J-ville Clan

The Lost Pictures of 2009

2010-01-01T09:59:00.031-05:00

Wow even Geraldo Riveria would proud of this find!!!! While time was marching on in 2009 so was my camera. Upon close inspection 259 photos of the end of the year 2009 were found. I knew they were there but in the hustle and bustle of every day life they slipped through the cracks but patiently waited to be revealed! Hope you enjoy what has been in the archives of my camera...

Celia as nominee for Homecoming Queen

Getting ready to go to the game

Jadd was playing in the game so she rode solo

The must have blurry picture of a high school event

Homecoming dance the following night

Sweet 16 birthday....what a smile!

First pumpkin carving...

Unfortunately Luke had a horrible hot spot...the worst the vet said she had ever seen... I had to get creative to keep him from scratching it

Then there was the announcement of James' and Rachel's wedding

Along came two more birthdays

We had Thanksgiving at my house...

Knox enjoyed chatting with the girls!

David showing his continuing thinness even through the holidays

Sleeping off the effects of Thanksgiving dinner

First gingerbread houses....

The Birthday girl...

turning the Big 18!

All the great grandkids at Liam's birthday party

Enjoying his cake...yum!

His big present a John Deere tractor

Knox growing up on us....

Then came Christmas...

Everyone gathered at Sarah's to eat and exchange presents...

Danny and Matthew...

Kathy and Jamie....

Mom and Kathy...

Michael and Daddy...

James and Rachel....

and Knox's first Christmas....

Rachel registering at the bridal shop and trying on dresses...no peeking...can't show the pictures of the dress...you'll have to be patient for those...

Then came New Year's Eve...we waited for the New Year playing trouble...

while the youngins' slept...

5...4...3...2...1...Happy New Year!!!!!

And here I am the one usually behind the camera....wishing everyone a great New Year this 2010!
AND.... as for my New Year's resolution???...yes the customary loose 10 pounds but also to keep up the blog better than I did the last part of last year!!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!

Distracted!

2009-10-18T20:29:00.002-04:00

Sorry for the long delay in posts...NO I have not given up on the blog! I will continue to post...Just been distracted with senior activities...school...new principal...on and on...so what's new?
Celia won most likely to succeed at school along with cutest couple with Jadd (her boyfriend). Jamie is doing well...along with Sean Keely and Knox...had the best conversation with him today at Sunday dinner...he smiles constantly and coos up a storm!
This Friday Celia will be in the homecoming court nominations for Homecoming Queen...will post pictures!

The weather is awesome today...cool..clear and windy...wish it would stay this way but predicted to get back to the 80's by Thursday!

Well off to finish my school work!

I told you I would

2009-09-20T21:40:00.003-04:00

Kari wouldn't cooperate for the picture... I told her I was going to put the picture on my blog and she said ok...so

here ya go!!!

Two Monumental Birthdays!

2009-09-20T21:26:00.002-04:00

In the last two months two members of our clan celebrated monumental age accomplishments...that's a nice way to put it;-)

First Daddy had his 75th birthday in August...

A wish come true...yay!!!
And he got lots and lots of yummy cookies from Sarah and Keely to satisfy his sweet tooth until his next birthday!

Next it was Sarah's turn to hit the record book..

It was Sarah's 50th...the cake was much prettier before we got hold of it!

Wow she doesn't look a day older that she did last year ;-)

Patiently waiting to open her presents!!!

Liam added a country flair wearing Granddaddy's hat! He loves to
"sing" happy birthday

The cake may look like road kill but it definitely didn't taste like it!

Here's to many more birthdays!!!!

Baby Update!

2009-09-20T21:20:00.004-04:00

Last posted we had a new J-ville clan member...well here he is now!

He is all smiles and coos...
I'll definitely will have to post often as he will be sitting up and crawling before we know it!

First an Apology!

2009-09-20T21:06:00.001-04:00

I am so sorry I have not gotten to the blog in soooo long. I think about it often. But school has started etc etc etc. So I have made a challenge to myself to get back on track and post often..otherwise the blog will die and I don't want that to happen.

Soooo here we go!!!!!

New Member of the J-ville Clan is Here!

2009-08-05T19:16:00.006-04:00

The anxious Great Grandma and....

and Grandma (I love calling her that :-) in the waiting room!

Less than 1 hour old.

About 1 hour old! Soooo cute!!!!!!

The difference a day makes...1 day old!!!!

The Rest of the July Birthdays!!!!

2009-08-05T18:56:00.009-04:00

A few weeks ago we got together to celebrate Mitchell's birthday at Mom and Daddy's.

Ready for cake...

and the traditional birthday song and wish...

And of course we can't forget opening presents!!!!

Then about a week later all the girls got together and spent the day shopping and going to lunch for Mom's birthday!

The daughters and...

the daughter's daughters!!!

It was a very nice day!!!!!!

Rachi's Big Day!

2009-07-14T09:21:00.006-04:00

This weekend we celebrated Rachel's birthday!

Liam got a big laugh from the whole thing!

Preparing to make a wish...

and it was a success!!!! Hope all your wishes come true!!!

Time for More Ketchup!

2009-06-21T19:40:00.022-04:00

School is now out so one might think I would have soooo much time on my hands I could keep up my posts....but I have been VERY busy! Here are just a few things that have been happening here in J-ville recently...

Earlier this month we celebrated Jamie's and Matthews birthdays!
I got the bright idea to make 4 different kinds of cupcakes: red velvet, carrot, chocolate and lemon. It was fun! Also a lot easier than cutting cake for everyone!

Matthew and Jamie thoroughly enjoyed their birthday song then blew out the candles.
Notice the happy birthday ears...Jamie wouldn't pose with them but...

Matt was a good sport!

Kari decided to be shy for the picture...

but Liam gave a big smile for the camera!

And it was nice to have Kathy and Micheal in town!

Very shortly after our celebration, Celia marshalled for her school's
graduation...

In her tux...

tails and all!

Then just as she helped usher out the Seniors...she became one herself!
This weekend she took her Senior pictures...they do it much differently than when I was a Senior.

They still do the traditional drape...

and cap and gown shots. But now they can also do casual poses with boyfriends, pets, etc.

Now getting primped for the glam shots...

Getting instructions from the photographer...

The pose!

Another change of clothes and more primping!

A pillow shot

Last pose and...

it's a rap folks!

And in the midst of all of that Jamie got his first apartment and moved out on his own...and Celia started her first job! Lots going on in J-ville...until next time stay cool! We sure are trying to! Literally ;=)

What to Do in the HOT Sun!

