Hannah and Hunter

BREAKING NEWS

2012-01-29T20:36:00.000-06:00

Hannah has a loose tooth. It is the bottom left looking at the picture. When she was brushing her teeth she said her tooth hurt. I asked her to show me which one and when I touched it, it moved. She was so excited and I wanted to cry. She said, "I can't wait to get to school in the morning and tell Mrs. Smith." I can't believe she is old enough to start having loose teeth. I can't hardly talk about the fact that she will be 6 in a little over a month.

Snow Day

2012-01-13T20:16:00.001-06:00

I was excited to get the call at 5:45 this morning that there was no school today. I was a little sad that there was not enough snow to play in. Since that was the case Derrick took Hunter to school on his way to work. Hannah played on her iPad and watched a movie. I did some work and then we went to school for a little while. I got things ready for next week and Hannah played. I took her to Sonic for lunch and we come home for a little while before going to get Hunter. I took Hunter to Sonic to get a drink when I picked him up. He asks everyday to go to Sonic and get a drink. We came home and played for a while. I cooked dinner and we all ate together. Well, really Derrick and I ate and the kids picked at their food. This is their new thing. Hannah usually eventually eats all her food and for Hunter it depends on the day. We had planned to watch a movie and have popcorn, but that did not happen. I am very frustrated that Hannah is in a very whinny phase and is not being a good listener. She is a good girl and knows how to listen and obey but has chosen not to lately. It really makes my heart sad. Since there is no movie today I guess I will grade papers and go to bed. Maybe well all just need some rest. Hopefully before winter is over we will have a snow day with snow to play in.

conversations in the car

2012-01-12T20:56:00.000-06:00

I love the things the kids say in the car. These are just a few of the conversations from our week.

Hannah: Mom when I grow up I am going to have you and Dad some grandkids.
Me: Oh, you are?
Hannah: Yes I am going to have a boy named John and girl named Grace.
Me: Well those are nice names. Why did you choose those names?
Hannah: I just like them. Can you put it on song 3. It is my favorite.

While driving to church it was quiet in the car, which never happens. All of the sudden Hunter says, "Mom I really love you!" I told him I really love him to as my heart melted and I smiled really big. He is so sweet.

Another day we were driving home from the Y.
Hunter: Mom did you have good exercises?
Me: Yes Hunter I did, thanks for asking.
Hunter: I had fun playing at the Y. I really like it there.
Me: I am glad you had fun and like it.
Hunter: Tomorrow when it is spring we can go outside to play on the playground.
Me: Well, Buddy it will not be spring tomorrow but when it is you can play on the playground.

This morning on the way to school we were talking about the weather.

Hannah: There is a chance it might snow today.
Me: I really hope it does. I like snow days.
Hunter: Can I see it snow?
Hannah: It is not snowing now Buddy.
Me: Maybe it will snow this afternoon and we will not have to go to school on Friday.
Hunter: I like to go to school.
Me: I know you do and school is really fun.
Hannah: Can we pray and ask Jesus to make it snow.
Me: ABSOLUTELY! You can ask Jesus for anything but He does not always give us the answer we want.
Hannah: I will ask Him tonight.
Hunter: Jesus can you make it snow?
Me: You can talk to Jesus anytime, not just at night.
Hannah: I will ask Him in a little while.

It did snow this afternoon and it REALLY cold. I am not sure if it is enough to get us out of school, but it was really pretty to watch. I hope you are able to have such fun conversations in your car.

we are still here

2012-01-09T19:49:00.002-06:00

I have not even really thought about blogging in a week. Hunter has said some funny things I that I should have written down. Hopefully they will come back to me. We are trying to get back in the swing of real life. Today was a long day and I am sure it will be a long week. We will make it. It is good for all of us to be back at school and work. As crazy as it sounds it helps my week go much smoother. I hope you all have a great week. Hopefully this weekend I will catch up on things from last week and this week. Have a great week!

back to the real world

2012-01-02T19:50:00.000-06:00

I am very sad that Christmas/Winter Break is over. I had a great time being home as a family and just playing. I did not do any school work, except count and mail Box Tops. That is a first for me. I can say I rested and had a great break. I am not really excited to go back to work tomorrow but at least we get to go out to lunch. I can make it three days. Hunter is excited to go back to school tomorrow. He has been asking to go to school for at least the last three days. I guess we are not as much fun as Ms. Marie and his friends. Hannah has gone back and forth about being excited to go back to school. She gets to spend the day with Uncle Kyle tomorrow and she is pretty excited about that. I am going to write my thank you notes to my kids tonight and then read a little before going to bed, by 10pm. I hope you all had a great day today.

2011

2011-12-31T21:46:00.001-06:00

I am not even sure where to start. Overall 2011 has been a great year. Hannah started kindergarten and loves it. Hunter started real school and loves it. Derrick has had lots of work and also enough time off to spend with us. I have started really working out and love it, I am not sure why I waited 31 years to do so. We have been able to visit with family and friends a lot this year. I am so blessed that I can't even began to list all of them. I hope our 2012 will be even better. Happy New Year!

friends

2011-12-30T11:59:00.001-06:00

I am so glad that we get to visit with friends when we come to SC. Last night we went to the Hayes' for dinner and to let the kids play. The kids had a great time playing and we had a great time talking and catching up. We were so busy talking that I did not take any pictures of the kids at all. The other day I was able to eat lunch with Miranda and her boys. I had not seen her in about three years. It was nice to visit and catch up with her. I also went by to see Paige. I remember when her boys were my kids age and that makes me feel old. I am always happy to see Paige but feel like it is never for long enough. Today the kids and I met Jennifer and Micah for lunch. Jennifer has always been able to make me laugh and that has not changed. It is hard to believe we all have kids now. Tomorrow I will get to have lunch with Dawn. We are not taking the kids so we can just sit and talk. I have not seen Chrissy this time, but I talked to her not to long ago on the phone. I miss Melissa not being close to eat with Jennifer and I, but I am glad I got to visit with her while I was in Charleston this summer. I am so thankful to still be close to all of my SC friends.

our sweet children and Christmas #4 in SC

2011-12-28T23:07:00.005-06:00

A sweet moment of sharing this morning. I love when they are sweet to each other.

Hannah put on her new ballet clothes and did a little show for us.

Hunter is enjoying sleeping in his new bed at Mike and Nene's.

Hunter was very happy to get a new Thomas shirt.

Barbie make up to play makeover with.

Kamdyn sat beside Derrick and watch Hannah and Hunter open their gifts from MeMe and Pop Pop.

Hannah was excited to get a Rapunzel dress.

The packing peanuts proved to be the most fun.

Cheree was putting makeup on Hannah so she could put on her Rapunzel dress and do a show for us.

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed.

Our very own Rapunzel.

Cheese balls were their favorite gift I think.

After playing with Marla for a little while they all decided they needed to watch Barney. I did not get any pictures of Case. Thanks MeMe and Pop Pop for a great dinner and for great presents.

Christmas #3 in SC

2011-12-27T21:09:00.000-06:00

Two peas in a pod.

Best buddies!

We went to Papa and Nana's for dinner and to give them their Christmas. Papa brought the kids Christmas to our house when he came for Christmas. Nana cooked us a good dinner. It was nice to visit with them and not have to be in a rush. Thanks for our gifts.

Christmas #1 and #2 in SC

2011-12-26T22:56:00.000-06:00

We went to to Nannie's for our first SC Christmas. We were all just happy to be out of the car. All the kids played really well together.

Hannah was very happy to see Nene.

Opening more presents.

Hunter moved to a cleaner spot. He said there was too much stuff to open his present where he was sitting.

Thomas was a huge hit for all the kids.

Hunter quickly became friends with Jordan who he called George all night.

After eating and having Christmas at Nannie's we came to Mike and Nene's to have Christmas with them Aunt Lori and Aunt Kim.

They were opening presents faster than we could take pictures.

Hunter was very excited to get more train tracks. We will be able to built a huge track on his train table when we get home.

Hannah was waiting on me to get something open for her and give it back.

Hunter had to put on his Thomas pj's as soon as he opened them. He went and got his Thomas blanket and then wanted to work on his computer for a little while.

He decided that Aunt Lori and Aunt Kim needed a little help getting their gifts open. He was pretty excited that Aunt Kim got coffee. Thanks everyone for all of the wonderful gifts for all of us.

