The 4-1-1 on Amber, Alyssa, and Kim

I am engaged!

2008-08-10T14:00:00.000-05:00

During the altar call of this morning's worship service, Scott Ellis walked me down to the altar. There in front of about 1,800 people he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. I said YES. We then knelt and prayed. I was very shocked that he proposed like that, but it seems so appropriate.

I have a very beautiful 1 carat princess (square) cut diamond set in a platinum band. As beautiful as it is, it still pales in comparison to the love that Scott and I share.

Scott is a wonderful man and has blessed my girls with a very special event yesterday. Scott took my girls to "lunch" yesterday. Part of this "lunch" was the opportunity to help him pick out my ring. The girls got educated on diamonds and had a great time being involved in our engagement.

Amber, Not a Baby Anymore!

2008-08-10T12:00:00.002-05:00

Amber has no more baby teeth. On Thursday, she had her last 4 baby teeth pulled by the dentist. They pulled her 2nd molars. That's the teeth with 4 roots each. She was definitely in pain, but she was a real trooper.

The dentist told Amber that the Tooth Fairy should pay $10 for her teeth. The Tooth Fairy ended up giving her $6. She asked me the next morning, " Where's my other $4?" I told her, "The dentist got it."

Good News...and other little tidbits.

2008-08-04T23:05:00.004-05:00

I have good news. I have passed my boards. I am officially a Licensed Practical Nurse. I am in the process of searching for a job. Finding a job is the easy part, finding the right job is the hard part.

Both of my girls went to Middle School Summer Camp this year. This was Alyssa's first time to go away and not be around me, her dad, grandparents, or an aunt/uncle. She did a great job. This was also Amber's last year at Middle School Camp. She will be going to high school camp next summer. Scott (my boyfriend) told the girls that on Alyssa's first year to High School Camp that all four of us (Scott, me, Amber, & Alyssa) will go. He was unable to attend High School Camp this year, but has attended the last 4 summers. I liked camp as a teenager and look forward to going as a chaperone.

Amber will be having 4 more baby teeth pulled on 8/7. This is the same day that Grandma will be having knee surgery. We will have 2 whiney-babies that will be commiserating together. I guess I can practice my nursing skills on them.

Alyssa will be going to the orthodontist in September to see if she is ready for braces.

It has been a long time....

2008-06-24T16:57:00.009-05:00

Amber has completed 7th grade. She will be in 8th grade next year. She has also made the Cheerleading squad for the school basketball team.

Alyssa has completed 5th grade. She will be in 6th grade next year. Alyssa plans to follow in her sister's footsteps and be in the chorus also.

I have completed school. I graduated from college with a 3.6 gpa in practical nursing which is a diploma program. I will also be receiving my A.A.S. (Associates in Applied Science) in Health Studies in September 2008 with a 3.6 gpa also.

Both of the girls will be attending Middle School Summer Camp this year. Amber is not too thrilled, but Alyssa seems excited. They will be going to Horn's Creek in Tennessee again this year. Amber is excited that next summer she will get to go to High School Summer Camp with Christopher.

I have been dating a really wonderful guy named Scott for the past 6 months. He calls us his "Sweet Angels". We attend church together. Scott has an identical twin brother. The girls really seem to like Scott.

I am also now a blonde.

Amber has been promoted!

2007-10-01T22:57:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow will be Amber's first official day in 7th grade. Amber is being promoted from 6th grade.

As most of you know, Amber was held back in 1st grade for reading issues. She was held back at her parents request. Amber has been wanting to get back with her age group for a while now. This summer when I dropped of some papers, I asked the Asst. Principal about this. The Asst Principal told me we would discuss the issue the 2nd week of school.

After meeting with Amber's teachers and the Assistant Principal it was decided that Amber would take the 8th grade ITBS test to determine her grade placement for Language Arts and Math. Amber did take the Language Arts test, but she didn't take the Math test. Her Math teacher stated that Amber was the first person in a long time to have a 99 average in Advanced Math. (Amber scored 8.6 [6th month of 8th grade] on the 5th grade ITBS last year).

I am very proud of Amber's achievement. Very few people can say they passed a grade level after 5 weeks of school.

And MORE Puppies

2007-09-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

Suzy-Q had her puppies this morning starting around 3 am until about 6 am. She ended up having a total of 7 puppies.

We now have way to many dogs here: 6 grown-up dogs and 14 puppies (that is 20 dogs for those who can't add).

Suzy had 1 boy and 6 girls. Aren't they just adorable???

Puppies and MORE Puppies

2007-09-28T21:02:00.000-05:00

We have PUPPIES!!!

Grandma's dog, Tasha, had 5 puppies on September 25, 2007. She had 1 boy & 4 girls. The boy is the white one.

One of Grandpa's dogs, Salsa, had 2 puppies today (September 28, 2007). She had a boy and a girl. The boy is the black one.

And we still have MORE puppies to come. My dog, Suzy-Q, is due anytime now.

Amber has crossed the tracks...

2007-09-13T19:03:00.000-05:00

Pardon the pun, but Amber helped with the title to this post.

Amber has her braces. She wanted to share some pictures of her beautiful new metal mouth. Amber got her top braces on June 26, 2007 and her bottom braces on August 8, 2007.

Amber with her new top braces.

************************************

The following pictures are of Amber on September 10, 2007 showing off her full mouth of metal. Amber is feeling a little BLUE (she has baby blue & dark blue bands on her wires).

