Caleb, Tobias, & Leisel Joy

Kansas Trip

2011-08-18T05:06:00.004-07:00

On our way back to NC, we stayed at a hotel. It prolonged our trip, but at least Ken and I weren't jetlagged the next day.

The tree amigos.

Caleb trying to dress Leisel at the hotel we stayed at on our way back to NC. He is such a sweet brother.

We went all over the place in Kansas. One of the places were the combat air musuem. The kids could climb in and out of the these retired airplanes. Very interesting, but muggy. Our trip to kansas was a hot one with temps in the 114! We tried to stay busy.

-We went to a really cool Lego display at the local college in Topeka (no pics)

-My aunt and Uncle came to visit us from Atchison, Ks.

-My sister and her children came down and we went to the park to ride the train and carousel.

-The boys stayed with Ken's parents for a few days.

-We went to the Historical Musuem where the boys became mesmerized by arrowheads.

-We went to a water park with slides and diving boards and pirate ships. Caleb dived off a 12 ft diving board like 10 times. This boy has NO FEAR. His mamma has plenty for him, though.

-We went to see Aunt Beth and Uncle Micah. I got to record "The River" in a professional studio with my sister.

-I went to visit my friend Colleen and her husband and girls. We went swimming a lot! It was hot!

-We saw my cousin, Lynn, Brian, Reagan, and Connor in Olathe. It had been such a long time.

-We ate a very quick lunch with Memaw at her work.

-We went to the air musuem with My sister, her girls, my parents, and me and my 3 houligans.

Yes, we kept them busy. They also got to play with the neighbors at my parents, who have chickens! Very Interesting. We got to go to Wal-mart where I almost always ran into somebody I knew or recognized. I would have loved to visit Bendena and Atchison. It's lovely country...sometimes smells like cattle.

I am not really sure why I am putting this pic up here. Colleen and I have been friends since elementary school and were best friends through junior high and high school. She has remained very special to me. We haven't lived in the same town since highschool....

My friend Colleen's girls with my boys. They are a loud crew, but they rather enjoy each other and the cat.

LJ in a timeout. One of MANY!

At the Kansas Historical Musuem. I hadn't been there in a while. I was very impressed. This is where I learned that the first shots of the civil war were heard in Kansas due to the fact that Lincoln became President and joined Kansas as a "free" state. Made people mad and the rest is history!

Beth and her two girls. Addie and Eliza. Aren't they so cute?

My sister turned 34 while I was visiting. She is expecting a boy in january!

We always like a good train ride at Gage Park in Topeka, KS.

Piggy tails are a rare occasion. I don't have much patience for it.

My aunt and uncle came to visit us one of the days. It was so nice of them. My aunt never seems to age. We also visited my cousin, Lynn and her family. I think my camera was dead--so no pics.

My dad with his big sister.

Signs of Summer

2011-08-18T05:06:00.003-07:00

We went on another zoo trip with our church. We had a very busy June.

- Ken's mom came out for a little while,

- then we went to Pigeon forge with Ken's family,

- then Ken's parents stayed with us for a few days

-then we had Toby's birthday celebrations.

-After that we had my parents come and stay with us for Toby's actual Birthday and the kids went to VBS.

-July 4th came and went.

-Then we made a second trip to the zoo, went swimming, went to the hickory Crawdad's game,

-headed to Kansas for a two week trip.

July 4th. E-pa helping LJ out.

look how long their hair is getting.

In the new pool I bought for Elliott.

Leisel doesn't like posing for pictures. (at the Billy Graham Library)

My sweet Toby turns 5!

2011-08-18T05:06:00.001-07:00

I cant believe Toby is 5. It only seems like yesterday I was pregnant with him and Caleb had broken his leg, and Ken had broken his foot. I know his entrance into the world was a whirlwind, but he has been such a blessing to me and our family. He is the earliest riser in our house, but definitely the kindest of all of us. He is my hair twirler, thumbsucker, smiling from ear to ear cuddler. I cannot imagine life without my "middle child". We love you so much, Toby!

In the movie theater watching Cars2. We had a big crowd and Toby had the best time.

Elliott is the most popular one at our house. I would say Toby and him are buddies. I don't know what we would do without our sweet dog. The kids have LOVED having him around. I only get a little mad when I catch him eating the kids food off the table. He is pretty sly about it.

Pigeon Forge smidgeon gorge

2011-06-24T10:05:00.003-07:00

Min. Golf.

We went tubing one day and it was cold! We also went to the caves to cool down. I went shopping and horseback riding. My horse's name was Nard-dog. J/K I can't rember what it's name was, but it didn't want to cooperate.

End of School happenings

2011-05-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

We went to the zoo before the end of school. it was a lot of fun...

Caleb with his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Mitchell. Caleb had a great year and recieved the best reader award.

Resurrection Sunday 2011

2011-05-23T17:53:00.002-07:00

It's been 5 years!!!!

2011-05-23T17:53:00.001-07:00

since you looked at me..(bare naked ladies). No really it's been 5 years since I started Blogging!!!!! I can't believe it! It's been 10 years since Ken and I have been married! To celebrate we are going to Ireland in September!

Toby scores!!!!

2011-04-26T13:03:00.003-07:00

She loves her bunnies.

Our good friends are in a Christian Band called "Jeramiah's Passion". We live vicariously through them...they are true musicians!

I couldn't resist this picture that actually make s me look good. Usually I only have bad ones that end up on this thing.

It's that time!!!! yea for us!!!!

LJ doesn't care for Soccer.

