Making Memories Last

New Year's Eve Wedding

2012-01-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

We were blessed to be a part of an amazing wedding on New Year's Eve. Gabe was the ring bear for Chelsey Downs & Hector Sanchez wedding. Chelsey is the middle daughter of Dave & Kelly Downs and this was the second time that he has been a ring bear. He was also in Chelsey's older sister Ashley's wedding. Gabe has become a know fixture in the Downs house and isn't just a little kid from the Church he is family if you ask them. The love they have for our son is unlike no other. He is a little brother that the girls never had and they make sure that he know how special he is every chance they get.

This is my little man all dressed and ready to do his part.

Gabe giving the flowers that he bought for Chelsey with his own money to her. He was so proud. I love that even though you can't see his face you can tell that he is smiling from ear to ear. This was totally his idea.

Gabe with his Princess Chelsey. The bond that he has with all three of these girls is so amazing. He loves all of them so much and I think that this picture shows it all. He just stood there for the longest time looking at her in the mirror.

This is Juliana he hopes to marry her some day if you ask him this is the second time they have been in a wedding together. She is Kelly's niece and it's kind of funny to think that if he did marry her someday that he would finally legally be apart of the Downs/Murphy family :)

The bride and groom

Getting ready for the bride and groom to leave for the night. This was so fun.

Christmas 2011

2012-01-11T12:48:00.001-08:00

A Christmas post better late than never! Christmas Eve wouldn't be Christmas Eve without some cookies and a little milk for Santa. My friend Carol does a "Your gonna miss this moment" on her blog sometimes and this is one of those moments that I'm going to miss someday. The pure joy and excitement of getting the milk and cookies out for Santa.

Christmas Morning we had a little rodent problem with our tree! :) Gabe LOVES Alvin and the Chipmunks and thought it was great that Santa left them for him in his tree.

It's funny & some what sad to watch your kids go from the above picture of being happy with stuffed animals and toys to this picture of Tony with his Tire Iron that he asked for. Hard to believe that he is now an adult.

Jordon with his Lions Jersey & Movie Series that he asked for.

Dustin opening a "special" present from Gabe. This year Gabe spent much time going around the house to wrap "gifts" for people. He pretty much wrapped just about anything and I had to watch him like a hawk because I had no idea what the child was giving away! This one to Dustin was bullets to a Nerf gun.

Shenira and I saw a flip flop scrapbook kit at a scrapbook store that we were cropping at and she loved it. So I decided to make my own. This was such a fun and easy project. I bought the flip flops for 98 cents and then added the flowers and other items from the stuff that I had at home! The book was full of pictures all about her and she loved it.

After Church my family came over for Christmas dinner. It was so nice to have everyone with us but it was REALLY nice that we didn't have to go anywhere and drive all over the country side this year to see everyone for Christmas! :)

What a great Christmas!

A Visit with Santa

2011-12-21T13:16:00.000-08:00

This is a very special Santa not only because he is Santa but because this Santa attends our Church. Gabe loves the fact that Santa goes to our church. Our church has Wednesday night dinners and Gabe enjoys very much eating dinner with Santa on most Wednesday nights. Here he is letting Santa know what he would like for Christmas this year. Time to move on so other children can have there turn but he had to get a hug before he could leave. What a great memory this will be for Gabe for many years to come.

Semi Formal 2011

2011-12-21T13:09:00.000-08:00

This year was Jordon's Last Semi Formal. He met some friends at the dance and had a great time. Aunt Myra helped him out with his hair and looked great. Dad and Jordon

Dustin went to Semi this year with a big group of friends. They all looked great. Dustin and friends went to the Beacon Club for dinner and headed to the dance.

Dustin with his best friend Luke.

Let the Christmas Season Begin!

2011-12-21T12:18:00.001-08:00

Oh how I love the Christmas season. My mom and aunts blessed me with the joy of Christmas when I was a little girl and this time of year is still my favorite. I love my home the most during this time of year when all of my wonderful decorations are out that I've gotten from so many loved ones. I love pulling each one out and remembering who got it for me or where it came from. This year we got our tree from a fundraiser that the Vicksburg Baseball team was having. This is probably one of my favorite tress that I've ever had. So many memories hang on that tree and it will be a little sad when it comes down right after Christmas since we put it up so early.This is my little cookie making helper. John's grandma left of with a wonderful Christmas Cookie recipe. Last year when she passed Shenira and I were both given one of her aprons. I picked a Christmas one so now when I make her cookies I have her apron to wear along with it which makes the event just that much more special. We all miss her so much and have decided that having her great grandkids decorate cookies during our Christmas get together is a great way to keep her memory alive. So Gabe and I spend one night making the cookies so that the kids could decorate them. The Christmas Season also brings another favorite thing from my childhood, The Marshall Christmas Parade. I've been attending this parade for as long as I can remember and was also able to march in that same parade during my Jr High and High School years. Even though we live a good 45 minutes from Marshall my husband knows how special this parade is to me and has always made it a priority to make sure that we are there every year. I love sharing this tradition with our son. This year Aunt Jen, Hayden, Harrison and Haley joined up to watch the parade, Nana couldn't make it so the kids smiled pretty for me so we could show Nana how much fun we were having. Our good friends the Moody's have also started coming to this parade with us as well so it was great to hang out with them and of course I had to get a picture of Gabe with his buddies Jayce and Ty!This year was the first time that we've been able to watch the Vicksburg Christmas Parade. It was just Gabe and I but we enjoyed the home town parade as well. I like the night time parades better than day time one because the magic of the lights just seem to make a parade. I was able however to get this picture of Gabe which might be a new favorite for now. John's parents bought a home in Florida last year and are now spending the winters there so this year we had Christmas with them on December 3rd as they headed out for Florida on December 15th. Gabe and Karis couldn't wait to get started with the gift and were sitting here waiting while lunch clean up was happening. We also did the Fuller Family Christmas early this year on the next day December 4th. Uncle Doak was a great sport and was our Santa this year. The kids LOVE it that Santa comes and makes a special visit to just them! He brings each kid a special toy they all get to have there picture taken with him and then he is off to see other children. So we've already had a lot of Christmas fun and we still have much more to go. Coming up is the Semi Formal, Childrens Christmas Play at Church, The Copas Christmas, Kempton/Smith Christmas, The Kempton Christmas, Christmas, and a Wedding that Gabe will be in on New Year's Eve!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-19T12:37:00.000-08:00

Once again it was a nicer than normal day this year for Thanksgiving. The kids were able to play kick ball outside and burn off some energy while the adults hung out inside. What a great day. I love it when our family is all together. This year was probably the smallest our Kempton Thanksgiving has ever been but we enjoyed being with everyone that was able to be there. Gabe and I started our Thanksgiving day out at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Carl's place while John was working. After John got out of work Gabe & I met him at his mom and dad's house.

Ahh the beloved kids table. Nana's Fab Five!

Dad Fuller carving the bird for dinner number two for Gabe & I.

Gabe & Grandpa GG enjoying some pie together.

Halloween 2011

2011-12-19T12:19:00.000-08:00

Better late than never! Oh do I ever have a lot of catching up to do. Gabe was a skunk this year for Halloween and a darn cute one if I say so myself! We have been so lucky the past few years with Halloween and have had great weather. Not at all like it use to be when I was little. I remember always having to wear our winter coats and you could never see our costumes because of all of the clothing we had to wear to stay warm. Not the case these last few years.

Our little skunk searching through his goodies bag!
I love this picture of the back side of his costume. My mom found it for him at Goodwill and he LOVED it.

After doing our trick or treating we always come home to hand out candy to the other kids. I think that Gabe likes doing this more than he likes going out to get his own candy. This picture is him with his pumpkin that he carved almost totally by himself this year. Can't believe how fast he is growing up. In a few more years he won't want to do this with me anymore. So I'm going to enjoy every minute of it right now!

Happy Halloween! Almost 2 months late :)

Putting My New Gift To Good Use

2011-10-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

What a fun filled weekend we had. We started off with taking some school pictures of Dustin & Shenira Saturday afternoon and of course we had Gabe with us and he sure isn't going to miss out on a photo opportunity! We went to two different parks on Saturday for our shoot and I had lots of fun trying out different things. Below are a few of the shots I took of the kids.

Gabe 6 years old 1st gradeShenira 13 years old 8th gradeDustin 16 years old 10th gradeAfter pictures and a little shopping it was time to head to church for our Faith Promise Carnival. What an awesome time we had. There were fun little games for the kids and cute skits put on by some of our "adults" in the church. I use that word loosely! As you can tell by my guys reaction this was lots of fun and probably the best part of the night! Sunday took us out to Indian Run Golf course to take picture of the Project Graduation Class of 2012 Golf Outing. I loved this picture, it was raining leaves and the sun so out so bright and the weather was perfect. What a glorious day.

After taking pictures at the golf outing we headed to Three Rivers to our niece Karis' birthday party. Again a wonderful day to have a party and be outside. Her birthday is being celebrated early this year as her family awaits the arrival of her new baby brother.

I wish this weather would stay like this for a long time but it looks like on rain and gloomy weather will be returning later this week. I am so NOT ready for winter.

A Very Exciting Gift

2011-10-06T11:58:00.000-07:00

If you know me at all you know that I have a MAJOR love for taking pictures. My husband is very well aware of this love and so this past week when a friend called and said that she was going to be selling her old camera because she got a new one, I was more than excited. I was even more excited when my dear sweet hubby told me that we would purchase said camera as an early Christmas/Birthday present for me! I got the camera on Monday night and I promptly on Monday and Tuesday night headed out to the park with my little man who is always up for posing and being a little model for mommy.

I love this first picture because it is exactly how I feel about my new camera! This was another favorite from our time out. He has the best smile ever...even if he is a few teeth short!

Thank you John for pretending to understand my sickness of taking pictures and for the great gift so that I can keep on clicking! You are the best!

Beautiful Bride

2011-09-12T09:30:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we went to the wedding of my cousin Kendra. She was the most stunning bride I have ever seen. She looked like she stepped right out of a Disney Princess Movie. She brought tears to my eyes as soon as I saw her.Her wedding was short, sweet and perfect even with the rain. Most brides would have been very upset with having rain on their wedding day especially since it was an outdoor wedding. But Kendra never batted an eye and just kept smiling. She gets the bride of the year award if you ask me!Here she is with her cute umbrella smiling rain and all. See I told you she was stunning!Kendra & her wedding coordinator....Aunt Dawn! These two have such an amazing relationship and a bond that will always be special. They both would do anything for each other. Aunt Debbie made all of these little pies for Kendra & Dan, they were amazing and supper cute. We couldn't let the night get away without getting a shot of the two of them together. Ahh my favorite picture of the night. This boy loves to dance and he LOVES weddings. Thank you Kendra for making my little guy fell so special on your special day. You are a wonderful person and we love you so much. My hubby and I all dressed up for the night.

This was Kendra & Dan's Guest Tree, instead of having a guest book Kendra's brother Spencer drew this tree and each guest stamped a leaf on the tree and then signed their names inside or around the left. I had never seen this done before and thought that it was so cool.

Thanks Kendra and Dan for sharing your big day with us. Everything was perfect, just like you!

First Day of First Grade

2011-09-06T12:59:00.000-07:00

Last night I took Gabe out school shopping & to dinner. While at dinner I asked him how he felt about last night being the last day of summer break and this was the face I got! We have had SO much fun this summer that none of us are ready for summer to be over.

My big 1st Grader. I thought the first day of Kindergarten was bad. 1st grade was So much worse. 1st grade means that they get to keep my baby all day long. I no longer have a little playmate with me in the mornings :( So many mom's are always ready for school to start and I'm not so much like that. I love our summer routine and miss it when school starts.

First Grade!

Gabe's teacher this year is Mrs. Treat. Now try and say that a few times with your two front teeth missing. We've had lots of fun practicing and listening to him say it. But oh how I love this little toothless grin.

He had to make sure that I took a picture with him and his pets on his first day of school. The cat was pretty easy the dog on the other hand did not want to have his picture taken and was crazy excited this morning. After several attempts this was as good as it gets.

Heading to the car. You know you take way to many pictures of your child when he says "Hey mom get a picture of this".

Our annual picture out front of the school with the school sign. I can't wait to look back at these when he is in 5th grade!

My baby at his first desk. He looks so small behind that desk. But was pretty excited about it. He couldn't help but take a little peek inside just after I took this picture.

Knock'em dead little man.

To Mackinac Island & Back!

2011-09-01T06:49:00.000-07:00

Tony and his friend Brandon decided that it would be cool to ride from our house in Vicksburg to the Mackinaw Bridge and then home again. After lots of planning and lots of help from Dad....THEY DID IT! This is the boys on day one leaving our house at 8:30am.

John & his dad took turns being the chase vehicle for the boys. They carried all of there gear and would go ahead to help start getting camp set up for the night.

3 days and 300 miles later they arrived to Mackinaw City where they took the ferry across to the Island and then road there bikes around the Island. Did some site seeing and then headed back to camp where they had the next day to rest before they started on the 300 mile trip home.

I love these pictures here they are proud as all get out...They have reached the bridge!

This is the welcome home crew waiting for them to come around the corner. Grandma Fuller, Shenira, Livy & Karis made the boys posters and lined in the streets to welcome them home.

Here they come down our road to lots of cheers. This was beyond words amazing!

So happy to be home.

This is a trip that they will never forget and we are so proud of both of them.

