Is this the Cosby show???

Santa Claus is coming to town

2010-11-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Jacks favorite song is santa claus is coming to town. He wants to sing it year round. Finally, its time.

Friday, I took the kids to see the jolly ol guy. They all sat in is lap and made their requests. When it was time to leave, Lucy asked Santa where his reindeer were. He told her it was a secret. She exclaimed, then i will eat all your cookies and drink all your milk and with that she got up and left.

One more magical trip....

2010-11-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

We headed back to Disney this past October. We had a great time as always. I think we were only back home a week this year before they started asking to go back. After
15 years, I am amazed how we never get tired of the "happiest place on earth".

Nic and Lucy outside her new favorite ride, tower of terror

Jack and his fav Buzz

Chef Mickeys

Bippidi Boppidi Bo salon

We went to the luau for Nics 14th Bday.

Its been a while.....

2010-11-20T14:56:00.000-08:00

My computer has been down. Here are some pics of the past few months so we can all catch up....

Toes in the water, hiney in the sand....

2010-06-20T17:59:00.001-07:00

It has came and went all too quick. A week at the beach...can't really think of anything much more fun or relaxing. The whole family went minus Jared and Nana, they were missed. The week was spent lounging around the pool and ocean. The kids skim boarded, boogey boarded, played corn hole and ball, built sand castles/creatures. We ate, ate and ate some more. Took in the karate kid and also shop shopping and a daily nap! It was a vacation to remember.

when moms not looking......

2010-05-24T17:59:00.001-07:00

someone in the house likes to steal my camera and take multiple pics of oneself...you get the idea

Summer

2010-05-24T17:45:00.001-07:00

Ahhh...the first weekendof summer and how relaxing it was. Lucy, Jack and i went to grandma and pop-pops house on saturday and enjoyed a day at the pool. It was a great day to be lazy. Lucy stayed the night and had a fun time. Sunday we went as a family to see Shrek, the final chapter. and followed that up with some yummy mexican to celebrate the the school year. If only every weekend could be this grand....

The Fair

2010-04-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

The second annual blairsville fair is back...
this year they have more rides, corn hole tournaments, a tractor race and a homerun derby. so redneckish and so much fun...
We took the kids thursday night. Katie was with us, Nic opted to skip the fair to watch his girlfriend play ball. I am glad Katie was with us, she like Lucy has no fear when it comes to rides. Lucy rode a very few of the smaller rides with Jack but ended up riding the cyclops about 15 times. Alot of prayer went up that evening holding that big piece of metal and all those screws together.

Karate Kid

2010-04-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

Nic had his first karate tournament saturday, at the battle of Stone Mountain. This was his first tournament so we were a little unsure of what to expect. Nic competed in forms and sparring. He won first in both.

"Jackyll" Island

2010-04-20T18:46:00.001-07:00

This past weekend Darrin took us with him to his rotary conference in Jekyll Island. From here on out known by Jack and Lucy as Jackyll Island. I do have to sadly admit, i had to really think about going when we got the invite. Most of you know that my one and only Jon Bon Jovi was in town the Thursday we left. Nic enjoys the concerts as much as me but in the end we decided the Rotarians won out, barely...

We had a really great time. I attended most of the conferences with Darrin in the morning and evenings, they had a really fun kidcare center for the kids. We had a hard time getting them to leave after each session. We got to have the afternoons free to enjoy the island. The weather could not have been better.

Prettiest in Pink

2010-03-06T13:38:00.000-08:00

Today was the BIG day, We have all been so excited. Lucy's first (and last) beauty pageant. Let me first say that i would normally not subject my child to a contest based on looks. This was a pageant that was a fundraiser for the school and one where all the girls were winners. Keeping this in mind i was a little shocked when we arrived and saw some of the girls who could have been on Toddlers and Tiaras. For the most part, Lucy had a good time. She was a ball of nerves. She took her walk, escorted by a high school student. As soon as she was through she looked at me and said, "I forgot to wave." She has practiced her wave for a month. In the end she was awarded prettiest in pink. She got a sash, a rose and a tiara. When i asked her if she would do this again, she said no. I am glad i don't think i could either. Thank you to everyone who came to support her and thank you to lauren for the makeup and jewels.

weekend project...

