Pumpkin Carving

We spent last night with our friends the Paynes carning the annual Jack'o'lanterns. We had a blast and the storm blowing in add the right mood for the night.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Library Spooktacular

Wednesday, Kiki got to dawn on her Fairy Princess outfit for the annual Library Halloween party. We had a great time with our friend Yoda (aka Kayley).

Make a Smilebox scrap pages

Gram B's Birthday

Last Sunday, we went and spent the day with my grandmother Bartlett on her 86th birthday. It was wonderful to spend time with my dad's family. My Gram B is the sweetest lady. She is a true servent of Christ; willing to help anyone. I have watched her all my life unselfishly do for others so it was nice to do for her this one day. I LOVE you Gram B.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Firetruck at the Library.

On Wednesday the 20th, the Firetruck came to visit the Library kids. I was a little leary since last year Kiki was very nervous around all those firefighters. So going that day, I made it seems like a treat to see the firefighters. Needless to say she wasn't thrilled but at least looked at them. But I was very proud that she finally got up the nerve to sit and drive the firetruck.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Math Rodeo

During TVE wek here in Liberty the 2nd graders at LES got into the spirit by having a Math Rodeo. It was a blast with all sorts of activities for the kids to enjoy. I loved being there watching Lane round up numbers and having a blast. Probably the best part for him was dressing up like a cowboy with real boots and everything.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Our little Twirler

Saturday was Liberty's annual TVE Baby Parade. Kiki's twirling/cheer class twirls in the parade. She was so excited to get to wear her uniform and the bows Ms. Ange made her and the socks I made her. She pranced around the house all morning then it was time to march and well she wasn't so excited. She spent a large portion of the parade in tears but she looked cute anyway.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

1st Science project

Today Lane and I completed his first science project. It was fun but I must admit I do not know what my mom did with out a cricut. It made the whole process so much easier.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Problem Solving

Saturday, the boys needed some drawing paper that was left in the car. We have hotel locks on our doors so an adult has to unlock it to get out or so I thought. I was busy and could unlock the lock right at that moment...then I hear its okay mom we've got it. I rounded the corner to see this...

Make a Smilebox postcard

What can I say but they solved their problem.

Running with the Panthers

Last friday night, Lane was one of two hundred LES students invited to run with the panthers. This was a reward for students who had demonstrated good character through out the six weeks. Lane was thrilled to be able to get out on the field and run through the panther tunnel. What an exciting way to reward good behavior.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

FAMILY TIES

It is true that family ties are the ties that bind us together. This weekend was a bittersweet moment for our family...my brother and sister dedicated our sweet baby Mike at church Sunday. It was a moment that always made my dad so proud and we missed him singing is special song for the baby. We knew he was there and just as proud that Scott and Jean were dedicating Mike to God just like Hannah did with Samuel. Knowing how important this was for all of us...my grandparents even came to support and celebrate this wonderful day with us. We did a little photo session because these moments need to be captured. Scott has a professional camera and I'll post better pictures later but here are some snapshots of...FAMILY. My favorite was the four generation picture we took with my mom and grandma. Those two women who taught me to be a Godly wife, mother, and daughter. If I could be half the woman those two are then I would be truly blessed. I hope one day my daughter will look at this picture and know her strong heritage of faith and love. With God's guidance, I will raise her to be a strong woman of faith as well. Below is a little slide show of the day.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Landon Starts Kindergarten

This morning was a momentous occasion in Landon's life. He started Kindergarten. He is now in school full time; which his momma can't even believe. Where did the time go? He was, well if you know Landon he is very reserved at first and he definately was taking it all in. I am thankful he knows the teacher (she was Lane's teacher) and he has his good friend Cameron in his class. I know he will do well. All I can say is enjoy every moment because it goes so fast.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Brotherly Love

Yesterday, I was busy cooking brunch for Labor day and Kiersten wanted her hair done. I told her as soon as I was finished I would fix her hair. So, being the patient child she is she asked her brothers to do her hair. Surprisingly, they agreed and Michael caught the whole thing in pictures.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Big Fish, Bigger Memories

My brother recently decided to keep my dad's boat. It was a difficult decision but one we're glad he made. My dad loved fishing and he was imparting that love to my boys. So, when Lane wanted to go fishing Uncle Scott was happy to oblige. They set out about 9 o'clock and fished for a while. When they drove up it was a grin from ear to ear. My son had caught a good size croppie and had even better memories to go with it. I know my daddy was smiling and laughing; because Lane caught the biggest fish of the day and beat his Uncle Scott. It was a good day fishing in Poppa Mike's Boat. Although the moment was bittersweet, all wishing daddy was there to enjoy the moment, it was a wonderful moment to see the joy in his grandson's face at catching the biggest fish. I loved it and I know daddy did, too!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

GOODBYE SUMMER!

