Sweet Home Alabama

I heart faces - Autumn Splendor!

2011-11-15T08:50:00.004-06:00

I was tickled to get to submit one of my favorite pictures from our vacation last week in this week's contest.

This was taken in beautiful Cades' Cove, Tennessee. Kate was really throwing some leaves!

To see details of the contest, click here.

Kate, the photographer...

2011-11-07T07:59:00.000-06:00

Tempting dessert

2011-10-25T08:40:00.001-05:00

This dessert should be called Death by Chocolate.

It is divine, easy, and it takes great for breakfast! :)

I got this recipe off pinterest. Click here for the directions on how to make this chocolately dessert.

Monkey scarf

2011-10-25T08:21:00.001-05:00

First of all, I can't believe how old Kate looks here.

Our dear friend, Donna Cooper, sent Kate a package last week. It arrived a day after the throwing up virus stuck her, and she was so tickled to get it! Inside, she had made the cutest monkey scarf, where the monkey heads doubled as mittens. Also, a knitted monkey to match (she named him, but I can't remember off hand). There was also a veterinarian Barbie - her favorite of course!

She didn't forget Brooks, sending money for us to pick him out a toy. She said that boy's toys weren't easily knitted! :)

Thank you for being so thoughtful of us, Ms. Donna!

Kate Reed and Reed

2011-10-22T18:46:00.001-05:00

My sweet old boy is showing his age.

I had the opportunity to take some pictures of him and his namesake today. Next week we are getting his teeth floated and I will be posting some neat pictures of that.

I just love both of these pictures of her and him.

First report card!

2011-10-20T20:20:00.001-05:00

Math grade - 99

Reading grade - 97

Tickled pink

2011-10-18T08:24:00.001-05:00

Here is my entry this week for I ♥ faces.

The theme is tickled pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.

Kate had finished playing in the creek in our backyard and was pouring the excess water out of her pink boots...

Nutty wreath

2011-10-15T20:57:00.001-05:00

Every year, when we go to the mountains, we collect the BIGGEST nuts from an old mountain cemetery. I have had a collection of these nuts for 6 years, waiting to do something with them - but not knowing exactly what.

Thanks to pinterest, I got some inspiration. Not that I had no idea that I could do this, but that I needed the (as Mom would say) "creative juices" flowing. 3 1/2 hours and 4 sticks (extra long) later, I was finished.

I don't like it hanging where it is (but this is where I thought I'd put it). It is h-e-a-v-y. I'm too scared to hang it on the front door...

Look what we did today!

2011-10-15T17:51:00.002-05:00

So, this past fall and spring was dedicated to working on the deck. I don't believe that I've posted pictures of it yet... need to do that...

So, this fall I asked Scott to be able to get some plants outside since it got skipped over this spring.

We got pansies, mums and kale planted. It looks so pretty.

Who is that sweet dog on the front porch between those pretty pumpkins?

Scott fittingly put the bulldog on the walkway to guard our porch. Since our trashcan was stolen last night I guess we should have had him in the yard...

Crafting...

2011-10-11T15:50:00.002-05:00

My new interest is Pinterest. Thank you to Casey for getting me hooked. In case you haven't tried it - let me know and I'll get you an invitation.

I saw these ornament ideas from another pin and wanted to make them (to see it click here).

While we were in Mobile this weekend, we found out that Gran Gran had a jar full of buttons. Kate and I sorted the colors while listening to the pathetic Auburn football game. It was so sad - I was glad to be distracted.

I will finish it off with a ribbon and have a beautiful ornament!

The blue one, we decided, will go to Gran Gran! :)

I heart faces - Hands!

2011-10-11T11:56:00.005-05:00

Here is my entry for this week.

The subject is hands.

This was one of Kate's favorite leaves we found in Cades Cove last fall.

Find out more here.

Our kids

2011-10-04T19:40:00.001-05:00

I have a cold.

I didn't feel like doing much, so I have been practicing some more editing.

I came across these similar posed pics of the kids. How much they look alike and different at the same time!

Who can read 100 books?

2011-10-02T12:02:00.001-05:00

Last year all the kids at Kate's school were challenged to read 100 books. We started and got to over 50, but then became forgetful and neglected to write the titles down.

This year, it was much different. When Kate got the challenge, she started immediately! Part of this improvement came with her learning to read. She is so eager to read and loves it! The first afternoon after school she read 17 books... and it went on from there.

She has now completed reading 100 books. I think I will continue to keep record of other books she reads to keep her interested.

I am so proud of you, Kate!

This child is into drawing and coloring these days. She loves it! Animals are being drawn everywhere, with coloring and cutting. Below is the beginnings of a pumpkin...

I love our kids.

2011-09-30T21:36:00.001-05:00

Still practicing.

Still editing.

I like the editing on the last 2 photos the best.

I love all these photos.

I love our kids most.

Guess who's birthday party is tomorrow?

2011-09-30T15:50:00.001-05:00

Someone is so excited to turn 5!

We will be posting pictures of the party tomorrow! :)

Bark in the Park

2011-09-27T09:52:00.001-05:00

We went to our first Bark in the Park in Wetumpka this past weekend. We had such a great time! As you can see below, Brooks is enjoying his ice cream... and it enjoyed melting down his arm... I got a great fine focus with the ice cream.

Kate and Mally won 3rd place in the Dog and Owner Lookalike Contest! She and Mally do have similar hair color... :) We all had a good time.

I heart faces

2011-09-26T21:15:00.001-05:00

Here is my submission for summer faces favorite!

I love the fact there is sand on the knees, smiles on the faces and a touch of sun on their noses...

Missing summer already!

For your chance to enter this contest, click here.

Guess who lost her first tooth? :)

2011-09-05T11:34:00.002-05:00

It's been over a month since her center lower incisors have erupted, and we FINALLY lost our first tooth last night! It took me promising to help her make a clubhouse for her Littlest Petshop toys (out of a shoe box). But it worked! Her permanent tooth has already moved forward since last night, so I am glad that we have that baby tooth out.

