KD's Tribe

a great giveaway

2011-11-18T20:11:00.001-06:00

Two of a Kind and Working on a Full House

is having a great giveaway.

You can see all about it here

and enter yourself.

twoofakindworkingonafullhouse

Wrestling

2011-11-09T14:59:00.000-06:00

Hunter and his friend
found the perfect
place to wrestle!
But maybe we should
tie it down next time! Lol

slooooooowwwwww

2011-11-02T16:53:00.000-05:00

Yes, I noticed

I have been very..preoccupied?

busy?

Ok, ok, just plain slow!!!
We started the school year off right..

With a fun day!

Everyone agreed it was the most

fun they've had during the

first week of school,

including me!

That slide was great
especially when it

started to rain and we had
to send the children inside! :D
And then ball season started..

Caleb Josiah^

Levi

they don't play as much as the
bigger boys, but they love it.

Then there's volleyball
Paige

Paige getting a good set

"We've got our shoes tied tight
and we're ready to fight
go red, black, and white
goooooo EAGLES!!!!!!"

It has been a pretty busy year
with seven children
in seven different grades!
But we're making some exciting
changes soon..which I'll blog about!

i heart faces ~ friends

2011-08-08T13:27:00.000-05:00

I knew there were lots

of choices...

but really only one...

my Hon and me

somewhere out in the wide blue ocean

To see more great friend pics

visit i heart faces

i heart faces ~ Let's hear it for the Boys

2011-06-21T21:06:00.000-05:00

I must admit, when I saw the topic
I knew I could have a ton with 6 boys.
But I chose one.

You can see more entries at:

i heart faces - yellow

2011-05-24T17:02:00.000-05:00

Too stinkin' cute!!!

i heart faces - yellow

Being A Mom

2011-05-09T20:24:00.000-05:00

Carrying within
A growing babe
Completely dependent
On just one soul
Me.......

Going thru immense pain,
Like nothing before
Then forgetting it all
When the bundle in a blanket
is handed over...

Holding a little one
Till your arms ache
But having no desire
to put them down
Ever........

Loving their touch
With all the dirt
Slobber and tears
Knowing it will wash
Not caring if it doesn't

Joy with their every step
Jump and ride
Scared they will get hurt
Cheering anyway
Loving their spirit

Having your heart
Outside of your body
not being able to control it
enjoying every second
As if it were the last

Loving immensely
Giving entirely
Sacrificing unconditionally
Dreaming infinitely
Joy unspeakable

Our Girl

2011-03-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

Paige

16 years old

On March 20th

our oldest

only girl

loves to cook

scrapbooking...shopping...

Daddy's heart

growing up

I'm thankful for all the years

and great times God has

given us together.

Boaz 4th birthday

2011-03-10T11:16:00.000-06:00

Today would have been Boaz' 4th birthday.

I should be running around,

buying cute toys,

deciding what to put on his cake,

taking birthday pictures,

blowing up balloons, stringing streamers.

Then again, I've missed a lot lately:
Washing dirty little jeans
Tying cute little shoes
Kissing scrapes
Hugs good night
Teary eyes
"I love you my little man"
Watching him & Stonewall be best buds
Holding his hand
Complaining cause he's growing too much

Thankfully I serve a great God!

So even though I miss my Boaz...

I know he's running around on the streets of gold...talking to all the saints of God...visiting all the Bible greats...and he'll be there when we get there, not exactly waiting...I can't imagine anyone in Heaven waiting for anything..but maybe expecting!

I am ever thankful for the promises of God!

sigh

2011-03-01T11:31:00.000-06:00

We got to spend a few days

listening to the surf

breathing in the salt air

playing in the pool

volleyball in the sand

relaxing

a little shopping

a few great sunsets

making memories

remembering

i heart faces - phone challenge

2011-02-22T20:25:00.000-06:00

This weeks challenge was a pic

to be taken with your phone.

The boys were out

working with Dad

and getting a ride!!

They love to work with Dad,

and I love it that Nick

takes the time with them.

He's a great Daddy!!

You can go to
i heart faces

to see more entries
or to enter yourself.

Levi's Day

2011-02-10T13:02:00.002-06:00

11 years old

thoughtful

world traveler

quiet

likes to read

responsible
playful

<3 <3 <3

Jenna Journal Drive

2011-02-01T18:19:00.000-06:00

My friend, Fran, is having

a journal drive.

It is going on until

about May 5th,

then she will be donating

the journals

to the NICU ward.

She explains it all at the link below.

I heart faces - Jan. 2011

2011-01-31T16:04:00.001-06:00

Of all the pics of my little man

this set, there were 6 or so,

were some of my favorites.

He was being mischievous

which I love...

You can see more

I heart faces entries here
or enter yourself!

