Kristin's Memories

Letter to Baby

2012-01-01T10:58:00.000-08:00

Dear baby in my belly (aka Thing 3),
I just wanted to take time to tell you I am so happy that I am pregnant with you!! I have prayed for you for many years, as I have always wanted another baby but the time just wasn't right. Well 9 years after having Kayla and 10 years after Nathaniel the time is now perfect for our family and here I am blessed to have you growing inside of me. God is so good and I praise Him for giving me you. I LOVE feeling you move and even enjoy watching my belly move. It is absolutely amazing and I am already madly in love with you. The day to meet you can't come soon enough! We are super excited!! I pray that you will be healthy, happy, and grow to love Jesus.
I love you with all of my heart.
Love,
Mommy

Mommy at 33 weeks pregnant!

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body.
Psalm 139:13-16

Here is a sonogram picture of you at 20 weeks. I will have an updated one this Thursday!!!!

And yes...You're already a nose picker!!!

2011-09-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

I really need to start blogging again...maybe tomorrow :)

The Big Surprise

2011-07-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

So we tricked the kids into making their own shirts for their own surprise. I told them I was going to a baby shower and wanted to make shirts for me to give to the baby's siblings.

Then we sent them to the basement and added our own text to the shirts...Here's how the surprise went...

They were SO SURPRISED they actually had a hard time processing it all...

They were happier than words can express. Along with Nate's fairy dust wishes they had been praying for a baby for several years now. Roy and I did not even discuss that a baby was ever even a possibility. A happy moment we never want to forget!!

Kayla age 8 (almost 9)

Nate age 10

"Pay the Maid"

2011-07-01T13:26:00.000-07:00

Our Chore System

Around here my kids earn a dime for most every chore or task assigned to them. They keep them in a little jar on the kitchen counter.

Some chores are worth 2 dimes, and some chores they have to do "just because".

After I've asked my kids to pick up their things...every toy, shoe, or item belonging to them that I put away it costs them a dime. In other words, they have to "pay the maid".

All money left at the end of the month can be cashed in and spent.

Christmas Eve 2010

2010-12-24T21:50:00.000-08:00

Traditon #1 - Opening gifts from Aunt Patty and Uncle Dana (notice our mix matched PJ's)

Our new Christmas PJ's!

Thanks Aunt Patty and Uncle Dana

Dressed up for candle-light service at Fellowship Bible Church

Traditon #2 - Pickle Hunt

Nate was the winner this year!

Reward $5.00

And we also got to pick 1 stocking gift to open. Kayla got to pick 2 since she didn't win the pickle hunt.

Christmas Pizza

2010-12-23T22:04:00.000-08:00

A Vella family Christmas tradition is making pizza from scratch. We are improving every year. This year we had Courtney with us to help.

Yummy!!

Santa

2010-12-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

First Snow in WV

2010-12-16T21:44:00.000-08:00

The school called "It's Snowing...Come pick up your kids"

Driving up to our house

Ginger the "SNOW DOG"

Just alittle excited!!!!

Already on his board!

Tubing with Family

2010-12-11T21:36:00.000-08:00

After we finished sking...Charity, Steve and Courtney met us to go tubing!

We picked the perfect time to come. No lines...no wait. It was like we were the only ones there. We had tons of fun!

Great way to end the night!

Whitetail

2010-12-11T21:29:00.000-08:00

Nate and Kayla's first time to ski/snowboard

Nate really didn't enjoy Snowboarding...next time he's going to try ski's.

Our Christmas Tree 2010

2010-12-01T21:13:00.000-08:00

This was our first time cutting down our own tree.

Chopping it down with Dad

When we got it home we realized our tree wouldn't fit in the house. It looked much smaller in the large field of trees. After chopping off a few feet we finally got it in the house. It was sorta big and ugly...so off to decorating...

After trimming, decorating, and lots of hard work...it turned out to be beautiful!

Black Friday Special

2010-11-25T21:06:00.000-08:00

The pet store was running a half off special on Bearded Dragons on Black Friday!

Meet our new pets: Spike, Midnight and Smoothie the Beta Fish

Fall Fun 2010

2010-11-20T20:19:00.000-08:00

We came to this park to collect all different types of colored leaves to mail to our Florida friends and family!

Sleepover

2010-11-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

I really don't know why I am posting this except that in years to come I think you will look back and appreciate the sweet memory of when Courtney would sleepover and all 3 of you crammed into 1 room! Just to be together!

Kayla on bed
Courtney on trundle
Nate on floor (what a gentleman)

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T20:45:00.000-07:00

This was an exciting year for us, we finally lived in a neighborhood that was fun to do a "traditional style" trick or treating!

