Spring, Summer, Ready for school to start!

Wow I am more behind than ever. A lot has happened since my last entry so I will try to keep things brief. Here is the run down.

As I post this, I am already behind about a month.

We saw Dad and Beverly over spring break. It was a fast visit. We didn't want to be too much for him. Beverly took us to the Elloree Trials. The kids really enjoy the horses and tailgating.

On our way home we stopped at the indoor water park/hotel in Severville, Tn. What a great time. Our last day there was Drew's Birthday. We were able to hit the Nascar Speed Park before we left town.

After our visit Dad got very very sick. He was in the hospital, we were all so worried about him. He is doing much better now. He is a real fighter. I know the prayers have been working.

Monica and I managed to run a 5k. She beat me by 3min. She came in 2nd place for the girls. She was so shocked and I was so proud of her. She won two movie tickets.

We had Drew's fifth birthday that afternoon. We had some friends from school and his cousins Micah and McClaine meet us at the fire station for a little party. I was able to make his cake the night before. It was fun to make and the kids loved it.

Monica has had a successful soccer season with at least 5 goals.

Drew has managed to kick the ball a few times.

Natalie is still playing soccer, she will play soccer at school again this year. Then she will be cheering during basketball season. It will be a busy fall with soccer and cheer. She is also still taking Fiddle lessons and a little gymnastics to help with cheer.

Drew graduated from pre-k.

At the end of the year the class had a train ride to Nashville and a sleep over at the school. He has so much fun.

Monica got her braces removed. She is so happy.

We celebrated Mike's 40th birthday.

Drew is loving golf. Mike is so excited and offers take him often.

Drew and our Neigbor, Cade"Drew's Golf Partner"

We also were able to get away for a couple of days for our 15 yr anniversary. We went to Louisville, Ky to the Abbey Road on the River tour. It was way too much fun. We also went to Churchill Downs for the day. Thanks to Grammy And Aunt Susie for keeping the kiddos.

Drew learned to ride his Bike. He was determined not to ride his sisters old pink bike. Then, he finally realized he would never ride his big boy bike until he mastered this bike.

Monica had her dance recital. She tried Hip Hop this year. She had a lot of fun. I think it is out of her system now. She wants to go back to ballet.

We made it back to the Wilderness Hotel and Water Park. Ginny flew to Nashville and we met Dad, Beverly, Beverly's kids and grandkids. We all went to Dollywood and spent a day at the water park. We are so thankful that dad is feeling better. It was a great time.

















We spent July 3rd with Susie and Jason on their boat. We stayed for the fireworks. The kids loved being so close to the fireworks.

Natalie Micah and Drew Micah and Drew

Susie and McClaine

Monica

Natalie

Ready for Warmer Weather

Wow, It has been awhile since I have worked on this. I have been a little hung up on Facebook. I have also tried to limit my time online. I just love playing and editing photos. My time disappears very fast. I have started unpacking again. The last of it is the office and the garage. I am trying to get this done before the spring. We have a lot to keep up outside and if I don't finish the inside now, I will have to leave it until fall.

We have had several indoor soccer tournaments. A few weeks ago I took Monica and Drew to the Train Hobby Show in Nashville. They loved it.
Natalie wanted to stay home and text her friends. She has become very social since she turned 13.

We are all doing well. In a few weeks all three children will be doing soccer. Natalie will also try the golf team. I don't know how though. It has been so cold and she has not been playing at all the last few months.

Tough Cookie

Well as I mentioned before. I thought Natalie had been playing soccer the last couple of weeks with a broken big toe. She wouldn't let me take her to the Dr. because she knew that if it were broke she couldn't play. She didn't complain much to me so I didn't push her to go to the doctor. She re injured it this past weekend. It was worse than ever. So, off to the doctor. Sure enough, it was broke and had happened a couple of weeks ago. The good thing is, it is healing. The tough part is keeping her from re injuring it. He said that since it is healing that she could play as long as she could stand the pain. I am sure she feels it is all worth it. She scored another goal against a boys team this past weekend. The girls team got 2nd place. Not bad for their second tournament.

