Lunch Lady

This year I volunteered to be in charge of all lunch room helpers at the kids school and I help every Monday. Claire loves going and having lunch with her big sister and brother, every Monday she asks me a hundred times "when is lunch, I am ready to go to lunch." As soon as we get in the lunch room Claire waits for Evelyn to come in and she quickly sits next to her and starts eating her lunch. All of Evelyn's friends are so nice to her and she feels so proud of herself. When it is time for her to go to recess Claire goes and finds Coleman and finishes her lunch with him.

Evelyn gets so excited to see Claire and Ruby and is such an AMAZING big sister!!!!

Here she is with her big brother. He isn't always as happy to see Claire as Evelyn, but he was so sweet to her today. (maybe all the talks about family being the most important thing finally sunk in ). After Coleman ate with Claire he came up to me and said "I just got some major bonus points, I am a good brother." He is a good brother and he made Claire's day!!!

Here she is helping me clean tables!!! I love this little girl and love spending my day with her!!

I'm Pregnant

Claire is so obsessed with her babies, they must go everywhere with us. During the day while everyone else is at school Claire is at home with me being a Mommy to her babies; Sleeping Beauty, Ariel, Cinderella, and Belle. Claire definitely loves her Disney princesses. They go in the car and actually have to be buckled up in the car seat, she has a highchair for them at dinner time. It really is getting a little nuts. The other day she came up to me and said "Mommy I have to tell you something, I am pregnant...I am going to have another baby" I mean really she is a nut!!! So later in the day she found another baby in the basement in the toy closet and came to me and told me "This is my new baby Sarah, I love her". Don't we all wish pregnancy could last 5 hrs, that would be a brilliant plan.

Claire the little Mommy!!!

Another Year!

Well we are back to the grind and I can't believe the summer is over.

I am so grateful that Coleman and Evelyn are at American Heritage School for the third year, it is the most amazing school and has been such a blessing for our family. I love that they get to experience a Christ centered education. I love that the teachers really understand who my child REALLY is, a precious son and daughter of our Heavenly Father, and they remind them of it daily. They also focus on the Founding Fathers of our Country and the role our Heavenly Father played in the development of our Constitution.(of course they also do a amazing job in reading, math, science, etc) I have really seen a change in my kids since we started attending here and I hope we NEVER have to leave!!!

Do you notice the difference in the 2 faces. Coleman was so embarrassed that I was taking his picture outside in front of the school, I mean what if one of his friends had seen him. Evelyn on the other hand was so pleased with herself that she was about to burst!!!

On the way to school Evelyn asked me to walk her in because she wanted a picture of her and her desk. She also couldn't wait to see if she was in the front row because that would be so cool. When Coleman heard her say that he literally almost died, he always wants the back row. They really could not be anymore different in this area. When Evelyn got home she was so excited to tell me all about how hard 2nd grade was going to be, she said "Mommy we get to learn cursive, and all our multiplication facts and we get to start marking our own scriptures...I LOVE 2nd grade" What a cutie.

Leland is doing an all day pre-K program this year, her birthday is so close to the cut-off day that we decided to wait a year for kindergarden (plus American Heritage is pretty intense and I wasn't sure she was ready). Anyway she is so excited to go everyday and get to do homework, she is growing up so fast!!

Claire started her first year of real pre-school. She is so attached to me that it really helped that she is at the same school as her "sissy." Leland walks her to class in the morning and they eat lunch together, Claire goes 2 days full-day!!!

So I now have 2 days with just me and Ruby from 9 to 3, today was the first day and it really was nice. I went to Wal-mart and I didn't have to say "no" one time. It was Heaven!!!

Holy Yumminess

This is what I got in the mail today, 13 bags and 18 bars of Ghirardelli chocolate. Why you might ask? Well obviously I am someone's favorite person. It must have been all the nice things I said about him on my blog, all I know is Bob Krallis is on my good list for a long time. I think he must know the chocolate fairy or something. There is a chocolate fairy, right? He leaves those little chocolates on your pillow when you go to nice hotels. Or maybe after a week with my kids he thought I could use some chocolate, I really don't care why- all I know is I am one HAPPY girl.

Coleman saw it and about went nuts. Sorry Mama and Big Daddy but you dropped a notch or 2 today and unless you can beat chocolate you aren't recovering anytime soon. He was literally hyperventilating, but don't you worry I hid it real good and if they find it I will just hide it again. Bob, I did share with them and I will continue to do so, but only on my terms. hahaha. Thanks for the chocolate we really really really like it!!!!!!

