We're back! Life will get back to "normal"....right?

So, we finally got back home last night. Our plane landed in B'ham safely and we began the trip home. We had a FABULOUS time! We had such great FAMILY time! We tried not to worry about work, internet, phones, bills, whatever....and just tried to have fun and relax! We had a few obstacles....but what family vacation wouldn't have obstacles?

We are tired, but in a good way! Today, I have several things I could be doing....but I decided that since I have only two days left with the girls for Fall Break....who cares! We need to spend time together! I want to spend time with them....after reading my good friend Telah's blog this morning.....I had a few tears and re-focused a little.

Here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. Of course, there is much more to share a little later. Enjoy!

On the airplane....and the kids are just excited to be on the airplane for the first time. They keep asking....how are we going to get to school this morning? This is at about 6:45am....notice it is still dark outside.

The girls just opened their gifts and found out we are going to Disney World. More of that story later...

Had these shirts made for them to wear on the trip down to Disney.

Finally! We have arrived!

More later!

Creative Writer

I am still amazed everyday at the things my children are interested in and their talents!  I am so proud of them!  I wanted to let you all read a short little story that Mallory wrote sometime last school year.  I attended a meeting the other morning with one of her teachers and I was given copies of some of her work samples.  I had not remembered seeing or reading these particular pieces before and I started laughing out loud when I read this one.  My sweet little Mallory is a great student and really seems to love school!  She is so helpful and eager to learn new things.  She is an awesome kid!  I love you MalMal!

 

Sea Lions

by Mallory

I really am fascinated by sea lions because they are big cuddly sea creatures that have personality and look like they would be friendly and fun to play with.

 

I really want to do some more research to know more about them and their habitats because they are so unusual and different from the dolphins and whales.

 

I would like to have one for a pet but that just won't work because my Mother would scream her head off.

 

 

No schedule today. Picture overload and Goal #5.

Our day has been a lot of things...but on a schedule is not one of those things!  :)

For whatever reason, all three of my children have snotty noses and a slight cough.  Now, I might expect my school age girls to catch a little bug during the beginning of the school year.  Why is it that my 2 year old is the worst one and running fever today?  :)   Poor little man!  I hate it when he feels bad...because when he does sometimes there is no consoling him...no matter what you try to do to help.

So, I scratched trying the new schedule...and just tried to take it one hour at a time. 

As for #5...I am working on it and still have a lot to learn.  But as of right now, I am REALLY enjoying a new little toy we got a few days ago. 

We finally took the plunge and decided to purchase this little number:

Of course, whenever I get a free second or two...I start snapping.  I have pretty much been shooting in automatic mode and have a lot to learn about everything with this camera!  However, even with a rookie like me...I think I got some pretty good shots over the last day or so and thought I would share them.  So be prepared to see a ton of pictures of my kiddos!  

 

I think this picture about says it all!  :)

Rain, Rain Go Away...

We pulled in the driveway from school....and as soon as we got out of the van...this is what happened.  Guess what?  I just let them go and have fun...because one of the goals I have set for myself (which you will see in a post really soon) is to let go and just have more fun with the kids....stop worrying about laundry, making beds, cleaning the house, and just all together being too caught up in things to enjoy the simple precious moments with them!

As you can see...I definitely need to work on my photography skills...but in my defense...it is hard to hit three moving targets just right every time!

Testing the new design...and a pretty picture!

School is in session!

Here are some pictures from the girl's first day of school.  Kennedy started kindergarten this year and it truly LOVING every minute of school!  Mallory started third grade this year...is that really possible?  Doesn't seem like it to me....but time has a way of flying by us....doesn't it?

Thursday Thirteen

I read several different blogs and I have seen something similar to this done each week.  I thought to myself what an easy way to highlight some things that are going on with our family and share a few pictures.   So, here it goes....the first installation of Thursday Thirteen!  These are very random...but you get the idea.

