PaPaw is 70!

How lucky am I? Well, I don't have enough room or time to go into that here, but I do feel immensely blessed to have my parents close by. Not only are they close geographically now, the are very involved in our lives and the lives of my children. Nothing could make me happier. We celebrated Dad's 70th birthday recently, and did it up right. Can you say cream cheese icing with caramel? Go Dad!

Let It Snow!

We recently had a bit of snow, and if you are from Michigan, or say North Dakota, it would have simply been a dusting for you. But, in these parts, it was big news. Here are some kodak moments. We had a ball.

Ok, More Fun Ahead!

Recently we had some very fun people come and visit our home, and we had a "Blue Party". The title of the party was left open to interpretation, but it just seemed like a good excuse to have a party. A big shout out to our Tullahoma crew. We love you.

These first two photos are from our game of Guestures. Fun stuff. Todd did the grumpy thing all too well!

New Happenings

Maddie just loves cereal!
Look out! Pirates and Policemen
Here's Grandmama having fun. This was here first visit not long after Grandaddy passed away. She is nearly 88!! She is an amazing Grandma. My family has been blessed to have her visit. This past week would have been her and Grandaddy's 71st wedding anniversary. Isn't that incredible?

Glad to be back on the blog. I am getting ripped by various friends for being so lame and addicted to facebook. I do have fun taking photos, and I do catch my kids in some definite Kodak moments. So here are just a few

Christmas 08

Well, we survived! Santa found us, and we celebrated a new year. Christmas with children is really magical. Ben loved all the anticipation of Santa. We had a visitor, an elf. He watched us all by day and at night, he returned to the North Pole to report on our behavior. Really. Maddie loved her carousel the most. Ben really loved his "hunt gun" the best. The spy equipment was really a hit too. Many thanks to all the grandparents who helped make it fun with lots of presents to open. Ben can't wait to use the Target gift cards, and Maddie is really enjoying her Wonder Pets.

Oh so behind!

I realize I have totally forgotten about my blog, and I feel bad about that. I got very distracted by life, and then the next thing I know, my blog is dormant. So, here are some holiday updates: Ben turned 5! He had a policeman birthday party and it was a blast. Here is the very homemade cake. He really wasn't that impressed, but I sure was!

Adoption Tour Kickoff

Well, it is official, Todd is currently riding his bike across Tennessee to promote and bring awareness to Adoption in Tn. and the need for homes for over 400 of Tennessee's most precious resources- our children. That's right, over 400 children in Tn. are without a "forever family" , and Todd along with 60+ other riders are trying to bring solutions to this problem. Check it out at their website
We are all so proud of Todd!

Here are some photos of the start in downtown Memphis. The kids and I promptly hopped in the car and drove home after this photo, and we will meet Todd at the finish line on Friday. Can't wait to see him. I spoke to him last night, and they had completed 89 miles of the 433 total miles they will undertake this week.

So far, so good!

Boot Sale!

You should have seen the folks lining up in our driveway for Ben's Boot Sale today. Yep, this was totally his idea. I am so proud of my entrepreneurial boy!



The next innovation from Ben was indeed blogworthy. This is called the Bad Talking Scope. This handy invention will be adored by parents everywhere because you can turn it on downstairs and hear any bad words being used upstairs in the playroom. Ingenuity abounds at our home!

Ride'em Cowgirl!

The picture really says it all. What can I say? My kids are creative!

Ben's Garden and the Bunny Trap

Last Saturday we ended up at the garden center for our family outing. It turned out to be a very productive day. Ben was very excited about the pumpkins he persuaded his parents to buy, but it was the broccoli, yes broccoli plants that really got him fired up. He and dad decided to build a new little garden. But a corner garden is too simple. Later in the weekend, Ben and his Uncle Wade (you know how every family has a crazy uncle?) built a bunny trap. It is very elaborate. Look closely and you will see all kinds of physics at work. pulleys...levers....trap doors....oh my!

New mix!

Ok, I know what you're thinking...what is this, and why are there no photos of the kids?? Well, I do have a life outside of my kids, it's just that it takes place in the wee hours of the morning or late at night at my computer!! I found out about this neat site from another great blog that I frequent. Warning the music is eclectic. like life.

Hooray for Preschool!

What a wonderful concept, preschool! Ben and Maddie had great starts and they LOVE their teachers. It is just the best!

This was a wonderful day at the park nearing the end of August. We were glad to find some shade. Maddie loves her new bike and Ben is cruising with no training wheels (and has been all summer!) Unfortunately this was right before Ben's first major bike crash. Luckily he made it through, and even got back on the bike. What a trooper. Can you tell Maddie likes pink?

Creative Summer Fun

As you know, Ben is always rummaging around the kitchen looking for some fun stuff to ge into (like his mommy) and he came across my "cake decorating bag" He then had the great idea of making a gingerbread house. So what if it is the middle of August. right? So we mad a faux gingerbread house with a recycled orange juice container and LOTS of frosting. What fun.