Snow!!

It actually snowed in November here!! I was on my way to pick Leah up from school and it started coming down. The ground was to warm for it to stick, but Leah and I enjoyed being in it. Leah didn't like it hitting her in the face, there were some big flakes there for a while. This is a picture that I took of us out in the parking lot. It had almost stopped, I look like I have dandruff in this picture, but it was snow, I promise!!

Deal of the Year!!

Most of you that read this know that I am a very frugal person. Well let me tell you, I found the best deal!! I don't know if I will be able to top this even all of next year. We went to Lowes a few weeks ago to get our Christmas Tree. As we walked in we saw some trees that were reduced. They were not dry or ugly. I could not believe they were getting rid of these few trees for the price on the tag. Drum roll please.......................................................................................................

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$5. Yes we actually got a real tree at Lowe's Home Improvement for $5. I was so excited, it took some serious talking(Hannah Montana ornament) to get Emma on board. Next year I will be visiting Lowes often looking for another great deal on a tree!! Ornament and tree---total price $9.07. Can't beat it!!

Good-Bye Mr. Goldfish :(

Well, a little over 3 years ago Emma got a goldfish from a birthday party. THANK YOU JENNIFER!! (I mean this from the bottom of my heart....NOT). Well, I didn't think the thing would live past a week with Emma in charge of feeding it. Well three years later and Emma just lost her goldfish yesterday. She was VERY upset and I felt really sorry for her. I told her that she must be the best at feeding a goldfish because all of the other fish from the party are long gone. We had a little funeral for the fish this evening after we got home from church. I asked Emma if she would like to bury the fish in the backyard and she looked at me like I had two heads, but as we talked about it for a few minutes she decided that she would like to. I found a jewelry box, and Todd put some of the rocks down in the bottom of the box. We put the fish in the box and then Emma wanted to put some food in the box for the fish...so we did. We buried that fish in style. I know this is kinda morbid, but this is a big thing for Emma and I wanted to share if with all of you. Mr. Goldfish kept her company for 3 years and now Rachel thinks we need a cat!! NO WAY!! Nothing that requires food!!

Being A Blessing!!

Around our house, we strive hard to be a blessing to each other on a daily basis. Well, last night after church Emma told me that she needed to go over to Aunt Rachel's car because she had something for Jackson and Eli. So I made sure there were no cars coming and sent her over. Then Rachel told me that she needed to tell me something, so as Emma is walking back I walk over. Rachel tells me that Emma has been giving the boys all this stuff on a regular basis, and she finally asked her where she was getting it from. Emma said "from the treasure box" (in bible class). Apparently each time they are in class and have good behavior, they get to choose something out of the treasure box. Well, Emma has been choosing something for Jackson and Eli each time, instead of herself. What a blessing!! Rachel told her that she was such a blessing and that she should choose something for herself. I am so proud of Emma and the sweet and thoughtful heart that she has. I hope she will continue to be a blessing to so many others as she grows up!!

Dr. Dr. Give Me The News!!!

This year we had a Doctor in the house, and Hannah Montana with the best of both worlds. We were invited to a wienie roast and trick or treating with some of the kids from church. It was a great time and Todd even got in on the action. He always wants an opportunity to wear his nasty teeth, so he put on all of his Caterpillar mess and said he was the new spokes person for Caterpillar. His name is Clovis. On the way to the party he wore them in the car. His whole attitude changes when he wears them, and he really puts on a show. I think I need to rent him out!! That would be a fun thing to have at a pig pickin'. Then we could make some money, and I wouldn't have to look at those ugly things. I just want to take a toothpick and scratch some of the brown off!!

No Training Wheels!!!

