The Life of 4 Joynerz

A day that I can never forget

2010-10-22T23:49:00.002-04:00

Today is a day that I will never forget. It marks the day that I got the horrific phone call from my mom just 3 years ago. The screaming that I heard in the phone but couldn't really understand what she was saying. Then I caught a piece of, "your Daddy is gone". I will never ever forget that call or that night that I cried myself to sleep. I won't forget Travis coming home from 3-11 and finding me in the floor sobbing. I won't forget my Pastor and his wife coming out late at night to comfort me as I wept. I will never forget the special moments with my Daddy. It doesn't feel like its been three years since he passed. It seems like just yesterday I was out in the middle of nowhere fishing right along his side, always catching the biggest fish! (so he always told everyone) I love my Daddy and I will always be waiting for that time that I can see him again!

Today also marks the day that one year ago our lives were turned upside down after receiving a phone call that IP would be shutting down for good. Travis was on 11-7 and he happened to be sleeping at the time of the phone call. I remember running upstairs screaming "get up, get up." He jumped out of bed and I just fell in his arms crying. What would we do??? Where would we go? The first thought was to move away. We have family everywhere. BUT God had different plans for us. So here we are today, fine and well. We've certainly decreased but with God we've had peace about everything that has taken place. He has sustained us, and for that we are greatful!

So today, October 22nd, marks a day that I will never forget.

My little cheerleader

2010-10-08T07:24:00.002-04:00

I absolutely love this time of year. I love the coolness in the air! The lighting is gorgeous! The leaves turning colors gives me goose bumps! And then we throw football games right in the middle of all of that and life is grand! Madi is cheering for Courtland Indians again this year. Picture day was yesterday, so I took a few shots myself. So proud of my princess!

Coaster set

2010-10-07T16:36:00.003-04:00

I'm always making coasters for everyone else and believe it or not, I've never made myself a set. SO for the Halloween holiday....I made some for myself. I can't wait to put some cute little snowmen on a set for winter:o) Maybe a nativity scene on some for Christmas???

The first of many

2010-09-30T21:31:00.003-04:00

Well I have a ton of little fall projects that I want to tackle, but I just haven't gotten around to them. This is just a little decoration that I made and the picture just doesn't do it justice. Its waaayyy cuter in person:o) I'm so in love with vinyl and I could just stick it on everything....well almost everything. Anyway...just sharing a little cutie.

Disney on Ice

2010-09-27T08:48:00.007-04:00

My thought is that you are never too old to go see Disney on Ice. I just love every show that I've ever seen. I took Madi last year and when I saw that Toy Story 3 was coming....I had to get tickets. I even remember when I was pregnant with Jacob, Travis and I went to see Hercules on Ice:o) We didn't even have kids then.

We took the kids this past Sunday. I was fighting a horrible cold and didn't feel well at all but I went and had a great time. I just love the potato heads....they trip me out. Ken and Barbie were a hoot as well. Good times....good times!!

And then to the Outback for some dinner. A little silly photo shoot with Jacob and Madi.....goofy, funny kids! I love 'em.

My boy is playing soccer

2010-09-24T09:13:00.003-04:00

Last night was Jacob's first soccer game of the season. I'm so proud of him! He played very well and the coach told him that he could pretty much play any position. I'm very proud of who Jacob has become. He doesn't play a sport just because everyone else does it, he plays what he truly likes to play. He's a very brave kid and he doesn't mind standing up for what he likes. So for all of the kids and parents that are calling these kids "soccer fairies" don't waste your time. These kids are playing a sport that they love and they won't stop just because you call them names. Good job Jacob!!

IOW county fair

2010-09-22T20:53:00.005-04:00

When Madi found out that The Band Perry was coming to the IOW county fair, she got so excited. She just loves them. We first got there early enough to see the rodeo that we all enjoyed very much and then we went over and got a good spot to watch the concert. It was a great night and the best part about it was....IT DIDN'T COST A FORTUNE:O)

She was a little too short to see over the people after everyone stood up so Travis put her on his shoulders. I just love to see her so happy!

Before the show we were goofing off with the camera. Madi kept making me take it over and over until she like it:)

Waiting for the rodeo

Two great kids! I couldn't ask for anything better!!

I'm coming back!

2010-09-22T09:44:00.001-04:00

I know that its been a while since I've posted to this personal blog, but I'm coming back! Spring and summer have been great....but busy! So it won't be long and I will have a new post up with pictures of the Joyner's and all that we are doing. Busy....busy!!

Mona Lisa plays Sedley ball!

2010-03-23T17:19:00.003-04:00

Haha...is this funny or what. Madi was given a picture of Mona Lisa's head and she had to finish the picture. I thought this was hilarious. Mona Lisa is playing softball for Sedley:o) Take note that she has a side bang like Madi....too funny!

Proud Mommy!

2010-03-23T07:36:00.002-04:00

I'm so proud to say that my girl made honor roll again. She missed principle's list by ONE B. What a way to make a Mama proud. Way to go Madi girl....you're the best!

Everyone should have one!

2010-03-22T10:00:00.003-04:00

I would just like to say that I've wanted one of these little boogas for quite some time now, and I finally made the purchase! I will say that it is well worth the money and if you don't have one, save up and get one. I didn't even purchase the most expensive one and it works wonderful. I'm so impressed!

Oliver Twist

2010-03-14T22:01:00.002-04:00

Today we went to Suffolk and enjoyed watching our God Daughter Alyssa act in the Musical Oliver. We had a super time. I've always enjoyed any kind of Musical or play and my kids love them just the same. Alyssa was chosen to be a part of the cast after a competitive audition. What an exciting time for her. Way to go Alyssa. We love you!

Projects....Projects....Projects!

2010-02-26T11:00:00.002-05:00

For some reason the teachers are giving lots of projects this year. In the last couple of weeks, Madi has had 2 and she has one coming up. The first on that she did was an electricity project that she and Travis did together. Electricity is just not my thing. It turned out really good. The second one was a book report bag. Madi read Meet Kit and it really was a fun project to put together. She and I worked hard on it.

Surpise Surprise!

2010-02-26T10:08:00.000-05:00

What a wonderful day that Jacob had on his 12th birthday. The surprise birthday party that I had planned was a success. He really was surprised. The party was held at Joe's. I invited the most important people in Jacob's life....Mainly his family and his church family. I few close friends came as well. We had pizza, cake and ice cream. We also played a game to see how well the kids knew Jacob. Connor knew him the best, then Caleb and then Hunter.

I made muffins for Jacob to have for breakfast. Madi and I sang Happy Birthday!

I made Jacob his favorite strawberry cake. He had this right after school.

Madi awaiting Jacob's arrival.

My boy is 12

I'm anxiously awaiting Jacob's arrival....so excited. We kept the secret:o)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Birthday to you!!

