The Carpenter Family

Monster Truck Show!!! Woo hoo!!!

2010-01-27T21:50:00.002-06:00

We took Sawyer and three of his friends to a Monster Truck show on January 15. It was a first for me. It was much more boring than I had anticipated.

This is the Undertaker.

Bearfoot

The boys got to go for a ride in one of the trucks.

The New Year... 2010

2010-01-27T21:40:00.002-06:00

I'm going to try and do better with my blogging this year. So with that said, this was January 1, 2010. We celebrated the new year with the purchase of a new suburban. We actually bought it on December 28 but had to take it back to have the cloth replaced with leather and have the DVD head rests installed. I think New Year's Day was the first day we took it out.

Kaylie at CoLin Basketball Camp

2009-07-17T14:12:00.003-05:00

Sawyer playing in Allstar game

2009-07-17T07:52:00.004-05:00

Sawyer played in a few allstar games in Summit.

He played left field.

MS Crush Takes Second in Madison

2009-07-17T07:43:00.001-05:00

School Spirit

2009-07-17T07:34:00.002-05:00

These are some pictures I took of the kids for the football program ads. We didn't use this one because Kaylie's eyes are almost closed.
We did use these last two. I love this one.

Larsen is still working on her smile on command.

Sixth Grade Recognition

2009-07-17T06:21:00.002-05:00

This was sixth grade recognition day. It is more or less a graduation ceremony.

After the kids had received their certificates they performed the Maypole dance.

Kaylie receiving her certificate from Mrs. Rigby.

Buddy Ball

2009-05-13T20:42:00.002-05:00

These are a few pictures of Sawyer before one of his baseball games.

Adam and Sawyer

Kelly and the rest of his team.

Aren't they so sweet with their heads bowed?

Sawyer batting

2009-05-13T20:27:00.002-05:00

These are a few pictures of Kaylie in her cheer uniform. She will be a 7th grade cheerleader in the fall.

Prayer Request

2009-04-27T17:16:00.003-05:00

Please pray for the Freeman family of Charlotte, North Carolina. You can read their story at http://www.kayleighannefreeman.blogspot.com. They really need your prayers.

Thank you,

Robin

Second Place

2009-04-23T21:16:00.003-05:00

Kaylie's softball team, the MS Crush 12U, won second place in their tournament this past weekend. These are a few pictures I took after they received their medals. Most of the girls go to Copiah Academy and are in sixth grade with Kaylie. They have a great time together.

God's Promise

2009-04-23T21:11:00.001-05:00

Boken bone #16 for the Carpenter family

2009-04-23T20:57:00.003-05:00

After hunting eggs the kids were jumping on the trampoline and Larsen ended up with a broken leg. We have a net so she didn't fall off and no one fell on her it was just the force of a jump/bounce.

This is a picture of Larsen on Monday at the pediatric orthopedist after she got her cast. Now all three children have broken at least one bone. Kaylie is in the lead with 5, Sawyer has had 2, and now Larsen with 1. Kelly has has had 6 broken bones and I have had two. We have a grand total of 16.

Eggsellent!!!

2009-04-23T20:43:00.002-05:00

We had some of my family over for Easter dinner and egg hunting. I tried to get some pictures of Larsen hunting eggs but I just never could get her to cooperate and give me a nice picture so what you see is what you get.

That is Brandon hunting for eggs in the irises.

Tiffany and Larsen

Easter Sunday

2009-04-23T20:10:00.002-05:00

I think we took these pictures after we got home from church on Easter Sunday. Larsen and Kaylie both had white/ivory dresses they had never worn so they became Easter dresses. We just put Sawyer in a white button down. They looked just wonderful to me. They are some CUTE kids!!
I will be so glad when Larsen gets out of the fake smile phase.

This is an award winning picture! Just love it!! Larsen is not just my baby, she is theirs too.

My Aunt Lisa took these last few pictures. Kaylie has on those awful shoes.

He is so darn cute.

I miss Sawyer's long hair.

Here comes Peter Cotton Tail!!!

2009-04-23T19:51:00.003-05:00

I absolutely LOVE it when the Easter Bunny does a great job on my kid's baskets! They are just beautiful aren't they!

Those kids even wake up cute!! Thank you God for three happy, healthy, smart, beautiful, and wonderful children. We are soooooo blessed.

Sawyer and Kaylie both got gloves. Kaylie got a bat and cleats. Sawyer got cleats and three DVDs. Larsen got a toy, book, and candy.

Kaylie and her new bat.

I'm Such A Big Girl

2009-04-23T19:43:00.002-05:00

Larsen thinks she is such a big girl sometimes. She likes to put on my and Kaylie's shoes. She can really do some damage in my closet. Have you ever seen such a HOT MESS!?!! She has the hands on the hips down pat!!
Those are Kaylie's five dollar shoes that have never been worn outside of this house.

Larsen can walk all over the house with them on.

HODDY TODDY!! VS HOW 'BOUT THEM DAWGS?!!!

2009-04-23T18:56:00.006-05:00

Kelly and I took Kaylie, Kamryn, Kelli, Hannah, Alexis, Victoria, and Sawyer to the M & F Fastpitch Classic in Madison. It was at Liberty Park on April 1. (yes I am behind on blogging!) It is a MSU vs Ole Miss game. The game is alternated each year between Madison and Ridgeland. Ole Miss won this year. It was a come back. The shortstop hit two home runs. A great game! I think the score was something like 8-4. It was the first college softball game I have ever attended.This is a picture taken of my tv during the 10pm sports news. Our girls made the news because they were all painted up. You can see Kelli in the left corner and Hanna and Kaylie to the right. The players told them that fans usually don't do that for their games. They liked the girls I think.

They are proudly displaying their new artwork.
They are such a mess aren't they?
Go Lady Rebels!!!!!

How 'bout them DAWGS!!!!

So cute and sassy.

The Lady Bulldogs as they were warming up.

Lady Rebels coming onto field for warm up.

Lady Rebels playing around a little bit.

Kamryn is our Crush hind catcher and just had to have a photo with the Ole Miss hind catcher.

The girls are getting autographs from the MSU players.

Ole Miss players waiting for the autograph posters to get to them.

Alexis getting autographs.

Kelli getting autographs.

They wanted a picture with the bus.

We went to Back Yard Burger after the game.

What a BIG Turtle!!!

2009-04-22T21:34:00.003-05:00

We were on our way to watch a MSU vs Ole Miss fast pitch softball game when I just happened to notice the huge turtle at Lake Copiah. We stopped to get a better look at it. It is definitely the largest turtle I have ever seen. We had six girls and Sawyer with us. They all wanted to get close to the turtle but we only let Kelly Berry get in the water.

Do you agree that it is a huge turtle?

