in the back seat of a little Honda (that's 5 of us in the back seat of an accord or something - CAR not VAN!). And you may think, well things like that happen. Ok you had to ride 30 miles cramed in the back of a compact car. Yea, well, the 2 guys that picked us up - BOTH POLICE OFFICERS!! Only me!! ONLY ME!! It was like a clown car when we arrived. Jason met us over there because the church is right next to this place.

LUCKILY Brittney has forgiven me and her patience and love overwhelmed me when I felt like a piece of crap!! I felt horrible about forgetting. HOW COULD I FORGET!! But if it had to happen I'm so thankful it happened to someone who loves me so far - unconditionally. I'm testing that unconditional part...but so far - we are good. We got some really cute shots and everyone got to visit and catch up until I arrived.

I HOPE THAT NEVER HAPPENS AGAIN!!

A Look Back : The Best of 2011

2012-01-09T12:45:00.192-06:00

January 2011
was COLD!

But that didn't stop us from bundling up and going outside!

Jasmine taught me how to crochet

Which is how I spent my time

while the boys played table tennis

on our SNOW DAYS!!
Most people got snow to play in - but not us. I think I wished for it too bad!
We were out of school several days with this here snow.

Jason and Noah got to meet Jason Heyward at Academy. After 2 hours and 45 minutes they got him to autograph a baseball and a baseball card! That was really exciting!

I got a new bedroom suit & new closets! That was a great day for me!

February 2011

First on the calendar was the WALK FOR LIFE! It was so fun. I made a ton of hats (I think 14 if I remember correctly) for our church group to wear as we walked in the cold. Sarah wore her BLUE hat to tell us she was having a BOY!! It was so much fun putting my crochet needle to work for a fun cause!

A few days later we got SNOW again, this time we could actually see it at our house! It wasn't as much as they said it would be but it was beautiful!

And Anna BROKE HER ARM!

Noah turned 9!

McKenna invited us to her slumber party. It was so much fun. I think it was our first REAL slumber party. There was good food, lots of dancing, pampering - we did nails, playing, and they all fell asleep to a movie.

They party-ed HARD!

And Kendra, Shea, & I survived!

Anna got chosen to go to the ASCI Spelling Bee. We thought that was going to be fun but ended up being very devestating her to. She got out on the first round. Needless to say, she doesn't want to be in another Spelling Bee.

March 2011

I purchased my Canon 40D!

Noah had a major school project due: Animal Day. It was dreadful until it was done...then it was appreciated and cute! I was so thankful that most of the work was done in the classroom. My favorite part of this project was working hard on a Friday night to finish before the weekend - getting done at 2 a.m. and then going to get Krispy Kreme doughnuts for a reward!

Shea put me under the knife. I had my first ever root canal. It was super scary! So thankful Shea was there to hold my hand and hook me up with the proper medicine! HA!

March also brought SPRING BREAK!! YAY! We went to the zoo with our friends from church!

Jason and I considered what it would be like with 5 kids! HA HA HA!

We decided now is not the time!

We celebrated 11 years! Probably because of the previous decision! HA!

And finally for the sanity of the family...Baseball Season arrived and Noah started playing with the Joy League again - on the YANKS team again!

April 2011

Sandra put together a Spring Follies as a Fundraiser to help pay off the gym. Delilah and I led the youth girls in the Hoe Down Throw Down Hannah Montana Dance - Humilating - little bit! But for a good cause and it wasn't near as dramatic as some of the other acts.

Mary turned 3 & we celebrated with a Minnie Party...

On our church's brand new playground!

Jason and I filed for bankruspy in April too. And I know you are thinking, really? Best of? But it really was the best thing for us. We got out from under the bad deal on the house we had and we are finally debt free and things really started looking up for us after that. We have made the best of that bad situation. It was definitely a learning experience. Thank you LORD!

We also celebrated Passover with the Hootens which was a lot of fun for the whole family!

Then came Easter and fun with the fam!

Then on April 24 the worst storms hit our town! It was very devasting but good also came from this as well. We were able to help those with no home. Jasonand some people from the church would give people rides out of the devasted area, they helped a family move who lost pretty much everything. I got to help make sack lunches to victims and volunteers. It was a very sad but hopefully the hands and feet of Christ reached and blessed many people!

May 2011

Brianna Park Officially Opened. Yea, we partied in it for Mary's Birthday but it wasn't really done yet. They put the last few touches on it and opened it to the public. Such a fun day!

One of my favorite things of the whole entire year was a beach trip I went on with Cassie. We went to Gulf Shores just for fun and had the best time talking, laying out, being lazy, shopping, and playing with nails and makeup! So fun!

Came home to a fun Mother's Day!! Got lots of love from the family...

Silena and I also took mom out and that was a lot of fun too! We laughed a lot on that trip!

Church Picnic! It was so cold that day but we all managed to stay warm and enjoy each other's company! It was a very fun day!

The much awaited LAST DAY OF SCHOOL - FINALLY!! We went swimming at Chad and Karyn's house!

Jason and I both got to go on Briarwood Graduates and Career Beach Retreat. Jason was the speaker and we roomed with my friend Julie and her husband. We also ran into Jae there! That was a fun treat!

June 2011

Began with VBS! It was one of the best years in a long long time! Delilah and I (really Delilah) taught all the lessons to every age group. It was so much fun working with her and sharing the gospel to so many kids! HIGHLIGHT!

Mary started DANCE Summer School! She loved it!

We celebrated Father's Day with a cookout at my sister's house! Blessed - MUCH!

And then...I turned 31!

Noah made the All Star team and played the All Star game with a 102 temp because he loves the game that much (they lost - sad!) But we were super proud of him making it that far, and playing so hard not feeling well!! He proved to be a man that day!

We also enjoyed a Batman Party with Ella Kate. We all got to meet Batman! Pretty special!

July 2011

Isaac turned 2 and Jason... well he got a year older. Chad let us party at his house and cooked for us! He's an amazing cook!

We also took a trip to the country! Always a treat!

Anna got to go with Riley to Six Flags. It was an exclusive trip. I heard she was their RADIO all the way there...and all the way home! That girl LOVES to sing. Good thing she had a good time because she probably wont' be invited back. HA!

Jason went to PERU!! We missed him terribly but we survived without him! Not gonna say it was easy or "the best of" but we are so thankful he took that trip with some men from our church and PINK! We were well taken care of and prayed for! The below moment was a WELCOMED one!

Water play day at church! So extremely fun...

And so hot that Liz and I had to take a dip! This was an EXTREMELY FUN DAY!

August 2011

Rickwood Caverns Picnic (one of my all time favorite pictures)
Love this day too!

Kids start back to school at East and Noah to CENTRAL!

Back to school party at the apartments! Lots of fun and games. Good food too!

Also where we picked up our newest family members! And they are still going strong!

September 2011

Yardsale!! I really look forward to this event every year! I racked up on Mindy's old clothes. Not sure why I had to get them at a YARDSALE but that's was my TREASURE this year!

A very happy day for the Dollar's - MOM RETIRED!! YAY!

October 2011

We started October off with a Rush of Fools concert. It was their CD debut concert at Hunterstreet! FUN FUN!

We took the kids to the zoo - it was all decorated for fall so that put us in the Spirit.

While Noah enjoyed a weekend at Rock City with Granny and Grandaddy!

Mary's first dance party! HALLOWEEN! Mrs. Shalita is always the cutest thing!

We had our first annual Halloween trip to Tannehill!

Another favorite: FALL FESTIVAL! The fall festival rocked this year. No one was worked to death and we really had a great time enjoying the festival with our kids!

November 2011
November consisted of my mom's Retreat!

And I'm so glad I went on that trip because after that I took pictures for 12 different families pretty much every weekend and any spare moment. If I wasn't taking pictures we were practicing for Uncle Phil's Diner!

We did celebrate Thanksgiving with my grandmother and my sister was there which is always a treat. Our church also got to host Act of Congress at which point our family fell in love with them. So though I worked and worked and worked in Nov. I still had a great time and felt extremely blessed.

December 2011

FIRST UP...my first ever directed play - Uncle Phil's Diner. How I got this many people to participate I'll never know but I love them all SO MUCH!! They made me look SO GOOD!! It was so fun and funny! Each person fit their part to the "T"

Then we went to Noah school to watch him dance the Jingle Bell Rock!

and then to Anna's school to watch her sing a solo! GO ANNA!!

Christmas with Granny is always a BEST OF MOMENT!!

And we finish the year with an 8 year old. If this doesn't prove time flies - I don't know what will!!

It was a Happy 2011 and NOW... we look forward to a HAPPY 2012!!

Back

2012-01-05T12:13:00.002-06:00

Back to School and WORK! BOO! It was kinda hard getting up this morning. But we are on our way back to a routine.

12 in 12

2012-01-03T14:40:00.000-06:00

12 things I want to accomplish in 2012

1. Read scripture & PRAY more. I'm ashamed to say that of all my years being a Christian I still have not mastered this yet!! Lord, help me!

2. Go on more dates with my husband. Spend quality time with him - I'm sure he will appreciate that resolution!! HA!

3. Spend quality time with my kids. Spend time with all of them ONE at a time and make sure they know I love them and they are my blessing!

4. Spend time with extended family (parents & siblings). Looking forward to this summer when I will become an aunt again to a baby GIRL - Vivan James!!

5. Make my house a home! I want that cozy home feel. We weren't sure if we were staying or going but I think we may be staying so I'm gonna work on making it cozy. I'm a terrible decorator but I'm gonna give it a shot (as money allows of course).

6. Learn more about photography. HOPEFULLY master some inside pictures. I may venture into a wedding. MAYBE!!

7. Take more pictures of MY KIDS and family!

8. Take a family trip. I don't care where!

9. Continue to blog more as a way to journal - for the sake of memories!

10. Sing more!

11. Enjoy my girlfriends.

12. I'm gonna say it...LOSE 20 POUNDS!! I hope this is the year I can do it.

Here's to 2012..

