Life with ZMC

The kids' lastest activities

2012-01-12T09:50:00.000-08:00

Z, C, and friend L in their 1st karate class with Mrs. Natalie.
L, Z, C, M, and L's little sister E at the end of class.

The 3 new students in the dojo!

M and her best friend CK on thier 1st day at homeschool gymanstics at X-Cel.

Christmas Day at our house!!!

2011-12-25T12:32:00.000-08:00

Part of the girl's gifts from Santa
The rest of it.

C's Santa gifts.

Leftover cookies and milk to Santa and a gift to us from him.

The kids walking out to see their loot.

All opening their Nintendo DS Lites!

Dad in his new overalls........a farmer in the makin'

Moo in her new rain jacket (with ears!)

Little Chef in her new Hello Kitty hat with changeable bows.

Lego Man is under arrest with his new handcuffs.

Happy Birthday Jesus!!!!

The kids all dressed and ready for the Christmas communion service at church.

Our sad attempt at a family photo on Christmas day!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Caroling

2011-12-25T12:24:00.000-08:00

We went Christmas caroling with the Watts family the week b/4 Christmas.

We sang to families that we both knew around town. The kids had SOOO much singing, shaking jingle bells, and seeing the joy on each families face.

Christmas with the Slades

2011-12-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

MeMaw, very excited about her autographed copy of Auburn's National Championship book.
PePaw opening his new night light/flashlights!

The girls opening their presents from MeMaw and PePaw.

C in deep concentration opening his book.

Z.....one happy little girl with her new Baby Alive doll.

Christmas with the Whortons

2011-12-25T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ben's brother and his family
All of the "Ladies"

Our fabulous family all cleaned up!!

PaPa and MiMi and the grandchildren........please notice C's extra thick hair......

The "Gentlemen".......notice Ben's thick hair this time.....

Love this picture of Moo and her "sidekick" as she calls her.

This crazy thick hair keeps showing up everywhere???

The kids pausing for a photo while unwrapping presents.

(out of order) Soccer finals!!!

2011-12-25T11:45:00.000-08:00

The Yellow Jackets!

The kids finished up thier soccer season the week b/4 Thanksgiving.

They came in 2nd place and Z, M, and C all scored at least once this season! YAY!!!
The kids with 2 of their best pals.
It was SOOOO cold at their last game!

Maggie Moo, the mighty defender.

Lego Man guarding the goal.

PaPa's 60th Birthday!

2011-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

The kids giving PaPa his gift.
Hanging with the cousins at La Bamba's

Ugly Sweater Day at Church

2011-12-14T15:44:00.000-08:00

This photo speaks for itself!

Ben's 39th Birthday

2011-12-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

Big B turned 39th on Dec. 8th. We took him out to eat at Logan's Steakhouse.
Dad and his 3 bundles of joy

Say what????

Field Trip to DeSoto Caverns

2011-12-14T15:28:00.000-08:00

Our co-op group went to DeSoto Caverns on Nov. 29th. Because we were so close to where my sister-n-law lives, I invited her and the cousins to join us.

Here they are waiting to go on the tour.
Maggies and her best friend!!!

Looking up at part of the ceiling of the cave. The points have been shot off.

Inside the back of the cave. The pictures I took inside the largest area were too dark.

The cousins on our way out!

Thanksgiving

2011-12-14T15:23:00.000-08:00

Lego Man helped me make these cute cookie turkeys for Thanksgiving. We hosted Ben's family here the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, I forgot to take any pictures while everyone was here.
November's random snow day.
If you look hard enough, you can see big, fat, wet snowflakes falling.

Secret Keeper Girl PJ Party

2011-12-14T15:16:00.000-08:00

If you have an 8-12 yr. old, I highly recommend attending a Secret Keepers Girl event. It is a great bonding time for mom/daughters while learning God's word and how to be a tween in today's sex craved world. Above are the girls in their pjs and robes waiting on the event to start.
We had so much fun singing, laughing, praying, and playing.

Here we all are at the end of the night.

Halloween Weekend

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, October 30th, the kids dressed as a cowgirl, farmer, and jaguar to attend Rocktoberfest.
Little jaguar

Farmer boy

Cowgirl

Trunk or Treating at Rocktoberfest

"C" hanging out with some of our favorite friends

33 Miles performed

"C" the tiniest one rockin' to Museum

C's pirate pumpkin

M's cat pumpkin

Z's spider pumpkin

On Halloween night, we decided to go to the City of Dora's Halloween festival. MISTAKE!!! It was so crowded, not enough candy, and terrible games.

Above is M dressed as an ice skater.

Z is a rockin' cowgirl this time

C stuck with being a farmer

After we left that disaster, we went to Aldersgate UMC for their trunk or treat and games inside.

Vacation to Pigeon Forge, TN

2011-12-12T17:12:00.000-08:00

PaPa & MiMi graciously took our family and Ben's brother's family to Pigeon Forge for the week of Oct. 15th-22nd. We stayed in a beautiful 3 story log cabin. Ben and I stayed in the loft and this was the view from our bed. It was breathtaking until the sun rose every morning at 6:15ish!!!
The living room on the main level. We had a night of karaoke.

Ben and his brother took all of the kids trout fishing. Z caught two!

M caught one.

C caught one.

We had the most AMAZING breakfast at the Apple Barrel. YUM!!!

M and her sidekick LJ

PaPa and J and J

My brother-n-law, sis-n-law, & MiMi

PaPa and all of the grandkids.

Excited riding the trolley to Dollywood.

M and C riding the Sky Rider

C walking the tight ropes on Adventure Mountain

C, M, and Dad

Our baby birds

Relaxing after a LONG day at Dollywood.

Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg.

M and Z in the fish tank

Beautiful jellyfish

Penguin Playground

The largest chair in the world at Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

Our visit to Cade's Cove..........Wow!

Wildlife everywhere we looked.

