Blessings From Above!

A Five Year Old Squirrel

2011-11-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

A happy Squirrel on her birthday

Squirrel's 5th Birthday

2011-11-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

Squirrel turned five on October 20th. My how time passes so quickly! We were traveling home from Knoxville on her birthday. Before we left that morning Joel took her on their traditional birthday breakfast date. When we got home we had a little celebration with a birthday cake that Nana made her before we left that morning.

Showing off her pigs that Nai Nai made her.

A new Rapunzel doll from Daddy and Mommy.

Because I came down with a terrible case of strep throat when we got home we had to postpone the birthday party. Squirrel showed how much she is growing up when through tears she decided on her own that we needed to postpone the much anticipated birthday party because I was so sick. We finally got to celebrate last week and I'll get those pictures up soon.

Fall Break

2011-11-05T14:50:00.000-07:00

Joel was scheduled to preach a revival in Knoxville last month so we waited to take our fall break so we could tag along. We were able to stay with PawPaw and Nana while we there. One day we took a little drive through Cade's Cove to see the pretty fall colors and try to see some animals. We saw many turkeys and deer and a momma bear with her two cubs. Despite the cold, rainy weather we had a great time.

Tie My Shoe

2011-11-05T14:45:00.000-07:00

Joel decided it was time the kids learned how to tie their own shoes. These are pictures of Squirrel, but Possum also learned how to as well. It is so nice that they can put on their own shoes now AND tie them!

A Sewin' Squirrel

2011-11-05T14:44:00.000-07:00

Nai Nai began making all kinds of felt ornaments and she sent Squirrel some patterns. This was her first attempt at sewing all by herself.

Huber's Farm and Pumpkin Patch

2011-11-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

During fall break we took the kids from church to Indiana to Huber's Farm. There was so much to do there and everyone had a great time!

We played games
and rode the cowmobile

looked at ducks, pigs, cows, llamas, and other animals

picked pumpkins

went through a corn maze

and went on a tractor ride through the farm.

We also ate all kinds of good food, tried pumpkin ice cream, and enjoyed our time in God's beautiful creation!

First Day of School

2011-11-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Just to prove how far behind on blogging I am, here are pictures from our first day of school. We are homeschooling again this year and the kids are doing great.

Possum: First Grade 2011-2012

Squirrel: Preschool 2011-2012

Chaney's Dairy Barn

2011-11-05T14:01:00.001-07:00

Back in September we loaded up the church van and went to Chaney's Dairy Barn for a fun night. Joel was in Colorado during this time and Possum was staying with Mr. Bob so he could go hunting so it was just me and Squirrel. We had a ball playing, eating ice cream, and watching a movie outside on the side of the big red barn!

Possum's Tooth

2011-09-02T10:41:00.001-07:00

We experienced a first around here today....the first time to pull a tooth!
Possum has been wiggling this little tooth around since last Friday. While taking a phonics test this morning he tells me to look and what I saw almost made me sick! His tooth was sticking straight out. It was just too much for me to see. I tried to convince him to pull it on out because I knew that it couldn't be connected by very much. He did fine until he saw and felt the blood. Then he was done and pushed the tooth back down into the socket. I did the only thing I knew to do...call Nurse Netta! She has come to my rescue more than once in the six years Possum and Squirrel have been around.

Nurse Netta rushed right over and quickly (literally in like a second, I told you the tooth was just hanging there) had the tooth out.

Possum was super excited! Wow! Where has the time gone? I can't believe my little baby boy has lost his first tooth. This is one of those bitter sweet days.

June and July

2011-07-29T10:23:00.000-07:00

June and July have flown by around here. The month of June held Fishers of Men tourneys, state meeting, two camping trips, and Possum's birthday. July began with a Fishers of Men tourney and then we left for camp at The Wilds.

I tried to get a good picture of Joel and I, but everyone ended up like these!

Me and the girls

We got hooked on the coffee at The Wilds! One last cup for the road.

We went straight (as in didn't come home) from camp to North Carolina for the Nationals. I don't have any pictures to share from that, but trust me we were there. We got ready to leave from the Nationals to come home and Joel surprises me and sent the kids back home with his mom so he could take me to Charleston for my birthday to see some lighthouses. Boy was I shocked!

We both fell in love with the area and definately want to go back some day to explore for longer than our quick trip of a day!

Someone want to buy me this house?

We stopped by this old plantation to take a look around. I love these old trees with the Spanish moss hanging from them.

The Hampton Plantation

This old tree was going to be cut down, but while George Washington was visiting this home he convinced them not to cut it down. So cool!