So, last night we left a cup of clear water beside her bed. When the toothfairy came, she touched the water, and it turned the color of her outfit - RED! :) She left Kate 4 shiny coins, and she couldn't have been happier! We all can't wait for tooth #2! :)

before

this morning!

Children funnies

2011-08-31T15:19:00.003-05:00

I have already placed these on FB, but here they are forever!

-At the clinic recently, Brooks picked up one of the cow hooves, held it up to his ear and said, "I hear the beach!"

-Kate has started praying for me the nights before I work. Sunday night, she included me saying: "Please bless Mama that she doesn't flip out, that she can figure out what is wrong with the animals and that the animals will feel better..." I asked her afterwards what she meant by me not flipping out, and she said, "You remember, Mama, that surgery last week where you flipped out because there was no oxygen!"

-Both of our kids say: "I love you to the top of God's head!" It's my favorite.

I heart faces!

2011-08-30T16:54:00.004-05:00

For the photo contest this week: the subject is white.

I think she's a winner! :)

Click here to see their website.

Crazy days of summer

2011-08-26T09:12:00.005-05:00

I have had fun entering photo contests the past few weeks. Here is a fun subject: The Crazy days of Summer! You can see more information here.

Here are my favorite entries:

Finders keepers?

2011-08-24T21:40:00.002-05:00

2 weeks ago, I got the remainder of a cash payment for my camera. Being busy at the time (and this is typical for me), I laid the cash on top of a dresser and figured I'd worry about it later.

Today, I was needing part of that money to pay our babysitter. But, it wasn't there. I asked Scott about it, and he hadn't seen it. We looked all over the house. I really figured that it got put into some random drawer, and years from now we would be "surprised" with finding it.

On a whim, Scott asked Kate if he could check her bank. This child is a saver like I am. I would save Halloween candy for months later, usually not ever eating all of it. Kate is my clone, remember? She saves all her money and counts it regularly. In fact, she counted it 2 days ago, carefully sorting pennies, nickles, dimes and quarters into different cups.... (and she had the bills in the bank - did I ever look at them? Why, no.)

I digress. Scott opened Kate's bank, and we pulled out the bills, and... well, let's just say there was more money than any 6 year old should have in her bank, regardless of how she saves. We asked her if she "found" any money around the house, and she promptly pointed to the dresser.

We were relieved to have found the money! :) And, we had a talk with her that finders keepers isn't necessarily true in the Busby home.

DockDogs 2011

2011-08-23T11:19:00.001-05:00

I had a fantastic time this weekend spending a little time photographing these sport dogs. I am super thankful to my family for tagging along in the heat while I am enjoying myself! :)

There are 3 dogs that belong to our clients pictures here - how fun it was to photograph for them!

Mousey

2011-08-23T11:01:00.002-05:00

I saw this photo contest on a my blog roll and, well, I had to enter! I was excited to have an animal contest - since that I what I love. I hope you enjoy this photo. I did very little editing - the fine focus was working well for me this day!

Click here to get details on this contest!

2011-08-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

Isn't this the cutest face in the world?

I hope to be able to go to Buckmasters to practice photographing the dogs at DockDogs tomorrow.

I will soon be bribing friends to help with my practice of photography (you have been forewarned!) ♥

Me and Mally

2011-08-17T10:54:00.001-05:00

Sure wish I had showered this am.

I may recruit Brooks as my assistant.

Kate's first day of school

2011-08-15T19:24:00.001-05:00

Kate had a great first day of 1st grade!

Her teacher had surgery today so she will be out for 2 weeks. She still had a great day despite. Thomas sits across from her (pictures are coming) so that is great! She got a 'gotcha' today - that is great!

This collage is a comparison from this year and last year:

- above left is us at orientation the day before school started K5

-below left is a picture of us last night, the day before 1st grade

- center is the first day of K5

- to the right is the first day of 1st grade (she hasn't shrunk... look at her ears in comparison to the decoration of the door!)

The Busby Inn is open

2011-08-15T19:13:00.002-05:00

2 weekends ago we hosted a great group of kids who were attending SEC (Southeastern Evangelical Conference) - this is them pictured above.

At first, we were asked to host 15! Now, they came prepared with sleeping bags, but I was wondering... do I even have 15 towels???

When it came down to it, the girls talked their youth minister into letting them stay in a hotel! :) That is so funny to me. They were worried about being able to get ready on time! So, we kept the 4 boys: Michael, Sam, Paco and Dakota, and the men chaperones Andy and Mike. It was so fun keeping the boys here. Brooks was thrilled to have someone to play the Wii with (although it didn't last long enough).

All the youth group came over Saturday night because the girls wanted to be able to meet Kate (she was a little sad that there were only boys that stayed with us). Thank you to the group for being thoughtful enough for you to all come and visit!

Augusta Road CofC, we can't wait to host you again next year! And, neither can Mally and Mousie!

School starts on Monday!

2011-08-13T21:16:00.001-05:00

When did our kids get this big?

Kate's teacher this year is Mrs. Henderson. We are so excited to get her! She heavily emphasizes math and her classes are tops in math testing every year. We are also thrilled that Kate's friend Thomas, from church, and 3 of her classmates from last year are also going to be in her class. She is so ready.

I am so glad that I feel so much better about school than I did last year.

Here is the post: http://mrsaudvm.blogspot.com/2010/08/first-day-of-school.html

I can't wait to blog about her first day of 1st grade!

Scents that bring back a memory...

2011-08-04T20:07:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite things to experience is when a scent brings back a memory. Look at this beautiful bowl of black eyed peas (pre-cooked that is). When they were cooking, the aroma was so fragrant - just like Grandmama's kitchen when we stayed with her during the summer. I just loved the memory it evoked!

