The Thayer Trilogy

Reindeer Food

2010-11-21T10:17:00.002-06:00

I made these for my class at Maxwell that I am working in for one of my classes, but I was wondering if you guys thought this is something I might be able to sell?

The little bags are sealed.

If you think that they couldbe sold, let me know what you think a good price would be. I could even do different pictures and colors on the paper.

I thought it might be cute little gifts for children's classes.

Leave a comment or email me at vaughnthayer@gmail.com

Adult Co-Ed Softball

2010-07-09T23:09:00.003-05:00

Thursday night was our first co-ed softball game. We had a blast! We lost, but we had so much fun.

This is Cody! She is looking serious about getting on base!

She also broke her finger and got her leg busted by the ball!

She is such a trooper!

Alicia on third base! She was the first

batter of the game!

She also caught a line drive during the game!

Todd on second base!! He hit EVERY time

he came up to bat!
Todd getting ready to SMACK the ball!

Alicia in the zone!!

I hit the ball and made it to first base, but I

got out on third!

BASE HIT!!! (I can't breathe!!)

I play catcher!

Morgan took the pictures for me! I hope that next time she gets more pictures of the rest of our team, but she was also busy chasing babies around! We had a great time, but boy am I sore! We have a DOUBLE HEADER this Thursday! I am excited! It is so much fun!

The best part was our kids telling us how well we did and how proud they were of us!

I sure hope my legs aren't as sore tomorrow because we have practice!! We are going to be ready for Los Ranchos Thursday!

Bad Blogger Finally Updates!

2010-07-05T10:48:00.003-05:00

The month of June has flown past and we are now in July! We have been busy looking for jobs for Todd! He has interviewed in Dothan and we are hopeful that he will be offered the job! It is for a 6th grade Science teacher at Honeysuckle Middle! I know that he will be a great teacher, he just needs someone to offer him a job so that he can prove it.

We have spent a lot of time in Dothan the last few weeks because of the application process of Dothan City Schools! While in Dothan, we worked on cutting the grass around Todd's parents house! It is funny how everyone is interested in yard work when a tractor is involved!
The kids love to just ride on the tractor!

We also celebrated Todd's 34th birthday while we were in Dothan. His parents took us to one of his favorite restaurants Blue Plate. I made him a strawberry cake.

We have also welcomed a new member to our family, because with 3 kids, 4 African Dwarf frogs, 2 dogs, and 21 chickens we didn't have enough to keep us busy! Georgia is such a sweet kitty! We got her from some friends of ours. She sleeps in the bed with Todd and I almost every night. She doesn't like to eat though! She is so funny because she would rather eat our food instead of her cat food. The first night that we had her, she at peas that we had gotten out of our garden. The next day, I opened a new can of cat food and placed it on a plate and a few of the leftover peas from the night before on another plate. I set the two plates side by side to see which she would choose and she went for the peas! Todd keeps saying when she gets hungry she will eat! I sure hope so!

Todd and I have been playing softball! He plays first and I play catcher. We are playing on a co-ed team her in Prattville. It has been fun! Our first game is Thursday night! We are excited and we hope that we do well.

We have been working in the garden and we have "put up" a lot of tomatoes, squash, and I have made pepper sauce. Normally we don't have enough peppers, but this year we have them coming our of our ears. The garden is just about finished and I think we are going to plant a fall garden this time. I NEVER plant enough beans or peas, so we have been having 'mixed beans!' They are good, but I would love to be able to put some fresh peas or butter beans in the freezer.

We went to my parent's house in Clanton last week and Zach made a comment about his loose teeth! My mom told us that there was a little boy on the new who pulled his tooth using a model rocket! I told Zach that I would go down to the firework stand and buy some fireworks to pull his teeth! After much conversation about it Rett finally talked him into it!

The bottle rockets that we tried didn't work after several attempts! So then, Zach decided that he would put tie the fishing string on the back of the car and let Todd drive off! Well, this worked on the first try! It grossed me out, but it worked! He is now without his two front teeth! The tooth fairy left him $5 for the two teeth that he lost!

We enjoyed the Fourth of July weekend with friends. On Saturday night we went to DJ and Eva's and meet her sister and her family who are from West Virgina. We had a good time, until the brand new bunk bed got broken, complements of my son! DJ and his brother-in-law got it fixed, but I still feel terrible! Absolutely terrible!

On Sunday night, we ate with Ben and Alicia and then rode in the back of the truck to watch Pratville's fireworks! It was a nice laid back evening, with nothing getting broke!

Well, I think that brings us to today and we are just hanging out around the house. Morgan has been in a cleaning mood, so she is cleaning my kitchen! She has even cleaned the walls! It is like the cleaning fairies have finally shown up! She is doing a great job!

JUNE

2010-06-20T20:44:00.003-05:00

I haven't updated in so long because we have been so busy! Our summer has been in full hustle and bustle since day one. Since Todd graduated in May, the job search has been in full swing. So far we haven't had any luck, but he still has several applications out and we are hoping that all those years of school will pay off with a teaching job.

So far this summer, we have been trying to keep the kids busy. We have taken them to the splash pad, bowling, the movies, skating, swimming, the Golden Flake Factory and to the Iron Dale Cafe (aka Whistle Stop Cafe). We have enjoyed fishing and swimming at my parents house. We still have several things that we want to do with them before the summer is over. None of which are big vacation plans, but we hope that they will be fun.

Tuesday we are planning on going to the Birmingham Zoo. Alicia and the boys are going with us, as well as, Tatum and her kids (Alicia's sister-in-law). We are going to meet Jennifer on the way there and pick up Brooks and take him with us!

We are in Dothan right now. Todd has an appointment to take a test with the Dothan City School System. It is not the ideal situation for us, but we have to explore all options. I REALLY hope that something comes about in our area. I know that Todd is anxious to start teaching. I am anxious for him to start teaching.

Todd's Graduation

2010-06-03T08:43:00.006-05:00

I don't know why these pictures are not uploading with the right size, but you can still see this wonderful event that took place May 15! TODD Graduated! I am so proud of him! He has worked so hard the last 5-6 years and his hard work has finally paid off! He actually has TWO interviews today!!

Beautiful Free Sunday Afternoon!

2010-03-31T19:00:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Maxwell Air Force Base had an air show! We went Sunday afternoon and had a great time. We were at the end of the runway and had the very best seats in the house. The kids were able to run and play without the crowds! It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon! Especially since it was FREE!!

We were this close to the runway!!

The Thunderbirds were VERY loud!
The main event, the Thunderbirds.

We were so close!

Old aerobatic planes

Golden Knight parachute team

A fighter jet

Thanks to Rolling O Sod Farm for letting us set up in such a great spot! We took a picnic and enjoyed the show!

World War II plane

A fighter jet and the old WWII plane.

Chirp, chirp here; chirp, chirp there

2010-03-18T09:03:00.003-05:00

I must say, the things that we do our familes can sometimes, be a bit crazy. After watching Food Inc., Todd decided that we needed to get chickens again. Todd and our neighbor Ben built this great coop for us! We have 16 pullets! We had to replace 2 Buffs that our dogs got a hold of! We hope to have plenty of eggs and even some chicken dinner!!

Snow Day!!

2010-02-16T08:39:00.003-06:00

We got about an inch of snow!! It was enough for us to have fun!
What else to we do in Alabama, but find a hill to "sled" down! The clock tower hill across from Academy and Hobby Lobby worked for us!
ALABAMA STYLE!!

Using pool floats actually worked very well. The kids seemed to enjoy it! We just needed a little more snow to go really fast!

The floats even work, if you don't blow them up!

building our "family" snowman!!

We enjoyed the snow and was excited to see it, but I am thinking that I am glad that it doesn't snow here very often!

10 Things I Didn't Know Until I Became A Mother

2010-02-05T08:35:00.002-06:00

1. I didn't know how tired I would be, even still when they get older.

2. I didn't know how little I actually knew!

3. I didn't know that I could love someone with every ounce of my being.

4. I didn't know that that person I love with every ounce of my being could drive me so crazy!

5. I didn't know that I would actually miss reading Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel for the millionth time.

6. I didn't know that I could have so many hopes and dreams for one person.

7. I didn't know that a little person would go through so much laundry (and still do that since they are older.)

8. I didn't know that such little people could make me feel so guilty.

9. I didn't know that Barney would actually be welcomed in my house and car.

10. I didn't know that the bathroom would become my favorite place....until they find me anyway.

10. I didn't know that I would actually turn into my mother, even though I know now that is not such a bad thing!

Birthday, Food, and Anniversary

2010-01-31T13:59:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Brooks!!!

I got to spend the day with Brooks on Friday while Loren and Jennifer prepared for his first birthday party! I had a great time. Especially since I didn't have to share him with anyone! I am looking forward to him spending the night with us in a few weeks! We will have a blast!

Loren and Jennifer really outdid themselves on the party, but most parents do for the first party! I can't believe that he is a year old. It just doesn't seem like it has been a year! It was nice for our whole family to be together again. It was nice to have another family picture.

On a totally different note, Todd and I watched Food Inc. If you haven't watched it, I would recommend that you watch it, but don't eat meat before you do! Needless to say, we are changing the way that we eat around here. We are going to be buying locally and eating less meat, unless it is local and grass fed! I know that it may sound crazy, but Todd and I feel that it is what is best for our children. I want my kids to grow up healthy and if our food is full of ammonia and poisonous gases then we don't need it in our bodies! We are going to be planting a garden and all of our veggies will be organic! Maybe we are just jumping on the crazy bandwagon, but maybe we will be a little healthier!

On another different note, Todd and I will be celebrating our 14th anniversary tomorrow! WoW 14 years!! I am so glad to be married to my best friend and that we have come so far in the 14 years that we have been married! I look forward to many more!!

The Enitre Family Goes to School

2010-01-10T18:45:00.003-06:00

Our entire family will be heading out to school tomorrow! Todd starts his internship at Prattville Intermediate, the kids go to school, and I start a new semester at AUM! It will be really nice to get into a new routine.

Back to a Routine, Almost

2010-01-05T17:35:00.003-06:00

The kiddos went back to school today! It sure was hard to get up and get moving with it being so cold outside. I think that the kids were excited to get back to normal, our normal anyway. I know that I am! Todd has seminars for his internship on Thursday and Friday and we will all be back in school Monday.

Morgan said that there is word going around that they are considering closing school on Thursday because of the impending weather forecast of SNOW!! Todd doesn't understand why, but here in Alabama just the slight forecast of snow is a VERY BIG DEAL (we all have not lived in places where it snows every winter!) I remember when Morgan was a baby there were snow flurries outside and we went and woke her up so she could see them. Not knowing when we may ever see snow again, it was a BIG DEAL!

Well, we will see what Thursday and Friday's weather brings!

2009--A Year in Review--long post!

2010-01-03T22:12:00.020-06:00

JANUARY

We welcomed the New Year with our favorite friends and went to Sonic for some ice cream on a very cold night!!

We took Zach and Savannah to the Monster Truck show with some of our friends Brad and Christy. Morgan stayed with my parents. Zach seemed to enjoy it a little more than Savannah.

We welcomed my nephew Brooks Paul Russell at the end of January. He is so precious.

February

Todd and I celebrated our 13th anniversary. I took him to the driving range!!

We also celebrated Mardi Gras! We had King Cake and Savannah ended up with the piece of cake with the baby in it. She's gotta buy the King Cake this year!

MARCH

It snowed the first of March! This little comedy routine landed us at Pri-Med later that evening!

It was fun to play in the snow!!

We went to watch my brother play baseball against Prattville Junior High School.

Zach went on a field trip to the Pretend Hospital.