2009-05-31T17:31:00.008-04:00

A few years back we had a pool and between trees shading it and constantly dropping leaves in it, we decided to take it down...
Many, many summers went by and we asked ourselves...Exactly why did we take down that pool?????? Especially since BOTH of the problem trees have since been cut down!

Well this year between the hot sun and the GREAT sales going on we decided to replace our pool.

Truly there isn't much to do outside here in the summer, in the heat except....

SWIM!!!!!

It was a little chilly at first!

Mitchell came over to hang out Saturday and had a blast.

They swam for over 2 hours straight...their feet were all shriveled up :-)

Now this is what you can do in the heat to have fun!

Ketchup!

2009-05-24T11:49:00.003-04:00

Keep scrolling down to enjoy our ketchup posts....it's been busy here in J-ville!

Jenga, Jenga, Jenga!

2009-05-24T11:25:00.017-04:00

We have embarked on a new journey in the game world of...

Jenga!

Let's see how we can take a child's toy (wooden block) and turn it into a stressful night of backward engineering :-)

It starts off as a sturdy, well built tower of solid wood construction...and the object is...

to pull one block at a time dismantling your solid tower into a tall tower of wobbliness!
One pull at a time...

It starts off usually fairly easily...

notice they still have a smile on their face!

We are now getting a little more serious...

We are now into complete concentration mode!

Eventually you get to the point of "What am I supposed to do with this?"
Notice Sarah laughing...she refuses to play anymore...she says it is just too stressful!

John knows eminent doom is awaiting...as it is his turn yet again to try to pull from the Jenga tower of topple...

and sure enough the tower just wouldn't handle anymore...and down it came!

We got it up to 33 levels...which according to the rules almost pro!!!

Poor John...the loser...oh I'm sorry...the crasher has to build the new tower....and

the fun begins all over again!!!

Here are some other fun shots from our Jenga night...

Keely's Baby Shower #1

2009-05-24T11:21:00.006-04:00

We all gathered last weekend to shower Keely with gifts for her little expected one!

You can hardly tell she's expecting...she looks GREAT!!!!!

There were LOTS of presents, great food, and

of course you can't go without playing fun games...
Be on the look out for a posting of shower #2 coming next month!

Our Star Guitar Player!

2009-05-24T11:09:00.007-04:00

A few weeks ago Will played in his Spring Concert at school.

Getting all tuned up and ready to jam!

There were group performances and...

a rockin' ensemble performance of Hotel California!

What a great concert it was!
Now we are ready for Dueling Banjos next year!

Proudly Honoring our Little Scholar!

2009-05-24T11:00:00.008-04:00

About a month ago Celia was inducted into the National Honor Society.

We are very proud!

The school had a small but very nice celebration.

Waiting to be pinned...

All official!!! What a smart girl she is!

Something Wicked This Way Comes!

2009-05-10T21:33:00.014-04:00

Today was a very exciting day for Mom and Rachel...

Sarah, Kathy and I bought them tickets to the musical Wicked!

Rachel had a great time getting her outfit together...she looked
amazing!

Notice the shoes...

And their chariot whisks them off to the performance.
Oh wait a minute...that was Cinderella...

Afterward we all got together at Sarah's and cooked out.

We also celebrated Jadd's birthday.

Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...
Happy Birthday Dear Jaadd....Happy Birthday to you...
See you didn't have to hear our off key rendition:-)

But in the end we learned something we already knew...
There's no place like home!
It definitely was a Wicked Cool Mother's Day!
Hope everyone had a great one!

The Shrimp Festival

2009-05-06T21:50:00.007-04:00

Last weekend we went to the Shrimp Festival

It was not long before the funnel cakes were calling Kathy's and Celia's name...

They were quite delicious!

While walking the streets I found my dream yard. It was
breath taking. I always look forward to going each year.

Kari's Birthday

2009-05-06T21:24:00.009-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Kari's b-day!
See if you can spot someone new...

Daddy bringing the happy hat!

Being a good sport!

Have you noticed a new face?

Having fun with her new present...

Okay, okay I will end the suspense...meet Garrett, Kari's boyfriend!

Happy birthday to the birthday girl!

Went playing in the Sand today...

2009-04-19T20:23:00.008-04:00

After waxing my car today...we decided to go play for a little while...

the view from the inside...I think it would squash my little Miata!

Coming up...

over and...

around....

and over again! Notice I wasn't in the jeep...I enjoyed watching and taking pictures!

And my chariot comes to pick me up. It is really fun as long as we stay on flat land :-)

What Boredom Will Do

2009-04-11T06:39:00.006-04:00

Friday night, a Whataburger hat, extra napkins plus two bored teenagers...
What does that get you?

A new game called...

Whataburger Hatball!

They took turns seeing who could make the most shots!

And they say kids don't show any creativity anymore! :-)

Happiness!

2009-04-06T19:30:00.003-04:00

The other day I walked into the den to find...

a happily snoozing dog...but where????

Right in the middle of a lap...just where he wants to be!
We have a 90 pound lap dog...we just thought we had a Labrador we really have a Laprador!

I'm not sure who was happier...Will on Spring break or Luke getting to sit in someone's lap!

Spring Break!

2009-03-30T09:39:00.003-04:00

Spring break is here...and it is clear, beautiful and COLD???? What in the world!
It is 9:46 in the morning and 56 degrees outside. I don't think it was that cold at
Christmas! Oh well it looks to be a beautiful day!

Busy, Busy!

2009-03-30T07:39:00.006-04:00

WOW! Sorry for the lack of posts in March. It has been a very busy time. At school with the FCAT, studying for a test I have to take for school, and a few new additions...

See that little brown thing?

That's Huck our newest Lab to the family.
We decided since Beau, Luke and Josie were such great
role models (and Beau is getting up in age, he was 10 this year) we would get the last variety :)
This also will probably be the last baby I will be young enough to house break.
Oh my gosh having a puppy is like having a new baby! He has been getting up at 2:00 in the morning to go out. He is the runt of his litter so hopefully he will be big enough soon to make it through the night!

But...

how could you resist that???

We also had two more new additions to the family household. Will has come to live with us... and I don't think I had posted that Jamie had moved out with a roommate and has since moved back in! So it has been busy, busy around here! Hey as I say...the more the merrier!

Signs of Life!

2009-02-28T07:24:00.005-05:00

Welcome to my yard where there are signs of...

death...

death...

and more death!

I'm afraid with the freezes we had this winter many of my plants suffered greatly.

But there is hope because there are...

signs of life!

I think Spring is right around the corner thank goodness!

