11 Alive Community Service Awards

Well we done it! We made the news! Go to www.11alive.com then go to Community Service Awards. Ted Hall did a really good job with the interview and John Samuels did a great job at filming. With so many people to interview and so many kids they did an amazing job of bringing it all together. Me, I'm my true hillbilly self. Hey, it's who I am. I cried when I watched it. Not because of anything I've done, but because of the kids. They are truly amazing. I love to here it come from their mouths. How good they are. And they are. They are an amazing bunch of kids. Without them where would I be?

My dog

My poodle, who we have had for 12 years is not doing well. She could hardly walk today. It will break my heart if we have to have her put down.

On a happier note all the kids are doing great. Everyone had a great weekend. Andrew and Lauren had a big birthday party (at Tabitha's expense) at our house. Tabitha rented a big blow up jumpy trampoline. The kids all had a blast.

Our Black Tie affair is tomorrow night. I'm a nervous wreck. I just wish I could calm down and enjoy it. It is suppose to be a fun thing. But I am oh so stressed. I'm hoping and praying everything will go off without any trouble.

Soccer games tonight

We have two soccer games tonight. One at 6 and another at 7, both at different fields of course. Tabitha will take the Isaiah with her as Andrew and him are on the same team. I'll go and take my whole crew to Austin's. Tyler is on Andrew and Isaiah's team and Johnathan is on Austin's team. They are all so cute to watch. They grow up so fast. I remember when Brian who is now 26 was playing t-ball and soccer and basketball. Once during a t-ball game he hit a field ball, we were screaming for him to run, run, well he ran to 2ND base. We yelled keep running , keep running, and he did. Right on out into the field. He never made the turn to 3rd base. LOL Oh my how we laughed. Time goes by while were not watching!

good times and bad

Thank goodness the good times out way the bad! I am so proud of my family. We just came through a minor trial with a couple of our teenagers, it turned out fine, but it sure was stressful. I think they learned something from it. That's whats important. We all make mistakes, but learning from them helps us to be a better person. A better Christian. I really have enjoyed our spring break! It has been so nice. No schedules, no time to get up , no place to be. It has been so laid back. We done a major spring cleaning to get ready for the camera crew from channel 11 the week before, so everything was tidy and clean and we all have been able to just enjoy. The weather has been excellent. We have spent a lot of time outside. Me in my flower gardens as that is what I love to do. The kids playing on gym sets, wetting each other with water guns, jumping on the trampoline, laughing and just enjoying the sunshine. I could take a few weeks like this. Summer is looking really good!

Happy Easter!

We had a wonderful Easter! Lots of family and friends. We missed you Jennifer and Lauren. Brian showed up for church but left to have lunch with Amey's family. We hid 560 eggs! Thank you Lord for sending your son Jesus. What a celebration!

Spring !

I love spring! I have been outside most of my free time this last week. We have done some spring cleaning, but there is still lots to do. With as many children as I have there is always something to clean. Krishawanda just (Sat) done a through cleaning of our kitchen. The kind where she cleaned off the top of the refrigerator, under the sink, and behind the cabinet. Wow, how can stuff get so filthy? Monday morning after everyone has left I'm looking at the kitchen and thinking Did she really JUST clean this? It takes one meal at my house and it is turned upside down again. At least under the sink is still clean and organized.

All of the pictures are of the house and yard. These are for Jen as she lives in Tennessee and doesn't get to see (me) the family very often. We sure do miss her. Brian visited yesterday. He too lives his own life away from me now and I don't see him very much. Tabitha and Staisha both live next door (thank goodness) and I see them most every day. If I had enough property I would give them all land and a house so I could keep all 22 of them near. I love being able to watch my grand kids grow up. And they are growing up. Andrew will be 9 and Lauren 4 in April. Kyson is 5 months old. I gave him chocolate in this picture and made his mama mad. It seems just last week Kyson was born. Andrew is playing soccer with my boys and that makes it so much easier on me. Tabitha takes them to one soccer practice and Keith takes them to another one. I know I can count on her if I (or Keith ) can't make it. Again another plus to having grown children live close. I don't think Brian would live close if he could. Jennifer neither. They both have busy lives and there is just not enough action around here for them.

I have psychologist appointments today, so I'm on the road again.

Military Ball

These are pictures of the kids going to the military ball. Although the dresses weren't quiet modest enough for me, I have to admit the girls looked fantastic. The young man is Anthony. He is one of my best kids if not the best. He is always respectful, kind, and loving. He does his best at everything he does. He is a little shy, and takes a little while to warm up but he is a wonderful person when you get to know him. Everyone had a great time at the dance/dinner. Doreese is with her date Patrick. I didn't get to get one of Krishawada and her date because I had to leave before he got to the house to pick her up. She got flowers, candy and the whole nine yards. (and then they broke up the next day) LOL