Spouse Napped

2011-08-24T11:55:00.000-07:00

August 15th was our 8th Anniversary and my husband spouse napped me. I had no clue what we were doing or where we were going. I knew that we would be gone for three days and that I should pack something warm & something cool. One the first night he took me to Detroit where once we got there I was informed that I had two choices. I could pick to go out to dinner & a movie or I could go to a Tigers game. Well being the baseball girl that I am I of course picked the Tigers Game and yes it was totally up to me. :) The game was great and we got to witness some baseball history as Jim Thome hit his 600 career home run. He isn't a Tiger but it was still very cool to watch and be a part of. Day two he took me to Niagara Falls. This is a place that I'd always wanted to go and being the wonderful husband that he is he knew it was on my list of places to go. I was so surprised and we had an amazing time. There are many things that have been removed from my list since we've been married and at this rate I may have to start another list. I'm a very lucky girl to have someone that listens to me and wants to make sure that dreams like these come true for me. Here we are getting ready to go on the Maid of the Mist. This was so much fun and such a cool thing to be able to do. The only bad part was I had on my glasses and so I had to keep finding something dry to wipe them off so I could see! While on the boat we were able to see this awesome double rainbow I could have stayed here and taken pictures all day long. We road the Sky Wheel in the back ground so I thought it was be fun to get a picture of John with it just to give people a little idea of just how big it was. This was another highlight of the trip. Being so high up in the Sky Wheel we were able to see everything and I was again able to get some really great photos. Thank you John for making our anniversary extra special this year. 8 down and many, many, many more to go. I love you and am still so grateful everyday that God picked you to be mine. Blessed!

Summer Fun Continues

2011-08-10T11:33:00.000-07:00

This summer has been the first time since we got our pool that I have truly enjoyed it. With the warm weather that we have had the pool has warmed up nicely and has been great to play in. We've had lots of friends over so far this summer to swim and have just enjoyed it as a family.
Here are a few of my favorite pool pictures from the summer.

Gabe taking a break from swimming to flash mommy that great toothless smile.

Dustin, Tony, Abby, Shenira & John messing around with a little game of monkey in the middle

Tony still likes to get the best of his "old man" but Dad still has it!
Love this shot of Shenira. She and John were throwing water toys back and forth and he got her good in this one.

I Can FLY!

Jordon even got in on the fun which is very unlike him. He is a little like me when it comes to the pool and the water has to be really nice before either of us will go in.

We had a play date with Ella, we love having her when her mom and dad aren't around because she becomes a little chatter box. When mom & dad are around she pretends to be shy. This was such a fun play date.

Kelly's nephew Parker came for a family reunion and came over one night to swim while the rest of the family were going to go shopping. Gabe and Parker had a ton of fun. Our friends The Butcher have also been to swim this year, but I of all people forgot to take pictures! There mom came with them and we had to much fun talking and catching up to be bothered with pictures :)

My niece Haley came to spend the night with us for the first time this summer. We had so much fun with her. We went to ILNC Snack Bar for Ice Cream and a snack, then after the rain had finished we took them to the park to play and then they decided that they should play in a mud puddle on the way home. When they look at cute as this how could you possibly stop them? They were already so wet and muddy from the park equipment that this actually helped clean them up a bit. They were in heaven.

We got a little bit of swimming in with her time with us. She & Gabe are both little water bugs. But at last it was time for bed and I got a thumbs up. So I guess she had fun!

We celebrated a very special person's 50th birthday which was a bit of a surprise.

As you can tell Gabe REALLY enjoyed pulling off this surprise for his best friend! What a great night.

We've been able to make it to the beach twice this year which in it's self is amazing. The second trip John thought that we should go ahead and get Jordon's Senior Pictures taken. I took him out on his favorite ship that docks in South Haven. For $12.00 we were able to get onto the boat and I was able to get some really good shots of him.

These are just a couple shots that I took that day. It's so hard to believe that we have one more that is going to Graduate this year. They sure do grow up fast.

This is Gabe with the ship that we took Jordon's pictures on behind him. We really enjoyed using the In Laws boat this summer but the boating bug has once again bit my husband and he can not wait until we can get another boat of our own.

This summer has found some of us learning how to play and new game, Disc Golf. My brother and dad have gotten into this a lot and we have a course at ILNC so Josh will come up and play every now and then with John. It's been a lot of fun seeing more of my brother this summer.

So much fun in fact that we all decided to take the kids to Michigan Adventure. What a great day. Josh, Ethan, Darci, Mom, Dad, Hayden, Harrison, Josh's friend Paul, John, Tony, Abby, Shenira, Gabe and I went for the entire day and had SO much fun. Gabe struggled a little because all of his cousins could ride a lot of the big rides and he couldn't because he was to short. Even Ethan who is 6 months younger than him could ride and he just couldn't understand why if he was older than Ethan why couldn't he ride the rides.

This is Josh & Ethan with Snoopy

The two kids in the very front are Ethan & Harrison. Those boys weren't afraid of anything and LOVED the coaster!

Front row of this one is Josh and Hayden

Shenira, John, Gabe, Harrison, My Dad & I had to go on the bumper cars. I love bumper cars you just can't go on them and not smile.

Aunt Meme and Bubba. I love this kid, he is so quite and very sweet.

We have attend yet another successful Bornor Reunion. Numbers were a little down this year than in years past but we still had such a great time. Our kids talk about this reunion for an entire year and once it's over they can't wait until next year. It's very weird being there and not having Grandma GG and many of her other siblings that have passed away there but they have found such great ways to remember and keep them with us. The new family cook off that was started last year continued this year and was a success once again.

We had a bridal shower for my cousin Kendra this past weekend at my mom's house and while we were there I needed a few pictures with my mom and Grandma. My Aunt Denise bought me a great frame while we were out there on vacation and I've been dying to get picture for it and this was the perfect time to do just that. It's a generation picture frame and I needed one of the three of us together.

We still have a few things left before the summer is over like Dustin's 16th birthday (yes I said 16, we now have 3 of the 5 that are driving), a Kempton Family get together at Aunt Debbie & Uncle Carl's house and of course you can't finish a summer with out the annual Family Garage Sales in Tekonsha at Nana's house! I hope all of your summers are going well and that you have been able to enjoy yourselves as much as we have. I love my family and the time I get to spend with them wouldn't have it any other way.

South Haven/St. Joe

2011-07-27T13:14:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago John, Tony, Dustin, Shenira, Gabe, Josh, Darci, Nana & I headed out for a fun day on the lake. John's parents let us use their boat so we started off in South Heaven and then made our way over to St. Joe. My brother Josh was the first one to get into the FREEZING COLD water. This is him at the shore trying to get the rest of us to get in! :) It took a little while but we did all get in.

Uncle Josh being the nice uncle that he is gave both Shenira and Gabe a lift to the shoreline since the water was so cold. He was "Uncle Josh the Taxi".Once on shore the boys and Darci :) Had fun tossing the football around while the rest of us looked for rocks to bring back to the rock garden at home. Uncle Josh, Tony & Dustin decided that they wanted to climb the Dune the sand was SO hot but they all made it to the top and then one at a time than all ran down as fast as they could. This was pretty funny to watch. I thought for sure that we were going to be taking someone to the hospital but they all made it without falling. Josh went first
Then DustinAnd Tony was last. Tony came down SO fast that I never got a chance to get his picture until he was at the bottom!It was fun having people with us so that I could get some pictures with me in them.
This is my mom and brother. It was so nice having them join us for the day. My brother has a crazy work schedule so we don't get to do a lot of stuff together so it was great to spend a whole day with him.

I am head over heals in love with this man. He has such a love for the water and I think I pretty much love every picture that I've ever taken of him on the water. He is so happy when we are out here. This is a place where he can come and not have to think about anything and he can just relax and enjoy himself.

The rest of these pictures were taken at St. Joe which was our second stop for the day. The water there was much warmer and we could actually play in it. This is Tony getting the best of his "old man". I love watching the way that all of the kids play around with their dad and how much he loves to play back.

I always have a favorite picture of the day and this time this one is it. I wouldn't be able to get this shot again if my life depended on it.

My mom took this one and I love it to Tony, Dustin & Josh tossing the ball around.

Once we were back in South Haven we stopped for a little dinner and then it was to Sherman's for the best Ice Cream ever! We do not got to South Haven and leave without stopping at Sherman's. I hope that we will be able to make it back over at least one more time this year but we have lots more stuff planned and our summer is almost over :(

Maryland Vacation 2011

2011-07-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

John & I took Dustin, Shenira & Gabe to Maryland for the week of July 3 until the 9th. We had so much fun while we were there and also had sometime to just sit back and relax.
This drive is suppose to take about 10 hours however we have never been able to do that. So for us it's about a 12 hour drive.

This is Shenira beating up on her big brother in the car! It was so nice to see them play around and having fun. Dustin, John, Shenira & Uncle David played the Wii for a while the first night we were there after I took Gabe up to bed. I got to have some quite time to myself and watched a chick flick!
On the Fourth of July we were able to hang out by the pool during the day and we had a cookout with family before heading to the fireworks in Hagerstown.

The fireworks display in Hagerstown was AMAZING this picture is of our blanket after the fireworks were done. We were so close that soot & cardboard from the fireworks kept landing on us. I can't say that I've ever in my life been that close.

Day 3 what better way to start off the day then with Mickey Mouse Pancakes. Uncle David made yummy pancakes for everyone and then we were off for some horse back riding.

My uncle has two horses that he owns so that guest of the Bed & Breakfast can do trail rides. There is also do horse boarding there as well. This trip was the first time that we've been able to work it out for the kids to be able to go riding and they loved it with the exception of Dustin who I think liked it once he traded horses. His horse wanted no part of going on a trail ride and gave him some trouble so they just got him a different horse and then all was good.

This is Gabe riding in the ring because he was to small to go out on the trial. Uncle David walked him around while the rest of us were getting a little bit of training before our ride.

Shenira LOVED this part of our trip. She was a little nervous at first but once they got going is was good to go.

After the ride they let Shenira help with rubbing the horses down and then taking them back to their pasture. She enjoyed getting to learn something new.

After horse back riding we went to the Washington Monument that is in Boonsboro Maryland. What a great site. I got some great pictures here.

This is John & Shenira at the top of the monument.

All of us at the outside the monument

My new favorite picture of John & Dustin.

Day 4 Hersey Park in Hersey PA This was a great day and a great park. I enjoyed this park more than any other park that I've ever been too. It was very family friendly. Food prices weren't so much in the way of family friendly but many other things were.

This picture below is John taking Gabe on his first big roller coaster and boy did he have a blast. His mama sat on a bench a nervous wreck but he got off saying "let's do it again". Then after this ride they took him on another one that goes upside down and he loved that one just as much. He rode that one 3 times.

John with the kids inside the park.

Gabe with a Hersey Kiss

This would be a 5lb candy bar that you could take home with you for the low price of $39.95. Gabe wanted to buy it for Kelly but I told him the only way that candy bar was coming home with us was in a picture!
Getting Dustin's shot with the huge candy bar
and of course we would never leave Sissy out.
After leaving the park at 9:30pm we stopped at Pizza Hut to get some dinner. Poor Gabe didn't make it to dinner he fell asleep right on the dinner table.
Day 5 we really didn't do anything. But Day 6 we went t DC and took Gabe & Shenira to the Aquarium & to see the White House.

Day 7 time to back up and head home but before we left I wanted to get some shots of Shenira around the farm. It's so much fun to have a girl to take picture of with the flowers and other spots that are a little to girly for the boys.
This is Gabe on one of the hills outside of he Bed and Breakfast.
Gabe & Jack. They have3 Jack Russell Terriers and they are all so much fun. The kids LOVE Jack he is so laid back an he really loved them too. He got lots of attention that week.
Beautiful sunset on our way home.

The Big 40!

2011-06-22T12:13:00.000-07:00

My wonderful sweet husband turned 40 this past Monday and to celebrate we had a party! I know what you are thinking "No way the Fuller's had a party?" haha. But yes a party we had.

This was the fun cake that I made for him.And this is the birthday boy that is such a good sport. I love that he knows how to have fun and can play it up with the best of them. He's been working on his "old man" walk and everything! Way to funny. Here he is with the Old Fart that his Aunt got for him we are now proudly displaying it on the shelves in the living room.When I showed Dustin the cake I had set it on the stove backwards so when I lifted the cover to show him he was way does it say "Oh"? Well I kind of thought it was funny so I took one of him with it the "oh" way and.....One with it the 40 way. So basically it's "oh 40"!I have to tell you that he still has it because he blew out every single one of those 40 candles (and yes I did put all 40 on the cake) in one blow. Of course the rest of us needed air mask to breath after he was done but we all survived. Not sure if you can tell very well but I had my brother the fire fighter there off to the right side of the picture just in case things went wrong!!! :) And no 40th birthday would be complete without a little entertainment. This would be by Wild and Crazy Uncle Carl getting a little pay back in. For Uncle Carl's 50th birthday John showed up after only knowing me & my family for a little over a week in a Grim Reapers costume and dead flowers. This made John a shoe in with my family and started a very fun relationship with my Uncle. Uncle Carl had a fun poem for him and a little hula dance as well. This was a great way to end John's Party. On John's actual birthday he left in the morning to run to the store while he was gone Jordon went out and drew this handicap person in his parking spot for when he returned. This was pretty funny and since it's in the garage it will be around for a while!

Happy Birthday Hunny I Love You!

First Field Day

2011-06-09T12:31:00.000-07:00

June 3rd was Gabe's first Field Day at school. John & I have been to many of these events with his older brothers & sister but I have NEVER seen the excitement in them like I did him this day. This boy was ready for field day!Me: "Hey Gabe are you having a good time?"

Gabe: "Oh Yeah"

(that is when I took this picture)

They did a water balloon toss for one of there events, Gabe & Kyle had WAY to much fun in this event. They were cracking me up with all of the faces they were making.
Each class had to draw a picture together as a class inside of a circle. My little artist was very intent to make sure that his "sting ray" made it to the water theme that they picked.

Next they were off to the area that I was helping with. The Obstacle Course. This is so much fun to watch the kids do.

