Keddington Kraze

Indiana

2012-02-15T11:57:00.000-05:00

Well we are "home" in Indiana--living it up in a small hotel room--doing the homeschool thing--I am so happy to be together as a family--even though these aren't ideal circumstances. Jimmy pleads to swim--everyday. Chase would be happy to watch food network--all day. Me--I just wish that we could be settled already! Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, I am not sure that is in the cards for Joe and I--we always seem to be on the edge of something changing--jobs, houses, kids, dogs, etc... I look at the farms that we are surrounded by now and I wonder/envy their lifestyle.

Have I ever mentioned that I want a farm--not a big farm, but a farm that we can sustain ourselves by--raise some piggies and chickens--have a massive garden--hang my laundry out to dry--can my own produce--share with my neighbors--sort of farm. I want my kids to learn the value of hard work, dedication, and reward that I think a farm would provide. It all seems ideal--doesn't it! But we have to pay the bills and stick with what we have got--for now--come what may--we can face it together.......and the boys can have their daddy, who they missed more than anything!

Thanksgiving 2011

2012-02-06T13:27:00.001-05:00

We spent Thanksgiving with some friends this year--I only took a couple of pics!

Jimmy's 6th Birthday!

2012-02-06T13:23:00.000-05:00

Jimmy's 6th Birthday--November 15, 2011

ch-ch-ch-changes???

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

I have lost my camera charger! I can't find it any where! So no new pics to share--we have been keeping super busy around here--Joe still in Indiana--me and the kids here :[

But we have made some decisions in the last week that will change all that! Last week I started home schooling the boys--something I NEVER thought I would do--and the boys L.O.V.E. it--and shockingly enough so do I!

So I am going to spend the next week or so preparing the house for us to be--together--not here--should be a fun adventure--RIGHT?

For Amber-----Candy Cane tree 2011

2012-01-09T10:35:00.002-05:00

4th Annual Candy Cane Tree!

This year we had to move to a higher location--due to Ollie!

Links to years gone by--2010--the other links are on that post :] enjoy!

January 3 2012

2012-01-03T18:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight I made--mashed potatoes with hamburger gravy--a dish that ALWAYS reminds me of my Grandma Walker--(who by the way is 90 and still cooks for herself and my 92 year old Grandpa)--I go back to being 6 again--peeking over the back of the stove as she made the gravy and hand mashed the potatoes (I hand mashed mine tonight--yum)--as I sat down to start eating--Jimmy took his first bite and said "Mom --you're skillin' it up--like a chief!" He always has a unique way of putting things.
Between today and yesterday where I made smothered burritos (reminds me of the Keddingtons) and Apple Crisp (reminds me of my Mom and Dad) I think I officially miss my family!

What they always wanted!

2012-01-02T09:11:00.002-05:00

THANK YOU!!!

Christmas 2011--Holiday Inn Columbus, Indiana

2011-12-25T14:05:00.000-05:00

Pictures will have to do for now! I have a couple of videos but they will have to wait until we get back to Georgia--it's been a great day so far :] Merry Christmas!

I forgot my charger for my good camera--I took these with the video camera not the best--but good enough.

Bummer

2011-12-16T13:49:00.001-05:00

I dropped that same sweet guy back at the airport this morning--he's already in Indiana--it was a fun week--although we spent 4 of the 7 days sick between the 4 of us! We miss him already--luckily it isn't long before we head up there for a long stay! All this back and forth---it's getting OLD.

Tonight.....

2011-12-09T22:58:00.001-05:00

We picked up this guy from the airport!!!!

HOORAY--surprise trip home for a WEEK--we are all so so so excited--and blessed!

12/8

2011-12-08T22:16:00.001-05:00

So tonight for fun------------------------------------I made sure the kids were in bed early!!!!!-------------we have got some serious ATTITUDE going on in this house-------------a good nights sleep should do the trick-------Tune in tomorrow for the best most fun we have had so far :]

Wednesday

2011-12-07T21:54:00.001-05:00

So every Wednesday I leave my house at about 6:30 to go to the church and work with the Young Women--(ladies 12-18)--I have been doing this for a number of years[we are talking almost a decade]--Love it--hard for me right now in our current circumstances absolutely--but TOTALLY worth it--Grandma Annette [as the kiddos call her] comes over every Wednesday and hangs out so I can go kid free--such a HUGE blessing to have her in our lives.

--Anywho that didn't leave us much time to do our something fun--but we did spend about an hour watching this--we are all obsessed with this show--and now Netflix has 4 seasons--can't get enough. I have to be careful I could watch it all day!

FUN?

2011-12-06T21:39:00.001-05:00

So tonight Mommy got out of the house--Christmas Dinner with the Ladies from church--a much needed and appreciated night out! I am sure the boys had a great time with Emma :]

Fun gone wrong--turned oh so perfect!

2011-12-05T20:13:00.001-05:00

So tonight for fun we decided to get the train down from the attic to put around the tree--got the track repaired put the train on and it was B-U-S-T-E-D! OH the sad faces--we were all bummed--so we ventured out to find a new one--well to make a long story short we found trains they were mucho denero--we are really trying to teach the boys and ourselves how to be smarter with our money--so right there in the store we put it to a vote--we had 2 choices; 1 NO train--2 the old wood train from Chase's toybox. I am so proud of my boys--of course they both voted for the wood train--AND we left the store without even one whine complaint or tear. See I told you it ended perfect :]

December 4

2011-12-04T18:46:00.001-05:00

Tonight we are taking blankets and candy canes and going to the church to watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. One of my favorite things about the Christmas season!

December 3

2011-12-03T20:42:00.001-05:00

Tonight was board games and banana splits! Loved it!!

December 2

2011-12-02T19:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight we went to McDonald's and I let them play on the forbidden playground--not so fun for me but they had a BLAST!

Well Hello

2011-12-01T18:45:00.000-05:00

I have decided that the kids and I are doing something fun every night this month--because

1-I am trying desperately to get in the Holiday spirit
2-I love these kiddo's and I want them to have good experiences and memories
3-Let's face it life in the Keddington household is not exactly fun right now--Dad is still in Indiana and we get to see him very little--the house is still for sale--my sister moved back to Utah--yada yada yada.....

