The.Miller.Family

Happy 5th Birthday!!

2012-02-11T19:45:00.002-06:00

The day after Christmas we decided to make a quick 3 day trip to College Station to visit Laura & Dwain, since Shawn hadn't seen them forever, and then 2 days to Killeen. We had a good visit with L&D, and on Tuesday (27th) we headed up over to Killeen. It also was Joey's birthday.
He was so excited for turning 5!

I was suppose to make a cake after we got to my parents, but I was way to tired. So Mom and I were going to go to the mall to get a cookie cake for him. We went to Walmart first, and they had all those Christmas iced cookies on sale, so Mom bought a lot...

and we came home and stuck 5 candles on one of them...

and sang Happy Birthday to him. He was happy because 1) we were at Mimi & Grampa's house, and 2) his bestest cousin Jared (only 6 weeks younger) was there, and he got to go spend the night at his house.

This picture was suppose to be first. For dinner we ate at Chick-fil-A... his favorite place to eat in the whole wide world! Even better than McDonald's!!

But this cute little boy has not forgotten that I told him I would make him a Cars cake (I have the pan), so I guess I better get myself siked to do that soon!!
Happy Birthday Joey!! We love you!!

Nativity

2012-02-10T20:34:00.002-06:00

On December 22nd, our family did the Nativity again at the church. And I had these pictures in order, but they didn't come out in the order I wanted. We did this last year too, and Krissy made front page of the newspaper on Christmas Day. It was pretty cool.
Kayley, Lauren & Jacob as the wisemen.

Amanda just so happened to be visiting Josh and us for a week (left the next day), so she was able to be in it too. Here they are as Mary & Joseph.

The wisemen again.

Krissy, Lindsey, cousin Maddie & Joey as the cute shepherds.

And Mary & Joseph again.

Shawn had to work this year on our scheduled night, so I opted not to be in it. I took the pictures with my BlackBerry, thus not the great so looking pictures. And this was it for Christmas pictures. I wasn't good with the camera this year, but we had a great day.

Parade & YW in Excellence

2012-02-10T20:21:00.002-06:00

The parade in Ashdown, that I had mentioned in a post or 2 below that Lauren was in, was rescheduled for the Tuesday night instead of that 1st Monday. It poured rain on Monday. Joey was also in the parade with his pre-school. Their float got best over-all, as always. :)

It was cold that night. Joey had on his PJ's, clothes, coat, hat, gloves, and 2 blankets wrapped around him.

Young Women in Excellence was the Wednesday night after the parade. This is Kayley's cute table with her cute self...

And this is Lauren's cute area...

And I don't know why this was the last picture. It was suppose to be the 3rd one. This was Joey's whole float. He is the very last under "Express." Kids were also on the other side.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-21T15:46:00.002-06:00

Hopefully I will get these sent out. If you don't get one it's because I didn't send them out, or I didn't have your address.
Hope your family had a great Christmas!!

Shawn & me, 22 1/2 years of marriage,
our 23rd Christmas together...

and seven beautiful children later!

Josh- 21, Lauren- 16 1/2, Kayley- 14 1/2, Jacob- 13, Krissy- 10,
Lindsey- 8 in 6 weeks (baptism 12 Feb), Joey- 5 on 27 Dec

Miss Land-of-Lights Pageant

2011-12-04T16:35:00.002-06:00

These small towns and their pageants!! Lauren has loved doing them. Since she still had her dress from Prom and the last pageant, she decided to wear it again in this one. We tried to get Kayley to enter and wear the red one that Lauren 1st wore, but she wouldn't. Here she is about to head out. Sorry for some of the pictures being bad. I was in the way back, and Jon's girlfriend, Carrie, took these with her phone.

Standing in line. The girl at the right of this picture was so mad that she didn't make the Top 5, that she left before the pageant was even over. Not cool.

Lauren playing "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera.

And she won the talent part.

She was pretty happy.

And then she won Miss Congeniality. So 2 trophies that night. Here she is with Kayley and cousin Rebekah after the pageant. Later that night all 3 watched the movie.

Because she won, she had to attend the lighting of the Little River County Courthouse the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. She also had/has to be in the parades. She's already been in the Foreman parade, and Ashdown's is Monday (weather permitting... if so, it will be changed to Tuesday).

Kayley got her haircut. She cut off about 3-4 inches, and got it layered.

Where is my 14 year old daughter?! She is looking so grown up!! Very beautiful!!

Jacob playing his trumpet at the Parents Meeting the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

Cookies tonight!

2011-12-04T16:07:00.002-06:00

Tonight is the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional.
I am making cookies and later while we are watching it we will sip on hot chocolate.
It's quite cold outside today too, so this is perfect!

Maraschino Chocolate Chip Cookies
2 - 2 1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
2 sticks butter (not margarine or Crisco butter sticks)
1 c. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. mini chocolate chips
1/2 c. chopped nuts
1 jar maraschino cherries, drained, chopped and drained again in strainer.

Cream butter and sugar. Add flour, baking powder, salt, vanilla. Stir in last 3 ingredients. Bake 375 for 10 minutes. (There are no eggs... do not add any.)

ENGAGED!!

2011-11-11T16:31:00.002-06:00

OMGosh!! It happened!!
Josh asked Amanda to marry him today!!
On 11-11-11 @ 11:11am in Shreveport.

**Save the Dates**
6 April 2012, Dallas LDS Temple
26 April 2012, Open House in Texarkana

So what has Josh been doing since returning??

2011-09-23T10:47:00.004-05:00

Well, he got his job back at Wadley. Yay!

He took Krissy to lunch last Saturday since he couldn't be home for her birthday dinner/cake.
They ate at Herbs in Ashdown.

And he has been seeing Amanda...

a lot!

So much, that something may happen soon, which I can't say...

but that the Dallas LDS Temple may be involved in April.
What? I haven't said any official facts yet!

Fair Game?

2011-09-23T10:25:00.004-05:00

Or is it Game Fair? But the night of Ashdown Homecoming Lauren & Kayley wanted to go because 1) Homecoming and 2) Hanna, who is in our ward, was nominated to be in the Homecoming court. She was 1st runner up, or Maid of Honor (?), so everyone was happy.

Here they are with Madison (Hanna's cousin and newest Beehive in our ward), and Sara (yellow bow) who is Hanna's sister. Not sure who the girl in front is, but she was having a great time too!

Lauren joined FFA. I know, right?? She has already talked to her Papaw, who is going to allow her to raise a calf for show next year. I know, right? This week is the Four States Fair, and all FFA kids were able to go and help with the daily stuff when local school kids came to visit. Unfortunately, Ashdown school kids were not able to go, so that was a bummer. I am sure it's all about the money and with football being the #1 priority right now,
well.... I won't get on that soapbox!

Some of the FFA girls.

And 4 of them with their boots. Yes, Lauren is wearing Justin's.
I know, right?
She is the upper right in the picture.

August & September dances

2011-09-23T10:10:00.005-05:00

Stake dances are what my kids look forward too. They love going to the Gilmer & Longview Stake dances as there are WAY more kids, but they also go to our stake's because we will always support our stake things. Kayley just started going to them in April, and already has found herself a cute little guy friend. His name is Grant. And they have the same birthday!! Grant is a few hours older... how wild is that? But Grant is moving to the Monroe, LA Stake pretty soon. I think he is moving to Pine Bluff, which from what I had heard... is only like an hour from here. Like I've said before, I don't care if my 14 yr olds or 15 yr olds like someone... as long as they live far far away!! But I told Kayley once they are 16 and can date, then we can work things out. I hope by then Kayley will think I am
pretty cool because of it.
This was at the August dance. Aren't they so cute?

September "cowboy" dance.
Kinda blurry, and lighting was way bad.

Awwwwww, it's Grant & Kayley again!!
(It was also the same night that BYU was killed by Utah)

Lauren and a kid named Tyler.
Not sure what the face was about...

Youth Temple Trip

2011-09-23T09:58:00.004-05:00

Lauren, Kayley & Jacob had a Dallas Temple trip on September 10th. They had to leave early that morning to be able to make it to the temple by the 11am session. They go in an RV that the Platts in our ward own, which makes it nice because they don't have to wear their church clothes there. They change just before getting to the temple. Here they are after doing a session, or maybe it's just before since all their hair is still nice??

Most of the Texarkana Ward Youth. I think maybe 3-4 are missing from that day. The New Boston Ward also goes with them so they can have a full session.

Lauren

Kayley

Jacob, with his long tie...

and no belt. Typical stinkin' Deacon!! LOL!!

They all had a great time. This was also Jacob's first time going.

Happy 10th Birthday!

2011-09-23T09:29:00.004-05:00

Krissy is 10!! Her birthday was the 14th, but we celebrated it on the 15th when Shawn was able to be home from work (worked extra on the 14th). She wanted chicken alfredo (of course),
which I made for her.

And a mint chocolate cake
(aka grasshopper cake, on my other blog).

Happy Birthday to you!! She scored with lots of money, and has plans to buy some Justin boots. I am slowly training them in to be real country folk aka rednecks according to my sister. Haha!!

We love you Krissy!!

School fun!

2011-09-23T09:13:00.003-05:00

Krissy and Lindsey have learned to make friendship bracelets. My Mom gave me tons of DMC thread years ago when I was really into cross-stitching. When Krissy was 4 months old I had surgery for carpel tunnel on my right hand (need it done on my left now), and I have never cross-stitched again. Lauren & Kayley have been doing the bracelets for a while now, and now these two have learned how, and love doing it.

Working on some before school one morning. Yes, I allow them to keep them taped on my coffee table for days as they are in the process of making them.

Howdy Partner! Joey had Cowboy day a week or so ago. He loved it. Loved being a cowboy! He looked the part with his scratched up face.

Homecoming week. Compared to last September (look under Sept 2010 archives for last years pictures), it was rather nice. Last year it was sooooo hot, and this year it was actually cool, and kids had their hoodies on. Lauren & Jacob were busy getting ready for the parade. Ashdown Homecoming week is a big thing here. Starts with 1/2 days school, big pep rally, parade and ends with the game.

Jacob with some of the 7th grade football players. He is the manager because of the pump, etc... But still part of the team. Go Panthers!!

Lauren helped with the 10th grade float, but I didn't get any good pictures. She was on the float too. It was cute. I think they got 3rd place.

Forgot about these...

2011-09-22T21:52:00.002-05:00

Just a cute photo of Krissy and Joey. He must be very bored or something.

Lauren & Kayley with the blankets that our Stake YW did in July for CASA in Texarkana. It was a great service project, and they enjoyed doing them.

Krissy, Lindsey and Joey just relaxing outside having a good time with each other.

Jacob measuring Kayley for his project in Science...

and Lauren measuring Jacob. Silly kids!

Beavers Bend State Park, Oklahoma

2011-09-22T21:34:00.002-05:00

Never ever been there before and I wanted to go! So on Labor Day the 6 kids and Shawn & I got into the Suburban and headed up to Beavers Bend, about 7 miles north of Broken Bow in SE Oklahoma. We were on the river part I later learned. I thought it was just the bottom area of the lake, but we didn't even get to the lake part, so next time we will go see it! It was a beautiful day, and the kids had fun. My little Lindsey Lou Who!

Paddle Boats were $10 for an hour, so we let the kids do it for a bit. Here is Lauren & Jacob doing the paddling while Kayley and Krissy sit in the back.

Shawn & I decided to take it out for about 15 minutes. It was rather fun, and it sure did work our legs!

My cute teenage girls.

Lindsey and Joey going for a ride!!

Headed out. They really did have a great time together.

Joey thought it was cool walking across this bridge. It was a fun day, and I hope we can go again soon. Well, maybe next spring.

Accident-prone kid!

2011-09-22T21:16:00.003-05:00

The Thursday after Labor Day the kids were outside playing. Kids were playing on our jungle gym playground, and Joey was up on top playing with the "boat wheel." He was kneeling on his knees, looking below and just kinda fell over, doing a flip. He landed right on his face from what I was told. All I heard was "MOM, BLOOD, FELL, TEETH, DIRT" and screaming. So after cleaning him up and making sure there were no broken bones or teeth, we saw there were lots of scratches and a swollen lip and a bloody nose. The next morning he went to school, and he looked rough.
But a week later he was good as new.

And then we went to Sams. And he and Jacob decided to run around on the slippery concrete floor that had just been redone with the remodeling. And Joey fell. And there was blood everywhere. And it was after hours on Friday night. And so we went to Target to get some butterfly stitches/closures.
And then he was good as new.

Homecoming & YW Medallion weekend

2011-09-22T20:59:00.003-05:00

My parents came up August 19th and my brother Scott and his family came up August 20th. Josh was going to be giving his homecoming talk in Sacrament Meeting, and Lauren earned her YW Medallion. It was going to be a great weekend. In Sacrament Meeting Jacob & Shawn both spoke before Josh. I know a lot of places don't allow it to be a "family" deal, but this was a big deal for us. Shawn was off, and since he hasn't been to church forever or spoken forever, they asked him to speak, and Jacob was the youth speaker, so it was great. And so because my parents were already there, and since Lauren is also their oldest granddaughter, and 1st one to get the medallion, we decided to do her little award ceremony after church. One of her leaders did a cute video of Lauren, and I have already hired her to do a video for all my kids later in their lives. Haha!!

Our cute kiddos!!

Me & Shawn with Lauren.

Kayley & Lauren with Lauren's best friend, Ashlyn, from New Boston Ward.

Lauren & Ashlyn, BFF

Lauren received her one medallion, but my Mom (her Mimi) also gave Lauren medallion that she got from MIA 50 years ago. I have one too, and I am thinking of letting my other 3 girls share that, with Kayley eventually getting it, or maybe my 1st granddaughter one day.

School started!! Yay!!

2011-09-22T20:16:00.002-05:00

School started August 15th here in Ashdown. I'm not sure why I don't have a picture of Lauren and Kayley on the 1st day but all I can think of (and yes, it was only like 5 weeks ago, but my memory is about gone) is is that they were getting ready for school still because Seminary didn't start for another week. Lauren is in 10th and Kayley is in 9th.
But here is Jacob (7th), Krissy (4th) and Lindsey (2nd).

This is the last year I will ever have a child at home all day. Joey starts kindergarten next fall, and it's going to be weird. I've had a child/baby at home for the last 21+ years. Joey likes going places with us when he is all by himself. He gets to go to McDonald's or Chick-fil-A and go to tool stores, and lets his Dad know what we need and don't need almost every time.

He also started his last year of Pre-School. He started the Wednesday after Labor Day. He only goes 3 days a week, 3 hrs each time. He was so excited to go back to Ms. Ronda. Ms. Donna didn't come back this year. His new teacher is Ms. Toni. He says he doesn't like her, but I think he really does. He has loved going back and being with his friends.
Here he is on his 1st day back.

Elder Miller arrived home!!