O.K. So I know that my child is 7 years old, but I still think she is to small to ride a bike with out training wheels. (She is the size of a 5 year old, give me a break!!) She had the idea to take the training wheels off, so Todd was all ready to assist. I haven't laughed that hard in a long time. Todd is in VERY good physical condition and he was out of breath. Emma would lean to one side and then the other. He was able to let go a little bit, but she still needs a lot of help. I guess it is pretty hard to run hunched over at the waist, or squated down. When I laughed at him (I did laugh really hard) he said I want to see you get your little butt out there and do it!! The only reason I didn't get mad, was because of the word little that he used. I almost wanted to hear him say it again. We had a great time out there and I think if Emma keeps practicing she will be on her own in no time. Todd is such a good Daddy. Not all Daddies get out and do things like this with there kids. We are so blessed to have him!!

Minnie Mouse Dance!!

The Monday before Halloween Leah was suppose to dress up to go to dance. She actually had two different outfits for Halloween, this one was Minnie Mouse. She insisted on wearing this one to dance. They did a cute little dance to the Ghostbusters Song. She is really enjoying dance. In December she is going to ride on a float in a Christmas parade. She is really excited about it! I have to say that I am too!!

Happy 60th Anniversary!!!

You sure don't hear of this very often any more. Todd's MeMa and Pa celebrated their 60th Anniversary a couple of weeks ago. They are such a wonderful example to us. MeMa has such a servants heart, and really takes care of Pa to the best of her ability. When we were there for the celebration Pa was telling us about how they met, and how he use to drive her school bus. He would make everyone move from sitting right behind the drivers seat so that she could sit up there next to him. It was pretty neat to sit there and listen to him talk about so many years ago. Happy Anniversary MeMa and Pa, keep up the good work!! We love you!! (MeMa would not like this picture I have posted of her with her tongue sticking out, good thing she doesn't have internet!!)

Slumber Party!!!

Lately Jackson has been begging to have a sleep over and with my schedule and Rachel's schedule, it took us several weeks to be able to work it out!! But here is the proof, we finally did it. Nanny & Peto came to go to the fair and spent the night at our house, so we asked Jackson if he would like to spend the night last minute. Well he didn't even have to think about it. The answer was YES!! Nanny even made a pallet and slept on the floor with them. What a good Nanny they have. Not anyone would sleep on the floor between 3 kids!!

Farewell Todd!!

As many of you know, Todd left Gregory Poole and has gone active with the military. He is what they call Active Reserve. So far he is really enjoying it, and has had it pretty easy at work. He is closer to home, which saves gas, and medical is free. Everything is free when we go to the doctor as well!! Whoooo Hoooo!! It is all around better for our family. I just hope and pray that Todd is happy and enjoys this new chapter in his life.

Todd's work gave him a surprise going away party a couple of days before he left Gregory Poole. It was nice. They had pizza and cake. The secretary called and begged me and the girls to come. They even changed the time to a little later in the afternoon so that we would be able to make it. Todd wasn't surprised, one of the co-workers let the cat out of the bag :( It was nice of them to do this for him. I know this meant alot to Todd. I do think that he will be missed at Gregory Poole, and I know that Todd will miss some things about Gregory Poole as well.

Good luck Todd in your new adventure!!!!

Party Time!!

A couple of weeks ago we had a joint birthday party for the girls. They both have birthdays in September, and Emma's birthday is on our wedding anniversary, so we decided to have them a joint party. We usually don't have parties. I think they are overdone these days, but since we haven't had one in several years, I thought we would do something this year. So we went to the park and had a Hannah Montana/Little Mermaid Party. Try throwing those together and see what happens!! Actually the colors couldn't have been better, and it really worked out great. They each had just a couple of friends come, and with a few family members present, it turned out great. We got the girls new bikes, and all of the children that came brought their bikes and rode them around the loop at the park. Emma got a Hannah Montana cupcake cake, and Leah got a Little Mermaid cupcake cake. Just incase you didn't know, they are very different birds, Leah got white cake and Emma got chocolate, so we had a nice variety. Thanks to everyone who made it, the girls had a great time and enjoyed the day!!