What a sweet boy! And Fast! Toby had a smile on his face the whole time he played....I loved to see him play. Even if he had to go pee everytime he played Goalie. Toby has such a sweet temperament and is my cuddler. We are so blessed to have him in our lives...

Tiger Cub

2011-04-26T13:03:00.001-07:00

It's Derby time! Ken made Toby and Caleb derby cars for the boyscouts annual race.

Caleb ended up going to the regional and placing 8th.

March stuff

2011-03-12T19:32:00.003-08:00

My mom was out at the beginning of March to watch the kids--and then both My Mom and Dad came out at the end of March. We went to Discovery Kids one day while they were here. The kids had a blast. it was hard to keep track of them, though.

Caleb is "fixing a car".

Leisel is a "stinkerbell". She is defnitely in her terrible 2's. s When she gets in trouble she say's "yes maam". I am not sure where she learned that. She also knows people's names VERY well. She is sometimes VERY bad and sometimes she is VERY good. Our emotions are all over the place with this little girl. One minute it's crazy and the next she is being soooo sweet we want to melt. Even writing that sentence puts me in the emotions we go through...all in 3 minutes.

The Griffin Brothers (look at the label on the shirt)...at Disvery Kids.

On our way to church (Awanas) the boys fell asleep! Very rare moment...

Gotta love KU. Leisel says she wants to wear her rock chalk t-shirt...we start the brainwashing at a very young age.

My Awanas class...we made cute hats for St. Patty's day and learned about St. Patrick's Day.

Backwards night at Awanas.

Mardi Gras

2011-03-12T19:32:00.001-08:00

Memaw came out to watch the kids for us while we went to New Orleans...didn't think we would get to go, but luckily we did and we had a great time with our friends.

Jenny(Claudia's sister), Claudia, & Eric.

Ken went to visit the aviation or d-day musuem.

a float from one of the 4 parades we saw.

Some people we met who always wear these costumes everywhere they go. They were pretty nice. Most of them were from Europe....Except for Eric, who is with us.

I met some fellow KU fans.
I was a little excited.

Eric leading the way towards Bourbon Street....maybe? I dunno maybe it was some other street.

trash on the street...it was always picked up by am.

Leisel's 2nd Birthday

2011-02-22T14:03:00.003-08:00

The sun was in our eyes can you tell?

This will be all in reverse order. Sorry about that!

Baby Griffin was there along with his parents.

Cool owl bag.

a cute little dress for Ken.

Another cute owl bag.

Could I say enough about this little tornado that has been in our lives for 2 years now? She is such a Joy! She is a Hoot! She is difficult. Silly, fun, rediculus, Daddy's girl, loving, a dare devil, imitates her brothers, tougher than her brothers, a girly girl, but a tomboy, too.

Notice the owl bib...

The poor Owl eye!

The owl napkins.

This owl really wants some cake.

She is talking like crazy and can be the sweetest thing ever, but then throw the biggest fit. I think her fits have outnumbered Caleb and Toby's combined. She is drama and boy does she have everyone fooled...but maybe not...maybe she is the sweetie everyone thinks she is.

She has changed so much from when she was a newborn. I wonder what kind of kid, tween, teen, young adult she will grow up to be. I can't imagine life without her, nor do I want to.

The candle is blown out. The owl is a little scared can't you see?

My friend, Claudia, Made this awesome cake! It was hard to eat it...so cool!

Lighting the cupcakle. Claudia made those, too!

Jessica finally gets to eat pizza cause it's gluten free.

Cool pic!

You are loved, LJ! (Leisel Joy)

The Photographer and her subject. Jessica took all the awesome pics for me since my battery went dead.

doing John Travolta's move.

all these kids need dentures...no teeth to be found.

I love owls, so we had owls at Leisel's party. She is only 2 and I know I won't always get to chose the themes, clothes whatever, so I'm carpe diem it this year (seizing the day).

The kids made their own pizza.

Making Peeeeezaaaa!

Such a cutie! Maybe we should have more! Wink wink.

Hoot.Hoot.

Awesome cake. Everyone was staring at it at the diner.

Cold day happenings.

2011-02-22T14:03:00.001-08:00

My sweet boys....Toby and Caleb.

Griffin Michael was born in January.

Ken's sister, Beth, had her baby boy (Griffin Michael).

Cutting Caleb's hair....He was so upset. We had to bribe him.

LJ thought of this.

Leisel is imitating her brother...so cute.

I don't know about you but we spent about most of this month sick. Ken put in a new floor throughout our living area (pergo). We love it.

Lj loves to eat at her vanity and look in the mirror.

Could this be any longer? (this entry) at least there are few words...a picture paints a thousand words is what I always say. We are blessed by God for so much. We are surrounded by wonderful FRIENDS and FAMILY...Ken has a job he loves, our children are healthy and add so much to our lives. Life isn't perfect, but it is good.

Christmas in North Carolina

2011-01-12T18:38:00.003-08:00

Mouse Hunt themed birthday party for Jesus

2011-01-12T18:38:00.001-08:00

The boys eating the cupcakes we made for Jesus' birthday. We always have a birthday celebration on Christmas eve...up until this year it has gone pretty smoothly. The whole evening we spent cleaning out my pantry...(well Ken's parents helped clean it out mostly).

Didn't know my pantry had so much food in it!

The cleanest it's ever been since we moved into the house.

This year, undecided by us, we had a combined birthday party for Jesus with a mouse hunt for the games....Ken found a dead mouse under our Christmas tree on Christmas eve and the Hunt was on...Our pantry had mouse poop throughout and at the bottom one of the little critters ran across the floor...Ken sucked it up with his shop vac. In all we found caught 3 mice...One was living in our fireplace vent. I haven't seen any since...

christmas 2010

2011-01-12T18:37:00.001-08:00

Leisel at our Christmas eve service at church. I'm pretty sure Jesus was toddler at one point and I am pretty sure he was never as naughty as this little thing....

The Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU brothers!!!!

Both of them are konked out after our trip on the Santa Train.

The train to nowhere.

We rode on the Santa Train in Salisbury, Nc. Caleb is really into Santa. Toby is Skeptical. Leisel is plain scared of him.

Leisel is biting Caleb...I guess this is what she thinks is a kiss.

My 3 babies...

What a sweet boy!

December trip to the midwest 2010

2011-01-12T18:36:00.000-08:00

Ken and I went to a Reunion for his college and saw a lot of old friends...

We had a great time.

Just a random and rare picture of the Leisel and Toby in the Bath.

I thought it was rather cute.
Andy and Ryan leg wrestling for a bag of M & M's (the prize for one of the games).

While we were in town, Ken's sister, who lives in NC had a baby shower in KC. We had fun playing games, eating cupcakes, good food....

We tried to get the kids to pose, but Leisel once again had other plans....Toddlers...

We went to The Topeka Train Station while we were visiting.It was beautifully renovated. We got the tour, of course Leisel wasn't interested...

Griffins displayed at the Depot.

My mom Made Cookies with the kids...this always tries my patience,

but my mom is up for it...

We went back to our home states in December. We decided we wanted to be home for Christmas this year, since we have only been home twice in the 9 years we have lived in NC. Once was when we moved into our home and the other was Caleb's leg surgery the day after Christmas.

Yea! I'm all caught up!

2010-11-08T20:12:00.001-08:00

It was my 35th birthday this past weekend. Ken took me to Gatlinburg where we stayed in a log cabin. We had a great time hangin' out and relaxing in the hot tub. The leaves were still on the trees, but in the many different fall hues. It even snowed a little. I love Gatlinburg. There are a ton of things to do there. We decided to go to Dollywood in 40 degree weather and it wasn't so bad! We didn't have to wait in any lines...except for the polar express ride and Toby managed to get out of his seat and delayed the ride for another 10 minutes...a little embarassing. Our camera battery went dead, so more pics are on our phone.

More October stuff: Pumpkin carving and Trick or Treating

2010-11-08T19:29:00.000-08:00

Jocey as Lucy and Jules as a Jedi. They went trick or treating with us.

Toby and Caleb are ninja's and Leisel is a bumblebee...not very happy about it, either.

we had a couple tornados while Ken was out of town and I kind of freaked out and made them sleep in the hallway (where there are no windows).

Toby made a marshmellow spider...He likes to do the crafts that I did in my class.

Our neighbors had a pumpkin carving festival. They had it last year, too,

and we always enjoy ourselves.

They take the kids around the neighborhood on his tractor trailer..

they have a special song they LOVE to sing.

Ken carving the pumpkin with his Dremel. (He loves his job by the way)

Tiger cubs and Lost tooth!!!

2010-11-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

Caleb lost his first tooth!! He is seven and a little older than most kids, so it was very exciting...he had a tooth already coming in where he lost his baby tooth...forgive me...the picture is showing the blood...it was weird. Caleb is getting a molar in the back, too.

October Happenings: corn maze & Pumpkin patch

2010-11-08T15:29:00.000-08:00

Are these not the cutest pig tails you ever did see?

Sweet baby sleeping.

The wagon ride around the cornmaze property.

Pumpkins at the cornmaze.

sliding down a culvert at the cornmaze.

corn.

more corn.

Toby, William, Richard, & Caleb at the Corn Maze in Sparta, NC

Toby at the pumpkin patch...in corn.

T with his bud, Richard.

He is sooo big!

Made from scratch scarecrow.

Billy Goats Gruff...they did some headbutting, too.

Toby's preschool class.

My 3 yr-old preschool class. (I'm teaching 2 days a week this year. I am having fun, but it makes life hectic...Leisel is in MMO for those 2 days. She HATES it.)

September : Murray's Mill, etc.

2010-11-08T14:35:00.000-08:00

Playdough fun.

The Petting Zoo at Murray's Mill.

Poor bunnies!

Leisel loved the petting zoo.

Toby chickened out.

Caleb didn't! He is a dare devil...not afraid.

dip it in the hot wax, dip it in the water...repeat 30 x's.

Making Candles from scratch. They LOVE to do this every year.

It was a hot day! Last year it rained!

I know, I know...they need haircuts.

future farmgirl?

Schucking corn.

You would think they were best friends....maybe someday.

Temper, Temper, Temper....Tantrum.

2010-10-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Time out...sometimes I would LOVE one.

Need I say more? Lord HELP us....

Ken's birthday

2010-09-27T18:28:00.001-07:00

Ken loves his Sanuk shoes...until he fell twice in them when there was ice...in Gatlinburg.

Daddy thinks she is a pretty girl...yes I know she needs a haircut, too.

I'm still two months behind! I can't seem to catch up! Ken turned 35 on August 29th....

first day of school (1st grade)

2010-09-15T11:35:00.002-07:00

At the Beach (a VERY long entry)

2010-09-15T11:35:00.001-07:00

Chuncky legs:) Leisel please do not take offense when you are older...they are oh so cute.

I wish you could hear the craziness as I'm uploading this blog...hence why it is never up to date. Let's just say it's loud and intense...Children flying, little girl screaming, kids whining...the house was clean...but it is no more....I'm just trying to focus and get this done....for one day I will only remember the pics and not the sounds that go with them....Life will seem oh so perfect

Memaw and E-pa

Look at the cute little Darth Vaders I've birthed!!!! Who's your Daddy!?