2010-02-21T18:08:00.000-08:00

Labor day weekend, Darrin and I drove to atlanta to buy a swingset. We kept it hidden until we decided that there was no way it was going to self erect itself, and our volunteers to help put it together Christmas Eve night had dissolved to none. So we explained to the kids here is an early Christmas present, etc, etc. We started on it early october and finally finished it this weekend. So lets see it was 25 steps and in took 5 months. That's our speed... It may be a bit crooked but the kids love it.

Winter Olympics

2010-02-21T18:06:00.000-08:00

Crosscountry Skiing, what an imagination......

Snow Days....

2010-02-21T17:50:00.000-08:00

Ah, my least favorite time of the year....snow days. At least this time it fell on a saturday when i did not have to worry about getting to work and getting the kids somewhere other than school. We had about 4 inches, Lucy had spent the night with nana the night before, so it was just me with the boys. Jack and Nic made the best of it. They built a snowman and attempted to sled. It was all fun for about 15 mins then the cold set in and it was time to come back in and go stir crazy!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

2010-01-23T18:00:00.000-08:00

Sunday we took a girls trip to see Annie. We had a really great time. We started at Taco Mac (my first time there, so yummy.) Then onto the Fox. Katie and Lucy really enjoyed the show. Though Annie was missing her curls til the last scene, it was a good stage version. For Lucy to sit for 3 1/2 hrs it must have been. We ended are day at Olive Garden or the Vegtable Garden as Lucy has renamed it. Happy 10th Birthday to Katie!!

Christmas Cheer

2010-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:00

I can't believe the Holidays have come and gone again. We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas with both sides of the family (that's my favorite part of it.) This was Jacks first year of really believing and along with Lucy that made it double the fun. We all have enjoyed the Wii that Santa brought. Nic was happy with what he got. It was a great treat to have Grandma and Pop-pop spend the night with us, to be here for the kids Christmas morning.

2 points

2009-12-16T05:53:00.000-08:00

My only wish for Lucy this Upward season was one basket, just one. The second to the last game the girl decided to play ball. She would defend and be ready to shoot every chance she had but to no avail no points. Saturday was her last game, her last chance. And she did it. Her very first basket.

It's All About The Shoes...

2009-11-11T17:25:00.000-08:00

We started Upward basketball this past Saturday. I have said it before but will say it again, this is an amazing organization. Nic and Lucy are both playing this season. Nic is playing for extra practice for school ball. Lucy, well she is playing cause she looks great in high top sparkly Nikes. There may be no talent but the girl looks good.

flying matchbox cars

2009-11-04T18:15:00.000-08:00

never a good idea....

Hooters

2009-11-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

We finally made it Hooters to celebrate Nic's passage to teenage status, ugh! Turns out the night we decided to go the Hooters girls were in halloween costumes. One wore a very small, tight taxi cab uniform and her name tag read Free Rides My son's comment, "nice bumper." and so it begins...

We dined on wings and fried pickles. Then in hooters style Nic had to stand up on a stool and flap his wings, wear a beak while they sung happy birthday, classy.

Disney

2009-10-25T16:59:00.000-07:00

We're back! and what a great time we had. It was unseasonably warm, temps about 93 and i loved it!! Coming back to 40 degree temps was hard to take. We started our trip at Epcot and ate at Cape May to celebrate Nic's bday, he dined on buckets of crab legs and mussells. At epcot there are two things we love to ride, test track and soarin, we were pleasently surprised that Jack was tall enough to ride both. We also had another first this trip, blizzard beach. It was really a bunch of fun. The rest of the week was spent at the other parks, eating and riding, eating and riding. We stayed at the same resort darrin and i stayed at on our honeymoon.

