The Dawson's

What's up with us....

2012-01-22T20:07:00.000-08:00

I have not been a diligent blogger lately...but, I never promised to be:) I primarily blog to keep our photos logged in one place and record memories, but I realized I have been slacking on the journaling part. I want to do better (after reading my friend, Nicole's post, about being able to look back and see what I/we was/were going through at each stage of our lives. I usually keep it positive, but I am no different from anyone else, there is good bad and ugly!!

Sometimes I feel like I live in a blur or cloud and life is just moving around me. If you know me, you know I often run around like a chicken with my head cut off ( I think I get it from my mom...it's hereditary). I like to be busy...I like to go...(I KNOW I get that from my dad!!) However, lately (like the last few months), I feel some much needed clarity and a little more peace. I even like to be at home a little more. I am learning that God will give me clarity if I stop to get it. When I make time to have more of a relationship with Him and study His word, he will give me peace and understanding. Rob and I have started a young adult Sunday school class at church and this has challenged me greatly. I told our pastor the other day that I was glad to continue leading the class, but he needed to find a new teacher!! Anyway, teaching an adult Sunday school class has challenged me to put my faith to action in the form of studying God's word. I think God knew the only way to get me to slow down and make time for Him was to trap me into it! He knows I love our church and love people...when we saw a need for this class, I was very open to getting it going.....never thinking about the actual teaching part. Afterall, I am not shy or afraid to talk in front of people...so I'll just lead us through a book, right. I was so excited about getting this group together, I think I leaped before I looked! So, before Christmas I was really struggling with how I was going to continue to lead this class with such little Bible knowledge (I think I missed the Bible 101 class somewhere along the way). I knew bible stories and biblical truths, but I just couldn't put it all together. God heard my pleas for help and sent the Tipton County Chronological Bible Discipleship my way! This will be week 3 of this study (daily bible readings to read through in a year) and I just know it is exactly what I needed. Our class is doing "30 Days to Understanding the Bible" which is a very abbreviated walk through the bible as well. All of this to say, God has given me more clarity and has spoken to me and worked in my so much in the last month and I am excited about what's in store. We had a class attendance high of 21 today....I love these folks they keep coming back....even if it's not my teaching, but more for the mission projects and social events...but hey, we are together in God's name and I am so thankful to God for that and for the work He is doing! I pray for His strength to carry me through when it's not easy to make time for daily study, and I know it will take my dedication but that ultimately I will rely on God.

Other than that, we are busy as usual, yet I am constantly working to slow down and take it all in. I am training for 2 half marathons this spring...and enjoying that...even got Rob to run 4 miles with me today. Lane is in gymnastics 2x/week and has made so much progress. She is as proud of herself as I am of her. She can do a backwalkover and is starting to work on back handspring skills. (Bo is actually joining her instead of sitting and watching for 2 hours a week) in gymnastics for strengthening - he's not working to perfect his cartwheel!!) He is playing UPWARDS basketball, which is loves dearly and it is such a great program. I don't know how Oak Grove does it....they are dedicated to that ministry, and God is truly blessing it. Bo is also enjoying the Wii he got for Christmas. Kate is approaching turning 2 this spring and growing so fast...some new things for her are: she likes to say "momma/daddy, guess what?", she often calls for "Lane Riley" or "Bo Dawson", she loves to play "Just Dance" on the Wii, tries to "flip" with Lane, hides when she has done something wrong, continues to run everywhere she goes and climb on everything. We still go to most of the Tiger basketball games, and that continues to be up and down...dealing with some injuries now that aren't helping the situation:)

I found a couple of pictures from the fall that I thought didn't need to be left out of the scrapbook...

Lane, Addie, and Ms. Jackson (their 1st/2nd grade teacher) on their field trip to the Botanic Gardens.

Kate at the Atoka Fall Carnival...she LOVED the horse

Baby boy had a surgery in November and thankfully, everything came out perfectly and he was nervous for no reason. He said it was WAY better than getting a shot!!

Squirrel Season

2012-01-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

I would be remiss if I didn't post a few pics from Rob's squirrel season (there may be some more to come since I think there are still about 6 weeks left in the season). It is a big part of his life and now....even more of a family event:) I was able to go with the boys a couple of weeks ago (Lane was shopping with Gigi). We got 7 that day...not too bad, but not as good as Rob has been doing. He said he killed 95 over his Christmas break from school. He hunts with "BB", his "finished" dog, and "Tarzan" (BB's son) a 2 year old dog his is "training". This was a hunt with "Tarzan", who is Bo's dog.

We first tried Rob taking the pic of Bo and I....clearly his dog doesn't listen to me like he does Rob. I ended up on the ground, eventually rolling in laughter. It doensn't help that I was trying to hold the dog still with the 7 dead squirrels in front of him...a little antsy!!

Sweet Lane has been begging to go...she got her chance yesterday! Rob and his brother took Lane and Bo and even took out the new puppy "Tank" (another BB pup). She was so proud and had a great time....says she's going back. I really thought it would be a one time event.

I have to admit that I used to be somewhat resentful of Rob's "hobby"...but over the years, I have grown appreciate it more...to use my time wisely (whether with the kids or getting some things done in the house) when he is away but I am always glad when he is home! I do wish squirrel season wasn't so long (for you deer and duck hunter's wives...squirrel season is much longer!)

New Year's Eve....(with the "new" couple")

2012-01-02T06:22:00.000-08:00

U of M had a basketball game New Year's eve......and Rob's bother (and our new sister in law) have season tix with us...so we took advantage of the downtown night and had dinner at South of Beale (it was an AWESOME $40 Prix fixe meal!!!) We had a great salad/soup, filet, and creme brule. The food and company were both great. The kids were at home with their fav babysitter!! His other brother David would ususally have joined us, but he was in NYC at Times Square...hmmm, jealous:)

Santa Came!

2011-12-30T13:13:00.000-08:00

After a month of "Buddy" the elf watching the kids closely, leaving notes (good and bad) and even a surprise every now and then....we were happy to see that all of the kids must have been on the "nice" list!

Lane

Kate

She got her "Vacuum"!!!!

Thanks Santa for the new load of toys for us to enjoy this year! And we can't wait for Buddy to come back...Kate still looks for him every day:)

Christmas Memories 2011

2011-12-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

Again...a Christmas Season filled with gatherings. Although we had lots of places to go/be...I told Rob on Christmas Eve, it seemed to be one of the more relaxed Christmas seasons's I've had in a while. I really enjoyed each thing we did. There are lots of pictures below that start with our Sunday School party and end with Christmas Eve (Dec 1- Dec 24)....

Our awesome young adult class had a great get together at our house....and the entertainment was provided by the "yard sale" or as others call it "white elephant" Christmas Dirty Santa exchange...the gifts ranged from my old (still working crockpot) to a collection of Obama speeches to Darin's Dance Grooves Video to an awesome grille brush, some old ties, a battery charger...I think I'll stop now. Anyway, they were good for a few laughs. We also were entertained by Christmas trivia!

Murphy Christmas dinner was at Gigi's

Nanny sure enjoyed her dinner....I think she ate for well over an hour! Bre gave all the "ladies" books that were filled with grandaddy's old love letters to Nanny from the war. There are probably a hundred of them and they are priceless. We are losing the art of writing letters and more importantly the art of "courtship". He expressed his love for her just like you see in the movies! He called her "kitten" and "my blue eyes":)

Oak Grove cantata. Lane was a narrator...and Bo was a cowboy (he had to learn a lot of lines and did so well). I was a proud mamma~

Ellie entertaining Kate with some chocolate. Thanks to Ellie for taking them to practice each week.

Ms. Sandra (she has directed the children's program there for many many years...since my childhood) Bo loves her (as does Lane)

Bo's school program

Ms. Leslie and a cute snowboy

Jonah was in the reindeer group.