Christmas Day

2011-12-25T22:13:00.001-06:00

Santa brought Hunter a train table.

Santa brought Hannah an iPad.

He also left a mess in the fireplace and on the carpet. Hunter was a little concerned about the dirt in the house.

I love how unsure Hunter looks and how excited Hannah looks.

I think she liked it!

Hunter decided he was more concerned about eating the crumbs Santa left than playing with trains.

He asked Dad and Papa to move the train table so he could have more room to play. Then he decided that he would just play with Cookie Monster instead. He loves feeding him the cookies.

Pancakes, bacon, sausage and hot chocolate with marshmallows for breakfast.

He wanted coffee like Papa but he had to settle for hot chocolate. He looks so cute drinking out of a mug.

Polar Express day got Hannah hooked on hot chocolate. She is a girl after my own heart. I drink hot chocolate every morning.

Hunter was not in the best of moods this morning. Not long after breakfast he said he was going to get in his bed. This is how we found him about 10 minutes later. I still love to watch both kids sleep.

Hannah and Papa enjoyed playing her new Scrabble game before dinner. We had taco ring for Christmas dinner. We had a great day just spending time together. I am very blessed and my heart is very happy at the end of this wonderful day. Happy Birthday Jesus!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T00:11:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-06:00

Here are pictures of the mittens and candy cane cookies. Derrick took better pictures and some of the Christmas light cookies. I will have to get them from his camera.

Meet the newest member of our family. I am kidding. This dog showed up this afternoon and is still here. He is sleeping on our back porch right at the door. He is really sweet and the kids love him. Papa went and bought him some food when we got home from church, dinner and looking at lights. We will see if he is still here in the morning. I am sure his family is missing him because he is a really great dog.

Hannah helping bake cookies for Santa. She wanted to make the cookies we made at Chrissy's house when we went to visit her Thanksgiving a year ago. She calls them the college mate cookies. I am sure Santa will thank Chrissy for sharing this yummy recipe.

Hannah and Kylie were excited to see each other at church this afternoon. Funny story about getting to church. I was in a panic that we were going to be late. We did not leave our house until 3:40 and I thought the second service started at 4. When we got off at the exit, almost to church, Derrick asked if I was sure that church started at 4? I told him not really, but I thought so. Well, I was wrong. It did not start until 4:30. Good thing we were there early because there were not seats left. It was a really good service. I think it is so special to get to go to church and celebrate on Christmas Eve. It makes me realize how blessed I am to have a relationship with Jesus. I am thankful he came as a little baby to die for my sins. It was also nice to have Papa with us to celebrate.

We decided to have dinner at Logan's before going to look at Christmas lights. It makes me happy that the kids love looking at lights and get so excited.

Hunter takes his shoes and socks off all the time in the car. I think he has the cutest little feet and love that he sits with his legs crossed in his car seat.

Our sweet children.

They were so excited to put our their reindeer food.

I love that they both have gingerbread men on their pj's.

We are a little sad that Tinsel will be going back to the North Pole tonight until next Christmas. We have had fun with her and look forward to her return next year.

Hunter was checking out Santa's cookies. He said, "Yum, these smell delicious!" He is too sweet and says the funnest things.

Hannah was showing Hunter where Santa would come down the chimney.

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas Eve! We are looking forward to a wonderful day tomorrow.

on the fifth day of winter break

2011-12-23T23:30:00.003-06:00

Tinsel was hanging from Hannah's ceiling fan this morning. Hannah said, "She sure is one crazy elf."

For probably the last month anytime we ask Hannah where she wants to eat she says Uncle Bud's. I asked her what she liked there and she said, "The corn dog!" So tonight we went to eat at Uncle Bud's so she could have a corn dog. I think what she really likes is that the kids meal comes with dessert.

Hunter was very exited that Papa came today. He started yelling from his room that Papa was here. I told him it was not time yet, but when I looked out his window Papa had just pulled up. Hunter has not left his side since he got here. Nana has to work this Christmas so she was not able to come. We will get to have Christmas with her next week.

I make cookies today and Derrick helped me ice them tonight. I am too tired to take pictures of them tonight but I will post some tomorrow. I think they are really cute. I also enjoyed getting to spend time withe Derrick. I hope you all had a good day before Christmas Eve.

on the fourth day of winter break

2011-12-22T22:50:00.001-06:00

Hannah said today was a day of friends. Kylie and Ty came to play today and they had a good time. The girls were being reindeer and Ty was Santa. I did not get a picture of them with the antlers on.

Lunch with friends. It was so fun to listen to them talk while they were eating. They are all so big now.

We even made ornaments today.

The girls watching The Grinch!

We had Christmas with the Bussell's tonight. Hunter was so excited that Cooper was coming over.

They all waited very patiently to open their gifts.

Hunter was excited to get a new Veggie Tales movie and had to watch it as soon as he opened it.

Hannah was excited about her Teacher Barbie.

Cooper enjoying his apple cider and Hannah enjoying her hot chocolate with marshmallows (not too hot just like Mrs. Smith made it).

Tinsel wanted to stay out of the way today since so many friends were coming over. She also wanted to remind us that it is almost Jesus' birthday!

on the third day of winter break

2011-12-21T22:31:00.000-06:00

Tinsel really likes to be in Hannah's room. Hannah has enjoyed playing in her room and today she even clean it. I think because Tinsel was in there watching.

Hunter was not happy at all about wearing his overalls to school today. He told his teacher that Papa likes his overalls but he does not. I told him to let me take his picture in them then he could take them off. He was so happy to get Chic-fil-A for dinner. He always wants to eat there on Sunday when they are closed.

They watched Prep and Landing today and were so sweet to each other. Hopefully playing at the Y made them tired. We are loving getting to spend time together and not have to rush to be anywhere.

on the second day of winter break

2011-12-20T22:25:00.000-06:00

Tinsel decided to check out the fish. They were not sure about her feet hanging down in their faces all day.

Hannah cooked us all some snacks and we read some books in the playhouse.

Hunter needed some real food. He ate his whole apple while listening to stories.

Hannah went to the Y with me this morning and after my class she ran on the track with me. She loves to run and is really fast. She ran for 12 minutes. I am not sure I am going to be able to keep up with her at the Zoo Run.

on the first day of winter break

2011-12-19T20:00:00.000-06:00

I went to the dentist to have a cavity filled. Derrick and Hannah ran errands while they wanted on me to finish at the dentist. Hunter went to school. Derrick, Hannah and I enjoyed a late lunch together then went to the grocery store. We have such an exciting life. I went to the Y and Derrick and Hannah went to get Hunter. Derrick cooked dinner for us and we all ate together when I got home. I am glad we were able to spend so much time together today and not have to rush to do anything or be anywhere. Oh, Tinsel was playing on the ladder. She even brought a little treat today.

a wonderful Sunday

2011-12-18T23:28:00.000-06:00

Tinsel was hanging out in the bathroom this morning. She must have wanted the kids to find her first thing. We were up early and went to Panera for breakfast before church. We had a really good service at church then a nice lunch with friends.

After Hunter's nap we went to look at some Christmas lights. He did not wake up until 5:45 so it was already dark. First we went to the Live Nativity at Hamilton United Methodist Church. The kids loved it. We went through twice. I was enjoying watching the kids and reading the scripture verses to them so much that I did not take any pictures. Then we went to this house. It was one of the Nashville winners in the Christmas Light Contest. Hunter's Sunday School teacher had posted places to go look at light on Face book so we went to these two and they were great. We will go look at more lights later this week.

Having a little fun with Dad before going to bed.

a whole day at home

2011-12-17T20:54:00.000-06:00

Hannah made this sawdust ornament at school while they were learning about wood in science.

She made this gingerbread man out of sandpaper and got to rub cinnamon sticks on it to make it smell good. It also has clove and allspice on it for the eyes, noes and mouth. Very cute!

This is her cute little Rudolph ornament.

Tinsel was found hanging out in Hunter room today. As soon as he woke up I heard him say, "Tinsel came in my room." He was so excited.

They were playing puppy this morning. Hunter is the puppy and Hannah is the owner who gets to tell him what to do. This is the puppy's doghouse. The kids played outside for a little while this morning and have actually played nicely together all day.

I spent most of my day folding laundry and cleaning up the house.

