Joybells

A Big Playdate & Happy Birthday to Cliff!

2012-02-03T20:45:00.000-05:00

Today after school, we had a big playdate with some of Nate & Henry's friends. Nate wanted to invite his buddies Wes, Will & Brayden over and Henry invited Kaden. I had to take Luke's car seat out of the van and let Henry sit up front to fit all of them in. They stayed about 2 hours, but I think I shaved years off my life in that short time. Boys love to do the most dangerous things. From tackle football to sledding down the hill, they were moving nonstop!

The first injury of the afternoon was thanks to this little blonde boy hiding behind the bush. He shot Kaden in the eye with a nerf gun. Poor Kaden, he didn't know the most dangerous guy in the house was only 3. Guess Luke's gotta be a little tough and a little mean to hang with 6 older boys.

At 6pm we headed to JohnDaddy & DeeDee's for a surprise birthday party for Uncle Cliff. He is 20 years old today! Here is JohnDaddy, Nate & Luke watching for Cliff out the window.

"Surprise, Happy Birthday!" He was almost surprised, except DeeDee's story didn't completely jive. O well, I think he loved it!

Hope you had a great birthday Uncle Cliff! You have a heart of gold and we enjoy every minute we spend with you!

Field Trip!

2012-02-02T20:22:00.002-05:00

Today I joined the first grade on a field trip to the Walhalla Civic Auditorium to see a presentation of Country Mouse City Mouse. It was a fun afternoon with some energetic 7 year olds!

The auditorium was full, classes from all over Oconee County were there enjoying the show!

A 2 man (woman) show.

Henry refused to have his picture made with the cast, but sweet Sarah obliged!
Hope to go on another field trip very soon!

Happy Birthday Granny!

2012-01-29T15:09:00.002-05:00

After a very long week, Luke is feeling much better & we are getting back to the norm. Thank goodness this isn't the norm. Here is Darlene, me, Darrell & Bryan (scout den leaders) getting a pie in the face from our top popcorn sellers.

Next year I'm gonna remember to get the fat free. I think it will be easier to wash out.

Saturday was a special day! I got to spend some quality time with Nate and Henry. I love being with Luke and I am with him all the time. But things are so different when you go from 3 kids to 2 kids. Bryan stayed home with Luke (they worked on the trailer) and we started our day with belt testing at KukSool.

After karate, we enjoyed lunch at Moe's (Bryan & Luke don't care for Moe's but we love it).
Then we went to Skateland USA!

Don't ever let anyone tell you different, cause going from 2 kids to 3 kids is a huge difference! I've just about given up on one on one time with my big boys, but I'm gonna try to do this again soon.

Today we celebrated Granny's 91st birthday. We had dinner at her house after church. She loves to watch all the great grandchildren play together. We missed you Bryan, Mark, Denise, Silas & Merritt!

I hope I look half this good when I'm 91!
Happy Birthday to you Granny!

Haircuts & pneumonia

2012-01-22T20:10:00.001-05:00

Nate has been growing his hair out for months *I personally love it short* but we pick our battles, right? And hair is one battle that I have learned, if it's my idea, it's a bad one. If it's their idea, it's good.

Nate decided that after his 9th birthday, he would buzz his hair. Here is the after picture. Nice!

Henry absolutly loves haircuts. He really just likes someone to mess with his hair for a while.

And sweet Luke, here he is sitting by himself for a haircut for the first time. He has always chose to sit in my lap. He did great, loving every minute of it!
Thanks to all of you for your prayers this week for Luke! He had pneumonia and we are giving all the glory to God for answering our prayers and helping Luke recover without having to be hospitalized like he was in April. It was a very long weekend, but he went to bed feeling good, no fever, and hydrated!

ML King holiday

2012-01-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

We had a great time spending the day & night in Asheville. Sunday night we had dinner at the Noodle Shop downtown. The boys were starving & loved these noodles.

Yes, Nate ate this very big bite!

Henry savoring every bite! We spent the night Sunday at the Doubletree. Luke woke us up around 6am...

Elizabeth and her boys, Stephanie & Greg & their kids joined us for a tour of the Biltmore House. The kids loved it!- especially with the headphones/audio tour. Luke was good for the first few minutes, I ended up carrying him through most of the tour though.

It was the coldest day yet! Here we are trying to keep warm after the house tour.

Mom & Luke

Reese & Nate cutting up after lunch at Cedric's Tavern.

Why is Luke licking this statue of George W Vanderbilt's daughter Cornelia?

A very big draft horse

Nate & Henry checking out the rabbit

baby birds

Henry petting a chicken for the first (and hopefully last) time

Nate holding a chicken. I was really ready to go at this point.

Bye Luke! Come visit again soon.

Goodbye 2011! Hello 2012!

2012-01-12T09:32:00.001-05:00

John Daddy with his Grandsons.

Here we are telling Silas, Merritt, Mark & Denise goodbye. Haha Uncle Mark!

Sandy at our New Years Eve Party! We dropped the ball at 9pm so all the kids could celebrate New Years! (and so the parents could be asleep before midnight)

Sweet Baby Merritt...one day she will like her Aunt Joy (I hope)

Bryan loading the cannon just before midnight (well around 8:30)

Fireworks, of course!

Happy New Year! The kids loved the bubble wrap stomp!

Darlene & her funny boy Cager

I think it was a good night Cager!

Isn't Miller the most handsome thing!

Colin...yes you are amazing

Bobby and Sandy...we had so much fun with these labels.

Christmas Day

2012-01-12T09:26:00.000-05:00

Good Christmas morning boys! They slept in til 6am! Here is Nate checking out his newton balls.

I see you Luke!

We were shocked to find that Santa left 2 dirt bikes in the garage even after mom said "no." Nate and Henry were thrilled!

Henry decked out in all his gear ready to ride!

Nate is in blue shirt, Henry is red. Santa went all out!

O Henry, please be careful!

Nate rides as if he's been doing this for years.

Christmas lunch at DeeDee & JohnDaddy's house.

Daddy with his boys.

Can you see the 2 specks way back in the pasture...yep, that's Nate & Henry!

Luke is a bridge for Silas' Polar Express train

Christmas dinner is always with Ronnie's family. This year we ate at their house. Here we are opening gifts before the party started.

Ahhh.... the day after Christmas. Playing a little Hedbanz while Mom starts to take the tree down.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve morning we went to breakfast at Nana's house. This is one of my favorite celebrations, I love biscuits, gravy & brown sugar and only eat it once a year. Here is Cliff explaining to Luke how to drop holly berries to the center of the earth.

Cliff is so much fun! All his neices & nephews adore him.

DeeDee hugging Nate. Henry, Mark & Silas in the background.

Can you believe how tall Uncle Cliff is??