Bo's friend, Sam

Bo's class party (last day of school)

Ms. Leslie's last day until March 1st (baby girl, Camille was born Dec 20th:) The kids gave her a "my first christmas ornament that they all signed

Lane and Addie at their class party with their snuggies

ABC had to jump in this picture!

BFF's

While my niece and nephew were here we went to the square to the "jumpee place" and Santa happened to be hanging out in the courtyard gazeboo. Kate actually sat with him for about 30 seconds before she started crying!

Bo and Land had a long conversation with him

Present time at Ellie's

"minute to win it" game

Kissing cousins:)

Too funny!!!

We substituted our yearly "cookie baking" for "reindeer brownies"!

She ate so much icing and brownies and m&m's while we were decorating, I don't know how she didn't throw up. She was one happy baby for 30 minutes!!

Lane and Bo had a few friends over to do some "kid Christmas actvities"..we had lots of fun decorating gingerbread houses with milk cartons, playing pin the nose on Frosty, and musical pillows to Christmas music.

Newman family Christmas dinner at my parents (we didn't have the camera and Rob was taking pics with his phone, but looks like he only got our kids...hmmm.)

Christmas Eve breakfast...we spent the day at home unwrapping gifts to each other and enjoying the beautiful weather outside until it was time for Christmas Eve service at church. My most favorite tradition since marriage:)

Bo gave his big sister a rose:)

Lane gave her little sis a monkey

We all gave Kate a "replacement" monkey" to replace the ceramic paint a piece monkey she dropped and broke about 2 months ago. She has missed the monkey so bad...every day she would say "monkey, drop it" "Monkey broke" or "monkey trash". We went to paint a piece and painted her a new one....she couldn't stop hugging and kissing him!!

Their favorite gifts..."sunggle buds"!

Hmmm....someone forgot to tell me to go brush my hair and get dressed!!! There are the 3 carat diamond earrings Bo gave me

He ran around the house for 5 minutes yelling "I got catcher's equipment, I got catcher's equipment"...He LOVES it!

Lane gave me a cute ring!

new robes

Gigi's on Christmas eve...Rocking Elmo

Pops gave Bo his "lifetime" Hunting and fishing lisence

Thanks be to God for the celebration of the birth of his son because it is always at this time of the year that I become aware of my blessings and shortcomings all at the same time. I am very thankful for all of our family that we share the season with, especially the man above and our 3 kids!

Christmas Pictures 2011

2011-12-23T10:58:00.000-08:00

Hey...call me a bad mamma...but I love this! What a memory...she was yelling to him that she wanted a "vacuum" as she was doing all she could to get away from him!

Lane asked to take a picture of us...thanks Lane:) We ran the JA Reindeer Run 5K then went on to breakfast with Santa. Good idea JA gals!

Thanks to Amy B for running over to snap a family picture for us again this year! It is priceless to have someone else just snap a picture and not have to to leave this house or pay a sitting fee:)

I actually snapped the ones below after Amy left....

Kate - 19 months

2011-12-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

You are fascinated with : monkeys, buddy the elf, Christmas lights, Elmo, Barney, phones, riding the golf cart

You can have a semi-conversation on the phone answering questions and everything!

You sleep with about 10 things in your bed....sheep ("happy"), 3 blankets, a 2 foot tall Barney, "puppy", "monkey", taggie blankie, "baby"....and you really won't have it any other way.

You speak in 2-4 word phrases (vocabulary is really not countable, you say probably 100 words and repeat anything....namely "Geez" and "Gosh" (some of my expressions)....most impressive= "Ellie come get you now!", You also say "Bo funny" and "Bo Dawson". you yell at Lane and Bo "Suppertiiiiime"

You ask for milk about 30 times a day

Your favorite foods: pizza, spaghetti, broccoli, green beans, grapes/fruit, "crackers"....and of course, chocolate

You are super duper busy...I know most 19 month olds are...but I mean, really...you are to the extreme! By far the busiest of our 3!! You push chairs and stools to wherever you want to climb....and climb. You like to hide from us when you've done something you shouldn't...you know!

you have "Sa Sa" wrapped around your finger...I have to keep reminder that you need to do time out when you don't mind!

You kind of have a love/hate relationship with your brother and sister... (mostly with Bo)....you worship him/them and want to follow them around, wish you could move upstairs with them, run to them when they are upset, ask them for hugs when you are sad....but they are also the first kids you will push, hit, scream at and take all your frustrations out on them. They often get on your nerves, but you'd be lost without them.

You love Buddy, the Christmas elf....look for him every morning!! And you know you can't touch him...you never have! You love to talk about Santa, and you say he's bringing you a "vacuum" but certainly don't want to get too close.

Eating Bo's apple that you found!

I put you in your high chair with a movie to try to get 10 minutes on the computer to order our Christmas cards....within about 3 minutes you walked into the kitchen (you climbed out)...this is actually the pic of you climbing back in!!

Maui, Days 6 & 7

2011-12-16T19:39:00.000-08:00

I went running several times while we were there....the weather and the scenery on a beach boardwalk in Maui....pretty picture perfect for a runner....and I probably passed a hundred or more other runners out there! I think I snapped this pic on my phone on a run. Days 6 and 7 were basketball game number 3 (another great game, but overtime loss!), beach/pool, and anniversary dinner.

Memphis vs. Georgetown

The Ukelele kids at half time so cute and festive

My sign to try to get the kids to see us...I heard it was on tv, but never saw it myself!

11 year anniversary dinner at Tropica Restaurant. I searched around and found a 3 course dinner special that was great and cheap, well for Maui!

We had reservations and were lucy enough to be seated at this quiant table with 3 others that were set oceanside...the sand was just on the other side of those bushes...perfect.

We found a great breakfast place walking distance (beachwalk) from our condo and at here on our last day

My omelet (yes, you may be tired of seeing pictures of my food, but if you know me at all...you know that food is important to me!!!)

Rob's banana, macademia nut pancakes

How we spent the last afternoon in Maui before our plan left at 10:00 that night and we returned home to our babies the next day. Here's to hoping we go back one day...I have promised Lane I will take her there for her high school graduation.

Day 5...game #2, Black Rock, and Sushi

2011-12-16T19:16:00.000-08:00

Our resort...Kaananpali Beach club

Rob...I believe he is actually watching highlights from the Memphis win over UT!

What a game....a double overtime victory over UT....no, it wasn't pretty, but it was our only W!!!

Black Rock...we spent the afternoon out by the "team hotel", The Sheraton, which is at Black Rock, a famous snorkeling spot and a spot to jump off cliffs into the ocean...I jumped off the smallest one there....Sam slipped and cut his foot pretty good, it was no amateur cliff!!

DJ Stephens actually sat down and spent some time "just hanging" with us on the beach...sweet guy:)

DJ, Stan Simpson, Hipp

Sunset on Day 5...they were all beautiful...

Coconut Creme Brule at the Sushi restaurant "Japango" in the Hyatt....one of the best things I ate on the island....however, the sushi I can do without...they say Maui is famous for it's sushi...guess I am just not a sushi lover, I can eat it but it doesn't tickle my fancy

Maui, Day 4....let the games begin!