Hannah and I did put this puzzle together while Hunter was napping. Jenn, who was my secret Santa, gave it to me. Hannah liked that it has a lighthouse in it, just like at the beach.

I hope all of you had a nice day at home with your families.

Polar Express Day, Happy Birthday & Treats

2011-12-16T23:00:00.000-06:00

These beautiful flowers, yummy cupcake and sweet cards were waiting on me when I got home from work today. This made my day even better. I had a wonderful day. I feel so loved and blessed to have so many people who took the time to call, text, send a message, send a card and fight the parking nightmare in East Nashville to eat dinner with me. Thanks everyone for making my 32nd birthday so good. I am slowly getting use to being in my thirties.

Today was a half day of school for the kids. It was also Polar Express day for kindergarten and first grade. Hannah loved wearing her pj's to school (I did too)! Hunter did not get to wear his pj's but he did not want to be left out of the picture. I remember when I took Hannah to school with me for Polar Express Day three years ago. It is hard to believe that she is already in kindergarten having her own Polar Express day. She was so little. Can you see her sitting at the table with my kids?

Hannah wrote me this sweet message in my birthday card. She is so grown up now. I could not dwell on the thought that day she is half way through with kindergarten or I would have cried. It has gone by way to fast.

Tinsel brought treats for Hannah and Hunter. Hannah said she stole them out of her stocking she brought home from school. I am not sure about that. I do wish she would have dusted the shelf before she sat down.

run, run as fast as you can

2011-12-15T20:30:00.000-06:00

Tinsel enjoyed reading The Gingerbread Man today.

what a day

2011-12-14T21:38:00.001-06:00

Hannah made this cute gingerbread house at school today. She did a great job and I should have taken her picture as soon as we came home. Hunter decided to eat part of it as an appetizer while I was cooking dinner.

Tinsel was watching from up high in the tree today. She watched Hunter enjoy Hannah's gingerbread house.

Last night I made spaghetti for dinner. Derrick always puts ketchup and Parmesan cheese on his. Hunter thought it was rice instead of cheese. He told me tonight he wanted to have spaghetti like dad eats it. He said, "You know with the rice and ketchup." He is such a mess. He could not eat all his dinner since he was so full of gingerbread house. He sure does keep me on my toes.

Hannah made this little gingerbread man at school. I thought he was too cute not to take a picture of.

a real elf skirt

2011-12-13T23:36:00.003-06:00

Hannah was very excited to find Tinsel in her bathroom this morning. She said, "Mom she got a real elf skirt. I love it." Tinsel had a good time trying on bows and clips to match her new skirt. Santa also sent a note today.

Hanging around

2011-12-12T23:34:00.000-06:00

Hannah made this paper chain to hang as garland on her tree. She said she started making it in art, but had to finish it when she got home. I was impressed.

Tinsel has just been hanging on all day. Hannah and Hunter thought it was so funny to see her hanging on the light.

MOM!!!!!

2011-12-11T19:46:00.001-06:00

That is what Hannah and Hunter yelled this morning when they found Tinsel. Hannah said she better clean up her mess before she goes back to see Santa tonight. Hunter was just concerned that she was in his marshmallows.

Saturday

2011-12-10T22:58:00.001-06:00

This is where Hannah found Tinsel this morning. She thought it was funny that she was sitting in the chair "talking" to Cinderella. Yesterday was not a great day for Hannah so Santa sent Tinsel back with a little letter. Today started out a little rough for her and Hunter both, but by 10am they decided that they could get themselves together and the rest of our day was very nice.

Hannah was invited to a birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese today. She thought it was fun seeing school friends on a Saturday.

Uncle Kyle kept Hunter while I took Hannah to the party and Derrick was working. We had our Sunday School Christmas party tonight and Uncle Kyle kept both kids. We have kept him busy today. Thanks Uncle Kyle.

happy kids

2011-12-09T22:40:00.001-06:00

Hunter was very excited to eat his candy cane from Ms. Ree even though he does not look very excited in this picture.

Hannah is loving having Tinsel here for Christmas. I am sad that she did not find her earlier this week. We still have 15 days until she has to go back to the North Pole. She has been able to enjoy Snowflake at school for the last week.

I love that Hunter is so excited about Christmas this year. Hannah is really enjoying it too. I have always loved Christmas and getting to experience with with Hannah and Hunter makes me love it even more. Hannah is very into counting down. Every morning she listens to her ornament that MeMe gave her and takes a magnet off the cookie tray on the refrigerator that Nene gave her. I hope you all are getting in the Christmas spirit as well.

look who came to visit

2011-12-08T20:15:00.000-06:00

Tinsel our Elf. I think she is going to be just as busy as Hunter. That could be trouble.

decorating

2011-12-06T22:25:00.000-06:00

Decorating the "family tree." Such good helpers.

Hunter is very proud of his tree. He loves to plug all the trees in for us.

Hannah decorated her tree all by herself. She is very independent and silly.

Other living room decorations.

The completed tree.

This bowl was full of peanut and plain M&M's. Hunter decided that he would help himself one afternoon while Derrick was working on something in another room and I was not home.

Dinning room.

The kids table.

The kids bathroom.

We started decorating before we went to SC for Thanksgiving. We got everything decorated except the tree in the living room. Derrick had talked about decorating Hannah's playhouse, but that has not happened yet. It has been really cold and rainy lately so she had not been playing in it. It also gets dark at 4:30. Ok, back to decorating. We finally got around to decorating the tree in the living room. Derrick or I one must have called it the "family tree" because Hunter has been telling everyone that we decorated the family tree. He is so cute! They both found a few more ornaments they needed to put on their trees in their rooms. I hope you enjoy the pictures of some of the decorating we did.

Reindeer Run and Prade

2011-12-02T22:15:00.000-06:00

Tonight I ran the Reindeer Run with Julia, Sarah, Tara, Leslie, Stacy and Laura. This was the first 5k I did 2 years ago. I am not sure why I did not do it last year. I guess I was afraid I would be too cold since it as freezing the year before. It was not too cold tonight. I did much better this year than two years ago. I finished in 33 minutes, which I think is my fastest 5k. I do not like hills and I do not run up them, only down. After the race Julia, Tara and I met Derrick, the kids, MeMe, Jeremy, Cooper, and Cody to watch the parade. Hunter was not every into it at first but he warmed up to it and had a good time. Hannah and Cooper were very fun to watch. I did not have my camera with me which means we have no pictures of this event.

the gingerbread girl

2011-11-27T20:10:00.000-06:00

Hannah decorated this gingerbread girl with a little help from Dad. I loved listening to them talk about who to decorate her and Hannah tell why she wanted her this way. She knows what she wants and will not change her mind. Not a bad quality to have, right? I hope she will like this unit at school. It was one of my favorite to teach in kindergarten. It is hard to believe her kindergarten year is almost half over. We are trying to enjoy every minute of it.

Thanksgiving #3

2011-11-26T20:07:00.000-06:00

Tonight we went to MeMe and Pop Pop's to have Thanksgiving with them. It was very yummy and I ate way too much. Hannah and Hunter had fun playing with the dogs, cats and collecting eggs from the chickens. I did not take any pictures. Marla and Case came by to see us for a little while. They brought their mom and dad too. It was good to see more family and get to visit.

family and Thanksgivng #2

2011-11-25T19:39:00.001-06:00

We went by to see Becca, Kaylee, Aunt Gay and Uncle Robby for a little while this morning. I did not get a picture of all three kids but I tried to get a picture of Papa and Uncle Robby blowing bubbles.

Next stop was to see Papa Charlie and WeeOne. It was good to see Papa Charlie and visit with him for a little while. After we left there we went to Joe's to eat lunch with Papa and Nana. Then back to Mike and Nene's for Hunter to take a nap. Again today we had to wake him up at 6.

Tonight we had Thanksgiving with Mike, Nene, Nannie, Aunt Kim, and Aunt Lori. It was very yummy! It was nice to visit with family again tonight.

girls just want to have fun

2011-11-24T23:39:00.000-06:00

And that is exactly what these three girls did. They love to play together! They were putting on a fashion show for us. They had a great time playing and would have played all night if we would have let them. It was nice to visit with Matt and Donna while the kids played. They let Hunter play too, but he was not in the fashion show.

