God Don't Like Ugly!

2009-07-27T06:18:00.001-07:00

Dirk and Jenna's Wedding!

2009-07-27T02:49:00.001-07:00

Sorry, no pictures!

2009-03-07T21:18:00.000-08:00

So, my laptop has been in repair for a couple of months and I have to say that I am soooo.... happy to have it back. George has one also, but his "F" key doesn't work so it is very annoying. Have you ever tried to do anything without an "F"? Anyway, I am back but with not so good news! Now I really try not to make fun of people and you know my favorite saying is God Don't Like Ugly but I will admit that I made fun of my cousin Alison when her computer crashed and she lost all her pictures. I wouldn't even say I made fun, but I was amazed that she did not have them backed up. Well Guess what, neither did I!!!! How stupid is that? I take sooo.... many pictures and I lost a good many of them. So needless to say I have no pictures to post. I did find a wonderful friend of mine who was able to save some of them! Thanks OG!! And sorry Alison for making fun of you!

2009-01-18T11:04:00.000-08:00

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So here it is, finally an update. Sorry, somehow I am just behind. The slideshow is from my youngest brother Kelly's wedding. He married a wonderful girl named Kyla in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Dec. 23rd. This is also the day Grandma Cokie and Papa Pete said their vows I believe Grandma said they were married in 1942. Anyway, the wedding was awesome, 7 of my dad's 8 kids were there. Of course Lance couldn't make it but we still love him. We had a great time not only at the wedding but also spending time together in Myrtle Beach. I never knew how much I liked the beach until I visited in the winter. How relaxing to be able to leave the door open and hear the waves crash...made for several great naps. Of course the trip was not without normal "Conner Drama" We arrived Saturday night and within 2 hours we were on our way to the hospital to get 4 stitches in Cass' forehead. Poor thing, he wasn't even being bad, he was just walking through the kitchen and tripped which placed him face first into the island which must have been sharp because it sliced his head right open. Thank God Aula has "lola" (her navigation system) we just pressed a button and were off to the Hospital. 4 stitches and 2 hours later we were back at the Condo and Cass was a trooper. Unfortuneately this would not be our last Dr. visit of the week. I woke up in the middle of the night with 103 fever so decided it would be best to go to the clinic. Good thing I did....Strep Throat. YUCK, I forgot how painful that is. Once again Aula had to come to the rescue, she held down fort while I stayed in bed all day Sunday..... by Moday I was functioning but barely....it took lots of prayer and just as much medicine but I made it through and we truly did have a wonderful Christmas......much love to all. Have a "JOY"ful day......

I am thankful for.....

2008-11-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

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I am thankful for so many things but most of all I am thankful for my family!!! Being from a family with six kids can have its chaos but mostly it is great and I am so thankful to God for allowing all six of us to be together this wonderful Thanksgiving!!!

I'm so excited!!!!!

2008-11-21T19:53:00.000-08:00

I know this is probably not going to be as exciting to all of you as it is to me but this afternoon I was sitting in my much needing to be cleaned house and for some reason I told the boys to get dressed because we were going to Lake Wales Mall. No idea why but we were going. (I actually thought I could use my Kirklands gift card that I got last Christmas but evidently Kirklands is no longer there) So anyway, we walk into the mall and the first store the boys see is Game Stop! Not my favorite but definately theres!!! So John and Alex are up front playing Wii and Cass and I are looking around for a possible Birthday gift for John who will be 10 on the 30th. So, this young guy walks in and goes to the register and is asking about trading in a game of some sort and because I am nosy I listen. It is a PSP (which John would DIE for) and he is wanting to trade it in for cash. After checking it out the worker tells him that PSP trade ins are $50. He asks the young man for the cord and he informs him that he doesn't have the original cord, he has a car charger. Not good enough, that will be $15 off so they are offering this guy $35 dollars for a practically new PSP. So being the frugle mom that I am I walked right up to the young man and told him I would give him $50 for the PSP and he was so happy he even threw in a free game!!!!! YEAH!!!! I got John John a PSP for fifty bucks!!!! I know that God is a busy man but isn't it great that he had time to send me to Lake Wales!!! Now if you see John John don't say anything, because he is not getting it until next Sunday!!! Anyway! Not so exciting for you, but great excitement for me (and my pocket book) Have a "JOY"ful Day!!!

10 months!