A Happy Birthday

2009-02-22T19:24:00.003-05:00

Because it feels like I am just starting with a fresh cold I missed Sunday dinner today and Keely's birthday :-(
Thanks to a considerate husband and a thoughtful father, I did get to enjoy something...

CAKE!

Even though I don't have pictures, a very "Happy Birthday" wish goes out to Keely!

Puppy Paws and Dog Piles!

2009-02-22T19:15:00.003-05:00

After fun in the yard playing fetch the pooches were all tuckered out!

So I caught some puppy paws and

a snuggley dog pile! A tired Lab is a good Lab!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T10:59:00.005-05:00

Hope everyone's sweetie was sweet to them this morning! Celia and I made cookies this morning (well mostly Celia, she baked and I helped decorate).

Yum, Yum!

These are the rejects, as Celia put it, from the main platter...notice the lips? That one's mine :-)

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Anyone Want to Play?

2009-02-08T15:59:00.007-05:00

It all started with this...a dog and his ball.

When no one came he entertained himself...

Finally Josie did come and play with him.
Then Luke decided to try to play with someone else...

Look closely under the tractor to right...Amelia, our chicken wanted no part of it!

I'm ready...who wants to play???

Good Morning Sunshine!

2009-02-01T13:28:00.005-05:00

Ever since David started his new South Beach life we have been eating breakfast. It is actually true what is said, eating breakfast is necessary for a healthy way of eating. (Notice I avoided the diet word!)

It starts off looking like this...

and it ends up saying "Good Morning Sunshine"

What a great way to start the morning!

Belated Birthday Wishes!

2009-02-01T13:22:00.005-05:00

We did celebrate John's birthday, I'm just a little late posting it. I have been busy working and taking a class for a certification endorsement the state says I have to have. Otherwise trust me, teaching school is all the school I want :)

Here are the birthday candles...ummm I think there is a problem...

Oh there they are in the right order:)

Here's to another year around the sun! Happy Birthday!

Not Old Enough to Appreciate Yet!

2009-01-12T18:34:00.007-05:00

Well a few days ago I went out and bought Luke and Josie each a bed. The weather was getting colder and I thought they were old enough to enjoy and appreciate beds....

WRONG I was!!!!!

This is what I came home to. It looked like a fair cotton candy machine had gone haywire in my kitchen.

At first he was feeling kinda guilty.

Then when he realized he would live...he was happy again.
If you haven't seen Marley and Me you should! I live it!!!
Everyday!

The ABC's of 2008

2009-01-01T17:32:00.022-05:00

Today we had a wonderful New Year's Day traditional dinner at Mom's and Daddy's.

And John made the most delicious dessert. It broke every New Year's Resolution there is :-)

It is called chocolate pizza...it was yummy!

After dinner David, Celia and I sat around and thought of the past year and made the ABC's of 2008...

A-is for straight A's....Celia works very hard to keep her grades up!

B-is for bolting...the dog's run out of the front door whenever someone comes in or out so...

we now have a chain to alert people when someone needs to open the door. A little inconvenient but better than them getting hit by a car!

C- is for cars...this year with the gas prices we sold two gas guzzlers and bought three with much better gas mileage! Now everyone has a car!

D-is for Daddy's recovery this year! It has been a little over one year since his surgery.

E-is for election...a GREAT disappointment! When will we have someone worth voting for?

F-is for fence...after waiting two years Luke and Josie finally got a fenced yard so they can run around off the leash!

G-is for gas prices...the gas bill was horrific this year. Thank goodness it has dropped for now!

H-is for ham radio...David got back into an old hobby of his. He is a licensed ham radio operator.

I-is for independence...or so they think...Jamie and Mikell turned 18 this year:)

J-is for Jamie's graduation from high school

K-is for Keeley's pregnant...can't wait to be a Great Aunt again!

L-is for Liam's first birthday and first steps

M-is for Mikell's graduation from high school

N-is for new house...Rachel and James bought their first house together

O-is for over seas...Kathy and her family went on a 2 week trip to Europe

P-is for puppies...two 95 and 85 pound Labs that are two years old but still act like they are 2 months old

Q-is for quilts of course and a new place to sew them.

Now I don't have to worry about the dogs or cats bothering things when I take a break sewing.
I have made a few things here...it was VERY nice!

R-is for Rachel's new ride....

S-is for South Beach...David's new way of eating (that's the polite way to say diet:)

He has lost right around 10 pounds so far! This will be a big part of 2009 I know!

T-is for trading...this year David had lots of fun on Craig's list trading a tractor for a four wheeler and a four wheeler for a scooter....

U- is for unusual exercise...Wii fit awesome interactive exercise. Who says video games are for couch potatoes?

V-is for vandalism...this year some punks came around and slashed a tire on three of our cars and cut the tops on our Jeep and Miata. With a new tire, new top, and a new paint job she is as good as new!

W-is for Will's truck...with money he saved and help from his Papa he was able to
buy his first truck!

X-is for eXcellent family gatherings! Every Sunday we all get together to have dinner, celebrate birthdays and just generally share what went on the past week or what is coming up!

Y-if for yard...last year at this time we were in the middle of having a new drain field put in which left us with a landscape that looked like the moon's surface. It has taken all year...and the yard is almost back!

Z- is for zoom! What this past year did!

Hope everyone had a good year last year and has a GREAT year to come!
Happy New Year everyone!

Rockin New Year's Eve

2009-01-01T08:04:00.010-05:00

This year we went down to Sarah and John's to bring in the New Year.
John and David started their night playing with a Christmas toy...

While the rest of us played with another Christmas toy...the Wii.

We tried Mario Kart but it proved to be alittle challenging for some.
So we moved on to another all time favorite...

UNO! Disney UNO actually it was...

New Year's Eve Uno! Oh and I caught my bargain from Walgreens in the background :)
Did you know Walgreens will help you gain about 5 pounds for only 62 cents right now? What a deal!

There they are...it only took 3 attempts to get all of them to behave in a group setting :)

As it got closer to midnight we broke out our homemade sparkling beverage.
Walgreens was all sold out and ABC was absolutely packed. No was I was going in there!!!!

Well we all managed to stay up! Cheers! And here's to a great New Year!

Merry Christmas to All!

2008-12-27T16:53:00.017-05:00

Well this Christmas was a great one! Hope yours was too!
Here are some pictures from our special day!

Trying to get a kiss!

You know what they say....curiousity killed the cat!

Ready to eat his first REAL Christmas dinner.

Playing with toys!

Celia says I'm never in the pictures so here is my self portrait:)

Everyone was sitting around watching a movie when we got the bright idea to go see a movie Christmas night. Unfortunately we waited until about 20 minutes before it started to ultimately decide to go and when we got there it was sold out! I couldn't believe how packed the theater was on Christmas night!