Happy Thanksgivng

2011-11-24T15:47:00.001-06:00

We were excited to go to my Papa's for Thanksgiving lunch today. It was so good to see him. I have not seen him since July. We had a nice lunch and the kids had fun playing. I had to snap pictures of them when I could. They are all too busy to stop for long to have their pictures made. It was nice to be able to visit with family that we do not get to see often enough. I hope you and your family are having a great Thanksgiving Day!

you might be a redneck

2011-11-23T13:25:00.000-06:00

If you have to hold a magazine over the air vent so the adapter will not over heat that is running the nebulizer to give your child a treatment in the car.

Pilgrims and Indians

2011-11-22T17:28:00.000-06:00

Here is our beautiful Indian Princess Water Lily and handsome little Pilgrim. Hannah had her feast at school today and said it was really fun. I had planned on going down to the feast to take her picture but I was home with a sick little Pilgrim. We went by his school to take his teacher her pumpkin bread. She gave him is pilgrim hat and he thought it was great. She asked him if he remembered the name of the big boat that the pilgrims came over on and he said, "The Mayflower." She said she knew he would remember.

Hannah also went on a limo ride today. She went to Chuck E. Cheese to eat pizza and play games. She had a great time. Thanks to everyone for buying cookie dough so she could go on a limo ride.

Thanksgivng Cookies

2011-11-21T20:23:00.000-06:00

I liked these cookies the best. I think they are really cute.

Derrick liked these the best. I think he just liked making the feathers on them.

I enjoyed getting to spend time with Derrick making these. I am thankful for him and for helping me take on new projects. I hope they taste yummy. I used a new cookie recipe.

Thanksgiving decorations

2011-11-20T15:17:00.000-06:00

We started decorating for Christmas this weekend but we did leave a couple of Thanksgiving decorations out.

I am thankful that I still have some candy corn M&M's. They are so yummy!

TURKEYS

2011-11-20T15:05:00.000-06:00

Derrick moved the corn table on the porch so it would not get rained in and so Hunter could still play in it. Hunter was taking a little corn each day and putting it around the tree for the squirrels to eat. He would get so happy when he would see the squirrels eating the corn under the tree. The turkeys must have smelt the corn and decided to come find it. The Tidwell's called to tell us they had seen 14 turkeys on our porch earlier in the week. Today we looked and there were 4 turkeys in the corn table and about 8 more just on the porch. There were 18 in all. A little while later the phone rang and it was Mrs. Tidwell called to tell me there were 6 gobblers on the porch. They were huge. I am glad we are able to help feed them but they sure can make a mess on the porch.

What am I going to do with him?

2011-11-19T18:38:00.000-06:00

Hunter and Hannah wanted to play with play-doh this morning. I told them they could but they had to keep it on the table. Well.....that did not happen. They did not clean up when I asked them to so they both had to go to timeout. Hannah went to the chair and Hunter was on the stool. He saw his cowboy boots and decided he needed to put them on. I told him not to get up. He told me he just needed his boots. I told him that his bottom better not come off the stool. When I turned around from sweeping he was walking to get his boot holding the stool to his bottom. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was getting his boot, but he did not get off the stool. I sent him straight to his bed for timeout. I was about to fall out, but I did keep it together until he was in his room. I finished cleaning up and went to talk to him and this is what I found. Silly boy.

After nap I asked him if he wanted to eat some lunch. He said he would get some lunch. He was eating cookies and I asked him to look at me. I said Hunter raise your head so I can see your face. He looked at me and raised his hand. He is too cute. Yes I let him eat animal cookies for lunch today.

He is very into guns. Derrick took him to a cowboy shooting thing in Whites Creek a few weeks ago and he has not forgotten it. Derrick found him these guns downstairs. He calls them his shooters and he loves to shoot everything. We are having to teach him you can't point a gun at people and shoot them. He says I know only shoot the deer, squirrels, turkey, crows and not people. We will be in trouble when he can really go hunting. He is a cute little cowboy in Spiderman pj's and flip flops.

sweet student

2011-11-19T14:44:00.000-06:00

One of my students made these piggy banks for Hannah and Hunter. She also made them a nice card. I love it.

Hunter

2011-11-17T20:55:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to write some funny things Hunter has done and said the last few days.

While driving home form dinner Sunday night the kids asked to listen to Veggie Tales. Hunter started singing the theme song as it played. I had no idea he could sing that song. He is really starting to like to sing and it is precious. He has the sweetest little voice. I should record him singing.

Last night he said he had to go potty. The next thing I knew he was running back to the kitchen with no clothes on. He said he was ready to take a bath. When Derrick when to put him in the bath tub he yelled for me to bring him the spoon. That is never good. I was afraid Hunter had pooped and not done such a good job wiping himself. When I got to the bathroom I could see a TON of toilet paper in the toilet. I asked him if he pooed and he said no. I asked him why there was so much toilet paper in the toilet and he said, "I had a drop of pee pee." I had told him the other day not to drip on the toilet and got a small piece of toilet paper to wipe the drop off. He was so cute telling about it that we could not spank him. Derrick did talk to him.

While Hannah and I were reading Hunter as sitting in the floor with a book that plays songs. He started pushing the buttons and singing, "Little love notes, little love notes, little love notes for you and me." The longer he sat there the louder he sang and the more tickled Hannah and I got. I guess he is listening to the music and pay attention in the car. I am sure he will love preschool choir next year.

Early this morning Hunter got his stool and turned all the lights in the kitchen and dinning room on. I asked him what he was doing and he said, "I turn the light on so the deer will not come in." He is too silly. I am not sure why he is so worried all the time now that the deer are going to come into our house.

He is still loving school. He tells us every morning that when he gets to school he is going to tell Miss Rea (Ms. Marie) Good Morning! He also calls her Nana Rea, which she seems to love. I think he knows everyone who works there and all the kids. He is very social. He is learning some colors and can count to 12, sometimes he leaves out 8 and 9. He has also learned to write the letter H.

I think that is all for now. Thanks for reading about our little wild man.

Preschool Choir

2011-11-13T19:33:00.001-06:00

Tonight was Hannah's last preschool choir performance. That is a little sad. I remember being so excited that she was old enough to go to preschool choir and now she is finished with it. They did a great job. I asked her on the way there is she was nervous and she said, "No I am ready to sing." Thanks Papa, Nana, Mike, NeNe, Julia and Susan for coming to hear Hannah sing. I am going to try to get the video downloaded so everyone can enjoy the performance.

Happy Birthday Cooper!

2011-11-12T19:37:00.001-06:00

Waiting to sign Happy Birthday and eat some cupcakes.

WOW! That is a lot of children!

Hannah and Kylie. Hannah told me today that Kylie was her sister and that when they are 99 they will still be best friends. Oh how I hope that is true. They are sweet girls.

The Birthday Boy getting his prize and high five from Monkey Joe. Happy Birthday Cooper!

other firsts and seconds in kindergarten

2011-11-11T22:42:00.001-06:00

first Crocodile Club
As a reward for having good behavior for the whole nine weeks the kids get to go to Crocodile Club. This nine weeks was a sock hop. The kids loved dancing around and singing. See if you can find her in the pictures.

lunch with grandparents
Last Friday MeMe and Dad went to eat lunch with Hannah. Today Papa and Nana ate lunch with her. She loves having grandparents come to school for lunch.

Two weeks ago Dad went to Hannah's class and carved a pumpkin for them. Hannah loved that. Later that same week Uncle Kyle came and read a book to her class. I think the kids were very entertained by her.

One thing I know for sure is that she is one loved little girl.

T is for turkey

2011-11-10T22:28:00.000-06:00

This is the turkey with all the feathers that Hannah and her friends at school made. They did a good job.

This is Hannah's feather that she and Derrick made. Very pretty.

This is a turkey she made with her hands an a story about the turkey. In case you can't read kindergarten handwriting. It says: I see a turkey. A turkey can (not sure what the last word is). A turkey says gobble.

This was a listening activity. She had to listen and follow the directions to make the turkey. She did a good job. It is a cute turkey.

snuggle time

2011-11-09T22:13:00.000-06:00

Hunter does not like to sleep in his bed anymore. He likes to sleep in Sissy's bed. I am not sure why he does not like his bed/room and most nights it is not a problem to get him to go to bed, but this week it has been. Tonight he got up and came to our room. I was reading blogs and Derrick was not home from work. He first asked me to fold his blanket, then to put him back in Sissy's bed, then he said, "Can I just lay in you bed and snuggle with you Mama?" How was I going to say no to that. I said yes and he jumped in the bed with a huge smile on his face. He talked for a while and then I told him he had to be quiet and go to sleep. He snuggled up to me and we both went to sleep. I woke up when Derrick came in and took Hunter to his bed. I enjoyed getting to snuggle with him for a little while. I am glad that both of my kids like to snuggle still. I hope it lasts forever.