Nice Kick!

Gabe with his best buddy Grant. They are not only in the same class but they are also on the same T-Ball team so these two have become good buddies.

After a long morning outside it's time for lunch.

I love spending time at school with him. What a great day we had.

One down 4 more to go!

2011-06-06T09:33:00.001-07:00

June 5, 2011 was a big day in the Fuller House.

Anthony John Fuller graduated from Vicksburg High School.

We started our morning off with church. Every year on graduation Sunday our church recognizes all of the High School Seniors that attend our church and send them off with a little gift. Each graduate introduces themselves and then tells what their next step is. Tony will be attending KVCC in the fall and is planning on becoming a police officer. Family photo after churchGrandma Fuller & Tony after churchStep mom, Tony & Dad. Words can not express how proud we are of this kid. He is one of the hardest working kids I have ever met and knows what he has to do to get the job done. Anthony John Fuller Class of 2011He had many people come to share this very special day with him. This is the Fuller side of the family. Grandpa GG, Shenira, Tony, Gabe, Grandma & Grandpa Fuller, Jammi, John, Dustin & Jordon. Copas Side

Shenira, Gabe, Tony, Nana, Papa, Jammi, John, Dustin & JordonThis is one proud Daddy. His baby is leaving the nest but he is confident in the fact that after watching this baby turn into a boy and now a man that he has been given what he needs to face the world. This is a boy that had to grow up fast not by choice but by circumstance and is a completely amazing and wonderful man. The love that his dad has for him will never end. She has something wonderful to look up to.The start of the Commencement Ceremony, Tony walking with his best friend Josh Kosak.HE DID IT!!!!! Class of 2011 took a moment of silence to honor two class mates that had passed away (the two chairs at the 50 yard line with the flowers were there for them) then after that moment was done they celebrated with each other their accomplishments!The lady in this button is Lenore Fuller know to all of us as Grandma GG. Grandma GG was a huge part of all of our lives some of us longer than other but huge no matter the time. She wanted so badly to be at the graduation of her first great-grandson. She passed away in July 2010 and wasn't able to be with us in body today but in spirit is was a big part of this day. I wore this button today so that she could be there. Tony she was so proud of you.Congratulations Tony we all love you so much!

Birthdays, Graduation & Grandparents Day

2011-05-27T12:09:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posed anything new, so please bear with me as I take you on our past couple of weeks.

May 12th was Shenira's 13th birthday. We had a T-Ball game that day and then after the game the 7 of us & Tony's girlfriend went to Steak N Shake at her request. On May 22nd we had a birthday party to celebrate Shenira's 13th birthday. She had 4 friends and lots of family come to help us celebrate. She wanted to have a Volleyball birthday so we went out to Indian Lake Nazarene Camp to use there Volleyball court.

This is John, Shenira & I with the cake that I made for her. First attempt but she liked it so all was good!

Shenira with her girlfriends after her friend on the right shoved her face into the cake! The only part that game off was the black gel which I found quite funny because is matched her shirt! The next picture is a little graphic as we had a small accident during the party. Gabe decided that he would put some excitement into the party and fell off the monkey bars face first. He got a bloody nose, knocked one tooth out and loosened two others. He was quit the trooper and only cried after he saw himself in the mirror. Once he was cleaned up the girls all had to come and see what had happened to wanted to see if he was okay. They were all so sweet and I think he liked the attention. We did manage to get a little bit of volleyball in but the weather was not on our side after about 10 minutes of playing a nasty thunderstorm rolled in and the party was over. Like I've said before there is never a dull moment when you spend time with the Fuller's!May 26th was Gabe's Kindergarten graduation. They all looked so cute and they sang great songs. You are looking at the Class of 2023!They each got to go up to the micro phone and say what their favorite thing about Kindergarten was: Gabe "My favorite thing about Kindergarten is Mrs. Frakes"Gabe with his favorite thing....Mrs. FrakesMommy & Daddy with our little graduateGrandma & Grandpa Fuller came to watch and brought Gabe a cute little card with some money. That he took to Michaels that very night and spent. And of course his bestfriend Kelly was there to watch too. This picture will be getting pulled back out in the year 2023 and added to a graduation board I'm sure. This is his friends Eli & Grant. Oh Yeah Baby Class of 2023!!Daddy & Mommy took him to Outback for dinner to celebrate his big day. May 27th was Grandparents/Special Person's Day at school. If you can't tell this boy is just a little bit loved! He had his Grandma & Grandpa Fuller, Nana & Papa & Dave & Kelly there. He had so much fun showing everyone around. Gabe with Nana & Papa

Gabe with Grandma & Grandpa FullerGabe with Kelly & DaveThank you to all of the Special People that came to be with Gabe today he loved every minute of it and loves all of you very much.

T-Ball

2011-05-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to try something new. None of our kids have played T-Ball/Baseball before. This is my favorite sport so I asked Gabe if he would like to give it a try. Little did we know when we took him in to sign up that on our first year John would be the Manager/Coach & I would be an assistant. It's been both trying & fun all in one. I'm pretty sure there really isn't anything more funny than watching all of these boys running all over the field not knowing where to run or throw. We have played 5 games now and each time we see a little more improvement and Gabe seems to like it.

This is my cute little ball player #3Gabe with Coach Daddy Gabe has been very lucky to have several people come and watch him play & John and I have been very lucky to have some of those people help us out on the field as well.

This is Daddy helping Gabe get set up to bat.
Tony helping Gabe in the outfield.Gabe running to Mommy "the first base coach".

Grandpa Fuller helping out on Third. If I had to guess I'm pretty sure he is telling him that he has to pay attention and run!

Grandma Fuller, Dave, Kelly, Chelsey & Mr. Dale have all been to see him play so far.

This would be my silly boy hanging out in the dug out!

Tulip Festival Holland Michigan 2011

2011-05-17T07:06:00.000-07:00

This was the first time that my mom or I have ever been to the Tulip Festival. Our day was absolutely beautiful. We had perfect weather, we went on a Monday so there were no crowds & we found 2 scrapbook stores to stop at along the way! What could be better?

We walked around and checked out some of the very cute shops, took lots of pictures of wonderful tulips. They just happen to be one of my favorite flowers so this was amazing to see. We ate lunch outside at the New Holland Brewing Restaurant & Pub. We had amazing hamburgers. After lunch we went and toured Windmill Island Gardens. Here they have the last windmill to ever leave the Netherlands.This is "DE ZWAAN" and a little history. De Zwaan is Dutch for "The Swan" or graceful bird. The mill is over 240 years old and is a grain mill. It was brought to Holland from the Netherlands in 1964. De Zwaan was the last windmill to leave the Netherlands. Dutch law now prohibits the sale of windmills, since they are now considered national monuments. If you go to Holland you can take a very interesting tour of this mill and find out all kinds on neat facts.This is my pretty mama on the fourth floor I believe of the mill. We were able to walk around and get some pictures while we were up there. And of course I couldn't do this post without posting a least a few of the wonderful flowers that we took pictures of.

These were just a few of the ones I liked the most.

Thanks for a great day Mom, I love it when we get to spend the day together like this, you are the best!

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

This is my better late than never Mother's Day Post.

My Mother's Day started off with church where we gave our first Mother's Day gift to our favorite friend Kelly. Oh how she loves my son and what a fun relationship they have. She truly is his best friend and he know just how to make her day! After church "Gabe" wanted to take me to lunch. Now if it were Gabe Day we would have been eating lunch at McDonald's but since it was Mom's day he was kind enough to let us have lunch at Wendy's! Later that day Papa brought Nana up to spend the night with us. My "real" Mother's Day gift was getting to spend an entire day at the Tulip Festival in Holland with my mom the following day. Since we were getting up early and going to be gone all day mom spent the night. She came in the early after noon on Sunday it was so nice out that we went for a walk, played at the park, got ice cream and just enjoyed spending the day together. Gabe giving Nana her Mother's Day gift.
All in all it was a good day!

Prom 2011 1st & Last

2011-05-05T11:05:00.000-07:00

So last Saturday was the Jr./Sr. Prom for our boys. This was Jordon's first Prom and first date all in one. We were all so excited for him and he and his date both had a great time. All I have to say is this boy can clean up!

Jordon with his date Stevie. What a sweet girl, aren't they so cute together?Nothing better than brothers. I love that these two are so close in age. I don't know if they appreciate it so much. But for them to do all of these things together has been so awesome to watch. The boys borrowed Grandpa Fuller's truck and Tony was the official driver for the night. He truly is a great big brother. On a more bitter sweet note this was our Tony's last Prom. I can not even tell you how much I've enjoyed watching Abby & Tony grow together. They have been dating since they were Freshman and are SO cute together. As always they looked amazing together. I know I'm a little one sided but this is one Handsome kid. The best thing about him is he is not only a cutie but, he has such a great heart. He will be graduating in June and words can not explain how much we will miss him or how proud we are of him.

Easter Weekend 2011

2011-04-26T05:25:00.001-07:00

As promised in the last post. This past weekend was packed full of fun and lots to do. Our "weekend" started on Thursday with the first production of The Living Last Supper at our church. We had two shows this year Thursday & Friday. John & Jordon were both apart of this production they were both disciples. Jordon was James & John was Thaddaeus. Both of them did a wonderful job.

Gabe with "Jesus" after the show. He was very excited!Saturday was the annual Easter Egg Hunt at our Church. This is Gabe ready to go and find some eggs. The Hunt Is On!Ms. Debi let Gabe barrow her hat at the end of the Egg Hunt couldn't resist in getting a shot of him in it. He will LOVE this picture in few years when he is a teenager!Saturday evening we had to take some time out to color eggs. Gabe & Shenira are the only two that I can still get to color them. This is one of my favorite parts of Easter. Might be one of Gabe's favorite parts too :)The kids baskets Easter MorningThis is how I found Gabe when I came around the corner. He was so excited to see what he got but he knows he has to wait until Mommy is there to take pictures! To funny.

After Church we headed to Tekonsha to have Easter Dinner with my Mom & Dad. We had a great lunch and then it was time for the Easter Egg Hunt at Nana & Papa's house to start. Do you think they are ready?Uncle"Egghead" Danny. He's always good for a laugh. The kids loved finding this egg. But Gabe was the only one brave enough to go up and take it off of his head. John hides the kids special eggs every year and every year it is fun to watch them find them. Tony's was in the back of the back board of the basketball hoop. Uncle Josh was going to to help out but Tony got it before Uncle Josh could! Tony thought he had the bad it rough but this year it actually was.....

Shenira that got the raw end of the deal! Daddy hid her egg up underneath the rear bumper of he car. It took her forever to find it!Last year I tried to get a picture of my mom an I and it didn't turn out so I had to make sure that we got one this year. The big & little kids played kick ball after the egg hunt with the gift that Harrison got from Nana & Papa. Easter 2011 in the book one more year with Nana & Papa. These are all of the grand kids minus Elizabeth & Evan and plus Buddie! Poor Shenira & Haley are so out numbered!Easter 2011 at John's Mom & Dad's. After dinner the kids were ready for the Easter Egg Hunt at Ama & Grandpa Fuller's house. They fill their eggs with quarters instead of candy which makes the kids really happy. This year Shenira, Livy, Gabe & Karis were the hunters! Gabe & Karis were or sure ready to take advantage of there couple minute head start!Gabe, Liv & Shenira on the mad egg hunt to see who could collect the most. Karis, Shenira, Livy & Gabe. The numbers of girls to boys on this side of the family are a little more even but the boys still have them beat. Tony, Jordon & Dustin are to old to do this part of the hunt now but Grandma had special eggs for each of the kids & they also have a "Golden Egg" that still had to be found. To find those we headed back inside. Gabe counting up is loot! I LOVE this picture of Dustin. It took him a long time but he finally found his special egg. Last year they hid his egg in Grandma's coffee pot. This year they had a coffee pot that needs to be taken to Grandpa GG's house and they hid his egg in there. The finder of the "Golden Egg" for the first time ever! She was so excited.

Happy Easter everyone!