The Start...

2012-01-01T21:00:00.037-06:00

I could really get used to this. It's just such a festive season and the spirits are high. We had a great time at church. I love starting the year with a church service. No better way to start in my opinion.

Our friends Steve and Virginia visited with us and it was so fun to worship with them. If they are around there are plenty of laughs. It was great to have old friends amongst new ones. We went to lunch at Pizza Hut with them and did a lot of catching up. I love our little Pizza Hut on Morgan Road. No one is ever there and it's like we have the whole place to ourselves. Our little secret. I hope carry out keeps them in business because it's one of my favorite Sunday spots.

We only had one service Sunday and I wasn't done partying. So we decided to go bowling with the Dibenedetto's. The kids loved that. I cooked a fabulous Emealz dinner and after some chatting off we went to the bowling alley. It was CROWDED but we got our lane and had about as much fun as one could have in ONE HOUR. Noah beat everyone and I love how he rubs it in not even thinking that it wouldn't count because he had the bumpers up! HE IS CRAZY! I think it was a humbling experience for the guys (especially Jason - one game is not enough to prove you are a good bowler - ha).

It was fun!

This year is off to a GREAT START!!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T21:00:00.034-06:00

Love ringing in the new year with the Hootens. We missed our Santa tradition this year but I was so thankful to spend the new year with the Hootens again. Delilah cooked us a GREAT dinner and the guys talked, the kids played, and Delilah and I had some catching up to do. I LOVE HER!

We put together the Gingerbread Houses, decorated our own first, and then let the kids decorate theirs. We decided that Delilah's house and my house reside in Greystone, then the boys did the next best job on their houses so they live in Trussville, Anna and Hannah's house was good enough to be in Roebuck, and poor Mary's house... ENSLEY!! But she sure had fun decorating hers. And if the "glue" (icing) didn't taste so good she may have had a few more decorations.

Delilah's new toy! It's so pretty too!

Beautiful and YUMMY!

Ian's House

Noah's

Hannah's

Anna's

Mary's

Delilah's

Mine

One of my favorite traditions. No fireworks this year! We all had to get in bed so we could make it to church the next day! Thanks Delilah!! You are the BEST!

Christmas 2012

2011-12-25T16:54:00.030-06:00

6:30 a.m came way too early. I love going to Church on Christmas Day but this year we weren't woken up by the kids but by the alarm clock, so I did miss their excitement! We had to wake the kids up - which meant some of them were not happy, ahem Isaac, who we had to convince to open his presents by giving him Skittles.

Jason read them the Christmas Story so we could remember why we were even giving gifts. They sat and listened occasionally glancing to their gifts and also waking up! They each found their little "spot" of presents and with excitement began to open.

Noah got: A ripstick, Beyblade Stadium, Beyblades (all different kinds), leggos, Smurfs & Yogi Bear movies, Boots, Shaun White Skateboarding Wii game & Tron Wii game, Ripley's Believe it or Not book, Microscope and microscope slides.

Anna got: Pottery Wheel, Toy Story Barbies, Barbies that care for Dogs, Barbie Vet bag, Silly Hair Lalaloopsy, Boots, Judy Moody & the Not so Bummer Summer movie & Snowbuddies Movie, Barbie Fashion Pup Wii game & Chipwrecked Wii game, Clarice Bean book set, Bizu bracelet holder and beads, Karoke machine and CDS,

Mary got: Minnie shopping cart, a mini lalaloopsy, Lalaloopsy magnets, and Bea's little sister Lalaloopsy, a Lalaloopsy sleeping bag, Tangled Wii game, Gnomeo & Juliet, laptop, Minnie Backpack, DS Holder (minnie mouse), Princess dress up clothes and shoes, Princess book, My Little Pony that walks, & a remote control My Little Pony

Isaac got: a Thomas the Train trike, Thomas Misty Island, Bash & Dash & Spencer, Diego Animal Rescue wii game, Tools, Thomas book set and Thomas book, Cars 2, Diego Rescue Pack, Follow me Thomas,

Jason got: a mug that says "Worlds Greatest DAD!" and has pictures of the kids on it, A collection of Starbucks Christmas Coffees, a mouse pad, a calendar, holiday assorted nuts, jeans and a shirt, & 2 canvas prints of our family.

I got: A NEW CAMERA BAG! It's beautiful. A necklace from JJ Heller it says "You make me believe in love" - it's one of my favorite songs - it also is beautiful, an electric razor (thinking about shaving more this winter - ha), Meet the Browns - Season 1-4, (that was a long awaited gift), I also got a Christmas Story, a scarf from a Dirty Santa party Jason went to (it's pretty), and calendar with pictures of our family.

Then off to church we went. I loved seeing and worshiping with all our friends on Christmas day. It was such a special tone and mood. It was beautiful. And to top it all off Peggy Johnston sang O Holy Night and I wondered just how long you could sit with chill bumps before something strange happened to your body. Eventually my eyes just filled with tears, to say it was beautiful feels like an understatement. There was no nursery, the music kept the kids attention, but I vaguely remembered what Jason preached about while I wrestled with the kids! I am so thankful that music can lead you to worship just like a sermon can - so I still felt blessed. We also took the Lord's Supper which is so special. We wished all our friends a Merry Christmas and headed off to my Grandmother's house to spend Christmas with my family. I love that tradition more than words can say!

My grandmother seemed to be doing really well this year. I love seeing her and spending time with her. She is such a precious gift from the Lord. We also visited with my sister and some of my cousins. I haven't seen my sister much the past couple of months so it was so fun to sit and chat with her! We also enjoyed the FOOD! It was especially good, AND once more - I packed on a few more pounds. Too bad we don't hibernate! I think I could!

Every year, even since I was little we have read about the Christmas story and the great story of salvation. My grandfather puts together a 12 page paper that we all take turns reading - every year. It such a sweet thing to watch our kids participate and knowing that Noah and Anna will have the same memory I do.

Happy Birthday Anna

2011-12-24T16:53:00.024-06:00

It's so extremely hard to believe that our little Anna Noel is 8! She just keeps getting older, spunkier, prettier, funner, sweeter, clever-er, & lovelier! She remains the life of our party! You are dearly loved our sweet Christmas Present!

After all the celebrating of Anna it's FINALLY CHRISTMAS!! The kids were so ready for Christmas this year. Jason's parents came down Christmas day to celebrate Anna and to do Christmas with us. They got us a TV! So we spent the day with them and putting the TV together then watching it a little. My parents came over Christmas Eve night to give Anna her Birthday Present - that dog in the picture and give their Christmas Eve PJs. (On a side note I'm sad I didn't have my flash b/c I ended up not liking my pictures this year - better luck next year.)

Getting their pictures is one of the hardest things to do and I didn't have my flash so it was already a challenge. But this is real life.

Anna being SILLY!
Mary being SAD!
Isaac watching the LEG LAMP on TV! He just can't take his eyes off it.
And this is what I got when I convinced him to look at me!

And Noah somehow got out of getting his picture made! STINKER!

It really didn't feel like Christmas Eve this year! Not sure why. But as I was putting the kids to bed I asked Noah, "Does it feel like Christmas Eve to you?" And he said, "NO! Not really!" They didn't act like it either. They all went right to sleep. No fear of waking anyone up when I was banging around trying to get the presents inside to wrap. They were SOUND ASLEEP!

I was so thankful that Jason helped me wrap presents this year. With 4 kids the gifts can rack up. I love Christmas. I probably buy the kids too much, but my parents always made Christmas so magical and I want to do the same. I'm not as good as my mom - but I give it my best shot. With all the picture taking I was able to buy all the kids presents without really taking any money from our account. It is the greatest feeling not going into debt! GREATEST! So I have no regrets!
Mary's Spot

Noah's Spot

Isaac's Spot

Anna's Spot

Santa did have a sleigh incident though. A couple of present fell off the sleigh - 2 of everyone's! We were storing our presents at my friend Julie's house and before they left to go out of town I went over to her house and gathered all our stuff. EXCEPT I left out Anna's pottery wheel (which she said was the ONLY THING SHE WANTED), a Toy Story Barbie set, Isaac's Diego backpack, and a Thomas book. Nothing was as important as that Pottery Wheel. All I could think of was Anna saying. "Mom, I'll give everything back just to have that Pottery Wheel" - that was just days before Christmas. Sometimes I forget she's a drama queen. I tried to go to Toys R Us but they were closed. I was just going to buy it again and then return the ones Julie had. So, I came up with a plan to hold out 2 of everyone's gifts and we would do Christmas again when Santa got his sleigh turned around. So I warned the kids before they opened their presents. Because, I know Anna, and I know she would have been upset.

So Jason and I continued to wrap presents and finally got in bed around 1:30 a.m. - only to have to wake up by 6:30 am to get presents opened, somewhat enjoyed, and ready for church and Huntsville.

All was right in the world by 1:30 a.m.

Anna's Birthday Celebration

2011-12-23T16:53:00.014-06:00

It's hard to have a Birthday on Christmas Eve. Parties are pretty much out of the picture. It's so hard to get a party going with all the other Christmas gatherings going on. But Anna is a trooper and she likes having a girl day!

Thursday we had Riley come spend the night. Which was fun b/c she brought her parents over for a little while. We had pizza and chatted while the kids went to play. They all get along so well. We had a spend the night party in the living room and Riley was first to crash! EARLY too, by 9:30 she was asleep and snoring.

At 3 am Anna woke us up crying because her ear was hurting. She pretty much got NO SLEEP and in the morning as soon as the Doctor opened she was there. Inner Ear Infection!! She was in severe pain but wanted to still celebrate! So we got her meds going and we had to keep them going every three hours. It was like clock work. She was fine and then 3 hours later she was in tears because of the pain. She was such a trooper and so was Riley. We still had fun. I hate that she was in pain.

We went to the Dollar store and got snacks for the movie. Then we headed to Johnny Rockets and visited with Cassie! Then to the movie to see Chipwrecked. It was so cute and the girls loved it. Then we went to get our toes done! It was a treat!