Haha....how about the Happy Birthday Banner on the wall. The waitress insisted on putting it up there. I don't think Jacob noticed that it had trains on it:o)

Dayna and I serving Cake and Ice cream

Today is the day......

2010-02-25T07:17:00.008-05:00

....that this guy turns 12!

Gosh! I can hardly believe that my "little" boy is 12 today. So many wonderful memories and thoughts go through my mind when I think about my boy. Jacob is a very compassionate, thoughtful and loving child. I'm so proud of who he has become. Its scary but its exciting to see him grow up into a nice young man. Here's something that Jacob wrote for language class. I thought I'd scan and share it. I think it sums up just who Jacob is.

Happy birthday Jacob!!! The last 12 years have been fun and I'm looking forward to many, many more!! I love you!

It was time to say goodbye

2010-02-22T09:24:00.001-05:00

Kind of a sad day for me because its reality that my little girl is growing up. It wasn't long ago and Madi asked me how old are you when you are supposed to stop playing with baby dolls. My response to her was "when you don't feel like you want to play with them anymore." So soon after that my precious Madi came and asked me if I'd pack away all of her bitty babies. She has been collecting them for some time now and she has 5. We gathered all of their original clothes and got them all dressed up to be packed away. I felt like we were having a funeral:o( BUT on the other hand she assured me that she will NOT be packing away her AG dolls. They are big girls and I guess we'll have a while before they say goodbye.

Her 5 AG bitty babies

This is Katie, Madelyn's very first doll. She carried her everywhere she went for a long long time. We've managed to keep her all in one piece and we still have her original clothes. I will never forget the day that we got Katie.

All packed away:(

Wedding bells will be ringing!

2010-02-21T22:30:00.001-05:00

I'm so very excited to say that my friend Dayna will be getting married in June. We've been awaiting this news for some time. Dayna has asked Madi and I to be in her wedding. We are so excited!! We had one of many outings together to get ready for the big day. Madi and I went with Dayna to have a mini make-over to try and decide on the make-up that we will wear in the wedding. We had some good laughs to say the least. Madi joined in the fun!

Simple but sweet

2010-02-19T09:53:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of a flower that Madi painted. I just love her artwork and I thought I'd share. Bless her heart....she must know that I have cabin fever and I can't wait to be out in the yard with flowers galore!!!

And the award goes to.....

2010-02-16T09:07:00.000-05:00

Miss Madi!! This precious girl got all A's on her report card. She was awarded a certificate and a small breakfast before school. I opened my daycare a little late that day and got to go join her in celebrating! Way to go Madi....keep up the good work!

Now we're all 4 eyes!

2010-02-12T08:55:00.000-05:00

Well the last one in the family finally got glasses. I somehow knew that this was coming. I got glasses when I was 8 years old and my sight is now at -11! Yep....I'm pretty much blind. Travis has glasses and big brother Jacob got them in 4th grade as well. Madi did enjoy picking out the stylish little frames. She had to have something with her favorite color blue on them. I think she looks great!!

On this same day Travis treated Jacob and Madi to a live TNA show. They love wrestling. I'm so glad that we were having a ladies night with church and I did not have to attend this event. They had a great time. They even made posters before they went:o)
I'm a little embarrased that my husband allowed my two precious children to have a poster with these girls on it....but WHATEVER! Gotta love dads that spoil those kids!

Look who....

2010-02-09T22:21:00.001-05:00

Made Principal's List with all A's

AND

who got a haircut

Its Frosty!

2010-02-07T19:53:00.005-05:00

Just Because

2010-02-04T22:09:00.001-05:00

Someone needs this today

2010-02-02T15:34:00.004-05:00

Romans (NlT)

⁹ Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. ¹⁰ Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. ¹¹ Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.¹² Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. ¹³When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.

¹⁴ Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them. ¹⁵ Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. ¹⁶ Live in harmony with each other. Don’t be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don’t think you know it all!

¹⁷ Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. ¹⁸ Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

¹⁹ Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,
says the Lord.

²⁰ Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.

²¹ Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Jan. snowstorm day 1

2010-01-30T17:00:00.003-05:00

Hello all! As most of you know, I hate to be cold and I'm not very fond of old man winter. I'm from Alabama and I like to be warm. BUT a good snow is always pretty to look at so once in a while its ok with me. I love it for the kids. Hilary spent the night with Madi and they were up really late and rose really early very excited about the BIG snow. We haven't seen this much snow in quite a few years. I'm so glad that they got to enjoy it! I will hopefully have more pics to post soon. Travis took the kids to the Fire dept where all of the Sedley rednecks got together and pulled the kids on car hoods and old truck bed liners. :o) The kids had the time of their life. I haven't gotten pics yet b/c a friend took them....but hopefully I'll have them to post soon.

Here is Zachary and Shelby enjoying the snow. Full blooded labs and they love the cold. The were funny running around in the pretty white stuff.

The kids love snowball fights....what else is this white stuff for...right?

Madi and Hily bug

This to me just looks freezing cold. I took most of my pics from the window. I'm so glad my kids are big and I don't actually have to get out in it!

Daisy Mae is our little 6yr old Mountain feist. She hates for her feet to get wet in the rain but she absolutely LOVES the snow. Its so funny. She had a ball to say the least.

Madi got aggravated b/c her gloves were all wet. She's such a drama queen:o)

Travis pulled the kids on the sled behind the jeep. You might be a Redneck if you pull your kids on a sled behind your vehicle:o)

2 Wonderful kids

Sledding behind the jeep

Jacob on his tummy...daredevil that he is:o)

A cold nigt by the fire

2010-01-23T09:49:00.002-05:00

It was a cold night but fun night. Travis got this little fire pit for Christmas and he lit it up for us to roast marshmallows and make smores. Elle was over spending the night and the kids had a good time.

Just Madi being Madi

2010-01-22T09:45:00.002-05:00

Doing a little shopping in Cato with Madi and Elle....they are a hoot! I love these girls:o)

Thank you, Granny!

2010-01-20T09:36:00.003-05:00

Thank you Granny for crocheting Madi this hat, scarf and purse! She LOVES it. Here is a picture of her before school.

Jacob loves Basketball

2010-01-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Here are a few pictures of Jacob at his second game. We took some at the first game but they were with Jacob's cell phone and we still haven't uploaded them:( Jacob is number one (he says that the smallest guy always gets number one:o) and here are a few pics of him in the game. He's having a great time playing this year. Sorry the pics are dark...ughhh....thats why I'm going to buy a new camera soon:o)

UNC game

2010-01-10T09:13:00.003-05:00

Travis and Jacob were invited by Pastor Matt to join him and Caleb for a night of fun watching UNC play Va. Tech. This was an exciting time for them. UNC won the game so I think it made it that much better. I think Travis has been a UNC fan all of his life and I know that Jacob has. I'm so glad that they got to go to Chapel Hill and see it all take place in real life. How fun!