2011-08-16T12:00:00.002-05:00

A few days before Elder Miller was to arrive home, Shawn informed me that he was scheduled to work that day. He usually leaves about 7:15pm, and with an hour+ to drive to get to the airport, he was pushing it to be at the airport in Texarkana by 8:25pm. Of course I was not a happy camper AT ALL!! But that morning Shawn as able to get someone to replace him about 6:30p so that he could leave. We met him at the church and he drove over with us to the airport. We got there about 8:05pm, and then was told that the airplane had left late from Dallas, and that the plane wouldn't arrive until about 8:49pm. Some church members showed up, as well as most of Shawn's family. It was announced the plane had arrived, so off we went to the other end of the airport, after all waving frantically out the big windows... don't know if he saw us or not... we were all crazy!! We all got ready and I am sure the other people were all thinking we were crazy. People started coming off the plane, but no Elder Miller!! More and more, and geez... where was Elder Miller? Finally the kids started yelling "there is Josh!" I tried to get a picture, still took it, but all of the sudden my hands started shaking... like I was nervous! I wanted Shawn to go first to give him a hug, but he kinda pushed my shoulder to go first, and then I did, and everyone cheered and I started getting tears in my eyes and hugged my first son!! It was so great, and then he hugged Shawn. It was awesome!! People came up to me who were on his plane saying I should be proud of Josh, that he was a great person... people he had only met on the plane. We waited for about 20 more minutes until luggage came, and then we said good-bye to all there. We headed over to the church where President Platt was so that he can release him as an Elder. About 10:10pm, he was done, and we headed over to Denny's. Jon & Carrie and Shelly were there waiting for us. We had a great visit. Cousin Andrew and friend Rudy also were there. We ate, talked, planked, acted crazy, and finally left about 11:15 or so. We got home where he looked around here and there, and we all went to bed.

Friday morning Shawn, Josh and I left for Texarkana to go shopping, checking at Wadley for a job, and go to lunch @ Chick-fil-A. We had a great day. Bought a roast at Sams because he wanted my roast. I started the roast, left for Walmart for a few minutes, get home and all the water had evaporated and my roast was burnt!! Shawn was passed out asleep, and kids were al Mamaw's and Papaw's house. I was bummed to say the least, and while I was telling my Mom about it, Shawn started to get sick some. Next thing I know he is doubled over in pain, throwing up, and acting like he is going to die. Maybe it was a good thing the roast burnt. I ended up driving Shawn to ER in Shreveport (Willis Knighton). My house smelled awful. I felt bad because this was suppose to be our first dinner home. Josh and the kids made up some spaghetti and got kids in bed later. Shawn and I finally left about 12:30 for the drive home. He has 2 kidney stones, and we had to get $60 worth of meds before leaving Shreveport. He ended up calling in 2 days of sick leave, and he was already off this coming weekend for Josh's homecoming Sunday (this past weekend was Stake Conference too). The Miller guys- Jacob, Shawn & Josh- are all speaking. My parents, and possibly 2 brothers and their families are coming up. Lauren is also getting her YW award, so it's going to be a great weekend. {love}

The plane, the plane!!

2011-08-16T11:58:00.000-05:00

New skirt and puppies!

2011-08-01T19:44:00.000-05:00

Mission ends in 10 days!!

2011-08-01T10:35:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it?? Has it already been almost 730 days since he left on August 5, 2009? Add 7 more days to August 5th, and he'll be home!! He is coming in on August 11th @ 8:35pm to the Texarkana airport. We are so excited!! I uploaded a few pictures that I had saved on my Facebook, but there are hundreds more. He has had a great mission, has loved every moment of it, and is actually quite sad to come home. I guess all missionaries are that way... even Shawn was he said. But at the same time he is excited to start his next phase in life of job, school and marriage/family. We are so proud of Josh. An example to us all!!

Some favorite mission pictures

2011-08-01T10:33:00.002-05:00

Family Responsibilities

2011-07-11T17:12:00.002-05:00

I have been thinking about this lately. The other day I went to a friend's house to pick up Krissy. It was the first time I had been to the house, and first time I had allowed Krissy to stay the night with a friend. I have many reasons, but I felt that I should allow it. Krissy had a great time there. The family has a huge above-ground pool, and a Wii. The lady is a school teacher here in Ashdown, and Josh had her at some time during his school years at the high school. They had 3 children- Kayley age, Jacob's age, and Krissy's age. I have talked with her many times before at track meets, or just around. But I go to their house, and they invite me in for a bit. I meet her husband for the 1st time. We are talking and talking, and some how the subject of chores came up. I was like "uh, ya... my kids have to earn their keep." She was amazed that my kids actually worked around the house. I know some parents out there are "super parents" who do everything and anything for their kids and household. But I am not that way. My parents taught us responsibility when I was a kid, and so therefore I am teaching it to my children. My kids don't get to just go do whatever they want. They have to earn it. We have a big family. If I didn't have help, my house would always be in a constant mess, which sometimes I feel it is. If my kids want to watch TV, then they have to fold clothes at the same time. My mom always folded our clothes, ironed them when needed, and hung up the ones that needed to be. I will wash and dry, and get the hanging ones out of the dryer to lie on the counter until hangers are actually put in them to hang up. I am not good at doing it. I will pile everything else in a few clothes baskets, and once a week, maybe every other week depending, kids fold. We turn on the TV, and bring all the clothes out and separate into piles (jeans, socks, undies, etc...) and we start folding. And I don't care how neat it is. I remember always having neat drawers, neat linen closets, but me? Eh! Who cares... if they get in the drawer or closet on a shelf, then I am good. Only time I "sweat" about the linen closet is when my parents come, and then I try to get it all nice and neat. Haha!! But my kids help in other areas too... like dishes, vaccuming, mopping, sweeping, bathroom, bedrooms. I do teach them how to do it and what to do. Same with cooking. Josh was a good cook, Lauren is learning, Kayley loves it. Haven't started with the rest much yet. They are also responsible on how they behave and treat other people. If I know that my child has "possibly" done something wrong or is rude, I will ask them about it, and if it is their fault or guilty then you better believe when I say they will take care of the issue. But at times, it's not their fault entirely, so I will have a talk about them how we should or shouldn't behave. Does any of this make sense? Then with yesterday's lesson in Relief Society, only proves to me that I am doing a good job at raising my kids and teaching them correct principles whether it's gospel related or home related. AND when a 20 year old emails me thanking me for teaching him how to work, cook and to be a responsible person, ya... another reason to make me think I am doing a great job. Makes a mom proud!

The other day I was at Walmart, and the big girls and I were in the fabric department. A friend saw us, and asked us what we were doing. I said we were looking at patterns and seeing what kind of skirt & apron we can make. I am making an apron for my niece MaKayla. Lauren & Kayley want this cute skirt made, and it's so flippin' easy, it's crazy! We found some different fabrics which are super-duper cute. Can't wait until we can start making them. Anyway, so this friend says "what can you NOT do?" And I have been thinking about that lately too. What can I NOT do?? 1) I can't change a tire, even though I did learn how on a small car, but never tried on the Suburban, thus being stranded on Hwy 71 until 2 nice men stopped and helped me. 2) use some of these power tools around here... if I learned how, which I think I may be doing real soon, then my house could get done. Geez... maybe this is all I can't do?

I learned to sew because when Josh was in 3rd grade and Jacob was 4 weeks old, he brought home a note that Josh needed red shorts and a yellow short-sleeve shirt for the school play. This is November, almost December (when the play was). Where in the HECK was I going to find red shorts?? So I decided I better learn to use that sewing maching that Grammie gave me when I got married. I had used it a few times before just to mend this or that, but never ever EVER followed a pattern! I found a pajama pattern that could have long pants or shorts. 2 pieces. No buttons, or zippers, just elastic waist. So I found the red material, found some "gold" buttons that I needed to sew on for decorations, and wha-la... shorts are made with suspenders and "gold" buttons. 2-3 hrs tops (not bad for 1st time). I then found a yellow short-sleeve shirt on clearance at the College Station Walmart, and Josh was the perfect Pinnochio! Oh, and I made a white collar too... that was hard!!! But we still have the costume, and usually about every 2-3 years, it gets dragged out and someone will wear it for Halloween. Jacob got best over-all costume one year when he wore it. After that, I learned to make pajama bottoms, skirts, aprons, skorts, and many many blankets & burb cloths!

I learned to cook after I was married, and have perfected it over the last 17 years for sure. First time I ever made a cheesecake was when we moved into "our" first house in 2000. I made the "Lion House" cheesecake with a sour cream topping. OMG- to die for! And after that I just had to learn. When I was pregnant with Lauren, Shawn started our first garden. I didn't know what to do with all the tomatoes except to make salsa. I bought peppers, onions, and away I went. Learned a hard lesson... never get jalapeno in your eyes!! OUCH! But before I did that, a few weeks before I snagged my mom's canner and all her stuff. I still have it. I just followed the instructions in the book. I have done salsa, basil tomatoes, new potatoes, zucchini & squash (don't recommend... I just had so much of it, and decided to try it, but ended up 10 years later just getting rid of them), jams and jellys. I have learned to prepare fresh produce for freezing too. I have learned to make breads, make cinnamon rolls, make chicken dorito casserole, and I just learned how to make the best biscuits ever! I taught Josh how to make many things, and more emails he has sent home thanking me for teaching him how to cook.

I have taught my kids how to budget money (which I still need to work on), how to get good deals & bargains, how to stand up for something that isn't right which can mean anything!! From standing up to your standards, to telling Outback that your steak isn't done right for the 2nd time, and they better do something about it... thus the "free steak." First time I ever did that, Shawn about died!! Until something he ordered wasn't right, and he had me complain about it. LOL!!!

Most important beside teaching my children the gospel and correct principles especially what's in the For the Strength of Youth, I have taught my children to love each other. My kids do fight, yes. And sometimes there is punching and biting that comes with it (won't mention names, cough cough, teens), but over-all these kids love each other!! They do a lot together, and wouldn't have it any other way. My kids know how to watch out for each other. And to be nice, and to behave in public. I will not put up with kids who are not behaving. I am glad other people notice, and say something to me about it, because it makes me feel good again.

I could go on some more, but I am going to go teach Kayley how to make homemade lasagna with the tomatoes that I bottled. =)

Smelling like a chicken!

2011-06-27T09:31:00.002-05:00

This past week was good. Lauren is working a few days here and there at the flower shop, so she is happy about that. She has her EFY for next year almost paid for. She also can drive by herself to town, so she and Kayley have been livin' it up in Ashdown, or as much as one can in Ashdown. She likes to drive the Honda, but will take the truck here and there too. I told her how to "race" just in case a cute boy (LOL) wanted to race her at the stop light. Hey... what else is there to do in Ashdown? The truck has very dark tint windows. You cannot see inside especially at night. The other night Lauren took the truck to town to fill up one of the tires. I went with her. I stayed in the truck because I refuse to learn how to do a few things (hehe). I kid you not... 2 guys saw her at 2 different times, and both came up asking if she needed help. So 1) that is scary since, 2) one was old. So, I got out of the truck, and "helped" her.

Kayley & Jacob have been working in the chicken houses, the very least favorite job to do in the whole entire world. But Papaw is paying them minimum wage, and that's pretty good for them, so this past week they earned $50 each. They are was super excited about that, even though they come back smelling like a chicken. I make them strip of their clothes outside (except undie stuff) and spray the shicken chit off their clothes, boots and body. Another reason why I need my mud room done so they don't have to do this in the front, even though no one is there to see. Why are they doing it? Because hire-hand (same one from the snake post below) has not shown up!! And Papaw needs some stuff done, and at 75 he can't do it all like he used too. Another boy is suppose to be starting soon for the rest of the summer, so we shall see.

Lindsey started a science camp today sponsered by her (old) school. Only 20 1st graders were selected to attend, and she was one of them. She is so excited. It's from 8:30-2pm this week, except Friday. That day they are going to Hot Springs, AR to a science museum-type place. She is pretty excited. We would go with (in separate car) but Friday is going to be a crazy day, so she'll go with her group.

Jacob goes to his very first BSA camp on Saturday, thus the reason we can't go the science museum. He leaves o-dark thirty Saturday morning, so Friday is going to be busy busy busy trying to make sure he has everything he needs. He knows how to change his own insulin pump/site area now, so that is good, but it's still making me a bit nervous that I am not going to be close enough. He will be fine though, and close to LSU, so it'll all be good. He is way excited about going. He won't be home until July 9th... a whole week!!

Then Young Women's Camp is July 12-15. That'll be fun for the 2 big girls.

We may leave July 16th to my parents, or may not until the following week sometime. Plan is to stay 7-10 days. Josh comes home August 11, so we will need to get back to get his room cleaned, and other stuff. We plan on going back to Killeen on August 15th for 3 days. We were going to go other places, and we still may go to B-CS, but not to the beach anymore. Lauren & Kayley may not go because school starts the 15th, and it's high school, and Lauren will have the Honda for 3-4 whole days! LOL!! I think she and Kayley want to "live it up" while we are gone. The other kids will just miss 3-4 days of school. They'll start that Friday for sure.

Hold on, the Light will come

2011-06-22T18:51:00.002-05:00

My kids really like this song. A few years ago I bought the first volume of "the best of EFY" CD, and it's just been recently that my kids have really learned and love this song. When I found it on You Tube today, I was sitting in the dining room with the laptop. I placed the speakers towards the living room, and started it. The TV was on, and 6 kids were watching it. As soon as they realized what it was, they all ran to the laptop. Kinda makes me feel good that my kids do like other songs besides 93.3.

Now don't get me wrong... there are some songs out there that I really like on the radio. I love Cold Play, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and others even though my mind has gone blank. But when my kids are in the car with me, I like to have them listen to other music besides radio. We have an endless collection of Primary songs of all styles, YW/YM songs, EFY songs & MoTab. We love them, and it does get us in a better mood with each others. We all have our moments, and sometimes get on each others nerves, and sometimes the radio just makes it worse, so on with the church songs. I have a few siblings who laugh at me because of it, but one day they will wish they had listen to church songs more. It really does bring a warm feeling of peace no matter what they say or how stupid that is.

Josh has always loved church music too. He said he was allowed to listen to all church music, so for the 1st 18 months of his mission I sent him quite a few church CDs, and he has told me he has loved them all. It really does strengthen you and your testimony of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. If the world was just to listen to it just a little bit more, I bet the world would be a better place to live. But we already know the world is going to be a wicked place where Satan is only going to get worse, and work on more and more Saints. I tell ya, if you listen to this music more, Satan will pass you by. He can't stand church music!

I heard something once by a person who said that music really does affect you. She listened to this one group all the time, and this one song they sung talked about death and was very dark & depressing. She said she wanted to die, commit suicide! Why listen to music like that? I rather be lifted up, even if it is a slow song like "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" which Lauren plays beautifully on the piano, and Jacob is learning. It's a beautiful song. And this coming Monday, we are going to focus on Joseph Smith, the date of his martyrdom. I am going to have Lauren and Jacob work on Praise to the Man, and We Thank Thee of God for a Prophet.

I promise you if you start listening to more music like this that lifts you up, to think more of Jesus Christ, your eternal family, you will be more happy.

WARNING but so cute at the end...

2011-06-16T20:07:00.006-05:00

Some of you may remember that Lindsey got her hair ripped out by the pea-sheller last summer. If you go back to August 2010 blog post you will be able to read the story. It was so awful! Made you want to puke!! Poor little thing... every time I
see this I want to cry!

We didn't cut it and switched her part to the other side so I could do her hair better. She wore 2 bands and 3-4 hair clips in her hair daily for the last 11 months or so. Sometimes we would have a good day with the really short hair that was growing back in and could do a long hair do, like this one that was taken
at Christmas 2010.

This morning I had about enough with it and just looking so awful all the time. She had different lengths and it was always a mess, especially if we didn't put it up, which since school has been out, we haven't a lot except for a messy pony. But look how long her hair has grown in 11 months!

It was getting long in the back, but the side was a different story. So I took her in to my friend Tonya, who also had the new fad *feathers* available.