Ready to fill up our BUCKET one last time!

We got to sit at the BAR at Johnny Rockets! That was fun!

Should I mention that Anna's toes were messed up by the time we left Riley's house!?! Oh well, it was fun getting them done!

Then on her Birthday Pop & Mawmaw came over to celebrate her birthday and do Christmas. They brought a cake so we loaded it up with candles.

Happy Birthday SWEET ANNA! We love celebrating YOU!

Christmas with Granny

2011-12-21T16:53:00.012-06:00

It's the most wonderful time of the year!! Christmas with Granny ... where everyone leaves HAPPY!! She is the true Santa.

This year was the year of the Beyblade. Will brought his stadium and a few blades and the boys got some for Christmas. So, that kept them busy and out of trouble (for a while)!

It was also the year of the Santa hats! Everyone had one and everyone had to wear it.

This year:

Noah got Beyblades from Will & Candy and the Winter Diary of a Wimpy Kid book from Turner and Cole. Granny got him a remote control Monkey that talks and makes noises (weird...but due to the Monkeyman movies she thought Rey could use it - ha!) and his big gift from Granny was a NEW SKATEBOARD!! He loves it and has scuffed it up already - that means he loves it!

Anna got a Moxie Doll that you can color and make it 3D from Francie and some "makeup" (lipgloss) and fingernails from Cole and Turner. Mom got her a Boogie board - it's like a little tablet to write notes on it reminds me of the magnetic thing we had we were little, where you pull the paper up to ease... kinda like that but digital. Pretty cool. She also got a ds wappy dog.

Mary got Tangled Jewelry from Francie and a bath set from Cole and Turner. Mom got her a DS pink and a the Lalaloopsy DS game. She loves it - she got her very own. She had been using Anna's which was causing some problems here!

Isaac got a Diesel train from Will and a Hot Wheels bath set from Cole and Turner. Mom got him take along Thomas Goldmine and Tidmonds Shed. He was in TRAIN HEAVEN!

Jason got a billed toboggan and a BUNCH of gift cards to some pretty sweet places.

I got DVD players for the CAR! Yes, I'm officially a mom - I got my minivan and DVD players. I also got a Swarkski Crystal ornament - which is BEAUTIFUL and some bath and body works shower gel and lotion. SCORE!

Thanks mom! You always get us exactly what we want. You are the BEST Santa ever!! I love you and Dad so much!! We had a really good time!

Anna's Reading Theater

2011-12-19T16:51:00.006-06:00

Anna asked us for several days to come to her school because her class was putting on a "Reading Theater." I wasn't planning on going and I thought that it was just going to be the kids taking turns reading Christmas stories. I had already gone once to hear Anna read her favorite Christmas story (Mrs. Wishy Washy Christmas) so I thought I had done my good parent duty. BUT, that morning Anna said, "Mom, I really want you to come, I have a special part, and I really think you will like it." OK OK OK!! I'll go! So, I went. To say I was blessed was an understatement. We are now in public school but in Pearson's 2nd grade classroom the gospel was preached by more than my little Anna. Five of Anna's classmates were chosen to read their "Spirit of Christmas" paper they had written (Anna was one of them). It was a little skit where the mayor of the town was looking for the true meaning of Christmas. He was confronted with a store owner who thought it was the toys, a home owner who had the best lights in town, and then a little girl introduced the 5 kids who had found the Spirit of Christmas. As I sat there my eyes welled up with tears and I literally had chill bumps the whole time. Every child expressed that Christmas with their family but most of them said the spirit of Christmas was found in the Birth of Baby Jesus. It was so meaningful to me because it wasn't expected! It was beautiful. It's horrible to say but at a Christian school of course they are taught about the true meaning of Christmas and you wonder whether they get it and they encourage one another with the truth but to hear Anna share the gospel with the kids in her public school class and the parents who attended gave me so much joy. Maybe, just maybe someone believed because the 5 kids expressed the reason why Jesus came on Christmas Day. Thank you Mrs. Pearson for allowing the children to share the true meaning of Christmas. You have truly been a blessing to us this year.

"The Spirit of Christmas!"

by: Anna Noel Dollar

I think Christmas is about the story of Jesus's birth. Mary and Joseph were his earthly parents and God was his heavenly father. He was born in King David's home town or Bethlehem.

My family celebrates Christmas by waking up my parents and not looking at the gifts as we walk by. When there awake we run to the Christmas tree and open presents. When were done we go to maw maw and papa's house. We get 1 or 2 presents. But also on the 17th or 16th I have my early party (My bday is Christmas Eve). And the 21st I go to my Granny and Grandaddy's and we have Christmas diner and get 2 or 4 gifts.

i love her!

Sunday School Christmas Party

2011-12-16T16:51:00.010-06:00

BEST EVER CHRISTMAS PARTY! There's just something fun when someone opens their house for a party. Kristi and Michael THANK YOU...for opening your brand new home to a bunch of NUTS!

First of all the party was an ugly sweater party. Not many participated but the ones who did we enjoyed laughing at. I know it's hard to believe but Jason and I didn't have an ugly Christmas sweater. We have lots of ugly clothes but none of them are "Christmas." And, I have to admit I was out of energy to even look for something! But thankful that some people found it within them to participate!

The food was so great. Lots of chicken and good dips and great desserts. We had so much fun just chatting and hanging out with each other and then the games began. Dirty Santa at it's finest.

"It's not the size that counts, it's what's inside" - oh how true!

And oh, the things we fight over! I got a pair of BIG girl panties (with $10 inside) and Jason got a lantern. Everyone left happy...I think!

Merry Christmas!!
I love my Sunday School Class! And thank you Matt, Crystal, Rey, and Jake for babysitting! You gave us the best present of all!!

Choir & Carroling then SANTA

2011-12-11T16:51:00.021-06:00

As you read in Uncle Phil's Diner post this year I asked 25 plus people to be in the Christmas Drama. I begged some of them to overcome their fear and step out of their box and just have fun. So, I thought I would do the same thing when asked if I would sing a duet with Jason in the Christmas musical. I wanted so desperately to no, but I know how it feels to see potential in someone and ask them to do something they don't want to do but you know they can and would do great at. SO, when Sherry asked ... I had to say ok. I also burned "can't" at the women's retreat - so that was just another reason why I couldn't say no. I really really really want to over come my fear of public singing. It is something that is very debilitating to me (I had an experience as I child and since then the fear is so overwhelming it just cripples me literally). But I've been wanting to overcome it for a while and this year was the first time I really faced the fear and dealt with it. With lots of prayer, support from Jason and Sherry, cheers from the choir, and a double dose of medicine... I DID IT. And it was fun. It wasn't perfect but it was great to go with it and have fun. Nervous, absolutely but it wasn't debilitating. I was more nervous days leading up to the song then that day and singing it. So, thank you Sherry for making face my fear. You are so sweet and encouraging and have a way with people that is so gentle. I love your sweet smile and the fact that you believed in me. THANK YOU, sincerely!! THANK YOU!

A HUGE WEIGHT was lifted after that morning service. After church we went to lunch and then I spent the afternoon taking pictures. Here is a couple... I have to say, I had a great time even though some of the subjects were super grumpy!! Ha!

Roberts/Diben Group - GRUMPS!!

I did get some good ones but those are a surprise for their grandmother.

McKay/Dilmore Family
One of my favorite Christmas traditions is caroling at Plantation Manor. We had such a big group this year (which just makes my heart happy) we split up into 2 groups. So I didn't get pictures of everyone (and that mad me sad). But it was fun walking the halls singing, laughing, and experiencing Christmas. They say we bless them...but the people of Plantation Manor bless us!!

After caroling we headed back to the church and enjoyed a GREAT dinner. So much good food! And then, SANTA came to town. And all the kids got to sit on his lap and tell him what he wanted for Christmas. It's always so exciting when Santa comes to town!!

Kids School Christmas Program

2011-12-07T16:50:00.012-06:00

The day of School Christmas Programs

Noah has spotted us! He told us to sit on the left side of they gym. After Noah and Jason had a conversation about your left when your up on stage or our left out in the audience...I had a bad feeling we were sitting on the wrong side. And we were. He was right. Sit on our left!! But we still got to see him sing and dance.

Noah talked to his friend more than he sang!

Uh oh! Move it Noah! His class sang and danced to Jingle Bell Rock.

Twist it

The kids were all so cute. They sang really good and each class got a chance to dance to one Christmas Songs. It was really really cute. After Noah's performance we headed over to Anna's. They sang Christmas songs and played instruments.

Anna played the Triangle.

AND...SANG A SOLO! She was amazing and made me so proud.

"And they fed them with barley and fed them with corn so they'd be nice and fat for their feast Christmas morn"

She rocked it!

DRAMA - Uncle Phil's Diner

2011-12-05T16:50:00.022-06:00

This year I took on directing the Christmas Play (not by choice). Our amazing director Sandra Muir was taking a sabbatical. I'm hoping she will come back this year. Here is what I found out... my favorite part of "directing" is finding a play and casting the play. Beyond that - I'm not the best one for the job. I'm not a leader so it was a learning experience for sure. I hate making decisions so as you can see this directing thing was a struggle. But you know what I surrounded my self with decision makers and real go getters - amazing encouragers, and many friends to make sure I had my list and was checking it twice. I think this was one of the hardest and funnest things I've done. I'm not gonna lie - there were times I just knew I was not the right person for the job and wanted to quit. Only Jason really heard those moments and he was always so sweet to encourage me to stick with it and learn from this experience.

We did Uncle Phil's Diner: No Room at the Diner. I don't know what I was thinking when I casted over 25 people. The fact that over 25 people dedicated themselves to this production was amazing and then to have close to 200 people come to the dinner to see the play was even more encouraging.