Happy Birthday Dad

2011-11-06T22:07:00.001-06:00

Yesterday was Dad's birthday. Hannah made him a sweet card, but I forgot to take a picture of it. We had a lazy day at home and went to dinner with friends. Today we went to church then lunch to celebrate with MeMe. Tonight we sang Happy Birthday and ate some banana cake for dinner. Happy Birthday Dad, we love you!

a week of firsts for Hannah

2011-11-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

first report card
It was great. She is where she should be or above in all areas. She is reading! I have taught kindergarten for the last three years and know that kids learn to read in kindergarten, but it is so different seeing my own kid do that. She is a good reader. She is already reading where she needs to be at the end of kindergarten. We are so proud of how well she is doing and how great her first report card was.

first awards
At Kelley we always have awards after report cards. The kids get bracelets for perfect attendance, citizenship, most improved and A or A/B Honor Roll in the upper grades. Hannah came home Wednesday with two bracelets. She had perfect attendance the first nine weeks of school and she was given most improved.

first RAH party
RAH stands for Read At Home. Kindergarten students are encouraged to read at least 40 books each nine weeks to qualify for the RAH party. She wanted to read 103 books but we only got about 90 read. Maybe we can read 100 or more this nine weeks. She said she had fun at the RAH party but did not give me a lot of details about it.

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T23:09:00.000-05:00

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you. We did not go out today at all. We had planned on going to the Bussell's to trick or treat with Cooper and they by Mrs. Julia's to see Aniyah, but our plans changed. The kids would not eat dinner and were moody. After they finally finished their dinner we bathed them and let them have their Halloween cookies while we watched a Clifford Halloween movie. Maybe next year we will be able to go trick or treating. Happy Halloween!

Halloween Party

2011-10-29T23:02:00.000-05:00

Derrick made a new, larger corn table for the kids to play in. They loved it.

Can you see the spider in out nice little pumpkin patch that got bit by the frost last night?

Mrs. Allison added face painting to the party this year and did a great job. Thanks Mrs. Allison!

The "big" kids. They sure have grown a lot since we started having Halloween at our house.

Aniyah laughed the whole time she was getting her face painted. She is too cute.

Cooper matched the playhouse in his cute Sulley costume. Connor was a cute tiger and was checking out all the madness.

I think the banner and lights are so cute on the playhouse.

Hannah got a beautiful flower painted on her cheek.

I got to missing Hunter and found him inside eating a cupcake, before dinner.

Time to eat!

I thought it was really funny that when I called everyone to come to the porch so we could pray and eat that the kids went straight to the table and sat down. They are all well trained.

This is the first year I think the kids have really enjoyed decorating pumpkins. I did not get a picture of the all the kids with their pumpkins.

All the kids enjoyed decorating and eating their pumpkin cookies.

Hunter was not happy about wearing his puppy costume at all. I have no pictures of him in it with the hood up. He would not take Cooper's costume off. He is a cute Sulley.

Hannah's and Hunter's pumpkins they decorated.

I think everyone had a great time. Derrick and I love having everyone over. I hope that Derrick got a good picture of all the kids, because I did not. I thought it would be easier as they got older to get a group picture, but that is not the case. Thanks everyone for coming. Hope to see you all again next yer.

cookies

2011-10-28T22:33:00.000-05:00

Halloween cookies. I had so much fun making these cookies. The candy corn cookies are my favorite.

potty time

2011-10-27T22:31:00.000-05:00

Just too cute not to take a picture of. I know there will come a day when he will not want to be in the bathroom with me. Just this week we has started bringing his little potty in our bathroom to use when I am in the bathroom. He has also started wanting books to read while going potty.

what's in your pocket?

2011-10-26T22:26:00.000-05:00

Grass, rocks, old paper towels? These are the "treasures" I found in Hunter's pockets tonight. He has just recently started putting things in is pockets. He likes to pick up handfuls of grass, which I think is a little strange. This was the first time I found an old paper towel in his pocket. Rocks are by far his favorite thing to fill his pockets with.

getting ready

2011-10-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

Hannah had to decorate a this pumpkin for school. She did a great job and did not want us to help. She did let Dad help her draw the stem, leaf and spider. I suggested that put a bow on it and she decided that was ok. Thanks Nana for bringing Hannah letter and other fun Halloween stickers.

Dad could not let her make a project alone. He did a good job on his pumpkin as well.

We actually started decorating for Halloween this afternoon/evening. We were able to enjoy the beautiful sunset while we were outside.

We are excited to have the playhouse to decorate this year. Hannah loves all the pumpkins on her porch.

We even got a mat for her porch.

This is the second pumpkin that we will be able to get off of the vine in the yard. I will rest are still very green.

Hunter has learned how to crank the four wheeler. They both love riding with Dad. He can't get it out without having to take them for a ride.

Hunter was focused on getting it cranked. He is ALL boy.

At least the front porch is decorated a week before Halloween.

pumpkin patch

2011-10-22T19:45:00.000-05:00

We decided to go to Walden Farms today for our yearly trip to the pumpkin patch. We had a great time. We were glad to have Nana and Papa with us. We met the Bussell's there as well. The kids had a great time. I am thankful we had such a beautiful day.

Uncle Kyle's graduation

2011-10-21T22:30:00.000-05:00

Thank goodness for phones to keep the kids entertained.

About to have his name called. He tried to get her to say Kyle Blackfoot Rampey.

I know it is blurry, but you can tell he is walking across the stage. Such a proud moment.

I wanted us all to wear superman shirts for Uncle Kyle, but only found one for Hunter.

We were so happy to go to Uncle Kyle's graduation tonight. He was the last one to walk across the stage, but I guess they saved the best for last. Hannah and Hunter were good during the ceremony, which was rather long. I am so happy, proud, excited, etc. that Uncle Kyle pushed through and made it to this point. Way to go Uncle Kyle. We love you!

Fall Break

2011-10-21T16:16:00.000-05:00

We had a nice fall break. Derrick and Hannah went to Rock City and Ruby Falls Tuesday. Derrick took pictures but I have not downloaded them yet. The rest of the week we just stayed around the house. Derrick and I got a few things marked off the to do list. I really enjoyed us getting to just hang out as a family this week. We got to send time with Nana, Papa, Aunt Jan and Linda too.

Monday

2011-10-17T22:39:00.002-05:00

Derrick hung my painting in Hannah's room. I am glad she thinks I am a good painter and wanted it in her room. We had a quiet morning hanging out at home. We took Hunter to school and Derrick had to work. I graded papers and worked on school work while she played. Julia came and got Hannah while I went to the doctor (just a check up). After the doctor I picked up Hannah and we went to the grocery store before we picked up Buddy. The kids played outside while I did a little more school work and Derrick fixed pancakes for dinner. I love breakfast for dinner. I am glad we were able to all eat dinner together again tonight. I love family time!

Daddy's little helpers

2011-10-17T16:11:00.000-05:00

Hannah and Hunter enjoyed helping Dad paint the chalkboard paint on the wood for Hannah's playhouse. He said they were good helpers.

coloring

2011-10-16T22:34:00.000-05:00

We had family coloring night. I found these pictures/place mats in the dollar spot at Target. We all sat at the table together and colored our pictures and talked. Hunter thought Dad needed a coloring hat. Dad is such a good sport and wore the hat while he colored. Hannah added patches to her scarecrow and a barn. She gets that from her Dad. I do hope she has his artistic ability.

Our finished place mats. Can you guess who colored each one?

fun Saturday

2011-10-15T22:28:00.000-05:00

While I was running the race Derrick took the kids to The James Gang Company Fall Cowboy Shoot Out. Hunter loved it. I think Hannah liked it. This afternoon Derrick was getting up leaves and the kids thought that was great fun. Hunter was very happy to help Derrick cut the grass. Tonight we had the Bussell's, Dixon's and Julia over to grill out and celebrate finishing the race. Derrick and Bill were the only two adults who were moving at any speed. The rest of us were sore and tired. It was fun to hang out and eat sweets. We had plenty of dessert to choose from. It was a nice night to be out by the fire, but we were all to tired to hang out there too long. Thanks everyone for coming over to hang out.