He is 7 years old....where has the time gone? I know every parent asks that, but seriously somebody robbed me of some time!!!! I've got wrinkles I didn't used to have....Nobody tells me I look 16 anymore...they ARE shocked when I mention I have 3 kids...but still my oldest is almost taller than me!

Our Star (Breathe) Wars (breathe) Beach (breathe) Partayyyyyy!!!!

We brought the corn chowder to the beach!!!! They love it!!!

What A Smile!

Did we even make it to the beach? It seems we were at the pool more...

Leisel is a sweet thing...wish I documented more of her milestones, but really it all blends together...she has got a bold personality, though! She does not let her brothers take advantage of her! She screams bloody murder...and I think that is probably A)something I will never forget or B) something I will forget and believe in my mind she wasn't a screamer.

Caleb's Star Wars Birthday Cake.

Leisel loved to get her head in the water...

We LOVED the pool the condo community had. It was huge and we had it all to ourselves mostly.

Ken and his girl.

We had a great time at the beach!!!! Granted it was 2 months ago and seems like forever ago...Caleb ended the summer with a visit to Ken's parents, His brothers and his wife's house (also Branson, MO), to my parents house and then out to NC with them where we headed to the beach for 5 days. (Myrtle Beach).

The boys are pro boogie boarders...you would be shocked at the no fear in these boys...took to the waves like a.....well....a surfer...

Ken loves these photos of Leisel...He thinks she should be a baby model...but she is the 3rd kid and we don't have time for that.

The tadpoles who lived in Elliott's pool for the summer.

Kentucky or Bust!!!!

2010-09-15T11:34:00.002-07:00

We met Ken's brother halfway this summer so we could meet Lilly and spend time with the rest of the kids. She was 5 months before we saw her. She just went with the flow. Anyway halfway is in Kentucky somewhere...I guess Kentucky is known for their caves, so we saw a couple of them....It was nice for a hot day.

Sorry Andy and Mel. I couldn't resist this pic.
These pics were taken at Abe Lincoln's birthplace..I bet you didn't know he was born in Kentucky? Well he was and later, when his family's land was taken from him for the second time, they moved to Illinois (he was 12).

Lilly sleeping.

Leisel sleeping on our Mammoth cave tour.

The kids did great on the hike.

We went to Dinosaur World at the end of the first day.

Looking for Dinosaur fossils?

Play time in the Rain

2010-09-15T11:34:00.001-07:00

Caleb and Jules ballroom dancing. Jules is teaching him how to dance. It was so cute.

I always love for the kids to play in the rain...it took Leisel a little while to get used to it, but eventually she ended up loving it. We had a great summer (as it's past summer as I'm writing this) The kids and I enjoyed the pool, and hanging out at home. We had swim lessons, and Vacation Bible school. Ken's parent's came to visit for about 3 weeks, we went to sliding rock, we went to the beach, we went to a baseball game (Hickory Crawdads)...we seemed to have kept very busy...we also went to Kentucky to see Ken's brother's family. The cousins had a great time hanging out and so did us adults.

Swimming Lessons

2010-07-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

It feels weird to blog about this stuff 2 months later, but this summer we did a lot, and I've been lazy in not keeping up with the blog...The boys took two weeks of swimming lessons and it paid off when we went to the beach with my parents a few weeks later.

These are a variety pack of photographs. I have been spending more time updating/catching up with the blog. I have found a few sites to print it off and cannot believe it's been 4 years since I've been blogging! I wish I would've started when Caleb was born...but it wasn't a big thing at the time. At least I've done some scrapbooking for him.

Toby is 4!!!! Toy Story Style!

2010-07-15T06:12:00.000-07:00

Toby requested Corn chowder for his birthday dinner...

I can't believe he is 4! It seems like yesterday when he was born. He is such a cuddler-still sucks his thumb(the dentist doesn't approve) he still twirls my hair...he and Caleb are the best of friends or the worst of friends. I love these days where they fight for my attention. One day I will be fighting for theirs. Toby is a very good student. He can be a little onery, but mostly good in school. He always answers,"what'd you say?" ( we wonder about his hearing). He loves playing with his legos and has become quite the helper. We love you Toby! Someday you might be upset that I only have 6 months of your scrapbook done, but at least I have the blog! Please forgive me...I'm busy unloading the diswasher, washing and folding laundry, picking up the house, cooking, doing dishes, etc...not to make excuses:) You are worth it!

I made the bed out of fruit rollups! (Tie dye ones). The Pillows are 100% fruit rollup.

This is the beginning of the cake. A wooden floor where the toys all live.

Opening presents Memaw & E-pa sent.

Toby and Toy Story were at the same time this year, so we decided to do a Toy Story theme. We went to see the movie in 3D--which was really cool. We had a Toy Story cake and and I think everything he got as gifts was from Toy Story. When Caleb was about that age he LOVED Toy Story. I hope Toby is into it like Caleb was. Those were Caleb's favorite toys.

Our Harvest

2010-07-15T05:57:00.000-07:00

Ken is quite the canner these days!!! He has never done it before!

Our Green/purple beans. They turn green when you cook them.

We are very happy with our garden this year. We finally bought a book to learn how to Garden and have been very successful this year! Our kids are trying veggies--especially when they learn it came from our garden. We are getting TONS of cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots, green/purple beans, zuchini, squash, some varieties of peppers and a few other oddities. There is one cucumber that is very small like the size of a vitamin. It tastes like a tomato, pickle, and cucumber all in one. I'd like to think it's a vitamin because it is a unique taste and hopefully it is jampacked with nutrients. I should have taken pictures...maybe I will and put them on a later post.