We had a dress rehearsal with a few friends Friday night and I honestly thought this was the biggest mistake of picking a play. It was NOT a good performance and it went WAY long. I was officially regretting the play pick. But Sunday we practiced all day and they BROUGHT it! It was so fun. The place was packed and everyone did AMAZING and it seemed everyone was having a good time.

Thank you Thank you Thank you... Jake, Jeremy, Sue, Sherry, Kim, Brad, Lori, Crystal, Wendy, Judy, Matt, Rose, Adam, Norm, Taylor, Rey, Delilah, Shea, Jason Roberts, Mindy, Erin, Victoria, Becky, Jason Gamble, Jason Dollar, Holly Rose, Ian, Anna, Grace, Hannah, Peyton, Carson, Noah, Riley, Morgan, & McKenna - Y'all made this happen. Each one of you became your character and owned it!! I love you all so much! Thank you for your participation and encouragement! It was fun! Now let's celebrate Christmas!

Uncle Phil & PJ the DJ

Flodene and her new trainee Violet

Bunny Sue & Midge (GOOOOO EVERGREEN!)

Gertie with her love Wally and Gertie with her friend Agnes!

Glenda Mae & Brenda Mae with Carla (future Pink Lady)

Yo yo yo Tony with Billy Mayfield and VOTE FOR RICHIE

Janice lovin' the contemporary music with Billy Mayfield

Our hostess Hazel with Phil's Mom the fruitcake maker
Jimmy Knight... the undiscovered movie star
Scoop - PRESS
LaVonna
Vote for Natalie

The more the merrier is what she always says!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T16:48:00.012-06:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

Again super thankful for all the blessing the Lord has so graciously blessed us with! This year was the CVACHO year at Mammaw's house! YAY! Things were different this year some of our cousins couldn't make it because they were on a cruise - so Silena and I took advantage of the "differentness." Mom took us downtown so we could take pictures of each other. We also met our friend Melissa in Huntsville because that is where she spends her Thanksgiving. It was such a fun treat to see her! So, our goal...a Christmas Card picture. And we got one! YAY! I didn't know if it was going to be possible.

Speaking of this "photoshoot" - I suddenly became that mom I try to steer my friends away from being. But Jason seemed ill, he said he wasn't but he didn't seem to help keep the kids wrangled in, I wanted to keep them together - get it done then run around. I was also frustrated with the lighting and we had a hard time finding a location. It was taking a long time and it was at that point I got extremely frustrated. I think it's because I wasn't behind the camera - my control was gone and I couldn't see from my point of view. It makes me sad that I can take pictures of other people's kids but mine refuse (sometimes) to cooperate!

We had fun when we weren't taking pictures of my family! HA! I did enjoy the challenge. But we missed Thanksgiving dinner! Oops. When we finally got to the table it was good. And my Aunt Terri rocked the dressing patties - Thanks for keeping that tradition going!

I love when Silena and Clint get to come to Thanksgiving! It's always my favorite year when they are there!

Thank you Silena!!

Thankful

2011-11-15T15:52:00.025-06:00

Ok. So, wow...I've been busy! I've seen on FB everyone posting everyday what they are thankful so I'm gonna catch up here on my blog.

1. Thankful for my salvation! The birth of Jesus, the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus, and the resurrection of Jesus. I will rest in HIS work on the cross and HIS mercy and HIS love for me, HIS child. Thankful? ABSOLUTELY - more than I know but one day it will be revealed, and then I can express my true thankfulness to HIM personally, face to face!!

2. Next would be my husband. I'm thankful the Lord created marriage. I personally think it's a beautiful thing. We've had some hard times but I love to see just how the Lord made us for each other. Jason is so good to me - he is better than I deserve and he pretty much out loves me everyday. BUT, I do love him so much - I'm thankful for his love, his patience, his kindness, his encouragement, his touch, all our laughs, and his heart. I will forever be thankful to be married to Jason Dollar and loved by him.

3-6. You guessed it 3rd - 6th on my list are my BEAUTIFUL KIDS. I must not number them or it will come back and haunt me (as one being a favorite) but each one I am individually thankful for. Together I'm thankful that they are all healthy, happy, smart, cute, and funny! I couldn't image my life without them. Each one has made my life better and better. Together they make our family VERY unique.

7&8. Wow, that seems far down the list but those numbers don't really speak to where they belong. I'm super duper thankful for my parents. Without them having 4 kids would be a huge struggle. They have helped me out in so many ways, encouraged me in so many ways and helped me stay afloat almost everyday. Ok, probably everyday. I could not live without my parents, not just because they "caused" (like that Jason?!?) my existence but because they have loved me so much, they have shaped me to who I am today. They are a true encouragement to me everyday and I love them so much! Thank you Lord for my parents. For them I am truly thankful!

9&10. My brother and sister. I love them so much and appreciate them now more than ever! They have become friends to me and that I am thankful for. I regret all the times I mistreated them because I was immature and selfish. I wish when we all lived together we enjoyed each other like we do now. We could have saved my mom's voice I'm sure! HA! Silena and Chad... I love you!

11-19. My nieces and nephews. Wow, y'all make life exciting.

20. Again, another high number which seems like it should be number 1 again. If you know me everyone and everything is my favorite. BUT, number 20 is our RMLBC church family. You guys have made worship real. You have loved in a way that I know Christ loves, you have encouraged me personally in so many ways not to mention how much you have encouraged Jason as well. You give us a "safe place" to come away from the world and fellowship and worship our King, Jesus, together. Thank you for that haven. RMLBC for you I am thankful!

21 -... All my very dear friends. I have come to realized I've surrounded myself with amazing people. At church, at work, on Facebook (ha ha), those who I've taken pictures for. I've come to love you all so very much! I'm so thankful to have such wonderful friends. If I named them all I know I would leave someone out that I cherish. So, no name calling. But if you are reading this, then for you...I AM THANKFUL!

...probably #300. Last but certainly not least. For one material thing I have, my camera, for you I am thankful. My little camera has allowed me to meet up with some long lost friends, it's allowed me to meet some pretty cool people, it's made me laugh with some pretty neat friends, it's made me want to throw it up against the wall but also made me feel naked without it. It's made me learn things I don't feel like learning and then loving the things I accomplished. It's allowed me to be myself and find creativity in a still moment. It's allowed me to see beauty in everything, even it that means cropping out a mess! Things can become beautiful with a click of a button. Why I'm most thankful for my camera is because it's allowed me to capture my kids in a split second and hold that image (hopefully) for a lifetime. My little camera...for you I am thankful!

Baptism

2011-11-13T16:46:00.009-06:00

I really think Baptism is the most beautiful thing. Today, our dear friends Sue and her stepdaughter Brittney were baptized.

I love capturing moments like these!

RETREAT!

2011-11-07T14:37:00.010-06:00

These girls are a few of my favorite friends! This year we all took a trip to Gatlinburg to Mom's Retreat. It was so fun!! We went shopping, ate a TON, laughed a lot, rested, we learned so much and we were encouraged in our walk with the Lord. My favorite thing we did was BURNED CAN'T. We made a list of all the things we "Can't" do... wow that list got long and then we burned that list. There have been several times since our trip that I've said, "I can't do that!" and Delilah was there saying ... "You burned can't!" So, since the trip I've stepped out, trusted the Lord and taken a couple leaps of faith!

We had such a great time! My mom also turned 60 on this trip! We had a little birthday party for her. Delilah made her a cake and yes, we put 60 candles on her cake and lit it up! I hope you had a GREAT birthday mom!

I love you so much!!

iheartfaces: Black Challenge

2011-11-07T11:51:00.003-06:00

This week's theme is BLACK! But NOT black and white!

LOVE THIS COUPLE!!
We had set the date about a month before we took these pictures and the Lord worked it out so beautifully!! I was able to take pictures the DAY AFTER they were matched with their beautiful baby girl from Korea - GIA. So excited for them and this long awaited child. My camera and I want to be there for this journey as much as possible. Rejoicing!

See other "black" photos and join the challenge at http://www.iheartfaces.com/

Funny

2011-11-02T17:37:00.005-05:00

This is why I don't like people to look at my pictures on my camera. They don't see what I see. I just need to run them through Lightroom first. I'm weird in that I edit every picture I tend to show. But here...I'm sure before Lightroom I would have skipped right over this picture because Sue is being awkward in the background...

Shea and Sue thought they were being funny taking this picture but I think I found a good one of me...MINUS SUE!!! I just edited the awkwardness right out!! And Sue's bright Yellow shirt added color to my picture! I love lightroom!

Fall Festival 2011

2011-10-30T14:37:00.019-05:00

This year's fall festival was a SUCCESS in every sense of the word! It just keeps getting better and better. This year Dr. Gamble and a team he put together. Made some new games and they were amazing. They looked good and were fun to play. And Jason (Dollar -my Jason),from what I hear, stepped up his hay ride gospel presentation! So not only were the games fun, the fellowship fun, the food yummy, but the gospel was told to every hay rider as well. How much better can it get.

The best thing in my opinion was this year instead of doing one booth all night we broke up into groups and only worked a certain time slot. So this year was especially fun because we got to enjoy it with our kids! Instead pawning them off or just letting them loose - Because you know that I have done that in years past! I also enjoyed taking pictures of everyone dressed up and having a good time. I hate being in one place all night! As a social butterfly I feel locked up in a cage! So this year...I WAS FREE! Yippee!

I'm always so surprised at how many people drop by for this event. I'm so thankful that for the past 3 years we've been able to do the festival outside. I think that makes more people drop in. We had about 500 this year.

Lori Polk, all props to you for being an amazing leader and organizer. You rock my friend. Can't wait to see next year's festival. It just keeps getting better.

Halloween at Tannehill

2011-10-29T14:21:00.036-05:00

FIRST ANNUAL for us! I've been wanting to go to Tannehill for Halloween for about 2 years now but things would never work out. Well, Shea got me there and we had a blast! I hope this is our new tradition. Jason stayed home with Isaac because he doesn't love chasing kids around in HUGE crowds ... he has no idea what's he's missing! HA!