A teenager....

2009-10-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

Ahhhhhhh! How can i possibly be the mother of a teenager, i am too young, right?? Well, it will not be official til Thursday and luckily that is when we are leaving for Disney so i have that as a distraction. We celebrated with the family Sunday. As always had a heck of a time. We dined on none other than nic's fav, chicken wings. And for dessert.. hooters cake of course!!

my little pumpkins....

2009-10-03T17:34:00.000-07:00

Today, Jack, Lucy and I went to Burts Pumpkin Farm. Darrin and Nic were at the Georgia/LSU game. We had a great time, enjoying the scenic ride there, the fall weather, and all the fun at the pumpkin patch. We rode the hay ride, sat on the john deere, looked through all the pumpkins. They have so many different pumpkins, they ranged from HUGE to teeny, smooth to warty, and even green ones and white ones. Then we got a wheel barrow and picked out are own. The kids got snacks (of course) before the ride home, i indulged in a delicious pumpkin roll myself, oh so good.

A Hard Week for Football

2009-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Nic had 2 games this past week, both were lost. The panthers versed their 2 hardest opponents. Here are some shots from both games....

# 3

2009-09-19T12:40:00.000-07:00

Jack celebrated his third birthday with a family party on Sunday. He had so much fun opening his presents and eating his baseball cake and cupcakes his nana made him.

Happy Birthday Baby Jack!

Odd so very odd

2009-09-15T16:15:00.000-07:00

This is the only way that i can describe my 15 year highschool reunion. I was so very lucky in that my bff came up to get ready and go with me. Keep in mind when you see the pictures that Lucy was the only photographer available, Darrin was crashed out in the chair. Though i was nervous it ended up being such a great night. I got to visit with so many old friends. In school you can't help but think what your life will be like in 15 years, I can honestly say I am so happy with mine. I am truly blessed too that i have the greatest friend ever, still. Trae, i love ya!

and Molly you were missed so much.

Victory

2009-09-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

Nic had his 2nd game thursday. It ended with a win. It was their first home game which made the win so much sweeter. Not to mention the victory dinner that followed at the mexcian resturant.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

2009-09-07T17:18:00.000-07:00

To celebrate Jacks 3rd birthday we took him to the Gwinnett Braves game. He left dressed for the part. He wore his batting helmet and held his bat the entire 1 hr 45 min trip. He was so excited to be there. He seemed to love the whole experience, learning the tomahawk chop and especially during the 7th inning when we all got to join in singing "take me out to the ballgame." Nic and Lucy had a great time too. Lucy loved Chopper and the cracker jack concessions. Being in the stadium seemed to spark Nic's interest back in baseball. I found the game to be a great experience for all of us, and from a parents point of view a very clean, friendly place that didn't break the bank.

Game Day....Finally

2009-09-03T18:47:00.001-07:00

After 2 rainouts, Nic finally got to have his first game. How exciting it was for all of us. The game started out shaky but the boys shook the first game jitters and the 2nd half was much better. I find it so odd to be sitting in the stands cheering on my son when it feels like I should still be out there cheering. How can i possibly be this old? Lucy and Jack showed their spirit by wearing panther shirts with Nic's #, 34, on the back. Emily is the captain of the cheerleading squad which for us makes the game twice is great. In the end the Panthers lost.

After the game, we took Lucy and Jack to chick-fil-a to celebrate Lucy making 100's on all 3 of her tests last week. Chick-fil-a ranks pretty close to the top of Lucy's list for the funnest things to do. As you can see from above she is now completely worn out and snoring quite loudly. Nic is busy trying to finish a paper due in the morning. Another late night for him.

We're Late!!!!

2009-08-12T17:24:00.000-07:00

this years backpacks.....