This is another lighthouse way back in the distance. We didn't realized that you had to actually take a boat seven miles out to see it up close. Oh well. This means we will have to go again to see it!!

Another beautiful home.

We arrived home on Saturday afternoon from out two weeks away and on Sunday after church the kids and I left so that I could drive my Mom, MawMaw, and the boys to Michigan to visit my sister.

While there we had a professional photo shoot modeling Creations by Cricket creations.

We came home from Michigan in time for church on Wednesday and I have been trying to get the house back in order and clean. Maybe this will explain the lack of blogging. Just too busy lately, but maybe now life will get back to normal.

Camping

2011-07-29T10:09:00.001-07:00

In June we took two camping trips. The first was with the teenagers. We quickly decided that teens were just not that fun to camp with anymore and so we decided to try something new and took some of the younger kids. They had a ball and so did we!
Little ones enjoy everything! From splashing in the water....

...to catching things out of the water!

We enjoyed fishing, boat rides, eating smores, playing in the lake, watching the fire, and even sleeping in a tent! This was by far one of the funnest times I have had camping and we will definately be taking these younger ones again.

Possum's 6th Birthday

2011-07-29T09:44:00.001-07:00

Possum celebrated his 6th birthday on June 21. He had a surprise party with a fish fry with some of our friends.

Mr. Bob surprised him by mounting his deer that he killed earlier this year.

He started the birthday morning by opening presents from us. Since he is growing up he needed big boy gifts....fishing line, lures, new life jacket, and arrows.

Legacy Tourney

2011-07-29T09:42:00.001-07:00

Joel and Possum finished 3rd in the Legacy tournament in June.

Fisher Lady Squirrel

2011-05-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

Squirrel and Daddy had some quality time this afternoon doing some fishing. She caught her first official fish all on her own. As you can see she was very excited!

House Makeover

2011-05-14T18:04:00.000-07:00

We have lived in our house for ten years now. Ten years and two kids later it was way past time for some upkeep on the house on the hill! The flooring as you come in the front door was in bad shape (so bad that I tried to hide it under a rug), the carpet in the living room was to the point that professional cleaning wouldn't even help it, the kitchen and dining room floors were livable but getting some rough spots on them, and the walls were way beyond needing a good painting. I handle most of the bookkeeping around here and I realized that the time had finally come that we might could handle some repairs. Little did I know that when I told Joel this that it would mean we would start the next day. A few days into the work he confessed and told me that he was afraid that if we didn't start immediately that I would change my mind! He knows me well!!!

What a week this has been. Our living room, kitchen, and dining room are all open with tall vaulted ceilings which had to be painted. Oh what a pain!!! Thankfully Pawpaw and Mawmaw Overton arrived Monday morning to help. Pawpaw came right in and started painting the walls and Mawmaw of course tried to keep everything clean.

We had stuff piled everywhere...in the garage, back deck, bedrooms, closets...wherever there was extra room.

Nasty carpet gone!!!!

Pawpaw and Joel painting and staining the trim. Once again notice the nasty carpet is gone!!!

We thought that we were going to be able to leave the flooring down in the kitchen and dining area and lay the floor over it, but once the carpet was up we noticed that the floors were different heights so the linoleum had to go. Mr. Andy had to come give us some help.

Yes, they used shovels, hammers, saws, and alot of other tools to get that crazy stuff up.

Mr. Chris working hard putting the new floor down. We couldn't have done it without his help. He certainly knows what he is doing!

The kids even helped. They eagerly hammered the nails down into the boards.

You just about had to climb over furniture to find a bed, that is IF your bed wasn't covered with stuff. We have slept here, there, and everywhere this week. One afternoon we couldn't find Squirrel and Joel went looking for her. He found her in the small floor space of her bedroom. She had taken her nasty clothes off and climbed into her sleeping bag and was fast asleep. We have all been worn out this week!

The after pictures
Everything isn't totally finished in these rooms yet, but it is good enough to show. I am beyond pleased with everything so far. Did I mention yet that the nasty carpet is gone? I'm so thankful that we were able to do this and for everyone who helped us work this week. I know we will enjoy these updates to the house and maybe Joel's allergies will be a little better with that nasty carpet gone!

View from the front door

Looking from the laundry room

View down the hallway

I should have called this post: EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER- FRANKS' EDITION!!!!

Sunday Best

2011-05-01T20:20:00.000-07:00

These are just some snapshots that were made before church this morning. The kids enjoy making pictures as well so there are some snapshots of Joel and I that they made. I am uploading quite a few pictures but some of them were just too cute or funny not to put on here.