Last week we discovered that Drew has a new friend. His name is Mr. Bonkers Tenticals. He crash landed his plane in Drew's room. He is from Pluto. He and Drew travel together in the rocket ship that is hidden in our back field. Oh, and don't ask to see him, he is invisible ya know.

Monday, Mike took Drew and Monica to the Predators game. He wanted to do it for them since they had to sit through so many soccer games over the weekend. Monica ended up on the jumbo screen. Several kids from school saw her on there so she thought that was really cool.

Holiday Fun

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was one of the best Christmas eve's we have ever had. Everything was ready for Santa since we had to go to IL for Katie and Aaron's Wedding. We just enjoyed the day. The children played. Daddy has one last secret errand. Drew and I made a few cookies then we got ready for church. They were all so cooperative. Usually one of them gets in a bad mood while dressing. Or they get is trouble picking on each other at church. I think they knew they better be good. It was the children's service so that help them a lot. We had planned to go out to eat after church but decided to change things a little. Usually we go home and make pizza's. It is a rush to get them made and the you have the mess. My mission this year was to make life as easy as I can. Do the children really care where we get the pizza? A few weeks earlier Mike had taken Drew and Natalie to the huge drive through Christmas light display and Monica was sick and didn't get to go. It was all she talked about. We had driven by so she new what she was missing. So we picked up Little Cesar's, got drinks from McDonald's, then drove to the lights. The children couldn't believe Daddy was letting them eat in the car, especially pizza. They loved it.

Christmas day the children let us sleep in until about 8:15. Santa really spoiled them this year.
I think they were all surprised. They finally got Rock Band. Drew's big gift was a 4 wheeler. Natalie's was an ipod speaker dock/alarm clock, Monica's was American Girl doll, Felicity. Mike's secret errand from the day before was a new camcorder for me. At the wedding he heard me talking about the problems I had with mine and decided that would be a good gift for me. " I guess he does listen after all"
Mike cooked a rib roast for dinner. His sister and her husbands family joined us. We had a great
time and really enjoyed their company.

The day after Christmas we reorganized and got ready for company. Mike's Aunt and cousin from MI were heading through on there way to FL. We don't get to see them very often so we wanted to make it a nice visit. We cooked part of the day and they got here in the afternoon. We had about 20 for dinner. It was so good so see them. The next morning they left at 5am. Then by 9am we were packed up and went to see my dad in SC . The children had a great time feeding the animals, and going fishing. We also went to Charleston to see a park filled with lights. Monica climbed the rock wall, Drew tried. We ate fresh seafood for dinner, what a treat. We headed back on the 31st and brought in the New Year with our new neighborhood friends at the clubhouse. On New Years Day Mike and I got up and started cooking for another round of company. We invited Mike's family to stay again on there way back from Florida. It was so good to see them. And we really enjoyed having family around for the holidays.

We are now getting back to our schedules. Drew was still off school this past week. He was getting stir crazy by Thursday and Friday. He too will be glad to get back tomorrow.

Natalie had her first indoor soccer tournament yesterday. It was her first game with the new team. She did well and scored a goal in the first game. She was a defender on the next two games. The girls really looked good for their first game. Natalie tried her slide tackle with success the first time. She ended up with a burn on her knee from the gym floor. The second time she did it she took out a girl and got a yellow card. ( the girl was not hurt)They finally told her that slide tackles are not to be done indoors. Mike and Natalie were super excited about her aggressiveness. I was thankful that she is not going to do it again. We have to protect those knees. I forgot to mention that she may be playing with a broken big toe. She didn't want to go to the Dr. because she was afraid they wouldn't let her play. Aunt Susie and the girls came to the games. It is so great being close to them. Monica went home with them for the night, what a treat for her. I hope she was able to help with the girls.