 

1. I finally got a picture of Kennedy with her banjo!  Her Gram and Pap had this made for her the last time we were up there!  And she gets teased about it all the time....but a girl can't go to Alabama without a banjo on her knee.....can she?  (I will post more about the banjo at a later date....very cute story)
2. Mallory is officially out of school!  Yesterday was award's day and I am so proud of her!  She received A Honor roll award for maintaining an "A" average in every subject all year long!  Go Mallory!
3. Shane and Gaga (his dad) are out installing a new water heater as I type this.  Ours sprung a leak and it was finally time to upgrade.
4. I have 27 items listed on my "To Do List"....oh and sure....I am gonna to get them all accomplished by bedtime tonight.  :)
5. My brother is getting married next Saturday and I can hardly believe that he is finally going to tie the knot! 
6. Our soccer season (for two kiddos) is over until fall and Kennedy's dance recital will be June 13th and then we will take a break from that also until fall.
7. We are going to Poughkeepsie, NY in less than a month and we are so excited about it....now I just hope that I can get everything accomplished by time to leave. 
8. Finally have my hummingbird feeders hanging and my flowers all done out front.  LOVE this time of the year!  I will try to remember to take a picture and share.  The flowers are beautiful right now.
9. Kennedy will start kindergarten in a little over two months!  Wow!  Where has the time gone?
10. We are going to visit with family next week and I can't wait!  My parents and my sister are flying in for the wedding and that is going to be a lot of fun!  Britt (my sister) has never even seen my two younger kiddos and my parents have not seen Parker since he was about 6 months old.....so it should be a BLAST!  Plus we will get to spend time with my Gram and Pap! 
11. Kennedy got a shiner under her eye a few days ago and it is starting to heal....but boy does she look like she got in a fight!  (she didn't get in a fight, but ran into the back of one of her little buddies)   I felt so bad for her when it happened, but she has been pretty tough about it all.
12. Shane had to "blow away" my laptop a few days ago and start from scratch to repair some things....so I have been doing a little make-over and re-installing some software.....and editing my blog a little.  Have added a few new things.
13. Parker should be about ready to get up from his nap....however, I am trying to savor the quiet for a little while longer.

Have a great day everyone!

Happy 4th! Family photos and a few more things...

Good morning!  The sun is shining bright and it is already hot here this morning in Alabama!  My hubby is working today and me and the kids are planning on spending the day out in the pool and having some fun.  I actually have secretly planned to scrapbook this afternoon ..... after I wear the kids out and bring them in for napping and/or watching a movie later this afternoon.  :)

 Old Glory....I love seeing this flag hanging from the front of our house each time I pull in the driveway!  It reminds me of the freedoms I have and of all the men and women that have fought and gave their lives for that freedom!  Pray for and remember OUR soldiers today....both past and present....AND be sure and thank God for this great country and the blessings we receive as a result of being citizens of this great country!

The last few days I have been printing lots of sketches off of some really cool sites that I have familiarized myself with lately....Pencil Lines and Page Maps are probably my two favorite....however, there are a few more that I have found and I will share with you soon. Oh and one that I found on my buddy Leah's blog....Little Book of Sketches....I am quickly growing fond of it!  Check these sites out!

I am working on some birthday gifts for some of the girls friends and some wooden letters and coasters for home decor.  I plan to share my finished projects with you soon!  Also, I have been printing pictures and getting pages together a little this week and really hope to be able to share some new layouts after the weekend is over.

I have gotten so far behind in my scrapping...and it makes me so mad at myself....because I DEFINITELY collect plenty of cool supplies to be able to do all the cool pages....and I have collected and continue to collect many idea book, magazines, and websites that I view and think....I can do that ....

However, I never seem to be able to start or finish a layout....it stresses me and makes me uninterested when I think of how far behind I am....IT IS TOTALLY OVERWHELMING TO ME!!! and the madness has to stop!!!  :)

I am so so tired of not getting any pages done....so, I have come up with a system that seems to be working for me....I will share it with you in the next post....I had to do something so that I would get my tail in gear and preserve all these precious memories that we have made as a family....maybe you can pull something from it and use it in your own scrapbooking.

I have some pictures to share with you today....I mean come on....is it really a post if there are no pictures?  LOL

First, we had our yearly family photo done this past weekend and I was pretty happy with the way turned out...we were supposed to get my mother and father -in -law with us in one of the sittings, but at the last minute they couldn't come....hopefully we can get one with them soon!  We went to Hollis Photography....which we have been going there for some time now....and as always they did a great job!  You can go to the above link and click on the button that says View Your Photographs Now and then our password number is 5678.  Type that in and you can view a slide show of our family photos.  Let me know which one you think is the best....cause I am having a hard time choosing!!!!!

Here are just a few others that I have taken over the last few days that I thought were cute!

Just "Croc" -ing around outside!  Parker finally got his first pair of Crocs and he is trying to figure them out....he will walk in them...but does not seem too sure about them... :)

Some outside fun in the backyard yesterday with the bubbles!

Good morning Sleepy Head!  Took these this morning when I went in to get Parker....he was in there singing and letting me know it is TIME to come and get me Mama!  :)

Have a great day and enjoy the festivities!