My favorite of the two of them!

Love Squirrel's expression here! So happy!!

My little man! I can see him growing up each day. A funny from this week...Squirrel loves pigs. She has a collection of stuffed and glass pigs. When she sees a pig she goes wild. We were at the grocery store this week and there was a large stuffed pig sitting in the meat department. Squirrel of course goes crazy. Possum very seriously looks at her and says "I like pigs too. Bacon and eggs on my plate for breakfast. That's how I like pigs." I about lost it. That boy cracks me up!

Joel wasn't feeling like a picture party this morning!

Hot Rods Game

2011-05-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

The kids earned tickets to a Hot Rods (minor league team) game for reading books in school. We went to the game Saturday night. Some of our friends were there and we had an enjoyable night. Possum enjoyed meeting the team mascots. I can't say the same for Squirrel. She would have nothing to do with them! The highlight was the fireworks at the end of the game.

I enjoyed watching the kids watch the fireworks. Squirrel especially enjoyed them. Her facial expressions were priceless!

Turkey #2

2011-05-01T19:01:00.000-07:00

Possum was able to tag out this week. Quite an accomplishment for a five year old. We were very excited for him!

He thought he was a big boy and tried to carry his own turkey!

Easter 2011

2011-04-24T14:19:00.000-07:00

Possum's First Turkey

2011-04-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

April 21, 2011
5 Years Old
22 lbs.
10 in. beard
1 1/8 in. spurs

Bees

2011-03-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago we had a man to come and collect the bees from a tree snag in our yard. The kids enjoyed trying on some of the protective gear and watching the bees being "vacuumed". Joel took the honey comb and squeezed the honey out. We have really enjoyed eating biscuits and honey, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, oatmeal with honey, and any other thing that we could think to put honey on!

11 Years

2011-03-12T17:35:00.000-08:00

Joel and I celebrated our eleventh anniversary on Friday. I can honestly say that I love him more and more each day. He is my best friend and I thank God for allowing me to marry such a wonderful man. We spent the weekend at Lake Cumberland State Park with some couples from our church for a marriage retreat. Not only did we get to spend some quality time together but we also got to listen to some great speakers talk to us about how to make our marriage even better. I love you Joel and I can't wait to celebrate even more years together!

New Posts

2011-02-10T19:12:00.001-08:00

I am trying to get caught up on all of the pictures I have taken over the past weeks, so keep scrolling down to see all of the new posts! More to come soon!

Just A Swingin'

2011-02-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

These pictures were made while we were in Alabama for Christmas. The kids were playing on the old tree swing that Pawpaw hung when I was a kid. It has seen its better days. In fact, it doesn't even have a seat anymore, but the kids had a great time playing on it.

Possum's First Deer

2011-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

We have a very short rifle season (only 2 weeks). Joel and Possum hunted hard those 2 weeks trying to get Possum a shot. Needless to say the season ended without a kill. The first weekend of the new year is a free youth hunting weekend. Only kids can rifle hunt. Possum got a new rifle for Christmas from Joel and I and he got to try it out that weekend. That Saturday afternoon he finally got a shot and harvested a deer. He was as excited as if it had been a huge buck!

Possum's Squirrel

2011-02-10T18:42:00.000-08:00

Possum was able to harvest his first squirrel this year. He was an excited little boy!

Super Bowl Fun

2011-02-10T18:14:00.000-08:00

After church Sunday night we went to some friend's house to watch the Super Bowl. Our host, Doug, made this football stadium out of snack foods. It was a hit with everyone, especially the kids!! Half Packers/Half Steelers cake that I made for the party.

We had a great time watching the game, eating, and hanging out with our friends!

Snow Days

2011-02-10T17:50:00.001-08:00

We are having our fair share of snow around here. When it hasn't been too cold to be outside the kids have had some fun playing. These pictures were made on different snow days over the past few weeks.

Several friends came over to play with us. The big boys had as much fun as the little ones did!

Squirrel built a cute little snowman.

Warming up with soup, hot chocolate, and homemade chocolate rolls.

Rabbits, Ducks, and Geese

2011-02-10T17:46:00.001-08:00

Some end of the year kills!

Movie Night and Game Night

2011-02-10T16:31:00.000-08:00

The past few weeks we have had some fun activities at church to pass the cold winter nights. The children had movie night and enjoyed the old Disney classic "Swiss Family Robinson", pizza, and tons of candy!