Hickory Crawdads Minor BB Game

2010-07-15T05:44:00.000-07:00

Our church Pastor looks a little too excited about giving Leisel a fry!

We went to a Baseball game with our church one night. We had a great time...lots of things to do to keep us entertained in addition to the game. Lots of fun competitions (Ken was in one), fireworks, kids get to run the bases, food, & friends.

Stone Mountain

2010-07-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

A butterfly funeral.

We went to Stone Mountain with my parents and what a lot of stairs!!!!

Leisel loves riding in the backpack! Toby hated it!

My parents with the boys....I guess Leisel forgot to get in there.

Caleb's Kindergarten Graduation

2010-07-14T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ms. Cronce, Caleb, and Ms. Sylvia

What a goofball.

Doesn't he look so big!

My parents came out for a visit and it happened to fall on the last day of school for Caleb...so they got to see Caleb's Graduation from Kindergarten. Caleb did well, but at the end it hit him like a ton of bricks that he wasn't going to have the same teachers next year....He cried and cried and cried. The teachers weren't really sure what to do. It almost made us all cry.

Caleb's field day at school

2010-07-13T17:54:00.000-07:00

Caleb had a great last week of school. I went to watch him on his field day...Toby and Leisel joined me too! It wasn't too hot and the kids got worn out, so overall I would say it was a successful day. Caleb had a wonderful school year...there were a few times Caleb got in trouble, but we worked through them and he has become a more mature little boy, who loves Math and Reading.

Memorial Day

2010-07-13T14:33:00.000-07:00

Ken's parents came out for a visit over Memorial Day. It was a short visit, but nice.

I'm slacker mom (Pt II)

2010-07-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

Our neighbor Emma is very creative! (like her Mamma)

Very rare that Caleb fell asleep in the car...and stayed that way.

Breakfast in Bed for Mother's day! It was better than my birthday!!!! It's awesome to be a mom...I am so Thankful to be able to be a mom to Caleb, Toby, and Leisel....(Hope I feel the same way when they are tweens/teens/young adults).

We have to take pictures of the things they boys make...otherwise it sits on my counter for weeks.

Before his haircut!!!! They look the part eh?

I am a slacker Mom

2010-06-29T13:27:00.001-07:00

Okay, here are the soccer pics from this spring. I would be better at this, but the computer that has all the pics on it is sooo slow...because all the pics are on it and we need to move them off. Toby and Caleb both played soccer this spring. Ken was Toby's coach AND he started his new job at the same time....I know if he hadn't volunteered to be coach he wouldn't have gotten the job. Anyway, Caleb had a great season. He made a ton of goals this season and really loves to play....Toby not so much. It got him out exercising, though.

our trip to Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

2010-05-29T04:42:00.001-07:00

I guess I forgot to blog about our trip to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg. It was a great little trip. I was pleasantly surprised at all the things to see and do there. So much that we are planning on going back again over the summer...if we can fit it in...

We have been VERY busy. Ken started his new job with Bosch right after our trip and has been working a lot of hours...but he has a great boss and works with some great guys. He is not used to working for a company at the top, so it's got it's blessings and it's curses. We have had to adjust to him not being around as much--not to mention he was Toby's soccer coach...and Caleb played on another team...(sorry about the underline-I'm not sure how to get rid of it)
We got to swim almost everyday.

Nothing Sweeter than a sleeping baby.

okay a sleeping 3 year old is pretty sweet too! He fell asleep on the train!

We rode on the train all over Dollywood. The lines were crazy long. The train was one of the few rides that could handle the crowds.

We went to Dollywood and Leisel rode her first Carosel.

We had fun on this ride...Toby got the wettest. He was a good sport about it though.

I just thought this house was the cutest.

We did a lot of things in Pigeon Forge. Caleb and Toby got to go up on stage at the Comedy Barn. This was a show they have there. Very family friendly and GOOD.

We also went on a hike that totaled 2.5 miles. It was up hill and down again. Caleb did awesome, He fell near the end. On the trail there were signs that said "be careful: people have fallen to their deaths!" luckily we made it out alive! Toby did whine the whole time. See how happy they are at the end? (Sarcasm) It was really hot that day too.
It's hard to keep boys out of trees.

A combo entry

2010-04-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Easter Bunny came!

We had a hard time convincing Toby. He didn't believe the Easter Bunny came. He thought it was us!!! After much convincing he decided to believe....

Dyeing the Easter Eggs outside...

Throwing a fit.

Toby with is preschool friends at their Easter Party.

Toby with his friend Yuseke.

A school concert. Caleb is dressed up as the little boy from Magic treehouse.

Leisel in a dress my mother made. Toby hammin' it up...as usual.

me with my crew...

St. Patty's day parade in Charlotte.

They all are wearing their green.

12 month pics...she is just too cute!

2010-04-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

Onederful, onederous, one and only Leisel

2010-03-04T11:41:00.000-08:00

At our church (Awanas) they had crazy hair night. Ken is an artist isn't he?
Memaw loves reading to Caleb. He loves to read those Magic tree house books.

My dad is an artist!!!!!!!!!!! We had no idea, but he draws the best planes, trains, helicopters. the boys LOVE them and want him to make them for all their friends.

Unwrapping the gifts.

I made 3 kinds of cupcakes...Chocolate, lemon, and Strawberry.

The little cupcake herself! She ate it like a pro!

