Love. Laughter. Life

All this beauty...

2009-02-03T00:42:00.002-06:00

we called it...

All the kids got out in it for a little while
but it was these two....

that enjoyed it most and
who you will see the most in this post.

Alexandra and Blake were always close by...

they even had a little fun themselves...

but I decided
this was is all about the little guys.

We didn't get much snow,
an inch if we were lucky...

You would have thought God had sent
Conner a message in his sleep

telling him He was sending it his way
and to check in the morning

because that is what he did first thing out of the bed.
Then he squealed with delight!

Carson wasn't far from him
he was eager to get out there and
make his snow angel....
even going so far as to practice it
on the hardwood floor in the kitchen.

Conner spent most of his time eating the snow.

Every time I turned around this was what I found...

and these are the looks that I got
after telling him to stop eating it!

I love that little smile on his face...
he was really enjoying himself.

Typical Conner,
his curiousity is what usually gets him into trouble.

but not today...
he had too much investigating to do.

Don't know what is up with the color here...
but I don't care,
I just love the look on his sweet little face.

Conner...yet again...eating snow...

A quick shot of Alex

and one of Blake

then right back to the
Snow Miser!

I knew he wouldn't make it too long
before his mischievous side came out again...

Snow in hand...

Unsuspecting victim below....

Bingo!

That Conner....

you got a love him.

This one too...

He has those baby blues...

even all that beauty of the snow...
can't take away from those!

Indescribable...

2009-01-28T00:44:00.003-06:00

that's what this
wonderful winter wonderland was to me today.

I pulled everyone together
and threw them into the car
and wasn't thrilled to be doing it.

As the car backed out of the drive,
and I started to look around
one thing came to mind...

the word
"INDESCRIBABLE".

How did I know as I rushed around the house
aggravated to be heading to the store,

that once out in the elements
the ice, the rain, the cold...

that all the aggravation would be forgotten
and instead be replaced by an overwheming awe of the beauty around me.

Just another sign of how amazing my God is.

How do you put into words

how something that can cause such trouble,
such distress at times to the world around us

something that can put our daily lives to a stand still
by making its presence known,

how can it be possible to also see it
as this beautiful.

I don't know how...

It's simply
"INDESCRIBABLE".

As Chris Tomlin sings in his song,
"Indescribable"...

if you know
how many stars are in the sky...

and know their names...

this should come as no surprise.

God is so amazing
even the trees that His hands created
bowed to Him today.

As I looked at the trees bowing down
their limbs laden with ice,

I remembered that He has told us in His Word
that one day every knee will bow,

and every tongue proclaim
that He is Lord.

How don't see how anyone
could look around them today

and not see how amazing, how powerful He is.

I am also struck by the fact
that as awesome as He is

He still came for me...
died for me...

Cares for me...

for insignificant me...

truly amazing to me...

and just like the winter wonderland I was in awe of today,
I find it completely...

INDESCRIBABLE.

Daddy's Little Girl....

2009-01-26T23:29:00.004-06:00

Alexandra is growing up.

There is no hiding it...there is no slowing down

it's just a fact of life for us as parents.

It's so hard for me as a mom....

to see it happen...I believe it's even harder for Dad...after all,she's a self proclaimed"Daddy's Little Girl".
That's why this event was so special.It took place at the... Technically,it was the cotillions winter formal. Alex is taking a National League of Junior Cotillion Class to teach her manners and etiquette...to teach her how to behave, how to treat others, but more importantly...

how to be treated herself.

to have confidence in herself, and to learn how to be the best young womanGod has made her to be. What made the event extra special
for someone known as Daddy's Little Girl,

was theFather-Daughter dancethat came at the end of the evening. She may not yet realizejust how special that moment was...
but when she looks back in years to come...

I hope she will smile at the memory
and know what a treasure she has.

However,for daddy,it was evident on his face that he knew to cherish the momentfor these times are passing by so quickly.

She shared this time with who else...her friend, Kara.

I know her dad was as proud,to share such a special moment with his daughter...
as this Daddy was.

Alex always remember that these hands will be there to help you tackle whatever you may face in life...
That this smile will always be there to brighten the day when life has got you down...
That these feet will strive to always lead youdown the right path...

and that no matter how big you may getyou will ALWAYS be "My Little Girl" We love you.

Remember the Great Adventure...

2009-01-22T20:03:00.002-06:00

I think it was talked about in the last post?

Add a new chapter called...

Kids say the darndest things!

For example....

I was just notified by Blake's teacher

that he informed the whole 5th grade class today

that ....

his mother has been bloated this week!!!

Lord, give me mercy....

and

Give Blake a muzzle!

One day....

2009-01-22T18:28:00.005-06:00

it will all make sense.

What will make sense you ask?

***

This great adventure,

this thrill ride called raising boys!

***

Everyday, at some point, I sit and wind up asking myself

what God was thinking when he made boys!

Lord knows,

I wouldn't know what to do without them,

they know how to wrap their little hands around my heart,

and me around their finger!

However, God certainly intended raising boys to be

and great adventure into the unknown,

that's for sure,

and the more you raise...

the crazier the adventure becomes!

***

As I sit here typing,

I am made to also be a referee

of three boys who insist of having

a nightly ritual of

running through the living room playing football.

That's not so bad some might say...

Unless you're the someone

sitting here trying to keep peace.

***

First,

we have Conner,

who has recently decided

to learn the art of trash-talking.

If I hear the words,

"You're going down, Mister!",

one more time!....

After the 10,000th time,

the words kind of lose their humor.

***

Then, there's the phrase...

"You cheated!"

I am raising quite a

competitive bunch of boys here,

let me tell you.

***

About the time you get that

controversy settled

you will, for sure, have Blake

momentarily forget the speech or

the butt whooping he got last night

due to the fact that

he has clotheslined his brother.......

once again,

in the midst of one of his great tackles.

***

Is clotheslining someone allowed in the NFL?

Well, it's certainly NOT allowed here!

***

Lastly, there's Carson, the baby,

trying to hold his own.

He does pretty well,

Blake is much gentler with him

than he is with Conner.

Things go well,

until Conner decides to try out

Blake's clothesline technique on Carson...

sending Carson reeling...then squealing!

It is then certainly time

for a Momma time-out!

***

Ok, God, I've had a lightbulb moment,

I think I get it.

The reason for this adventure thrill ride...that is.

***

You made them rough and tough,

because they will one day

have a family to support

and work hard for.

So, for now, they destroy everything in their path,

and have me going gray with worry

and broke with band-aids...

However, it's what they do now

that will make them

good, strong men later.

Sometimes I allow myself to think,

it's what they do now, God,

that gives You your daily dose of laughter...

You must have the Conwell comedy hour

scheduled from 6:00-7:00 everynight.`

***

Regardless,

of the craziness that sometimes insues

or the ups and downs of this rollercoaster ride

you've put me on known as raising boys...

thank you God...

it is certainly the adventure of a lifetime!

This seems to be the time for birthday wishes....

2009-01-21T15:29:00.004-06:00

and
though you might be starting to tire of them
you will have to endure at least one more.
This one is for someone who is very close to my heart.
She has provided inspiration for many
and brings so much sunshine to my life.
Technically...
she isn't mine,

but my heart doesn't seem to know that!
~~~~~
Miss Ella turned
"5"
today.
~~~~~
What a year she has had,
she continuously seems to find a way to shine for God
in ways most might say are impossible.
Ella has proven this year that NOTHING
is impossible with God.

That smile.
That laugh..
That's my Ella.

Sometimes she may seem unaware
of the joy that she brings to others lives

but don't be fooled,
this little booger feels so much more on the inside
than people know.

You can't help but be drawn to her...
when you have sunshine following you everywhere you go,
that's expected!

There is just something about this face....

that can brighten any gloomy day.

People just feel like
life is just a little brighter when she's around.
I think it's all about the smile or
maybe it's just about the way
she she sees the rainbows
through the clouds.
~~~~~
If only we could see the world
as she sees it, hears it, experiences it.

Though some things,
may bring worry and concern across her face....
ultimately she has been given by God
the ability to laugh and smile
when most of us want to do the exact opposite.

though some see this as a characteristic of autism...
I choose to view it as a special gift from God.
She has shown me to laugh and look for the rainbows
or the unordinary which I tend to overlook.
My, what I would have missed out on
if not for my Ella.

Who knew January 21, 2008,
when she turned just four years old,
that this little girl,

would and could inspire this big crowd of people

to walk for Autism

and by doing so spread
Inspiration. Awareness. and Hope.
I know who knew....
God did.

They all did it because
of God and one very important person...
My Girl,
Miss Ella.

She has had a wonderful year...
full of new accomplishments.
She has found many things along the way to
experience and appreciate....

and by doing so,
has taught us to do the same.

She has taught people
to never underestimate the possibilities
of ANY child,
She's proven
that you can never know
how far a child can reach until you teach them to climb.
(Angie, I'm not talking about the kitchen cabinents here!)

She has taught us all to find new ways
to show people we love them.
If one thing doesn't work,
always try, try again.

Most of all,
she has taught me
that when you truly love someone...
you don't always have to say it...

for there are some that may not be able

to understand the words...
But there is a place they can always feel it
where it can always be understood...
that place is found
in the heart.

Ella,
Misshelle
(that's what she calls me!)
is so proud of you and all the new things you
experienced and learned this past year.
My prayer is that God will continue to guide you
to your rainbows end and to what He has for you,
that He will continue to help you
show me and others
about the beauty in the world around us
that we take for granted,
and that,
He will continue to allow you to feel
the love and support of those around you.

I love you Sweet Pea.

Thank you for being the sunshine in my world,
and for teaching me to look for the rainbows on the rainy days.

One More Special Birthday Wish...

2009-01-19T12:00:00.010-06:00

One thing I love about having this blogis the ability to tell people who are special in your liveshow special they are to you in a special way.Someone who is special to our family is... Miss Tobianne"~~~~~.

We have known her parents for as long as I can remember.

Her mother, Cyndi, and I have a lot in common,so as I come here to wish Tobianne, a very Happy Birthday,I can't help but think of how her mom
& my friend, Cyndi, must feel......

You see last weekend, Tobianne turned "16".As I looked through these picturesthat I have had the pleasure of taking of her over the last couple of years,I know, if only in some small way, what Cyndi's thoughts for her might be.So, I send this message to her today.........
Tobianne,

Sixteen...Driver's licenses, dating, and a world full of dreams.The big birthday that every pre-teen girl looks forward to.

A little girl no more, a young lady on a journey to finding God's will for your lifeand making steps each day towards becoming a woman.

Things will be exciting for you over the next few years...so many new dreams you will see come true,a new sense of independence will find it's place in your life.

Don't be afraid to take your time
and enjoy this in between time in your life.

There's nothing wrong with being the onewho still loves the thought of being a little girl at heartwhile you seek God's path for your life.

You will have questions along the way...you will have heartache... only to find that it can always be replaced again with joy.You will wonder how you will know if certain things are meant to beor if it is possible to know at all.

Sometimes the best part of this time in your lifeis that you don't know what the future holds,for if you did, you might miss out on the bumps in the road.Those bumps are what make you truly appreciatethe dreams that come true when you get to the end.

You will feel the need to show you can do things on your own,but sometimes you show the most strength, the most responsibilitywhen you reach out to those that love you and ask the questions that you can't seem to find the answer to on your own.

I know that the Lord and mom and dad will always be there to answer those questionswith a few others behind them,but always remember that there is another red-headed woman always ready to help with any questions you may have as well.

Don't ever hesitate to ask...I'm always here for you,you are a wonderful young womanwho has truly been a blessing to watch grow up.We love you,Mrs. Michelle

DA-DUMP......DA-DUMP......

2009-01-18T21:24:00.004-06:00

I think a hear a heartbeat.....
Could it be that this blog still has a little life left in it?
....
After a failed harddrive...
which resulted in many newly added gray hairs
I think we may be back in business!
I have a lot to catch up on because
but I am glad to finally be able to communicate
with the outside world
yet again.
~~~~~
There's so much to catch up on,
but to start back,
I have for you,
the newest...
most beautiful 12 year old
on the block.
She started out as our Cinderella
back when she was five...
that was her birthday wish that year
and at her party
that's who exactly who she was.
There she stood in her sparkly blue dress
complete with crown glistening in her hair.
....
Miss Alexandra
turned 12 just yesterday.
Cinderella has gotten older
and has now turned into a beauty.
She is already looking forward to next year...
thirteen!!!!
Her eagerness is balanced by the fact
that her daddy and I can't seem to fathom
the idea that our little Cinderella is growing up.
We find ourselves wishing often
that she would just slow down
and cherish each day of her twelth year
because when she reaches our ages...
she will be glad that she did.
She spends her days
spinning and twirling and doing cartwheels across the floor.
She has hopes of being a cheerleader...
We have hopes of her finding happiness in being herself...
the one God created her to be.
We have hopes that she find's God's will for her life
and use the talents He's given her to
become someone a lot more special in this world than
Cinderella.
This weekend
Daddy will get to have one chance to dance with his Cinderella
before next year comes and she is officially
a little girl no more...but a teenager.
She will attend the Winter Ball for the
Junior League of Cotillions
she is participating in.
She may dread the father-daughter dance
that closes the ball out...
but I have a feeling that Dad will hope,
as I will,
that time will stand still
and for a few brief moments
she will be that little girl of five again....
the little girl we called
Cinderella.

The say that the eyes are the window to the soul....
Hers must be just beautiful.

That smile can brighten any dreary, cold day.

Alexandra,
Despite how old you grow...
there will always be some little something
that reminds us of you as a little Cinderella
at the age of five.
Life's road will take you many places
and allow you to see many things....
Always remember what it felt like to be little Cinderella...
Always savour the moments of being a twelve years old....
Always know we love you,
that we are proud of you,
and that we feel so blessed to know you are ours.

Spreading the Spirit of Christmas.

2008-12-09T14:21:00.001-06:00

Hello Everyone.
I hope that everyone is enjoying the Christmas holiday season
and remembering what this time of year is all about.
For our family
the meaning is centered around
the greatest gift man has ever received...
the birth of a miracle...
a small baby boy,,,
who came to change and save the world.

It is also about finding some way to give to others.
Last year, we rang the bells for the Salvation Army at Walmart,
and this year, well, we are trying to help out a little closer to home.
I received an email yesterday and immediately knew that this was
the thing for us to do this year.
I have sent out an email to my list of friends and family
and I thought that those of you who follow my blog
may be looking as well for a way to give of yourself this year.

A week ago
a man named Tommy...
who was once a part of my extended family...
someone who helped build the home we live in now...
lost his life after falling from a home he was working on.
I only saw Tommy every blue moon,
usually at some function supporting his granddaughter
who is the same age as Alexandra,
but it didn't matter how long it had been
he still had a smile when he saw us...
and a kind word to say.
After hearing the news of his death,
my mind went to his family and
what they would face this holiday season.
Like many,
I wanted to do something but didn't know what.
Then I was forwarded an email yesterday
originated by one of his friends
telling me that his family is struggling.
Not only mentally, but financially to cover funeral costs.
Friends are trying to come up with ways
to raise money for his family to help out with this.
They have come up with a plan to sell Krispy Kreme donuts
like many of the schools do for fundraisers; however,
they are open to help or donations of anykind.
I plan to buy a few boxes of donuts and
give a donation to Nave's Funeral Home in Erin, Tn.
This money will go towards Tommy's funeral costs
and hopefully help ease a little of the burden for his family.

