Alabama Birmingham Temple

For the next two years or so, our Atlanta temple will be closed for renovations. So we have two other options, South Carolina or Alabama. Our ward decided to have a temple trip yesterday to the Alabama Birmingham Temple. It is just over two hours of a drive, but when carpooling is replacing children, time goes by quickly...

Although this was a temple on a very small scale, none of the grandeur was sacrificed. Marbled walls, stained glass windows, manicured lawns and grounds, and just glorious all around. Wish I could have taken a picture of the chandelier in the Celestial Room...wow, gorgeous!

As soon as I could, I jumped out of the truck with camera in hand! The architecture and detail were spectacular! Angel Moroni was standing triumphantly announcing to the world that we were on sacred grounds!

I would have never guessed that this temple was already 9 years old! It felt very new and pristine!

Beautiful windows! I think this one is the side of the Celestial Room.

An older gentlemen, Bro. Morris, was going through for his first time! What a grand experience to witness someone making such a huge step in life; making eternal covenants. He is in his 80's and new to the church. He hopes to be sealed to his wife in the near future. Such a humbling day.
The drive over to the temple was very foggy, so I couldn't see it much before. But off in the distance on the way home (I didn't get a very good picture, so I settled for the flags) you could see the Talladega Race Track. I never have or never will be a Nascar fan, nor will I ever understand the hype of the "sport" but it is still kind of exhilarating to have such history and landmarks in my backyard.

On the way home we also stopped for lunch at the one and only Olive Garden. I strongly suggest carpooling with another couple, they just might treat you to lunch for giving them a ride. Thank you Rineers. A great day at the temple, and good company with the Cotrells and Rineers at lunch makes for a great break from regular everyday life.

Who Is Who???

I have a nephew who is about 6 months younger then my little boy. Over the past year, we've been kind of surprised at how much they look alike. I found a picture of Ammon at around his 1st birthday and the other is Nixon at present time. Who is who? Well they aren't exactly twins, but you can definitely tell they are related!

Nixon / Ammon

Raegan Is FIVE!!!

Happy Birthday to my little sweetie! On Wednesday, August 19th Raegan was officially 5 years-old! She told me she felt older. She has been asking me day after day if it was her birthday yet...well, it was finally here. She is our youngest daughter and definitely keeps our family full of life.

On the morning of her birthday, daddy made her "little pancakes". She loves when daddy makes them. (So do I, yum!) You can tell she just woke up...love the bed head! But waking up at 6am is the pits! (I miss summer sleepin days!)


For Birthday dinner she chose macaroni and ravioli...go figure! At school the teacher had a crown that she was able to wear all day long. As you can see, she's still wearing it even to dinner! One side note, I had her doctors appointment during the day and she got 2 shots, she was soo brave!

To celebrate, Raegan had a little party the Saturday following her birthday. To keep things simple, I let her invite 3 friends: Natalie Adams, Hailey Marler, and Mia Pierson and Tarin came along. I took them all Glow Golfing at the local bowling alley. Wow, I wasn't ready for what followed. The first hole I tried to show them how to hold their club and hit the ball...yeah right! Let's just say I was glad the place wasn't busy...I just let them run around and play. Eventually they would put their balls down and try a hole or two, but otherwise running around in the dark and black light and climbing on the obsticals was entertainment enough. Tarin later mentioned to me that she would like to go back and actually golf. It's amazing what one year difference can make.

Part of the indoor golf course.

Riding the Lion.

Together at the end with the train.

For lunch I took them all to McDonalds. They are so cute all together.

Afterwards, back home for cake and gifts.

Licking the candles.

Raegan, I'm looking forward to your new year as the big 5! Love you sweetie!

First Attempts At...

Piano Lessons

I've started teaching piano to my two oldest, Rian and Jarom. With piano lesson almost to $70 a month (I hear is a good deal) we can't affort two at a time, let alonge one. Two years ago I wanted to do this, and my mom helped me find the books...just now I'm thinking I need to 'Just Do It.' Thanks to my mom I have a few theory worksheets and other fun stuff. I hope with all the homework and other responsibilities, this isn't overload for me or the kids.

This will be one time I hope to hear noise on these keys.


Canning

I've canned, froze and jellied those blueberries I had mentioned earlier. Wow, a long day, but sooo worth it. I'm learning a lot. The kids just love the jelly.

Not Building It

The annual ward pine wood derby...well, it was a first that we went to our local Hobby Lobby and purchased it! (Oops did I just say that...we purchased it?) Well, it wasn't anything special, we only got 7th place in the non specified round, or whatever it was called. But the kids still had a great time!