Weekend Fun

2011-04-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

When I lived with my grandparents for a couple of years my Grandma always called me her Go-Go Girl. I'm not much for sitting around and doing nothing. Which is why I'm pretty sure that God gave me 5 children and such and large extended family! Just keeping up with our own kids keeps us going, going & going! So this past weekend was no exception. We started our Friday off with Daddy taking the day off and Mommy having the afternoon off so that we could take Gabe to use one of his gift cards that he got for his birthday and to take him to the new Rio movie. His birthday gift card was "wisely" spent (sorry can't help myself!) on this cute little Owl. I love the mind of a six year old and I can't wait because someday he is going to look at us and say what was I thinking when I named all of my animals? This cute little Owls name is "Friendlee Owelee" oh yeah this was all him! We still had some time to kill before the movie so we decided to take him to see the Easter Bunny before we left. Turns out that 2:00pm in the afternoon on a Friday is a great time to go and see the Easter Bunny there was no one there. So Gabe was really able to just hang out with the Easter Bunny. He was quite funny because he knew that the Bunny couldn't talk but he kept on asking him question anyway. Very fun to watch.
It was then time to head to the movies. We had seen the preview to this movie a month or so ago and John and I knew that we wanted to take Gabe to see it. Going to the movies isn't something that we do very often but it seems like in the past couple of months we've been going more often. A friend of mine got me a gift card for Christmas and we went a couple of time on that. Saturday took us to Myra & Johnny's wedding reception (Myra is John's sister, we went to the wedding in Vegas last month) for family & friends here. John & I all dressed up and ready to have some fun. I love getting dressed up with him.This picture though blurry is one of my favorite pictures from the night. Tony took his little sister out for a whirl on the dance floor. I love the look of pure joy on their faces. He is such a good big brother and they are going to miss him next year. He will still be at home but with work and college he for sure won't be around as much as he is now. Now this kid all I can say is OH MY WORD. I knew that he liked to dance but I had no idea that he really LOVES to dance and that he was nearly as good as he is. He had people taking his picture and dancing with him all night long! He went to bed that night saying "I love reception".zzzzzzzzzzzzSunday was Palm Sunday, Haley's Birthday Party & the Teen Pie Auction at Church.
I'll start with Palm Sunday service. All of the kids get to participate in this service they came in with palm branches singing and then also got to sign two other songs on stage. I love watching all of the kids on stage. After church we headed down to Nana & Papa's house to hang out for a little while before Haley's party. Nana found out that the Easter Bunny was going to be at one of the parks near her house so we decided to go down and check it out before Haley's party. They had a bounce house that they kids loved & of course what kid doesn't just plain like being at a park. This would be the look of pure joy on my son's face. He loves being outside and the simple fact that it was COLD didn't stop that pure joy & excitement.Hayden, Haley, Harrison & Gabe with the Easter Bunny. The birthday girl! I can not get over how fast she is growing up 4 years old already. Here she is showing off her new rain coat, hat & umbrella that Nana, Papa, Uncle Dan & Aunt Bonnie got for her. This is by far my favorite picture of her. Nana & her little princess Haley. Nana made Haley's awesome Tinker Bell Cake. Our last stop for the day on Sunday was back to Church for Sunday night service and the Teen Pie Auction. Every year ladies from the church make & donate a pie to the teens and then they auction them off to raise money for up coming mission trips. My pie is the one on the bottom left. It was my first attempted at this pie. My hope is that it tasted better than it looked! The fun thing about the pie auction is that everyone gets a free slice of pie to enjoy while they are doing the auction. This would be my little man enjoying his free slice of pie!I would like to say that the rest of this week and weekend coming up is going to be a little less full but I'd be lying. We will be going to Church Performances of the Living Last Supper that both John and Jordon are in, an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Service & Easter dinner at both of our parents houses!

My Baby is 6

2011-04-12T05:31:00.000-07:00

April 3rd was Gabe's 6th birthday. I really don't know when he went from being a little baby to being 6 but I really don't like it. Time seems to be flying by so much faster the older I get and I feel like I'm missing so much. But anyway back to the birthday fun!

Gabe's birthday started on March 31st. Because of spring break Gabe celebrated his birthday at school the last day before break. By his request I made the Little Green Men & Hamm from Toy Story for his cupcakes. Grandma Fuller went into school that day to read to the class and took all of the kids a coloring book.

April 3,2011 The actual birthday. This day was jam backed full of fun. Because of Spring Break we pushed his party to the following weekend but we wanted to make sure to make his special day fun. So we asked him what he would like to do and that is exactly what we did.

We started our day off with Church. Our Youth Pastors son was born last year on Gabe's birthday so we had to make sure to get a picture of our birthday buddies.

This is Gabe & Jonas.

After Church Pastor Dave & Kelly went with us to meet Daddy at McDonald's as this was Gabe first request for the day. Lunch at McDonald's. After lunch daddy had to go back to work for a couple more hours but, Dave, Kelly, Gabe & I headed to...... Chuck E Cheese's for some fun, this was the second request for how he got to spend his special day. He wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese with his best friend Kelly. He had some tokens left from a previous visit and got 25 more free ones because it was his birthday. So this stop cost nothing which made it even better. Dave and Kelly played all kinds of games with him and road the roller coaster with him too. Dave and Kelly had to leave so Gabe and I waited just a little bit longer for Daddy to come and pick us up so that he could head out to our next stop. The Movies! Nana & Papa took all of their grand kids to the movie to see Hop. It was lots of fun to have most of us together. After the movie we had one more stop to make to complete his birthday.Meeting Aunt Debbie, Uncle Carl, KatiBeth, Kenton & Chelsea at Red Robins for dinner. This was a surprise for Gabe he knew where we were going (he got to eat free, if you can't tell I love the free stuff!) but he didn't know that someone was meeting us there. He was so excited. We had a great dinner. The staff came over to sing to him and he ignored them the entire time. It was pretty funny because most people get embarrassed but not my kid he just pretends that they aren't even there!

April 9, 2011 The Toy Story Party.

This year we invited friends from Gabe's class. We were able to get the church again so having extra kids was great. At Gabe's request he wanted to open presents first. This is just one of the many cool birthday gifts that he got.

After presents were opened we headed over to play a couple of games the first game we did was "The Claw" we hid 25 little green men in beans and the kids had to use a tong to find them. We also hid one Woody doll in there and the person that found that got a special prize. This game was so simple and the kids had a great time. Next we played pin the nose on Mr. Potato Head. With the help of Gabe's big brother Jordon & sister Shenira we ended up with a great potato head. Jordon drew the body, Shenira colored it and I added the rest with a great new cricut cartridge that my friend Dawn got for me. The Cake. The Downs' bought Gabe every single Toy Story character that was in the movie and mommy made his cake and added them all to it. This was such and easy cake to make and he loved it with all of his toys on it.

Front of Cake

Back of Cake.No birthday is complete without a birthday wish. Not sure what he was wishing for but he sure knew how to put some effort into it! I LOVE this picture with all of his friends looking on!This is Gabe with all of his friends. There was no way that he was going to have this picture taken without his best friends Kelly & Kati.

Gabe with his birthday sign. This wrapped up our party day.

He is growing so fast and making these memories with him are so very important to me. I love that God picked me to be his mommy and I can't wait to see what this year will bring with our now six year old little man. Happy Birthday Gabby, Mom and Dad love you tons!

Las Vegas

2011-04-06T12:12:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago my husband & I went on a very much needed vacation. Just the two of us. We did this last year and had such a great time that we hope to make it a yearly event. It just so happened to work out that we once again got our chance again just a few weeks ago. John's sister got married in Las Vegas on the 26th of March so John and I headed out to Las Vegas! We spent 5 days there and had a great time. My husband being the funny man that he is told Gabe that he wanted a picture of us smiling and him frowning because he didn't get to go with us. He was very happy to help with that picture. Welcome t Fabulous Las Vegas!!!! Nothing better than Chocolate right??? John and I aren't much into the party sence or gambling so we had a great time checking out the M&M Store and all of the hotels. Our hotel had this great aquarium just as you walked in the front door. We spent a lot of time watching all of the different fish they had. Everytime we would stop to watch we would see a fish that we hadn't seen before. This was also the only spot that we could get an internet connection!One of our days there we rented a car and went to Hoover Dam and Ethels Chocolate Factory. Hoover Dam was amazing to see and very interesting to learn the history of it. Our weathe was a little chilly but it wasn't bad. Almost perfect for being out and walking so much. Getting ready to tour the Chocolate Factory. This was so neat to watch and at the end we even got to have a taste! Yumm.....So good.John and I all dressed up for his sisters wedding. They had a nice ceremony and the location was very pretty. I love it when John wears a tie and we are able to dress up and go out.The best part of the trip (besides having my husband all to myself) was walking through and outside of Bellagio. Oh how I would love to stay there someday. This is us outside where they do the fountain show, which we were able to go and see at night very cool. This is from a butterfly house that was inside of Bellagio I was so amazed by all of the different butterflies.

So if you love chocolate is there anything better than it falling from the sky??? Oh my word! This was so cool to watch. Tulips are my favorite flower and they were all over inside Bellagio I was in total heaven. If you look real close you will see me in this picture the Tower is so big that I get lost in the picture. This was very pretty both in the day and at night.Couldn't resist getting one more shot of the two of us on our last day there.

This and That

2011-03-09T13:25:00.001-08:00

Well the last few weeks were filled with a little of this and that.......

On February 13th we celebrated my sisters 30th birthday at our favorite little pizza joint. You will soon find that when I mentioned a new round of birthdays a few post ago I wasn't kidding. Boy do we know how to do up birthdays! On February 17th we celebrated Tony's 19th birthday. We had dinner with just the fam and his girlfriend and enjoyed our time together. On February 27th we celebrated Harrison's 8th birthday with a great cake made by Nana. He loves fishing and so his party was all about fishing.Daddy, Gabe & Shenira had fun one Saturday building a fort.And lastly this past weekend I held my first all weekend scrapbooking fundraiser. This is a picture of my mom that Gabe took. We had so much fun and will be having another one in May.
So that brings us up today and with a wedding to attend in Vegas & track season coming up I'm sure you will be hearing more from me soon! Hope all is well with your family.

Ice Storm 2011

2011-02-22T13:29:00.000-08:00

These are a few pictures from our Ice Storm. I had yesterday off and decided to take Gabe and the Dog for a walk so that we could capture some of the beauty. This is a bush in our neighbors yard. I love the color in it. This is a shot from the end of our road.

Another one that I thought was cool with new berries coming out. Poor things thought it was going to be spring...Welcome to Michigan!

This is the Dog taking Gabe for a walk!!! hahaha. It was so icy out that as soon as the dog would start walking Gabe would fall. Gabe was having a blast.

Baby Caleb

2011-02-08T07:12:00.000-08:00

Dave and Kelly's new grandson was born on January 24th which made them grandparents for the first time...unless you ask Gabe and Gabe will tell you that he is there first Grandchild and Caleb is their second. This past weekend we were able to go and meet Caleb for the first time and Gabe totally fell in love with him. I was so impressed with how gentle he was with him and how much attention he not only gave him but also with how well he did with how much attention other people were giving to him. Gabe thinks that he is Caleb's big brother and for us that's okay. Everyone needs a good big brother even if it's just in Christ! Here are the proud grand parents with "both" of their grandson's. Kelly couldn't wait for Gabe to meet Caleb and I love this special moment that the three of them shared. Caleb right now you have no idea what an amazing Grandma & Grandpa you have but oh someday you will. You are one blessed boy. Gabe stayed with Dave & Kelly at a hotel that had a pool but we didn't know that before we left so we didn't pack a swim suit. But when you're five....This works! I love the memories that he makes. What a crazy ham he is.

For The Love Of SNOW!!!!!

2011-02-08T06:58:00.000-08:00

I myself do not care for snow, I don't like the cold at all and would be very happy for it to be 80 degrees all year round. My husband and Son on the other hand LOVE snow. This kid would play outside in the snow all day and night if we would let him. The only fun part of snow for me is getting to take pictures of this amazing kid! I have to be honest that there is something about snow that makes for great pictures.How could you not love this kid???? He is always up to something and having fun no matter what. I love the way his mind works and how he has fun even when he is all by himself.

All of these pictures were taken last Wednesday after the "blizzard" had come through. Gabe loves to snowmobile with his Daddy and was more than excited when Daddy got home from work and took him for a ride. I wish his smile was showing but you can for sure see just by his eyes that he was one happy camper!

Ohhh For The LOVE of SNOW!!!!!!!!

Elmo's Green Thumb

2011-02-08T06:43:00.000-08:00

As a surprise for Gabe I called Kristi to see if they would be interested in going to the Elmo's Green Thumb performance that was at the Kellogg Arena. She told her kids what we were doing but for Gabe I kept it a surprise until we got there. Here is Gabe, Jayce & Ty showing off there tickets. Gabe was so excited. He loved seeing the show at Seaworld so much that I knew he would be excited about this one.

Cookie Monster is MY favorite!

Mommy and Gabe at the end of the show. I love doing things with this boy!

A New Year Means A New Round of Birthday!

2011-02-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

Jordon's 18th Birthday was January 28th. We celebrated his birthday on the 29th. It was a small get together with Grandpa Fuller, Nana as his special guest. Grandma Fuller was in Florida but we got to talk with her via Skype. After Dinner and Cake John took him to the movies for a night out with just the two of them. Jordon's first birthday with me was when he was turning 10 we found those pictures the other night when we were looking at old scrapbooks. Boy has he grown and changed so much in the past 8 years. Jordon, I hope that you had a great birthday.This is Jordon with his half eaten cake the next day when we realized that we forgot to sing Happy Birthday to him the day before. We were cut short for time for John and Jordon to get to the movies and we forgot all about it. So here Dad is making it right the following day!

Kindergarten Penguin Fun

2011-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Gabe's kindergarten teacher taught about penguins. I thought it would be fun to bring in a couple different treats so on that Monday I brought these Chocolate Covered Marshmallow penguins.I made enough for both of her classes and for both of the other kindergarten teachers class. 90 in all. It was lots of fun!Then on that Tuesday I came in and made a penguin with the kids out of an egg plant. They had fun helping me add the wings, feet, eyes and belly. This is our finale creation. Next up is the Valentine's Day Party!

Fort Downs/Fuller

2011-01-14T13:21:00.001-08:00

We are blessed! Our son Gabriel has got one of the best things going for him ever, he has the love of a family that we met by "chance". Who but God would know what a simple babysitting job would turn into. This family loves my son un-like no other. The time and energy that they give to him is amazing and we are forever blessed because of it.

Last weekend was Kati (the youngest daughters) last weekend home before she had to go back to college. She decided that on Saturday she and Gabe should make a snow fort and before you knew it Kelly & Chelsey were also out to join in on the fun. Kati & "Gabe" spent hours outside making the perfect fort. These pictures are in reverse order and for some reason I can't get them to move around so it is what it is. Gabe with his best friend Kelly. She spoils him rotten and loves him to death and of course he LOVES it, who wouldn't!
This is there finished fort. With sticks and all because Gabe told Kati that "If we go into battle we have to have sticks"!

You are looking at the most loved 5 year old you have ever seen!

Putting the finishing touches on their fort.

Of course playing outside in the snow would not be complete with out a snow angle. Here is my angle making his angle.

Gabe & Kati watching for enemies.....Dun, dun, dun....

This would be Gabe with the best Kati ever. When I put this picture on Facebook she posted "I would do just about anything for this kid". and truly she would. She is a great "big sister".