So to start things off today we made GIANT cupcakes--I actually let them help (a BIG deal for me) and it was a great time! To make them even better we frosted them with this deliciousness. UMMMM!

I never want to forget this.............................

2011-11-04T06:51:00.000-04:00

Shopping at walmart the other day--we are headed out the door--Jimmy stops, raises his hands in front of him--then slowly spreads his hands apart--the ~~automatic~~ heavy doors slowly open--Jimmy says "the force"--I tell him he's my hero, and what would I do without him--he says "yeah, I only use it at the grocery store" :] Happy Friday Y'all!

May the Force

2011-10-08T20:29:00.000-04:00

hmmmm......

2011-09-28T10:56:00.000-04:00

September has not been my favorite. We have had a few changes around here--and sad to say not to many of them are fun. We are 1. trying to sell this ~~stinkin~~ beautiful fabulous home. 2. trying to keep a "normal" routine since Joe's job moved to INDIANA--yes that right Joe now works in Indiana--he was gone for a couple of weeks and home for a few days and is now back in Indiana (this craziness will be happening for the next 5 months at least--after which who knows what will be happening. 3. new calling for me at church that keeps me super busy 4. I keep accidentally almost killing the new grass in the backyard (this is the bane of my existence right now!) 5. guilt over this blog..at least I can do something about that. While Joe was home last week we decided, well Chase decided, we needed to go bowling! Their mean parents have never taken them.So off we went--had a GREAT time--here are the pics :]

L.O.V.E.

2011-08-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

School 2011

2011-08-08T13:24:00.000-04:00

Kindergarten--2011

2nd Grade--2011

Can't believe I have two all day schoolers! What will I do with the time?

we be jammin'

2011-07-20T11:38:00.001-04:00

Monday I decided to get started on the canning season--which I L.O.V.E.--something about preserving food makes me feel very accomplished. I can't wait to do more--I have lots of ideas to try this year. But mostly I am excited to have more apple butter--we ran out months ago--and store bought is just plain gross! But we will have to wait until the true apple season. Any way back to Monday--we made strawberry jam--we as in my sweet boys and me. So So Yummy!! (the boys and the jam)

Me lookin' sassy in my canning apron :]

We tied some raffia on a few and delivered them to our Georgia "family"

and if that wasn't enough--I did a dryer full of banana chips--really good and the kids actually like them...A LOT!

Introducing-----

2011-07-16T22:08:00.000-04:00

CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS! ARRRRGHstyle!

Note the accessories :]

Cake?

2011-07-16T20:45:00.001-04:00

Apparently I don't make cake very often--mid many a question of who's birthday it was--or is it Christmas--I made cake today! The boys loved it they are so crazy--great way to spend a lazy very rainy Saturday eating cake and watching Mythbusters :]

{well in their world it would be better if the cake could explode like everything on Mythbusters}

Jimmy's self portrait :] complete with chocolate mustache.

Holy Horse

2011-07-03T19:09:00.000-04:00

How big is Ollie getting you say? Well not sure these do her justice--but still fun to see how she has grown.

2011-07-02T10:36:00.001-04:00

Wahoo!!

2011-07-01T10:50:00.000-04:00

It's finally here--it's official--it's wonderful--I am so proud of you Joe!

:[

2011-06-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

Remember this cute chore chart--it worked well--I loved it--the kids were as happy as any kid is with chores--well I started noticing some jobs were disappearing--just one or two--then last week Chase says "look Mom we don't have many responsibilities left--WAHOO!"

and he was right there were only about 5 left--and Jimmy's name was completely gone.

Yep they fed their chores to the dog!

Some days......

2011-06-23T11:10:00.000-04:00

Some days I just really wanna go home.........today is one of those days--they seem to be more frequent as of late--I long for the cool grass, cool nights--family playing games on the patio--sisters to giggle with and talk with--brothers to tease and be teased by--water fights--kids running everywhere--wearing themselves out, Mom--Dad--Grandparents--Uncle Grandpa, mountains, streams............I could go on but then I will cry.

It's been a long time--we were there in December--but it's been a long time since we moved away--over 6 years. I wish I was coming for my usual summertime visit--but just not happening this year--I just wish I knew when I could come again...........okay, I've depressed myself enough.

"BLOOM where your planted" keeps running through my mind--I am trying but some days just get the better of me.

Father's Day Weekend

2011-06-20T13:41:00.043-04:00

Saturday we worked really hard--lots of housework and yardwork--this patio used to be full of storage--I hated it, it always looked dirty and gross to me!

So a couple of weeks ago we bought and built this. It all looks so much better!

Picture of the pool for my mom :]

Joe worked really hard clearing off the grass--yes we are still trying to get the grass to grow back here--lots of effort will hopefully pay off one of these days!

Sunday we went to church and then went on a family picnic to one of our favorite spots! We love this old covered bridge--it was hot, but we had a lot of fun :)

Love these boys so much!

Love this man so much!

Look what I found

2011-06-13T16:48:00.000-04:00

Found these on my phone--they are from our camping trip in February!! SO Much Fun!! I wish it wasn't so hot so we could go again this week!!!

Overload--Random Happenings

2011-06-07T08:07:00.000-04:00

Jimmy and Ollie

Chase and "Dr. J"

Chase's Soccer Trophy :]

The "boy's team" building the base for the new shed.

My awesome "boy's team"

Self dubbed---Measurement Man!

Pleasant Grove Alabama

Jimmy's STEPS graduation--so cute! We will miss Mrs. Hill terribly!

Proof that Mom was there--Dad was too but had to leave right after it was over.

Miss Ollie

2011-04-27T11:32:00.000-04:00

Miss Ollie turns 4 months old this weekend! That means she still has about 8 months of growing left to do........YIKES!

Okay

2011-04-26T20:16:00.000-04:00

Okay okay okay--I guess I should get back on the blogging wagon! Two weekends ago we went to the beach--it was so much fun--but silly me didn't sun screen and I was SO SO sunburned!!! In fact I am still peeling YUCK! The boys of course had a blast! They are so cute!!!!