Madi's drawing

2010-01-04T21:34:00.002-05:00

Madi came home today and said "look what I drew." I just love it. Her drawing is getting better and better. I love the detail that she added as far as the curtains and the shade. I think Madi did a great job and I wanted to share her picture!

Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T19:39:00.004-05:00

Okay, well we decided to take a little trip to the beach for the New Year. Travis' cousin passed away on Christmas day and the memorial service was on New year's day in Nags Head. So we were headed there anyway and we decided to stay. Travis' sister took the kids home with her after the memorial service and we picked them up on Sunday. The kids did get to stay one night and one day with us. We had a nice time together. Jaccuzzi room and all....very relaxing!

What a year 2009 was! I'm certainly looking forward to everything that God has in store for us in 2010. It should be interesting!!

I didn't even take many pictures. I was in a total R&R mode. Here are a few.

New Year's Eve...headed to the beach

Jacob and I at Bob's grill

Jacob and his Nana

Chloe Beth and Madi

Travis and Kelly being silly

Silly Madi

Travis and his mom

Cousins...minus Kai

Travis and I....alone

Had to go pick the kids up in Wake Forrest. We ate at Texas Roadhouse with Kelly, Barry, Chloe and Kai. I was so glad to see them. We've never left the kids before....It was tough!!

A blessed CHRISTmas!

2009-12-29T20:28:00.010-05:00

We had a wonderful Christmas. I recieved my favorite gift on Christmas day and that was being able to bless a family in need. After reading the book Crazy Love I've had the desire to bless a family and actually do it on Christmas day. We did it along with our CONNECT group and it was amazing! So that was my favorite gift but I did get a few others that I'm really enjoying as well. Jacob and Madelyn got some things that they wanted and so did Travis. We are so very blessed and I give God the glory for it!A couple of days before Christmas, we went to George's and had dinner with Dawn, Katie and Ronnie. We had a great time and the food was yummy. Jacob and Katie exchanged gifts. He got an awesome sweatshirt and he gave her a necklace with a cross on it and of course I made her something for her room.

This year Travis, Jacob, Madi and I drew names for an ornament exchange. It was so much fun. Jacob got Madi's name and he bought her an angel ornament that says friends forever. I got Jacob's name and I bought him one with a bear playing a video game and I had it personalized. Travis had my name and he bought me a digital photo ball. Its really cool! Madi had Travis' name and of course he got a coffee mug ornament from Bass Pro. This is the first year that we've done this, but we've all agreed that it was a lot of fun and it will certainly become a tradition for us.

I handed Travis this gift bag for his ornament not knowing it was way too big. He brought it to me anyway....it was hilarious!

Our Tree!

A friend of ours made Madi a table and Chairs for her dolls. I added a little touch to it myself. She loves it!

Fun times with the cousins

We were trying to get a quick family photo but we kept cutting someone out:o)

We had Christmas dinner at our house. Travis' mom and uncle are here posing with Madi and Chloe

They love being together!

This is what Christmas did to Travis and Barry:o)

Went to Mamaw and Papaw's for dinner and gifts

What happened before Christmas!

2009-12-27T18:36:00.012-05:00

I have Christmas picture to upload but I couldn't do that until I post the ones from days before Christmas. We certainly have enjoyed the holidays together as a family. Not too much longer and a whole new chapter will open in our lives. We are praising God for miracles!!

Cookie baking....Gingerbread men

They were o' so yummy

For ones that don't know....Travis LOVES Louie Giglio. He's been downloading his podcasts for so long that I can't even remember. Well as a surprise to Travis, I found out that he and Chris Tomlin (another one of Travis' favorites) were coming to Va. Beach. I got tickets and we went. Matt and Nancy along with Chris and Julie got tickets too and we enjoyed a fun night together. It was an awesome show. Afterwards, and I don't have pictures, we went to IHop and ate and talked and laughed till us old folks got tired. :o) Travis really enjoyed his night....and so did I!

The Courtland Indian Cheerleaders were in the Courtland Christmas parade. It was very cold but Madi had the best time. So glad she went!

The Joyner home made a gingerbread house. O' my goodness, what a hilarious mess we had. We laughed so hard....and the crazy thing started to melt and fall to pieces so everyone just ate it:o)

Here are a couple of pics of our Children's Christmas party at church. The kids enjoyed a movie, games and pizza.

A picture of Travis and I at our Church Christmas party

We babysat Baker one night so that his mom and dad could go shopping. We went to Joe's to eat pizza while Jacob was at his Christmas party with the middle schoolers from church. Santa was there so we took a picture....It brought back memories of Jacob and Madi being little seing Santa.

We had a little snow....not much but madi wanted to take a quick pic. while it was coming down

Here we are at Olive Garden. We took a break from shopping to eat at our all time favorite place!

Jacob at Bass pro.

Madi at the mall eating with chop sticks

Childrens Christmas play at church. Madi was an angel and Jacob narrorated the play.

Family picture at church on the Sunday before Christmas

The intent of my blog

2009-12-16T08:39:00.004-05:00

I have several pictures to post with shots of different things that we've done over the weekend, but before I post those I just want to post a little something from my heart. Its been on my mind for some time now, and so I thought I'd update my blog with some thoughts.

I want to make it clear on the intent of my blog. I originally started my blog to update out of town family and friends on the Joyner life. All of my family is either in Alabama or another deep south state. Travis has family in North Carolina and we don't see these people very often. So over a year ago, Travis started a blog (never posts anything anymore:) and he helped me start mine. I thought, wow! what a great idea to share our happenings with the ones we love but never get to see. I mean, kids grow so fast and our families don't get to see it happen.

Back to the point that I want to make. I, for no reason at all, want anyone to ever think that my blog is to uplift my family in any way or to make ourselves look better than anyone else. I do think that my kids are wonderful, beautiful beings that God has created and he has created them to uplift Him. I look back and notice that I've made posts on things that we've bought or things that were given to us, but in no way do I ever want anyone to think that I'm bragging about anything that we have. Travis and I are actually very simple people and I want it to stay that way. We are not out to have more than anyone, or to even make it look like we have more than anyone else. For the last couple of months, my heart has been on "how can I bless someone else?" This is my desire and so lately before I buy something for myself, I think of how that money could put food on the table for someone without any means to do so. But I've also added a scripture about this as well.(see below) When we give to the poor, we shouldn't boast about that either:o)

Matthew 6

Giving to the Needy

¹"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.

²"So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. ³But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

MAY GOD BLESS YOU THIS HOLIDAY SEASON!!!

So I just wanted to make it clear that with my blog, its really not to boast on how much I have, although my God has truly blessed me. But I do feel that God blessed us so that we may bless others and thats what I truly want to do and the person that I truly want to become. There is a dying world out there and we need to reach them. God loves them, just as he loves us that believe in Him. Again, when I post, its not to brag, its just to let our family know whats going on.