All Husbands Are Not Created Equal

2009-04-22T21:22:00.002-05:00

We live in the country and there are always limbs and leaves to burn. Kelly has a certain spot behind his shop were he burns. Well, he had large burn pile going one Saturday and left it. A few days later he was asked by his receptionist, "Why did you burn your 4-wheeler?". His response was, "What are you talking about?". These pictures reflect what she was talking about. He had that 4-wheeler to close to the burn pile and it burned completely up!! Laugh it up, David! I know you are loving this. This is Classic Kelly!! LOL!!
Nothing left!

Can you believe that?

What We Learned About Guatemala

2009-04-22T20:28:00.006-05:00

THE BASICS

1. Location: Guatemala's northern and west borders meet Mexico. To the east and southeast it's neighbors are El Salvador and Honduras. The Pacific Ocean meets its western shores and Belize and Caribbean Sea are located to the northeast.

2. Time Zone: US Central Standard Time

3. Area: 42.535 square miles

4. Climate: Average temperature of 75 degrees F; Guatemala is dubbed "the country of the never ending spring".

5. Capital City: Guatemala City

6. Population: 12 million

7. Languages: Spanish is the official language, however, 23 other regional languages and dialects are also spoken throughout the country (21 of Mayan origin, 1 Garifuna, and 1 Xinca).

8. Currency: The official currency is the Quetzal (Q), but most hotels and shops accept US dollars and credit cards.

TOURISM INFO

1. Archeology: Ancient Mayan cities and all kinds of artistic relics can be found in renown sites like Tikal, Ceibal, and Kiminal Juyu.

2. Mountain Biking: Hundreds of paths, rocky and dirt roads through the most exquisite landscapes.

3. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving in deep blue waters and swimming with sea turtles and exotic fish; endless possibilities to discover submarine beauty.

4. Horseback Riding

5. Windsurfing: The winds of the highlands and the breeze on both shores make Guatemala a windsurfing paradise.

6. Surfing: With 250 Kilometers of black sand beaches and 10 feet tall waves, Guatemala's Pacific Coast offers incomparable excitement for world class surfers.

7. Golf: Guatemala has the best golf climate.

8. Sport Fishing: A world of adventure in the Pacific. (We met a young man from Florida who was there with his father and brother just to fish...primarily for marlin I believe.)

9. Coffee Tours: Guatemala offers a special encounter with the best coffee of the world through its Coffee Tours. (we did actually go on a coffee tour and it probably is interesting to people who drink coffee but we don't drink coffee so it wasn't anything special to me...a tour of the tiny gift shop would have been enough for me.)

10. Canopy Tours: Observe the tropical forest from a bird's or monkey's perspective.

11. Eco Tourism: 19 ecosystems, 300 micro climates, 33 volcanoes

12. Trekking: Perfect location for different level walks

13. Rafting: Experts and beginners will find white waters equal to all adrenalin levels.

All Dressed Up

2009-04-22T19:56:00.003-05:00

At the resort there were two ladies who had a small market style display at the entrance. They had numerous things to sell. We actually bought a few things from them. One of the times that we were out talking to them they asked us if they could dress us in their indigenous clothing. We, of course, said yes. David and Regina were very shocked that the ladies offered to do that. In the two years that they have been in Guatemala they have never seen the locals dress a North American. Regina said, "They never do that." They explained to Regina that the blouse they put on me took six months to make. It really was beautiful. I probably should have bought it and framed it in a shadow box.

This is the complete ensemble.

Larsen had a different head dressing. The people of Guatemala were very drawn to the tiny, blond haired, North American. Men, women, and children could not help but look at her and smile at her. Some touched her and some even held her. David and Regina asked us to leave her there because she would open so many doors for them. They felt they could go anywhere if they had here with them. We just had to say no.

We look so nice don't we? Kaylie thought the outfits were very comfortable and they really were. The skirt material was kind of heavy and they tie the belt pretty tight but it was nice to experience the dress of the local people.

I believe the ladies may have been mother and daughter bit I am not certain. The older lady told us that she had been to the states. I think she had visited Wisconsin.

Very sweet and beautiful people.

Soleil La Antigua Resort & Conference Center

2009-04-20T21:52:00.005-05:00

These are some photos from the resort where we stayed our last night. It is the kind of place where you go and stay a week. They have everything you need. It was really nice. I'm glad that I saw a good deal of Guatemala but if I ever go back I just might spend all of my time there. If not the resort, Antigua.

The water was freezing cold and the temperature outside was cool and windy but they just had to get in the pools. There were two large pools and a baby pool.

David and Larsen. She was shaking and her teeth were chattering but she wouldn't get out of the pool right away.

The resort had a very nice play area the kids really enjoyed.

The resort also had exotic birds on the premises.

What you are seeing is not a carpet or a rug it is sand art.

Antigua By Day

2009-04-20T21:24:00.004-05:00

Antigua is a beautiful city. It appeared to be the tourist destination. There were people there from all over the world. I loved it there. The cobblestone streets were charming and the energy of the city was tremendous.

These are some photos of the park during the light of day.

The fountain with the flowers removed. It was so lovely the night before.

We went to the local market that day and bought some souvenirs. I couldn't resist photographing the little girls with their baskets of goods on their heads.

They are wearing the indigenous clothing of the local people. Note their aprons.

No laptop, no internet

2009-04-15T08:06:00.003-05:00

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that I haven't posted lately because my laptop hard drive crashed and was in the shop for about two weeks then my satellite Internet service went crazy from a virus or something on my desktop. We had to get that hard drive wiped clean. I am using my work computer today but will not make that a habit. It will be May 9 before my Internet service is back to normal. I hope that is the day!!! I will try to get caught up on my posting. I still have Guatemala pictures to post and many more.

Robin

Antigua at Night

2009-03-28T17:50:00.004-05:00

After we got settled in our hotel rooms we decided to take a walk around town to look at some of the sites. We walked through the park and took a few pictures. We are standing at the entrance into the park.
I think this is one of the churches.

We are standing in front of the fountain in the park. It is decorated with flowers. David and Regina lived in Antigua for a while and they said they had never seen it decorated like that before. It was really beautiful.
Look at goof ball Kelly.

David, Mama and Regina

After our walk in the park we went to a local Pop's ice cream parlor for a snack.

The people of Guatemala really liked Larsen.

They all gave her hugs and kisses.

Hotel Centro Colonial Antigua

2009-03-28T09:34:00.004-05:00

These are some pictures of the Hotel Centro Colonial Antigua. We stayed there on Thursday, March 19. It was very beautiful and it cost only $45 a night. The hotel tax is about 22% so it was a little more after taxes. We were able to go up on the roof top so I took a few pictures from there.
This is a volcano. David and Regina have been to the volcano. You can climb it on horse back. You can see lava just feet from you. Several months ago they posted some beautiful pictures from there on their blog at http://www.davidandregina.blogspot.com/.

This is just outside our door. Beautiful!!

This was taken inside my mother's room I believe.

This is from the courtyard at the hotel

Can you get an idea as to how beautiful this hotel is?

As I have said before, motorcycles are very popular means of transportation.

More motorcycles. You can also see the volcano in the background. The streets were pretty busy while we were there.