2008-10-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

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I wasn't planning on doing this but I noticed that tomorrow is the 10 month anniversary of Nana's departure! It is still so hard to believe. You know, if you have ever lost anyone you have good days and bad days and I am happy to report that it finally seems as though the good days are outnumbering the bad ones. I am not looking forward to the holidays though, especially Halloween! My mom loved Halloween. Every year since John John has been trick-or-treating we have gone to Andy and Sandee's house for a big party!!!!! It was always the highlight of Halloween for mom and she looked forward to it every year!!!!! She will be greatly missed this year especially by those of us who depended on her to help keep wandering kids on the hay wagon and not in the road!!! Sunday after church we went to Lake Placid so the boys could decorate Nana's grave site. I am not sure if it is really politically correct to put Halloween ghosts on someones grave site but they wanted to do it and I was not about to tell them no. So here are some pictures of the boys decorating and a few of Alex "hugging" Nana. It was a very emotional time but they had fun and it is good for them to do stuff like that!!! (It's good for mommy also!!) I threw in a few more odds and ends also!!! One more quick thing before I go. The other day we were at Kelly and Kyla's house and Kyla had a stack of Halloween outfits laying on the chair. I told her they were adorable and asked her where she got them and she told me that Nana had bought them. Without missing a beat, Alex looks up and says "I thought Nana was in Heaven." It was so cute and I had to explain to him that Nana had bought them before she went to heaven. I am sure he was thinking wait a minute, you all been keeping me from Nana for 10 months and now I find out she's been shopping all this time!!!!!! You know she did love to shop!!! Anyway, enjoy the pictures and Have a "JOY"ful day!!!!!!

I'm Back!!!!

2008-10-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

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Fill in the blank!

2008-09-06T22:06:00.000-07:00

I don't have any new cute pictures to post, I just wanted to take a minute to let you know what an absolutely wonderful family I have. As you all know John John is playing football this year. Today his game was in Lake Alfred. His games start at noon so you all can only imagine the heat that you must sit through! But not to keep away my wonderful family. My dad flew in from Indiana to meet the new Grandson but also to see John play football. My sister was up from Naples, my brother Trent was up from Ft. Myers and all of them went to the game to cheer John on. Daddy George and Uncle Nent even volunteered to sit in the truck with the little kids so they didn't have to burn up. (It was Uncle Todd's Truck so of course there is a DVD player) it was so nice to be able to watch a game with no little ones to worry about. So I am sending my dad back to Indiana with a sunburn (mere memories of one more football game!) but I can not tell you how blessed I feel to have had all those people there to cheer John and the Thunderbolts on!! (Just for the record his team lost for the 1st time this season!) Have a "JOY"ful Day!

Not such a slacker!

2008-08-27T22:03:00.000-07:00

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For those of you who actually check this thing often please let me apologize for my slacking! I don't really have an excuse but if you would like me to come up with one let's just say I have been busy cleaning house!! Anyway, I really don't know what has been causing the slacking. Probably the fact that I am back at work! I no longer have the luxury of staying up all night doing smilebox. Whatever the reason, I am back and I have put together a little snippet of what we have been doing this past week. I hope you enjoy and I hope you have a "JOY"ful day!

Ring Ring goes the bell!

2008-08-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

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2008-08-17T10:08:00.001-07:00

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He's finally here!

2008-08-16T22:54:00.000-07:00

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I will write all about it later! Just wanted to get up some pictures!

Our crazy life!

2008-08-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

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There is really no rhyme or reason for this post, just some cute things that have been happening that I wanted to share. Have a "JOY"ful Day!

A day in the life of a birthday monkey!

2008-08-10T14:40:00.001-07:00

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Wanted to let you see how we celebrate a birthday on Roberta Ave. Here it is from morning to night! Hope you enjoy. Have a "JOY"ful day!

2008-08-07T22:39:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow will be 8 months since mom passed. August 14th would have been her 61st birthday. Paula and I have regretted many times not throwing her a big party for her 60th but you know my mom and unless all her kids could be there she did not want it and it was virtually impossible to get all of us together so she wanted us to wait. The one thing she did want for her birthday was a family picture. As I was going through my pictures tonight I found these. We took these at her funeral, I am only sorry she did not get to carry them with her in her purse and show them to anyone and everyone. I am sorry she never got to hold it and brag about her grandkids and tell everyone how she only has 1 granddaughter. I miss her soooo... much as I know many of you do. Some days I can't imagine one more day without her and other days I am so thankful for the strength she instilled in me to be able to make it through the bad days. Anyway, I wanted to share the pictures with all of you just like I know she would have, had she been able to hold them in her hands. Have a "JOY"ful day!

Our little Birthday boy!

2008-08-03T20:36:00.000-07:00

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The day is finally here, Cass Cass is turning two. It seems like just yesterday he was puking all over us. Cass shares his birthday with George's daughter Rachael, who he knows as Sissy,(on the day Cass was born George was having a newborn and had a daughter who was turning 13! Not too smart on George's part!) so we are actually celebratig 2 Birthdays today. (and not to forget my nephew Eric who is the big 13 today) I know we are weird but for some reason we like August 4th. As I sit here typing I am thinking of my mom and how much she loved Birthdays. She may not have made a big deal about ours as we got older but she certainly did not slack on her grandkids. I wish she were here to watch him blow out his candles and to give him his Birthday spankings. I wish she were her to eat his Birthday morning pancakes and to watch with joy as he opens his presents. I miss her so much! She definately was the greatest NANA in the world and although the kids do not realize what they are missing, I do. But I know Cass will have a great day, just as Alex did and just as John will. We love you Cass and we pray this year will be awesome for you! You are our Sweet Angel!

