Kylah and Dayton

One of My Valentines

2012-02-14T13:37:00.002-06:00

The craft she made at her party today!

Big Boy

2012-02-10T19:29:00.003-06:00

My baby boy is no longer in a baby bed! Every time I would ask him if he wanted a big bed, he would always tell me he wanted his own bed. He loved his crib so much that I really thought he would stay in it for a very long time. Then, one day a few weeks ago, he told me he wanted a big boy bed. Derek took the front off of his bed to see how he liked it. He LOVED it!!Here is Dayton sleeping in his first attempt at a big boy bed. We kept the couch there in case he fell off, which he did the first few nights. Some friends were selling their mattress set, so we decided to purchase it and go ahead and let Dayton start sleeping in his even bigger bed. After he gets real used to this, we'll add the bed frame, but he is in no rush. Still looking for bedding that we want, but now Dayton is in a very big bed!! He looks so tiny up in that corner!!

Mexican Fun

2012-01-16T15:35:00.001-06:00

Last night before church we had Mexican. Kylah liked the sombrero and dessert, but she didn't care too much for the dessert on her face!!

My Baby Girl is 5!!!

2012-01-16T15:33:00.001-06:00

Not sure where 5 years have gone! Time has definitely flown by and now my baby girl is able to hold up one whole hand to show her age! We are so proud of the young lady she is growing up to be. Kylah is a very caring, loving, intelligent girl and has a heart for the Lord which is way more important than anything else!

Snow Day

2012-01-13T09:04:00.002-06:00

(in)spired deals

2012-01-10T19:53:00.001-06:00

The theme of cards I chose was "So True". I believe that it is truly an inspiration and encouragement to send cards. It always makes me feel better to send someone a card to help encourage them in a hard time, congratulate them in accomplishing a goal, or just to let them know that I am thinking about them.

I have tried to instill the art of writing thank you notes to my children (ages 2 and 5 on Saturday). My (almost) 5 year old is now able to do most of the writing herself. Here you see her using one of the adorable thank you cards to send a thank you to a friend.

DaySpring gave me this free product to review and the opinions stated are my own.

In One Week...

2012-01-07T11:08:00.001-06:00

this baby

will be 5 years old!!

No More Complaining!

2012-01-05T22:57:00.000-06:00

In my daily Bible reading in Exodus and Leviticus about the Israelites and their "adventures" in the wilderness, I was reminded of all the grumbling they did. They had it made and didn't even realize it. God was right there with them the whole time guiding them to the Promised Land, however, they chose to complain instead of being grateful. This made me think about my life... I, too, have God to lead me to the Promised Land of Heaven. I, too, complain about things in my life. Am I really any different from those Israelites? My goal is to thank God for all those blessings and not complain so much. Let's all resolve to NOT be ungrateful!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T13:04:00.001-06:00

As this new year begins, let us be reminded of the new life we can have in Christ. "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 If you have resolved to follow Jesus, keep up the good fight (2 Timothy. 4:7) and make 2012 the best it can be for our Lord. If your resolution for the new year is to begin a new life in Christ or to return to that which you once had, remember that God will take you at whatever point you are in your life. He doesn't expect or require perfection, thankfully! Happy New Year!

Santa Christmas

2011-12-26T09:18:00.001-06:00

Kylah really only wanted a scooter this year...

Christmas at Nana and Poppy's

2011-12-26T08:50:00.003-06:00

Waiting on the big unveiling!!

Kylah's turn!

Christmas with Grandma and Granddaddy

2011-12-26T08:27:00.003-06:00

Christmas With Grandma and Pop Pop

2011-12-24T17:14:00.001-06:00

We had Christmas with Grandma and Pop Pop this morning!!

Unwrapping the swings to their new swingset!

We Slept in a Wigwam!!

2011-12-10T16:04:00.001-06:00

Last night, Derek surprised me for my birthday. We slept in a wigwam - it was very cold, but very memorable!!