Last weekend we enjoyed some time with my brother's family at their lakehouse on Toledo Bend. It was a great time to enjoy doing absolutely nothing. My newest nephew has grown by leaps and bounds. The time was made better because the Paynes joined us for the weekend. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Our Twirler

Today was Kiki's first day of her twirl, gymnastic, cheerleading class. She was so excited about going; it was all I could do to keep her from bouncing off the walls this morning. Then we get there and she clings to my leg like a leech and I thought oh no this isn't going to go well. But Ms. Julie came in and introduced herself and the music started and well she couldn't help but move. She had 20 minutes of twirling instruction (which she loved a lot), then 20 minutes of cheering leading, and her favorite 20 minutes of tumbling. I think we've found something to release all that girlie energy.

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Pretty Hair

Yesterday, after dropping Lane off at school, I came home with a packet of stuff to read. So, as I sat reading medical forms, handbooks, pledges, etc..(three hours worth of stuff) Kiki decided to finish fixing her hair. I had already braided it before I left that morning. So as I sat and read, I hear mommy do I look pretty...

and well she did! I love her imagination and self-confidence to just try something. So, yesterday this is how she wore her hair. I must admit we only went outside and to my mom's house but she got to fix her own hair. Yes, she wore it all day.

The First Day of 2nd Grade

Yesterday, my oldest baby went to 2nd grade. It was a big day for him and me. We have had him in a small private school for the last two years but decided it was time for the big school. Liberty is not huge but they do have 9 second grades which surprised me. Going from a class of 4 kids to a room with 22 and a class of 200 overwhelmed me. He however loved it!!! He came home with huge grin and had navigated the class changes like an old pro. I am so glad his day went so well. We talked a lot last night and he had lots of questions of why they do things. He didn't understand the moment of silence and I explained its his opportunity to pray for a good day and that Jesus is with you all day. He loved PE and recess...he said lunch was way to fast and he couldn't eat everything I packed. He came home ravenous since he sort of ate a 10:45 in the morning. I assured him he will learn to eat faster and get used to the new schedule. God has shown me after yesterday that he is right where he needs to be. Now my prayer is we won't have the homework battles we had last year...

CHanges

I am sitting here this morning in a quiet house, my kiddos spent the night with their Mimi and Pops, so I decided to catch up on the blogs. I am sitting with tears running down my face as I read my sweet sisters blog...I haven't blogged much on my dad's death and still can't...its incredibly painful...but her entry reminded me of how much things change in short amount of time. In those pictures, my boys were 5 an 3 and my daughter 1. Lane was in Kindergarten and the other two were at home with mommy. Tomorrow my oldest heads off to second grade, Landon will embark on kindergarten after Labor Day, and Kiki will be my only one at home...wow where does the time go. I sit and marvel at the people they are becoming and how fast the time goes. My daddy always told me from the time I can remember that you need to enjoy every moment every stage of life because it goes by so fast, too fast...The older I get the more I realize how precious the moments are, how fleeting they can be, and to enjoy every single one of them. Everything changes in a blink of an eye. So Jean thanks for giving me pause to remember that wonderful day and looking forward to more wonderful moments.

Computer Savvy

It amazes me how quickly kids can adapt to new things. we found a Barbie web site with games and Kiki absolutely loves it. At three, this is the first time we've let her play on the computer. Inside of a day she could navigate the site where ever she wanted to go. She's even found features, I didn't know were there. Kids never cease to surprise you.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

LAST HOORAHS OF SUMMER!!!

The last few weeks we have been packing in some last minute summer fun. We went to NASA on August 6th to see the George Lucas exhibit. We went with Mimi and our friends the Paynes. The kids had a blast (no pun intented) shooting clones, and scaling rope bridges. Landon and Cameron surprised us all by actually finishing the rope bridges. The loved the exhibits and hey I even learned a few things. But the over all favorite was the Martian Matrix jungle gym which is 3 stories tall and bonanza of jumping, climbing, sliding, and fun. Of course, my camera was out of batteries by the time to got there but they had a blast!!!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Then we spent all last week at the lake. We had scrapcamp and intitated Ange into the world of scrapbooking. We spent the week scrapbooking, swimming, and playing. Then that weekend the guys came up with the jet ski's and we spent all Friday afternoon and Saturday playing on lake. By Sunday we were all tanned and tired as we made our way back home.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

The last two weeks have been fun!!!