2011-12-16T05:03:00.000-08:00

Summer of 2010, Rob and I started thinking about planning a 10 year anniversary trip (Nov 2010)....after some checking around, we realized that the Tigers would be playing in Maui in Nov. 2011.....so we delayed the trip a year because there is nothing we love better than following the Tigers...and Maui was a perfect anniversary spot! So, this trip was a long time a coming and thanks to my parents for sharing their time share with us which made it possible (and to all the grandparents for taking care of our kiddos:)

First game....vs Michigan

The venue (Lahaina Civic Center) was so neat....watching them play in bascially a high school gym was an awesome experience. We were right on top of the action and every minute of it was fun

Yeah, a loss....they pretty much manhandled us

Coach Pastner's daughter sat beside us....she made me think of Kate because they are just a few weeks apart (she is a much calmer 18 month)

We went down to the Neolani and grilled burgers with the rest of our crew(Rob's and/uncle/cousins/brother) and this was the sunset that night

Matt's fiance just asked us to turn around and snapped this.....I love this...we are not dressed up, just in the swimsuits we'd been in all afternoon!

Maui, Day 3...The Road to Hana and Beyond

2011-12-15T04:54:00.000-08:00

The Road to Hana was something that a few people who have been to Maui told us was a do not miss! If you've never heard of "The Road to Hana", I copy and pasted this from a website: Along Maui's rugged eastern coastline is the peaceful town of Hana, considered one of the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontiers. The legendary road to Hana is only 52 miles from Kahului, however the drive can take anywhere from two to four hours to complete since it's fraught with narrow one-lane bridges, hairpin turns and incredible island views.
The Hana Highway (HI-360) has 600 curves and 54 bridges.

I really didn't know if we would be able to work it in because it requires a full day committment....well, we woke up Sunday morning and decided we would head out. We looked it up online and saw the recommendations to stop in Pia at Anthony's coffee shop and get sandwiches for your picnic lunch...so we did.....coffee, check....homemade muffins, check.....2 roast beef sandwiches,check.....Road to Hana audio CD, check....2 novices who did not know what in the heck they were about to encounter, check, check!! (to give you an idea we heard that only recently did rental car places in Maui insure you if you said you were going on the Road to Hana!) And to top this adventure off...we were in a Ford Fiesta!! We saved the $ and didn't rent a jeep like many folks do, but hey, we think it helped (it could squeeze by those one lane road way better than those SUV's....and it saved big on gas!)

Black Sand beach, the "sand" is actually lava ground so fine it is like sand, amazing

Rob drove the first half...I drove the second...we listened to the CD which helped us know when to stop and what we were seeing

When I look at the pictures, it just doesn't do this scenery justice....I really never knew something this beautiful existed. I will never forget when we rounded a big curve (one of the 600 (and 54 bridges)) and we saw this, I had butterflies dancing in my body. Our pastor had spoken on creation several times before our trip and some of his points kept rolling around in my mind. Only God can create something of this nature. It rained on us like 20 times this day for like 5 minutes....part of it is literally a rainforest)

one of the waterfalls...I can't remember all of their names, but there were many

looking from above down over a fall

black sand beach, again

just a random waterfall pic taken out of the window

Now....this....is....when....we.....got.....scared!!!!! This is what they call the "beyond".....most folks don't "go all the way around"...you can turn around shortly past Hana and go back the way you came. Only in more recent years has the highway been passable all the way around...and that's just it, there are several places where it is still nearly passbale....one lane, dirt road on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean with no guard rail. At one point Rob turned white and said "I don' think we are going to make it back for the game." (which was the next day!) For about 90 minutes, we were both a little nervous...but it was soooo worth it. The other side of the "mountain" was just as beautiful, in a different way. And just as breathtaking. It was more desert like on this side, but totally serene

If you look close, you can see a natural bridge in that rock

So, we returned back to Kaanapali about 5:30 (9 hours of driving) and stopped by the Haywood's (the Neolani...we had many laughs about this quant little hotel, so I have to include the name for memory's sake)....sat in the hot tub for a bit and then I went to eat with them for Sam's birthday at Kimos. Rob went with D. Sage to a press conference thing for the tournament then met us there.

This was Sam's birthday dinner (prime rib).....half a cow!!

haywood kids (and boy/girlfriends)

Kimo's was in Old Lahaina town....a quaint little shopping area, where we did our souvenier shopping

Maui, HI - Day 2

2011-11-23T21:10:00.000-08:00

This is my favorite picture from the trip....I think I wore a flower in my hair nearly the whole trip...it just "felt right"...you just can't walk around in Covington (or the Mainland, for that matter) with a flower in your hair. And when I saw this blue one, Rob said "You need that!" (Hence I wore it to the games too!)

We went to the University of Memphis Luau at the Hyatt. It was great (and the best part was it was free!). We got some cool Tiger "beads" and, free food and drinks and had a great time at our table. Above are the flags (in the Hyatt) of the Maui Classic teams.

"Pitt", Mardi, Dave

What a treat...Audra and her family were there, and we ran into each other many times!

The Murphy clan...Matt, Kate, Uncle Dave, and use

Dana and Kelley (lucky enough to be part of the charter)

Pastner greeted our table (I was low key and didn't ask for a photo:(

We heard the food wasn't great at the luaus...but I was pleasantly surprised!!

So here starts the zipline trip and the rest of the day (the luau pictures should have been last, but I uploaded them wrong)

Ziplining the West Maui Mountains!!

That's my "I'm scared of heights" husband!!

A friend, Mardi

One our our awesome guides, Luke and Sam

Pictures don't do justice to the magnitude of this mountain/valley...gorgeous

The little city below if the area called, Ka'anapli, where we stayed, the island across is La'nai

Lunch on the deck overlooking the mountains

part of the walk to the next line (there were 8 ziplines total, the longest of which was 1200 feet long. We were 1800 feet up the mountain).

David's work friends, we had a blast with them...Kelly, "Pitt", and Mardi

Uncle Dave showing off his "upgrade"....if you are close to 200lb, you get a free "upgrade" on your pulley...it was the joke of the day!

If you notice, Rob tends to wink one eye when we take pics of our selves....I don't know whats yup with that!!

We happened upon Pastner doing his interview for the tournament...a nice surprise!

The beach at our resort "Ka'anapli Beach Club"

This was a great first day in Maui. What a beautiful island, but this landscape was only the tip of the iceberg...on Day 3, we did "The Road to Hana"...more to come on that, for sure!! by the way, yes, we talk about our kids every day, usually every couple of hours!!! Also, btw...thanks Amy for the dresses, I have enjoyed them...and Geo for the swim suit..it fits you better, but nobody know me here!

Hawai'i, Day 1- Honolulu

2011-11-23T10:11:00.000-08:00

I finally have a minute to start my Hawai'i posts. I think I will do it in Days since I have many pictures to upload and memories to blog. Our 8 day adventure started out with a 15 hour flight adventure (we were on the runway in Dallas for 3 hours before taking off due to a mechanical issue...which made for a 12 hour flight (supposed to be 9). That was a tough, tough flight. We go through LA on the way home, so I have great expectations for better flying. Day 1, we spent in Honolulu, our friends the Sage's invited us to stay a night with them there before heading to Maui. We did some just do sight seeing and spent a few hours on the beach.

Hard Rock, Honolulu....had some killer Nachos

We hiked to the top of "Diamond Head" an inactive volcano/crater. It was about a 90 minute hike up and back down. Great view of the big city of Honolulu. It was like looking out over New York or Chicago. I didn't realize how "big city" Honolulu was.

Pearl Harbor "USS Arizona Memorial". Wow, what a sobering experience. Standing over the sunken ship. I never knew details of the Pearl Harbor bombing until this tour, and I am so glad we made the time to do it. What an important part of our freedom and history.

Standing in front of the wall with the thousands of names of soldiers who lost their lives. Overwhelming, to say the least.

Part of the ship that still remains above water

sunset at Waikiki Beach

To remember our accomodations...

Lane- Theater Camp

2011-11-04T14:00:00.000-07:00

Lane and Bo spent a week at St. George's in Memphis at summer camps this year. They were great. I don't have pictures of Bo's "Lego camp", but Lane's theater camp had a performance at the end of her week, so I have a few (bad quality) pictures to remember her week. The play was "Where the Wild Things Are". It was really good for her to be forced into spending a week with a group of kids (none of which she knew) and then perform in front of an audience. She comes out of her shell when she has to. Her instructor was soo good, all around a great experience!