We saw a momma bear and 3 cubs climb down a tree and walk off into the woods. It was getting dark and I didn't have enough light to get good pictures of them all together. It was the kids 1st time to see bear in the wild and Bens' too!

There were deer around every curve.

Another "cold" day at Dollywood.

Ben and C on the far right riding the Barn Stormer.

Z and I having a little mommy-daughter time being silly.

M on the rope pull thing???

Kid's Birthday Party!

2011-12-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

We had the kids party at a local church that rents out its gym with 3 large inflatables

and the use of the fellowship hall the Saturday after their birthday.
The kids had a blast running and jumping.

Some friends on the inflatable obstacle course

All of thier friends that came to the party!! WOW! They are blessed!

Little Chef and her cowgirl cake

Maggie Moo and her animal print cake

Lego Man and his Lego cake

Surrounded by friends as they blow out their candles.

Everyone was so hungry from jumping that we ran out of food!!!! That is a first!

Enjoying the yummy food.

My family

We came back to the house to open presents.

MiMi and PaPa surprised them with new bikes!

MiMi and PaPa giving the girls tips on riding their new bigger bikes without training wheels.

Maggie Moo riding her new bike for the 1st time WITHOUT a training wheel. Yes, I said "A" training. She refused the take the last training wheel off of her old bike. Now she has no choice!

Happy 8th Birthday!! (belated!)

2011-12-12T16:00:00.000-08:00

Z, M, and C on the morning of their b/day (the clock on the camera was wrong)
Chocolate chip muffins and a candle!!!

Dressed up and ready for lunch with mom and dad.

Little Chef

Maggie Moo striking a pose in her new b/day clothes and accessories.

Lego man

Free dessert at Red Robin! YUM!

Delicious!

We love free dessert on our birthday!

1st Fall Soccer Game

2011-10-31T22:58:00.000-07:00

Coach David giving pointers b/4 the 1st game
Assistant Coach Dad serving as goalie coach.

Maggie's power kick.

My 3 defenders.

Halftime strategy.

After the game....missing 3 players....and lost....but don't they look happy!

September Projects

2011-10-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

A model of Mercury
Lego Man

Little Chef

Maggie Moo

Phases of the Moon

They loved eating off the extra filling to make the phases.

Yum!

The almost finished project.

Little Mummies

2011-09-24T08:14:00.000-07:00

Mummy Moo
Mummy Zo

Mummy boy

Our history lesson was on early Egyptians and mummification.

1st Auburn game

2011-09-24T08:10:00.000-07:00

Lovin' the silly putty under the eyes!!
War Eagle.......Hey!!

Projects from August

2011-09-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

M with her Adam and Eve Play Dough models
Little Chef

Lego Man

Maggie Moo with her ziggurat

"C"

Little Chef

1st day of school

2011-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

We started school on Aug. 15 (even though my camera said the 14th). I surprised the kids with homemade chocolate cake for breakfast!! They were SOOO surprised.
They are so happy to be in 2nd grade and were very glad to be back in a routine

1st field trip of the 11-12 school year

2011-09-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

Our 1st field trip was to Chick-Fil-A. The kids learned about the history of Chick-Fil-A, how and where the food is prepared and cooked, and how the drive thru runs. At the end of the tour, they all received a free ice cream cone, a sticker, and a mini stuffed Chick-Fil-A cow. They are pictured above with thier friend Kayla.

B-day party at the Lake

2011-09-24T07:44:00.000-07:00

We helped celebrate cousin "J"s 10th birthday at Lake Martin.

The birthday boy is at the end of the table wearing the blue striped shirt.
M is in the middle with 2 cousin-n-laws!!

M on the jet ski with Rick and A.

Z is on the left

Lego Man is on the front of the jet ski this time with the birthday boy and 'R'.

M giving a "thumbs up" for a great ride.

Entertainment on a hot summer day!

2011-08-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

I put make-up on the girls and rolled their hair.

They dressed in animal print and put on a fashion show
This is their formal dance wear and C is their escort (with a mohawk)

Look how old he looks....AAHH!

MAJOR bike wreck!

2011-08-04T11:03:00.000-07:00

We went to Magnolia to see my family for several days. While we there, the kids rode their bikes all over the place. The night b/4 we were to go home, the kids were riding their bikes down a big gravel road back to the house and I was following behind them in the car. Z was going too fast, hit a rock, and lost control. She flipped over the handle bars and hit face 1st in the gravel. She knocked out a baby tooth, tore up the inside of her mouth, busted her nose, and as you can see, received many scratches all over her face.
We picked gravel out her lip and mouth for several days.

This picture was taken the night it happened right after we bathed her off.

You can see how swollen her face is.

Ouch!

The funniest thing about the accident (yes, we always find laughter in tragedy) is that M and C were worried that the tooth fairy wouldn't come since we couldn't find Z's tooth that got knocked out. I told them to write a letter to the tooth fairy and tape it on the back door.

This is what is said,

Dear Tooth Fairy,

My sister had a bike wreck and lost her tooth tonight.

Could you please leave her money anyway?

Your Friend,

The next morning, they found a dollar bill taped to the letter.

M said, "I can't believe she bought it!!"

Too funny!

End of Season Soccer Party

2011-08-04T10:56:00.000-07:00

The kids had their end of the season soccer party and awards on June 9th. They had water slides, a dunkin' booth, and a swing ride.
The trio after a fun afternoon of playing.

Mini Vacation to Mobile

2011-05-31T18:54:00.000-07:00

On Friday, we went to Dauphin Island and visited the Estuarium.

The kids were able to touch all kinds of preserved sea life.
They had a really fun kids area.

Deep sea diver Moo

Deep sea diver Little Chef

Deep sea diver Lego Man

We were all able to hold a horseshoe crab and spider crab.

Next, we visited Ft. Gaines and then headed to downtown Mobile to stay the night. We enjoyed a stroll around downtown, dinner and live music on the patio, and a late night swim.