I think Kayla was a much prettier witch without the wig on:

Halloween Breakfast 2010

2010-10-31T20:28:00.000-07:00

We got "BOO"ed 2010

2010-10-29T20:30:00.000-07:00

It was the night before Halloween, kids were settled in bed, house was quiet and calm...When all of a sudden...The doorbell rang! Scared me to death! Startled the kids! Daddy opened the door to make sure it was safe and guess what he found...A Halloween Surprise. A bucket full of goodies with a cute poem! We will never forget the night we were "Boo"ed

Pumpkin Carving 2010

2010-10-28T20:41:00.000-07:00

In Memory of Honey Vella ~ January 2002 - September 2010

2010-10-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

View all

Get your own

First Soccer Game

2010-10-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

Upward Soccer 2010

Running through bubbles for your grand entrance!

On the Field

Nate to the left #14

Kayla is to the right #21

Devotion Time

(held during half time at every game and practice)

Let's Go Inferno!!!!

I love watching the two of you play. I love watching you do better every time you touch that field.

Kayla you are a natural!

Nate you are too nice, get in there and get that ball!!!!!!! With your size, people are going to run when they see you coming!!!!

3rd School's a Charm

2010-10-05T07:13:00.000-07:00

First Day at T.A. Lowery Elementary School

2010

Nate 4th Grade

Kayla 3rd Grade

When we moved to West Virginia, we started you in the school we were assigned to. We were not happy with the way the school was ran, the environment, the cleanliness, the lack of communication, and the lack of "teaching". The kids didn't want to go to school and Kayla cried about it every night. Now let me tell you, If Nate isn't happy somewhere, then something is WRONG!!!! It doesn't take much to make him happy.

So even though it was very convenient for you to attend school here since the bus would transport you daily...we requested a transfer. It was not approved right away, Mommy had to shed a few tears, make many phone calls, and pray for a miracle transfer. Well, after 2 weeks...They approved it!!!!! Praise God!!!!!!!!

Now I have to take you to and from every day...But boy is it worth it!!!!

Nate came home the FIRST day and said:

"This teacher actually teaches!!!"

"It's a little harder mom, but much better"

Kayla said:

"Oh mom this teacher is so clean and organized"

"She only passed out 1 worksheet for us to do, the rest of the time she was teaching us in front of the room"

"The whole class is my friend" (the other school it took her a week to make 1 friend)

Happy Ending at T.A.

Of course we still miss Dyllis :)

Harbor

2010-09-15T08:21:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Courtney's 9th birthday by going to the Baltimore Aquarium and Harbor

Kayla, Courtney, Jana, and Nate

Poem to all my friends in Tennessee

2010-09-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

I've been blessed it's plain to see
As I have lived in Tennessee
It's not the mountains, rivers, or the trees
It's that you befriended me
The time has come this place to leave
It's for you my friends that I will grieve
Like the dear one from Galilee
You took me in and befriended me
I won't forget the kindness shown
Please don't forget the times we've known
The time has come for me to part
But you'll remain close to my heart
I will keep you in my prayers
And never forget how much you cared
Please do the same, remember me
I hope we shall meet in eternity
Until then you can always come visit me
Please do not be sad or really blue
Always remember that I love and care for you

- by Earl Johnson

First Day of School in WV

2010-09-07T07:40:00.000-07:00

North Jefferson Elementary School

I drove you the first day...

The 2nd day you rode the bus for the first time ever! You were so excited!

Nate was so excited he ran in before I had a chance to take a picture of him...

Moving to West Virginia

2010-09-06T09:01:00.000-07:00

It all started with us wanting to move out of the house we are in, to help cut back on our monthly bills. We also wanted a different layout for the house, we feel like we really needed a basement, a neighborhood with kids, a flat area for the kids to ride their bikes...etc...so with all that said it was a must to look for a new house. We did start looking in our own community...but then began thinking...since Roy works from home we could really move where ever we wanted. So we began praying. We thought, we would really like to be closer to some family, we would really like to have more snow...so we decided to move North. After all there is nothing like family, it would really be nice to be a little closer, but not too close if you know what I mean. :) We loved West Virginia because we would be about an hour from family, we would definitely get more snow, and it is the "mountain state". So it has all the great things we love about Tennessee, the mountains, the rivers, skiing, tubing, white water rafting....etc....all the fun outdoor stuff that we love so much. So we asked God to either open or close the doors, and he opened them, by providing a house for us in West Virginia. It is perfect. Less per month, a basement, nice yard, on a culdisac, in a great neighborhood. It's even a new house so, just move in. It is beautiful. We feel so blessed and at peace that God is moving us in a new direction for a new purpose in His plan for our lives.

