Jack's 10th Birthday Party Video

Growing Family

Our small farm is growing. Let me introduce you to the new boys Luke and Darth. A friend of mine needed to get rid of these little roasters. They are silkies and they do not crow loud. They are not aggressive, either.

Now another friend had to move away kind of sudden. So we said we would watch her four hens. One was named but the kids named the others after girl Star Wars' characters.

Now we need to house these animals, right? But what if you have no money for a new coop? You find stuff?? We had a old dog pen and I got a free fence post from freecycle. I even dug the hole and planted the post. My arms hurt for several days. But it felt good to do it, by myself. Then Patrick helped me use some left over metal roofing sheets for the sides of the coop. Found some old hinges and wood for the door. We both think it's looks like an oven or something pretty trashy but he it didn't cost us a thing. Goes with my green acres theme on life.

Sweet Cheeks!

This is Ryan and he is 15mths old. Our family started babysitting him a couple of months ago. His parents work at UGA. Ryan and my kids have just clicked. I knew for me to babysit it would take the right family. Well, Ryan's family did! His mom still breastfeeds, they use cloth diapers, he falls to sleep in a sling (you know my favorite part of babyhood after b'fing), and to make Shannon happy he is a vegetarian. Another big plus is I get to use my sign language skills in real practice. This little one can sign almost 50 words...at 15mths, he totally rocks.

Look for future updates on this little one while he grows with our family.

Welcome Ryan!!

Happy Birthday Jack!

In July we had a fun day for Jack and his friends in honor of his 10th birthday. We decided to make his party a martial arts theme. He really likes this sport. We had 21 kids over this day...yes, Patrick was gone! I had all the kids dress in white shirts with black belts. Jack and his friends from class taught the kids some TKD moves. Then we played some games and ate Asian food with chop sticks. Had cake and a pinata. All music was from Kung Fu Panda soundtrack. Was a very busy day but I think Jack had a lot of fun. Thanks to all that came and helped!

Jack just finished testing and is a purple belt. Belt testing goes as follows: White, yellow, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown and black. As you can see he has done well for only attending for a year. His instructor Ms. Carter is wonderful. She really loves to see the kids succeed! http://www.athenstkdcenter.com/ I would encourage any kid to take some martial arts. I thought is was all about hitting and kicking. But Jack has learned so much about respect and self-control (a big area we are always working on). We are proud of what Jack has done in this area of his life. If he treats the rest of his life like this, he'll do wonderful!

Jack is a great kid! He is always full of energy. He's the type of kid that is always in trouble but that's why we love him....the energy!

Happy 10th Birthday Jack!!!!

Busy Life in a Small Town

I have not posted in some time since I have been crazy busy in the past 2 months. For weeks now we have had several visitors. Very nice but tiring too. We finished a year long project of finishing our attic space. We had two birthdays, Jack turned 10 and Shannon turned 13 (planned 2 really cool parties). I also was working on the yearbook for the kid's coop class they attend. Plus we added 1 horse, 2 roaster, 4 hens, 12 caterpillars and released 7 moths. All this while trying to plan their next year school lessons and babysit the cutest 15 month old. So wow things move pretty fast on our little farm. I am going to try to update my blog with things that have been going on. Wish me luck!

I have a Teenager!

Well, the day finally came. My oldest child turned 13 (on Wednesday). I have such mixed feelings. I am sad because she is growing up and will want to leave home on her own adventures soon. I'm also excited for the same reasons.

I would like to brag about my teen, Shannon.

She is a mature, smart, confident, strong, brave, courageous, attentive, and an understanding girl!

She has been this way since she was born. I remember when that day happened, something changed inside of me when I held her for the first time. (she was born the day after her due date, due to the fact I ate a lb of M&Ms the night before) I never held a baby before Shannon. I worked so hard bringing her into the world. Then when I saw her, I knew this is what I always wanted to be, a MOM! I wanted to be with her every moment of her life. I told myself I would work hard at being a good mother. And Shannon has really taught me more than I have taught her. I have always told her she is my guinea pig baby, always testing things on her. She has such a big heart, like her daddy. She doesn't like to show feelings or affection but you know she loves you, you can see it in her eyes and that smirk.

I am very proud of Shannon. When she decides to do something, she does it. I liked how she has grown into a person that thinks of the all the little pieces that make up this world. She is not selfish with herself. I hope and pray we continue to be friends. I really like just hanging out with her, she's a cool kid to talk too. I encourage you all get to know her. She is a jewel and a great joy to be around. I am so blessed to have her.
Happy Birthday Shannon and I love you so much my heart hurts :o).

My Sister's Twins

I finally got to meet my sister Sue's babies. They are 10 months old. The big boy is Austin J and the little girl is Summer-Lynn. Aren't they presious! I feel bad that this was their first time meeting me. It took me so long to drive to FL.

This is my sister Sue and her son. She handles them quite nicely.

Here's Kelly Belle holding her cousin, Summer-Lynn for the first time. I think Kelly likes her?!

Happy Birthday Cheryle!

Some wonderful friends got together to honor a supreme friend on her 50th birthday. What great women, no Over the Hill stuff just pure uplifting and caring remarks. Cheryle is one of the most peaceful ladies I know. You can just feel her inter peace and wisdom when you are around her. She is a wise mother and a supportive La Leche League Leader. After we had an honoring ceremony, we ate and was merry. Some of us even stayed over night. Kelly Belle thought it was funny that 'big' girls have sleep overs, too. Cheryle a welcoming home and was a generous hostess. Hey, let me not forget to thank her husband and family for letting us crash with them for the evening. Even though this was Cheryle's weekend, the next morning she cooked us a wonderful breakfast to send us on our way full and happy.

I want to thank Stephanie for planning this whole weekend. She is so sweet and dear friend to me!! You ROCK!

Thank you, Cheryle for being a wonderful example of what a woman, wife, mother, friend and a support person should be. I hope I am as lovely as you when I turn 50!

These flowers came from my garden!

Thanks Sara and Caroline (Cheryle's talented children) for these pictures. Please check out Sara's web site: http://www.sarawisephotography.com/sections/about.php

Great wedding photos!

Six Flags

Well we did it, we took the whole family to six flags over Georgia. Patrick and I were not too excited....crowds, hot weather, crowds, long lines, crowds, dirty bathrooms, etc. But the kids got free tickets through the six flags reading program so hey can't beat free. The day turned out quite well. We had scattered showers so this kept the crowd away. It was mostly overcast so it kept the sun away. Only sad part was three times the kids waited up to 45 minutes to ride something and just before they were to get on they closed the ride due to thunder....very disappointing. Favorite quote for the day: Shannon, "we did lots of walk'n" Jack's reply, "and lots of talk'n!" Love those boys!

Here are some pictures of the day.




Very Wet!!

Another long line!



Rained out!


See our future drivers, be afraid, very afraid!!!