On Saturday, Lego Man's Boy Scout troop spent the night on the USS Alabama. In the picture above, he is pretending to get a good nights sleep in his middle cot (below deck) which was hanging from the ceiling. Dad slept on the cot below him while the girls and I slept in our nice, comfy hotel room......with air conditioning......and a pool!!!!

The kids on the main deck of the battleship.

The girls and I were able to tour the ship, submarine, and museum with the Boy Scouts from 4:30 until 8:00 p.m. At 8:00, all of the ladies were kicked off but not b/4 we had a yummy pizza dinner in the Ward Room. The guys continued to explore the ship after we left.

Lego Man pretending to shoot something.

Moo modeling as always.

Little Chef with the wind in her hair

The kids in one of the doorways of the sub.

End of the Year Co-op party

2011-05-31T18:44:00.000-07:00

The kids going through the "car wash"
How many kids can fit on one swing???

Moo and Lego Man and one of Lego Man's best buds eating lunch.

Little Chef, their BEST friend "ballet girl", and Moo

April 27, 2011

2011-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:00

Four days after the tornadoes (and after we regained power), we loaned our generator to an elderly family in our church. These are some pictures in their neighborhood in Argo. Above is the foundation of an elderly ladies house. Unfortunately, she perished.
Here is another foundation and unfortunately this family perished as well.
This is what is left of the two houses.
You can see the washing machine, clothes, doors, ect....

More debris

A cast iron sink wrapped around the top of a tree.

The hillside leading into their neighborhood. Several more homes were completely destroyed and several more lives were lost.

This is what left of several homes in Sipsey.

This will be a day we will always remember. Our kids learned a valued lesson in helping your neighbors in need. They helped with tree removal from one friend's house. They helped volunteer several days at the local Civic Center where we sorted and distributed donations. They also help wrap and deliver over 250 potted plants to the Sipsey community. These plants were given to children affected by the tornado so they could give them to their mothers for Mother's Day. I have a picture but forgot to post it!! (check Facebook)

2011 Yellow Jackets

2011-05-31T17:42:00.000-07:00

They came in 3rd place for the season. Not too bad for two 1st year coaches and only 5 teammates that have played ONCE before!!!

Go Yellow Jackets!!

Easter afternoon at BackHome Farms

2011-05-31T17:13:00.000-07:00

Moo on the tire swing with her crazy, new socks that the Easter bunny left.
Hot Potato on the trampoline.

Little chef getting a 4-wheeler lesson from Uncle A

All of the girl cousins taking a hike up to Flag Mountain.

(after an 1 1/2 hr. ride on the Mule trying to find it)

Once there, Uncle R took them all to the outhouse for a potty break.

A 1st for all of the girls and probably for Uncle R too!!!

Aunt Nee Nee instructing the kids (and adults) on where to egg hunt.

Lego Man filling his bag.

All of the cousins with their "finds".

Easter Day at Briarwood

2011-05-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

The kids in their Easter best
Dad and his "babies"

Mom sneaking in for a picture.

April 17th - Easter Egg Hunt

2011-05-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was in charge of our Easter egg hunt at our church this year. The kids were so excited b/c they had seen the 300+ eggs that were in my car and they couldn't wait to crack them open.
Little Chef

Maggie Moo and Lego Man

Lego Man found a golden egg.

All of the "big kids" that hunted this area. We had another area for "little kids"!!

During Children's Church, they got to enjoy some yummy snacks and Mrs. Deb discussed the Resurrection eggs with them. They all received a golden egg on their plates too!

Trip to the zoo

2011-05-04T07:21:00.000-07:00

Wow! Look how strong they are!!!
New items in the African Safari area

The new elephant habitat.

One of the elephants.

Z wore her giraffe pants and couldn't wait to show the giraffes.

Posing with Mr. Bunny

They were hot and tired by this point and a little disappointed in the "new" part of the zoo.

Z takes off the training wheels

2011-05-02T18:45:00.000-07:00

On April 8th, when Daddy got home from from, Z asked him to take off her training wheels b/c she didn't need them anymore. By the time I ran inside to get my camera, I came out and saw the above. Look at her go....NO help needed.
Speed demon with the crooked helmet.

So proud of her.

C was proud of her too! Now we just have to convince Maggie Moo to take off her ONE training wheel that is hanging on.

Soccer Season

2011-05-02T18:36:00.000-07:00

M, C, & Z excited to all be playing together.
Lego Man...He smiles the ENTIRE game!!!!

Littel Chef....Her secret weapon....she is a lefty!

Maggie Moo....She may seem prissy, but she will outplay and outrun anybody on the field.

Updates a plenty!!!!

2011-03-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

It has been over 2 months since I last posted. I have finally caught up and there a MANY posts to read. If you would like to read them in order, scroll down to January and then work your way up to March. If you haven't read "Beauty Secrets of the Bible" by Ginger Garrett, I HIGHLY recommend it. It has changed the way I view the beauty industry and what goes on and into my body. Since I completed the book over a month ago, I have thrown away (or given away) almost every beauty product that I own and switched to organic or all natural products. The only 2 products that I have not gone natural/organic with are deoderant (that is a no-brainer but maybe in the future) and shaving cream (I'll switch once the new bottle I bought is empty) . I now use mineral make-up, organic soap, shampoo, lotion, sunscreen, and toothpaste. I've also changed things in my diet. I feel better and my skin and hair have never looked healthier. Ben has made the switch with me and the kids are also slowly making the change. I'm convinced that so many of today's health problems are related to what we put on and in our bodies. I don't want our children growing up damaging their bodies and facing infertility like we did!!! Please read this book and take a long hard look at what you put on/in your body!!!! In addition to switching our beauty products, I'm also changing out our cleaning products. I've made homemade laundry detergent, and I switched our Windex for vinegar. Once I use up my other bathroom cleaning products, I'll be using good 'ole vinegar and baking soda. Better for the environment and a lot less fumes!!!!