Then the next day...we got back together and did it all over again!

Hope your Christmas was Merry and Bright!

A Triple Play!

2008-12-14T22:38:00.012-05:00

This weekend we celebrated some very special birthdays!
It was Liam's first and Celia's big 17!

It was a Nemo theme at Liam's party.

Rachel made the cutest cake!

He finally realized there was something to the pretty
blue stuff!

And WOW! Wheels for his first birthday!

Today Liam was enjoying Celia's party as much as his own!

The lights go out, the candles get blown and...

BAM! Birthday glasses and sparkly ears appear!
She could have used those before she blew out the
candles (He-he)

It was a gooey chocolate on chocolate with more chocolate cake!

Now you may be wondering why I called this a triple play...
Well Liam's birthday was one, Celia's birthday was two and
here is the third special birthday this month...

Hope you had a great birthday too, Aunt Shirley!
This cake is for you!

Twas Lucy Before Christmas!

2008-12-07T19:12:00.008-05:00

Twas weeks before Christmas and all through the house a creature was stirring!

And what to my wondering ears did hear but four pouncing paws and Christmas ornaments
jingling and jangling in fear.

I ran from the kitchen to see what was the matter...

and there she was all playful and happy,
but I knew I would have nothing to dread...
because soon ...

...visions of mice would dance in her head!

Double the Fun!

2008-11-27T17:25:00.016-05:00

Today was not only Thanksgiving...but also Kathy's birthday celebration.
Everybody gathered at my house to eat and eat some more!
Here are the highlights of the day...

The People!

The Food!

The Birthday!

And now for The Dessert!!!!

Hope your Thanksgiving was as delicious as ours!

Best Friend's Best Friend!

2008-11-22T08:11:00.005-05:00

It is said that dog is man's best friend. Well this morning man's best friend was enjoying a best friend of his own!

It was truly a warming moment!

A Reason for Cake!

2008-11-16T19:56:00.005-05:00

It was a special Sunday today! We celebrated David's birthday.

I wonder what he wished????
My wish is for many more!!!

And of course a birthday post wouldn't be complete without a birthday cake close up for Aunt Shirley :-) (It's called Punch Bowl cake...it is from the Paula Dean cookbook. It was yummy:-)

Trick or Treat!

2008-10-31T23:48:00.003-04:00

Tonight we had a range of trick or treaters...

We started with the brand new novice trick or treater. It was his first night out.
What a cute little punkin' he is!

And we ended with a veteran treater and an apprentice treater!

Wow I didn't realize the weight gaining season actually starts now!!!
I'm beginning to think it never actually ends. Ugh!!
I already have eaten 4 candy bars. Darn that leftover candy!

On a bright note...Hope your night was full of treats and not tricks!!!
Happy Halloween!

Guy Torture!

2008-10-10T23:22:00.004-04:00

What do you think guys would say to be the most torturous event they could ever have to endure?????

If you answered....

a chick flick double feature night you would be correct..ding, ding, ding,ding, ding!

John opted out of The Patriot on blue ray so this is what we got!
They both were actually pretty funny.
I just hope this doesn't mean we have to endure a male testosterone night anytime soon!
I'll let you know:-)

Guess Who Turned 30????

2008-10-06T22:45:00.011-04:00

Sean Pea!

Everybody was there....

to enjoy...

dinner...

presents and...

homemade cake!!!

(made by Mom!) Yum!!!

Here is the happy birthday boy with his birthday quilt!
Happy Birthday to Sean!!!!

Somewhere around forty years later...

2008-09-14T20:09:00.010-04:00

We gathered today to have Sunday dinner...

watch the Jags....lose :(

And to celebrate Sarah's birthday!

Here she is... the birthday girl in the middle approximately 40 years ago.

And here she is now!

Happy Birthday! With wishes for many more!

An Eerie Sight!

2008-09-05T19:46:00.004-04:00

We have often heard "our" owl as we call him but have never been able to catch him on film but one night there he was...

Then as quietly as he came he disappeared...

Daddy's Birthday!

2008-08-24T20:49:00.009-04:00

This weekend Kathy and Michael came into town so we waited to celebrate Daddy's birthday today at Sunday dinner.

Some of the boys on the floor playing :)

Sean and Celia

Daddy said this was for you Aunt Shirley! :)

We are so thankful for all the birthdays we can celebrate! Many wishes for a great year around the sun!

For the Moment!

2008-08-22T14:13:00.005-04:00

Just taking a quick moment while we still have electricity to update you on the conditions here.
The weather is still quite windy and extremely rainy. We have been without power for most of yesterday afternoon and night, and a lot of today. For the moment it is on. However the weather report now says tornadoes have been spotted in our area :-0
Here are a few pictures of our yard...

We lost the top out of one of our oak trees. Luckily it didn't hit anything on the way down.

It is hard to tell from this picture...BUT...usually you can walk around this tree with ease!
To say the least we have definitely gotten some rain!

Well right in the middle of the post above, the electricity did go out and I lost internet connection and half of the post. I just was able to finish it.
Right now things seemed to have calmed down thank goodness. The wind is still up and streets are a mess but hopefully the worst is past us now.

Sucky Weather!

2008-08-20T15:08:00.004-04:00

Thanks to a quirky storm, school was canceled here for today and tomorrow :(
So, what does everyone do on a rainy day?

Sleep! Of course :)

I'm already getting cabin fever! I am in work mind mode so I'm going a little stir crazy and I still have one more day to go!
Hopefully school will be back in Friday!

Flying Solo!

2008-08-20T14:52:00.004-04:00

This year Celia was on her own the first day of school!
All of her school life she had Jamie there with her. Now she will be flying solo and excited about driving to school on her own!

The End of Summer Vacation!

2008-08-04T07:50:00.004-04:00

This is what I want for the rest of the summer....what is left of it anyway! I only have one week left and Celia two. I should have posted it at the beginning! The time sure was anything but slow! But is sure was nice :-)

Birthday Twofer!

2008-07-27T20:14:00.013-04:00

This Sunday we not only got to celebrate one birthday but two!

It was Mom's and Mitchell's special day.

This is one of the beautiful roses Daddy got Mom...

along with a sweet poem he wrote for her!

Sean was there with a birthday hug along with...

a rare Kathy sighting ;-)

Opening cards and presents is always fun!

And what's better than one cake???

Two of course!!

This is our very off key rendition of Happy Birthday! It was soooo inspiring....

that Mom put on her new party shades!!!

New Homeowners!

2008-07-20T08:17:00.015-04:00

This weekend Rachel and James moved into their very own home!