A Few More Sides Of Ammon

Just wanted to remember how busy my little guy really is. And I mean he's really busy...

Under my sink has been his favorite place to stop and play. I don't wear much makeup, but he seems to like it...

My spray bottle seems to double as a water bottle. At least he stays hydrated!

Shoes, shoes and more shoes. He loves to wear shoes. If he's not wearing his own, he will raid his sisters closets, but mostly my closet... Cute but a bit frustrating when I'm in a hurry somewhere and I can't find the other one.

If Ammon brings me a pen, pencil or marker...that usually means he's done with whatever art he has created...on the walls! *sigh*

And of course the garbage! He will dig through and find all kinds of treasures. He will even eat leftovers...I promise we feed him enough!

So far this entry sounds like I'm describing a pet. He is our little family pet for sure!

My First Baby Photoshoot

Well, to some this may not be too exciting, but I've been experimenting with my camera and software...yep, I still have a lot of experience to obtain, so I'm taking advantage of any opportunity I can find. My bro/sis-in-law just had their baby about a month or so ago, so I offered to take her picture. Brynley did a good job considering we wouldn't let her have her way towards the end. These are only a few...

Troy and Kristin and Brynley

BMW

I should lighten this a bit...

Haven't even touched this one, all natur'el.

Wardwell toes for sure!

I thought this turned out nicely. Thanks you guys!

After...

Here is Raegan after her hair cut. It's short and is really cute...if she will let me touch it up here and there. I kind of like the messed up look! Yes, I am experimenting on my new software...give it time! :)

Blueberry Buddies

I've been on this 'food storage' kick lately. For many years I've felt we needed to get on top of this daunting task. It's not until now that I'm feeling confident in doing it. A few weeks ago a group of us went to a peach farm and gathered peaches, and canned, froze and jellies them. It's so fun and rewarding to see those peaches on my shelf begin the beginning of "being prepared". Well another friend had a connection to a field of blueberry bushes. So we got together Saturday morning and for about 3 hours, picked a 5 gallon bucket full EACH!

(camera phone pics)

I wasn't a big blueberry fan before this, but knew my kids loved them and it would be nice to have variety...well, eating them right off the bush...Oh I'm a believer! These were as plump and juicy as grapes...and as sweet! Oh so perfect! And they were FREE DOLLARS!
It was a hot...VERY hot and VERY sweaty day. I'm still missing my western dry climate, this humidity is a killer, sweat went all the way down our shirts!!! (Note to self, wear sports bra next time.) But it was worth it. This picture was at the nearest gas station...we went to the nearest refrigerator and opened it up to cool off...oops it was wine coolers...oh well, it was funny. Wendy Marler and Kristi Henderson were my blueberry buddies! Thanks Kristi for the blueberry connection!!!

This bucket made up 6 gallon sized bags. That was after giving some away. Soon I will be able to preserve them and have them to eat year round! As you can see, the kids, especially Ammon, just sat and ate them for a long time.

School Dayz

Here is all the "stuff" our kids need to bring to school! I didn't even begin to bore you with all the paperwork that 4 kids accumulates. I agree with another mom, I wish I could put "same as last year" on all their forms!!! It took close to 2 hours to do. After which, I sat the kids down and divided up all the "stuff" they needed. So not only do we have to go endure a "black friday" environment at Wally world, to get the stuff, but then figure out who gets what and get it to school. I guess not everyone has more then 2 kids in school like we do....ha!

Raegan was the first awake! She is sooo excited to be in Kindergarten. She loved going to the school yesterday to meet her new teacher for the first time. I love that age. Rian was excited to finally get to wear her shoes and clothes. 4th grade is definitely new territory, they start rotating for classes and more homework...I think I miss the summer already!

Here are my cuties. (Jarom always looks so eager!) Car rider the first day, bus rider their after. Ammon wasn't too excited to watch everyone pile into the truck and drive away. He chased them up the road. Poor kid! Just me and the little guy all day!

Uh Oh!

I thought I had made it through the "scissor phase". I almost did. The other morning Raegan asked if she could play the computer. Crafty as I thought I was, I told her to go make her bed and brush her hair before she could. (Side note, she hates to have her hair brushed by me, so I'm trying to get her to be responsible) It wasn't until later in the day that I noticed... Well, I guess she really didn't want to worry about her hair anymore, and she was pretty proud of herself. Raegan had given herself bangs and a mullet! I need a magic wand!

Raingutter Ragata Race

All of the cub scouts together anxious to race their boats!

Jarom had fun building and racing his boat. He was disappointed that he was only allowed to race once, but did a good job!