Okay, I think that is enough catch-up. Hope you aren't asleep after all that. We have been so busy I haven't had time to write. I will spend the rest of today taking Christmas down.

Ready for Christmas

We just got home from a wonderful five days. We left on Natalie's 13th birthday (Fri. Dec.19) and headed to IL. We had rehearsal for Mike's cousin Katie's wedding. At the rehearsal dinner Aunt Jane surprised Natalie with a cake and presents. It was so much fun. We had celebrated the night before so she didn't expect a thing. There were about 50 people singing to her. She was happy. The wedding was Saturday. The wind chill was -20 with snow and blowing. It sure made for a beautiful wedding. It was tough on us TN folks. Natalie played the violin during the prelude while Monica, Drew and Micah passed out programs. On Sunday we stopped by to see my brother and his family on the way to Mike's moms. It was so good to see him. It has been a long time since we have been up north. We had Christmas with Mike's family on Monday and then headed back today. The children loved getting to open some presents early. Now we will get ready for Christmas. We will have a few days of company then head to my dad's in SC for a few days after Christmas.

He has had to start Chemo again. He is tolerating it well. Keep him in your prayers.

Hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas.

This was taken the night before our 1st snow day this year. As you can see. The snowman used up all the snow in the yard. They cancelled school just after this photo. He was only with us for a couple of days. They really miss him and are praying for his return. After this past week I think I can wait until next year before he returns.

Finally Forty

Yes, I am forty, Mike has been teasing me for quite some time now. It happened yesterday but I have been celebrating all week. I really can't believe it. I still listen to the same music as my 12 year old. Of coarse I also listen to music that she doesn't like.
My birthday has been really great. Mike took the kids out at 6:30am to get me coffee and donuts. He then told me to show up at the spa at 10am. When I got there he had sent a dozen roses. Then I had a massage and my nails done. A real treat for me. I would never do that for myself. That night went to Monica's Christmas program at school then back home for cake. Mike treated me to my birthday dinner tonight. We went to Morton's Steakhouse and had the best meal ever. He has really made my day much easier to tolerate. The kids had fun planning too.
Tomorrow we go to see Santa at the club then the neighborhood Christmas party. The kids will stay at Aunt Susie's then we will go to the Titan's game on Sunday.
I am thankful I don't have time to feel forty. Glad its over. Now I can just live it.

November News

Well it looks like I am only managing an update once a month. I have great intentions but as most of you can relate, the kids come first.


We attended out first UT football game in Oct. Our friends from Bardstown, who now live in Knoxville, treated us to a wonderful weekend. It was so good to see them after so many years.



We had a great Halloween. Our neighbors traveled with us in our stylish Dale Jr. golf cart. Drew and Cade were Dale Jr. Monica was a Devil Grrrl. and Natalie and her friend Meghan were Mix match girls.




Last Night Natalie had her Soccer Banquet. She was awarded the Offense, Player of the year. She worked very hard to prove she could play offense. I guess it payed off. She really didn't expect it since she had played defense in the beginning of the year and also she is only a seventh grader. There were some great 8th graders on her team.
She was also awarded the Wonder Woman Award for: Covering the whole field and always being at the right place at the right time.





Time to put together a play mobile hospital. Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Keeping Up.

Not sure where the time goes. We have had a very busy month. Good thing I have forgot a lot of what has gone on or you would probably get really bored if you aren't already :-)

Over fall break we made it to MS to visit our friends. The girls had a big time seeing old friends. We stayed the night with a friend of mine who has a daughter Natalie's age. She learned how to Blue Tooth music from one phone to the other. I try to stay up on that stuff but they really got me this time. Natalie was surprised that the kids at her school didn't know about this. Guess we are a little behind those MS folks. Mike played in the Member Guest in MS. He and Doug are the Champions for the second time in three years. We didn't get to stay long and missed seeing several people. We are definately going to try to stay more than 48 hours next time.