We also enjoyed game night with lots of fun board games and good food. Joel stayed at the Scrabble table and challenged anyone that would come along.

Brady and I serenaded everyone!

Christmas Caroling

2011-01-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

Christmas Play

2011-01-26T11:02:00.001-08:00

My sweet little angel and shepherd boy

2011-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

The crossbow that Possum made out of trash

Joel's Birthday

2011-01-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Joel's birthday was December 19. I was in no shape to be making a birthday cake, but the kids insisted that he have one. The day before his birthday Joel took Squirrel out to do some visiting and such and while they were gone Possum made a cake. From start to finish with nothing but my supervision from a stool, Possum made this cake. He looked up a picture on the computer of what he wanted the cake to look like and then went to town. We all were very impressed with his work and we had a cake to celebrate Joel's birthday!

Possum was also upset that I was unable to drive to take him shopping to buy his Daddy a present. I knew he was up to something when he came and asked me where to find the wrapping paper and supplies. I thought to myself "How sweet. He has found something that he is wrapping up for his Daddy." I had no idea exactly what he had up his sleeve. After he got the gift wrapped he couldn't wait for Joel to open it. He was beside himself. Joel opened the gift to find a pair of his own underwear. We couldn't stop laughing. At least he had the good smarts to get them out of the drawer and not the dirty clothes basket! God loves a cheerful giver right??!!

Possum's Christmas Presents

2010-12-18T05:57:00.001-08:00

Possum has been really excited this year about what is under the tree. He has dug around and found three gifts that he knows are his. Based on the size of the boxes and maybe some teasing from his Dad and I here are his guesses....a broom, an apron, and a "Blackaberry" phone. His sister went shopping for him yesterday and when she wrapped his gift and put it under the tree he of course had to guess what it was...a box of Poptarts! What is so humorous about this is the fact that he is excited over these gifts! Most kids would be upset about these gifts, but Possum is excited. I cannot wait until Christmas morning when he sees what he is really getting!

Our December So Far...

2010-12-14T17:13:00.000-08:00

We have had a full December already. Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to. The kids did get to ride in the city Christmas parade and maybe I can find a few pictures to put up here for all to see.
This was Possum's seatwork one day. He was supposed to fill the lines with letters/words but as you can see he left enough room for a little picture. Of course you can see what is on his mind!

One of my last meals before my surgery....smoked ribs with Dreamland sauce!!!!

Followed by pies of course!

Possum pretending to be Santa!

Joel always cuts down our Christmas tree. He is known to cut down HUGE trees, but I requested a small tree this year since I was having surgery and wouldn't feel up to cleaning up a big mess. This is the tree he and the kids picked. I refer to it as our "squirrel" tree because Squirrel insists that she picked it out!

My little elves that decorated the tree.

Our first snow of the year. The kids were excited about making snowangels.

Joel had a board meeting tonight and since I'm not supposed to be doing much work I had some helpers in the kitchen. I sat and supervised. Notice my superhero fireman that helped!

Notice the spaghetti left on the elephants face!

Thanks-Christmas

2010-12-14T17:03:00.001-08:00

If you are new around here you may not know that we celebrate Christmas with Joel's immediate family the day after Thanksgiving. It's something we started a few years back and it works for us. Caleb named this celebration "Thanks-Christmas" and it stuck! Here are some pictures from this year's celebration.

Thanksgiving

2010-12-14T16:55:00.000-08:00

Possum and Josh proud of their matching shirts.

Squirrel learning how to make Nana's dressing.

Pawpaw and Possum

Squirrel setting the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

Nana made the kids orange pumpkin ice cubes. They really liked them!

Poppa and Nana Bama

2010-12-14T16:45:00.000-08:00

On the first day of our Thanksgiving trip we met Poppa and Nana Bama in the Smokies. They were vacationing for the week and since we were so close we just had to see them. We visited in their cabin for a little while and then went to eat. It was great getting to visit even if it was just for a few hours.

More Cousin Fun

2010-12-14T16:25:00.000-08:00

While Caleb and Josh were visiting us we decorated gingerbread men. Yes, we were a little early for Christmas, but it entertained the kids for quite a while!

The Three Brave Fearless Hunters

Cousins

2010-11-29T19:42:00.000-08:00

Caleb and Josh came and stayed with us for a few days before Thanksgiving. I met Tommy in Nashville to pick them up and became the best mommy/aunt of the year by taking the kids to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops, eating at Taco Bell, getting fresh Krispy Kreme donuts, and stopping to feed the ducks and geese at the park. It was quite an eventful day!