Josiah's a TEEN

2011-01-23T00:41:00.000-06:00

Our Siah

13 years old

"for this child I prayed"

~protective~

A TEEN...HELP!!!! JK

hard working

likes football

?breathes football?

diligent

a great cook

first born son

Christmas - A late post

2011-01-12T11:20:00.000-06:00

We've been busy

so here I am,

just getting around to a

Christmas post

* * * * * * * * * * * *

this is the face you want

to see as they open gifts

a helicopter that flies

cars that run on the ceiling and walls

an itunes card :)

nothing is complete without a gun

I like that look!!

3D shirts! Complete with glasses!

* * * * *

just a few Texas things for yours truly :)

and a few things from friends

who have been in my shoes

and walked in places I have

thank you... :)

I am definitely trying

that jam on ice cream!!!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

We had a good Christmas vacation,

though it was very busy!

We got the chance to

meet new friends and visit old ones!

Sunset On My Beach

2011-01-02T17:25:00.001-06:00

The clouds broke just in time for a beautiful sunset on my beach.

Panama City Beach

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

2010-12-25T03:44:00.001-06:00

Dear Boaz,
Mommy sure misses you! Sometimes it's the only thing I can feel. You've been in Heaven over a year now. Knowing where you are doesn't make me miss you less. So many times I wanted to buy you something this past year....just to see your face smile one more time. But I didn't, it would've been for me....not you. Some people think Heaven is all serious and somber...and if it was, I know it's lively with you there. There are so many things I miss about you....everything!
I have an idea for next Christmas for you....for us. I will be able to do something for me...for you...and others will benefit too! You know, I love to say your name. We picked it out, of course, special just for you. We tried quite a few, but none "fit" till we came to Silas Boaz.
Thanks for being such a great little boy! You weren't whiny...you didn't pout. You had such a good attitude about all the time. Sometimes I had no idea how you were so good, I know I wouldn't have been. We had such great times together. You "bucked up" every time! You were the best buckaroo!
I know I'll always miss you something terrible, but I just wanted to tell you. It's ok with me that you don't miss us, I don't mind at all. I love you little man!

Merry Christmas Boaz! I know your having the best Christmas of all of us.
Love, Mommy

family time

2010-12-15T17:07:00.001-06:00

when we left it was pretty nice

sun shining, short sleeves

something happened as we drove north

first the leaves began changing

and we needed an extra layer of clothes

by the time we reached our destination

I was freezing...and wanted SEVERAL layers

I'm just southern

I did get to take these awesome pics of snowflakes

I couldn't believe how intricate the details were

***

on our way back

we stayed a few nights in the mountains

the first thing we saw...

a flock of wild turkey

the view from our room

one of God's many masterpieces

I do love a fireplace!

celebrated Timothy's birthday

with one of our favorites

Great American Cookie Company

gorgeous sunset


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

we took the kids ice skating

they've all been a few times

though it's been quite a while

I felt like this most of the time

they all caught on pretty good

I refuse to put the pics of us falling :)

Stonewall actually looks cute on all fours

but we all had a great time

even if we were a little sore later

it was worth it.

I love playing with my children!

happy birthday

2010-12-06T22:18:00.000-06:00

for my birthday

Nick got me a super cool gift

a Canon PowerShot D10

it is WATERPROOF

and freezeproof

and shockproof

(though I don't plan on testing that one).

~Josiah~

so we had to test it out

~Caleb~

in the pool

(the inside, heated one)

I checked out the freezeproof easiest

since it was FREEZING

for 2 weeks (and counting)

~Levi~

the pics were pretty fun

Caleb somersaulting

~Timothy~

(chlorine was a lil strong)

Caleb slid down the pole

~Paige~

Daddy and Hunter making funny faces

~Hunter~

~Stonewall~

Timothy

2010-12-05T23:01:00.000-06:00

Zippy - 8 years old

short for Zipper P
born on my birthday :)
(great present)

a little silly

quiet
thoughtful
easy going
likes Georgia Bulldogs
laid back
loves to read

A computer giveaway

2010-12-01T20:36:00.001-06:00

Angie Smith is doing a give away...

of an Intel computer.

An Intel core i5 processor with Turbo Boost technology.

You can go here to see:

here

And enter for yourself!

Sweet Shot

2010-11-26T19:21:00.002-06:00

Stonewall...5 years old

energetic

happy

loving

friendly

loves football

(thinks he's) on the team

keeps us thankful

sweet as can be

very crazy

tells stories

some are true

and some....

runs a lot

entertaining

laughs loudly

Life on the road

2010-11-23T12:32:00.000-06:00

Soooo.......what do your kids do at a motel?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Stonewall"s 5!!!!!!!!!!

2010-11-15T16:32:00.001-06:00

On the 11th Stonewall turned 5

He wanted a jersey...and football pants

and cleats...

with football cupcakes

a football

and new shoes

I heard him telling one of his friends,

"I talked to coach and he said as soon

as I get a jersey and pants I can be on the team".