Psalm 49

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

¹ Hear this, all you peoples;
listen, all who live in this world,

² both low and high,
rich and poor alike:

³ My mouth will speak words of wisdom;
the utterance from my heart will give understanding.

⁴ I will turn my ear to a proverb;
with the harp I will expound my riddle:

⁵ Why should I fear when evil days come,
when wicked deceivers surround me-

⁶ those who trust in their wealth
and boast of their great riches?

⁷ No man can redeem the life of another
or give to God a ransom for him-

⁸ the ransom for a life is costly,
no payment is ever enough-

⁹ that he should live on forever
and not see decay.

¹⁰ For all can see that wise men die;
the foolish and the senseless alike perish
and leave their wealth to others.

¹¹ Their tombs will remain their houses forever,
their dwellings for endless generations,
though they had named lands after themselves.

¹² But man, despite his riches, does not endure;
he is like the beasts that perish.

¹³ This is the fate of those who trust in themselves,
and of their followers, who approve their sayings.
Selah

¹⁴ Like sheep they are destined for the grave,
and death will feed on them.
The upright will rule over them in the morning;
their forms will decay in the grave,
far from their princely mansions.

¹⁵ But God will redeem my life from the grave;
he will surely take me to himself.
Selah

¹⁶ Do not be overawed when a man grows rich,
when the splendor of his house increases;

¹⁷ for he will take nothing with him when he dies,
his splendor will not descend with him.

¹⁸ Though while he lived he counted himself blessed—
and men praise you when you prosper-

¹⁹ he will join the generation of his fathers,
who will never see the light of life .

²⁰ A man who has riches without understanding
is like the beasts that perish.

What are we up 2?

2009-12-10T21:12:00.009-05:00

I really wish It wasn't so long between posts. It just seems like I never have the time to sit down and upload pics and even get my thoughts together to type. We are doing well. So many things have been happening since October and sometimes I feel like I'm in a whirlwind. But through all of these storms, I know that God is ultimately in control and when the storm is over we come out better. I'm so thankful that I have a great big father to go to when the world lets me down. I can't imagine going through this life without HIM.

So what have we been up to? Well Travis has accepted a job! I think that this is the most exciting news in our life right now. On Oct. 22nd (which was the two year marker of my dad's death) we found out that International paper was closing. Travis has been employeed there for almost 16 years. Travis made note that it has never been difficult for him to find a job. He said that all of the jobs that he desired....he went there, applied and was hired. That simple. I think getting hired with Union Camp took the longest. So PRAISE THE LORD nothing changed this time. He applied with Northrop Grumman, went for the interview and was hired on the spot. I have to say that this is God's favor and we are so very greatful. Travis is a very hard worker and will do anything to take care of his family....Me and my kids are so very blessed! We've had many comments made about how bad it will be to work there but I know that my God has his hands upon my husband and things will be just fine. The devil is trying to steal my joy.....but he's WRONG again:o)

I have posted tons of pictures of other happenings in our lives. We are doing well. I'm enjoying my Cricut more and more. I love to design and make different things and I give God the glory for my craftiness:o) Jacob and Madelyn are doing awesome in school. Madi made honor roll both 1st and second six weeks and Jacob made honor roll his first nine weeks. Homework seems to be taking a toll on us all, but we are getting through it. My job is wonderful. I have the best set of daycare kids ever and I love them so much. I really am blessed with an awesome job. Our Christmas decorations are up, lights are shining and Christmas shopping is about to begin. I'm so excited to enter into the holidays healthy and blessed.

Enjoy my photos....I love pictures. Sometimes I take them of my kids for no particular reason other than the fact that they are so beautiful in my eyes and I cherish EVERY moment with them.

Madelyn cheering for Courtland Indians

Big girl's honor roll cert. for the first six weeks

O' my goodness....Travis got a staph infection in his leg (who knows how) and landed himself in the hospital for three days:(

Something that I made for myself on the Cricut. Its a ceramic plaque

New vinyl lettering in the daycare playroom that I made with the cricut

Okay, here's Maggie. Poor thing! Travis offered to take this cute English bulldog from some friends of ours and give her a good home. WELL....all I can say is that it just didn't work out. I loved Maggie but Maggie had the WORST smell ever and I just couldn't handle it. So Travis found Maggie and new home and that home has now found her another new home. Bless her heart....Its sad but.....well just stinky!!

My boy with his great report card

I made these chargers for Madelyn's teachers. These were a lot of fun to make as well

Pictures of my babies just b/c I love them and I love to take pictures.

Alright...now we're into the Thanksgiving pictures. We go to my inlaws every year to eat TG dinner. It was very nice and very yummy. As you can see, the food was great and we had a good time.

Jacob trying to explain to his Mamaw that he's not a baby anymore and he wants big boy games....what a hoot!

Madi with her girls. They usually go everywhere with us.

Madi took this picture of our kitty cats. They are brothers and are about 7 years old. They still cuddle like they did when they were just kittens.

Madi and I had a shopping day together. Mostly to Michaels b/c she and I could stay in there all day and never leave. Thats our favorite store!

Ok...a kitty story. This little kitten showed up at our door one day. Of course Madi wanted to keep it. Instead of keeping it, I found it a good home until our neighbor showed up and wanted his cat back:o) oops! Well kitty that was named so many different names, stayed for almost 2 days and was kicked out on day 2 b/c he wanted to pee in my house.....thats a no no.....kitty!!!

Madi and her BF Elle attended the American Girl party at the local library. They had a blast.

Trying to get pics for my Christmas cards. Mission accomplished!!

Madi's school held a movie night and so I took her with two of her friends. I'm not really sure how much of the movie that they actually watched but I Know they had a good time. Thats all that matters anyway...right??

We had never been to the cinema cafe before so we decided to take the kids. This theatre was fun b/c you could eat and watch the movie. They took our order before the movie started and we received our food right before the movie came on. It was cool. Jacob took his special friend Katie and we all had a nice time.

Jacob and Katie at the movies and then a pic of them after the movie at Krispy Kreme. No....the hot sign was not on but the donuts were still YUMMY!!

Madi took a picture of Travis and I before the Church Leadership party

This is Madi with her cheerleading trophy that she got at the end of the season banquet....fun fun

Our Christmas tree. I haven't taken pics of the other ones....but we do have a couple more.

This is a picure of Travis and I at the HEAT team dinner for work. What an awesome time we had. It was bittersweet b/c it was the very last one but exciting too b/c new chapters are opening in our lives and we are so looking forward to them!!

Jacob had enough points!

