Pinewood Derby Girl Style!

Well, when Joshua graduated from Cub Scouts this past year I thought my Pine Wood Derby days were all over. Rahlee just turned 8 years old and is now part of Achievement Days at church on Wednesdays for the 8-11 years old girls (similar to Girl Scouts). And what was the very first activity she gets to participate in but a "derby". Ugh! I thought I had made my last derby car. To my excitement, Rahlee's older brothers took right over and helped her make and paint her car and then assemble it in preparation for "Race Day"! It definitely had the female flare and was lots of fun! I think regardless of what place she came in, Rahlee did too!

Rahlee Is 8!

Our little Rahlee turned 8 years old on the 3rd of March. Rahlee has her own unique personality with a strong sense of compassion for those around her. She is so smart and loves school. Rahlee celebrated her birthday with a skating party in which she spent more time on the floor than on her feet. LOL! We love Rahlee, she is a special part of our family and brings so much joy into our lives.

Elsa - Our French Exchange Student...Our New Friend!

We love Elsa! Elsa has been visiting with us for the past ten days. We have fallen in love with this dark haired beauty from the exquisite country of France. Elsa has enjoyed getting to know our American customs and we hers. I have been anxious for the kids to learn more of what it is like to live somewhere other than the United States and to feel grateful for the things they take for granted. The french seem to live simply as Elsa has taught us by her excitement for chocolate chip cookies, television with more than 4 channels, and ipods. Yes, Elsa finally has her first ipod we purchased for her on Ebay (new), but much cheaper than buying in her native country. We are sending her home with it loaded for more than she most likely bargained for (the kids wide array of music off itunes). I'm sure her trip home will be full of memories with each song. "Bon Voyage Elsa!" we will miss you. Can't wait to visit you in France!

Rascal Flatts

"I LOVE RASCAL FLATTS" Yes, i am in love with this group. I know I shouldn't be so enthralled but what the heck, these days I have to have some excitement in life with the opposite sex. LOL! Joe Don is my favorite as if you couldn't guess by all the pic's. They gave an awesome performance and really shared thier love for God, thier relationships, and for this great country in which we live.

Caleb turned 14 years old! I was pregnant with Caleb when we moved from Florida to North Carolina. My pregnancy was difficult emotionally and his birth was a welcome relief from that. So we have lived in North Carolina for the past 14 years now. WOW! Seems like just yesterday in some ways and in others a lifetime ago. Caleb is a special young man. He has always had the most perfect smile. Caleb has a very unique personality. One in that he doesn't really care what others think about him. He isn't afraid to be different and is very charming. There is a sensitive side to him as well. Caleb is upset when your upset and happy when your happy. I appreciate that Caleb want to do the right thing. I hope he always chooses to do the right. I can't imagine my life without him! I love you Caleb.

January Fun!

Well what can I say, 2009 is already here and the month of January is half over. I guess blogging has taken a bit of a backseat for me over the holidays so I need to catch up! The kids and I have been busy most weekends with activities. We went paintballing the first weekend with the Caswell NC Ward Youth. Scott, whom I have been dating, invited us to go with his boys, Brandon and Will to play. Michaela brought along Auby Mears from our ward and much to thier liking, were the only girls who ventured to play, except of course for me, "cool" mom! We had a blast despite the cold weather. I didn't know those things could hurt so bad. The next weekend we went to see the "Monster Truck" show in Greensboro. Am I turning into a "red-neck"?! Last but certainly not least, I am going to see Rascal Flatts this coming Friday in Winston Salem. I Can't Wait!!!!!

The End of 2008

You know part of me wants to say "I sure hope 2009 is better than 2008", but after doing some visiting teaching last night I was reminded of how blessed I am in my life. I need to look at the glass half full more than half empty as human nature tends to steer me. I truly am blessed. My children and I all are very healthy. We have everything we need to live day to day, a nice home, food on the table, and love in our home (at least most of the time-LOL!) I am not perfect and mistakes seem to happen before I have time to consider things through, but I try. I try to be a good daughter, a good sister, a good mother, aunt, friend, employee, etc. Yes, I am blessed and thankful for life!