Get off the sidewalk, Rachael can drive!!!

2008-08-03T20:14:00.001-07:00

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Cupcake disaster and blessing!

2008-07-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

OK, so many of you know that my brother and his fiance are expecting their first child in a couple of weeks, so my brother asked me if I could fill in at Pizza Hut for Kyla while she is out with Kamdyn. Not a problem, I have worked a Pizza Hut many times and I will do anything to help Kelly so I said sure. Problem was it was Monday night and Alex was turning 4 on Tuesday and I needed to have Ninja Turtle cupcakes before one o'clock when we were going to RJ Gators for lunch, oh, and I had to work summer school the next morning. Not a problem, I don't sleep too well usually anyway, so I would make them when I got home from Pizza Hut, at 11:30! So I did it and they were cute and I finished them at 1:14am! ( I have the time on the picture) so the next morning I had them on the table to surprise Alex and he loved them! So before I left to go to work (at 7:15) I put foil over them and put a big note that said do not touch!!!!! Easy huh! Evidently not because I got home and got the kids ready and went to leave when I remembered to grab the cupcakes. Only when I looked for them I couldn't find them. No, they did not get eaten, they were underneath, yes I said UNDERNEATH the Pizza Box. Evidently the kids had decided to eat left over pizza for breakfast and put the box right on top of the cupcakes which totally ruined them for any kind of public consumption. So we left for RJ Gators and I had to call Tina in tears but she calmed me down and not only that but when I got to RJ Gators, our waitress Sherry, who I am embarrassed to say know us by name, asked what was wrong and so I had Tina tell her the story (because every time I said cupcake I cried) and God is Good because she just happen to have stopped and gotten cupcakes that morning to share with everyone at work to welcome her new puppy! So Sherry saved the day and once again I was reminded God is Good all the time and all the time God is good!

2008-07-29T16:54:00.000-07:00

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For the past few years John has been asking me, more like begging me to let him play football. I really don't have a problem with him playing as far as injuries go, I just had it so easy with Soccer, (2 practices a week only lasting an hour and 1 game on Saturday morning) But this year was different, his friend's dad is the coach and his mom goes to each practice (and stays the whole time, She doesn't have a 4 and 2 year old though) so they asked if he could play and graciously offered to do the driving to and from practices so how could we say no. It has been one week today since he started practice and I must say he absolutely loves it. I love watching him get into his jersey and I love to see the way his little brothers look up to him in awe. Having 4 brothers I was around sports all my life, and I spent many years on the side of the football field. A little secret not too many people know about me is that I actually have a varsity letter for football from high school (it was for being statistician, but I still have it.) So anyway, to say I am excited is an understatement. I am ecstatic!!!! I remember Shawn West sent me an e-mail when I found out I was pregnant with Cass, my 3rd son, and she simply said that God must know that I am a good mom to boys. I have thought about that so many times and especially now that she is pregnant with her little boy. I do love my boys, I love every stinky little bone in their body. And I thank God that he knows how much I would love a little girl but keeps giving me my sweet boys! I will be sure and keep you posted on the outcome of the games as they begin. Don't forget to pray for my little man and all the others who are pouring their souls into a game we all love!

2008-07-23T06:26:00.000-07:00

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Not to be redundant but this is the ORIGINAL Birthday blog that I did for my Alex yesterday morning and since it magically reappeared I decided not to let it go to waste. So once again Happy Birthday Alex we all love you!

Go Alex, It's your Birthday!

2008-07-22T15:11:00.000-07:00

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So today is Alex's 4th Birthday and I have done everything in my power to make it special for him but it seems like I keep getting road blocks (and a few blessings but I will have to blog about that one later) Anyway! I wanted to re-post this slideshow for Alex (notice I said re) Enjoy our Angel and Have a Happy 4th Birthday Alex! We love you!

Birthday Boys!