But...There are many thing I will miss from Tennessee. So I will list them and pray God will provide ones similar for us in the new state.

Church - Heritage Fellowship - Great Word, Worship, and Friends. Pastor Paul and Lynn

Identity - 4-6th grade kids that we have grown to LOVE

My House - Safe, Quiet, Birds Chirping...etc...

Dyllis Elementary - We always say "There is no place like Dyllis". My kids felt at home and loved.

My Job - Also Dyllis Elementary, I will really miss my co-workers there. They have been my family!

My friends - TOOOO many to name, but I will miss them all.

My mechanic - friends, trustworthy, reliable, reasonable. Kim and Rex Spoon

My Doctor - so through, patient, caring, kind, concerned. Dr. Ann Carter

Pediatrician - The Best one in the World!!!!! Nate will miss making him laugh. Dr. Courts is the bomb.

Lakes, Rivers, Hiking, Mountain Beauty - There is nothing like the "Great Smokey Mountains"

I will even miss little things like, my hairdresser, my dog groomer, our vet, and even the tellers at our local bank....the list could go on....but I think you get the point.

Lord,

Please be with all those listed above as we leave...and please take care of us as we go.

Nate - 4th Grade

2010-08-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

Never a dull moment with you...need I explain?

When I told you you were going to have a "male teacher" this year. You quickly responded:

"Oh, Yeah! My teacher is a mailman!!!"

You never stop laughing, being silly, and telling jokes. We love you thank you for keeping us smiling. Here in the picture below...you are trying SO hard not to smile! :)

Smart Cookie

2010-08-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

Kayla Grace - 3rd Grade

"Smart Cookie"

Where do I begin...

Your first two weeks at Dyllis have been successful. You came home with a stack of graded school work, filled with 100%'s. You were SOOOO proud. So was I, but with the craziness of moving...I looked at the pile of 100's, said "Good Job Kayla" and when you weren't looking...I slipped them into the garbage can. Little did I know, my little smart cookie would ask for them later. Sooooo there we were in the garage, digging through the trash bags!!!!! Your reasoning was you may never again see an entire stack of graded work with ALL 100's. Kayla, I am so proud of how hard you try. I will love every stack of papers you bring home, no matter what the grades are...as long as you tried your best. I might not save every single one, just always remember how proud I am to have you as my daughter. I love you my little smart cookie!

First Day of School 2010

2010-08-26T08:20:00.000-07:00

Nate is in 4th grade and Kayla is in 3rd Grade

Here they are standing outside of Dyllis Elementary. Dyllis has been their school for the past 3 wonderful years. This year we will not have the oppertunity to stay long as we are moving out of Tennessee to West Virginia. We love Dyllis and will miss all the teachers and staff who have helped to make our time there so special. 3 weeks at Dyllis...Let's Cherish Every Moment!

Kayla Turns 8

2010-07-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

Kayla's birthday wish was to have a pool party with all her cousins at Aunt Patty and Uncle Dana's pool. Her wish came true!

Table of Cousins

Us with Aunt Patty

Kayla, Kayleigh, and Mom-Mom

The Vella's with Kayleigh and Courtney

The Vella's

Kayla with Aunt Charity

Opening Gifts

Kayla with Pop-Pop

Pool Fun

Trampoline Fun

My Grandparents

2010-07-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

My Grandparents 57th Anniversary

I am blessed to come from a such a great and Godly family!

Earl and Natalie Johnson

(my dad's parents)

The Lego Store

2010-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

The kids are really into playing with Lego's.

So they really had fun building their own characters.

Pick the pieces you need.

Fourth of July 2010

2010-07-04T07:32:00.000-07:00

We spent half the day at the Decker's and the other half at the Hanna's

Justin & Chris

Kayla & Nate

Kayla & Nate on the wave-runner with Chris

Charity & Steve

Kayla and Uncle Dana

The whole crew!

The whole crew being silly!

The kids

Kids being silly!

Kristin, Dana, Tracy, Michael, Bonnie & Mary

(my cousins)

Shopping in Ellicott City

2010-07-02T07:11:00.000-07:00

Me with my sister!

My sister and I!

Roy, Nate, & Kayla with cousin Jeff

Nate loved looking for all the different silly trolls.

This place is called B&O Railroad (like on Monopoly)

Patapsco State Park

2010-07-01T07:01:00.000-07:00

Here we are with cousin Michael and Charity on the bridge.