Times are tough...
if you are like us,
you may not have much to give
but we will find a way to do what we can.
I can give my kids no greater gift this Christmas
than to teach them how to care for others
and how important it is to give to those who are in need.

If you would like to join me in doing something this Christmas
to make a difference in this family's life...
just send me an email and I will fill you in on all the information.

Thank You
&
Merry Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-12-09T13:32:00.004-06:00

Here's a ton on photos from our
Thanksgiving.
Most of the day was spent with
Jimmy's family.
The kids seem to steal the show this year
and it was mostly the little ones.
My big kids were so-o not into l
letting me take their photos this year.
Anyway,
not a lot of say here...
just a lot of photos.

These two games kept them occupied...
at least for a short while!

Blake was all into the football game.

You DON'T want to know what this is about!
Just another mom and daughter moment
thanks to
Kathy & Mollie

Grandma's $3.00 find
was a hit...
thank goodness for hardwood floors.

Kathy and some of her girls.

and then there was the food...

Kathy was so excited...as usual!

Carson waited patiently
while Aunt Kathy clowned around.

Dayton and his Goddy (Grandpa),
otherwise known as Michael, Jimmy's brother.

Blake means business when it comes to turkey.

Not much comes between Carson and his food...

but he did take time out to show
Aunt Kathy some love.

Oooh. yeah.
Now, that's what I'm talking about!
(She'll kill me for that one.)

Sebastian,
I took him by surprise.

Time for a little ball
Dayton was just learning
and once he got started...

he didn't want to put it down.

Sebastian finally got a few swings in.

and then...
it was football time in Tennessee.

Alex had to deal with being the only girl there...
so she resorted to sitting indoors and finding something good to read.

Everyone seemed to enjoy
spending the day together.

Blake enjoyed aggravating Mollie...
imagine that!

Grandma and Mollie

Before leaving,
Jimmy's mom wanted me to take a photo
of all the kids together.
That went well....
NOT!

As you can see...
Alex was really into it...
NOT!

After all the fun was over there...

we went by to check on my wonderful Aunt Gay
who is recooperating from knee surgery.

Carson showing us his new crossing the eyes trick...
Funny at first
but then I remembered the comments I used to hear
when I did it as a child...
you know about the whole eyes getting stuck thing.
Yes, I turned into my mother
and uttered the words...
"Oh don't do that, your eyes will get stuck like that!"

Uncle Frank found the whole thing amusing.

Aunt Gay doing what Aunt Gay does best...
shower us with love.

Teresa doing what Teresa does best...
finding a bargain.
Which I needed when I headed out to start
Christmas shopping at 10:30p.m.
the night of Thanksgiving.
Yes, you heard me right.
My crazy cousin,
Misty,
convinced me to go to Opry Mills to shop
when they opened at midnight.
I thought, just like you are,
that I had lost my mind.
After arriving at the mall,
and seeing crazy people camping outside...
while others dragged their young children around
the mall at 2:00 in the morning...
I realized that I wasn't the crazy one at all.

All in all,
I had a wonderfully delirious time
and got lots done...
all without getting run over
or giving anyone a black eye.

So, here's to being thankful for all
of my many blessings...
those from above...
those from family...
and
those from the mall!!

Family....

2008-12-05T16:34:00.013-06:00

that small little word
says so much.
Family
is there when all the world
feels as if it is falling in around you...
sometimes it is the cause.

*****

Family
knows who you really are...
whether it be you at your best or you at your worst.
Yet, they still love you.

*****

Family
is always there
when the days are full of rain...
they stand there...holding out the umbrella
until the sun shines again.

*****

My dear friend, Wendy, knows about "Family"
and what it means to have one...
Just look at the pictures below and
you will see she is truly blessed.
Wendy,
here's a little reminder
of the fact that regardless
of the rain or clouds that come your way,
you always have your umbrella,
your family....
and that in the end...
the sun eventually ALWAYS shines again.

*****

I hope that these photos
are worth you all bearing the freezing temperatures
to get them.

Wendy & Her Other Half...
over a decade together and still going strong.

Wendy
and
her family...
vintage style

Miss Kara...
who turns "12" today.
Happy Birthday!!!

Little Miss Abigayle...
otherwise known as "Abbie",
the baby of the bunch.

Mr. Zack...
the big freshman...
you were such a good sport,
and I really appreciated it...
I know Wendy did too.

We girls headed to the barn
for some more photos...
while the guys warmed up in the car.

A quick snap of Wendy & her girls.

This baby girl
loves her mommy!

We braved the cold one more time
and made our way to one more place
on the family farm.

You would never know by looking at this picture
that these three had taken turns standing out in the 30' degree temps.
for over an hour.

However,
the photographer, on the other hand,
was starting to lose the ability
to move her trigger finger because of frost bite...
so these last few were taken very quickly!

One last photo....
I think this one is hilarious.
I wanted to try an idea for a photo I had seen.
At his point everyone was frozen and tired of sitting still,
So, I told them to do whatever they wanted to...
I should've obviously given more direction...
look at Wendy and Chris's facial expressions!!

This post has been all about "Family"...
that last photo couldn't provide a better example of the word!

Sisters & Brothers...

2008-11-25T11:26:00.007-06:00

I know from seeing firsthandthat the relationship between a sister and brotherchanges like the wind.I tell Alexandra and Blake all the timethat God chose them to be sister and brotherfor a reason.He gave them a life long gift that one day, they will treasure.I had the pleasure of photographinganother sister & brother duo...their relationship reminded me so much of Alexandra & Blake.Though all four may tend to act as ifthey really don't need the other one around...or that they don't careall that much from time to time...they know, when the cards are down...and all is said and done...who is on their side...and who always has their back.One day they will realize too, that, more importantly, these are the people who...~~~~~they will forever carry in their heart, along with all the memories of today.~~~~~Meet Bailey....

just beautiful.~~~Meet Cole...
a handsome fella...that made me work for every smile!!I didn't get many...but he was a hard one to crack!
~~~

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A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams. ~Author Unknown
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a little vintage

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In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips. ~Author Unknown

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Sometimes being a brother is even better than being a superhero. ~Marc Brown

~~~

The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend. ~Cali Rae Turner

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~~~

To the outside world we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time. ~Clara Ortega

What's a matter friend?.....

2008-11-21T17:30:00.002-06:00

has the world got you down?...
Do you long for the days of three weeks ago
when you could come to this blog
and find something
the Conwell Family had done
to make you laugh?
I've been notified that I or should I say this blog
has been missed.
Some have even said it is has come to be
one of life's little necessities for them.

Well, you know the Conwell's hate to disappoint!!!
Without further ado,
something to put a smile on your face from a few weeks back.
Of course,
it features, who else,
Conner.

Meet Conner's new friend.

He looked him straight in the eye
and told him he was in for a bumpy ride!

Poor little creature...
he didn't know how true that warning was.

He did find a few moments of tenderness for him.

For some reason,
I don't think that his new little friend
truly appreciated his view!

I was waiting for it to climb right into his mouth.

What's that they say about boys?
I believe it goes something like this....

Snips and Snails
and Puppy Dog Tails....
That's what little boys are made of.
I have never seen words more true!

Ladies & Gentleman....

2008-11-20T23:43:00.003-06:00

I proudly introduce you to...
the new king in town,
Mr. Blake Conwell!

Though the photos are blurry
and red-eye abounds,
you can still see how
happy he was to be "King".

As he stood at the gym entrance
waiting for them to announce his name....
he didn't seem too nervous,
if he was, you wouldn't have been able to tell.

Upon entering the room
he looked down for a brief moment
as if the nervous were starting to show...

but then...
he pulled that head up and all you could see
was a smile...
a BIG one!!

The waited to hear their names called...
Sorry for the crazy eyes!

and
as soon as the award was in his hand...
this HUGE, not big, but HUGE grin
was all you could see

At first,
I thought he had chosen that moment in time
to become a comedian...

and though everyone around us
thought it was hilarious,
I stood waving franticly at him...
yelling
"Not that grin...please not that grin!"
and... for a moment... he stopped

and then,
there it was again!

When I cornered him afterwards
and asked why the HUGE grin...
he said
"I couldn't help it, I was happy."
That's all he had to say...

He thought it was awesome
that so many people wanted their picture
made with
"The King".
Here he is with his queen,
Miss Beth

and his buddy from his class...
Mr. Dakota

Usually you have to fight to get my dad
to smile in a picture.
That night,
I had no problem.
I don't know who was more excited,
Blake or his Papaw!

Miss Paige....
I guess you could say
she is very fond of the "King".
So, she asked if she could
have her picture taken with him.
Blake certainly didn't complain!

Blake wasn't the only royalty crowned that night....
Miss Zoe was crowned "Princess".

The "King" and his proud Grandma

Aunt Kathy liked the award so much
she tried to take it for herself.

and then...
there's Mrs. Angie,
his teacher.
He couldn't have been more blessed
to have been placed in her class this year.
He thinks the world of her...

and it looks as though
she thinks he's pretty great too!

This was Blake's poster.
He loved it...
but Mr. Kirk hated it...
because every day a new piece of it
was laying on the floor
waiting to be hot glued back on.
I guess you could say...
I got a little carried away!

He carried that plaque around the rest of the night
and when I woke up the next morning...
there he sat on the couch... with the plaque beside him.
The fact that he was so proud of it
made it so special for us.
What I was most proud of...
a conversation he had with me
a couple of days before.
He came and stood beside me
as I was dipping
my 1,000,000th pretzel in chocolate.
He wanted to help me, so I let him,
if fact, I appreciated it.
Then, without a lot of fanfare, he said simply...
"Mom, thanks for doing this."
Enough said...Enough said.
Love you "King"
Congratulations!

What A Great Day to be...

2008-11-05T09:44:00.006-06:00

so young.
Yesterday,
the sun was shining...
the weather was warm...
so we decided to join
my cousin, Misty, and her two beautiful kiddos
at the park.

Oh, to be so young again
and to just enjoy...truly enjoy... the simple things
that life has to offer.
Here's a ton of photos from our day together.
I brought the camera but
left the worrying about doing it exactly right at home...
so overlook those that are overly bright...
and take time to remember what it would be like to be
to be a kid again.

Little Miss Ella

Mr. Jacob

Making Friends.

Little Miss Ella got caught up in the football game
but not by choice!
When the ball came her way...
it seems no one could bear to look...
except me that is!

Guys,
we had a great time with you today.
Jacob, you are one great football player,
Blake, Conner, & Carson can't wait
to play with you again soon.

Just a little bit of...

2008-11-03T14:28:00.004-06:00

sunshine for you today...
in the form of Little Miss Emma.

I attempted my hand at a photo with a little sunflare going on...
I realize now, it was only fitting for such a sweetheart such as this,
whose personality can brighten any day.

At times in our lives...
we go through things that have us worrying about the future...
the days sometimes seem gray...

but once that new day arrives...

we realize what we thought was going to be
a dark and lonely day...

is really just God putting us through a few things
so that we may truly...

enjoy the sunshine...
soak up every moment of it...

and never look back.
Trish and Tonya
I know that you have got to love your...
Little Miss Sunshine,
she was worth it all, wasn't she?!

I truly enjoyed my time
with this little one.
She is so growny to be just three years of age,
and what a mess she is!!

Miss Emma didn't miss a thing...
always stopping to investigate every sight and sound.

I love the look of awe on her face
in this photo...
truly what being three years old
is all about.

I wanted to add a little more contrast on this one...
to bring out those beautiful eyes.

Thank you Miss Emma
for spending some time with me
and being such a great model!

Just a couple...

2008-10-31T12:37:00.003-05:00

of my little guy.
We may not get much into the spirit of Halloween,
but we sure do get into the spirit of fall.
~~~~~
Just a couple of snapshots from a few weeks back.
He decided to be my test model before I took
a few fall pictures for someone else.

love you buddy.

There is something I hope...

2008-10-31T12:25:00.006-05:00

I never have to face.
You can see it in this short video.
My daughter, upon seeing it, was upset
and asked why I would want to put something so sad on here.
I was fighting back tears when I told her
that I didn't mean it to be sad,
I meant for it to help us all
relate...understand...be reminded...come to know...
what God did for us, all of us.
Even if there had just been me or you on this earth...
God would've sent His son.

The movie has such symbolism
of what God did for us in sending His son.
Upon watching this,
I relate the to the father's sacrifice, but...
I can not imagine making the decision
that father had to make.
God our Father,
faced that same decision.
To save His Son or save the world.
What agony He must have faced as a father.
What a sacrifice...what a gift...
just for insignificant you and me.

John 3:16-
"For God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son
that whosoever believeth in Him,
should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shalt believe in thine heart that God
hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."
Thank you, God, for your sacrifice.
Thank you for our gift of your son, our salvation.

Thank you, Misty, for sharing it with me
it was a true blessing to me today.

It's about giving.

2008-10-27T23:26:00.006-05:00

I am holding my breath

and praying that I have found the problem with the blog.
I had to monkey with a few things
so my post of
Miss Ella and Miss Zoe
from a couple of days ago has been moved a little,
and I have had to remove the You Tube video
from Jimmy's mom's birthday wish
but hey, anything to have things back to normal around here!
~~~~~
About the giving...

This past Saturday,
our family had the honor of participating
in a local autism walk for
Make a Difference Day.
The whole thing was done by
a group of students
from our local elementary school.
What a wonderful thing for us
to get to show our support
for autism awareness
but more importantly
to our great little friend...
Ella and her family.
How much does it really take to

show someone you care

that you want to make a difference in their life.

Usually not very much...

so why do we not do it more often?

A group of cheerleader moms

gave up time, gave of themselves

to allow their daughters to

give of themselves.

My sisterfriend, Angie, and Miss Ella
getting ready to roll.

Angie and Dan gives of themselves

each and everyday...

but it's so worth it

to look at this face...

Miss Ella didn't roll long,
but when she did, many times,
I had the pleasure of being her chauffeur.
Even more of a blessing to me...
I didn't push much...
or take pictures much....
simply because Miss Ella
wanted me to walk with her
and hold her hand.
A simple thing for some
but to me...
it was priceless... it was a prayer answered...
it was a sign that Ella is trying to reach out.

I count it a great honor
that she reaches to me.
Along with Ella,
I had the pleasure

of escorting her cousin, Autumn, as well.
Yes, I felt quite special that day!
It's great to be able to give without

even knowing it.

I may have been giving up a little bit of my time

but gaining time with Miss Ella...

there is nowhere I would have rather been!

The littlest ones may not realize
what they were walking, running, and giving themselves for now...

but I hope they will know one day
and continue to give of themselves

and make a difference
and show love for others
by doing things just like this.

I see how much
what I decide to be involved with and love...

becomes what my children
love and become involved in.

It's always a blessing to see
that when you love and give to someone
how they always seem to give and love you back.
Conner has always loved Mrs. Angie,
and in this photo it's easy to see why...
she loves him too!

Boys seemed to rule the part of the walk we were in...

that's ok,
like minds tend to stick together! We were all there for one purpose, to spread once againInspiration. Awareness. Hope.