2008-07-19T18:06:00.000-07:00

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Tuesday, July 22nd, will be Alex's 4th Birthday! I almost cannot imagine it. Since Cass's Birthday is on Aug. 4th we went ahead and combined the party and had it at the Children's Museum! They had a blast!!!! They were so excited all week just thinking about it and I loved the fact that all I had to do was threaten to cancel the party and they would behave!!!! I made a slide show of the great event! I am getting addicted to smilebox, which would be great if my addiction of smilebox would take over my addiction of chocolate unfortunately I just do smilebox and eat chocolate!!!! Not a good thing. Anyway, we all had a great time! I am sitting here now in the midst of gift bags (I love birthdays so I can stock up on them!) and Aunt Bebe's LOUD guitar ( I am not sure what I did to her but she is definitely making up for it with this gift!) and I am realizing how truly blessed I am. I have great friends and family that gave up 2 hours of their lives to come and show my children that they are loved! It is such a simple thing but I appreciate it so much! I love birthday parties, such a great time to look back on the past and look ahead to the future. Alex will be in K-4 this year and Cass in the 2 year old class. Alex is moving up to children's church (no more nursery), and Cass is moving out of the baby nursery into the "Big Kid" nursery! Where does the time go. I used to ask my mom if she got sad watching us grow up knowing that we would never be babies or toddlers or teens again, and her response was "I had six kids, I didn't even notice!!" But I know she did notice and she would tell me all the time to enjoy my kids, and I definitely do enjoy my kids! Thanks for reading and letting me go on and on and Have a "JOY"ful Day! Happy Birthday Alex and Cass!

Fun in the sun!

2008-07-15T18:52:00.000-07:00

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Last week we went to a friends house to let the kids play on the waterslide and they had an absolute blast! Jackie is a friend of mine from high school who teaches in Avon Park and now we have kids the same age! It is so neat for me to be able to be with people from my past. It was so nice to catch up and to see her mom (who went to school with my mom so she has lots of stories) The kids had a blast and the parents had a blast! Thanks Jackie, Ian and Owen for inviting us over!

A true Hollywood Wedding!

2008-07-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

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Today one of my best friend's (Tina) neices got married. I have known Amanda for quite a while and I was so blessed to be able to be a part of her special day. Tina's sons were in the wedding so a few of the pictures are from before the wedding and some are of the reception. We had a great time. The boys danced, as usual. (Daddy was the DJ) So enjoy the pictures and remember to say a prayer for the bride and groom that God will bless them in all they do. Have a "JOY"ful day!

2008-07-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

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This past week John and 2 of his friends, Kendall and Cole, attended Music camp at 1st Baptist Church in Sebring. They had the chance to learn different instruments and practice their singing as well as learn a play which they performed for family and friends tonight. The Play was Called Good Kings come in small packages, it was about King Amon and King Josiah. John was King Amon, and Kendall was Elizabeth, who was the palace cook. (Cole was too shy for a speaking part but says next year he will definitely try for one.) The play was absolutely adorable and the kids were amazing. To think they could put it all together in a week was amazing. I love to see little kids who are totally in love with GOD! I pray that the love they have now will continue to grow and they will never forget what our God is capable of. Have a "JOY"ful Day!

2008-07-09T22:21:00.000-07:00

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When I first began putting together this slide show it was still yesterday, and yesterday was the 7 month anniversary of my mom going to Heaven. I always feel like I need to recognize the 9th of the month in some way even if it is just mentioning it to one of my friends. Last month on the 9th I was on vacation with my sister and we actually talked in depth about the day it happened, and about how weird it was that one minute it seems like mom is still here and the next it feels like she has been gone forever. I hope you enjoy the slideshow. ( I am still learning) I personally feel as though it goes too fast but I couldn't change it. (I am sure someone with greater expertise could change it but I cannot.) And by the way, while I have your attention may I please inform you that July 9th is also Lance's Birthday! He is 37 today! (We are only 11 months apart so for 1 month every year we are the same age!) Cool Huh! My Grandpa used to joke with my mom about having a private room at the hospital!!!!! So anyway, Happy Birthday Uncle Boop and I pray that God will Bless you greatly this year! Have a "JOY"ful Day!

2008-07-07T23:40:00.001-07:00

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I know I already posted some of these but I couldn't sleep and I was excited about messing with smilebox! Enjoy!

Taylor's Birthday, part 2!

2008-07-07T22:58:00.001-07:00

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After much anticipation the Birthday princess finally arrived in Sebring. I know I wasn't with her on her real Birthday but we certainally made up for it. I was so inspired by seeing her that I created my 1st slideshow in honor of her Birthday. Todd informed us today that he was just going to block out the week of Taylor's Birthday as a national holiday! Enjoy the slideshow and Have a "JOY"ful day!

Aunt Kyla's Rock!

2008-07-05T10:26:00.000-07:00

Wanted to post a picture of the news of the week in our family. My youngest brother Kelly gave his girlfriend a ring yesterday and we are all proud of the job he did. No date as far as I know but at least we have made it this far. Kelly and Kyla are getting ready to welcome a new son to the family in August, they are naming him Kamdyn Todd. We are so excited for all the good things happening in their lives. We love you Uncle Kelly and Aunt Kyla!

Red, white, blue and Fun! Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T19:26:00.000-07:00

Cass at the end of the day! What an angel!