The MIddle Half

2011-10-15T22:18:00.000-05:00

I started running two years ago this month. I have a love/hate relationship with running. I still do not really like to run, but I like how I feel after I run. This was my third half marathon. I had my best time, even having to run almost half a mile more because of a wrong turn. I was not the only one of took the wrong turn. The police officer was smiling and saying, "Go this way." He as not very convincing and his car was in the way. I ran the most in this half that I have ever ran at one time. Julia, Sarah and I all stayed together. We decided to stop my watch at 13.1 miles. Our time at that point was 2:35. I was very proud because I wanted to finish in 2:30. Since I had not really trained like I needed to I thought that was pretty good. I know if I trained like I should that I could do 2:30 or a little faster. Dare I say maybe next year? My official time for the 13.509 was 2:41:36 which is 5 minutes faster than last year. I always have to say thanks to Allison and Jeremy for encouraging me to run/exercise and not letting me quit. Thanks Julia for dragging me to the gym when I do not feel like going. I am glad that Amber came back in town to run the race. I did not get a picture with Amber and Allison with my phone but Amber did, so go to her blog to see it.

Fall Frolic

2011-10-13T21:47:00.000-05:00

Hannah was so excited to dress up and come to school at night for the Fall Frolic. She told me J.J. was going to be a vampire. He was not a vampire but he was a cute little football player. She LOVES J.J. I had to work the picture station so Derrick was in charge of the kids. Hunter would not wear his costume, but Hannah looked very cute in her Belle dress. Since I was not busy at the picture station I went to see the dance. I would call it a run, but the kids were having a great time. Hannah had found J.J. in the dance and they were having a great time chasing each other. I was able to meet and talk to his parents. According to them he is just as crazy about Hannah as she is about him. I am sure they will miss each other next week while they are on Fall Break. Hunter was too worried about eating to dance or get his face painted. He found Ms. Vetter and kept saying, "I need that crayon girl to hold me."

he fell

2011-10-11T21:37:00.000-05:00

I talked to the office ladies today and they said he fell. I wanted to say duh, but I instead asked why no one knew he fell. They said they had to evacuate the building and were under the picnic shelter. They told the kids not to climb on the bench and Hunter climbed on it and fell off. They said that since they told them not to climb that Hunter did not tell the teacher he fell off. They said he never cried. I find that a little hard to believe. Hopefully he learned not to climb on the bench under the picnic shelter.

Hunter, Hunter, Hunter

2011-10-10T21:33:00.000-05:00

Today when I walked in to get Hunter I noticed he had a HUGE bump on his head. I asked the afternoon teacher what happened and she said she did not know. She thought he came to school with it because there was no note. I asked him and he said he hit it in the black building. I very calmly walked to the office to ask it they knew. They did not. They said they would call Ms. Marie and find out. He also had a scraped elbow. The picture does not do how large the bump was justice. Hopefully we will find out tomorrow what happened for sure. He is still so cute, even all banged up.

signs of Fall

2011-10-09T21:28:00.000-05:00

Hannah and Hunter were playing outside this afternoon when Hannah came and told me she needed to make a project. She said she needed paper, tape and leaves. She said Mrs. Smith told them to look for signs of Fall and to make something to show her. Hannah said the leaves changing colors was a sign of Fall and she made this "project" to take to Mrs. Smith. Hunter did not want to be left out so he made one for Ms. Marie.

at least it is the weekend

2011-10-08T21:30:00.005-05:00

We ended up at the doctor's office with Hunter this morning. I had planned on taking the kids to Touch a Truck, which I know Hunter would have loved. He has been coughing some this week, but it really got bad last night. We gave him a double treatment when we got home from Disney On Ice and he slept ok until about 5am. I gave him another treatment and put him back to bed. He woke up a little after 7 and was still coughing some. I called the doctors office and they said to bring him in. The doctor listened to him and heard wheezing. She wanted him to do a treatment in the office so she could listen again after he finished. She said he sounded much better after the treatment. She said to keep doing the treatments every 4 hours through the weekend and if he seems to need it more than that to call back. He seemed to feel alright this morning other than the cough. I put him down for a nap and thought he would feel much better when he woke up. That was not the case. He only slept for a little over an hour and woke up crying. He continued to cry 3 hours. He cried so hard and much that he threw up 3 times. He just wanted to be held. Selfishly I was really sad we had to cancel our plans for tonight. I hate that he is not feeling well but I am glad I have been here all day to hold him. We are going to stay home and rest tomorrow and hopefully he will be much better by Monday morning. So far he has been asleep for about 2 hours with no coughing. I hope it continues for at least 8-10 more hours. Good Night!

Disney Oh Mice

2011-10-07T21:18:00.000-05:00

Ready for Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic.

I am so blessed to have these three wonderful people in my life. Not sure what I would do without them.

While we were waiting Hunter looked up and said, "Hey, look it is Donald's. Papa gets me pancake and sausage at Donald's." He is such a mess.

I could eat him up.

Nemo and the shark where Hunter's favorite.

Hannah said she liked all the princess's the most.

Hunter wanted to sit in Sissy's lap for a little while. She gladly let him.

I felt just like I was on the ride. I know the Bussell's are sad they missed It's a Small World.

all painted

2011-10-06T21:15:00.000-05:00

Derrick has been off work all week so he has had time to work on a few projects around the house. The other weekend he and Papa put the windows in to keep the rain, cold, and bugs out. There are still a few things he wants to do it, but I think it looks so good. Hannah and Hunter both love playing in it and do so almost every day.

Chess Club

2011-10-04T20:38:00.000-05:00

The art teacher at our school does Chess Club once a week. She asked me if I wanted Hannah to come. I told her sure. I also let her know that I do not know how to play chess. She assured me that was fine and she could/would teach Hannah. I will let Hannah teach me. She sent her home with this chess set. I asked Hannah if everyone got one and she said, "No Mama, just the people who do not have one at home." Chess is one of the few games we do not have. Hannah paid attention well. She remembered the names of most of the pieces and where to put them. I am sure she will be able to teach me to play chess before long.

Lighthouse Preschool night

2011-09-30T21:13:00.000-05:00

All the Lighthouse Preschool classes were invited to the football game tonight to say the pledge to the American flag, Christian flag and the Bible. Hunter did not say any of them after he had talked so much about it, but all the preschoolers looked cute in their Lighthouse shirts. Hunter had a big fan club come out to support him. Mike, Nene, Jeremy, Cooper, Julia, Mark and Aniyah. Hunter liked watching football and cheering for the boys. Hannah and Aniyah liked cheering like the cheerleaders. I did not take my camera, the batteries in Mike and Nene's camera died, so this is the only picture I took with my phone. Thanks Nene for spending your birthday with us at the football game.

.MOM

2011-09-25T21:08:00.000-05:00

I had the best time at this conference. I loved hanging out with friends, hearing great speakers(see list on right side of blog titled .MOM), learning new things about being a mom, and most of all really hearing from God. I really can't put into words all that I learned. You had to be there to understand this but this is what I took away and what will get me though. Be the sunshine in the boat, even when the boat is in deep water. Maybe I will write more about all I learned later when I have more time.

These are all the wonderful friends I spent the weekend with. I hope more friends can go next year.

We stayed Saturday night since Ashely and Donna came so far to be with Allison and I. We had a nice dinner and a great time just visiting. I am already looking forward to next year.

Jacqulin's game

2011-09-22T21:07:00.000-05:00

I feel so old when I see this picture of Jacquiln. She was in kindergarten when we met them. That is Hannah's age. How did she grow up so fast? She is growing into a beautiful young lady inside and out.

Hannah loves Jacqulin and thought it was really cool to "cheer" with her.

They are all growing too fast.

Aunt Debbie thought the night would not be complete without snow cones. Thanks Aunt Debbie.

Monday

2011-09-19T20:43:00.002-05:00

I thought this was the last paci Hunter had. It is always hard for me to make the kids get rid of their paci. I think it is because it is the last thing they get rid of that makes them a baby. Hunter is really good at telling me when his paci has a hole in it. We threw away 2 this weekend! This morning when I put my raincoat on I found a paci in my pocket. I am not sure who was more excited. I am not in a hurry to take his paci away. It really is the last thing that lets me think of him as a baby. He only has it in his bed. He does not have one at school, but naps when it here. He has become a little boy way to fast.

