I finally got around to taking the kids to Sears for a cheap package of pics to share with our rather large family. I went in with the intent to buy the $9.99 package & be done with it since my kids nearly give me a nervous breakdown when I try to get their pictures made. Surprisingly they both did EXCELLENT and every single picture was GREAT! I still bought the one package because I had to have way too many pics to pass out to buy by the sheet but I'm thinking of ordering more after viewing them online.

Riley's First Field Trip

4 out of the 7 Brookland Kindergarten classes went on a very special field trip to help a child in need this Christmas. Each class chose a child from the Angel Tree to adopt for Christmas. The lucky child for Riley's class was a 6 year old little girl named Faith. Faith wanted a new bike for Christmas so Riley made it his goal to raise enough money to buy her that bike. He did really well collecting $40.00 on his own. He insisted on giving all the money in his piggy bank to his class so we took his full jar of change to Walmart to the coin changer and he then donated his $11.00 to the collection for Faith.
Let's just say that I admire the bravery of the Brookland Kindergarten teachers for taking on such a LARGE task. 3 bus load of 80 screaming Kindergarteners headed to Paragould Walmart to spend the money they had collected for their adopted kids. It all went a lot smoother than most had expected and they were able to get everything the children needed with the $1,000.00 collected between the classes.
Riley's teacher was impressed with his determination on getting a bike for Faith so she let him and 4 other students go with me to pick one out along with a helmet and knee/elbow pads. The kids were so proud of what they had accomplished.
Next we headed to the theatre to see "Bolt". Our group was so large that we jam packed a theatre. The movie really held their attention and they all behaved remarkably well. Riley and I ended up having to move to another seat because 3 girls were throwing a fit to sit by him but other than that it was a great experience.
After the movie it was off to McDonald's. OK, I was one the first 5 to pull into the parking lot and there were NO parking spots available! OH NO, there were 100 some odd people coming in behind me and NO parking spots. I managed to get one after someone was leaving but I don't know where everyone else parked. What were they thinking bringing 3 bus loads of kids and their parents to McDonald's at NOON! The buses ended up having to park in the cemetary across the street! As you can imagine - this part of the trip was total CHAOS - LOUD, LOUD, CHAOS! We stayed way too long and I ended up developing a really bad headache and checked out sooner than most. There were no seats so most of us had to eat standing up - that was not too much fun but the kids had a blast!

Miley's Allergic Reaction

Well, we had intended to get the tree put up this weekend but like many weekends before - our plans were changed. We picked Miley up from my Mom's house Saturday afternoon and she had a rash all over her body. My Mom thought it looked like the Measles so we took her to see our family doctor since the Pediatrician's office was closed (what's the deal with that anyway - I always need them on the weekend). Dr. Barber said he couldn't rule out measles except for the fact that's really rare to see it in the U.S. these days. He thought it was probably a drug reaction and sent us home with a steroid. She went ahead and spent the night with my Mother-N-Law as usual on Saturday night and we were woke up with an early morning call saying her rash was much worse. After talking on the phone with Dr. Barber he thought we should take her to the emergency room. We spent 2 hours & $75.00 more there for them to tell us the exact same thing. He thought she was probable allergic to penicillin. We were sent home again with a much worse baby by this time and no more information than we started out with. I have to say she is looking much much better on this Monday morning though. We had to reschedule our family picture this week just to be sure! The steroid had her jumping all over the house and she CAN'T SLEEP so we CAN'T SLEEP. Lucky for me Curtis is on vacation this week so I have some help but it's put a damper on our weekly plans. Keep Miley in your prayers. Her month long ear infection seems to have cleared up but her throat doesn't look good and they don't want to keep dosing her until the rash is gone to be safe.

My Happy Girl

Miley's Birthday Pics

My computer is not cooperating right now but as soon as I get it straightened out I will post the rest of Miley's pictures from her birthday session. We have not actually had a party for her yet so I'll get back to you soon. Just wanted to show off one of my favorites! Happy Birthday little one!

Week of Sickness!!!