Wearing glow necklaces we found in Nana's Freezer! The same picture with the lights off!
Cass with his Sparkler!
The gang during the firework display!
Alex decorating our "Star Cake"

Cass enjoying the "Star Cake"
Eating red, white, and blue popsicles!
John's plate of food! Yummy!

Cass in the pool! (Thanks Christine)

Alex in the other pool!
Cass eating corn on the cob for the first time. (John sneaking in the picture just for the fun of it!)
Sissy and Alex!

For the past several years we have gone to Naples to spend the 4th of July with Paula, Todd and the kids but this year it didn't work out so we ended up staying home and having a party of our own. It started out yesterday when daddy put up the pool to get it ready for today. Aunt Paula and Uncle Todd have a beautiful pool with an attached hot tub but my kids didn't care, they thought they were at Aquatica in our own back yard. Isn't it amazing that so many times we think that bigger is better but kids don't really care. So daddy put up a pool and Ms. Christine bought Alex and Cass a pool with a slide for their birthdays (which are coming up) so I put that one up and we had a pool fest in the back yard. Charlie and Madison came over this morning to swim and they brought yummy donuts (Thanks Trish). The kids had so much fun swimming and sliding. After they went home it was time for mommy to get in the pool with the boys! The water was freezing but I endured and had a great time. (I am so amazed with my wonderful children. They are such a reflection of God' amazing love.) When I was finally worn out we got out and had some lunch and it didn't take long for the little boys to fall asleep. So now we were on to planning for round 2. Sissy came over so while the little boys slept, she and John played in the pool, and I got to go to Wal-Mart for the 2nd time in a week all alone. By the time I got back and got in a little nap of my own everyone was awake and ready to swim again. The kids swam and daddy and mommy got busy with the Grilling! Typical 4th of July Fare, Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Mac & cheese and Corn on the Cob! After clean up they were ready to go outside and do our traditional $20 firework extravaganza!!! We always have plenty of sparklers and this year Cass even got in on the fun. We even got the annual serenade of The Star Spangled Banner sung by daddy while he holds up a sparkler! ( I am so sorry I didn't get a video so that you all could enjoy the Solo!) We drove around the lake to take Sissy home thinking we could watch the fireworks but they were so late we were almost home by the time they started. We finished watching them in our front yard (My house is close to the lake and my mom actually used to sit in the recliner in the living room and watch them out the window!) Cass is sleeping and the other boys are headed that way quickly! What a great Day! I missed being in Naples but I will see them on Sunday! Oh, I almost forgot, while we were eating dinner Aunt Kyla called,and truthfully I almost didn't answer because Aunt Kyla calls a lot, but I am so glad I did, she was calling to tell me that she got an engagement ring today from Uncle Kelly! Way to go Kelly! I am so happy for them.

The Turtles have arrived!

2008-07-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Every week we seem to get into a different Super Hero and this week happend to be Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! I thought they looked adorable so I decided to share them with you.

A day to tame the Mane!

2008-07-03T20:13:00.000-07:00

Today we headed to Cut-n-up Salon to see Mrs. Lisa for haircuts. I can't stand the thought of cutting off beautiful curls but sometimes you got to tame them. Nana used to love their hair and she never wanted it cut so that is another reason why I tend to let it grow. Anyway, here are some pictures of the before, while we were eating at Dee's, and after at the salon.

Girls can do anything, especially TAYLOR!

2008-07-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

I am sitting here remembering this night, 6 years ago, and I am amazed that it has been that long. Tomorrow is Taylor's 6th Birthday and I was trying to think of the words to put to express how much "JOY" she brings into our lives. For those of you who don't know, Taylor is the only Niece that I have. I have plenty of nephews, and 3 sons, but Taylor Drew is my princess! I was in the delivery room when she was born (along with about 14 others) but I had the place of distinction ( I was by Paula's head cheering her on, I wanted to make sure she heard every word I said, not to mention I did NOT want to see any blood!) So there I was after about 30-40 hours of little to no sleep and I am not sure who cried more, Paula or me! (Probably me because that's just my nature) I remember passing her around to everyone ( Nana was 1st in line but I believe grammy won out) but I was in no hurry because I knew that after everyone was gone I would get all the time I needed with my girl. (After all, it was summer, and I am a teacher.) So I did stay in Naples for a couple of weeks and every morning I would get up with my Taylor Bug and give her a bottle, (and give her mommy a break, because we all know how Paula loves to sleep) then I would bathe her and dress her (She had a custom built closet full of clothes and she was so little nothing fit) But not to worry, she was a princess and I made sure she looked like one everyday. (And thanks to Paula's love for shopping and Todd's bank acct. she has managed to continue to look like a princess daily) So in honor of the Princess's 6th Birthday I thought I would do a list of the top 10 reasons I love my Tay Tay!