Now Cliff is showing the boys Nana's cellar. They're sure pirates have buried treasure under there.

Luke isn't afraid of going under the house!

Christmas Eve afternoon is spent with Martha's family at the Riverhouse. Here is Luke working with the firewood.

Nate completely built this fire himself. He even started it with his flint.

Henry chilling out with Brayden. Nintendo is the universal language of 1st graders.

Here is Mama Aiken opening a gift she thought was from Aunt Mary in Seattle. Little did she know Ronnie had wrapped pigs feet, she was thrilled! Pigs feet are one of her favorite dishes.

Luke enjoying the new wagon

Christmas Eve dinner is always steaks at Granny's house. Here she is telling us all how much she loves us and how important family is.

Brent praying before dinner.

Luke enjoying Erika's sugar cookies. They taste as good as they look!

All the great grandchildren playing in Granny's recliner.

Mark wanted to do pushups with Henry on his back. He didn't realize Nate was up there too, plus James was adding weight.

Finally some fireworks...my boys think no celebration is complete without them.

Complete chaos! Thank goodness no one was hurt and no structure burned down.

The Polar Express

2012-01-11T20:55:00.002-05:00

Luke with his friend Kami on the last day of school before Christmas!

On December 22, DeeDee & JohnDaddy treated us all to a ride on the Polar Express! Luke is waiting on the train to board and sampling some of the sugar cookies that Bryan made for the ride!

John Daddy and Nate are ready to ride despite the pouring rain!

Cliff and DeeDee in the train museum before the ride.

Cliff & Henry...Soaked but content to be headed to the North Pole on the Polar Express!

New Suits

2012-01-11T19:32:00.001-05:00

These boys have really enjoyed their new suits. They have worn them to church every Sunday since the week before Christmas. Henry actually sits on the front row the entire service!

Christmas play

2011-12-20T20:53:00.003-05:00

Nate aka "The Boss"

The Shepherds...Henry & Luke

Patience

2011-12-20T20:14:00.001-05:00

Please don't think I'm neglecting my blog. I try everyday to post pictures. My computer will upload for hours only to read "error" when the upload is complete. I'm not sure what's wrong or what to do to fix it. However, I do have so many fun events & pictures to share, when I do get this figured out I will overload you with new posts!

Walhalla Christmas parade

2011-12-04T18:26:00.001-05:00

The Walhalla Christmas parade was this past Saturday. I dressed up at pizza and that's mama in the SubSuit. It was so much fun. I could hear the people saying to each other, "that pizza looks so real." and then they'd yell out "we love you pizza!" I've never had so much attention. I'm considering wearing it in my everyday activities.

Cliff was my dapper driver. Isn't he the cutest guy!?! Thanks Cliff for a safe ride down Main Street!

Thanksgiving part 3

2011-12-01T13:33:00.001-05:00

Marlowe & Silas on the tractor

Yummy Thanksgiving dinner!

Nate enjoying the drumstick

Robin's attempt at a family picture! Looks like one extra kid in there!

Bryan & Merritt!
What a great Thanksgiving holiday. We went to bed early and Robin & I got up at 1:30 am to go shopping on Black Friday! It was so much fun. Not crowded, friendly shoppers, nothing like you hear about on the news.

Thanksgiving 2011 - part 2

2011-11-28T18:00:00.001-05:00

Stop #2 for Thanksgiving dinner was JohnDaddy & DeeDee's house. Knowing there would 10 kids under the age of 8, they planned lots of fun activities like this hayride/hike through the woods. The adults loved it just as much as the kids!

JD with his 4 and Nate ready to go.

Silas thinks something is so funny!

Uncle Cliff...we love you so much, he always dresses for the occassion.

Even Brent enjoyed the hayride

How did you pull it all together DeeDee...cooking a Thanksgiving dinner for a huge crowd and planning such fun activities?

JD & Baby Ty, he wasn't feeling so great this day but he still had lots of fun.

Thanksgiving 2011 - part 1

2011-11-28T09:09:00.001-05:00

Silas and Merritt came over for a playdate on Sunday. Here they are sledding down the hill in our yard.

It did turn over a few times, but no serious head injuries.

Nate & Henry were so excited that Merritt liked them (she didn't take to me very much, maybe next visit)

Monday was Luke's Thanksgiving program at preschool. He was thrilled that Silas came to watch, I even got Nate & Henry out of school early to attend also.

Henry's 1st grade class did a fantastic job on Tuesday with their Thanksgiving presentation. The kids did a skit and then we made turkeys out of hotdogs & canned biscuits!

Aren't these turkey girls adorable!

Wednesday afternoon our friends arrived from south Florida. Here is Henry, Nate, Tara & Trace on the tree swing at the riverhouse, our 1st stop for Thanksgiving dinner.

Check out Henry's plate...green peas & ham, where's your turkey Henry!!

Some of the kids eating beside the river. Aunt Phyl loves on everyone, here she is taking care of Trace.

Henry earns his yellow belt

2011-11-21T14:43:00.001-05:00

Let the Thanksgiving holiday begin!

2011-11-21T09:55:00.001-05:00

Thanksgiving holiday kicked off Thursday for as when Mark Denise, Silas & Merritt came to SC. Luke & I stopped by to visit while the big boys were at school. Look at sweet Merritt. I can't wait until she knows who I am.

Luke & Silas got right to the business of playing together. They ran all around Silas' Nana's house like big kids - shooting basketball, riding tractors and sharing like cousins do.

Could that be Denise hiding behind these sweet kids?

Friday night we had dinner at Brioso in Clemson.

Gelato comes with all kids meals!

Saturday morning Henry earned his yellow belt. He has been working for this since August & was so proud of his accomplishment.

Toran & Sarah and the group of kids who earned belts or stripes on Saturday.
We love Kuk Sool Won!

Shopping Links

2011-11-16T20:44:00.001-05:00

I'm so excited about my new shopping links! Be sure to check them out. They're just to your left.

Making cookies

2011-11-15T19:35:00.001-05:00

Monday I was lucky enough to get to go to Nate's class to make cookies. They're studying South Carolina history so we made no bake cookies from ingredients the Gullah people brought from Africa. I love this entire group of third graders (not just this class, the other 2 also). They are such a close bunch. About 60 kids, all of them friends, no cliques, still so very innocent. Their teacher is out having surgery so we took this class picture to give to her.

Here is Nate's table rolling their cookies in powdered sugar. We put the cookies in the refrigerator and they ate them after lunch.

I had a great time, unfortunately I had to leave a little early to pick Luke up from preschool....

Speaking of making cookies, this is what Luke & I did while the big boys were at Camp Old Indian Friday night. He had so much fun cutting & decorating these gingerbread cookies. But, he didn't care to eat them. Guess gingerbread is an acquired taste.