Wave Pool

The kids had lots of energy this morning so Mom and I decided to take them over to the wave pool at Eagle Pointe. They had lots of fun and well so did we. The pool was very nice and lots of area for the little ones to play.

Make a Smilebox postcard

Swimming in the Dog Pool

Yesterday, Momma Chris (or as Tyson calls her right now, Mommy Kiss), kept almost all the grandkids last night. Baby Mike didn't get to come because he's still to "wittle" Kiki stated. Anyway, mom need to fill up the dogs swimming/water pool and the boys decided to help. Which quickly turned into a swim fest. Those crazy boys.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Vacation Time!!!!

We spent the last few days at Jellystone Park/Canyon Lake area close to New Braunsfel. We were originally supposed to leave Thursday but Michael had to be in the area for business reason so we packed up early and got an extra day of vacation. We had a really good time in the fun and sun. We arrived Tuesday afternoon and spent time exploring the park. Boy we are used to our usual camping park...these spots were tight. Wednesday Michael met his customers while the kids and I swam, met Yogi bear, and jumped on the jumping pillow. Thursday our friends the Paynes got there early and we headed out to Canyon Lake with our new toy---a jet ski. We had a blast and throughly enjoyed the day. Friday we spent the day in Gruene shopping. Suprisingly, with 5 kids between the families we had a really good day. We met some more friends the Heberts on Friday night for dinner. Saturday after a really big breakfast; we spent the day on beautiful waters of Canyon Lake. The kids jet skiied, boated, and swam until we were exhausted. We got up today and headed home. It was a good week. The smile box is a caption of our week.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Aunt Mismis finally get to hold Baby Mike.

Yesterday, my itching arms were finally satisfied when I got to hold my newest nephew, Mike. Since they didn't allow aunts in NICU (that's just craziness) I had to wait to hold this sweet little man. After church yesterday, we decended on Port Neches to visit Mike. It was so wonderful to hold him, smell his baby newness, and tell him how loved he is...it was a good day. God blessed our family with a healthy baby and we are so excited to watch him learn and grow. Enjoy the pictures.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Michael Gather Bartlett

I promised yesterday to post some pictures of our newest nephew. Please forgive the quality and distance of them because I was taking them illegally through the NICU window. His parents have some better ones which they will post soon...I will get better pictures Sun or Mon when they get home and Aunt Misty can finally get her hands on her new little man.

Make a Smilebox photobook

Baby Mike is here!!!

Baby Michael Gather Bartlett arrived in all his glory today at 1:09pm. He was 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 1/2 inches long.  He started (what is know in the labor world as grunting) its where they are working to hard to breathe because they still amniotic fluid in their lungs. So they took him to NICU.  He will be there for 72 hours. He is being weened off oxygen now and as soon as they do that his parents will be able to hold him in the NICU.  Jean is doing great...a bit upset since she hadn't even gotten to see him yet. Hopefully, once she gets feeling back in her legs she'll be able to get down there late this evening to see him. I am posting from jean's computer and don't know how to download pictures here so as soon as I get home tomorrow I will post what pics I have. It's been a good day.

Thoughts

As I sat yesterday cleaning out my children's closets and drawers, I became a bit reflective. Was it 7 years ago that my sweet Lane was born? It feels like I have turned around and the years have flown. I read a blog this morning that quoted someone as saying "the days are long but the years are short." It really hit me. Some days are so trying and difficult but I wake up the next morning and my little Landon is 5 and outgrowing his clothes so fast that he'll soon catch up with his big brother Lane. As I watch the world and this hungry dash for money and power; it occurs to me that the most precious thing is time. Time is always slipping past and its up to us to use it wisely...we can never get it back. The clock will never move backwards for us. As I look at my Kiki in her princess dress up with all the mischievousness of a three year old, I am humbled that God has placed these beautiful creatures in my care for such a short time. My daddy always said ever since I can remember enjoy every moment of your life...it goes by so fast. You'll turn around before you know it and your children will be grown, he would say. He's right, I think as I pack away the small clothes and pull out the bigger sizes.
Tomorrow, I get to be there as my newest nephew is brought into the world...I wonder how fast he'll grow.

Vacation Bible School 2009

Last week we attended VBS at our church. This year's theme was Crocodile Dock. The kids had a blast all week long. They participated in singing, bible lessons, crafts, and loads of fun activities. The kids skated one day, had inflatable bouncers one day, and of course the universal favorite inflatable water day. I tried to get pictures of everything but teaching the 2 and 3's, I couldn't get everywhere the kids were. It was wonderful week but I must say we were exhausted by Friday afternoon and we spent much of the weekend recovering from our fun. The following smile box gives you a caption of the week.

Make a Smilebox slideshow