APRIL

The kids spent the night with Uncle Loren and Aunt Jennifer.

Todd and I went to the Auburn "A-Day" football game.

Zach played baseball and was chosen to receive several game balls throughout the season.
MAY

Zach celebrated his 7th birthday!

We went to Jose's to celebrate Zach and his baseball friend's birthday!

Zach's Field Day

Savannah's Awards Day

School's Out

Zach and Mrs. Wingo

Savannah and Mrs. Jackson.

Rainy summer day!

Hanging out with friends.

Zach's baseball party! He won the MVP trophy!

Kite flying!
Sunday afternoon slip 'n slide

Todd and I volunteered at the School of Education Luau! We were able to go to the Luau for working.

Summer Day at Wonder World Family Amusement Center

Todd playing with the kids after work one day.

Playing at the park and creek in Millbrook.

JUNE

Playing at the Splash Pad in Montgomery.

Grilling out at the river.

Summer fun program at Bass Pro Shop

We learned to make homemade donuts.

Todd turned 33 in June. He was also laid off from his job on the same day!

JULY

Picnic at the Splash Pad

On our way to Orange Beach.
Zach after his first deep sea fishing trip
The Gang at the Beach

Zach and Todd went to the Lowe's build and grow program

Back yard camp-out!

AUGUST

Zach started football for the Prattville Youth Lions.

First day of school

September

Morgan's 13th birthday!

Morgan's birthday present--Tickets to the Taylor Swift concert

OCTOBER

Aubie came to the Early Childhood Center where Todd was doing some intern work.

NOVEMBER

We went to Branford, FL to visit Todd's Grandparents.

Championship game for the PYL

My Family!

DECEMBER

Our tree!

Savannah and her BFF Emily celebrating her 10th birthday!

Looking forward to a Happy 2010

End of Christmas Break

2010-01-03T21:36:00.002-06:00

We have kept Landon for Alicia since the kids have been out for Christmas Vacation. Alicia's nephew, who is staying with them right now, also came over to hang out. The kids have really used the Wii and almost worn out Mario Kart and Family Game Night that we got for Christmas. However, after a week and a half at home with 5 kids playing and arguing over who is going to be controller one, Todd said that we were going to the park. The first day that we went we only stayed a couple of hours! It was COLD! Todd and the kids invented this game called Hide-N-Chase. They used the entire playground. They had so much fun and actually got hot!

The next day we packed a lunch and headed to the park with 6 kids! Savannah's friend Emily spent the night with us and tagged along. As we were walking out of the house to head to the park, it started drizzling! Well, we decided to go on anyway. We were the only people at the park when we got there. We had out picnic and the kids (and Todd) were ready to resume their game from the previous day. They played in the misty rain and finally it stopped and they had so much fun!! Especially since we were the only goof balls at the park on a cold wet day!

Savannah fell while being chased back to base!
Thursday afternoon, we loaded up and headed to Dothan. Todd's friend, Matt, invited Todd and Zach to go hunting with him. Zach was so excited! Matt lives in Dothan, so Friday morning, I took Zach and Todd to Matt's house and they headed to the hunting land, where they even spent the night! Zach loved it!! They didn't see anything while in their tree stand, but they were hunting, so they were happy!!

We are heading home in the morning and excited to get things back to our normal! Todd will be starting his internship on the 11th! He will be teaching 5th grade for 6 weeks then 2nd grade for another 6 weeks. He is so close to graduating! May 15th is the big day! I am so proud of him, I never thought that the time would come. Now, if I can just get done.

Another year has come and gone and as I look back on 2009, it wasn't THAT bad of a year! We made it through despite Todd being laid off! It is nice to look to the future at the beginning of a new year, to set goals and make plans. Here is to 2010 and the hopes of a better year!!

Holiday Updates

2009-12-29T21:27:00.009-06:00

I must say that this is the cutest little face!! I just want to squeeze him! This is my nephew Brooks! He will be a year old next month! I can't believe it! I have gotten to see him a few times over the last several weeks and I have to say that I miss him this week! I hope to see him soon!!

The kids had a great time "playing" farm down at Todd's Grandparent's house! We had an interesting time riding in the wagon and watching sugar cane being pressed. I was also able to get some pictures of an old tobacco barn for my classroom. I thought that might make an interesting add-on to a lesson about farming one day, especially since most tobacco barns have been torn down.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal in Dothan with Todd's parents. There was enough food to feed an army, but that is usually how it is during Thanksgiving.

Friday, we left Dothan and headed to my parent's house in Clanton. We had a great time. We were also able to snap an "official" Russell family picture! I think that is a pretty good looking group of people. I can't believe how many of us there are! It is really nice when we are all able to get together, we always find something to get into, especially my brothers.

We wanted to go down to Dothan to witness this next event with our own eyes, but we didn't make the trip. Lucky for us, Mrs. Pam was able to snap pictures of our very own Santa's Helper, Santa Ron!

We had a good Christmas and our family elf kept us busy! He didn't get into much trouble this year, but he did manage to roll our living room and wrap up our doorway with wrapping paper and the kids had to bust through!

We went to my grandparents house for our annual Christmas dinner! It is always fun to get together with family that I don't get to see very often. We always play an entertaining game of "Dirty Santa"

Christmas afternoon we went to my parents house and as usual had a great time.

I love going "home," even though it is not actually my home (I have never lived there), there is just something about being home! I love to watch my kids interact with my parents and have my brothers give me such a hard time. I wish that it was easier for us get together more often!

Todd took me on my first hunting trip this past Saturday. I really had a good time. Believe it or not (I am not a big fan of outside!) I really want to go again. We only saw an old red fox, but it was still fun, until the sun went down and the hoot owls came out! It was kind of spooky.

This is a picture of us in the shooting house!

Today is Savannah Brooke's 10th birthday! I can't believe that she is 10 years old today! She is a wonderful kid and everything that I wish that I was. She is smart beyond her years and talented in so many ways! I couldn't be prouder to be her mother! I can't believe how fast she is growing up, it seems just like yesterday, I found out that she was breach and that I was going to have to have a C-Section!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAVANNAH!!

Well, that is the Holiday update for now, I am sure that there will be more to add in the coming days, because our life is never dull, but that is the way we like it!

Christmas Tree!

2009-12-03T09:26:00.004-06:00

We went and cut down our Christmas Tree with the Goffs this past Sunday afternoon! We had a good time and found a tree we love. It is perfect in the house. We just need to get it decorated! Morgan has had the flu, Zach came home sick Monday, and Savannah is going to the doctor today! Hopefully we can get everything done this weekend!

Football

2009-11-13T06:54:00.003-06:00

Last night was the last night of football practice! I can't even tell you how excited we are about it! Zach and Todd have been having practice three times a week since July! It is time for a break. The midget team has made it to the championship game, which is tomorrow. We are excited and hope that the boys can beat the #1 Millbrook Mustangs! If not, it is ok, they have worked hard and played great!

I have been working on making signs for us to hold up and I am going to paint the windows of the car!

The boys get to ride a bus over to Millbrook and get dressed in the high school locker room. They are so excited! That is such a big deal to 6 & 7 year olds!

Here are some more pictures from throughout the season.

AUBIE!!

2009-11-12T06:38:00.006-06:00

Todd had to get a resource person to come to the ECC (Early Childhood Center) where he has had to do internship this semester. He thought that since it was football season, he would try to get some Auburn cheerleaders, a football player, and AUBIE!! The only person that he was able to secure was AUBIE! He checked with his teacher and she said that the kids and I could come to the center too! I was glad that school (for the kids) was out, so I didn't have one of my classes and the kids were out of school, and we were able to go! The kids had a great time seeing AUBIE up close! They also had a good time playing with the kids!

No Cute Title

2009-11-04T16:39:00.005-06:00

The last few weeks have been so busy for our family. I am not sure how we manage to keep going but we do. I am looking forward to Thanksgiving break, because I won't have to go to class for a week, but I will still have school work to do. I am just glad that we will have a little time to breathe and enjoy one another.

Last week, the Prattville Youth Lions Midget team won their first round of playoffs, so we play again this weekend. I really think that most people are sick of football. I know five people in my house that are ready for it to be over. We play in Tallasee at 9:00. Let's cross our fingers.

Savannah and Morgan are going to Dothan this weekend. So it will just be Todd, Zach, and me for the weekend. Should be different and quite. Just us and Zach.

I do ask that every pray for my family. My parents, brothers, and I are going through some stuff right now and know that we could all use your prayers.

Did We Vanish

2009-10-29T21:32:00.002-05:00

No we didn't vanish, but some days I wish that I could. Here is a quick list of the things that have kept us so busy the last month or so:

Prattville Youth Lions Football practice and games
Savannah's tennis lessons
Morgan's guitar lessons
my 15 credit hours of school
Todd's 15 credit hours of school
the kid's school work
laundry
the list goes on and on

I just really have not had time to make a post. Besides that I figure that most people don't really care about all the school work that we do at our house. Over the next few weeks, I do have a few things that I want to update, but I can't do it right now because we just got home from a whirlwind trip of over 580 miles in less than 24 hours!!

Just wanted everyone to know that we are still alive and here, just that we are drowning in school work.

Update soon!!!

I Need Your Help!

2009-09-05T10:10:00.003-05:00

All of the kids have been out of school this week with Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease! I am so glad that they are better and will be able to go to school Tuesday! I know that they are happy about that too! I hope that we do not pick up anything else and that the kids will be able to stay in school for a while.

I need some advice!!

Since Morgan started Jr. High, some things have changed around our house. She is actually enjoying school. She has all A's and one B right now. She is really growing up (her birthday is the 24th) and we are really proud of her! However, we have entered a new phase of adolescence! She has, for the last 2 Fridays, went out with her girlfriends. There has been a mother with them the entire time and that brings her home. Last weekend they went bowling. We didn't give her a time to be home because she was with another mother and other 12-13 year olds. She came in around 11:30ish.

Now before I go into what happened last night let me say, sorry Mom. When I was getting the information out of Morgan, I sounded just like my Mom. I guess, maybe the things she did wasn't so bad!!

I need to know who was going, what times, and where they were going. Now, I know that things are different than when I was 12 or 13, but she is 12!

The girls wanted to go eat Mexican, go bowling, and then go play flashlight tag at one of the girl's house. We agreed to that. Well, shortly after dropping her off I get a call on my cell and Morgan says that they want to go Cosmic Bowling which is from 11:00-2:00 am. Well, the first words out of my mouth were, "YOU ARE NOT STAYING OUT UNTIL 2:00!!" I even told her that we would come and get her if we saw that they were going to be late.

Well, after Todd and I talked we quickly saw that we don't think the same way as some of the other parents. After she texted me some, we told her that whatever she thought was best and we would talk tomorrow. She thought that she was in trouble, but she wasn't we saw that we were. Needless to say she came home at 1:30!! Yes 1:30!! I was so not happy and her Daddy was not either. We were even more unhappy when she told us they played flashlight tag at the park, not some one's house, and that she rode to Millbrook to take a girl to her Grandmother's. I thought all the girls were going to be dropped off in Prattville. I would have really liked to know when things change. Are there parents that actually allow there 12 year olds to stay out all night. What is going to happen when they go out with a boy and expect to stay out until 1:30! There is nothing in the world that she needs to be doing with a boy after 10:00.

Well, when Morgan got home, we went ahead and laid down the rules. From now on, she has to be home at 10:00, we have no problem picking her up, but she is not going to stay out past 10:00. That does not mean call me at 10:00 to pick her up. That is late and she will not go the next time. She also can have the outings taken away for not doing what we expect from her. When things change she has to call us to make sure we are fine with it.