This is my cutie showing off the inside of his fort.

Doesn't get any better than this. I'm pretty sure that he has the cutest button nose ever. But I'm his mom and have to admit that I'm pretty partial.

Do you have someone in your life that loves you like crazy??? I sure hope so because it's the best thing ever.

Florida Vacation

2011-01-05T13:20:00.001-08:00

John's parents gave us there Time Share to use this year as a Christmas gift. So on December 16 at 10:30pm we started our long drive to Florida with 3 Adults and 5 Kids. What a terrific trip we had. The best part of the trip for me was that my Mom got to come with us. This is pretty much how our trip went.

Day One December 17th, Shenira and Gabe couldn't wait to take a bath in the big tub. With swim suits on they both hopped in and had a great time.After the bath each kid had one Christmas gift to open from John & I (their gift from us were tickets for the older kids to go to Island of Adventure with John and for Gabe it was a ticket to go to Sea World with Nana and Mommy).

After gifts were opened it was off to the pool. It was to cold if you ask me but Daddy said that it was okay so Mommy let him go in and swim with them and I took pictures while I was all bundled up!
Day Two: It rained all day today so we rented movies and decided to play Minute to Win It Games. This was so much fun. Dustin was able to get two of three golf balls to balance on top of each other and was the only one to do it out of all eight of us!
Day Three we headed to Michael's house in Port St. Lucie. It was so nice to hang out. Aunt Jean had a nice lunch ready for us when we got there. We had lunch sat around and talk for awhile and the kids had fun tossing the football around in the back yard.
On our way back to Orlando we stopped at Cocoa Beach to get some shells from the beach to take home. It was SO cold and we were NOT dressed to be out on the beach at all! But we got the shells we were looking for and got back into the car to warm up. We had to stop and buy Gabe a sweat shirt before we could even go down to the beach.

Daddy found a hermit crab on the beach that everyone had to check out. It was so cold that the poor thing was dead.

Day Four: Nana, Gabe and Mommy's first day at Sea World!!! Oh my word did we have so much fun. This was probably the best part of the trip for me. It was so nice to have my Mom all to myself and Gabe. Our first stop was to the Blue Horizon show it is the BEST and still my favorite show at Sea World.

After the Blue Horizon show we went over to feed the Dolphins. This was SO cool and so much better than the last time I had done this. We had a great spot and Dolphins were every where. Gabe loved petting them.

The under ground viewing for the dolphins.

Next it was time for the Clyde and Seamore show. This is one show that you don't ever want to show up late for but sure is fun if you show up early!

Mommy & Gabe checking out the SHARKS!!!!

Gabe, Mommy & Nana with the Manatee's

Amy I had to put this picture in here just for you! Right before this picture we had a group of young Chinese kids ask us if we would take there pictures and of course all of the boys were making the peace sign. So the very next picture I took of Gabe he had to do it too. Reminded me of Ty!

Mommy and Gabe on the Shamu roller coaster. I don't like roller coasters at all but this one was okay and Gabe loved it.

Last show of the night for us was Shamu. This was still cool, but not as cool now that the trainers don't swim with them.

Day Five: Back at Sea World for our second day. We went to several more shows today and stayed until the park closed. We watched the Winter Wonderland on Ice show tonight while we waiting for the fire works after such a long day Gabe fell asleep before the Ice show or the fire works started and sleep during both things. It was nice during the day but sure did cool off as soon as the sun went down.

Day Five: John also took the older kids to Island of Adventure. They were able to ride the new Harry Potter ride and many other things and all had a great time spending time with just their dad.

Day Six took us to Downtown Disney where we did our normal try on all of the funny hats that we could find. I think this is a great look for my husband!

Gabe was also able to see Santa in shorts again which I love. Not every Michigan kid can have his picture taken with Santa in Shorts!

Day Six also took us back to the Time Share to enjoy the sun and pool. It was a little chili because of the wind but very nice and sunny. A great time was had by all swimming.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.
Dustin, Gabe and Shenira.

Sissy and Daddy

Gabe and Mommy

Day Seven: Our last day in Florida we started off to go and play around of Miniature Golf until we got there and found out that it was going to cost $76.00 for us to play. We quickly decided that was crazy and that we were NOT going to play. So we went to Shell World go more seashells and headed back to the Time Share to eat lunch and pack up to start our long drive back home. This is Gabe being silly in the car about an two hours before we got home. I have to tell you that this was the best car ride I've ever been on. Not once did our kids fight you almost didn't even know that we had kids in the car with us. We are so very blessed.

Thank you to Mom and Dad Fuller for the use of the time share and to my mom for coming with us. It truly was a great trip!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2011-01-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

We got home from Florida on Christmas Eve. Gabe was so happy that we made it home early enough for him to put the reindeer food out. This has become a new tradition in the past couple of years.

One the reindeer were taken care of it was time to take care of the "Big Guy" Santa himself. Because we had just gotten home from vacation we didn't have any cookies to leave for him so we left him chocolate this year. It's my understanding that he likes chocolate better than cookies anyway!

Gabe was was proud of himself he poured the milk all by himself this year. This is our finished product with the special drawing that Gabe left for him.

Gabe with his gifts from Kelly & Santa.

Mommy, Daddy & Gabe went to see Yogi Bear on Christmas afternoon. I wasn't feeling very well but decided to go ahead and go to the movie anyway. Little did I know that the following Monday I would find out that I had Pneumonia. I ended up missing another week of work. John took very good care of me while I was sick and Kelly helped out a lot with Gabe which was wonderful.Gabe and Daddy decided to try out Gabe's new nerf guns one of the night while I was sick. I couldn't help but get the camera and take picture of my two crazy boys. I'm not sure which one liked them more Daddy or Gabe!New Year's Eve Dustin got on a charter bus and headed to New Orleans for his trip with his high school band "The Big Red Machine" to play at the Sugar Bowl. After many many months of fundraisers it was time to go. I had to stop by and get a couple of pictures of him leaving. They had a great time on the trip and just got back today (1/7/11). New Year's Eve found us at the M-66 bowling ally with John's family again this year. This has become a tradition that we love. I didn't get to bowl this year but enjoyed watching everyone else and doing what I do best....take pictures. This was a crazy freaky picture that I took of John goofing off while he was bowling. Some how in the picture half of his ball is missing????On New Year's Day Gabe and I met up with Mom and Dad Copas, my brother and sister and their families at Splash Universe Waterpark. Gabe love the lazy river and Haley loved the little slide. I still wasn't feel real great so we didn't stay very long but it was long enough for Gabe to have fun. January 2 was the Kempton Christmas at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Carl's house. As usual we had great food and a great time with family. I love it when we get together with all of my aunts, uncles & cousins but missed the ones that weren't able to make it. All in all it was once again a very busy few days with lots of things going on. Glad it's over but can't wait until next year!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Semi Formal 2010

2010-12-14T09:40:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday was Vicksburg Semi-Formal. We met Tony & Jordon and Tony's girlfriend Abby's house so that we could get pictures of them all dressed up and ready for a night out. Dustin also went this year but we weren't able to get pictures of him.Two of our handsome boys. If I do say so myself, these boys sure do clean up well!The beautiful Abby we have enjoyed having her be a part of our family so much. This was their fourth and final Semi-Formal. They are so cute together and it's been fun seeing them grow from Freshmen to Seniors.
BrothersFun TimesLast but not least our adopted son Josh. We have so much fun when Tony's friend Josh comes over to spend the night and I was so glad that he stopped by Abby's before the dance so that I could get some pictures of him too.

Shenira's Band Concert

2010-12-13T12:01:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday was the Holiday Concert for Shenira's band. They did a great job and as always we loved watching her play. It's amazing to see how fast the kids learn how to play their instruments.

Fast As Fast Can Be You Can't Catch Me!

2010-12-13T09:22:00.001-08:00

Friday was my day to help in Gabe's classroom. Oh how happy I was that it was my day to help on Gingerbread Man Day! We had SO much fun with the kids and I learned that my son likes gingerbread cookies.

The first thing I got to do was mix everything together.

Mrs. Frakes formed our Gingerbread "Boy"And then each child got to come back and add some yummy candy to the Gingerbread Boy. I was so glad that Gabe isn't a child that has to be a me first kind of kid. He waited until everyone else at his table had gone which left just him and I so I was able to get some shots of just him!I think he is happy with his selections and we are now ready to take him down to the oven. In the oven it goes.Cooking time is done. Time to go and pick him up.Oh NO! He isn't where I left him!!! Ladies did you check on him while he was cooking??? Oh no I forgot to tell them not to open the door until his was all finished cooking. Now we must go and find him. He left us some clues along the way they took us too....The Gym..but he was already gone,The Library but nope we were too late so we had to go to....The Music Room, still not fast enough we are off too....The computer lab but we STILL couldn't catch up to him.Finally that Gingerbread boy was caught running in the halls by the principle Mr. Szabla! We promised to take him back to our room and eat him all up so that he couldn't run away again!!!What a fun day!

Traditions

2010-12-02T09:47:00.001-08:00

There are several traditions that we have so far this year we've done two of the main ones. First is my favorite putting up the trees. Yes you read that right I said trees, not tree. We have four trees in our house. Two of the four are pictured below. I have put a tree in Gabe's room since he was born and each year he gets new little ornaments to add to it. He loves it when the tree is in his room. The second tree is the "main" tree where the presents from Santa go(it is also pictured below) This tree has first Christmas ornaments on it and other special ornaments that we've gotten from family. The Third Tree is my "Snowman" tree and it only get ornaments of Snowmen on it and I put it in the Dinning Room and finally the last tree is on our landing going upstairs and this tree is "The Kid" tree. It has the ornaments that the kids have made at school or ornaments of their special interest

Another tradition that we done almost every year is attending the Marshall Christmas Parade. This Parade has always been my favorite and I love taking my son to it now. Each year we try to meet up or take new friends with us and this year we took Chelsey and Hector with us and met the Moody's there.

Gabe with the Moody Boys!

Daddy, Mommy & Gabe ready for the parade to start!

Hector, Chelsey & Gabe.

Kempton Thanksgiving

2010-12-02T09:38:00.000-08:00

Family time with the Kempton's is always fun. This year we had Thanksgiving at my sister Jennifer's house. The Kempton crew keeps growing and it's so much fun when we are together. This year Gabe's teacher sent home a little "play" to do on Thanksgiving for fun. With the help of his cousins it was a big hit! The one thing I love most about this family is everyone is game. Most of these cousins are in their 20's but they were still willing to help little Gabe out with his show. They had us laughing so hard and this was for me the best part of Thanksgiving, well except for the deep fried Turkey that Uncle Dan made....OH MY WORD....To dye for!I'm not sure how it is in your house but in our Thanksgiving isn't complete until Papa falls asleep. This is for sure how to measure a great Thanksgiving Day!

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T18:13:00.000-08:00

From our little Pilgrim....Happy Thanksgiving!

From Nothing To A Fun Filled Weekend!

2010-11-16T10:14:00.000-08:00

Our weekend started with a Friday night date for just Gabe & I. Daddy went to a football game with grandpa so mommy & Gabe went to a Harvest Party that our Church was having. While we were there we got to make a few crafts, "tried" to learn how to square dance (Gabe was okay until it in voled touching someone that wasn't mommy), went on a Hay Ride, roasted marshmallows by an awesome fire & also had hot dogs. We had a great night. On Saturday daddy had to work so Gabe and I went to the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade with John's parents & Shenira. I love this parade because of the big balloons that they have in it. Someday I'm going to get to the Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York but until then this is as close as it's going to get. After the parade it was off to a birthday party for our niece Karis. They celebrated her 5th birthday at a roller skating rink that was reserved for just our group. This was so nice because you didn't have to worry about tons of people being there. Gabe loved roller skating and came out with only a small blister on his heal. Our Big 5 Year Olds! There is 7 months between Gabe and Karis and he loves it when they are both the same age.
After the birthday party Daddy took Gabe and Karis to the movies. It was suppose to be just Gabe and Daddy because Daddy had taken the older boys out last weekend and told Gabe he would take him this weekend. But Gabe being the kind cousin that he is wanted Karis to go with them as part of her present. We ended our Saturday night at a Jewelry Open House for a great friend and had tons of fun there.
Sunday we headed to Nana's house to work on a scrapbook and stayed there for the entire day. This is our life in a nut shell it's either go, go, go or nothing at all! The holidays are coming so things will for sure start to pick up. We are already going to have our first Christmas get together this Sunday! Can't wait to see family that we don't get to see very often but I also know that this will be a bitter sweet year as this is our first Christmas without John's Grandma and we all miss her very much.

Nothing???

2010-11-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

I titled this post as Nothing. Not that there has been nothing going on in our lives but for once things are calm and I feel like we aren't running like mad people from one place to the other. The last two weeks have been so nice to actually have days on the calendar where there was nothing going on. This week I had some friends over for a Tastefully Simple Party and we had a great time talking and hanging out, my husband was able to do a little more work on our Kitchen/Bathroom remodel project which has been going on since May so seeing some progress being made there this past weekend made my heart sing (I'm a very simple person!). Gabe had another great appointment with his lung specialist which we are so thankful for. But perhaps the funniest part of this week was that very appointment for Gabe, he had to get a shot, now before you tell there isn't anything funny about that keep reading, when we were done with the appointment he called his friend Kelly to tell her that he had to get a shot. She asked him what kind of a shot and he told her that he had to have a "flea" shot instead of a "flu" shot. This was extremely funny to us because this year we had a terrible problem with our dog having fleas and Kelly knew this so she said to me after she was talking with Gabe wow I knew you were having flea problems but I didn't realize that it was this serious!!! Now of course she was kidding but we all found it very amusing. Ahhhhh, the things a 5 year old says.