Christmas Program

2011-12-05T20:33:00.001-06:00

Tonight was Kylah's Christmas program. All of the kiddos did a wonderful job!!

Giveaway

2011-12-02T13:51:00.003-06:00

My friend at A Life Worth Living is giving away a great prize...

My Memories Suite Version 3!!

A great prize that could be yours by following the link above to her page. It is easy to enter and you might just win some fabulous scrapbooking software!!

Fun in the Leaves

2011-11-19T15:29:00.010-06:00

This afternoon, we played in the leaves. I obviously took lots more pictures of Kylah. Dayton wasn't very cooperative. I guess he was having too much fun to be still for a picture!!

Family Turkey Project

2011-11-18T10:40:00.004-06:00

Kylah's school had a Family Turkey Project "contest". Derek and Kylah worked together to make her turkey look like a real turkey complete with real turkey feathers!!

Dayton Dancing

2011-11-12T18:42:00.003-06:00

Mountains '11

2011-11-07T09:34:00.023-06:00

Where we got married

Eating at Bubba Gump's

Mingo Falls

Tom Branch Falls

Indian Creek Falls

Kylah got hot...

Feeding the ducks

On our way home

My silly girl

Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T08:11:00.011-05:00

Yesterday, Kylah had her Halloween Party at school. Everyone had so much fun!!

Completed Jack-o-Lantern

Playing "Hot Pumpkin".

Pushing Dayton after the party. ************************************

We went trick or treating with Tatum last night. The kids had a lot of fun!

"Woody", fishergirl and hunter

Ready to go get more candy...

Poppy has spoiled her rotten!!!

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T19:44:00.002-05:00

Tonight, we had our annual trunk or treat following evening services.My beautiful fishergirl and my handsome turkey hunter Kylah, Dayton and Chloe Dayton, Kylah, Lindsay and Mallory

Mr. and Mrs.

2011-10-29T18:54:00.006-05:00

Howdy Pardner

2011-10-29T08:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was Cowboy/Cowgirl Day at Kylah's preschool. They are studying the letter C! Isn't she the cutest cowgirl you've ever seen?

A Hiking We Will Go...

2011-10-25T19:41:00.011-05:00

This afternoon, we went for a hike. The kids had a great time and we got to enjoy a beautiful day!!

The kids and Derek picked up leaves along the trail and had a lesson on the leaf types.

Snake...

This tree was so tall...if you look closely, you can see Kylah beside it at the bottom. I tried to get the whole tree, but I couldn't quite get the whole tree and Kylah.

Such a beautiful day to be outdoors!!

We saw lots of wildlife after the hike...

Kylah's First Field Trip

2011-10-21T12:37:00.007-05:00

We went on our first field trip today to the Orchard. The kids had a wonderful time going on a hayride, picking out their own pumpkin and apple and having a great snack and play time!! Kylah and Ms. Phyllis

At the pumpkin patch

Sliding down...

Kylah having fun in the straw tent.

The class with their apples.

Only 4 girls in the class, they are too cute!!

Derek Made a Knife

2011-10-19T15:28:00.007-05:00

Last weekend, Derek went to Illinois and made a knife, something he has been wanting to do for some time. He visited a custom knife maker and made his own knife. His knife turned out super good!!

2nd Birthday Party

2011-10-09T13:16:00.000-05:00

We celebrated Dayton's 2nd Birthday at the park yesterday afternoon. It was a perfect day!!

Cousins: Tatum, Kylah, Dayton and Ryder

All the kiddos: Tatum, Kylah, Dayton, Ryder and Adrienne

Happy 2nd Birthday, Dayton!!

2011-10-06T08:35:00.003-05:00

Where Have the Past 2 Years Gone?

2011-10-06T06:54:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday, Dayton. I can not believe how fast the last two years have flown by!!

Dayton right after we got home from the hospital.

Dayton at 1!!

Dayton at 18 months.

Dayton as a big 2 year old!!