Here are a few of our friends. Eli didn't want to be in the picture, and Ragan and Olivia had already left.

Happy Anniversary!!

Yesterday was our 10 year wedding anniversary!! I can't believe it has been 10 years already. It seems like yesterday we were in that tiny apartment so happy to be playing house!! Getting all of our new things out of boxes, and using them for the first time. Never thought we would be where we are today, 10 years ago. We have had some wonderful things that have happened over the last few years, and I only pray that we will have another 10 more wonderful years ahead. I am so glad that I married Todd, he has a wonderful heart and would do anything for anyone. He is still easy on the eyes too!! Happy Anniversary Todd, I still love you 10 years later!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Happy Birthday to Emma!! We are so excited that Emma has turned 7 today. She is such a blessing to our family, and we know that our family would be missing something special if Emma wasn't around. Emma has a wonderful heart, and is always trying to do nice things for others. We hope that she is blessed with many more years. We love you Emma!!!

Today we took Emma to do something special!! Can you tell what it was from our picture here? She was so brave and didn't make a peep. She said her legs were a little shaky! Mine were too!!

Happy Birthday to Me!!!

Happy Birthday Leah!!

I can't believe she is 4 today. Where does time go? Four years ago I was in a hospital in IN. That seems like a long time ago, but then when I look at Leah I can't believe that 4 years have already passed. She is growing so fast. She is learning new things each and everyday. I am so excited to see what this year will bring. Leah is a big part of the happiness in our family. She keeps us going with her silly disposition. I love you so much Leah, you are one of my very favorite people on this earth. I can't wait to spend the next 4 years with you!!

Thank you Uncle Nick and Aunt Katie for my money. I am going to put it in my piggy bank. Each time the ice cream truck comes, I will know that I can have some, because I have money in my bank. I already told Mama that I can have lots and lots and lots of ice cream!!

Jesus Loves Me!!

This is the sweetest thing I have seen in a long time. Leah is doing her two favorite things, playing with babies, and singing. Leah will make up her own songs about anything. She always has a song in her heart. She wakes up sometimes and will just lay in her bed and sing about anything that comes to her mind. I hope she will always remember that Jesus loves her more than anyone, and that is very hard for me to wrap my mind around. God is so good!! Enjoy.

Leah's First Day!!

Leah was so excited to get her picture taken on the porch like Emma. She is getting so big. She looks so much older since our picture last year. She had a great 1st day, and loved her teacher Mrs. Laura. She has a"best best brind" (friend) in her class, Sarah. I am excited to see what this year brings with her learning. Leah will miss the cutoff for Kindergarten by 9 days, and I am interested to see where she is at the end of this year. At her school they offer a pre-K class that Leah will be able to take next year, and boy she should be ready for Kindergarten.

Labor Day Weekend

This Labor Day weekend, we decided to go and visit with some of Todd's family. We had a great time. Meme's birthday was coming up and we had a cookout for her, Pa was in the hospital and we were able to visit with him. Uncle Travis was home from school, and the girls had a great time playing with him and Heather(those fruity pebble treats were YUMMO!). Boy was Uncle Travis really able to get Leah wound up. She had the best time playing with him. I guess when you get two crazy nuts together, they are bound to have a good time. Uncle Ike and Seth were there for most of the weekend, and we were able to spend some quality time with them. We went the Natural Science Museum in Greenboro on Monday and learned lots of things, saw lots of animals, and had a nice picnic out by a pond. It was a great weekend and we are looking forward to seeing them the next time.

Emma and Seth. Seth reminds me of Nick, he always acts like he has time for the girls. It is really sweet.
Uncle Travis and Leah trying to get a little remote control car going for Leah. She was sitting there so patient, waiting for him to finish.
Happy Birthday Meme. We love you!!!
Enjoying some icing! YUM! YUM!

Heading into the museum with Heather.