Here are a few pics of the inside!

From the upstairs balcony...

Romeo, Romeo, where for art thou Romeo???

All furniture in??? Check!! Notice the doorway behind Rachel's arm...

This is what is back in there...Liam's own little secret fort... how cool is that!!

No rehoming purchase would be complete without....

funky wallpaper!!!

And the age old question...How many grown men does it take to put together a bed?
If you answered 3 you are the winner! Ding ding ding ding ding!

The bed is now finished!! Don't forget to click play!

This is who we refer to as the Lady of the House!

But here is the real Lady and Man of the house...tired but very excited from the move! Congratulations and wishes for many happy years in your new home!!

Rachel's Birthday

2008-07-13T17:42:00.013-04:00

Today we celebrated one of our many July B-days at Sunday Dinner. It was one year ago on this very occasion that I started the blog. Just about everybody that was there then was there today. With one new addition!

After everyone ate their vegetables it was time to light the massive amount of candles!! ;-)

Sarah made the cake all by herself!!

The birthday girl ready to make her wish.

The girls ready to sing and...

the guys ready for cake!!

Mom and Daddy were there to enjoy it all!

I'm trying something new...video! Be sure to click on the play arrow below the picture to try it out!

The new Howard Family one year later, one year older and one baby richer!

Ice Cream and Fireworks!

2008-07-04T22:20:00.011-04:00

July 4th... the day to celebrate our nation's independence! It is one of my favorite holidays. It brings back feelings of carefree summers and playing outside after dark...basically it makes me feel like a kid again.

We started off cooking out...

It wasn't low fat to say the least!

Then to add to the fatness (if that is a word:) we made homemade ice cream!

When I went to check on it I saw a message...at first I thought how sweet!! But then I thought ...could that be to the ice cream???? ;-)

In the rush to devour the scrumptious frozen treat, all I was able to get a picture of was the leftovers!

Then we headed out to light fireworks.
Two hundred and thirty two years later there are still bombs bursting in air!
Well that's at least what it sounded like tonight when we went outside.

They were actually very pretty...the pictures don't do them justice....

Another Happy Birthday for our country! With wishes for many more!

Holiday Kickoff!

2008-07-03T14:23:00.009-04:00

We started the July 4th holiday early with a ride down the river.

Celia and Kay...

and our Captain Dave!

Evidently there is some BIG Gator fan around the bend,

because they came and landed their helicopter on the dock. It has a big Gator on the top of it.???

We went on across the river into the creek and

passed a restaurant that sits out over the water. It actually started out as a little fish camp and boat ramp. Now it is a cool place to eat. We go there sometimes...it gets quite crowded.

After that it was time to tube!!!

Nice to be back on land...now for the rest of the holiday weekend! It involves homemade ice cream and fireworks :-) Stay tuned!

Let's Make A Deal!

2008-06-28T15:00:00.006-04:00

Well this story all starts with a tractor and Craig's list. It's like the classified ads on the internet... but it's free to post ads unlike the newspaper. People post and list just about everything on it. A big thing to do is to list things to trade. So...we listed a tractor and it was traded for a Honda 4 Wheeler. Since there is no where to ride a 4 wheeler around here another trade went into the works. Now thanks to Craig's list and yet another trade we are the proud owners of a Scooter.

With gas prices sky rocketing...this little cutie could come in handy! It is said to get around 70 to 80 miles to a gallon.

Now that's happy motoring!

Don't Take My Picture!!!!

2008-06-26T14:38:00.009-04:00

Well ever since I started this blog I have been snapping pictures anytime I can! Usually I get "Ugh...don't take my picture!" Well ...what they don't know is I am going to take it anyway so they really should smile or you end up with pictures like these ;-)

They still turned out cute:)

We Call it Mello Yellow

2008-06-23T17:55:00.005-04:00

Well today a transformation occurred...

It started with this and...

this!

The final product was...

a cheery room with a matching jacket... go figure :)

Yard Work or...is it Play?

2008-06-21T14:52:00.008-04:00

Today was yard work day or it seemed someone decided to play alittle :)

This was David's grandfather's tractor. He decided to stretch her legs.

He has done a lot to restore it but it still has a little ways to go. He said she is 51 years old this year! WOW!

Our goose Willy was out there watching it all.

I then went on a walk about the yard and it looks as if we will have lots of grapes this year.

Just remember... as you are out and about your world... stop and eat the grapes :)

Little Critter

2008-06-10T15:29:00.003-04:00

For the past couple of days I had been seeing a little lizard in the house. Well yesterday Celia came up to me with this little guy in her hands.

He was the cutest little thing!

A Happy Birthday!

2008-06-08T17:04:00.007-04:00

Today we celebrated Jamie's and Matthew's birthdays.

He's legal...out of high school and ...able to vote this year!

This is what happened when birthday boy got hold of the camera...

He said I never had to have pictures taken of me sooo here I am!

And we couldn't let a birthday post go by without a picture of the cake for Aunt Shirley!
Stay tuned July is a HUGE month for birthdays...I better start dieting now!

Graduation Day!

2008-06-04T21:33:00.014-04:00

I can't believe it...yesterday Jamie graduated high school. It seemed like just yesterday I was taking an excited little boy to pick out first day of school shoes and backpack. Then it was just yesterday I was taking an excited little boy out to lunch and helping him get ready for graduation.

We started out at Chili's for lunch...

The proud grandparents...the fourth grandchild to graduate. (The fifth, Danny, will be Friday!)

And getting ready...

The proud parents...

The same front yard I stood in 23 years ago on graduation day!

Then it was off to the races...

oops I mean the ceremony...it felt like a race to get there and get a good seat
and boy was it crowded.

Just hum Pomp and Circumstance...laa...la.. la.. la.. laaa... laaa :)
It's stuck in your head now isn't it???;-)

The excitement setting in

Diploma in hand!

We ended the night with what else....cake and presents!
It was a very exciting day! One door has closed and another is opening...

A Memorable Memorial Day...

2008-05-26T19:26:00.023-04:00

We started out on the shore of this beautiful backyard...

With the boys, and the skipper too (that's David)

Celia and her cousin...

And away we go....

Will was the first to partake of the water :)

Celia had never tubed before and was trying to figure out how to get in without getting wet...ha ha!

But somehow she did manage to do it!!

She enjoyed her ride!
A few more action shots...

Jamie's impression of Jack from Titanic "I'm King of the World!"

And of course you can't pass up a great butt shot!

After we arrived home we took a short intermission before going to Sarah's to cookout.