Crazy weather in the south

2011-03-28T20:02:00.000-07:00

The kids enjoying a tractor ride in the scoop. Nice overcast day doing yard work......

....... led to this later that night

It looked like snow in the front yard. CRAZY!!!!

M's new glasses

2011-03-28T19:58:00.000-07:00

It has been 2 years since M got her 1st pair of glasses.

It was finally time for her to get a new pair. She wanted a pair "just like Mommies"!! Isn't she precious??

Last Upward Game and Awards Ceremony

2011-03-28T19:44:00.000-07:00

M doing her cartwheel. She loves to perform in front of people. C standing with part of his team b/4 the game starts.

The girls getting the crowd involved.

All of the Upward cheerleaders with their medals and Upward picture frames.

All of the Upward basketball players waiting on their awards.

They got medals and basketballs. C is right in the middle in red.

Participating in Upward was a lot of fun! They kids learned a lot of scripture and really enjoyed the devotions during practice and the game.

C was most proud of his 2 "Christ-like" stars that he received to put on his jersey.

Pine Wood Derby Race

2011-03-28T19:36:00.000-07:00

C's car is on the left. It was called the "Black Widow" and had a Lego skeleton man glued into the drivers seat. He lost to this car by less than 1/2 an inch. He came in 4th in his division. C is next to the bottom on this pile up. Unfortunetly, we did not take a lot of pictures at the Pine Wood Derby Race. I worked from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at a local consignment sale and got there just in time to see his car race. I was exhausted and was thankful that I had a small camera in my car to snap these 2 pictures. He did have awards prior to the race and he earned his Bobcat badge and several other patches.

Valentine's Day

2011-03-28T19:28:00.000-07:00

The kids woke up to a few goodies on Valentine's Day. A DVD, a CD, a board game, and candy. There was a Hersey Kiss trail from their rooms to the goodies.

Here they are following the trail.

They found their goodies and my junk for an upcoming consignment sale behind it.

Boy Scout Day

2011-03-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

Feb. 13th was Boy Scout day at our church. Here is C with his troop.

He was very proud to show off in front of our church members.

More Upward Photos

2011-03-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

C coming out of the "locker room" as they called his name b/4 the game. The "match-up" b/4 the game. C is the tallest on the team.

C is being tackled by the boy he was matched up with.

They gave each other grief the entire season.

The girls doing their thing. M was the loudest cheerleader on their squad.

C shoots and he scores!!!!

The girls at 1/2 time getting ready to dance to "Peanut Butter and Jelly"

C (#14) dribbling towards the goal.

Homeschool Co-Op Valentine's Party

2011-03-28T19:00:00.000-07:00

C getting his snack. All of the kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd graders (that showed up that day)

M with her "kissable" cookie.

Z with her "kissable" cookie.

The girls with their friend "A" who shares the exact same birthday as they do.

They just got through passing out their Valentines.

A "Girly-Girl" Birthday Party

2011-03-28T18:50:00.000-07:00

The girls were invited to a princess dress up party for one of their homeschool friends. Here they are with the birthday girl on the left in pink.

Birthday girl!!! Happy 6th birthday K!!!

Z after visiting the make-up station.

M after visiting the make-up station and the make-your-own-jewelry station.

She chose not to have the sparkle eye shadow like Z.

Trip down south

2011-03-28T18:29:00.000-07:00

Daddy took a week off from work at the end of January so we could get some deer hunting in. While we were there, I took the girls to one of my old high school friends and she gave us all haircuts. The girls asked for BANGS!!! Aren't they cute??? Z trying out her big girl bike with training wheels.

M on her big girl bike.

Whoa M! What happened??

C (or the hooded bandit) learned to ride his bike WITHOUT training wheels!!! Woo-hoo!

Z trying to follow C.

What happened again M????

The girls take a little break.

Dad giving C a 4-wheeler ride.

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading

2011-03-28T18:08:00.000-07:00

On January 22nd, the kids had their 1st Upward basketball game. The girls were so excited to be able to cheer for C's team. He played with the Kindergarten and 1st grade boys and girls. They played at the church where they went to Kindergarten and they were able to play with a lot of their friends from there.

The girls ready for their 1st time to cheer. C warming up with a little bit of dribbling.

One group shot b/4 they started.

Z wanted a real close-up

So did M.

The girls in their line up to cheer for the boys as they were announced b/4 the game.

C in the huddle with his coaches and team mates.

The girls at 1/2 time dancing to "Ice Cream and Cake"!!!

Homeschool Day at Froggy's

2011-03-28T17:59:00.000-07:00

M wearing some giant boxing gloves! C knocking Z out

C coming down the big slide

Z's turn

M in one of the fun tunnels.

Another day in the snow!

2011-03-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

What our yard looked like 2 days after the big storm on the 10th. 3 Cuties C sledding down the neighbors hill

Z taking a tumble down the steep hill

M enjoying her fast ride

We found another hill to conquer.

The snow (or ice as it had become) was so slippery.

While all of the school systems were out of school for the snow,

we did our work in the morning and then played outside after lunch.

100th Day of School

2011-01-22T13:57:00.000-08:00

Despite the snow, we still did school work and

celebrated the 100th day of school on Jan. 14th

1st Snow Storm of 2011

2011-01-22T13:42:00.000-08:00

The night the snow storm came.....Jan. 9th
Jan. 10th, sledding down the hill on a pool float

Tumbling down the hill

Our snowman

Daddy and M

Z fell on her face on the trampoline b/c it was so slippery

C's mini snowman

Daddy and Mommy!!

M lost another!

2011-01-22T13:36:00.000-08:00

2 days later, M pulled out her own tooth!! She was so proud and a little scared that she did it.
Snaggle!!!!

2 snaggled toothed girls!!!