More later....

You might want to grab a Dr. Pepper, some popcorn, and maybe even some candy before you dive into this one.....:) WARNING! Danger!....This is a long post!

I cannot believe that I have let soooo much time pass since I last updated this blog!  I know I have been a bad blogger.  I have tried several times to update, but they have been late at night and to be honest....when I would sit down to type, I would have a brain dump and then I was so tired and sleepy that I just couldn't do the thinking necessary to write.  :)

This has been one of the busiest times in my life that I can remember.  Maybe it just seems like that because I am getting older, the kids are more active and getting older themselves, maybe it is the nice warm weather and the need to get outside, ???  Maybe it is that fact that I have been officially diagnosed with migraines (duh....I already knew that) and my doctor has been trying to help me get them under control over the last several months...without much luck.   I don't know, but I have felt swamped over the last couple of months and I am finally, just now feeling like I can breath again.

I have soooo many things and topics I could tell you about....so many things that I have documented with pictures and I even keep a running list of BLOG topics.....remember, I told you in an earlier post....I am a list maker!   :)  But the main idea I want to convey right now is gratitude to all of you.  Thank you for wondering about me, emailing me, calling me, sticking by me and still looking at this blog....even when the title "Grab a coke and dive on in..." keeps popping up on your screen each time.  Thank you for being my friends and caring whether or not I was still alive.  :)  I am grateful for all the sweet people I have met through blogging and I plan to keep going.  I enjoy writing here and going to different people's blogs and reading and commenting.  I have still been reading blogs for the last month, and keeping up with all my buddies out there...and I have enjoyed it so much. 

Let me just say this...I am back now.  My vacation from my blog is over!  I never intended to be gone so long and it didn't make me happy  :(  I think now that school is out and we are not on a strict schedule with bedtimes and things anymore.....that the hecticness of my life will calm down some.  I guess I sort of feel like I am taking an oath here....I, Heather Jewell, do promise to return to commenting regularly on blogs I read and to keep MINE updated regularly so as not to provoke emails that say...."Are you still breathing? "

I feel like I have my groove back and I am ready to rock and roll.....so here we GO!!!

I really don't even know where to start and what to tell you first....so here is a collage I made with  some snapshots of what has been going on over the last month or so. 

So much has been going on since I last posted!  We have had several birthdays in our family....including Mallory turning 7 and Parker turned the big ONE!  We have had dance practices going on to get ready for Kennedy's ballet recital, installing a new fence, finishing a swingset,  and re-doing all our front flower beds, ...throw in Mother's Day, a few short trips, a Senior banquet, and just having some fun outside because summer weather is here in the south!!! Oh, and of course I forgot about redecorating the girl's bedroom.   We have been a very busy family, but that is just our life and we have a lot of fun watching the kids grow and change....even though it is much too fast for me!!!

I plan on sharing lots of pictures this week about many of the above mentioned things we have been up to....so keep checking back!  Also, stay tuned for a RAK later on this week.  I have some goodies to give away....just because you all have been so good to remain loyal visitors.....even though lately have done a lousy job of keeping up to date!  So.....like I said....stay tuned for a jam packed week here on the 'ole blog!!!

I will leave you with a few more pictures and captions...

Mallory and Parker have birthdays two days apart in May.  So here they are celebrating with family and a big cookie cake! 

 

Parker was sitting outside the other day while Shane and I were working in the flower gardens out front and here come his sister to dress him up with flowers.  He loved and thought it was funny!  Couldn't resist this picture!

 

 

 

Mallory and Natalie(Leah's little sweetie) on Mallory's birthday.  We took a little trip that day and had a blast!

 

 

This has become one of my favorite candid photos. I played in Picasa with this one for a little bit and this is what I did. What a bunch of sweeties!!!

 

More later...and like I said earlier...thank you to all of you who have shown concern...I am fine....just been really busy....but this too shall pass and for now I HAVE MY GROOVE BACK and I am back to bloggin'

Have a great day!

Grab a coke and dive on in!

Ok...so this post is going to be somewhat random and knowing me it will probably be lengthy too....I have so many things to catch up on around this house and with my blog and my blogging buddies.  I am sorry that I STILL have not got around to commenting much...but hopefully I will get to soon...maybe this evening...maybe by the end of the week.

What have we got going on right now?   WHEW!!!