Sorry Brittany and Brandon I hear I am the only one that got this...favorite, maybe?...I'm just saying, that is a lot of chocolate....you might want to think about this!!! :)

Smith Mountain Lake

On our last week of our marathon vacation we headed back to Raleigh to go to the lake with Brian's family. We drove to Smith Mountain Lake in VA, and were so excited to get on the water. We very much appreciate the fact that Brenda and Bob have a boat...very good purchase, we totally approve!!! :):) I took over 100 pictures while we were there so these are just some of the highlights!!!

Memere and Papa and my crew.

Evelyn had a great time in the pool with Coleman and went on the tube several times, she is growing up so fast :(:( She went fishing for the first time and caught her very first fish. She was the only one to catch one that day so she was pretty excited.

Leland had never really been on a tube before and boy did she like it! She was like a wild women out there, always saying faster, it was unbelievable. Brian threw them all over the lake and she just held on for dear life, I think she really just loved being with Coleman. Despite the fact that he bugs his sisters a lot he still has them wrapped around his finger. It was a great vacation for the whole family and everyone bonded and made such great memories together. Coleman is obsessed with the boat, he had sooo much fun with his Papa. They spent so much time together and I am so glad for his influence on my son, he is a great man.

All the kids had such a blast in the pool, I am SO glad we had it to play in and burn off some energy.

Aleksi came up from FL to come to the lake with us and we are so glad she did. My girls were so obsessed with her I barely saw them. Leland and Claire were on her heals the whole time. She even told some pretty amazing bedtime stories. I love this girl and hope my kids turn out as helpful, considerate, and all around great as Aleksi. We miss you!

AHHH...What can I say, but so cute. She was pretty attached to me the whole trip and that is how I like it. She is my baby and always will be!!

More Smith Mountain Lake

More fun pictures

Memere was so good at playing games with the kids. There was yatzee, monopoly and cards. I definitely think monopoly carries the most weight...that is a serious long game!!! They played it a while and Evelyn won. I love seeing my kids having so much fun with their grandparents, Brenda is so good about giving my kids individual time and I feel so thankful for that. Once again my kids are so blessed!!

Coleman was determined to jump the wake this year and as you can see from the picture he did it!!! WooWhooo!!! He and Brian love doing wake-boarding and it has been a great summer activity. It is just a matter of time before Brian comes home with a boat. We all love being on the lake as a family and this trip was no exception.

Caden is watching Coleman play paper toss on his itouch and for some reason he is CRACKING UP!!! It was hilarious to watch. It was the stillest I saw him the whole trip. (To say this boy is busy is a gross understatement, but his Mommy is the best so it's all good!!! And he is so beautiful...it helps!)

These girls LOVE Aleksi. Actually all my kids do, she helped so much and we were so glad she came. :):)

Aunt Maria ROCKS!! When she realized it was Leland birthday she said she was going to make a pinata, I of course said not to worry about it. I thought she would die, she said in Bolivia you can not have a birthday without a pinata, if you do you know your parents don't love you. Well I can't have Leland thinking we don't love her so I put my faith in Maria and her mad skills. Can I say donut box, yes my friends she made this adorable pinata out of a box, tissue paper, glue, and tons of talent. I can't even imagine what she could do if she had the right supplies. Thank you so much Aunt Maria for all your love for my kids and the AWESOME pinata, it was the highlight of the party!!!

I LOVE a good play!!!

I am a sucker for a play and when I saw that 7 Brides for 7 Brothers was playing at the Flat Rock Playhouse I got on the phone and bought tickets immediately!! If you haven't seen this movie and you like musicals at all, go get it tonight it is one of my favorites. The Flat Rock Playhouse is a amazing little theatre with great talented actors, I was impressed with the whole production. It was honestly as good as any show I have seen on Broadway.

Stacie, Evelyn and I went together and had such a great time. We went out for sushi and then for ice cream. I was so glad Evelyn went, she loved every minute. She sat on my lap and laughed and smiled the whole time. I am so proud I am raising a bunch of theatre junkies!!! At least now if Brian won't go with me I can take one of the kids :):):)

Coleman was suppose to go, but his smart mouth got him in BIG trouble. When we got to Raleigh his Memere was asking him about the play and he said "Yea I didn't get to go because of my attitude, man it is really taking me places" I was cracking up. He may be a little of a smart ass but at least he's not stupid.

Carl Sandburg Goat Farm

On this Day my Mom and I headed out to Carl Sandburg's home with all the big kids. Stacie stayed home with the babies who were napping. It was a fun way to spend a few hours and the kids definitely burned off some energy...big plus!!