He is sooo 5!!!

beach

2010-11-04T16:54:00.000-05:00

the whole tribe

at sunset...

my fav time

Nick & I

maybe this is the whole tribe

boys...being boys

gotta love it

* * *

Dad & Paige

Dad & Stonewall (his shadow)

Dad & Hunter (aka Tank)

Dad & Timothy

(his look a like)

Dad & Caleb

(my look a like)

Dad & Levi

(traveling buddy)

Dad & Josiah

(work buddy,

who just might outgrow him!)

only a year

2010-11-02T23:11:00.000-05:00

anyone who's been reading

here for long knows what Nov 1st was

where are the words to say?

to anyone who thinks what I feel

is not normal...

I know you have never been through it

to anyone who thinks

the way I grieve is wrong...

I don't care what you think

I realize you are ignorant

on this subject

I try not to fault you...

but it gets difficult when you

insist you are right

since I'm the one going through it

I know you are wrong.

I refuse to hide my hurt...

I let it show

so that others who hurt

will not feel alone.

When my hurting helps someone else

then I am not alone.

I know many others hurt

from the loss

I also know they do not hurt

like those who have lost.

That being said...

This has been an incredibly long year.

Since my little Boaz...

my little man

went home to be with the Lord

there have been many changes.

Some good, some not so

I can tell you that in a year

I know I still have no idea

what I'm going to feel

in the future.

I know that I will not know
until it comes..

and sometimes it's hard to realize..

until later.

I know what I have felt:

like the house is empty...

when I know it's not.

like I am alone...

when I know I'm not.

like part of me died..

because it did.

last minute mini vacation

2010-10-29T01:21:00.000-05:00

last week, or was it the week before?
we had to take a

quick trip to tend some business

and it happened to be near

"my" beaches

we missed seeing some friends

(but maybe next time)
as it turned out, Nick was pretty sick
so while he & the lil boys napped
I enjoyed playin with the big kids
it was a win-win situation for me!!!

Caleb had gotten a little cold

they were playing football

though I don't know where it is

Hunter digging

Timothy burying himself

Josiah...football again

Levi

Stonewall

the boys buried Paige and Cali

Paige and Stonewall
she loves her brothers
and they love her
or is it to aggravate her

Paige actually slept out on the balcony
it is like nothing else
hearing the waves crashing all night

Josiah and Alex being goofy

Every morning we spend
at the ocean
I wake to find all the children
peeking out the windows
or sitting on the balcony

Levi the lifeguard

the boys love Alex
because he spends lots of time with them
and I think he likes them too :)

Paige and Cali
we (Paige&Cali, Alex&Josiah and me)
were playing a game
1 person is it and picks a "favorite"
thing to call out
fav color, animal....
and all was fine until....
just Alex & I were NOT it
so Paige, Cali, & Josiah WERE it
it only took a sec for them to decide
"soda" - sounds innocent, right
but everyone knows Alex & I drink
DR PEPPER
so we took off swimming across the pool
underwater, because we can
and they couldn't
but they got us anyway
it seems the air is only at the top LOL

Alex and Stonewall, again

we got an underwater camera
just for fun
I realized that most of my
children don't go under
without holding their nose
or a mask on
which is weird to me
Nick & I both swim "normal"
which is no mask or nose holding

Paige (mask) & Cali (holding nose)

Caleb (mask)

Alex (neither) trying to "nap"
which didn't work too well

Cali & Paige
sun setting
waves crashing
there are more pics,
where everyone thinks I'm torturing them
I will try to get them up tomorrow
or the next day ;)

winning prizes

2010-10-19T00:32:00.000-05:00

the children were able to help

a school with it's annual

chocolate sell

I must admit,

I didn't have very high hopes

for several reasons

but the kids did

and they sold every chance

they came in 3rd place in sales

this year at the school

and won prizes to go with it

the principal sat in the dunking booth

it was a bit cool out

but the teenage boys dumping in

55 gallons of ice surely didn't help

Caleb was the 1st to dunk him!!

Way to go Caleb!!!

Timothy with his bike

Stonewall has always loved a bike

it had to be Hot Wheels

Levi on his bike

Josiah had to have an air soft pistol

my boys like guns

Caleb and his roller blades

Hunter and his bike

Paige,

though

wanted

flip flops

and

ear rings!!!

So they all got some really great prizes and had a good time too!!

random

2010-10-06T14:06:00.001-05:00

some of my favorite recent pics

i love how the sun streaks

across the sky

i never tire of taking

pics of sunsets

especially on the beach

boys being boys

Paige

Levi

Cameron & Paige

Caleb looking for shark teeth

and he found two

Robert shell hunting

Josiah

playing football

wrestling like normal

nothing for a peaceful place

like the beach

~football and volleyball~

2010-09-23T11:33:00.001-05:00

Football season has begun.