Luke has a friend over

2011-11-14T19:15:00.001-05:00

Monday was an exciting day for Luke....not only did a firetruck visit preschool but his "best friend' (so he says) Kami Roach came over to play.

They were so cute together. Both just giggling about being together.

Kami requested Mac n cheese & pizza for lunch. Neither of them ate a bite.

So much playing to do. After checking out Luke's toys they headed outside to swing & play on the playground.

Then some scooter fun & bikes.

Kami, you're too cute in that helmet!

No, it isn't spiderman, it's Henry. And would you believe he does this before 6 am in the mornings.

Camp old Indian

2011-11-11T15:41:00.003-05:00

Dads beard

2011-11-07T18:43:00.003-05:00

November is "man month" so Bryan is growing a beard. Very cute! Even with all that gray.

Calhoun family practice

2011-11-07T18:43:00.001-05:00

Enjoying our first visit to dr Calhoun!

Old Town Pizza Buffet Grand Opening!

2011-11-07T15:11:00.001-05:00

Luke & I attended the pizza place Grand Opening!

Luke was so excited to help cut the ribbon.

Luke is John Daddy's buddy! And he loves to eat pizza here.

Fun with DeeDee

2011-11-07T14:19:00.001-05:00

Nate is so proud of this train track. He and Henry had the best time building it during a quick visit to Dee Dee & John Daddy's house on Saturday.

Luke worked with this dump truck while the boys worked on the track.

Here is Henry taking a picture of the tree from outside.

Sunday morning fun.

Luke LOVED Leah's baby shower. Table decorations included bowls of M&M's!

Doesn't Leah look great! Baby Kyle will be here in December! Can't wait to meet him.

3rd grade

2011-11-03T19:51:00.001-04:00

Would you be smiling if you'd done homework from the moment you walked in the door until 7:30?this boy had a 15minute break for a shower and that's it. I love 3rd grade grrrrrr.....

iPod post

2011-11-03T13:14:00.001-04:00

I'm experimenting with nates iPod touch. Didn't know it could post to the blog. We put our Christmas tree up November 1. The boys are so excited. I finished the lights and garland so they can hang ornaments this evening. Almost all my lights were burned out so I got some new led lights.

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T05:55:00.003-04:00

Well, I'm posting these pictures after having been up with Luke all night while he cried of his ear hurting. Guess trick or treating on a hayride wasn't such a great idea. Anyway, here is Luke ready for preschool yesterday morning. He is black spiderman.

Henry made a very scary vampire!

Got Nate's costume on clearance at Kmart yesterday. He never dresses up, but he liked this one.

The beginning of the evening... it really was lots of fun.

Colin was a clone trooper

Joshua Leonard, one of our neighbors had this costume. It has a battery powered blower that keeps it inflated. Luke was scared of him.

Luke and Sarah before the trick or treating.

I told Henry he had to eat something healthy first so he had this plate of green beans.

It even looks cold! Elizabeth & Bobby braving the neighborhood.

I wore a witch hat and took this picture of my wardrobe malfunction. Had a very hard time getting these false eyelashes off.

A very busy week

2011-10-29T21:58:00.003-04:00

DeeDee, Nate Henry & I went on a hike behind her house. Why do boys love hikes so much?

They were so excited to get to the creek. Adventure is thrilling to them.

Henry's eyes are closed, but cute smile Luke~

Possibly the biggest living room tent ever! I even crawled through it, finding rice krispie treat wrappers along the way.

Maybe Mark, James or Cliff's old fort? N H & L were in awe of the complexity of this fort.

At Reese's birthday party tonight. Nate hugging Chloe, Reese in the background (red cardinal)

eyes open Henry

I went alone to Jane Horton's wedding today (thank you Mema & Papa). What a beautiful day for a wedding. Here is the Chapel at Cliffs of Glassy.

What a view!

Bennett & Walton (did I mention they are expecting twin babies!!!)

Joy & Elizabeth - isn't she beaming - who wouldn't be. ..... today was her birthday and she just found out she's pregnant with twins!! can just one baby please be a little girl??

Yeah...he's cool.

Boys are so easy on Halloween. Just spike their hair, cut some sleeves out & they're good.

Reese's bday crew

Luke tried his best to keep up with the big guys.

Dolphin Tale

2011-10-28T20:29:00.001-04:00

Very rarely do we get to go to the movies, but tonight, since Bryan is working nights and it's a cold rain outside, we decided to see the 4:45 of Dolphin Tale. What a great movie! I cried more than once. Even Luke loved it (he was a little scared of the hurricane). Of course the evening wasn't uneventful. Technical difficulties caused the movie to stop. We waited for 15 or 20 minutes until they got it going again, then another 10 while they figured out where we were at. Then as we were driving home, Henry realized he left a very important bandana in a brown bag that I threw in the trash. So we all 4 went back to the theater (still cold rain) to go through their trash. Luckily we found it. Fun evening with my boys. We sure missed Dad though!

More October

2011-10-26T10:12:00.000-04:00

This weeks pack meeting. My Tigers earned their Bobcat badge.

While Henry is in karate, Luke, Nate & I go to either Chick fil a in Clemson or McDonalds to do Nate's homework. When Gianna is available, I have her come babysit Nate so that he can stay home and get his work done. 3rd grade is tough!

Luke insisted on another picture with the scarecrow.

Carly is spoiled rotten! As soon as Nate gets home, he picks her up and just carries her around to whatever he's doing.

Luke and Calla tailgating. Saturday was a beautiful day to be outside all day!

Happy 7th Birthday Henry!

2011-10-19T13:10:00.003-04:00

Henry had a great 7th birthday! Monday was no school so he had lunch at McDonalds with DeeDee, Granny & Nana.

Beautiful cake DeeDee! Not a single piece was left after the 1st grade got ahold of it!

Henry with Miller & Sarah

Ready for some pizza!

Luke & I had lunch at school with Henry (&Nate). Luke took pumpkin cookies to share with Henry's class for his birthday.

Here is Luke fooling us all, because he didn't eat his school lunch and he didn't get a pumpkin cookie.

Oconee Heritage Museum

2011-10-15T08:23:00.004-04:00

Luke saw this scarecrow in the grocery store and insisted that I take a picture of him with it.

Last night we went to a fund raiser for the Oconee Heritage Museum. Bryan has been taking mandolin lessons there and his group played. The boys loved this cannon which they shot every hour.

Learning how they pack the black powder.

These are the best party favors ever! Little metal cannon pencil sharpeners

Nate said this was his first Ginger Ale (is he that deprived?) of course he loved it!