Oh the dreaded two words that come along with the first day of school. It is upon us again. What a quick summer this has been. Lucy started 1st grade her teachers are Mrs. Underwood and Mrs. Adams. Nic started 7th grade. With 7th grade comes middle school sports, his first football game is set for 2 weeks from now, i am so excited and very nervous. They both seem to be adjusting well thus far.

Lucky # 7

2009-08-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Lucy celebrated her 7th birthday sunday. We started at Funworld where she rode the "roller coaster" game over and over and over again. Then we had a family mexican feast at our house. She had the cake of her choice, a grand-daddy longleg cake made by her nana. While singing Happy Birthday in mexican tradition, Nic smeared whipcream all over her face. Then we followed it up with ice cream sundaes. It is really hard to beleive that she is 7. She loves all her gifts, thank you to everyone. We all got to enjoy her Hannah Montana show at dinner, Thank you to Aunt Dawn and Uncle Brian in advance for all the shows yet to come.

God blessed the broken road that led me to you.....

2009-07-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday, I got a new brother in law- finally! Dawn and Brian were married in a small ceremony, full of emotion. She looked beautiful and quite skinny i might add. Katie and Cody were by each of their sides as it should be. They said their vows and you just knew they meant every word. As corny as it sounds, the ol' rascal flats song seemed written for them, God blessed the broken road that let me straight to you.

After the ceremony they had their reception at a local B & B. The food was delicious, a great band, lots of friends and family. They arrived on Brians harley, cut a cake with lime green flames and skulls, and Dawn wore a veil attached to a baseball cap. Very Dawn and Brian...

Heres to a lifetime of happiness........you both deserve it.

A Day Out with Thomas

2009-07-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

Today I took Jack and Lucy to ride Thomas the Train. The day started out with hashbrowns at McD's. Then to Bryson City to the Train Depot. Activities were planned all around the depot, sand tables, a lego station, petting zoo, inflatables. Then the main event, we got to board Thomas. They loved every minute of it. The kids were given jr engineer certificates after the ride. After a meal at Arbys (lucys choice) we headed home.

Me did it!!

2009-07-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

On vacation i decided to work with Jack on potty training. We let him wear a pull up during the car ride to the beach, then after that it was a swim diaper when he was in the water and underwear the remainder of the time. It took a few reminders for the first couple days and that was it. It was that simple. He went back to daycare, had an accident the first day and has been accident free since. I am so happy that this was so simple. The toughest part has been what underwear to buy, cars or spiderman, we went with both.

Vacation

2009-07-04T08:21:00.001-07:00

A sacred word at our house. We love to vacation. Our usual spots are Disney and Litchfield Beach, no variety but we love them both. We stayed at the summerhouse at Litchfield by the Sea, someday we hope to buy a condo there. The resort is quite large for the small town it is in but it is still very homey. Litchfield is a quiet place where relaxing comes very easy. Our days consisted of eating, swimming, eating, swimming and eating and then occasionally some more swimming. So nice. We also flew a kite and had a wiffle ball game. Where our condo was located we had to travel by golf cart to the ocean, this was just an added bonus for Jack and Lucy. The pool had a small water park in it, plus the lazy liver as lucy called it. Jack loved the submarine. Nic fished in the ocean, boogy boarded and worked on his tan. We drove into Myrtle Beach one night to let the kids jump on the bungee trampoline and shop. This was the first year jack got to jump and the first year nic referred to it as crotch torture, i beleive his jumping days are now over.

Manhole?

2009-06-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

This past weekend i had my crew along with my neice and nephew over. After a day of swimming we were all out back relaxing when Nic asks me where i got the scar on my knee. I reply simply, when i was little i was riding my bike and fell on a manhole. To 2 horomonal boys and to a 6 year old this was too funny for them. Cody asks, Whats a manhole? the only description i could think of was "the thing the teenage mutant ninja turtles come out of", duh!