Is someone else shaving???

2007-08-20T21:06:00.000-05:00

Yes!!! Alyssa is now shaving.

Alyssa shaves her legs for the 1st time on June 5, 2007!!!

Notice the concentration!

An assist from her big sister, Amber!

Everyone is growing up so fast!!

Easter Pictures

2007-04-29T13:13:00.000-05:00

Here are some of our Easter pictures...

Alyssa

Alyssa sporting her special jewelry

Amber

Amber and her mature jewelry

All of us.

(Just between us - I don't think that yellow is my color, but Amber picked the dress.)

We had lots of candy from the Easter Bunny (this year we were visited by Mama Cottontail).

Update on school grades for the girls...

2007-04-27T23:54:00.000-05:00

The girls have been doing a really great job this year in school (as usual).

Amber has maintained all A's & B's so far this year.

Alyssa has maintained straight A's so far this year.

The girls have 20 more days of school (if I counted right). CRCT (end of grade testing) has been completed. Amber is the only one this year that MUST pass. Alyssa took them this year, but they really don't count against you or for you.

Amber is...

2007-04-16T19:30:00.000-05:00

12 years old
growing up
becoming a woman
trying to have big feet like her mom and dad
trying to be as tall (even though I am short) as me

She had a birthday - this is her last year before she is a TEEN!

March 9, 2007 - New Puppies!!!

2007-04-15T18:51:00.000-05:00

We had more puppies. Proud mother, Salsa, gave birth to 3 puppies on March 9, 2007. One puppy was still-born (born dead). The other 2 puppies seem fine. The black puppy, Blackie, died at 3 days old. The brown/white puppy, Socks (due to his white paws), is a very plump 1 month old puppy.

We plan to sell Socks as soon as he is old enough to leave his mother. We also plan to sell Salsa, Missy and Pepi. Salsa and Missy are getting old and are ready to settle into a nice retirement (not having anymore puppies). And Pepi is wanting a home where he is the main attraction.

"Socks"

"Race to Win” is a Winner!!

2007-04-11T17:35:00.000-05:00

February 11, 2007
“Race to Win” is a Winner!

The children's choir performed an exciting musical called Race to Win. The musical which also starred Dale Waltrip via satellite (really it was pre-recorded by Lifeway for performances). The performance was a hit.

The musical was about 2 NASCAR drivers, one was a christian and the other was not. The christian driver gave an engine to the non-christian driver (for free) so he could finish the race. The non-christian driver could not understand why someone would give him an engine for free. The christian driver explains by explaining how God did the same thing for us. God sent His Son to die on the cross to save us from our sins – this is a free gift from God. All we have to do is accept it.

The musical shined with the help of Alyssa, even though she was just in the choir – the musical would not have been the same without her. The musical had the crowd on the edge of their seats with the superb singing, acting and the NASCAR crash clips. This is definitely what one can call “a hard act to follow”.

I am back...

2007-04-11T07:41:00.000-05:00

I apologize for the major delay. Life has just gotten in the way of the blog. Things have finally settled down a bit, so here I am again...back on my blog.

I will be posting several entries over the next few days or so - in order to catch everything up.

I hope you enjoy.

Amber earned her BLACK BELT!!!

2007-01-24T23:33:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order!!!!

Today Amber earned her brown and black belts in recorder karate at school. (Recorder - That little clarinet looking plastic instrument that has holes on it.) She has completed the recorder karate program. Amber now has to practice her recorder club pieces at music class. She is the 1st person in her class to finish. I believe the next closest person still needs 3-4 belts.

I am very proud of her musical talent!!

Congratulations

2007-01-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

Amber and Alyssa have 3 new siblings, well step-siblings.

We would like to congratulate Brian and Alex on their marriage.

Amber and Alyssa now have a step-sister, Brittany, and 2 step-brothers, Chris and Anthony.

Amber's Living Christmas Tree performance

2007-01-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

Amber and the student (youth) choir did a great job on the living Christmas Tree on December 10th. Amber was on the 6th row up from the bottom and a little left of center. Her cousin, Chris, was also in the performance. He was on the 2nd row from the bottom and to the right of the tree. Here are some pictures from the performance.

Amber

Chris

Amber singing

Amber in lights

There to see this amazing performance were: Me (of course) and...

Alyssa

Papaw

Nana

Brian, Alex, & Brittany,

Grandma, Grandpa and (of course) Uncle Ken and

Aunt Donna
(What's up with that? No one really knows!!!!)

We Have A NEW PUPPY!!!!!!!

2006-12-12T23:44:00.000-05:00

WOW. What EXCITEMENT!!! A PUPPY!!!!!

Amber went out this afternoon to bring in Salsa when out of the blue she hears tiny yelps. She searches for the culprit and finds Missy in the igloo (doghouse) with a tiny puppy. Amber was so excited. Alyssa is excited because this will be her puppy.

In honor of the fact that it is Christmas...the puppy (a girl) has been named:

Merry Felize

(It is either Merry or Mary).

Here is a picture of Merry Felize with her mother, Missy.

PS: The puppy was born on Grandma's birthday.

So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDMA!!!!!!!

OFFICIAL APOLOGY to Donna

2006-12-11T22:47:00.000-05:00

I owe Donna an apology. She states that she emailed the Halloween pictures to me. For some reason I never got the email.

So, Donna, I know your reading this...

Donna,

Please forgive me...and resend the pictures to me.