The men

Henry's top tooth

2011-10-10T19:52:00.000-04:00

We've been laughing at this picture of Henry. He (along with 2 other kids) pulled a tooth at school today. Elizabeth (his teacher) will be dreaming of teeth tonight! This is the tooth that Luke kicked loose last week and then Bennett hit it with the football Friday. Guess the Tooth Fairy will be coming tonight!

Surprise! A birthday party at Clemson tailgate!

2011-10-09T19:05:00.001-04:00

My sweet friends planned a surprise party for me at the Clemson football tailgate this Saturday. Thank you Sandy, Mandy & Allyson! It was so much fun!

Miller & Nate - what a great picture!

I was so surprised! They had gifts, balloons, Jeff had made my favorite dessert, and Sandy made a mix CD!

Bobby, Nate & Wright grilling burgers.

Sarah & Sandy

Candles on my yummy dessert! We lit them several times so all the kids could have a chance blowing them out.

Singing "happy birthday"

What a great time! Thanks guys for all the hard work. It made the day so special.

A Very Happy Birthday!

2011-10-08T09:33:00.001-04:00

It was entertaining for the crowd, that's for sure! My family (minus Denise, Mark, Silas & Merritt - missed you guys) ate at the Pizza Buffet last night for my birthday. Here is Nana dancing with Maurice.

Nate, what a cutie!

DeeDee wasn't feeling well, she had a terrible cold.

Nana, on the other hand, seemed to be feeling just fine!

Granny always loves to celebrate birthday with her family.

Memaw & Papa were there too. Papa got a cheese-less pizza & loved their chicken wings.

Bryan & Uncle Cliff. Aren't they cute?

John Daddy

Uncle Brent

Luke really cheesin'

Maurice and Nana (again!)

Hello Darlin'

2011-10-08T08:50:00.001-04:00

Yes, they really danced in the pizza restaurant with Conway blaring!

2 Kittens

2011-10-04T20:38:00.002-04:00

We love cats. All 5 of us. The boys haven't asked for a kitten, but when I saw these 2 orphan females, I knew we had to have them! They did not disappoint!

When I picked Nate & Henry up from school (Luke asleep in car thank goodness) I told them they had a surprise when we got home. They thought it may be candy! Then they thought a toy. They asked what company manufactured the surprise. I laughed. Wish I'd had my camera when they walked in the half bathroom.

10 weeks old, one named "Sam" and one "Carly." If you have ever watched iCarly then you will appreciate the names. Sam & Carly are best friends. Sam is blonde, Carly brunette.

Henry holding Sam.

Carly

Nate pretending he is asleep holding their little paws.

He stayed by their side all evening. He even did his homework sitting in the bathroom floor.

They did escape the bathroom at one point. We managed to catch them. Not ready for them to run around in the house yet. I'm afraid they'll get lost in all our stuff!

Playing with Marlowe

2011-10-02T19:23:00.000-04:00

Dee Dee & JohnDaddy brought Marlowe over today to play with Luke & Henry while Nate was at a scout meeting. They had so much fun!

Skate party & homecoming

2011-10-01T15:13:00.003-04:00

Luke loved skating at Evan's birthday party at Skateland USA

Nate beside Evan (right) and Kyle T(left)

Luke thought he was one of the big kids! Henry never stopped skating, not even for cake! Good thing we're having his party there in a couple of weeks.

Nate with his friend Alyssa. He was her escort at homecoming.

Doesn't he look adorable? (he was complaining before we left about his clothes, he said "Mom, I look adorable, and that's not good."

Nate & Alyssa

July part 3

2011-09-27T19:53:00.002-04:00

Learning to drive the boat.

Merritt didn't get to go on the train ride this year, but we can't wait to take her next time.

These boys are ready to ride on the real Thomas the Tank Engine!

Bryan enjoyed the day too!

Luke with his buddy John Daddy. Lately he's been calling him "Johnny!"

Silas and Luke explaining it all. Doesn't Mark look excited?

Uncle Cliff is awesome!

July part 2

2011-09-27T16:06:00.002-04:00

Henry ready to dive in Lake Keowee

Captain & First Mate

Scout trip to Planetarium in Clemson, it was awesome!

The famous bear that hung out at our house for a few weeks.

Yes, I had to clean this mess up.

Bryan's had enough of the bear. Luckily we didn't see him again so Bryan never had to use this.

Mark Denise Silas & Merritt were here for a visit. This was a fort constructed under bunk beds.

Sweet Merritt! I can't wait to see her again.

Ready for battle

Silas is doctoring Dee Dee.

They're ready to sneak attack Cliff.

Action shot

What sweet faces

Can't wait to play together again.

July review part 1

2011-09-26T08:27:00.001-04:00

Robin's visit started with a game of Life for all the big kids, with a little help from Gianna.

Trace, Nate & Tara

You can always find frogs in the Waterside Crossing pool.

Look how dirty Luke's face is, I can't remember what's all over him.

Luke & Trent are 6 weeks apart.

Nate's tricked out bike.

Henry's tricked out bike (thanks to lots of duct tape)

One morning after a summer sleepover. Notice most of these boys are without shirts!

Catching up on August

2011-09-25T20:45:00.002-04:00

Blogger has this great way of uploading pictures now. I can pick out all the pictures then just leave for a few hours and when I return the pictures are ready to comment on. Much easier than before. I think I can get back in the habit of blogging now. So, I guess I should catch up on August.

Nate at the Discovery Place Children's Museum in Charlotte.

Enjoying a little room service, compliments of Duke Power!

Very cool bowling alley, unfortunately it was a very expensive bowling alley. 1 game and 1 pizza was all I could afford.

These guys are too cool!

Luke's ball only stopped once midway down the alley.

Cliff has everyone ready for battle. Nerf gun wars are our favorite!

Back to School Night at Keowee. Luke is asleep in the stroller. These guys are ready to get back to a school routine!

Chillin with Bennett in Nate's classroom.

Tailgating at the Corner Spot

2011-09-25T18:54:00.001-04:00

Luke was so excited that Clemson was playing Florida State, he was doing flips!

He's planning on joining in on the cornhole game.

Gracie Claire & Sarah love taking care of Luke at the games.

Getting their Tiger Paw on!

Bryan & Nate cooked Low Country Boil for the whole group...it was yummy!

Luke's tiger paw didn't last long.

Getting ready to eat!

If Miller isn't watching football, he's playing football!

YUM! Bryan did a great job as chef of the tailgate.

I think helping cook made Nate's appetite bigger, he had more than one helping.

Luke had to get in on this picture. He was stuck to Mandy all day long.

After we ate, the kids made their own recipe of "Trashmore Stew." Nate didn't even make it into the game, he was so into this.

He & Gracie Claire are telling the younger ones what to go pick up to add to the stew...things like Shrimp Tails, pine needles, leftover Sprite...