Of course Lucy and the boys thought of every description a manhole was not. And i apologize to those at church who could hear the whispering of Lucy repeating , "manhole, manhole" to once again bring Nic to tears.

Road Trip

2009-06-04T17:13:00.000-07:00

our old house and school

i love this picture of my mom

sisters

This past weekend, the girls (dawn, katie, mom, lucy, and myself) drove to deerfield beach for a baby shower. A 10 hr drive from dahlonega, with 2 kids in the car could have been disasterous but turned out okay. We made it to my aunt marys house about 10am saturday. Lucy couldn't wait to see Aunt Mary, for so long she has been referred to as the Aunt with a new face and new boobs. Lucy got to see both. It was odd to be back in the town where we lived til i was in the 4th grade. Dawn and i took Katie and Lucy to see the house where we grew up, the park we played in, the school we attended, it was so surreal. We were in tears as soon as we saw Porter Paints marking the subdivision entrance. It's crazy how big a house and yard can be when you are 8 and at now how unbeleiveably small it is. It was a weekend filled with visiting old friends and family, looking through old photographs and making new memories. Though the drive was long, it was a weekend well spent. Though florida is a great place to visit, i am really thankful for where i live now.

note to aunt mary- you look amazing and i can't wait to see you again. thanks for all you hospitality!

Farewell Kindergarten and 6th grade

2009-06-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

lucy and mrs. morgan

I am once again behind on posting.....

Nicholas and Lucy had their last day of school a few weeks ago. The last few days of school not too much was going on, both of the kids watched movies, had parties, Nic's school had their version of American Idol. He made it to the final 10 with his version of a Mrs. Doubtfire skit that he performed with friends, he was Mrs. Doubtfire, i was not allowed to take pictures (his request). He was very glad to be done with the 6th grade. Lucy not so much, the following Monday she cried when she realized there was no school. They both finished beyond our expectations. Nicholas with A's most of the year and outstanding scores on his CRCT standardized testing. And as far as Lucy, our little Billy Madison will be moving onto the 1st grade. Seriously though, she made leaps and bounds during the 2nd half of the school year. We are thrilled with her progress.

A day for Mother's

2009-05-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

lucys pedicure

mothers day before church

Mother's Day weekend was everything that i could have hoped for. Saturday, Lucy, Katie, Dawn and I went and picked up our mom and spent the day together. We had a yummy lunch then Mom treated all the girls to pedicures. Lucy just had her toenails painted and she loved it!! She picked out the color herself. I think she did a great job. After that we were off for shopping. Despite losing my cell phone, Mom leaving her purse in my car, and Katie forgetting her retainer it was a wonderful day!

Sunday, Nicholas fixed me breakfast, then after church Darrin tooks us out to lunch, I got a much needed nap, then to Peggys for a Mothers Day cookout. The kids even tried to behave themselves. My gift was a charm story bracelet with a mom charm that read "mothers day 2009", i can't wait for the next occasion to add more charms.

Season 2

2009-05-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Lucy is just about to complete her second season as an Upward cheerleader. She has had so much fun. The squad is a little bigger, the cheers a bit more hard and this time it is for flag football. Each game starts with the girls being announced, they run out on the field, the cheerleaders and players pray, then on with the game. This is such an amazing organization. We look forward to the next season.

Hometown Fair

2009-05-06T17:30:00.000-07:00

I did not realize until i logged on myself how long it has been since my last post. Not sure how i let these last few weeks slip by. Recently, our homeotown put on a fair. A first for Blairsville, at least as far back as I can remember. The cost was $12 an armband. Nicholas brought a friend, so really no pics of them, they are too big to hang out with the parents. Lucy and Jack had a ball. They rode everything they could over and over and over. It was nice to have a great time and support blairsville too. We are looking forward to second annual Hometown Fair. Side note: i was very freaked out about how these rides are put up and taken down from location to location. i tried to put my fears aside however when i saw nicholas upside down on the moon rocket, i nearly lost it.