2009-11-26T20:30:00.005-05:00

So proud of my Jacob. He is such a bright, handsome little thing. Week before last, Jacob was able to attend the Masquerade Ball for meeting his Accelerated reader goal. I have to say....he worked really hard on this. He was determined that he would not only meet his goal....but BEAT it. He did just that! Travis volunteered to help chaperone and I think they both had a good time. Please excuse the quality of these photos....Travis took them with his cell.

Playing games

Jacob got his face painted. How many middle school boys do you know that would ask for a cross to be painted on their face??? Jacob did! A baseball was added as well....good idea!

Enjoying a snack

Jacob and his friend Tyler dancing. I know I've said it before.....JACOB LOVES TO DANCE!!

Donuts anyone??

2009-11-13T07:50:00.003-05:00

I have a little recipe that I'd like to share. Very simple but very delicious!

As a kid my mom would make these little boogas for us and we enjoyed them so much. I haven't had them in years until I noticed Hardees is now serving them. Well Travis brought some home one morning and the kids LOVED them. So I got the stuff and made some for myself. O' my....we are addicted. So yummy!

BISCUIT HOLES

Ingredients:

One can of biscuits

cooking oil

powdered sugar

Directions: Cut all biscuits in half and roll into little balls. (You can also cut them out with a donut cookie cutter and make little donuts as well) Drop them in hot grease one at a time. Fry until golden brown. Roll in sugar....Yummy to your tummy!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T22:05:00.009-04:00

I want to share our Halloween pictures with you. We had a super time. Our festivities started on Friday with Madelyn's school party. What a nice party it was. The kids got tons of treats and they were even given a pumpkin to decorate. Then on Friday night, Jacob's special friend Katie invited us to her church (that we used to attend when Jacob and Madi were babies) for a harvest party. We had such a good time. Jacob dressed as a Mime and Madi was a queen. They had a costume contest and Jacob won for his age group. We ate, played games, painted pumpkins, roasted marshmallows and trunk or treated. I'm so glad we chose to attend. Then on Halloween night we went and did some trick or treating with the Kidds. Now we have WAY too much candy in the Joyner home!!

Ready for school on Friday morning

Madi enjoying her party at school

Decorating her pumpkin

Madi and her BF Elle

The mime and the queen ready for the harvest party

He won!

Painting his pumpkin

Jacob and Katie's pumpkin

Madi painted one to look like her daddy:o)

trunk or treat

Jacob and Katie then(1999)

Jacob and Katie now(2009)

Roasting Marshmallows

As I looked at this fire and took a picture, I just stared and thought about how hot hell would be

Yummy....I love 'em!

Goodbye hugs

Halloween night with Caleb and Gracie

Some catching up to do!

2009-10-26T09:18:00.013-04:00

Wow! Its been so long since I've posted on my family blog. Where does time go? I just can't seem to catch up. I have so many things that I want to accomplish but just simply don't have the time. I'm so blessed to be able to be home all day long, BUT there are little people to take care of so its still a job and I can't just leave them and do what I like to do. So anyway, I'm trying to take advantage of naptime more so than I used to.

My last post was about us being ready for that first day of school. Well that first day came and went. Its now been six weeks and school is going well for both Jacob and Madi. Madi got her report card yesterday and got honor roll. A big shout out to her. She prays every night that God will help her and Jacob make good grades. :o)

Enjoy the pictures that I'm posting of whats been going on with us. We are certainly enjoying the fall weather as I think that is all of our favorite season. We are so blessed and giving God the glory!
Travis too Jacob on the first day of school. This is him getting out of the car and trying to have a "not so nervous" smile.

Madi all excited. Ready for the 4th grade!

Jacob with a backpack bigger than he is.

Second day....still excited

Big smile....but was he really happy about going to school???

Madi met Jacob at the bus stop and walked home with him. Thank the Lord he doesn't have to go to a bus stop anymore. Now the bus driver just picks him up at home:o)

Fall Ball Begins!

Pretty girls ready for church. Madi styling her new Cons!

I surprised Madi with a trip to Disney on Ice. She absolutely loved it. We invited Nancy and Gracie to go along with us. We had an awesome time!

Nancy, Gracie, Me and Madi

Travis took a photo before we left....She had no idea where we were going:o)

Ok well this is an interesting story. When Jacob was about 10 months old, I starting daycare in my home. The very first child that I kept was a little girl named Katie. She and Jacob are the same age and they would play so well together. I have so many memories of them. Her mom and I became very good friends but lost touch after they moved away. Well to make a long story short, we have all gotten back in touch with each other and Jacob and Katie have some kind of special friendship going on. Its so cute. Dawn and I took them for their first little "date" to 3 guys and of course I had to snap a picture.

Dawn and I

Madi before pictures were taken for cheerleading

Just some sweet pics of us and our babie

A picture of Madi at church dance prac...Getting ready for our big performance at the Franklin Fall Fest

The drama team performed at church and at the Franklin Fall Fest

Dance Team

Jacob go out and danced with a group of folks in Franklin. (Cupid Shuffle) Have I mentioned that Jacob LOVES to dance.

First Ball game of the season...Kinda chilly, not too bad.

Madi loves pom poms!

Daddy and his girl

Family pic at church on my 35th bday

A birthday gift from my mom....Very beautiful bracelet

Me and my girl

I got a Cricut for my bday. I've wanted one forever....I've been using it like crazy!!

Some of my creations. Madi and I will sit for hours and do crafts together.

Which one is mine and which one is Madi's??

I think we're ready

2009-09-06T16:51:00.005-04:00

Tuesday is quickly approaching and its the day that the kids go back to school. The Joyner house is excited and I think we are finally ready. As a Mom, I'm kind of happy and kind of sad. I'm happy because I have had so many kids in my home over the summer. Lots of them have been school kids and school kids make a lot more noise than my smaller daycare kids. So I guess I'm ready for them to go back so that I can have a little break, but on another note I'm sad. My baby boy is now 11 1/2 and he's entering middle school. This is such a scary time in life. You know, hormones everywhere, new school, new faces, and tons of peer pressure. I think for me, Its just going to take a lot of prayer to get me through. But I think he's ready or at least he thinks so. As for Madi bug, well she's going into fourth grade. She is SO ready she says. We've met her teachers and they all seem very good. Madelyn was a little sad because her homeroom teacher is a man and she said that she needed a lady:o) But after we met him, she says it'll be okay. And of course she has Mrs. Warren and we are already friends with her anyway, so Madi likes that.

We have done all of our shopping that we'll do for now. We haven't really bought clothes for the cold weather yet, but we did purchase a few things for the kids to start out. We had a fun day shopping on Saturday. Enjoy these picture of the Joyner's getting ready for the 2009-2010 school year.

Jacob hopping out of the van on orientation night at the middle school

Jacob and Travis walking up to the front door...Jacob nervous and excited

I just had to snap a picture while we were in one of the classrooms...Jacob was a little upset with me:o)

Jacob got his uniform to dress out in for P.E.

