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!

Happy Day To Daddy

Can't have a birthday in our household without a breakfast celebration to begin the day. Gotta love those "little pancakes" by Eggo... Couldn't fit 33 pancakes, sorry babe, your age is outdoing the plate! I'm sure he was hoping to blow out 33 candles...

The kids had a great time shopping for daddy at the store with their own "dollars." I tried my hardest not to influence their decision...only to encourage them to pool their money. Well, they did find a t-shirt, and it was between Zelda (they are big into DS) and Ghost Busters (we've been introducing them to some classics). Drum roll...they chose the glow-in-the-dark Ghost Buster shirt. Ha! Our kids are a bit weird, but it was really an awesome experience to watch them get excited about getting something for their daddy! If my hub wasn't such a stick-in-the-mud when it comes to doing things for him and giving me hints on what he would like for his birthday that didn't cost a bazillion $$ *so typical* then it probably would have been more productive...I need a Ouija board... :) Anyone?

For birthday dessert he wanted strawberry shortcake. Ahh the sweetness of strawberries and easiness! Overall, it was a fun and eventful day. If you haven't noticed, I dearly love, love my honey. He really does a lot for me and our wonderful family. Life would definitely not be what it is without his random, loving and spontaneous ways. I guess you could say we balance each other and fit perfectly in our lives. I love you sweetie! I'm yours forever!

Laser Light Show At Stone Mountain Park

Stone Mountain Park

We all decided to get together and enjoy a fun (sweaty/humid) night at the Stone Mountain Laser Light Show. It was free dollars, except for parking, so you can't beat that. Troy and Kristin came with mom and sis-in-laws and baby BMW, Missy and Nick with Denham and Brenin, and of course our 'little' tribe. It was a blast to run the hill, play freeze tag, eat a packed dinner, take kids to the bathroom, oh and watch the show that started at 9:30pm. With laser lights, fire works and fun music, the kids loved the entire show! What a great night!

Who? What Did That?

If you haven't guessed yet, we don't need a four legged pet! We have our very own 2 legged, 16 mo. old baby boy animal. This little guy really, really, likes to get our attention. He's recently enjoyed pencils, along with markers as the companion tool for wall decor...opening and closing doors (and just today he's learned the lock on the handles--that smartie pants) and to top it off, the garbage cans make a daily round by our little, happy, smiling monster. I really don't want him to grow any taller, because he's getting really good at climbing...that is a whole new world of obsticals he has had his eye on. I need a nap!

The Rock, GA

The Rock Ranch put on a special 'Family Fun Days' so we decided to take advantage of the prices and try out the ranch for our first time. Heard of it many times, but a family of 7 is never cheap no matter where you go...so we took off on the 90 minute drive to The Rock, Georgia. Although I've lived here over 8 years, I still can't get over how beautiful and green it is here, so the drive was so relaxing to me (helps that most animated movies run that long too :) Turns out the owner S. Truett Cathy is also the founder of Chick fil a. Check it out their site.


This was a hot and sweaty day, but well worth it. (Of course it's making more sense why the fall is their busiest part of he year!) I was only able to document half of the day, because I decided to abandon my heavy camera and just enjoy the day! I wish I could have at least caught the last scene of all of us racing each other on the go carts or pedal carts, whatever. Good times. With a small crowd we were able to maximize the entire park.

Night At The Park

Our ward activity was at the Newnan Utility Park/Castle Park. All three units that meet in our building were invited. It was a perfect night of good weather and fun people.

Ammon trying his first piece of watermelon...loving it!



Checking out the sprinklers.

Ammon and Tarin

Raegan

Jarom

I can only imagine what he's thinking of doing...

Brynley Madison Wardwell

I've been kicking myself for not bringing my camera when we visited Troy and Kristin at the hospital. So this post is a bit late. They came over the other night when Gpa W came to town. So I was able to snatch a few takes...

Brynley Madison Wardwell born July 11, 2009

Ammon could not keep his kisses to himself. This was a constant thing...he loooves babies!

First Harvest

This is what our garden looks like today. I'm excited how it's turned out so far. Lots of bugs, weeds and storms got in the way, but nothing to keep from the great abundance of produce. The kids have loved watching it grow and helping me pick the tomatoes and peppers.

Tomatoes are ripe and juicy! Bell peppers nice and crisp!

OOOOooo the corn! Can't wait to sink my teeth into the sweet corn tonight!

Glad to say this is ony the beginning!

Sweet Georgia South...

In case anyone wanted to know how busy our little boy was...just take a look! For a long time he's wanted to open doors and get away from us as we change his diaper. Well he was able to accomplish both recently. He wiggle away and ran to the back door and...

decided to share with the world his accomplishments...what a little stinker he is...

Wardwell Reunion

I'm finally able to get these pictures up from when everyone came out for the wedding and a reunion of fun. Here are all the families and kids. This was a fun morning...Ha! But it's good to have everyone together.

Trent and Ammon

Gma and Gpa with all grandkids

Wardwell Family

Somewhere in their my little sweetie Tarin Page celebrated her 6th birthday. I can't believe how fast she is growing up and becoming the beautiful woman that she is. We love you Tarin and hope you had a great birthday.

Thank you Gma and Gpa Wardwell for making those few day so fun and memorable.

Newest...to be...Palmer

Well another brother sees the light and decides to pop the question. Just want to wish my little brother and his sweetie good times and rich experiences. I'm very excited to see the both of them in October. Love you Trevor!

4th Of July Memories

What a summer it has been. Besides all the swimming, free movie days, play dates...A big highlight is the union of Missy and Nick Lane. It was such a treat to have all of my in-laws here to visit and enjoy the festivities. The backyard wedding was on the 4th of July so it was turned into a night of swimming and fireworks. I have to say we didn't get a whole lot out of the fireworks, because by days end we were all exhausted!! Some day the little ones won't be so little and we will be able to extend our days...
Soon I will post the rest of the the crazy, but fun pictures from having family in town. It was so nice to have them all here. Carrie, it really was a treat having a house full of kids...I love chaos...especially when they are all smiling! :) Miss all of you!