Trick or Treat 2011

2011-11-01T18:34:00.000-07:00

2 Ladybugs and 1 Chipper Jones

He told me baseball players look like this in their pictures (he was trying to do a serious face, but couldn't keep a straight face!)

Her "ha pop" as she likes to call them

Trick or Treating Gigi and Pops

A stop to see Nanny...always a pleasure

Bo wanted to give her the snow globe that Gigi gave him:)

Lane's favorite Halloween pastime....passing out candy on Ellie's front porch

We met up with the Hensley's and Bondurants, so Lane had a girl to run with... (I couldn't get any boy pics ...they weren't still long enough!

Great vegetable soup and baked apples at Ellie and Boo's

Fall pictures

2011-10-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

I decided since I bought a new (used) "Good" camera, that I would save some $ and take some pictures of the kids in a fall outfit....hmm, I was reminded why I pay to have this done!! But, I did get a few good ones.. BTW, I ordered their matching outfits from Etsy for like $60 for all three! I love homemade esty:)

These are proof that it is easier to pay someone to do this!!!!! Lane crying, Kate not cooperating, and Bo can't look at the camera....

Nanny's birthday celebration

2011-10-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Nanny's 84th birthday in August. Although she is in the nursing home now, that will never be my memory of her. She has taught me many things...several of which vividly stand out to me.... spend quality time with my husband (her grandson), life is too short not to do things you love (enjoy life), don't sweat the small stuff, and God is good. I loved to hear her talk about Grandaddy and how much they enjoyed each other's company, loved to see her so active, always with friends, but then again always planning a family get together. I will never forget when Memphis went to the Final Four and Rob and I were contemplating about going, I was at her house and she convinced me we needed to go. She talked about her memories of the Final Four and that it is a once in a lifetime thing. She gave us a little money and was so thrilled to be able to do so and see us go. She was right, that experience is definitely something I will never forget, as I will also never forget all the great times with her. I am so blessed that she lets me call her "Nanny" and treats me as her granddaughter. Her mind may be fading fast, but I hold tight to the fact that I have been able to be blessed by her presence for the last 17 years.

nanny and her grandbabies (minus miki and Bryan who couldn't travel to be with us that day)

Her "Anna Carol"

I have worked with a lot of dementia patients, but the way her personality goes back to "herself" when she sees these three is nearly miraculous to me. She speaks more to Kate than I ever hear her talk.

Mr. and Mrs. Hunter Dawson

2011-10-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

10.14.11...That's the wedding anniversary of "Uncle Hunter and Aunt Samantha". Wow, I can't believe they are married....I love these two soo000 much....we enjoy being with them and so do our kids. I am exceedingly glad to call Samantha "my sister" and have loved sweet Hunter since he was a 5 year old sneaking up to Rob's room to "spy on us":) (He always said "momma sent me to check on ya'll!) They remind Rob and I of ourselves so much, high school sweethearts who wanted nothing more than to ultimately spend their life together.

They look like angels to me:)

I want to save this picture for 20 years down the road when we may be looking a bit older!!

We had a bridesmaids luncheon/dressing party at our house the day of the wedding...so much fun to snack and get ready all together (and learn a few secrets about the groom)!

Rehearsal dinner at Marlo's was a great time

Hunter's BFF, Tyler

Samantha's college roomies

Lane's dinner partner, the organist!

Samantha and her brother

The soloist and my dear friend

Maid of Honor and Flower girl

The "brother's toast"...hilarious..."Top ten reason why Samantha should back out" followed by a sweet, "you guys are great together speech"

The Dawson Boys

Painting for a Cause

2011-10-19T18:58:00.000-07:00

Our newly formed "Young Adults" Sunday school class has adopted "Habitat for Humanity" as our mission project. We spent a few hours a few Sundays ago painting at one of their houses. If you are wondering.... 13 folks in 2 hours can paint 5 rooms, 2 coats! Wish I made time for more things like this:)

Bo- Team Helena and All Stars 2011

2011-10-18T18:26:00.000-07:00

Another baseball season down...I have a feeling this will be the second of many to come, if he continues at this pace! He spends countless, literally countless hours in our backyard in what I call the "field of dreams". He plays with himself most of the time, but I also play games with him several times a week.

We play these pretend games and he names each "batter"..., usually Braves players "Chipper Jones, Dan Uggla, Micheal Bourne...ect" He has callouses on both knees from sliding on the hardwood in the house. He throws a ball in the air or at the walls (squishy balls) probably 200x a day. I tell this only to one day remind myself of this little guy

He surprised us and made all stars this year! He loved the "seriousness" of this team...practices every day for a week (they lost the first two games and he was heartsick:(

He was thrilled to play "catcher" and have to wear that hot equipment in the 100 degree weather. He tells us that's all he wants for Christmas.."catcher equipment"

Team Helena...a few buds

Bo- Summer Ball 2011

2011-10-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a great season at Munford Park and Rec summer ball with a great group of boys...We called ourselves "Team Purple". Bo loved his "teammates" as he calls them and looked forward to every single game. We were 2nd in the league.

This crew got pretty comfortable with each other...this is a "play fight" before the last game !

trophies at our McDonalds party

Ethan

Gigi and Pops were regular attendees (as were Ellie and Boo)

Kate's friend "Liva"

E earned the "game ball" this night! He was sooo proud

We took a few of the boys to a Redbirds game during the season

Random Pictures

2011-10-17T19:44:00.000-07:00

I need to catch up from summer so that I can get to fall....so here are some pictures I wanted to have for our scrapbook from summer/early fall...

laying with "sheep" her favorite sleepin buddy

my end of summer ferns!

Nothin my kids love better than a car wash!

Ellie and Boo dancin in the garage!

Great Aunt Louise and her new puppy!

Like father, like son

Bre chasing Kate at the pond

chicken and rice soup

2011-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Made some great soup tonight, so I thought I'd share this recipe I found online on this blog
http://shecookstoo.blogspot.com/2009/01/shortcut-chicken-and-rice-soup.html
Here is how I modified the recipe and below is the copied recipe:
I doubled it (because I was taking to some friends with a new baby), but it made a lot! I also used Orzo pasta instead of rice and it was great in it. I also added a bay leaf. I also used milk instead of white wine

Shortcut chicken and rice soup
3 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
10 ounce package shredded carrots (3-4 carrots depending on size if you get whole carrots)
2 cups celery, thinly sliced
1 cup white wine such as chardonnay
8 cups chicken broth (I like Trader Joe's low-fat, low-sodium, gluten-free)
1 whole, cooked chicken, meat removed from bones, roughly chopped (4 cups roasted chicken) or milk/cream
2-4 tbsp lemon juice, depending on your taste
1/4 cup cilantro, finely chopped
3/4 cup arborio rice or orzo pasta
salt and pepper

Heat oil or butter in a large stock pot over medium-high heat, adding onion, carrots and celery.
Add dash of salt and a couple grinds of pepper.
Cook with lid on for about 5 minutes until veggies soften, stirring and making sure they are cooking, but not really browning.
Add wine and cook another 5 minutes.
Add broth, chicken and lemon juice and cook until hot.
Add cilantro and arborio rice plus salt and pepper to taste.
Cook 20-30 minutes or until rice is done.

So I like lemon. A lot. I tried to temper that and make sure this soup was not too lemony. I think 4 tbsp is a good amount of lemon juice. But if you are not so big on the lemon, add 2 tbsp, taste it and add more until it has the amount of lemon that you like.

I also really like cilantro, but I know some people don't.
This would work well with Italian parsley as a substitute.