Magical Eggstravaganza

2009-04-05T18:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday, we took the kids to the Easter festival in cleveland. We started with the egg hunt, 18,000 eggs on the Truett McConnell College campus. Darrin and Nicholas took Jack on his first hunt and i stayed with Lucy and Katie. Grandma and Pop pop came too. It took about 2 mins for all 18000 eggs to be picked up. Katie ended up with 23 eggs, Jack 15 and Lucy 5. They were all very happy with their finds. The eggs contianed candy, small toys or certificates for prizes at Babyland. Katie won a bracelet and stickers. Lucy won a cabbage patch doll named Daisy.

After the egg hunt was a festival, arts and crafts, concessions and of course inflatables, etc for the kids. Lucy chose the bungee trampoline, jack did the slide with the help of Nick. After a tour of babyland we called it a day.

Easter Party

2009-04-05T18:29:00.000-07:00

Lucy had her Easter party at school friday. Let me first say how glad i am that in this politically correct world that the Union County School System, still allows Easter parties. Quite refreshing.

Lucy had a great time. She was dressed as a flower. The kids were treated with ice cream sundaes with endless toppings and an egg hunt. Despite the cold temps outside she managed to find 5 eggs, though the teachers gave her many more in the end.

Sunny Sunday

2009-03-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

My favorite day of the week is Sunday. This past Sunday was exceptionally perfect. The day started with a really good church service, the kind that leaves you wishing the whole world could have heard it. After church, Lucy and I were able to spend some time together playing "I spy" and painting our nails, all while enjoying the weather on the back deck (my favorite place in the whole house.) Then the kids played in the backyard. And we finished the day with a delicious supper celebrating Darrins b-day.

Jack and Lucy both have battery operated 4-wheelers, size and age appropriate. While outside enjoying the spring weather Jack wanted to ride Lucy's 4-wheeler, normally he is a passenger, that day he decided to drive. I was so amazed how well he did. He drove all around the backyard, circling the trampoline, back he would go and he didn't run into anything. I am constantly surprised at how much he can do.

Finger Paint ??

2009-03-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

One of the toughest things in motherhood is to be everywhere and watch over everyone all the time. We got home this evening and i was busy trying to get ready to go to Jared's ballgame. Jack was very quiet. He was in the bathroom saying "toothpaste wall". He was very proud of hinself.

Our newest addition.

2009-03-15T17:46:00.000-07:00

Layla Belle Sparks.

Tuesday evening I told the kids that Darrin had to go inspect a house and we were going to ride with him, after much complaining we finally arrived. Out of the house came a man carrying our sweet Layla and Nicholas' eyes lit up. He couldn't believe it. Lucy asked if she were a poodle and if we could name her Santa Claus. She is a 7 week old, german shepherd pup. We took her for her first round of shots saturday, she got a clean bill of health. The vet said she had a good disposition and was going to be very large. Delilah seems to really like her as well, i think she is glad to have a friend again, she really misses Sampson.

Another down...Many more to go.

2009-03-15T17:24:00.000-07:00

Lucy lost her fourth tooth this past week. She pulled it herself as she has done the others. The tooth fairy brought her 50 cents. The thing about Lucy is whether it was 50 cents or $50 she would have been happy. She did tell me later in the week on the way to school that when one of her friends lost his tooth she was going to give him her 50 cents. That he was one of her friends and that is what she wanted to do. What a great heart. I am attaching a picture for all my far-away family to see, Lucy has shown everyone here over and over again. She is so proud.