It is also common to see this little vehicle around Antigua. Also notice that the streets are cobblestone. They are pretty and you feel a sense of "old worldliness" but they are not great for walking on.

I love to see the women carrying things on their heads.

Carrying a child in a sling is also common in Guatemala. We do that in the states but not usually with children as big as that little boy is.

Traveling to Antigua

2009-03-27T22:48:00.002-05:00

We left Coban on Thursday and headed to Antigua. We saw some beautiful country side and and ate at a nice restaurant called Sarita's. Even the restaurants in Guatemala have play lands for the kids. We even ran into a large tour group there from all over the United States. They immediately asked me, "Where in the South are you from?". This is a nice little spot in the play land. Sawyer, Larsen and Kaylie.
They look happy don't they? They enjoyed the trip. Sawyer has already asked if we are going back over the summer. I don't think I will be ready to fly anytime soon not to mention that we couldn't afford it.
I think that Sawyer might just be Larsen's favorite kid...and BIG BROTHER. He really does love her and looks out for her. It is okay if he gets aggravated with her but he doesn't won't anyone else to get on to her. Sawyer has three sisters so hopefully he will be a great husband one day.

Larsen loves to slide!

Sometimes Kaylie is such a good big sister. Kaylie is becoming so busy with her own life, schedule, sports, and activities that she doesn't get to spend a lot time with Larsen.
At Sarita's I had a great pasta and seafood dish. I ate the familiar seafood and Kelly ate the unfamiliar seafood. I think there was conch in it.

This is a small herd of cattle on the road to Antigua. I realize this isn't that unusual especially for people like us who live in the south.

I took these pictures of the hillsides because I wanted everyone to see how they farm all the land. You have to look closely but you can see different shades of green in nice squares. They must plant many different things. Can you imagine weeding and harvesting on those hillsides?

Local Baptist Church

2009-03-26T20:26:00.005-05:00

This is a local Baptist church. I think the name of it is Jericho Baptist Church. Your international mission donations support missionaries like David and Regina and churches like this. You might also notice that the lady walking in front of the church is wearing an outfit similar to the one that Kaylie wore shopping.

Let's Go Downtown

2009-03-26T19:57:00.003-05:00

On Tuesday a little while after we arrived in Coban we walked down to the local market. Kaylie wanted one of the blouses that the indegenous women wear. It took a little while but we finally found the perfect blue to match the skirt she had brought with her. This is Kaylie wearing her new hand made blouse with her skirt. The purse she has was given to her buy David and Regina last October while they were home for a visit.

Robin, Kaylie and Regina doing a little shopping.

This is a Ropa Americana store. They sell used American clothing.

While we were downtown Kaylie had the approval of the women and the men. The women touched her blouse as she walked by and the men honked and whistled.

Cuevas del Ray Marcos

2009-03-25T18:06:00.009-05:00

These are a few pictures of us at Cuevas del Ray Marcos. It is a little water park and cave. The water is freezing cold. It comes down from the mountain. Kaylie and Sawyer are trying to decide if they can go any furhter into the cold water.
My mother, Linda.

The adults are wathching Kaylie and Sawyer to see of they can tolerate the cold water.

Larsen did not like the cold water.

Some locals jumped from there in the water.

Kaylie

Sawyer

That is David. The water was REALLY cold!

Regina and Larsen

My family

It was nice and relaxing.

These three little boys were playing beautifully. Larsen had a good time dancing to their music.

The entrance to the cave.

This cave was not lighted like caverns in hte states. We had to crawl and climb our way through. It was an experience.

We all came out covered with dirt.

This is what LArsen and Regina did while we went into the cave.

A few pictures of Coban

2009-03-25T17:35:00.003-05:00

These are a few pictures of Coban. If there is land, it is farmed. It was amazing to see how the hillsides were farmed to the very edge of a cliff.
This is a large valley of farm land. Machinery is not used to keep the rows looking so nice. You would be amazed at what those people can do with a machete.
This is one of the city streets. Most of the men carry some kind of bag. Motorcycles are very popular in Guatemala. Motorcycles have the right of way in Guatemala at all times. The law is that only one person on the bike has to have on a helmet. We saw women and children without helmets but usually the driver has on a helmet. Motorcycles are not expensive like they are here. There are transportation in Guatemala rather than recreation. There is competitive pricing.

This is a food cart. You can see these quiet often. I was amazed at how much food was sold on the streets by an average person. Women are everywhere selling food.

Just another street in the city. You can see mountains in the background. Guatemala is very mountainous.

Hand Made Tortillias

2009-03-25T17:24:00.002-05:00

On the grounds of the coffee farm there were two ladies patting tortillias. David can cut through his neighbors yard to their place. He goes there and buys tortillias sometimes.

The Coffee Farm

2009-03-24T21:42:00.003-05:00

David and Regina live just down the road from a coffee farm. We went there for a tour. We were all given hats to wear because it was pretty sunny that morning.

David said that these coffe plants had recently been cut back. They are normally very tall . These are baby coffee plants.

Our tour guide took this picture of us at the end of our tour.

Kelly and I do not drink coffee but we bought some of the coffee for some family members as well as some jelly that was sold at the farm.

David's House

2009-03-24T20:57:00.002-05:00

The opened door leads to David and Regina's apartment. The window that has the vine growing around it is the guest apartment. That is where we stayed.
This is part of their yard. It was nice for us having the gate and fence with Larsen around. We didn't have to worry about her getting away from us. She spent most of her time playing in hte mini bus. She seemed to think that it was her personal play house.

This is the must have gate from inside the yard. Note the razor wire on top. The blue building in the background is a preschool. Those bushes are some kind of cane.

This is the gate from the street.

This is a view down their street.

This picture was taken at the restaurant/hostel next door to David and Regina.

It had a very pretty courtyard.

This is Precioso. He is owned by a missionary couple that is currently in the states. We liked him very much. Don't you that tile that was in hte apartment? I noticed that same tile in a store that we went in.

Leaving Guatemala City

2009-03-24T18:51:00.003-05:00

We left Guatemala City on March 17 and headed to Coban where David and Regina live. I took several photos from the car. I tried to get shots of the real city life. There are millions upon millions of people living in Guatemala City. It is not a very large place. As you can see the houses are stacked on top of each there. They can build on every hill side.
Guatemala City looks very industrial to me. Everything is made of concrete. Most doors and winds have gates and bars over them.

Have you ever seen so many houses in one place?

The women of Guatemala are very talented at carrying things on their heads.

Every store, shop, restaurant, and parking lot in Guatemala City has an armed guard with a sawed off shot gun. Guatemala City can be a very dangerous place. One must be careful and vigilant in Guatemala City.

Most of the shops have bars and a small hole that you shop through.

The buses of Guatemala City are red. They are always FULL of people. They are the source of public transportation. There is no heat or air.

Larsen and Regina where we stopped for lunch. We had sandwiches and drinks.

The kids are standing next to a coconut tree. It is not the same type of coconut that you find in Hawii.