Along the trail
there were many things from nature
the boys found to stop and explore.
Jed found this heart shaped leaf
and asked Carson to hold his heart.
That about sums up what we
wanted to do that day...
we place their hearts in our hands...
to be placed in our prayers
each day, everyday.
~~~~~
The walked was soon over and
the kids decided it was time for some fun.

Mr. Jed...

headed straight...

for the train.
It wasn't long before everyone joined him.

Mr. Oweneven gave of himself andwalked a little...
from this face it looks like he had a great time doing it!

Then...

a few carnival rides before heading home.

No rides for Ella...

just the boys...

and ...

someone else who forgot she's not a kid anymore!

Blake swore he didn't want to ride
and tried his best not to smile
but I have proof right here that he did enjoy it...

as did I...
whether I look like it or not!
~~~~~Give of yourself today,Make a difference in someone's life.It doesn't have to be anything major...just a little something to show you care.You'll spend the rest of your week being glad that you did.

It's been a while....

2008-10-27T22:51:00.002-05:00

since you've seen these faces around here.
I must say I sure have missed them.
I got to feeling a little excited...
a little bubbly
at the thought of these girls coming for a visit.
I get to act like a goofball,
like a kid with these girls.
~~~~~

Miss Ella
who once upon a time felt a little uncertain..
a little unsecure about this place...

No signs of that today.
I think she has known for a long time
that she has me wrapped.

All it takes is the words...
Miss Shelle...
and whatever follows well...
she gets it!!

Don't worry Angie...
I can say "No" if I have to....

Thank goodness I don't have to do that often!

She hasn't eaten much pizza over the last year...
but she's getting to enjoy it again.
In her eyes,
you can see that she's still asking permission

The best part is seeing these two together.

Miss Ella has always had a special connection with Conner.

I think he knows it...
I think God planned it that way...
He always has someone there for us doesn't he?
Regardless of our situation or place in life
I've always felt as if he sends someone to us.
I know that was the case with
Miss Ella and Zoe's Mom.
She is my someone that God sent to me.
Love you woman!

Miss Zoe,
My Birthday Buddy
is getting so big...

so much older looking...

it hurts my heart to see it

but only for a moment
because how can a heart be hurting...

when you're looking at a smile like this?

She gets me with that crinkled up nose and grin
every, single time!!

Miss Zoe
you are one special girl.
Don't ever forget that.

God has placed you as a big sister
to two great little kids.

He knew he had to have someone
with a wonderful, caring heart

who would help to guide
Ella and Jed
along the way.
You're doing a wonderful job of that girlie,
and I love you for it.
Better yet,
I love you for just being you.

~~~~~
Thank you girls for coming to see me today.
It's been too long, you guys come back soon.
love you.

Frustration...

2008-10-24T15:27:00.003-05:00

that's what this blog is causing me about now.

Things are not working exactly right...
my sidebars and music and links are all
showing up at the bottom.

Not sure why that is happening
but trying to figure it out.

Thanks for stopping by and
hopefully things will be back to normal soon!

Another day...

2008-10-24T14:45:00.006-05:00

another chance to practice my hobby,
and oh, how blessed I am,
to be able to do just that with...

kiddos like these.
Meet Sarah, Levi, & Aaron...

they love their life on their farm.
They spend their days
exploring the world around them...

...

...

...

I'm all over a kid...

who loves...

having their picture made!
Sarah was all about it.

Mr. Levi.

He made me work for it!

Mr. Aaron

was a little nervous at first...
but soon warmed up to me.

You can just tell these kids enjoy
being outside...

and being on the farm.

I soon learned that they loved the
"Three Stooges"...

how fitting!!!
Just the three of them doing
their favorite stooges impressions.

Miss Sarah
cracked me up with this red purse.
She may love life on the farm...
but she has some girly girl
tucked away in there too.

Mom didn't plan to be in any pictures
but while the kids took a break...
I seized the opportunity
and so did she...
She and her husband tried
for many, many years
to start a family
as you can see
God answered their prayers
and then some...
baby number 4 is due in December!

Even Shiloh the dog
and to deal with the camera!

Thanks kiddos...
for being such good sports
and dealing with the chilly autumn morning.

You guys are the best!

A Special Birthday Message for...

2008-10-22T00:32:00.007-05:00

one of the most special people I know.

He calls her...
"Mom".

I am blessed to be able
to do the same.
Not everyone can say that.
She is truly a gift to me and my children.
They love her...
it's obvious when they see her.
~~~~~
She has given to so many her whole life
and she has lived a long one.
Longer than most people think.
She turned seventy-six yesterday,
and can out do some thirty years younger.
~~~~~
She has raised seven children of her own
and is now there giving advice, support, and love
to her grandchildren, and it is always unconditional.
~~~~~

I struggled with what to get for a birthday present
and after lunch yesterday an idea hit me.
A slideshow from the kids...
she would appreciate that more than any gift
I could ever purchase.
I spent the next few hours searching files for photos
and quickly putting it together.
Perfect,
No,
perfect in her eyes....
Yes.
That's all the approval I needed.
~~~~~
You have to know your grandbabies love you,
We do as well.
Thank you for all that you do for us,
the love you show us,
the pancakes you make us:)
and
for just being you.
We hope that you had a wonderful day.
~~~~~
I thought I would share the video with you.
This You Tube version is fuzzy...
to see a better version,

go to my slideshow link on the right.
(Don't forget to pause the blog music before starting!)
UPDATE
10/28/2008
You Tube video appeared to be causing
some problems on the blog
so I have removed it.
You can still see the video by following the link below.
Happy Birthday Grandma

~~~~~
Happy Birthday Mom
We Love You!

Party time...

2008-10-21T23:25:00.003-05:00

ok, well, it WAS party time
about 5 days ago!!!
Let's just say last weekend
is was full of activity.
Conner's birthday party
was the start of it.
Kung-Fu Panda
was the request.
So...
We tried our best
to give him his wish.

Not sure what this look is about.

The boys table.
He didn't spend much time there....

because of the new bike.
He found it too early, but hey, it was his day...
he could do whatever he wanted!

After much deliberation
he finally decided on which Kung-Fu Panda mask to wear...

it figures it was the bad guy....
or should I say cat!

Aunt Kathy
you were such a great help.
Thank you so much.

His buddy from football practices
Mr. Payden.
Is he cute or what?

Conner trying to figure out the chopsticks.
We had some chinese accessories to help keep
the kung fu theme going.

Grandma broke open her fortune cookie
to see what good fortune
is coming her way.

looks like it was some love from
the birthday boy himself.

He was generous with his love that day.

Nana was able to get some too.

Alex and a couple of her cheerleading sidekicks
preparing for the cheer competition the next day.
More details on that to come later!

We put the chopsticks to good use

with a chopstick race.

He decided to throw the rules out the window
and make a run for it.

Some of the big girls decided to get in on the action.

Carson, as usual, decided to follow his brother's lead
and run for it!

We had one more game.
Key the Kung- Fu Fighting music....
"Everybody was....
Kung-Fu Fighting"
sing it with me now!!!

"Those cats were fast as lightning
In fact it was a little bit frightning"

"But they fought with expert timing!"

Conner...

the mighty warrior...

could hardly bear
our
"Happy Birthday"
serenade.

He had a great time.
We lost our mind while birthday shopping
and actually decided it was a
smart thing to purchase him toy nun-chucks.
This photo shows that it didn't take long to realize
it was not a smart thing to do.
He and Payden used them to bust open a can of coke!
Who knew?!!!

Someone else very special
celebrated a birthday today.
I hope to share more of that
with you later today.
Until then....

Five Years Ago....

2008-10-15T16:01:00.008-05:00

I met the sweetest little man.

He's had my heart ever since

I first laid eyes on him.

My heart isn't the only one he's captured,

he has his daddy's...

and pretty much everyone

who's around him.

I already miss year number 4....

He is changing each day

but one thing's for sure

He is EVERYTHING boy...

that's part of why we love him so.

He is so-o mischeivous...so, so charming...

such a sweetheart... such a trouble finder...

such a caring fella...

such a CON!!

~~~~~

There's just something about this boy of mine.

He turned five yesterday.

Five...

wow, it's seems like we were just

bringing him home from the hospital

a new baby after five long years.

He brings such joy, such laughter, such love

into our home.

So what was year "4" all about...

~~~~~

His favorite foods...

chicken legs, chicken nuggets, applesauce,

skittles (is that technically a food?!)

spaghetti and CHIPS, of any kind!

Not exactly nutritious but he is eating none the less!

His favorite shows...

SuperWhy...Spiderman and his amazing friends...

Handy Manny...Word Girl...Max and Ruby...Diego...and...

believe it or not...

Iron Chef...he thinks he's Bobby Flay!

~~~~~

His favorite things to do...

Ride his bike...

Play with his Hot Wheels cars...

make planes or houses with his blocks...

play football...hockey...baseball

pretty much anything sports related...

Read books, but he hated to color

play with his brothers and sister.

play with his army men...

~~~~~

Big moments of Year "4"...

Playing baseball for the first time...

Learning to sound out and

read a few three letter words...

Counting by 10's to 100...

~~~~~

and then there were the moments

we as parents could've lived without

but then...

He wouldn't be Conner!

Putting popcorn kernels up his nose...

and then there was the chewing gum up the nose...

and then there was...

the ride he took in the dryer....

those stories are endless!!!

I could go on and on,

but you've all read them before here.

In spite of the popcorn in the nose...

or the dings in the wall...

this little man

just oozes love...

and personality

just ask anyone who knows him.

Here are a few photos we took

about a week ago.

The day was rainy and overcast at times.

We had to try a couple of times throughout the day

to get them.

Through the cloudiness of the day

he still shines...

he still oozes...

Love.

Year number "5"has lots of new things in store for you litle buddy.Know that whether it be kindergartenor football or whatever the Lord puts in your path in the next yearthat Mommy and Daddywill be there.Loving you... Cheering you on...and Thanking Godthat it was you...that God blessed us withfive short years ago.We love you, buddy!

You Just Gotta Love....

2008-10-09T13:10:00.009-05:00

Mr. Jed
How can you not love a little fella
that greets you with a smile like this?!

and trust me,
that smile says it all.
Teenage girls of the future...
prepare yourselves!!!
~~~
Before he was born,
I told his mother to take out stock in
Neosporin & Bandaid
because she was going to need it...
she was going to be raising a boy.
I also told her that he would capture her heart
and she would love that little boy more than
she ever thought possible.
He has had three years to work his magic on her
I, now, think she has now learned what I meant
by those words just a few short years ago.

Jed just turned three.
His mom asked for me to take some photos
in the hopes that I would be able to capture
who Jed is at age three.

To me Jed is exactly
what God intended a boy to be.
Mischievous. Onery. Curious. Sometimes Shy.
Charming. Sweet. and every so often
Quiet!!

~Angie~
I hope when you look at these photographs
years down the road
that you are reminded what that little boy
with the mischeivous smile
was like....
and what he brought to your life...
when he was
3.

I could only end with a photo
of Jed...well... being Jed.

Before going,
I just wanted to say that this little fella
is one in a million.
He can put a smile on anyone's face
and brighten the darkest day.
He may have some rough edges,
as most little boys do,
but he is a true little sweetheart
that has made life sweeter
by having him around.
Love you, Jeddie

The Self Family

2008-10-08T22:20:00.009-05:00

I have really been blessed lately
with an opportunity to take pictures
for a lot of really great people.
It has been a learning experience for me,
I still have no much that I am figuring out,
and so many new things that I am trying.
Like taking family pictures...
kids have usually been my thing.
With all this learning comes blessings
and taking this family's pictures was
truly a blessing.

Meet
The Self Family

Dad, Mom, and Brison
are awaiting the arrival of
Baby Brayden
in just a few short weeks.

Baby Braden
doesn't yet know how truly blessed
he is already is.

This family truly enjoys life....
and each other.

Mr. Brison
such a sweetheart...
such a superstar...
he's really going to be a great big brother.

As the sun's light began to set
we rushed to another location
with some different shots in mind.

Mom and Brison

A mom's first born
always holds a special place in her heart...

You can see that in the photos
of these two.

Mom wanted something
a little different with these
so we gave it a try.
Mrs. B,
I hope that they work for you.

You can tell that this is little brother
is going to be loved...

his big brother already
loves him so much!

Last but not least...

I hope that you guys enjoy the pictures
as much as I enjoyed spending the evening with you.
Brison,
I'll be calling soon for our date.
I can't wait to take some more photos of you buddy!

Amazed...

2008-10-05T01:45:00.004-05:00

that is what I am about now.
On October 27, 2007
I started this blog.
Without a clue of what I was doing...
not sure if I had anything interesting to say...
or if anyone would care.
I wanted to have a way for
my loved ones that I don't see everyday
to keep up with my crazy. wonderful. and often funny life.
I also wanted a way to document all the things
that I didn't have time to scrapbook anymore.
Moments like Blake's first ballgames...
Alex's performances and dramatic episodes...
Conner's Connerisms and trouble finding missions...
Carson just being Carson...
the special moments spent
with that awesome man in my life...
and the wonderful memories made with wonderful friends.
It has turned into so much more for me.
A way to reach others...
A way to cope with things
I at times don't understand...
and
more than anything...
a way to hopefully leave a legacy for my kids.
So, that when all is said and done
they will know how much they changed my life
and what positive changes they helped to bring out in me
and ultimately how much
their imperfect, inexperienced, unsure mother
loved them.
~~~~~
So, tonight, I sit here amazed at the realization
that in just under a year I have had
almost 3,100 visits
to this blog of mine.
It looks like there are people interested in reading
about my life regardless of the craziness it sometimes offers.
Thanks to everyone who stops by this place,
and to those who occasionally
leave me a comment..
thank you for doing it,
it's often provides encouragement to me.
To those who haven't, there have to be several,
(you don't get to 3,000 with just one person reading it)
take time to stop and say Hello.
I'd love to hear from you.
~~~~~
Here is to another year's worth of memorable moments...
and another 3,000 visits to
remind me how lucky I am to
live each day with a family who supports me &
who tolerates my imperfections and compulsiveness...
to remind me that there are other people out there
who appreciate this crazy life of mine...
and
more than anything...
to remind me that there is a God
who is responsible for blessing me with it all.
~~~~~
Now onto the next 3,000!!

A Blessed Life

2008-10-05T01:39:00.000-05:00

A little over 35 years ago
God gave me to a wonderful family.
That family included a mother, a father, an older sister,
but also included many aunts and uncles.
Over my 35 years, some of those aunts and uncles
have become more like another set of parents to me.
At age 2 or 3, God moved our family
to a new city 4 hours away,
a few years later into yet another new city....
only this time it was 17 hours away.
Though the distance was great,
certain people were always a part of my life
as far back as I can remember.
This family is one of them.
~~~~~
Aunt Sherry, Uncle Roy, Shellie, & Misty
have over the years come to be like a second family to me.
The bonus for me in getting them as a second family
is a little lady I call
Mrs. Mattie.
Mrs. Mattie turned 90 years old this year.
There are not many people anymore
who are blessed to live to that age,
but this IS Mrs. Mattie we are talking about
and I can see why my God above would allow her
to be so blessed.
As far back as I can remember
Mrs. Mattie has just had a
warm, pleasant, loving way about her.
No matter how long it had been since
she saw me last,
she always made me feel at home in her home,
she always had a smile and a kind word
to greet me with,
she always had a way of putting
this shy little girl at rest.
Some things never change.
Last Saturday I had the joy
of getting to spend some time
with Mrs. Mattie yet again.
It had been a while
since I had gotten to visit with her...
but she hadn't changed.
Still the same pleasant smile and kind words to greet me.
Her face had aged a little, she moved a little slower
but that voice, that smile
it was Mrs. Mattie.
Still just as kind and graceful as ever.
~~~~~
Shellie asked me to come by
and take a few quick pictures of her and Mrs. Mattie,
or as Shellie calls her "Mamaw".
I had all of these great shots I wanted to take,
I had worried about taking the photos in full sun,
what would I do about this and how am I going to do that....
Leave it to Mrs. Mattie to make this
nervous, somewhat backwards woman...
feel right as ease.
Out the door went the shots I had planned...
It's just Mrs. Mattie being Mrs. Mattie
with her family around her.
I took a few shots but more than that
I took a lesson in what a long and blessed life
truly looks like.
Mrs. Mattie is a picture perfect example of that.
~~~~~

Shellie and her Mamaw...
otherwise known as Mrs. Mattie.