She chopped it off to a cute bob, and added 2 cute feathers.

Short & Sassy!

Krissy & Lauren also got them. Kayley is waiting until lime green feathers are in so she can be stylin' at the girls camp (the camp shirt is going to be lime green... but shhhhh, that's a secret! LOL!)

Not even venomous!

2011-06-16T10:35:00.004-05:00

A few weeks ago after the rains had stop and things were starting to dry up, we noticed quite a few snakes in the yard or on the road. I don't know why, but it was also quite hot so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. One day I get a call from my mother-in-law. She is frantic. Says there is a copperhead:

or a water moccasin (pix below)! (Or worse, a Cottonmouth Water Moccasin!) So of course she asks me to kinda come over where she is at to see it. I wasn't going to get near it if it was one of those 2 or 3 snakes as they are B-AAAA-D! As I went out she pointed to the area next to a tree, the same area that Josh had found a snake many years before (and I would have pictures if Shawn hadn't deleted all my pictures for that year) and held up for us to see. I stand on the picnic table bench. I looked and looked and couldn't see anything. She told me it was now moving, and then that's when I saw the little head slithering across the way. My mother-in-law is standing just feet from it, and I am like "uh, you better move... what if it comes back towards you?" She moves back a foot or so. Then she sees my father-in-law who is WAY across the hay field. On a tractor. Cutting hay. She starts yelling for him. I said STOP... he can't hear you!! She does but then turns towards the chicken houses and starts yelling for the hired-hand to come over. I ask her why, and that it can just go in the trees/bushes there. "NO, the kids play out here, and I know it's (one of the above snakes)!" I couldn't disagree really about that especially if it was one. Hired-hand comes and chops up the snake. The whole thing still makes me laugh some, especially her yelling at the father-in-law. Classic.

Of course as soon as the kids are home from school, she is right out there with a stick telling them to always have a stick in their hand for now on, and that they don't need to play outside. Oh, and something else I just remembered as she was waiting on the hired-hand: She started barking. I was like "what the heck are you doing?" She said loud noises scare away snakes, and then she also starts clapping. So I was like great... got a barking, clapping happy mother-in-law across the yard. Even Tex & Mex are next to the snake, sniffing it, all that... and nothing.

BUT, a few days later another snake is noticed by Lauren & Jacob. Lauren tries to shoot it with the BB gun that Jacob had, but it just bounced off. Tex & Mex are again around the snake, and this time the snake strikes out at Tex and gets him in the eye. Oh, poor dog! First the broken leg, and now the eye! We were sure he was going to be dead at any moment. But he lived. And Lauren chopped that snake up just as good as the hired-hand did. And the moment they told me about it, I told them NOT TO TELL MAMAW (mother-in-law).

THEN a few days after that, Shawn was actually home, and was in the garden with the kids, and low & behold, this came out of the bushes next to the garden:

The same type of snake as the 2 times before. Kids did see the 1st one as Mamaw made the hired-hand keep it there so the kids could see it, and of course it looked like the 2nd snake too. What is it? A rat snake! Not even venomous (or poisonous, however you say it, even though venomous is the correct one)! It's called a rat snake, but sometimes it gets called a chicken snake because sometimes it's found next to chicken houses/coups. SURPRISE!! And we have 3 huge long Tyson chicken houses!! These snakes are actually what you want around if you HAD TO HAVE A SNAKE in your yard, as it takes care of all rodents! And rodents (mice/rats) love being by chickens, especially baby chickens (rats to eat chickens, but mice to eat the feed at all times), so that's why they are sometimes called chicken snakes because they are usually seen around chicken areas, but really they are getting the rodents! Make sense? And I sure rather have a snake like this around then rats & mice!! Agree? But there is no doubt about it...

A SNAKE IS A SNAKE!! YUCK!

Our first week of summer vacation!

2011-06-12T18:45:00.004-05:00

Shawn bought a sprayer system for the 4-wheeler, but decided it couldn't do what the tractor could do. I walked outside and this is what I found. Must be a redneck!

Part reason for the sprayer on the 4-wheeler is to spray around the blackberry plants. Yes, these are HUGE blackberries. They are the world's largest blackberries grown, and we have 100+ plants outside full of them right now. People love them!! We sell them for $12/gallon. The other day I had 1/2 gallon left, so I placed the berries in 2- 1 qt bags, and took them over to the Farmers Market in Ashdown, and the minute I got out of the Suburban, I had them sold @ $4 each! Another guy saw them, and we "mad" that I didn't have anymore. Once people see them, they want them!! Next year we will have 200+ more plants producing on top of the 300 we already have.

Our first week we did 2 days of free bowling. Website is www.kidsbowlfree.com or something like that. I bought the package deal for Shawn, Lauren & me so we could bowl for $24 total for the whole summer! Kids have loved it!! We are planning to go 2-3 times a week. If we go to Killeen this summer, I am going to sign-up the kids for the Killeen bowling alley.
I think all kids love to bowl!

But on one of the days we didn't go, the Barbies saved the day. It's already so hot and humid that I really don't care if they stay in the house all day. As long as TV isn't being watched all day, which we all had that problem the 1st day. Haha!!

And to celebrate our 1st week, I was going to make homemade pizza on Friday. Then it was suppose to be today. But instead we are having mac & cheese, homemade chocolate chip cookies and popcorn. Ya, I know... awesome!
I will make pizza later this week.

Please tell me how you do it!

2011-06-06T16:59:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I get so frustrated because we don't make 100K or more a year! We would if I went to work full-time, but that is the last thing I want to do. Shawn doesn't want me to work full-time, but only part-time. I am having a hard time with that at the moment as I still have one left at home. I always said when the last went to school, which will be the 2012-2013 school year when Joey starts.

But yet, I see friends and family even go places. I'm talking about fun vacation places! Yes, I know some families are more wealthy then mine... doctors, lawyers, and such. But I try very hard to save, and it seems like it's never enough to purchase a $4000 Disney World package upfront. We don't have any credit cards except Home Depot, but you know what I mean. Seems like something always comes up and the few hundred dollars that I always seem to save towards something is having to pay for something. Like $1097 tax bill or $827 Honda car repair/tune-up. I mean, always something! I don't have family that lives in Florida or California to even crash at for a few days, which sometimes I see people do as well. So hotels are a must.

Maybe I am jealous a bit? I keep thinking if I can just put $200 back a month for the next 24-36 months, then we can totally do a huge vacation on our 25th wedding anniversary with the whole family. A once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation. A Disney Cruise would be awesome!

Or if any of you can help me plan a Disney World vacation for Christmas 2011 or even Spring Break 2012 for a family of 9, I would appreciate it.

Lots of Sonic Drinks!!

2011-06-06T16:36:00.002-05:00

Josh's girlfriend, Amanda or Amanna as Lindsey calls her, found this and sent it to me.
So true!

Being the last days of school, and knowing a person who does vinyl, I had her make these up for me a few weeks ago. I thought I said 6x6 size tile, but it fit perfect on a 4x4 glass tile from Home Depot. I was very pleased with how they turned out. One was for Lindsey's teacher, and the other 2 were for Krissy's teacher. Her homeroom teacher is leaving to another school, and the other teacher also had Kayley & Jacob in years past, so I put a message on the back from all 3. I had heard she may be retiring soon, and may not be Lindsey's or Joey's teacher.

On Sunday after church I took my usual nap. I didn't sleep long, and as I was lying in the bed debating on whether to get up or not, I thought I heard thunder in the distance. But seeing how it was still bright and sunny, I took it as a feed truck or another big truck, which is not unusual with living on a chicken farm. But it was thunder, and the storm came through so fast that it wasn't even showing up yet on weather.com when I had checked. The winds came fast and strong, and the rain was hitting our back door so hard that rain was coming in! It left as fast as it got here, and when Lauren went outside to check on things, she found this:

A week ago I cleaned the little girls room really good. Lindsey decided she didn't want to sleep by herself anymore and started sleeping with Kristen in her twin bed. I decided to put the 2 twin beds together to make a king-size and to put Joey in bed with them. I just don't know how kids can sleep the way they do and how. I know I sleep with ear plugs and Shawn sleeps with a C-Pap, but I think a mask would bother me. But not the girls- they love theirs! This is how I found them within an hour of putting them to bed...

Last Thursday was the day the boys got their summer hairscut.

And today Joey was showing me his karate moves with Shawn's laughter...

and Jacob's assistance.

Opps... wrong slot. I had to return some tile to Home Depot to exchange for the glass tile, and Joey decided to wait on the John Deere that he wishes his Dad would buy. Sometimes I can never get this child to smile.

As of today... 66 days!!

Texas Caviar 101

2011-05-29T21:50:00.002-05:00

Lauren, Kayley & I went into Texarkana the other day to go shopping. The girls were actually suppose to go to another deal, but that was cancelled, so we decided to still go in and go shop. I started texting Judy (my new best friend) to see what they were doing, and they wanted us to stop by for a bit to say hi. I stopped at Sonic first to get her a drink, but was good and didn't get me one because I had just finished my 2nd for the day. =/
Kayley loves to cook, and Tim was starting to make some Texas Caviar.

Kayley was excited to learn.

She even learned to cut an avocado in the skin, something I've never done.

It was way good!! Thanks Kayley and Tim!!

Before we left their house, Kayley got Tim to cut her a magnolia tree flower off. It was closed, but Kayley stuck it in water. Next morning:

Poor Kayley-- just got out of the shower. She had been doing some yard work, and was literally attacked by mosquitoes! Like a thousand all over!! She and Lindsey have sweet blood, and it doesn't matter how much OFF they put on, these girls are going to get bit, and then the bites swell!! It's so not fun being bit by a mosquito, but lots?!?! I hope Kayley survives Young Womens Camp this year... mosquitoes are suppose to be worse. She will be packing tons of OFF or something stronger (any ideas?), anti-itch cream and Benedryl.

First day as a sub

2011-05-29T21:42:00.002-05:00

Back in February I finally submitted all my papers to sub at the school. They have called me several times, but I haven't been able to work. On May 20th, I told them I could. What a crazy day with 2nd graders~ it was field day! I would do it again I think. I was called back at the other school but because I didn't answer the phone fast enough, they got another sub. I also work part-time at the local flower shop called A Pretty Petal. It's okay. Not something that I want to do on a full-time basis.

Josh told me he found it funny that I am working outside the home. LOL!!

Lauren is 16!!

2011-05-29T21:33:00.003-05:00

Wow! Can you believe it?! The big 1-6!! So *almost* grown up!

My friend made this cake in exchange for 4 dozen
chocolate mint cookies.

And as of Friday May 27th, Lauren has her driver's license!
So crazy!!

Bowling Night

2011-05-29T21:16:00.004-05:00

Lindsey went bowling with her class at school, and brought home a postcard about free bowling in the summer for all kids 15 and under. So I signed us up. It doesn't start until June 1st, or something like that. But that night Shawn and I wanted to go, so we loaded up the kids and dropped $50 just like that to go. Enjoy the pictures!

She got her 1st strike!

So cute in his little bowling shoes!

Her first strike!!

Newest braceface!!!

2011-05-11T20:12:00.000-05:00

Lauren got them on May 10th, just in time for her 16th birthday (in 10 days). She will wear them for the next two years... just in time to get them off for her senior year and senior pictures.

Main Street Pre-School

2011-05-11T20:05:00.000-05:00

The end of the year program/graduation was held on May 9th. It was at the Church of Christ here in Ashdown. I think I had Joey over-dressed in his church pants and a plaid shirt. Oh, well. He *was* the cutest one!!

His little group doing their part...

His part was something like, "and all this because it's graduation day."

After saying his name as Joey Miller, and getting his certificate.

With his teachers Ms. Ronda and Ms. Donna. He loves them so much! He is going back next year for one more great year before starting kindergarten.

Star Student of May 2nd week

2011-05-11T20:00:00.000-05:00

She got it for her class this week. I was invited to go eat lunch with her on Monday (9th). Joey went with me as I had just picked him up from pre-school. We got her a Sonic lunch, and she was happy. Congrats Krissy!!

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 7th

2011-05-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

Church had a celebration put on by some of the Hispanic members of our ward. They've done it past few years, but this was the first time we came. Kids had a great time. I didn't get any good shots of the kids busting open the pinatas. There were 3. Lindsey totally busted open the 1st one. Head went flying across the gym, candy flying everywhere. Maybe a future softball player?

Jacob's head was cut off on the 1st picture, and now Joey has disappeared. Kayley is helping with the 3rd pinata in the back. Jacob busted open the 2nd one.

All the candy and loot that the kids collected from the 3. They all had a great time!

Miss Whistlestop 2011 Pageant

2011-05-11T19:40:00.001-05:00

Lauren entered it last year for the 1st time because we found the dress way cheap, and she was 1st runner-up. She was the only one that had never been in a pageant before, and came in 1st. We were excited. Well, here it was again for Miss Whistlestop, but she didn't place this year. We were okay with it. It was just fun dressing her up in (her Prom) gown and doing her hair and make-up again.

Behind Little River News on Commerce Street in Ashdown has this really cool "back drop." I think this is where some senior pictures will be taken.

Not bad for someone who has no experience in photography. Some of these were taken with my BlackBerry, and some with my camera, and then fixed with PhotoShop.

How could the judges not say she wasn't the winner?

Ya, so I am a bit bias... she is beautiful!

Love this shot! Oh, and Little River News has more pictures on their website. I need to go look at them too. Maybe I'll put those on Facebook.

Flower from her Sunday School teacher, Sister Whitfield. Made a perfect prop.

Love this one too...

Mother's Day cake...

2011-05-11T19:32:00.000-05:00

lovingly decorated by Joey at pre-school.

Arkansas Children's Week

2011-05-11T19:21:00.000-05:00

It was a few weeks ago in April. For their field trip they went over to Ashdown City Park where Joey's pre-school class met up with about 7 other pre-school classes in the area. They all wore their purple shirts, and made a cute little wagon for the parade. Even though it wasn't hot hot hot, it was still hot.

I kept taking pictures, and he was like "Mom, enough already!" It's so weird that I am taking so many pictures of the younger kids now... so easy with a BlackBerry, and with a digital camera. No more having film processed.

Totally reminds me of Joshua here!!

"Stop Mom" is what he is saying between clinched teeth...

Joshua would be in heaven, as Joey was!!

Waiting for the next "class" to start.

And after I made him stand there with Lindsey (friend from church), he lost it. Wouldn't cooperate after that. We ended up going home early, where he took an almost 3 hour nap!! He fell asleep in the car on the way home, and stayed asleep.

Kayley turns 14!

2011-05-11T19:13:00.000-05:00

Kayley's birthday is April 1st. She is our April Fools baby!! Can't believe it's been 14 years!! Crazy! She wanted cupcakes, so I made her some strawberry ones from my friend's recipe. So good! She wanted some DC Cupcakes, but I just couldn't bring myself to paying $26 for a dozen of them. She was satisfied with the homemade ones I made.

She is plugging her ears because we were all off-key singing Happy Birthday to her.

Cute 14 year old! Church dances here she comes... already been to 2!