Here are some other scents that bring back memories for me:

There is a specific lotion that I used with both of our kids, and I kept a small trial size of it. When I smell it, I am returned to when they were babies.
My horses mane. It reminds me what it was like growing up at the barn.
Adams flea shampoo. It reminds me of my first dog.
A baby's head. Need I say more.
I have another face lotion that Tammy brought me when I was in the hospital before Kate was born. When I smell it, I remember those long days.
Ivory soap reminds me of Grandmama.
Este Lauder's Pleasures perfume reminds me of Nana. It was her favorite.
My favorite scents from the clinic are the autoclave just after opening it, and BKT ear ointment (don't even ask).

Our animals

2011-08-02T20:15:00.001-05:00

This is our goofy Mally. This is the perfect picture of her.

This is how Mally spends most of her day.

This is how Quarterboy gets ready for most of his day.

Mousey is sleeping in front of the television. The box for the digital cable emits heat that she loves.

Wesley

2011-08-02T10:59:00.001-05:00

This is Wesley. He is a pretty little dog that is the neighborhood pet. Everyone knows him because he chases their cars. Although he is much better than he used to be... I honestly am surprised that he has lived this long. He is smarter than I have him credit for!

Wesley came to us from the clinic. He was brought in as a stray by a client with a broken leg. I pinned his leg and brought him home to socialize him a bit. Well, we ended up keeping him. He is pretty easy as he lives outside all day. That is the only way he will be a good dog - getting energy out.

Yesterday was my birthday and it was a good day. I had to work but that was OK. I have had the day to myself today and I am really enjoying it! The kids are at Mom and Dad's while their cousins are down for a visit. I went out taking pictures this morning - and scouting where I can take more pictures of the kids this fall....

Talk about your specific focus...

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

Have a good week!

2011-07-24T22:03:00.001-05:00

This week is starting with the kids going to the zoo with the church youth group. To say they are excited is an understatement. I have to work, but there will be enough older kids from church to help out. The week after next I work everyday, so I plan on enjoying as much of this week at home as I can. 2 weeks from tomorrow (I think) Kate starts back to school.

Didn't she start kindergarten yesterday? HA!

But, first grade is next week.

Thank goodness Brooks still has another year at home.

Kate and Buttercup

2011-07-22T16:57:00.002-05:00

This week has been a typical week at our house. Got the typical things finished, the typical chores completed and typical dinners eaten. Sometimes I crave the routine and sometimes it frustrates me. But, I crave it much more.

I am working on perfecting this new camera and the software. It seems that I would choose one or the other to perfect first. Oh well, it just never seems to work out that way. These are some I took outside today. I did a lot of editing on Kate's face, and in the second I seemed fail to correct what looks like a black eye of her right eye in the second picture...

There was a photography class being offered this weekend in Nashville but it just didn't work out to attend. Shoot! :) Haha.

This smile is the best

2011-07-16T12:45:00.001-05:00

It has been raining here a lot this summer! The first half we went weeks without a drop, and lately we have had a good shower every day.

Our deck is finished, except for the sealing. Herein lies our problem: our much needed rain is preventing us from finishing the task. So, we decided to tackle an inside project!

This morning we pulled up the carpet in the dining room. There is slab underneath which wasn't a surprise to me. Scott got all the tack board up also. We figure that we can get the walls finished (prep/paint) prior to laying the hardwood. After getting the quote to have it done for us, we decided that we are going to try to tackle this ourselves. I keep watching videos on DIY network about laying hardwood. The room is small and square, so that in itself makes it easier.

I also made watermelon sorbet today - my first attempt. I had made a plum sorbet a few weeks ago and it turned out really good. We cut a watermelon last night after dinner and it was pretty good. I just didn't want the rest to go to waste. It takes 8 hours to set. We'll see tonight!

Brooks ate lasagna last night for supper! He has been so picky his whole life - and here recently I have been able to get him to try some new things (with a threat from the spoon sometimes!) He tried it, said he didn't like it immediately, and a few minutes later asked for some more. :) Made this Mom's day! I reheated it for lunch today, and he said: "Thank you Mama for giving me lasagna again!"

Wow.

Frank

2011-07-15T20:30:00.001-05:00

Here is our outside cat, Frank.

He is a good cat. I am glad that we live in a quiet area where he is safe!

Mally

2011-07-04T21:13:00.001-05:00

This is Mally.

She almost ended up with another home.

She was driving me crazy.

But, somehow, a light went off in the past 2 months. She loves staying with us now. No more running away when going to potty. No more having to walk her on a leash outside. She loves riding in the car and going to the clinic. No accidents in the house in months.

I am truly loving this dog now. I thought she was a good dog when I got her, but it took some adjusting on all our parts. But, I was right.

We are so glad she is ours!

Manual practice

2011-07-01T20:38:00.001-05:00

I am really getting into using my camera manually as I should. I have been reading and re-reading a camera book I purchased over a year ago trying to understand. And, I feel like I'm starting to get it!

So, here is an attempt to take some pictures at low light. (I am talking out loud here if this makes no sense). I used my lowest aperture (f/1.8) and dialed my iso up to 1600 (highest setting). With the aperture dialed high, I am letting more light into my camera, and my increased iso hopefully helped take away some of the grainy look that I usually get with lower light.

What I haven't figured out is how to dial down my iso and increase my shutter speed (I haven't figured out how to change my aperture and shutter speed at the same time - I can just do one or the other).

The pictures are good, I think. They aren't as clear as I would hope. I think if I had gone a little higher with my aperture it would have helped.

I have a great model, don't you think?

Vacation pictures

2011-06-28T11:40:00.002-05:00

There were just so many great pictures of the kids from the beach - that I just included a collage here. You can click on the collage and enlarge it to see all the pictures up close...