Jacob, Mrs. Mattie's great-grandson & Shellie's nephew
couldn't resist being included.

Mrs. Mattie, Shellie & her sister Misty

Mrs. Mattie & Misty

~~~~~

It only took a few minutes for Mrs. Mattie
to point out some of her prized possessions...
her flowers.
You can tell she loves her family
but her flowers run a close second!

Miss Ella, yet another great grandbaby & Jacob's sister

Ella playing with Nana

~~~~~

More of Mrs. Mattie's Masterpieces....

more...

more....

and last but certainly not least...
the last remaining rose on the rosebush.
I didn't photoshop that blue in...
that is the way I captured it with the sky and cloudes softened behind it...
just beautiful.

More of Miss Ella...
I have too many shots of this cutie pie
but can you really have too many photos of someone like this!!!

Love this photo of Mrs. Mattie, Shellie, & Misty

Bigger and in black and white.

~~~~~

Shellie giving kisses and saying good bye to Jacob.
I know how you feel buddy.
Come home soon, Shelle.

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

Meet Aunt Sherry...
One of my adopted moms and Mrs. Mattie's Babygirl

Just a few....

more of...

these two.

The blessing of family.

A sure sign of a blessed life.

The Baggett Family

2008-10-03T01:35:00.003-05:00

Ok...
It's either feast or famine around here!
I have enjoyed football/cheerleading season
but it has kept us busy most nights of the week.
I still have a couple more weeks to go
but I am getting ready to have a photo overload.
The photo sessions for Harvest Festival are
getting ready to begin tomorrow.
However, tonight
I had the pleasure of taking some photographs
for the Baggett Family.

~~~~~

Mr. B. asked around Christmas for
me to take some family pics. and I just ran out of time.
So, he asked again about a month ago.
Tonight was the night,
and I must say,
I was nervous.
I appreciate the fact that
they think I would do an acceptable job
but I still have so-o much to learn...
it is a trial and error process!
I spent the late hours last night
making some quick edits.
Here is a sneak preview
of some of the moments
I captured of their beautiful family.
I sure enjoyed myself
and the kids....
were so GREAT!
I am not going to add many comments here...
I've got an early morning and then...
I get to do another family tomorrow night!
Without further ado....

The Baggett Family

Moments from Saturday...

2008-09-24T11:52:00.006-05:00

the toughest team we've played.
We scrimmaged them before the season began,
and I remember saying they looked like giants.
Imagine my surprise when I saw the teams listed
during practice last week,
and this New Johnsonville team was 0-4.
I used this as a form of encouragement for Blake
who wasn't really looking forward
to facing the "BIG" guys again!
I remember telling him not to lose hope
because something must have happened
because they hadn't won a game.
~~~
Fast forward to Saturday...
I mentioned those statistics to my husband
after Blake had headed out to warm up.
He held back his laughter as he told me
that in Jr. Pro football,
they list their stats a little differently.
THEY PUT THE LOSSES FIRST!!!!
So much for my big rallying speech for Blake.
I am sure he figured that out
when they scored a touchdown in the first
two minutes of the game!
We went on to be beaten 46-6.
They weren't thrilled to be beaten,
but secretly, I was happy for Blake.
If it's a blowout...
he gets to play more.
~~~
So, here are tons of photos, as usual.
Some of Alex and some of Blake.
Alex had to endure a downpour
during their half-time routine, but she did it like a trooper.
~~~
Another one down....
three to go.
~~~~~

~~~
waiting on the sidelines for his turn
~~~

~~~
Alex showing the
S-P-I-R-I-T!!!
~~~

~~~
Alex and Shania
doing the
Hustle cheer,
her favorite.
~~~

~~~
She is digging it,
can you tell?
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
attempting the spread eagle
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Alex has really started to enjoy this cheerleading thing
Here she is flying high
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
focused
~~~

~~~
Coach Bubba
~~~

~~~
Getting a little help
Get in there, Blake, Get Him!!
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Not my kid...
but I couldn't help myself.
This is Coach Keith with one of Blake's teammates.
This one I played with a little...
~~~

~~~
This is the color version.
~~~

~~~
The rain was a little bit of a blessing.
It kept these two from running all over the football field!
~~~

~~~
The girls doing their half time routine...
in the pouring down rain...
now that's dedication!
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Conner's usual thing to do at the games
~~~

~~~
Blake got his chance to run with the ball...
~~~

~~~
but boy did he pay for it!
~~~

~~~
still going strong
~~~

~~~
Here he is helping to block for the quarterback
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
the quarterback was in trouble
and unexpectedly tossed Blake the ball at the last second...
~~~

~~~
he tried to catch the wet ball...
but it wasn't to be this time...
it resulted in a fumble.
~~~

~~~
and his team mate let him know about it.
~~~

~~~
when all is said and done
some are mad..
some feel defeated...
some still smile.
~~~

Blake is not smiling...so serious looking here...
he may not get to play much...
but he still takes it to heart.
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
One thing I am thankful for.
At the end of each practice
and at the end of each game...
their coach leads the team in prayer.
You wouldn't be able to do that just anywhere.
When they pray each player puts his hand on
another players shoulder.
That's what this moment is from.
~~~

~~~
Blake and Nana Sue
~~~

~~~
She begged me all day for one of these
after the game was over....she finally got one!
~~~

A Cowboy or two....

2008-09-22T10:34:00.006-05:00

has stolen my heart.
Make that more like 4 cowboys.

~~~
They were a pretty tough gang...

~~~

~~~
Especially the big one...
Don't tell anyone but...
There was just something about him
and he didn't have to steal my heart...
~~~
~~~
I gave it to him.
~~~

~~~
Two of his littlest sidekicks
were tough guys
but it wasn't long
before...
~~~

~~~
one of them broke.
~~~

~~~
Don't come between this tough guy
and his no-bake cookie
~~~

~~~
It was a tough battle but
after I sweet talked him a little
~~~

~~~
and returned the cookie
~~~

~~~
No one got hurt and
we came to an understanding.
~~~

~~~
Don't tell this tough guy
but
he's putty in my hands!
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
However,
His sidekick...
~~~

~~~
well, let's just say
I knew a fight against that one well...
~~~

~~~
was useless!
~~~

~~~
I had him baffled
and almost ready to surrender...
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
I didn't even flinch
when he brought out the big guns
~~~

~~~
He soon gave in
when he saw me pull out my biggest weapon....
~~
My Camera
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
the little one's a tough nut to crack
he was back with more attitude than ever...
~~~

~~~
like I said before...
~~~

~~~
putty in my hands!
~~~

~~~
the got especially ornery
when their
second in command showed up
~~~

~~~
after a few rounds
with me...
he soon gave in too....
~~~

~~~
he's older and wiser than the other two...
you think he'd come up against me before!
~~~

~~~
After all was said and done...
they got what they came for....
my heart.
But...
I assure you,
it wasn't without a fight!!!
~~~~~
Just a few photos from yesterday.
We had western day at our church.
I usually get more into it,
Alex usually participates as well...
but with ball pictures after church
and a ball game the night before...
who had the time or the energy.
So, today...
it's the boys...
aren't they the most handsome
cowboys you've ever seen?
Have a great day everyone!!

The Last Few Moments of Summer...

2008-09-18T20:21:00.007-05:00

I'm glad to see the high heat and humidity
starting to give way to the sun filled days and
brisk, cool nights of autumn.
I anxiously await the leaves
slowly turning into beautiful shades
of orange, gold, & red.
The brightly colored flowers of the summer
are traded in for the warm tones from
fall's favorite flower, the mum
while cornstalks are prepared to stand high
and tower over the piles of pumpkins below...
But...
before God brings all the wonderful things
mentioned above to life...
He gives us the last few moments of summer
~~~~~

~~~
Take time to soak in every last minute.
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Swinging & Summertime
they just seem to go together
~~~

~~~
and they never cease to put a smile
on your face
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
If it's not the swingset at our house
it's the trampoline
and since we ARE the Conwell family
we jump with the hulk gloves
so that we can triple our chances of having
some bodily injury
~~~

~~~
and
here proof...
Just who else...
Connerman
sucker punching his brother
~~~

~~~
This momma didn't raise no fool.
Carson doing what else...
finding something to hide behind!
~~~

~~~
and just like his mom...
Carson may take and take but one day...
he's gonna get even.
Carson before he settled the score!
~~~

~~~
little feet...
if only they would stay this little forever
thank goodness I have my pictures
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Oh, to be a kid again
~~~

~~~
This one's blurry
but I like it anyway.
~~~

~~~
We aren't just raising boys in this family...
~~~

~~~
We are training tomorrow's superheroes!
~~~

~~~
Unfortunately...
they normally revert back
to their typical childhood behaviors..
nose picking.
What mother isn't cringing with me as you see this?
Either at the nose picking or
at the fact that instead of me stopping him
as he reached mid knuckle...
I was snapping a picture!
~~~

~~~
Sister..
Daughter...
one great girl
~~~

~~~
who these guys love
a whole bunch!
~~~

~~~
off to the next adventure
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Blake always has time for this little guy
~~~

~~~
when he's not running for his life
from the neighborhood bully
~~~

~~~
and after the little ones
have had their time...
~~~

~~~
the big guy one the block..
~~~

~~~
takes the opportunity
to enjoy this summertime favorite
~~~

~~~
because
it won't be long until
these dog days of summer
are behind us for good.
Enjoy each day...
once it's gone, you never get it back!

Update....

2008-09-16T11:31:00.003-05:00

on
how things are going with
the slide show bids and photo sessions
for Blake's Harvest Festival.
~~~
I have one slideshow being bid on right now.
and
Three photo shoots have been taken.
~
That leaves one slideshow
and three photo shoots still available.
These will be out there until
September 27.
~
I just want to say
how much we appreciate
the offers that have been made
and your willingness to help.
I am not the person who knows everyone in town
and feels comfortable hounding every person that breathes
to buy a ticket or give a donation.
This is my way as a mom to feel like
I am doing something to help my fella.
So, I truly do appreciate it.
as does Blake.
For those who have signed up,
I look forward to working with you.
~~~
Talk to every one soon.

INTRODUCING.....

2008-09-13T09:28:00.007-05:00

the
Conwell Blue-Light Special!!!
Ok...
it is really just something special I am going to do
to help raise money for Blake's Harvest Festival.
If you don't know by now,
he was voted to represent his class.
So...now...
here I am
trying to raise money for the school
so that he may be crowned
Lord help us....
KING!!!
It may work, it may not...
but I'm putting it out here anyway!
~~~~~
I am doing 2.. small, I hope, auctions.
~~~~~
The first one is (2) individual slide shows that I will put up for bid.
If you haven't seen any of my dvd slide shows,
you may want to follow the link to
my slide show collection on the right side of my blog.
Once there...
you can view all of the slide shows
I have done it the past.
I have been doing this about 2 years
and you can tell which ones were my first
when you go to view them.
~~~~~
Each slide show
will have a minimum bid of $35.00.
The bidding will start today, September 14th
and end Saturday, September 27th at 5:00 p.m.
~~~~~
The specifics that you need to know...
The more mega pixels in the images you provide,
the better quality they appear on the show.
All digital images must be burned to a cd so that
I may be able to easily load them
into my slide show program.
I can use older photographs,
but they will need to be scanned
and burned to a cd as well.
Scanned images may be somewhat blurry.
~~~~~
The slide show can consist of no more than 250 slides.
The majority of the 250 slides are pictures;
however, in order to make the slide show a good one,
I like to add special touches here and there.
Things such as quotes, poetry, and different transitions,
make the slide show come to life;
therefore, I reserve the right
to make all creative edits to the video that I see fit.
I do not guarantee that all photographs you provide
will be used in the slide show.
I want to use those most special to you,
but I also want to tell your story
in the best way possible.
Sometimes certain photographs
tell the story more so than others.
~~~~~
Music sets the tone for my slide shows.
I personally believe that a mix of
light hearted music and
something more serious or touching
makes a good mix.
As a parent,
when doing shows for my children
there are some upbeat songs
that truly capture my child's personality.
For instance,
one of my song's for Conner latest show is
"Cause He's Got Personality".
If you know Conner,
you know that song says it all.
However,
one of my favorites for Alex's 10th birthday slide show
was "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw.
A little slower, some may say, a tearjerker
but it is truly a song that expressed
what Jimmy and I felt in our hearts.
I have an pretty extensive music collection
and I would love to find
the perfect song to tell
the story of the person in the photographs.
If you have suggestions,
I will do my best to use those.
With one slide show that I did
for a 50th wedding anniversary,
each of the couples 5 children chose a song.
Regardless which way you go,
I will do my best to make it all come together.
~~~~~
I do love to get to know the person
I am making my slide shows for
so I will have a questionnaire
for you to fill out to help me
get to know you better.
These slide shows become
a personal project for me
and by the time I am done,
I feel as if I truly know
the person it is about.
~~~~~
My slide shows vary in length
but usually average 15 minutes.
I will use whatever length of time I need
to present your photographs & your story.
I don't want it rushed.
~~~~~
If you have any questions,
feel free to email me
and I will do my best to answer them.