The whole gang.

Notice Coleman's "happy" face, at what point will this stop. I love how Claire brought her "baby Bell" she love this doll and she had to bring her everywhere with us.

This goat must not have had enough lunch, because Evelyn's shirt was looking kinda tasty.

They had a bunch of baby goats and they were so friendly and sweet. The kids had a great time petting them.

Claire wasn't very sure about petting a goat, but the guy told her the goats name was Bell (which funny enough is her baby's name) and she was just fine.

Leland and Shelbie hand in hand....as always! I LOVE this picture!

Just too much fun at Mama's house

Who needs drugs when you have 8 kids, and a LOT of FUN!!! (Ok maybe having 8 kids is exactly why you might need drugs) But we did have a ton of fun!!!

My Mom loves her grandkids and the fact that she let them make a mess of her house is proof!! She has always liked things to be in there place and be neat and clean, but with 8 little kids that is a little hard. We really did try our best, but there were times when it was out of hand. My Mom never said a word, she just said "What should we do next" these kids were so spoiled!!! Mama is definitely there biggest fan!

One morning my Mom had the girls in her room and they put Ruby in this basket, she just played with toys and the girls thought it was hilarious.

Here they are at a bounce house in Hendersonville, they had so much fun, as you can see from the pictures!!

Shelbie and Leland were so excited to have a "Slumber Party" at Mama's house. They got to watch 2 movies and sleep on the couch together. Stacie and I watch some of Beauty and the Beast with them and they are some cute little girls....like seriously cute!!!!

I just have to say how close they are, it was so fun to watch them walk around the house always holding hands and coming up with their next plan or game. They would hug each other and really are so much alike it is too cute for words. I wish so bad that they lived closer together. They are truly the best of friends and love each other so much.

Family time is the best time

I love my parents so much and I am willing to bet that they are the best grandparents around. My kids are so lucky to be loved by these two people, and I am so thankful for their constant love and support. I feel blessed!!!

Here is my Dad on his 67th birthday with all the kids (except Coral, who was asleep and Claire who was having a diva moment) They love him and had a good time with him at Dollywood and Splash Country. He took the older kids to 2 movies and made them stuff out of wood. He only told them to CALM down a few times so I know he must love them. He is the BEST Big Daddy!!

Here are the kids giving him 67 birthday hugs, they really did give 67 hugs and I think he liked it!!! What a lucky man!

That is a lot of kids!!!

the BIG 5

I am constantly telling my kids to stop growing and they just won't listen. Somehow Leland is already 5, and I don't like it. I remember when I was pregnant with her, in the hot SC heat in Aug. I was sooooo tired of being pregnant. I begged my OB to let me go early and he said the only way I could go before 39 wks is if I did an amnio, so I DID!!! My Doctor said he had never seen anyone who was so desperate to have their baby. :):) Well when they pulled her out of me I couldn't believe how cute she was, just perfect!!! I have been smitten with her ever since!!!

Look at that sweet face!!! It feels like it was yesterday I held her in my arms and now she is 5! WOW!! I love this little girl!

There are so many things I love about this girl and she has grown up so much this year. Here are my favorite things about this little princess. Her laugh, her smile, her beautiful hair. Leland is always so helpful, she is always the first one we ask when we need help around the house. She loves to play with her sisters and try's to be a peacemaker. She loves to ride her bike and just took off the training wheels, loves to dance and sing. Leland has a serious sweet tooth and loves chocolate. She also loves to watch the food network and is the best helper in the kitchen. She is going to be a domestic goddess one day for sure. I have loved being this little girl's Mommy and feel like I was sent a little angel from heaven.

My baby is 11...where did the time go???

Prince Coleman turned 11 years old on the 4th and it is crazy to me that he is already that old. Coleman is a great kid and I am so glad he is my son. The night before his birthday I went to tuck him in he looked so sad so I asked him what was wrong and he said he just felt so sorry for Big Daddy and I said why? He said because he didn't even get 1 present for his birthday, how can you have a birthday and not get one thing?. I then explained to him how as you get older you don't care so much about gifts, that he was just happy to have his family around him. I am sure he thinks that is CRAZY, he loves his family and all but there better be a present on his birthday. Thank You very much Prince Coleman.

Here he is with his Birthday PIE!!! Coleman doesn't like cake, not sure why!!!, so we got him a PIE from the Fresh Market and I think he looks happy.