I can't even begin to stress how SICK my family has been this week. I think I should've been in the hospital. It started 3 weeks ago with Miley having her first ear infection (double ear infection). She did her round of antibiotics and seemed better. The next week Riley had his turn with double ear infections. Antibiotics seemed to work and things were getting back to normal until the day I was to leave for a weekend with the girls at a scrapbook retreat. I woke up spitting dark green stuff and feeling really yucky. I should've gone to the doctor but I had so much to do before I left that I thought it could wait til Monday. Boy, I wish I'd listen to my gut and went to the doctor. I was miserable all weekend. After returning home I noticed that the kids didn't seem to be feeling all that well so off we all 3 went to the doctor first thing on Monday. Turns out the kids were both still suffering from the ear infections and one of Riley's ears was "leaking". Yeah, green stuff running out of his ear-gross! On top of that Riley had the croop! More medicine to fill and more to come. I kept feeling worse and worse because I couldn't get the rest I needed because the kids needed their Mommy, of course. On Wednesday night Miley started throwing up and having really bad diarhea. This went on most of the night. Curtis let me sleep about 3 hours the next morning. I dealt with the kids and myself not feeling well until I started throwing up about 8:30pm. I was very VERY upset at this time because my husband wouldn't stay home and help me out. I was vomiting about every 15 minutes and didn't know how I was going to manage 2 sick kids through another night alone. Thankfully, my Mom kept Miley overnight so I could take care of myself. That didn't last for long though because Riley started vomiting about midnight. Now it was me vomiting, Riley vomiting, me cleaning it up and then vomiting over and over and over. Riley threw up so bad upstairs in my bed that I called Curtis to come home from work and clean it up. I tried but the bed had to be moved - REALLY BAD!!! Curtis wouldn't come home so it sat there all night fumigating the house. I got to sleep about 2 hours the next morning while Curtis dealt with Riley and then he had to go to bed. Miley is home now and I'm alone with the kids once more. Miley continued to have explosive diarhea which most of the time demanded a bath afterwards. It's Sunday now and I think my household has recovered - except me. There's lots more to the story but I won't go on. I know most of you can relate so I'm spilling my guts, literally. I think my sinus congestion has moved to my chest now. I may return to the doctor tomorrow and demand a SHOT! I'm in great hopes that since I have the time to tend to myself a little bit and get some rest that I will recover promptly.

Riley's School Pic

Well here it is. The first school picture! I had planned on having it retaken because the day of the pictures I forgot about them and didn't dress him the way I wanted. The picture was good though so we decided to keep them and not worry with a retake.

Miley Miley Miley Miley Miley

The first pic is of Miley in the costume Riley wore his 2nd Halloween. Too Too Cute! The second is the costume I bought for her to wear this year at Walmart, which was way too small. I couldn't even get it snapped around her little legs. It didn't matter anyway - SHE HATED IT! But Mommy thought it was just adorable.

Miley got all decked out in ribbon for bubby's birthday but she was so mad at Mommy for putting her hair in pigtails. Again, Mommy thought is was irresistible.

The next pic is Miley getting ready for church one Sunday morning. She is such a little doll. I thought she looked a little too grown up in the denim.

Mommy got a hair cut! Miley wasn't too thrilled about this but has adapted. It's not as easy for her to pull out now.

She is taking steps and clapping, talking non-stop, and keeping us laughing. Oh My Gosh, I can't imagine life without her. She is such a blessing to our family.

Soccer Season Begins - AGAIN!

Riley was so excited to play soccer again. Last season we only got to play 3 games because of the rain. This season looks much more promising. He's already learned so much. Apparently City Stars were short on coaches and in order for Riley and Olivia to get to play, Kim and I ended up coaching their team. I know diddly squat about soccer but I'm learning as we go. Kim has coached before so she's in charge! I have to admit it's been pretty fun and I know Riley enjoys me being out there with him. He is also very excited that he gets to play on the same team as 2 of his closest friends, Olivia and Emma. Go Blue Birds!