Caleb only sat in Santa's lap because Santa made him!

Bloopers

2010-11-29T19:24:00.000-08:00

Just because some of these are too funny....

Family

2010-11-29T19:17:00.000-08:00

Mommy and Squirrel

2010-11-29T19:07:00.000-08:00

The girly sides of Squirrel and Mommy

The hunting sides of Squirrel and Mommy

This was our first hunt together. She watched for deer, ate a snack, and took a nap!

Harvest Party

2010-11-29T18:55:00.001-08:00

We hosted the church's harvest party at our house this year. There was tons of food, candy, roasting marshmallows and hotdogs, and of course a hayride. It was a great night of fun, food, and fellowship.

Joel's Elk

2010-11-29T18:51:00.001-08:00

The elk on the left is from 2005.

The elk on the right is from this year.

It gross scored 310 Pope and Young points.

Bob and Sarah's Wedding

2010-10-23T19:13:00.000-07:00

The kids were very serious during the ceremony. They got down on the ground in the aisle to watch what was going on!

Possum got to wear his boots to the wedding in honor of Mr. Bob!

We got to celebrate the marriage of Bob and Sarah today. Bob moved to our area a little over two years ago and joined our church. He soon became a favorite of the kids and they look forward to when Mr. Bob gets to come over because he always does something exciting with them like blowing up bottles and fruit! After Bob and Sarah began dating the kids quickly decided that they liked Ms. Sarah as well.

Joel was able to perform the ceremony and I contributed the groom's cake to the day. You can check the cake out at www.sweetsbyshae.blogspot.com. A cow may seem a little strange for a wedding cake, but if you know Bob and Sarah then you know that it was perfect! The wedding was beautiful and we are very happy for the couple. Congratulations Bob and Sarah!

Happy Birthday Squirrel!

2010-10-20T12:00:00.001-07:00

Our little Squirrel turned four today! We celebrated a little early and had her party Sunday night after church.

This morning she got to open presents from Daddy, Mommy, and Possum.

She got a new sewing machine from Mommy...

...and a new pink BB gun from Daddy and Possum.

Daddy had to give her official shooting lessons!

We love you little Squirrel and hope you have a wonderful birthday!

Possum's First Official Deer Hunt

2010-10-09T03:28:00.000-07:00

Today is youth deer hunt day in our area. This is Possum's first time to officially get to hunt with a gun. We have had him in a shooting house since he was 3 months old so this is nothing new to him except now he is armed! We borrowed a little gun for him to use from some friends and Joel has practiced with him. He is actually a pretty good shot! I don't know why I am so surprised....he is just like his Daddy!!!

This was made very early this morning. Possum, who is generally not a morning person, hopped right out of bed and ran to get his clothes on. I don't know who was more excited him or his Daddy?!? I guess I am actually excited too because after I took these pictures and saw them off I couldn't go back to bed (and I'm generally not a morning person either!).

I can't wait to hear about their morning and hopefully (and prayerfully) we will have more pictures to show off later!

I think Possum looks a little Elmer Fudd like with that great big orange cap on!

The Circus

2010-10-09T03:18:00.001-07:00

I took the kids (plus Sara) to the Circus this week. It wasn't a great big hug circus like we have been to before, but it was still good. The kids each had their favorite part- Possum's was the guy riding the motorcycle high in the sky and Squirrel's was the "My Little Ponies" that are pictures below.

Since the visit to the circus we have had a circus of our own at home! The kids have built a tent, lined up the stuffed animals, jumped through hoops, and tried to imitate many more acts that they saw. Very entertaining!

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-02T17:41:00.000-07:00

Today the kids and I took our annual trip to the pumpkin patch. It was a little sad to go by ourselves, but generally Cricket and the kids drive over to go with us, but she figured driving from Michigan was a little too far for a bunch of pumpkins!
The straw house is always a big hit with Possum. He loves jumping from bale to bale.

Possum wanted a picture made with each crate of pumpkins.

We have had a full day. The day began early at the pumpkin patch and was followed by clothes shopping for Squirrel. Possum was not at all amused with the shopping. We had a little conversation in Kohl's that went kinda like this....

Possum- Looking around the store, "Mommy, I don't see any boys in here shopping."

Me- After looking around, "No Possum I don't guess there are."

P- "You know why Mommy?"

M-"No Possum I don't."

P- "It's because boys aren't supposed to shop. They are supposed to be at home watching the football game."

I guess they learn early! He has been so excited all day about the Alabama game tonight. As soon as we got home this evening he ran and put his Roll Tide shirt on! He is now sitting on the couch beside of his Daddy with his shaker in hand cheering on his team!