Hot dogs before...they go from 16 grams of fat on the left to 7 grams of fat in the middle and 1 gram of fat on the far right...

the grill master at his work ...

and his masterpieces...strange... the lowest fat ones didn't change much:)

Sean and Keely were there

the guys relaxing..

Mom and her oldest grandson!

Hope your Memorial Day was as fun and memorable as ours!

It's Four O'Clock Somewhere!

2008-05-25T20:50:00.005-04:00

I walked out in my backyard today around sixish and saw my beautiful four o'clocks in full bloom! This is a plant you can only really appreciate after the sun starts to go down and then they open up and put off a soft sweet fragrance. These are my hot pink ones. I also have yellow and soft pink. They die back in the winter. These have grown this much since the spring.

I have a sign that says "The Earth Laughs in Flowers"
If that is true my yard is finding things quite hilarious right now :)

Lazy Way!

2008-05-24T17:34:00.004-04:00

A couple of days ago I needed to go a couple of doors down to Sarah's house to borrow some cat food. Well leave it to little boys to play with their...

big toys! This is David's newest toy. He acquired it in a trade for one of his tractors. I liked it a lot better than the motorcycle he had!!!

Last Day!

2008-05-23T16:04:00.002-04:00

One excited boy...good bye high school!

Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-11T17:53:00.003-04:00

Before I was a Mom

I never tripped over toys or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom :
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom :
I never held down a screaming child so doctors could do tests. Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom :
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom :
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom :
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every
10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much, before I was a Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms and Grandmoms!

Play Day!

2008-05-08T21:30:00.008-04:00

Last weekend Naomi came over for a visit. Her Great Grandma gave her a doll and now it looks as if we may have another doll enthusiast in the family! I also hear Liam has a crush on Sweetie Pie (the doll in the picture!) Here are some of the most recent pics of them...

They grow like weeds!!!!!

Yo Ho! The Pirate's Life for Me!

2008-05-05T19:20:00.018-04:00

This past weekend was the 45th annual Shrimp Festival. We have been going for years. There are lots of antique booths and craft booths. And the smell of the food....oh my gosh was it good!
It all started with....

a band of pirates!

This is a shot down Main Street. We got there early. It was very crowded by the time we left.

The architecture in Fernandina is absolutely beautiful!
This house was on Main Street.

An old clock tower.

One of the many yummy treats!

Jewels from one of the Pirates wandering around the streets.

A pose with a cool ride that was for sale.

Later in the day....much more crowded. This is down one of the side streets.

We walked down to the water...many cool boats.

There were pirate flags galore!

After being down there by the water and smelling the salty air...

I can see the draw to the life...I could be a sea person!(That's politically correct for Pirate:)

Backward Blog!

2008-04-13T18:12:00.020-04:00

Guess what we did today?????!!!!! I will take you through the day backwards....

This is how it ended...

This was a few minutes before...

This is what I sat down with...

A waiting crowd...but for what???

A slice of cake from the birthday honorees !

Well I am sure you have guessed by now...
Yes we celebrated Danny and Kari's birthdays today.
And, oh yes, that meant...

double the cake!!!! Wow what could be better!

Yet once again we find a way to make a fattening event even more fattening!!!:)

Present time was all charged up (get it??)

Cingular would be proud!

Danny got mostly flat presents with a scratch lotto ticket.

Kari got a birthstone ring!

All the excitement wore David out! So...

a mystery guest appeared out of nowhere...

so who was the masked man??

Our one and only Grandaddy!!
Oh and by the way in case you didn't know...

Kari's favorite colors are pink and green:)
Until next time...
watch were you are walking...you never know what lies ahead!;)

Sweeet!

2008-04-10T19:55:00.004-04:00

While walking down the side of the house to take some trash out I caught a whiff of something incredibly sweet. I looked up to see this...

our honeysuckle vine in FULL bloom.
Boy! Did is smell sweeet!

And look beautiful! What a perfect place for honeysuckle...I guess that would make it nature's air freshener:)

Here Kitty Kitty!

2008-04-07T18:42:00.004-04:00

I have posted lots about our canine members of the family and not much about our felines in the house. Ingo(on the right) is my original buddy and the senior in the house-he turned ten years old this year! Lucy (on the left) is the juvenile at two years old.

Cats rule and....

dogs drool!

Let's Try Again!

2008-04-04T07:35:00.007-04:00

Okay...I researched this time and have decided to plant a little Japanese Plum or Loquat tree that I have been raising since it was just about 3 inches tall where the weeping willow was. We found it growing wild in a bad location next to the driveway so we pulled it up like a weed and I have been taking care of it in a pot ever since (probably for about 2 years now). Well hopefully it will like its new home!

Now we have to work on the grass!!!!!!!!!

Oh, remember the boulder???

This is what it looked like when it was uprooted from being buried in our front yard.
We tried to give it away...many people were interested but it is just too darn heavy and big for anyone to move...so it now has a new home...right here!

So when life gives you big rocks....

landscape around them!!!:)

New Homes...

2008-04-02T06:56:00.008-04:00

As I was walking around the backyard I noticed some new homes that have been built...

This one was nicely tucked up in the orange tree.
I wasn't sure who lived there but a little while later...

there she was coming to feed her babies. She was a bit nervous with me
standing so close.

Here is another home I found! You can't really tell how big it actually is.
I think I'm glad I didn't see who lives here :) I'm hoping it's the cute member of
the rodent family...the squirrel!

And while we are on the subject of homes....
Remember the weeping willow we planted?
Well many thanks to Aunt Shirley for bringing to my attention
that they have invasive roots. I looked it up on the internet and
they went as far to say- they are tenacious and would seek out
water even in a pipe with a hairline crack! So... it got a new home... it was put down by
the pond as far away from the house as possible!!! I will keep you posted on how it likes its new home.

Another Relaxing Evening!

2008-04-01T08:05:00.008-04:00

Well the weather was nice...a little cool touch in the breeze so...

we turned on the hot tub...

and fired up the grill!

Celia warmed her bones and...

David filled his tummy!
It was another relaxing evening!

An Old Friend is Back!!!

2008-03-31T16:19:00.005-04:00

A while ago a piece in our hot tub cracked! After sitting for a spell...

we are back in working order!

It was a most relaxing evening!

Replacement

2008-03-24T17:32:00.004-04:00

When we had the new drain field put in we had to have a huge tree taken down. The yard now looks empty without it. So we have decided to plant in its place a weeping willow.

Celia got her first lesson in planting a tree.

She did a great job!!!
Now we just have to get the grass to grow!!!!

Another One Blows the Candles!

2008-03-20T20:41:00.004-04:00

March is full of birthdays. A new one to the family was James this year! Happy, Happy Birthday!