Charity & Aunt Sherry

Kayla jumping from the cliff. Nate did too but I didn't get a picture for some reason.

House/Area Hunting

2010-06-25T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures we took on our summer house hunt.

Baltimore Summer Fun

2010-06-24T18:30:00.000-07:00

Charity took Nate to his first Orioles game!

Fun in the Hannah's Pool

Snowball Fun with Cousins

Nate at VBS

Kayla at VBS

Bike Riding Fun

Justin picked up this bike for Nate at the junk yard.

Cousin Chris takes us for a ride!

Secret City Fesival

2010-06-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Nate & Kayla were blessed to catch a ride with one of the soldiers.

Creative Discovery Museum

2010-06-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

Out for another fun day with our buddies, Lewis & Zach

Nate learns CPR

2010-06-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

CPR saved Nate's life once...Now he learns it...

Memorial Day

2010-05-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

Day at the Lake

Ginger is so much fun!

Lookout Mountain Incline Railway ~ Chattanooga, TN

2010-05-28T14:06:00.000-07:00

One Saturday we took a day trip to Chattanooga, TN.

This was the first stop on our adventure.

Beautiful ~ Breathtaking Views!

Fort in Chattanooga

2010-05-28T14:00:00.000-07:00

This was our 2nd stop on our adventure.

Some fort, I totally forgot the name?!?!

Nate & Kayla were trying to do a cool shot like Daddy did in Vegas!

Ruby Falls

2010-05-28T13:55:00.000-07:00

Our 3rd Adventure

Ruby Falls ~ Chattanooga, TN

Walking trough the cavern's...

Then you arrive at the Falls...

Words cannot describe the beauty!!

Have you seen ROCK CITY?

2010-05-28T12:38:00.000-07:00

We have!

This is our 4th and last adventure for the day!

You can see 7 states from this point

This is called "Fat Man's Squeeze"

Homemade IceCream

2010-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

Third Grade Ms. Deena's Class

We spent an afternoon making homemade ice-cream!!!

Yummy!!

Dollywood with Friends

2010-05-08T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Vella's and the Niven's

Kristin & Roy

Nate & Carson HAVING FUN!!!

Oh yeah, the teacup ride!!!

For some reason my kids ALWAYS stop to take pictures with these silly statue things?!?!

Kayla & Madison HAVING FUN!!!

Kayla's 2nd Grade Field Trip

2010-05-04T13:42:00.000-07:00

I really can't remember the name of the place they went...But here are a few pictures...

Abby, Kayla & Madison

A Walk with the Dinosaurs

2010-05-03T13:21:00.000-07:00

We came to see this awesome show with our friends the Coker family.

Kayla & Zach

Nate & Lewis

Nate & Kayla

Honor Roll

2010-05-02T13:14:00.000-07:00

Dyllis Elementary School

Me and my honor roll babies!

I think it takes effort from both student and parent.

Prayer Request

2010-05-01T12:58:00.000-07:00

We were in the christian book store one day when Nate decided to add a prayer request to the prayer box. His friend in his 3rd grade class had Cancer so his heart was very heavy for her. It touched our hearts knowing he cared for her so much!!!

Frozen Head National Park

2010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Look at that beautiful girl!

Catching Fish

Courtney and Nate having fun

Kids with Charity

Nate, Kristin, Courtney & Kayla

My Girl

Nate's 3rd Grade Field Trip

2010-04-27T12:50:00.000-07:00

Roane County Farm Day

Mrs. Kelley's Class Picture

Nate's first time milking a cow

Nate's good friend Alex ~ Look at those smiles!

Dollywood Again

2010-04-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

We just loved Dollywood...So we purchase season passes...

Here is the train ride through the mountains.

Always being silly!!!

Dollywood

2010-04-17T13:50:00.000-07:00

Nathaniel's 9th birthday gift from us was a day at Dollywood.

Coolest attraction ever!

Getting geared up

Courtney on Adventure Mountain

Charity on Adventure Mountain

Kayla had to get her picture with the pretty lady.

They were excited we let them do Gem Mining and made necklaces from our treasures.

Nate Turns 9

2010-04-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

Look at that face. You bring such JOY to our lives Nate!

Nine Nate

Nate's 9th Birthday Dinner

2010-04-11T11:45:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah! We came here just for this!!!

Easter 2010

2010-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Boy Scout Hike

2010-03-30T11:31:00.000-07:00

Piney River Hike

Kayla with her good friend Landon and his brother Bryson

Beautiful Waterfall ~ Beautiful Friends

Cindy White - Love ya!