Chase's Birthday

2011-04-05T14:54:00.000-04:00

Chase had such a good birthday! Not only was it his birthday but it was also his first day of soccer!! One draw back to the day--he was not feeling well--stayed home from school! I probably shouldn't of let him go to soccer but he was so very excited and it was his birthday so I let him go. He is such a good boy--we all love him very much.

Get it together

2011-03-29T11:20:00.000-04:00

I wish I could--have pictures to post--stories to share--but yet no time/motivation lately! I am hoping to get it together SOON!!!
Before I forget I do want to share something sweet--Jimmy is going through a phase--a phase of picking me flowers/weeds, so sweet, so thoughtful--I have petrified weeds everywhere--and they make me SMILE :]

For Chase!

2011-03-16T22:18:00.000-04:00

Dear Chase,
Tomorrow you turn seven!! I can't believe it! Have I told you how much I love you? Have I told you how incredible I think you are? You have the ability to make everyone smile, you are sweet, kind, caring, and oh so very thoughtful. When one of us doesn't feel well you are the first to make sure we are all right. You are constantly concerned with your little brother--and though you sometimes get frustrated with him you are still his very best buddy and ally. I love to hear your giggles when you play with your Dad. Even when I get a little frustrated with your obsession with calendars, schedules and menus I adore that like me you don't want to break the rules or get off the path....You are very smart and are a FABULOUS reader. There are so many things that you are but of all things that are you my favorite is my son. How incredibly blessed I am to have you in my life--when I see your sweet face I am reminded of the first time I saw you, you stole my heart from the get go! I can't wait to see all the things you will do, the incredible man you will become. Sometimes it scares me to think of you growing older--so I try to just treasure every minute I can!! My sweet boy Happy Birthday!
I love you love you a thousand million times love you!
Mom

For Nene

2011-03-14T10:54:00.000-04:00

These two just don't know how to hold still--and they don't want to give me their real smiles either--they were in such a silly mood yesterday that these are the best of the pics I got and still not very good--good thing they are so good looking!!

Chase was being particularly goofy--he would be smiling perfect but as soon as the I said ok he would pull a funny face! Then he would laugh and laugh and laugh--thought you might enjoy a few of the goofies :]

And this is my fav! Love these two with all my heart!!!

2011-03-12T07:44:00.000-05:00

So it's been a while--and I haven't taken any pictures for who knows how long--the dog is growing growing growing--she is going to be huge!

Kids are doing well--Chase is doing awesome in the first grade and is such a good helper--always wanting to make sure all his "responsibilities" are taken care of. Jimmy of course is Jimmy and lives to the beat of his own drum--sweet yes--full of life yes! Some days his teacher is sure he will do really well in Kindergarten and some days she isn't sure he can handle it--I won't lie it's the same for me--so next year might be very interesting.

Life just seems to be rolling along---nothing too exciting--nothing too worrisome just life--which I have to admit is nice :)

Picture this.......

2011-02-15T13:20:00.000-05:00

What have we been up to??

2011-02-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well last week I spent much of my time writing a talk--which I gave in Stake Conference on Sunday--nerve racking for me!! (never had to speak in front of that many people before--around 600 people I was told) But I am glad I had the opportunity and feel as though my Heavenly Father blessed me immensely.

On another note we have been preparing for one of these.......................................................

a Daniff puppy :)

Coming home this Saturday--will post some pics of her when she gets here!!!
OLIVE will be her name--she is intended to be Chase's special friend--and I hope they will be!!!! (even though technically she is my birthday present) Let the training begin!

Just a moment ago........

2011-01-25T13:29:00.000-05:00

HEY MOM--BABY SHOWS FREAK ME OUT!!!!
thanks Jimmy I'll keep that in mind.

A Warning

2011-01-25T13:17:00.000-05:00

A Warning courtesy of Chase given at dinner last night:

IF THE SMOKE PROTECTORS SOUND
LEAVE THE BUILDING AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!

Man that kid's memory--word for word as he heard it I'm sure. (other than protectors :])

Little Snip-it from Christmas Eve

2011-01-13T09:59:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Jimmy found this box--he loves this box--he puts himself in box and says he's a present--a present for Aunt Bug--a present that is her's until he is 7--takes box to bed--falls asleep in box--is so very cute in box--today I wish she was here to take her present for a few hours!!!--Jimmy is having a fit like he hasn't had in a long time--fun times--fun times.

From Chase

2011-01-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

we are done with jobs now we are closed the doors today and there are no school today
lovechase

Temple Square Lights!

2011-01-10T11:10:00.000-05:00

December 27, 2010

Mom and Dad's 35th Wedding Anniversary.

We took Mom and Dad out to see the lights and to dinner...just looking at these makes me want to be back and with my family! Miss you all!!

Oh My Rocks

2011-01-05T10:03:00.000-05:00

According to Jimmy that is! It's his new favorite thing to say. We had such a busy December--spent the holidays in Utah for the first time in 6 years--Joe's sister Anna moved back with us--and school just started back up again today! So it's taken me a while to get around to blogging--I will try and get our vacation all up eventually but we will start off with the first day for now.

We had to start things off by playing in the snow!

Jimmy had talked about snow for three months prior to our trip--spent about 15 mins in the snow and then was right back in the warm house! Crazy kid.

Chase didn't want anything to do with snow--but as soon as Jimmy went in he came out--and had a blast sledding with Mom and Dad!

More to come!

what's in a motto?

2010-12-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

Our Family has a motto--we have been trying to decide on one for about a year now! About two months ago we finally found the perfect one for us--"Work hard so we can play hard" the boys know it--they love it--I love it--Joe loves it--it's an all around hit!
I don't know why we felt like we needed a motto but now that we have one I can honestly say it changes just about everything for us!

WORKING

And PLAYING

And here is proof that I exist and I do work hard---and play hard!