We played a few games and I actually witnessed my mother do a somersault! We had a gift that was wrapped 6 or 7 times and with each unwrapping there was a silly command that had to be done...whoever got to unwrap the last piece got the prize.

We had cheese/crackers, fruit/dip, Chips/salsa/guacamole, Carrots/cucumbers/ranch dip, pinwheels (tortillas with veggies/cheese), & Kelbasa coins. (I know you may not care about what we ate, but I'm logging it for scrapbook reasons.:)

This is Leisel in her Birthday Dress. I had been singing Happy Birthday all

week and now she can say it!

I bought plates with cupcakes on it and lime green polk a dotted napkins/plates/cups.

The theme was cupcakes.

E-pa and Leisel. She loves to be held.

Inside the house that Ken has finished.

The Kitchen.

The back of the house. It's on about an acre.

Ken sold his 1600 sq foot home. So this may be the last time you hear about it....Yea!!!!

Pretty eyes!

The 3 Musketeers.

Leisel has discovered chairs or things she can sit on.

Caleb will be 7 in August. He is doing well in Kindergarten and loves being a big brother to Leisel--not so much to Toby.

The 3 Amigos.

I thought this was cute. Toby and Leisel have a real cute relationship. They play back and forth.

Grant (a neighbor) thinks Leisel is sweet.

2010-02-16T09:25:00.001-08:00

I just wanted to share a blog link to a woman I went to grade school and high school with. She has had breast cancer twice and it has now spread to her bones. This is an AMAZING message that I am very touched by. I hope you are blessed as well.

http://web.mac.com/flinthills/Site/My_Ramblings/Entries/2010/2/12_A_time_to_believe....html

11 months old

2010-02-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

See the wild hair? Don't they look a like? She happens to be a Daddy's girl. Kind of surprises me, but since Ken has been home more she has become attached to him. They both seem to be quite fond of each other. She actually prefers him a lot of times. I'm not really sure what to think about that. It is pretty sweet, though.

My mom made this little rabbit we call Pinky and she has another one we call Violet. she loves to suck on the ears as she falls to sleep at night.

Several people have commented on how much Leisel has changed. She definitely is getting more hair. It's hard to tame and she doesn't keep bows in her hair for very long. We have bows scattered all over the World.

We tried to have the boys sleep together one night, but it didn't work out. Toby prefers to sleep in his own bed.

Leisel can say "meme"(Mommy) "Dada" (Daddy) "Babee" (Baby), she does the sound for "peekaboo", she says "elliodd"(elliott). She waves to the baby in the mirror. She is crawling all over the place. She plays very well on her own exploring how things work, or open, the way they taste, feel, etc. She is a VERY good baby still...She loves her brothers...they can always entertain her. She has gotten mad a few times when we or the boys take things away from her. She sort of mimics me when I get after the boys for something. She scolds them with her own voice. She is always trying out the stairs a little and has gotten up a couple of steps.

We have had some snow here in the North Carolina. It snowed Friday night (6 inches) and the kids only went to school on Thursday...The town of Troutman waits for the snow to melt and so life pretty much stops around here.

Toby wakes up VERY early these days, but is exhausted by noon.

Toby is sucking his thumb. I guess we need to make him stop. He only does it when he is tired, but he definitely has an overbite from it.

Leisel is 10 month old...Time keeps on slipping...into the future

2010-01-08T08:50:00.000-08:00

I decided to take her 10 month picture in her birthday suit, since I know these rolls will soon disappear.

Leisel is now 10 months old. My baby is getting big. So are her brothers and I feel like time is going by so fast. I was reading a child rearing book and the author made a funny observation. For the first 2 years of a child's life you are a caretaker...and that's it, but at 2 years old the parent becomes an exorcist...trying to teach a child to not be selfish is a very daunting task. Heck I haven't even overcome that one. I guess I get a little sad that my job in a year will be different then it is now. Leisel will be more independent, verbal, expressive, and affectionate. I do have that to look forward too.

After New Year Festivities

2010-01-08T08:12:00.000-08:00

Ken's Granna turned 90 years old on January 2nd and so they had a party for her. Here are all the Children Maryjo had. Tom(2), Pat (3), Meg (7), Susan (5), Janet (6), Granna, Nancy (4), and Matt (1). She has 7 children, 16 grandchildren, & 9 great grandchildren (one on the way)

The Grandkids.

The great Grandkids.

Leisel and Granna.

Nancy's family (#4)

Matt's family (#1)

Susan's Family (#5)

Meg's Family (#7)

Janet's Family (#6)

Collin is talented on the etch e sketch.

Caleb enjoyed the dragon/lizard Collin has.

Mel has the magic touch. We stayed a couple days at Ken's Brother's house. We had a nice time.

Melanie had a nice shower on Sunday--which was a very snowy day. I ran out of clothes to wear, so I look real Casual. I think I did ten loads of laundry throughout the trip...

Melanie with her sister and Mother.

Josie Holding Leisel.

Christmas in the Midwest (part 2)

2010-01-08T07:09:00.000-08:00

Toby, Caleb, & Josie in the snow.

We were not prepared for snow. Toby has 2 pairs of socks on with bags over his feet and then duct taped around his legs. He still hated it. Toooooo Cold

Leisel's first experience at CC.

Josie and nana playing Skeeball.

Hank and Toby are trouble together, but very cute boys.

We made to Chuckee Cheese hours later. It was the best time to go. Hardly anyone was there.

This is us stuck in the snow in Nancy and Skip's neghborhood. We were getting stir crazy and decided to venture out to Chuckee Cheese. Well we had to be pulled out by Andy's expedition. Ken said it was fun...I knew it would be good entertainment.