8 Years Ago Today....

2011-10-03T11:53:00.009-05:00

I married the man beyond all my dreams, my very best friend...

Here are a few pictures from that wonderful day! These are compliments of our family...the official pictures taken by the photographer are in the safe, so I can't scan them today...Heading to the wedding spot. Fixing to walk down the aisle...

Bonfire

2011-09-17T20:50:00.007-05:00

This evening we had a bonfire and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows. The kids really enjoyed being outside and cooking their own food!

Kylah enjoying her S'mores!

Dayton's Big Red School Debut

2011-09-15T17:23:00.006-05:00

Playing before going into class! All smiles!!

As soon as the door opened, he ran straight for the balls...He did so well and neither of us cried a bit!!

Exhausted...he fell asleep pretty quickly after picking him up.

We got to go by and see daddy at the fire station after we picked Kylah up from school. That made his first day of school even better!!

This is War

2011-08-29T14:03:00.004-05:00

Over the weekend, I was blessed to attend a seminar hosted by the West Huntsville Church of Christ in Huntsville, Alabama. This Is War was the title of the seminar and we learned some very valuable ways to keep satan from attacking our families. Here is a link that will take you to another blog to listen to the sessions that I was fortunate enough to attend. It would be well worth your time to listen to the sessions!! Enjoy!!

School Days....

2011-08-09T13:34:00.005-05:00

Today, Kylah started PreK. She did wonderful, but I had a few tears. When I picked her up at 12, she was excited to tell me all about her day and to tell me that she didn't want me to bring her inside tomorrow. What happened to my baby? I'm so glad that she enjoys school, just don't want to be totally left out of everything...

Hugging Dayton bye...

Ready to go to class

Kylah and Addie

Pictures

2011-08-06T19:12:00.009-05:00

On one of the hottest days of the year, we were outside taking family pictures...what were we thinking? Anyway, here are a few of my favorites.

Jesus Loves Me

2011-08-03T13:30:00.001-05:00

My Blessing Trail

2011-08-01T12:45:00.004-05:00

After reading the Bless Your Heart blog this morning, I was encouraged to count my blessings each and every day!! My Blessing Trail is pretty long when I really sit back and look at all the blessings that God has so richly blessed me with.

After sweeping and mopping the floors recently, my kids made a big mess in the kitchen. If I had been smarter at the time, I would have realized what a blessing this was. Not only do I have a house to live in and clean, but I have two wonderful kids to make those messes for me to clean up. How boring my life would be without them and those unexpected messes.

As hot as it has been lately it is hard to believe that there is any blessing in the heat, but if you look closely, you will see that having a nice, cool, air-conditioned home is a blessing. Also, spending time with your family in the nice air-conditioning is a great blessing. Kylah starts school next week and we will miss our days filled with 'Crazy Eights', movies and hide and seek.

And what about the snoring that keeps me awake on occasion when Derek isn't on duty? What a blessing to have a wonderful husband to snore beside me. Don't tell him, but I kind of miss it when he isn't home with me...

Sometimes, actually a lot of the time, I have two squealing kids running around the house. I think the game must be entitled, "Who Can Be the Loudest?", because they seem to get louder and louder as this game continues. However, instead of getting upset about the noise, I should realize that they are having a wonderful time and having fun playing together. I know in a few short years, they will be all grown up and I'll miss that noise.

This is just a brief look at my blessing trail. Why not take a look at yours and see where it leads you?

Nap Time

2011-07-14T14:04:00.016-05:00

Dayton has fallen asleep in some fairly odd spots and positions - thought I'd share them. The latest one was today after lunch...

Family Reuion in Ohio

2011-07-11T16:45:00.019-05:00

Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio

****************************************** Having fun on the go-cart!!

Dayton was chasing the go-cart ready for another turn...