Before I forget--

2010-11-24T13:54:00.001-05:00

I better put this down
Jimmy--This is my favorite face (pointing to himself WITH sunglasses on)
Joe--I like that face too!
Jimmy--I want this face everyday, not at church, at home, at school.......
Me--nope you can't have sunglasses at school.
Jimmy--If I don't wear these then I'm gonna pick-up wood chips and puttem' in my eyes--what you think? (this said pretty darn sassy)
Me--You can't have sunglasses at school it's against the rules.
Jimmy--Well, then I guess I will have wood chips in my eye! (in the I'm giving you fair warning voice)

and..........................
Me--Jimmy you need to put socks on with your shoes!
Jimmy--I don't want socks
Me--you need socks, your feet will stink if you don't wear socks.
Jimmy--Well, then I think my socks don't feel good--they need to stay in my dresser and rest--what do you think?

The 3rd Annual..........

2010-11-23T08:42:00.000-05:00

CANDY CANE TREE!

Our other trees!
2009
2008

2010-11-19T16:18:00.000-05:00

Part Two

2010-11-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

Cupcakes with Jimmy's class--he was so excited!! I know you don't see any other kids-- half were still sleeping from quite time and the others weren't into cupcakes--but as long as Jimmy didn't mind, neither do I!

Can't expect much from a class of 5?!? Love his teacher Miss H she has been so great with Jimmy!

She even bought him a little gift! Hot Pink Hot Wheels--he couldn't ask for anything better!!

Part One

2010-11-15T08:25:00.002-05:00

We woke up had waffles, got dressed, and looked at presents--we don't open presents until the evening (am I mean?)

But Saturday both boys got new school shoes--I can't keep up with them sometimes so I got Chase to be in a couple of shots for that! Look for more posts throughout the day!

The Stage is set!

2010-11-14T22:14:00.000-05:00

What a cutie pie all dressed for church--

Love his so much--there would be pictures of two cutie pies but Chase has been refusing to have his picture taken for a couple of weeks now--he's kinda of in an ornery stage of life right now! Anywho they both looked incredibly handsome for church today.

Had to pick my battles this morning--he insisted on wearing his rain boots.

**small disclaimer...by the time we left for church Jimmy was no longer wearing his tie, his shirt was partially unbuttoned, and his pants were stuffed inside his boots...but at least I captured these handsome shots.

And the stage is set for Jimmy's 5th birthday tomorrow...I can't believe he is that old?!?

Just a little warning.....

2010-11-12T08:59:00.000-05:00

You may call me crazy--but I've got another blog--look at it if you want--comment if you want--really doesn't matter, I've just got some stuff on my mind and feel like sharing it. Find it here--you've been warned!

Halloween

2010-11-01T09:24:00.000-04:00

Just a few pictures of our cuties!

Yes we take the easy way out with pumpkins :)

Rhino pumpkin.

Tiger Jimmy--who mostly meowed and hissed--terribly cute!

Next our cute "little critter"(from the books by Mercer Mayer)

Yes I know he looks more like a scarecrow and less like a furry little critter but shhh don't tell he gets very upset. I guess that is all that matters he believes he looks like little critter so he does.

ADORABLE

For your listening pleasure!

2010-10-12T07:19:00.000-04:00

You would think that he is waiting for me to tell him what's next but since I don't know the song--well now I do, but I didn't teach it to him--he is simply trying to remember. Not his best performance of this song but he is such a show-off in front of the camera he is trying to come up with something crazy to do--you can see it in his eyes!

Better late then never......

2010-10-05T10:04:00.000-04:00

Over labor day weekend we went on a camping trip--4days! We had an absolute blast and the boys loved it. We have stayed in the trailer several times--but always down in Florida by the beach--this time we went "real" camping. Our site was right on the lake and perfect for just jumping in and swimming! I unfortunately forgot my swimming suit--me of all people :( Campfires, dirt, dutch oven, lakes--perfection!! Absolutely perfect!

In other news--big changes on the horizon for our little family--more details as they become more solid!

Here's the video!

2010-09-22T11:57:00.000-04:00

Sorry about the camera work--new camera--first time user--actually first time ever using a video camera--hopefully I will get better. And all you Walkers should be so proud--an escort back on to the field by the ref's what a refreshing change for our family!

The Game

2010-09-20T23:54:00.000-04:00

Jimmy's first game was Saturday! It was so hot but he seemed to have a great time--who doesn't love a win!

I have some video of the game but blogger is taking FOREVER-so I will post later.

Jimmy's First Taste of Fame!

2010-09-17T16:37:00.000-04:00

Yesterday they had a pep-rally for football--their first game is Saturday. Jimmy loved it--as you can imagine--that boy doesn't have a shy bone in his body.

If football doesn't work for him--we now know he could take up a career in dancing--especially if he uses his SWEET robot moves!

Hiking

2010-09-09T09:28:00.000-04:00

August 28th we decided to go hiking--haven't been in a long time and it was fun--it was a 3 mile hike and the kids both did really well--I love family outings :)

Crazy Jimmy

2010-09-09T09:16:00.000-04:00

And here's your proof!!

Just being Jimmy!

Mullet Jimmy!

Showing off first football injury!

(Got kicked in the eye doing up downs)

got up brushed himself off and kept going

The kid keeps me laughing that's for certain!

Chase and Gymnastics

2010-09-09T09:01:00.000-04:00

Last Wednesday was Chase's first day of Gymnastics--and he LOVES IT!! It's really cute to watch him do all the tricks and things--I think he will be great at it! Yeah for Chase!!

2010-08-24T09:21:00.001-04:00

Yep that's Jimmy's head above the rest--he's getting pretty good at the football stuff--if only he would listen more closely to the coach so he wouldn't have to run!!

And so it begins----

2010-08-16T20:45:00.000-04:00

Today was the first day of football practice for Jimmy--I took some before and after shots at home--but I really should of had my camera at the practice--4 yr olds are fun to watch! I can only imagine the games--so cute running up and down the field and imitating the older boys!! There will be plenty of posts about football this fall--we can't wait and he is having a blast! I am sure he will be worn out though 2 hr practices 4 days a week!