Eating our yummy food outside by the pond. Food always taste better outside!

2nd Grader!!

Well, here is our annual picture. Emma started 2nd grade today. I can't believe we have a 2nd grader in our house. Where does time go? It seems like yesterday that I dropped her off for Kindergarten and made a fool of myself by crying like a nut (I really was out of control). She jumped right out of the bed this morning, put her new outfit on and was ready to face the day. I asked her if she was nervous, and she said a little bit (she didn't act it). I hope she has a great day, and learns alot this school year. I'm sure the will amaze me this year, just like she has every year so far. I can't believe what they are able to teach these kids in just a short time. GOOD LUCK EMMA!!

Fairy Tea

Each summer my aunt Peto and her grandkids put alot of work into a special tea for a few select guest. This year the theme was Fairy's. It turned out really cute. We always get dressed up and use our best manners. It is really fun for the girls and also a good teaching tool. I know that Peto and the kids put ton of work and time into this event, and it always turns out to be a very special affair. Here are a few of the pictures.

Enjoying a little treat while waiting to be served their tea!

They are drinking out of tea cups that Nanny and Peto used when they were little girls!

My two very favorite girls!!

Just a cute little comment from Leah: After we got all ready for the tea, Leah comes into the room and says, "I love going to weddings." My mom says, "I do to Leah, but we arn't going to a wedding, we are going to a tea." Leah just knew that we were getting all dressed up and we wern't going to church. She knew it was going to be special, and she was right!!

UPDATED BLOG!!
I finally updated the blog. Sorry it took me a month. We have been very busy doing things before school starts back. Enjoy the new pictures!!

I Got Clap Shoes!!

Now that I signed Emma up for Piano I thought I needed to do something for Leah. Here goes my schedule, right!! A friend of mine was telling me about a class that she had signed her daughter up for and she is Leah's age. I looked into it and signed Leah up for Tap/Ballet classes once a week. She is so excited, she went monday afternooon for the first time. She looked so cute in her outfit that I could have squeezed her to death. She keeps calling her tap shoes her clap shoes. She says they clap when she walks. I guess she thinks she has her own audience walking around with her. She can't wait to go back and each morning since her first class she gets up saying she wants to go to her dance. I hope she keeps enjoying it.

Summer Beach Vacation 08!!

We just got back from our Summer Beach Vacation for 2008! We had a great time and wore ourselves out. It is hard work being on vacation. Swimming in a private pool 3 times a day, going to the beach. Having so much space that everyone can go to their own area of the house. We were spoiled rotten this year. We usually go to Ft. Fisher, but this year it was booked up. We were very disappointed, but some friends of ours offered to let us stay at their house in Hampstead. It wasn't right on the beach, but it had it's own private pool, and a hot tub, and a TON more space than we were use to. We knew that it would be different than our usual beach trips, but we knew we would have a great time just being together somewhere. One of the many highlights was when Leah decided to jump off the deep in of the pool. She never ceases to amaze me. Emma also tried to swim with out her life jacket. She was getting it, but she still has a ways to go!! She really doesn't want to get her face wet. So she is very cautious in the water. Maybe one day she will realize that she doesn't have to be so worried! We thought that we would be making day trips to the beach. We ended up not going to the beach but once, and enjoying the salt water pool instead. The kids got up asking to get in the pool and would stay out there just as long as you would let them. Man, we hated getting back to reality!! Enjoy some of the many pictures.

Enjoying our picnic at the beach!!

Just being silly!

Waiting on their sunscreen!!

How much longer!!

Getting all the gear on!!

Getting brave with out my life jacket.

Jumping off the deep end!! WHAHOO!!

After one of the many plunges into the deep end!!

Taking a break from all swimming!

Hanging out with daddy!

Let's do it all together!!

Sweet girl!

Trying to swim for REAL!!

We had a blast! A BIG thank you to the Allgood & Cochran family for allowing us to use their house for our vacation.