Trunk or Treats 2010

We had our church Trunk or Treat on Wednesday night and then tonight was Trunk or Treat at Taylor and Caleb's school....the kids already have enough candy to last a year! I think they made numerous rounds in the parking lot at church :) We weren't sure Madison would get to go since her colonoscopy and endoscopy were that morning. We left the hospital at 4 pm and were at church by 6 pm! There was no way Madison was going to let the other 2 go w/o her and I was kinda glad she felt up to it since their costumes went together. I think they looked great and am so glad that we matched them up....might be the last time they will let me "choose" their costumes. We bought Caleb's, borrowed Madison's and made Taylor's. We couldn't find a "Wendy" costume anywhere but lucky for me my mom can sew and she whipped one up in 2 days....thanks Nana!

My sweet kids as Wendy, Peter Pan and Tinkerbell


Caleb loves this game so it was 1st on his to-do-list!


Madison playing a game


Taylor looked so cute as Wendy!


Madison made a great Tinkerbell


My sweet boy

Fall Break Camping

We enjoyed Fall Break by camping for a few days and also enjoying a day at Dollywood. We love to get to camp any chance we can and with Matt leaving soon we won't be doing any camping until he gets back. This was the first time we have been this year and the weather was absolutely perfect. We had warm temps during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. It only rained 1 night which was great since the forecast was calling for 2 days of rain....it is never fun to camp in the rain! Before we left my co-workers had gotten us some goodies....they usually do a meal for the family when there has been a death but since we were going to be gone they provided us with all kinds of foods for camping. Here is a picture of some of the goodies....the kids got into them before I got a picture....


Amy and Aaron trying to stay warm early one mmorning


We had a great campsite right by the playground and grassy areas where the kids could run around and play.

The kids enjoyed riding their bikes around the campground


We enjoyed playing baseball/softball....Madison's turn to hit!


Caleb's turn to hit


Then we moved on to kickball...Taylor's was 1st!


Aaron is always prepared for anything!


We ended each evening by roasting marshmallows and making s'mores!

It's Official!

Today a new chapter in our life began....Matt's is officially enlisted in the Air National Guard. This has been a long 10 months! It has been emotionally exhausting. We still have to wait on a security clearance before he can go to Basic Training in San Antonio, TX. Looks like he will be leaving the 1st of January. After Basic (which is 9 weeks) he will attend Tech School. This is will be right there in San Antonio as well and is 10 weeks long (we think...not 100% certain). It is going to be a rough 5 months but with the help of our families and friends we will get through and our life will be better because of this decision. We are really excited about this new chapter...even the kids are excited!

Matt being sworn in


The congratulatory handshake


His recruiter was kind and took a picture of us...I look horrible!

Bonfire at Grandmother's

The last night that we were at my Grandmother's we had a bonfire and roasted hot dogs and marshmallows. The kids were so excited. My Grandmother had a great time just watching everyone laugh and have a good time.

Savannah, Mary Hannah, Aunt Linda and Grandmother getting the fire ready


Madison and Mary Hannah


Savannah and Madison


Savannah and Mary Hannah


Taylor and Lydia


Caleb and Ryley loving on Buddy


The kids roasting marshmallows and hot dogs




My Grandmother with 7 of her 8 grandchildren!

Pawpaw Creek

After my Granddaddy's funeral we enjoyed spending some time just hanging out and sharing memories. We also did a few fun things since we had 7 kids to entertain. They did a great job playing in the front yard (pictures of that to come later). On Friday we all walked down to Pawpaw Creek which is on my Grandparent's property. We have so many good memories of fishing and swimming down there. The kids enjoyed splashing around and catching baby frogs.

Madison getting a ride from Savannah


Madison and Mary Hannah


All the kids looking for frogs


Caleb and Ryley looking for frogs...they really hit it off!


Madison holding a frog Mary Hannah caught for her..look at that grin!


My mom and Grandmother


The fishing hole on Pawpaw Creek

My Granddaddy

Early this morning my Granddaddy left this world for another home. Though it is a sad day for our family it is also a good day....he is no longer in pain, he is no longer miserable. He has spent the last few years in poor health and not able to walk. About 5 or 6 weeks ago he was no longer able to be cared for in his home. His worst fear was the nursing home and it was going to be his reality. He was miserable and so was my Grandmother. She hated having to put him in the nursing home. For about the last year he would constantly say that he wished God would just go ahead and take him b/c be had no life or at least not the life he wanted to have.

We were blessed to be able to spend a week with him and my Grandmother at their house the first of August. It is time I am so glad we had. My kids never had to see him in the nursing home...their memories will be good and for that I am grateful.

The kids took his passing really well. I don't think Madison fully understands while Caleb and Taylor do. Taylor took it the hardest. She is doing better this evening after a few talks, she got her tears out and so did I. I hope the visitation/funeral will go as well on Thursday. Tonight while tucking Taylor in bed she said she was going to miss Granddaddy and I told her that was ok that I was too. I told her we have to think about that he is happy and no longer in pain and she replied..."yeah, I guess he is riding his tractor around the clouds". I sure hope he is!

This is the last picture I have of him and the kids.


My mom with my Grandparents

Fall Decorating!

I am loving the weather we have been having this past week! Summer is probably my favorite season b/c I love being in the pool, traveling with the kids, staying up later and sleeping in! But when it comes to decorating, I love fall! I love the colors and the textures that come with fall! I love crunchy leaves in all different colors. I love the acorns and hickory nuts that I can fill my vases with. I love fall fabrics though I never buy them...I just enjoy going to fabric stores and running my fingers through the fabrics. I love shopping for fall/winter clothes for the kids. The colors are fabulous, well at least for the girls! Lots of browns, oranges, reds in all kinds of prints in fabrics like suede and corduroy! It just screams fall. I love driving to the mountains and taking pictures. I love exploring some of the hiking trails. I love going to Dollywood b/c of all the beautiful decorations! I love driving up to Gatlinburg and getting Cherry or Strawberry Crepes at the Pancake Pantry!

I spent this week switching out kids clothes in their closets which means it will probably warm back up and be in the 90's for a few more weeks.

This morning the kids pulled on sweatshirts with their shorts to go play outside. I was able to enjoy my coffee alot more since it wasn't 100 degrees outside! I look forward to using our deck a lot more with the cooler weather....I see many Saturday mornings curled up out there with my coffee mug!

Yesterday we did some landscaping in the yard as it is finally bearable outside and we plan working on it some more today. We are working on sprucing up the stone path around the back of the house as well as working on the fort in the backyard. It is in serious need of maintenance :) It wasn't used for years so is a little rickety and needs some boards replaced. The kids haven't cared too much about it since it has been so hot! But they are asking to play on it now.

We are looking forward to Fall Break in a few weeks...no big plans though. This time last year we were anxiously awaiting our trip to Disney! This year we are heading to Memphis to see my Grandparents. My Grandfather is in a nursing home and not doing to well. Maybe we will have some big plans for Christmas Break or Spring Break.

Sorry this wasn't the most exciting post....kuddos if you made it to the end. Just wanted to get down what is going on in our lives right now. This is my scrapbook right now as I have no time to actually scrapbook!