Apologetically,

Kim

CHRISTMAS BELIEVERS BEWARE

2006-12-08T00:55:00.000-05:00

******DISCLAIMER: CHRISTMAS BELIEVERS BEWARE********

We are officially, unofficially a non-believing Christmas house. Alyssa asked the big Christmas question the other day..."Is Santa real?"

Now, bear in mind, that Alyssa asked this question about 2 years ago. When she asked me then, I asked her if she really, really wanted to know (asked about 20 times). She said, "YES." So, I told her the truth. She was devastated by this news -- so I did what any mom would have done, I told her I was kidding...everyone knows Santa is real. Well, Alyssa doesn't remember this happening (which helped her to continue to believe). So here we are in the present...

"Is Santa real?" This time I wanted to make sure she really wanted to know. I asked her, "Do you really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really want to know?" Of course, she said, "YES." So, we had 'THE TALK'. I came clean about Santa. She didn't cry, so far so good! I figure, let's take it a little further...

I asked her if she wanted to know about any other people. She wasn't sure what I meant. So I said, "You know, Cupid, the Boogey Man, Mother Nature, Father Time..." She asked, "Are they real?" I again asked her, "Do you really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really want to know?" Of course, she said, "YES." So, we had another talk. I came clean about Cupid, the Boogey Man, Mother Nature, Father Time, Tooth Fairy and Easter Bunny. She looked at me and asked, "So, is the Sand Man real?" I came clean again.

Alyssa has handled the news well. She shamelessly announces her gift requests as loudly as possible. I think she was ready this time. She even wrote about "the Santa truth" in her journal at school.

As I said in the beginnning we are officially, unofficially a non-believing Christmas house. This means, we still go through the motions...JUST IN CASE...someone gave us the wrong information!!

A little bird told me...Santa wants Oatmeal Raisin cookies from Subway and a cold coke under the tree.

MY BABY IS GROWING UP!!!!!

1 Quarter of Nursing COMPLETED!!!!

2006-12-08T00:48:00.000-05:00

I have finished my 1st quarter of nursing school. I took my final on December 6th. (I have unofficially PASSED the class.) The 2nd quarter starts on January 4th. I get to learn how to give injections on the 1st day of class. I am now 1/6th of the way done. Only 5 more quarters, 1 externship, and an NCLEX (nursing boards) to go!!!!!

November 2006

2006-12-08T00:33:00.000-05:00

Mid November - The divorce is final. I want to wish Brian the best. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Thanksgiving - The girls had a great time visiting with Nana & Papa, Uncle Chuck, Uncle Mark, Aunt Laura, Mayson, Luke, Claire, John Mark, and their dad (of course). I will post some of Amber's pictures in the next few days.

I celebrated a very quiet Thanksgiving with my parents. We chose to skip the traditional big meal (since it was just us 3) and had filet mignon, baked potato, and salad for our dinner.

We have much to be thankful for...our freedom, a loving God, our lives, our families, our friends, forgiveness, and so much more.

November 27th - My cast was removed. The wrist is still not completely healed, but they felt mobility was more important at this time. I wear a splint for most activities. Putting any weight on the wrist is still very painful. It also hurts after strenuous use. The nice thing about the splint...I can wash my arm and hands properly. I am supposed to wear the splint for the next 5 weeks.

Sorry for the delay...

2006-12-08T00:09:00.000-05:00

Life has been hectic these last 2 months. I will now try to update everyone on what has been going on. Once Donna sends me the Halloween pictures I will post pictures of the girls in their Halloween grubbies.

Health Update!!!!

2006-10-18T14:56:00.000-05:00

Amber has lost 4 more teeth...with the help of the dentist. Yesterday she had her oral surgery. She states "I have a very religious mouth because it is so holy! It is Baptist too!" One of the teeth removed had almost no roots on it, but the others had some roots. The cuspids had some extremely long roots.

I have my cast on. I broke my wrist in 2 places. I broke the center wrist bone and another bone near the thumb. My cast is boring white! I have promised the girls that they can color all over it 4 days before it comes off. That way it will still look professional for clinicals. I am supposed to get it off the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Injuries

2006-10-14T22:09:00.000-05:00

Last week it was Christopher getting hit in the temple by a football. Today it is me...I broke my right wrist this evening. I hope that this is not the "1 injury a week" month for the families. I am typing this with my left hand, so bear with me. Yes, I am right handed. I am wondering how this will effect me at school, but I can't imagine it causing me too much problems. I am keeping this short because my left shoulder is starting to hurt (from typing by itself) and my pain pill hasn't taken effect yet. I hope everyone has a blessed rest of the month. By the way, I have a splint at the moment, but am supposed to get a cast on Monday.

Nursing School...

2006-10-10T17:35:00.000-05:00

Nursing school is going good so far. It requires a lot of reading. Lab time is pretty fun because we just do a lot of role playing. Clinicals will be starting in 1 week. We will start clinicals at a Senior Center and then move to a hospital. I am still nervous about applying what I actually am learning and already know.

We still haven't recieved the rest of our uniforms (school shirts & "Crocodile Hunter" vest) that we have to wear with white pants. I have my first test tomorrow. I also have to take my Drug Calculation test on October 18th - I have to make a 100% on this test. I am a little nervous. We took a Drug Calculation Quiz yesterday, I made a 100% (after she removed the apothecary question). Apothecary calculations are out-of-date, they are being phased out.