Mel is getting some practice in on holding babies. They are expecting their Fourth baby on Feb 11th. Her name will be Lilly.

Caleb made out good. He loves his new pjs with Darth Vader on them. In a conversation with Toby at bedtime Toby informed me he believed Darth Vader was going to be in heaven with God. I told him Darth Vader was bad...and he said he had God in him. hmmmmm.

Leisel and Papa.

Caleb likes to lay on people when he sleeps with them.

Caleb, Leisel, Josie, Collin, Toby, & Hank

Christmas in the Midwest

2009-12-28T08:31:00.001-08:00

It snowed, but that didn't stop the kids from getting in the hot tub. 18 degrees outside, but 102 in the hot tub...Everyday Toby got in.

Toby, Leisel, Caleb, Eliza, & Addie.

Opening Presents with E-pa and Memaw, A. Beth & U. Micah, Addie & Eliza. We didn't have my brother and his wife (Lafe, Wendy, Chad, Darrion, Ricki, and Reilly). We missed you guys and wish for a Christmas with everyone one day. Actually just to be together on any day would be nice.

Toby wanted to open a gift. He got upset because he hadn't opened one in awhile.

The cousins opening one gift together.

E-Pa holding Eliza and Caleb. The Oldest and youngest grandchildren.

Leisel and Memaw.

E-pa and Memaw holding the babies (Eliza and Leisel)

Well, we made our pilgrimge to the midwest this Christmas to visit our families. It snowed about 5 inches here in North Carolina--so Church was canceled (Where Toby was to be the Drummer boy)...so we were a little bummed and decided to leave a day early since the only reason we were staying til Sunday was for the play. The Car decided to not start as we tried to pull out of the driveway and then once it was jumped we headed our way in the snow North because we thought we could avoid the detour in the mountains from a rock slide near Ashville (which has been there since October). Not a good decision--there is more snow up north. We were stuck on the highway for 1 1/2 hours at 2am for snow plowing AND truckers had fallen asleep on the highway. So once they were woken we were on our way to Kansas. It took us 22 hours to get to My parents home...only to have snow on Christmas eve day and pushed to leave pretty early to go to Ken's parents. It was a bit of a disappointment for everyone in my family.

Leisel is 9 months...boo hoo

2009-12-28T08:30:00.008-08:00

Leisel's personality is really coming out. We had a fun time taking these pictures.

Decorating the Christmas tree

2009-12-28T08:30:00.007-08:00

Thanksgiving

2009-12-28T08:30:00.005-08:00

Ken's Mom came out for Thanksgiving for a few days and Skip came out for a day or so. Here is Nancy with her favorite son-in-law.

Beth feeding Leisel her Thanksgiving meal. The girl can eat. She eats whatever you give her.

we did an exercise with the boys to help them realize what they are thankful for at Thanksgiving. We ate our meal blindfolded and without our hands. I didn't realized Leisel was participating as well. It looks like she is wearing a blindfold. It made us realize we should be thankful for our sight and our our hands....food definitely tastes differently when you have to eat it blindfolded and without hands...

My princess party and Thanksgiving with preschoolers

2009-12-28T08:30:00.003-08:00

Caleb taking the trash out...with a smile, too!

I volunteered for Toby's class one day for their Thanksgiving feast. I had a great time!

The brothers do surprise us every now and then with their love and loyalty to each other. Toby will always defend his big brother when he gets in trouble...Caleb throws Toby under the bus, however. Caleb is upset by the movie they are watching in the picture. He is quite the sensitive boy--which is so sweet. He has quite a bit of empathy for others.

Ken gave me a real nice princess themed birthday for my 34th celebration. The boys were asking me if i wanted a princess party and Ken ran with it. It was such a sweet birthday. Ken put quite a bit of effort and thought into it. I know I don't tell him enough, but I appreciate his thoughtfullness.

"The Princess"

Ken made me dinner too! We used the real china!!! It was a good dinner and a great birthday.

Leisel is 8 Months and cuter than ever!

2009-12-28T08:30:00.001-08:00

WARNING: There are some seriously cute Pictures of Leisel!!!! Of course I would say that I'm the mommy, but she is a traffic stopper wherever we go.

My mom made this plum colored dress for her. She crocheted it a long with several other dresses I will post as she grows into them.

Such a sad face. Leisel took her sweet time in rolling over. We are really cool with that because she is sweet and the joy of our lives (along with our tech savvy Caleb and our funny Toby). The boys are really good with her and love her very much. I'm not as good at recording her moments, but I know it happens with the 3rd baby. I hate to use that as an excuse, but

that's the only one I got! We love you Leisel! Your rolls are so fun to squeeze and I know someday they will disappear and a beautiful girl will appear (a princess?) Maybe:)

Halloween ( a little late)

2009-12-28T08:29:00.003-08:00

It rained, but the kids got tons of candy. Toby was a purple dragon, Caleb was Aniken, and Leisel is orange.

My bright eyed 6 year old. Caleb is loving Kindergarten. I get to volunteer once a week and it's nice to see how he interacts in his classroom and with his teacher. He looks so big, doesn't he?

Kenneth Tobias (aka Toby)

Ken's house that is on the cusp of being completed.

Fall in North Carolina

2009-12-28T08:29:00.001-08:00

Ken is going to love this one!

So cute! Ken took this picture!

Toby and his wooley worm. This worm lived for two weeks and we are amazed! We found several of these on the road and in our yard.

Our neighbors had a great Fall Festival at their home and took all the kids on a hay ride. Thank you Chandlers for a great time!