Madi in front of RES on Meet the Teacher day

Jacob loves Manicans. Its so funny...he poses with them

Ready to shop!

Warning!! Never take a 9 year old into Claires if you don't have all day

Posing again with someone whom doesn't have a head...Jacob is a nut!

Claires again!

Worn out...she shopped until she dropped!

Madi with all of her Vera Bradley stuff for school. She has the backpack, lunchbox, purse, pencil bag and the large cosmetic bag for glue, scissors, etc. She also bought the pencils...she's wanted those for a long time.

Practicing on a lock....gotta be able to open his locker

What a way to end the summer!

2009-08-30T19:03:00.010-04:00

We had a great time this weekend spending time with our church family. We are so blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives. I thank God for my church and my friends.

On Saturday we attended a church picnic/water baptism. It was really hot, but we stuck it out. The kids got to swim and we ate some yummy food. Its great when Travis gets to attend things like this with me. There are so many times when he's at work b/c of shiftwork and he misses events like this. I was glad that he was there.

Today we went to church(Travis had to miss b/c of work) and had a great service...well I teach children's church so I'm always in the back. But the kids and I had fun. Today we talked about forgiveness. I gave the kids lots of situations and the kids had to stand if it would be easy to forgive the person or stay seated if it would be easy. It was interesting to see how the kids responded. We learned that God's Grace is free and he's so forgiving and that's the way that he wants us to be.

After church Travis and I hosted a back to school party for our kids at church in grades preK-5th. The kids swam and had a good time. We ate ice cream sundaes and enjoyed lots of fellowship. I just love being around my church family!

I'm just so thankful for the wonderful summer that God has blessed us with. I'm so greatful that I get to work from home, so therefore I get to be with my kids all summer. We are so blessed and God gets the glory. Now its almost time to go back to school and get back on that schedule that we have to follow, but I know that God has big things in store for us, and for that I'm thankful.

Madelyn and Gracie at the picnic

The girls trying to put together a scripture. I gave them all of the words on individual pieces of paper. We had three teams and the fastest to put the scripture together the right way won. The girls were the winners.

The boys tried hard

Faster, faster

They thought they had it....not quite

Hebrews 12:15a

The gang...its always so hard for me to get good pics...they hate the camera

Madelyn was glad to see Georgia

Peyton at the back to school party

There's Trinity

Brooke

Braeden wanted me to get a pic of him in the air

Taylor

Amber

Mike

Madi

Brooke

Gracie girl

Rachel

The girls

Brooke

Trying to decide what to play with

Josh in a pink float...Pey Pey laughing

Smile ladies

Julie

Cam

Gracie

Nancy serving ice cream

Look at all that sugar

Jacob enjoying it...he wasn't even supposed to be at this party b/c he's going into sixth grade but who can stop him from being at his own house??:o)

Josh

Amber and Kim enjoying their ice cream

And a Happy Birthday it was!

2009-08-25T18:11:00.004-04:00

Madelyn had a wonderful birthday. Although we had to reschedule her party for the next day, because of rain, everything turned out great. Madelyn picked a pool party for this year and it was very successful. I think all of the children had a great time. I wasn't able to count every single child, but I'm guessing there were about 30 or so kids and I'm not sure how many adults. Madi made the list of who she wanted to come and since we were having it at home, I went with it. She got lots of great gifts and Travis and I gave her money. In our house if you have a party you get $50 and if you don't have a party you get $100. Of course Madi wanted a party. She loves for friends to come over. The more the merrier!

Travis came home with a rose for his girl....He always does that:o)
We took Madi and her friends out to dinner. She picked Mexican.
Madelyn and Elle....BFFs

Hunter, Jacob, Madelyn and Elle in front of the restaraunt

Madelyn's cake...she picked out everything about it

blowing out those nine candles

The girls

the gifts

Caleb doing the limbo

Jacob getting low

the girls again

precious CJ

Madi and Gavi...she was so excited to see her:o)

Madi and her cousin Chloe

Daddy's girl...Mommy's princess!

2009-08-22T00:14:00.009-04:00

Wow! Time has flown. Today we are celebrating Madelyn Riley's 9th birthday. I just can't believe my baby is 9 yrs. old! What a blessing to have been chosen to be the mommy of such a wonderful little girl.

As I remember back when I was pregnant with Madi, I almost start to shake with fear of that ever happening to me again. What I experienced for those 34 weeks was a nightmare. The first time I went into labor with Madi, I was only 24wks along. The labor was stopped but I was put on complete bedrest. I had contractions throughout my preganancy and I was hospitalized several times. The last time I was hospitalized, I was 30wks along and the labor could not be stopped. I was rushed from SMH to Norfolk Sentara in an ambulance given the max. amount of Mag. sulfate. I was vomiting from the meds, but almost completely paralized as well. It was the most horrific thing that I've ever had to experience. When I got to Norfolk, my labor was stopped and I was dilated 5cm. I stayed that way, in the hospital for four weeks!! Um...yeah FOUR weeks in Norfolk!! Jacob was 2 and he was home with Travis and was shifted from place to place when Travis was at work. Again....NIGHTMARE!

On Monday August 21st 2000, the Drs told me that I was able to go back home if I could walk around the hospital all day without going into labor. At this time I was 34wks preganant. I get up that morning and begin to walk. Of course after a few hours, I was seriously contracting AGAIN. This time I dialated to 7cm. Labor stopped on its own, but the drs said that I couldn't go home:( So the next morning August 22, 2000 the Dr. came in at 5am. I told her that I just couldn't take it anymore and began to cry. She said that she'd be right back. A little while later she came in and told me that she would be taking me down and breaking my water at 10am! That news couldn't have been better. I was big as a cow and dialated 7cm. I felt like Madi was going to fall out for 4 wks. I called everyone and sure enough my water was broken, and little Madi was born at 4:03pm. Weighing in at 6lbs12oz!! She would've been 10lbs if I had gone 40 weeks. THANK YOU LORD!

Madi is a miracle baby, just as Jacob is! Both born premature but turned out fine. Madi is a very happy, amazing child. Very smart with an awesome imagination. She's more than a mother could ever ask for in a daughter. She has a heart of gold, always concerned about others and their feelings. I'm so proud to be Madelyn Riley's Mom!

So today I want to wish my baby girl a very happy 9th birthday. Reach for the stars....dream big!! You are amazing Miss Madi, and I love you very much!!

Enjoy the photos...I laughed until my cheeks hurt. Madi was always soooo happy as a baby. She was and still is a joy!

Waiting for my princess

my baby girl was born!

Madi getting ready to go home

Jacob taking care of his new sissy

always happy

always smiling

just want to squeeze her

big cheese

I smile just looking at these pics

Laughing all the time

bad hair day

adorable

has ALWAYS loved pets

cutie pie

silly goose

a clown

dancing years

preschool pic/beautiful hair

growing up

loves softball

her hands have grown...time is flying!