Not just the kind you pull up a chair and watch,

but the kind where you pull on your cleats

and get dirty with the boys!!!

Josiah and Levi have been able

to join a flag football team.

It is the teams first year and

they have a pretty good team.

They play hard and have a good time.

Here they're praying before their game.

Obviously they scored.

This game ended up 7-14,

we lost by one touchdown.

~~~

Even though Josiah is small

he gets to play a lot.

He's not afraid of blocking the big guys either.

And the smaller

boys love to watch,

and dream of the day

when it

will be their turn!!

They even take turns

"babysitting" the

little ones.

And then there's volleyball!!!

Paige has been able to play on
a girls volleyball team.
Here the girls are praying
before their game.
She is really enjoying this.

Paige has never played
volleyball before,
but she learns fast
and tries hard. :)

She got the ball, yeah Paige!!!

*serving the ball*

~blasted that ball right over~

and after they won
coach took them out for ice cream

Paige, Ellie, &
Cameron.

The girls
watching the boys game.

We've had a great time with both sports.
Busy, but loads of fun!!

iheartfaces ~ week #38 ~ Smirk

2010-09-21T11:36:00.003-05:00

When I saw this weeks photo challenge

I knew it was one I didn't want to miss.

In my house we have what I call

The Scruggs Smirk

It's a classic, in the family, sort of thing

Boaz and his classic Scruggs smirk

For more smirks, head on over to iheartfaces
http://www.iheartfaces.com/2010/09/week-38-%E2%80%A2-smirk-photo-challenge/

sunsets

2010-09-16T20:43:00.000-05:00

I have been waiting to take these

pics for a long time.

The first time I drove past

the sun was setting.

I have wanted to be there

for a sunset ever since.

So, here it is...

* * *

~ * ~

* * *

*sigh*

~ ~ ~

* * *

~ ~ ~

and I stayed till it was gone...

* * * * *

now for the close ups

~ * ~ * ~

* * * * *

< * * >

yes, it was beautiful

thanks for letting me share with you

paying attention

2010-09-03T00:39:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you are just going along, not paying any real

attention to the details of life,

when something happens that grabs your attention.

Josiah and Levi were getting ready to go out

and play football with some other guys.

We got them cleats, and they picked their pants.

They happen to match, exactly.

When Paige pointed this out to Josiah he didn't even flinch.

He said, "I know, that's what's so awesome about it"!

And I am in the background thinking, YES, YES, YES!!!!!

I realize that wouldn't be the reaction of most kids.

And I'm thrilled that it is the reaction of mine!

our surprise

2010-08-21T23:48:00.000-05:00

We are the happy owners of a camper.

we looked at sooo many

but none were big enough for us :)

*you can laugh*

till we saw this one

and I was pretty sure right away

that this one would be good

a microwave and oven/stovetop

full size fridge!!!!

it took us a bit of work

and I'm still finding places for things

but all of the cabinets closets make that easier

but Elsie was right

it has a large bunk house

four bunks with lots of storage

the boys really like it

a room for Nick and I at the other end

and a big closet

in between is a real bathroom

and a washer/dryer (unbelievable)

we are thrilled

and thanks for being patient

cause that wasn't a few days ;)

we looked, and looked

but when God was ready,

he showed us the one he was holding for us

Our surprise

2010-08-11T11:19:00.015-05:00


This is our surprise, which I will post more on in a few days.

Thank You My God

2010-08-02T16:19:00.000-05:00

Thank you God for letting me...

enjoy all his smiles

feel his small hand in mine

have his fuzzy head on my pillow

explore the world with him

have his scribbles on my paper

get used to him sleeping with his shoes on

(because we WERE going home!!!)

pick-up his darts all over the room

hear him call "Mommy, Mommy"

see his dancing eyes when he was mischievous

tote his cups everywhere

smell his sweet smell

need an endless supply of cheerios

brush his soft hair, often

watch football on tv with him

have to search for "yertle turtle"

wash his blankie when he drifted off

push him in the swing till I thought

my arms would fall off

and pull him in the wagon till I was dizzy

open his snacks

dry his eyes

clean the sand out of his clothes...again

have so many giggly mornings

buckle his car seat

show him videos on my phone (over&over&over)

rub his head at night because he wanted me to

have fun getting splashed all those times he was in the tub

fetch his cars after they crashed at the end of the racetrack

trace his little hand on paper

paint with him

teach him to "blow" in my flute

learn to let him do it on his own

have sleepless nights to spend with my little man

have days when I tended him all day long

feel his soft kisses

rock him to sleep

feel his little hand patting my back

hear his feet pattering across the floor first thing in the morning

have "my love"........."my little man"

***

Thank you for letting me love him

like I knew he was dying!

old pics

2010-07-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

I came across these old pics the other day

the kidlets were sooo little

Timothy, who is 7 now, was the baby

Timothy was always sucking his fingers

the first and second one, upside down

it was so hard to break him.

Caleb was so bright eyed

He must've been about 2

and his hair was little curls

I didn't want to trim those curls

Levi was about 3

the sun has always bothered his eyes

they were quite gun crazy