********************************************* Kylah having fun at The Works Museum.

***************************************** Playing at the reunion

**************************************** Both kids were exhausted and were out before we got too far down the road!

21 Months

2011-07-06T13:17:00.003-05:00

Today, Dayton is 21 months old. I really do not know where the time has gone! He has changed so much in the last few months. He is talking all the time now and repeats everything you say. He is doing a wonderful job of feeding himself with a spoon and fork (and his hands, of course). He is an excellent helper and always asks, "Hep oo?" before starting to help. He is more lovable each and every day!!

Kylah Got a Haircut!!

2011-07-03T15:22:00.001-05:00

Kylah wanted her hair cut short again. It looks so cute on her!!

Peek-a-boo

2011-06-29T09:49:00.002-05:00

Next week, this little playful guy will be 21 months old... So hard to believe that in a few months, he'll be 2 years old!! Time sure flies when you are having fun!!

VBS Kickoff

2011-06-25T21:37:00.005-05:00

VBS starts tomorrow night. Tonight, we had our second annual VBS Kickoff. The kids enjoyed the jumper!!

Balloon Launch - look at all those invitations being sent out!!

Mammoth Cave

2011-06-21T15:27:00.003-05:00

Today we went to Mammoth Cave National Park. The Discovery Self-Guided Tour is great for kids, you can go at your own pace and don't have to worry about keeping up with the group.

When we came out of the cave, there was a dark sky and we knew we were going to get wet. Luckily it didn't rain too hard and we didn't get drenched. Here, Dayton is covering his head while we wait under a pavilion for Derek to get the car.

"Our" Bunny

2011-06-20T07:34:00.003-05:00

On Saturday afternoon, we were entertained by a bunny on our deck!!

He finally made his way to the grass for a nice snack.

Happy Father's Day

2011-06-20T07:23:00.003-05:00

Somebody's Having a Birthday Today!!!

2011-06-15T14:22:00.002-05:00

Today, Derek turns 36!! We started the day with a strawberry pie and gifts!!

Trip to the Zoo

2011-06-14T21:57:00.010-05:00

We visited the Louisville Zoo and had a great time. The weather was wonderful for June! Probably the best part, was the sea lion training. We all enjoyed watching the trainers and the animals!!

All conked out on the way home...

Visit With Ryder (and his parents)

2011-06-11T12:04:00.010-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-25T12:13:00.000-05:00

Worldess Wednesday

2011-05-18T22:49:00.001-05:00

Preschool Graduation

2011-05-17T07:51:00.012-05:00

Last night, Kylah graduated from preschool. It was a teary-eyed night for me...but she was all smiles!!

Ryder smiling great!!

Mary had a little lamb....

Kylah and Ms. Denise...we sure are going to miss her!! :o)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-05-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

Kylah's Preschool Pictures

2011-05-10T15:18:00.002-05:00

Kylah's Preschool had spring pictures made in April. Today, I got the pictures back and wanted to share a few...

19 Months Old, WOW!!

2011-05-06T09:52:00.003-05:00

Dayton, right after delivery - 19 months ago today...

This is Dayton at (almost) 19 months...he sure has changed!! I sure do love Dayton Xander!! Each day, his personality shows through more and more. I am so blessed to be his mommy and to learn new things from him each day. He is a treasure and I can't wait to watch him grow up (although, he is doing that much too quickly...)

Belated Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-27T10:29:00.006-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, we went to Grandma and Pop Pop's for an Easter Egg Hunt. The kids had a great time finding the eggs!!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T20:59:00.006-05:00

Happy Easter!! Dayton has learned to "cheese" for the camera, so he looks like he is in pain when his picture is taken. I had to include the outtakes as well!!

Spring Turkey Season in KY

2011-04-21T08:40:00.003-05:00

Monday morning, Derek got this 23 lb. 5 oz. big tom.

This morning, he got this 20 lb. turkey. Both turkeys had 11 inch beards!

Happy Birthday, Grandma

2011-04-18T07:58:00.009-05:00

On Saturday, we celebrated Grandma's birthday at a new restaurant in her hometown.The boys waiting on a table.