Hockey Game

2010-03-27T11:37:00.000-07:00

Ice Bears Game

Nate caught the shirt

Autograph Time

Lot's of Fun

TN Friends

2010-02-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

The Rayburn Family

We were so sad to see this family leave. They helped us feel like family when we first moved to Tennessee and started attending Heritage Fellowship.

The Nivens Family

Kristin, Penny & Ashley

Love you guys!

2010 Chuck E Cheese Adventures

2010-02-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

Kayla & Abby

Kayla & Zach

Nate & Lewis

Kayla, Madison, & Nate

Madison & Chuck-E

Monster Truck

2010-02-19T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ok. So in this picture the kids "think" we are just walking around the city looking for a place to eat dinner...I am sorry for so many pictures, I was just hoping to catch the SURPRISED look on their faces when they saw where we really took them.

Yes kids! It's Monster Jam!!!!

We love surprising them!

Blue Smiles

Very noisy

We even got autographs

Identity Valentine Party

2010-02-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Heritage Fellowship Identity Group

Derby Race

2010-02-13T10:49:00.000-08:00

Cub-master Steve - the best leader ever!

Kayla's Haircut

2010-02-12T10:54:00.000-08:00

Kayla's first major haircut!

Recipe for a Snowman

2010-02-02T09:24:00.000-08:00

Aunt Trudy and Uncle Randal sent us this craft for Christmas. We thought this snow day would be perfect to make them!

Thank you! We love them!

Kayla's Favorites

2010-02-01T09:14:00.000-08:00

"These are a few of my favorite things"

Kayla loves to read her devotional book

My Best Friend Abby

My Best Friend Madison

My Lego Creation

Aunt Charity doing my nails...Love her!

Our Biggest Snow Yet

2010-01-30T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here is our snowman!

We decided to move him closer to the road so people could see him as they drove by.

Waving to the neighbors

Look at our beautiful house

Nate wearing his PJ's inside out, hoping for more snow

Snow Cream - Nate's 3rd grade teacher Mrs. Kelley gave us the recipe

Nate's Line of the year!

2010-01-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

As you grew up, you were a little boy that had no interest in sports.

We tried Basketball, Baseball, and trying to get you to enjoy it on TV...BUT...No luck!

This year at the age of 8 and in the 3rd grade, you are starting to show an intrest in sports you were even looking forward to watching the superbowl. You had the whole party planned with what we would eat and who we would invite. Your daddy 2qw so happy he finally has somone to share the Boy Joy's with. You even wanted a Payton Manning Jersey. So...dad wen't out and bought it for you right away! I think he was more excited then you were!

We were trying not to make a big deal about it, it's just been cute watching how you are growing and starting to change!

Out of nowwhere comes this comment we will never forget: "I think I'm becoming a real boy"

(yes, our little pinnochio!!!!)

With all that said Nate...Sports or no sports we love you!!!!!

Wilderness of the Smokies

2010-01-07T08:39:00.000-08:00

It's snowing outside and look at us!

Snow Dogs

2010-01-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

Windrock View Lane Snow Day with Honey and Ginger

Christmas Pizza 2009

2009-12-25T08:48:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Meal ~ Pizza from Scratch

Roll it...Roll it...Roll it...

Go Roy!

~ Ta Da ~

Yummy!!

Mom and Dad's Pizza

Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T08:39:00.000-08:00

Yes! Santa came! To me this picture is so cute, they just sat and stared at the gifts...

Special Delivery from the North Pole

Having fun giving the dogs their treats!

Daddy's Future Artist (Fashion Designer)

Look at her work!

Nate and his own tool box!

Kayla made this gift for us, it was Priceless!!!!!

At school they were able to go shopping for their families. This is the doll Nate picked for Kayla. It was a sweet thought since she loves playing babies, but because of the size...all we could do was laugh! Somehow, Nate never fails to bring a smile to our faces!!

Now for the best gift I have ever received!!!!! A book Roy and the kids made for me!! I will cherish it forever!!! The title of the book is:

You Rock Mom! I love you mom!

Christmas Fun Day

2009-12-12T07:33:00.000-08:00

We went to Pigeon Forge to get our picture taken with Santa at Outdoor World

Free Fun

We left Santa a letter but were unable to see him since their was a 6 hour wait. Really we got there at noon and they told us the next available time to see him would be 6:00, so we left.

We went to the "Christmas Place" and it was beautiful. Look at this nativity theme tree.

Then we saw Santa, no line, no wait. And we think he was the best Santa ever!

