The Potter

Kennedy has found a new interest. I think it is really cool!! She is working on her homework for ceramics class and I'm just goofing off playing with all her pottery stuff. Mom is helping with the homework!!! The bird is a one of a kind, made by ME! No, it's not for sale! I have to keep my first piece for when I become famous! Lol

Miss Professional

Kennedy was selected to be a part of Arvest First Leadership. Guidelines require certain dress and behavior. It's good to know that even when you dress her up, she is still herself!

Red Wolves Fans

Love these girls! My sister and my niece tailgating in this photo. I'm so proud of my sister Becky. She has overcome some obstacles that have made her a strong woman and a great mom!

Birthday Boy

Parker is 11 today! Seems just like yesterday that we brought him home.

Julie

In memory of my little sister. It's been 12 years. I miss her everyday.
This photo is from her baby shower. I'm lucky to have this photo of her and Kennedy together.

More than just 9/11

Every year, the first half of September is a roller coaster for me.
Eleven years ago, I was nine months pregnant and praying that I would not go into labor on that day. Selfishly, I did not want my child born on a day that would forever be in history a negative memorial --overshadowing his special day.
The next day I prayed I would not go into labor, because it marked the one year anniversary of loosing my sister. That day would have always been hard for me to celebrate on.
The good Lord knew, because he gave me Parker the following day.
So, I understand the sadness of today, but I can't wrap all of the emotion into memorializing 9/11. Things that are much closer to my heart are on my mind.
Immature and selfish, maybe. I truly appreciate all of those that served and put themselves in action when this happened. In my mind, they have many people remembering them, and this day is no more important than tomorrow.

The Story

Today we started a new series based on the book, "The Story." It is a novel type version of the bible. This along with the unveiling of the new auditorium has set a high bar for the rest of the week!
We haven't been to services in some time, for many reasons. I think we picked the right day to go try again.
Thank you Lord for your guidance.

Kameron

Kam is my nephew and the best looking boy in Paragould! I am missing so much of him growing up since I live far away, but his dad is doing an awesome job raising him. I love them both! Kam I am so proud of the young man you have become!
Kelly and Kameron

Oh So Sweet (most of the time!)

I love this photo of my girls. Kennedy was 4 and Livi Grace was 2. They have grown up so quickly!! They are now almost 16 and 13.

My Favorite Story

As I posted yesterday, my uncle passed away. I want to always remember this story my grandmother tells...
When I was about four years old, Todd still lived at home, he was in high school and worked on the family farm. At four, you think the world revolves around you. My grandmother tells me that he spent a great deal of time pushing me around in the stroller. One day, he couldn't for some reason or another and I got so angry with him I said, "your just a redneck!"
I had no idea what it meant, I was just repeating something I had heard. Todd and I both still got a chuckle every time she told this story. It will always put a smile on my face!

Memory Lane

Everyone always comments on what a big family I have. Yes, I do. I'm very lucky to have so many. A big family brings many family events such as birthdays and weddings but it also brings more funerals than average.We were just realizing last night that there have been five or more in the last 18 months. Some have been expected, while others are a surprise.
I find it interesting all of the funny memories you think of when you sit with family and remember a loved one during a grieving period. It's not like a holiday, when everyone is in rush mode getting things done. It is more of a relaxed time when families share memories of loved ones.
This weekend, we lay my uncle Todd to rest. He was only 52 (12 years older than me). When I was young, I stayed so much with my grandparents, I thought he and his siblings were my brothers and sister. He struggled with cancer for several years, but lost his life in a car accident. I saw old photographs and heard many new stories about Todd that brought a smile to my face. May he rest in peace, and always be remembered.
This photo was his last, taken last Monday with his daughter Ashley.

Tennis

Although she lost her match yesterday, she looked beautiful and graceful while she played. I'm a very proud mom!
Go War Eagles!

That kind of afternoon...

I like routine, but wow!
Rogers, school pick up (child 2&3)
Snacks
(picture this car ride with a 10 year old practicing guitar in the back seat)
Tennis- other high school
Little flock- change clothes
Bentonville to dance (child 2)
Return to Rogers for tennis pick up
Take a friend home (out by the lake)
Little Flock drop off (child1)
Bentonville pick up
Over 100 miles since 3PM
Home. Bed.

Spa Day?

Preparation- these girls are washed and blow dried! Then greased up... It's a regular spa treatment before they go on the block for sale! I did not participate in these activities, but I watched and laughed. These photos are from the prep and the auction. Way to go Parker!!