**********

The other thing I hope to do is a
"small" fall photo shoot.
I am NOT a professional photographer.
Photography is my hobby.
I have tons of photographs through out my blog,
feel free to look at these photographs.
I like to do things from a different perspective sometimes,
my style is NOT Sears style,
it's more personal.
if you think you would be interested in this
type of fall photograph for your child,
here are the details...
The shoot will have to be shot
once the leaves have started to fall.
All sessions will be outdoors.
Though I prefer to shoot
older children,
I will do
~~~~~
These will be INDIVIDUAL portraits
consisting of
(1) 8x10 or (2) 5x7
and
(8) wallets
price
$25.00
I will only do 6 portrait sessions.
I prefer these all be individual portraits but
if my arm was twisted,
would probably do a group photo
of no more than three children,
for an additional $5.00 per extra person.
These photos will most likely be taken at my home
with an outdoor scene that I will set up there.
However, If i find a nearby location that works better
it could be changed.
~~~~~
If you think you would be interested,
send me an email
the deadline is the same as stated above
for the slide shows.
~~~~
If you have any other questions,
please feel free to ask.
This is something I have chosen to take on
to show support for my son,
and his elementary school.
If you are interested
or know someone else that might be,
I want you to know in advance
that my family and I
as well as
the elementary school appreciate your help!
I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Remembering the Victims & Survivors of 9/11/01

2008-09-11T11:42:00.004-05:00

It's been over a week since I have posted here.
We've been busy... and sick.
However, today, I felt as if I must do something...
say something...
about a day that forever changed my life and...
the life of everyone who is an American.

As I searched for words, I realized I really couldn't
find the words to express what this day was all about.
So, I can upon this.
It serves to remind me
that God has placed us all on this earth
for a reason, a purpose.
We do not know how long he has given us
but we should live our life as if today is our last.
This man's story is a true testament to that...
meet Adam Mayblum.

The Story of Adam Mayblum,
a Survivor at the World Trade Center
~~~
My name is Adam Mayblum. I am alive today. I am committing this to "paper" so I never forget. SO WE NEVER FORGET. I am sure that this is one of thousands of stories that will emerge over the next several days and weeks.
~~~
I arrived as usual a little before 8am. My office was on the 87th floor of 1World Trade Center, AKA: Tower 1, AKA: the North Tower. Most of my associates were in by 8:30m. We were standing around, joking around, eating breakfast, checking emails, and getting set for the day when the first plane hit just a few stories above us. I must stress that we did not know that it was a plane. The building lurched violently and shook as if it were an earthquake.People screamed. I watched out my window as the building seemed to move 10 to 20 feet in each direction. It rumbled and shook long enough for me to get my wits about myself and grab a co-worker and seek shelter under a doorway. Light fixtures and parts of the ceiling collapsed. The kitchen was destroyed. We were certain that it was a bomb. We looked out the windows. Reams of paper were flying everywhere, like a ticker tape parade. I looked down at the street. I could see people in Battery Park City looking up. Smoke started billowing in through the holes in the ceiling. I believe that there were 13 of us.
~~~
We did not panic. I can only assume that we thought that the worst was over. The building was standing and we were shaken but alive. We checked the halls. The smoke was thick and white and did not smell like I imagined smoke should smell. Not like your BBQ or your fireplace or even a bonfire. The phones were working. My wife had taken our 9 month old for his check up. I called my nanny at home and told her to page my wife, tell her that a bomb went off, I was ok, and on my way out. I grabbed my laptop. Took off my tee shirt and ripped it into 3 pieces. Soaked it in water. Gave 2 pieces to my friends. Tied my piece around my face to act as an air filter. And we all started moving to the staircase. One of my dearest friends said that he was staying until the police or firemen came to get him. In the halls there were tiny fires and sparks. The ceiling had collapsed in the men's bathroom. It was gone along with anyone who may have been in there. We did not go in to look. We missed the staircase on the first run and had to double back. Once in the staircase we picked up fire extinguishers just incase. On the 85th floor a brave associate of mine and I headed back up to our office to drag out my partner who stayed behind. There was no air, just white smoke. We made the rounds through the office calling his name. No response. He must have succumbed to the smoke. We left defeated in our efforts and made our way back to the stairwell. We proceeded to the 78th floor where we had to change over to a different stairwell. 78 is the main junction to switch to the upper floors. I expected to see more people. There were some 50 to 60 more. Not enough. Wires and fires all over the place. Smoke too. A brave man was fighting a fire with the emergency hose. I stopped with to friends to make sure that everyone from our office was accounted for. We ushered them and confused people into the stairwell. In retrospect, I recall seeing Harry, my head trader, doing the same several yards behind me. I am only 35. I have known him for over 14 years. I headed into the stairwell with 2 friends.
~~~
We were moving down very orderly in Stair Case A. very slowly. No panic. At least not overt panic. My legs could not stop shaking. My heart was pounding. Some nervous jokes and laughter. I made a crack about ruining a brand new pair of Merrells. Even still, they were right, my feet felt great. We all laughed. We checked our cell phones. Surprisingly, there was a very good signal, but the Sprint network was jammed. I heard that the Blackberry 2-way email devices worked perfectly. On the phones, 1 out of 20 dial attempts got through. I knew I could not reach my wife so I called my parents. I told them what happened and that we were all okay and on the way down. Soon, my sister in law reached me. I told her we were fine and moving down. I believe that was about the 65th floor. We were bored and nervous. I called my friend Angel in San Francisco. I knew he would be watching. He was amazed I was on the phone. He told me to get out that there was another plane on its way. I did not know what he was talking about. By now the second plane had struck Tower 2. We were so deep into the middle of our building that we did not hear or feel anything. We had no idea what was really going on. We kept making way for wounded to go down ahead of us. Not many of them, just a few. No one seemed seriously wounded. Just some cuts and scrapes. Everyone cooperated.
~~~
Everyone was a hero yesterday. No questions asked. I had co-workers in another office on the 77th floor. I tried dozens of times to get them on their cell phones or office lines. It was futile. Later I found that they were alive. One of the many miracles on a day of tragedy.
~~~
On the 53rd floor we came across a very heavyset man sitting on the stairs. I asked if he needed help or was he just resting. He needed help. I knew I would have trouble carrying him because I have a very bad back. But my friend and I offered anyway. We told him he could lean on us. He hesitated, I don't know why. I said do you want to come or do you want us to send help for you. He chose for help. I told him he was on the 53rd floor in Stairwell A and that's what I would tell the rescue workers. He said okay and we left.
~~~
On the 44th floor my phone rang again. It was my parents. They were hysterical. I said relax, I'm fine. My father said get out, there is third plane coming. I still did not understand. I was kind of angry. What did my parents think? Like I needed some other reason to get going? I couldn't move the thousand people in front of me any faster. I know they love me, but no one inside understood what the situation really was. My parents did. Starting around this floor the firemen, policemen, WTC K-9 units without the dogs, anyone with a badge, started coming up as we were heading down. I stopped a lot of them and told them about the man on 53 and my friend on 87. I later felt terrible about this. They headed up to find those people and met death instead.
~~~
On the 33rd floor I spoke with a man who somehow new most of the details. He said 2 small planes hit the building. Now we all started talking about which terrorist group it was. Was it an internal organization or an external one? The overwhelming but uninformed opinion was Islamic Fanatics. Regardless, we now knew that it was not a bomb and there were potentially more planes coming. We understood.
~~~
On the 3rd floor the lights went out and we heard & felt this rumbling coming towards us from above. I thought the staircase was collapsing upon itself. It was 10am now and that was Tower 2 collapsing next door. We did not know that. Someone had a flashlight. We passed it forward and left the stairwell and headed down a dark and cramped corridor to an exit. We could not see at all. I recommended that everyone place a hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them and call out if they hit an obstacle so others would know to avoid it. They did. It worked perfectly. We reached another stairwell and saw a female officer emerge soaking wet and covered in soot. She said we could not go that way it was blocked. Go up to 4 and use the other exit. Just as we started up she said it was ok to go down instead. There was water everywhere. I called out for hands on shoulders again and she said that was a great idea. She stayed behind instructing people to do that. I do not know what happened to her.
~~~
We emerged into an enormous room. It was light but filled with smoke. I commented to a friend that it must be under construction. Then we realized where we were. It was the second floor. The one that overlooks the lobby. We were ushered out into the courtyard, the one where the fountain used to be. My first thought was of a TV movie I saw once about nuclear winter and fallout. I could not understand where all of the debris came from. There was at least five inches of this gray pasty dusty drywall soot on the ground as well as a thickness of it in the air. Twisted steel and wires. I heard there were bodies and body parts as well, but I did not look. It was bad enough. We hid under the remaining overhangs and moved out to the street. We were told to keep walking towards Houston Street. The odd thing is that there were very few rescue workers around. Less than five. They all must have been trapped under the debris when Tower 2 fell. We did not know that and could not understand where all of that debris came from. It was just my friend Kern and I now. We were hugging but sad. We felt certain that most of our friends ahead of us died and we knew no one behind us.
~~~
We came upon a post office several blocks away. We stopped and looked up. Our building, exactly where our office is (was), was engulfed in flame and smoke. A postal worker said that Tower 2 had fallen down. I looked again and sure enough it was gone. My heart was racing. We kept trying to call our families. I could not get in touch with my wife. Finally I got through to my parents. Relived is not the word to explain their feelings. They got through to my wife, thank God and let her know I was alive. We sat down. A girl on a bike offered us some water. Just as she took the cap off her bottle we heard a rumble. We looked up and our building, Tower 1collapsed. I did not note the time but I am told it was 10:30am. We had been out less than 15 minutes.
~~~
We were mourning our lost friends, particularly the one who stayed in the office as we were now sure that he had perished. We started walking towards Union Square. I was going to Beth Israel Medical Center to be looked at. We stopped to hear the President speaking on the radio. My phone rang. It was my wife. I think I fell to my knees crying when I heard her voice. Then she told me the most incredible thing. My partner who had stayed behind called her. He was alive and well. I guess we just lost him in the commotion. We started jumping and hugging and shouting. I told my wife that my brother had arranged for a hotel in midtown. He can be very resourceful in that way. I told her I would call her from there. My brother and I managed to get a gypsy cab to take us home to Westchester instead. I cried on my son and held my wife until I fell asleep.

As it turns out my partner, the one who I thought had stayed behind was behind us with Harry Ramos, our head trader. This is now second-hand information. They came upon Victor, the heavyset man on the 53rd floor. They helped him. He could barely move. My partner bravely/stupidly tested the elevator on the 52nd floor. He rode it down to the sky lobby on 44. The doors opened, it was fine. He rode it back up and got Harry and Victor. I don't yet know if anyone else joined them. Once on 44 they made their way back into the stairwell. Someplace around the 39th to 36th floors they felt the same rumble I felt on the 3rd floor. It was 10am and Tower 2 was coming down. They had about 30 minutes to get out. Victor said he could no longer move. They offered to have him lean on them. He said he couldn't do it. My partner hollered at him to sit on his butt and schooch down the steps. He said he was not capable of doing it. Harry told my partner to go ahead of them. Harry had once had a heart attack and was worried about this mans heart. It was his nature to be this way. He was/is one of the kindest people I know. He would not leave a man behind. My partner went ahead and made it out. He said he was out maybe 10 minutes before the building came down. This means that Harry had maybe 25 minutes to move Victor 36 floors. I guess they moved 1 floor every 1.5 minutes. Just a guess. This means Harry wad around the 20th floor when the building collapsed. As of now 12 of 13 people are accounted for. As of 6pm yesterday his wife had not heard from him. I fear that Harry is lost. However, a short while ago I heard that he may be alive. Apparently there is a web site with survivor names on it and his name appears there. Unfortunately, Ramos is not an uncommon name in New York. Pray for him and all those like him.
~~~
With regards to the firemen heading upstairs, I realize that they were going up anyway. But, it hurts to know that I may have made them move quicker to find my friend. Rationally, I know this is not true and that I am not the responsible one. The responsible ones are in hiding somewhere on this planet and damn them for making me feel like this. But they should know that they failed in terrorizing us. We were calm. Those men and women that went up were heroes in the face of it all. They must have known what was going on and they did their jobs. Ordinary people were heroes too. Today the images that people around the world equate with power and democracy are gone but "America" is not an image it is a concept. That concept is only strengthened by our pulling together as a team. If you want to kill us, leave us alone because we will do it by ourselves. If you want to make us stronger, attack and we unite. This is the ultimate failure of terrorism against The United States and the ultimate price we pay to be free, to decide where we want to work, what we want to eat, and when & where we want to go on vacation. The very moment the first plane was hijacked, democracy won.
~~~

~~~
Take the time to think about the video...
There is someone who loves you
Think about where you will spend eternity
Remember tomorrow is a gift...
not a guarantee.

Week 2-

2008-09-02T15:15:00.001-05:00

of the
Jr. Pro Football season
was a big thing in the Conwell household.
~~~

~~~
Alex
finally had her everything she needed to
sport the true cheerleader look.
We ALL know how important that is;)
~~~

~~~
Blake finally received his REAL jersey
complete with the big
Conwell name on the back of it!
~~~

~~~
They were quite proud of the new "STYLE" they were workin'
~~~

~~~
Can't you tell by the
A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E
Blake is giving in this photo?
Is he tough or what ?
~~~

~~~
Miss Thang
couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
She doesn't like this photo,
but I do,
and since the address has my name in it....
do I really have to finish that phrase?!
~~~

~~~
There's nothing like seeing
the Conwell name
in white and green.
He was quite proud of it.
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Smiles started to fade
which signaled the end of this photo shoot!
~~~

~~~
One more for the road
with the ol' black & white treatment
~~~

~~~
I had to fight them to get this one.
There are so-o not into the showing that they care these days.
The truth is...
they do care...
they probably secretly wish sometimes they didn't.
~~~
This night was great for both of them.
They both enjoyed what they were doing.
They both had moments to shine while doing it.
and
They were both given some praise for a job well done.
and now....
they are ready to do it all over again.
and we will....
this Saturday.
~~~
With all the cheerleader enthusiasm
I can muster...
and while doing my best cheerleader high kick...
I say....
GO IRISH!!!
Some---bo--dy call--- the--- am--bul---ance....
I've pulled a muscle I never knew I had!

Hitting the Campaign Trail...

2008-08-29T13:21:00.002-05:00

no Obama...
no McCain...
Just Alex throwing her hat into the ring
to be her 6th grade class's
Student Class Representative.
~~~
She is the underdog.
but you don't know what can happen...
if you never try.
That's what we have been trying to teach her along the way.
She has two opponents that I know of,
both are certainly more well known,
(especially since she has been out of school the last two years),
one is the popular one, the one who typically stands out in a crowd,
the other, I don't know that well,
but from all accounts I have heard,
is a sweet, yet spunky, opponent.
~~~
How will it turn out?
Only God knows...
but one things for sure
she would never know...
unless she tried.
I believe in her.
I know she has good heart
who looks out for everyone...
not just the priviledged and the popular.
After all, she's had her share of rough spots
to deal with.
~~~
I am so proud of you, Alex,
for being willing to jump in and take a chance.
You are so much braver than I ever was.
I certainly respect you for that.
Whether you win or you lose
come September 2nd,
you are ALWAYS a winner in our book,
and there is ALWAYS next year!
~~~
We spent last night coming up with ideas for posters that she liked...
here's what we came up with.
~~~

~~~
Amen, Amen!
~~~
a few treats we had for handing out to her class...
Blow-Pop Suckers
with the phrases...
~~~

~~~
on one side
~~~

~~~
on the other
~~~

~~~
I was so temped to try and get her set up
with a milk moustache for this
but as you can see from the look on her face...
she wasn't going there!!
~~~

~~~
is she beautiful or what?
~~~

~~~
Another treat...
can you guess the name of the candy?
~~~~

~~~
Her favorite poster...
in case you can't tell by that smile on her face!
I was quite proud of that guitar...
but Vincent Van Gogh need not worry...
his legacy will remain in tact!
~~~

~~~
one last sweet treat...
Hershey's Bar.
She IS very creative, always thinking out of the box.
She IS very caring, going out of her way to help those that others won't.
and
She IS very courageous.
don't know if I could've walked back into school this year,
with my head held high like she did.
Once again,
Sis,
you make us very proud!
Good Luck.

Down in Tennessee....

2008-08-28T10:53:00.007-05:00

and up to NO-O-O good.
I believe there is a country song
of a similar title.
This song however...
is not about some country girl...
it's about....
one ornery big brother
named....
Conner.
~~~~~

Rewind to 24 hours ago.
As I sit in the living room chair
I hear a little voice quietly whispering,
"Hey Carson,..... psst, Hey Carson, come here."
That would be the voice of...
Who else...
Conner!
I wonder what the sneakiness if about...
but decide to give it a second.
Carson makes his way to Conner...
and after a few seconds, I hear a door shut,
I realize they are in Alex's room...
door shut...
oh yeah...
my mind knows...
somebody's up to no good all right!
After me calling several times
for them to get out of Alex's room,
I suddenly hear another little voice...
a very unhappy voice...
it's Carson...
"I AM NOT A GIRL... Conner,... I am NOT a girl!"
then I see this....
~~~

~~~
You know me...
I always have the camera at the ready!
While I shoot a couple of quick shots...
Carson continues...
"I don't like skirts...I DON'T like skirts!!"
Granted he's not wearing the full get up...
just the shirt and the bloomers...
but he is NOT happy...just the same.
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Then I turn my head to see this face.
Just with that smile...
he is saying yes..
I did it...
and I am proud of myself for it!
~~~
I thought I would use my
Dr. Phil psychology on him.
I explained how Carson did not appreciate him doing that...
that he was a BOY...
and boys don't dress like girls.
I then proceded to tell him
that he could see how Carson felt by putting the clothes on himself.
~~~
I had forgotten...
this IS Conner we are talking about.
All previous attempts at reverse psychology have failed on this kid.
see below...
~~~

~~~
Does that look like a kid who cares about reverse psychology?!!
~~~

~~~
How dare he mock me as I snap yet another picture...
and try to keep myself composed.
Trust me, this is one behavior I do NOT want to encourage!
~~~

~~~
He actually seemed so amused at himself
so much so...
~~~

~~~
that he thought he would take it one step further....
~~~

~~~
and add the perfect finishing touch...
~~~

~~~
the hair ribbon to go with it!!
~~~
So much for punishment...
he thought he was
a headliner on
the
Blue Collar Comedy Tour.
Heaven help me...
Gotta go..
Dr. Phil's calling me back on the other line.
~~~
Sorry for the picture quality
in the next couple of posts.
He had me so torn up,
I forgot to change my camera settings!
Imagine that!