Josiah (5) and his gun

they are still gun crazy

and Josiah absolutely LOVED that shirt

he still has it,

though it doesn't look quite the same

"you might be a redneck"

if you've ever done your homework in a tree....

Paige (8) and a definite big sister

she was a great help

and....at times a little bossy

they were so cute

bright inquisitive faces

see the Woody with Caleb

he took it everywhere

Paige's first cat, Beka, all her own

that cat sat in her lap during school

and slept with her at night

Josiah and Sarge

he got him when he was 4

with the Gibbs at Virginia Beach

Aaron pulling Caleb, Levi, and cousin, Katie

its fun looking back on the old times

last July 21st

2010-07-21T17:24:00.000-05:00

Last year at this time

I was in the hospital with Boaz.

(that's no surprise).

His 1st port had come loose

and they were replacing it.

We had been fighting to get a feeding tube also.

We got it since he was already in surgery.

He had gone through three cycles of chemo

and the cancer had grown.

We were ready to get him off of it.

You can read the story of how it all

went if you scroll through and look

at posts from this time last year.

He was sleeping so soundly,

they made me wake him to give him the

medicine that would make him sleep???

So he wouldn't cry when they took him.

No wonder he cried!!

The way it all happened was a miracle.

God took care of every detail so that

he could get the new port, the feeding tube,

and get away from the chemo.

This is pretty much right out of surgery.

Maybe a few hours later.

He was such an incredibly happy boy.

He just had a way about him.

While we were talking to the nurse about

the feeding tube, the nurses gave Boaz

a whole roll of orange ace bandage and

he had Aaron wrap his turtle, COMPLETELY.

But look at that smile!!!

Driving off from the hospital that day

was like growing wings.

I know the decision is different for everyone,

but I knew I couldn't continue to keep him

on the chemo, watching the tumors grow,

making him sick, and damaging his

precious little body.

Just a few days later you'd have

never known he had surgery.

He usually had this beautiful smile

on his face.

That smile was worth lots of sleepless nights.

Stonewall and Boaz were constant companions.

This is within the week and he was

running around the park playing.

Hunter's Birthday

2010-07-13T17:59:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Hunter

It all started when Hunter picked this.........

ball for his birthday.

It's like the soccer ball they used in the world cup.

And this........cake pan I've thought would be fun

some time, homemade frosting (yum),

and it was fun

Hunter liked it....but then again it was cake!!!

Then came the fourth of July.

It has been a while since my boys got to preach

so when the preacher at the church announced

that during the pm service the boys and young men

could preach, mine could talk of nothing else!

Josiah was my first one to preach

he preached on wisdom

What can a young 12 year old boy know about wisdom?

Practically speaking, not much.

But he wrote this message totally on his own,

he got his own illustrations

The first time he preached it he made a sword

and borrowed his sisters baby doll.

Remember the two harlots, the baby, and Solomon?

Levi was next

he wrote a new message for the 4th of July

reasons America is free

Caleb preached then

and he wanted to write one special for the 4th also

"reasons why we have the flag we have"

The older guys were given a topic to preach on.

I think that might be interesting with the younger guys once.

After church most of us loaded up

and went to watch the fireworks.

I had a good time taking these pics

my new camera has a fireworks setting

this one had a heart in the middle

it was neat to see how they turned out

they were a ways away and, of course, it was dark

another heart

Dad's shadow

watching the works

Little Levi & his Mom

yes it was hot and humid

we were all sweaty & sticky

singing on the way there and back

(except the too cool J, up front,

wouldn't want that in the pic)

they were loud, but I know they'll remember

the fun time they had for a long time

THEN...............................

fireworks for the boys to set off themselves

bottle rockets.........

sparklers for everyone

this is Hunter and Stonewall

and it looked pretty neat

when they wrote their names

their characters were kinda funny to watch

some of the children were eager

some were pulling away even

as the bottle rocket went off

............but not many of them

even the girls were out back with theirs

the boys were thrilled with the smoke bombs

tanks - they shot fire and made noise

every boys dream

even when it sprinkled

noone was running for cover

then of course, everyone needed more food

and you can see what the boys think of the girls

AGAIN

he was saying "don't touch those brownies"

but.....

I wonder who baked them?

by the way, Paige has started a new blog

it's called Buggy

www.ilovebuggy.blogspot.com

Buggy was Boaz pet name from Paige and Stonewall

playin around

2010-07-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

the children

Paige - is 15 now

an enormous help to me and Daddy

loves to act goofy w/her brothers

likes to take pictures and scrapbook

Josiah - 12, likes his hats

loves to work

can figure out a lot on his own

(Big Daddy taught him some and initiative keeps him going)

Levi - 10 years

somewhat serious and tender

while still all boy

Caleb - 9 year old me

infatuated with Calvin & Hobbes

(I don't know how that happened ;)