What are your thoughts on this? We are trying to do what is best for our almost 13 year old. Thanks for your help.

Football and School

2009-08-29T22:30:00.004-05:00

I guess that you can tell that school has not just started back for the kids, but also for Todd and I. Not only do the kids have their fair share of homework, but Todd and I are drowning in assignments that we have to get done. I even have a class once a month on Friday night and ALL day Saturday. I keep telling myself that it is only once a month for 3 months!

The kids are all doing GREAT in school right now. Morgan actually has all A's in her classes. She is loving Jr. High. I am glad because I was a little worried about it. The principal really runs the school in a strict, but fun way. I think that the atmosphere seems to have a big difference, she really seems to have a new passion for school.

Savannah has all B's and LOVES Science. She has already read several Box Car Children books. She likes the fact that she has 2 teachers and continues to love school. I am so glad that she enjoys school.

Zach is also doing well. He loves his teacher, Mrs. Mills. He is doing great with all his work.

I am so glad that the kids are having a good year so far.

Well, if school has not been keeping us busy enough, Zach is playing football for the Prattville Youth Lions. He has practice three days a week.

He had his Jamboree game today in Wetumpka. They only played two twenty minute games. They won one and lost one. I think that they played pretty well. They even got to play in the rain!! (Zach is #40)

If I don't make any post for a while, you will know that we are trying to juggle everything.

First Day of School

2009-08-12T09:33:00.003-05:00

Monday was a big day for our family! The first day of the new school year is ALWAYS exciting for us and the kids! Morgan started 7th grade! Jr. High! I can't believe that we have a child in Jr. High! She was excited!! When we picked her up from school, she could not stop talking and telling us all about her day! It was actually nice, even though my head was hurting. I was really glad that she enjoyed her first day!

Savannah was excited also! She is in 4th grade! She is excited because she gets to change classes this year! She had a lot to tell us also when she got in the car. She is so excited to be back in school, it is one of her favorite places!

Zachary did not want us to know that he was excited, but he was! He was happy about his teacher, he has only known her since he was about 1 year old! He didn't have as much to tell us as the girls did, but he did tell us about his day.

I am glad that the kids enjoyed their first day and are excited about the new year! I hope that their excitement continues throughout the year and doesn't wear out!

After school and getting Morgan's supplies Zach and Todd had football practice. About the time that they got home, Savannah started telling me that she did not feel well and Todd came in and told me that Zach was real whinny and not feeling well. Our neighbor Landon, has a case of the N1H1 flu, so we are almost sure that the kids have the same thing (they are around each other all the time.) Morgan said that she was going to move out until everyone was better that she could not afford to get sick! Funny how her prospective has suddenly changed.

Savannah and Zach have missed 2 days of the first week so far! I really hope that they are able to go back tomorrow or Friday. That is not a good way to start the first week of school, but that is life!!

Business and a Picnic

2009-07-28T19:16:00.004-05:00

Today, Todd and I had appointment at the Health Clinic at AUM, so Todd suggested that we pack a picnic and take the kids to the Splash Pad. I thought that was a wonderful idea. If we are going to go all the way to Montgomery, we might as well make it worth our while.

Todd needed a new TB test for the new school year, since he is going to be working at the CDC, and I needed a re-check for my medicine. We also went and got our books and Todd picked up some of his notebooks from last semester.

Afterwards, we took the kids to the splash pad. (Mrs. Pam, DO NOT LOOK ANY FARTHER!) The kids went into the bathroom to change clothes and they came running out, yelling, "SNAKE!!" Todd went and checked and there was a baby snake in the women's bathroom.

The park people came and took care of the snake and interesting enough, Montgomery has a policy not to kill any animals, but to release them back into their environment. To me the only good snake is a dead snake!!

The kids enjoyed their time playing and especially enjoyed it when Todd accidentally got wet.

Todd being laid off has been really hard for us finacially, but we have really enjoyed being able to spend some extra time with him this summer. I think that he has realized that being a stay-at-home Dad is not everything he thought it was going to be.

Menu Plan Monday!

2009-07-27T09:57:00.002-05:00

Here's the plan for the week!

Breakfast
cereal
waffles
breakfast burritos
Zip-loc bag Omelets

Lunch
sandwiches
chicken nuggets
pizza
mac and cheese

Dinners
Crock Pot French Dips
Tomato Pie
Santa Fe Wraps
Southwest Chicken Spaghetti

Backyard Camp Out!!

2009-07-27T08:57:00.005-05:00

Well, our backyard camp out did not work out very well. First, I tired to make a tee pee for the boys to sleep/play in, but I could not make the sheets wrap around like they were supposed to, so we cancelled that idea.

We set up the tents, air mattresses, and fans. Everything was ready. The kids were excited!

We made s'mores and then headed to bed, but not all the kids wanted to stay outside and they just would not go to sleep, so at midnight, we went inside.

The kids were convinced that they were going to sleep outside Saturday night. Yeah right, I thought.

Saturday morning, Todd and Ben took the boys to the Build and Grow Clinic at Lowe's and they built helicopter! Zach and Landon had a good time. They are looking forward to going back and building a boat in a few weeks.

Well, Saturday afternoon we went to Ben's parent's house and grilled and swam. The kids had a good time.

They all ended up going inside and not camping out. I guess it was just not as fun as actually going camping! Maybe we can take the kids soon, since it has been a while since we have been camping.

Camps!

2009-07-20T11:17:00.004-05:00

The week before we went to the beach, Morgan and Savannah went to Flordia College Camp in Flordia. The week before that Zach went to Back Woods Christian Camp with my parents. Just last week Zach and Landon went to football camp (it was three half days).

Zach went to a one night camp with my parents. It is called June Bug and he had a great time. It made him feel big that he could go to camp to. They did all kinds of fun stuff, including making mud shirts.

Morgan and Savannah went to FC Camp and they had a good time. This camp lasts a week. This was Morgan's second year and Savannah's first year. We really thought that Savannah would get homesick or not want stay, but that was not the case. We never even heard from her the entire week. When I asked her why she didn't call she told me she was having too much fun.
Morgan did call, I think on Wednesday. She just wanted to chat. I am glad because I was missing them both so much. Todd and I are actually thinking about being counselors next year, since all three of our kids will be old enough to go to camp.

Last week, Zach and Landon went to the Prattville Lions Football camp. They had a great time. It was from 8-12, Monday-Wednesday!

Last week, I also kept Hannah and Cade for Tatum (Alicia's sister-in-law). I have them again this week.

A Week of Fun in the Sun (long post)

2009-07-15T08:06:00.019-05:00

Well, the vacation that we planned over a year ago has finally come and gone. It was a long awaited time for us and we had a blast. Of course there were a few speed bumps along the way, but when you put three families (13 people) in a 3 bedroom cabin for a week some bumps are to be expected. We all survived and made some wonderful memories.

The first day that we arrived, we unpacked and headed to the grocery store. We learned last year, that it is cheaper for a large party to NOT go out to eat. Usually, at the beach, there is an 18% gratuity added and the service is NEVER worth it. We planned our menu the weeks before and we planned to eat all of our meals at the cabin.

We stayed at Gulf State Park at the cottages that were by the lake. The kids had a really good time catching little crabs with their nets the first evening.

We enjoyed a great meal of hamburgers, then put the kids to bed in their sleeping bags and the adults slipped out to the porch and enjoyed a nice evening.

The next day we all loaded up and headed to the beach. The kids, well most of the kids, had a great time. The babies (Andrew and Ryan) were not too fond of the sand. I was really surprised to see Todd out in the water. He got stung by something when he was younger and still has the scar on his arm. He ended up having as much fun as the kids. After the beach and an hour of "quiet time, " we loaded up and headed on an adventure (we got lost on the way) to ride on a dolphin cruise. It was really hard to get a good picture of the dolphins, they are so quick and fast! The kids enjoyed seeing the dolphins so close. .

The next day, Ben had wanted to take the little boys inshore fishing, but we woke up to a loud thunderstorm, so the fishing trip was cancelled and rescheduled for the next day. The Mommy's left the kids with the Daddies and we headed to the outlet mall. Boy, I have never been so tired in all my life. That place is huge!! I wish that I had had a lot of money to get the kids some school clothes. All the Daddies had shirts that match for their fishing trip, they say Trollin' with my Homies! So we thought that the little boys needed matching shirts, so we found some shark shirts with matching sun visors for them. They are so cute! When we got back, the guys had been fishing with the kids on the pier, near our cabin. We walked out and talked with them for a bit and then when we were about to head back to start dinner, Savannah caught the biggest fish of the day. She was so excited, but did not want to touch the fish!

The next day, was the big day for the "guys"!! The little boys were so excited to get to go fishing. They all were able to catch some fish and the captain even took them out in the ocean. Zach had the time of his life. They were able to catch Mackerel. When we cooked it, you would have thought that those boys had NEVER had fish before. They thought that they were big stuff since they were able to provide dinner for most of us.

Thanks Mr. Ben, Zach had a WONDERFUL time!

After the boys got back from their fishing trip, we went to Tacky Jacks for lunch. Morgan had been dying to go there! I was not that impressed, but the atmosphere was good.

That afternoon Alicia, Eva, and I took the girl's to the souvenir shops. Morgan picked out a t-shirt and Savannah got a hair wrap. They enjoyed the time without the boys!

The next day was the big boys fishing trip. I have nothing to show for it because they all forgot the cameras. They said that they had an OK time. They had more fun when they took the boys the day before. Funny how your idea of fun changes when you get older and have kids. On this morning, I was woke up to the words "ALLIGATOR!!" Remember the picture up above about not feeding the alligator? Well we all thought it was there just as a warning, you know just in case. Well, my kids had been fishing and swimming in the lake and this is what I saw when Alicia woke me up.

We took the kids to the beach to play for the morning and then we went back to the cabin for lunch and "quiet time!" After the guys got back we all got cleaned up and went to the beach out at Fort Morgan. There was only a few people out there and we got some pretty good pictures. The kids also had a great time catching hermit crabs and finding shells.

On Friday, we went back to Fort Morgan and rode the ferry to Dolphin Island. The kids did not enjoy it as much as we thought that they would. But it was something to do. After the ferry, we went out to Billy's Seafood to get some shrimp for our Low Boil that night. We even got to see some dolphins while we were out there.

This picture shows where the water level from several hurricanes damaged Billy's. The other pic we think is beach mice that we saw on the side of the road near our cabin.

The last day we took it easy. We went to a little park in Orange Beach and grilled hamburgers and then the kids and Daddies went swimming. After the park, we went over to the beach for a little bit to look shells. I didn't really get any good pictures. They all turned out blurry. We had a really nice and relaxing time. It was a nice way to end the trip.

Todd was under the pier playing with Andrew.

On Sunday, after we got everything packed up we stopped at Lu Lu's for lunch. This is our annual close to the vacation.

We had a great time and hope that we can do it again next year. It was nice to get away and not think about the problems of everyday life. We enjoyed the time with our closest friends.

Catch Up

2009-07-02T06:19:00.002-05:00

We dropped the girls off at camp on Sunday! We were a little worried about Savannah because she would tell us that she had butterflies in her tummy. Well, it has been almost a week and that little stinker has been fine! She called and left us a message the first night, but that has been it! When we were getting ready to leave, she had already made a friend and was ignoring us! I am so glad, but I am also sad at the same time. I am sad that she is old enough to go to camp, but happy that she is doing well.

Morgan called once and said that it was so HOT and that she was really tired. This is Morgan's second year going, so we were not that worried about her, since she knew what to expect. Morgan is the one that I think gets a little homesick! She loves camp so much though!