David, Robin, Larsen, Kaylie, Sawyer, and Linda

The evening

2009-03-16T21:54:00.005-05:00

After we got in from our excursion to the mall we all took a short nap. We are all still a little tired from getting up so early yesterday and staying up late. After the kids got up they all went outside and played with the caretaker's children. These are a few photos of them playing outside together.
David, Kelly, Larsen, and Josue

David, Larsen, and Josue

Josue, Kelly, Rebecca, and Sawyer

Kelly, Robin, Josue

Josue and Larsen walking down some stairs.

Josue

She really is terribly cute, isn't she?

Josue, Rebecca, Sawyer, David, Larsen, and Kelly

These photos are from our supper at Applebees. We had a superb supper again.

Those ribs were wonderful!!

A day at the local mall

2009-03-16T15:57:00.008-05:00

Today David and Regina took us to one of the local malls in Guatemala City because there were lots of things there for the kids to do. We all had a great time. Our first stop was at the Chuck E. Cheese. It is new and was very nice. For the longest time we were the only ones there.
David and Larsen on a fire engine.
Regina and Larsen inside the tubes.

Larsen coming down the slide.

Kelly and Sawyer playing a water gun game. Sawyer won.

Larsen and Sawyer on the fire engine.

Regina and Larsen playing the popcorn game.

Larsen does not like the big mouse.

Sawyer and Chuck E Cheese

We ate pizza and turkey sandwiches.

Larsen can make friends anywhere.

There was also a a small skating rink in the mall. Sawyer and Kaylie had good time.

There was also a train at the mall. I enjoyed riding the train because we got to see several of the stores that were in the mall. I did make one purchase. I bought Larsen three pairs of white socks for about $2.50 from a nice children's clothing store. I usually pay around $10 for three pair at the stores in our mall.

We made it!!!!

2009-03-15T20:41:00.006-05:00

My day started at 2:15am and I am still going strong. We left the Hilton around 3:30am We wanted to be at the airport at 4:00am to catch our flight at 6:00am.This is us as we tried to check in. We had to have a little help from staff.
Sawyer was asleep before I knew it.

Larsen was so good on the flight to Miami.

This is a picture of Miami from the air.

This is on the flight to Guatemala. Both kids were exhausted from being awake all day.

This is Larsen on the flight to Guatemala. She was good but was a little more work than the previous flight.

There was a lot of cloud cover as we got close to Guatemala. Isn't it beautiful?

This is Guatemala from the air. It looks very mountainous.

We are staying two nights at the Mission House. It is called the Arkansas House.

Kelly finally gave out when we arrived at the mission house.

This is a book room. Larsen was looking at some of the children's books.

These are coffee beans that the caretakers had out drying.

This is a wall that surrounds the mission house.
This is a banana tree on the property.

We are standing infront of a coffee tree.

These are the coffee beans.

I just loved this flowering tree on the property.

Larsen went to sleep as soon as we got to TGI Fridays.

Here we all are: One big happy family!!!

We had a spectacular meal!!

Starting our trip

2009-03-15T20:29:00.002-05:00

We left for New Orleans on Saturday right at about 1:00pm. We had a great ride down there. It was very quick. We spent the night at the Hilton. This is how our trip started. While we were loading luggage Larsen decided to spread Baby powder all over the front of seats. What a way to start the trip!
This is the Hilton Hotel. This car was infront of the hotel.

Larsen admiring herself.

Eating supper at the Hotel restaurant.

Little Colonel Basketball

2009-03-14T09:49:00.004-05:00

Sawyer played in two Little Colonel basketball games on Thursday night. His team won both of their games. The team consists of first and second grade boys. Sawyer scored several times. Sawyer is a good ball handler. That is Zach Howell and Preston Chapman in the background.

Chase, Zach, and Preston

Sawyer and Zach

Sawyer made both of his free throws.

Sawyer is an agressive defensive player.

Sawyer's best friends, Jake and Ben Smith are guarding him.

Larsen slept in her bed!

2009-03-12T06:14:00.004-05:00

This is Larsen and Sawyer pretending they are asleep. Sawyer wanted to sleep with her but she kept getting up and coming to our room so he gave up on her and went upstairs to his own bed.

Larsen ended up going to sleep in my bed around 10:45. I put her in her bed and she slept through the night in her own bed! Can you believe it?! We checked on her at 1:30 and 3:30. When I got up at 5:30 she was side ways in the bed and had her hands under her head like she was as relaxed as could be.

Larsen's New Room!!

2009-03-11T22:03:00.004-05:00

Larsen got her new furniture today. This is the beginning of her new room. I still need to get her some new art work and a rug for her floor. I am so sure that Uncle David hates that he missed out on putting up those curtain rods for me and Aunt Regina just hates that she missed out on all the shopping. Sawyer and Larsen trying out the new bed.
When I bought this furniture I didn't realize that it was quiet so off white. The lighting at the store must have made it look a little more white.
Do you like the green curtains?

The walls are light pink. They almost need to be a darker color.

They all like Larsen's new room.

That rail is supposed to keep Larsen from falling off the bed. It was a nightmare to put together and it actually has some straps that secure it to the mattress that I left off. The legs that slide under the mattress will do just fine. We had a smaller rail when Kaylie was that age and it didn't require straps.

This is Larsen jumping on her new bed.

Larsen kissing Kaylie goodnight.

Sawyer took the last two pictures.

update

2009-03-09T19:53:00.003-05:00

I went to the neurosurgeon today. I had another MRI. I have two bulging disks. He told me that one of them is basically just wearing out. I have been off steroids for four days now and I am doing okay. I have some discomfort but no significant pain. He told me that I have to be very careful with everything that I do. He said no lifting, no bending, no twisting and no carrying anything heavy. I go back on March 30. We are going to Guatemala on the 15th. Oh, by the way, Sawyer has the flu!!! All three children are now on flu medication. Kelly and I are going to have to get some medication tomorrow I guess. What nest?!!!

Gone Fishing

2009-03-07T21:12:00.002-06:00

Kelly took the girls fishing today after he got through with baseball try outs. It was late in the afternoon so it seemed like it got dark very quickly. The mosquitoes were terrible. I have never seen them so bad. My pictures look like it was already dark but it wasn't really that dark yet. They would have had a better time if they weren't being eaten alive. Kaylie and Kamryn
Larsen

Kamryn spraying herself AGAIN with bug spray.

Soccer

2009-03-07T20:48:00.003-06:00

Kaylie played her first soccer game of the spring season. They played in Clinton. They probably won't get to play many more games because of softball starting very soon. Her team actually played two games against the same team. They won the first game and tied the second game. We had a good time watching them play. The team seemed improved from the fall.
Kamryn and Kaylie

Kamryn, Brianna, Kaylie, Anna Maria, Tori, Aleah

Neurosurgeon Appointment

2009-03-07T20:39:00.003-06:00

I went to see the neursurgeon on Thursday afternoon. I was rescheduled from the morning to the afternoon. My doctor is named Dr. Azordigan. He is absolutely wonderful. He is probably the friendliest and most down to earth doctor that I have ever met. He is not crazy about the idea of me going to Guatemala on the 15. He wanted more time to see how I do off the steroids and to decide on a course of treatment. So he decided that I am going to have another MRI on Monday morning and see him immediately after. I guess he is going to decide what to do after the MRI. So far I am doing okay on my second day with no steroids. Thank you for all of your concern and prayers.