GO NORTHWEST STEELERS!!

Chase is debating between a couple different sports: tennis, karate, golf, and gymnastics--he really wants to do gymnastics--and I think he would be good at it--it just so happens to be the most expensive option--question is does the cost out weigh his desire? Jury is still out on that one!

Jimmy's First Day of School

2010-08-10T09:07:00.003-04:00

Well I took Jimmy for his first day today--only to find out his first day was yesterday--he will be going to school M-W-F instead of T-W-T like last year--his teacher let him stay today just until 11 (that's when her tues-thurs class leaves) I felt completely stupid and embarrassed but oh well!!!! He is such a cutie--a little crazy--but a cutie!!

First day of First Grade

2010-08-09T08:41:00.000-04:00

Can't time slow down just a little--1st Grade I can't believe it!

He is so so so excited to be back at school--I hope he always enjoys going to school this much it makes it a little easier on me. He did tell me as I was leaving his classroom "I will miss you mom" ---I will miss you too Chaser Racer!

Feeling Guilty

2010-08-03T10:35:00.000-04:00

I am feeling so guilty for my lack of posts lately--so here's to more posting--hope it works out?

School starts next week and we haven't even been to the beach this summer--one quick trip to Utah then the craziness of July took over!?! Our lives seem to be one busy week after another and we are definitely feeling the effects of it...Joe's job is busy and demanding and I feel like I have to make up the slack at home so we all feel a bit overwhelmed. Our boys are both so good they help out with what ever we ask and seem to be the happiest when they are helping. Jimmy is quite the comedian and Chase is so sweet and thoughtful--always ready with hugs kisses and I love you's--right when we need them...how did we get so lucky?

Some recent facts about Chase--

Favorite Food--Pepperoni Pizza
Favorite Color--Grey
Favorite TV Character--Transformers
Favorite Saying--Yes! and Can I go with....? (whom ever happens to be around--loves new adventures!)
Favorite Friend--Dad and Jodi
Likes to Play--Legos
Likes to Go--melt my heart he said "with you"
Excited for--Dad to come home (really melts my heart)
He wishes to say-- "ummm umm who sees grandma--that's it!"

Recent Facts about Jimmy

Favorite Food--Grapes purple ones

Favorite Color--Purple and Blue
Favorite TV Character--Dragons and Marmaduke
Favorite Saying--"That's not my favorite to do" or "That IS my favorite to do" (depends on what we are doing--go figure) although I hear him say "you have underwear in your pants"......all the time followed by mass amounts of laughter!
Favorite Friend--Katie
Likes to Play--with bugs
Likes to Go--"in utalk with Grandma's"
Excited for--"school school school"
He wishes to say-- "say ummm tiger umm ummm I said utalk ummmm ummm ooda hoop"

Only.......

2010-07-29T18:47:00.000-04:00

Only the truely awesome can pull this look off!

I love this kid!

2010-07-27T18:11:00.000-04:00

Well between our trip to Utah and the craziness of our schedules in July it's been a really long time since I last posted--July went something like this--4th of July--week after Mandy was at a Youth Conference for our church--next week was Joe's long work week--week after was Mandy's pre-camp prep overnighter with the girls she was over at camp--week after that Mandy was at Girls Camp from Tues-Sat--Sunday Joe headed to Utah for Guard duty until Friday morning when he gets here to GA at 5 am and has to be at work by 11 to start yet again his long work week!!!! If you count it all up we haven't had a "normal" week for well over a month! And school starts in less than 2 weeks so life will continue to be crazy. We are all doing well but are ready for some kind of a change--who knows what, where, when, or how we just need to figure out a way to feel like we can breath!
Mean while I really hurt my neck at body pump this morning--have I mentioned that I have lost close to 40 lbs in the last 9 months? Slow and steady seems to be the winning factor on that one for me!

Who wants pieces?

2010-06-25T13:16:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite movies maybe my #1 is While You Were Sleeping, with Sandra Bullock. I love that movie for oh so many reasons but one of my favorite scenes is when they are all sitting down eating--and everyone is spouting off random things. I love it, makes me laugh every time--well lunch at our house is kinda that way. Jimmy was well into his I loves "I love noodles" "I love watermelon" "I love movies" "I love dragons" etc. etc. Chase was mumbling about sticky seeds and the matching game, Joe and I were in shock and awe as Chase was actually eating watermelon, we were also reminiscing about him eating broccoli last week...then Jimmy shouts out "you wanna piece of me FOLKS" Joe and I just laughed and laughed--and told him the same thing we always do "I don't wanna piece I want the whole thing!"

And that's just it together we have the whole thing and I couldn't love them all more!!

Hard to write.........

2010-06-22T21:22:00.000-04:00

I have been having the hardest time trying to write about my trip to Utah--partly because I have been so busy getting things put back to "normal" but mostly because I have been missing someone and I'm still not so sure I can write about it, but maybe it will do me some good I don't know. Just as we crossed the border into Utah I received a phone call telling me my dearly loved Uncle RJ had passed away--I was heart broken to say the least I still can hardly think about it--it hurts so! I hurt for his family, I hurt for my Dad, I hurt for my Grandparents, and I hurt for me!

At his viewing they had a place to write down memories and I just couldn't bring myself to write down just one so I just wrote down a general idea--but since then I have been pressed to share one particular memory--I don't even remember how old I was 11 or 12 but I was going with RJ, Kathie, and Shery to St. George for a few days (now I may get some of the details wrong but it was a while ago) and the day we were to leave Aunt Kathie had been vacuuming out the car and somehow lost the diamond to her ring, she was obviously upset about it and we looked and looked and looked but didn't find it--we went on our trip and when we got to St. George I remember how important it was to RJ to get Kathie a ring we went to a store (I think it was a southwestern gift shop) and he had her pick out a ring she had to have a ring--I remember thinking that when I grew up I want a man who would care that much about me that he wouldn't be mad about the ring he would just want to make sure I had one. I don't remember what ring she picked out--or even if she did but I do remember how special I thought it was--but mostly I remember how special I felt when Shery and I got to pick out rings too! How I wish I could find it now.