likes to aggravate his sister

Timothy - 7 years, mini Nick

he uses the blond hair for a cover-up

he's really taken off in his school

and is a good help around the house

Hunter - 6 on the 1st

can you see the activity in his eyes

a bouncing time bomb of energy

Stonewall - 4,

he's developed quite a personality

a very goofy one

seems he's a good student

can I still call them all children

it seems some of them are getting too big,

and responsible for that title

and the little ones are NOT interested

in being little for their Mommy anymore

then there's mom - no age needed

likes to take pictures

lots of them

one day is going to learn the violin

my little man

2010-06-24T00:14:00.000-05:00

I don't dream of Boaz very often, maybe four times so far.

The other night I did.

I was putting him to bed.

I helped him onto the top bunk

(where he loved to climb up and play, but I never let him sleep),

*Like this*

I got him his blanket, turtle, and pillow.

As he lay down looking so sweet,

actually he usually looked mischievous until he was asleep!

I realized that he'd tried to hide some toys in the bed,

typical Boaz, a few matchbox cars, that sort of thing.

The turtle HAD to be upside down.

(I always like looking at them when they're sleeping.)

And then he lay down.

It was such a common thing,

that it was very real.

A few minutes later my alarm really did go off,
in my mind Boaz was sleeping
so I jumped quickly to turn off the alarm.
It didn't take me but a few more seconds
to realize that the alarm would not be waking my Boaz.
He sleeps no more.................

And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon,
to shine in it; for the glory of God did lighten it,
and the Lamb is the light thereof.
And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day:
for there shall be no night there.
Revelation 21:23, 25

?good night?

2010-06-17T15:06:00.002-05:00

Well, this isn't exactly what I call sleeping

but then again, I'm not nine.

Notice the mag-lite on the bed

beside his pillow?

Can you guess his favorite team?

fun with the family

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

Every once in a while we just take the day

and have fun!!!

a little wish shopping..........

what boys do while girls shop....

romping in the warm water

trying out their new snorkels and masks

(I really like it when they have their own money)

or maybe just carry water

around in the flippers???

the thrill of diving into the waves

those masks must be the new cool thing

cause they like walking around with 'em on

is it me, or is he getting rather big?

of course, part of why we went was for

my sunset pictures

The heavens declare the glory of God;

and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

Psalms 19:1

s'mores for a snack, yummmmmmm

space shuttle launch

2010-06-06T15:56:00.000-05:00

On our last day sailing we were up on the deck

when the captain made an announcement.

The space shuttle was taking off

from Cape Canaveral, FL.

It was a bit away.

We were able to see it take off,

see the smoke and the flame.

It all only took a few minutes.

Then all that was left was the smoke.

It was pretty neat.

The last time I remember seeing a take-off

was when I was in elementary school.

We had a good time on the water slides Friday.

This one was four or five stories high,

and went out over the side of the ship.

It was really hot and the slides were cool.

These racer slides were for the very little ones.

Here's the adult racer slides.

They were, of course, fast, wet, FUN.

Nick won most of the time,

I don't know why.

Watching the sunset the last night.

I love taking a picture every few minutes,

it's amazing how fast the sun sinks.

*Beautiful*

*****

***

This ship appeared

before the sun could

finish sinking.

I know it wasn't going fast,

but it seemed like it.

And then it was gone.

The ship and the sun.

******

snorkeling

2010-05-25T17:51:00.001-05:00

We were on the water all day Tuesday.

We were headed for Key West.

It was hard to believe how blue the water was.

Closer inland, in the Gulf where we live

it seems darker.

We were off the boat pretty early,

before many people were up,

(including the bums who sleep on the beach).

We did a little looking around,

visiting the southern most point

(90 miles from Cuba),

and the southern most everything else too.

We sat on the beach and read and talked.

There was this guy,

totally spray painted silver, like a statue,

though the crates kinda give it away.

And he would stand there perfectly still,

his flag waving in the wind,

until someone would get close to him

trying to figure out what "it" was,

then he'd jump at them and hollar,

"what'cha lookin' at"?

And they would always jump, or scream, or both.

Beautiful water, and even white sand.

The next day we sailed into the Bahamas.

The water was beautifully clear.

The driving was a bit like Mexico or the Congo,

except the vehicles were nicer.

People were everywhere selling things.

They blow these conch shells and it sounds like a fog horn!

When I was younger we would sometimes

find these at our beaches.

In this water, off Paradise Island

we went kayaking, "ya mon".

Our kayak was clear so we could

see down into the water, "ya mon".

Then we went snorkeling.

I've never been snorkeling,

but I learned quickly how to do it!

And they ended everything they said with, "ya mon".

It was great. I love the water.

Seeing all those colorful fish was fun.

Their colors were astounding.

On the boat we bought fish food,

which the fish readily recognized.