I did pictures for our friend Mandy while they were in town - which just so happens was RIGHT next door to Shea's house. SO, we were there and ready by the time it was time to go to Tannehill. If you don't leave at just the right time you end up waiting HOURS to get in and miss a day of fun.

It was PERFECT weather and beautiful beyond beautiful. Sue, Shea, and I with the girls went to walk around the park to see everyone's decorations. This, to me, was the highlight of the trip. Anna cannot do scary things! She will FLIP OUT! So it was fun to watch her slightly panic in FULL SUN. The girls were on ALERT MODE - ready to scream or run at anytime. Mary wasn't very scared. I think she knew we would keep her safe. If something came really close to her she would hesitate but not cry or scream - you could just see her thinking about freaking out.

We got back from our walk and hung out at the cabin - eating, what else were we to do?!? And hanging out with some people from the church while the kids all played with each other and ran around the site! One interesting fact I learned, which made me have the BIG HEAD, was... Jason Gamble (if you don't know thim you will not get the extent of the shock - but he can do anything and everything EXCEPT take pictures like me - which I will never share my secrets with him - he knows WAY TOO MUCH ALREADY) CONFESSED HE is JEALOUS of ME!! That's right friends! I was shocked. He said he was jealous he couldn't take pictures like me. And I wanted to say, "Now ya know how we all feel when you come around!!" Gotta love him and I was on cloud 9 for the rest of the day - Heck, I'm still on it!!

Then it was time to get ready for the BIG TRICK OR TREATING!! Riley and Anna (and Mary) were LaLaLoopsy Dolls and they were so cute! I got them all ready one at a time, putting their wigs on and doing make up. They were so cute and I wanted to get their pictures made! And by the way, Noah was on this trip but he's getting so big he doesn't hang out with us. He played with a friend he made at the cabin and played by the fire. You know he loves fires. But when it came time to Trick or Treat - he was all about it. We got him then.

Let me just say, I have NEVER had to stand in a line to trick or treat. That was crazy! But we had fun walking the park again. We could not have done it without Jake. He kept up with Mary so well. He made sure, first and foremost, that she was with us at all times, but also stuck with her and made sure she got candy, carried her when she was tired and she was soaking up all the love he would give her! She wrapped him TIGHT around his finger!

The only down side was we got separated from some of our group but we did all meet back together and chatted around a WARM fire!! It was a GREAT mood!

I'm sure Morris is thinking, "Who invited them again?!?"

Scared of what may be around the corner. Anna is not good with scary stuff! Riley is checking her back and Mary is just loving hanging out with the big girls!!

Mary found MICKEY! All is well!

I really love this picture of the 3 of them!

Here Mummy take her...NOT ME!

The girls were so scared of this little 9 year old boy! I think he's kinda cute!

Time to get ready!

SWEET!

Trick or TREAT!

More friends!

Jake is scared of Lalaloopsy! And why wouldn't he be!?

Humpty Dumpty! Looks just like him!

Oh this cookie is SO good! Thanks Shea!

If this doesn't scare you, not sure what will!!

Me & my red man!

See...Jason, see what you were missing!?!

I love this picture of Noah. He is really growing up!

Jake is the BEST!!

Costume Mini Sessions

2011-10-28T21:56:00.016-05:00

The mini sessions were so fun! The only bad part...the gnats were horrible at 4 and right when they got better the sun set - REALLY FAST at which point I ran out of space on my card and needed to get some pictures off...I really need to invest in a new card for back up!! And this is why I'm not a "professional" - ha! I was super sad that I only got a few of Holly Rose and JR's pictures are done in the flood lights of Kendra's house. I had 12 groups in 2.5 hours - each group got 10 pictures. Again, except Holly Rose - Boo! I seem to really stress out at these but I think everyone was happy. I hope they were. I hope it was worth the money they spent!

Here are my favorite pictures from each group:

Thank you so much friends for coming out yesterday! The kids were all so cute!

Happy Halloween!

Market Day

2011-10-27T15:30:00.002-05:00

We are just lovin' Vestavia. Anna's class had Market day. They had to make something and then sell their product. We made magnets. Anna's Magnificent Magnets each sold 2 for a dollar! We had a lot of fun making the magnets. We had a craft night. We picked up Crystal and she helped us cut and then she made canvases for mom's retreat. Thanks Crystal for all your help (and company!). I just love spending time with you!

Anna's teacher sent these pictures from Market day! Anna had a blast buying and selling. Such a great idea! It's just another great day at school!

I came to dance, dance, dance, dance

2011-10-25T15:29:00.006-05:00

Mary's Dance Party with Mrs. Shalita!

Speaking of this song...here is Anna and Riley's dance they made up. They are crazy girls! They are DYNAMITE!!!

Conference

2011-10-24T15:14:00.006-05:00

I'm always scared to meet with Anna's teachers. It's one of those love her or leave her types of relationships. But it was time to meet her and talk about Anna's progress in school. Anna is super smart and she makes me so proud - she's just wild like her momma and granny! That blood runs so thick!

Here are her teachers comments...

Anna is full of life. She is always happy and energetic. She is a good friend to her classmates. Anna is enjoying reading and has done a good job selecting books to read. She usues her reading time wisely. Anna is doing well in math and understands all concepts presented to this point. I am encouraging Anna to slow down and check her writing to eliminate careless mistakes. I would also like to see her use her best handwriting. Please encourage Anna to master her math facts by practicing them at home. Anna is a pleasure to teach.

I love you Anna, Mrs. Pearson said you were made for the stage and you were gonna make me proud! And you have so far! She loves you - she told me! Thank you Lord that our kids are happy at our school. They are learning and growing so much, they truely amaze me everyday. Beyond thankful for 4 beautiful blessings that surround me everyday!!

iheartfaces photo challenge: Let them be little

2011-10-24T14:14:00.006-05:00

This week's theme: Let them be little!

There are a couple of reasons why this picture fits the bill. First - the girl loves art - art on walls, art in books, and BODY ART! So, let her be little you say? Ok, maybe I didn't let her be little I just let her play in her room - ALONE! Also, she is a big girl here - 2 years old, in this picture and yep...that's her binky. Let her be little? Ok!! Gladly. Makes her happy! Makes me happy!

On a side note, please - refrain from commenting about 2 year olds with binkies - I already heard them all!! Really - It's amazing how many people care about it! And apparently, it's amazing that I don't!!

I love my little Mary Mae.

For other "let them be little" expressions go to http://www.iheartfaces.com/ and even join the challenge.

Weekend Fun!!

2011-10-23T15:19:00.004-05:00

This past weekend was a lot of fun! We had our Sunday School Party at Hannah and Ryan's house. We were missing a lot of people it seemed but we still managed to have a really good time. BECAUSE, we all know...I was there, the life of the party - ha! Shea made us some dip that was just delicious - we could have all gotten sick on it. It was addicting. We made s'mores, at least I did and we played the Newlywed game (that Jason and I were tied LAST FOR and didn't even win that)!! But I do love Jason - even when he farts! We laughed so hard at the answers from the couples and how they responded to each other. That really is a fun game! Thank you Hannah & Ryan for hosting us! We had a ton of fun! So much fun I couldn't get out of bed for Sunday School the next morning. Oops!

Today, we had a Birthday lunch at Pablos with Francie. It was so fun. It feels like it has been since SUMMER that my sister and I have even sat down and talked much less shared a meal and some laughs! I love her so much and miss her like crazy! School really takes the fun out of life sometimes. But thankful for little Francie who brought us all together Sunday and also - who turned 6!! She's definitely a big girl now. So thankful for that blondie! Looking forward to Halloween when we all get to PAR-TAY!!

Cannot wait for this weekend. Lots of fun in store. We are planning to go to Tannehill Saturday, and Sunday we have a pumpkin carving and our Fall Festival. FUN TIMES AWAIT!!

iheartfaces photo challenge : Tickled Pink

2011-10-18T19:52:00.003-05:00

Let's hear it for the girls!!

This week's I Heart Faces Challenge is "Tickled Pink" - helping raise Breast Cancer awareness! I've seen some pretty amazing people conquer the disease both in life and death. Praying for a cure! Check out other "Pink" pictures at www.iheartfaces.com and enter the contest!!

Choir Party

2011-10-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

I have really loved singing in the Choir. I have not sung in a GOOD choir in a very long time. Forgot I loved it so much! During Easter I joined and I really loved singing with Lori and Joni ... I felt like I really got to know them during that time - we worked hard together and shared A LOT of laughs! Nothing funnier than just not getting your part right!

Now we are gathered again for Christmas! Our little section has grown... I just love it! Our music is so upbeat and fun to sing! And Sherry is doing an amazing job leading us! I really appreciate her stepping up to the plate and leading us. I love singing harmonies and actually sounding good. I know we are annoying at times because we mess up so bad it's funny - thanks for letting us enjoy ourselves!

And speaking of enjoying ourselves Sherry had us all over for dinner and s'mores Saturday! We had a blast...just look at Izzy! He liked the s'mores!!

Sherry - I love you so much! I want to be just like you when I grow up. Such a servant at heart, very creative, sweet, loving, and so tuned in to the Lord. I love to hear you pray and I take much comfort in knowing you pray for us.

iheartfaces : Hands

2011-10-11T21:43:00.000-05:00

This week's challenge: HANDS!

Jason and Isaac -2 of the 10 hands that have wrapped completely around my heart and stolen it!

Check out more hands and even join the challenge at iheartfaces.com

Noah's Trip

2011-10-10T21:05:00.021-05:00

Noah went to Chattanooga with Will, Granny, and Grandaddy. They went to See Rock City and Ruby Falls. The boys enjoyed being boys and grating on the nerves of their grandparents...but now that all is said and done they all had a good time!

Noah got to climb THE WALL! I love that Noah is up for challenges. He made it to the top and got a free climb. He had a GREAT time on this trip. I know he misses Will a lot this year so I know they may have been a little annoying but Noah LOVED hangin' out with Will.