M lost 1st big front tooth

2011-01-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

On January 6th, M had wiggled her tooth so much, it was barely hanging in her mouth. I took her to her bathroom, grabbed the tooth with a paper towel and told her to look at herself in the mirror. When she turned her head, the tooth popped right out. Only tears of joy followed!
Now to pull that other crooked tooth!!!

Christmas with MeMaw and PePaw

2011-01-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

We had Christmas with MeMaw and PePaw on the 29th. We were suppose to go down the day after Christmas but the roads were too icy to travel. We also had to wait until I had my apicoectomy on the 29th. PePaw is glowing in the picture with his "safety" jacket.
MeMaw looking at one of her gifts.

Z with her Hannah Montana CD

M with part of her My Twinn doll clothes

C with his new Star Wars sheets

What are you wearing?

More Christmas Day and SNOW!!

2011-01-10T13:26:00.000-08:00

PaPa and MiMi came over to have Christmas lunch with us and to see what the kids got.
We actually had a white Christmas. It wasn't much but I'll take it!!

The girls

Me in my new Stadium Stomper rain/cowboy boots!!!

The kids trying to ice skate on the trampoline

We love snow!

C after eating a snowball

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!

2010-12-26T14:30:00.000-08:00

Daddy read the Christmas story on Christmas Eve and the kids acted it out.

M played the part of the angels.
Z was Mary and C was Joseph. They were so cute!!!

Here are the goodies that Santa left the girls.....My Twinn doll bunk beds, My Twinn outfits and shoes, and a color your own calendar.

C also got a calendar, Mario Bros. Wii game, Hangman magnet game,

Star Wars book, and Civil War playset.

Our tree in the living room

The kids coming out of their rooms Christmas morning.

M reading the note that Santa left beside the cookies and milk telling them that he left some gifts downstairs under the Auburn Christmas tree when he came in through the basement door.

The kids ran downstairs to find a BB gun, Wheel of Fortune Wii game, and a mini guitar.

C proud of his skeleton gloves that were in his stocking.

Me...extremely excited about my new Auburn Stadium Stompers
a.k.a..... cowboy rain boots

Daddy with his new Keurig coffee maker.

The girls modeling their new dress up outfits.

We had an amazing morning opening gifts, laughing with each other, and remembering the real reason for Christmas.......JESUS!!!

Christmas in Atlanta

2010-12-26T10:24:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went to Atlanta to celebrate Christmas with Ben's brother and his family and his parents. Above is Z with a CD that goes along with her new CD player/headphones!
M with her Barbie and bike from the cousins

C with his new "Star Wars" quilt and sham from MiMi and PaPa. He was so excited!

PaPa surrounded by the grandchildren

One of Uncle Andy's gifts from us.

My 2 favorite guys

MiMi and PaPa surprised Andy and his family with a new flat screen TV.

I love their expressions!

PaPa and MiMi with all of the grandkids at church.

Thanks Uncle Andy (and family) and MiMi and PaPa for a WONDERFUL Christmas!

Z finally lost her other front tooth

2010-12-26T09:37:00.000-08:00

Tooth in the jar
Snaggle tooth!!

What????

Yep, you heard right!

She lost her tooth!!!???

That makes me go crazy!

NO WAY!!!

We have tried for ONE month to pull that tooth. It was literally hanging by one root and was turned sideways. It looked horrible. On Dec. 15th, I coated her gums with Orajel and gave it a good yank when I got her distracted with something on TV. She didn't even cry! We were all shocked that it finally came out!!!

Christmas Parade

2010-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

C got to be in the Christmas parade with his Boy Scouts troop. If you look REALLY hard, you will see him the blue jacket with white stripe on the sleeve riding on the front of the float next to the silver pole that is holding their sign. You will also see Ben walking beside them.
In this picture, you can see Ben and 1/2 of C on the right.
Their float moved by us so fast I couldn't snap fast enough.

Our favorite float was "the Grinch and Cindy Loo" on top of a firetruck.

Daddy's 38th Birthday

2010-12-13T11:26:00.000-08:00

The kids decided they wanted to make Daddy breakfast in bed. They gave him powered doughnuts, a sausage, egg, and cheese croissant, coffee, and grapefruit juice.
We woke Daddy up to a nice surprise.

C was still trying to wake up.

After a nice morning at home, we all headed to Bass Pro to see Santa.

This year they all attacked him at once for a photo.

They stopped to pose with Mr. Nutcracker as we wandered through the store.

Oh no! Bear attack! But the kids seem to have everything under control.

After we left Bass Pro, we treated Daddy to dinner at Superior Grill. YUM!!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy! We love you!

Edible Christmas Trees

2010-12-13T11:13:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you take a little bit of this?
And kids doing this?

You get a beautiful, yummy, edible Christmas tree. We have been reading "The Adventure of Christmas" each day and this was the activity for the day we read about the Christmas tree.

M with gree teeth.

Z getting ready to eat the top off.

C ended up with more on him than in his belly.

This was actually a clean looking photo of his hands.

Soccer Awards

2010-12-13T11:04:00.000-08:00

Coah Philix is handing out medals to the Green Goblins team members. M is #4. The guy beside him is Harold, the founder of the West Jefferson Soccer League.
Z is waiting patiently to get her medal. They were missing 2 team mates.

The girls prouldy showing off their medals.

Way to go #3 and #4!!

Exploring in Half Acre

2010-12-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

After Thanksgiving, Ben, myself, and the kids took my mom over to my Aunt Wynell (mom's sister) and Uncle Vern's "vacation place" (there hometown) to visit with them and to see my cousin Marc. Marc took us exploring on his 200+ acres. Above is Z and C playing by the creek.
Marc had us pose for a family photo.

We snuck up on 3 does in a green field. Can you believe that THREE KIDS snuck up on 3 deer?

Here we are about 30 or so yards away from the deer.

The deer had no idea we were there until Z sneezed really loudly!!