Newsboys Drummer

2011-04-16T12:10:00.003-05:00

I videoed this cool drum routine last night at the Newsboys concert. Enjoy!!

Born Again Tour

2011-04-16T08:15:00.010-05:00

Yesterday afternoon about 3:30, I was fortunate enough to win tickets to the Newsboys, Disciple and Kutless. However, the concert was at the 7 the same night and along with the tickets that I won were backstage passes to meet the Newsboys that started at 6:15. Luckily, my mom and dad were able to come and stay with the kids so that we could go!! We had a great time, the music was a bit loud, but we enjoyed ourselves!!

Fixing to take the stage.

Final shot of the Newsboys before they came back for the encore.

Another Scout for Derek

2011-04-15T14:41:00.002-05:00

Derek bought ANOTHER Scout to help fix up the first one he bought. He plans to put the two together and make one...

The convertible after taking the camper top off.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-13T15:18:00.001-05:00

Spring Break, Texas Style

2011-04-12T06:54:00.023-05:00

Dayton's Sunday afternoon nap. *****************************

Ready to go for a walk and to the park!!

Neat swing at the park. ******************************

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

Turkey from Monday morning. He brought it back for the kids to see!

Turkey from Tuesday morning. ***************************

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

All of us with Matt before we left. *****************************

We visited the Ft. Worth Zoo while we were in Texas.

Kylah with the flamingos...she was very disappointed that they were orange instead of pink.

Happy Birthday, Nana!

2011-03-30T13:18:00.005-05:00

Last night, we were able to celebrate Nana's birthday! Nana with Kylah, Tatum and Dayton

Best buds - Kylah and Poppy!

Sweet Tatum giving hugs to Kylah!!

Tatum trying to hug Dayton. Last time Tatum tackled him, so Dayton isn't so sure he wants a hug this time...

Nana's cake!! We all had a big piece and there was still some left over....

Wacky Wednesday

2011-03-23T12:23:00.003-05:00

Today was Wacky Wednesday at Kylah's Preschool for W week. She had so much fun picking out some mismatched clothes, different socks and shoes and how she wanted her hair!!

My Little Man

2011-03-22T20:18:00.007-05:00

Riding his 4wheeler in the garage!

Playing outside...he was running to see our dog, Otto!

Dayton is such a wonderful helper. Sometimes he and Kylah fight over who gets to help...we take turns A LOT!!

Derek's Project

2011-03-19T12:50:00.001-05:00

'79 International Scout - it is pretty rough right now, but it will look much better after quite a bit of work (and a different color paint)!

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

2011-03-17T17:36:00.001-05:00

...from my little leprechaun!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T12:21:00.001-05:00

Putting His Shoes Away

2011-03-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Dayton has been a great little helper for a while now, but I haven't had a chance to video any of it until last week. He loves to put stuff where it belongs and gets a bit upset when things are in the wrong spot!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T13:28:00.002-06:00

Wordless Wednesday - President Edition

2011-03-02T08:09:00.000-06:00

Tatum Turns 1!!

2011-02-26T18:45:00.009-06:00

Dayton was giving Bradley videoing tips.

He blew out his candle all by himself!

Digging in!!

Cleaning up afterwards...

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-24T14:47:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for a great brother-in-law, wonderful sister-in-law and sweetie pie nephew!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-17T20:47:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for a wonderful brother, great sister-in-law and sweetie pie nephew!!

National Corvette Museum

2011-02-16T16:12:00.016-06:00

This afternoon, we visited the Corvette Museum for the first time. It was pretty neat.

The "From Here to There" science exhibit was a LOT of fun - Kylah and Dayton enjoyed doing all of the activities! This exhibit is at the museum until April 16.

Make your own road sign...Kylah made hers with some words she can spell on her own.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T08:44:00.001-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2011-02-14T06:41:00.001-06:00

My silly Valentine's...