A Poem by Amber

2006-10-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

Amber has written the following poem. It is a "cinquain" style poem.

Teachers, Losers, and Amber

Teachers
Schoolmaster, schoolmistress
Teaching, helping, tutoring
I want to be a
Teacher

Losers
Sufferer, victim
Geek, weird, ugly
I don't want to be a
Loser

Amber
Beautiful, smart
Helpful, cool, popular
I will always be an
Amber

Alyssa visits with the dogs

2006-10-03T21:50:00.000-05:00

Salsa (black dog with brown collar), Missy (black dog with blue collar), Pepi (beige dog with Alyssa), and Tasha (beige dog in other pen behind Alyssa).

A Very Tiny Baby Lizard

2006-10-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

I found this very little guy. I took some pictures and scared Grandma with the lizard and then let the lizard go free.

Braces??????

2006-09-30T08:33:00.000-05:00

We went to the orthodontist on September 25th. The orthodontist states that Alyssa needs to return in 1 year to be re-evaluated. Amber, on the other hand, needs to come back in 6 months to be re-evaluated. The orthodontist also told us he feels it is important and necessary to remove 4 of Amber's baby teeth now so the adult teeth have a bigger space to come in. So Amber will be having a cuspid and a molar removed from both sides of her upper jaw on October 17th. She seems excited about the procedure right now, except she doesn't want a needle in her mouth while she is awake. I told her that they will probably use a needle while she is awake, but that they numb the entry point with some ointment. She isn't to sure about this.

Our Little Bunnies

2006-09-30T08:25:00.000-05:00

We found some baby bunnies after the yard was mowed.

One bunny died...leaving us with two.

Sadly, in the end we lost the other two bunnies. This was a wonderful experience for the girls. We hope that we have learned when to let go if we have another opportunity to help some baby bunnies.

Our visit to the GA Aquarium

2006-09-25T21:25:00.000-05:00

We went to the Georgia Aquarium with Ken, Donna, and Chris the day before the girls went to school. A special "THANKS" to Uncle Ken and Aunt Donna for letting us come with them. We enjoyed ourselves at the aquarium. And THANKS to Chris too.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!

After a long day of fun...

School is going good...

2006-08-22T22:01:00.000-05:00

The girls seem to be settling into the school year great.

Amber is enjoying being part of the "top dogs" at school. I hope she realizes she will be at the bottom of the food chain next year in 6th grade. Amber likes her teacher, Mr. Seusser (pronounced: sizer). Amber is off to a good start with AR. She is currently tied for 1st in her class with 4 points. The person she is tied with had 500 something points last year, remember Amber had 107 points, so I don't really expect Amber to stay in 1st. I do expect her to do her best and to at least get her minimum required AR points for this 9 weeks (15 points). Bonus info: Mr. Seusser has a son who was born last year on what day? March 6th!!!

Alyssa is also in 1st place in her class for AR. She leads her class with 2 points, which is also what she is required to get per week. As you might have guessed, no many kids got the required 2 points - matter of fact Alyssa was the only one. Alyssa seems to enjoy Mrs. Carrasco. This is the same teacher that Amber had last year. Alyssa's biggest competition for AR will come from a boy named Cameron in her class. He was in her class last year. He is a very intelligent boy who has his head on straight all ready. Hmmmmm, I will have to remember him when she is old enough to have a boyfriend.

I have been volunteering in Alyssa's class. I volunteered in Amber's at the end of last year. Everything was going good until yesterday. My car got hit by a teacher at the school. It is not that bad. They put a small dent in the passenger front door and loosened the side view mirror on the passenger side. I think the teacher only had a busted tail light. She called the police and came and got me. I appreciated her honesty. She said that last year someone hit her car and she never found out who. Oh well!!! Life goes on.

I have almost purchased all my school supplies. I still need to buy a watch with a second hand on it. Today I purchased my scrub pants, shoes, pen light, and bandage scissors. This is really starting to feel REAL!!! I mean I really feel like I am getting ready to start nursing school. I am still full of MIXED EMOTIONS!!!!

A New Link....

2006-08-18T21:28:00.000-05:00

I have added a new link on the right hand side of the screen. It is Christopher's Blog. Donna has finally joined the blogger craze. I am excited about her new venture into blogging.

Donna is the sole member of the Blogging Police. Donna sends out reminders to bloggers when they do not update their blogs frequently enough. You see, Donna checks everybodies blog daily for updates. Oooooooooooh, do you see where this might be going? I would like to welcome Donna to blogging and remind her to update frequently as I have just joined the Blogging Police (I will be assigned to her blog only). Just picking with you Donna!!!!!!!!! I actually appreciate the reminders in a backwards kind of way!

I hope everyone enjoys getting to know Christopher and seeing how much he has grown up.

I am officially in the ADN program!

2006-08-17T16:46:00.000-05:00

Back in April I posted that I received my acceptance letter to the ADN program for Nursing. Well today, it is official. I am in the ADN program. My major is now Associates Degree in Nursing. And I have registered for my 1st nursing class. I have purchased all my books and my stethoscope and blood pressure gauge. I have had my physical ($600 later) and I have most of my immunizations. For some reason the only thing I am not immune to is MEASLES!!!! So I will probably have to have a measles vaccination very soon. I still have to purchase my nursing shoes and scrub pants & the official Athens Tech nursing program shirts & vest to complete my ensemble.