Rescheduled

2009-03-03T19:08:00.001-06:00

Well, I didn't see the neurosurgeon today. They rescheduled me for Thursday at 9:00 am. I am still feeling pretty good. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.

Love to you all,
Robin

Thanks!!

2009-03-03T06:43:00.001-06:00

I just want to say thank you to anyone who has said a prayer for me reagarding my back and leg pain. I am doing so much better. I am praying for a positive report from the doctor today. I really want to be in Guatemala over spring break.

Thank you and love to you all!

Robin Carpenter

Home from work!

2009-03-02T16:18:00.004-06:00

Well, I made it through the day at work. I am feeling much better. I have been in some pain today but it has been centralized to the area of my left calf. The pain had been primarily deep in my left hip area. It made it nearly impossible to walk or bear weight. I have managed and tolerated the calf pain very well. Apparently I am responding well to the steroids. The question is what will happen when I go off them again. I am very afraid of the possibilities. I was completely unable to function over the weekend and I never want to feel like that again. Since I was feeling better today I took some pictures of the family when I got home from work.Larsen and Mama
This is Sawyer listening to the MP3 player he got for Valentine's Day. Go Bulldogs!!

Kaylie, Larsen, and Sawyer

Larsen was giving Daddy some sugar.

My kids and my guy.

My sweet, sweet family!

going to work

2009-03-02T06:27:00.002-06:00

Okay, this is about me again. I am up, I have had my shower, my clothes and make up are on, and now I am fixing my hair. I have been in some pain this morning but is hasn't been tremendous. I had to sit through some of my shower and I am sitting on a bar stool while I do my make-up, hair and dressing. I dread going to work. I have to walk a lot because every 30 minutes I have pull kids out of class and take them back. My standing and walking is just not that good. It is too painful. I have taken my steroids and some ibuprophen this morning. I will probably take the prescription pain meds before I leave for work. I go to the neurosurgeon tomorrow. Say a prayer for me.

Sunday lunch

2009-03-01T15:23:00.003-06:00

Today we had a couple of family members over for lunch. I have spent most of this weekend in bed so I guess Kelly thought it would be nice to have some company this afternoon. My back and leg are a little better. I am pretty comfortable as long as I'm sitting or lying. Standing is a big problem still. I am very worried about going to work tomorrow. I haven't taken any of my prescription pain meds today but I will probably take some tomorrow before I leave for work. This is Kaylie and Larsen looking at the birthday party pictures that I posted earlier this morning.

When my mother got here for lunch we had to show her the photos also.
Shane is helping Sawyer download songs to his MP3 player that he got for Valentine's Day. Everyone likes working on Mama's bed.

This is our sweet miniature pom, Cricket.

Our lunch consisted of quail, crawfish soup, and lasagna. Quiet the variety, huh?

This crawfish soup is one of my most favorite dishes. I love it. I typically eat entirely too much of it but today I had a decent portion. My aunt did leave me some to eat tonight.

Lisa, Roger, and Tony

Shane, Larsen, Kaylie, Sawyer, Kelly

Tony and Larsen. Larsen was making her "cheese" face.

Shane

We had a nice lunch and great visit. Shane is very good with computers so he always helps us with all of our computer and game problems. As soon as he got here today we put him to work.

It's Party Time!

2009-03-01T07:14:00.004-06:00

Over the past six months since Kaylie turned 12 I have done numerous posts stating how Kaylie is growing up. Well, she has only six more months until she officially becomes a teenager. She already thinks that she is an adult. We are going to have our handsfull with her the older she gets. She is a great kid but is trying to assert her independence. Last night three of her friends celebrated their birthdays together by hosting a huge cance party. All the kids in their classes were invited. The girls were so dressed up and all of them were beautiful. The boys were equally handsome. Get ready for a stream of photos from the party. We took a few photos at home before we left for the party. I helped Kaylie with her hair. I have got get a better handle on how to do hair. I have never been good at anykind "up-do." I think that Kaylie did turn out very pretty even though I didn't really know what I was doing.
Her dress is really pretty isn't it? She is wearing my shoes. I told you that she is really growing up. We can now share shoes.

Does she look older than 12?

This is Alexis. She was the birthday girl. Her mother is the one responsible for Mardi Gras theme. The decorations were great. I think the theme was a hit with the kids.

Kaylie's boyfriend gave her a corsage and a ring last night before the party started. I'm going to have get a close up of the ring. It is really pretty.

Kaylie and Austin

They are so cute together.

This is Cooper. He is one of the birthday guys.

Alexis, Lindsey, Victoria, Kaylie, Kamryn, Morgan

Kaylie, Hannah, and Victoria

Anna, Kaylie, Lindsey, Kamryn, Victoria, Jordan, Hannah, and Alexis

Lindsey, Kamryn, Hannah, Kaylie, Anna, Victoria, Alexis

front row: Tyler, Kellen, Ridge, Austin back row: Adam and Noah (Noah is the other birthday guy)

Kaylie and Austin

Prayer Request

2009-02-28T18:27:00.002-06:00

This is a picture of me, Robin Carpenter, the author of this blog. I don't who or how many people ever see this blog but I have a favor to ask of you. I have been having some back pain and my left foot has been numb so on Tuesday, February 24, I had an MRI. It showed that I have a bulging disk in my lower back that is pushing on a nerve. A bulging disk is usually not very painful unless there is a nerve involved. I was on steroids for 12 days but have been off them for several days now. Well, yesterday I woke up a different person. I was a person in significant pain. I can't remember crying over pain as an adult. I have cried for the past two days. My doctor called me in some darvacet yesterday and more steroids today. I have not been able to function. I can stand for very limited amounts of time and can barely walk. The longer I stand the more the pain intensifies. I need for you to pray for me. I can't take care of my family or my home in this condition. I see a neurosurgeon on Tuesday, March 3. I have plane tickets for my entire family to go Guatemala during spring break. These tickets are nonrefundable. We are going to visit my missionary brother and sister-in-law. Please pray that I make that trip. Please pray that disk problem is healed and that I don't need surgery. Pray that I can walk without pain. Thank you for your prayers.

Cheer

2009-02-21T20:29:00.003-06:00

Just wanted to let everyone know that Kaylie made seventh grade cheerleader. We are very proud of her.

Happy Valentine's Day Memaw

2009-02-19T20:11:00.003-06:00

We celebrated Valentine's Day with Memaw on Monday, February 16. These are some pictures of her opening her gifts. Didn't all the gifts look so pretty?

Tervis Tumblers

cookbook

That is a big new purse for her to take on the flight to Guatemala.

