Cousin Allie Graduates from High School

Happy Graduate from Enterprise High School! Posing with Whitney,(the old wise one from college)

Very shocked Aunt Jo amazed that Allie learned to read and pass "biscuit math". Buahahah!

Cousins and sister hanging out for protection!

L-R: Paige, Abby, Sydney, Taylor, Aryn, and Jacey
Allie opening gifts. She absolutely loved her "add-a-button" gift from us for when she puts on her "freshman fifteen". Her quote when seen on TV: "That just means you're getting fat!"

Abby Graduates from 6th Grade

Abby receiving her Elementary School Diploma from her teacher, Sharon Dirks. Mrs. Dirks made sure to embarrass each student by telling about their strengths, growth, and funny stories from the school year. Abby has been recognized for her "tolerance" more than once. It is no surprise to us; she tolerated lots of pain, torture, and procedures during her early months of life as a preemie. This skill has remained with her. If placed in the classroom next to a loud and obnoxious student, she ignores them completely. If she is hurt on the outside or inside, it's not always obvious because she tolerates pain better than most adults! We are so proud of her many talents, her good grades, and the amazing daughter that she is! We love you Abby! Parent, teacher, and class picnic. Sitting under the trees with her BFF, Chesnee, Jana, and Josie. Easton, Chesnee, and Abby keeping an eye on the boysThis particular boy always seems to be near when Abby is around. Paul (Polly-wog) is a nice boy who is very charming. He has given her a Valentines gift since 3rd grade and is always very polite to Abby!

Sandstone Elementary Celebrates 10 Years

I was invited back to Sandstone Elementary to celebrate their tenth year. It was so good to see everyone again. We were the "dream team" as Principal Cottam referred to us. Most of us had worked together before we opened this new school, but working together to open a brand new school with each of us having the same visions and goals was truly one of the very best years I have ever experienced in my teaching career! It was an amazing year of teaching before we decided to move to Lincoln County. Nearly all of the original faculty and staff were present for the reunion, so we had to take a picture! (Scrapbook/Blog moment!)

The Relatives Came

One of my favorite children's books is The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. There is never a dull moment when we all get together. Visiting, eating, laughing. Wedgies, music, pranks. Wiscombes were here to see their first grandchild (baby of beloved babysitter, Tiff), so we got the Hulets, Bears (that's mom & Doug), Andersons, and more Wiscombes together for a BBQ at the park. As in the story, our house was too quiet, too roomy, and too boring after everyone packed up their things and went home.Dana, Mindy, Bart, Evan, and SueJaid, Gma Shen with Layton, Tiff, and SueGippy (Regan), Jaid, and ChandlerMe, Dana and SueBart, Evan, Shawn, Jeff & JillHannah looking through old yearbooks....noticing how cool we were back in the day.Whitney and Braden entertaining us with their amazing musical abilities!Parker getting a much needed wedgie from Uncle Lenny while mom's husband Doug observes another comical moment in the lives of this crazy family he married into! (Good thing he loves mom so much!)Aunt Sue torturing Abby with hugs and kisses!Braden and Whitney have been close cousins since infants. From scooting around in walkers with "sickles" to driving around campus with ipods! Braden is getting his mission papers ready while Whitney is finishing up classes to start the education program in August. They grew up way too fast!

Sydney and Abby being silly teenagers!

Chicka and I grinning about everything!

Mother's Day Surprises

I feel quite spoiled, pampered, and blessed each Mother's Day when my husband and daughters wait on me. It begins with the traditional breakfast in bed. I lie awake listening to them chatter while the aroma of bacon tortures me. As they approach, I try to appear sound asleep and not shake the bed from giggling so much. French toast, strawberries, bacon, sausage, and juice. The girls serve me and take turns giving me cards and gifts. Following church, Evan usually grills something tasty. This year he made mustard & rosemary-pork tenderloin with twice baked potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything tasted so delicious!
Abby (my girl of few words) wrote sweet notes and taped one to each can of Coke. Each time I took one out of the fridge I grinned just thinking of her. So cute!