I am really excited about classes starting. I have mixed emotions about clinicals. They start in October and I am SCARED, NERVOUS, and EXCITED about them. I still have to finish the 3 textbooks that we are supposed to self-teach during the summer. The Medical Terminology and Math for Meds are both interesting as they have software to practice on, but the Diet and Nutrition Therapy is boring and depressing because junk food tastes so GOOD.

Amber is growing up!!!!!

2006-07-22T09:44:00.000-05:00

When Amber got back from Middle School Summer Camp she talked about how all the 7th graders and most of the 6th graders shaved their legs. I told her she could start shaving her legs before Summer Camp next year. I talked with some of my friends who have daughters that are either Amber's age or a little older and they said they did the same thing with their daughters. Well Amber must have caught me at a weak moment because I agreed last night to let her start shaving her legs today. My mom and Amber both pointed out how long Amber's leg hairs were and Amber reminded me she could be going into the 6th grade. I relented because I remember what it was like to have that long leg hair at school. So here are some pictures of Amber shaving her legs for the 1st time. She woke me up early so I could teach her how to shave.

Tooth Fairy to Visit Amber!!!!!

2006-07-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

A.P. Press 7-16-06

Amber has lost her 10th tooth!!!! This was the 1st molar tooth for her to lose. Amber said, "The tooth came out pretty easy. The new tooth was coming in, which helped push the old tooth out." Amber's mom said, "I really enjoyed pulling the tooth out for Amber." Amber's sister, Alyssa, said, "No fair, you get money from the tooth fairy." Amber tells us that she still has another loose tooth that should be coming out in the next 2 months.

A.P. Press 7-17-06

Amber received $1 from the tooth fairy. Amber stated, "I was hoping the tooth fairy would accidentally pull a $20 from her wallet like she did on an episode of Full House. But I didn't get that lucky. Oh well, $1 is better than nothing!"

A Tribute to Great-Grandma Cook

2006-07-04T23:19:00.000-05:00

January 18, 1909 - June 20, 2006

I hope everyone enjoys these pictures.

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!

2006-07-04T21:06:00.000-05:00

We have our pool (which is cholorine free).

And we have some more dogs hanging around.

Left to Right: Lucy, Missy, Salsa, Pepi (in back), and Tasha.

Pepi is the lone male. The other four dogs are female. Missy and Salsa are pedigrees and need to be slimmed down.

And the "Nature Lessons" continue...

2006-06-23T10:57:00.000-05:00

As we were getting ready to leave for VBS one day last week, we saw a turtle in the road in our cul-de-sac. We, okay I, quickly picked him (or her) up and we put the turtle in the doggie pool. One of our neighbors told us it was a boxer turtle and that it would not bite us. We ended up naming the turtle and keeping it for a few days. Here are some pictures of "Franklin Jordan Boxer the Third" (sometimes called "FJB3" and "Trey").

After 3 days of fun with a turtle...sweet freedom was granted to FJB3. We let FJB3 loose in the woods behind the house near a creek and far from the road.

First it was birds, then it was...

2006-06-22T23:48:00.000-05:00

I caught some pictures of some lizards PLAYING! Nature abounds.

End of School Update (I forgot to post)

2006-06-22T22:36:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize that I didn't post this at the end of the year.

Amber and Alyssa both did great this year in school. They both made the "Merit Roll" for the year. This basically means that they averaged A's & B's for the entire year. Alyssa had A's & B's all year. Amber had A's & B's except for 1 C. I think the girls have done an exceptional job this year.

Aunt Laura should be impressed with the art talent that both Amber and Alyssa have. The art teacher awards 3 certificates per class: "Outstanding Artist" (1 for a boy & 1 for a girl) & "Most Improved in Art" (1 per class). And the winners are:

Amber won "Outstanding Artist" (Girl) for her class.

Alyssa won "Most Improved in Art" for her class.

If you remember the painting I did, you will know they didn't get their artistic talents from me.
Here is a sample of their artistic talent.

"Peace Beach" by Amber Stowers

"Rainbow Garden" by Alyssa Stowers

Next year Amber will be in 5th grade and Alyssa will be in 4th grade.

Sorry for the delay in this info. I will try to make sure I post my drafts next time.

FYI.......

2006-06-20T22:07:00.000-05:00

Everyone may not really know the families on our links, so I thought I might do a little clarification.

Callie's Blog is my cousin's blog for his 2 wonderful daughters (Callie & Avery).
Malachi's Blog is my cousin's blog for her wonderful son (Malachi).
Lisa's Blog is my cousin's (you are still very much my cousin) blog for her 3 wonderful boys (Josh, Stephen, and Andrew [A.J.]).
Lisa's Homeschool Blog is the aforementioned Lisa's blog where she discusses homeschooling issues.
Lisa's "Love Letters 4 Jesus" Blog is the aforementioned Lisa's blog where she opens her heart through creative poetry to God. This blog is a great place to read if you need your spirits lifted.
Lilly's Blog is my Uncle Andy's blog where he shares about his times with his granddaughter (Lilly).
Gabehart's Family Blog is my cousin's (Brian's side of the family) blog for her wonderful son (Austin) and her wonderful daughter (Alex).

If anyone else has a blog I would love to add you to my links. I hope that this helps everyone know who my links are for.

Baby Birds

2006-06-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

We had a nest in our yard with 6 baby birds. I think that only 5 show up in each of the picures. I hope you enjoy our baby bird pictures.