1. I love her because she is Nana's girl! Nana loves all her grandsons but we always knew who had her heart. (Nana spent many hours in prayer trying to get that GIRL!)

2. I love her because she thinks I am cool and would rather ride in my Freestyle than in her mom's Lincoln MKX?!?

3. I love her because she always lets me do her hair (and now that she is older she actually keeps the bows in instead of running to daddy so he could take them out)

4. I love her because honestly she is just like her Nana, a little bit tacky! (She would proudly wear anything that her Nana made her and would think she looked just as good as if she were wearing Gymboree.)

5. I love her because she is always up for a cinnamon pretzel and a diet coke.

6. I love her because she gives me a reason to shop in the girls section. (and to buy Vera Bradley purses!)

7. I love her because she is a great cousin to all my boys! (and a great helper also)

8. I love her because she has loved John John since day one! (Ever since the day we snuck him into her hospital room she has thought he was wonderful, and he thinks the same of her.)

9. I love her because she loves a road trip and lord knows we have been on many!

10. I love her because she is convinced that the 4th of July Fireworks are something that we, her family, have arranged for her Birthday every year!

Happy 6th Birthday Tay Tay! We all love you. (but especially me!) Love, Aunt Dree

Save A Place For Me!

2008-06-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning was a very busy morning for John John and I. It was the 3rd annual "Summer Cruise" (that is what the radio station calls it anyway) It is a morning the Christian Radio Station comes to a local restaurant (Dee's Place, which is one of our favorite places to go and if you haven't been you should try it sometime.) and they bring a Christian Artist with them to meet and greet and sing a few songs. So, John has a record of being the first one there every year and not to be beat we showed up at 5:30 again this year. (This year he even planned a little sleepover with a couple of his friends so they could get up early with him and join in on the fun.) It is kind of neat because they remember John and they make a big deal of it and let him talk on the radio and he thinks that is awesome. So the singer this year was Matthew West, and for those of you who know of him and his music you will know that we were so excited. He was absolutely amazing and he took request so of course I had to have him sing Save a Place For Me. This song came out soon after mom died and it is so perfect. So I got to hear my wonderful song and John and his friends got to have some good food and meet an awesome singer and we all got to enjoy time together. Have a "Joy"ful Day!

SOCCER CAMP!!!!!

2008-06-26T16:45:00.000-07:00

Many of you know that I coached Alex's 4-5 year old soccer team this year and had a blast. John John has played soccer since he was 4 and they both love it. So we got a flyer about a British Soccer Camp coming to Sebring, it sounded like fun so I signed John up. You had to sign up online and while I was there I noticed a blurb that said "Interested in hosting a British Soccer Coach Click Here", so I clicked and figured what the heck. Since mom passed away I have an empty Guest house so it would be perfect. John John was so excited but, we never got a phone call so I figured they had lots of choices and we weren't picked. The camp was scheduled to begin on Monday, the 23rd and on Wed. the 19th I finally got the call that made John John the happiest camper in the group. The coaches were coming on Sunday and they were staying with us. So everything had to get moving (including a good cleaning of Nana's House) but we got it done and Sunday at 5:30 we met them at the Local YMCA and brought them back to our house for a week of fun and laughter and a little soccer on the side. They have been absolutely wonderful and of course John John has felt like the big cheese at camp. They have been teaching us about English culture and we have been teaching them about American culture (They are most mesmerized by the idea of a "Spanking Spoon" and both swear that when the day comes they will "Americanize" their children by using one. They will be leaving Saturday to go to their next destination and we will miss them, but we are so grateful to have had the time together. Above are some pictures of them (Scott and Rob) with John John and also with a group of our friends that came over to hang out with us.

We love you Mason!

2008-06-24T05:47:00.000-07:00

I haven't done much blogging this past week. I have been very upset at the loss of a dear friend of mine. I am sure many of you all know Mason and for those of you who did not it was definitely your loss. I am not going to go on and on about how wonderful he was (but I could), I will just say that his family is in my prayers today and always. Mason left behind a wonderful wife, Tracee, an 8 year old son, Gabe, a 5 year old son, Landon and a daughter named Ellie who is 16 months. He was only 33 and died while piloting his small aircraft. For those of you who know the Smoaks please continue to pray for them and for those of you who don't please pray anyway. If this year has taught me anything it is definitely that God is in control of our lives and we will follow where he leads but it may not always be the path we would choose for ourselves. God bless you all and Have a "Joy"ful day!

Just where did that come from?