If you can believe it I actually have no photos to post as I haven't taken any since Halloween. But the next time I post I will have all kinds to share with you this weekend will be a very full weekend with the Kalamazoo Holiday Parade (Dustin's band will be marching, don't miss it they are FANTASTIC) & our niece Karis' birthday party is a Roller Skating Party that same day so I'm sure I will have lots to take there.

Hope you all have a blessed weekend.

Jammi

Marching Band

2010-11-04T09:38:00.001-07:00

This year was the first year any of our kids have participated with The Vicksburg Marching Band A.K.A "The Big Red Machine". Dustin is an incredible trumpet player and agreed to give marching band a try for just one year. His love is football but he is so talented with music that we just didn't want him to give that up. Plus this year the band is going to be playing at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans so that was also a great incentive to give it a try. Their band is AMAZING John and/or I attended all of their competitions this year and were blown away. What an incredible thing to be a part of . This band took MANY first place trophy's and other honors every place they played at except for one. I still get goose bumps when I hear them play their first song. I feel that this will be the only year that he will play but I am so happy that he stuck it out for at least a year.

Dustin your dad & I both think that you are totally awesome!

This is what makes a football game worth going to!

Just a little side note the trip that Dustin will be taking to New Orleans cost $1100.00 per student and we have been selling pillow cases that John's mom makes for $10.00 each. If you are interested and would like to help out let me know.

Halloween 2010

2010-11-03T12:14:00.001-07:00

This year like always we enjoy doing many Halloween activities. On October 24 our church held their annual Trunk or Treat and I thought this year we would do a Hawaii theme in honor of John's Grandma. When she passed away in July we were given the Moo Moo's that they bought when they went to Hawaii. She knew that we want to go there for our 10th anniversary and wanted us to wear them on our trip too. Anyway getting off track back to Trunk or Treat. This is John and I with our car decorated.

Jordon has wanted Gabe to be Yoda since the day he was born and this year I decided to give in. So below Gabe is with a family that attends our church. He just happened to fit right into there theme!The next event was Gabe's Halloween Party at School. The kids had fun walking through a couple of the other classes to show off their costumes. We played lots of games and had lots of good snacks. As you can see he even had a few Star Wars character in his class too! Finally it was Halloween. Our lives have be so busy this year that I almost didn't think that we were going to get pumpkin carving in which to be honest would have broken my heart more than it would have Gabe's. You know you are too busy when you have to resort to buying your pumpkins at Wal-Mart!!!!! Sadly it's true that is where they came from. But on Halloween afternoon Gabe and I sat down and got the job done. I LOVE watching him do this because he hates gutting out the pumpkin and makes the funniest faces and sounds as he works on it. The smile you see here is totally forced by mom saying "Give me a smile Gabe".

But in the end both of our pumpkins turned out great and my little Yoda was dressed and ready to hit up the neighbors for some candy!! I will say however from this year on there will NEVER be another costume with a mask. He hated it and would not wear it. This is Yoda with the pumpkin that he carved.

And this was the one that Mommy did.

We started trick or treating right at 5 when it started so that we would be back home before it got dark and so that we could come back home and hand out some candy too. He loves to hand out the candy almost more than he likes to go around and get it.
Another Halloween in the book.

Happy Halloween All!

The Party

2010-10-18T09:43:00.001-07:00

Just as I promised in the last post here are the pictures of the Birthday Party for my mom. We had such a good time. Since we were going to the Apple Orchard that day I decided to do our theme around the Apples. I made a chocolate cake that looked like an apple and used it for my center piece. Anyone that knows me knows that I'm not much of a cook or a baker but for some reason I love to make cakes. Below was the table all set and ready for the guest of honor to arrive.

My beautiful mom with her fun apple cake.Once we were finished with lunch and cake we headed out to Gull Meadow Farm in Richland. Oh did the kids have a blast. Of course more than a few adults also had a lot of fun too. I absolutely love this picture my mom is the bus driver and each of the 5 "original" grand kids are on the bus. My Dad, Brother, Mom, Sister & I are in the faces and the grand kids are below. Another favorite picture. The Fab 5 with the "Original" 5. (For some of you that may not know my brother & I both have step kids so that is why I call the other kids the "original 5". Our step kids weren't with us on this trip)

This picture is here because I just couldn't resist. I love this kid!

Happy Birthday

2010-10-14T09:07:00.001-07:00

Today is a very special persons birthday. My Mommy! I'm teased very much at Church because our family is so big that it seems that we are always having a party. Well we are! This coming Sunday my parents, brother, sister & their kids are all coming to our place so that we can celebrate. I'm making a nice lunch and then we are all heading to the apple orchard for some family fun. I'm very excited to have them all over. I'm also excited about the cake that I'm making. I got a great idea from a friend for a cake and I will share it with you after Sunday as I don't want to ruin the surprise.Until then Happy Birthday MOM!

(the above picture was taken this summer when we got to spend an entire weekend together it was SO much fun and I hope that we get to do it again soon)

Volleyball 2010

2010-10-13T06:09:00.000-07:00

Shenira started playing Volleyball this year. We have had so much fun going to her games and watching her play. She is the smallest player on her team but she sure can play! It's been so nice to see her involved in something that she really enjoys. At the beginning of the season she couldn't serve at all but with some practice she is able to make it over the net sometimes & is very excited when she does it. Her team plays very well and won several games this year.

GO DAWGS!!!!

School Pictures

2010-09-27T09:12:00.001-07:00

Last year after the price of school pictures went up again we decided that I would start taking a "school" picture of the kids instead of buying a pack of pictures from the school. We were very happy with the ones that we got last year and decided to do the same again this year. I love doing them this way because I can take several shots and pick the ones I want instead of the ONE picture that the school takes when you hope and pray that your childs eyes were open! Anyway here is one shot of each kid. I got a ton of great pictures it's going to be hard to decide.

Jordon - Junior Dustin-FreshmanShenira - 7th GradeGabe - Kindergarten
By the way for any of you that have been following along with me. My camera has been fixed and returned!!!! I'm a happy camper once again!

St. Joe County Fair

2010-09-22T13:02:00.001-07:00

We look forward to this fair every year. It's one of my favorite things to do with Gabe. Of course every year it gets a little more expensive but some how by the end of the night it's always worth the memories that were made.

This was Gabe's first ride choice of the night. He saved some of his own money so that he could buy a bracelet so that he could ride all the rides.This little monkey is the highlight of going to the fair. Gabe says that this is his favorite part and I have to agree that it's one of my favorite parts too. I've taken Gabe's picture with this money since he was 4 months old. If you give him a dollar he will let you pet his head. So of course we have to give him a dollar right?!?The Miracle of Birth Tent is my favorite part of the fair. I LOVE to go in and see all of the new little piglets that have been born. We didn't get to see any of them being born this year but we did get to watch it on TV. I wasn't sure how Gabe was going to handle this but he did pretty well. The first one that he watched come out he said "YUCK" but then he stood there and watched at least 4 others of them being born. On the way home he asked me if he came out of my Belly or Butt??? Way to funny.

One of the girls that was watching the Mama Pig got on of the little piglets that had just been born that day out so that we could pet it. Seriously I LOVE piglets how could you not love that face!

Another tradition that we have when we go to the fair is giving the Fire Department a dollar for a duck. We win a sucker every year but it's still something fun to do. I have pictures of Gabe doing this every year as well.

Just had to put this one in here because he is so stinking cute.

And last but not least the best reason of all to go to the County Fair......Well Elephant Ears of course!!!!!!!! Oh this one was SO good.

First Day of School

2010-09-07T13:03:00.001-07:00

Today was a big day for the Fuller's.

This little guy had his first day of Kindergarten.This guy headed off for his first year of High School

Our 7th grader Jordon getting ready to take on his Junior Year. He wouldn't let me take a picture of him, so I took this one through the window. Someday he will learn that I will get what I want anyway so he might as well just give up!Our Senior who isn't really sure that he is excited about being a Senior. He understands what the real world is when school is out and isn't really looking forward to it all that much. Mom & Dad with Gabe outside Indian Lake Elementary. We love this school and are so excited that Gabe is able to attend here just like all of his brothers & sister. We requested a transfer for him to attend this elementary.Tony was such a good sport this morning. I wanted a picture of him and Gabe together as it was Gabe's First Day of School & it was Tony's Last First Day of School. He was a good sport because he woke up at 8:15am this morning so that I could take this picture even though he didn't have to go to school until 11:40am and he even smiled for me! You Rock Tony!

Fall Is Here Already????

2010-09-02T12:53:00.001-07:00

High School Football has started so that must mean that fall is here already! Where in the world did summer go?Dustin is playing on the Freshman team this year and is number 41. So far he has had two games and they are 1 & 1. Not a bad way to start off the year.
This is his fan club. John's Grandpa has come to both games so far. It's great having him there to support Dustin's team.

Class of 2011 Senior Picnic

2010-08-30T08:52:00.001-07:00

Saturday we went to Tony's Senior Picnic. This was a great event to kick off the school year. They had 65 + kids that came. Some came after the picture had been taken. Par of the Class of 2011Tony with his girlfriend Abby
Tony & Dad They had two games for the kids to play an egg toss & pass the life saver from one tooth pick to another. They had a blast with the egg toss but weren't so sure about the life saver game!

Tony & Abby do the life saver pass.

After the games Tony thought Abby looked a little hot so here he is being the "nice" boyfriend that he is "helping" her cool off! Lucky for him she is a good sport.

He also thought that he dad was looking a little warm too and tried to do the same to him but unfortunately for him Dad can still take him!

This is going to be a fun year for him and this picnic was a great way to start it off. We are so proud of him and the way that he challenges himself.

Running Away

2010-08-24T08:09:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Gabe and I were having a few moments. We were at a store yesterday and he was miss behaving badly and I explained to him as we walked out of the store that the reason that I always put him into a cart is because of the way that he had behaved just then in the store. This evidently hurt his feels VERY much and once I dropped him off at my friends house he started to formulate his plan to move out of our house! After John picked him up Gabe informed him that he would be moving out and going to live with Kelly. So John told him that he could take with him anything that he bought. Below is the bag that he packed with and I'm not kidding EVERYTHING that was in his dresser & more! Now today this is funny last night this was NOT funny to me and after talking with him for a while he came to the conclusion that he would be better off at our home and that he would miss his Mommy & Daddy very much. But this didn't happen before he told his dad that they should get rid of me! Oh yeah he was totally determined. This is one of his empty dresser drawersHis bookshelf after he took the books that he thought that he couldn't live without. This is Mommy & Gabe after we had made up and he decided that having me for a Mommy isn't so bad after all. There were many teachable things in what happened last night and I'm not sure if he really got it or not but I'm sure we will see. Sleeping soundly in his bed exactly where he should be. Yesterday ended our three weeks of summer time with John's four older kids and as much as Gabe's love his brothers and sister it's a very hard transition for him to go from having Mommy & Daddy all to himself to having to share us and we struggle with the kids and how they treat him. The age difference are very hard for them to understand and most times they end up not being very nice to him. As I've said before there is NEVER a dull moment in the Fuller home.

Oh How I Love to take PICTURES!!!

2010-08-11T13:28:00.001-07:00

So you can ask any one of my children and they will tell you that when it comes to a camera I AM A NUT!!! I absolutely LOVE my camera and the subjects that I take pictures of. If I could do anything being a photographer would be it. This past weekend the whole family headed north so that I could take Tony's Senior Pictures. Oh did he and I have fun!!! I'm so excited about how these turned out that I can hardly contain myself. The best part was sitting down with Tony after we were done to have him pick out his "favorite" ones. Out of 178 pictures that I took he narrowed his "favorites" down to 104!!! Love IT! These are just a few of my favorite ones below and some of the fun I'm having tweaking them. I'm not finished but thought that I would share.

These were all taken in Mears, MI at Little Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan. We had the perfect day. Even if my camera did break before we were done. Good news is the camera has a warranty and is out as I type to be fixed. The second good news is that I have a wonderful husband that knows that me without a camera makes for a very sad person and was willing to drive me to the closest Wal-Mart so that I would buy a "cheap" camera until my good one is fixed. He is the best! (Poor Jordon was so excited when he found out that it was broken but his excitement only lasted for about 10 hours until I got a new one!)

GIANT Slip N' Slide

2010-08-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to the Balch's house to try out their GIANT slip n' slide. We had so much fun. This thing starts at the top of the hill and dumps you out into the lake at the bottom. Johnny is quickly moving up to be the most favorite uncle!!
Gabe getting a little help from Tony to make it all the way down to the bottom. The heavier you are the farther you go!

Bowers Family Get Together

2010-07-30T13:42:00.000-07:00

On Sunday July 18th we had a family get together at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Carl's house. This was the second of three get together's that are planned for this summer. It's always fun to go there and hang out with the extended family. Aunt Meme & Hayden hanging out on the boat.
This is probably my most favorite picture of John and Shenira that I've ever taken.

Classic picture of Aunt Debbie. Be careful what you let me take a picture of because you never know where it will end up!

I had to get some pictures of Shenira in front of Aunt Debbie's Hydrangea's they were so pretty.

Casey & KatiBeth

Swimming Fun

2010-07-30T13:36:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying our pool this year. It's still only 72 degrees so it make it VERY refreshing! Here are a few shot from a couple of weeks ago. This is a graduation bulletin picture that will be used for Dustin someday! I love it when I get shots like these!
Tony "Superman" Fuller

Dustin still has the dilution that he can throw his dad into the pool. He is getting close but I don't think it's going to happen this year!

Jordon "Mr. King of the raft" & Dustin horsing around.