Momma Bird

Baby Birds

Alyssa's Bargain

2006-05-07T13:31:00.000-05:00

Alyssa was a real bargain shopper!!!! Alyssa bought a huge basket of chocolate at her school carnival's auction. She paid $40 for the basket. She has returned about half of the chocolate (the stuff she doesn't like) to Walmart. Her returns came to $43.25 and we still have 6 more things to return (1 item is a $4 from Sav-A-Lot). I guess Alyssa is a pretty good "Bargain Hunter".

Alyssa's thinned out "Chocolate Basket" which she got for free since she has re-couped all of her money!!! What a BARGAIN HUNTER!!!!

This basket was overflowing with CHOCOLATE. It took me 4 trips from the care to carry all the chocolate into the house. I carried this basket piled over the top and then carried 3 more armloads into the house. This basket should last Alyssa a while. She is being very good about eating a little at a time. Any one wants some chocolate - Alyssa might give you a small bit (or maybe not). She really loves chocolate.

School Carnival

2006-04-30T21:43:00.000-05:00

The girls school had their 14th Annual Spring Carnival yesterday. I know what you are thinking -- school carnival's are kind of hokey!! This school has the carnival down to a science. They charge $15.00 for a bracelet. This bracelet allows you to participate in all games. I bought the girls each a bracelet. We got to the carnival at 11 am (which is when it opened). They actually had a pretty decent carnival. They had 2 blow-up obstacle courses for little kids, a paddle boat lagoon (huge shallow pool with 4 boats to race in), 4 easy (easy, easy) games you play until you win (you get a prize no matter what!!), a blow up boxing rink with jumbo boxing gloves (the gloves were almost bigger than Alyssa - Alyssa and Amber could barely lift them), a blow up Q-tip battle rink (you know those sticks with cushions on both ends - they had to stand on these foam stands and hit each other off), a blow up bungie run race, a huge blow up slide, a blow up tweety cage (strictly a bouncing cage), and a monster size blow up obstacle course. They also had a cake walk, manicure station, face painting station, and (temporary) tatoo station and bingo.

The carnival ends at 5 pm and is followed by an auction. Let's just say that we were there from start to after finish. We stayed for the auction. It was my first auction. Some stuff went at bargain prices while others went ridiculously high. A teacher paid $190.00 for a reserved parking space up front next school year. They had a lot of great items in the auction. Each classroom had to enter something in the auction plus each grade level also entered a grade level item. Examples: Amber's class did an "Arts & Crafts basket" - it sold for $30.00, Alyssa's class had a white round table painted with "fingerprint bugs" on it and the name of each child with their bug - it sold for $75.00 (I stopped bidding at $45.00), a handcrafted oak porch swing - sold for $250.00 (the girls wanted that), a child-size wooden picnic table - sold for $75.00, a bookcase dollhouse (created by special ed class) - sold for $290.00 (the girls wanted it - I stopped bidding at $40 - it just wasn't worth more), the 3rd grade had a "desperate chocaholic's basket" this laundry basket held a ton of chocolate - sold for $40.00 (needless to say...Alyssa wanted this and she won it too - she bought it with her birthday money). We ended up leaving school around 8:15pm. I decided next year I am getting me a bracelet too, I can at least play some bingo and try to win a cake in the cake walk. (I got tired of just walking around for six hours while they played.)

Alyssa went through the chocolate basket that she "won" (bought) and picked out everything she didn't like (surprisingly she pulled out 2 walmart bags of chocolate stuff that she didn't like and still has a huge laundry basket full of chocolates. If I calculated about right, Alyssa paid $40.00 for about $65.00 in chocolates. I told Alyssa since she bought it she could decide what to do with the chocolates she didn't like -- she gave a (very, very, very) little to her grandparents and wants me to return to Walmart anything they will take. She will recoup some of her money that way. She is planning to share some of the chocolate with her sister (who is mildly allergic to chocolate) and her mom (who is also allergic to chocolate). We had fun at the carnival and learned that all school carnivals are not hokey...at least their auctions can be lots of fun. They had a professiona auctioneer - he actually won some stuff because no one wanted it. He was very fun to listen to.

Alyssa is turning "9"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-26T22:45:00.000-05:00

I thought I was only 18 years old, so how can I have a children that are 11 and almost 9. I ask you how???????? Alyssa is so excited about turning 9!!!! Every day after school, she gets in the car and tells me how many more days till her birthday. She is growing up. Soon I won't have a child in the single digits!!!! HELP!!!!!! Where does the time go????? It seems like just yesterday that I brought Amber home from the hospital and that was over 11 years ago!!! I just have to remember, even though they are getting older - I am not!!!! After all, didn't that lady think I was 18!!!!!

I got in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-22T22:56:00.000-05:00

I received my acceptance letter today for the Nursing Program !!!!!! I will start classes in September 2006. I am so excited.

I thought that I would get in, but I wasn't going to be completely comfortable until I knew for sure!!! Now I am comfortable!!! I can't wait to register for classes and get started. I am looking forward to the challenges Nursing school will provide me.

The girls were excited upon hearing the news. They know this means that mom will be out of school in about 2 years.

Amber's Musical

2006-04-20T21:25:00.000-05:00

Amber's musical went well. They did a great job. I would have to say that Amber's class did the best out of all the classes. (No, I am not biased!!!!!) The musical was just the 4th grade classes. The musical was about making music, thus all the classes played some type of musical instrument. I apologize for the bad pictures, but the lighting is not great in the gym and they are moving so you are limited in the camera mode you can use.