The closest to Easter pictures

2011-05-01T18:12:00.002-05:00

Past few years I have been really awful about doing Easter pictures. When we lived in Bryan, almost every Easter we went to Killeen, and almost all times it was very nice outside and my Dad would take a family picture of us. Since moving here, I haven't been doing them. I didn't even take any of the kids this year like last year. My parents came, and it was Prom for Lauren & Nathaniel so I guess pictures and new Easter clothes were the last thing on my mind. Shawn wasn't even suppose to be off, but off for Mother's Day (and still is), another reason for no new clothes or pictures. We left for church, and Shawn was still at home until 9a waiting to call into work to see if he had to come in, and when they said no, he came up to church. My parents left Monday morning before the awful storms started, but not before I snapped this picture of Shawn & Joey playing Twister. I think Shawn about died... old and fat! LOL!!

The storms came and left on Monday, and again they were suppose to come Tuesday, a few hours before they hit northern Mississippi, Tuscaloosa AL area over to Georgia. The lightening was fierce but we didn't get much rain. It struck our front pecan tree (again... hit it last year too), and threw the bark off from both sides. The dark streaks is where the lightening hit.

Thursday night it was quite cool outside so I joined the little kids outside before mosquitos attacked us, which they did.

Aren't y'all proud of me? I have a safety net up! Something we never had on the trampolines I played on as a kid. But this is about the only safety thing I have... kids don't have helmets for their bikes, or 4-wheeler which they ride often 2-3 kids at a time (but not fast... hehe).

I *do* allow them to jump all at once. Oh well... send me to jail!

Prom 2011, April 22nd

2011-04-24T16:21:00.005-05:00

Lauren went to the Haworth, OK Prom with a cute kid named Nathaniel Rasmusson. He is a member of the church, but in the Idabel Branch, Gilmer TX Stake. They live about 45 minutes from us just over the OK/AR border towards DeQueen. He really wanted to take Lauren, and because Lauren won't be 16 until May 20th, she had to get permission from her Dad.

Dad said yes, and so the dress was bought (eBay, brand-new), flowers ordered, hair done, and make-up done by her and me. We had decided that we have perfected it so much that we can now do it ourselves when doing pageants. No more paying for that, just hair. I do have other Prom pictures on the other computer, which I will get on here this week. This is from one of Nathaniel's friends Facebook. I saved and copied.

They had a great night and a great time. I am so glad that we are close to the other stake boundries and to the Gilmer Stake Center, where most of the dances have been these past 9 months. Lauren, and now Kayley since she turned 14 on April 1st and have been to her 1st & 2nd dance, love going because there are so many more guys to dance with compared to our stake. We have also been to one in Longview too, and headed there again soon. They are pretty excited.

More pictures to come of Kayley's birthday, Prom and Joey's 4th birthday from December (was on camera that I just downloaded the other night with Prom pictures).

To have a friend you must first be one...

2011-04-23T16:40:00.006-05:00

Whatever.

Was it raining when Noah built the ark?

2011-04-16T10:09:00.004-05:00

Ever since I was a kid, I have known about food storage. I know it is important. I know the Lord has been telling us via his prophets "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30) But yet it has taken Shawn and I many many years to get food storage. I tell my kids that the key word to the Lord's gospel is "obedience." The Lord has told us to gather food (storage) but I wasn't quick to obey. Kinda reminds me of the parable of the Ten Virgins... 5 were wise and had their lamps full of oil, while 5 were foolish and waited until the Lord came to fill theirs. I think for a long time we didn't think anything was going to happen serious in the world, as in raising food prices, raising gas prices, etc... and so Shawn and I waited. It's only been since this president of the United States that we started getting scared some, because we weren't being obedient in preparing our food storage. We decided that we needed to start now. Not sure when I went to get some food storage from the Dallas' Bishop's Storehouse, but it was after Josh left on his mission (Aug 2009). We got our years supply of oatmeal, years supply of pinto beans, and 6 months of wheat for now, along with some other stuff. But that's all I did with it. Didn't PREPARE it like I should have. So it sat in our storage room, which is located in our house in the south, which is quite warm all the time and weevils like to live in this kind of conditions especially if there is dry oatmeal in 50# bags not sealed correctly. Therefore, we lost all our oatmeal, and 2 bags of white flour. I was sick about it!! So now I am having to buy more oatmeal, but this time I am preparing it correctly. But now as I am looking at prices of the food either through the Bishop's Storehouse, or any other site, prices are rising, and have rose 11-49% since January 2011!! Morning Moo Milk will kill us, as it's $122 per 50# bag.

I have found a few sites that are good, and comparable with each other: http://www.augasonfarms.com and http://store.honeyvillegrain.com, and then of course there is http://providentliving.org

I also found this website: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/20-signs-that-a-horrific-global-food-crisis-is-coming

We also plant a huge garden each year, well the kids and Shawn do, and I home-can a lot of it. I also freeze some, and we also eat a lot of it while fresh.

But yet, even though I am trying to do what the prophet's say, there is opposition. Remember scripture mastery 2 Nephi 2:11 "There needs to be opposition in all things." I don't get harassment and heckling from non-family about this as much as I do from some of my own siblings. Things like "you watch to much TV" or "if something happens, we will come to you since you are prepared." Really? Was it raining when Noah built the ark? So because I watch to much TV does that also include watching General Conference on TV and listening to what the prophets are telling us? And if for some reason something happens and you loose your job and have no money how are you going to get here? The closest any of my family is is 5 hrs. Will you have money for gas? And why should I help you when all you have done is harass me? I mean, you can come here if you want and live in a tent on the land, but if you want food you will have to work at it. I have plently of land for you to start digging and planting. Oh, that's right... you need seeds. Did you bring your seeds? I only have enough seeds to plant for my own family... not people who harassed me. You need to start saving seeds too!! Buy some and put them in a plastic bag and leave them in the freezer. They can be used year after year until they are gone. They also can be placed in a mylar bag and sealed for coming years.

All of this reminds of the children's story "The Little Red Hen." No one wanted to help her plant, till, harvest, make/bake but they all wanted to eat her bread.

Wedding Planner and a window?

2011-04-14T18:22:00.002-05:00

When I grow up I really want to be a wedding planner. Maybe not like Jennifer Lopez's character or even Candace Bergman's character in Bride Wars, but just a simple wedding planner for this area.

I mean, think empty chicken houses!! They have plenty of room! Ok, I only said that because that is what my Dad would say first, since I do live in Arkansas and I do live on a chicken farm, and I live only 25 miles from the setting of an episode of My Big Fat Redneck Wedding on CMT, where the couple from Nashville, AR actually do get married in her daddy's empty chicken house. Enough said.

But considering I love to cook maybe a full-fledge wedding planner wouldn't be the choice for me. I would need someone who could do the decorating, while I plan all the food and cook/bake most of it. I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to do that!! I am helping in a few weeks for a wedding rehearsal dinner, and I am pretty excited about that.

And I got my new window today. I am happy. Look how nice it looks.

I miss Bluebonnets!

2011-04-12T11:49:00.005-05:00

Shawn asked me if I wanted to go to Paris with him yesterday, and of course I said yes, since I had never been before. As we were headed there on 82 N. we came upon the state flower of Texas-- Bluebonnets-- outside of Annona. I haven't seen Bluebonnets in years!! Every year since we have moved here, and we would head to Killeen during Spring Break, it was just to early for them to bloom. We would see patches here and there, but nothing like I saw along the highway to Paris. It was beautiful!! I snapped this picture and sent it to Josh too.

Reason for Paris, Texas? Because this is the mini-tractor/lawnmower that Shawn has *always* wanted, and he found it on Craigslist early yesterday morning for a great price he says. Good thing for tax-refund. Bad thing for me. Never will get the cement poured now for my addition. So he called the guy, and he couldn't be there until 4:30. We left about 2p, and left Joey with Shawn's mom, which was a good thing. It would have been a long trip for him.

The guy and Shawn loaded the bush-hog thing (thing behind tractor) in first, then loaded up the tractor. We left, headed 8 miles south to Paris, and the trailer was jumping everywhere. The load was to heavy on the back of the trailer. I reminded Shawn that I had told them to load the tractor in first, but NOOOOOO, I didn't know what I was talking about.

Hmph! So we stopped at Auto Zone in Paris. Bought a $20 tow strap, and he backed up the trailer pulling the bush hog with him. Then he attached it to the front,
scrapping the nice cement along with it...

up into the trailer. Oh course, I had to take pictures of our redneck selves. I didn't take a picture of me because 1) embarrassed- haha! and 2) the wind was blowing mighty strong so the Aqua Net did not hold my hair in place,
and it was pretty much flat.

It's all loaded and we headed back to Ashdown. We got home at 8p. I never did get to see the Eiffel Tower with the huge cowboy hat, even though we did pass the "turn left sign" for it. Shawn said to plan a day trip for the family, and we'll come back.

And then I laughed... BUWAHAHAHAHA!!

One day I will live at the beach

2011-04-10T14:34:00.005-05:00

When I was a kid in SE Alabama, we went to Florida every year. When I was about 11, we went to Panama City Beach. It was our last summer in the south as in December 1981 we moved to Alaska, never to go back to Florida again. That summer we went to this amusement park. There was another one too, called Petticoat Junction, which we passed but didn't go too. And yes, these were the names of them both, because I looked it up.

I didn't get these pictures in order, but just bear with me as I tell you about them. In March 1986 my parents took us to Six Flags over Texas in Dallas. I went again in May 1989, and again in August 1993. Josh has been a few times, and Lauren too. Just before Josh left on his mission, he and Lauren went and met up with his Uncle Scott (my baby brother) and cousins Brandon & Rebekah. They plan on going again after Josh gets back. Kayley thinks she may not be so scared now.

My Dad grew up in San Jose, CA. He and family along with his aunts, uncles and cousins always went to Capitola, a beach town just south of Santa Cruz. Many years later, a house was purchased close to the beach where the cousins would now come with their kids. It was great memories. I am going to search for a Capitola postcard and see if I can see the house.

Because my Dad was in the Army, we moved more than his cousins/family, but we didn't move as much as other Army families. In June 1985, we left Alaska and headed to Texas. We went to Gramma's house in Los Gatos, and only visited Capitola a few days during our visit. We had to go visit Grammie (Hawkes) Jensen in Bakersfield & Grampa Pritchard in Costa Mesa too before heading on to Texas. My Dad's half-sister, who is 15 months older than me, took me to Newport Beach... which was so cool! I was hoping to see a movie star, like Rick Shroder, or Jason Bateman or geez...
I don't know. Just a movie star! LOL!!

The next summer on July 4, 1986 we headed to Capitola for a whole 3 weeks!! Dad took a whole month off... a week to drive there and back from Texas, and a whole 3 weeks at the beach in Capitola!! I loved it!! I missed Florida beaches, so this was going to be so cool!! Dad and Mom took us to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk one evening. I really don't remember much about it. I do remember the log ride, but not the roller coaster. I guess it just wasn't something exciting because usually I remember a lot detail about things.

In 1985 when we were heading to Texas, and finally got to Costa Mesa to visit Grampa Pritchard, my parents took us to Disney Land on my 15th birthday. It opened 17 July 1955, exactaly 30 years before. I remember watching the Disney Land 30th Anniversary on the TV at my Grampa's, and I wanted to go so bad. Ricky, Jason and all of those movie stars were there!! I wanted to be there. But we went the next day, and it was fun. But only 1 day. You can't see Disney Land in 1 day. But we didn't the *must dos* like Small World, Pirates, Haunted House, Space Mountain, Matterhorn, Dumbo, teacups, merry-go-round, and all the cool little kid story rides...
Peter Pan was my favorite.

And the whole time we lived in Bryan, we never did once make it to Kemah Boardwalk in Houston area. Never!! Always planned on it, and NASA, but never did. We only went to Galveston 2 times while living in Bryan.

But I do plan on going to the beach more. I love the beach. Want to go to Gulf Shores, AL or back to Ft. Walton Beach. I loved Galveston so much last summer. I wanted to stay forever! I think one day when I am old and need to be in a retirement home, I want to live at the one in Galveston.

Skating and Dancing

2011-04-10T13:59:00.006-05:00

Krissy was invited to Chloe's birthday party at Skate World in Texarkana. Of course she was so exited. We get there, and then as I was helping her with her skates I realized I had never taken my skating. So sad! So I think this summer we may be heading there a few times. Maybe invite a few friends from church. Sorry for the blurry pictures... cell phone pictures!
So here she is waiting for her group to head out.

Just cheesin' and keep her balance.

She did pretty good considering this was her 1st time.

And when I opened my mouth about it, she fell. LOL!! She gave it up after about 2 1/2 or so because she said her boo-tay was starting to hurt, and her one elbow.
We then headed home to drop her off...

AND pick up Lauren and Kayley to take them to a stake dance in Gilmer, Tx. They always have the best biggest dances ever, compared to our stake at least. Last night there must have been 200 kids there!! They danced a lot even though they did sit for an hour. The whole northeastern part of the stake of Texas of Dallas Stakes and over (Longview, Tyler, Gilmer included) are participating in a Texas-size Youth Jubilee or something like that in June in Dallas. Even though New Boston, Texarkana and Queen City Wards are in Texas, we are part of the Shreveport LOUISIANA Stake, so we weren't included. So sucks!! For the last 6 months, a professional dance instructor couple comes and teaches the kids, who are going, the dances they will be performing with all the other youth, for 1 hour. They are expecting over 2000 LDS kids!! Isn't that awesome?! I am going to check on tickets, because I would love to go see it.
So they sat and chatted with others who also weren't going.

And once the "class" was over, then the dance resumed. Lots of kids, lots of dancing, lots of fun and talk!! Just so cool to see so many kids, all with the same standards, all having a great time. Shawn and I have discussed it and feel that our kids need to be attending these extra youth dances. Just gives them the chance of meeting other great youth out there! And if we hadn't started going, Lauren and Nathaniel would never have met.

Nathaniel is from the Idabel, OK Branch, just 50 minutes away straight west of our house. But he actually lives only 30 minutes from us, just 8/10 of a mile over the border into OK. His family also raises cattle, crops and chickens for Tyson. He is a junior, and attends school in Haworth, OK. His prom is April 22nd, and he invited Lauren to go. Yes, I know 28 days until her 16th birthday, but hey... oh, well.
No other dates though until May 20th!

**And these dances wouldn't be possible if I didn't have my in-laws next door. They are so kind to start watching the younger kids starting about 4:30 until Shawn gets home from work. He then puts them to bed. We didn't get home until midnight because there was a horrible wreck on I-30 E. so we had to detour, which took 20 extra minutes.

A day in my life

2011-04-07T09:35:00.004-05:00

*Compared to my sister Hilary (her blog link to the right), I am so boring. I don't post, obviously, every day or even close to even posting weekly. But sometimes I do have cool days, and maybe I should post more about those days. Problem is by the time I remember to post something, it's usually at night when I'm on the laptop sitting on the couch watching O'Reilly, and I am just to tired to really post. If I do remember while on the big computer during the day, it's such a pain because I have my homepage as a google homepage with my hotmail email, but my blog is with my juno email, so if I sign out of hotmail and sign in with juno, then I loose my homepage and then I get frustrated because I can't remember my password 1/2 the time, so then I have to look it up... okay, you get the picture. But I have been thinking of posting *this* "a day in the life of me". I will ramble. If you don't like it, then leave. I really don't care.