RMLBC Celebrates 31 Years

2011-10-09T20:45:00.000-05:00

At first I was perplexed as to why we were calling this a "Celebration" instead of a "Homecoming" - sure felt like we were planning a homecoming. But I'm so glad we had a CELEBRATION. We celebrated 31 years of Rock Mountain Lakes Baptist Church - taking the focus off the people "coming home" and onto Christ - who established the church, past, present, and FUTURE! I'm so proud of our church ... a few things I love about it...

I love that it was a church plant (not a split)
I love that we can see the Lord is working in the lives of the people
I love hearing their testimonies
I love that through the trials it has endured - the people remained faithful to truth
I love the fellowship of believers
I love the babies we are dedicating to the Lord
I love the baptism of believers
I love the people God continues to bring to the church
I love the faithful servants
I love the stories of the missionaries sent out
I love the plans to send more missionaries both here at home and to other parts of the world
I love our community!

I love the pastor...

To God be the Glory!

Check out this video Jason put together...I think it's pretty neat!!

Thank you Lord for allowing us to serve YOU with the people of RMLBC ...

BOO!

2011-10-08T21:00:00.010-05:00

Guess what's decorated for Halloween?

Is something scary around the corner?

Absolutely!!

ha ha ha!!

It's a day at the ZOO! While Noah went to Chattanooga with Will, Granny, and Grandaddy ... We went to the zoo! We had a GREAT time and the weather was a PERFECT zoo day!

I love you Jason!

SAVE THE DATE

2011-10-06T10:20:00.003-05:00

If you are interested...
& can get out to the McCalla area...
Come...
It would thrill my heart...

Leave a comment if you are making plans to come!

Rush of Fools

2011-10-05T22:09:00.004-05:00

Rush of Fools came out with a new ALBUM.
They had a "Release Party" tonight at Hunterstreet and it was so fun to see our long lost friends. So happy for the guys! It's a really good CD! The DOLLARS give it two thumbs up (that's a lot 12 thumbs total) - go out and get a copy - you'll LOVE!

Of course I love the song they probably like the least - that's the way it always goes - #8 is my favorite...I love a feel good, happy sounding song!! A-WHOO HOO, A WHOO HOO!

I did steal the above picture from Leigh Ann Huguley. I thought it would be too dark to take my camera - so at least someone had one! We were there!! SO.MUCH.FUN!!

iheartfaces: Favorite Things

2011-10-04T09:59:00.003-05:00

The challenge was a little different this week. I didn't have time to gather ALL my favorite things but here are a few I had that were easy to access!

These are a few of my favorite things...

Find more photos like this on I Heart Faces Photography Community

Enjoy...

WELCOME FALL!!

2011-10-01T18:02:00.004-05:00

I'm so glad you've finally made it! I desire to treasure every October DAY! It's the beginning of the holiday season! Love, Love, LOVE it!! Today, it started off GREAT, beautiful sunshine, cool breeze, and happy kids playing outside.

It truly is the MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR! Bring on the good times with GREAT friends! I'm ready!

The Not So Surprising But Equally Terrifying Return of The Monkey Man

2011-09-27T07:41:00.001-05:00

Rey & Crystal babysit again!! Get ready to laugh...

iheartfaces photochallenge: People's Choice

2011-09-26T14:01:00.005-05:00

Aiden enjoying some CHOCOLATE at our Water Play Day, July 23rd, 2011.
This kid not only can melt chocolate but he can pretty much melt my heart!!

This week we are the voters!
Get involved and join the challenge at http://www.iheartfaces.com/!

Photoshoot & a Date!

2011-09-25T14:20:00.014-05:00

My cousins Josh (and Shannon) and Nate (and Jamie) live out in Springville/Argo area. A couple from their church wanted me to take pictures of their family! They wanted to take pictures where I took Josh and Shannon's at the very beginning of summer. Which is a beautiful place out in Argo with a little pond ... here are their pictures. Loved this place! When we went with JandS we didn't meet anyone - I didn't even see a house when we went. This time the Chaver's took us to the house. We got to meet the Lambert's who so graciously let us roam their land on a golf cart picking anywhere we wanted for a picture! SO FUN! I had no plan...I was just stopping and going the whole time! My only regret...ONLY was starting so early...which was partly my fault. I thought for sure we could find some shade but the pictures turned out great considering just how bright and beautiful it was outside. And get this...The Lambert's said I was welcome back anytime...NICEST PEOPLE!! And, another plus...he's a retired photographer...so we got to chat about cameras, lens, lighting, all things lovely!!

So thank you so much Ken Lambert... You are super nice to us strangers! And, thank you Chaver's for asking me to take pictures of your beautiful family...I can't get enough of those red head girls with bright blue eyes - just BEAUTIFUL!! AND, thank you Josh and Shannon and Jamie and Nate for always throwing my name out there as a "photographer" - we all know the true story!

And as if that wasn't fun enough. Jason and I roaming land with a bunch of strangers on a beautiful day with perfect weather...

we got to go on a DATE afterwards! We enjoyed a NICE QUIET evening at OUTBACK where we stuffed ourselves - but it was worth it... and it was protein, so I justify!

Thank you Matt for babysitting the kids! You did a great job, props to you for putting Isaac to bed! I was super impressed... and as long as you don't tell Rey (& Crystal)...They thought you were funner.

Change Your Ways!

2011-09-23T14:54:00.002-05:00

I promise you if Mary doesn't change her ways...

this WILL be her CAR!

This is a REAL CAR I saw at Target the other day and the only thing I could think was: there is a possibility Mary will not out grow her love for stickers!! HELP!

Oh, Thursday Funday, HOW I LOVE YOU!

2011-09-22T14:38:00.002-05:00

Thursday's are ALWAYS fun to me if I'm at work and Julie is with me! We have a Thursday lunch we go to every Thursday and we share lots of laughs and generally just have a great time OUT OF THE OFFICE! Great little get away.

Julie and I are taking active steps to becoming thinner and healthier. I've been walking on the elliptical everyday this month (only missing 4 days I think). It's been fun. I watch 2 episodes of the office on Netflix and walk away! I've seen some progress - 3 pounds gone an at least an inch maybe 2 (I haven't measured again lately). It's been a nice September Challenge.

So, Thursday we headed to lunch and while looking for an up close parking space I told Julie we should park in the very back of the parking lot and EXCERCISE! She, taking me seriously, did it!! Yes, we were the only one parked out as far as one could park! That T-TINY silver car in the back of the picture! That's us!

And, that's me LOVING IT!!
Making real lasting changes in my everyday healthier lifestyle. Should I tell you we were headed to Mellow Mushroom? Nah...

My favorite part of Funday Thursday this week was meeting up with Julie at Publix and doing our Emealz shopping together! That may have to become a tradition!!

Another Funday Thursday in the history books!

iheartfaces photo challenge : A Touch of Sun

2011-09-20T09:00:00.004-05:00

My sweet friend Jae waiting on her SONS!

She was getting more than a touch of son...

she was getting the blessing of 2 - Lucky you Jae!!

This is as close as I got to a touch of sun... haven't perfected the sun in my pictures. But I wanted to stick with the challenges! It's a learning experience.

Check out other Sun pictures at www.iheartfaces.com and even join the challenge... Just for the fun of it!!

Conference

2011-09-19T12:50:00.006-05:00

Today Jason and I met with Noah's teacher. Noah has made me so proud. He just loves his school so much and his teacher Mrs. Penaskovic is PERFECT for him. She is very nice, loves teaching, she is very attentive to her students and their needs. She had all great things to say about him. She said he is doing very well in school and that just makes me so proud. We talked about other conferences we had had with other teachers and the things we needed to work on with him and he has made such great improvements.

She said he is adjusting so well and choosing "good" friends. We once again got the compliments about how nice and polite he is, how he is really just an all around good kid! I LOVE HEARING that from teachers. That has been a running theme so far through his years of school. Just makes me so proud. But before you think I'm bragging about my parenting skills... it has nothing to do with me...It's just him, he has a great heart! Trust me - I have other kids that are not like him!! I don't get those same compliments, ahem, her name is Anna! Who today is in trouble at school for yelling in the hall. And who is constantly getting her bones, pins, smiley faces, whatever moved around and changed. ha!! LOVE THAT BALL OF ENERGY TOO!!

But back to Noah!

Noah you just have made me so proud. I'm so proud of you and I know you are working so hard, and I also know you really don't want to do all that is required of you in school, you would rather be outside playing with your friends, riding your skateboard, or yo-yoing but you are working hard and I notice it's "work" - I'm very proud of you!! I love you and I thank the Lord for you and all that he is teaching me through you!!

Drama Revealed!!

2011-09-18T12:33:00.006-05:00

Tonight we "revealed" this year's drama. It's "Christmas at Uncle Phil's Diner: No Room at the Diner." I'm so excited! I did have a panic attack about 2 weeks ago when I thought we just couldn't do this if I was gonna be in charge. And, that is why I love the one and only Sandra Muir who lovingly - VERY LOVINGLY told me she believed in me and the cast was perfect!

Of course, I want everyone to like the drama but the response I got last night was so encouraging. You see, there is some background information I need to share. Sandra Muir has been the Drama director for years. No one tells her "NO" and she is all business. Well, she really wanted to quit last year but I told her I would help her if she just WOULD NOT QUIT - so she gave me plays to pick from, she let me cast the thing but when it came to practices she was all boss! And we LOVE her. So, this year she said I had to do it or there would be no drama! And then everyone said, "we have to have a drama!" Trust me I tried to say we weren't gonna do anything. So once again, these people have pushed me out of my little box of being a follower and making me be a leader. THANKFULLY my cast is very fun loving and ready to have a good time.