Tonight on the way home from church, we were talking about how important it is to go to college so that you can make enough money to support your family. Brooks has decided on 2 new occupations:

1. Dog Catcher (self explanatory)

2. Tree Knocker (you know, when someone needs you to knock down their tree)

Kate swimming class

2011-06-28T11:36:00.001-05:00

Kate was excited about swimming class this year. She has really gained so much confidence! This time she learned how to float on her back, how to tread water, to swim across the pool with her head down sometimes, swim some without her noodle - and I'm sure more!

Here she is jumping into the pool off the diving board!

Here is Kate with her teacher, Miss Sara. She was a great teacher for Kate and she loved her!

View from our balcony...

2011-06-25T19:35:00.001-05:00

Seriously.

This was the view from our living room balcony.

We have never been so fortunate to have such a wonderful view before.

Vacation June 2011

2011-06-24T16:04:00.002-05:00

We just finished another great week at the beach! We returned to Destin again and the weather was warmer than when we were here last. We were all eager for the kids to try out swimming in the pool after swim class last week. They did great!

Kate is swimming with her goggles and the noodle. Brooks has graduated to swimming with the floaties! Both were doing laps around the pool. Kate was swimming to the bottom and touching the floor.

We had a little scare when Brooks jumped into the pool WITHOUT his floaties on. Fortunately, there was a man who saw him before we did (it happened so fast!) and pulled him out. I asked him why he did it, and he said he just wanted to try jumping in. Well, he will wear his floaties from now on - at least until he has learned to swim.

It seems that each vacation gets better and better. We can't wait to go back! :)

And, Brooks did swim!

2011-06-18T22:02:00.002-05:00

Last year, we decided that paying for swimming lessons for Brooks would have been a waste of time. This year, I still held my breath that he would actually like it. But, instead he loved it! Here is the photo proof that he was swimming by himself. Hey, just because he had a noodle or a swimbelt was OK with us. The fact that he wasn't clinging to the edge of the pool or his coach was good enough for us!

Swimming with his float belt

His friend, Piper and his coach Mr. Logan

Dog paddle with the noodle

Mr. Logan and Brooks

Wow, can you tell we are a white family?

Brooks and Daddy

2011-06-10T19:07:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of Brooks and Scott at the pool in Mobile. I just loved capturing this moment. I only wish someone could catch me with Brooks! :)

Hydrangeas

2011-06-01T09:01:00.001-05:00

I look forward to a vase of these every spring. I would rather have a bouquet of hydrangeas than a dozen roses. They are my favorite flower! :)

First and Last Day!

2011-05-26T21:52:00.001-05:00

Here we are - first day and last day pictures! Today's pictures aren't the best. We were in a hurry this morning because Scott had a dermatologist appt at 7:30am, so I had to take Kate to school today before work. She said there were only 9 kids out of 17 there today! :( But, she didn't want to miss her last day with Ms. Knott.

Welcome to 1st grade!

Jasmine Hill favorites

2011-05-24T08:50:00.001-05:00

The Eulogy for Granddaddy from the Grandchildren, as read at his funeral

2011-05-23T22:06:00.002-05:00

A child of God, a son, a brother, a cousin, a friend, an uncle, a husband, a father. Tom Conway was a man in full. He was many things throughout his life. But, to those of us standing here now, he was Grandaddy.

Ever since I can remember, summertime meant Grandmama and Grandaddy. It was the same for all of us: we didn't go away to camp; we went to Grandmama and Grandaddy's. Many of you gathered here today may remember those summer visits. To say that our summers were fun would be a tremendous understatement. In a word, they were magical. Grandmama and Grandaddy made it so.

First, a word about Grandmama. Our Grandmama is a strong woman, and she loves her grandchildren, and she wanted us for the summer. Think about that statement for a moment. She wanted us - and in those days, there were just five of us - for the summer. There was no question of where would we all sleep, or bathe, or what would we eat, or however would they corral all of those children and maintain their sanity. They just did it. And to this day, it is lasting bond we all share.

It would be easy to say that Grandmama was the one who made it work; and she did. But the secret we can share today is this: so did Grandaddy. It was hard to figure who had more fun during our summer visits. To our parents' great surprise and delight, Grandaddy was very involved with all of us. No matter how many years go by, the fabric of our lives is woven on memories of weekly trips to Aunt Frankie's, with Grandaddy stuffing our bags full of even more candy; Friday night trips to McDonald's for supper; re-naming the Seven Sisters during every trip to Greenville; walks in the pasture to pick wild blackberries; change for a cold soda pop from the Coke machine at Uncle Max's sawmill; picking crabapples from the tree; eating watermelon on the back porch; doodlebugs; roly poly houses; pepper soupy; fishing trips where Micah always caught more fish; tape recorded snores that were played back during supper - he always denied those snores, but he laughed all the same; rides in the purple International - no car seats or seat belts necessary; trips on the "Bug"; and so many more that are so personal and precious to all of us.

Forty years with a Grandaddy whose lasting legacy is a strong family that will pass on to our children the love of life, nature, family and God.

Can kindergarten really be over?

2011-05-23T21:46:00.001-05:00

It really does seem like YESTERDAY that we were in orientation in Kate's K5 class. And, I was trying so hard not to cry. And, this is her last week of school. We couldn't have been more pleased with her year. Ms. Knott was the best teacher there is for Kate. She has thrived and learned so much this year.

Ms. Knott gave all the children their own individual awards. Kate was given "The Friendship Award" because she was always gracious and kind to everyone in her class.

Next, there were 2 awards given to 2 students: Most Improved and The Good Citizenship Award.

And, Kate won the Good Citizenship Award! Ms. Knott said she gave this to Kate because: "She never heard an ugly word or phrase come out of her mouth the entire school year".

Can you tell we are super proud of our girl? :)

Kate and Ms. Knott

Kate with her Good Citizenship Award - special indeed!