I would feed them just enough to get lots around,

then watch and take a few pictures.

Then spit out the snorkel and dive down

to be in the middle of them.

I never knew 27 pics could be taken so quickly.

The snorkeling was definitely top on my list.

I enjoyed the boat ride out and back too.

We enjoyed meeting the other people also.

We got back aboard the ship in time to

watch the sunset from the deck,

which was beautiful again.

Bravery Hearts

2010-05-22T19:20:00.002-05:00

It is hard not to think of where we

were last year at this time

and what was going on.

The struggle for life that was taking place,

the way our world was changing so quickly.

There were a few things that helped.

A few people that made a difference

in this road we were on.

While Boaz was in the hospital

for his first round of chemo,

the "art lady", in charge of toys,

crayons, and generally seeing that the

patients were as happy as possible

and the parents as..................

Well, it's kinda hard to say relaxed,

that's definitely not the right word.

This lady was telling me about a program

the hospital had for cancer patients.

The program was normally for four year olds

and up, but she decided to let Boaz in it anyway.

It is called Bravery Heart Beads for kids.

For each procedure they have,
an infusion of chemo

or blood, each scan or test, surgery....
the list goes on and on.

The nurse marks it on their paper and

once a week the "art" lady comes around

and gives the children their beads.

In my opinion, the children really do earn the beads.

There is one bead however that is different.

It is the "brave" bead.

Only a nurse or doctor can award this bead.

When they think the child has behaved

bravely in a situation, they sign off the

brave bead on the list.

All of the "B" beads are brave beads,

which they ran out of.

Each other particular bead being

for a particular event.

Boaz really liked his beads,

though I doubt he understood the meanings.

Paige and his brothers liked them and

liked to look up what each of the beads were for.

Bravery Hearts also sells things
to support the program.

It is free for the children,

but is only at select hospitals.

So, for Boaz birthday we bought Paige

a Bravery Heart necklace.

She definitely earned it,

standing by his bedside for hours to keep him happy

just so I could think, or tend to other things.

Each one is unique, in that the beads are
just placed on without a real order.

But each on has two things the same.

A hand blown glass heart...........

And a small "bravery" bead.

I couldn't help but thinking how fitting that

was for Paige, loving her brother through

the worst, staying by his side when possible,

and being very brave through it also.

God allowed us some GOOD times!!!

Nick ordered one for me also.

Every time I wear it,

I think of my little man, of his bravery,

and the love the Lord allowed us to share.

*********************

I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness

of the Lord in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

Surprise Vacation

2010-05-18T13:08:00.001-05:00

Nick took me out of town last week

it was as much a surprise as possible

while still allowing me to pack

Is this a good hint?

Is this better?

We went on a cruise,

the ship on the left is ours, the Fascination.

We are not smiling about the wait to

get on the ship, but there were about

2000 people to process through.

My favorite thing to do on board,

sit on the deck in the sun.

Though we usually sat on the top deck

in the lounge chairs, reading or napping!

This was our first day out, and I

wanted to catch the sunset pictures.

I'm sure I took more sunset pics

than anything else.

The sun going down, shimmering across

the ocean, with nothing else in sight;

it was awesome indeed.

This is looking down from almost the top floor

but not all the way down to the bottom.

I knew the children would think this was

pretty neat, and it was.

There were two of these, life size elephants,

half in and half out of this wall.

Each evening while we were at dinner,

the stateroom steward turned down the bed,

and made a cute animal from towels.

The first night we had a walrus.

The second night a dog.

We couldn't have asked for better service at all.

Everywhere on the ship it was the same.

We had a great time,

and I will post the next few days later.

It's too much for one post.

Caleb's Birthday

2010-05-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

Caleb's birthday was April 30th.

Caleb had his friend, Ryan, over.

He is the one with his mouth opened.

They all drew on t-shirts for starters.

Caleb is all the way to the right.

Levi provided everyone with a sword.

And we thought they'd forget there

were other gifts, but............

then he opened these books.........

and set the swords aside for a minute....

and they looked like this!!!!

for a while....................

Happy Birthday Caleb

one year ago

2010-05-05T01:46:00.001-05:00

One year ago I was at the hospital,

not knowing my life would be changed forever.

My heart knew something............

He was such a good boy.

here we were still in town

wouldn't I love to hold him again

just a few days before

laughing and playing at our beach

he was such a blessing

what I wouldn't give to hear that laugh again

his shirt says "too cool for school"

one fish is swimming the opposite way

one of Paige's favorite's =)

there were signs................

but who'd have known

Silas Boaz, "my love"

"My Little Man"

Ohio visitors

2010-04-30T00:39:00.001-05:00