Riley Turns 6

My baby boy turned 6 on September 13th. Both sides of the family and Riley's best friend ,Olivia, met at Chuck E. Cheese on Saturday night for pizza and games (and cake & presents of course). We all had a great time and closed the store down. Even Curtis's Dad got in on the action. All Riley's LITTLE cousins (Bryton, Talon & Emma) were there along with little sis, Miley.

Olivia Lee

This is my Best Friends daughter, Olivia. She is a clothes fanatic. There is no limit to this little girls closet. She loves to "pose" for the camera each time she puts on a new masterpiece. Of course, she's always adorable and each outfit has it's matching shoes and hair accessories. She will be a fashion consultant for Miley throughout the coming years.

Rainy Days & HOMEWORK!!!!

Riley was so excited it was raining today because he wanted to use his ducky umbrella. He didn't think he needed to take his raincoat since he had his umbrella but I won that arguement.



HOMEWORK - IN KINDERGARTEN, come on!
Riley has had some sort of homework everyday since school started. This poster was suppose to be done over our holiday break - but MOMMY forgot, oops! Anyway, we got it done last night and it's so cute. Riley did a great job on it.

He had to cut out pictures from magazine of things he liked and disliked. I was a little surprised at some of the things he came up with.

Things Riley Likes: Candy Bars, Gummy Worms, Baseball Trophy and Baseball (for Baseball), Dad, Mom & Baby (for his family), a dog, Scooby Doo & a Book (Riley has always had a fascination with books).

Things Riley Doesn't Like: Toothbrush (He doesn't like to brush his teeth), Cleaning Supplies (He doesn't like to clean, especially the bathroom so he cut out a picture of toilet bowl cleaner), Medicine (because he doesn't like being sick), purses (because he hates to hold Mommy's for her), green peppers, coloring book (because he doesn't like to color).
I THOUGHT MOST OF THESE WERE PRETTY CREATIVE!

If he could make 3 wishes what would they be:
1. To drive a race car
2. To eat gummy bears anytime he wanted to
3. To be able to buy anything he wanted

He had to draw a picture of his family and a picture of what he wanted to be when he grows up: He of course chose a race car driver. Drawing this one puzzled him so I gave him some stickers to help make part of his picture. This is too cute, you have to click on the poster and see this one for yourself.

We also had to weigh and measure: Riley is 49" tall and 65lb. He has brown hair and blue eyes and is 5 years old. Great Job!

10 Interesting Facts About Riley

1. Here he goes...Off to school. My little boy has just entered into a whole new world. He was excited but a little bit scared. I think Curtis and I were both relieved for him to go. Riley needs entertaining and he just about wore me out this summer. He can't wait to make new friends and learn how to read. The only part I don't like is not being able to see him at school. I volunteered to help out in the classroom just so I could get into the school without an interrogation.


2. Riley's teacher this year is Mrs. Maggie Sullivan. I've only talked with one person who's child has been in her class and she said Mrs. Sullivan is pretty strict but a good teacher. She's actually married to Brett Sullivan who Curtis and I both worked with at one time. Riley seems to really like her.



3. I thought these mats were made for Kindergartners! As you can see Riley is way too big for it. I told him to make his body fit. Doesn't look too comfy does it? We thought he would be the biggest kid in his class - but he's not. He may be the oldest, or pretty close to it, but definetly not the biggest.


4. Riley and I took Miley to see "Elmo Makes Music" at the ASU Convocation Center. Riley was so wound up that I spent most of the time getting on to him. Luckily we were up in the nose bleed section so he didn't disturb anyone but ME! I think he may have been a little bit too old for Elmo. He really enjoyed experiencing it with his little sister and cousin, Bryton age 2. Olivia and Kim also joined us. He always has fun with Olivia no matter where we're at or what we're doing.


5. Riley, Miley & I met up with Amy, Braden & Bryson at the Mall for play date. Riley & Braden hadn't seen each other since the last day of preschool in May. They were both excited to see each other and had a Great time playing at the play area. Braden will be entering Kindergarten at Lake City while Riley heads off to Brookland. Amy and I will have to make time for play dates with our younger kiddos who are the same age also.