Zachary got his first taste of camp this year. My little brother, Rett, had been going to the FC (Florida College) camp like the girls, but they found another camp that is A LOT closer! The camp, Back Woods Christian Camp, has a one night camp for the younger kids called, June Bug. My parents and brother went to help, so they took Zach along. He thought that he was something big! He had a great time, from wondering the camp in the middle of the night (crazy boy) to making a tye-dyed mud shirt. He cannot wait to go next year! He will also be old enough to go to FC Camp, so if he goes, Todd and I are thinking about being Counselors, but hopefully we will be getting a classroom together for Todd!

Well, Todd has been laid off for a week. He has gotten a lot of stuff done around the house. He got all the metal junk out from behind his shed, he has got the van running, cleaned out and washed. He even cut our neighbors grass since he has been out of town! Today he is going to clean out the Tahoe and get it looking nice again. Those limestone roads in Florida, to his Grandparents house are awful! I think that he is realizing that being home is not everything that it is cracked up to be.

I have been packing for the beach! I want to make sure that we have everything that we need, so that we don't have to go pick up "stuff" when we get there. I am actually glad that we have had this planned for over a year, and we have already paid most of our part for the Condo. I think that it will be nice to GET AWAY and spend time together and have fun. It will be good for us considering the situation and since school will be starting soon.

I think that my theme is going to be "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems!" Except that I will wear shoes because I can't stand dirty feet and I will wear a shirt for obvious reasons, I just want the NO PROBLEMS part!!

The girls will be home tomorrow! Believe it or not, I can't wait! They are riding back with my brother and sister-in-law! I am glad because it is about a 6 hour trip from Prattville.

Zach and Landon are going to spend the day at my parents house, swimming. I hope that I am able to get the packing close to an end before I have to wash the girls clothes from the past week. Never know though, I have not been sleeping well, so this might be the best time to try to catch up!

I will try to update more often, I just have not felt like it much lately!

Sometimes You Don't Want to be the Chosen One

2009-06-25T04:59:00.002-05:00

We were informed Monday that Todd's work was going to laying off up to 8 people. I have tried to put it out of my mind and not let the worry and concern consume me. I did an OK job at it, but yesterday afternoon was another story.

The news that we did not want to hear was given to Todd. He had been laid off! On his birthday! His employer has been very nice and sympathetic about the situation.
Todd has been very positive about everything, but I think that is because he knows that I am a worrier, since the reason that I am up at 4:00 in the morning!

Todd was going to actually have to quit before school started back anyway, because he has to work at the Child Development Center at the school for one of his classes. He was going to quit after he got his student loan refund, however!!

The great thing is that we have several friends that have connections that maybe able to get Todd and job (fingers crossed.)

The girls are going to camp this next week and are super excited about that! I am not so excited about the drive to camp, but it will be OK!

The next week, after the girls get home, we are planning on going to the beach with the Goffs and Warners! We have been planning this trip for a year! We have all chipped in for a cottage at the State Park! We may have to ax some of the things that we had planned to do while down there and just enjoy the beach! Not exactly as we had planned, but that is life, right. If we had not already paid for part of the cottage, we probably would not go, but we also have made a commitment with two other families! This maybe the cheapest vacation that we have ever taken.

Oh well, I guess that I have gotten somethings off my chest, maybe I will be able to take a nap this afternoon. Todd will be home after all!!

I will try to post later about Todd's birthday and what we have been up to the past week.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODD!!

2009-06-24T06:23:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to You!You are a GREAT daddy!
You know how to crack us up!!

You are still a kid at heart!

You are my BEST friend!

Happy Birthday, Todd! I hope that you have a wonderful day. Thanks for all that you do for me and our family! I could not have asked for a better husband! You are a great example for our children! I LOVE YOU!!

Looky Looky!

2009-06-23T10:07:00.003-05:00

Look what I got for $1.50!

I can't believe it! I saw this deal here

http://www.forthemommas.com/riteaid/rite-aid-3999-freebie! When I got to the Rite Aid in Millbrook, they were out of the straw looking umbrella, so the manager said that he would give me 2 of the cheaper ones to equal the price of the straw one! I would have been happy with one, but I am STOKED about 2! These will be perfect for our beach vacation!

First Walgreens Trip

2009-06-20T12:01:00.003-05:00

Thanks to my sister-in-law, Jennifer, who mailed me the coupons that I was unable to print I was able to save a ton of money at Walgreens today!

The Walgreens in Prattville did not let me do what I was supposed to do, but I still got a good deal. The Walgreens in Millbrook did let me use all the coupons even though the coupon was for more than the item actually cost. At the Walgreens in Prattville, I still got three roll-ons for $1.22! Not Bad!!

They were out of the deodorant that was on sale so they subbed the roll-on that I had coupons for! I got 7 deodorants, 2 bottles of sunlight, and 2 disposable camera (the girls need them for camp for $10. That was going to 2 Walgreens. I am very excited about my deal. I just hope that we like the roll-on!!

Surprise Thursday

2009-06-19T11:11:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I was being lazy (my kids had spent the night with my parents) when I got a phone call from my sister-in-law, Jennifer. She wanted to know if her and Brooks could come down for the day and visit! Well, of course!!! I so enjoyed the time that I got to squeeze his little fatness until the kids got home and I had to share!!

He is so precious! Here are a few pics that I snapped while they were here.

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-06-17T10:36:00.003-05:00

Slashing the Bill at Publix

2009-06-15T07:02:00.003-05:00

When the kids got home yesterday, we loaded up and headed to Publix! I hear all the time that they are so expensive, but I don't really spend any more there than I did at Wal-Mart. At Publix, I get better service and I rarely have to wait in line. They even take the bags to the car!

After searching for coupons, and looking at the sales, we walked into the store with a stack of coupons and the hope of a lower grocery bill! I had not been to the store (really shopping) in about 2 weeks, so we were really out of EVERYTHING!

At the check out my total was $256.91
I used $39.29 in coupons
Advertised special equaled $47.18
Advantage Buy Savings $5.99
Final Total $164.45

I saved a total of $92.46

I am very excited! I saved almost $100!!!

I think that is the only time that Todd actually enjoyed going to the grocery store! I can't wait until my next trip!

Wednesday!

2009-06-11T06:16:00.003-05:00

Our week has been very uneventful. I have been helping Alicia with VBS since Sunday night, so that is keeping us busy and tired. It has also been good for me and Todd. We have had many conversations about our faith, the Bible, and our beliefs. I am sure that was not the goal of this particular church, but it has defiantly had a positive influence on us.

As you know from the last post, I have been really researching ways to shop for less on groceries. It seems like we go through more groceries during the summer, so I am trying to become more frugal. I have read up on things like making your own laundry detergent, fabric softener, cleaning products. The kids ask if we are going back to Pioneer Times, and I tell them that I love my cell phone and computer too much for that, but close. I will let you know how these things work out when/if I try them. I like the idea because, I will know what is in the products because I make them myself. Not only will they be healthy for my family, but also more green for the environment. If it saves us money that is a GOOD THING!

Yesterday, when Zach woke up he said that he smelled donuts and wanted to know if we could go to Donut Heaven. Well, I told him that we could make our own donuts! He thought that I was crazy! I remember my Mom making these when I was younger, so I gave it a try! The kids thought that it was so neat. I am sure the breakfast of fried dough and sugar, frosting, and sprinkles, was not the best way to start off the day, but it was fun, and we don't do it everyday. It is actually pretty easy. Here's what we did.

Yesterday I also had a conversation with Zach that I thought was really funny, I might be the only one, but it was the mind of a child.

me: Zach, you need to clean up your room before Mrs. Christy brings Seth and Jordan over.

Zach: yes ma'am

me: Zach, you need to make up your bed too!

Zach: Why do I have to make up my bed everyday?

me: (not wanting to answer because I said so) Because my Mom made me make up my bed and it makes your room look nice.

Zach: Well, Momma, don't you think that if your Mom was mean to you, you should be nice to your children!!

me: laughing, laughing, laughing, make up your bed.

I could not even respond the way that I wanted because all I could think about was that I was so mean because he had to make up his bed, which by the way takes like 30 seconds!! I cannot wait to remind him of this conversation when he has kids. I wonder if they will have to make up their beds?

I am looking forward to the weekend. The kids are going to Dothan, Todd has to go to ASU and take the Praxis, and we hope to recover from this past week.

Look What I Saved!!

2009-06-06T11:10:00.004-05:00

Look at the stuff that I got at Publix for $17.12, when my actual total was $41.27!! I am so excited! I have been doing research on using coupons and how to shop and buy the things that we need for less!! Today we need a few things and I gathered the coupons that I have been saving and we headed out! For those of you who don't know, Publix will take other store's coupons as long as they sell that product.

Vendor Coupons $4.10
Store Coupons $20.00
Advertised Special Savings $11.92
Advantage Buy Savings $4.34
TOTAL SAVINGS $40.36

This is really exciting to me. I can't wait to go shopping next week and to see how well I do!! Todd was really proud too!

Todd & Vaughn plus 5

2009-06-05T21:29:00.002-05:00

I offered to keep Landon and Andrew for the weekend, while Ben and Alicia went to Bama Jam. They have never been on a honeymoon or anywhere overnight without their kids, so I thought that it would be fun for Zach to have his friend spend the weekend with him. So far so good. We are actually surviving with extra kids.

Todd didn't have to work today (good for us, not good for the paycheck!) He did do a lot of work today, however. He remowed the front yard from yesterday, mowed the back yard, edged and weed-eated, mowed Ben and Alicia's front and back yard. Tomorrow he said that he is going to go over and edge and weed-eat for them. What a good neighbor he is!

Well, we are exhausted, so after all these children get baths, we are heading to bed!!

Cheap Cheap

2009-06-04T20:10:00.004-05:00

I woke up not feeling very well this morning. After I got Todd off to work, I went back to bed. The kids let me sleep in (more TV time for them). Not long after I got up, Christy called to let me know that she was getting ready to bring Andrew over. I had agreed to keep him when she couldn't. The weather was kind of rainy here so I was not sure what to do with the kids. I finally decided to go through their Honor Roll coupons and see what we could do. Here is a list of the things that we used coupons on today.

3 blockbuster videos---FREE!
2 chick-fil-a sandwhiches---FREE!
1 chick-fil-a kids meal---FREE!
3 small fries from McDonald's---FREE!
1 kids meal from Taco Bell---FREE!

Needless to Morgan, Savannah, Zach and Andrew all ate pretty well for lunch. I got an $.89 burrito. Not bad, huh!!

The kids also played the Wii some this afternoon. Not a very exciting day, but it was the best I could do this week on my budget!

Late Wednesday Post

2009-06-04T10:48:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was a catch up day for us. I had gotten behind on several things around the house and decided that we needed to take a day and get caught up. I got a lot of things done that I had been putting off. Unfortunately, there is always more for me to do today.

Last night, we went to Sonic for the FREE ROOT BEER FLOATS! The kids thought it was great, but everyone else in Prattville thought it was a good idea too. Boy, was it crazy!

That is about all we did yesterday and I am not sure what the day holds today other than laundry! I am gonna keep Andrew at 1:00 and Landon wants me to pick him up this afternoon, so he and Zach can play.

A New Summer Week

2009-06-02T21:29:00.008-05:00

The kids a great time with my parents over the weekend. They swam and swam and went to the movies and swam some more. They had a great time!!

Today, I was not 100% sure what I was going to do with the kids, I decided that we would pack a lunch and go back to the creek in Millbrook. Christy and her kids (and Andrew), met us there and we let the kids play. Christy and set our chairs up at the edge of the creek and enjoyed the nice cool water on our feet and the soft trickle of the moving water ( and the screams of playing kids!)