Thanks Marc for the expedition!!!

Girl's last soccer game

2010-12-03T20:40:00.000-08:00

The kids were suppose to have professional pictures taken of their team, but no one ever showed up so I took my own. Unfortunetly, I don't have one of their whole team.

M scored 2 goals at her last game!!
Z almost scored and she had some great blocks!

Sisterly love

Kiesel Park in Auburn

2010-12-03T19:57:00.000-08:00

We went to church with our favorite trio's family and afterwards, their church had a picnic at Keisel Park. Above is M in the herb garden.
L, M, and Z in the herb garden

C, high up in a tree. It was such a beautiful day!

Z in the tree

M is always posing no matter where she is.

Two sets of triplets all smiling......WOW!!!

All letting out a LOUD.............WAR EAGLE!!!!

What happens in between shots!

Now, that is better!

More tree climbing. I love this one b/c he is hanging upside down.

They were sick of posing at this point....can't you tell by C's facial expression?

Z on the way home. Their friends wore them out!

M....too sweet!

Belated B-day in Auburn with Friends

2010-12-02T19:42:00.000-08:00

We went to Auburn so see our best "triplet friends" new house and to go tailgating at the Auburn homecoming game. Our 1st night there, they surprised the kids with an Auburn cookie cake and presents.

YUMMY!!!

Gotta love blue icing!

Oh my!!

What???

Trunk or Treat

2010-12-02T19:29:00.000-08:00

Hannah Montana and Kitty Cat Girl
Z designed her own outfit!

M also designed her own outfit and got into character.

C as his favorite character.....Darth Vader

Group shot

Love Daddy's costume!!! I was a cowgirl....not too exciting!

Z FINALLY lost her big front tooth

2010-12-02T19:24:00.000-08:00

Cousin Terry worked so hard every night on wiggling Z's loose big front tooth. She was finally able to pull it on our last night in NC. Z was overcome with exictement and fear.
One proud little girl!!

Our Journey up Blue Ridge Mountain

2010-12-01T19:22:00.000-08:00

After 45 minutes in the car, the kids were very happy to get out and stretch their legs as we neared the top of the mountain.
Lots of trees had died due to a little insect infestation.

Another shot coming down the other side of the mountain.

We stopped here to eat a picnic lunch!

M putting her feet in the cold mountain water for the 1st time.

Z's reaction

C couldn't take the chill

My favorite shot.....Ben helping M walk across the water and I caught their reflections.

The girls spending a little time in the water

We timed our trip just perfectly to see all of the beautiful fall colors.

Z stopping for a beauty shot

We found this little bridge, so we decided to stop and take some photos.

Love this one!

Z insisted on taking a picture of us since we had taken so many of them.

I think she did a good job.

We wore C out!!

We decided to go and show the kids some of our other favorite spots after we left the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we found this old home site that was COVERED in lady bugs. I don't think you will see any on the kids, but they were everywhere!!!!!

Handsome man

Little lady

My girls!!!

C lost another tooth...while in N.C.

2010-11-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Thanks to cousin Terry, who was also visiting and is a dental hygentist. She, with the help of some dental floss, FINALLY pulled C's stubborn little tooth on the top next to his big, new teeth.
A very happy little boy who wondered what the North Carolina tooth fairy leave for him.

Trip to the apple orchard in N. C.

2010-11-20T18:03:00.000-08:00

On our way to our favorite apple orchard, we stopped by this road side veggie stand.

Our favorite apple orchard in North Carolina moved to a new location. While we were sad that we couldn't visit our favorite spot, their new location is SOOOO much more fun!!

Too many apples to choose from

M chose "Pink Lady"

C chose "Romes" b/c he wanted to be a Roman Emperor

Z chose "Goldens" b/c the sun was so bright

While Daddy paid for the apples, the kids got to swing on a rope swing in the barn. They also got to see a real bee hive behind plexiglass and pet a horse and a pig.

After getting their faces painted and playing with bubbles, we headed to the

pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin.

Trip to the Amish store in N.C.

2010-11-20T17:49:00.000-08:00

Taking a rest after looking at so many YUMMY foods!
Trying on bonnets

We finally found C gentleman's hat

Some of the yummy goods they have for sale.

Church Picnic

2010-11-20T17:39:00.000-08:00

C is "King of the World" at the playground at Rickwood Park
How many kids does it take to lift Mr. Ben??? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SEVEN

Z and M being princesses in the tower

Field trip to the Fire Station

2010-11-20T17:24:00.000-08:00

C getting to "drive" the fire truck
Some of their homeschool co-op group inside the "Smoke House". It was a mini trailer built to resemble a 2 story house. They went over smoke detectors, crawling, and staying low, and looking for the exits. The smoke detector went off and smoke began to fill the room. They had to put what they learned into action.

They went to the 2nd story of the "house" and did the same thing. This time, they had to evacuate off the deck and climb down a ladder.

Their homeschool co-op group

Kid's Birthday Party

2010-11-20T16:56:00.000-08:00

Star Wars cake
Helloe Kitty Cake

Barbie cake

3 different themes and 3 happy children!

All the "girly girls" posing for a minute

Playing outside on the new church playground

A friendly game of kickball in the church gym

Z opening her most favorite gift....Dentist Barbie

M opening one of favorite gifts

C opening "The Gift"....Darth Vader costume

Happy 7th Birthday Z, M, & C!!!!

2010-10-29T21:13:00.000-07:00

The birthday boy woke up with a smile
Cinnamon rolls with candles for breakfast

They aren't so sure about it!!

Z blowing out her candle.

Getting their gifts from us

I surprised them with a field trip to Bud's Best Cookies. They had NO idea where we were going until we walked into the factory and they smelled the cookies. We all had to wear hair nets so we wouldn't contaminate the cookies.