Nice purse, huh?

The lime green Ole Miss shirt is also a must for the trip to Guatemala.

Funtime Skating

2009-02-15T11:58:00.002-06:00

Saturday night we took some of the kids skating in Pearl. We had a lot of fun just watching them. It was their Valentine's Day outing.Kaylie, Austin, Tyler, Hannah, Alexis, and Matt . This is a picture of them waiting in line. You would not have believed how long the line was to get in.

Austin and Kaylie

This is them sitting and waiting for a pizza and drink.

That is Kaylie and Austin skating together. It is not a very good picture but I tried.

We stopped a Baskin Robbins before heading home. They were out of my favorite ice cream but I enjoyed what I had.

Dress Hunting

2009-02-15T11:25:00.003-06:00

Alexis Harrison, Noah Bridges and Cooper Henry all have the same birthday which is February 28. The parents of those three have gotten together and are throwing them a big birthday. It is going to ba Mardi Gra themed dance party. All of the girls are dressing up and looking forward to having a great time. I got Kaylie and Hannah to try on these dresses and they photograph just beautifully but they really didn't look as cute in person.
We did finally find a dress. You will have to see those pictures on the 28th.

Kaylie and Austin. They photograph very well together also.

MS Crush at Bass Pro

2009-02-15T11:18:00.005-06:00

On February 14 Kaylie's softball team, the U-12 MS Crush had a small fundraiser at the Pass Pro Shop. We raffled off a $50 gift card. Only three of the players were able to participate. I think they had a pretty good time together. Rita Moak and I hung out in the restaurant all day. Kaylie and Austin Yonkers
Kaylie, Hannah Moak and Victoria Allen

Happy Birthday Kelly!

2009-02-15T11:06:00.003-06:00

February 13 was Kelly's 41st birthday. I took a couple of pictures of Kelly with the kids that morning. We gave him a MS State mug with a Bass Pro gift card in it

Sixth Grade Night Out

2009-02-13T19:07:00.002-06:00

Kelly and I took several of the sixth grade kids to see Paul Blart: Mall Cop and then to eat at Ryan's Steak House. All of the girls, except for one, were on the church basketball team. They all spent the night and we rode to the game together. The kids had a really good time. I think the guys did also.
Ryan's Steak House
Tinseltown

Some of the guys had the staf sing Happy Birthday to Alexis. Her birthday is on the 28th of this month.

Super Bowl Party

2009-02-04T21:54:00.007-06:00

We went to a Super Bowl party at Michael and Rita Moak's house. Michael is a big Steelers fan. I grew up two houses from him and my parents were big Steelers fans. Maybe it was a Janet Street thing to be a Steelers fan.Buddy Beach, Michael Moak, Wayne Henry, Lee Stevens, Jeff Smith, and Kelly Carpenter. There were two tv's in the house but the men were grilling and watching a small tv outside.
There was a commercial that was supposed to be in 3-D so everyone had a pair of 3-D glasses to make sure they got the full effect of the commercial.
They are really examining those glasses.

Lisa Berry, Eva Stevens, and Susan Campbell

Pharis Newman

Buddy Beach

Biggs Henry and Jeff Smith are watching that commercial with dedication. They didn't want to miss anything.

Cooper Henry

The "in the air" high five.

Eliza Brunt

Kaylie Carpenter, Tammie Henry, and Hannah Moak

Rita Moak

Hannah Moak

Parker Newman

Kaylie Carpenter

Eliza Brunt, David Brunt, Kent Newman, and Biggs Henry

I am cleaning up ketchup that ended up on the rug.

Tatum Henry and Hannah Moak

Kelly Carpenter

Hannah Moak

Tatum Henry

We worked hard on making sure everyone had a pair of 3-D glasses.

Ben Smith

Jake Smith

We had a great time at the Moak's. It rained and the kids got all wet, the kids spilled coke and ketchup but maybe someone will be brave enough to have us all again next year.

Go Steelers!!!

2009-02-04T21:32:00.005-06:00

I can remember my parents being Steeler fans when I was growing up so of course we had to pull for the Steelers this past Sunday. We were going to a Super Bowl party so I dressed my kids and myself to reflect our support of the Steelers. (As close as I could get to Steeler colors)

My pretty 12 year old.

Picture perfect! Go Steelers!!!

Larsen was pointing toward the road because someone was on a motorcycle.

You can really see Larsen's devious side in this picture.

Pretty girl

Time is passing so quickly. It makes my stomach hurt when I look at some of her pictures. The world is a scary place for the parents of young girls. I pray for my children in a different way than I used to. My prayers are laced with fear now. I am so aware of dangers are out there just waiting and watching for them.

Kaylie took this picture of me.

She's Growing Up

2009-02-04T21:24:00.002-06:00

These are a few pictures of Kaylie this past Sunday morning. She is trying ot grow up so fast. She is constantly telling us that she is a teenager and sometimes she even goes as far as to say that she is an adult. She is 12!!!! I can't wait for her to be 23 and remember these days. She is going to laugh at herself.

I like this picture the best.

They look so sweet on Sundays. You would not believe just how stressful Sundays are on us. Satan does that on purpose. We always get to Sunday school late but at least we get there. We have been on the battlefield before we get to church. Can anyone relate?

Couch Potatoes

2009-02-04T21:19:00.002-06:00

Kaylie is not always Larsen's favorite person so when Larsen is feeling tolerant of Kaylie I have to get a picture. My Girls!
Sweet Angels

More Basketball--Kaylie

2009-02-04T20:38:00.004-06:00

These are a few more shots of Kaylie playing basketball. This is the church league basketball team. The members are (front row) Cameron Smith, Alexis Harrison, Kaylie Carpenter, Hannah Moak, Victoria Allen, Lindsey Walker (back row) Abigail Hynum and Kamryn Vanlandingham

These girls have had a great time together this year. They are undefeated.

I called Kaylie's name while they were shooting free throws and took the picture when she turned around.

Look at that form!

Kaylie is getting a little air!

Kaylie shooting a free throw.

Kaylie and Kamryn are such a great defensive team.

I love to see her coming down the court. I am soooo proud of her. I get so much joy out of watching her playing basketball.

Kaylie shooting a lay up.

You don't want to mess with Kaylie and Kamryn. They are the "Dynamic Duo!"

Kaylie is in control.

Kaylie's last school game was last Saturday. They were undefeated. They were undefeated last year as well. The past two years of basketball have been some great times. I love watching those girls play together. They were 11 last year and 12 this year but play with much more skill than their young years. They are just wonderful to watch. They are so good together. They look for each other and work together. I am sad to know their elementary school and ball days are over but I'm a little excited to know they will play next year on a different level against some new teams. Seventh grade will be a whole new ball game.

More Basketball--Sawyer

2009-02-04T20:24:00.004-06:00

These are few more shots of Sawyer playing church league basketball. His team has lost only one game. It was the first game and they had been unable to schedule a practice. No more losses though since the first. Nothing like good friends to share a meal with after a sweet victory. Ben, Sawyer and Jake.
Sawyer shooting a free throw. He made it!