After the creek, the kids and I headed to Bass Pro Shop to their Summer Fun Family Seminars. The kids had a good time learning how to bird watch, fishing basics, insect and plant saftey, and shooting basics. For each seminar that they listen to and fill in the activity book, they get a cute little pin. We completed four of the eight today. It was neat and something fun to do.

After Bass Pro Shop, we came home and waited for Todd to come home and we headed over to the Clark's (and the Jolie Kid's) house to swim. Teresa and Frank are some friends that we made from baseball. We enjoy hanging out with them. All of the kids had a good time and Todd and I enjoyed the company.

We got home around 8:00 and luckily I had put a roast in the crock pot to make a great recipe that I got from my friend Vicki ( check out From My Kitchen To Yours under Reflections). It was a huge hit and even little Miss Picky Savannah ate it up.

Well, the end to another busy day. Tomorrow, I "plan" to clean house and do laundry. We will see how that goes.

Back to Iraq

2009-06-01T07:06:00.002-05:00

Please keep Todd's brother, Troy and his family in your prayers. Troy was deployed before to Iraq for a year and a half and now he is going to be gone for about a year. His wife and three kids are in Alaska. Please pray for his safety and for all of those in our military. Also, please pray for his wife and kids, that they will be strong during this time while being so far away from family.

Slippery Sunday Afternoon

2009-05-31T21:17:00.004-05:00

What do three grown adults do on a sunny Sunday afternoon?

I was just the picture taker since I have not been feeling well!!

Need Your Prayers Again!

2009-05-31T10:20:00.003-05:00

My Dad called me yesterday morning and told me that my Grandmother had to be taken to the hospital because she was having difficulty breathing Friday afternoon. My Grandma had breast cancer some odd years ago and because of the chemo, has never quite been the same Grandma, as far as physical ability. I talked to her yesterday and she sounded good and was hoping to hear something from the doctors that evening. I was planning on going to the hospital today, but I woke up with a head cold/sinus junk and don't want to risk sharing with her or Grandaddy. Please remember my Grandma and Grandaddy in your prayers.

Baseball and Parties

2009-05-31T09:48:00.006-05:00

Yesterday was Zach's last baseball game in the Single A League. He moves up next year to machine pitch, and he is really excited about it. Despite the fact that there were a few bumps in the road, I think that overall we had a good season. Today's game was the closest game that we have had. The boys really rallied together and almost won the game. It sure made for one exciting game. All of the boys got a game ball for all the improvements that they have made throughout the year and for their hard work.

Here is a picture of the score board when we were

actually winning. 16-15.....We ended up losing by a few points.

It was a great game.

After, the game, Morgan and Savannah went home with my Mom and we headed to the YMCA for Zach's baseball party. The boys had a great time eating pizza and cake and getting their trophies. Coach David also had other awards for the boys to get. The parents voted on MVP and it was a tie, so the coaches also voted and it was a tie again, so Zach and Jaden both got the MVP award. Zach also got two ribbons for each of his TRIPLE plays! He was very excited. He had a great season and seemed to really have fun. Todd and I are really proud of him.

Holding his regular trophy and his MVP award.

Todd also got a coach's gift. A picture of the team

and all the boys signed their names on the photo mat.

He said it was one of his favorite coaches gifts.

Zach sliding down the red slide.

After the baseball party, we stayed at the Y for Seth's party, which was right after the baseball party. Zach had a great time at Seth's party and enjoyed playing with him in the pool. After the party Todd and I met my Mom and the girls in Verbena and Zach headed off to Clanton to swim some more, I am sure. I know that the kids will have a great time, swimming, doing art projects and exploring the woods.

On our way back to Prattville, we stopped in Marbury, Alicia and Ben invited us to a School's Out Party that their church was having, so we stopped by and hung out with them for a while. We also played a fun game of non regulation, get it over the net however you can volleyball!

Wow what a day!!!

Summer 2009 Day 5/Luau

2009-05-29T22:47:00.005-05:00

There is not much to talk about today. The kids and I cleaned up while Todd was at work. Tomorrow after Zach's game the kids are going to stay with my parents until Monday, so I had them go ahead and do most of there Saturday morning chores. When Todd got off we ran errands like we usually do.

Tonight, the kids stayed with Ben and Alicia while we went to the AUM School of Education Annual Luau. We had a good time. It was really funny to see many of our Professors cutting loose. Here are some pics from the evening.

THE HIGHLIGHT..............

I got a kiss from AUBIE!!!! For those of you that don't know, I LOVE AUBIE!!! We had fun, it was something different to do for a date night.

This is Nova.

An Owl

Me and Todd with Nova

Aubie playing the drums

ME and AUBIE

Todd and I down by Lake Martin

Us again!

this is some art that

Todd's class helped to paint

Summer 2009 Day 4

2009-05-28T20:44:00.004-05:00

OK, first of all, I am not counting the weekend as "summer days." I am just counting the days that it is just the kids and I, because those to me are truly summer days.

Today Todd and I had to work for the School of Education Annual Luau. If you work 8 hours, helping to set up, you were given a "free" ticket to the Luau. We thought that would be a fun free date. All of the volunteers got so much done today that we did not even have to work our 8 hours. We were able to leave early! I am looking forward to tomorrow night, I think that we will really have a great time.

My friend, Christy kept the kids today. She took them to the park and to the YMCA to swim. They had a great time. Today is also her son's birthday, Happy 7th Birthday Seth!!

Tonight, Zach had a baseball game and he played great, even though he was not feeling well! He struck out once, but had great hits the rest of the game. Believe it or not, he also made another TRIPLE PLAY!! Can you believe it? No one out on the field could believe it. He caught the ball and the player that was on third took off for home, he tagged the runner from second and then tagged the plate to get all three runners out!! He got another game ball. He was a real trooper, he was really tired and not feeling well!! Our last game is Saturday, with the party Saturday afternoon. The boys played a GREAT game. We did lose, but we actually led them game for a little while.

Summer 2009 Day 3

2009-05-28T16:46:00.004-05:00

Well, yesterday I was offered free admission to Wonder World Family Fun Center here in Prattville, and the best thing was that they were actually closed, but they were going to let us come in. Boy, did we feel special having the place to ourselves. We had a wonderful time. We played kick ball and the kids skated and played on the big inflatable slide, and I read some of my F. Scott Fitzgerald Short Stories. It was so much fun!!

Afterwards, we went to the park in Millbrook, and the kids found this little creek that went right through the park. We really had a good day and I enjoyed playing with the kids. They can't wait to go back to the park and play in the creek.

Day #3 was a success!!

Memorial Day Weekend and Summer Day 2!

2009-05-26T18:45:00.004-05:00

Todd and I bought tickets to go to Jubilee Cityfest back in February and we had been looking forward to seeing Montgomery Gentry and 3 Doors Down! The kids spent the weekend with Todd's parents in a cabin at Fort Rucker. They came home Monday so excited to tell us about all the things that they had done.

Todd and I braved the rain and went and enjoyed our nights out! Montgomery Gentry put on a GREAT show! I really enjoyed it! 3 Doors was OK. I think that anything following Montgomery Gentry would be a hard act to follow. It was two nights out that we really enjoyed.

Memorial Day was another rainy day. We had thought about going to the river with Ben and Alicia, but because of the rain, no one wanted to get caught out on the water. Instead, we had a low boil over at their house and Christy and Brad and their kids came. The kids had a great time playing outside. We had a nice afternoon and enjoyed the company, as we always do.

Day 2 of summer vacation, was OK, but did not go as planned.

After, our morning routine of flash cards, each child reading out loud, laundry and cleaning, we had planned to go to the library kick off party for the summer reading program, but because of the rain we decided not to go. Instead, I took the kids to Ria's Pizzeria, we had coupons!! (Yeah, for honor roll coupons) and then we walked around Pet's Mart and then we went to Target (needed dog food!!) While we were there we decided to get a 300 piece jigsaw puzzle to do for the afternoon during the rain. We had an OK day. I really need to figure out a way to get the kids to stop fussing. It drives me crazy.

Well, tomorrow we are planning to go to the splash pad in Montgomery and ride the trolleys downtown. Here's hoping for no rain!!

The First Day and the Last Day

2009-05-26T18:31:00.003-05:00

Here are some pics that I wanted to share of Zach and Savannah (I don't have any of Morgan because we home schooled at the beginning of year!) Both of the kids had WONDERFUL teachers and they had a great year!
I can't believe how much they have changed!

Summer 2009 Day 1

2009-05-21T19:08:00.007-05:00

Today was basically the first day of summer vacation. Savannah is going to go to school tomorrow for half a day, so that she truly has perfect attendance, but all things considered I count today as the first day!

I had already decided that our summer days would start off by cleaning up. Whatever needed to be done....rooms straightened, laundry started, all chores need to be complete or close to complete. Then the kids will take turns doing flash cards, Zach and Savannah will do addition and subtraction and Morgan and Savannah will do multiplication. Then the kids will read to me one-two chapters of the book that they have chosen (maybe I can keep up with three different stories!) This is how we started off our day.

Since today was such a nice windy day, I decided to take the kids to Cooter's Pond and fly the kites that we bought last summer. We called some friends of our to see if they wanted to meet us and I called Ben to see if Landon wanted to go. We packed a lunch and headed out, hoping the rain would hold off!

OOPS, I got Savannah's kite stuck in a tree!!

Savannah flying her butterfly kite (see below)

I wonder what they are discussing!

I think that overall, we had a pretty good time. The kids were able to play in the open fields, fly or attempt to fly the kites,and play on the playground. Of course, according to my kids eating outside was one of the highlights of the day.

After we finished up at the park, we headed home and the kids went over and played at Landon's house. They even talked Ben into riding them on the four wheeler!

Zach went to Landon's ballgame with him and after dinner, Todd and I went outside and played baseball with the girls and Todd jumped on the trampoline with them. I am not sure what tomorrow holds for us. I am going to be keeping Andrew and getting the kids packed to go to spend the weekend with the Thayers.

Awards Day

2009-05-20T18:58:00.004-05:00

Savannah had her third grade Awards Day today! I knew that she would be getting two of the awards, but I was surprised when she was called for the Citizenship Award!! It is no surprise that she would receive it because she is a great kid, I just did not know that they were giving it out.

Zach's school did not give out awards, and Morgan missed having A-B honor roll by one C! We are really proud of her though. She has worked really hard this year!

Perfect Attendance

A-B Honor Roll

Citizenship Award

UPDATES

2009-05-08T07:22:00.004-05:00

The pictures above are from a few things that we have done over the last few months. The kids went to my brother and sister-in-laws and spent the night with them. They had a great time. Todd and I went to the Auburn A-day game. There are a few pics of Zach playing ball.

Well, we have fianlly finished Spring semester and not a moment too soon. This semester seemed to be so much busier than normal. We are still waiting on grades, but I am so happy to say that I found out yesterday that I was accepted to the school of Education!! I am so excited and scared! I am going to be taking 18 credit hours in the fall! Several of my classes are easy classes, so I should be ok.

Well, enough about me. Morgan got to go on a field trip to the beach with the club that she is a member of at school. They were gone for 3 days and she had a wonderful time. She did come home sunburnt, but she had a great time and developed new friendships. I know that it is a trip that she will remember for a long time. She has also gotten her paper work for Junior High. I have been putting off filling it out, because I cannot believe that she is going to be in Jr. High. She is excited and nervous, but I think that she will be fine. Sometimes change is good and we have heard very good things about the Jr. High School.

Savannah is continuing her quest to have perfect attendance. So far so good, with only 2 weeks left. I am having a hard time believeing that she is about to be int he fourth grade. Little Savannah!!