Same with the rice. I had arborio, which is normally used in risotto. So I used arborio.
Pretty much any rice would do. But I tend to like a sturdier rice likearborio. I think it stands up better to being cooked, frozen and reheated.
Or use some orzo pasta.

I like to cook the rice right in the soup instead of cooking it separately and adding it later because the starch in the rice helps thicken the broth a little.
So you end up with a brothy soup that is not thin. And it is packed with stuff.
Every bite has chicken and veggies.

Oh, and I got nine 1.5 cup servings out of this.

A Personal Goal

2011-10-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

For the first time in my life, I just met a personal goal. I can't recall ever setting a goal (other than maybe making a certain grade on a test in school). It was both strange and very self gratifying. There are many many details to the last 6 weeks of training for my first half marathon, and I hope to share them here so because I am not sure if this was a first and only or not!

post race with my "Buffalo" finisher medal.

Mile 10...just before my body started breaking down! That was my last smile for 3 miles, I think...

my time was really 2:14:10 (it was chip timed, so I started 41 seconds after the official clock)

pre-race, Kasey and Rob were enjoying their coffee!

After the Go Lucy Go race, I decided to sign up for the Le Bonheur Pumpkin run and the St. Jude races. Having been a runner for about 11 years, but only ran in about 4 5K's in my life, it seemed fitting to run a little extra in honor of Lucy. I have told a couple of my friends who have done half marathons, "that's not for me!" Needless to say, Lucy's battle with cancer was enough to motivate me to sign up for the St. Jude 1/2 marathon....however, when I went to do so, it was full! By that time I had motivated myself enough that I was determined to do one...drive to Nashville or come hell or high water, I was going to get one done this fall. 6 weeks ago, I heard about this new "Shelby Farms Greenline 1/2"...it is to support the new "green line" that runs from Shelby Farms to East memphis (to promote fitness and joining of neighborhoods in the Memphis area). So, I signed up and semi-trained for the last 6 weeks (it really takes about 10-12 to train, but I cut it short and did it in 6 (mostly doing races on the weekend and a longer run in the middle of the week). The longest I had run was 10 miles 2 weeks ago. My dear friend, Kasey, a semi-professional 1/2 marathon runner (who just had her best time at the Chicago 1/2 of 2:01!!) went with Rob and I in support. It was so great to have the 2 of them there (they drove to 4 different mile markers to cheer me on! I felt great running today...pacing myself way better than expected, not having much ankle or knee pain, the cool weather wan't bothering me, I was praying every mile marker...everything was great....UNTIL mile #11...then things went downhill. My bloodsugar dropped and my body was so depleted (and being novice to distance running, I wasn't prepared with Goo packs or gatorade strapped to me)...so I started teetering out. At mile marker 12, I saw a half rotten banana on the water stop table, grabbed it and shoveled half of it in like it was a ribeye steak). It wasn't enough, I was dizzy, light headed and decided, either I am going to pass out and be "the girl who passed out" or I am going to slow down and even walk a little...so I paced myself at 9:40, until the last 2 miles, which were 11:00 and 13:00, so I averaged a 10:15 and finished in 2:14:10 (my goal was 2:20:00). I was a little disappointed that I could have done better if I had "re-fueled" at some point, but sooo happy to finish! When I crossed the finish line I ran straight to where I had seen bagels pre-race, grabbed a several hour old crusty bagel and shoveled it in!! I am not even looking for Rob and Kasey, I am just asking where the "Lenny's" buffet is!!! They find me and we head over there. There are no plates, just napkins, so I grab 2 bananas, 2 orange 1/2's, 2 lenny's subs, a sweet tea, and a coke!! I have never needed food so bad in my life, it was quite undescribable. I have eaten non-stop all day!! This has certainly been an experience, and I have really enjoyed it...not saying I will do another one, but if I do, I will have a cooler of food to pull behind me! Rob even got motivated watching me today and ran 2 miles today...get this, he ran 2 miles in 15:15 (that's a 7:37 pace), and he hasn't ran in 20 years...unbelievable, some folks are just made to run. (I highly recommend the sport, no matter how fast or slow, it's a great individual activity or great to do with friends).

Races completed in training: (note...these times are worse than many and better than many...but they are "my times"!!

Munford Celebrate - time: 27:15 (3rd place women 30-34) (8:30 pace)

Chick-Fil-A 5K - time 26:45 (8:22 pace) (17th out of 137 women, 30-34)

Cooper Young 4 Miler - time 34:15 (8:30 pace), (35th out of 246 women, age group)

Rotary Run 5K time- 25:40 ( 8:00 pace) (2nd place, female 30-34, 3rd place women overall)

Shelby Farms Greenline 1/2 marathon time- 2:14:10 (10:20 pace), 157th out of 340 women)

Here is a Chick-Fil-A picture with some great friends!

AND, I have the pumpkin run next week, which I am about to register Rob for, and we have so many friends running for Lucy (I made $200 on my bread by the way) and it looks like Team Lucy is in 2nd place in fundraising. So, sign up if you haven't already, you can walk.

And thanks to Lucy and Kate (her mom) for being my ultimate inspiration today!! She is finished with treatments and I am finished with training.... God is good:)

Loaves for Lucy and Le Bonheur

2011-09-18T19:29:00.000-07:00

In an effort to raise money for LeBonheur for the upcoming "Pumpkin Run" in honor of sweet Lucy, I am going to put my kitchen to good use on Friday. I will be baking some fall breads that I can deliver to you on Friday or Saturday. The "menu/prices" are below. Please send me a comment or email me at dawson1125@gmail.com to order. Please order by Thursday, so I can do my shopping Thursday night. (Be sure to include a way for me to respond to you if you "comment"). This would be a great treat to give your mom, favorite teacher, sunday school teacher, or just to have around to nibble on this weekend(:

Banana Bread (with or without nuts)

Chocolate Pound Cake

Lemon pound cake

Pumpkin Bread

(These will be made in a standard "loaf pan")

All are $10/each

or 2 for $18

or 3 for $25

I will wrap them each individually so that you can give one or two away and keep one or two for yourself!

And remember, the race is October 8th and you can sign up at www.pumpkinrun.org or you can go to the website to donate to "Team Lucy"!

Unforgettable!

2011-09-09T19:09:00.000-07:00

Saturday night, I was blessed to experience an unforgettable a first in my life....A surprise party (or quaint dinner with friends actually). I just have to tell the story because for me, it was amazing. A feeling I can't explain. I mean, I am pretty social, I love to be with people and have lots of gatherings at my house or organize dinners out and such. But this, was something different. Rob (with the help of some friends) planned a surprise birthday dinner for me. The feeling that I had as I stepped around the wall at Marlo's was indescribable. I felt so loved. Loved by my husband, who was not innately blessed to be a romantic or have prethought to much of anything except going to a ball game. Loved by these friends that got babysitters and went to extra effort to make that night special for me. I think it was somewhat of a group effort (led by Rob)...and it was so neat to hear them talk about how they got it together. Although it sounds like their cover was almost blown several times...I had NO CLUE! First, Rob had mentioned to my parents about babysitting for the event last weekend and my mom later told me that she forgot and mentioned something to me about keeping them Saturday, but I knew he mentioned us going to eat, so I didn't think anything about it. Then, Amy said that Abby came home from school saying something about seeing me at school and asked her about my party. Then, my dad said that Ron at Marlo's told him that Rob had reservations for us at Marlo's on Saturday (they were there eating on Friday)....still, nothing registered with me! I thought, " Aw, wow, that's really sweet, that he made a reservation." I do remember just before we left the house, he asked if I was going to blow dry my hair...(it was wet straight from the shower)...now I know why!! Amy helped the plan by texting me earlier that day (I had mentioned to her that we were gonna go eat Saturday if they wanted to join us (since they had a babysitter grandmother in town)...and she texted me Saturday to say, thanks for the invite, but Brad can't miss the big LSU game! (Thanks Brad for your sacrifice to watch it in the bar:) So, as we pull up on the square (we parked up by Le Chic), I see Baker's truck, and I said, "Oh, the McCools are here". (Didn't thing ANYthing about that because the are Marlo's regulars....but as we walk down the hill I see the Hensley van, and I said "Jan and Nicole are here too. They are probably celebrating her birthday...crap, I need to call her!" THEN, I see what looked to be the Glass vehicle, but I said, "Nah, I seriously doubt it" and Rob said, "No, that's not theirs"...still clueless (Brad and Amy were in his truck, so I didn't pick up on that)...and the Cranford's were late and missed the surprise (she was probably working on that incredible cake!) So, after a great surprise, a few tears and hugs all around, a lot of laughs, and a great meal, we headed to the Cranfords for cake! We even planned a running group to start....I obviously didn't have my camera but Nicole took a few (we forgot to take one with the guys). (And thanks Nicole for helping Rob with this on your birthday weekend...what a friend:)