John Ball Zoo Trip

2010-07-29T13:33:00.001-07:00

On Saturday July 17th John and I took four of the kids to John Ball Zoo. We had lots of fun and were able to see lots of cool animals and even touch a few!Shortly after getting into the gates Gabe saw this Bunny and had to get his picture taken with it. John and the kids enjoying the coolness of the aquarium.

They had this HUGE bird cage that you could go into and feed the birds. I let Daddy do that with them. I knew that if I went in I would for sure get pooped on. That's just my luck. I love this picture of Shenira feeding the birds.

Gabe & Mommy taking a little time out for a photo shoot. I can't believe how big he is getting.

For $1.00 you could go in and pet the sing rays this was really cool. Gabe wanted to do it so bad but was a little afraid after standing there for a pretty long time he finally did get to touch one. His sister on the other hand had no fear what so ever and loved every minute of it.

After the zoo we stopped for a Mexican lunch in Grand Rapids. It was so nice to have so much time to spend with the kids. Even the older kids were good about going to a trip to the zoo as some of them are a little past the "I want to go to the zoo" age.

Dustin, Shenira and Jordon chillin' at the restaurant.
Me with my wonderful husband that takes me to all the zoo's I can get my hands on. Gabe loves to go but I'm pretty sure I still love it more. I don't know what it is about zoo's but I LOVE THEM!

Saying Goodbye for Now

2010-07-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

On Saturday July 10th we had the privilege of watching an amazing icon in our life pass from this life and move onto a life with Jesus where all of her pain is now gone and where she has now been reunited with many loved ones that have gone before her especially her twin sister. Even though saying goodbye to her was one of the hardest things we have ever had to do, there was great comfort in knowing that she is in a much better place and that we too will see her again in that place...Heaven. John's grandmother was a person who touched every one's life that she came in contact with. We all understood how wonderful she was but it was even more evident just how great she was after watching and talking with so many of her friends & family during the visitation and after the funeral. There is no doubt that she is going to be missed more than ever but we know that missing her will only be for a short time and not forever.As a special request from Grandma before she passed away she asked that all of he Grandson & Great Grandson be her pallbearers. Which is exactly what happened as an added tribute to her her Great Granddaughter followed behind with boys and helped as well. This was such a moving sight and even if they all don't know what this meant someday they will understand just how much it meant to GG.Here service was wonderful just like her. So many stories and memories that we can't wait to continue to share with those still to come.

After her service we all went back to Grandma and Grandpa's house to swim as her pool full of grand kids was one of her favorite things. There were lots of memories that came with swimming in this pool and lots of kids that learned how to swim thanks to her in this very pool. Once we were done swimming we went back to the cemetery to plant flowers around her stone as she loved to garden and loved flowers. It looked so nice when they were all done and it as a great way to end the day.

Cynthia Lenore Fuller

AKA: Mom, Grandma, Grandma GG, Lenore, Aunt Lenore & many more!!!

November 11, 1928

July 10, 2010

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-08T12:27:00.001-07:00

How many things can one family do in Holiday weekend. Hang on your about to find out!!!

July 2nd started off our weekend. After taking our camper out to the camp ground and getting it set up we headed to Battle Creek to see our friends The Moody's. Kristi made a wonderful meal for us and then we were off to see the Hot Air Balloon launch. After watching them launch the boys asked if we could "chase" them. John being the good daddy that he is was totally up for the challenge.The boys lucked out and we were actually able to see one land and watch them pack it up. The pilot of the balloon was so nice. The boys had books with all of the balloons in them and he signed each one of their books and also gave them a card with all of the balloons information. The Balloon landed in a yard that also had horses which I think Gabe was even more excited about. He loves horses and couldn't get enough of petting them. After dropping Kristi & the boys off John, Gabe & I headed across the street from the airport so that we could watch the pilots light their balloons up at night. We weren't able to stay as long as we would have likes as we ended up having a little 5 year old that had to go potty!

On July 3rd Nana, Hayden & Harrison joined Gabe & I at the campground (John had to work all weekend) to spend the rest of the weekend with us. This day was jammed pack with tons of fun stuff to do.1st we went to the Craft barn and picked out little ceramic items to paint. I got a turtle, Gabe got Bert & Ernie for himself & a little turtle that he painted to take to Grandma GG in the hospital, Hayden & Harrison both got Dragons & Nana got a bird. We all had a great time painting our items. The above picture is Nana with the kids and our finished product. 2nd We took the kids to play in the bounce house & a Robo Surfer while we were waiting for our appointment time for them to do the zip line. Poor Harrison fell off the robo surfer and ended up cutting his head open but that didn't slow him down one bit. 3rd It was finally there turn to get all geared up so they could go on the Zip Line. Gabe LOVES this thing and so did the other boys. 4th after the zip line they each wanted to try there hand at the climbing wall. All of the boys did very well at this. 5th it was off to ride the ponies. There were no kids in line so they just got to keep on riding as all of these events and activities were free. I think they must have rose the ponies at least 20 times. At 4pm our 6th event of the day was Gabe getting to enter our dog Butch into a dog show contest. They got 1st place and Gabe was very excited about that. After the dog show we headed back to the camper for some dinner & waited for Papa to come up so we could go get some Ice Cream. 7th it was finally time for Ice Cream we love going to the Snack Bar for Ice Cream it's the cheapest place around Vicksburg to get Ice Cream. Nana wanted a nice picture with Gabe but as you can see he had the silly faces in him and asking him to smile nice was just not in the cards for that night! Our 8th thing of the day was to sit back and enjoy an outdoor movie. The camp does this every year and it's always one of my favorite parts of the weekend. Hayden was scared of the "bats" and didn't like it so Nana took both Hayden and Harrison back to the camper while John, Gabe & I tried to finish out the movies. Gabe fell a sleep in my arms with just a few minutes left to go but we decided that we should get him back and into bed. Thankfully one of our friends saw me trying to carry him back to our camper and stopped and gave us a ride on their golf cart.

July 4th This was a little more laid back but we still had a lot of fun things to do. We started our day off with an amazing Church service that Gabe played the bells to God Bless America too and Hayden marched with the other kids waving their American Flags through the crowd. I am always so overwhelmed during this Church service every year. I'm so grateful for the Freedom that we have and for the people that serve to give us that freedom.
After Church we had some lunch and then headed to the lake. It's not often that I get to be on this side of the camera and it was nice to have my mom with us so that I was able to be in more of the pictures this time. After swimming for a little while we brought the boys back to the camper so that we could run into town to meet Uncle John and go to my Mother & Father - In - Laws house. They also live on a lake and we thought that the boys would enjoy riding the Jet Ski & watching the fireworks that night out on the lake. We brought Butch with us and he had a blast cooling off in the lake. He was so funny and we ended up with a ton of good pictures of him. This is Harrison, Uncle John and Aunt Meme taking Harrison out for his first and only ride. He didn't care for the Jet Ski. His brother on the other hand would have stayed out there all day!We had been telling the boys that we would do S'mores while they were with us but with all of the activities we hadn't been able to get it in. John's dad was so nice and built us a fire in their back yard so that we could do S'mores after we ate dinner. Once the S'mores were done we headed down to the lake to do Sparklers. I tried to light them with a lighter but that was NOT working at all. So Daddy to the rescue went up to the house and got the hot coals and burning wood from the fire pit in the back yard and brought them down to the lake to use as a Sparkler lighter! It was quite the picture!
Finally it was dark and almost time for the fireworks. We all climbed into the boat and headed out to the middle of the lake. We were able to watch an amazing display of fireworks. Watching Fireworks over a lake is the best way ever to see them. Our little Gabriel however didn't make it past the first 15 minutes and he had made himself up a little bed and was out for the night!

July 5th Papa joined us again and we started our day off watching a 4th of July parade. After the parade Aunt Jen, Uncle Mike, Haley & Mike's brother Buddy joined us so that we could take the kids and a few of us adults on an Elephant Ride.This is a picture that I NEVER thought I'd have. This is my Mom & Dad riding Laura the Elephant with Harrison and Haley. This is the 2nd year that the Elephant has been to this event and it's the only thing that you have to pay for almost the entire weekend but $20.00 for 4 people to ride was well worth the money. Laura decided while it was our turn to ride her (Our being Gabe, Myself, Hayden & Buddy) that she was hot and thirsty. She SOAKED us. It was so fun and funny all at the same time. I haven't laughed that hard in a very long time.This is Laura posing for a picture with us on her still. When we were done with our ride they had a little water slide set up for the kids to play on so we stopped there for a little bit and then went to the Snack bar for lunch. After lunch the kids wanted to play some more on the slide so we went back for them to play and then it was time to head back to the camper to start loading up to go home.

This is the crew that camped the whole weekend. It was so nice to have my mom with us for the entire weekend and even though by the time Monday came around we were all tired and a little cranky we sure did have fun and did more things in one weekend then some people probably do in a life time!

Relay For Life Survivors Walk

2010-06-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

As promised here are a couple of pictures from this years walk. This year was the first year that I was able to make it for the Survivors Walk around the track. Our entire family wasn't there but all of Mom's kids and a handful of Grand kids were there to walk with her. I had not idea how emotional this was going to be for me. It really caught me off guard. It was amazing to walk around with her and watch everyone line up around the outside of the track an clap as each person walked by how amazing. We are all looking forward to many more years of doing this with our mom. The original 5!
To bad none of us look like our parents!!!

Relay For Life 2010

2010-06-25T08:38:00.001-07:00

This weekend will be a full weekend of celebration. It's been a little over a year now that my mom has been cancer free and we will once again all join together as a family to celebrate this at the Calhoun County Relay For Life event. The picture below was taken at last years event. We will go tonight to walk laps with my mom and to participate in a Pot Luck Dinner. Then on Saturday I will get to join my mom for the survivors breakfast as this has become a tradition for the two of us. We are so thankful for her recovery but our hearts and minds also go out to the many family members that we have lost to this disease. We miss you Aunt Micky & Uncle Fred more than you know.

Binder Park Zoo

2010-06-23T12:21:00.001-07:00

Gabe got a membership to Binder Park Zoo for his birthday and Jordon has been wanting to go. So John and I took Monday off and we took Jordon, Shenira & Gabe to the zoo for the day. John, Gabe and I went back on Mother's Day to check out the new baby giraffe but it was to cold that day and they weren't out. So our main goal on this day was to check out the new baby!Jordon & Shenira pose for me at the Zoo Entrance. This is a great tree for a photo shot and Shenira spotted it right away. At last here it is the long a waited look at the baby giraffe! It was SO Cute.This is Gabe getting ready to feed one of the bigger giraffe's he wasn't to sure about it. But once he got stared he loved it. There were so many neat birds. I think this one was one of my favorite. This was a great day to be able to walk around the whole zoo it wasn't to hot and we were able to walk around and look at almost everything. We still haven't done the long walk around the swamp but I'm sure there will be a few more trips there before the summer is over.

Sissy checking out the monkeys.

Gabe with the goats. He loves to go in and feed them and they love it when he does.

John's Birthday & Father's Day

2010-06-23T12:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday wasn't just Father's Day at our house it was also John's Birthday! Anyone that knows me knows that Birthday's in our house are a big day. It's one of the few days in the year that you get to do whatever you want....almost.John's pick of the day today was to spend the day at his parents house on the lake. John's Mom and Dad made a yummy lunch for all of us, John opened his Father's Day gifts and then it was time to relax down by the lake.
Daddy with the whole gang before we headed down to the lake. Gabe loves riding the jet ski and I'm pretty sure that Grandpa loves giving the rides just as much. They always have lots of fun at the lake.

We've been a little creative with our candles this year. Using what we have. For Shenira's birthday we use a number 5 candle & then added 7 individual ones to equal 12. For John's is was 5 number 5 candles an 8 and a 1 to equal 39. Next year he will be the big 40 and you can bet there will be a big party then.

After playing at the lake they still hadn't had enough swimming so it was off to the pool, to which I still haven't been in yet this year. We've had it for 4 years now and I think I've been in it maybe 4 times. It's SO COLD I can't stand it.

After swimming we had a campfire in the back yard, S'mores & a little lighting bug catching! All in all it was a pretty great day.
Can you tell how much he loves my active camera taking!!! :)

Happy Father's Day & Birthday honey. I love you!

VBS 2010

2010-06-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

We started Vacation Bible School this week. So far Gabe is having a great time. This is our first year of VBS and Mommy & Daddy are able to stay and enjoy the events as well. You know you are a good daddy when you let them put make up on you! The kids are learning about Egypt and are having a ton of fun visiting Joesph & the Market Place. They get to make two things each night, visit the food shop for a snack & listen to a story from Joesph. We have all been broken up into small families and attend each place with that family. Our family color is purple, each person gets a purple cloth so that we know who belongs to each family. The first night Gabe had to be like Daddy and wear his around his head. Last night he went around the waste. Here is Gabe at the Barber Shop getting a shave. He was SO serious about his shave!

Last night he got to go fishing. You were suppose to only use one hand but due to the age they let him cheat just a little bit and use both hands! They covered the "fish" in Vaseline which made them a little tricky to catch!

Here Joseph is telling them how he was taken out of prison and taken to the palace to interpret Pharaoh's dreams. It was lots of fun to watch the kids enter act with him.

And of course you can't be in Egypt and not get your make up done. What a good sport you are daddy! Can't wait to see what we learn tonight!

Our Little Graduate!

2010-06-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

We are now the proud parents of a Pre-School Graduate! He is so ready for Kindergarten he can hardly stand it! Talk about having a flash forward moment. When they gave me the gown that he would be wearing to help put on him all I could think about was in 13 years he will be doing this again and won't need Mommy's help putting his gown on. So far that moment I took in every moment of helping him get ready for his ceremony. Proud Mama & Daddy. Gabe & AmaGabe & Pastor Dave to most "Davy" to Gabe!Gabe & GrandpaGabe & KellyHe was so funny. As he classed walked in most of the kids were looking around for there Mom and Dad's waving, calling out and such. But not our Gabe. He walked down that isle as straight faced as possible he was taking his roll as a graduate very seriously. It wasn't until he was up on the stage that he actually cracked this silly little face when he saw me in the audience. Mommy, Daddy, Grandma & Grandpa Fuller, Dave & Kelly were all there to watch as Gabe got is certificate & new Bible. He was very proud of himself. Way to go Gabe. Watch out Class of 2023 he's coming!