We all just had a great piece of homemade apple pie with fresh apples (that were named after Possum) from the orchard and cinnamon Blue Bell ice cream. Now to watch Alabama eat the Gators!

Possum the Bow Hunter

2010-09-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

Possum has finally graduated to a "big boy" bow. He was very excited this evening!
Daddy showing him how.

Another quick lesson from Dad.

Doesn't he look like a little professional?

Possum's 1st Stitches

2010-09-08T21:29:00.000-07:00

Possum decided he would jump out of the bathtub to avoid getting more soap bubbles on his feet. He hit the floor with his chin and we ended up in the ER for stitches.
Because as everyone who lives around here knows, our ER at night is a circus! To keep ourselves occupied we took pictures with Nana's phone!

This little stuffed possum has been everywhere Possum has been since he was born. It has been through ear tubes, sleep studies, tonsils, adenoids, and tube removal surgery, a stay in the hospital, and many other fun, exciting times....now we can add stitches to both Possum's adventure lists!

This is after the 4 stitches! Possum DID NOT like being held down for the doctor to sew him up. He accused us of trying to choke him, break his legs, and many other things. He informed us (in a not so quiet voice) that he wanted to get up and he meant right then! After the doctor finally managed to get the stitches in, he was cleaning the mess up and Possum let him know that he did not like the fact that he get his pajama top wet!

He fell asleep on the way home and besides hurting a little this morning he is doing fine. Thank goodness Nana was here to help since I DO NOT like gaping holes and blood and thank goodness Daddy will be home from his trip when the stitches have to come out!

Alabama Trip

2010-08-13T08:31:00.001-07:00

My sister Cricket, who now lives in Michigan, called and said she was making a trip to Alabama and she wanted to pick me and the kids up on her way so we could finish the trip with her and get to spend time with them. I was not so easily convinced that a road trip with 4 little ones was such a great idea....but she talked me into it! We had an eventful trip! Each little one had something specific that they wanted to while in Bama and I think everyone was satisfied at the end of the trip.
My pictures got uploaded backwards so this journal goes from getting home to the beginning of the trip.....sorry!
A Squirrel, Priss, Possum, and Bubba

Best buds modeling the aprons Cricket made them.

We were packed going, but were maxed out on the way back. This was the view in the rear view mirror for the trip home.

Is there a strap missing????

Bubba caught in the act!

I don't think we could have gotten anything else on there!

Possum with Pawpaw Overton. He was sick the whole time we were there.

Mawmaw's idea of snack time!

Play time with Kyle and Kamren.Pawpaw in the garden.Reading time with Poppa (and it's always snack time at Nana Bama's house).Playing in the sprinklers at Poppa's.

Seeing new cousin Lydia.Picking blueberries.

Legacy Tournament

2010-06-12T12:43:00.000-07:00

Joel and Possum got to fish the Legacy tournament today. This is our adult/junior division of Fishers of Men. It was an exciting day and maybe I'll video Possum telling about it later to post.
Awaiting the results

4th Place 10.03 lbs and 1st Big Fish 4.19 lbs

Possum receiving their checks.

My Little Fireman

2010-06-08T04:57:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago Possum and I were in town and we noticed a lot of firetrucks in the old Wal-Mart parking lot. I pulled in to let him watch the firemen clean the hoses and such. He was just amazed! I decided that I would get out and ask one of the men if they might have time to show him inside on the trucks. They did better than that! The firemen showed him all around the trucks AND let him shoot water out of one of the hoses. He was pretty much speechless and just followed them around with his mouth hanging open! I didn't have my camera with me so one of the firemen took these pictures and emailed them to me. These firemen were great and super nice. Possum's 5th birthday is coming up and Mr. Frankie (a man in our church who is the fire chief at one of our county's volunteer fire departments) is letting us use their firehouse for his party. Possum is super excited!

Possum's Baptism

2010-05-30T12:46:00.000-07:00

We had a joint revival with Brotherhood FWB Church a week ago and on the last night, May 21, Possum asked Jesus into his heart. This great night came after many years of Joel and I praying for him and after months of Possum asking many questions and praying himself that he would understand what salvation meant. We have all been very excited. Today Joel had the awesome opportunity of baptizing Possum. As you can see and hear from the video it was a very emotional time for us. I could not have been a prouder Mom! Poppa and Nana Bama came from Alabama and Pawpaw and Nana came from Tennessee for the big event.