Fashion Show

2009-08-20T20:44:00.004-04:00

We've done a little back to school shopping...mostly online. Madi is so excited about these new clothes. She can hardly stand it. So tonight she got a shower and planned a fashion show. She was so cute. I remember being the same way before school started. So excited about the new clothes, bookbag, shoes, etc. Check Miss Madi out modeling some of her new clothes!

Finally done!

2009-08-13T09:05:00.003-04:00

Most everyone knows that I love OLD.....anything old, especially my home! Nothing is perfect in an old home and that's just how I like it. Nothing is like anyone else. I love to be different...Madi does too! We got some of our ideas from Pottery Barn but a lot of the ideas were our own.

Desk still needs to be painted. Hopefully this weekend it'll get a new look. Maybe cream with some sort of polka dots!

Madi just had to have these lanterns hanging from her ceiling

Thank you Mama, Thank You

2009-08-12T07:28:00.007-04:00

Thank you Mama, Thank you is what I heard all night from Madi after we took the kids to the batting cages last night. What a fun night we had. It doesn't take much to please The Joynerz!

Seems like forever

2009-07-28T18:46:00.016-04:00

Wow! It seems like forever since I've posted to my personal blog. I try to keep up with the daycare one so that the parents are able to see their little ones. I should try to do better, ugh?

So what have we been up to this summer??? Well we certainly stay busy. We haven't been on a big spectacular vacation or anything special like that (hopefully that will come by fall) but we have had a good time being together. I have enjoyed so much having my kids home with me during the day, I will miss them so much when its time to go back to school. They have been such a huge help but also a delight to have around. The silly things they do and say just amazes me. Cutie patooties, I tell ya!

Some things that we have enjoyed together this summer: Swimming together, of course. We have enjoyed our pool. God knew how bad Jacob and Madelyn desired a pool and he has certainly blessed them with one. They are so funny. They said that they were actually praying for our neighbor to give us his pool. LOL! But we have really had a good time with it. We go out in the evenings together and horse around with the kids. We even have good old fashioned chicken fights with the kids on our shoulders. Its a hoot to say the least! and of course we love to gang up on Travis and try to dunk him, but he usually ends up picking us up in the air and across the pool we fly.....so there ya go:o) I still have tons of landscaping and such that I'd love to do. Hopefully soon I'll be able to accomplish those ideas that I have. It takes money and certainly time that we don't always have tons of. I think I'm going with a patio table and chairs for the deck. Maybe a lounge chair of some sort to go along with it. We have been back and forth on exactly what to put out there. I already have wicker furniture on my side porch, so I didn't really want that on the patio. Decisions....decisions!

I wasn't in the pool yet....but I got in the pic:o)

Something else that we've really enjoyed this summer is our evening bike rides. Lots of times we do this before we get in the pool. Travis and I both have really nice bikes and we've gotten out of riding them. Travis suffers from severe knee pain, so his bike is in our bedroom and never gets ridden. When we go he rides his cheapie so that he doesn't even have to bring the other one down the stairs. Anyway the kids love riding bikes and Sedley is such a great place to ride. Travis laughed when I brought my camera along....I usually have it everywhere I go, but not on bike rides. He ended up with the camera and enjoyed taking some funny pics that I won't even put on here:o) Put it this way....I wasn't lookin' so hot:o)

Late night dinners have been good too. Its been nice not having a schedule so we end up eating late. I know this isn't good for the figure but its good for me not to be in a rush! We've enjoyed getting fresh vegetables and fruit. The kids and I LOVE good 'ole corn on the cob, tomatoes, cucumbers, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc. Yummy yummy!

Its amazing how much God has blessed us. We have come so far and I'm so glad that I have my Heavenly Father to thank for it. Sometimes I feel a million miles away from him, but I know he's there. I'm so proud of my kids. Jacob went to youth camp last week and wow did I miss him. BUT he had a lot to tell me when he got home. He was so excited to see us. I allowed him to take his cell phone so that he would have it on the ride up there and back but he had to leave it in the van while he was at camp. He was so cute. As soon as he could get to his phone when camp was over, he called me. He wanted to talk to everyone in the house. I'd say he was a little homesick. :( But he told me some good things about camp. He LOVED his cabin leader...I think they got along really well. He even called Jacob after camp was over. Also I was very proud of him for standing up and participating in the worship services. He said that he and another kid were the only ones that REALLY participated and he even said that he was embarrassed b/c the other ones didn't. I always tell him that it takes more of a man to stand up and not care what others think, than to sit down and give in to the Devil. He told me all about the scriptures that they learned about and he was very eager to look them up when he got home. Thats a way to make Mama proud!!

Lots of changes will be taking place in our life soon. For one, Jacob will be going off to Middle School. Its kinda scary for me to think about, but all we can do is stay in daily prayer. The best thing about it is that we have Jesus on our side....with Him all things are possible. We talk with Jacob on a daily basis about making good decisions and choosing to do the right things. Peer pressure is tough, I can remember those days, but we can't allow the Devil to have a foothold. Jacob will see that very soon. I have faith in my little booga though....He's going to do fine!

Madelyn attended softball camp in chuckatuck. She's enjoyed it, although she says it was a little hot. Princesses aren't supposed to get hot, I guess. :o) She keeps saying how it was the best camp she had ever been to. She definitely learned a ton!

On the way to take Madi to camp...what kinda face is that Travis???

The next few pics are just random.

We went to Va. Beach for the day. I took them while Travis slept....He was on 11-7

We ate at the "new" Burger King on the first day that it opened. The kids love BK.

We had taco salads one night. Madelyn doesn't eat beef nor does she really like Tacos. This is what our plate looked like and the next pic is what hers looked like. She is a TRIP!

Deck almost complete

2009-07-13T08:50:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to share a few pictures of our deck that Travis built. Its really coming together nicely. We still have to paint the posts and he plans to build a wooden walkway to the pool. I will be getting patio furniture soon, still haven't decided if I'm getting a table and chairs or some type of lounge furniture.

Nancy and Gracie came over on Sunday afternoon and we had good time visiting and floating in the pool. I'm definitely looking forward to more of these days. It was nice!

Gracie brought her blue shirt so Madi went up and got hers to put on. They looked cute.

We were dressed alike too! Thanks Nancy for the cover-up!

Here's the new deck.

Flower boxes on each side...I love it!

Posts still need to be painted...urgh!

Blessed beyond measure

2009-07-07T22:07:00.007-04:00

Well I know that everyone is ready for this post. The pool is finally complete. As most of you know....we were blessed with our neighbor giving us his pool. Its not everyday that someone gives you a pool:o) Jacob and Madelyn just say that their prayers were answered! I'll go with that.