*At 6:01a on school days and on Sunday my alarm goes off. On Saturday it's not on, but usually Joey is in my room by 7a asking for me to turn on a ca-toon, or if he can play DS. I tell him to go find Jacob, which then I remember he needs to 1) check his blood & 2) put dog outside. So I call Jacob saying everytime: "Jacob, if you can hear me, please come here." He comes, and I tell him to do those 2 things, plus bring me my pills (crazy pills as I call 'em) which he does like an obedient child, and then to turn on a ca-toon. I also tell Joey to take off his diaper to go find me some underwear, which he brings to me and I kinda roll over to help him put them on. If I have to be somewhere on Saturday morning, I am usually up and showering by 7:30a... if not, it's not until after 8a when I'm up, sometimes not until Lauren tells me she is ready for me to take her to work at 8:45a. So back to the other days- On Sunday I am in shower by 6:30a after pressing snooze 3 times. I also get big girls up threatening them with no shower if not in shower before I get out of shower. Kayley is good... it's Lauren that is mostly "threatened". Since "my" bathroom is in Jacob & Joey's room, when I get out of shower, I tell Jacob to 1) check his blood 2) take dog out 3) fix oatmeal for Joey 4) eat breakfast, which he does all. I leave bathroom mostly dressed, and hair about done, pound on hall bathroom door, wake up small girls so they can eat, go to my room to finish dressing, tell kids to hurry up with breakfast and brush teeth and start dressing for church, walk down the hallway, pound on hall bathroom door threatening Lauren again, finish me in my bathroom, make sure Joey is finished with breakfast or if he needs help, help little girls with tights and tell Lindsey for the umpteenth time she isn't wearing a size 8 dress or wearing red shoes with something that doesn't match, gather Joey's clothes for Kayley so she can dress him, go back to my bathroom to add more hairspray, tell Jacob to make sandwich, and blah blah blah, yelling at Lauren now to get herself off her bed to finish herself which is usually 7:56a by now, and go do little girls hair telling Lindsey again to get a bow/ribbon that actually matches her dress, have family prayer and usually leave the house at 8:05 for church. If it's potluck Sunday, I can't press snooze 3 times, but actually get up at 6:01 if I am making Mexican casserole, so I can be done with it at 6:30 to start the process that I just posted about. On school mornings: Kayley wakes me at 6:15 even though I am awake which then I lay in bed until the snooze goes off again at 6:19a. I go to little girls room... usually they are still in bed. I get them up, gather clean jeans from laundry room for them (I must wash 3-4 loads of jeans a week), help with their Nikes (hey, they like how I tie them tight and double-knot them), send them to unload dishwasher, make sure Jacob is up at the same time reminding him to 1) check his blood 2) take dog out. Jacob kinda wanders after that, so I have to remind him to do his hair and to eat. Kayley is my only morning person. She makes/packs 1-5 lunches (depending on school lunch choice that day... but she always makes her lunch) every morning without fail. Kids eat, kids brush teeth, girls hair is done, I sometimes help Kayley with her make-up, say family prayer and they are out the door by 7:13a to catch the bus. Oh, and if Shawn is home, he take Lauren to Seminary at 6:40a. If not, then I leave at 6:40a. Get home by 7a, which everything MUST be done except hair, then I do girls hair, have prayer and out the door. In the meantime, Joey is either playing DS or eating breakfast.

*On Monday-Wednesday-Friday, after kids have left and Joey has had breakfast, or at this time, I get him started on his breakfast and then afterwards, I lie on couch until 8a. I then get up, put on my walking shoes, dress Joey, brush his teeth, do his hair sometimes, and we are usually out the door by 8:20a. I take him to pre-school, then I go to the "gym" here in Ashdown where I walk on the treadmill for 45-50 minutes. I usually talk with Shawn's old PE teacher or another gal that lives up the road from me. It helps by making this time go by fast. If not, I have to walk in silence as I keep forgetting to grab Kayley's MP3 player. Acually it isn't real silent... I get to either watch TBN and/or listen to the local Christian radio rock station. I will sometimes text my sister Holly to remind her "Jesus love you Start 2 Finish" which we always laugh about. I will also text my mom, or check Facebook, and sometimes Mom will call me-- which I like because it also makes the time go faster. I am usually home by 9:30a, and I lie on the couch until 10:30a, get in shower, and be ready to leave by 11:20a to go get Joey. If Shawn is home, sometimes we head to Texarkana then, or if not, then Joey and I will usually come home. Sometimes we stop at McD's or Walmart.

*On Tuesday & Thursday, after getting kids off to the bus, I lie on the couch because I never walk on those days. I lie on the couch until I decide to get up. Unless of course I have to do something else. Like today... working at the flower shop, so I had to be ready out the door by 8a, even though I didn't have to be here until 9a. I sent Joey over to Mamaw's dressed and fed, and I left with Tex (with a healing broken leg) to get him to Wisdom in Texarkana so that he can have his leg rechecked and recast if needed. He is staying there all day. I dropped him off at 8:30a, and I then headed back here to Ashdown. I will hopefully leave today by 4:55p because I have to be back at Wisdom by 5:3op to pick him up. There is a visitation/funeral tonight, and I have to have the flowers/plants delivered by 4:30p, so when I get back, I'll close up and leave at 4:55p. I have no choice. Don't want to pay for an overnight stay. On the days that Shawn is home and I am home too, we sometimes will go somewhere, and sometimes we just hang out. Well, I just hang out. Now that it's warmer outside, Shawn is out there working on something.

*Kids get home from school by 4p. Then homework starts, or complaining starts, or something always starts. Usually that is when I become "alive" and start doing the things that I should have done while kids were in school, but I need breaks too you know. I will start dinner, start some wash, start dishes. Sometimes I have to go get kids by 4:30p at the school, or I get to go to a track meet (Kayley) or during the fall on Fridays I get to go watch Pep Rally and Lauren be Panther mascot. I always hear "can I play the "bad" game on the lap top (some medivial game Josh loaded up years ago) or if TV can be watched, or play on the upstairs computer or watch TV on the upstairs TV. Right now because it's so nice, and if Shawn is home, the answer is no, and they go outside to work on outside chores, as in mowing lawn, garden or just play. I remind them that on yucky days they get to stay in, but when it's nice, they need to be outside.

*If I have my act together, dinner is usually easy and about done when they get home from school. If not, that's when I am usually headed to WM to get something. I am trying to get better with my menu planning. I used to be good like my Mom was when I was a kid, but sometimes I'm not. Shawn always is working Fri-Sat-Sun, and sometimes Thurs, and sometimes extra overtime days. On those days I try to have something nice fixed/cooked for the family because he likes to have something good for dinner. Tuesday nights are usually our date night, so we try to go out at least 2-3x monthly. Sometimes he works extra on a Tuesday, or he is just to busy outside and wants to work until sun down, and by then I am usually to tired to go out, and so is he. When we do go out, we like to leave by 6p so by 10p we are home or headed home to go to bed. Remember it's a total 1 hr drive to get to/back from Texarkana.

*When Josh started driving, my life was easier for 3 years. Then he left on his mission, and I have been back to driving everywhere. I am at the church every Wednesday night. I usually have a meeting, but sometimes I don't, and lately I have been meeting my new friend Judy at Chick-Fil-A or the mall to chit-chat. We usually just have an hour before we have to head back to church. Lauren has her permit, and by next school year, she will be driving in on Wednesday nights if I don't have to go in. It's going to be nice. It's going to be nice when I can just send her wherever so I can stay home more. I like to go places, but sometimes I am on the go go go because of the big girls. Always something at Walmart they need, or the mall, or the Walmart in Texarkana, or Cato, or Merle Norman, or to get a haircut/style, or to a church dance in Gilmer so Lauren can see her boyfriend(s), or to get Prom stuff, or pageant stuff, or EFY 5 hours away so I have to plan a whole trip around that. Geez, these girls are so demanding!! Josh comes home in August, and he says he is staying here for school, so that will help with the driving some.

*After dinner most nights, kids will do their nightly chores of dishes, quick living room pick-up, baths/showers, and then by 8p we try to have family scripture study. I am not perfect. Does not happen ever on Wednesday, and sometimes Friday & Saturday, but rest of the time it's happening. We read, with the computer, the Book of Mormon from lds.org. Easy way!! I have a "read the Book of Mormon in 100 days" book, and we are doing quite good. Granted it's going to take more than 100 days, but we read about 2-3 chapters a night. We discuss things from it, and sometimes if the chapter is short, we will read it outloud instead of the computer. Our goal is to be done with it before Josh gets home (we start Mosiah tonight). We have family prayer , and then Krissy on down in bed by 8:30p, and older 3-- "I better not see your face after 9:15p!" Of course I hear doors opening and closing until 10p, but I am not seeing their face. I then can relax on laptop to Google or read my "To The Rescue" book for now (Bio of Thomas S. Monson). And like I said, watch O'Reilly or some dumb movie that Shawn starts watching even if it has 30 minutes left. I take my 1/2 sleeping pill by 10:15p or so, and usually by 11a, I am headed to bed, sometimes sooner.

*On top of this all, I have Relief Society stuff since I am 2nd counselor and in charge of extra meetings held during the week. I have one coming up in May, and another in June. It really stresses me out because I want it perfect, and sometimes I feel they aren't.

*And for those that think I *must* be on the computer all day because I post on Facebook all day, it's because it's on my BlackBerry. Easy to check all day, when I am sitting waiting on a kid (like at dentist 3x past 2 weeks... 3 more appts next 2 weeks), or waiting for a train... I tell ya, I have been stopped by the slow train more times in the past month then the whole last year!! I know they have been working a lot on the tracks so maybe that's it. The next few weeks are going to be kinda fun/exciting, so stay tuned to here or my Facebook!! This is my life, and I think I'm stickin' to it!! Oh, and this is just during the school year... once summer gets here, it's pretty much whatever. LOL!!

It's the BEST day ever!

2011-04-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

Our new favorite movie! We love it!

Yep- that's a snake!

2011-03-23T16:41:00.003-05:00

I was headed to take a shower. I had gone into my room, and then back into the kitchen, and just as I turned around I saw something move on the floor. I looked, and was like "wow!
That sure is a big worm!"

Then I realized that this "worm" was a snake!! A baby snake!!

I wanted the kids to see it, so I found a mason jar, and got a long wooden spoon. I laid the jar down, and got brave... I got closer to the snake with the spoon, and it's actually hissed at me and kinda lunged towards me. I quickly got it into the jar and closed the lid.

I left the snake on the kitchen counter so the kids could see it when they got home from school. Lauren told me it was a copperhead. It's now outside.
Haven't seen any other snakes... yet!

Dentist!

2011-03-23T16:16:00.003-05:00

When we 1st moved to Bryan, I took Josh to the dentist for the 1st time. He was 4 years old, and good time to start from what I had heard. The dentist I took him to was a pediatric dentist, and so therefore I was not allowed in the back. I wasn't thrilled about that part, but after the 1st visit, I was cool. The rest of the kids down to Krissy all went to Dr. Case. We really liked him. When we moved here, Lindsey started to go to Dr. Douglas along with the rest of us. He is one of the few dentists here in Ashdown. With Lindsey I didn't get pictures because I didn't think about it since I never got pictures before, but with Joey, I did thanks to my BlackBerry.

He looks so tiny in this huge chair!!

Being so brave getting x-rays!!

4 views even!!

Getting his teeth checked...

and cleaned by Miss Anne!

And looked again by Dr. Douglas. Unfortunately 4 small cavities in between his 2 molars on his upper right and lower right were there. So an appointment was set to come back.

So, 2 weeks later we came back to get them filled. Joey was not happy about being there.

And unfortunately he never did stop crying after the shot to numb his mouth, so he didn't get his cavities filled that day. He referred us to a pediatric dentist in Texarkana...

Lindsey is 7!

2011-03-23T16:04:00.002-05:00

Lindsey turned 7 on February 2nd. Because her birthday was on a Wednesday, and that is a crazy night with church activities, we chose to have her birthday the 1st, or was it the 3rd? I can't even remember. I want to say the 1st because usually Shawn works Thursday nights. But whatever day it was, we celebrated Lindsey's day!!

She was super excited about her cake~ a Hershey's chocolate cake with Hershey's candy bar frosting, 3 layers even! I also can't even remember what we had for her dinner. I know she wanted hamburgers, but I think we did tacos. I am pretty sure because Shawn's brother, Jon came over, and he brought queso, so yes... tacos or something like that was dinner.

After dinner, cake and looking at all the cool things she got, she headed towards the back, and threw up. Yep... girl had an upset stomach. And now that I am typing this, we did have her party on the 3rd because it was Thursday, and snow was in the forecast. It snowed that night. She didn't have to miss school for being sick... it was a snow day already.

That was the day that Shawn left for work in the snow, and he slid off the road into the ditch, so he didn't go to work that day. Luckily nothing happened to his car. Miracle, considering the other bad luck he has had with that car.

Ramdomness

2011-02-24T08:40:00.006-06:00

This is Lindsey. Look how cute she is! I want to say this is 2007. She is shelling peas by hand over on Mamaw's porch. This was before they started using the electric pea-sheller, that Lindsey got her hair snagged and pulled last summer. Lindsey is 3 1/2 here. So dang cute, even if she does have a large hairband elastic around her forehead.

One of Elder Miller's recent pictures he sent me.
I put this one on his Facebook. (And since I posted this, I forgot that I wasn't suppose to post this picture, but another one... oh, well!)

Blackberry season soon!! May-June-July!!
Submit your orders soon!!

I have also been struggling again with a few things. Is that normal? I often feel like a failure if I can't be perfect in everything! I know that is so stupid, but that's how I feel. I want to be perfect, have perfect children/family, want everyone to like me and my children, want the best schools, best friends, best life. I know not all of this will happen, not any of it. But I know I can try to be the best I can be, and do what is best for my family. As of now, I am ready to leave Ashdown and never, ever come back. I am also about ready to switch my kids to a new school district.
Hopefully I can by 2011-2012 school year.

And this is why I can't lose weight.

2011-02-15T15:33:00.005-06:00

On February 12th, Shawn turned 45. I know, so old!! He had to work. I made dinner for us. Made him up a plate so he could eat when he got home. I also made him a coconut meringue pie. His favorite. It was really good.

On Sunday night, the kids and I made these sugar cookies. I had a few more batches that I also made up but not in the picture. These were for Lauren's & Kayley's lucky friends at school, and some for Krissy's & Lindsey's teachers, and a friend of each. We only had 2 cookies left with the frosting on it.
They were also good.

Being Valentines Day yesterday, and Shawn working again, I decided to make a special dinner for him when he got home. We both like the Outback Steakhouse's Alice Springs Chicken, and this is what I made. I marinated the chicken in a roasted garlic & herb seasoning, and then lightly pan-fried it. Added a really good honey mustard sauce, bacon, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese. Also had a baked potato and salad. No dessert.
It was way good!

Knock on wood!

2011-02-15T15:30:00.000-06:00

The mileage of our 2002 Chevy Suburban on February 12th.
We got it in February 2005 with 47,000+ miles.

The ties are staying!

2011-02-15T15:01:00.004-06:00

The final 6 months are upon us all!! Can you believe my cute elder has been gone for 18 months now? He has!! Really!! And for the past year he has been in the Idaho Falls area, and transfers are in one week. He told me in an email yesterday that he hopes he stays because he has so much stuff that he would probably be sending some stuff home instead of taking it all to
his final and last place...

But the ties are staying!

His projected time home is August 10th.

"Go away Mom!"