Answering the World's Most Important Questions...

2008-08-27T12:28:00.004-05:00

yes, that's my job.
Who says stay at home mothers
don't have an impact on the world.
For example,
just moments ago
I had the most important conversation with my three year old.
~~~~~
"Do you have a weenie, Momma?" Carson asked.

"No, Carson, I don't." After composing myself, "Why are you asking?" I asked.

"Because you have a booty!!hee-hee!!" Carson replied.
~~~~~
What would I do each day without knowing I am responsible for answering
the world's most earth shattering questions!!!

You can have your dream job, I'll keep mine!

A New Day...

2008-08-25T14:23:00.002-05:00

has dawned for this little man.
He is living the life.
This was his expression when the answer was "Yes"
to his request for pop corn AND ice cream for lunch.
~~~~~

~~~
yes, that's the look of shock!
When two of your siblings are now gone everyday of the week,
and your closest sibling, who is your buddy, is now gone on
Mondays & Thursdays,
well, lets just say....
the world is your oyster..
or should I say popcorn and peanuts!
~~~

~~~
What kind of lunch is that for a kid?!!!
Someone call his parents!
~~~

~~~
Yes, he was still smiling in disbelief as he ate til his little heart was content
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
He was eating by handfuls at a time...
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Cookies & Cream
his flavor of choice...
through the fuzziness
do you notice that little mischievous
looking guy in the background?
~~~

~~~
He kept that look on his face for a while..
He really thought he was getting away with something!
`~~~

~~~
His expression suddenly turned serious
when he saw our black Durango coming down the road.
I think he thought it was the gang returning to spoil his fun.
~~~

~~~
However, it was only Daddy returning from his errand...
so the fun continued(s)!
~~~
WE NOW INTERRUPT THIS BLOG POST
WITH A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
.......
This is to inform you that this child was not harmed during
the taking of these photos.
He was given a "REAL" lunch afterwards!
~~~
Sometimes it's nice to just break the norm with our kids.
Now that most of mine are out of the house during the week,
I realize I have just one little one left at home.
Sometimes the smallest rules, like this one, can be broken,
After all, you're only a kid once!

Football Madness has taken over!!!

2008-08-20T00:13:00.004-05:00

~~~Here he is again...The newest football player to hit the field.
~~~
~~~Much to our surprise & dismay,we weren't the only ones thinking of him this past Saturdayas he faced his first scrimmage game.This wasn't the only Blake fan in the stands either!Oh my, though she is a cutie and a sweetheart, I am NOT ready for this!!Nor is he!~~~~~~The team gathered on the field,but he sat out the first few downs.He is the one with the name Hughes on the jerseysince his hadn't come in yet.~~~~~~Then,they called his number...Thank God for the knee padsbecause I know his knees were knockin'!~~~~~~Uh-oh...I braced myself.~~~~~~so did he.He popped right back up for a couple more playslike nothing ever happened.~~~~~~Then this rookie stood on the sidelines for a while~~~~~~and waited...~~~ ~~~and watched
~~~

~~~Would he get another chance?~~~

~~~~~

~~~Some of biggest fans waited patiently
~~~~~~well, most of the time anyway!~~~~~~Finally, the rookie was given another chance.
~~~
~~~He seemed more confident the second time around.Who knows if it was the fact that he now knew what to expect or...~~~ ~~~or he knew his parents were there for him...~~~

~~~as well as this little guy....
~~~
~~~
However...I believe it could've had a little something to do with the new cheerleaders he suddenly had on his side!!!
~~~
~~~Yes, I believe that is the most reasonable explanation!!~~~
~~~Walker , his cousin & buddy,waited around after his game was overto cheer him on.~~~ ~~~One last run,and it all comes to an end.~~~~~~The gang makes it's way to the sidelines.~~~~~~This rookie has had a lot to learn.There has been more to it than he expected but...a high five from one of the coaches....~~~~~~a pat on the back...~~~~~~a little refreshment...~~~~~~~~~~~& a few moments with his buddyand he was ready to do it again!~~~~~~this new opponentwas a little more experienced...~~~~~~but with a little help fromWalker, Alex, Kara, & Conner...~~~~~~their opponent was brought to his old, worn out, torn up knees...but all with a smile!~~~
~~~It looks like turning 10 means a lot of new things for Blake.Some things we are ready for...some things we know we have a little time to adjust to...some things I will never be ready for...So, I guess, once again, it's all about the changes that are inevitable in a child's lifeand the struggle I deal with as a parentto love them as much as possible...cheer them on through the victories as well as the defeats...and prepare them to face each new phase of lifethe way God would want them to.I am so proud of his guyjust in case you didn't know!Love you tough guy!~~~~~There will be more to come.First game is this Saturday.Alex will be cheering her first Jr. Pro football gameanother first for the Conwell clan!You can bet I will be therecamera in hand to capture it all!Have a good humpday.

It's...

2008-08-19T12:52:00.003-05:00

FOOTBALL TIME

Tennessee

and...

in the Conwell Family!

~~~~~

More...

2008-08-09T21:24:00.003-05:00

from Carson's photo taking session
for his third birthday.
I must say that after the ones we took first that day,
the ones with the tricycle...
everything was a fiasco.
This guy didn't want to cooperate...
we had trouble getting the car out of the sand at the creek...
and
it was HOT!
None the less,
I tried to play with them a little bit...
I had nothing left to lose.
I am trying my hand at adding more textures
and messing with some other vintage styles.
So, without further ado, Mr. Carson Reilly
~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~
These were taken in the wrong spot along the creek...
Jimmy pulled in there, so I tried to make it work &
we paid for it when we went to move to the other side.
Let's just say, we never got there!
~~~~~

~~~~~
Lets just say
if I had the idea
" A Coke and a Smile"
in mind,
~~~~~

~~~~~
for the majority of the time...
Carson was not feeling it!
~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~
If Coke didn't work...
maybe a blow pop will do the trick!
~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~
When we finally got the car out of the sand...
Jimmy was running late for work.
As I tried to get Carson toward the car...
it figures...
the perfect spot of lighting...
no time to shoot.
But at least I got one.
Sometimes you have to take what you can get!
~~~~~

2008-08-09T11:47:00.004-05:00

Nothing major to post today...
With three monkeys running around doing flips,
and one drama queen, Paula Deen wanna be
waiting for me to oversee her
while she bakes a birthday cake for someone special,
who has time to think about this crazy blog.
~~~~~
Just a few photos of some of the beautiful things
we've been enjoying at our house this week.

~~~~~

Sunflowers in bloom...
Each of the kids were given a seed
to plant from our visit to
Christian Way Farms in June.
Blake has cared for these daily and
was thrilled at the sight of he first bloom.

~~~~~

My flowers I received for my anniversary.
~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~
My Pretty Purple Petunias
a summer favorite around here.
~~~~~

~~~~~

one last photo
from my anniversary flowers.
It is a carnation.
Not my favorite flower...
not usually appreciated for its beauty...
until today.
When I looked at this photo
I couldn't help but change my mind.

14...

2008-08-06T14:23:00.003-05:00

~Jimmy~
that is the number of years that we have been married as of today.
It seems as if we have just started our life together,
yet...
here we are...
14 years and four wonderful kids later.
~~~~~

~~~~~
Each and every year has brought about
something new to challenge us...
something new to learn about each other...
something new to fill my heart to overflowing.
~~~~

~~~~~
Each and every trial...
Each and every tribulation endured...
Each and every blessing...
those both little and small...
have only reminded me that...
~~~~~

~~~~~
when I laid eyes on you
some 17 years ago...
I truly did find the
Love of my Life.
~~~~~

~~~~~
Honey,
Thank you for being the husband
that loves me in spite of my faults...
praises me to encourage my dreams...
& still stands beside me through
everything that this crazy life throws my way.
~~~~~

~~~~~
I can't imagine spending this life with anyone else.
Happy 14th Anniversary!
~Love you~

Mommy Moments...

2008-08-05T23:20:00.003-05:00

I'm having too many of them lately.
Isn't it enough that I have already experienced
kindergarten all over again with Alex & Blake
upon them returning to school last week?
How is it that I found myself
having to deal with another Mommy Moment
when on Monday
My Sweetheart...
My Brown Eyed Boy...
~~~~~

~~~~~
My Little Rascal...
started a new world called...
..........
Pre-school.
On Mondays & Fridays....
I think I am ok with this?!!!?
I did it with Alex & Blake
and I survived ok.
Why does it seem harder this time around?
..........
Maybe I know that it is a sign that he is growing up....
maybe I know what I am missing...
Maybe I am just a momma.
..........
He has battled speech problems
and our prayer is that the doctors/speech therapists
are right.
That spending time with more kids his age
will help with his articulation issues.
It doesn't hurt that he has some good little buddies
to play with.
In fact...
though he was a little unsure before getting there
~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~
He was excited as could be
when he arrived there and
saw some familiar faces from his
t-ball team.
He begged Jimmy to allow him to stay longer
so he could play musical chairs again, again, and again.
~~~~~

~~~~~
We must take the time to...
LOVE
~~~~~

~~~~~
LAUGH...
~~~~~

~~~~~
LIVE...
~~~~~

&
savour every minute as a Mommy...
the moments...
the ones that really matter.
~~~~~

There's always something more to be learned in....

2008-08-05T11:09:00.007-05:00

Marriage.
On August 6th,
Jimmy and I will celebrate our 14th wedding anniversary.
After fourteen years,
the newness has worn off...
we've gotten to know each other...
the good & the bad...
we still don't agree on everything...
the pet peeves that drove me crazy as newlyweds...
still drive me crazy...and then some!

BUT

everything worth having and fighting for...
has obstacles you have to face.
When you love someone and start a life with them
there isn't a guarantee you are given that says
Life will be all rainbows and roses.
So often today people aren't willing to fight for their marriage
all too often they just throw it away when the going gets tough.
I have spent almost 14 years with a wonderful man
and I can't wait for 14 more.

I just received an e-mail about a new movie coming out next month.
It's from the creators of the "Facing the Giants",
a wonderful movie with a great message,
it's one of my all time favorites.
This time, they are not tackling football & giants, but marriage.
It looks to be a movie that all of us that are married can benefit from.
I have posted link to the trailer for you to view.
Just click on the movie title below.
If you are married,
I hope you take the time to see the movie...
FIREHOUSE
for you, your husband, & your family.

Does this look like....

2008-08-05T02:43:00.003-05:00

a three year old to you?
Me, either!!!
~~~
Whether I am ready for him
to be three years old or not,
the fact remains he is.
Time has flown by
and I must say I am trying to deny the fact
that another year has come and gone.
~~~
Three...
what does it mean to be a three year old boy?
Well,
for this three year old little boy it means....
that you love
trucks...cars...
Chuck E. Cheese
(whose name I have heard 1,000 times since Saturday!)...
snuggling with Mommy...
ANYTHING, and I do mean ANYTHING
sports related...
playing hock (otherwise known as hockey)...
playing with his bubba...
shirts with balls on them...
Diego....Oswald...
right now...butter
(right now, he is eating it out of the bowl as I type!!!!)...
ice cream...
playdough...
chocolate chip muffins...
pancakes....
going with Daddy to do errands....
sleeping with Alex & Blake...
staying up late...
sleeping in...
singing his ABC'S...
Hot Wheels...
Batman/Spiderman
(even though he hasn't really watched either one)...
Tom & Jerry...
his buddies, Jed-e, Jadanne, & Lilly...
Grandma & Kaffy...
Aunt Gaybo & Fwankie...
Papaw...
the books,
"How Does a Dinosaur Say Goodnight", "Max & Ruby",
"Badger's Fancy Meal"....
and a hosts of other things.
~~~
His world is full of excitement, wonder,
and million questions!
He isn't really wanting to have his picture taken either.
The ones I will post over the next couple of days
I had to work for...
and I mean work for!!!
It's a good thing that
Mommy will do ANYTHING,

and I do mean ANYTHING....
for a photograph!
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
He has the most beautiful blue eyes....
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
I said I would do ANYTHING for a picture, right?
Can you say
YOO-HOO?!!
It doesn't hurt that it coordinates with his shirt!
~~~

~~~~~

~~~
still trying the vintage thing
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
a couple of black & whites
~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~

~~~
Carson,
my baby...
as you travel
through life's twist and turns
and
grow and change into a sweet little boy...
~~~

~~~
May you always look back
on this time in your life
and
know how much you are loved...
~~~

~~~
and what joy and happiness
you have brought to our lives in these last three years.
You are one my life's greatest blessings.
I love you, little man!

Guess Who's ....