Birthday girls....Summer was there celebrating her birthday too:)

23......okay, okay,...32

2011-08-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

I celebrated 32 years yesterday. 30 was tough for me...since then, it doesn't bother me so much. I guess when you are out of your 20's, you just start coming to grips that you are never going to live the 18-25 life anymore. So, if you are still in that bracket,..enjoy. At 23, I was newly married, just out of college, we had 2 paychecks for 2 people, came home after work had to find something to entertain ourselves, laid on the couch a lot and watched tv, was a new member at our church, enjoyed lots of dinners out alone or with other couples, kept a manicured yard and house, found more time with girlfriends, on and on and on. At times, it seems that was the life.....then, I am reminded that THIS is the life! Surrounded by my 3 kids who keep me busier than any I ever thought about at 23, squeezing in alone time with Rob as much as possible (and a girls night here a there), living more pay check to pay check as I pay childcare, school stuff, more gas, higher bills, trying to water the flowers just when they look like they may die if I don't, super engaged in our church activites....all while TRYING to keep the same perspecitve on living a God first life, each day to the fullest. I look foward to each stage of my kids' lives. They are growing so fast. I mean, I have a second grader. Rob and I have always said we look forward to having "grown children" (not that I want to rush this stage, but it sounds so fun to have my kids come home from college and go to dinner or meeting me to shop somewhere. I love having time with my kids and time with my husband (both together and separate)....those are the things that keep me going. Family. Friends. Doing something active. And most importantly, making time for my God. Without that, nothing means anything.

So, I do enjoy my birthday (Rob and my mom keep telling me I can't celebrate all week). Daddy and momma cooked ribs and strawberry cake on Sunday with some family. Rob and the kids (minus bad Kate, thanks to Uncle Hunter and Samantha) took me to Benihana (one of my faves) last night. I got some new running shoes (for the 5 races I am signed up for over the next 2 months).....I know, I am sooo not competative, but, it's a small goal I have set for myself, more to come on that in the coming months.

Here are some pics, and there are a lot of me, but you know, when we look back at our scrapbook, in 20 years, you know, this day was about me! Plus, I just had to share those expressions from my cake pictures!!

Duck lips

The kids blew out my candles before I had a chance!!

my gifts from momma...she went all out...shopping at Le Chic...found some great bargains.

Bo is 6!

2011-08-27T11:05:00.000-07:00

After much waiting, Bo is 6! We celebrated with a party at the Country Club pool with lots of friends. Of course, baseball was the theme. He chose a combination Red Sox/Braves party (his two favorite teams). His brithday present from us was a re-decorated bedroom (since this was Lane's gift in the spring, he wanted the same thing). We also took our Atlanta trip to the Braves game in honor of his birthday.

Bo,

Something about a love between a mother and her son. You are special to me in an indescribable kind of way. The way you hug me and kiss me is so sweet. For your 2nd birthday, you were into Cars, the third was Ninja Turtles, the 4th was still, Ninja Turtles, your 5th was Ben 10....and now it's baseball. You are growing up and liking "older kid" stuff. You still play with toys some, but mostly you are in the backyard playing baseball (or inside with a spongy ball) or watching baseball on tv or at a baseball game. Your favorite movie is Sandlot. You still LOVE McDonalds Happy meals....(for the toys). Your favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers (I fight you more than anyone in the house to get your fruits and veggies in you). You are reading sight words at school and trying super hard:) You get up with with chickens and are bright eyed and bushy tailed most mornings. You love to play with boys...you can strike up a conversation and fit in wherever you go (you love to roam around at Lane's softball games). you are so sweet to Kate, you love to go in her room and love on her when you hear her awake in the mornings. You are very protective of her. You have this little shy/attitude about you at times that drives me crazy, because you are not a shy child. You haven't learned the art of tact yet (you know like when you open a present that you already have, you don't know how to pretend or you aren't afraid to ask yourself over to a friends house!) Thanks for being you.....I'll take your little quirks with the rest of your sweet little self any day!

Here are pics of Bo's new "Baseball" room....

a slap in the face

2011-08-17T19:17:00.000-07:00

Although I think I already knew most of what John discussed in this post. It kind of slapped me in the face. I am still recovering.....helps me on days/moments I am having a "pity party" to put in into perspective or better yet, feel HIS love.

click the link below to read John Fullerton's blog post....

Read post on "God does not care about your happiness"

Kate- 15 months

2011-08-15T20:20:00.000-07:00

I don't know if you are just full of yourself because you are the third child, you were born that way, or what...but you are busy, bossy, and absolutely adorable. I know I am partial, but I think you are beautiful, too:)

words: momma, daddy, Lane, Bo, gigi, pops, Ellie Boo, Huna, manta, dave, Cha (chad), SaSa (ms. Sara) , JanJan, cookie, cracker, bite, want dat, tank tu ("thank you", you even say this when you want something as a way of asking- as in I see you have some candy.."tank tu, tank tu"...like, I want it!), )gape (grape), tawbe (strawberry), outside, dog, puppy, cat, meow, bampie (blankie), night, night, teeth, hairbow (you say this for hair, hair brush, and hairbow!), dink (drink), book, Abby/Addie (used interchangably), baby, gol car (golf cart), ye ma'am, chocate (chocolate), monkey
These are the words you say often and know the meanings of...however, you repeat nearly anything we tell you

You love, love, love to "bark" like a dog (unfortunately you "chop bark" like your daddy's squirrel dogs). We could record you and play you on a squirrel dog training video.

You can scribble well, turn pages of a book, put a few pieces in a formboard puzzle (that's for the OT in me:)
Love to be outside...all the time!! mostly to climb steps, that's your favorite part. You also love ball- you can hit a ball off a tee (sort of).

Favorite foods: grapes, well ANY fruit, veggies - (green beans, peas) turkey, cheese, veggie straws, (and of course Boo's ice cream and chocolate)

You are a "pilferer" as your daddy and I like to say. Cleaning out drawers and cabinets is your specialty.

you pretty much boycot toys...very little interest in anything that looks like you SHOULD play with it. You are much more drawn to things that a 1 year old should NOT have (the things in cabinets/drawers)

You love Ms. Sara (your babysitter)....and you have even gotten the chance to know our special "Jan Jan" this summer when she has helped us out!

You love to ride the golf cart!

You love this little ceramic monkey that Bo made at Paint a Piece. You kiss him every morning and night and you want to carry him everywhere.

You are still sort of "bow legged", but it's getting better (Ellie and Gigi have been really concerned:)

You have the prettiest head of blonde hair, that curls up in the back when you are hot (we are not known for having any sort of "body in our hair" in this family (although, after 3 kids, mine is trying to get curly or really, just nappy).