White men CAN jump!

Sawyer trying to get the pass that Luke threw him.

Sawyer on defense.

The Mess Maker

2009-01-27T20:28:00.004-06:00

Larsen is so different that the other two children. She requires constant supervision. She loves to get into everything. She is a huge mess maker. I am just about ready for some anti-anxiety medication. My nerves are constantly wound so tightly that I am about to explode. Tonight she has broken a glass ( the second one in a week) and dumped formula on the floor. She also opened my dishwasher while it was running. There is no such thing as a lock. However, she has locked my bedroom door twice tonight while there was no one in there. She is such a MESS!!

These are pictures from last night when Larsen opened the refridgerator, pulled out the flour and proceeded to spread it all over the kitchen floor. She was THRILLED with herself. She was so happy about the great job she had done. If you don't hear her... there is trouble brewing!

Sawyer Playing Basketball

2009-01-27T20:01:00.005-06:00

These are some pictures of Sawyer playing basketball on the church third grade team.A little strategy always helps. They have lost only one game I believe.
Hards are up...he is ready for some defense.

He is the Matrix!

Look at that jump. He tried to get that ball.

The whistle is blowing...Jump Ball!

This is the warm up.

Kaylie Playing Basketball

2009-01-27T19:25:00.005-06:00

This a post of Kaylie playing Church and school basketball. The pictures with the blue numbers are from a chuch game hte others are from a school game.Kaylie going for a lay-up.
Kaylie is a pretty good little point guard.

She is fast but maintains pretty good control most of the time.

Nothing like being coached by your father.

Kaylie shooting a free throw.

This actually the end of a game. They say The Lord's Prayer at the end of each game. By the way, they won and they are undefeated. They were undefeated last year as well.

I think she is about to pass the ball to someone under the goal.

Kaylie shooting a lay-up.

I think that Kaylie is a great defensive player.

Kaylie is under the goal making the shot.

This is the warm up.

Kaylie is #15.

Kaylie making a pass.

Larsen cheering for her big sister.

The Two Year Old Cheerleader

2009-01-19T19:07:00.003-06:00

They love doing cheer stunts with Larsen and apparently Larsen likes it too.

Larsen is learning the fake cheerleader smile too.

Kaylie, Hanna, and Kamryn

Sweet baby!

She is saying, "Cheese, cheese, cheese."

Perfect Pullups

2009-01-19T18:39:00.005-06:00

I can't remember if I mentioned that Sawyer got Perfect Pullups for Christmas. But anyway, it has been a hit. Here are some pictures of the kids doing the Perfect Pullups Larsen is holding on by herself.

The big kids are just so proud of her.

Sawyer is very proud of those muscles.

Kamryn has got some muscles too.

Cutie Pie!

2009-01-11T21:34:00.000-06:00

Just the cutest thing ever! Don't you agree?

The Hawk

2009-01-11T21:16:00.004-06:00

Late this afternoon Kelly went out to check one of his game cameras and found an injured hawk. He came back to the house and made several phone calls as to what he could do to help the hawk. When he got his plan in place the hawk was gone when he got back out to it.

Sawyer on his board

2009-01-11T21:10:00.005-06:00

Sawyer has been doing a lot skateboarding lately so I took some shots of him the other day. He is probably a little too brave for his own good. He has broken both arms before and one of them was while skatboarding. He got new pads for Christmas but do you see them on him?

Recent Pictures

2009-01-11T20:29:00.009-06:00

I haven't updated my blog lately so today I am posting some pictures that I have taken at the house recently. They are mostly of Larsen. Kaylie and Sawyer are less cooperative with the camera these days. Kaylie and Sawyer have been playing basketball but I keep forgetting to take my camera with me to the games. I promise that I am going to do better. Sawyer doesn't play again unil the 24th. I snapped this photo of Larsen while she was crying about something. I don't even remember what she was mad about.

We played several games of Uno over the holidays.

Those are Larsen's new pajamas that she got for Christmas from Mimaw. Aren't they so cute!?
She is having a good time!
She likes being thrown in the air. Look at that smile.

Larsen has learned to make a face for Sawyer and starts kind of like this photo with her eyes wide and turned to the corner and it ends with the shot below. It is really funny when she does it. She was doing it today for Kelly. I had a good laugh.

I have started spanking Larsen with that wooden spoon. She was showing me what to do with it. When she does something wrong she knows it and she usually just goes ahead and spanks herself.

a sick baby

2009-01-02T21:29:00.006-06:00

Larsen got a cough and had some fever on New Year's Day. About 1:00am on the 2nd Larsen started coughing and just threw her guts up. I decided right then that she had to go to the doctor today. They couldn't see her until 2:45 today. He actually diagnosed her with strep throat. He didn't really address the cough. He told me before he tested her for strep that he did not expect her to be positive because he believed that she had RSV. He was surprised by the positive result. He also tested her for the flu which, thankfully, was negative. She has not her her flu shot. She is going to have to get it next week. She is on an antibiotic for the next 10 days. Larsen ate some ice cream with her daddy and then just stayed right there with him.
Doesn't she look like she doesn't feel well?
Just about a minute after I took the two above photos she fell asleep. She is an angel when she sleeps. Sawyer and I have taken to calling her a demon when she is awake. It is really funny to hear an 8 year old yelling, "that demon!!" She really is a mess. She is different from the other two. She gets into everything. She requires constant supervision. It is very difficult to accomplish any task at my house because I have to know where she is and what she is doing all the time. She now loves to unlock the doors and go out on the porch. I have to keep the deadbolts on all the time. I don't know what we are going to do when she gets taller. Hopefully, she will know better by then.

New Year's Day

2009-01-02T21:08:00.004-06:00

On New Year's Day we spent a few hours just relaxing then we went to my grandmother's house for lunch. There were just a few of us there. Kelly had already gone hunting so he missed lunch with us. After lunch my kids spent the afternoon over at Denae's house playing with Rachel and Madeline Grace. When we got home that night I took a few photos of my family just to mark the new year. Kaylie, Sawyer, Kelly and Larsen
Larsen, Kaylie, and Sawyer

Larsen just would not cooperate in the photos at the end of the day.

Her shirt say, "cute" and she is so very cute.

Larsen is giving Brandon some sugar.

Larsen is sitting in Mimaw's lap.

Larsen had been sitting on the table coloring but she stood up and just smiled at me so I had to take her picture. Standing on the table is not something I actually allow.

New Year's Eve with Friends

2009-01-01T09:59:00.003-06:00

After we left my Uncle Charles' house we went to the Harrison's home. We hung out for a little while with a few of our friends. Kaylie had a great time with her friends. I didn't take any pictures of the adults but I took a few of the kids.Kaylie, Alexis, Lindsey, and Kamryn

Kyzer, Kamryn, Alexis, Kaylie, Reed, and Lindsey

Kyzer, Alexis, Kaylie, Kamryn, Lindsey, and Reed

New Year's Eve with the Family

2009-01-01T09:46:00.002-06:00

We started our New Year's Eve by spending some time with our family. We ate some wonderful crawfish soup and snacks. These are a few pictures of everyone standing around eating.Zach, Sawyer, Destry and Larsen
Larsen is sitting in Uncle Tommy's lap.