Uncle RJ was always trying to get me to break out of my shell--trying to help me realize I was braver than I thought, stronger than I thought, I think he made everyone feel that way like we were really special and important not just in general but that we were special and important to him. I love him dearly........and miss him so much.

Rex J Walker 1951 ~ 2010 Rex J Walker, 58, of Pleasant Grove tragically passed away Thursday, May 20, 2010 from a fall while working at Timpanogos Cave. He died in the mountains where he loved to be. Rex was born May 30, 1951 in Coalville to Rex B and Margaret Stark Walker. He married Kathleen Hansen on August 7, 1970 and they were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti Temple. Rex is survived by his wife Kathie of Pleasant Grove; four children: Jennifer (Mike) Bascom, Pleasant Grove; Lauresa (Brandon) Peterson, Grantsville; Jimmy Dan (Natalie) Walker, Monticello and Sherylen (Quin) Wilkerson, American Fork; 15 grandchildren; parents; siblings: Carolyn Winterton, Cheryl Hughett, Barry Walker, and Garry Walker.

Pre-trip happenings!

2010-06-16T08:19:00.000-04:00

I guess before I post about our trip to Utah I will post some happenings from just before we left!

I had a great "girls night" while Joe took the boys to a father and son campout--Ruth, her girls, Kim, Janice and I participated in Columbus' Relay for Life--we had some tears but also a lot of fun!! The boys and Joe had fun too-but there are no pictures of them.

Then we also had Chase's Kindergarten "graduation" it was a lot of fun and so cute--he was given the award of "Top Reader" in his class! Everyone just loved our Chase--we are grateful to his teachers they worked so hard for our Chase he is so amazing!!

2010-05-27T16:47:00.000-04:00

A Poem for RJ

I'll never forget all those warm summer nights that followed the days of cold water fights.

Or the man at the center of every one, my dad's older brother, gramps oldest son.

you could see that big smile all over his face as his Harley pulled up to visit our place.

And it wasn't to long before he got hold of you and each of us knew what we had to do.

We cried,

Mercy mercy uncle J I think that's all I can handle today, I'll be ready for more when you come back again but until then I love you my friend.

I have never felt pain like I did on the day that I learned from my sister he had been taken away.

I fell to my knees and begged the lord please, don't let him be gone without one final tease.

I thought of my aunt and my cousins too, My heart swells with love and sorrow for you.

As we carried his body aloft in the air past the uniformed brothers and sister all there.

I thought of the times he held me in the air and tossed me higher than any would dare.

With a mind full of memories and soul of unrest I removed the flower that was pinned to my chest.

I placed it back on top of the box dyed tan, near the truest of banners "The most Wonderful Man"

And I cried,

Mercy mercy uncle J I think that's all I can handle today You'll be waiting for me when I come back again but until then I love you my friend.

~ Mark Walker~

Thanks Mark for putting into words what I couldn't!!

Here goes something?!?!

2010-05-05T17:08:00.000-04:00

Just a few updates for each of us--

Joe and Mandy--last Friday Joe and I celebrated our 11 year anniversary, we headed down to Florida with the kids and had a blast going to the beach and a movie and just hanging out as a little family, had so much fun that oops--I didn't even take one picture, sorry! Joe has been super busy with work and school and church responsibilities and of course us! I am grateful for all he does--he is our own SUPERMAN and we all love him so much.

Chase--this kid is amazing he is doing so well in school and loves loves loves to read, anything, to anyone who will listen. He also likes to write sentences and show off his spelling abilities. He has been doing so much better in his communication and has started to be able to carry on conversations with us without getting sidetracked as much! You have no idea how excited we are about this--he is simply amazing!!!

Jimmy--today we started a new therapy with our cute ~~little~~ big Jimmy--it's called Wilbarger Brushing Protocol, we are so ready to see how this will work, so far today he has loved it, can't say that I see many changes but that is to be expected at the beginning. We (his teachers, therapist, and us) are very optimistic!

School is almost out and we are excited about our upcoming visit to Utah! And to a fun summer-I'm just not sure I'm ready for the heat and humidity!

Where a kid can be a kid!

2010-04-24T08:37:00.000-04:00

For so long we have avoided this place--not wanting to partake in the chaos--the noise--the games--but alas we finally caved--and of course had a BLAST!!!!!

And no that is not me behind Chase, just some random lady :(

BOOTS

2010-04-22T15:50:00.000-04:00

Just some cute boys in boots :)

What in world will he come up with next?

2010-04-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

So this morning Jimmy comes CRAWLING into our room-he says his foot hurts, but was willing to go back to bed--later on he comes hopping out of his room and refuses to put any pressure on his left foot-so I asked him what happened-he said "I was racing in the night and Chic crashed inna me nike da King and it hurt!" I said what and he repeated the same story, then Joe stopped by on a break from work and he repeated the story-three hours later he still won't put any pressure on his foot-so we head to the doctor office-where he repeats the same "Chic" story--oh boy what are we gonna do with him-they x-rayed his foot and it looks fine so he just needs to take it easy for a while (the doctor said a week-but have you ever tried to keep a four year old calm for even five minutes let alone a week) so we will keep our eye on it and hopefully it feels better soon-and maybe just maybe we will find out what actually happened!?!?!?

Toothless Wonder!

2010-04-10T16:21:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it-Chase finally lost his first tooth-I also don't know why he wouldn't open his eyes for the pictures-

Friday April 9, 2010

2010-04-09T20:02:00.004-04:00

Today we had a great time at the Georgia Aquarium-we went up to Atlanta last night and stayed at a hotel-went swimming and stayed up late-this morning we woke up and headed to the aquarium-Chase liked it okay but crowds are hard on him, he found great pleasure in reading and being the keeper of the map-Jimmy on the other hand was on cloud nine-he loves animals of all kinds and was so curious about all the fish and sea creatures! We did discover though that he is frightened of and does not wish to look at anything that is bigger than he is! Good thing he is big and most of the creatures were smaller than him-but the whale sharks and the beluga whales were not his favorite exhibits. He could stand there just looking for what seemed like forever! It was lots of fun! I took lots of pics but here are a few of my favs. (and one just for my mom- JELLIES!!) After the aquarium we took Daddy/Joe to the airport-he had to head to Utah for his Guard Drill-glad he is only gone til Sunday! It was a fun family day-glad we did it!