MacKenna, Kate and Zara (Kate's favorite friends)

Mom, Dad and Kate going over her Memory Book. This is a booklet with photo memories of the year. It is like a yearbook for their class! It also had a neat page of questions she answered: like, what do you want to be when you grow up? (veterinarian) If you could have any wish, what would it be? (to find a penny).

Granddaddy's legacy

2011-05-22T21:22:00.001-05:00

Today was a good day.

We celebrated our love for Granddaddy and his love for us.

We started the day with attending services in Fort Deposit. Their building is so pretty since it has been remodeled. It still had that hint of the older one - just much prettier. It was so nice to have the family together this morning. Grandmama looked good, but tired.

After church we had a great lunch provided by the ladies at the church. The kids got to run and play in the fellowship hall - and it was good for them. The cousins visited and caught up. Paige worked a tribute of the memories of us and Granddaddy, which when read was just perfect.

There were many people at the building. There were happy tears shed! Stan Foster lead the singing. I like congregational singing at funerals. Uncle Tommy read his obituary, and we as grandchildren went up front and gave our love. Raymond Elliott spoke the main portion of the service, and spoke as a true friend of Granddaddy. He also read the article I wrote of Granddaddy and Grandmama in Donnie Hilliard's magazine - which got many laughs and lightened the service. Graveside was short because of the heat.

Being back at their house was great. Like I have written before - their home is just home to me. I love the way it smells. I love the sounds that come from it. They were all so familiar. It felt good to be there, even though Granddaddy was not. In presence, that is. It still felt like he was. I wish he were. But, it is OK.

I wish that everyone could say goodbye to their loved one KNOWING that they are in Heaven. It makes these difficult times so much easier. I have thought so often these past few days of the family he is seeing: his parents, his siblings. God's face.

What a day. Glorious day that will be.

The top 5 grandkids: Casey, me, Rick, Paige, Ashley

Some of the great-grands: Brooks, Todd, Kate, Kyle, Sophia

Todd and Kate

Sweet Caroline

More pictures...

2011-05-21T13:40:00.001-05:00

This morning I took the kids to Jasmine Hill Gardens. It is a phenomenal reproduction of Greek gardens that dates back to the 1930's. I heard it was beautiful but it is spectacular!

The kids were semi-cooperative. I don't know why I thought they would be better! :) Here is one of Kate that I edited:

before

after

Editing practice

2011-05-20T10:20:00.002-05:00

I have had some nice editing software for a few months but I haven't learned to use it at it's potential. I practiced a bit this morning and this is what I got.

Before:

After:

Grandaddy had a safe trip to Heaven

2011-05-19T19:35:00.001-05:00

Kate started praying months ago that Grandaddy would have a safe trip to Heaven. He went there this morning with Mom and Grandmama at his side.

When I told the kids on the way home - at first they didn't say anything, and I followed with, "Guess what Grandaddy got to see? God's face!" and Kate just burst out laughing. Then we named all the Bible men and women that he has gotten to meet. They are happy for him. Me too. I will just miss him.

my friend Jessica

2011-05-18T12:31:00.001-05:00

Jessica has been working at our clinic for 4 years now. Almost as long as I've been there. She got accepted to Auburn CVM for this fall. I'm proud of her for getting into school - but I am more proud of the fine Christian she is. I am certainly going to miss her at work this Fall.

When she asked me to take some pictures of her and Alan, I was so excited. The best part of the day is that they were ready for pictures - unlike my children who I usually have to bribe to get some good pictures of. She and Alan seem very happy together and I am so excited for them.

I'm so proud of you Jessica!

Brooks

2011-05-17T21:19:00.002-05:00

Brooks is 4 1/2 years old.
He is getting smarter everyday!
He is an expert at the Wii - his favorite games are tennis and ping pong.
I am secretly glad that he doesn't start school until next Fall.
He has my teeth (and will also, I'm sure, have braces)
This boy was a champ this past Fall when he got his flu shot. Didn't even cry.
He loves to pick out his own clothes. Come to think of it, when has he not. :)
I have gotten him to try green beans and corn a few times in the past few months.
He says he likes the green beans but not the corn.
He is the best at saying yes ma'am and no ma'am.
He still sleeps with his blanket. Every night. No exceptions.
He is learning a lot about spelling from Kate.
We got the best compliment about his behavior at church a few weeks ago!
He LOVES playing with ball with Scott. Either throwing the tennis ball or hitting it.
He still cries every time he gets hurt. :(
He tells me he loves me everyday. And, 90% of the time he does it unprompted.
He and I play kissing games - when we kiss each other we see who can wipe it off the fastest.
I can see his stubbornness is giving in just.a.bit.
I am seeing what my Mom meant when she said how special a son is to his Mom.
I don't know what I will do when I have to go to the dentist by myself, without him in my lap while getting work done.
He goes to class by himself. He still won't go to kidsing.
His friends at church are Cooper, Reese, Jamie and Laura.
Dad says he is going to be a smart, good boy. Dad is usually right about these things. :)
He still likes being called Brooksie. One day he will hate it. Kate nicknamed him Brooksie.

Friends and birthdays

2011-05-16T21:28:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was our friend Maddox's 3rd birthday. We had a fun time with our friends! I took some pictures and these were the best. This first one of Laura is my favorite of all. She is a beautiful child!

The picture below is of all the girls. I really like how the focus varies from each girl. Kate doesn't look like herself in the picture... but that happens sometimes!

Relay for life

2011-05-11T12:27:00.001-05:00

I have been unable to add type to my blog for so long! So, here is the low down from Relay this year.

Our team was comprised from University CofC. Relay was held at the Faulkner football field (as opposed to AUM in years past) and it was really nice there. The field is so nice and soft - almost as if you could bounce on it! Kate and Brooks ran and ran around the track. It was embarrassing that I couldn't keep up! But, I'll enlighten more on that at a later date.