So, back to the point. I was panicked because this year we are doing a Dinner Theater with lots of audience interaction. I was scared I would get the, "We've never done this thing before," "Not sure how this is gonna work," "I don't want to participate" - and much to my dismay...I GOT NONE OF THAT!! Everyone was up for the challenge. Everyone, as far as I could tell, liked their parts and they are already thinking of ways to become their character. Ahhh.... warm my heart!! I love my cast - I can't wait to see what they come up with. I did have 1 NO (out of about 20 people)... From Tanner McGinnis and I promise - he WILL regret it!! We already recasted him - that fast!! See, AMAZING PEOPLE! Tanner...YOU WILL REGRET!!! HA HA HA!

I do want to thank them all for being so supportive, encouraging, and cheering me on to excellence. It's so weird for me to be leading something... So, here we go on another GREAT adventure...

REY, I do want a promotional video!

And my friends far and near... You will all be invited to the Diner, Dec. 18th.

I thought this day would never come!

2011-09-16T21:02:00.006-05:00

HONESTLY!! I thought the girl would NEVER stop! My mom FINALLY retired. Not by choice but the Lord has been so gracious to her! I'm so proud of what a hard worker she is! When she was 17 my grandmother signed for her to get a job with South Central Bell in Atlanta (I'm pretty sure that is one of my grandmother's favorite stories) and since 1969 she has been employed with the same company. She doesn't like change either, see where I get it from. She was working towards staying until she was 62 ... which was about 2 years from now. But, they are closing her department and it all worked out to where she will basically get the same pay until she is 62 at which point she can draw social security and such! THAT.IS.AMAZING!! I can just see God's hand all in this. Bellsouth was a GREAT company for mom but when AT&T bought them they have closed several offices and have worked everyone to death with mandatory overtime. It was such long days and even weekends! It got to the point where she couldn't be off when she wanted too and it definitely wasn't as flexible as it once was. She was constantly exhausted and it was just ridiculous. Several times she said, "I just could not have done this (overtime) if y'all were still little." So there again the Lord was gracious. And I promise you she thought it was some kind of competition. I think had the place not shut down she would have made it to 62 and then said, "I'm gonna see just how many years of service I can get!" I can hear it now. "I'm 62 years old...no one is gonna tell ME when to retire!" LOVE MY MOM!!

Mom, I'm super proud of you! Thank you for all you have done for us. I'm thankful you've had such a steady and secure job all these years (those are hard to find these days). A job on most days you enjoyed going to... You taught me there is more to work than the WORK, it's the people and relationships - spending time with the people the Lord has placed around you. Most definitely you've taught me to make the most of every situation!!! You just make me so proud. I hope you enjoy your days off. If you ever want to get away from Dad you just come over to my house and play with us! And, I'm sure Silena will take you in when you get tired of us! We know how to wear a person DOWN! I'm so excited to see you get involved with Bible studies and planning your retreat and helping Dad babysit. You won't know how you ever worked. It's YOUR time mom!! LIVE IT UP!! Love you so much!!!!!! YOU.ARE.THE.BEST!!

iheartfaces photo challenge : Back to School

2011-09-13T07:49:00.004-05:00

Back to school Challenge - had to post the kids going to their new school! Oh the uncertainties!! But it was WONDERFUL!

Join the challenge at iheartfaces.com

A MUST SEE

2011-09-11T09:31:00.005-05:00

If you know my kids this is a MUST see!!! Jason and I got to go out on a date with Craig and Mary a couple of weeks ago. SPONTANEOUS...LAST MINUTE...NEEDED A BABYSITTER! I called Rey and Crystal just hoping they could do it - I knew Crystal wasn't going to be too excited about it if Rey didn't come so thankfully he agreed. And while we were out with Craig and Mary we were having such a great time but we were kinda worried (not about the kids) but that Rey and Crystal were spending the Friday night "babysitting" - boo!! We were thinking what a bummer...but then they showed me this!!

No more worries!! They apparently "got this" and were just fine! And this is why we love Rey and Crystal!! Thanks for loving our kids guys! You are such good friends! We love ya so much!!

YARDSALE

2011-09-10T09:36:00.003-05:00

It's that time of year again, but a little later this time (ha)! Our church had another Yardsale - this time proceeds go to paying off the gym. We always have such a great time and we are always surprised at all the stuff we can come up with! I think our total this year was around $2000. And I found this... I got 4 new dresses and a pair of shoes courtesy of MINDY!! HELLO... Why were they in the church yardsale and not already hanging in my closet?!? MINDY!!! Write it down... Your "old" stuff belongs to me!! Anyway, love, love, love!!

Then after all that! Shea and I took the girls to the fabric store to buy fabric for blankets. Riley wanted me to make one - it's gonna be a while. I have Asher's but I need to make Addy's and now Riley wants one and Anna wants one that matches Riley's (what have I gotten myself into). While we waited to have our fabric cut we played in all the Halloween stuff! SO MUCH FUN! It's such a GREAT time of the year! I still have no idea what to be...but I'm on the lookout!

Then we headed to the Galleria for dinner! We had so much fun chatting and eating - then we topped the night off with injuries!! Shea fell in some water in the food court. I totally missed it. Glad I did, I probably would have cried! She was so graceful. THEN, there was a Kiosk with all the sunglasses on sale for $5 - I wanted a pair and I tried on several and then I poked my eye with a tag that was on a pair of sunglasses. OUCH!! It wasn't just, I poked my eye, it was a for real injury!! I got a paper cut on my eye! So, now my eye is hurting and watering. It really is amazing how sensitive eyes are!!

Thanks Shea for such a fun and painful outing...Also, left without a pair of sunglasses...BOO!

Lee

2011-09-07T09:45:00.003-05:00

Well, Hurricane Lee has come through this week! It was so fun at first because it was rainy and it was Labor Day so we got to sleep late and enjoy the inside! It was such a restful day. We slept late, took naps, watched tv, and just plain HUNG OUT! Mom and Dad came over Monday night because their power had gone out. Now, I had no idea it was that bad. They weren't at our house for an hour before ours went out! BUMMER!! I really hate when the power goes out but I tried my hardest to enjoy it. It just makes me so thankful for the time we live in. It's amazing how crippled we become when the power goes off. HOW DID THEY DO IT IN THE OLDEN DAYS?!? HOW?!? Anyway, we were SUPER thankful for the cooler temperatures. We opened the windows and went to sleep to the sound of wind and rain. One thing I miss about living in a house is the RAIN! It seems I never hear it. Sad.

Tuesday all the schools were closed (except Vestavia) so Noah and Anna headed to school and we were still powerless. Briarwood was closed because they didn't have power either. So Jason and I made the most of the day together. We went to lunch together with the babies (with the giftcard I won for my HulaHooping skills) and then took them to see Kung Fu Panda 2. It meant so much to me that Jason spent the day with us. He is always so busy and it was nice just to hang out with him and the babies.

When we got home...POWER!! And all was well in the world again!!

iheartfaces photo challenge : white

2011-08-30T19:18:00.004-05:00

Lord Jesus, I love to be perfectly whole;
I want Thee forever to live in my soul.
Break down every idol, cast out every foe;
Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow, yes whiter than snow

Now wash me and I shall be whiter than snow

- james nicholson

This week's photo challenge is WHITE. Couldn't resist Morgan's Baptism. Join the fun here!

The HISHES!

2011-08-29T16:07:00.010-05:00

And that is a HEAVY "H" on HISH! Well, we had a blast at our pool party Saturday. And they gave us Goldfish. I was certain they would die by morning but they made it. We had no food for them and really no place for them to live. I found a vase for them to live in (for what I thought would be a day) but they survived. My good friend Julie came to the rescue with a fish bowl, rocks, trees, water treatments, and FOOD.

They are so happy! They have now lived 4 days with us. They are so fun I just love them. The kids adore them, especially Isaac. He is the one who says he has "HISHES" and they HAVE to be where he can see them! If I move them he has a fit. They are HIS! It's funny how it worked out. Noah, Anna, and Mary all got a fish - thinking Isaac wouldn't notice. And he didn't - he thinks they are all his! And that's how it works at our house.

We don't have names. Maybe after a week of living with us we will give them a name. When you name them you may become attached. Noah did name his (the big one) Otto, from the Dr. Seuss books. That has been a favorite book of all our kids. And just in case we feed him too much the pool is in the backyard! HA!

Back to School Party!

2011-08-28T11:46:00.020-05:00

We had so much fun at our back to school block party! The apartments had a party for the residents with swimming, games, prizes, and a COOKOUT! I had a busy day taking pictures and the kids really wanted to go, I wanted them to forget, but really there was no way that was gonna happen because it was RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR DOOR! I love when you don't want to do something and then it ends up being LOTS of fun!!

We had a blast. We FINALLY got to meet a lot of our neighbors. We have lots of kids in our neighborhood - so our kids had fun swimming with everyone! Then there were games. The kids won a few things and then I WON a HULA HOOP contest! That's right friends! Let me just say, I CANNOT HULAHOOP but when the prize was a $15 giftcard to Applebee's I swallowed my pride and went for it! On round 3 when all the good people were out...I finally won. It was so funny b/c I just shut my eyes and went for it and I finally got it to stay up!! Oh, how I miss the days when I could Hula Hoop. I used to think adults were so weird trying to hard to hula hoop. It used to be so simple! Well, I lost whatever skill I once had that's for sure!

We also had the fire department come and they had a smokehouse which was pretty neat. We all learned fire safety. It was so funny when they turned the smoke on Isaac started really crying. Then we all had to crawl to another room and then they got to slide out the window. They didn't have that when I was little but Anna said she had done that at school once.

And last but certainly not least Ed's Pet World was there... CRAZY ANIMALS!! Noah loved the animals and said, "I'm gonna hold this alligator and PROVE I'm a man!" And he did. By the end of the night he had held everything they had. I told him to come swim with us before we called it a night and he said he just wanted to stay with the animals..."He just loved the animals!" NOT ME! Jason was kinda funny skirting around the snakes!

And in here lies our newest pet!!! hmmm...what could it be?

Thank you Nicole for hosting our back to school block party! It was way funner than I thought it would be and y'all are always so super nice to us!! We are thankful to have you and the Rollingwood Staff! Y'all do a great job at serving us!! Until next year!