2008-06-20T07:22:00.001-07:00

I got a phone call from a good friend of mine from Indiana Wednesday night and she was telling me a story to which I replied "She better watch out, God Don't like Ugly!" She laughed and told me that she had used the phrase in response to someone the other day and they asked her where she had heard it. Of course she gave me credit but I need to go ahead and admit that although I use the phrase many times daily I stole it from a dear friend of mine a long time ago. I was in my first year of teaching at Fred Wild Elementary and I was going through a divorce and I was miserable. My ex was putting me through things that no one should have to go through and we were talking about it one day and she looked at me and said "God don't like ugly!" I loved the phrase and I have used it ever since, not just to remind others but I play it in my mind constantly! They really are good words to live by! Think about it, GOD DON'T LIKE UGLY! When you put this phrase to life choices it makes it really hard to do the wrong thing. (Notice I didn't say impossible) When a cashier makes you mad and you want to be rude, think, God don't like ugly! When you are cut off in traffic and you want to cuss, remember, God don't like ugly! Anytime someone wrongs you instead of getting angry just remember, God don't like ugly! And I don't know about you but I definitely want God to like me so I am going to do my best to not be UGLY!!! So go ahead and steal the phrase, we have a rule in the Conner house that something cannot be stolen twice so since I already stole the phrase you can have it and while you are at it Have a Joyful Day!

Princess Taylor's Dance Recital!

2008-06-19T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am a little behind on this blog! Taylor's recital was actually May 30th, but I keep forgetting to pleasure you all with the pictures! It was a bitter sweet night for us because this was Taylor's 1st recital ever and all of us knew how Nana would have loved to have been there but we held strong and enjoyed Taylor Drew who was absolutely in love with herself that night. I could go on and on about how wonderful she did and about what a great dancer she is but the story about her pushing a little girl off the "box" she was supposed to be standing on is much funnier, as is the one of how the only girl in our whole family had to settle for a single rose that Uncle Mark had to stop and buy at the gas station, (just for the record, I did bring her a bag of goodies I just figured a bouquet of flowers would not last too well on the car ride from Sebring to Naples) as is the story of how I got a phone call as I was standing at the Gas pump, just down the road from the recital spot, and I got a call from my brother Trent asking me if I had Todd and Zander! I was trying to figure out if this was for real or not when Paula beeped in asking me the same thing at this point I figured I better go back to the school where the recital was and make sure they weren't there. You have to know that the only family that lies worse than the Conners is the Shives so trying to figure out if a group of Shives and Conners is telling the truth is like trying to determine winning lottery #'s, it is absolutely impossible to know until after the fact. So I grab my credit card out of the machine and pray that when I press Cancel it actually does cancel, and I am off to check on my Zan Man. (I really wasn't worried about Todd but I figured since I was going back for Zander I would pick him up also!) I pull into the parking lot looking for my blue eyed angel, and his father, and with much fear I have to tell Paula (who I am still on the phone with) "I can't find your son!" Not to worry in about 10 seconds I had both of them knocking on my window, Zander announcing "Aunt Dree, I saw you driving and you left me." Needless to say, everyone was safe and secure and I don't think Zander was traumatized. All was not lost completely, Zander found a $20 bill while they were waiting so he bought me a diet Coke on the way home. You know it is funny how the most memorable moments aren't always the ones we are expecting them to be. Anyway, Taylor's recital was beautiful and Zander made it home safe and Todd learned to NEVER leave home without his cell phone again!

Outrigger Island, VBS 2008

2008-06-19T20:51:00.000-07:00

VBS was this week, it started on Sunday night and concluded with a program tonight that we all got to enjoy. I always worry when I leave my children in the care of others, not because I don't trust the others but because you just never know how your children act when they are away from you. But, I got good reports from both groups of teachers so I am very proud of them. Alex's teachers let me know that his prayer brought tears to their eyes! Evidently the little boy that spends his days calling his brother stupid can think of other words when he is talking to God! I honestly don't even remember what they told me he said but they sure made me feel good. Alex can be very Godly at times this year during chapel at 1st Baptist Preschool he went up front and asked Jesus into his heart. He told the teacher that he wanted to go to heaven so he could see his Nana! I think he may be a preacher one day because he really loves Jesus although he likes "gas" also so I often times tease he is going to be a proctologist! John John went up front tonight to ask Jesus into his heart which made me proud but confused because John John asked Jesus into his heart a few years back. So when I asked him why he went up he said he just wanted to be sure! What an angel! A funny story about that, when I was in 2nd grade I went to a Church Camp for a week, I too got saved twice that week and when my mom asked me why I told her I wanted to be like the Daisy II pregnancy test, I wanted to be doubly sure! Like mother like son. Well, enjoy the pictures and Have a Joyful Day!!!!

One more before bed!

2008-06-16T22:08:00.001-07:00

I don't know about you but there is almost nothing I love more in this world than to watch my precious angels sleep. Especially now that they are growing up and they all want to be in the same bed. (so much for thinking we needed a 4 bedroom house!) Everyday I am amazed at the beauty of God's creations and especially the beauty of these three creations. I know I am bragging but I'm allowed because I am the MOM!!! So enjoy the pictures of my angels and may God bless you and your angels as well.