Our friends from Ohio came to visit us

we had a great time, and the children..............

We took them to a park, where they played..............

Paige, Colandra, Josiah, Jewel, Lilly (team 1?)

Hunter and Larky in the slide, Angel is in front.

Larky and Stonewall stick together, adorable.

Mostly they played hide-n-seek,

(half of team 2?)

but they finally started tiring out..............

They are a lot easier to get pictures of when they're tired! : )

~ Timothy ~

Caleb and Lilly found a place to rest.

Paige and Summer wouldn't quit taking pics of each other????

*********************************

And every day they played outside in the yard!

Riding bikes was a favorite.

It wasn't quite bike weather in Ohio yet.

sword fighting

Angel learned to ride a bike "with 2 wheels" as Stonewall says.

Stonewall learned to ride all his brother's bikes,

he was being sweet and letting Angel ride his bike.

He couldn't let go of his sword though.

And I thought they might swing on the swing set????????

Little Levi, as we called him, so as not to mix him up with ours,

was running away to the pond.

These are my two most "monkey" boys,

when I was their age, that was me.

Mom says my friends would come in

begging her to make me get down,

but I just remember being up there.

In a tree......reading a book....doing homework.....

The bike with the little bitty tires everyone loves to ride,

but I don't see how they do it.

*Paige*

One of my favorite pics of the day,

Hunter James topping the swing set.

~ Larky ~

My other fav.

We had a great time with them, and we already miss 'em.

Boaz

2010-03-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

This morning something we'd been waiting for was delivered.

We wanted it to be simple, yet we wanted it to be very "Boaz".

I always called Boaz, "my little man".

That is what he will always be.

This was his favorite shirt and hat.

He had other hats, (and shirts, really) but he wouldn't wear them.

Until he saw this hat at the store one day.
I picked it up and tried it on him,
but since it was too big, I put it back.
He began to pout immediately, but I didn't realize why.
I picked him up and held him, but that wasn't what he wanted.
He took his old hat off, and threw it into the back of the cart.
By now I knew he was mad, but didn't know why.
Finally, I had a bright idea and sent Paige back for the hat.
Boaz immediately put it on and began smiling.
And I bought the hat! : )

After that he would trade between the two hats.
He would pick out all of the cars to play with also.
It must've been the eyes on them that he liked.

Then there was his turtle.
We went to the Georgia Aquarium when Boaz was nine months old.
Nick got him this turtle and he slept with it ever after.
He turned the turtle upside down and played with the tag.

I love pictures of them sleeping.
They are so sweet.

Boaz was my constant companion for two and a half years.

He was just getting to be independent when he got sick.

After that I lived, to keep him alive.

Having a child so sick puts the rest of your life on hold.

My fight to keep him alive and happy

consumed everything I had.

If you've never been in that situation,

you can not understand.

I never say I'm tired now.

Having a large family, schooling them all,

working in a ministry..............
Now I know that wasn't tired.

Tired has a new definition.
I do not complain of anything I've been through with Boaz.
Many people never have time with their child.
The Lord gave me six glorious months.
Many of those days were wonderful and happy.
I can not thank God enough for being merciful
to me in allowing me the good times I had with my little man.

a visit in ohio

2010-03-21T00:03:00.001-05:00

We have been out of town at a few meetings,

and had the opportunity to stay with some friends in Ohio.

They have children our childrens ages,

some very, very close!

The children call them Uncle Tim and Aunt Sandi

and I won't bother telling them different.

One of the first things I did was take a walk, yep, in the snow.

I some places it was up to my knees still!!!

But, I love going for walks, and I really enjoyed it.

I found something on my walk.

Tracks; deer, coon, birds, turkey......
Tracking down south is a bit different...

We all went bowling.
Some of the children had higher scores than me!!
I told them I needed bumpers.
Here the boys are making sure nothing gets wasted out of the nachos!

Angel and Hunter are only one day apart.

With so many of us playing, 12 to be exact,
most of the time we spent waiting.
But we all had a good time.

Sandi curled Paige's hair one day.

And mine, which was a job, because my hair is very thick.
I liked it, and Nick did too, thanks Sandi.

This is what happens when you turn boys out to play!!
Then the temperatures got up into the upper 50's and lower 60's,

and the snow melted. That left.............MUD!!!!!
We all had a great time playing out, even if it was super muddy.

This is what is left of the new socks after the snow melted???
I'm not sure if it's best to throw 'em out
and start over, or try to wash 'em.

Larky and Stonewall were playing basketball.
No, Stonewall isn't picking, only scratching.

Summer and Paige had a great time thinking up ways to irritate Aaron,
aside from teaching Stonewall that he likes Summer best!!!
Aaron lets Stonewall play games on his I-phone,
so while Aaron wasn't paying attention,
Stonewall learned how to text and call Summer.
Pretty good for a four year old.

Levi and Jewel hangin' out.

Callandre and Hunter playing.
We had a fun week playing and getting to spend the time together.