Here are some of my favorite things about my first and only son. He is very funny, quick witted, and can always make me laugh. He love snowboarding, science, playing with friends, being with his dog Daisy. He is so good at putting stuff together and is very mechanical minded, more often then not he is the one that puts stuff together at our house. he is a good big brother, especially to Ruby. He has really grown up a lot this year and has even babysat for the first time. I am so grateful my girls have him as a big brother. He is a good example and really does try to choose the right. I love him and I am enjoying watching him grow into a young man. I love you Coleman

9 months-almost

Ruby Leigh is almost 9 months and I can hardly believe it!! I really do feel like I just had her, where does the time go??? I have enjoyed having this sweet angel so much, I think knowing she is my last has made it all the sweeter. Ruby is so easy it is sick, everyone that spends any time with her can't believe how good she is!! I have to say that I am definitely her FAVORITE and that is just fine by me, I love having her in my arms. Some of her latest achievements include going from her tummy to a sitting position, she is really starting to giggle and is trying to imitate whatever I do, she also got her first 2 teeth in the last week (the bottom 2) it is so cute, and she is almost crawling.

All she needs to do is move that back leg and she will be on her way to crawling!!!

bath time makes me happy!!!

I love this picture, her eyes look so big!!!

happy girl

I love this too!!!!

Happy Birthday little Miss Perfect :)

On july 31st My sweet Evelyn was born, I can't believe it has already been 7 years. Since the day she was born she has been a joy, Evelyn is just such a great girl and she blesses my life everyday. She does have a few flaws but seeing how it is her birthday i will overlook them and list all her good qualities. All she wanted on her birthday was for everyone to wish her Happy Birthday, she never asked for one present. She is the most grateful child, and never asks for anything. I love this about her!! I wish all my children had this quality (Coleman).

Bits and Pieces:

Loves cars, loves to read, loves school,very smart-and knows it:), going into 2nd grade, gives great prayers, very helpful, a good little organizer, a definite leader among her sisters and peers, tomboy-and proud of it, loves baseball and kickboxing, loves primary, loves to tell jokes, motivated to succeed, looks up to her brother, likes to draw and do crafts, and loves to wear hats. This may seem like a lot of things, but she is a special girl and I love her dearly. I hope she had a great day and always knows how much I love her, my first sweet little girl.

Happy Birthday Evelyn!

Dollywood and Splash Country!

It amazes me how much stuff you have to take with you when you have 8 kids. I thought 5 was bad, but 8 is just to many!!! On july 28th we loaded up 2 cars and headed to the Great Smoky Mountains to Dollywood. I have to admit I was pretty excited, the last time I was there was when my Daddy took me right before I went to college for a Daddy Daughter day. It really is a pretty fun place! The first day we got there we went to the hotel and bought our 3 day passes and headed to the park, 5 mins after we got there it started storming and they closed the park. So we rode one ride and got soaking wet. GOOD FUN!! The next day it rained a little in the morning and cleared up for a great day. Evelyn just barely made the 48 inch height requirement to ride almost everything, and she actually did. I was amazed she rode her first roller coaster and it was no joke, as soon as it was over I felt for sure she was going to say "I never want to do that again" but instead I heard "That was wicked, lets do it again" What a difference a year makes. The 3rd day we went to Splash Country water park and that is a dang good time. (Stacie might not agree with me, being pregnant sucks when you are at amusement parks, they won't let you ride ANYTHING. They should totally let you in free). Anyway, they have the best slides I have ever seen and Coleman, Miles, Evelyn, Big Daddy, and I had a BLAST riding them all. We also took Shelbie and leland on a few rides that they were tall enough for, but were probably not ready for. :) I have never laughed so hard as I did at Shelbie and watching Big Daddy basically throw her down a slide. It really was sooo funny, you had to be there!

The last day we were planning on going back to Dollywood for a half day but it poured rain-POURED!!! So we headed home and it was not an easy trip. It started with Coral throwing up all over Stacie just as we got the car packed, then Miles started puking and it pretty much went like that the WHOLE way home. It was the longest ride of my life. It took about twice as long as it was suppose to, FUN!! What's funny is that Shelbie and Leland had such a good time in the car that when we pulled in the driveway Leland looks up and says " That wasn't a very long trip at all" I thought Stacie was going to die. LOL!! :):)

Here we all are after our 20 minute to Dollywood after getting soaked!!

These 3 had a blast at splash country.

Big Daddy and Ruby at Dollywood. He loves this baby and was happy to hold her anytime, Ruby would just light up anytime she saw him! She was happy the whole time and even took a few cat naps in the stroller.

Me and my crew. Coleman's face is the best. You would think he was having a bad time or something, but he was very happy till I pulled out the camera and said lets take a picture. What a little punk!