Our day on the River

 
We had so much fun on the river boat ride. . .

My silly boy. . .

 

Down the River

 

Colors of fall

 

Beautiful Tennessee River Valley

 
River trip in the beautiful fall.

Carving time

 

We made quick work of our pumpkins. Carving kits in hand, we had all sorts of creepy pumpkins for Halloween. Unfortunately, NONE of them made it that long. At least we had fun, and pictures!

pumpkin pickin

 
We had a great time at the pumpkin patch. Ani was able to meet a friend there. The three kids just had a blast. Who knew a big bin full of corn would be so much fun!

Nice looking bunch

 
We are a pretty good looking family. . . wish we had a better reason to dress up.

Sorrow affects us in so many ways

 
When we loose someone in our life our world is forever changed. What we do with it is our choice. So many years ago, we lost our way. Slowly, we are mending our broken path, letting our hearts heal. It has not been easy for anyone to let go, to forget, to forgive. But when we look into the eyes of our children, starting over is the only right path to take. I love you all. I know what you did, you did for me. My heart is full.

A beautiful role model

 
Ani and Sierra Hull! Note, the signed mandolin!!

Wow, I never thought. . ..

 
Here are my two beautiful children, at a Bluegrass music festival "jammin" LOL. They were a little disappointed to not play with the grownups. I told them once they know a little more they can. Now they want to practice all the time! It was really neat to have Ani meet Sierra Hull. She is an amazing mandolin player and singer. The really neat part was for Ani to realize she also started playing at 8 years old. Sierra signed her mandolin and CD. What a great artist to have as a role model!

Playing with my kids.

 
What a great day! It was so much fun playing together!

Happy Birthday Ruston!!!!

 
We celebrated Ruston's birthday today. He picked Chuck E Cheese's Wow! Craziness!!! But, the kids all had a blast. I can't believe my baby is 5!!!

What a crew!!

 
A lot of us were able to get together, we missed those that didn't make it. I must say I love that I managed to take this picture at the end of a VERY hot day, after rain, swimming, and a whole day of running around. How awesome was that!!

Ruston and Mrs. Brenda

 
Ruston and Mrs. Brenda. Well you didn't think Ani would let him take the picture alone did you?!?! He loves Mrs. Brenda and she is great with him.

Hey, notice the dog Ani has. Well, that was mine when I was a little girl. Poor thing has been patched up several times, but a good little pup!

The graduate

 
He graduated! He was so very happy. Not a bad lookin family. . . and yes there is a star sticker on Ani's forehead.

Adjusting to the easy life

 
Oh yea, he can get use to this! Relaxing after a nice swim, a hot dog, a little music. At least he doesn't have a beer!!! LOL

A day on the water

 
Geoff and Gail, we enjoyed your company. . .

Warm weather. . .thoughts of summer

I live for summer. I thought I was perfectly fine without winter until we lived in Key Largo and realized that I missed cold weather around Christmas. Actually, that is the only time I really want it cold. The warmer weather has found us, with a roar. The worst storms and tornadoes recorded. Note, to all: if they say "long track tornadoes" run! WOW! There were countless F1 and F2 tornadoes, over 10 F3, 8 F4 and 2 F5 in one night. One F5 is enough to shake any area. We were under a tornado warning for over 5 hours. Not anything I wish to repeat. When I heard roof damage occurred at the school building next to Ani's during school, my stomach hit my throat and I was done for the day. Knowing my babies were home safe with Dad, late in the night I did go back to the plant. The worst transmission grid damage this area has ever seen. What can I say, I am constantly torn between my love of my family and job. I am blessed with a husband that helps distribute the burden well. Without him I would be lost.

We are looking forward to days on the boat and on our dock. How we have dreamed of that. Watching the kids run and play on our dock, jump in the water and be the fish they were born to be. Share the summer days with good friends, ending up a little sun burned makes all the long days and short nights well worth the fight.

Ani is itching to put the water ski back on (so am I). She will win, that water is still a bit cold. I have proof, Ruston turned blue at least three times on Sunday. His criteria for getting back in the water, "am I still blue?"

June 11 I have been waiting for, a family reunion with happiness to share. Making sure that our family continues to stay together. I can't wait to see those kids. It just amazes me to see them all running and playing together, just as we did. Pulling the same silly stunts, thinking no one is going to notice. Ha, kids - we know! We already did it!!!

To summer, sun, boating, water, family, friends, hard work, love, friendship, and the journey that never ends.
Happy summer!

Happy Easter!!

 

Dreams coming true

 
I have always wanted a sports car. Always said I wanted a red corvette. Sometimes when things happen in life you don't realize the affect it has on you. Sometimes it is overtime, sometimes faster than you can blink an eye. Our lives have changed at lightening speed in the last five years. It has been good and we have been happy. The lost of two very special people in our lives in the last two years as made me realize life is yesterday, today and tomorrow. Without them all it is just a day. So without waiting for all of the tomorrows to come, I have moved to making dreams come true today. So in 8 weeks, this will be my new car. It is just a car, but it is so much more. It is dream, a lot of work, a reality I never thought I would know.

sweetness

 
He may be getting older but he is still my baby. How sweet is this?

Smiles

 
Happy to spend the evening and afternoon with Aunt Sharon. Always a joy.

Surprise visit

 
Uncle Richard and Aunt Sharon stopped by for a night on their way to Florida. The kids loved seeing them again.

We finally gave in

 
We did it, gave in and gave her a PLAY make up set for her birthday. She was thrilled. She was ready to put it on and head to dinner. That's when we broke the news - at home ONLY!!!! It is a good thing too. It took two days before we could get her to understand the blue was for eyes, not cheeks. very, very funny.

My boy. . .

 
Just look at the eyes. They say it all. Sweet, tender, mischievous, happy, and loving. Don't forget the stubborn determined streak that runs right through it all. That is my Ruston. At four, his best friend is his sister. He is lost without her. As a mom, I couldn't ask for more. He looks to her to learn, to teach, to share. Together they are growing up.