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-10T06:34:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful for my wonderful parents. I can't begin to list the many life lessons that they taught me. Also the "school book" learning I got from them. One of my favorite memories of third grade is learning the state capitals with my daddy! I can also make some pretty good biscuits thanks to my mama - although it has been so long since I've made them, I am not sure that they would be as good now.

Random Cute Pictures

2011-02-09T13:03:00.009-06:00

Bowling for the first time!

So funny, he looks like he is in trouble or something...

Playing train!

Dayton doing the army crawl (or cleaning the floor...)

Dayton asleep last night

Both kiddos "driving their cars"!

Watching it snow!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T09:12:00.000-06:00

My Little Helper

2011-02-08T14:10:00.004-06:00

Helping get the laundry ready to wash. She (without being told) got all three baskets and sorted the lights and darks for me! If she was a little taller, I think she could just take over and start the machine and everything.

Kylah wanted to peel potatoes yesterday for me. She needs a little practice, but one of these days that can be her job!!

A Day in the Life of a(n almost) 16 Month Old

2011-02-05T09:40:00.004-06:00

It is hard to believe that my little man will be 16 months old tomorrow! Before he woke up. He will NOT keep socks on for anything - he had them on when he went to bed and took them off before going to sleep...I even had his feet covered up and he decided the blanket was a better pillow.

Trying out Kylah's paints Taking a morning nap - this is the second time that he has fallen asleep on the couch like this - too funny!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-02-03T13:35:00.002-06:00

I am so thankful that God brought Derek into my life. What a wonderful pair we make!! His strengths certainly outweigh all my weaknesses.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-02T10:24:00.000-06:00

Thankful Thursday

2011-01-27T20:24:00.003-06:00

I am thankful for two healthy, intelligent, adorable kids. The Lord has been so good to our family!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-26T20:03:00.001-06:00

Dayton's Tantrum

2011-01-21T11:11:00.003-06:00

Not sure what was wrong with my little guy this morning, but he sure was upset...

Party Time

2011-01-17T18:36:00.005-06:00

Dayton having loads of fun at Kylah's party!

Wearing the necklace that Poppy and Nana got her.

Blowing out her candles!

Birthday Celebration!

2011-01-17T18:27:00.007-06:00

Kylah and Daddy before school!

She got a crown to wear at school for the day - she decided to wear it all day long! Everyone at Chick-fil-a loved it and told her happy birthday!

Dayton got Kylah a robe for her birthday - she LOVES it!!!

Making a wish

Eating the remaining cake for breakfast the next day...

Preschool Party Preperation

2011-01-17T18:22:00.004-06:00

Ready to work!

Mixing the food coloring into the white chocolate.

Putting the color on the pops - the white chocolate started setting up to quickly, so Kylah didn't get to help as much as I thought she would.

Our finished project - cake pops to share with her preschool class on Friday!

She's 4!!!!!

2011-01-14T09:53:00.005-06:00

I can hardly believe that my baby girl is four years old!! Where has the time gone??3rd birthday 2nd birthday 1st birthday

Kylah as a newborn at the hospital.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-12T13:05:00.000-06:00

15 Month Old

2011-01-06T15:41:00.007-06:00

WOW!! I am not sure where the time has gone. Today, I have a 15 month old (and next week, I'll have a 4 year old - but that is another story for another day...)

Dayton as a newborn at the hospital - he doesn't really look like a newborn since he was half grown when he was born at 10 lbs. 6 1/2 oz!!

Wordless Wednesday (Notice the Shoes!)

2010-12-29T20:16:00.000-06:00

Christmas with the Great-Grandparents

2010-12-26T14:37:00.003-06:00

Coloring together

Santa Came to Nana and Poppy's

2010-12-26T14:24:00.010-06:00

Santa also stopped by Nana and Poppy's house for the kids. He really outdid himself there!!Anxiously awaiting the gifts!!

Stocking time!!

Pillow Pet Dayton started climbing on it before he even finished unwrapping it!!

The boys got matching four wheelers!!

Kylah singing on her new karaoke machine