Toby was fast asleep before the festival.

Our neighbors pumpkin carving. Lisa had tons of carving utensils.

My good friend/neighbor/workout partner, Polly, with her son.

Odds and Ends

2009-11-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

At the Troutman Elementary Fall Festival.

Leisel and Toby with their Daddy.

Isn't she a traffic stopper?

What a great smile.

These are the stairs of the million dollar home Ken is building. Luckily he isn't financially responsible for it...

The Big house Ken is building/supervising.

This is the back of it.

sleeping Leisel.

Leisel at 7 months

2009-11-15T04:07:00.000-08:00

Our 3rd annual trip to Murray's Mill

2009-11-15T03:23:00.000-08:00

Leaves in a little boys pocket. There are probably rocks in there too.

a little model of Murray's Mill.

We went to Murray's Mill (old timer festival) at the end of September. It was rainy, but we still enjoyed it. Ken's sister and her husband came along for the trip. We also went to the mountains during the peak of the leaves. It was beautiful...once again it was rainy...it's been a pretty rainy season...I've got some good grass coming in our yard..I'm sure you really want to hear about that.

Where to begin?

2009-11-15T03:02:00.000-08:00

Caleb on his field trip to Patterson's Farm with some of his classmates. I don't have too many photos--Ken went with him.

Caleb and Keaton Griffin. Caleb calls Keaton his "brother from another mother":)

It's been such a long time since I've blogged, I am not even sure where to begin. Ken still doesn't have "a job", but has been pursuing home building. He seems to be headed in that direction--which seems to be a process. He is quite detailed, so is very good at it.

Caleb is loving Kindergarten. He gets into some trouble every now and then, but is doing well...and has made some good friends. Caleb is reading and loves to draw. He has become quite the little artist. He has been to the fire department and to Patterson's Farm. Ken was able to go to both of them, since he has "time". I put that in quotes because it doesn't seem like he has a lot of time like we thought. He seems to stay pretty busy--which is very good.

Toby's first day of pre-school.

2009-09-29T12:59:00.000-07:00

Toby's first day was a day after we got back from our wonderful trip to Memphis. Unfortunately it will also be the day I came home and saw that Ken was home and told me he had been canned. Yep after we went on a nice little trip that you will review Ken's boss fired him.
We are actually enjoying him being home. I'm getting a lot of help and I am able to do lots of classes at the Y. For those of you who think we should drop the Y, I have opted that for cheap entertainment....It's cheaper than cable TV--which we don't have. I'm loving Zumba and weight lifting classes and power cycling in the morning with my friends/neighbors. I'm thinking of doing body building--maybe I can make some cash doing that.....or maybe I could gain a bunch of weight--get on the Biggest Loser and lose it all...for cash. Or maybe I will play Bunco every night. I don't know, we are looking at all our options....maybe we'll start a honey bee business...

Thank you. Thank you very much...

2009-09-29T10:53:00.000-07:00

Toby slept good on our road trip out to Memphis. He had this blanket over his head as he napped. The kids did well on our trip to memphis. It was work, but we did it.

Both the boys got squirmys...um yeah....don't really get it, but they were CRAZY about these little worms.

We are finally at Graceland. We had a great time and saw some very strange people too.
Here is good ol' Graceland. It's funny...I go to a church named Grace Covenant and I went to college at a school named Graceland....oh yeah and one of my neices has the middle name Grace...We've decided to name our estate Gracias. Muchos Gracias. (Get it--Thank you...Thank you very much) (in spanish).

Front Living Room.

Elvis' parent's room.

The Dining Room.

The Kitchen.

The TV Room. This room had mirrors all over it.

This is the Billiard room....all in fabric.

The Jungle room. I guess Elvis used to do recordings in this room...because there is carpet on the walls.

One of Elvis' jumpsuits and his billions of gold/platnum records.

The Lisa Marie. The sinks had gold flakes in it!!!

Elvis' pink Cadillac. The car display was the most impressive. We weren't allowed to take pics with the flash. Well it's pretty dark in the building, so Caleb made a complaint to the Securtiy Guard...she was kind enough to look the other way and let him use the flash. I'm not sure we got that great of a picture. At least it's not blurry.

He had a blue succer.

A happy E-pa.

The incline railway in Chattanooga, TN

2009-09-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

Just so you can celebrate this is our 100th post on this blog. Yippee to 3 years of memories that have catapulted into the future and now recorded as the past. Life is too darn short.

See the incline? See it! This really was a glorified buss ride...although we did get to see everyone's back yard as we went down the mountain.

The Lost sea

2009-09-29T08:40:00.000-07:00

We met my parents in Memphis, TN for one weekend...On the way we stayed in Chattanooga and went to The Lost sea. It's a cave with a lake in it. We really had a great time here in the cave. No bats are in the cave, but some rainbow trout live in the lake. They were brought in about 20 years ago...If you are ever in the Chattanooga area I recommend stopping here.

On the Boat.

A stalagmite? That sounds like cave talk doesn't it?

if you see the devil--you must have done a bad thing last week. This is called devil hole.

The tunnel into the cave. This is man made and painted yellow because it helps your eyes adjust to the dark cave.

6 months

2009-09-29T08:31:00.000-07:00

Sliding Rock and Looking Glass Falls

2009-09-29T07:49:00.000-07:00

For Ken's birthday we went to the mountains where there is a really cool rock slide. Toby loved it. Caleb just hung out by the rocks and Leisel and I took pictures. It was pretty neat. We also went to Looking glass falls, which was in Last of the Mohicans at one point. Very beautiful.