We sat in these cute benches and he sang and played 4 Christmas songs. He even did a special for Kayla "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" since that is her wish this Christmas.

Outside Fun

Then we went to see the "Miracle". We wanted to SHOW and remind the kids of the TRUE meaning of Christmas...And this show did the job!! It's amazing how much we learned from it and were able to discuss it all season long.

Snow Fun

2009-12-05T07:08:00.000-08:00

Up at 5 am to see the snow!

Alittle Grumpy at 5am

Sledding at 9am

Nate and Ginger "snow dog"

Kayla sledding around 10am

Beautiful isn't it?

Baptism

2009-11-29T18:06:00.000-08:00

Grace Bible Baptist Church ~ Baltimore, MD

A very special day for these two very special kids. They both received the Lord 2 years ago. Nathaniel was 6 and Kayla was 5. We have been waiting for them to be baptized by Pop Pop, since he baptized daddy and me! They have such tender hearts for the Lord and we love seeing them desire to follow him!

Kayla

Nate

Can you see the joy in their smiles?

Nate and Kayla with Pop Pop!

Halloween 2009

2009-10-31T17:20:00.000-07:00

This is a normal shot...

This is our silly shot...

OH NO!!!! She is too beautiful!

Silly Cousins

Trunk or Treat fun with Pop Pop!

Fall Break 2009

2009-10-31T08:02:00.000-07:00

Saturday and Sunday

Fall Break...A week I am glad is over. It started out good. Friends rented a cabin in Gatlinburg and invited us to come and stay for free! We took them up on the offer but our car broke down and couldn't go in the Altima (can't make it in rough terrain)...Thankfully we were able to borrow mom's car. So off we went. Roy was able to go White Water Rafting (and came home with pictures that made me JEALOUS I didn't go with him.) Then the next day we went to Cades Cove and Nate "spotted a bear" up close and personal!!!! He got $10 for spotting a wild bear.

Monday and Tuesday

When we got home, I was sick in bed for 2 days. It was raining out all week so I guess I wasn't missing anything. But it started to get real cold, and guess what...OUR HEAT WOULDN'T WORK. We called a heating company A.S.A.P. and come to find out we needed the whole unit replaced. Ok, where was $5,000 gonna come from??? We waited and got 2 more opinions from other companies to verify it was broken. And they are verified it did need to be replaced.

Thursday

Then the next day, I went to the dentist to find out I needed all 4 wisdom teeth removed. I needed $500 to make it possible and a WEEK off from work for recovery from the procedure.

Literally on the way home from the dentist, our car repair friends "Auto Tech Solutions" the best people in the world :) well they called to tell me our Isuzu needs a new Transmission - $1,500. Needless to say we are a little overwhelmed! We discussed that our Thanksgiving/Wedding trip in November might have to be cancelled. We wouldn't have the money for AC unit, Teeth, Transmission, and a Vacation. So that was a little disappointing as well. Then on top of all this, I went to give Nate a hug and he pulled away from me saying his face hurt. A week prior to this, Kayla had pain in the same area and turned out to be an ear infection. So I put the ear ache drops in his ears that the Dr. prescribed for Kayla. He cried saying it made the pain worse. Oh boy! We also had friends in town and wanted to see them badly, but with everything going on we were unable to. This made me very sad.

Friday

I woke up at 8 am and started calling the Dr. til they opened at 8:30. Thankfully they had an opening at 9:30. But we live an hour away from the Dr. so I threw Nate in the car and off we went. He was in so much pain he couldn't even brush his teeth. First the doctor said, well it's not an ear infection, so he took him back for an x-ray. The x-ray didn't show anything so he drew blood. Then he came in and had "the talk" with me. Ok, it is one of two things. 1 an infection in his limphnoids or a tumor. We should have the blood work back before the end of the day and I will call you with the results. Then he said, "Don't loose any sleep over it". Let's just say, I didn't loose sleep but I sure as heck lost some TEARS, many, many tears. Well off to Wal-mart to drop off the RX. Went to eat Subway while waiting for it to be filled. 45 min. later went to pick it up and they said they can't fill it, it seemed to be too high of a dose for Nate's age. They would need to contact the doctor. This made me upset, I thought...Maybe the dose is so high because "my son's dying"!!!! I couldn't hold back the tears, I couldn't imagine my life with out "Goofy Nate". Well guess what, the doctor was out to lunch for an hour and a half and I am an hour away from home. So we had 2 hours to kill. We got in the car on a hunt for a near by park, as soon as we found one...it started to RAIN. Cold and Rainy...Can the day get any worse!!?? Then I had an idea, Desserts at Cracker Barrel. We sat by the fire, had hot fudge sundaes and played checkers for an hour and a half. This was a fun moment in the horrible day! Later that evening at around 6:00 pm. The doctor called with Great News!!!!! Nate just had a Bad Infection and is not dying of a brain tumor. Praise God!!!! Praise God!!!!!