Henry watched the whole game this week.

Sliding down the hill.

Luke & Sarah in a box.

How many can fit in this box?

Calla & Luke make their own recipe.

2011-09-24T08:48:00.002-04:00

Henry's first day of 1st grade - doesn't he look excited!

Nate's first day of 3rd grade.

I insisted on walking them in, they took off when we got in the door, no kisses or hugs, just a fast "bye Mom!"

Watching the First Friday parade with Bryan's high school friend's kids.

Luke loved the marching band, hated the Tiger mascot!

After dinner at Wingin' It with their new buddies.

Early morning fun.

Luke's birthday party

2011-09-24T07:59:00.000-04:00

Thanks DeeDee for the beautiful Toy Story 3 cake!

Getting ready to blow the candles out

The cupcake eating contest (Joy's brilliant idea to do something with all the leftover cupcakes)

Wouldn't want to put these boys to bed tonight - Sugar Rush!

Notice Granny, I think she's wanting to get in on the contest.

The Mom's didn't like it, but the kids thought it was great fun!

Balloon a thon

2011-09-23T20:43:00.002-04:00

Today was Golden Corner Preschools annual fund raiser the "Balloon-a-thon." This is my 6th year having a child at this preschool and every year they do this same thing, but every year the kids are thrilled watching hundreds of balloons fly off.

With Kami watching the balloons fly away!

Letting them go

Luke's buddy Kai'Shawn

Happy 3rd Birthday Luke!

2011-09-23T17:22:00.002-04:00

I'm determined to catch up on blogging, for Denise! Our smoke detector went off in the middle of the night. Bryan is sure that it was because all these candles were on Luke's cake!

2011-08-23T20:13:00.002-04:00

I know I've neglected my blog all summer. I'm so sad that I haven't written about all the fun we have had. I just haven't had (or taken) the time. Luke starts preschool after Labor Day and I will get back to it. In the meantime....here we are at the Imax in Charlotte watching Tornadoes! Luke's bedtime conversation:
After a story about baby Jesus
Luke: Where's God?

Joy: Heaven

Luke: Where's God?

Joy: He's in heaven.

Luke: Where's God?

Joy: I told you. He's in heaven.

Luke: No He's not. He's in Florida.

Happy 3rd birthday Luke!

2011-08-16T08:59:00.002-04:00

June 2011...so far

2011-06-19T21:03:00.000-04:00

Make your own photo slideshow

Eating watermelon with Silas

2011-06-08T19:45:00.002-04:00

What a busy week! No time to blog here at the Duncan house. We finally got to meet our sweet baby Merritt and we've been enjoying visiting with Silas, Mark & Denise this week. I have been working at cub scout day camp everyday while Nate & Henry are there. 7:30am til 4pm in 90 degree+ heat! It's been fun but I'm looking forward to the end!

2011 Book of the Year according to Joy

2011-05-24T20:45:00.002-04:00

Yes, I know you remember her, Anne Rice- Interview with the Vampire. Well, she has a series of books out called "Christ the Lord." Only 2 so far, the first one is "Out of Egypt" and it is good. But number 2, "Road to Cana" is amazing. This is a fictional account of Jesus based on the gospels. Run, do not walk, to your library or book store and start it (or the first one) today!

Kenna's wedding

2011-05-22T09:07:00.001-04:00

Picture slideshow made with Smilebox

Quick Post

2011-05-18T20:40:00.002-04:00

I'm running to the computer to post before I forget all the funny stuff Luke said at bed tonight. First of all I laid with him in his bed and as he talks himself to sleep, I thought, no ordinary 2 year old says this stuff, he's gotta have some big brothers. First he says, "mom, what's Luke start with?" which he knows. Then, "mom, what bryan start with? what mommy start with? what Joy start with? what nate and henry start with? what Colin (the boy we had dinner with) start with? what colin's parents start with?" enough Luke!
Then he sings "jingle bells batman smells, robin laid an egg, batmobile lost a wheel, joker got away!"
Then I hear "knock knock? banana. banana who? knock knock? orange."

Somehow we end up in my bedroom. Bryan says, " boy, you need to sleep in your bed." Luke replies, "there's no tv in my room."

Bryan is eating yogurt with oreos. Luke says, "dad, you gotta stop eating dat yogurt. Dat is yunk (junk). It's yunk."

This post is mostly for my own benefit so I won't forget all these cute things my boys say.

Head Injury

2011-05-18T05:47:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was ended up in the ER with Luke after a scary head injury. We had a playdate at McDonalds for lunch. Luke tripped on another little boys foot and fell, hitting his forehead on the floor. A typical fall, one he's experience frequently. I was standing right beside him so I quickly picked him up. He let out a big cry and then he went completely limp in my arms. His eyes rolled back in his head. At first I thought it was a seizure, but it turned out to be more on the lines of being knocked out. My girlfriend, Jennifer witnessed his behavior & after about 30 seconds or so we both said in a panic, "he's not acting right!" I dashed out the door dialing my pediatrician as I pulled into the ER parking lot. Oconee ER was fantastic. We were with a Dr in a matter of minutes and by this time Luke was acting better, whining and ready for a nap. We stayed around an hour for observation and the Dr. decided not to perform a CT scan because of the exposure to radiation. He said he probably had a concussion, but you couldnt' be sure without further testing. We have watched him closely all evening & night and I am taking him to the pediatrician this morning for a recheck. He went to sleep last night in his bed, as usual, but just before Bryan and I turned out the lights, Bryan carried him to our bed. I snuggled him all night thanking God for all His blessings and praying that He would continue to protect my children. I know with 3 rowdy boys I am bound to see broke bones & blood, but I want to keep the head injuries to a minimum!

The best weekend...

2011-05-16T12:34:00.005-04:00

We had such a great weekend! Really made me ready for summer break. Friday night we kicked it off by having 2 boys spend the night. Henry had Stryder again and Nate had Evan Mainous. We ordered Dominos pizza, played outside, watched a movie & stayed up til 10pm! I had spend Thursday night in the hospital to help Tara who had just had her first baby, a precious little girl! She had a grueling 16 hours of tough labor followed by a c-section, also her bladder was beat up. We got around 2 hours of sleep (reminded us of 6th grade sleepovers) so I was still recovering. I crashed early with Luke and Bryan put the big boys to bed.

Saturday we worked in the garden and enjoyed our company as long as they could stay. Saturday night, we hired a babysitter!!! Gianna (see picture below) and the boys loved her! She is in 10th grade so we had to pick her up and take her home, but we only paid her $10/hour and I know she earned every penny! Lots of interesting stories came out the next morning. Apparantly she put Luke to bed (he was exhausted) and left the room (which he's not used to) and he cried, of course. She said that Henry settled him down. I asked Henry what he did and he said he took Luke an oreo and chocolate milk to bed and surrounded him with pillow pets and he rolled right over and went to sleep. Well who wouldn't be comforted by oreo's in bed! Chocolate crumbs were everywhere!