We raised over $2,000.00 as a team. The Montgomery totals were over $53,000.00. Although this year I was cramped for time, the fund raising totals took on a more special meaning this year with Grandaddy being diagnosed with cancer, and my friend Sara being diagnosed with colon cancer. I was glad to be able to help them out.

Casey's design genius!

2011-04-26T21:36:00.000-05:00

We're back!

2011-04-24T13:31:00.000-05:00

We had a great time at L2L this year! And, it's good to be home!

Leaderettes ladies Tea

2011-04-17T21:25:00.000-05:00

Popsicles

2011-04-17T12:46:00.000-05:00

Easter Egg Hunt 2011

2011-04-16T21:12:00.000-05:00

How tall are you?

2011-04-02T20:23:00.002-05:00

Tonight in the car Kate asked "Who is the tallest?". Here is the resulting conversation: Kate: "Mama, how much do you weigh?" Me: "I thought we were talking about who was the tallest? Ok - ______ pounds" Kate: "OK, Daddy, how much do you weigh?" Scott: "________ pounds" Brooks: (quietly) "OH MY GOODNESS"....

Jesus loves the little children

2011-03-27T13:07:00.001-05:00

Today, on the way home from church, Kate was singing "Jesus loves the little children". When she got to the verse "Jesus died for all the children...", Brooks piped up saying: "Kate, Jesus didn't DIAPER all the children!" Happy Sunday everyone!

Flowers

2011-03-22T14:47:00.000-05:00

Our yard is just beautiful with flowers this time of year. I thought I would take more pictures of them. We have 2 Butterfly Bushes, our neighbors have Wisteria, 3 Azalea bushes are in full bloom, and Jasmine flowers are crowded with bumblebees. I can't wait to see the Hydrangeas and smell the Gardenias!

We are so glad that Spring is here.

ASF pics, take 2

2011-03-20T21:16:00.002-05:00

Here are some more samples of pictures I took today. Yesterday Brooks asked me if we could go back to the bridge and take more pictures! :) Well, they did the best they could today. These are the best ones so far. I need to do some more editing.

Mom and Dad - look at Dapples. For those who don't know, Dapples was my best horse friend from 3rd grade until after college. Kate learned about him and now he is her best horse friend.

Not the best focus - but it was such a sweet smile from Brooks.

You would think they loved each other here. If you saw 2 pictures later, both were pushing each other and complaining.

Happy Sunday Everyone!

2011-03-20T14:20:00.000-05:00

Taken at ASF

Welcome spring!

2011-03-13T15:49:00.000-05:00

I'm so glad the kids were cooperative enough to do pictures after church today. It was beautiful outside! I am working on making sure the shadows and light are good, so I am going to have to remember to use some of these places again... if you didn't know, I cut Kate's hair last night (about 4 inches) and you can't really tell it in these pictures. But, it looks adorable and now I'm so glad it did it.

Rainy days

2011-03-09T21:26:00.000-06:00

We've needed somemore rain here in our corner of Alabama. Well, we got it today! I knew I could get Kate to go for some pictures if it involved getting in the creek in our backyard!

Look closely above and you may see the water being poured from her boot...

Playing with software

2011-03-05T17:54:00.001-06:00

I got some new software for the computer and I have been playing around with more pictures. The kids may be tired of me soon!

Kate's birthday cake

2011-03-04T17:31:00.004-06:00

I make special cakes for my kids' birthdays. Kate's is Berry Angel Delight, and Brooks' is Pumpkin Praline Torte. I had a few requests for the recipe for Kate's cake, so here it is!

Berry Angel Delight (from Betty Crocker, Simple Meals)

1 cup heavy whipping cream

2 Tb sugar

2 cups Yoplait Custard Style vanilla yogurt

1 round angel food cake (8 inches in diameter), cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 cup fresh raspberries

1 cup quartered fresh strawberries

1) Beat whipping cream and sugar in chilled medium bowl with electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Fold in yogurt.

2) Place cake pieces in large bowl; fold in yogurt mixture. Gently mix berries together in medium bowl.

3) Spoon half of the cake mixture into 9-inch spring-form pan; press firmly in pan with rubber spatula. Top with half of the berries. Repeat with remaining cake mixture; press with spatula. Top with berries. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

4) Run metal spatula carefully along side of dessert to loosen; remove side of pan. Cut dessert into wedges. Makes 10-12 servings.

(it is frustrating that I am spacing this differently than it posts)

Kate's 6th birthday party

2011-03-04T08:45:00.002-06:00

Last year, a friend mentioned to me about having a birthday party in January for her niece - a swimming party, because who gets to go swimming in the winter? We thought that was the neatest idea. So, we got a hotel room for the night and had a few kids over from church to swim in the indoor pool. It was a hit. I think that Scott had the most fun of everyone!

Brooks stayed in the hot tub. He loved it. Here are some pictures from that day. Kate still wasn't feeling her best (having gotten over her latest asthma flareup that week).

And, of course - her birthday cake!

Kate's 6th birthday

2011-03-03T22:07:00.001-06:00

It's late - but I am going to get some pictures posted from Kate's birthday party tomorrow!

Kate's pictures

2011-02-22T09:22:00.000-06:00

Brooks has been so much better lately about posing. But, I got a chance to get Kate posing while we waited to help host Kiera's shower on Sunday. I wasn't happy at first with these pictures, but they looked better after I played with the editing a bit. My friend Brittney told me about a book on PS Elements that really helps you get your editing fine tuned - I need that book! :) Anyways, enjoy the pictures.

There's more below

2011-02-16T22:24:00.000-06:00

I just placed some pics on the previous pic, but here is another from today. This boy has my heart!

Look at this sweet boy

2011-02-16T21:21:00.000-06:00

Brooks has been such the poser that Kate isn't these days. I won't even show you the picture of her where she "said she was smiling"... anyways. This boy is my heart.