2011-02-15T14:16:00.004-06:00

Joey had his first Valentines Party at his pre-school yesterday. Because it's a private one, they can have all sorts of junk and homemade stuff unlike the public schools can. I made heart sugar cookies for it. I arrived a little bit before 10am to help set up, but I was late. I think every other parent was already there, and everything was done. Their plates were loaded!! Of course every child went after the mini-cupcake, Doritos, cookies, and Sprite. I went over where Joey was and knelt down beside him, like other parents were doing with their kids, and he leans over and says, "go away Mom" like he was embarrassed that I was next to him. Hmph!! So I went over to where some other parents were standing, and I asked him to smile, and he gave me his cheesy grin.

He was excited about his Valentine loot when he got home from school!! Couldn't wait to show the kids when they
got home from school.

This year was the first year ever that I bought Valentine cards with candy attached- Dum Dum suckers and Fun Dip. Only 3 kids left with parties. I do have boxes and boxes of cards from over the years that I have bought at 10 cents a box after Valentines Day. But I wanted to be a cool mom this year, and I was told to "go away!" LOL!!

Funny story: I probaby will hang on to these boxes of cards that I have for future grandkids. Some are of Sponge Bob and other Nick cartoons, some are geez.... I don't know. Just some of the current stuff, oh, like Hannah Montana & Harry Potter, etc... SO-- many years ago when I had Josh starting school, my youngest brother was about 11, and so he was done with Valentines Parties. Mom asked me if I wanted the rest of the boxes of her cards, and I was like sure. I got them, and man, SOME WERE OLD!! Like when I handed out cards in 2nd grade!! I saved them all, but continued to buy some for Josh until he was done with Valentines Parties. He was so spoiled. But then Lauren started school, and then Kayley, and so forth, and we would just take out that box of old cards and use them. We had quite a bit! I think it was my sister Holly who was at my house (while attending Texas A&M) one year, and we were laughing because we were like "some of the parents of these kids are my age (30+) and they are going to laugh because these were the same ones they got when they were kids! I dunno... it was funny at the time. Now I think I was pretty cheap. LOL!!

Silver Old Person's Car

2011-01-31T18:41:00.003-06:00

Many years ago, and I wish I had pictures already on the computer instead of having to go find them and scan them in, I put Josh in a Mother's Day Out in Bryan @ the Church of Christ. It was called Son-Shine School, and he really liked it. I only put him in for 1 semester before he started regular school, as we had just moved to Bryan at the beginning of the fall semester 1994, and I didn't know anyone or any good place yet. He went with our neighbor's little boy. I want to say it was from 9-1p. I know he had to bring a lunch, and he thought that was so cool. I started Lauren at the St. Thomas Early Learning Center (?), for a semester and a half before she started school. I wish I would have left her in longer, but for location and price and hours it was, it was way to expensive. She tells me now she hated it, and had no friends, but who knows. I thought she had fun because she always seemed to have fun. She loved her teacher, Ms. Joon, and she always came home with the cutest things. So after that, I just kept having baby after baby. Haha!! The kids just played with each other, and I didn't have to worry about paying for anything. We did do some playgroups here and there along the way, and all had fun.
Joey, age 4. Starting his first day of school.

Well, in the fall of 2009, all started school except Joey. He still had 3 years left at home!! 1st year was okay... he pretty much lived at Mamaw's & Papaw's house, but not this year. They are always gone now for appts, or they are taking naps, and so I never know when he can go over, so unless they call to see if he wants to come over, he stays with me. And he is bored with me. And I give in easy now. "Why yes, Joey, you can watch TV all day, or play DS all day!" Boy, what a great Mom I have turned out to be!! For the past year or so, I have been hearing only great things about the little pre-school that the Church of Christ has here in Ashdown. Last week was the end of my rope! I got a hold of the director of it (friend on Facebook... easy!), and she said that he could start today. Kayley found him a small backpack at Walmart for $5.00, and I got him a package of Pull-ups. He just won't use the bathroom for me... another reason I was at the end of my rope!! He started today, and has been in the same Pull-up all day!! He told me he even went potty at school!! I am so happy!! I told Ronda (director) that I needed help with potty-training!! LOL!! Funny story: I had to fill out all the papers for Joey to start, and it asked for all the people who could pick him up, and what type of cars they would be driving. I didn't know what kind of car my in-laws drive, but I do know it's silver. So I put down their names, and put down "silver old person's car." I wonder if she laughed? I need to ask. LOL!!!!
So he started school, and can't wait to go back!!

Braces!

2011-01-29T10:10:00.004-06:00

Several years ago, I took Lauren in to start orthodontic work. Because she still had many teeth to lose, but her top 4 were permanent, and a mess, they decided to treat those to at least make them straighter. I allowed it to be done, not thinking it was going to take every bit of the insurance orthodontic allowance!! I was quite shocked!! Braces went off, and yes her top teeth are straighter, and yes we got new dental insurance so we now have her $2500 allowance back, but we switched orthodontics.

I took Lauren, Kayley & Jacob in last week. Lauren has since lost all of her baby teeth (we had the last one pulled in November!), and so now she is ready for braces. Not this coming weeks appt, but the appt after that, she will get them on. This next appt is when she gags, slobbers and whatnot as she is getting molds... haha!! Kayley had 4 spacers put in at the last appt and the $300 appliance that she is getting on next to hold her molars together will come out of dental insurance, not the orthodontic insurance, which is nice. Jacob is going to be a hold different story, as his jaw is not aligned right, and he will be the most expensive yet, but not until another year or so. After thinking about it all, for the next 11+ years, we will have kids in braces and probably will have paid Dr. Kurt Anderson abt $15k!

Our diabetes story

2011-01-28T19:44:00.018-06:00

In December 2005, 7 year old Jacob was diagnosed with diabetes type 1. I still remember thinking how dumb I could have been for not knowing, even though way in the back of my mind I knew something was wrong with him. For years, he just didn't seem well, and it bothered me so much, that 2 times since he was about 3 I had his blood checked. Of course, it was only the finger stick, but I didn't know. Some of the things that had me worried: pupils dilated ALL THE TIME, started peeing the bed about age 5 when he was so easy to potty-train and NEVER had an accident once underwear was started, not even at night, and would throw-up at odd-times- like Easter Sunday morning, or in Sacrament Meeting during the opening song, telling me that his size 6 slim pants were now to big. The thing that got me real worried on that December morning was when I walked into his room, and standing naked wasn't Jacob, but a starving malnourished kid. I about died. I sent him to school though. I tried to make a doctor appt (this was a Friday), but none was available until Monday. I went to his classroom since I was the room mom for the Christmas Party that day. I was talking to his teacher who started asking me a few questions, like "do you ever notice he goes to the bathroom ALL day (um, no... he usually doesn't tell me he has to go at age 7), he fidgets in his seat (um, no again, because I don't ever see him in his seat at school), and that he is always thirsty (that I did notice, and summed it up as he was drinking way to much and so therefore was peeing the bed). She then mentioned diabetes, and something clicked in my head right then. DUH!?! How could I have not known this? I looked at Jacob sitting by 2 of his friends, and Jacob was gray!! He didn't even look good!! Good thing the party was about over, because I immediately took him home because I wanted Shawn to look at him before he left for work. Shawn took one look at him, and told me to call the doc immediately. As I was dialing, I was like I can't get an appt until Monday... but as soon as I asked for an appt immediately, they asked if I could be there in 45 minutes. Away we went to Texarkana to see Dr. Green. He took a look at him, and sent us to labs immediately. 30 minutes later, my worse fears were confirmed... his blood was 880, and that he needed to get to Children's in Little Rock (2 hrs away) immediately. Why he didn't send him to ER or had him admitted immediately, I don't know, but away to Little Rock we went. As soon as we got to ER at Children's, Jacob started throwing up, and was starting to go into... shoot I can't remember... but like coma-type. Of course, they rush him back, and in 1 hour... 1 HOUR... my Jacob looked normal!! He was up, alert and pink. I started crying a bit because I hadn't seen him pink for so long (I thought he looked normal before until I saw him and his friends). We were admitted to Children's for 3 days. Fast-forward: insulin, shots, tons of daily checks. It was awful. I started my research on something easier. I found out about the insulin pump. Doc in Little Rock REFUSED to have Jacob start on a pump at his 4 month check-up... "It'll be 10 years before he will ever get on a pump!" What?!?! I told him of 3 year olds with them, but he wouldn't listen. Shawn quit working at St. Michael's, and went back to St. Joseph's in Bryan. Insurance paid for a doc at Scott & White in Temple. Again, I asked the new doc about an insulin pump, and he said, "you have to attend 6- 2 hr classes held every Wednesday here, both you and your husband." What the he//? Don't you know I live 6 hrs away!! And eventually, Shawn quit St. Joseph's, and started working for Willis-Knighton in Shreveport in 2007. At the first appt we went to, I told Dr. McVie I wanted the insulin pump, and I wanted it yesterday! He gave us all the paperwork, and told me to call the phone number. And so I did. I will love Dr. McVie for the rest of my life! Any doctor that does not start their diabetic type 1 patients on an insulin pump immediately is doing the biggest disservice ever!! 1 week before we were to have the home health nurse come to start it all for us, we couldn't get Jacob's blood sugars up. Nothing we did was making him get out of the low range (40-50). He was admitted for 24 hrs at LSU. He was dehydrated. Of course with LSU being a training hospital, we saw lots of soon-to-be doctors!! I think we answered the same questions 100x times in a 24 hr period! And so the insulin pump was started, and this has been our life ever since.
Here is Jacob about to get his pump infusion site changed.
He has just ran out of insulin.

He stops the pump, and removes it from the site.

He takes off the fake site-

and then the site with the needle.

The new supplies that we have to use.

Filling the reservoir with insulin.

After filling it and getting everything ready.

Reservoir attached to tubing and sites.

Finding a place to stick it.
The red dot is where it was the last time.

It's stuck with really sticky stuff
(the needle is now in)!

An the fake site is stuck on now too. The fake site
helps the real needle from being pulled out.

Attaching the tubing to the fake site.

And the pump is back on, delivering a drop of insulin every second!

He has also been tested for Celiac's Disease, and so far his results have been negative. Dr. McVie is going to test him again at next appt. I have read things about Celiac's and nothing I have read about really fits Jacob. I am hoping for the best, because if I have to change everything to Gluten-free...
I might as well die now!

Stinkin' Deacon

2011-01-27T21:27:00.004-06:00

Back in October, October 14th to be exact, Jacob turned 12. I can't remember much about that day except that I took his picture here. I just asked him what kind of cake I made him, and he can't remember, and neither can I.
See why we should update our blogs more often?

Shortly after school started, he got his cornet.
He is pretty awesome in the school band. There are 4 cornet players and 3 of them are named Jacob.

This is the day Jacob was ordained a Deacon in
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Always a joke of being called a Stinkin' Deacon.

Miss Relay For Life Pageant 2011

2011-01-27T15:10:00.006-06:00

Small southern towns = pageants for everything!! This year was the 1st ever Miss Relay For Life Pageant. All monies that were paid into the pageant, either contestants or audience was donated to cancer research. Lauren decided to enter this one, and do the talent portion as well. She didn't place in beauty wise, even though we all know she should have won,
but won in talent for her age group.

Playing "Music of the Night" from Phantom of the Opera.

The girls in her group. The first one on the left won. The girl in blue was 1st runner up, and the 1st girl on the right was 2nd. Lighting was very bad except for Lauren (red) and the girl in blue (I think her name is Emily... or it could
be Madison, can't remember).

Lauren and her trophy for best talent.

Lauren really wants to model, or at least send her picture to a modeling agency. I have found a few- Ford, Kim Dawson. Kim Dawson is based out of Dallas. Call-backs are every Tuesday, so if I *were* to do it, it would have to be during the summer so we
can go without her missing school.
She is 5'8". What do you think?

And on Jan 25th, she got her official drivers permit.
She is so excited. Am I excited?!? Haha!!
She also landed a *very* part-time job with one of the flower
shops here in town. She starts Saturday.

SnOw DaYs, JaN 9-11

2011-01-27T14:54:00.003-06:00

The snow started falling about 1:20pm on January 9th. It snowed hard for almost 5 hours, then off and on until the next morning. School was cancelled Monday and Tuesday, but kids went back Wednesday & Thursday, and they already had a scheduled day-off on Friday. Snow stayed on the ground until Saturday afternoon when it warmed up to the 40s-50s.
Front yard after 5 hours of snowing!

Krissy, Joey, Lindsey & Jacob trying to enjoy the cold and snow.

Lauren in the backyard.

Kayley in the backyard.

Snowman that was built on Monday.

Backyard after 5 hours of snowing.

Jacob

Krissy

Lindsey and Leo

Joey

Leo, Mex, Tex and Jacob

Shawn said this was the most snow he has ever seen here, and his parents have been on the land since 1971. It did snow last year, but nothing like this. Josh has been waiting for it to snow like this since we moved here in 2005, and only times so far have been the 2 times while he has been on his mission.

No top teeth

2011-01-27T14:50:00.002-06:00

We tried to get Lindsey to have both teeth gone by Christmas, but that top left one would not budge even though it had been loose for 2 months!! Finally about 2 weeks ago,
she let me pull it out.
No crying + 35 cents + big smile = Priceless!

Hi, I'm Josh...

2011-01-06T20:47:00.001-06:00

and I'm Mormon.

...shepherds abiding in the field (Luke 2:8)

2010-12-25T21:19:00.004-06:00

Staff photo by Christena Dowsett (Texarkana Gazette, 25 December 2010)

The Miller family from Ashdown, Ark., poses for a live nativity scene Thursday night at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Texarkana, Texas. Jileen Platt, spokeswoman for the church, said the congregation wanted to do its part to “help the community think about Christ at Christmas.” Although this is church members’ first year to do this, Platt said they’ve had great results.

Shawn's Family

2010-12-25T21:16:00.001-06:00

Taken on 24 December 2010

Front row: Mom Barbara, Dad Talmage, Shelly
Back row: Jon, Shane, Shawn

One last winter!

2010-12-25T21:14:00.001-06:00

Miller Children 2010

2010-12-21T22:18:00.003-06:00

Once again, Christmas is upon us, and I hurry to get pictures of the children. I gave up on school pictures years ago because they were always so awful. I just don't know how Lifetouch stays in business. They totally suck! And the other company that Bryan schools were using for a while too... began with a P. Just totally sucked. I figured I can take almost as good, as I am not a professional, but I do know how to use PhotoShop.

Jacob & Joey

Lindsey, Lauren, Kayley, Krissy

The gang--

Lindsey, age 6 3/4

The gang again--

Lauren, age 15 1/2

Joey, age 4 (okay, on the 27th, but close enough)

Krissy, age 9

Jacob, age 12

Kayley, age 13 1/2

So ya, I tried to do the whole "color theme", and I thought I did a pretty good job considering it was last second. I realized that if I wanted to get Christmas cards out on time, I needed to get pictures done, so on the 11th we did them. They were ordered by the 13th, and mailed to me, and I mailed them out today, the 21st. Not bad. Hopefully everyone will get them by 24th.