A Sweet Birthday

2008-03-17T20:09:00.016-04:00

This past weekend we took a road trip to Kathy's for a Sweet 16 Party!

Celia and Rachel having fun before the party!

On the way...

and arriving...it was a black and white affair!

And of course eating...

Michael said it was his favorite thing to do.

Here are some other highlights from the party...

Three mothers and...

the three daughters.

Sixteen candles blown out for a wish come true!

The Birthday Princess and...

her new car!
Wow to be young! Hey, if beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then...is age in the mind of the thinker?
Something to ponder...until next time!

My First Bloom!

2008-03-05T20:06:00.005-05:00

I just love Camilla bushes. I have always wanted one. I have tried several but in the past they have always died. Well last year I tried again (hey what can I say I never give up:) Here is a picture of my first bloom. It was absolutely perfect!

The bush is still a little guy but I'm hoping one day it will be just covered in flowers!

Passing the Time

2008-02-28T21:14:00.007-05:00

What do you do on a cold night?...

Build a fire and...

play a little Texas Hold'em!

Believe it or not Celia and I tied!!! We had exactly the same hand...

This was her reaction! Pure shock and amusement!

I lost, but oh well, luckily is wasn't real money:)

A New Birthday Celebration

2008-02-24T19:30:00.005-05:00

We don't usually have a birthday to celebrate in February but Keely has now given us a reason to have cake (like we needed one:)

Gifts to open...

a wish to make...

The proud birthday girl with her sweetie.

It was a very nice birthday with wishes for many more!

Six Years of Love

2008-02-13T19:57:00.006-05:00

Every year for the last six years my honey has sent me a cuddly Valentine Bear from Godiva Chocolate for Valentine's Day!

Today this little guy came in the mail with...

this yummy box of chocolates that just melt in your mouth.

Here is a line up of all the little guys...boy that was a lot of chocolate through the years! But it was delicious!

Hope you have a special Valentine's Day!

Happy First!

2008-02-10T19:02:00.001-05:00

A very Happy First Birthday Wish to our little Chubby Cheeks!

BFF

2008-02-09T18:44:00.000-05:00

Friends are a treasure especially ones from as far back as grammar school. Mom and Daddy had a very special visit from Mom's BFF (best friend forever:-) Irma and Charles.

It was like no time had passed...the memories and stories were very fun to listen to.

And yes if you were looking closely in the other picture you probably saw Mom's new fashion statement in shoes! She chipped a bone in the top of her foot. I told her if she wanted more attention all she had to do was say so :-)

Watching the Grass Grow

2008-02-07T20:38:00.000-05:00

Well it has been a little while since the last post. Things have been quiet around here...that's a good thing!!!

We're here just watching the grass grow!!!

Are We Still On Earth?

2008-01-26T06:42:00.001-05:00

Are they moon buggy tracks?

Are these Astronaut's footprints?

They are neither! It is what we are left with after the completion of our drain field. This is what it looks like currently...yuck! Winter is bad enough with all the dead looking trees...but having to look at this every time you walk out your front door is quite depressing to say the least. David has put down some winter rye grass seed in hopes to keep the soil from eroding(if you can call it that, it really is more like moon dust:)

But there's more...I saved the best for last...our boulder!!! This was buried in the yard and the guys dug it out. It is starting to feel like the Flintstones around here!

I can't wait 'til Spring!!!

Confused

2008-01-23T19:30:00.001-05:00

Here we are in the depth of winter and most trees are barren. I noticed a couple a weeks ago my red bud tree starting to bloom out. I thought, "No way, it's too cold and too far from spring!" But much to my dismay it has totally bloomed! I am enjoying it but am very afraid the blooms will die in the cold and possible freezes to come. Oh well, I guess I will enjoy it while it's here!

It is a beautiful tree! Just about my favorite in the yard.

1/2 a Century!

2008-01-20T20:30:00.000-05:00

Well we have started off the year with a special birthday! This year John hit the big 5-0!
He says it doesn't feel any different than any other day! Well after living 18,250 of them I guess he should know! (We were kind with the candles! :)

Daddy put on his "happy" ears in case John needed cheering up!

But he didn't...he faced that 50 like a man ...

and was still smiling afterward!

While waiting for cake Celia chatted with her new boyfriend...

Still being silly...

David kept warm while waiting for cake and ice cream under my most current quilt.

Daddy was busy getting the ice cream on the cake...Celia was amazed how he multi tasked...putting food away, washing dishes and serving ice cream all at the same time!

In the end all John had to say was...

"50?...It doesn't hurt...come on 51!!! :)

New Look!!

2008-01-19T11:09:00.000-05:00

Well I decided that it was time for a change. It is not unusual for me because my hair grows so fast to just go get a haircut and do something different. Here are some before and after pictures.

Before...boring...

after some style!!!

Now after.. fun with Photo Booth (only on a Mac!)....

collage...

tribute to Andy Warhol...

me as a comic book superhero :)

Me as twins. Oh yeah!
It's amazing what fun one can have on a cold rainy afternoon with a cool computer program!

Here's looking at you until next time!

Surviving the Freeze

2008-01-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

This past week we had a hard freeze. It was colder than it has been in years here in J-ville. Thanks to a wonderful little greenhouse, I have spring in January.

I opened the door and this is what I saw...

a very happy Christmas cactus,

a bright geranium,

even new buds that weren't there when I put this little guy in safe keeping from the cold.
It was truly amazing to see everything so happy. It's my little spot of life in the winter!

Starting the New Year off Right!

2008-01-04T17:48:00.000-05:00

Every year we all gather to have New Year's Day dinner together. We eat lots of cabbage, rice, and black eyed peas for health, wealth, and fertility. I'm not sure which goes with which so I just eat a lot of all of it. It was all delicious as usual. Here are some pics of the bringing in the New Year right....eating!!!:)

This year Daddy made the black eyed peas...he soaked them all night and cooked them all the next day...they were delicious.

Yum...ready to devour!

His first outing (other than the doctor's)

Even the lure of food and the camera couldn't break the intensity of the football game on!

Always ready with a smile.

Nobody wanted to look up and smile...so I just took the picture anyway!!!

Daddy happy to start a new year...Sarah said he was supposed to be wearing his Micky Mouse ears but it didn't matter... he was happy anyway!

Hope your new year has gotten off to a great start too. I don't know about the wealth and health but I do know I have gained some pounds. Guess it's time to start that New Year's resolution...try to exercise and lose some weight : (

Memories of a Year...