We sat right behind the engineer of the CookieLand Express. We rode through the cookie factory, got to taste fresh cookies, and take home some bags of cookies. We met Daddy for lunch at Chappy's Deli and did a little shopping afterwards. The girls had a soccer game that night and C had Boy Scouts. Overall, I think they had a pretty great birthday!!

Soccer

2010-10-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

The girls decided that they would like to play soccer this fall. We found a wonderful Christian league not too far from our house and they were put on a team with several of their friends. They are the Green Goblins! Only 2 of the kids on their team have played b/4 and the other 5 have not. As of right today (10/29), they have only won one game but they have played their little hearts out!!

Z, our lefty, warming up
M, our little athlete, also warming up

M dribbling the ball down the field.

M, in the middle, and Z right behind her. The yellow team that they are playing has 5 out of 7 kids on their team that have played b/4. They have beat us every time!

Sisterly love

M scoring her 1st goal!!! We won against this team!

This is how C passes his time during each game.

Daddy and his girls after their 1st (and only) big win!

Steele Apple Orchard

2010-10-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

In September, we joined other families from our home school co-op at the Steele Apple Orchard in Cullman. We were able to tour the apple orchard, and they had 4 stations set up for us to learn more about apples and their farm. After the tour, the kids each received a goody bag with an apple, apple crisps, and a coloring sheet of Johnny Appleseed.

At the 1st station, the kids got to listen to a bee keeper and see the inside of a hive.
Next, they listened to one of employees talk about the life cycle of an apple tree and taste different apples. They also got to see an apple peelers/corer in action.

Next, they went inside and got to pick apples from a large crate and put them in the "washing machine". They also learned the ABC's of apples.

A= Awesome to eat

B= Bruised but good for Baking

C= perfect for the Critters

Watching the apples come out all fresh and clean.

Lastly, they got to go outside for apple painting.

They were showing off their apple prints

C with the Bee Lady. He is trying to pull her stinger out.

Z sticking out her imaginary stinger

M just posing

Another tooth lost

2010-10-28T17:15:00.000-07:00

I have lost count on how many teeth C has lost.
Another little one on the bottom gone!!!!!!!

Our little Cub Scout

2010-10-28T17:12:00.000-07:00

C decided to join the Cub Scouts this year. Doesn't he look handsome?

Field trip to Huntsville Space & Rocket Center

2010-10-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

I had to work at my annual fall consignment sale, so Ben took the day off from work and took the kids to the Huntsville Space & Rocket Center. While there, they also attended the Star Wars exhibit, which made C's day!!

C completing a challenge
The main "figure" C wanted a picture with

More of their favorite characters

A space ride.....Z is on the far right...C is in the middle in black and M is beside him.
Since Ben was in charge of the camera and watching the kids, there aren't many pictures from this trip but they did have a blast and learn a lot about space.

First day of school

2010-10-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

On August 11th, I started home schooling the kids for 1st grade. We spent the summer picking out our curriculum and attending home school workshops. The kids were really excited about me being their teacher and Ben and I felt really strongly that this is what God called us to do.

A shot of the school room
Their 1st lesson

Showing off writing their names on "magic paper"

Gymnastics

2010-10-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

The kids signed up for gymnastics in July of 2009 and they participated for a full year. In that year, they were taught how to do a "correct" forward roll, backwards roll, handstand forward roll, handstand, back bend, cartwheel, walk on a balance beam, pull up on the uneven bars and flip over it, and many other things. They had full access to the gym and each lesson, they rotated stations with peers of the same gymnastic skills/ability. M caught on really fast and was the first to learn how to do a back bend and a cartwheel. She was placed in the group just under the advanced girls (who could do round-offs and cartwheels on the balance beam). C and Z usually stayed in the same group which was kind of in the middle. C learned to do a back bend and a not so pretty cartwheel. Due to Z's poor upper body strength, she never mastered the back bend or cartwheel but she had fun trying.

Z attempting her cartwheel and C getting ready to do his.
M doing her cartwheel with her instructor looking on.

C on the uneven bars and Z waiting her turn on the trampoline.

M on the balance beam

C on the balance beam

Z on the balance beam

Basketball camp in July

2010-10-28T11:04:00.000-07:00

I am REALLY far behind in updating our blog. Life has been SUPER BUSY since July. The kids were very fortunate to attend a week long basketball camp at BSC that lasted from 9:00-4:00 each day. It was a nice break for me and a great opportunity for them to learn a new sport and make new friends.

C is wearing red and holding the ball and Z is on the far right in red.
C doing his dribbling drills

Megan doing her dribbling drills.

Z doing her dribbling drills.

The girls practicing "soft hands"

C with his "I don't know what to do" look.

The last day was awards day & all three of them won a little mini basketball for good sportsmanship & they got to keep the large basketball as well. They had a really great time and learned a lot, not only about basketball but how to be a good sport when your team doesn't win.

Another tooth lost

2010-08-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

On July 13th, Z lost her 4th tooth. She was so nervous to have it pulled.

It was literally hanging by one tiny root.

I told her to open her mouth and b/4 she could blink, I pulled it out.Z and C.

He wanted a picture taken with her since they are the 2 who had lost the most teeth
He has a blue upper lip from blue Kool-Aid.

Chick-Fil-A Customer Appreciation Day

2010-07-24T19:27:00.000-07:00

If you dressed like a cow from head to toe on July 9th, you received a free combo. My friend and I took the kids after we ran some errands together.
Here I am with the kids.
We were the 1st ones to show up at lunch time dressed all crazy!
We were proud to get our free meals though!

C loses ANOTHER tooth

2010-07-24T19:17:00.000-07:00

Another baby tooth gone on July 6th
Sorry for the blood, but he begged for a picture. He lost his 2nd top front tooth.
Here is our snaggle tooth the next day!

4th of July weekend

2010-07-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Fishing at PePaw's pond
C and M trying their best to snag a big one.

Bridgette trying to help out Z

Taking a pick-up ride with Bridgette in the back of Uncle Kent's truck.

