Three Day Weekend

We had a fun holiday weekend! Saturday was spent working around the house. You can count on that to be a great time. Ha! We actually got a lot accomplished. Jeff said several times, "it is such a blessing and I am so grateful the boys are now old enough to help with projects... With the shape my back is in now, I don't know if I could finish the projects with out them." The boys don't mind earning a few bucks either. ;)

Sunday we spent the afternoon & evening with our good friends from church.

Caden-Jared-Grace-Abi-Edison-Jack-Caleb-Jamison

These two are too cute!

Thank you Smith Family for having us! We had a blast!

Yesterday we spent the day with Nana and Papaw. I  love this one of Nana and the kids!

The neighbors dog almost found himself a new home. To us! This little guy hung out with us for several hours and was so sweet and the neighbors never came looking for him...

We got in a little target practice, shooting the pistols and Papaw's  22 rifle.

It was a fun weekend and I am SO ready for summer vacation!!

Grace and Alyssa a few weeks ago at the open house and dedication of the new fire station across the street.

I am so proud of my Dad who served in the US Marines and to all the other men and women who have served and who are still serving our country!

...where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

2 Corinthians 3:17

Last Day Of Pre-School

Yesterday was Grace's last day of Mother's Day Out. I still can not believe it! I will truly miss all of the wonderful ladies at Oakland Heights! They have been such a blessing to us and a huge part of our lives for the past 10 years!(Since Jared was 3) We will miss you Mrs. Donna, Mrs. Gaye & Mrs. Sherry!

Grace and her teacher Mrs. Sherry

Grace with most of her class mates. Two girls were not there yet and the two boys in her class were not interested in the girls pic at all. Personally I couldn't blame them...lol! It's kinda funny, when the boys went through their Mother's Day Out program their class was full of boys and only two girls...Mrs. Sherry said she's not sure which was easier, they're both different and challenging in their own special way. Well said Mrs. Sherry!:)

Thank you Oakland Heights for loving on our children! All three of them loved it and always looked forward to going every week!

We will miss you all!

“We always thank God for all of you and pray for you.” 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Third Times A Charm

Jared received his third and final Billie Martin Award last night.

May 2010

(I blinked! Where is my little boy? He's changed so much in the last 2 years!)

May 2011

May 2012

Straight A Cousins! Jeff's parents along with my Dad helped us celebrate! Mom wasn't feeling well and we missed her SO much. We are all very proud of these two! And..I maybe the only one that noticed, but I thought it was really neat the colors they wore back in 2010 are very similar to what they wore last night!

Just received his last Billie Martin Award- May 22, 2012

Jared, your Dad and I are so proud of you sweetheart, for your hard work and dedication for making straight A's over the past three years! This is something your dad and myself never accomplished in school. We are very thankful the Lord has given you a desire to work hard and we are excited to see all that the Lord will do in your life!

It wasn't their power that gave them victory.
But it was your great power and strength.
You were with them because you loved them. Psalm 44:3

Field Day & Lockin

Well it's that time of year again. We have had something every day. We also found out on Thursday that our summer is about to get busier too. Along with Scouts and Football camps, Jared will be going to band camp for the first time this summer. Wow! I still can't believe he is old enough to be doing this.

Caden did very well this year, he placed third in all three of his events! Standing long jump, Hurdlers and Relay Race.

Here we are on Wednesday roasting in the hot sun. :) But I wouldn't trade it for anything! Love watching this boy compete!

Tug a war- Jared is 5th from the right.
Jared is growing up way to fast, Friday was his last Field Day. I was very pleased how well the 6th grade coaches organized a wonderful field day for them! It started on time and moved quickly from one event to the next, and done by 11:15! I guess that's what happens when you have high school football coaches for your gym teacher. Ha! They don't waste time...get in and get it done!;)

He told me after we got home that he prayed during the moment of silence that he would place first in one of his events since he has never done that before. Well God answered his prayer. He placed first in all of his events! Frisbee throw and 100 m dash.  That major growth spurt you had last year has paid off, you were a lot taller and stronger than them boys this year! Perfect way to end your Field Day years! So proud of you Jared! You smoked them boys this year!!

      

On Friday evening after I drooped Jared off to go camping with the scouts it was time to take Caden back up to the school for a class lockin. It was just for his teachers and class mates. How fun is that?! We didn't get do cool stuff like this when I was a kid. When Jeff went to pick him up at 11:30 he was exhausted when he got home, he had a blast!      

“In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Colossians 2:3

A Special Mother's Day

Lord, I can not thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to be a Mother.

My three blessings you have given me.

My family

Alyson-Jared-Caleb-Grace-Caitlin-Caden-Cindy-Jeff-Me-Grayson-Garrison-Mom-Dad or Nana & Papaw;) -Gunner-Tennille & T.J.

Mother's Day this year was very special in so many ways. I am so thankful for my family and love them very much!

Thank you so much for being the Godly woman and mother that you are... For you and Dad raising us to know and love the LORD. Love you, Mom!

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3

Band Contest & 456 Retreat

Yesterday morning Jared headed to Canton for his first band competition! They placed 1st out of 80 bands!! Wooo hooo! I'm so proud of the 6th grade band! They rocked it! Afterwards, they headed to Splash Kingdom!

All of this before heading to Rockin C Ranch for an overnight retreat with the 4th,5th and 6th graders from church.  Very thankful Diane D. offered to pick him up to get him to Rockin C on time!! 

Nothing but boys on this bus!

I was a little worried about getting Jared from one event to the next but it all worked out! Both buses were full, leaving no room for the 6 kiddos she picked up from the water park.

Unloading tonight after a day of horse back riding, swimming, ziplining, and canoing! Jared and Caden had a blast!! Thank you Ms. Ginny and Mrs. Kim for all that you do for our children!

“For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2:6

These Days

I can't believe it's been weeks since I have been on here to post. The end of the school year is always busy... we have had something planned just about everyday. But, that is not why I haven't updated. I just haven't felt like getting on here. It sometimes seems like a chore. If I put it off though, I know I will regret it. We love reading old posts and remembering what life was like at the time.

So here goes...

A few weeks ago we put in a gate to join us and our neighbors back yard. Yes we love them that much! This way Grace and Alyssa can play so much easier with out going into the front yard.

When we close the gate you can't even tell it's there. We also installed a lock on both sides of the gate out of the girls reach. ;)

The girls were excited! Grace love's her Alyssa!

One day Jared and I got to spend the day together at the eye doctor...

and enjoyed a lunch date together:) I love one on one time with my kiddos!

Last week we had our last 456 meeting of the year.  It was a blast having Sadie and Conner join us! I still can't believe Jared will be in the youth next year!!:(

The 6th graders! These kids will join the youth in August!

After Jared's band concert and Chelsea's graduation party and a visit with Nana and Papaw last weekend...

We attended Chelsea's Graduation!! What a beautiful graduation ceremony. Congratulations Chels!!

Jared is headed out of town in the morning for his first band contest. Wow! I can not believe he is old enough for this! You ROCK 6th grade band! Show them judges what you can do!!

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2-3