Shenira's South Haven Birthday Celebration

2010-05-18T11:26:00.001-07:00

On Sunday we headed to South Haven to celebrate Shenira's 12th Birthday. First of all wow 12 she was just 4 when John and I meet and watching her grow up has been a great blessing to be a part of. This is the crew getting ready to enjoy a pizza picnic before we head to the beach. We were there for a little over 3 hours and what you are about to see are just a few of the 153 pictures that I took while we were there! With subjects like these it's hard not to go overboard with my hobby and passion.

This I'm certain is one of my all time favorite pictures of Jordon. It is very rare that I can get him to let me take a picture of him so when I get one like this it is something to cherish. Jordon is a great big brother to Gabe and Gabe loves him so very much.
At the beach Daddy helped Gabe and Shenira dig deep holes so that they could soak there feet into the water. They both love the sand and to dig. Shenira showing off her soaking hole! While we were eating dinner we all took turns telling what each one of us like best about her. (we got this idea from friends that do this for every special occasion and we like it) Her Dad said that one of his favorite things about her was her smile and I would have to agree when she smiles she can melt your heart. After helping the kids dig the holes, John played some football with the boys on the beach. Oh did I ever have so much fun taking these pictures. The boys had such a great time which I'm sure you will be able to tell in the following photos. Our "Payton Manning" look alike!Tony chasing after John. John chasing after Dustin! I love Dustin's face in this one. Tony getting some air on a catch.This picture is SO Dustin. I can hear his cheesy laugh every time I look at this picture. Me and my hubby, thanks to Tony for the great picture. Daddy with his littlest man.

Me with 5 of the best kids EVER! I know that I've already said this but I am blessed! Each one of these kids make such a difference in our lives and I love them all.

Shenira, You are becoming a beautiful young lady and I'm so proud to be your step-mom. Thank you for all of the things that we do together and for the time that you spend with me. I LOVE having a girl to shop with and scrapbook with. You are the best daughter anyone could ask for.

Happy Birthday Sissy We Love You!

Mom & Dad Copas' 30th Anniversary

2010-05-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Saturday my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary. They rented a room at Das Esenhaus and asked us to all join them for dinner. When we got there Papa wanted to take the grand kids to play mini putt-putt. We stopped for a few photo along the way this one is one of my favorites. To bad that 7 of their grand kids were missing from this picture. This is Hayden and Hayden turned out to be an impressive putter! He was showing us all up big time until he decided that he would rather go on ahead of the group! Good thing because I'm pretty sure he would have beat us all.

This is a mama Kill Deer that did NOT pick a very smart place to lay her eggs. This was in the middle of the 18th hole. She was very upset with us when we got to this finale hole to play. She tried everything that she could think of to move us away from her babies.

Mom and Dad at Dinner. After dinner we took swim suites so we could swim but not all of us made it into the pool. Most of us ended up not feeling well after dinner and spent much time in the restrooms! My sister was a trooper though and went in with the little kids. Gabe had a blast!
Happy Anniversary Nana and Papa we love you!

My Mom

2010-05-10T09:23:00.001-07:00

A friend posted on their blog a question that got me thinking last week. The question was: How has your mom blessed you?

The biggest way my mom has blessed me came before I was even born. At 17 my mom had to make the decision to give me up for adoption or to raise me. As a kid I had no idea the sacrifices she made to keep me. As a mom I now have a completely new respect for my mom and for the years that she raised me as a single parent. What a huge struggle it must have been for her. I thank God everyday that He gave her the strength and courage to keep me. Growing up I use to tell people that I was an Oops Baby. As my relationship and knowledge of God grows I've learned as an adult that's the furthest thing from the truth. God knew exactly what he was doing when he have my mom to me. He knew that we both needed each other.

I have never in my life met anyone as strong or giving as my mom. Our life may not have been easy but I have never heard her complain about anything. I wouldn't be the person I am today without her. She blesses me everyday just by being here, she has been the best at encouraging me and helping me with any and everything. She has spend sleepless night with me when my heart was broken and when I wasn't sure where my life was going. No matter what the situation she always knows how to fix it or can find the people that can fix it.

I remember almost 2 years ago standing in my garage after she called me to tell me that she had Colon Cancer, during our call I kept telling her that everything would be fine and we would just take one step at a time. I felt that in that moment I had to be strong for her, some how I managed to end that call without tears that day, but when the call ended it was my poor husband who got to witness my full break down. I keep telling him "this isn't happening, not to my mom, my mom can't be sick, I can't lose my mom and that I wasn't ready to be without my mom." He told me that day that everything was going to be okay and that we needed to pray we started praying in the garage and then continued praying everyday after that and with the support of friends and family by the time my mom went for surgery there were hundreds of people in several different states that were praying for her. I remember praying with her before they took her in for surgery and sitting it that waiting room for what seemed like forever waiting for the surgery to be finished. When that doctor came out to tell us that he was able to remove it all I was so thankful.

I didn't get to see my mom yesterday but I did talk with her on the phone and I thought about her all day long. At the end of this long story I would have to say the biggest way my mom blesses me is just by being My Mom.

I love you mom and I'm sorry this is a day late, Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-10T09:16:00.001-07:00

My boys took such good care of me yesterday! We started our day off at Church where Gabe gave me a little flower in a pot that the kids had made. After Church we went home to pack a picnic lunch and change and then we were off to Binder Park Zoo!This is Gabe and I enjoying our picnic lunch. It was a little cool outside but ended up being an almost perfect day to be at the zoo. It was nice to be able to do everything and not be SO hot. But it was just a little to cool outside for the Giraffes to be out and that is the best part of Binder Park Zoo and this winter a new baby giraffe was born and we were really excited about seeing it. We will be back again this summer for sure due to having a membership and we are excited to be able to go and visit some other zoo's this summer as well.
Thank to my two boys for not only making my Mother's Day great but for making the whole weekend special.

Laides Tea at Chapman Memorial Church

2010-05-06T12:15:00.000-07:00

Besides Prom last Saturday our Church had their Annual Ladies Tea. I didn't think that I was going to be able to attend this year and found out a week before that I was going to be able to make it, which is why I didn't host a table. I've hosted them i the past and love it but, I really enjoyed being a guest at a table this year. This year I sat at my friend Kelly's table and we had a great time. The above picture is Kelly's table and the below picture was one of my favorite table that was set up. This being one of my favorites because of the Yellow Roses which happen to be my favorite rose. My favorite flowers are Tulips but I do love yellow roses. I get that from my Mommy. These Strawberries they have every year and they are BEYOND to die for!!!! Oh they are so yummy. My mom and Aunt are having a baby shower for my cousin at the end of the month and we will be serving the same Strawberries there. I can't wait!

My friend Ronda made these totally awesome cookies for the tea. Last year she did amazing Cupcakes and this year it was cookies. She is amazing and we enjoy her talent every year.

Below is a chocolate cake baked in a Terra cot ta pot. They were perfect for our "Garden" theme. Beckie is amazing with all of the ides that she comes up with and she out did herself again this year with the help of a few other ladies.

If you've never been to a Ladies Tea it's a must do! If you've never been and want to, let me know and I will but you on my list to invite next year!

Prom 2010

2010-05-04T05:23:00.001-07:00

On Saturday night Tony went to his first Prom. Abby & Tony have been dating for almost 3 year now or just over 3 years, I can't remember which but for a High School relationship they have been together for a long time. They are both so good with each other. Seeing him all dressed up in his Tux on Saturday made my mind flash forward to the day that he gets married. Trust me I'm not rushing that day in anyway but the thought did cross my mind. Tony was 10 years old when I became a part of his life. Watching him grow up has been just an amazing thing. Not always fun but amazing just the same. As you can see he is a natural with the camera which is kind of funny because he is so shy.This is "his" beautiful girl Abby. She is so sweet and we love having her be a part of our family. They compliment each other well. The way to cute couple together. Tony's step dad let him barrow his vet to take Abby to the prom in. Tony didn't tell her until he walked her out. She thought that they were taking Tony's Grandpa's truck! Her face when she saw the Vet was PRICELESS and Tony was totally thrilled with her reaction.

They had quit the crowd of people to take there pictures that evening and drove off just like a fairytale. This was the first time that Abby's parents had let them drive together outside of the city limits of Vicksburg and they were both very excited.

Remodel

2010-04-26T13:02:00.000-07:00

Last week we decided to take on the project of removing the wall paper in our kitchen so that we could paint it. All is NOT going well!This is what we found behind the layer of wall paper and paneling. What the heck!!! But if only that could have been the worst thing that we found. Oh no.
The ceiling of our kitchen also had been wall papered so on Saturday as I'm enjoying a wonderful day with my step daughter, mother, sister and many more friends scrapbooking, I come home to find THIS. Once the paper from the ceiling had been removed John found an area where our bath tub upstairs has been leaking for some time apparently. It was all "hiding behind the wall paper. He found lots of mold and now we have to not only remodel the kitchen but now the Bathroom upstairs has to been re-done before we can even start to put our kitchen back together. Oh and did I mention that I HATE to decorate and that I'm terrible at it???? This is for sure not something that is up my ally. So if any of my blogger friends are looking for some fun and would like to give ideas for a new kitchen my ears are all open. We did get the new floor for it for an amazing deal off an auction site so I have that and I do know that I want to paint my cupboards white. I think I've got some ideas on what to do with the rest of it but I need someone that can vision what I want and say "Oh that will look great when your done!"

This is what my poor husband looked like after cutting all of the bad area out. I was laughing so hard I could hardly stand it. This man is all in his glory right now. He loves to do things like this.

Gabe

2010-04-22T12:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Becky will watch Gabe for us every now and again when we need someone in a pinch. I LOVE it when he goes to her house because she is a photographer and she loves to take pictures of my son. These are just 3 of my favorites (in order) out of 100 pictures that she took of him yesterday. This kid cracks me up. I maybe a little biased but if I knew where to sign my kid up for a magazine spread I would!!! She said that he would do anything that she asked him to do and that they had lots of fun. I've only seen 23 of the ones that she took and I'm dying to see the rest! Thanks Becky for loving my son and taking such good care of him. If you live in our area and need someone to take pictures of your family look her up on Facebook....Rebecca Lynn Portraits. She is AWESOME.

Track Season Is In Full Swing.

2010-04-21T05:34:00.000-07:00

Monday night Dustin had a home track meet. Dustin participates in the Long Jump, 3200 meter relay & the 200 yard dash. Dustin has found something that he not only enjoys doing but that he is GREAT at. He keeps getting better every year and it's so fun to go and watch him compete...Even if it does take FOREVER! I wasn't able to watch him last year due to when there meets start. They are all at 4:00 pm or 4:30pm so by the time I get out of work he is done with most of his events. I was so happy to be able to leave work a little early on Monday so that I could get some pictures and cheer him on. He is a great kid. He took 3rd place in the Long Jump.
His relay team got 2nd place. Here is Dad is cheering him on and he happened to look our way just as I took the picture.

He took 3rd place in the 200 yard dash as well. All in all it was a good day.

A Little of This and That

2010-04-21T05:22:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Haley's 3rd birthday. Aunt Meme (that's me) & Uncle John bought her the little Dora doll that is on her cake and Nana made the cake. She did a great job and Haley loved her cake and doll!On Monday John and Gabe we to a local greenhouse for a field trip with Gabe's preschool class. All of the pictures that Gabe is not in were taken by Gabe. It was fun to see these pictures when I got home from work. Gabe has a very good eye and I love it when he takes the camera and takes pictures. He likes to take pictures of things not people.

He loved the flowers.

Our Happy Boy!
Planting the flowers that they got to bring home. Thanks for the great pictures John.

Park Time Fun

2010-04-14T06:09:00.001-07:00

Last night John had a meeting at the school with Dustin so I decided to take Gabe down to the local park to play for a little while. The dog enjoyed getting out for a much needed walk and Gabe loves to ride his bike. For a little extra fun Gabe invited his little friend Sarah to come along with us. Our time spent at the park wasn't very long but the kids had great time while they were there. About 10 minutes after we got there some "Gabe" had to go potty and since it's so early in the season still the porta pot hasn't been delivered. So our trip was cut short. Last year he wanted to do this fireman's poll so bad but was just a little to short for it and just a little afraid of it. He was so proud of himself that he was able to do it this year ALL BY HIMSELF!
Gabe loves playing with Sarah. They are great friends.

He was pretending to be a Monkey in this picture and I couldn't resist a close up. I think close up pictures are my favorite kind. Tonight we have Church and then Thursday John and I go to get him signed up for Kindergarten. Seriously how does this happen so fast????

Easter 2010

2010-04-07T10:44:00.001-07:00

Here are just a couple of my favorite pictures from this Easter. This year we didn't have John's kids for Easter so our Family Easter Picture was just the 3 of us.

As always the kids were all excited to hunt eggs at Nana and Papa's house and to see what their special Egg had in store for them this year. I'm pretty sure that this has to be one of my favorite pictures of Gabe. I'm sure I couldn't retake this picture in a million years if I tried. He was moving so fast from egg to egg that in this picture his feet aren't even touching the ground! If you can't tell he LOVED what he got from Nana and Papa. Sidewalk Chalk.

I'm not sure what it is about this picture but I LOVE IT. This is my niece Haley. I love how the color pops out at you.

We head great weather, great food and an all around great time.