"HOORAY for the 4th of July!"

We made handprint flag tees b/4 we visited MeMaw and PePaw.

Peace man!

M modeling her crazy hair!

My birthday!!

2010-07-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

I always ask for cookie cake instead of a regular cake. YUMMY!
The kids added a large Hersey kiss and sang "Happy Birthday" to me.

Play date at the park!!

2010-07-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

C and his girlfriend.....I mean, WIFE, as he calls her! Aren't they cute as can be?
M was SO hot and kept looking for shade on the playground!

Lunchtime with our friends.

Some friends joined us later after we had finished lunch.

The kids 1st Braves game

2010-07-17T18:50:00.001-07:00

M, C, Z
Daddy is ready to catch a foul ball or homerun

The kids got to see about 4 Chik-Fil-A cows b/4 we went in and get their picture taken.

Speaks for itself.

The cousins are ready to go cheer for the Braves!

We had great seats!

Me and my sis-in-law working on our tans during the game.

M and cuz, LJ. They are both little princesses!

MiMi and PaPa are concentrating seriously on the game. Thanks PaPa for inviting us.

Uncle A discussing the game.

Z swimming (with NO floaties) at the cousin's house the next day.

C has no fear to swimming in the deep end with no floaties.

Summer fun on the back deck

2010-07-17T18:38:00.000-07:00

M and Daddy shelling peas
What's up Z?

Snaggle tooth C

M posing with her homemade icecream! YUM!

The family enjoying dessert.

Z took the camera from me to take a picture of me and our cat, Callie

C loses another tooth

2010-07-17T18:28:00.000-07:00

The night we got home from the beach, daddy pulled C's top, right, front tooth.
He was disappointed that he didn't lose it at the beach so he came up with a plan.

This is the letter that he wrote to the Tooth Fairy.

Look closely and you will see his tooth in the shell.

Ft. Morgan Beach Trip

2010-06-20T11:14:00.000-07:00

An afternoon storm came rolling in the day we arrived at Ft. Morgan

This is the view from the house we stayed in with our family, the in-laws, and my brother-in-law and his family. A lot of fishin' was done off of that pier and we enjoyed many evenings in the screened in porch watching the sunset.

The back yard was covered in live oaks and Spanish moss.

The pool that we enjoyed all week.

Notice the RV park right on the other side of the wooden fence???

M posing as the storm rolled in.

The winds were getting stronger as M taught her little cousin how to pose.

The boys had to come and get in on the action.

Harry the Heron came and visited us everyday.

On rainy evenings, the kids found fun ways to entertain themselves.

Z is happy that she came in 2nd place. Her cuz, J, behind her won!

On our last night, as we were packing, a big "rolly polly" mouse made his apperance. This is the kids with their mouse catching gear. Notice that C would like to just squish him with his hands.

I wanted a group picture of the kids on our last day.

M was NOT ready to go home and wasn't in the mood for a picture.

Once I told her to sit down and relax, she loosened up a bit.

C enjoyed posing for me.

It took a couple of tries to get a good picture of Z but she finally smiled for me.

The kids tried to convince me to stay another week by showing me just how relaxing the bay is.

M and I being silly trying to keep her mind off of the fact that we had to leave.

Work it girl!!

THANKS PAPA AND MIMI FOR A WONDERFUL VACATION!!!

Random Photos

2010-06-10T07:39:00.001-07:00

Ready for church with their new bibles from MiMi and PaPa.
C said: "Mom, I think I can fit in the new dryer."
Me: "I know it's big, but I don't think it is THAT big."
C: "I bet it is. Watch me!!"
Me: "Wow! It really is big! Want to go for a ride???!!!"
Z had to prove that she could fit too.

So did Moo!

Summer T-ball

2010-06-10T07:21:00.001-07:00

This summer, the kids got to participate in FREE t-ball. The grandfather of one of their classmates made a t-ball field just so he could provide free, non-competitive t-ball. M is standing in the middle wearing black pants. Their coach is to the right.
Z watching as C catches a ground ball.

M taking a break.

C getting ready to bat.

M is running so fast.

Z batting.....can you see the blur of her pink bat?

Homeschool Convention

2010-06-10T06:51:00.001-07:00

The day after graduation, our whole family attended the Alabama Homeschool Conference at Camp Sumatunga. We spent the weekend at the camp.
Here are the kids with their cousins, whom also attended the conference with their parents.

M had just had a meltdown b/4 I took this picture.

They were getting ready to attend "kid's camp".

They all fit into the closet in our cabin and begged for a picture.

Standing out by the lake while daddy tried to fish.

This is a cross that overlooks the lake.

C climbed the large rocks and yelled out, "I'm king of the world".

Z posing for me.

C was SOOO tired and can see all of the boo-boos on his knees from falling down.

M posed one last time for me.

The girls climbing through a crack in the rocks.

Right b/4 we left, some momma geese and their babies were walking close to us.

Daddy tried to catch a baby but was quickly backed away by the momma.

Kindergarten Graduation - May 13th

2010-05-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Family photo b/4 the kids went inside the church.
Snapshop with MiMi and PaPa

Being silly with some of their favorite pals

M was the 1st to have a speaking part, followed by Z. They did so awesome!

C had a speaking part with his "girlfriend"

The theme of graduation was "King of the Jungle".

Above is them singing a rap song called "To God be the Glory"

C right after he got his diploma.

M....very excited to now be a 1st grader.

Z is also excited too!!!

Attempting a group shot with their class and their teacher.

C wrapped up with his "girlfriend"

M, C, and Z with their teacher, Mrs. Jennifer.

Their old speech teacher, Miss Elizabeth, surprised them by attending graduation.

Posing with the school's director, Mrs. Casie

By this point, they were tired of smiling and were very hungry.

I was determined to get one picture of me with them.

Congrats Z, M, and C!!!!