You tell us "Mo, Mo, Mo" for "No" or "uh uh" and shake your head no!

We take the good with the bad....and gosh darn it, we love you.....I can't imagine any of our lives without you. you are a LOT of work, but you are so worth it!

Pea Shellin'

2011-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

I remember shelling peas as a child. Actually when I was about Lane's age, my hair got caught in an electric pea sheller and pulled about 20% of my hair out! Since we don't have a garden, my kids miss out on things like this. I bought some purple hull peas at the Farmer's market off the square last week and they shelled and I cooked and they were mm mm good! (Kate kept trying to eat the hulls as they were shelling)

Dice in a cup

2011-08-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

I don't know why....but these dice (from the Mickey Mouse Yahtzee game) have entertained this 15 month old since I got home from work (about 2 hours)....we can't get her to play with any baby toys, electronic toys, or anything age appropriate, but small dice that she can choke on...she loves:) I would say she has taken them in and out of the cup 100 times....

Bo- First Day of Kindergarten

2011-08-09T04:59:00.000-07:00

This little guy had a great first day of kindergarten. When I picked him up, I didn't get the usual respsonse the "how was your day?"...of "fine"..I got detatils! When we did our "favorite thing of the day" at dinner he said "going to school and seeing Ms. Natalie" (he is having a hard time remembering his teachers name)...Lane had Ms. Lesile also and there was an assistant in her room that year named Ms. Natalie, so Bo is remembering that:) When I went through his back pack, I said, "Bo Ms. Leslie sent you a (Hershey's) "Kiss" for having a great day...he said "I guess that's because she couldn't give me a real one." He gave me details of the school tour, every classroom activity, every student (only 5 today). I am so excited for him. He is sooo ready!

Ms. Lesile's note home today said "I love Bo's personality:)"

This was our "afterschool" picture. Dad wasn't available before school....tending to the other 1,000 kids:)

Lane - First Day of 2nd Grade

2011-08-09T04:58:00.000-07:00

Yeah...that's right, 2nd grade. I looked at her last night and just could not believe her height, some of the "grown up" things she says and does, and then I looked at Kate and thought of Lane at that age, amazing. Time flies. She is in her same class from last year (her teacher is looping - same class moved up to 2nd grade)...it should be a great year. So glad she is so independent. It helps me so much. She starts tumbling class tomorrow, so that (and possibly some piano lessons) will be her "activity" this school year. Have a great year Lae-Bug!

Atlanta- summer 2011

2011-08-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

We had a great weekend trip to ATL to visit JJ, Chele and the kiddos....and to celebrate Bo's 6th birthday at the Braves game. The kid was enthralled...watched every minute and we even stayed after the game for a b-52's (Love Shack) concert! He (and Lane) got on the Jumbo-Tron as he danced ~~like a maniac~~ adorably swinging his shirt around he head. It was priceless and nothing made me happier than to see him at the game (just like seeing Lane at the American Girl store...or Kate standing at the dog pens:). We went to "Money Joes" (like pump-it-up), swam, and painted in the basement, played baseball in the front yard..... we even went to Six Flags on the way home.

Girls Getaway

2011-07-31T20:09:00.000-07:00

So, I just spent 2 1/2 days with my good ole (not old...we discussed being 32 at length many times this weekend are are coming to grips that it is wonderful) friends this weekend. Its a perk from Kendra moving to Sarasota...an excuse to get away. I realized on the plane that this was my first time ever to fly alone. It was exhuberting....I read, listened to my IPOD, and slept. A shout out to my husband for doing a great job with the kiddos and keeping the house straight AND doing the laundry:)

This post is for the girls, some inside information to remember all the fun we had. And I have several more pics to post, but I am awaiting them from Audra (which probably means I will have to go get her camera myself to get them off...to say she is technologically challenged would be an understatement...we worked on convincing her that texting is really not that hard, but I don't think she's quite ready yet...just one of many running jokes). But I was determined to get this on here tonight (basically a dare from Kendra who made fun of my lack of blogging lately). We didn't arrive on the beach till about 4:00, because it was the best, kind of day.....we had breakfast at the hotel, then we were gonna "stop by Marshall's" to grab me a pair of sunglasses, since I forgot mine. So, they drop me off a the door and say they are just gonna wait on me in the car, and as I am looking at the glasses, here these 3 birds come strolling in. Needless to say, 3 hours later we left Marshall's!! It was the BEST kind of shopping....no kids, no hurry, and lots of welcomed opinions. The neatest part...we all 4 came out with the exact same long black knit skirt (call it cheesy, but we thought it was hilariously adorable and we even compared how it fit each "backside" if you will)! I cannot tell you the number of shoes we tried on...probably several dozen. And, Kendra and I nearly had to take it to the ring over the shoes she ended up with...ADORABLE!

We at some FABULOUS food....our fav was "Columbia" a spanish restaurant at St. Arman's Circle by Lido beach. We again all 4 ordered the same lunch...I see a pattern, maybe that's why we are still such great friends after 25 years. It was a "1905" salad and Cuban sandwich. Dang, that's all I can say. The dressing was olive oil, lemon juice, worchester sauce, vingegar, garlic, oregeno, and pepper. Divine. Maybe it was the ham, maybe it was the green olives, I don't know, but it was tasty. The famous Sangria was a nice touch at lunch also. Another fav were the fried green tomatoes and chicken nachos at Lee Roy Salmon's last night. Now, the 81/31 pasta at Main Street Trattoria, we could have done without. I guess the "stealing of the pens incident" was recourse for that. (A little insider for my gals).

Other great memories were hanging at the pool with Coco and Sebo, eating pretzel M & M's, listening to "Closing Time" by the awesome one man show at Main street, paddle ball on the beach, learning a few things from Kas on the beach (you know what I am referring to), discussing the movie "Friends with Benefits" (which we saw at 11:00 pm, I think that's the latest I have gone to bed in a few years), watching Kas and Aud blow dry their hair for an hour then pull it in a pony tail, staying up till 1:30 last night watching crazy you tube videos, listening to music on the beach and floating in the ocean "just talking".....we even got 2 live sand dollars (I have never seen one before).

We are shooting for a cruise next summer, but if that doesn't work out, I will take another short weekend trip for sure. It really was a perfect day yesterday:) Here's to next year!

BTW, I nearly missed my flight home, never done that before, guess it was hard to leave good company.

Oh, and Kendra just texted me and said that coming up on their news was a "story of a tourist overheating on the beach yesterday"....he was sitting by us and we helped him:)

No, I am not practicing a runner's start or anything here...the crazy man taking our picture was cracking me up as he kept directing me to scoot back...I couldn't figure out how to get on the back row of the picture, but it looks like I am trying to get there...

June birthdays

2011-07-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

June brings birthdays for 4 special men in our family...Daddy/Boo, Pops/Mr. Bobby, Uncle David (Dave),and Uncle Chad. Uncle Dave turned the big 3-0 and we celebrated by Gigi's pool as usual (no pics).Uncle Chad celebrates big every year...it's a very important day to him. He had a little party at the Country Club this year complete with 1 adorable hamburger cake and 1 ~~tacky~~ hilarious "Hooters" cake.

We had dinner for Pops at our house...complete with a store bought caramel cake.

No pictures of Boo's birthday....we celebrated with steaks when Uncle Jay and Aunt Chele were here for a visit.