My Uncle's house is an old farm house. I think that it is over 100 years old. That kitchen has three tables in it. It is a neat house.

a queen sized bed or queen of the bed?

2009-01-01T09:31:00.003-06:00

Most everyone knows that Larsen sleeps with us each and every night. I don't remember how it started but she has been sleeping with us since about the time she turned one. Well, the other night I was in the bathroom getting ready for bed and when I came out Larsen was in the bed propped up on my pillows and under the cover. I asked Kelly if he had put her in the bed and he said no. She had gotten herself ready for sleeping with Mama. Kelly took this picture of sleeping the next morning.
Look at that face! She can be a little devilish.

This is her sweet kissy face. She loves to give sugar sometimes.

Larsen was ready for bed. All she needed was for me to get in with her.

Hunting

2008-12-30T11:53:00.003-06:00

It's hunting season in Mississippi right now so all the men are constantly in woods and sharing all their "I saw a..." stories. Kelly convinced Sawyer to go hunting with him this week. I got a couple of pictures of him before they left that morning.He will be invisible once he is in the woods.

Out on a limb

2008-12-29T21:31:00.006-06:00

While Kelly and I were working in the yard I decided that I wanted to take some pictures of the kids on some of the fallen trees.

Love in the Afternoon

2008-12-29T20:38:00.002-06:00

After we left my mother's house we went back to Mawmaw's and ate some leftovers for lunch. After eating we went home because we needed to do some yard work. It was such a warm and nice day that we couldn't just waste it. Kelly and I sat on our iron bench for a few minutes just to enjoy the weather. Kaylie and Sawyer wanted to take pictures of us with my new camera. They did a good job. I forgot to show them how to use the zoom.

Christmas at Mimaw's--Dec. 26, 2008

2008-12-29T19:42:00.005-06:00

The day after Chrismas we went to my mother's house for special time with her. We called David and Regina while we were there. They had called us twice but we were never home when they called. I often accuse my mother of spoiling my children and this year was no different. She really did pretty well. She didn't go too overboard. The kids know they can can't on her for some great gifts.Apparently Kelly knows he can count her for a great gift too. He got some sort of shooting platform. He is trying to put it together right now. Kelly is not handy at all.
Doesn't Kaylie look so pretty in that blue!?
Kaylie loves her new Northface jacket.

Kaylie was surprised to get the blue Northface because she thought it could not be found. Her friends had told her that it was a color that was unavailable around here. Thank goodness for the internet!!

Larsen is throwing a fit for Sawyer's guitar.

Mimaw is playing Santa and handing out gifts.

Larsen was looking at that picture of David and Regina.

Larsen opening a gift.

Kaylie loved those new boots. She wore them all day on Saturday.

Larsen and Sawyer being so sweet.

Kaylie and Sawyer both got a metal detector.

Mimaw, Larsen, Kaylie and Sawyer

Christmas at Papaw Howard's House

2008-12-29T18:53:00.003-06:00

On Christmas night we went to Kelly's grandfather's house for supper and opening gifts. We had some very good food and enjoyed being together. Mr. Howard wa home from the nursing home. We are so glad that he can still get out and about.Madeline Grace, Mimi, and Larsen playing together. Madeline Grace really prefers to have all of Mimi's attention.
Kaylie opening a gift from Mimi and Pop.

Pop is helping Larsen open her Cabbage Patch Baby. It was just the right size for her.

Sawyer opening a gift from Mimi and Pop. It was an Under Armor duffle bag and two shirts. He LOVES Under Armor!!

Papaw is opening a gift from us.

Sawyer, Kaylie, Larsen, Madeline Grace, and Rachel

While the adults were finishing their meals the kids decided they would play charades. If you got an answer correct it was your turn. Kelly got two answers correct. This is Kelly acting our "Rambo."

Larsen, Mimi, and Madeline Grace watching what everyone else is doing.

This is Sawyer acting out "Snow White."

This is Kelly acting out "Dances With Wolves."

Christmas Lunch at Mawmaw's House

2008-12-29T18:26:00.002-06:00

On Christmas Day we went to my grandmother's house for lunch. There just a few family members there but we enjoyed the food and the visiting.

This is my cousin Kevin. He is a huge germ freak. Larsen decided that she wanted some of his dessert and expected him to feed her. He just gave up and ged her. He had to get another plate for himself.

Larsen and Mimaw.

Larsen and Mimaw. The shirt that Larsen had on said, "How did I get this cute?" She got that shirt on her birthday.

Christmas morning 2008

2008-12-26T21:05:00.008-06:00

Kaylie with her new Ole Miss shorts.

Sawyer with his new Mississippi State sweatshirt.

Kaylie with her new sweater.
Before the kids opened any gifts I took some pictures of them to start the day.

Kaylie and some new shirts.

Cricket wants to give Daddy some sugar.

Sawyer opening some gifts.

Larsen opening a few gifts.

Kaylie with her Santa presents and her stocking. Kaylie and Sawyer both got a posturpedic pillow.

Sawyer with his Santa presents and stocking.

My family.

Larsen looking at her new baby doll.

Kelly opening gifts.

Sawyer with a new jersey. He loves wearing jerseys and Under Armor.

Larsen has really learned how to open a gift.

Kelly with a new Polo.

Larsen with both of her new babies.

Larsen with her Santa presents and her stocking. Isn't she looking so sweet and cute!? Her pajamas say, "Santa's Little Helper."

Sawyer with some new thermal underwear. He sure did not need it any this week.

Larsen is working on that paper.

Kelly opening gifts and looking at his stocking.

That gift is a new skateboard. He says that the wheels won't turn the way he wants them to.

Sawyer with some new Under Armor.

Sawyer with his new 20 inch bike and new helmut. Doesn't he look so cool?

The kids got up after 7:00 Christmas morning. We were glad that it was that late. We enjoyed watching the kids open their gifts. We did realize that are children are pretty spoiled. They don't have everything under the sun but they have what they need plus some. While I was watching Sawyer open his gifts I realized that he didn't really get toys. I was happy about that. My mother did get him some toys though. He even made the statement that he hoped Mimaw got him a Wii game since Santa nor his parents got him one.

Christmas pajamas

2008-12-26T20:52:00.005-06:00

Kaylie with her new pajamas.
Sawyer with his new pajamas.
Larsen helping Kelly open his gift.

After we left Charles' house we came home to get ready for bed and wait for Santa to come. Kaylie was saying I don't know if I even have some Christmas pajamas. I wrapped a gift for Kelly, Kaylie, and Sawyer marked, "Open on Christmas Eve." Can you guess what was in those boxes? Christmas pajamas!! Larsen already had a couple of pair so she didn't get a new pair.