We then headed to Fl to help out my Grandma. It was a few intense days of sorting through papers, going to see lawyers, financial planners, bank ,facility director, realtors, errands and cleaning up her house that won't sell (and is now not worth much of anything). I am taking over her affairs since she is unable. She is very grateful. I may have to move her to this area. Her situation is not good for her. We helped her with a few groceries and she just broke down right at the register. It is hard to see her in this pain. She was good to me when I was growing up and it is the least I could do. It is difficult doing this from so far away. Well, I already handle affairs for five, what's one more. HA!







We managed one day of fun while we were in FL. We went back to Disney's Magic Kingdom. We did not have a chance to see any other friends or family this time. We saw my sister for breakfast the last day and drove the whole way back the same day. (6 nights in a hotel was enough).


Yes, we all rode

space mountain.

Lebanon sure is treating us well. Monica tested into the gifted/talented program. She had her first nine weeks awards. She got the all A honor roll, a reading award, and the awesome attitude award. Natalie also received all A's. I wasn't sure since I have only seen her do home work about 3 days the whole 9 weeks. It is amazing what a change in schools can do for a kid.

Good News

Wow, we have had lots of things happening around here.

Thanks for your prayers, my dads cancer is gone. I am so happy. He has been so positive through all this. We can't wait to go fishing at his house. Drew practices his casting almost everyday.

Last week Mike's Sister had her baby. She invited me to be a part of bringing her new daughter into this world. What a miracle. I have seen many babies born but it was so much more special to be present for my niece. Mike's family is so good to me, they sure make me feel like there own. So, they didn't know it was girl. Well, big sister Micah always knew she was a girl.

Her name is McClaine Elizabeth, A real sweet heart. Good thing I am too old to have another. I will just have to visit Susie more often to get my baby fix.

Goal Count, Natalie scored 3 more goals in the game last Saturday and 1 in the game last Tuesday.

My friend Sharon seems to be doing well, thanks for your prayers for her. She did take a helicopter ride to the hospital last week and ended up with another stent. Then one more trip the end of the week. She is doing better each day.





Here is a photo of Susie and Jason's new addition:

September "08

Monica is 10

Hi Y'all,
Monica had a great birthday party on Saturday. Lots of work, but as Mike said, "One day she will appreciate it." I hope it is sooner than later. We ended up with warm weather and about 10 kids. Just right! Drew slept through the whole party. I kept sneaking in to wake him, he had been waiting so long for the party to start. After everyone left he woke up and asked,"is it time for presents yet?" I now know a few parents so that we can start to have some friends for sleep-overs. It is so hard not knowing the families. I just can't let the children go to friend's houses if I don't know the parents. We are going on the third year of sleep over excuses. She can't wait to have friends over for the night. Thank goodness for Meredith from Clarksville. She has been able to come stay three times since we have moved.


Please say more prayers for my friend Sharon. She had to be flown to Vanderbilt and have another stent put in today. Thank God she is doing well right now. While you are at it, a prayer for my dad would be great. He has his PET scan this week to see if his cancer is gone. He just finished his second round of radiation. He seems to be doing well. He just has to be okay.


Now for Natalie's goal count. We are not used to her making goals because she used to play defense. She scored all four goals last Friday night. We won 4 to 0.

I have not been good at keeping baby books so I have decided this is the next best place to document all our fun activities.

Computer Tech

I have had lots of trouble with out computer the last year or two. I spent all day on it yesterday and now I am having a blast with some programs that didn't work well for me. Probably saved myself a couple of hundred $$$. Now I can bore you with even more stuff.
Here is a video clip of Drew from July. He had just finished playing golf.
To hear the volume you need to go to the "Summer Fun" slide show and turn off the volume. Just click the speaker below the slide show.

Just Busy

Drew had his first day of school yesterday. He has had such a long wait. He couldn't understand what took so long. He is going to a cute Moms day out program. Just 2 days a week at the Church of Christ down the road from us. He will go Monday and Thursday from 8:30-1:30. We were lucky to be able to get a spot. I was feeling a little guilty not sending him to a traditional pre-school but they assured me that he will be ready for kindergarten. I just couldn't see sending him everyday when I have the privilege of staying home with him. He is growing way too fast and I am going to hold on to him as long as I can. They had a T-shirt and monogrammed backpack ready for him. I think he has wore his backpack for 2 days straight and slept in his shirt last night.