I got to spend the day with this sweet boy. He woke up from nap yesterday not feeling well and had a fever by late afternoon. I took him to the doctor this morning and she said he just has a virus. We stopped at Sonic on the way home to get a "flush" to make his throat feel better. He has not had fever all day. I hope he stays that way so we can all go back to school/work tomorrow. I know he still not 100% because he spent most of the morning in my lap. He played a little more this afternoon and was back to picking on Hannah before bed, so I think he is feeling better.

I thought she looked too cute in this little outfit today. She is able to wear her twinkle toes to school because she can tie her own shoes. She seems to be learning so many new things so quickly lately. I hope she will always love school as much as she does right now. Derrick and I both liked school so hopefully we passed that to her.

Hope you all had a good Monday. Thanks for stopping by to read about ours.

today they are showing love to each other

2011-09-18T12:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes in the car they can be nice to each other. At times Hunter will ask Hannah to hold his hand. Today I was not driving so I was able to take a picture of the sweet moment.

They are too cute. I sure do love these kids.

pizza and moive night

2011-09-16T23:00:00.000-05:00

Mrs. Sharon invited us over for pizza and a movie tonight. We changed the kids into their pj's to watch a movie. They thought it was fun for about 5 minutes. Hunter and Todd were not very into the movie. Hannah, Cooper and Ty lasted a little longer, but were having a hard time getting along. They did enjoy the popcorn. Mrs. Sharon said maybe we should try again in 5 year. It was nice to visit with the Bussell's and Glenn's for a little while. Hopefully next time the kids will get along a little better. It was still fun to get them all together.

big day for the Hood kids

2011-09-12T21:28:00.001-05:00

This picture really has nothing to do with Hunter's big day, but I thought he looked so cute with his glasses on his shirt just like his Dad. I could just eat him up.

Getting the stitches out was just as easy as having them put in. Dr. Freeman asked him if he could lay down and he said yes and did. She said several times has impressed she was that he did so well. He is such a good boy.

Here is the booboo with just the "scat" on it. He was feeling his head after the stitches were out and asked me what that was. I told him it was a scab and that it would go away soon. He went into this whole story about Derrick putting a crab on his head and Coopers head when we were at the beach. I fell out. I told him it was a scab, not a crab. He said, "Oh I have a scat on the front back of my head."

Since we were at the doctor I figured it was as good a time as any to get flu shots. Hannah was very calm when I told her. I told her she could choose a shot or the mist in her nose. Of course she choose the mist. Hunter whimpered for for second then wiped his eyes and gladly took his Popsicle from Nurse Heather.

After the doctor we went to the Y, then to SubWay for dinner, then finally home. Hunter asked for bubbles and since he had been so good I could not say no. Once again, he is just so cute.

Hannah has been working hard to learn the 40 sight words she needs to know. On Friday Mrs. Smith said she was only missing a few. We practiced them several times this weekend. We have not practiced sounds much at all, but she knew a lot of them going into Kindergarten, thanks to her good Pre-K teacher. At lunch Mrs. McKendree came in and said she saw Hannah putting her cookie in the hallway. She is one smart cookie. I went to see her when I picked up my class from lunch to tell her I was proud of her. Once I got back to my classroom and was teaching math I heard her say, "Mom!" I turned to see her holding her Grand Prize paper for knowing all of her sounds. She was beaming and so was I. Thanks Mrs. Smith for letting her come share the good news. I know she will be reading lots more independently soon. Hannah we are so proud of you! Keep working hard.

I was taking a picture of her papers while she was doing her homework and she said, "Mom, do you want me to hold them and you can take my picture with them." I told her I would love to. Look how proud she is.

Happy Grandparents Day

2011-09-11T20:48:00.000-05:00

We love all of our grandparents so much and are so thankful to have each of them in our lives. I always have good intentions of taking the kids pictures with each of the grandparents so I can do a special post, but never seem to get that done. Maybe one day. We love you all and send you extra hugs and kisses today. I know you all love these sweet faces.

the ride to church

2011-09-11T20:43:00.001-05:00

This morning on the way to Hannah noticed that there were LOTS of flags at the fire station that we pass every time we go to church. She asked what they were for. I thought for a minute before I told her anything. It never hit me until this morning that I would have to tell her about that horrible day 10 years ago. I like that she does not have to know about all the bad things that go on in the world. I think to think that Derrick and I keep her pretty sheltered and protected in her little 5 year old world. I finally told her there was a bad wreck 10 years ago and a lot of people got hurt and killed and today we were remembering those people. She was ok with that. I did not want to tell her it was a planes that wrecked since Uncle Kyle was flying on a plane today and Derrick has to fly for work at times. When she is a little older I am sure we will tell her all about it and I am sure it will be in the history books she will have in school. It is hard to believe it has been 10 years. I will always remember exactly where I was and I think it will always make me sad and teary to watch/hear about it.

One a much lighter note. Hunter decided to share with us that he knows a bible verse. As we were talking he said, "Be kind one to another." Hannah and I both said he knows a bible verse. I asked him where he learned that verse and he said school and church. Since he brought it up we had a nice little discussion what being kind looked like. I asked him if sharing was kind and he said yes. I asked him if biting and hitting were kind and he said no. I am proud of him for knowing his bible verse and what being kind is. I recorded him saying the verse because I think his little voice is so sweet. Enjoy.

Saturday

2011-09-10T20:25:00.000-05:00

Hunter loves to play in Hannah's clips. This morning he came to me with a handful of them and said, "Mama put these in my hair like a girl." We played this game all day. He thought it was so funny. I love the look on his face, he looks like I made him do it. He was really just trying to look up but I was telling him to hold his head down.

The Bussell's came over to hang out tonight. It was such a nice night outside that we stayed outside as long as possible and until the mosquitoes got too bad. We had a great time visiting, eating pizza, dessert and watching the kids play. The kids loved play-dough and dessert the best I think.

We ate dessert to celebrate Uncle Kyle's birthday, even tough he was not with here. We love you Uncle Kyle.

finished furniture and good listening

2011-09-08T20:17:00.000-05:00

Here is my completed tote tray cabinet with all new tote trays. I love it! Nice and organized. Thanks to the best husband in the world for his hard and quick work in finishing this project.

Today at school we had an assembly for the cookie dough fundraiser. Ms. Jessica, the fundraiser lady, told the kids to put their packet in the refrigerator when they got home. She told them that way their parents would find it when they got ready to cook dinner and then they could tell them all about it. She also told them that if they sold 18 boxes of cookie dough they would get to go to Chuck-E-Cheese in a limo. Of course all of the kids went crazy. Hannah did just what Ms. Jessica said and told me all about getting to ride in the big long car if she sold 18 boxes of cookie dough. She also added that it was her school to help build a picnic shelter. I am sure she will ask enough people to get a ride in that big long car.

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T21:29:00.001-05:00

We had a nice Labor Day weekend. MeMe came to visit on Friday and spent the weekend with us. Hannah was so excited that she was in the car with Derrick to pick her up from school. Friday night they all went to Chick-Fil-A while I went to dinner with some friends. Saturday I ran a race while they all went to the park to play and then to lunch. We all enjoyed spending some time together Saturday night we spent the evening at home and ordered pizza. Sunday did not go as planned. We had planned on going to breakfast, church and Widjiwagan, but Hunter busted his head open at 6:45am so the plans changed (see post below). We had a nice lazy day at home, spending time as a family. We did go to Cheddar's for dinner and it was very yummy. Today MeMe got up with the kids and Derrick and I slept until 8:30. It was nice to get 10 straight hours of sleep. We spent the day inside because it has rained all day. Derrick and the kids took MeMe back to the airport this afternoon. We went to dinner at Blue Coast then came home to get the kids bathed and ready for bed. We had them in the bed by 7:30 and I think they were asleep by 7:45. I did not take any pictures all weekend, but we had a great long weekend, other than the busted head.

playhouse and pumpkin

2011-09-05T19:43:00.000-05:00

Dad painted the playhouse door and put up the cute sign that he and Hannah bought.

Too cute!

Last year after the Halloween party we sat the pumpkins off the porch and almost a year later we have pumpkin vines growing.

But only one pumpkin on the whole vine. Hopefully more will come.