From Kindergarten to Graduation!

2008-06-16T21:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the honor and privilege to attend the graduation of two very special girls! My friend Bonnie has twin daughters and they graduated this year. It was very emotional to say the least. You must understand, I went with Bonnie to take the girls to the 1st day of Kindergarten at Lake Country Elem. She took me for emotional support and of course I cried and she did not. Through the years there have been many sleep overs, dance recitals, proms, homecomings, and even a couple of beauty pageants. But most of all there has been love and I can tell you that I truly do love these girls. Bonnie is a part of my family and I a part of hers. We spent many nights up way too late talking and laughing and crying. If my mom were here today Bonnie could make her cry by telling the story of the girls birth. (Beth was born dead, but obviously everything turned out OK!) Nana knew the outcome well but she always cried when Bonnie told the story and of course we would laugh at my poor mom who happen to pass on her crying gene to me because as you can guess I was once again the one who cried! Anyway, Congratulations Katie and Beth and May God Bless you in whatever path you choose! I know you will choose well.

More Vacation Pictures!

2008-06-16T20:48:00.000-07:00

Cousins and Water and Vacation Oh My!!!

2008-06-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

We are still in Kissimmee but I had a free minute so I decided to post a few pictures of all the fun we have been having! Thank you again Aula and Uncle Todd for the awesome gift! We have had a blast and it has been very relaxing. We are at the Clarion Resort and Water Park and for anyone that has little kids it is awesome. They have three water slides that are for kids 44 in. and up as well as for moms and dads! And they also have a kiddie area with 4 little slides that keep the little ones more than entertained. I can tell you that we only left to eat dinner and the kids were not bored once. It has been awesome. All the fun of the Nick hotel at about 1/3 the price. Anyway, I will tell you all about it when I get home or you can Google them and check out their web site. Have a Joyful Day!

Chonda!

2008-06-06T07:25:00.000-07:00

Ok, so last night I got to get away with no kids (amazing) and I headed to the Chonda Pierce show in Lakeland. I rode with a good friend of mine which probably turned out to be a bad thing since we got lost! You know what happens when you get two women in a car together and they start talking? 1. They blow right past 60 and head for Orlando, and 2. They can't even find the way to the Lakeland Sqauare Mall (which by the way they have both been to many times! Anyway, we made it to Lakeland in time to get in a quick Target trip and then a wonderful dinner at Smokeybones! (which for the record has got awesome cornbread!) So we walked into the restaurant and all of sudden we knew their was a women event in town. There was a table of about 15 women right next to us, the booth behind us had 4 women from Sebring (which kept our gossiping to a minimum) and while we were sitting there another group from Sebring walked in. They waiter asked the table next to us what was going on because of all the women! So after an awesome dinner (Thanks Tracy) we headed to Victory Chuch. I wish I had a camera to take a picture of the size of the inside of the church! If I heard the preacher right he said it holds 3000 people. How amazing. There were women everywhere! So we found a seat in the balcony (and we were 45 minutes early!) but it was fine and when Chonda came out I remembered how awesome she was! She is funny and serious and crazy and spunky all in one! I won't give you all the details but I will tell you that if you ever get a chance to go and see her I highly recommend it. She will truly bless you. Anyway, we made it home without getting lost and I returned to a house of sleeping boys! (for a minute anyway, Cass felt the need to wake up and welcome me home) It was an amazing night and as much as I hate to leave my children at home it is refreshing to get out every couple of years at least!

I cannot believe I am doing this......

2008-06-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

OK! So I love blogs, reading them at least! I love to check in on everyone and find out what is going on in their lives. Partly because I am interested and partly just because I am so nosey!!! But I never actually thought I would be a blogger and then I figured if I liked to check on the ones I love then maybe, just maybe they might be interested in my life also. So today was the last day of school and I cannot believe what a year it has been. I was looking at pictures on my sister's myspace the other night and saw a picture of my mom with my neice Taylor on her 1st day of Kindergarten this year and Oh how I cried wishing she could be in a picture of Taylor on her last day of Kindergarten. If I had only known what this year was going to hold I know I would have done things different! I would have hugged a little longer, I would have not minded her annoying ways, and I definately would have cherished every second we had together instead of taking them for granted. Andrew, my preacher, has been talking about a sermon series that he will be doing titled "Don't Blink" and it is so true, don't you dare blink because before you know it your babies will be taking the FCAT and your mom will be in heaven and you will have no idea where the time went. Please love the ones you have here and don't for even one minute sweat the small stuff. God has given us such a short time on this Earth, let's spend it the way we were meant to spend it, serving him and loving the ones he has put in our lives. Check back often and maybe just maybe you will find something of interest to you. Love and God Bless!