• In the process of getting a fence built around our back yard...and I am beginning to wonder if that is going to happen.  Hopefully, we will hear today or tomorrow what day they are coming out to start the construction of the fence.  I am so ready to have the fence up!
• Shane is still putting the new swingset together...that had like 500 pieces and 99 steps in the instruction booklet

 

• In the middle still of redoing the girls room...have made a good start on it....but still have a little way to go....of course more pictures later when I am finished.  BTW, this is a totally different bedding than what I showed you a few months ago...we went a different direction with the decorating.

• Previously, as you can see, the room was themed in ladybugs...red, white and black...so these are some pictures from now and in the middle of changing things out....the red is going and going to change the colors up to pinks, purple, teal, pale yellow, and lavender....when I get it all finished I will post the final product!  :)
• Have finally cleaned out and purged a bunch of clothes and shoes in various closets around the house.  Feel good about that....and glad I am DONE!!!
• Parker is walking and a busy little boy....which in turn makes Mama a busy Mama!  Nuff said!  :)
• Had a great birthday on Friday the 13th....no bad luck here...just a nice evening celebrating with my family. Thank you to all who sent cards and well wishes.  It was so nice to have so many people thinking of me!  :) Sweet Amy sent me the coolest card....so nice of her to think of me!  I try to keep birthdays low key because I like the idea of stopping at 29 and not celebrating after that...LOL....but THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone that wished me a Happy Birthday!  You all are too sweet!

• Have recently gotten several new scrapping items and I can't wait to use them all.  I need some help though from all you die hard scrappers.  I have PLENTY of supplies, have pretty cool ideas, love to scrapbook and alter things...no problems there...but how do you do it?  I always have such good intentions, but never seem to get any work done....and I just keep COLLECTING supplies and cool stuff....BUT????  Help me out and give me some suggestions....I thought about making a monthly calendar and identifying specific days to work on specific things...but not sure it that is practical??  I just want to be productive and get some pages done....but just can't seem to get it all together! I'll share more pictures of this in a later post.

• These little babies are so cool and were so cheap at Michael's...thanks to Telah and Leah for giving me the head's up on these!

 

• Have two birthdays coming up in the next few weeks...and I am trying to plan for those.  Mallory will be seven and Parker will be ONE!  Doesn't seem possible!  Makes me kind of sad that my little man is growing up so fast....well for that matter, all of them are....and I don't like it at all!  They are supposed to stay babies forever....aren't they?  :)

• and lastly, I am going to work on tidying up my blog a little and giving it a facelift...I need to update pictures and change some things around....obviously, I have not done a good job at taking a photo a day....so I am going to change that around too....so check back and take a look over the next little bit and let me know what you think about the changes.

That's enough for now...more later!  Have a great rest of the evening!

Did you miss me? I'm NOT dead...

Maybe I set a record for the longest absence from my blog ever....Nah!  But man, I was gone for awhile...every time I would think that I need to sit down and let someone know I am still among the living...well, something would take precedence and blogging just had to wait!  Also, maybe I just wasn't really in the mood to blog about anything...like I have said before...I think maybe I just needed a break. 

Springtime is definitely here in North Alabama.  How about where you live?  I love the weather and the beautiful things I see everywhere I look outside...but along with that come the dreaded POLLEN!!!  It is now plaguing our area and so begins the sneezing, watery eyes, and of course more sinus trouble around here for many people. 

My friend Telah, suggested to me that maybe I needed to do a I'M NOT DEAD post....so here it is!  :)  I will admit I have been really busy and neglected my blog....I have read many over the weeks, but just stopped blogging and commenting on other blogs....and for that I apologize.  I let something get the best of me and just couldn't shake a funk that I was feeling.  But the sun is shining and it is a new day that God has blessed us with and I think I might be ready to get back into LIFE!  :)  I promise I will be back to commenting and visiting all your blogs soon....very soon!  Thanks for sticking by and for all your emails and comments and concern for if I was alright.  Very sweet to know that I was missed! 

Of course since it is has been over a month, I have tons of things I want to tell you about....but have no idea where to start.  So let me just give you a few glimpses of life here with me over the last few weeks...

So there you go!  Just some quick glimpses...I just uploaded 173 pictures from my camera this morning....that tells you how long it has been since I have been in catch up mode and felt like getting anything done. 

I can't wait to share more with you...but for right now I am off to get a new driver's license...since mine expires today!  YIKES!  Glad I remembered and didn't get stuck with an expired license!  Then I have some errands to run...of course it wouldn't be a trip into town without having to stop by Wal-Mart for something...right?

Love to you all and thanks for stopping by!  More later....