I hope you enjoy the pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How old am I???

2006-04-18T20:20:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I stopped at Publix to buy a Lottery ticket ($265M payout - why not try!). I went up to the Lottery register and asked for a "quick pick" Mega Millions ticket, they lady around 45 yrs old) asked to see my ID. I told her "Bless your soul". I handed her my license and told her "I am 38 years old" . The lady said, "I can't believe I was 20 years off on my estimate. You look very young." I know this made my day! It might have even made my year! I guess if I win the lottery it would top it!

Happy Easter to all!!!!!!

2006-04-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

We wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter. Here are some pictures of us in our Easter finery and the girls Easter goodies.

Happy Easter from Kim, Amber, and Alyssa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amber

Alyssa

Kim

All three of us

Here's their goodies
Amber's (left) & Alyssa's (right)

Grades Have Come In...

2006-04-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

It has been report card time at our home. The kids outdid their mom very easily. I was very proud of the girls. I was disappointed in my grades. I keep reminding myself that my classes were hard last quarter and that most students struggle with these 2 classes, but I still wish I had done better. I still don't think I know anything from the Medical Mircobiology class.

My grades:
Anatomy & Physiology - C
Medical Microbiology - B

Amber's Grades
Reading - B
Language Arts - A
Math - B
Science/Health - A
Social Studies - B
Comments - I enjoy having Amber in my room. She assumes responsibility
wee, excels in academics, and is well liked by her peers. She has helped to make
my year a pleasant one.

Alyssa's Grades
Reading Comprehension - B
Reading Vocabulary - A
Fluency Rate - 133 words per minute (year-end goal is 120)
Spelling - A
Language Arts - A
Math Concepts - A
Math Facts - A
Science/Health - A
Social Studies - B
Comments - Merit Roll for a 3rd time! Keep on working!

Middle School Already?????

2006-04-10T23:41:00.000-05:00

After much deliberation, a few weeks ago Amber started attending the 5th grade girls Sunday School class at Church. This is where she actually should be age wise. Our church prefers you to go by grade if possible. Amber expressed that she didn't feel she had very much in common with the girls in her 4th grade Sunday School class. So, I let her try the 5th grade girls class. She loved it!!!!! We have been told that you can't be in both children and student ministries, which means she has to be a 5th grader in everything or a 4th grader in everything. After talking it over with Amber, I agreed to let her promote to the 5th grade at church in everything. The children's choir director is letting her finish the year up in 4th grade so she can earn her trophy as there is less than a month remaining in this choir year.

The IMPORTANCE of this decision is that starting this summer Amber is considered a part of the student ministries. She is a middle schooler at least at church. And this means MIDDLE SCHOOL SUMMER CAMP!!!!!!!!!! Help me!!!!!!!!! I am not quite ready for that, but let me tell you she is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She is so excited about getting to go to camp. She will be going for 4-5 days (June 19 - 23) to Talladega, Alabama. The only family member that will be on the trip is her Uncle Ken. Her Uncle Ken is a counselor at middle school camp and teaches 6th grade boys Sunday School. Amber is only saddened by the knowledge that Christopher has promoted out of middle school camp. I know Amber will be talking everyone's ears off about camp in the near future. The girl is so excited that she has already bought her 1-pc swimsuit for camp (she hasn't been excited about buying a 1-pc swimsuit since about the age of 6).

Continue to look for new posts.

It has been a while....

2006-04-09T14:48:00.000-05:00

As I promised here are the pictures of the girl's Valentine boxes. They really turned out great. Amber's box came in 2nd place in her class. Alyssa's class didn't vote on their boxes, but if they had she would have done great too.

Amber's Box

Alyssa's Box

I know I may be biased, but I really think they designed beautiful boxes. I thought they did great. They got lots of Valentines and candy. Fortunately, we do not have any serious boyfriends yet!!!!!!!!!

I will actually be posting several messages over the next few days to catch up!!!

What's going on...

2006-02-13T00:59:00.000-05:00

The girls are doing great. This weekend we had to decorate Valentine Boxes for classroom contests. The girls painted shoeboxes that I wrapped in Kraft paper. They had me do the glitter writing, but they gave me specific instructions on the layout. I will try to post pictures of the boxes later.

Amber also had to work on her Science project that is due on Wednesday. She has to do a report on the Solar System. This report consists of 2 papers: 1) at least 3 facts on each planet and the moon and 2) minimum of 1 page about 1 planet of your choice. Both of these papers have to be hand-written. Amber has picked Mars as her planet of choice.

We found some very cool websites while searching for facts on the planets. We found one website that tells you how much you weigh on each planet (make sure you are in the Kid's eye view) http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Object=Sun&Display=Kids (just click on the planet and enter your weight, then hit go!)

On Earth: 116 lbs (Kim)
On the Sun: 3248 lbs
On Pluto: 9.3 lbs
On a Comet: 0.071 lbs

If I were weight conscious I would want to avoid most of the other planets and especially the Sun. We also found a website that told you how old you are and when your next birthday would be on the other planets http://www.exploratorium.edu/ronh/age/index.html (it's based on each of the planets years [length of orbit]). I am: 157.6 Mercurian years old and will celebrate my next birthday on March 19, 2006 on Mercury; 20.1 Martian years old and will celebrate my next birthday on August 28, 2007 on Mars; and 0.152 Plutonian years old and will celebrate my 1st birthday on October 5, 2216. We found our research to be quite fun.