Natalie has continued to do great with her soccer team. The last couple of games she has scored at least once. Tonight we played against Mount Juliet (the town were Aunt Susie lives) and she scored 3 of the 4 goals to tie the game in the last two minutes. GO NATALIE. I was soooo proud. Monica said that my cheering was starting to get embarrassing. It must of been bad coming from a child that would do a back walkover or cart wheel in Walmart if I would let her.

Monica turns 10 tomorrow. She is so excited being 10 years on the 10th of the month. She will be getting a 10 $ bill with one extra zero added to the end.($100). She has politely reminded us that Natalie got her $100 for her 9th birthday. We told her that we planned it this way. (well we did, once she reminded us). It wouldn't have been as special if she got it last year.
We are having a pool party for her on Saturday. Pray for good weather.

One last request. Please pray for my friend Sharon,from Clarksville. She had a heart attack 11 days ago. She is very young and has had a second chance at life. The doctors said she went to heaven three times. She ended up with a stent. She and her husband have a 10yr. old daughter.(Monica's best friend from Clarksville). It has been such a shock because she is very physically fit. She is now recovering at home. I hate not being able to help them. They were so good to us while we lived in Clarksville. Monica ate and played at their house many times a week. They always treated her like their own. She is definately a miracle. One that I am so happy to have witnessed. We love you Sharon and family.

July-Aug. Photos

Life is Good

We sold our house!!! Can't believe how fast time has gone by. It happened a couple of weeks ago. We are soooo happy and grateful. I think it just confirms that we weren't meant to move to NC. It is so crazy how things are working out. We love being here. We really love being close to Mike's sister and family. We are all anxiously awaiting the birth of their second child in a few weeks.

School has been in session now for four weeks. The girls love their schools and are making new friends. They are keeping me busy again with soccer, gymnastics and dance.

Soccer has been a blast. Natalie scored three goals on Monday. Her Grammy was there to witness the goals. She played a tough game, trying to impress us all. She got hurt after her first goal but pushed on to score two more goals. She normally plays defense and never has a chance to score but she thought with the new team she should try for a new position and new image. I have to say I was a little worried but she sure has proven herself so far. We couldn't be more proud of her. She is growing up way too fast and maturing by the minute. I can't believe I don't have to beg her to shower or do her hair anymore.

Monica is loving her activities and would do five more if I let her. When she is in the pool she pretends she is an Olympic swimmer. She just got Guitar Hero for her birthday and loves sharing it with mom and dad. She can't believe the cool music her parents used to listen to. Mike and I are also enjoying the game. We have some great-fun neighbors who introduced us to the Rock band game and we were hooked. I hope Santa will bring us that game for Christmas.

Drew is starting school in a couple of week. He can't wait. He is tired of running errands. He loves staying home to pay with his toys or swim.

Mike is really enjoying the golf. He has worked so hard over the last two years, I am so happy that he has time to do something he loves. I know that playing golf really does make him happy which also helps him be a great dad. I am not sure if I enjoy his enjoyment as much as he does. He does take the children with him quite a bit which gives me a little time to myself. I hope to play a little in the fall when it cools down and the pool is closed. Mike has really met some great people and we are having fun making some new friends. I already feel like I would have a support system here if I need it. The family next door to us are great and love our kids. They have a six year old who Drew adores. The girls also love playing with him too since he is better at guitar hero than they are and can keep up with them no matter what sport or activity they play.

Life is Good, I could my blessings everyday.

Are we having fun yet?