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Pritchard Family 2010

2010-12-19T19:31:00.003-06:00

The last time all the Pritchards had a family picture was in 2000, when Gramma Pritchard died. In 2004, youngest brother Scott returned off his mission, and we were all together again, but for some reason, another picture was not taken. Good reason for me was because I just had Lindsey, and I was super fat. Oh, wait, I am still super fat. =/ This past weekend, brother Todd, who lives in Boise, decided to come for a quick weekend visit. Brother Chad, who lives in Orem, also just so happened to be coming down for some business. Sister Hilary, who lives in El Paso, were already coming, so that meant I had to come too. So after scrounging up some gas money, we headed down to Killeen on Friday. It has been a good visit with almost everyone present-- missing a few in-laws/family members like Shawn, Josh & all of Todd's & Chad's family. 18 of the 28 cousins were present, with the hope that Scott & Val's little baby would be born yesterday or today, but not. Their new baby isn't due until the 31st, so maybe she will hold out until the 29th when I come again. So the line-up front row (L-R) Scott, Hilary, Mom, Dad, Todd. Line-up back row (L-R) Me, Brett, Holly, Heather, Chad.

THe BiRTHDaY CaKe

2010-09-14T13:42:00.000-05:00

Grasshopper Fudge Cake

1 box white cake mix

2 tsp. mint extract, divided

12 drops green food coloring, divided

2 jars (16 oz. each) hot fudge topping

8 oz. container Cool-Whip

5 drops of yellow food coloring

Andes Mints (either buy in candy form, chop; or buy in pkg by chocolate chips)

Heat over to 350. Spray 13x9 pan.

Make cake mix according to directions, adding 1 1/2 tsp. mint extract. Reserve 1 c. white batter. Pour rest into pan. In the 1 c. batter, add 3 drops of food coloring. Stir well. Drop onto white batter, and then marblize (?) in a swirling pattern on top. Bake for 27+ minutes, or until knife comes out clean. Let completely cool.

Spread hot fudge all over the top. Depending on how much you like hot fudge depends if you use both jars. In medium bowl, add Cool-Whip, remaining 1/2 tsp. extract, remaining 9 drops of green food coloring, and 5 drops of yellow. Blend well. Spread all over top of hot fudge. Garnish with Andes Mints. Store covered in fridge.

9 YeaRs oLD!

2010-09-14T07:45:00.002-05:00

He loves his home state!

2010-09-14T07:37:00.004-05:00

I sent him a Texas flag for his birthday.
He finally sent me some pictures.

Awesome, or what?

~8tH GRaDe VoLLeYBaLL~

2010-09-13T18:26:00.005-05:00

Kayley is #7 Hard to see her in the last 2 pictures, but she is there!

Go Kayley!! Go Panthers!!

Ashdown Panther (bad pictures)

2010-09-11T11:42:00.002-05:00

Lauren is the new 2010-2011 Ashdown High School Panther mascot!!!!! Joey & I went to her first pep rally yesterday, and she did a good job considering it was her first time and had no practice with the cheerleaders at all!! I took some pictures with my Blackberry (as I forgot to plug in my camera), so the quality of them are bad as I was high in the stands, not close at all. Next week I am prepared, as my camera is plugged in already! Her first game last night:
Ashdown-27, Hope, AR-0!

Go Lauren!! Go Panthers!!

I {heart}

2010-09-11T11:17:00.003-05:00

And why do I love them so? Because they are awesome!!

About a month ago when I had the extra money I went there and got 4 kids shoes for $90. It was Buy One Get One 1/2 Price. The Nike shoes that I got Jacob, Krissy & Lindsey were $30 each, so basically, I got Joey's pair for free- That's how I like to see it. =) Well, school started, and athletics for Kayley. She is in volleyball. The shoes that she thought would be okay from last year, were just a tad to small once she was having to jump and all that. She really did need a new pair. We went to Shoe Carnival on tax-free weekend, and by that time, I really didn't have enough money to buy more than 1 pair, even if it was 1/2 price (deal was still on). Bought her a good pair of Nike's that would be good for her for 49.95, no tax. Awesome! My budget was only $50.

Just the other day, Lauren was chosen to be mascot, and needed a good pair of shoes. I am still in a bind with money, but went anyway to look for shoes. The pair of Nike's that looked nice on her on her skinny narrow foot was $54.95. I told Lauren that I was going to see if I can still get the Buy One Get One 1/2 Price even though I didn't have another pair of shoes.

I go up to the counter, show the receipt from Kayley's pair, and told the guy that when I had come weeks before, I didn't need another pair of shoes, and really didn't have the money to buy any more but now my other daughter needs a pair now, so can I get these or the other pair 1/2 price? Told him I would even go get the box of shoes that I had gotten Kayley. He said he didn't need the box, and that he would "return" Kayley's pair, add them back on, along with Lauren's pair. And to make this long story shorter... I saved $30! I was so excited! AND they didn't charge me tax!! Even after Academy is opened (Sep 24), I think Shoe Carnival will be the place I will go for shoes (we swore by Academy in College Station) for now on!
Moral of the story: Save your receipts, and don't be afraid to ask!

HaPPy...

2010-09-10T20:58:00.003-05:00

21st Anniversary~ 8 September 1989
(Yes, if you are wondering, Josh came 1 week shy of our 11 month anniversary! LOL!)

Fun mission times!

2010-08-27T17:02:00.004-05:00

When Josh was called to the Idaho Pocatello Mission, I told him I knew people all over that mission, and that they could keep an eye on him. LOL!! One of the people, is my brother Todd and his family. They live in Boise, but Sunde is from Rexburg. They travel there often, and only this past Friday where they able to catch up with Josh and take him to lunch. He was excited to see his Uncle Todd and Aunt Sunde, and cousins Brynn, Camryn, Luke and Max. They went to Roadhouse on the 20th.

Then a few days later, our former bishop & his wife, Brother & Sister Bowman, made their way up to Idaho Falls to visit their son, Ricky and wife Heather, and grandson Kyle. Of course, Sister Bowman had to call me and brag, but that's okay. I am glad they got to see him, and take him to lunch too.

And this is Josh and his companion, Elder Morgan doing whatever they are doing. I don't even know what to say... ya!

On 15 August was our Stake Conference in Shreveport. We made arrangements with Josh's girlfriend, Amanda, to meet us there. It was fun to see her after a year, and to have lunch with her in one of the rooms at the stake center. Yes, we eat lunch at the stake center because it's 100 miles away, and it's either eat there, or go out to eat (Jacob can't go that long without food, thus the reason why we eat). Afterwards we went over to where Shawn works and saw him for a few minutes before heading home.

A cute picture of Lauren, age 15. Not sure who took the picture. But I thought it was cute.

I really have good kids. I really do. I think I am a good person. Maybe sometimes I post things on Facebook that I shouldn't say, and there have been times when someone has messaaged me about it, and I am always quick to fix the situation, either by trying to re-explain myself (haha!) or by deleting it, and a few times have even apologized when it was taken the wrong way. But it saddens me when people can't and won't "listen." Especially after they find out that I have a different opinion, and then it's like they hold it against me. I am sad for losing 2 friends over it. A friend pointed out to me (and yes, I did delete like almost this whole post): Friends will come and Friends will go. I just need to remember that.

Pea-Shelling 101 (be prepared to get sick)

2010-08-09T11:31:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows we live on a farm. Shawn and his dad, and the kids grow a garden every year. One of the things that is grown is purple-hull peas. What are those? Like a black-eye pea, but these have a purple "eye" instead of a black one. It's a southern staple around here. Growing up in the south most of my life (lived in Alabama until I was 11 1/2), the only southern thing I had and didn't like were lima beans. We only had those at the Jenne's house. Thank goodness that my parents were displaced Californians at the time, and didn't learn to cook the true southern way. LOL!!

So now my kids have the opportunity to grow, shell and eat purple-hull peas. And they do the shelling at Mamaw's house, as I don't shell them nor cook them, and ONLY ate them while I was pregnant with Joey because she offered to cook dinner, and I was like great since I didn't have to cook then. WHILE they weren't bad, they weren't something that I was going to make, ever! But for them to cook & eat, they have to be shelled. For the first few years, the kids shelled them by hand. Past few years they have been using the electric pea-sheller. And the girls know then, but especially now, that hair has to be put up in a pony-tail!

If not, accidents will happen:

Yep. You saw it right. No hair! Lindsey was just busy helping to realize that her hair was about to go through the pea-sheller. The thing yanked her hair out so fast that she had no time to even try to work it out. No blood. Just no hair. This happened on 8 July 2010. As of Sunday night, her hair is growing back, but it will take a very long time to ever get it back to how it was. She has short hair all over the top. I took her to get her hair trimmed the other day, and Kelly said not to give her bangs, and maybe when it grows a bit more, to go get extensions in it. I figured that is what Britney Spears did right?

So until then, we just pull it into a small pony-tail on the side and finish it with a bow. I need to go get more ribbon since school is about to start.

The wider the ribbon, the better I like:

I had my Mom-in-law, Mom and sister Holly to swear to secrecy about it, and you all should be happy to know that your most awful secrets are safe with them! I decided to tell because 1) we went to the beach with my brother's family, and cousins do tell. =) and 2) School is starting soon. And while I have it cute in a band and ribbon, it doesn't always stay in place. I am just glad that the brother I went to the beach with is an attorney.

HuMp DaY!

2010-08-05T14:59:00.002-05:00

Pictures... BIG & small! Not in order!

2010-08-01T18:09:00.011-05:00

I think I have gotten most of the pictures, not in order of course! I don't know if Blogger has changed the format or what, but for the last few times when I have tried to post tons of pictures, they are not coming out in order. Anywho... enjoy them all!

The beach house we stayed at on the West End of Galveston. I am at the beach, this is how close we were!

Eathyn, Joey & Lindsey enjoying the little pool on the deck instead. Actually, Lindsey was just posing... she was at the beach every moment she was awake!

Night before we left... Joey & Lindsey freshly bathed; Brandon being a goof!

Kids loved being on the bikes too! Rachel, Jacob, Lindsey, Joey & Austin.

Me & Cindy being sexy fat mommas! Ok, Cindy isn't fat... just 7 months pregnant! I don't have an excuse! Little Mari enjoying the beach air!

Me & Joey ready to watch fireworks, July 4th!

Me, Joey, Jared & my Momma... July 4th.

Taco madness at the Pritchard home! July 4th.

Me trying to get tanned... hahahahahaha! I know, right?! Beach house in the back!

More Taco Madness! July 4th

Brandon, Nathan & Jacob enjoying the tacos.

Jacob caught a baby crab!

Jacob, Kayley, Joey, Lindsey, Rebekah & Lindsey.

Kayley & Rachel headed to the beach!

Rebekah & Lauren coming back from boogy-boarding!

Shawn taking a nap... beach air has worn him out!

Some of the kids making a sand castle.

My ACTUAL birth day... the 18th. I made my cake. And Brett decided to have a piece of it... for those who know Brett, it's becoming custom to have a birthday cake sliced into before serving (only the adult sibling cakes!)

First day we got to the beach! Absolutely gorgeous!!

5 kids posing on the ferry... after waiting almost 2 hrs to get on it!

Lindsey couldn't see well, so Shawn helped her.

Lindsey posing at Mimi's & Grampa's house.

We have made a lot of these this summer... COWPIES!!

Our new cocker/hound puppy, Chloe. We got her July 24th. MaKayla visiting us too!

Waiting for the dolphins to show up while on the ferry!

Day we left Galveston. This is the very north end (east end?) past Crystal Beach just before turning to head north to Beaumont. Very pretty beach here!!

Kids looking for tons of shells!! Shawn & Lauren found nice sand-dollars. Tons of shells here, hardly any seaweed at all!

Joey already wet from the water... we said "don't get wet!" How many 3 1/2 yr olds really listen to that?

A serious storm was heading our way. They said on the news that this was part of the Tropical Depression that closed the BP Oil Site down for a while on the 22nd. Or something like that! Serious lightening and thundering was going on... we left!

Pioneer Day! Getting ready to head to the church for the Bi-Ward Pioneer Potluck/Party. Lindsey is wearing a dress that my aunt made for me when I was 6! It has been used as a Pioneer/dress-up dress for the last 15 years (all my girls wore it... Lauren wore it for Halloween one year when she was 3 or 4). The horse was almost made by the same aunt, but a year or 2 before the dress.

Shawn & I celebrating my 40th birthday (on the 2oth) at Fishermen's Wharf by Pier 21 in Galveston. Very good!! We've been together for 21 years!!

Same beach at the north end.

Austin with the shark he caught at the bay! Totally real!! He was so proud!

Kristen & Lindsey chillin' in the water!

A cute seashell Lindsey found at that north(east) beach.

Kristen, Rebekah, Lauren headed back from the beach...

Cindy & Brett with us at Fishermen's Wharf.

My 40th birthday celebration at Cheddars. Holly, me, Momma, Heather, Hilary (red shirt)

Me with my first short haircut of the summer... no make-up though!

Jacob & Joey looking for clams, but found that crab instead!

Busy Summer~ long post!

2010-07-31T15:02:00.008-05:00

After we got all our jams and jellies made, we had to start thinking more about our summer. Let me think back here... s0 much happened in our little neck of the woods. It usually doesn't.

June 15-18 was Girls Camp for Lauren & Kayley near Zwolle, LA. It was at the Toledo Bend State Park. Lauren went her 1st year a few years back, and had a blast. They both had a great time this year. Because of the reunion, they didn't go home with our YW girls. Shawn's cousin, Jeri, who lives near there, came to get them since by the time the girls got home, we would already be headed down, and no reason to pack/unpack, etc... all that junk! ;-)

June 18-20 was the Miller Family Reunion. It was also at the Toledo Bend State Park. Nice cabins, A/C, working toilets/showers, swimming pool, canoing, get the picture? Kids had a great time visiting with cousins. It was nice to leave so that I could sleep in my own bed the 20th night. We did attend church in Many, LA. Very small ward. Needs people bad. Loved that all our children, and the other cousins that were there, were there! Doubled the size of their attendance, and being June/end of quarter... doesn't that count for monies for the next year? Only reason why they were happy! LOL!!!

June 25-July 7th, we were in Temple & Killeen. We went to church in Temple on the 27th, headed to Killeen that night. Unpacked, and said night-night to Lindsey, as she headed over to Madi's house to stay the night. Next morning, the rest of the kids and I headed to Bryan/College Station and Huntsville. First to Bryan to drop off Kayley at her friend Cristina's house. Then to College Station to drop of Jacob & Krissy at their friends Jonathan & Gracie's house. Then with Joey still strapped in his carseat, he, Lauren & I headed to Huntsville so that Lauren could attend EFY. She and her friends Preston & Jacy were going to be there too. Jacy & Lauren were going to be roomies. We found EFY, exchanged hellos & good-byes with Preston & Jacy's parents, and we were off... back to College Station first to pick up those 2 kiddos, and then over to Bryan where they all swam for an hour at Cristina's awesome pool before we headed back to Killeen. No joke, it must of rained all the way there, and for the next 7 days! It was so not fun even though I didn't have a swimsuit... but kids couldn't swim hardly at all. On the 2nd I went back to Bryan, stayed the night with Jean Hughes, and was up early the next morning to be in Huntsville @ 7am check-out. Lauren and I made our way back to Bryan just in time for the Bryan 1st Ward Pancake Breakfast at Austin's Colony Park, and then went home. That afternoon my sisters and I had already planned to go eat at Cheddars in Harker Heights. Just not my sisters, but my Mom and sisters-in-laws too! I was running late though because I just couldn't get my hair to stay dry and me to quit sweating, which turns out to probably have been my Cymbalta mostly that was affecting it all. After sitting in front of the fan forever, I was ready to go, and got there by 1:20 or so. So unlike me! I am always on time! My mom went out to greet me so I would know where they were sitting, and I get back to the corner, and SURPRISE! Balloons, the sad birthday song being sung, and everyone clapping and cheering... WHY?