6. Riley's BEST friend from Preschool, Emma Erwin, spent a day with us before the kids headed back to school. We attended a Brian Kinder concert at the library and then spent a couple of hours just playing at the house. Riley was surprised Emma liked to sword fight. After almost a year of preschool we found out that Emma lives right down the road from us (walking distance) so we'll be seeing alot of her through the years.


7. Anyone who really knows Riley knows that his whole world revolves around CARS... This particular photo shows him playing Speed Racer. Miley got in on the action and went along for a little speeding through the living room in a laundry basket (AKA the Mach 6). I have to say she has taken a big interest in cars along with her brother. Riley gets aggravated because she takes his cars away when he's racing but I know he likes having someone to play with.


8. Sunday night "Special Treat" as Riley calls it consist of a vanilla milkshake from Sonic. Every Sunday night after church Nana & Papa go through Sonic and get Riley a milkshake. He looks forward to this tradition - I hope Nana & Papa know they are creating a tradition that the kids will won't to continue for years to come.


9. We had to get rid of our pool this Summer because we were threatened with a fine for not having a fence around it. With us just building there are too many chances for inspectors to come around. I don't know why we need one since our property is grown up so much that you can't see into our 3 acre lot without actually driving in the driveway. Anyway, I didn't want to just pack it away so we gave it to my friend, Kim, and her family. The kids really enjoyed swimming in it together. Riley just LOVES the water. He was a lot braver this year and was so excited that he could touch the bottom.


10. Riley was so excited to have his BEST friend, Olivia, spend a night with us before school started. They laughed and giggled their way to dreamland on a pallet in the floor. They are just too cute together.

10 Interesting Facts About Miley

1. Miley & Talon (My sister, Jana's, son) had a ball playing in Jana's pantry. We left them alone until spaghetti flew all over the kitchen. Needless to say, that was the end of playing in the cabinet for one night.


2. The stairs have started to pose a problem. Miley just found out that she can get up to the second step. She'll push her toys up there and then stretch and try to get them back down. We will be installing a gate soon.


3. Who would've thought I'd be dressing my little girl as a boy! Most of the time I have to say that she is decked out in pink but Jana gave me some of her boys PJ's and a baseball cap. She looked sooooo cute!


4. Jana gave Miley a crown as her party gift from Talon's 1st birthday party. I had to take lots of pics of our little princess. She ended biting a big chunk out of her wand so we had to throw it away. I'm not quite sure she's the princess type.


5. MILEY HAS HAIR!!! Her first pigtails! It was hard to put them in and she cried and cried but I told her she was just going to have to get use to it. She looked so adorable. I was smiling everytime I looked at her (not that I don't do that already)




6. Like Mother, Like Daughter...Miley loves to get in Pypers dog bed. I will have to find them but I have pictures of me about the same age curled up in my dog's bed. I don't know what it is but she wants to play with it all the time. She also truly enjoys Pyper's food. We have to block the doorway in the kitchen when I'm cooking or she'll get herself a big handfull.


7. Another favorite of Miley's that I shared as a small tot is playing with Daddy's shoes. She loves to drag Daddy's shoes around the house and suck on his shoestrings (I know that's gross). One day I found her cuddled up sleeping on top of Curtis's shoes. I also have pics of me with my Dad's boots on - quite a fascination of mine when I started walking.


8. OK, I guess she's outgrown the bouncer. I can't keep her in it anymore. She doesn't like to be buckled in and when no one is looking she seems to escape. I caught her one time and grabbed my camera.


9. WE FINALLY GOT SQUEAKY SHOES!!! She loves them as does her Mommy. Daddy's not too sure but he's not the one who's going to be walking the Mall with her. I think they are adorable. We can change out the bows on her shoes to match her hairbow...too cute!




10. Growing, Growing & Growing...Miley almost fell out of her baby bed. I decided it was time to lower the mattress. I can barely reach her now. She still leans over the side but I don't think she's ready for a toddler bed just yet (or at least I'm not)!