Of coarse we are. We are trying to enjoy what is left of our summer. 1 week left before school. Last week we had a visit from our friends that we met in MS. They now live in Boston. The children loved seeing their friends. It had been a long time. We talk every week but it was so good to see them. I also had a visit from my Grandpa's sister. They were on there way back to IN from FL. It was a nice visit. It just made me realize how easy it is to lose touch with friends and family. I don't get to see that much of my family so it was really nice to see them.The girls had friends from Clarksville to stay from Monday to Wed. It has been nice not having to leave friends so far away this time. My friend, Ann and her children, came from Bardstown on Wed. and left Thursday. It was a quick trip but so great to see them. The children had a great time.

We are planning a trip to MS the first weekend in Oct., so all you MS friends get ready. We miss you and can't wait to see you. I know we have several new babies to meet.

Summer Fun

Patience

Wow, how time flies. I think we only have 6 weeks of summer vacation left. I really feel like I am missing time with the kids because of another move. We have all year around school here. We go back around the 28th of July. I am looking forward to it though. Maybe I will actually get to see some of you with more time off through out the year. It has been a little crazy. I just want to be all done with the unpacking so we can enjoy what is left of vacation. Natalie will wear a uniform to school this year so I am trying to shop while I am unpacking. She is being a good sport about it. I guess that is one way to get a new wardrobe.

I took the girls back to Clarksville today for a sleepover with their friends. I stopped at the old house to make sure it was still in order. I really can't wait until it is gone. Still no luck. I even buried St. Joseph in the front yard in January. It seems like we are having more lookers so I hope it goes soon.

Mike's job is going well. I am not sure he will be coming home for lunch as much, at least while I'm there. Work is only 10 min. away. Just like most everything else. On his way to or from work I have been sending him to the post office, grocery, dry cleaners, pool store, soccer practice, etc. Everything is so convenient. I just tell him that we need to save gas and it will only take a minute. I knew I didn't want him to commute far, like he had been doing for the past two years. I didn't realize just how nice it would be.

The girls will be brought home tomorrow evening. We also have some friends coming in from Michigan tomorrow night. I am looking forward to some rest and some down time with our friends. I am mostly unpacked I think I am down to the last 20-30 boxes. I was so excited tonight. My cordless drill died and I had though that my corded drill had been stolen in our last move. I found it in a box that I had not unpacked since we moved from MS. I also found my jig saw that I forgot I even owned. I guess it is time to purge when you have forgot about things you still own.

Finally Here

We are finally in our new house. We have been here a week. The move went really well. Much better than the last move. Of coarse there are always a few dents. That's why we always buy distressed furniture. Well some of it has been distressed accidentally by our little ones. I have unpacked about 75% of the boxes. There must have been at least 150 + boxes. It is hard to stay focused on the inside. We love being outside. We tried to open our pool on Wed. we have had a few minor problems and the pool people are so busy the don''t have time to get out here. (Time for a new pool guy). It is kind of funny because we have no idea what we are doing.
Drew has a new friend next door. He is here most of the time. Cade is 6 1/2. Drew says he is his best friend and tells him he is his hero. Natalie went to the Middle school tryouts two days last week. She made the team and is really excited. The summer schedule is demanding but she doesn't seem worried. 4 1/2 hours/week in June and 8hours/week in July. All in the morning. Mike is planning to take her on his way to work each day. YEH!! It has been great having Mike close by to help. Monica is still a little lost. I know she misses her friend Meredith. She has been playing with Cade some. She has also been helping me a lot. I am sure I will get lots of help from them once the pool is open.
We attended Micah's recital last night and went out for pizza afterward. I also got to watched her one day last week. It is fun having them so close.
Mike's grandparents are coming in on Thursday. It will be good to have a deadline to keep me motivated.
I will Email you all our address soon. After I remember to get phone service.
Not sure about putting it on the blog. I don't think I want strangers to visit us.

This is a photo story made by my dads new wife, Beverly. Monica sent them the Flat Stanley with her face on it. Beverly and Dad were to send it back with their adventures. since the school has apple computers they were not able to view it so I am trying it on this site to see if they can view it. If it works I hope you enjoy.