Fishing Fun

2010-05-26T12:33:00.001-07:00

Sunday Best

2010-05-26T12:26:00.000-07:00

Mammoth Cave

2010-04-21T07:45:00.000-07:00

I took the kids over to Mammoth Cave on Monday for a little cave exploring. When getting our tickets (which were free because this is National Park Week!) I asked the lady what would be the easiest tour for little kids and she quickly gave me the tickets to what she said was "easy for kids" tour. Ha! It was an hour and a half tour. Too long for my little Possum and Squirrel. The tour began at 11:00 AM and I really didn't think about giving the kids a little snack before we left because I didn't think we would be gone too long. Wrong!!! About 15 minutes into the tour Squirrel started whining (in a whisper so not to disturb anyone else) that she "weally needed a snack". I talked her out of the hunger pains she thought she was experiencing so we could somewhat enjoy the rest of the tour. There is a certain part of the tour where the guide turns off all the lights so you can experience how dark it is in the cave. All of the lights went off, it was really dark, and then we saw this tiny little light shining around....Possum had brought along a tiny key chain flashlight and thought that this was the perfect time to try it out! Thankfully, everyone else on the tour that it was funny as well. I don't know if I'll be taking these two back cave exploring anytime soon, but at least they can now say that they have been to Mammoth Cave!

Whenever the tour guide would stop walking to give us a history lesson, Squirrel would get impatient and sit down and collect rocks. She was going to take a souvenir home with her even though we were told specifically not to. Don't worry. I figured her out and made her put them back. You won't have to visit me in jail!

Our picnic in the park. Possum spent most of the time trying to call deer and turkeys up so we could feed them. The only thing we got to feed though was some pretty birds.

When we got home from Mammoth Cave the kids played outside for a while and then it was time for dinner. They ate and ate. Possum said that being a cave explorer made him really hungry. Then the kids took showers and were in their beds asleep by 7:00. They were exhausted!

Mommy Squirrel

2010-04-17T10:24:00.000-07:00

Fishing with Daddy

2010-04-17T08:16:00.000-07:00

Possum and Daddy with their crappies.

Squirrel and Daddy with her "gweat big catfish".

Cousins

2010-04-17T08:12:00.000-07:00

Squirrel, Bubba, Priss, and Possum

Easter Pics

2010-04-17T07:56:00.001-07:00

Spring Flowers

2010-03-29T15:34:00.000-07:00

A dear friend who is a great photographer volunteered to make pictures of the kids in a field of buttercups. She told me that she would take the pictures home and burn me a copy. I didn't know that she would bring me two discs full! As I have looked over these pictures I teared up. They are some of my favorite pictures of the kids ever! She was able to capture so many of the unique expressions that each child makes. I'm sure I'll do more posts over these. I think one will be over all of their cute (and sometimes not so cute) expressions and one will definitely be bloopers! Thank you Netta so much for the beautiful pictures. I appreciate them and you and your time so much!

Princess Squirrel

2010-03-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

10 Year Anniversary

2010-03-11T03:00:00.000-08:00

It is so hard to believe that ten years have come and gone. Time truly does fly by! The past ten years have been wonderful and I look forward to the next ten years and beyond being married to my best friend. Enjoy the pictures. They aren't the best quality because I had to scan them (no digital pictures ten years ago!). Happy anniversary Joel! I love you more and more every day.

Lunch With Family

2010-03-09T13:25:00.000-08:00

After church on Sunday MawMaw Brasseal cooked lunch for us. It was delicious as always!

Birthday Celebration

2010-03-09T13:20:00.000-08:00

PawPaw, Nana, and Josh all had birthdays within a few days of each other and so while we were in Alabama we celebrated after church one night. Happy Birthday!

Fun with Cousins

2010-03-09T13:17:00.001-08:00

Possum, Avery (my nephew) and Nicholas (my cousin's son)

First Dentist Visit

2010-03-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

While we were in Alabama the kids had their first visit to the dentist. They saw the dentist that I grew up going to and where Joel's Aunt Sherry also works.

Does Squirrel look a little worried?

Aunt Sherry assuring Possum that everything will be okay.

I love this picture with Possum leaned back and his feet crossed. He looks like he isn't too worried about what is about to happen!

Bama Babies

2010-02-09T19:37:00.000-08:00

Snow People

2010-02-01T16:23:00.001-08:00

The sun came out today and started melting the snow making it great for snowmen making! Joel went out to help the kids build a snowman, then Squirrel decided to make one on her own. I think she did a pretty good job for a three year old!