My Middle

She is beautiful, sassy, hilarious and she is all her own personality! I have watched her change into a beautiful teenage girl (who does not look 13!) and for this I am truly blessed. We butt heads like moms and daughters do...her father says its because we are just alike. I don't know about that, but I can't wait to see where she goes in this life! Her middle child "do it my way" attitude is going to make her very successful in whatever SHE CHOOSES to do!
Photos of first day of 8th grade and from dance two years ago.

Middle School

It seems like just yesterday he was starting kindergarten. We bought crayons, glue sticks and a nap mat.
Boy time flies....

This year, we needed a protractor and a combination lock.

My Sweet Emalyn

My sister Becky and her husband John have one daughter. She is beautiful, precious, loving, demanding and chatty! She is her momma's child!
Today, is her first day of Kindergarten at Valley View. She is nervous and excited. I talked to her on the phone last night and I could here it in her voice. I pray that she has an incredible day and she let's the teacher be in charge a little bit. She reminded her momma this morning that she was supposed to send pictures to me...my sweet girl!

Then and Now

Kennedy started tenth grade today. I'm very proud of the young lady she has become! This is freshman first day and Sophomore first day.

Mom v. Teacher...Finding a Happy Medium

This summer I have got to spend all of my time being mom. This is the first time in three years that I have been back to "full time" mom. It's been fun and quite an adjustment. Tomorrow, my last one starts back to school. I have a huge list of things that I need to do, another list of things I want to do, and another of things others need/want me to do. I love that I'm fortunate enough to have the choice to work, and thankful for the option.
On the other hand, I spent the last three years preparing to teach. I was not sure right off the bat that teaching was for me...then I went in the classroom! I LOVED it!! I miss my students, I miss seeing the impact I make, and I miss the little things that made my day (see photo).
So, currently I am looking for my happy medium. I don't know where I will find it, but I know there is a bigger plan. I just have to wait and see where my skills are needed!

Kennedy going to be Sweet 16!

Conversation today....
For her 16th birthday she wants:
Car
Chocolate pie
Monster cable
Chalk....so she can make her own parking spaces

That last one really makes me want to buy a her car (sarcasm).

22 years

I think about how fast that goes by and I am amazed. Three children, 15+ moves, college, law school, birth and death, very high, very low, feast and famine, love and hate, and so much more. We had our 22nd wedding anniversary this year. This is an accomplishment these days!

War Eagle

Kennedy is still at Heritage playing tennis. New uniforms...

Flew the Coop

This chicken arrangement...still not my thing. Dogs attacked Parker's show hens this week. Hen house broken, chicken bodies...it's all more than this girl was ready for. He has twelve left, one he has nicknamed "scar." At first, we only found three alive and then they started showing up over the last few days. So, those that flew the coop found a way to make it in the wild...or they are just good at hiding.

Back to School

Today Olivia and Parker started back to school. We have homeschooled for the last year, so this change is huge for all of us. These pictures are first day of 5th and 8th grade @ BCSA.

Let's Bake!

Warm, fresh, right out of the oven. I'm not completely back in the swing of things, but this is a good start!

What I learned from Disney

Disney...a few facts
1) unless it is in a mouse shape or a princess, they do not sell candy in the onboard shopping area (no m&m's, snickers, etc) and that candy is $$
2) room service is all included, except for a few snack items

I tell you these facts to support my story. While on a family vacation (5 day Disney cruise), we discovered these random facts. M&M'S are on the room service menu-not included. I wanted some, I realized I was going to pay $$ for a bag of candy, but it was vacation! I also knew I would end up with 2-3 if I had to share with all the kids. my decision to get several bags was supported by this thinking. I ordered five bags of M&M'S. That should be plenty....I ask if they were peanut or plain, and the woman with the foreign accent told me they were chocolate. Okay, that should have been a clue.
Sure, cookies would be great too. Great idea!
I take a nap, and wake up to find five-1 pounds bags of candy and two plates of cookies. My kids think its hilarious! I am thinking, we have to eat five pounds of candy before the end of the week! That's five pounds of luggage I need for other stuff!! Memories made....

Sisters

I love my girls. They are two and a half years apart, but the younger one, Olivia is taller than both Kennedy and myself. They fight like sisters do, but in the end are best friends. I am so thankful for that. Honestly, two people could not be more different. These photos portray their personalities well...and show that even as teenagers that act up sometimes (they are my children, after all!)