GOOOOO Wildcats!

2011-08-25T13:22:00.013-05:00

I changed my work schedule and so far I'm loving it! I work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday ... and I'm off Wednesday and Friday. It helps me get in a groove of waking up early and getting things done. I've only done it for a week now but I'm planning on keeping up the routine!

Wednesday, I got the house straight by 11 and then we went to the pool with my friend Julie. It was GREAT! No one was there..."we had the whole pool...to ourselves!" That is a little ditty Noah and Anna will occassionally sing. It was so nice to soak up the sun and the water was actually cool when we got in!

That night we had Cheer pictures! There are a group of girls cheering for Mcadory! They are the cutest things with a sassy little attitude. They all did so well! Their pictures made me smile so big as I edited them! I love these girls so much. I'm looking forward to watching them ALL grow up into beautiful Godly women! Lord, use me to plant your seeds of truth and the gospel in their hearts! Lord, use them to SHOUT your name!!

Y'all are adorable!

I had such a bad headache after this I couldn't get to editing them right away. But Mom's just know they made my week! I just look at these pictures and think of all the cute things they said and did and all their complaining and smile that they love me still!! I get the sweetest priviledge of capturing their lives! Pausing time for just a moment!

iheartfacesphotochallenge : Pet Week

2011-08-22T09:08:00.009-05:00

"Was it something I said?"

NOT a Pet Lover!!
But if I had to love...
it would be ASH-A-WEENIE!!

SHE is so pretty!

All my pet lover friends go have fun looking at this week's challenge on iheartfaces.com!
If you love ... You'll love all the animals!!

Can I Eat YOU Up!?!

2011-08-21T19:00:00.000-05:00

Can I eat you up?!? Really? Could you get any cuter!?!

Today, I had the priviledge of taking pictures of baby Will for Jason and Brittney! They are such a sweet family! I am loving, I will repeat, LOVING getting to know them! Will is just down right adorable...I COULD EAT HIM UP!!! He is precious!! His expressions are so priceless.

See for yourself...

Melt my heart!

Jasmine...

2011-08-18T12:56:00.000-05:00

We had so say "see ya soon" to Jasmine Wednesday night at church. Such.A.Bummer!! We love her so much - every one of us!

Jasmine is finishing her last year at New Tribes Mission in Michigan! We are excited for her and we try to keep the happy face - but it's hard! We are trusting God's plan for her life as a missionary where ever the Lord sends her. I can't help but thank the Lord for all our modern technology!! If we miss her we just hop on facebook and it's like she's right down the road!! Thank you Lord. Not to mention we downloaded Skype so we could see her sweet face!!

Jasmine, thank you for loving us so much! I'm looking forward to this year being IT!! We will be praying for you here at home. You mean the world to us and we are so thankful we have you in our lives!!

Looking forward to when you come back home at Christmas and then when we get to take our trip to Michigan!! Words cannot express just how excited I am about that trip! It BETTER happen!!

Love ya like crazy girlie!!

Get it done and bring it back down to the house!!

iheartfaces photo challenge - Beautiful Eyes

2011-08-15T09:14:00.005-05:00

This week's challenge : Beautiful Eyes.

Oh boy, this one was hard to pick! The eyes are really an amazing thing! I've looked at the entries here on iheartfaces.com. Check out all the entries and join the challenge!

So, how do I pick what picture to enter into the challenge? I use my own kid!! Our little Busy Buddy has stolen our hearts and changed our world! He holds joy and happiness in those eyes and you can spot his mood just by peering in!!

Happy to say...

2011-08-13T22:39:00.001-05:00

School has S.L.O.W.E.D. us down!

But not so slow we can't party!! The Dollars are always up for a party!!

We had so much fun celebrating Holly Rose's Birthday - Justin Bieber style!! Pretty Crazy!

Lots of GLITTER!!
Lots of GOOD FOOD!
GREAT CAKE!

This picture is liable to give me NIGHTMARES!!

Use it for HIS glory girls - Use it all for Christ's glory!!

There was singing...

Dancing...

Games!

I see a couple of "Party Crashers" -

The boys were such troopers at the GIRL PARTY!!

Happy Birthday Sweet Holly Rose! We had a GREAT time! We love you sweet girl!

First Day

2011-08-11T14:15:00.038-05:00

Back to East

and now at

CENTRAL!

I love first day of school pictures! I loved seeing everyone's on Facebook! We just took the outside pictures this year.

I wanted to take my camera to the school but I felt like it was a little much. I was trying to focus on what we needed and where we needed to go that I didn't need to be stopping and taking pictures of Noah - and I hate to say it, but I feel like he's getting too big! I didn't want to embarrass him - new school, new everything to take in, and your mom is carrying around a giant camera and snapping pictures! I am taking it at open house though!! I know where I'm going and I want some pictures!! Noah is super excited to be going to Central. Man those schools are big. How can there be so many people there and we not know anyone! Let me rephrase - I don't know anyone. Noah has found his friends pretty quick!

East is just as great as ever! I just love it! The staff and teachers are so nice. And though I don't know Anna's teacher at all she was just the sweetest thing when we came in. She sat down with us and talked to Anna and just was great! She seems really really fun! I hope she loves it as much as I loved my 2nd grade teacher!

Anna's teacher took these and sent them to us!
(Above, Anna is waiting to go into her class; below, they are working so hard!) So cute!

I'm so thankful that Noah and Anna are excited about going back to Vestavia this year. They once again love the "media labs", PE, music, art, library - they love it. They have a new appreciation for it this year and that makes me so thankful!

Oh, how the years go by...

2006-

Noah's first EVER day of school -
Anna wishing so much she could go with him!

2007 -

Noah goes to K5 & Anna goes to K4
(she is 3 here - CRAZY - Mary's age!! - her first ever day of school!)

2008 -

Anna K4 - Noah 1st Grade!

2009 -

Noah 2nd Grade, Anna K5

Oops... Same shirt!!

2010 -

Anna 1st grade Noah 3rd! First day at Vestavia East.

Noah is "trying" to be cool. He's not really mad. I do miss his sweet smile in this picture though!

2011 -

Moody - Dollar Moody

2011-08-10T13:59:00.033-05:00

We are reading the Judy Moody series. I think it's so cute - I love little Judy Moody. I feel like her today! ROAR! She is always so "moody" - I felt like because we didn't go to the Coke Factory or take the kids anywhere for that matter that they've had a BUMMER SUMMER! I'm especially feeling that way because Isaac got sick Sunday and stayed sick until Wednesday (the last few days of summer) so we didn't go anywhere...but we didn't have any money so I shouldn't blame him - we probably wouldn't have done anything anyway!

So, today I'm especially thankful for my blog...which reminded me - we had a NOT SO BUMMER SUMMER!

We did a lot of things, a lot of NOT SO BUMMER things, a lot of F-U-N things!

Days at Uncle Chad's Pool!!

Opening of Brianna Park and VBS!

Baseball & Dance

Birthday Parties!

Shocco Springs

Movies

A Trip to the country!

Anna headed to Six Flags

Movies in the Park

Lunches at Johnny Rockets with Crystal!

Dad returns from Peru!

Funday!

Rickwood ... and lots of other things!!

RARE!!

Thank you blog for reminding me of what a GREAT summer we had!!

Thank you Lord for allowing us to do all we did. Thank you for the sweet friends we got to share a lot of time with! Thank you for SUMMER TIME Lord!! You always know just what is good for us!!

The things I am bummed about is not spending NEAR ENOUGH time with my sister. Not spending near enough time with Delilah (though the kids did - I did not). Not bowling enough, not going to the Coke Factory... I guess every summer can't be the BEST summer! Don't tell the kids, but Jason and I had a FABULOUS summer - maybe that's what I feel bad about - I went to the beach 2 times and Jason went to Peru. Summer is too short, really! Give us 3 more weeks and we could have done more!! I hate hate hate when summer is over! HATE IT!! Good bye summer of 2011 - Goodbye lazy summer days, it was fun (though not over the top), relaxing (though busy at times) - Until we meet again sweet summertime!!

Already looking forward to SUMMER 2012.

iheartfaces photo challenge - Friendships

2011-08-08T15:16:00.001-05:00

This weeks challenge...

A photograph that embodies friendship.

Anna, I could not have expressed it better myself. If I could have only had a friend like Rey when I was your age! How how much fun we could have had!!

Join the challenge... Enter here!

Rickwood Caverns Picnic

2011-08-07T20:41:00.040-05:00

Today, after church, we spent the day at Rickwood Caverns! We had a lot of fun, of course, we were with some of our favorite people! This year Liz brought my chips and tea - in exchange that we take Carson to the Caverns - at which point Shea got her GODDAUGHTER, Anna! I refrained from bringing beans and my pot to cook on an open fire this year. I was ready to own it per Mindy's advice! I was REALLY close to doing it but...I'm glad I didn't because the food was ready when we got there! I would have hated to wait for my beans to get done. WHOOP!

This year the food was not what the picnic was all about! We scarfed down the food and went swimming! We had to scarf it down because ALL the kids were asking to swim. The pool was where it was at this year! On a side note, I wish this pool was at our house. The water is FREEZING cave water!! It felt oh, so, delightful!!

I. HATE.

THESE.GUNS. SUE!
Don't look so innocent!! You know you are responsible. MUD!

Lifegaurd on Duty!!

Friends!

Take him D.O.W.N!

I think they all missed a career in diving!!

We had some braves souls! VERY BRAVE!

There were spectators! But why are they laughing?!?

That's why!

Awww...giving up?!? Calling it quits!?!

WAIT... Corey hasn't had an eye injury!

Ok...now we've officially had a picnic! Exhausted?

Yep!

I guess this was our big summer close-out celebration - and we celebrated! Time to take it to the house!

"VAN!"

A special THANK YOU to Leslie for the fantastic picture taking!! You lucked out not wanting to get wet!! Love you!!