2008-08-02T13:44:00.002-05:00

~~~
Yes..
He's three....
ALREADY.
Today is his big day...
we're off to see a few family members...and maybe Chuck E. Cheese
will have more pictures to share tonight or tomorrow.
but until then....
~~~

~~~
Love you Carson Reilly!
Happy Birthday!!!

Goodbye Summer....

2008-07-30T12:48:00.004-05:00

and homeschooling.At least for now.Today Alexandra & Blake headed back into the world of public school.We have homeschooled for two years there were so many great things about it...but there were some not so great.We have always said that we would take it year by yearand see what we felt we were lead to do with each new year as it came.We have also said that if it was causing more stress or harmto our lives as a family...then it was time to stop.With two little ones not in school, it was a constant worry for me that they were being pushed to the side. I have felt as if I was failing at everything at timesand the stress & worry that caused me wasn't healthy for me or my family.I know that I have four great kids who I want the best for,spiritually...emotionally...educationally...if it means that the last of those above has to handled by someone other than me,I am no less of a parent...mother...teacher.We prayed and asked that God give us peace about what to do,we have been reminded that if you teach your kids the right things, whether they are in school or at home,it doesn't make a difference.Each child will face situations as they get older,we can only teach them the truth during the time that we have themand pray that God will give them the courage to stand in those situations.~~~~~As we went to the schools to take care of getting them registered,We felt blessed and proud. In situation after situation, we were told what wonderful kids we haveand that the reputations that they had upon leaving therein the 1st and 3rd grades were something to be proud of.~~~~~Indeed, I do have some wonderful kids & as I told them,now is not the time in their lives to stop doing the right thingsbut to determine within themselves even more to do what's right.Please say a prayer for them...Alexandra is heading to middle school, that is usually intimidating enough without having been away for the last two years.Ol' Blake is headed to the fifth grade and thinks he is too cool for words.They were both nervous & excited today as they headed back.Me, well, I truly felt as if they were heading off to kindergarten again,so you may want to say a prayer for me too.!!~~~~~Anyway...here are a few photos from their first day.Goodbye Summer.......
~~~
~~~Miss Middle SchoolerI would hate to admit it to her...but she doesn't look like my baby anymore.She really is growing up.lets keep that between us!
~~~ ~~~We love you, Sis...~~~

~~~and we are very proud of you.~~~
~~~ Mr. Fifth GraderI think he was most excited about his bag which he had organized to the hilt.In fact, he had it so full it looked bigger than him!~~~ ~~~We love you, buddy...~~~

~~~you make us so proud!~~~

~~~I know this year will be bring new challenges for all of us...but I also know...that as family....and with God's help...there's not anything we can't do! ~~~

Abby Part II... for Angie & Terry

2008-07-28T19:30:00.006-05:00

Just some more photos of one of the most adorable one year olds I know.Angie and Terry,this should be the last round.There may be a few others to look atwhen I give your hard copybut for the most part, these were my favorites.There are too many to count!

~~~Angie & Terry,as I sat on the ground, taking her picture as she was swinging,I saw these little feet coming towards me...I just wanted you to have something to look at in the years to come to remind you of how little she was once upon a time.Take the time to kiss those little piggies...count them and tickle them every chance you get...they don't stay this little long enough.
~~~

~~~whether she is smiling or...~~~

~~~serious...she is as cute as can be.~~~

~~~one from yesterdaywith a vintage flair~~~

~~~If only we took the time....~~~

~~~to explore...to investigate....~~~
~~~& to appreciate the world around uslike the little ones around us do. ~~~
~~~If that is not the look of a girl up to something...I don't know what is!!!~~~

~~~Doesn't the above phrase say it all?~~~~~~a little vintage with some sepia tones mixed in~~~~~~~~
~~~As Abby grows older...I know that she will fold her hands just like this...and say a prayer of thanks to God for sending her to you.~~~

~~~~~

~~~~~~~~Terry,I hope that you realize that with looks like this...you are putty in her hands!!~~~
~~~~~

~~~I do believe that you guys have a little model on your hands.She doesn't mind me pointingmy big, black camera at her one bit!
~~~
~~~I posted this in black & white yesterdaybut with how her beautiful eyes stand outin this color version...I couldn't resist posting this one as well!~~~~~~~~
~~~Ok...Angie & Terry...when do I get to do it again?!!!~~~
I am playing around again,this time with some prints.The color looked a little wonky once I saw it on hereand I didn't get the sizing just right...but what do you think...is there potential here?I love to hear some feedback!

You can't have too much of a good thing...

2008-07-26T16:28:00.008-05:00

isn't that what they always say?
Well, I tend to agree
especially when you are referring to a little girl
by the name of
Miss Abby.
I have a TON of photos of her to share with you.

~~
Her parents and grandparents are eager to see
what pictures I was able to capture
after spending the afternoon with her last weekend.
It was very hot, and I have had some obstacles
to overcome with some of these,
but every bit of that was well worth it to me.

This little girl has been

one of the most wonderful additions

to our family.

I truly have treasured the moments

I've gotten to share with her.

It is really true what they say about

the best things in life being worth the wait.

I know that her parents,

Angie & Terry

will certainly agree with me.

~~~
I have tried some new things with these
there are some color as well as black & white,
& a new little vintage look I have been wanting to try.
I enjoy photography as a hobby...
mainly because I get to spend time with
sweet little angels like this.

***

~~~

She started out in the creek

nice & dry...

but then what fun is that?!

~~~

~~~~~

She's such a sweetheart!

~~~

Angie & Terry found a field just down the road

from their home.

It looked like just the place for a photo

such as this....

~~~

~~~~~

~~~

This one is for those who like a little black & white

~~~

One with a little more saturation

~~~

~~~
and one with a little vintage touch...

not sure if I like this yet or not.

Maybe an occasional choice.

~~~

What's a girl to do when she finds herself

down & out

in soaking wet clothes?...
She takes a moment to enjoy the fact that she's 1 Year Old

and can still get away with doing something this fun.

~~~

Does this look like a face that's worried

about the fact that her clothes got soaked

and

she got to wade & sit in the creek naked?!!!

~~~

A couple more from the creek

~~~

~~~~~

~~~

Abby & her bunny...

Inseperable.

~~~

~~~~~

~~~

We ended up at the park at sundown...

~~~

a little reward for a job well done!!

~~~

trying to catch the little bugs flying through the air.

~~~

Miss Abby has the most beautiful eyes.

They draw you in as soon as you meet her.

~~~

~~~~~

one.

two.

THREE!!!

~~~

Not your typical photo...

but serves to remind you to think outside the box.

When I took it

I wanted it to draw attention to what

I think are her most beautiful assets

Can you guess what they are?

~~~

the last two are from the field her parents found.

I had some challenges with those taken in this field due to several factors.

Regardless of any problems I might have had

one thing's for sure...

the innocence, sweetness, and beauty

of this little one shines through.

Angie & Terry...

you are truly blessed.
~~~

~~~~~

This last one was my final experiment.

I have seen a lot of photos that have texture added to them.

The look of them put me in mind of the

old photos/paintings you use to see many years ago.

Miss Abby...

Thank you for being my sweet, beautiful subject.

That boy....

2008-07-25T19:34:00.002-05:00

is a mess."That boy did this..."You won't believe what "That boy" did today.... Yes, Jimmy & I say that very often about our Connerman.Forget about the fact that recently he decided to use the clothes dryer as a hiding spot and was then taken for a spin in the permanent press cycle when his little brother slammed the door shut on him.Don't worry, Jimmy was hot on his trail, he only went in circles for a few seconds! (Note**Normally, the dryer doesn't start automatically when you shut the door, but has done so since Jimmy "repaired" it!

and forget about the fact that he uses his Connerisms to get his way such as...Telling Carson..."I know Carson..that IT is hawd to believe....but YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE IT!!when he was trying to convince him to lay down & to sleep on the stairs.

forget about the fact that he fought me tooth and nailto getting these photos so I could do a post on the Week in the Life blog.

All I know is thatYES, he IS a mess.

yeah... I love "That Boy"How could you not?!!

Remember Miss Abby...

2008-07-25T15:05:00.003-05:00

well. she's back!!

This was her last November.

at that time, I thought it wasn't possible for her to get any cuter.

Boy, was I wrong!!!

More photos from our afternoon together are coming soon. Stay tuned!

a Belated Birthday Wish....

2008-07-22T13:38:00.003-05:00

forMr. Sawyer.He celebrated his fourth birthday this weekendand after putting a get well soon wish out there yesterday for Miss Josee, his sister,I realized I needed to share the love!!!With four kids of my own, I have learned the importance of making sure everyonehas their time to shine,and boy does this little guy do just that!

He may have just turned four,but he has a mind of a 50 or 60 year old!I think that this is due in large part to a big guy I believe he calls "Bubba".Bubba you know who you are!!
He came along and was a wonderful little addition to his family.He has plenty of people to love on him,including his beautiful, older sister,Miss Tobianne. As I said above, he has a tendency to act older than his years,butdon't be fooled by that,he is still a real stinker!Conner & Carson love that fact about him.Those three had the best time togetherduring our visit to East Tennesee in June.Sawyer, Little Buddy,I wanted to make sure that you know thatMr. Jimmy, Miss Michelle, Alex, Blake,Conner, & Carsonare thinking about you this weekand thatyour little buddies wanted to make surethey got a chance to say

A Message for our friend, Miss Josee

2008-07-21T17:23:00.005-05:00

Meet Josee...

you might remember her from

this post here back in December

from this one back in June.

Here is one of my recent favorites of her...

it's from an impromptu photo shoot for her E-ma(Grandma).

Today, I thought she might needs a few extra prayers said for her and a little something to smile about because today, she had her tonsils and adenoids taken out.

Everyone knows that we, Conwells, don't have a problem laughing at ourselves!

So, without further ado.......a little get well message for you, Miss Josee.

(oh yeah, and don't forget to stop the music player on the right before playing the video.)

If you would like to see

Josee's Get Well Message

full screen, click on the title above, you will be led to the Photodex website. Once there, right click on video screen, and select full screen option.

Memories in the Making...

2008-07-20T23:29:00.005-05:00

that is what the 4th of July was about for me.My cousin, Shellie, is someone very special to me,she has been my closest friend and confidant since she was born three months after me.She has a heart of gold, she loves kidsand makes a difference in the life of every one she touches.Just ask her studentsor Alexandra. During our trip to east Tennessee last month,Shellie and I put together a plan to spend this 4th of Julycelebrating the ever growing independence of a wonderful, beautiful, sweet, caring, and just all around awesome girlwho just happens to be mine.So, we set off for a day of shopping with many secrets along the way for our girl, Alexandra.one of the major secrets was our plan, to stay overnight, just us girls.A very special thank you to Shellieas well as her hunka-hunka Damon who made it possible.....

to stay at the infamous Opryland Hotel...What a beautiful place

Alexandra was in awe of the place.After seeing what valet parking was all aboutand seeing chandeliers hanging in the breezeway, which was OUTSIDE,she thought she was staring in her very own version of Disney's Zack & Cody,but instead of staying at the Tipton, she was at Opryland!

We quickly found our room....

I believe I actually heard her say,"Ah-h, this is the Life!!!"she quickly had to call home and tell them all about it.*****After shopping till we dropped and making a hilarious, yet disastrous trip to the Marble Slab Creamery,we went back to the hotelwith plans to spend the night hanging out and doing makeovers.

Alex was to be the make-up artist.

First, it was Shellie's turn

Alex gave her the royal treatment...and after the big reveal...

Shellie was quite impressed...not bad for an eleven year old.

then, it was Mom's turn.

Alex didn't hold back with the liquid eyelinerand soon, I was laughing so hard I was crying...

which resulted in this!!!

after calling me a difficult client...she threw in the towel!!

Alex is at the age when she is all about wanting to wear make-up.I usually let her wear some lip gloss and maybe a little blush,but since it was a special night, I thought I would doll her up to.

She loved it.
so to say thank you,she put on a performance for us.

*****

she looked so grown up...

it was like having a chance to glimpse to the future & see how beautiful she will be as a woman.

the next day..

she was back to being 11 again.

before checking out we took a few quick pictures

Alexandra & Shellie

the flowers were absolutely beautiful, I could've snapped pictures all daybut this trip wasn't about me, it was about...

my wonderful girl.Me & Alexandragosh, I love that girl!

they had some really neat water features and we didn't even see a fourth of them.I hope to go back and visit just to take pictures!

Me & ShellieThank you my dear cousin, friend, sister for helping make this possible for my girl!

just a few...

of the beautiful....

sights to see....

at the Opryland Hotel.*****We checked out, spent some more time shopping, and finished up by taking in a showwhat else could it have been but"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie"!We ended the fun getting lost on the way home, singing and acting crazy to the latest Disney tunes,and having a good ole' heart to heart.*****There are many photos herebut so many others I could share, but won't.It was a wonderful time...a time I'll cherish forever.It was a great 4th of July weekend..it was Memories in the Making.

Where there is a will there is a way!!!

2008-07-19T00:03:00.003-05:00

and I am proof of it!

I have always said that my strong willed childhood

would have some benefit for me

if only my parents would have known it at the time!!!

Ok...

so I am not completely up and running the way I should be

but do you see photos below or do you see photos?!!!!

I planned to put these up a few weeks ago

prior to my blog vacation

but as we say in the Conwell house......

"Better Late than Never!"

~~~

Just a few from Mr.B's 10th birthday....

we didn't do anything fancy this year...but we had to include one of his favorite things...

the Chicago Cubs!!!

not a big crew this year...

just his family and a couple of little buddies.

I will enjoy this small affair, I have a feeling next year could be quite a bit different!

Teresa, our lifesaver, made and decorated the cake for us in a matter of a couple of hours

when the original decorator fell through at the last minute!!

She was unhappy with the rushed result,

but we were thrilled & thankful she offered to help.

Thanks again, Teresa!

Blake was thrilled with all of the money he received

Instead of being his usual frugal self,

he used his money this time for more SPY toys.

In other words,

he used it to buy something he knew would aggravate his sister!!

Just Blake with a couple of people he loves immensly

Aunt Gay

otherwise known as "Grandma Millie's Stand In"

& Uncle Frank.

They may be his great aunt & uncle,

but the love they show him and the rest of our crew,

makes them love them as if they truly were their grandparents.

In fact, they get called Grandma and Papaw often!

Grandma Conwell holds a special place in the heart of this fella

and there is no question...

that the feeling is mutual.

Blake loves nothing more than to spend a day or two...

well, right now, it has been FOUR

with her, helping her do little projects, finding old coins to look at,

watching tv, reading books, helping her cook dinner...

he enjoys every minute of it.

last...

but certainly not least...

Blake with Aunt Kathy.

Not only Blake but everyone of our kids

love their Aunt Kathy.

She is so energetic and fun

and they enjoy every minute they have with her.