Here is a funny from church: He came to church with 2 different shoes on. I didn't know it. His teacher asked me if I knew that he was wearing them (um... no) and she was laughing when she asked him why he wore 2 different shoes, to which he replied:

"Because I am crazy"

Dad said that he is Scott's son. :)

Valentine's Day 22011

2011-02-11T10:46:00.000-06:00

Kate wanted to make her own Valentines this year. I liked that idea! She designed her cards, and I helped her as she needed it. Here is how it started:

Then, she decided to embelish it more. On the girls cards, we put polka dot glue around the heart, and a flower glued on the bottom of the heart.

For the boys, she decided to glue the flowers all around the heart.

She was really proud of these!

Kate turns 6

2011-02-11T10:42:00.000-06:00

I totally scored with this find at our consignment sale - Pottery Barn quilt and shams for $40.00! I love PB but rarely buy at retail because it is so expensive! But, I loved this quilt the moment I saw it. I love butterflies.

I got to thinking - butterflies are so beautiful and you have to take advantage of seeing them when you can. Sort of like raising children. They grow up so fast! Where has the time gone. We had a precious new baby girl 6 years ago, and today we have a beautiful young lady that is wonderful in every way. I am so proud of her, and I'm so proud to call her my daughter!

So, I got this pillow last year for (I think) $2 at the consignment sale. PB also.

No bed is complete without the shams draped over the headboard, right? :)

Posing before school. She is so grown up - and man does she look like me in this picture or what? Recognize the bow, Ms. Donna?

Throwback, UGA style

2011-01-25T20:46:00.002-06:00

For Christmas, Scott's Mom gave him maybe 10-12 of his UGA shirts from when he was younger. They are so cool. He loved getting them, and Brooks loves them too. I think that Kate has worn one a time or 2. Well, tonight Brooks came out from putting on his pajamas and this is what he was wearing. Naturally, it tickled Scott to no end. They have been playing ball since Scott finished supper. He is a good Daddy.

Did you catch the Australian Open on TV? :)

Tomorrow is Kate's 100th day of school. The entire school is so excited. I had no idea that this would be such a big deal! Tonight we counted 100 of our gigantic nuts from the mountain cemetery in Gatlinburg for her to take to school. Afterwards, we counted 100 chocolate chips for her to bring (all the kids are are bringing food so that they can have a snack). Here are pictures of the nuts... (these are not edible)...

Complete with "How 'bout them Dawgs" container

Well, we are still here

2011-01-25T16:31:00.000-06:00

Try as I might, I am just neglecting my blog.

At least last week I had a reason. We all had the flu. Boy, am I so glad that it isn't this time, last week. I started feeling bad last Tuesday, and was diagnosed on Wednesday. Then, Kate started with it on Friday, and Brooks followed on Saturday. Poor Mally cut her tail on Thursday night and had to have part of it (only a small part) amputated on Friday. I worked on Monday, and although I was tired, I made it. Feeling much better today.

Everything else is just moving as usual. I still have my sinus infection. :( My doctor recommended using the "netipot" and it seems to be helping. I have a dentist appt in the AM for another tooth that is hurting. Ugh. I also have an eye appt scheduled with Rick in 2 weeks. I think there are still 4 more things I have got to get done for myself, but I am whittling them down.

I haven't pulled out my camera since New Years. I wish I could have spent some time on the computer while I was sick, but I just didn't feel like it! It would have been the perfect time for me to learn more about taking a better picture. But, the flu doesn't let you feel good enough to do anything.

I am so tired of this cold weather, as are so many others. It makes this time of year so hard. But, how can you resist the smile on this little boy? He has been so good today.

The Princess and the Pea

2010-12-29T08:41:00.000-06:00

Once upon a time, a long time ago, there was a King, Queen and Prince. The Prince, by law, was to marry a Princess, but there was none to be found that suited him.
One stormy night, a young woman came to the castle. She was separated from her family in the storm and needed shelter. The King and Queen agreed to allow her to spend the night. She told the Queen she was a Princess, but you could not tell by her tattered clothes and tired body. The Queen, wanting to know for sure, placed a pea under 20 mattresses and 20 feather beds, knowing that a true Princess was extraordinarily sensitive and wouldn't be able to sleep.
The next morning, the Princess said she felt like she was sleeping on a rock, and was surprised for she thought 20 mattresses would provide a wonderful sleep. The Queen was elated, and told the Prince (who had already fallen in love with the Princess). He told the Queen that he already knew she was a real Princess by "the gentleness of her eyes, the softness of her voice and the kindness of her heart".

And, the Queen told the girl that she could spend the night at their castle.

She prepared 20 mattresses with 20 feather beds. Then, she placed a single pea under the lowest mattress.

Then the girl (Princess!) layed down for what she thought would be a good night's sleep.

Thank you Ms. Donna for this most thoughtful gift! Kate loves the story and the doll!

It snowed in Coosada!

2010-12-26T17:42:00.000-06:00

Actually, we had flurries all day. No sticking. But, the kids had fun trying to catch snowflakes on their tongues!

Christmas 2010

2010-12-26T17:37:00.000-06:00

Our Christmas Eve started out with dinner with our neighbors, the Weekleys. This is now a 3 year tradition! This year we had taco soup and hot sandwiches. I will never forget 3 years ago, Scott and I were both working on Christmas Eve. When I got home, Jimmy has built a fire in our fireplace (the first since we had lived here) and Janice invited us over for dinner. It was so thoughtful, and I'm so glad that the thought has turned into a tradition!

I had tried to make our cookies for Santa before dinner, but the dough wasn't cooperating. Well, the dough didn't cooperate AT ALL, even after refrigerating it for several hours. I ended up making circles of the dough and flattening them out, then decorating them. But, Santa enjoyed them - so it was worth it! We placed 9 carrots on the plate for the reindeer (including Rudolph). The kids also spread their reindeer food over the lawn so that our house could be easily seen! Then, to bed everyone went (well, almost everyone)...

