Jared's 6th Birthday

A couple of weeks ago we had a few families over to help us celebrate Jared's birthday. We also had his great-grandparents and great-aunt over. They are the ones who took care of him for most of his little life. He loves them so much! Jared was so excited to have them here! We enjoyed hot dogs and hamburgers from the grill. Even with just a few families, we had a house full of children, it was completely chaotic, but so much fun for Jared!

Jared with DaDa & Granny

Jared, Sam & John Ashford helping blow out the candles

Opening his gifts

1st Day of School!

Today was a good day! It started with a wake-up call of 5:00 for a run with the older boys. We met friends at the track and had a great run! Afterwards, we drove through Connie's for chicken and gravy biscuits and Shipley's for donuts! No, I did not eat both!! Okay maybe I popped a few donut holes on the way home! I wish that everyday would be like the first day! Everyone bright eyed and bushy tailed, eager to start and ready to learn! Avery was the most excited of all, her first day of Kindergarten! She woke up, picked the perfect dress, and wanted me to fix her hair and put in a bow! She was so cute, grinning from ear to ear!

Carson doing his typing lesson

Jared still looking a little sleepy!

John Parker playing a reading game

Take a peek at our closet! Everything is so neat and organized! I love it!

Just wonder how long it will last?!

I am excited to be starting our 6th year of homeschooling, thankful that I have this opportunity with my precious babies and blessed to have met so many wonderful friends through our journey!

Back to School Fun!

After a two month sabbatical, I'm back, or at least I hope that I am! I know it has been way too long since my last post and so much has happened this summer! I have been dreading posting because I was overwhelmed with how behind I have gotten, But........ I have decided to just start with the here and now, if I get to it I will catch up on some of the summer, but if not that's okay, too! Let me just say that the summer was great, but entirely too short!

We began our back to school festivities on Friday with a scavenger hunt. This has become our tradition at the start of each year. The kids love it and get so excited running through the house searching for the clues and of course their treasure at the end! In the past, the kids have gotten new backpacks, school/art supplies, and this year it was Barnes and Noble gift cards. As soon as they finished the hunt, we all loaded up in the van and headed to choose their books. I enjoyed a yummy coffee from Starbucks while they looked for the perfect book! Afterwards, we went to Chick-fil-A for lunch and ice cream!

Showing off their cards!

John Parker 5th Grade - age 10

Carson 3rd Grade - age 8

Jared Kindergarten - age 6

Avery Kindergarten - age 4


Enjoying lunch & especially dessert!

Fun times!

Frog Level 5K

This morning the children and I drove to the Pratts community to run a 5K. This was the first time that I have ever been to Pratts, didn't even know where it was until today! The weather was terrible, a really strong thunderstorm came through about 30 minutes before the start, but only delayed the race for about 10 minutes. I am very proud of all of us! John Parker and Carson placed 2nd in their age divisions, and I placed 1st in mine! I joked with Jimmy, telling him that I was glad Roan wasn't there, or I would have been bumped down to 2nd place! Our times are posted on the sidebar.

John Parker & Carson were thrilled with their trophies!



Emily & Me

Avery giving Stephen a congrats hug!

John Parker, Carson & Clay all smiles!

My sweeties got a little bit wet!

There was going to be a frog jumping contest at noon, but I was just too tired, wet and cold to hang around for it, maybe next time!

Elvis Presley 5k

Elvis even showed up to motivate the runners!

Saturday morning John Parker, Carson and I ran the Elvis 5k. I wished Kelly could have been there, but he was in Birmingham. I can't even begin to tell you how proud I am of my boys, including Kelly (lost 35 lbs. since he started running-Wow)! I am amazed at how well they are doing in just such a short time of training! I don't know our official times, still waiting for it to be posted, but I know I achieved a personal record and broke 30!!! I am thrilled with that! Carson ran with me the entire race, either one step behind or right beside me, but when he got about 500 feet from the finish, he broke out into a sprint and left me! That little stinker! I asked him later was he trying to beat me or just ready to be finished, and he said he was ready to be finished! I didn't know at the time, but John Parker was not far behind, I think we all finished within less than a minute of each other. Stephen ran his first 5k and did awesome, 21:15 or close to it! He placed 2nd in his age division!

Kim & Emily all smiles before the race

Caroline, Lia & Kate ready to run

Carrie Ann & Barbara
They came to cheer Scott on & were kind enough
to watch Jared & Avery for me!
Thanks girls!

Finished!

John Parker, me, Leah & Avery

Ben & Carson won 1st & 3rd in the 9 and Under age division!

Way to go!

Me, Emily & Kim afterwards!

John Parker with his buddies, Ryan & Clay!

Stephen claiming his 2nd place prize!

Sam, Avery, Jared & Leah having fun playing in the shade!

The Spartans were well represented

We all had a such a fun time running and being with friends!

The boys can't wait till the next race!

St. Jude Memphis 1/2 Marathon

It is official, Kelly and I are now registered to run a half-marathon the first weekend in December !!!! Who would have ever thought!!!! If you had asked me last year, I would have laughed at you and said no way! I am so not ready for it either mentally or physically! I still have a long way to go, but have plenty of time to train my mind and body!!! I am super excited and can't wait to have the 13.1 decal on my van! That is motivation in itself!!

Around Here.............

summer has begun!

not much blogging has been going on!

cleaning and organizing is a slow but steady process.

lots of swimming and playing outside is going on!

we're enjoying food from the grill.

ball fields and baseball games three nights a week!

the children are dirty most of the time.

our family continues to run together!

books are being read!

I'm drowning in laundry!

we have enjoyed having lots of company in our home!

our garden has produced some of its' first fruits.

we still have chickens!

thoughts and plans of next school year are swimming in my head.

lots of Popsicles are being consumed!

we are celebrating new beginnings.

our children have learned that death is a time of rejoicing for those rewarded a home in heaven.

life's lessons are being learned.

we are leaning on God to lead us in the way that he would have us to go.

we are BLESSED!