(of course lucy did not have clothes on in this pic, it was the weekend and she rarely does)

Yes, Disney Again

2009-03-06T20:19:00.000-08:00

and yes it was an incredible time. you would think after so many trips we would be bored out of our minds but not us. Besides being lucky enough to go on my birthday, (which disney gave me a $75 giftcard to spend on me woo-hoo) it was ESPN weekend. Hollywood Studios was packed with athletes, broadcasters and events to participate in. The kids loved it, they got to play some b-ball, nicholas took part in the 3 point shootout, bmx event, and they all got tennis lessons. Mix in the rockin rollercoaster and 75 degree weather and you couldn't have a better vacation. Lucy's favorite part of the trip was the roller coasters, Nicholas' the ESPN events, and Jack loved the buses and Buzz & Woody. We are counting down to October to celebrate again when Nicholas turns 13....

lucyism's

2009-03-03T13:46:00.000-08:00

Kids say the darndest things, we know that to be true. I learn so much from my kids whether it comes from what they hear or what they just come up with. Nicholas tells me things that warrant me keeping him in the imaginary bubble that he is residing in. I am so glad, and thankful he is honest with me but on the same note it terrifies me. Its sad when the innocence goes away and the reality sets in with their comments. Anywho- my whole point of this entry was to share what lucy has said to me this past week.

1- cows have gutters (if you don't beleive her, just ask her, her response is hysterical)

2- if you wear a pencil behind your ear, you are a mexican.

She shared comment #2 with her teacher who said she almost fell out of her chair. You have to love Lucy!!!

Happy Birthday

2009-02-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

the real kids

the favorite kids

Saturday we had our annual birthday celebration for my sister, myself and my dad. We went to my parents house for some delicious lasanga and great company. We never get to spend enough time with my parents. The kids had fun, they loved playing with my parents new kids, Bonnie & Clyde.

Lucy and Katie dressed their best for the occasion.

Be Mine

2009-02-15T17:13:00.000-08:00

Lucy had her valentine party at school friday. They played musical chairs, sung a valentine song, had treats (way too much sugar) then opened valentines. She addressed her valentines herself this year.

Jack celebrated at Ms Shannons with a special valentine lunch. We were happy he was able to go, he had been up all thursday night, with his first ear infection since his tubes last february.

Nicholas stayed girlfriend free this valentine. His choice of course.....

Happy Friday

2009-02-06T17:40:00.000-08:00

We made reservations a few weeks ago to have dinner tonight with the kids at Brasstown Valley Resort. It worked out well, we had alot to celebrate. I went to the doctor yesterday for a one year followup visit for a lump removal. Though i knew deep down all was okay,(Thanks all to the good Lord!) it was still a surreal experience that i never want to go through again. I learned last year when all this happened that there is nothing more important than family, even though that is something i have always held dear, it really really put it in perspective, something i think that cannot be explained until you experience it. You realize that life is short, really short, and that the time you are here you better do what you can with it. Live right, love your kids, be nice to everyone especially the ones who are not nice back, don't gossip. All that being said, I wanted this february to be great, so we celebrated at Brasstown and then surprised the kids by giving them luggage tags that read "Pack your bags, we're going to Disneyworld, Feb 24-March 1" because where else does a Sparks go to celebrate!!!! Yes, it is horrible economic times and sure we have all kinds of bills to pay, but like i said life is short and we are going to have a great time and magical memories.

Hoops

2009-01-27T17:54:00.000-08:00

Well the holiday season is over and i took a little break from the blog. This was not intentional but with ball season upon us it has been a very hectic time. Both Nicholas and Lucy play rec ball, Darrin coaches them both. Jack has been at the gym so much that he has developed a pretty mean jump shot of his own.

Chef Lucy

2008-12-27T19:49:00.000-08:00

Lucy got an easy bake oven for Christmas. Friday we decided to give it a whirl, how hard could it be, the recipes were similar to the ones i use (3 ingredients or less.) She did a great job and kept the batter sampling to a minimal.

Christmas at a glimpse...