There is a lot to putting in a pool. A lot of ground preparation and a lot of help is needed. We were blessed with some really great guys that helped us out! All of this brought back tons of childhood memories. When I was about Madi's age, my parents put an in-ground pool in. They put it in themselves just like we did this above-the-ground. All I can say is....now I understand how much work it was.

I'm so thankful that I have a husband that can do ANYTHING! No matter how big or small, if I ask him, he will find a way to make things happen. He had never put in a pool before or built a deck and now all of this is coming together and he's doing it ALL.

Enjoy these photos of the process. We are so blessed!

Trying to figure out where the pool will go

Ground tilled up and grass removed

Travis out at 9:30pm leveling the ground and using the compactor to make sure everything is ready for the next day.

Shoveling sand

Jacob and Madi both helped

Walls go up
Cove is done

The liner goes in

Working the wrinkles out

Water goes in
Almost time for dinner

Travis had to get out with only one side of the ladder. He had help though.

We had pizza one night with everyone that came to help put in the liner

Travis had to keep getting in to fix stuff
Its cold!!!
first one in
Logan and Madison loving it
chillaxin'
Jacob does flips from the ladder

This is my float but somehow becomes theirs
Hoops in the pool
Travis working on the patio that is in progress
swimming at 9:30pm
Good times
Bubba and sisterly love
Having fun...its about 10pm here and Travis is working on the patio and Jacob and Madi are swimming!

The final result!

We won!

2009-06-22T07:10:00.006-04:00

Jacob and Madelyn had a friend to spend the night on Friday night. Connor came over with Jacob and Jenna with Madelyn. Jenna had to go home so Madi called Elle to come spend the day and Saturday night. Before the big game on Saturday we took the kids to Pinos.

In the dug-out right before the game started

Jacob behind Dillon in Left Field

Madi and Elle posin

They won the championship game!

Trophy number one....for winning the tournament

Getting trophy number 2 for being the number one team The coach got dunked!
Very exciting to be a part of the winning team. Jacob did not get to play a whole lot this year...his first year of Broncos but he certainly learned ALOT and he made some new friends. He's already talking about fall ball. I'm so proud of Jacob for being a good sport!

Tears and Joy

2009-06-21T18:02:00.006-04:00

First the tears… This happens to be the second Father’s Day for me without my dad. It makes me sad because I don’t have a dad here on earth to wish a happy Father’s Day. I know he is now without pain and he’s not suffering and that makes me happy, but I would love to be able to hear his voice one more time and tell him that I love him. I have tons of memories of my dad. The fondest ones were of us fishing together. I was always the one to catch the first fish and it was usually the biggest one. He would brag on me so much because I was the only girl with TONS of boy cousins. As I drove home today from church…I heard one of the songs that we played at my dad’s funeral. It’s called Cadillac Kind. My daddy never was the Cadillac Kind for sure. He was a very simple man…it didn’t take much to please him at all. It’s exciting to know that now he’s with his Father in heaven and he has everything he needs and desires. I love you daddy!

My dad with his grandkids...old pic...but I like it b/c all grandkids are in it

Now for the joy! I have an amazing husband and my children have an amazing dad. I’m so glad that I have a man that loves his family. Travis always puts me and the kids first. He always thinks of us and never himself. He’s a dad that hates to miss anything that our children do. He’s a dad that will spend his last dollar so that his children can have what they want and most importantly what they need. When our kids hurt….he hurts too. I’m very thankful for all he’s done and how hard he has worked to take care of us. Happy Father’s Day, Travis. You are the best!

Here are a couple of "old" pics and a few new ones.

We gave Travis a fishtank for Father's Day...He's wanted one for a long time. Now lets see who keeps it clean:o)

And finally I would like to say how happy I am to have my Father in heaven. I can’t imagine my life without HIM. He’s my rock…He takes care of me….and without a doubt He’s always there for me. Thank you heavenly Father for who I am, for the life you’ve given me and for being my savior!

VBS day 3

2009-06-18T15:37:00.002-04:00

Wednesday night was another great night at VBS! Our bible verse for the night was "The Lord kept his promise" Exodus 12:42. We learned about how God spared the Israelites at Passover. GOD DOES WHAT HE SAYS HE'LL DO!
Tyler cheeses for the camera

We celebrated Natalie and Nancy's birthday
Josh had a God sighting
Madi posing with Jacob's hat. He couldn't be there b/c of baseball practice. I should mention that his team was practicing for the championship game that will be held on Saturday....Go Sedley!
Two sweet little people...Logan and Bryant

Madelyn and Gracie eating their dinner
Jenna and Gracie posing with their hats on
Jacob made it at the end...he sitting with Nick and Connor
Trying not to get wet...Pastor Matt was spraying spraying the kids with water teaching them about God's protection.
Pastor Matt
Madelyn and Emily

VBS day 2

2009-06-17T16:32:00.005-04:00

Tristan having a good time
Logan and Mikayla...partners
Madelyn and Bryant...partners
Singing praises!
Ready to play the game
Silly...I mean....Silly!
Jacob played the part of Pharaoh...he didn't have a crown and refused to go out without something on his head b/c he had worn a hat all day. So...he kinda looked like Moses...but who cares!
Like Bro and Sis
Madi helping the little ones get the moves down
Shakin' a leg
My crew
Tristan and Chase..cute cute

Such a sweet girl
Best little dude in the world!!

VBS Day 1

2009-06-16T07:57:00.007-04:00

Travis took this picture...not sure whats going on with my eyes:o)
A sweet Madi bug!
Nancy had my camera and this is one of the pics she took...I had to post this....too funny!
Jacob loved helping with crafts.
Nancy helping the kids do crafts
Lisa getting their names on the photo frames
Jacob having some apples and PB for snack
There's Tyler
There's Tristan....so glad to see them at VBS
A sweet Madi again
Gracie girl
Emily
Jacob and Nick posing for a pic
Julie and Natalie lookin' good
Silly boy
Madi with her crew
This is such a darn SWEET face!
Being goofy but having a good time
Tristan again

On to 4th grade!

2009-06-11T18:06:00.004-04:00

Today was the last day of school. Madelyn did really well this year...considering:o) Anyway, I went to her awards ceremony and she received 2 awards. One for outstanding grades in science and one for honor roll for the entire year. She was excited and I am very proud of her. I also attended her end of the school year party (which really wasn't a party if you ask me) and I took a few pictures there. She stayed up late the night before preparing treat bags of each of her classmates. She made each of them a keychain with her beads as well. Very thoughtful little girl. Its hard to believe my baby will be in the 4th grade next year. Time is really flying by and we are having a great time!

Madi and one of her besties, Jamie
Eating her icecream
Madi and Rebecca
Madi and her teacher...Mrs. Webber
Handing out those treat bags.
Her awards....way to go girly!
Standing on stage