Also, the next morning Henry went over to the recliner and sniffed around. He said, "I can still smell her here!" They can't wait for her to come again. Don't worry Grandparents, you're still the favorite, but it would be nice to have some backups!

We got a babysitter so we could check out a new restaurant in town Sole and it didn't dissappoint! Sunday morning we did something we rarely do. We skipped church and went on a family hike to Yellow Branch. It was the first hike that Luke really enjoyed walking and the day was just beautiful! Nate found a huge toadfrog, and caught it of course! Henry was like a puppy, always about a quarter mile ahead of the rest of us, running back & forth. Luke enjoyed all the "junior trails" that his brothers made for him, helping him maneuver the rough spots.

Saturday afternoon, we hit the pool! At 3:30, it was just the 5 of us, but by 4pm, there were 14 kids swimming! What fun! I love living in a neighborhood where there are lots of children. This week is Luke's last week of preschool!
Ready or not summer, here we come!

Welcome Merritt Joyce Powell!

2011-05-10T05:46:00.002-04:00

Born May 8, 2011 at 6:55 am, 8 pounds 4 ounces, isn't she beautiful! She is in Florida right now, but I hope to get my hands on her soon and give her lots of love! Nate, Henry & Luke are already crazy about her pictures and want to hear all about her. Can't wait to meet you sweet baby!

Crazy Mondays

2011-04-26T20:09:00.003-04:00

Monday's have gotten a little crazy around here. I have to be in the front of the pickup line so I can get Henry to Gap Hill Church of God in Six Mile for his 3:00 piano lesson. Then, Nate has piano at 3:30. From 5-6 we have martial arts class in Clemson. Then, if it's like it was this week, we will have a 6:30 baseball game in Walhalla. Luke and I are shuttling Nate & Henry from 2:15 (when we leave for school) until possibly 8pm.

Our only break is hanging out at MeMaw's & Papas during piano lessons and while we change into our karate outfits.

This Monday, the boys loved helping Papa spread Potash (did I spell that right?) on his potato gardens. They just love helping work outside and Papa loves having help. "Papa! I need more potash!"

Marlowe's 1st birthday party!

2011-04-23T20:42:00.000-04:00

Another slideshow design by Smilebox

Singing Happy Birthday

2011-04-23T19:23:00.002-04:00

Thursday/Friday spring breaking it still!

2011-04-22T19:21:00.009-04:00

A big breakfast of biscuits, bacon and hashbrowns to give us enough energy to have an early morning Easter party at John Daddy & DeeDee's house! Dee Dee had boiled 2 dozen or so eggs and baked mini cupcakes for the boys to decorate. Sweet Luke loved his eggs so much he would carry them around until they finally cracked, then he would cry because they were broke. By the way, he has slept all night in his bed 5 nights now (not consecutively though)! Did I mention that when Stryder walked into the playroom at DeeDee's house I overheard him say, "Ahh paradise!" After checking the weather report (high in low 60s with rain all day) we decided to take the party to Chuck e Cheese's in Greenville. Chuckecheese recently won the honor of having the worst tasting pizza in America. But that doesn't matter when your a kid (or a dad!)

Please keep Stryder and his family (2 5th grade brothers & parents) in your prayers. Stryders mom was diagnosed with cancer a few years ago and now it has returned around her heart and in her brain and liver. I could tell she was on his mind the whole time he was here. I always thought losing a child would be the hardest thing a person could endure on this earth. But now, I think being a parent and leaving your young child behind in this cruel world would be even tougher.

More Spring Break

2011-04-21T18:58:00.010-04:00

Tuesday morning I took Nate & Henry (without the camera) to HighFalls Park. We had so much fun & even got a little sun. I wasn't prepared (no towels or change of clothes) and ended up taking everyone home covered in sand & wet (gross!) They didn't care. After Bryan went to work we went and hung out for a bit at DeeDee & John Daddy's (see video of Egg Chunkin' below).

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of Wednesday. The boys were at their MeMa & Papa's bright and early for a big day of fishing! They had a great time and caught 4 catfish from a pond near Dacusville. Papa & Nate cleaned them and they're in MeMa's freezer. She is going to cook them the next time the boys are there for dinner. Nate was so proud that he helped clean the fish. I spend the morning at a Dr.'s appt and then the rest of the day going to Target, Old Navy, etc.

Thursday started with some bloodwork for Joy, a quick trip to the grocery store and then on to pick up our friends, Madison & Stryder. Bryan was sleeping and it's so hard to be quiet so we
decided to go play in the sand along the edge of the lake. Yeah right, by the time I got the blanket spread out all the big kids were soaked! I thought it was freezing outside (mid 60s) but even wet these kids were unstoppable.

After a minor injury at the lake (Madison dropped a rock on her finger) we decided to clean up and go to the movies. We voted and Rio won 4 to 1! Luke wanted to see Caillou but it wasn't playing.

While we were at the movie, Bryan woke up and started dinner. We grilled steaks, asparagus, brocolli, baked potatoes & bread...yum! Even after a large bucket of popcorn, a bag of gummy worms, m&ms, fun dips, and caprisuns, everyone ate like little pigs! by the way, I only bought popcorn at the movie, the rest I brought from home.

Madison is one fun girl. She could hang with these boys, she was tough, funny & fast!

After dinner we went on a very short boat ride. Madison & Stryder loved it!

Henry & Stryder getting ready to spin on the tire swing.

Nate & Madison swinging high!

What a fun day! Thanks to the thunderstorm our baseball game was cancelled and we enjoyed hanging out with Bryan (finally!) at home.

spring break swinging

2011-04-21T18:16:00.002-04:00

Egg Chunkin

2011-04-20T19:54:00.002-04:00

Only boys would decide that instead of hiding Easter Eggs, they would fill them up with sand and smash them against a brick wall. And only a DeeDee would would make it into a fun contest!

Spring Break - Sunday/Monday

2011-04-20T19:38:00.005-04:00

Sunday night we had a sleepover. Nate had his buddy Colin and Henry had his buddy Stryder. We got up bright and early to hit the Children's Museum in Greenville when it opened. We pretty much had the place to ourselves until around lunch time and we had so much fun. We hurried back for piano lessons and a baseball game. How tired were we after all this fun? I think this picture of Luke says it all!