2008-12-27T19:15:00.000-08:00

- my beautiful nieces

brian and dawn newly engaged

nicholas and his ipod touch (we have rarely seen him since he opened it)

We had such a busy but great Christmas! I am attaching random photos from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We were so lucky to be surrounded by family both days, i think that has to be one of the best parts of the holiday season. Nicholas and Lucy were both so excited Christmas morning, Jack was a bit overwhelmed but soon came around. The kids got what they asked santa for and i got a GREAT, unexpected suprise, a brother in law! Brian and Cody welcome to the family!!

Christmas Spirit

2008-12-26T17:50:00.000-08:00

I have been trying to create Christmas Spirit in our house, trying to teach the kids especially in this day the importance of family, doing things as a family and not everything revolves around shopping or spending. Darrin and I found gingerbread house kits for $5, so the saturday before Christmas the kids and I constructed our houses. Everyone participated, including Jack. I was suprised by how much fun he had. and yes, he constructed his house buck naked. You will see that Lucy's house is missing some decor, her tummy was just too tempted.

We Wish You A Merry Christmas....

2008-12-18T17:05:00.000-08:00

Lucy had her Christmas party at school today. After a performance of several classic Christmas carols, we had refreshments and a hysterical game of stick the nose on Rudolph. I miss the fact that Nicholas has outgrown the parent invited Christmas party with his class. The 6th grade opted for a craft day in which they made several Christmas crafts.

One Horse Open Sleigh.....sort of

2008-12-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

Saturday we took the family to the Southern Tree Plantation for some Holiday fun. We enjoyed a hayride, a train ride, a petting zoo, and marshmellow roasting. Jack loved the tractor that pulled the hay ride. Lucy loved the train and Nicholas loved the marshmellows. Darrin loved the fact that we were 7 mins from home and he didn't have to pay for a thing!!!

Finally.......

2008-12-08T17:21:00.000-08:00

After almost one month of Lucy's first ever loose tooth, she lost it and one to boot. She wiggled and wiggled and let me pull and pull, and it was Jack who finally knocked it loose enough to come out. She had one of his toys in her mouth and when he jerked it out along came her teeth. Attached is a photo of Lucy with her missing teeth and her tooth doll given to her by her fairy godmother tracey. Sunday night the tooth fairy (which lucy informed me was a man) left her $3.

Lucy's New Do

2008-12-08T17:08:00.000-08:00

Saturday we finally were able to get Lucy's hair cut. She loves it. She woke up Sunday morning and asked "do i still have my short hair?" The best part for both of us, no more tangles. I attached mug shot photos of her before and after.

HO-HO-NO

2008-11-23T18:19:00.000-08:00

Lucy's class went on a fieldtrip to see Santa Claus, Jack and I met her there in hopes of a picture with the two of them. Lucy loved the big guy, sat on his lap twice and asked for a gymnastics mat. Jack did not think sitting on this strangers lap was a great idea. Santa suggested I join in the picture.

Jack was very happy to get his candycane and leave.

5 Fat Turkeys are We

2008-11-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

Today, Darrin, Nana and myself had the pleasure of eating Thanksgiving lunch with Lucy at her school. The entertainment was heartwarming. Lucy and her classmates worked so hard on their songs. I learned today that lucy was thankful for "the whole wide world."

Capt. Pack Rat

2008-11-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

Jack loves his toys, all of them. He does have his favorites and the chosen few (well it started as a few) are strategically placed everynight in their "night-night". A special thanks to nana for the new helicopter it makes a real comfy pillow.

The happiest place on earth........

2008-11-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

Though our last disney trip was in Sept, i still wanted to get a few pics posted of what Nicholas called the "best trip ever." We took grandma and pop pop this go around. The kids all had a "magical time". Can you beleive this was Jacks third trip and he just turned 2 the day we left! We are freaks......

Bang Bang Choo Choo Train

2008-11-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

Lucy just finished her first season as an Upward Cheerleader (great program.) She really enjoyed this season and was sure she was the loudest one at all times. Though she didn't always hit every postion she was sure to show her spirit at the end if every cheer.