Because I was turning

My birthday wasn't exactly on that date (it's the 18th!), but because ALL OF US WERE THERE (minus Sunde because she lives in Boise), they decided to throw me a girls-only 40th birthday party! It was so not like them to do this!! Or at least to me!! I was so happy! I had never had a surprise party before! I was like a little kid! I was gitty and all!! The "joke" gift is that everyone got me Aqua Net hairspray. They all know I still use it, and that I go through a can a week, so they made sure I wouldn't have to buy any for the next 2 months! Fortunately for me, I have cut my hair even shorter, and so now my hairspray is last 2 weeks at a time! Going this rate, it may be Thanksgiving before having to buy more! LOL!!! The 4th of July was Sunday, and Fast Sunday with my parents. After church, we went back to their house where hanged out until dinner... tacos as usual! We then went over to the hill to watch the fireworks on Ft. Hood. I don't know how people enjoy it there, because I didn't! We have always gone on Ft. Hood, but supposedly no one wanted to go this year since it was on a Sunday, etc... My kids were very disappointed at not being able to see the fireworks good, or hear the patriotic songs. I told my kids for now on, Sunday or not, if we are in Killeen visiting over 4th of July, we will go to Ft. Hood!

On the way home on the 7th, we went to the "back way" of east Texas. They way I hate going via Corsiscana, Athens, up to Canton, over to Mineola (my great-great gramma died there) and then up & over in the Quitman/Winnsboro area to drop Lauren off at Preston & Jacy's house so that she could attend the Gilmer Stake Youth Conference with them. Plan was to get up early Sunday morning, and drive to Quitman Ward by 10am to attend church with them. Well, we didn't make it. Shawn had driven the Suburban to get a lab puppy on Saturday, and blah blah blah... ended up not getting the lab that day, but got to come home early... but he didn't make it out of Shreveport. A bolt fell off the passenger side back brake, and he was stuck there until I could get down there with some tools, etc... So Sunday morning, no church nor Suburban for me... as it was now sitting at the tire center in Ashdown. As soon as Shawn got home from work on Sunday night, I headed to Mt. Pleasant to pick up Lauren from the Lloyd's. We got home about midnight or so. It was great though. Had a fun talk with her about Youth Conference and EFY, since when I picked her up, she slept all the way home, and then crashed with Rebekah the rest of the time.

July 17-22 we headed to Galveston, Tx to spend 5 fun-filled days at the beach with Brett's family. They rented the house, I provided all the food/cooking. The house was perfect for our families (minus the few lemons it provided here and there), and no way could anyone else even have stayed with us. Anymore then it would have been way over-crowded. We were right on the beach... where we could send kids outside, and we adults could watch from the comfort of the home and a/c. Of course, I headed to the beach Tuesday morning/afternoon... and got burned! Still peeling, and still itching from it bad. I have decided that I will stay white for the rest of my life, and if I was ever to get skin cancer, it's because of that day, or all the times I was a stupid teenager and not wear sunscreen EVER! I just can't explain how fun it was to be with Brett and Cindy and their family. We went to the Galveston Ward, and the kids met more friends! I will post pictures as I get them off Facebook and into a folder on my computer. We had to leave the 22nd as Shawn had to be at work the 23rd, and Lauren had our stake Youth Conference the 23-24th. I had to have her at our building at 7:30am.

July 24th was the Bi-Ward Pioneer Party at the church. New Boston was invited too. Dressed the kids up like pioneers, and off we went. Really no one had seen us since June 10th, so all was happy that we were home. While it was nice to be back in our ward the 25th, I couldn't help but feel a bit sad coming back to a small ward, when for the last 3 weeks of church we had been in good-size wards with lots of kids/youth for my kids. I have really missed that for my kids... Josh had it until we moved here when he was 15.

We have been planning on going back to Temple & Killeen before school starts back up August 19th, but I just don't know if we are. If we do, it will be a last minute trip. Pictures to come soon!

Priceless fun!

2010-07-31T14:27:00.003-05:00

I have been trying to organize my pictures better, and I even started a "Walgreens Folder" so I can transfer pictures I want there so I can get printed off. I need to do it soon, since you know Shawn lost all my pictures of the years 2003, 2004 & almost all of 2005.

As I was looking at them, I found these cute pictures of Lauren, Kayley and cousin Rebekah in front of the Dallas Temple in March 2010. Rebekah's ward youth had baptisms at 11am, and ours was at 1pm, and then when my parents decided to go that day too... it was perfect! Rebekah was able to stay and do baptisms with our ward, and then head home with Mimi & Grampa. It was a fun day for them for sure!

Kayley & Rebekah

Rebekah, Lauren & Kayley... such pretty girls!

Lauren & Rebekah... poor things are always freezing and have their jackets on!

Alice in Wonderland?

2010-07-30T20:04:00.002-05:00

We finally rented Alice In Wonderland from Redbox, and while it wasn't our favorite movie, we thought Professor Snape aka Alan Rickman was awesome playing the caterpillar. No joke, within a few days, Jacob found Mr. Caterpillar outside our house! Awesome!

Blackberry Jam/Jelly

2010-07-30T19:04:00.004-05:00

I have no idea why my pictures are not going in the right order. Not any of them! Hmph! So the top picture is Blackberry Jelly. Only a few jars left of the jelly. Just took to much time to take all the seeds out!

And this is our Blackberry Jam. Took some of it to the Miller Family Reunion, and I think one of the bottles "sold" for $25!

Jacob smashing the berries!

Krissy helping to rinse them off before smashing them.

Krissy taking her turns at smashing them, as Lindsey watches.

Jacob still smashing, as Kayley supervises.

Joey wanted a turn... Krissy allowing him.

Kayley still supervising with Lindsey

Cooking the juice!

Waiting for the juice to get done.

Lindsey smashing!

And so, this is what we did in June before we started our busy summer! Tons of berries that were picked and sold. Can't wait to make more blackberry jelly next year!

More Cousin Time!

2010-07-06T16:33:00.004-05:00

One thing about coming to Killeen, especially during the summer, is that tons of cousins are always around! That's one thing I didn't have growing up. I was a military brat, so we lived away from cousins. I didn't have a lot of cousins like my kids do, or that Shawn had (his dad being 1 of 13 living children with kids), so I think it's cool that my kids always have someone about their age to hang/play with.

In this picture (L-R)

Kayley, Meghan, Colby, Jannie, Madi, Ella, Krissy, Lindsey & Joey

My parents grandchildren are:

Heidi: Joshua, Lauren, Kayley, Jacob, Kristen,

Lindsey, Joseph

Brett: Brandon, Rebekah, Austin, Rachel, Mariela,

Eathyn, #7 due September

Todd: Brynn, Camryn, Luke, Maxwell

Heather: Tyler, Reilly, Colby

Hilary: Nathan, Meghan, Jannie

Chad: Madelynn, Ella

Scott: Jared, Alexis, #3 due in December

Besides Josh being almost 20, the rest range in age

from 16 yrs-17 months old!

And before Holly get upset, she is dating a very nice man who has 3 children: Josiah, LaNae, LaNice. We tease Holly that they aren't official cousins until she and her boyfriend are married, which she claims will never happen, so until then they are un-official cousins, but bestest friends! They love coming over to hang out. The post about the Easter eggs back in April shows a few pictures of the girls.

It REALLY is a SMALL world!

2010-07-05T22:29:00.005-05:00

Today I get a letter from Josh, and he wanted to know if Shawn remembered an Elder Smedley. Elder/Brother Smedley thought that Josh looked familiar, and said that he looked like a missionary from his mission. Blah, blah, blah... turns out he was talking about Shawn, and even pulled out 2 pictures of him and Shawn when they were together in 1987. Brother Smedley had served in the Texas San Antonio Mission as Shawn, and was Shawn's district leader. Brother Smedley is in the ward bishopric that Josh is now serving in, and has cancer.

He might need all our prayers.

These pictures I snagged from Amanda's FACEBOOK. He looks really good!

Swimming at Mimi & Grampa's house!

2010-07-05T14:59:00.005-05:00

Kids having a great time today (Monday, June 5th) swimming because it's actually pretty nice and not raining! These pictures were taken by Holly, my sister.

It's just to hot to go out there today. I forgot my swimsuit on purpose so I could go buy me a new one while here. I did find one that I thought would look good, but beached whales should stay at the beach! No swimming for me this year!

My siblings tease me about Joey. See what he is wearing? He has one of those floatie swimsuit things on, plus the floaties on his arms, plus the baby float. That kid is determined not to get his face and head wet! Scott said yesterday that as Joey was trying to get out of the pool, Joey fell backwards and even though his head wasn't in the water, acted like he was dying, flinging his arms and moaning like "Ralphie's brother who had the snow-gear on in The Christmas Story."

Joey & Jared, best cousins forever!

2010-07-05T14:27:00.002-05:00

Best buds and best cousins forever!!

3 July 2009: Inks Lake, TX

Wanting to go outside, but it was just to wet and muddy.

Mother's Day Weekend 2009: Ashdown, AR

Playing with matching firetrucks. They also love the matching purple Barbie cars.

Summer 2009: Killeen, TX (Mimi & Grampa's house)

The cute 3 year olds!

27 June 2010 (Mimi & Grampa's house)

Fireworks 2010

2010-07-05T14:19:00.002-05:00

Every year on the 4th of July, we are usually here in Killeen. Most of the time we head out to Ft. Hood for the fireworks, flag ceremony and just having a fun time. Can't believe it's been a year since we went last year with Josh. He hadn't been to Ft. Hood for many years because of EFY or work, but because he was about to leave on his mission he wanted to go really bad. We had a great time last year. Because we still had dial-up last summer, I didn't post a lot of those picture, if any at all. I know Dierks Bentley (country singer) was there, so Josh was excited about that. But this year, we didn't go to Ft. Hood, even though I really wanted too. Instead we went to Killeen Daily Herald and sat on the grass and watched them. It just wasn't the same, and I was getting bit by mosquitos. Next time we will go to Ft. Hood.

Pictures here of some of the cousins, Mimi, and me. Love the one of me and Joey. I had to wear my glasses or I wouldn't have been able to see anything. I am getting so blind now!!

SuRPRiSe!

2010-07-05T14:03:00.002-05:00

Whenever we go to Killeen for a long period of time, we girls always find time to go to Cheddars. That is like my favorite place to eat, especially the one in College Station because they have my favorite dessert, Key Lime Pie. I was actually in College Station on Monday (June 28th), so only had time to visit with my best friend for an hour, and that is where we met. Just so I could have a piece of Key Lime Pie. At the beginning of last week, my sister Heather text me (and all the girls) to see if I wanted to do lunch on Saturday at Cheddars. I said I would be there. Fast forward... Saturday at 12:15p, I finally get in the shower, and made it to Cheddars 1 hour later to this: Black balloons, Oh Happy Birthday (sad song that our Mom taught us), and me being embarrassed!!
(Don't look at the spare tire)

All my sisters & 3 sisters-in-law's were there, and I got lots of my favorite things: Aqua Net hairspray & Reeses Peanut Butter candy. I also got some other fun gifts, but these were the focus. It was a fun time, and fun being all together.

Picture were taken, and even the video, and if I can figure out how to put the video on here, I will later. Pictures of the sisters-in-law's were taken too, but I haven't seen any of those downloaded anywhere. This picture is of my 3 sisters and our Momma.

My 40th birthday isn't until the 18th, but this was the time that we were all here.
It was fun being together!!

Pritchard Cousins...

2010-06-21T20:55:00.002-05:00

I wasn't going to take the 4 kids, but after we determined that blackberries were going to be only picked Mon-Wed-Fri, and that all our Friday berries had been sold, I decided to let them come. I left Lindsey & Joey home. My sister Hilary and her family were driving in from El Paso, so my kids really wanted to see them too. Here are the younger ones waiting for their food to arrive.
L-R: Rachel, Jannie, Krissy, Austin, Jacob

Kayley, Meghan & Lauren waiting for their food too. I think Rebekah & Brandon hadn't arrived yet with their parents... and then I forgot to take anymore pictures of them because I was chowing down on the good food!

The handsome boys at the Dallas Temple before the sealing of Mariela and lunch.

L-R: Brandon, Nathan, Austin trying to hold Eathyn, Jacob

The beautiful girls minus Mariela...

L-R: Meghan, Kayley, Kristen, Rebekah, Jannie, Lauren, Rachel

Josh's girlfriend Amanda is in Utah for a few weeks visiting before school starts back up. She went to the Manti pageant the other night, and mailed this picture to me via phone. I loved the Manti Pageant. I am hoping we can go again next summer!

2010-06-18T11:54:00.002-05:00

Back in October 2008, Brett & Cindy found out about a very special little girl in the hospital with non-life threatening injuries caused by her parents. Brett got an emergency hearing for her, and they were granted custody of her. After many set-backs, they were finally able to adopted Mariela April 30, 2010 in Bell County, Tx. On June 12, 2010 they took her to the Dallas LDS Temple to have her sealed to them, and us! It was a very special day for a very special girl!

We love you Mariela Abigail Pritchard!

Where is my spring/summer?

2010-06-18T11:44:00.003-05:00

Josh sent us this picture that was taken on May 20, 2010 in Idaho Falls, ID. He wasn't to happy that it was snowing in May!

BLaCKBeRRieS GaLoRe!

2010-06-17T17:24:00.003-05:00

This is the first year at trying to sell blackberries. Shawn started planting them a few years ago, and we now have about 300 plants. We didn't advertise at first because we weren't sure what to expect. We were hoping that we could sell a lot as I didn't have the freezer space if all the plants produced, and none sold. Shawn started taking some the 1st week of production to work, and started selling them just like that. We did put an ad in the paper, and we have been getting calls. As of today, 17 days after picking started... the kids have picked 120 gallons (about 5# each), and have made over $1100! They are super excited about the money they have made. It's not an easy job. They have to be up at 5:45am Monday, Wednesday & Friday to be picking by 6am. They are usually done picking by 9am. 2 days ago Lauren & Kayley left for Girls Camp, so yesterday I had to get up and help... Owwwwwww!! I have scratches all over me! The little girls are pretty good helpers with the thornless berry plants, so while they are doing those, the big girls and Jacob are doing the thorny type. I have kept some of the gallons they have picked and made some blackberry jelly & jam. The berries in the picture are ones from this year. Simply gorgeous, and delish!

Kristen's baptism...

2010-06-17T16:57:00.002-05:00

I have so forgotten to post about this. I hope I can remember all of it. Kristen turned 8 on September 14, 2009. We had planned for her to get baptized on the 24th, and had even sent out e-vites for everyone about it. I think about 2 days before the big day, kids started throwing up, and Joseph ended up with the flu. I canceled as I felt it would be safer if everyone was better first before everyone came. About a week or so passed, and everyone was still fretting over "swine flu" which supposedly Joseph had. Finally I decided to wait until Thanksgiving weekend when my whole family would be there anyway.

When we got to the church, no jumpsuit for Kristen. One of Kristen's friends had been baptized a few weeks before, so we called them. Sure enough, they had it and good thing they lived close to the church. We started about 5 minutes late, but all was well.

A lot of the cousins were there, and good thing there weren't a lot of members. It was rather loud, and I almost yelled out "SHUSH UP!" But they were cousins that hadn't seen each other in the past 3-4 months. Afterwards we went back to the house and got ready for Thanksgiving the next day. It was a fun and good weekend!

We love you Kristen... Congrats on your baptism!