These were made before church yesterday morning.

We had a heavy freezing fog yesterday morning. It made everything so beautiful!

Snow! Snow! Snow!

2010-01-30T11:28:00.000-08:00

This morning we bundled up and headed to church to clean the parking lot off. There were 16 of us to show up and we had a lot of fun as we worked!

Church Christmas Play

2010-01-23T09:29:00.000-08:00

I was really busy with the play and so these are the only pictures I got that night:(

Random Funnies

2010-01-23T09:22:00.000-08:00

This one was not staged. I came out of my room from studying one evening and found them like this. What a good Daddy to take a nap with his baby!!
I don't know what he was thinking?!?

Daddy's cute little hunting partner!

Fun with Avery

2010-01-23T09:15:00.000-08:00

One day while we were in Alabama for Christmas I got to help my brother and sister-in-law out and keep my little nephew Avery for them. The kids and I had a great time with him. I made them a tent on PawPaw and MawMaw Overton's staircase like my brother, sister, cousins, and I used to do when we were little. Avery was such a joy to keep that day. We are used to calling him baby Avery, but now he has grown into little Avery. We were happy to find out Christmas that Avery is going to be a big brother. Congratulations Matthew and Crystal!

Christmas 09

2010-01-23T08:34:00.000-08:00

Possum and Squirrel on Christmas morning.

Something unusual--Snow on Christmas morning in ALABAMA!!!!

These were made at home before we left for Alabama.

Kimberly reading Squirrel a book.

MawMaw Franks and Squirrel

Aunt Lisa sliding with the kids.

Bubba Love and Mike

A bunch of cousins!

My brothers and sister and our families

PawPaw and MawMaw Overton with grandchildren

We interrupt this studying for a....

2010-01-09T09:21:00.000-08:00

...SNOW DAY!!!

I actually took a break from studying to go play in the snow for a few minutes with the kids. And I say a few minutes because it is FREEZING outside!!! Maybe I'll take another break later and actually put Christmas pictures on here!

Excuse Me Please

2010-01-05T05:26:00.001-08:00

Please excuse my absence over the next few weeks. I began my graduate classes last night and I'm going to be extremely busy. I do have a lot of new pictures from Christmas and such to post and will try to get them up soon. Have a great day!

FYI

2009-12-17T19:29:00.000-08:00

Just so you know some of my other blogs have new addresses. The links on the side are updated--The First Youth Group, Fishers of Men Ky West, and Fishers of Men Ky Legacy. Also, Sweets by Shae has several new items posted.

Trace's First Hunt

2009-12-08T05:56:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted any pictures of Trace in a while. He is turning into a great dog and reminds me so much of his grandad that I find myself calling him Timber most of the time instead of Trace. I know there will never be another Timber, but Trace is getting pretty close!

Christmas Kids

2009-12-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

My Sweetheart

2009-12-05T11:58:00.000-08:00

Go to the youth group blog to see more pictures from our visit to the Opryland Hotel.

www.fygky.blogspot.com

Peanut Butter Take 2

2009-12-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

This was at lunch....peanut butter and apples. Pawpaw, we may need that stocking of peanut butter this Christmas!

Thanks Pawpaw!

2009-12-02T06:50:00.001-08:00

While we were at Pawpaw and Nana's for Thanksgiving Possum learned something new from Pawpaw....putting peanut butter on a banana. Last night when we were at the grocery store Possum asked me if I had plenty of peanut butter because he wanted to eat a banana with peanut butter for breakfast like Pawpaw had taught him. I didn't quite understand why he was making sure we had PLENTY of peanut butter until this morning. I think he put half the jar on the banana! Thanks alot Pawpaw!! Could you please make sure Possum gets some peanut butter in his stocking next year?

Sorry about the sideways video. I didn't realize I was video taping the wrong way!

It's Our Tradition...

2009-12-01T18:40:00.000-08:00

We have the tradition of going to cut down a Christmas tree on December 1. Joel took the kids out to the back field and rode them around looking for the perfect tree. He said that they vetoed every tree he pointed to. I think he finally just picked one.

Not sure about this one? It looks like she shot the tree down!

The kids really enjoyed decorating the tree. All of our ornaments are special ones given to us by people we love. I try to write on the back of the ornaments who gave them to use and the year we received them. The kids wanted to hear the story of each ornament. Every time Squirrel would unwrap an ornament she would say, "Oh, this is a very special one. I have to be very careful."

Roll Tide Babies

2009-12-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Just a few pictures of the kids getting ready to watch the Alabama Crimson Tide play!