2008-01-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

2007 was a year of many firsts...happy and sad...but what is it that they say?...It takes the bad to off set the good or every thing's not wine and roses??? Well whatever it is, as hard as some things may seem, when looking back it's the good times we want to remember the most like looking through rose colored glasses, but sometimes it's the sad things that bring back the bittersweet memories and make the good times that much sweeter! Sometimes the things you think are not what you want at the time end up being blessings in disguise. What you thought at the time was bad when looking back it ends up being a fond memory. You just never know which events in your life time line will be on what side. What is for sure though is that time marches on and doesn't stop. Here are some of the good and not so good reflections of a year...2007.

This is one of those...it's a good thing...it's a bad thing! It just depends on the day:) We started off the year with our two little Labrador pups (watch them through the year!)

David lost his Mother in January so his year was full of firsts without his mom.

His mother when she was young...but

time marches on and...

the puppies grow!!!

In February little chubby cheeks was added to the clan.

In March I turned ...40...this is one of those think it's bad at the time and then look back and cry harder...no :) really I look back and realize OH MY GOSH, I'm almost 41????

We found out there was an unknown member of the clan...we got to meet Robin and her family...this definitely was a good time ! :)

All the girls...

and the puppies were still growing...

and so was Rachel...we found out a new j-ville member was on it's way!

Summer came and I planted my first garden..some good cucumbers, a couple of tomatoes and TONS of cherry tomatoes.

and yes the pups were still here and still growing...James asked if I was feeding them miracle grow...humm that was a wonder considering I was using it in my garden :)

Another new member to the family, Keely...with an engagement announcement.

In the summer we also had a nice visit from Aunt Shirley and Uncle Burt

I will always consider 2007 the year of the quilts. Sarah and I learned to sew rag quilts and I have been addicted ever since.

I taught Sarah how to make a rag quilt, and she didn't think she could do it...one of those bad times at first and looking back it's a good thing!!!

The much awaited Harry Potter book came out.

Mom and Daddy celebrated their Golden Anniversary! Those are definitely good memories!

Then Aunt Shirley and Uncle Burt brought another good memory with a surprise visit for Daddy's birthday...

now whose sneaky, sneaky??? ;)

The first day of school came....a Senior in high school. Both of my babies in high school...as I said time marches on...

and the pups kept growing!

In the latter part of the year we found out about Daddy's colon cancer.
There was surgery and many prayers. While he was recuperating...

a first boyfriend came and has since gone...another of those at first bad then bittersweet memories.

Jamie started driving...what a nervous wreck I am now!!!

We played the Wii to pass the time...

the pups continued to grow...

and life started to return to normal.

Will bought his first tractor...

and so the tractor hobby was passed on to a third generation. Definitely not a first!

Time continues to march on...

the dogs continued to grow...

birthday pie tradition was started...

a visit from a long time friend from as far back as junior high. Who would have thought we would have daughters so close in age.

In December we welcomed a new member of the family.

Nana had to make sure her puppy was OK.

As we draw to a close...the Jags made the playoffs...

the yard that took ten years to look like this...

in about 30 minutes, thanks to this... and a need for a new drain field...

now looks like this...this hopefully will be one of those crappy (ha-ha no pun intended) memories now and a good one when it is all through. This will also most likely be the first memory of 2008 as the yard still looks like this 2 weeks later!

And we end the year like we began...almost... we started with two puppies with puppy brains and now we have two roughly 75 pound dogs but with puppy brains!

but I know this will be a future memory that will be all worth it!!!

This brings to a close the memories of 2007. I will look forward to all the memories that are to come in 2008. I hope everyone's is a great year to come with many good memories to be made as...

time marches on!!!

Welcome 2008!!!!

We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

2007-12-25T22:35:00.000-05:00

From our family to yours...Hope your Christmas was very merry!

(unhappy because we agreed...no presents..sneaky sneaky :)

A nice relaxing bath and a good book....I couldn't ask for a better present!

Time to eat...we all gathered at Sarah's

Preparing the food

The food line

Say cheese !

Yum!

The girls...

and now the men den...

There were a couple of man cubs too...

and the littlest man cub ate in the men den too!

Then it was time to play pass the baby!

Next... time to open presents!!

but this was the best present of all!

Hope your Christmas was all you hoped for and more!!!

He's Home!

2007-12-25T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well after what I'm sure seemed like an eternity the little one was able to come home!

After a snooze...

and a diaper change,

he was ready to be shown off! Here he is with his proud parents!!

The Newest Member of the J-ville Clan!

2007-12-19T15:12:00.000-05:00

Well he is here! Last week the newest member of the J-ville family arrived. Rachel had to have a c-section but is doing great. However, there were some complications that have kept the baby in the hospital so it has been hard to get pictures. But everything at this point is looking up so the hope is he will get to come home soon. These are the most recent pictures.

Isn't he just a little doll???

Nothing was stirring not even a mouse until...

2007-12-19T07:40:00.000-05:00

Almost a year ago our house was much quieter. For Christmas last year we decided to acquire not one but two Labrador puppies...brother and sister. Well here they are one year later as beautiful as they are rambunctious!

And we can't forget old Eeyore the senior dog of the house...the best dog in the world!
The new ones are coming along ...they are on their way to becoming great!

By the way any of you who are dog lovers and looking for a good book Marley and Me is one you should get and read!

A Beautiful Christmas Display

2007-12-15T20:20:00.000-05:00

Every year the flower shop decks the windows of its store. It is quite a display to enjoy. We usually go by every year to see the beautiful Christmas display. There is also audio at the store. The carolers are singing, Santa and Mrs. Claus are talking and singing, and the choir is singing. Here are some pictures. Hope you enjoy them.

It's Another Happy Birthday!

2007-12-15T20:06:00.000-05:00

Well not much time goes by without a birthday to celebrate. This time it's a sweet 16.

The birthday girl!

The lighting of the candles

She wanted petite fours for the cake (probably didn't spell that right but oh well : )

She received many nice gifts but grandma's and granddaddy's was her favorite...

her birthstone

It was another nice birthday!

Decorating the Tree

2007-11-28T18:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a wildly playful kitten we had to buy a new Christmas tree this year. Our playful little Lucy destroyed our tree so bad we had to throw it away last year. This one is pretty nice. It is a prelit tree so no lights or wires to mess with how nice! Lucy was there however in the middle of everything supervising what was going on.

We decided to put it off the floor because of ...

these two wild things!!!

I guess it doesn't matter how simple a task may be at some point you will have to refer to the directions.

There is the plug!!!

Putting on the ornaments

There it is and there she is :)

The only left to add is the star and the presents!
Looking forward to a Merry Christmas hope you are too!