July 4, 2011

2011-07-22T21:24:00.000-07:00

We had a few "4th" celebrations this year...some with family some with friends. It was a great weekend, hot, but fun. While I was at the Braves game last weekend (that post to follow), I for some reason was struck during the "Star Spangled Banner" of our freedom. I looked around that massive stadium at folks enjoying themselves and realizing our liberty to be at a ball game, freedom to wear what we want, freedom to yell out for our team....we have many more blessings than that in this country (modern medicine, a democratic government...) but at the game, those things rang true with me. Thank you God, that it was in your plan for me and my family to be a part of the Great US of A.

old post

2011-06-26T11:08:00.003-07:00

posting Christmas 2010 pictures that I never did so my future sister in law can help me finish up our year book from last year!

Christmas 2010

2011-06-26T11:07:00.000-07:00

We were fortunate to have a wonderful Christmas. We love to be with our families and what a great time for that. The kids love presents, what a great time for that. We ate lots of great stuff (including our annual steak and lobster at Boo's). And it's easy to say and sometimes hard to live out, but I think we held the true meaning of Jesus close to us during the season, most importantly. Lots of pictures to follow so I can complete our 2010 yearbook!

Christmas morning

Oak Grove Christmas cantata

Bo was a "grandchild" at Oak Grove's cantata

Bo was disapointed that he wasn't casted as a wiseman in the oak grove play, but fortunately, he fit the part for his school play!!

Uncle Chad's annual golf cart parade hosted by Ellie and Boo.

KK watched from inside where it was warm with Boo

Uncle Chad and Lane (notice the Grinch theme for his cart...it was a joint effort- Ellie traced, Boo cut the plywood, and me and the kids painted him). Chad was soo proud!

Church program - my babies sang "Happy Birthday" in their sweet little angelic voices!

I said we weren't going to bake our annual cookies this year because I usually get frustrated with the process, but they talked me into it and it was the best year yet! We did gingerbread this year.

Bre hosted the "Murphy" Christmas. She had a gingerbread house for the kids to decorate

Lane's first grade program

My babies on Christmas morning- Kate didn't arise until 10 am (Lane and Bo were up at 630)

We spent many hours in lego assembly this Christmas- I think we literally had about 5,000 pieces total - he got about 5 sets!)

Lane's new macbook

Te magic set uncle Dave gave them

Aunt Chele can do this for hours - not me, I'd rather play a board game with them! That's why I gave them Guess Who for Christmas (my favorite childhood game - we have have many Guess Who tournaments since Christmas!)

The kids...today

2011-06-25T15:53:00.000-07:00

Lane cheered for her brother at his games then let her dolls watch us play ball outside when we got home!

Following in her momma's footsteps..maybe she will be a therapist one day:)

This guy played in his first all star game today (and lost both games by the "run rule") but was the quickest, cutest little 5 year old catcher out there!

more beach pictures ..(sorry to bore you:)

2011-06-25T10:01:00.000-07:00

I found some pictures from the beach that I hadn't uploaded so I have to add them for the scrapbook.

Gulf Shores 2011

2011-06-15T06:08:00.000-07:00

Just spent 7 days at the beach (Gulf Shores) with the kids and some great friends (the Glass's and the Kasey and Hudson). Here are the pictures and I am going to write down our memories at the end for the scrapbook! (there are lots, but remember I had my new camera to play with:)

We had a blast! I had been looking forward to the trip for months, but it was better than I anticipated. I had a fear of the beach with a 1 year old, but she was a trooper. We haven't been to the beach in 4 years, so it was time! We ate some great food (you know I love food, so I will start there)...Tacky Jack's, Doc's, Lulu's, and my two personal favs- DeSoto's Seafood kitchen and Lartigues (cooked to order take out seafood). Brad cooked us some good old buttered up buiscuts and the whole spread one morning , otherwise, my kids ate their first pop tart ever, followed by another each morning thereafter! The kids LOVED the ocean. Lane and Bo had to be sunscreened multiple times during the day because they played so hard "surfing the waves" that it kept the suncsreen worn off of them. Kate even loved the waves. Rob and Brad logged many hours under the tent (and came to help when needed!) We enjoyed spending some time with T-county folks that were in the same condo (the McIntosh's and the Fencls). Kate slept like a baby in her "pack n-play in the closet". Bo and Hudson played baseball (indoors, in the sand, in the pool, in the shower...wherever they could...all day...everyday). Lane and Addie read "ICarly" and other girly stuff on the computer when they weren't soaking up rays. We had a restful last day and I read "Heaven is for real" on the last day (mostly sitting on the beach sitting by myself) while Rob gave me a break. I can't wait to go back! Thank you God for the memories:)

I will end with this: We all joked all week about going to get airbrushed shirts with "Gulf Shores 2011" and on the back everyone would have a nickname...Rob says these should be the names:

Kate - "momma, momma, momma" (cause that's what she said all week)

Bo- "Strike"

Hudson - "Ball"

Lane - "beach" (she asked to stay at the beach all week)

Lil A - "Bug"- "Sweet Tea"

Big A- "pool" (she asked to stay at the pool all week)

Music on the Square

2011-05-28T20:42:00.000-07:00

We have spent the last two Saturday nights on the square...eating ice cream, sno cones, and watching

Kate dance her little booty off at Music on the Square. She was quite entertaining. I have some videa, but it takes too long to get that on here! The bands were awesome both nights. Tonight was a James Taylor like style duo...last week they band could have passed for Rascal Flats (maybe). Fun times when you have 3 kiddos. Bo said it was boring, but the girls and I loved it (I think Rob is with Bo, but he won't admit it:) Just us girls went last week cause the boys were at a big baseball game (more to come on that soon).

Scrapbook catch up...

2011-05-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

I cleaned all the pictures off of my phone the other day and loaded them into my computer...ran across some that I wanted to keep for the blog scrapbook. They are terrible quality since they were taken on my phone, but guess what?? I just bought what I believe is the best "toy" I have ever bought for myself...a Canon rebel dslr camera...I got it used on eBay for just over $200 and you would think I had bought a $1000 camera...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! It's been a long time dream of mine...so I hope to share many more improved quality pictures with you soon. I got it just in time for our beach trip!

muffins for mom program

Bo D and Bo D hangin out!

A visit with Aunt Louise and her new dog..Venus #3.

field day 2011

Bo's preschool graduation at MPNS

This was last fall, when Bo was getting into squirrel hunting...the picture below are the "bloody squirrels" he drew/colored and placed around the house as if he were shooting them....Men..?

This was an outdoor concert at the Levitt Shell in Memphis that we went to with Baker and Allison...so relaxing...beautiful weather, friends, and southern jazz.

Bo's "Blue Bombers" baseball team..summer 2010

1st grade awards day

Bo's "summer birthday" celebration at school

Just a picture of the house I took with the new camera!

"mi basbol tem"

2011-05-04T19:28:00.000-07:00

Bo's life right now is basically...baseball. He watches it on TV (he really asks me to turn on a baseball game and he will watch 9 innings!), he plays MLB 2K11 on his DS, and he practices with his daddy in the yard (or throws to himself). Well, tonight at church I gave him some paper and crayons to entertain himself, and this is what he drew. He started with the ball field then he kept trying to talk and tell me what was going on in the picture and in an attempt to try to keep him quiet I told him to write down his ball team names. (Because before their first game, Rob was trying to make out the line up and he was trying to remember all the kids numbers and no joke..Rob only knew Bo's...but Bo told him every single kids number and he had only seen the jerseys 1 time! Seriously, he doesn't usually have such a vivid memory, just proof that he can pay attention when he wants to. So, I knew that he knew the numbers, so I wrote out 1-11 and wrote 2 names to get him started to show him what to do. Then he did the rest. I refused to tell him any letters. He did this all by himself (except #1 and #10). I was proud. I can seriously sound out and read all the names except one. I just though it was the cutest thing I have seen in a while!

Here is the list...

Tyrin

Tyree

Ethan

Brock

Lincoln

Jonah

Roby

Braden

Benjamin

Hyatt