The next morning, we waited for the kids to wake us up, which was about 7:30am. They both woke us up saying, "Mama! Daddy! Wake up! Santa came!" They were so excited. Kate got what she wanted: a camera and a barbie (a veterinarian barbie none the less!), puzzles and pajamas, a book and assorted princess art. Brooks got what he wanted: a tennis raquet, tennis balls, a football, a baseball tee, pajamas, 2 books, a Wii game and assorted little things. He also got a UGA bedspread set - which he loved once he understood what it was!

Our Christmas was wonderful.
We are the most blessed family and we thank God for our blessings every day.

Updated Client Knowledge!

2010-12-17T12:10:00.001-06:00

In case you haven't read it in a while, I updated my "client knowledge" column on the right side of my blog. If you want some laughs, just click and read!

A child's heart

2010-12-14T15:30:00.002-06:00

Kate just overheard a commercial about a "back pain sufferers". There was a patient named Sylvester that was told that he would need surgery and shots. She immediately turned around and asked if we could pray for him! I told her of course - that we could pray for anyone she wanted to. Then she said that she was so glad that Sylvester was put on TV so that lots of people could find out and they could also pray for him.

She has a pure heart! I wish that it could be there forever~

Mally the Dog

2010-12-07T18:24:00.000-06:00

Here is our Mally. She is doing so much better at our house. While she isn't completely trustworthy, I consider her relatively housebroken. Her only vice (still) is the fact that she won't come when called if outside. She runs like a wild pig. Sure do wish we had a fenced in back yard... oh well. Golden Retrievers are pretty good dogs - she is the first one I've ever owned.

It's great to be an Auburn Tiger!!!

2010-12-06T20:11:00.000-06:00

photo by Blake Moody

PS

2010-12-05T22:09:00.000-06:00

Somebody hold me back!

:)

Playing more

2010-12-05T21:58:00.000-06:00

An oldie but a goodie! :)
Before and after...

Trying it out

2010-12-04T21:53:00.000-06:00

Photoshop is hard.

But, I think I am getting it.

Maybe.

I really like this one of Kate

If I could have manipuated this one this well last week, it would have been our Christmas card. (You didn't read that, Casey)

Photoshop

2010-12-03T19:29:00.002-06:00

Well, I got Adobe Photoshop Elements. To say it is not user friendly is an understatement. I am working on it, but wow! it is difficult. I am excited to learn something new, but I have always done so much better with a teacher than learning on my own.

This is an old update - but Reed is doing so great now! There is a large defect growing out of his hoof where an abscess ruptured. When I put him out tonight he took off across the pasture - bucking all the way! :)

I hope that Scott will get to work more on the deck tomorrow - if his help is able to come. I hope so. And, the SEC Championship game is tomorrow... War Eagle!

Christmas trees

2010-11-27T22:27:00.000-06:00

The kids were AWESOME helping me decorate the trees this year! They couldn't wait to be able to get going. I am so glad that we now have the 3 tier trees - it makes it so much easier to put them up.

Some of the things that Brooks said that were the best:

- "I just love Christmas!"
- "I love hanging ornaments! It's my favorite Christmastime!"

When he prayed tonight, he thanked God for our Christmas trees, and he prayed they would still be up in the morning, and that Christmas Eve would come soon. His prayers have come along so well here as of late, and I am just so proud of him.

And, I can't leave Kate out. She was super at helping out! She was a little sad at the fact that she had to share her tree with Brooks this year, but they worked well together.

I got these stockings last year from Target after Christmas. It took a while to find all of our initials, but it paid off because they were so cheap. I purchased the pom pom trim separately and Mom sewed it on for me.

Playing catchup

2010-11-06T22:01:00.002-05:00

Today, at the grocery store, Kate asked to buy some Brawny, because "it never let's you down..."

We had a great time in the mountains this year. Brooks was sick with walking pneumonia, which made our week a bit different. He ran a fever off and on for the first few days, and didn't sleep well at night (and the kids slept in our room, so we didn't sleep well either). But, by Tuesday he was feeling better. Thank goodness we had started antibiotics on Friday before.

Didn't get to Cades Cove this time, or to Gatlinburg, but we did go to the beautiful cemetery outside of Gatlinburg, picked a TON of acorns and got to hike a little. We all enjoyed it! I wish I could do more of that.

This coming week I have to work all week - so I will be T-I-R-E-D. But, I feel rejuvenated from a week away. We spent the day catching up on the house, and Scott is working on taking apart our back deck. He and a friend at work will put a new one up next weekend. Ours was past bad, with several boards rotten. We are saving a lot of money with Guy helping us. And, it will be something else to learn!

Quarterboy can't stay out of my lap since we got home. And I love it.

Faves of Kate

2010-11-04T15:47:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorites!

2010-11-04T15:44:00.000-05:00

More Mountain pictures

2010-11-04T15:38:00.000-05:00

Me, Papa and the kids

Papa and our family

Rick and Brooke (Caroline was asleep the entire time!)

Happy Fall Ya'll!

2010-11-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

I have been after pictures this week!

Here are some of the better ones...

Hmmmm.... which one will end up on the Christmas card?

Halloween 2010

2010-10-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

So this year Kate wanted to be Jessie from Toy Story 2, and Brooks wanted to be Buz Lightyear. Our friend Julie let us borrow the Buz suit, and I made Kate's outfit. I went to Hobby Lobby and purchased some fleece material on sale. Her entire outfit cost me $6.00. I had fun making it - Scott complimented me by saying that I went "all out" on it. It reminded me of making costumes as a child! I'm really glad she gets to wear it again tomorrow to school.

Jessie, the Cowgirl

Did you know I can grow a cat?

2010-10-15T09:08:00.000-05:00

Mary, Mary - quite contrary
How does your garden grow?

With silver snails,
and puppy tails.... (or maybe cat tails?)