You know

2010-04-07T14:25:00.000-04:00

Your a mom of boys when you unload the dryer only to discover--2 twigs, 2 rocks, and a rubber mouse! oh-fun!

Dear Utah family and friends,

2010-04-05T13:55:00.000-04:00

I have heard that it has been snowing for the past few days--and I feel terrible for you, cold wet yucky weather, so I thought maybe the following images would warm you up...............................................

or did it just make you colder?!?
Oops ;)

Love to all,

The Keddington's

We figure if y'all get cold enough you might come visit :)
Did I mention these were taken today!!

Today

2010-04-03T19:57:00.001-04:00

Today was one of those surprising days-a day spent with my cute little family-this morning I decided to finally go get a new prescription for my contacts-so I set off by MYSELF which is a rarity any more-got a new but really same prescription and some new contacts and headed home to listen to General Conference-
when I got home I found my adorable husband had mowed the lawn, did the dishes, started the laundry, had the boys cleaning their rooms and was picking up the rest of the house. All to often I pick on him for his lack of help and cleanliness but today I was humbled and grateful for such a wonderful man to call my husband--he amazes me.
After the first session of conference we took our kids to see where Leo is buried and had some great conversations with them about the gospel and what happens to us after we are gone--it surprised me how much they understand and how simple and glorious the plan of salvation is-my heart is full
I love my little family-I love my Georgia family! And I love all my family!

Our friend....

2010-03-31T18:06:00.000-04:00

Leo Connell Lewis II

Leo Connell Lewis II February 24, 1960 - March 28, 2010 COLUMBUS, GA— Leo Connell Lewis II, of Columbus passed away Sunday, March 28 , 2010 surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Orleans, France on February 24, 1960, he was 50 years old. Leo was the owner of Alert One Security. Leo lived a full life and leaves behind a beautiful family and many wonderful friends. Leo loved people and had the ability to always draw the best out of them. Leo was always cheerful and happy, even throughout his battle with cancer. He fought valiantly to have more time with his family and friends. Leo was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held the office of High Priest. He loved and served the Lord. He showed this everyday through his example of kindness, caring and giving to others. Leo gave many years of service to the Columbus Youth Soccer Association. He coached soccer for 20 years and served on the soccer board in many positions. For his dedication to the youth, a soccer field located at Woodruff Farm Road was named in his honor. He leaves behind his wife Lisa Kim Owens Lewis whom he referred to as the queen; two sons and one daughter, Jesse Thomas Lewis, Bradley Adam Lewis and Jenna Blair Lewis; his mother, Orebelle Rousseau Lewis; brother, Dennis Michael Lewis; and his sister, Lisa Carmen Mack all of Phenix City, AL. Leo was preceded in death by his father Leo Connell Lewis.

Normally on this blog I keep things up-beat...but this past Sunday a very dear friend of ours passed away...Leo was diagnosed with cancer just after we got home from Hawaii with the boys...he fought long and hard for the past 2 years and our boys loved him immensely....Ledo as they lovingly referred to him was their closest "Grandpa" he played with them, teased them, taught them, and un-conditionally loved them. I know that even though we may not officially be family he has played a huge part in the life of OUR little family and will be and already is tremendously missed...Love you Ledo!

2010-03-29T09:34:00.000-04:00

Somethings just take you right back to being a kid--for me Easter cupcakes always do-shakin' the coconut-frosting the cupcakes-dippin' um in "the grass"-and then jellybeans (when I was a kid we used hummingbird eggs but I couldn't find any, guess they don't make them any more ) It was fun to make them with the boys-hopefully it will be a good memory for them too!

Quote or twoish of the day!

2010-03-28T16:33:00.001-04:00

JIMMY

"I an a booger in the cars nose!"

"Hey who's that mom?" (me) That's Elder Bednar one of the twelve apostles. "Oh I'm one of 5 knights"

and his new all time favorite

"THAT'S NOT FAIR"

CHASE

"I said it's time to do what I say"

"You not supposed to go mom--you suppose to stay home with kids"

"Mom what you doin? Mom you write upper case m mom?"

and his all time fav

"Mom it's my turn to play on computer"

The random and not so random sayings of Jimmy...........

2010-03-24T23:56:00.000-04:00

imagine if you will all of these said as loudly as possible and always at the most in-appropriate times, coupled with a mom who is extremely shy and goes extremely red in the face at even the slightest hint of embarrassment, this kid is great!

"Hey Dad, where's your life" (as well I should be your life and your wife :])

"My Grainma says I can't skate"(even though that is all he has talked about doing since he saw the speed skating in the Olympics?)

"My brudder doesn't like deese" (in other words, I want it but Chase won't fork it over)

"I didn't do it" (which is a sure sign that he did)

"Hey Hey I nike apples and beenanas and chips and yogurt and cars and dinosaurs and you" (melts my heart)

"Hey Hey nook at me I not in school, Chase in school, and Daddy at work and mom in the store aaa buy me treats and prizes and chips and drinks please please please" (the store clerks always look at me like how can you say no to that)

"hey hey what's your name" (anyone, anywhere, anytime?)

"I nike schwimmin" (so do I buddy, so do I)

"hey mom, I be a screwbadriver when I grow up" (scuba diver, add the facial expressions with this one and I giggle every time)

I have started introducing him as "the announcer" as he will repeat anything I may (or may not?) say! (oh boy we might be in trouble with this one)

Chase's 6th Birthday!!