Now the big word of the day/week/year was PERSPECTIVE....

No money. No heat. Teeth issues. No vacation. Even the garage door broke....but guess what, NONE OF THAT MATTERED ANY MORE!!!!! We have a healthy son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Saturday

I needed a day to recover from crying yesterday. And also continue planning Identity's camping trip and fundraiser for Sunday.

Sunday

Was the Krispy Kreme fundraiser for Identity to go to camp! It was a great success $200 Profit.

When we were finished there, we went outside and realized what a beautiful day it was, the first sunny day all week. The Lord's Day! God is so good and I was so thankful for his many blessings despite all the "issues". School was starting the next day and we really wanted to do something fun with the family. So we decided to go to the pumpkin patch and corn maze! It was so much fun!!!!!!

Happy Ending!

By the way...

It all worked out and we will still get to go on our vacation in November!!!!!

Carving Fun 2009

2009-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Do we always have to be silly????

Hot Air Balloon Festival

2009-09-29T17:14:00.000-07:00

This was a show synchronized with lights and music. It was way more beautiful than pictures can show. What a great experience!

Date Night with Nate

2009-09-26T20:46:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Roy was in bed sick as a dog, Kayla went to a friends house for a sleepover, so I decided to take Nate on a "Date Night", just me and him. I told him he could go wherever he wanted. I suggested the movies, rollerskating, etc... but of course he choose Chuck-E. I am glad he did we had a GREAT night out. All except he hated when I called it "Date Night" so I just had to say mommy and son night out. While there we decided to take our picture together...and this is what we came up with afterwards...

Below is a picture of me with my "Real Son"

Below is a picture of me with my "Fake Son"

Nate, I love you for your silly and goofy personality. I love you just the way you are and would never change anything! Love, Mom xoxo

p.s. I can't wait til our next "Mommy and Son Night Out"

In Memory

2009-09-26T19:28:00.000-07:00

In Loving Memory of Amber McHale

December 25, 1979 - January 7, 1998

January 7, 1998 is a day that will be imprinted in my mind forever. It was the day that my friend, Amber McHale was killed in a tragic car crash. I was the driver of the car and by the Grace of God, I survived. We were on our way to a job interview at a local elementary school in Pembroke Pines around 3:20pm. On the way there I ran a stop sign (that was completely covered by shrubbery) and collided with a MASSIVE FPL truck. Amber died at the scene. I had a number of injuries including a skull fracture, a broken shoulder, and drop foot. I was placed in Memorial Regional Hospital for 4 days. I was very emotionally hurt but physically I healed quickly. The main reason why the accident occurred was that the stop sign at the intersection was totally covered by a flowering frangipani bush and other shrubbery near by. Therefore, the view of the stop sign was obstructed. The only reason that I survived the accident was that I hit my head on the steering wheel after my seat collapsed. This caused me to slide into the front compartment where the pedals were. That along with "angles all around me" kept me alive. I was just trying to help Amber and be her friend. As expected Amber's friends and relatives were distraught. They did not say much to me after the accident happened. They were kind but I don't think they really knew how to express the way they felt towards me. After the accident I blamed myself for a while. However, I finally came to terms with what had happened and realized tha the accident was not my fault. Probably 2 months after the accident, I want to the scene and I noticed how far the stop sign had been moved over in order to be "in view". That was when, along with help from God, that I realized that the accident was not my fault, and I finally stopped blaming myself for Amber's death. I still miss Amber and think of her often. All of my sympathy goes out to Amber's family, and I pray they find peace knowing that Amber is in Heaven.

Photo of the "Covered Stop Sign"

Photo below is "After shrubbery was cut." Even after this picture was taken they moved the stop sign over to the left 3 feet. Then the picture below that is of my car.