I knew this day would come

2011-09-04T21:55:00.001-05:00

This was after we came home from the ER. At least he is not near the vent, right?

This morning, early, like 6:30, Hunter came pushing the seesaw through the kitchen into our bedroom. I told him to take it back to the living room. About 15 minutes later we hear him crying and Hannah comes to our room to tell us he hit his head. Derrick got up and went to check on him. When I saw Derrick carrying him I thought, he must had hit his head hard. When Derrick said, "Heather, this is not good, there is blood." I got a little worried. I grabbed a washcloth for Derrick to put on his head. After a few seconds Derrick moved it so I could try to look. Hunter was not really crying anymore and he was not bleeding anymore, but did not want us messing with his head. Derrick gave him to me so he could try to look. He really could not tell anything either so we went and got MeMe to look at it. It was not bleeding anymore, but did not look great. I do not like blood or holes in people. We decided to go ahead and take him to the ER. He was acting fine, talking, and seemed not to be in pain, which we thought were all good signs. He told the nurse what was wrong. He said, "I fall off the seesaw and hit my head on the vent." That is the same thing Hannah told us and what he told us at home when he stopped crying. The nurse put some numbing medicine on his head and took us back to wait for the doctor. As she was taking his blood pressure, temp, listening to his heart/lungs, putting the medicine on his head she would say, "This is not going to hurt, I promise." When the doctors came in they said they would have to wash it out and then decide if he needed stitches or not. They said it would take about 45 minutes for the medicine to numb his head good and they would be back then. We watched TV, went potty, and talked until they came back. When the doctors were talking to Hunter they asked him his name. He said, "Hunter Michael Hood." The man doctor called him Hunter Michael the whole time. Hunter was only worried about where that girl doctor was. The man doctor took the band aid off his head so he could look at it. Hunter just sat there while the huge band aid was pulled off/out of his hair. He never even acted like it hurt to have his hair pulled. Both doctors washed out the busted area and decided he needed 3 stitches for the 2cm gash in the back of his head. The man doctor told him he was going to make him a pillow to lay his head on and that he could pretend it was a Thomas pillow (Hunter had on his Thomas the Train pj's). The nurse brought some books in for him to look at while they sewed him up. He did so good. He just laid there and talked to the nurse about the book pages in the I Spy book while they doctors got him all sewed up. When they finished Hunter sat up and said, "Can I have a Popsicle?" The nurse asked him what color he wanted and of course he said blue. By the time he finished his Popsicle they were bringing us our discharge papers. They told us not to get his head wet today and to give him some Tylenol because his head would be sore. They said we could wash is hair tomorrow and a week from tomorrow to go to the doctors office and have his stitches removed. I hope we can keep him from hitting his head again until it heals. He has bumped it a few times today just being wild and crazy. He is all boy and I am thankful that we made it this long without any stitches or major injuries. I hope this is our first and last, but have a feeling it may be the first of many.

1st bite

2011-08-29T21:29:00.000-05:00

Hunter's teacher called me this afternoon to tell me that he had been bitten. She was so upset. I assured her that I was not mad and that I am sure he could have provoked a child to bite him. She assured me that he did not do anything to the child so she was puzzled as to why the child bit him. Of course Hunter told us all about the little girl who bit him. She did bit him pretty hard. It did not break the skin but it made a good mark. I tried to take a picture but it did not turn out good. Hopefully that will be his one and only bit.

coloring

2011-08-27T21:26:00.000-05:00

I love seeing them sit and color or read books together. I don't remember sitting and coloring or playing much with Kyle, but surely we did play together. I hope they will always be close. I will have to say I believe that Kyle and I are probably the closest now we have even been and for that I am thankful.

2 weeks of K already

2011-08-27T13:02:00.000-05:00

Our "Cool Kid!"

Here is her name on the color word list, red list and blue list. She almost knows her yellow list now.

This is her bus she made. It was a listening activity.

Hannah has already finished 2 weeks of kindergarten. That is hard to believe, but at the same time I feel like I have been back at work FOREVER. She LOVES it! She has adjusted well. She comes home everyday and tells us all the things she is learning, teaches them to Hunter, and I hear her playing school in her room and playhouse. She is enjoyed color days this past week. They learn about one color each day and do all kind of fun things with that color, tear paper pictures, a snack that color, wearing that color, etc. She did have to move her worm to yellow one day for not tucking her chair under when asked, multiple times. She also like recess (she says her favorite thing to do is chase the boys, oh my), PE, art, music, computer and going to the library to check out books. She was excited to put up 4 stickers on the RAH door because we had already read 20 books. She is a "Cool Kid" which means she knows all of her letters, she has an apple on the color word and red sight word list, and she read Mrs. Smith a level 1 book yesterday. We are so proud of the progress she has already made in only 2 weeks and can't wait to see all the things she will learn to do this year. I will try to do a video of her telling about school and post it soon.

I do work too

2011-08-26T21:23:00.000-05:00

Hunter must have been feeling a little left out. He got his book and said he needed to do his homework like Sissy.

life in 1st grade

2011-08-25T21:21:00.000-05:00

I am very excited to have most of my kids from last year. It has made started the year much easier. They all know the rules and what I expect so I did not have to spend the first two weeks of school teaching them rules and procedures. I just had to review them a little. I am getting settled into my new room and learning a lot from my new teammates. I am very glad I have them to depend on. These are two finished projects that Derrick did for me. The table is new and the book shelves are newly painted. Derrick Hood sure must love me to take on all these projects. They look great. Thanks Derrick for making my room look great.

Hannah is loving coming to my room before and after school. This afternoon I had her sorting math manipulative kits. I figured since she had been working on sorting in her class this would be good practice. She did great and really was a big help.

another school project

2011-08-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

Derrick is so good at doing projects and since he does not have enough I found him one more. This is a tote tray cabinet that was in need of repair. Good thing I am married to a man who is good at doing repairs. I will take pictures of the finished product soon.

Happy Birthday Kyile

2011-08-20T21:08:00.000-05:00

We had a fun time celebrating Kylie's birthday today. Happy Birthday Kylie!

Girls Night Out

2011-08-19T20:59:00.000-05:00

We had a girls night tonight and it was so much fun. We met at Blue Coast to eat a little dinner before we went to paint. We went to a fun place called Paint + Canvas in Lenox Village. Thanks girls for a fun night. We are all such good artist.

thankful for family

2011-08-18T20:00:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful that I have family who will drive 6 hours to come and keep my kids for me. Aunt Jan and Linda came and stayed several days so I could work in my room at school. The kids had a great time playing with them and I enjoyed getting to visit with them some in the evenings. Papa and Nana came and stayed a week. I had to go back to work and Derrick ended up having to work all week as well, so they came to the rescue. I am proud of Papa for still taking Hunter to school, as much as I know he did not want to. The kids were spoiled even more that week, but had a wonderful time. I was able to visit with Papa and Nana a little, but I worked some late nights at school while they were here. Thank you all for coming to watch the kids, help around the house and help me get things ready for school. I love you all and I am very thankful to have you in my life.

my little teacher

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000-05:00

Hannah has been so excited each day to come home and show us the work in her folder. She can give a perfect play by play of her day. She was telling me about this math paper and Hunter came and asked what it was. She said, "Let me teach you about sorting Buddy." They laid in the floor and had a math lesson for about 5 minutes. It was too sweet.

All of that learning made them really tired. They are still having to sleep in the same bed.

family night

2011-08-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

Tonight we ordered pizza, had a picnic and watched a movie as a family. I feel like we have not had family time if forever. It was very nice and relaxing after a very stressful week. I just love this picture of Hunter. He is such a happy, loving boy and makes any day better.

Hannah's 1st Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-11T22:50:00.000-05:00

Ready to go!

I do not like how the lens makes her look in this pic, but I do like that you can see the whole school.

Putting her backpack in her locker.

Her cute locker tag.

Her name tag at her seat.

This is the point where Dad thought she might cry. She never did. I asked her what her favorite part of the day was. She said recess. She is out of school tomorrow, has a half day Monday then Tuesday starts full days. I will keep you posted on how it goes.

breakfast

2011-08-09T16:00:00.000-05:00

My sweet Hannah has been wanting to fix me breakfast for about a week. She came to me last night and told me she was going to leave my breakfast on the table. This is what she left me. She is so sweet! My breakfast was very yummy. Thanks Hannah!