Zachary, has been reading, reading, reading!! He is a reading machine. I cannot believe that my little first grader is reading on a 3rd grade level. He is doing really well in school. He is also doing well in baseball, despite not having a great coach. Over that last few weeks,he has hit his first homerun, hit 2 more homeruns and made a TRIPLE PLAY! He is loving baseball. He has given up playing catcher and has been playing 2nd baase. It is really a lot of fun to watch the boys play!

Todd, is now back to working FULL TIME!! He is so glad to be finished with school this semester. He had a class about teaching Reading and boy was it a lot of work.
We are both very happy it is over, but the fact that I still have to take it, is still looming in the background. We are waiting on his grades to post, but I am sure that he is going to do fine. He always does. We are both looking forward to summmer break. Well, that is pretty much the update on the Thayer Family.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZACHARY

2009-05-06T16:49:00.005-05:00

I absolutely cannot believe that my little boy is SEVEN years old today. I am so thankful that we were blessed with him. Zachary Bryan Russell Thayer was born on May 6, 2002. He is the smitten image of his Daddy!

He is a great baseball player (2 home runs last night!), he loves Lego's, and enjoys playing football. He is in the first grade and reads on a 3rd grade level. He LOVES the Army and against my plans for him, aspires to join when he is of age. He is a great little boy and our lives would not be complete without him.

There is something about a mother's love for her son, I can't explain it, but I am so very proud of my son and I can't believe that my baby is 7 today!!

Happy Birthday, Zach!! Daddy and I love you very much!!

Proud Mom

2009-04-29T08:57:00.003-05:00

Well, I have a lot that I want to post, but I don't have the time. Today is th last day of my classes and then it is studying for finals, which start next week. Todd and I will be so glad to see this semester end. It seems like it has been a little harder than normal.

Well, I must take a minute and brag on my baseball playing son!! Within that last week he has made his first homerun and last night he made a TRIPLE PLAY!! He got all three outs in one play, by himself!! I can't even begin to tell you how great it was. He was the star of the night!!
Here is a video of him getting the game ball. I can't wait until his next game.

We Are Still Here

2009-04-22T14:18:00.002-05:00

Well, I know that it has been a long time since I have made a post, but we are so busy. In a few weeks when Todd and I get finished with last minute projects and finals, we will be able to breathe a little better and have time to make some post.

I want to upload pictures of Zach playing ball, and the A-Day game in Auburn, and tell you all about the field trips that the kids have been going on and about their Spring Break, but you will have to wait a few more weeks. (Oh I know that their are so many of you that can't wait!!)

Thanks for your patience

Keep the Prayers Coming

2009-04-07T22:06:00.003-05:00

Please continue to pray for my Mom and our family. My Granddaddy passed away Sunday night.

This is his obituary from the Montgomery Advertiser.

YORK, Charles Edward, Sr., 86, a resident of Millbrook, AL, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2009. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Leak-Memory Chapel with Rev. Rhon Carleton officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM on Thursday. Mr. York graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS degree in Civil Engineering and was the founder and President of York Engineering Company. He was also Past Master of Oak Park Lodge F & AM 864 and Past Potentate of Alcazar Shrine Temple in 1970. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Agnew York and Fannie Hurst York. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Hardeman York; daughters, Candace Vaughan of Elba, AL, Barbara Dunkin of Pike Road, AL, Brenda Terry of Atlanta, GA, Lisa Russell of Clanton, AL, Valerie Painter of Trussville, AL; son, Charles York, Jr. of Cecil, AL; stepdaughter, Jennifer McClendon; sister, Margaret York Holloway of Pike Road, AL; fourteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers will be his grandsons, Reid Terry, David Finch, Jr., Lane Finch, Loren Russell, Cody Russell, and Rett Russell. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be sent to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, Florida, 33607. Leak-Memory Chapel Directing

Prayers for My Family

2009-04-04T19:06:00.004-05:00

I would like for you to remember my family and keep them in your prayers, espically my Mom. My Granddad is in the hospital and is not doing well. He is at the point where we pray that he is comfortable. I can't imangine how hard it is on my Mom and my Aunts and Uncle, and Patti (his wife). For this reason, I ask that you please add the York Family to your prayer list and pray that they may find some kind of peace and comfort during this hard time.

A Wonderful GiveAway!!

2009-03-30T22:24:00.002-05:00

My friend Becky is hosting a wonderful give away. Head on over to her blog and check it out!!

Menu Monday!

2009-03-09T08:44:00.002-05:00

Monday
Brown Sugar Chicken
rice
broccoli

Tuesday
Lasagna
salad

Wednesday
tater tot casserole
green beans

Thursday
London Broil
mashed potatoes

Friday
Make your pizza

Well, if Todd and I can make it through this week, we will have Spring Break next week. With Spring Break, comes the chance to catch up on school work, do observations and start on a 12 page research paper. Not much of a break, but Todd willbe able to work full time and we won't have to go to AUM, and we should not have any new assignments.

Better Late Than Never

2009-03-05T19:27:00.007-06:00

Much to my surprise we woke up to snow Sunday morning. Actually part of the surprise came when the phone was ringing at the crack of dawn. Alicia was calling to tell me to get up and look at the snow. I was really surprised by the amount that we had gotten during the night! I was also surprised by how there can be tornadoes one day and then snow the next. Well, we had decided to visit a different church that morning, but after seeing the amount of snow and hearing that the some of bridges were iced over, we decided to stay home.

We had a great time enjoying the snow. Todd and Ben had a brilliant idea to get on the roof and make snow angels. Well, long story short. Todd jumped off the ladder while coming down and twisted his knee. I guess boys will ALWAYS be boys.

Well, we spent most of the morning playing in the snow and coming in to warm up and drinking hot chocolate.

Well, it did not take long for the snow to start melting, so we decided to venture out and get breakfast. We ended up at Cracker Barrel and in our true fashion we ALL met there, Christy and Brad minus their kids (they were with their Grandma) and Ben and Alica and family. We of course had a great time and at this point thought that the snow had stopped and was melting.

Well, boy were we wrong. After an hour after we got home this is what we saw. Needless to say, we did not get back out on the rodes again. We just went out in the backyard and had snowball fights.

We ended our fun day at Pri-Med for Todd's knee. He basically just sprained it really bad. The doctor gave him three different meds. He missed school on Monday and work on Tuesday because the meds knock him OUT. I hope that this is lesson learned, but I am sure there will be another story next time.

There has not been any other events worth noting. Todd and I are trying to survive our school work and juggle family life and activities. If I do not post much over the next few weeks, it is because I have an 8-10 page research paper and a 4 page research paper in another class. This goes along with all the other regular assignments that I have.

I just keep telling myself that it will all be worth it one day, right?

Friday

2009-02-27T08:48:00.005-06:00

This week had been one crazy week. I would like to say that I am looking forward to the weekend, but I see no rest for the weary!!

Zachary started baseball practice this week. His coach plans to offer practice 4 times a week. I say offer because I just don't feel that a 6 year old needs to practice more than 2 times a week. Last year, Zach got where he did not want to go to practice. Monday night, Wednesday night, Friday night, and sometime Saturday or the times that he has planned for practice. Well, we will not be going on Wednesday and I am not sure about Saturdays. I think that we forget that we are dealing with young kids here. We are not expecting major league performance (you can only get that using steroids anyway, right?)

Well, other than baseball, the usual has been going on. Morgan has been working on a Black History PowerPoint project all week. I am uploading a video of her presentation. She worked really hard on it and she did a great job.

On Tuesday, we had a King cake. I learned about Madi Gras when I was in the fourth grade and I have always wanted to go. I thought that having a King Cake would be fun to do with the kids. Savannah picked the piece with the baby in it.

Morgan is having spend the night company tonight and I have a lot of homework to do and I am sure that Todd does too. I have a research paper to do in Child and Adolescence Growth and Development (feel free to forward your already done papers to me!!) and a presentation in Educational Technologies and a mid-term in Lit. Can you here my brain screaming??

Here are a few extra pictures. One is a picture of Scrabble Cheez-Its that Zach spelled his name with one day when he was sick. The other one is a picture of Savannah on Valentine's Day. Christy gave her the "pillowcase" dress. She was so cute.

Well, here is wishing for snow on Sunday!! Can't wait!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Momma!!

2009-02-24T22:30:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday To You

Happy Birthday Dear Momma

Happy Birthday To You

Menu Monday

2009-02-23T18:59:00.003-06:00

Well, as if anyone is interested in what my family will be eating this week, here goes nothing.

Monday
chicken thigh pie (rachel ray recipe)
salad

Tuesday
Hot Dogs
French fries
baked beans

Wednesday
Baked pork chops
rice
green beans

Thursday
sweet and sour meatballs w/noodles

Friday
BBQ Sammies

A Sick Little Boy!

2009-02-18T08:50:00.003-06:00

When I went to pick up the kids from school yesterday, Zach got in the car and started crying. This was unusual, so I tried to decipher what he was saying. Finally, I got him calmed down enough and found out that he was saying that he wanted to go to sleep. By this time I had gotten a good look at him and I could tell that be was not feeling well at all. I decided that I would go ahead and take him to the doctor. Well, after a chest x-ray, a flu test (he did have a flue shot), and a strep test, the conclusion was that maybe it was just the start of an ear infection. I was really surprised. I was thinking that he had strep the way that his fever spiked. Well, the doctor said to keep him home today (even though he seems fine now.) Luckily for me, I did not have class this morning and my American Lit. professor is very understanding.

Todd did have school this morning and he has to teach this afternoon at Davis Elementary. I will be so glad when he finishes school and (HOPEFULLY) can get a better job. On the days that he works, he comes home so tired and then still has studying or homework to do plus he helps the kids with homework and reads to Zach. I am very proud of him for sticking with it and finishing school. I don't know how he has been able to work and go to school for the last 3 or 4 years, but he has...........He is a SUPERDAD and SUPERHUSBAND!!!!

Menus Monday and More

2009-02-16T11:35:00.002-06:00

Well, our week has began again. That usually means back to school for all of us, but not this week. The kids are out of school today, but Todd and I still had class. Luckily for us, I had a test this morning, so I was able to leave and come home until my afternoon class, then Ana will come and stay with the kids like she does every Monday.

Our weekend was basically the same old thing. On Friday night, we did have the Goff's and the Locke's over for dinner and Phase 10! We had a blast. I look forward to the next time that we all get together. Saturday, was basically a lazy day. Todd "worked" on school work and the kids played. On Saturday night we did watch movies, but I had to go to bed early because I had a very bad headache all day.

Well, here is our menu for the week.

Monday
chicken crescent casserole
green beans

Tuesday
Spaghetti with Zesty Bolognese
garlic bread
salad

Wednesday
baked chicken fingers
pineapple casserole

Thursday
chili

Friday
breakfast

25 Random Things About Me!

2009-02-11T13:52:00.003-06:00

I was tagged on Facebook so I thought that I would post it on here too! These are in no certain order!
1. I have a major fear of heights.
2. I am afraid to fail. (I still need to apply to the school of ed.)
3. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a mother.
4. My favorite color is green.
5. My favorite number is 5.
6. I have a hard time sleeping in. I always have to get up for a little while and then go back to bed.
7. I cannot stand to hear people smack when they eat. (just ask my kids)
8. I tend to get a little jealous when it comes to my hubby!
9. I love to read, I just don't have time anymore.
10. My favorite movie is Sweet Home Alabama.
11. I am a lover of children's books. I cannot go into a book store without spending $30-$40.
12. I have ALWAYS wanted to be a teacher, and I am planning on getting my Masters in Administration.
13. I just recently discovered that I love crab! Joe's Crab Shack is our favorite place to go with friends.
14. Christy and I have a standing date for lunch on Tuesday, but we usually go out on Thursday too!
15. I just got a GPS and I have it tell me directions to the kid's schools. (Goofy I know!!)
16. Next year I will have a child in Jr. High.
17. I have 2 bassett hounds
18. I love college high school and college football.
19. I like nascar. I got tickets to Talladega for my birthday a few years ago.
20. I DO NOT like scary movies.
21. I am so in love with my husband.
22. I have great friends.
23. I love my kids.
24. I cannot wait for our summer vacation this year.
25. I passed the Alabama Potential Teacher Test!!