Here is a poem my dad wrote one month after the accident:

Our Toughest Day
By: Earl Johnson On: Februray 4, 1998

It was New Years Eve
It was getting pretty late
For some strange reason
I couldn't celebrate
An uneasy feelin swept over me
As the ball was droppin in NYC
It was just a week later
We were into 98
When we got a pone call
One of ill fate
My woman called me and said to me...
It's our Baby

My heart dropped to my knees

I had been to the hospital
Many times before
But this time it was
Our Baby was
Behind the "Closed Door"

The social worker came and shared the news

Our hearts were crushed that dismal day
A friend of our baby's went to Jesus to stay
It hurt us so, words can never say...
Our hearts were so broken
I began to pray
I wish this never happened
O Lord I pray
Not to us, I began to say.
My Annita is crushed
God help her I pray

When we saw our Kristin
Our spirit's began liftin

You spared our baby
For a special mission

The devil sent a fire
It was straight from hell

God uses these fires
Our family He did weld

The gates of hell were
SHAKIN
But for us it did awaken

Our love and faith is better
That's the reason for this letter

You may think God's No Big Deal

But for this family ~ Our God is Real!

Tennessee Valley Fair 2009

2009-09-15T17:04:00.000-07:00

Mom Moms Girl

Best Friends

This was the coolest thing. We saw Kangaroos Boxing. Wow!!!

This was the first time we came to a fair and were able to enjoy the BIG rides. Kayla and Nate were so BRAVE, they rode everything, and can't wait to go back!

Fun with Mom Mom and Courtney

A new addition to our family...

2009-09-03T16:52:00.000-07:00

A Cock-A-Poo named Ginger

Look at those blue eyes!

Mayfield Dairy Farm

2009-09-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today we had a great time learning...

And eating delicious ice cream!!!

First Day of School 2009

2009-09-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Nate - 3rd Grade

Nate has the silliest personality. He wants to take acting classes...go figure!

Kayla - 2nd Grade

Kayla Grace still the sweetest face and sweetest personality.

Science Museum with Mom-Mom

2009-09-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Go Karts!

2009-09-01T18:59:00.000-07:00

This was the first time they were able to "drive" their own car!

It was so much fun!

Go Nate!

Go Kayla!

Fun at the Zoo

2009-08-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Kayla had a "special touch" with the butterflies!

This is 1 year old baby "George." He is so cute!

We loved George so much, we sat and watched him for about an hour!

We had a great day at the zoo and were blessed with the most perfect weather!

Rope Swing

2009-08-15T19:49:00.000-07:00

For Courtney's birthday we all went to "Nemo's Creek" for a picnic and some fun on our favorite summer activity..."The Rope Swing"

This is Courtney...

This is my mom...

This is Kayla...

Roy

Me, from the tree...

Now this is good, free fun!

Yes, I like Green Eggs and Ham!!!!!

2009-08-13T16:51:00.000-07:00

Nemo's Creek

2009-08-01T17:17:00.000-07:00

We had fun with our little tubes, riding the "rapids"!

Hours and Hours of FUN!!!!

Play in Mud Day

2009-07-29T17:40:00.000-07:00

My kids actually look forward to "Play in Mud Day"!!!!

Time to clean up...

Nate movin' on up...

2009-07-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

Tonight Nate received his Bear patch. We are now working on the Wolf!

Fun Day on the Lake

2009-07-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Who says a fun day out has to be something expensive???? One pack of hot dogs and a few drinks and your good to go!!! Just being together is all that matters! (Having friends with Kayaks helps!!!)

The Chimney Tops ~ Great Smoky Mountains

2009-07-20T21:43:00.000-07:00

Picnic Lunch (yes we were brave to eat KFC in an area with bears)

We had so much fun exploring and playing!

Kayla and her buddy Madison

Nate

The Gang (minus the moms with the cameras)

Mommy and Nate

Crazy Roy

Our favorite thing to do there was to paint on the big rocks with the little rock (I think they call it Indian Painting).
It was alot of fun!

Ol' Time Portraits - 2009

2009-07-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

My Little Roy Boy

2009-07-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

After shaving your Mohawk, it reminded me of how much you looked like your daddy. When you were a baby we called you "Roy Boy" and sang this song to you all the time...

You are my Roy boy oh yes it's true, you are my Roy boy and I love you. You are my Roy boy soooo true. My Roy Boy, I love you!

Our Pet Toad

2009-07-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

Courtney found this little frog and the kids made it their "pet". Nate says "It's a Toad, mom". I don't know?!?!? All I do know is watching them play with it in this animal hospital was so cute.

Your Only 8 Once!!

2009-07-16T20:56:00.000-07:00

After many months of begging, we finally gave in...saying to ourselves "your only an 8 year old boy once". It was fun for the week and will be shaved back to "normal" soon. Although today he told the Dr. "I really don't ever want to be normal". Oh Boy!!! Might I add...this hairstyle was conveniently cut right around his sisters birthday "Perfect to annoy Kayla and her friends".