Spring Break 2011

2011-04-17T15:42:00.003-04:00

Spring break is here! The boys are ready to have lots of fun! Only one little problem, Bryan is on night shift for the next 5 days. He goes in around 4:30 pm and gets home just before 6am. My goal is to get these guys up and out of the house as early as possible so I don't have to try to keep them quiet. So, I am gonna pack some fun in! Saturday was the Mayberry Days Festival in Westminster. The absolute highlight of the event was seeing Cliff drive Dad's Rambler in the parade riding Aunt Bea, little Opey and the mayor of Westminster. It was even better than when Cliff dressed up like the Subway man for the West Union Christmas parade. I am sorry to say that my camera battery went dead just when Cliff passed by. But I know there are many pictures of him out there, considering the size of the crowd.

Tonight we have 2 friends spending the night. Nate has Colin over and Henry has Stryder. Tomorrow morning I will take all 5 boys to the Greenville Children's Museum. We may not be at the beach, but it will be a great spring break!

Marlowe thinks Luke is funny

2011-04-17T08:07:00.002-04:00

After 8 years it finally happened!!!

2011-04-12T05:52:00.002-04:00

After 8 years and 3 months, and I am not exaggerating, all 3 of my boys slept all night in their own beds! Luke has been in bootcamp for a week...He has never learned to sleep through the night and has always woke around 11 to come to our bed then frequently after that for some milk. After being so sick his chocolate milk consumption after hours skyrocketed. Last Sunday night he woke every 1 1/2 hours for a cup of milk. I decided it was time and I was gonna do it! So, we made it a point to run out of milk every night at bedtime and maybe, it's finally worked!! So did I sleep all night? Of course not! Bathroom break at 3am then Henry was up at 5am, but I'm not complaining. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and it's not the refrigerator light!

Ripple of One

2011-03-31T17:14:00.003-04:00

Today I started what may be a new adventure. My good friend, Stephanie has founded an organization called Ripple of One. (be sure to visit her website at www.rippleofone.org ) I have decided to help out some so I am going to be working with a precious girl (mid-20s) with 4 children who has lost her job and has no family. I spent the afternoon with her and was overwhelmed with her situation. I don't know how she has the strength to get out of bed in the mornings. While I want to just take her and her kids home with me & take care of them, that's not the way ripple works. I have to help her learn how to get back on her feet: emotionally, financially, spiritually, physically (she's skin & bones). Sounds like a lot, but this group helps me help her every step of the way. Please keep her and her kids in your prayers and me too that I'll lead her in the right direction, and hopefully help her find Jesus in the process.

Surprise! We're going to Florida

2011-03-22T13:29:00.023-04:00

Thursday morning we picked Nate & Henry up from school around 10:30 and surprised them with a airplane trip to Florida to visit Silas & stay at the Nickelodeon Hotel. It took a few minutes for it to really register with them that we were going. Once we hit I-85, they were very excited!

Luke pulling his own carry-on!

Checking in with Allegiant Air. Flights direct from GSP to many Florida destinations!

Waiting patiently in the airport. Security is reason enough not to fly any more than you have to.

Finally! We see cousin Silas. These boys were so silly. They always have a blast together.

We went to the most wonderful restaurant in Deland for dinner. Perfect Spot was not only good food, but also very entertaining. Sky divers, playground and a wagon!

Luke & Silas waiting for more skydivers. Check out how much taller Silas is than Luke. They are only 3 months apart!

Here are the boys in their hotel room. Nate & Henry had bunk beds and Luke slept with Mom & Dad, of course! It's really Sponge Bob!!

Luke was really amazed to see all the characters at breakfast. It was quite a celebration!

We love Patrick almost as much as we love Sponge Bob!

Nate & Henry spending fun times with Robin's children Trace & Tara who live in Punta Gorda, FL. She drove up to spend the night in the hotel with us.

Subway for lunch with 7 kids was exciting. Everyone eat so we can see Silas & go to Downtown Disney!

Downtown Disney was lots of fun! This is Mark & Silas, Bryan & Luke, Tara, Nate & Trace before dinner at the Rainforest Cafe!

BUZZ LIGHTYEAR!!! Luke is "Toy Story Crazy" and can spot Buzz a mile away.

Luke & Silas rode the carousel & train together. They missed Marlowe though (they thought she would love the carousel)!

Outside the Rainforest Cafe, aren't these guys handsome!

7 am flight means wake up at 4am...yikes! Vacation is fun, but it's always nice to come home.

Silas, Nate & Henry

2011-03-21T09:05:00.002-04:00

I'm so behind on blogging and promise to catch up. I'll kick it off with this video of Henry, Silas & Nate being boys!

Bleach

2011-03-04T13:32:00.002-05:00

I did a crazy thing with my hair. I asked for bleach on scalp.

Do I regret it? No, it's just hair. But will I do it again? Probably not. I think I glow in the dark.

February Fun!

2011-02-27T15:05:00.013-05:00

Nate's tornado poster for tornado safety week. Even though he was a little under the weather, the poster was super!

Thanks Shannon for going with me to Erika's CD release party in Greenville at the Lazy Goat Restaurant. We had a blast eating lots of exotic food & listening to Erika sing.

Playing with brothers is so much fun! Check out this Batman & Robin dynamic duo!

A visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Charlotte to celebrate Bennett's 8th birthday.

Waiting not so patiently to go into the waterpark Sunday morning....

At Craig & Camille's very awesome Pediatric Dentist office in Seneca! Nate & Henry watched movies above their chairs while they had their teeth cleaned.

Who knew going to the dentist could be so much fun? Ms pacman, Galaga & Pole position, free!

Playing basketball is the latest craze. Nate & Henry are out there every spare minute they have shooting hoops.

Here's Nate & Henry at this years Blue & Gold banquet. They Father/Son cake decorating contest is always fun. This year, Nate's cake won. Penny=vote and he had $67!

The Catapult

2011-02-16T15:04:00.002-05:00

Playing war with Cliff

2011-02-07T09:48:00.003-05:00

Uncle Cliff is so much fun. He plays war with the boys and really gets into it. They love it! Here's the latest battle.

Good books

2011-02-05T19:29:00.003-05:00

These are 3 books that are really speaking to me now. Check them out asap!

What gives?

2011-02-05T18:18:00.002-05:00

October, November running was going great: 25-30 miles a week, 7 miles just about every run. November 20: broke foot~ no exercise at all for 6 weeks! What happens? I lose about 8 pounds. I know some of that was muscle, but not 8 pounds!!! Then, 2 weeks ago I started running again. Guess what? Gained all that weight back. I'm so frustrated. So for now I'm hanging up my running shoes and pulling out the dvd player. I'm gonna try p90x and see what happens.

Counterfeit!

2011-01-31T19:27:00.002-05:00

Henry is so proud. He photocopied both sides of a $2, cut them out and glued them together. Nate told him he would probably go to prison for doing this and I could too for taking a picture of it. Henry didn't care.