Our Anniversary Weekend

2009-02-08T12:55:00.005-06:00

Todd and I were able to celebrate our 13th anniversary this weekend. We started by meeting Todd's parents in Troy to drop off the kids. We headed back to Montgomery and went to one of our favorite restaurants, Carrabba's!

Saturday, we decided to give our new GPS a try and find us a "hole in the wall" restaurant for lunch! Well, after driving around for 2 hours (some of the places were closed or no longer open) we went to this local BBQ place called Sam's BBQ! We were really happy with our choice! We have found a new place that we like!

Well after lunch, we decided to go to a matinee and see Mall Cop! It was pretty funny, I think it might have been more of a guy movie, but I enjoyed it.

After the movie I had mention to Todd about going to the driving range. He really enjoys playing golf and very rarely gets the chance to go, so I thought that he would enjoy shagging some balls! He had a pretty good time.

Well after the driving range went to Outback (our usual Anniversary restaurant) and shared a steak! We had great service and our food was great!

Well, here it is Sunday and the kids will be home soon and Todd and I are cleaning house and working on homework! I guess that things are back to the old grind! I really had a great time this weekend. It is good to know that after 13 years we still enjoy spending time together.

Visit with Brooks!

2009-02-08T12:46:00.002-06:00

I really enjoyed my visit with Jennifer and Brooks Friday! Brooks is doing great! He is almost back to his birth weight! Jennifer has had a few problems but is doing good! Please remember to keep the new parents in your prayers.

More pics of Brooks

2009-02-03T08:46:00.002-06:00

I can't help, but share all the pictures he is so cute. I am going to try to go see him Friday, so there will be more pictures!!

Menu Monday!

2009-02-02T21:56:00.001-06:00

Monday
Tater tot casserole (with pureed carrots and cauliflower)
English peas
Corn

Tuesday
Lasagna (with pureed cauliflower and sweet potatoes)
Salad

Wednesday
Grilled chicken
Grilled veggies
Black eyed peas

Thursday
Tacos (with pureed with butternut squash)

I am also going to make blueberry cheesecake cupcakes with yellow squash puree and spinach puree! (not sure how these are going to taste) and also banana bread with pureed cauliflower!

Right now this is so much fun, I am getting Savannah to eat all kinds of things that she normally would turn her nose up at!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

2009-02-01T11:43:00.005-06:00

Today is our 13 year anniversary! I must say that even though we have had our ups and downs, I am glad that we have pushed through and made it 13 years!three beautiful children to show for it! I know that our love will continue to grow more and more each year.

Todd has to write a journal in one of his classes and in one of his entries he wrote 13 things about my wife, so I have done the same thing. I have also posted his at the bottom.

Here are my "13 things that I love about Todd." Mushy I know, but it is our anniversary!

1. I love that Todd is a man of God.

2. I love that Todd works hard to support his family.

3. I love that Todd is a great Dad. (he reads to the kids every night and puts them to bed.)

4. I love that Todd is working hard to finish school, so that he will have a good job.

5. I love that Todd has persuaded me to go back to school.

6. I love that Todd convinces me to watch movies that I don’t think that I would like, because I end up liking them anyway.

7. I love that Todd very rarely loses his cool, unlike me! We balance each other that way.

8. I love that Todd has supported me with every crazy and wacky idea that I have had.

9. I love that Todd has agreed to try anything that I cook at least once.

10. I love that Todd knows how much I hate the Military Channel and waits until I am asleep to watch it.

11. I love that Todd helps out around the house when he is asked to, without complaining.

12. I love that Todd is a caring and kind man. Just the kind of man that I hope my girls marry
and my son grows up to be like.

13. I love that Todd laughs at my jokes no matter how corny they are.

Here are Todd’s 13 things:

1. She is a loving and caring wife.

2. She takes care of the house and keeps it in order.

3. She cares about the children’s education.

4. She volunteers for everything even if she does not have time.

5. She is persistent on finishing her degree.

6. She is computer savvy where I am not.

7. She makes sure the kids and I are fed a wholesome and nutritious breakfast, lunch ,and
dinner.

8. She has stuck with me through thick and thin.

9. What she lacks in patience allows her not to be run over by other people.

10. She likes going to the races with me.

11. She enjoys traveling and seeing new places.

12. She gets along with my mom.

13. She stands beside me no matter how crazy the idea is that I get in my head.

Brooks Paul Russell

2009-01-30T21:58:00.004-06:00

Brooks Paul Russell was born at Brookwood Medical Center at 12:23 this afternoon. He weighed 8lbs 3oz. He was 21inches long. Jennifer and Brooks are doing good, just tired from their big day! He is so precious!

He is here!

2009-01-30T12:54:00.003-06:00

I just got the call!! BROOKS PAUL RUSSELL is here! He weighed in at 8 lbs and was 21 inches long! Everyone is doing good! You know that I will have pictures to post tonight when I get home! We are on our way to check out the kids and head to Birmingham! I am so excited!!

Prayer Request

2009-01-30T09:05:00.003-06:00

My brother and his wife Jennifer are on their way to the hospital right now to have their first baby. The C-Section is scheduled for 12:15! We are heading up to Birmingham around 1:00! I am so excited. Please keep them in your prayers today!

Thankful Thursday

2009-01-29T09:19:00.004-06:00

I am thankful and excited that tomorrow I will be an Aunt again!
(my brother, Loren and his wife are having their first baby tomorrow!)

I am thankful that I don't have school again until Monday.

I am thankful that I was able to drop Elementary Statistics.

I am thankful that there is a teacher at AUM that is willing to help me prepare for the math class that I have to take!

I am thankful that there were no leftovers last night after our first dinner with hidden veggies!

I am thankful that I was able to sneak in butternut squash and bananas into breakfast....undetected!

I am thankful that I have a wonderful husband, that is willing to help out at home after a long day at work or school.

I am thankful that Todd and I have some extra time together since we ride to school together on Monday and Wednesday.

I am thankful that I have great friends!

I am thankful that I have not had a serious headache since I have gotten my glasses!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-01-28T18:26:00.003-06:00

ALL STEAMED OUT!

2009-01-27T22:15:00.005-06:00

These are the three pureed veggies!

I stopped by the store this afternoon and pick up some carrots, butternut squash, and some sweet potatoes. I was excited about concealing new veggies in our meals! Well, cooking the vegetables was easy, as was the pureeing part! I made pancakes with sweet potatoes. I had Todd taste them and he said that they were good! I also mixed the carrot and the squash puree into a pizza casserole that I made for tomorrow night! Todd tasted the sauce and said that he could not taste anything out of the ordinary! This makes me feel pretty good because he does not eat cooked carrots! We will see what the kids say tomorrow.

Deceptively Delicious?? We will see!

2009-01-27T15:47:00.003-06:00

I have been wanting this book since I saw Jessica on the Today Show! I noticed that my friend Vicki also uses vegetable purees hidden in food! I can't wait to can't started. I hope that it helps my picky little eater that ALWAYS has a tummy ache! I will let you know if I can sneak some veggies past Savannah!

Week in Review

2009-01-24T10:09:00.005-06:00

Well, this past week did not feel as busy as most weeks. I guess, that is because of the holiday on Monday. Todd used that time to do school work. I used the time to take the Zach and Savannah to finish spending their gift cards, I took Savannah to the doctor and I went to the grocery store to stock up on groceries for the next month!

On Tuesday, I took my friend Christy to our favorite restaurant, Friday's, to celebrate her birthday! We had to drive an hour but it was so worth it! We also made a pit stop at the Cheesecake Factory for some dessert! I must say, that was the best piece of cheesecake that I have EVER had. Christy and I had a good time!

I also got to pick up my glasses on Tuesday! I have not had a single bad headache since I have been wearing them. I have had little small ones, but I think that is just getting used to wearing them.

Wednesday, was back to school! Nothing to report there, except more homework.

Thursday, Todd was back at work and I cleaned house all day!

Usually on Fridays, Todd does not have to work, but he did this past Friday, so I was able to finish up a few things that needed to be done before he got home! We took the kids to the eye doctor (see post below) and that is about it!

Today, Morgan has a birthday party to go to and we are going to go over to the Locke's house tonight to celebrate their little girl's birthday, and to learn how to play Apples to Apples! I also feel a Rummy rematch coming on! Look out Brad! Jordan is 8 today! Happy Birthday Jordan!

I have to also go to the grocery store to pick up a few fresh things for the next week. I hope to have a smooth easy weekend!

Eyes, Toys, and Pancakes

2009-01-23T20:28:00.002-06:00

We are home from the eye doctor and we have good news! None of the kids needed glasses....at this point! Dr. Trott said that Morgan had perfect eyes and Zach and Savannah had a very small astigmatism
and were a little nearsighted, but he said that most kids outgrow this! I am glad that they do not need glasses right now, but Savannah was upset! She was really hoping that she would need them!

After our appointment, we checked out the toy section at Sears. Last time we were there they had all of their toys 50% off! We bought Christmas presents for all of nieces and nephews (even Brooks, who is not even born yet!) We even picked up a few birthday presents! We were really pleased with our "finds".

On the way home instead of having to wait for me to cook supper we decided to stop at IHOP! We were just about through with our dinner, when we heard dishes flying and people screaming in the kitchen. That is the kind of thing that you see on TV! Well, all we know is that someone through food on one of the managers and she lost it and started screaming and yelling (and cursing!) Well, the Police were called and outside talking to the lady when we were leaving. She was talking about how this other manager treats everyone badly and he threw food at her. Who knew that you could get some entertainment while eating dinner at IHOP!

The Weekend!

2009-01-23T14:15:00.002-06:00

I am so glad that today is Friday and that we can sleep in tomorrow! I look so forward to the weekends, even though sometimes it seems that we are just as busy on the weekends as we are during the week. This weekend is no exception. Todd and I have school work to do for the next week, Morgan has a birthday party, Zach has a birthday party, we are going over to Christy and Brad's to celebrate Jordan's birthday! We are going to be doing some serious partying this weekend!

This afternoon we are taking the kids to get their eyes checked! We are hoping that none of them needs glasses. Savannah is hoping for just the opposite....she wants glasses!

Have a good weekend!!

New Glasses!!

2009-01-21T19:38:00.004-06:00

Well, I guess it is official, I am OLD! I went to the eye doctor Friday and I have to get glasses! Today was my first full day with them and boy was my head hurting! Well, anyway, here is a picture of me and my new glasses!

Inauguration Day 2009

2009-01-20T08:17:00.002-06:00

My children really got into the Presidential Election this time. All of my children understood who we were going to be voting for and they also voted for the same candidate at school.

I have a tried really hard, even though he was not my first choice, to have my children see me respect Obama. As far as I can remember, I have not said one negative thing about him in front of the kids. I am troubled by the comments that they come home saying about him. I know that these are things that other kids hear their parents say.

I want my kids to know that he is still the President of our great country and even though we may not agree with him, we still have to respect and pray for him.