2010-03-23T10:59:00.000-04:00

Chase had a fantastic birthday-full of cake, presents and fun. Tuesday night Joe and I blew up a bunch of balloons and put them in Chase's room--I really wanted to get some pictures of when he first woke up but he beat Joe and I to the punch and when Joe came out in the morning Chase popped up from the back of the chair and shouted-"hey Dad it's my BIRTHDAY"- he has been on the count down for weeks now so finally he could let all that pent up energy out! He got to see his stash of presents but we are mean parents and don't open presents until the evening--He did get excited about taking treats to his class--I wish I could have gone to take some pics during his lunch time and watch him pass out his treats but his lunch is right during the time I pick Jimmy up from school so no pics of that either :( so I just took a pic of him scarfing down the extra cake when he got home--Well he patiently waited until Joe got home from work and then it was present time--he is such a crazy kid and as always the most excited about the thing that costs the least--that's right next year I need to remember that he is totally okay with just getting cards--he likes the other stuff but I find him in his room just reading his cards over and over again--even now a week later! That kid just loves to read. After presents it was time to head over to Stevie B's Pizza--we met up with the Johnsons and had a little party--ate pizza--sang Happy Birthday (loud and horrible but very funny) and they had brought Chase a couple presents and of course a card his fav. Then it was home again to play with his new Wii game--well I'm not exactly sure who played more Chase or his Dad :)What a great day-we are so proud of you Chase-you are simply amazing!!

Waterfall+Rain+Stairs+Sick=F.U.N. (right)

2010-03-17T15:19:00.000-04:00

Saturday we decided to go on a little adventure--so we headed to North Georgia to the base of the Appalachian Trail to Amicalla Falls (?) it was a little drizzley but we decided to venture out anyway--we being the smart and ever prepared parents thought "wouldn't it be cool to start at the top of the waterfall and work our way down to the bottom" we even averted our eyes from the sign that stated how MANY stairs we would have to go down before we reached the bottom (not to mention that every step you go down you must also go up again) Going down was great we were racing and laughing and counting and just having a great time. We even stopped for lots of pictures to which Jimmy DID NOT want his picture taken AT ALL--the only good one we got was this

You see all these pictures were taken on the way down or at the bottom--there will be no revealing of the pictures on the way up or when we finished--you see nobody looks there best when they have just finished hiking over 1000 stairs--1/4 of which included two very cute 40-50 lbs back packs!

see I told you we were S M A R T! Did I forget to mention the sick part--yeah half way up the stairs--while riding on Joe's shoulders--Chase decided to throw-up! So of course Joe started gagging--yummy!

:)

2010-03-05T09:06:00.000-05:00

Okay so it's been way too long since I have been on here--sometimes life just gets really messy and this is what gets cut out--anyway--a few funny things the boys have been up to lately

Jimmy is completely fascinated with pretending he is either an animal living in a cave (did you know that gorillas, rhinos, and dinosaurs all live in caves? usually the same one at the same time--scary) or he is an astronaut in a rocket ship--it's very cute and I love his imagination!

Chase is all about spelling--everything--everywhere! Really spends most of the time shocking Joe and I by how incredibly smart he is--he never ceases to amaze us! He has almost reached 200 sight words (requirement for kindergarten 50 his class was aiming for 100) He loves counting money and telling you how much coins are worth--just a regular show off!

(just a pic of what we did on Valentines day--home sick and shmuggling!)

King for the day!!!!

2010-02-19T15:24:00.000-05:00

Today Chase was named King for the day in his class--they had a Mardi-Gras celebration with reading today--and Chase read the most words in his class!!! I am so proud of him he is such a good reader. Way to go Chase!

SICK

2010-02-13T12:31:00.000-05:00

Well I've been sick since Tuesday--Jimmy has been sick since Thursday--two very sleepless nights later--Mom is quite ornery--but melts quickly when her little boy says--"Mom I don feel dood, mets smuggle on the couch"--

Valentine--

2010-02-09T19:57:00.000-05:00

(Jimmy's artwork)

So today we had to get Chase's Valentines ready for school--he is so cute talking about Valemtimes Day! But while he was writing his name on them all I was reminded of something that happened last week that I want to record before I forget--I picked Chase up from school and as we are walking out he notices a cute little girl from his class Leighton--he calls out her name and she comes running over and takes him by the hand--they walk hand in hand all the way to our car where he says Goodbye to Leighton and as she lets go of his hand he looks up at me and says "Mom, I Love Leighton" it was so cute and so precious--I just love my little Chaser!

Something--

2010-02-08T15:15:00.000-05:00

Sometimes something is better than nothing--just like sometimes any excuse is better than no excuse at all!! A lesson I learned from my youngest son recently--here is his any excuse--

I awoke to the words every mom dreads first thing in the morning--well we dread it any time but particularly first thing in the morning--

J-"Mom I all wet!"
Me- Oh, Jimmy did you pee in your bed?
J- "NO MOM THE BED PEED ON ME!!!!!!"

Darn that blasted bed--when will it ever learn!?!?

Here is another something--

C--"Mom I be five on my birthday!"
Me--Nope you will be six
C-- "Moooommmm I be five I said!"
Me--that's just not right Chase
C--"Oh Okay I six on my birfday"
Me--that's right
C--"NO MOM THAT'S LEFT"
Me--Okay?!?!?!?

For some reason he always has to be right and have the last word--don't know where he would get such a thing--JOE :)

2010-02-06T22:26:00.000-05:00

Oh blog so loved yet so neglected--someday you will be cared for again--someday when I feel as though I have a minute to myself--someday.........................................................................................

Patience.......

2010-01-27T09:41:00.000-05:00

is something we run short of around here--so yesterday when we had to wait oh about 4 minutes for Joe to meet us for dinner--we I mean I had to hurry and think of something to entertain my ever so patient children--so they have truly discovered their vain side and wanted to take pictures--so we did--isn't technology a blessing--and a curse all in one--ignore the tired mommy and just look at my cute boys--so handsome and growing up far to quickly!!!

New Addition!!!

2010-01-26T10:19:00.001-05:00

So to re-cap the last few days--we will just say--

Saturday was spent preparing for a new addition.

Sunday was spent playing with the new addition.

Monday was spent rearranging to make room for the new addition!

So with out further ado----the new addition!

I love it--the kids love it--and we couldn't be happier to play on it all day!!!! Thank you so much Lewis family-it will be treasured for many many years!