Happy 90th birthday Granny!

2011-01-30T19:48:00.006-05:00

Today was Granny's 90th birthday and we celebrated with a party in the church fellowship hall.

We missed Mark, Denise & Silas and Adam, but we did enjoy some yummy punch (just ask Marlowe!)

Talking to Adam, doesn't she look pretty!

Happy Birthday Granny! We love you!

First run of 2011 Pinewood Derby

2011-01-29T20:14:00.002-05:00

Florida vacation!

2011-01-21T19:10:00.002-05:00

I have a secret and I have to tell someone! Bryan and I

have planned a surprise Florida vacation for Nate, Henry & Luke for the middle of March. We are going to visit Mark & Denise & Silas and stay at the Nickelodeon Hotel. We decided to wait until the morning of the trip to tell the boys. They will be so excited to fly on an airplane and to get to see their cousin Silas!

Grand Bohemian Hotel

2011-01-21T19:04:00.003-05:00

Bryan get to go to a planning session every January with a team of managers from Duke (and he gets to take his wife)! This year it was in Asheville at the Grand Bohemian Hotel just outside the gates of the Biltmore House. We had a great time! All 4 grandparents worked together and took excellent care of the boys. The hotel was so beautiful and we had the most delicious food! Last nights dinner was Sea Bass for me while Bryan had beef aged for 38 days. This morning I ordered room service for breakfast and watched the entire Today Show without interruption! It was nice, but I miss these guys so much when I'm gone.
Thanks MeMa & Papa and DeeDee & JohnDaddy for watching after our boys while we were away. They enjoyed being with all 4 of you!

8 Years Ago Today....

2011-01-13T07:06:00.010-05:00

8 Years ago today, after 40 1/2 weeks of pregnancy, 13 hours of unproductive, induced labor and an emergency c-section, I met this precious boy. He has brought me so much joy! Happy Birthday Nate! I love you!

Scenes from the snow

2011-01-12T16:31:00.013-05:00

Notice how dark it is outside in these first few pictures. Nate & Henry were up at 5am ready to play, 15 minutes earlier than they got up on Christmas morning.

Even though Luke was sick he had lots of fun in the snow. I brought a bucket of it inside for him to play with then he went out a little later. Living in a neighborhood with lots of kids is so much fun on days like these.

Luke absolutely loves snowmen. He said here "I love you Mr. Snowman."

our neighbor Mr. King let the boys borrow his flexible flyer sled.

Tomorrow will be Day 4 out of school and we're getting a little restless. Nate & Henry decided to get out the pottery wheel this afternoon for a little art.

That was exciting!

2011-01-10T15:59:00.002-05:00

The snow of the Century! (so far)

2011-01-09T19:27:00.003-05:00

In just a few short hours the snow will begin to fall....so John Cessarich says. It may be the biggest snow since 1988 (which was 12" for the Upstate). I have 5 1/2 gallons of milk, 2 dozen eggs, 2 loaves of bread, 90 diapers and a few other essentials to get us through the snow & ice. Boots & gloves are located (which was no minor task). Only one thing holding us back from winter wonderland fun: poor Luke is sick. He's had a fever since Thursday and I finally took him to the Dr. today. Luckily it was a virus (no flu which I was worried about since we haven't had flu shots in the past few years) that was turning into an ear infection. Guess I'll be bringing a tub of snow in the house tomorrow for Luke if he still has a fever. Hopefully he will be much better. We have 3 new orange sleds ready to ride!

Shirley Temples make you pucker

2011-01-08T17:51:00.002-05:00

Playing games

2011-01-01T11:26:00.006-05:00

We've been playing board games like crazy this Christmas break. My favorite is Blokus, Bryan & Nate love Creationary by Lego and Henry's fave is Apples to Apples (when he gets to be the judge of course). We have to play while Luke is napping or after he goes to bed but I have a feeling that very soon, he will be playing with us too!

New Years Resolutions 2011

2011-01-01T11:23:00.002-05:00

Well I have made my New Years Resolution and thought I's share it here just to make me accountable. I'm going to read this One Year Bible daily. It breaks the bible up into daily readings that include some Old & New Testament, Psalms & Proverbs. So far so good, but it is only January 1!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-31T06:53:00.002-05:00

What a great Christmas holiday it's been. Spending lots of time with friends and family was the highlight of it all. My Nana really surprised me and my Mom this year by finishing a quilt Mama had been making for me. Mama started this quilt in 2008 and it was almost finished when she had to stop working on it because of problems with her hands. My Nana had it finished and gave it to me as a Christmas gift. Mama was just as excited about it as I was and we were all surprised that Nana had kept it a secret.

Luke sings Jingle Bells

2010-12-26T18:52:00.002-05:00

Luke and the potty

2010-12-10T06:34:00.002-05:00

December (so far)

2010-12-08T12:30:00.008-05:00

Be sure to double click on this picture of Henry in front of the tree to see Nate sticking his tongue out. I didn't even see him when I took the picture.

So far it's been a good December (did I mention I broke my foot before Thanksgiving???) aside from being slowed down by a minor injury.

We enjoyed seeing lots of family over Thanksgiving and we're in full holiday gear with Christmas parades & parties.

Nate & Henry's karate class walked in the Clemson Christmas parade. They stopped in front of the announcers to do some "moves" (see post below)
Luke rode with the Subway man (driven by John Daddy).

Nate sledding down the bank. He finally hit the ramp you see in this picture.

Clemson Christmas parade 2010

2010-12-08T09:02:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Chunkin

2010-11-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Chunkin part 2

2010-11-13T19:03:00.002-05:00

Back to blogging

2010-11-11T12:57:00.004-05:00

I'm going to make myself blog in hopes that I will want to do it again. I'm out of the blogging mood. Halloween was lots of fun. Nate was a pirate, Henry a vampire and Luke was Superman. We trick or treated in the neighborhood and got lots of candy! The next day, I decided to put my Christmas tree up! If you drive by my house at night, you will still see 4 pumpkins sitting on the front porch with lovely Christmas lights in the background!! I'm almost embarassed to turn the tree lights on at night, afraid the neighbors will think I'm crazy, skipping right over Thanksgiving. But, I guess I am. The boys really wanted to put it up. Especially Luke. He kept asking "how we build a tree in our house, Mama?" It's too much trouble to put up for a couple of weeks, and when Christmas is over, I'm ready to take it down.

Mama had a great idea for a Christmas present for Brent. We dressed Shelby up in different costumes and made a calendar on Snapfish. Here is the June picture. So cute, but so much work.

Tomorrow is the Cub Scout campout at Camp Old Indian. Henry isn't old enough to go yet, so he is inviting 2 friends over the spend the night. Hope they go to sleep....