Here are some bible verses that I got from my friend Donna.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

Romans 13:1
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Daniel 2:19-21
19 During the night the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven 20 and said: "Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

MONSTER TRUCK JAM

2009-01-16T09:14:00.003-06:00

We took Zach and Savannah to the Monster Truck Jams last Saturday afternoon! We went with Christy and Brad and two of their kids! Morgan had wanted to spend the night with my parents so she was in Clanton!

We had a really good time even though it was really loud! Here are some pictures!

New Routine--Same Old Thing

2009-01-08T08:44:00.005-06:00

Well, our nice break from school has come to an end! Yesterday was our first day back to class at Auburn Montgomery! I, of course was a nervous wreck, Todd, however, was not nervous and could not understand why I was. Well, the main reason for my nerves, was the math class that I have to take this semester--Elementary Statistics! More about this later.

Todd and I have decided to take all of our classes on the same days. Our thought behind this was that we would go to school 2 days a week and have more of a routine, especially with the kids! We go to school on Monday and Wednesday from 8-7:30 on Monday and 8-4:30 on Wednesday. Todd ends up getting the same hours at work and we can ride together and only use one car. We do have a baby-sitter, which is a new thing for us! This new schedule is going to work out great, I think! Todd has a class that is worth 9 credit hours, I think that it is Teaching Reading or Literature or something, but he is in class from 8-1:30. My first class does not start until 9:25 and is over around 10:30, my next class does not begin until 2:10! A nice big break! I thought that I would go to my GRANDADDY'S house and hang out!

Let me tell you, there is NOTHING elementary about this Math class. The teacher was great, but he kept saying you should remember this from Finite Math. Of course I have NO IDEA what in the world the man was talking about. I was almost in tears during the class! I have no other options, I have to pass this class!

Well, if my post are sporadic then you know why! Between three kids, guitar lessons, tennis lessons, school, yearbook, Box Tops, and a husband, I really don't have time to blog much! We will see how it goes!

And the winner is........

2009-01-02T15:42:00.004-06:00

Well, I am proud and a little sad to announce that I beat my children in the "graham cracker" house contest. We had a great time and it is something that I think that we will continue to do each year! Thanks to all those who voted! Here are pictures of who built each house!

Our Christmas!

2008-12-31T07:06:00.012-06:00

Christmas is my FAVORITE holiday. I love all the work of dragging the decorations out. I love hearing the kids talking about their favorite memories. I love baking and spending time with my extended families. I love shopping and searching for that one toy that will make Christmas morning so magical.

We decided to scale back this year and not go overboard, as we have in years past. As I looked through the pictures, I wonder how we scaled back, but I am sure that we did!!

Our Christmas started with a little Christmas party down in Dothan with some friends that we went to church with when we lived down there. For the last two years, Matt and Kim have a Christmas party and we always try to make it. We always have a good time playing Dirty Santa with ornaments. It is always a nice way to get into the Christmas spirit.

The Saturday before Christmas is ALWAYS the family gathering at my Grandmother's house in Montgomery. We always have fun there. My brothers, my kids, and my little cousins always have a great time playing some crazy game in the backyard (and ruin clothes in the process.) We also play Dirty Santa--one game for the kids and one for the adults! Not to mention, we always have some great food!!

Tuesday night, Todd's parents stopped by on their way to Kansas to see Todd's brother and his family. The kids talked them into being able to open one of the gifts from them. We also wanted them to open the gifts from us.

Well, the next big day was Christmas Eve! We made graham cracker houses, went out to dinner, watched a movie, fed the reindeer, and snuggled in bed, hoping to have visions of sugarplums dance in our heads--no such luck! Well, first we heard bells outside, so we had to get out of bed to find out exactly was going on. We did find bells outside! Later, we found out that Santa made a fly over and there were still to many children awake in Alabama so he headed over to Mississippi and the bells were part of Cupid's harness fell off and hit our house! Well, the kids slept very little that night, which meant that I got very little sleep that night. I love the excitement though!

So, here is our Christmas in pictures. Sorry there are so many, but I love them all, and could not just pick a few. Our big family gift was a Wii! We have been having so much fun with it!

Christmas afternoon, we headed up to Clanton to have Christmas with my family. We always have a good time. Rett got Guitar Hero so everyone took turns Rockin' Out! We enjoyed exchanging gifts and of course eating!! We also played a new game that my Mom and Dad gave us, UNO Flash! It is a lot of fun!

Well, the day after Christmas that kids "NEEDED" to go spend the gifts cards that received. So we headed out to fight the crowds and spend those gift cards. While we were out Todd decided that he NEEDED to spend his gift card on Guitar Hero! The kids were happy with their purchases, so we headed home!

The next day we took our decoration down. I have always felt that when it is over, it is over! We usually take the stuff down Christmas afternoon! So it got to stay up a few extra days. Well, now we look on to the New Year! We are going to "party" at Ben and Alicia's tonight! I am sure there will be pictures! We are going to play Guitar Hero, UNO Flash, and maybe even Karaoke!

Family Competition--cast your vote

2008-12-30T06:28:00.004-06:00

The kids and I made gingerbread houses (graham cracker houses) and they wanted Todd to judge them. Well, being the fair man that he is and knowing who made each one, he said that they were all great. However, that was not good enough for the kids, so I told them that I would put the pictures on my blog and have people comment on the houses.

So please comment and leave your vote for which house you think is the best! The winner gets to be Graham Cracker House Champion for a year!!

The winner will be announced on Friday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAVANNAH!!!!

2008-12-29T10:30:00.004-06:00

Happy Birthday Savannah! I cannot believe that you are nine years old today!! I am so very proud of the kid that you are and I know that you are going to be an absolutely wonderful person when you grow up!!

You are my "booty butt baby" (she turned while I was in labor and was breech so I had a C-section, so the Dr. called her that), you are my "Ozzy Girl", we could not understand a word that she said until she was about three years old, even now we have a hard time understanding her sometimes, you are my child that excels in everything that you set your mind to. You are my little survivor, from eczema and a bad bike wreck that took us to Children's Hospital. I am so proud of you!!

Savannah, I think back over the past 9 years and I am so glad that you are here, our family would not be complete without you.

Happy Birthday!!

Jolly Twinkle Toes

2008-12-18T21:24:00.003-06:00

Well, our elf got into some trouble last night! He toliet papered our living room! He used an entire roll of toliet paper! I could not believe it! Here are a couple of his other hiding places also!

Savannah's Third Grade Volcano

2008-12-18T17:56:00.001-06:00

Well, my camera died at Savannah's school while she was giving her presentation, so we came home and had a do-over! Today was also PJ day, so that explains why she has her pajamas on at 3:30 in the afternoon! This was the first volcano that we have made and we had a good time making it!

I also need to blog about "Jolly Twinkle Toes," he got into some trouble last night!

Savannah's third grade volcano

2008-12-18T16:21:00.002-06:00

Zach's Christmas Program

2008-12-17T21:53:00.001-06:00

Well, is it totally obnoxious of me to post Zach's part of the Christmas program? Well, I have done it already! I think it is cute and I wanted to share! Enjoy a little Christmas cheer!

Look for Savannah's Science/Reading project soon!! I know you are "erupting" with exciting!

Christmas!

2008-12-14T13:55:00.008-06:00

Our family has a new holiday tradition that we started this year. (Thanks Tara!) Elf on the shelf is great! The kids LOVE IT!! So far here are the places that we have found the elf. He is a sneaky little guy and is hard to find some mornings.

This is the first place that we found him!
The next morning, he was in Zach's room, in his John Deere hot air balloon.

The next morning he was in the girl's room.

He has been in three other spots since, and I will have to up load the pics!

Zach got to go up in the attic for the first time and help Daddy bring down the Christmas decorations. He was so proud of himself.

Daddy and Zach up in the attic! What a big boy!

Well, do you really think that we would not have Ben and Alicia help us set up the Christmas tree? I mean we almost do everything else together! Alicia put on the lights and the garland beads and they both helped us set up our new train. (The elf brought it back from Santa one night!)

The kids decorating the tree!!

The finished product!!

I have been tagged!!

2008-12-13T14:04:00.002-06:00

I was checking out Becky's post (as I usually do) and I discovered that I have been tagged. Well, here goes nothing!

8 TV shows that I watch:

1. Jon and Kate plus 8 (DVR-Todd does not like it)
2. 17 kids and Counting (DVR-Todd does not like it)
3. Rita Rocks
4. The Unit
5. Worst Week
6. CSI Miami
7. CSI NY
8. Little People, Big World

8 Favorite Restaurants

1. Carrabba's
2. Panera Bread
3. Chinese (anything)
4. Logans
5. TGI Friday's
6. Joe's Crab Shack
7. Chick-fil-a
8. Marchelle's (great date place in Downtown Prattville)

8 Things that happened this week

1. I took 2 final exams.
2. Helped Zach finish his Christmas project.
3. Put up our Christmas tree.
4. went to Dothan for the weekend.
5. baby-sat for Alicia
6. Made homemade spaghetti sauce and meatballs
7. caught up the laundry
8. Finished my art portfolio

8 things that I look forward to:

1. Todd's Christmas bonus!
2. Christmas morning!
3. Finishing school.
4. My new nephew!
5. Losing weight.
6. Making Christmas candy and cookies with the kids!
7. Todd finishing school.
8. Christmas break....AKA sleeping late.

8 Things that I wish/pray for:

1. to be a good parent
2. Todd and I continue to have a good marriage.
3. My children to become happy and productive adults.
4. Friendships that will last a lifetime.
5. healthy children
6. Our families to be healthy and happy
7. patience
8. Jobs after graduation.

3 people that I tag
(not 8 since I don't have 8 friends that blog!)

1. Amy
2. Tara
3. Joy

Go Lions!!!

2008-12-11T09:05:00.003-06:00

Last Saturday, we, along with Ben, Alicia, and DJ, headed to Birmingham for the 6A State Championship. Unfortunately, we have not gone to many Prattville games this year, because of money issues, but we did not want to miss this! This is the third year in a row that Prattville has made it to State and the second meeting with Hoover!!

The game was rough! Prattville not only had to beat Hoover, but also had to beat the officials! Long story short....Prattville High School is the 6A state champs for the third year in a row!!

Go Lions!!!!

Thanksgiving in Pictures

2008-11-29T18:43:00.007-06:00

Our Thanksgiving feast!

Thanksgiving dinner!

another shot of our feast!

We talked to my nieces and nephew in Kansas on the computer!

Todd spent his afternoon napping!!

Mrs. Pam has gotten this new game called Catan! It is a thinking game!! I love it!!

BLACK FRIDAY!!

2008-11-28T20:15:00.003-06:00

Well, I know that I have a great husband when he is willing to get up at the crack of dawn and go shopping with me. (he really did not have a choice, but I wanted to give him his props!)

We got a lot of shopping done! We are actually finished with a lot of the people that are on our list! Todd could not believe all of the people that actually get out to shop that early in the morning!! I tried to explain to him that this is how women hunt!

Zachary coughed all night and he and I did not get a lick of sleep. Todd even got up a few times with him. We decided to take him to the doctor after lunch. She did a chest x-ray and said that everything was clear, but she did not like the way that his ears looked. We have been having problems with his ears for the last few months. One good thing about this whole sick thing, that we found out that our favorite pediatrician from Dothan has moved to Alabaster which is about 45 minutes from us. Dr. Buie has been the kids doctor since they were born, until we moved to Prattville. I have called the office and am hoping that we can be seen by him! I am so excited! I hate that we had to find out through Zach being sick. I have noticed a trend---last year the girls had strep throat, we actually went to Pri-Med Thanksgiving morning!

Well, we ended the day by playing some Wii and we are off to bed hoping that Zach will rest well and we can actually get some needed rest!