Blake was thrilled to have her there as were we all.

~~~

You would think by now that I would make it a priority to get a photo with

the birthday child and their parents.

Believe it or not...

it ALWAYS slips my mind.

Hence, the need for the 52 wk. blog

which has been seriously neglected;

however, we are soon going to be up and at it again!

Stay tuned!

Argh.......:(

2008-07-18T00:55:00.002-05:00

About the time I get the fever to start blogging faithfully again...

I start having problems with blogger not wanting to post my photos.

S0-0 aggravating!

I hope to have it worked out soon

However, say a prayer,

I hate having to wait and

it is out of my control so I can't do anything myself to fix it!!!

Hmmmm....

Ok God,

are you trying to teach me a little patience again?!

When was the last time.....

2008-07-15T10:43:00.003-05:00

you allowed yourself to be a kid again &
played in the rain?
I remember being about 5 years old
standing on my front porch with my mom
watching the rain fall.
I wondered what it would feel like to play in the rain, and
wanted so badly to go out in it.
As if mom could read my mind,
she asked me if I wanted to play in the rain.
That was all I needed to hear and off I went.
I still remember the sheer joy I had at standing out there...
fully clothed....with hands out....
playing in the rain.

Fast forward to this past Saturday...
it came a downpour
Carson & I went to stand out on the deck and take it all in.

With this look, fuzzy at it is,
suddenly,
he reminded me of myself thirty years ago waiting for permission.

So naturally,
I had to follow my mom's example
and encouraged him to go have some fun.

After a few runs through,
he stopped and watched in awe
as the water ran over his hand.

then,
as every child seems to do,
he stuck his tongue out,
watching to catch a few drops.

This picture cracks me up.
He wasn't having a whole lot of raindrops to hit his tongue.
In this picture, it is almost like you see a twinkle in his eyes,
as another idea comes to mind.

and then he stretched his neck and tongue way out...
and closed his eyes.

Conner usually the first to try something ....
found himself wanting to share in the fun...
but he wasn't completely sold on the idea.

so he stuck his face and tongue out to see what it was like...
(this is a shot I wish I could've gotten from the side, but not at the risk of my camera!)

and since Dad is as big a kid as he is...
he helped him find the courage!!

the smile says it all!
*****
There is no chance of rain today
but the next time a few drops of rain comes your way...
throw caution to the wind
and remember what is was like to be a kid and spend a little time
playing in the rain.

is anyone out there?.....

2008-07-14T11:10:00.002-05:00

Ok, by now you must be thinking that I have been abducted by aliens or something

or if you are someone who really knows me,

you probably thought that I finally cashed in my coupon for the free trip to the padded room!!

*****

If you are still out there and wondering what the Conwell's have been up to,

well, we have been pretty busy.

It has been hard to find the time to fit this blog thing in,

but I hope to get back to blogging later today.

If you haven't totally given up on me,

check back later tonight or better yet tomorrow!!

Connerisms...

2008-07-03T11:19:00.003-05:00

that's my new word.

He is constantly coming up with his own way of looking at things...

usually to get his way out of trouble.

I figured it was time to give Conner his rightful place

in the dictionary.

***

Now, on to the lastest Connerism...

Carson and Conner are playing cars on the stairs

as I clean up the breakfast dishes from this morning.

I know a problem has arisen as soon as I hear Carson wailing.

Upon his entering of the kitchen,

my suspicions are confirmed as he tells me that Conner decided to

smack him on the cheek with a hotwheels.

I contemplated the decision of

from now on buying only toys made from foam rubber,

but reminded myself that Conner is Conner and would soon take the foam rubber

and find some way to turn it into a weapon of some kind or

something that will help him hang from the stair railing yet again.

So, now back to the problem at hand...

I take Carson and go to find Conner still playing with the car on the stairs

"Conner, did you hit Carson on the cheek with the car?" I asked.

"No, momma I didn't."

Conner, did you hit Carson on the cheek with the car?" I ask again.

"No, ma'am."

"Well, Conner, how did Carson get that big red spot on his cheek then?!"

without blinking an eye he replies,

"I think he has a sunburn, and he follows that with "Oh-h-h-h"(it a Homer Simpson style voice)

and a shake of the body for extra effect.

and then again

"Oh Yeah, he has a sunburn, O-h-h-h."

After a little lesson about lying and

what God and Mom & Dad think about it,

he rethinks his answer.

Thank the Lord, I can see he has a conscience!

"Conner, now that you've told the truth about hitting Carson,

what do you think Jesus would want you to do about it?" I asked.

"Give him a hug."

Hugs were given, apologies made, and all is well again at the Conwell house.

.......

....

at least for now!!

So mischievious, so curious, so rambunctious, but yet so sweet, so loving, so stinkin' cute!

It seems only fitting....

2008-07-02T10:34:00.003-05:00

that I come across this wonderful story just after posting a blog entry about my sweet buddy, Little Miss Ella. Every time I am with her I am left wondering about and wishing I knew what God has in store for her. Her mom and I were talking yesterday about what makes Ella, Ella. I guess it could best be summed up by using the phrase, Ella has autism, but autism doesn't have Ella. It doesn't have her laughter, her sweetness, it doesn't stop her from being mischievious, or sneaky, or being a drama queen, but most of all, it doesn't stop her from stealing your heart! Sometimes, I think people must get lost in the work autism and forget that God works through many things, many people to touch the hearts and lives of people. This video clip leaves me teary eyed and excited to see just how God has/will work through autism and Ella.

*don't forget to mute the sound on the music player prior to starting the video*

Guess Who...

2008-06-30T23:36:00.003-05:00

I got to play with this weekend?

She is one of my favorite people....

I call her my sunshine and she can brighten any day....

and

she is the biggest little inspiration around.....

***

any guesses???

who else could it be but....

Little Miss Ella

we started at the swing....

but it wasn't long until the trampoline was calling her name.

I would do anything to see that smile

this photo is a little grainy...but the grain can't hide the pure happiness on that sweet face

Miss Ella left the trampoline for a little while but wound up right back there again.

this time she seemed like she just wanted to lay back and take in all the sights and sounds around her

of course when I saw her laying back...I wanted in there too. I saw a picture in the making.

The sight of me getting in and out of the enclosure was a sight I'm sure, but even more so the sight of me jumping beside her.... while holding the camera.... while trying to keep my body & my bladder under control...

Well, lets just say she found the whole thing...

Hilarious!

that's my Ella.

and I just love her to pieces.

Want to see more...

2008-06-28T00:49:00.006-05:00

of the newest 10 year old on the block?

You can check out Blake's birthday slideshow,

by clicking on its the title below

Blake Turns 10!.

~~~~~

Later on today,

I hope to have a couple more pics from his party today

as well as, a few more from our East Tennessee trip.

Have a great Saturday

Talk to you soon!

A New Chapter...

2008-06-26T22:06:00.006-05:00

arrived today for Blake.

Today, he turned the big "10".

He will never again be a single digit person (an Alexism)

and I must say I do wish I could start back at the beginning again

and cherish the moments a little more...

Hug a little tighter....Grab more kisses along the way...

Make fewer mistakes...

all in all....

just realize how fast the time goes.

~~~

In honor of Blake's 10th birthday

we went out together for an hour

to take a few photos.

I had a wonderful time and was so surprised

to hear him admit that he did to.

In returning home,

I was amazed and a little emotional

as I viewed how much he has changed since last year.

You can view the photos yourself below.

but first....

~~~~

Blake,

the last year of your life has flown by for me.

You have grown so much since this time last year...

both in stature and as a person.

You have come out of your shell and have truly shined by doing so.

Baseball, Basketball, Guitar lessons & recitals, singing in church...

you have accomplished so much and I could not be any prouder of you

because I was once that same shy kid that you use to be

and I know what courage it took to do all those things.

I look at these new photos of you

and see on the outside how you've grown as well.

You are becoming a young man...you are changing so much

As you change and grow,

I pray that that wonderful loving, caring nature that you have

will grow with you.

You have quite a way with the little ones around you.

The sweetness and love that you show them

makes their day and mine.

Never be afraid to show the world what a kind heart you have.

Never be afraid to do the right thing, and never apologize when you do it.

Always put God first in your life...you will be the happiest when you do

and

more than anything...

Always know that regardless if there are mistakes made...

promises broken...

& wrong turns along the way...

or whether there be smooth sailing all the way...

You are one of the greatest gifts God has given to me

and I will

ALWAYS

love you...

be proud of you...

be your mom.

I love you Buddy.

~~~~~

This is what "10" looks like

He was quite the little model

Showing his serious side here

and here.

Such a handsome fella

the look says it all, doesn't it?

I can actually say that I see a little of myself in him here.

With that grin, he looks just like I did in my kindergarten picture.

I was wanting to try something new

and forgot to check my lighting

there are a few bright spots but Blake really liked it.

We made our way to the farm I spent many a summer enjoying

it was nice to share some of those memories with him.

I really liked both of these

one last serious one

the tough guy look

All smiles.

~~~~~~

Happy 10th Birthday, Blake!!!

Brace Yourself...

2008-06-25T08:32:00.007-05:00

for a lot of photos.

I take so many photos, that sometimes it's hard to decide

which are the best ones to show here.

Especially when you are taking pictures of twelve different people

like I did during our recent visit to Dollywood with our wonderful friends

the Baggett Family.

I took way too many pictures so it looks like I will post A LOT,

and then show the rest in the usual way, a slideshow.

As I said...

Brace yourself, there is a lot to look at...

Conner, Carson, & Sawyer were thrilled to see Bob & Larry.

There were many hugs and kisses for the pair.

However, it didn't take long for Conner to start investigating things.

Our visit with the two was short lived...

due to Carson trying to take Larry out with a big shove.

You can't help but love Miss Tobianne,

she was great with all the kids.

Right after this moment,

we thought our Dollywood visit was going to be cut short

when in true Conwell fashion...

Carson fell and landed his head on a brick planter.

After a little loving, and some ice on a pretty good sized knot,

he was ready for the next adventure.

However, his mother had to take her blood pressure medicine and

do a little yoga to get her calm again before moving on!

The little ones enjoyed some time at Beaver Creek

while some of the bigger ones...

screamed their guts out.

Especially Blake who rode his first big roller coaster that day,

and though I wan't able to get a picture of it(the above picture is terrible enough)

Josee rode her first one as well, screaming the ENTIRE ride!!

Conner & Sawyer thought that they were something in these silly hats

~~~~~

Carson as always loved the carosel.

~~~~~

Cyndi, I know you are going to kill me for this...

but I thought it was sweet moment between you and Josee.

Have you ever tried to take photos

while riding a flying elephant with a four year old?

Josee thought the whole thing was hilarious.

Bill & I thought we would ride what they call "The Lemon Twist"

though Bill looks as if he is enjoying it, just kickin' back and relaxin'....

and even though I look like I am having a great time with Miss Josee....

we were acting, just acting.

The above & below photo shows the reality of it all. If you are mid-thirties or older.... and the ride is one that spins extremely fast....around & around & around in a circle... DO NOT FOOL YOURSELF you have NO business on the ride!

The photos show us after we FINALLY made our way to a planter to sit on....we were to put it mildly sick.sick.sick. It took about an hour for us to fully recover. It is so sad what growing older can do to you!

~~~~~

These four crazy kids got on the ride just after us....I believe they were trying to rub it in our faces a little!

I attempted to take several more photos of these cuties; however, it was just after riding the lovely Lemon Twist ride mentioned above, so...none of them were in focus!

As we neared the end of the day, Carson finally gave in...

and these two guys showed Cyndi & I what lies in our future

we both agree

WE ARE NOT READY!

NEITHER IS THE WORLD!!

Bill, Cyndi, & kids,

Thank you so much for putting us up for a few days, and joining us at Dollywood.

We truly miss you all so much and the time spent with you is a gift to us.

Thank you & We Love you Guys!

Hello...Remember Me?!!!

2008-06-22T23:10:00.004-05:00

Whew... It has been a while hasn't it?

After traveling over 1,000 miles on our little family trip,

I am back home and back to the old grind.

I do have some photos to share from a couple of places we visited,

but I am still playing catch up with sizing the photos for the blog.

~~~~~

I do have a few of photos of share though

these photos...or should I say the story that goes with them

reminded me of the fact that I am back to reality....

as if I needed reminding!!

If I could give you a title to clue you into the story

it might be something like....

You did what?!!!

or possibly

How do you argue with that reasoning?!!
~~~

Curious yet?

~~~

As we sit Friday night taking it easy as a family....

enjoying popcorn and a movie...

Conner suddenly appears in front of me...

an index finger in each nostril.

I think that he is just once again poking a hole in his brain

and proceed to tell him to stop and remind him how gross it is.

I am praising myself about how I handled the whole situation...

feeling pretty good...I just used some great parenting logic I think to myself

Within seconds, Conner reappears to clarify that he wasn't picking his nose..

.....

oh no...

.....

he had only stuck a popcorn kernel into each nostril...

turns out he had been trying to get the kernels out

when I saw him 10 seconds earlier.

Now..they sat wedged in his nostrils.
~~~

I wonder how long it took for him to realize that wasn't a smart thing to do?

not long...believe me.

After 15 minutes of him wailing...

Alex and Blake running to hide in the closet

because they don't want to see the torture that we put him through

to get them out...

I got one out with the tweezers...and then he started snorting...

he was crying... crying leads to runny noses.... runny noses well, lead to snorting...

the snorting then had me a nervous wreck as

I visualized the popcorn kernel reaching the cerebellum(brain)!...

I then in turn hand him of to Dad who proceeds to

talk him through blowing enough times to finally blow it completely out.

The next morning, I decided to send the lesson home that

we don't stick things in our noses.

I think that message had been received the night before

when he saw me coming at him with the tweezers!

I couldn't help but ask him

"Conner, why did you stick the popcorn thingeys in your nose?"

"Well, Mom, I was trying to keep my boogers from falling out."

What do you say to that? It pretty much had me speechless...and then laughing.

But then again...He is known for his great problem solving.

A couple weeks ago,

after he was continually found pulling and poking at his boy region

(don't laugh, I try to run a clean place here!)

I thought I would try a new technique to handle this boy habit

I started by telling him if he didn't quit, he was going to pull it off.

Without blinking...he proceeds to tell me...

"Mom. I will just get the glue....put the glue on it....and it won't come off."

Don't know where he comes up with it...but he sure keeps life interesting.

and ...

..........

he is so stinkin' cute!

~~~~~

Connerman...

you keep me on my toes...

but I love you to pieces little buddy!

Warning...

2008-06-12T09:38:00.003-05:00

you may feel the urge to get wet after this post.

~~~

Today marks the end of the hotel stay.

We are getting ready to head off to our next adventure,

and since our next adventure does not include wireless internet...

I thought I would post a few photos of our last three days.

We have had quite a bit of fun here.

Most all of it involved the pool.

We went swimming the first night with clouds in the sky

we were able to swim about 45 minutes before the thunder rolled in

we ran around like crazy people trying to gather floaties and children.

The children were the challenge

one in particular,

any guesses which one it was?????

He isn't called the "Con" for nothing, as soon as we had him out, he was jumping right back in

~~~

I have heard the word "CANNONBALL!!!!!" more times than I can count!

We ALL had a great time, mom included!

Carson proved that though he is little,

chicken, he is not, even jumping into the 5ft. end.

Thank God for floaties!

on a side note:

This little fella has proven that you can have 15 kids,

and you can still learn as a parent.

I have not been sweating potty training with this little guy,

I did that enough with the first three.

He started going more on the potty just before we left

I said repeatedly that we would be starting over when we get back

there is no way he would be thinking about the potty on this trip.

WRONG!!

He has hardly gone in his pants at all,

as a matter of fact,

he made us get out of the pool repeatedly to go potty.

Thank God the pool had a bathroom nearby.

*****

Now back to the pictures

We ALL enjoyed the time with Daddy.

He enjoyed it for two reasons...

1. He was spending time with us

2. He was getting to cool off after fighting fires all day.

Alex enjoying some peace & relaxation

~~~

Enjoy your life...

Enjoy your family....

Talk to you soon.

Ah....

2008-06-11T15:27:00.002-05:00

this is the life.

not enjoying anything fancy,

just a few days away.

Don't get me wrong..... it's not all luxurious

I am traveling with four kids.....

trying to keep noise levels to a mininum

in a quaint hotel room

is almost impossible

but

I am determined to enjoy it none the less!

more photos to come....

Have a great day!