I made my 1st 100 on a Medical Microbiology Exam. I was quite please with this feat. I hope to keep this effort up. I am doing pretty good this quarter. My Anatomy professor thinks I'm crazy for taking both Anatomy & Physiology and Medical Microbiology at the same time, but I have to have them done by April 1st to qualify for the nursing program this fall. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Amber had a school performance at the last PTO meeting on 2/8/06. She played a drum and she sang in the chorus. She did great. I will also try to post some of the pictures for that. Both of the girls are performing in the Children's Choir musical on 2/19/06. Amber is in an ensemble plus the chior and Alyssa is in the chior. They are both excited about this performance. They are extra excited because their Dad and their Nana & Pappaw will be there to see the musical.

Happy Valentine's Day (I know it's early) to all. I need to go to bed. (It is late.)

A Much Needed 411

2006-01-16T19:42:00.000-05:00

It has been a while since my last posting. So I feel that an update is very much needed. I apologize for the delay. I will try to do better.

Amber
Amber got her report card for the 2nd nine weeks. She made 1 B and 4 A's. She has greatly improved. She has done very well on her reading also. She is the AR leader for her classroom. The closest student to her is still 20 points behind her. Amber is counting the days until 5th grade. Her school uses the 4-H program to supplement their regular curriculum. Amber is excited because she saw a notice for a Horse Care Club. The Horse Care Club teaches you how to groom and care for a horse. She can't wait to participate in this club. Amber has experienced some grief since our last posting. Amber's little baby, Angel (the dog), was taken back to the pound. Angel was tearing to many clothes and she was biting hard. Angel had also become an accomplished jumper. She could jump very high and would scratch you with her paws and teeth. Amber was sad to see Angel go, but she asked for us to get rid of her. Fortunately, Grandma got a miniature Chihuahua. He is an adorable looking little puppy. He only weighs about 1 pound and 12 ounces. Grandma allowed all of us to help name it. Amber suggested Pepi, as in Pepi Le' Pew. Amber likes Pepi, but hasn't decided if she wants to have a dog like Pepi for her own. Amber had a lot of fun shopping at Limited Too. She bought 2 tops on clearance and a pair of sunglasses.

Alyssa
Alyssa also got her report card. Alyssa received 1 B and 7 A's. She has also improved this grade period. Alyssa is looking forward to 4th grade. She wants to get Amber's teacher, Mrs. Carrasco. Alyssa was glad to see Angel go. Alyssa loved Angel, but didn't like her because she could jump higher than she was tall. Alyssa is not much of a dog lover. She has really taken to Pepi, though. Pepi is just the right size dog for her. Pepi also has a wonderful temperment and personality. Alyssa tells me that she is not very keen of her current teacher, Ms. Greenwald. Alyssa says that Ms. Greenwald is mean. (I think Ms. Greenwald is a very tough teacher, but I don't think she is mean.) Alyssa went shopping today for some new clothes. Amber and Alyssa worked out a deal with their shopping cards from Christmas. Amber gave $25 of her Penney's card to Alyssa in exchange for Alyssa's $25 card from Limited Too. Alyssa had a lot of fun shopping with at Penney's. Alyssa bought a pair of jeans, a pair of khaki's, a skirt (with attached shorts) and a t-shirt.

Kim
I have started a new quarter of school. I made 1 B and 2 A's last quarter. This was my 1st B in school since I started back in school. I also got my scores for the NLN-RN Pre-Entrance Exam. I ended up with a 92. From what I have heard that is a great score. So far, out of every one that I have talked that already has their score back the closest to my score is 1 person who made a 91. Every one else has been in the mid to upper 80's. So, I am feeling pretty confident about my NLN score. This quarter I am taking 2 tough subjects which are Medical Microbiology and the last half of Anatomy & Physiology. This quarter in A&P we will learn about blood, the heart, the digestive system, the endocrine system, and the reproductive system to name a few. These are very detailed systems with lots of minute details to learn. Wish me luck. I have put in my application for the nursing program. Now it is a wait and see thing. The application states that we have until April 1st to complete any required courses which basically means they will not start making any decisions until the grades for this quarter come out. Like I said, it is now a wait and see thing. I have not had the chance to go shopping with my Christmas money. I hope to buy some jeans and a good lightweight jacket.

We just finished Christmas on January 14th. This was the first opportunity that the Watkins could all get together. So needless to say, my Christmas tree is still up. I plan to take it down tomorrow. The girls and myself had a great Christmas and we hope that all of you did too. We are praying that every one has a great year.

Our list of Thanksgiving

2005-11-24T16:16:00.000-05:00

Alyssa –

I am thankful that God is in my heart, that I am getting the education I need, for all the teachers I have had, that I have a family, my friends, and that I have a life. I am glad that I don’t have to get a life.

Amber –

I am thankful that Jesus came to Earth to take away our sins. I am thankful for my family. I am thankful that I go to a good school and have a great teacher. I am very thankful for my dog, Angel. I am also thankful for the electricity that brings me: Nintendo, TV, hot water, air conditioning and heat, DirecTV, DVD player, Stereo, VCR, computer, and lights. I am thankful that I am growing up and getting taller. I am thankful that this century has good fashion taste. I am also thankful that I don’t have to wear glasses (at least yet). I am thankful that I am alive. I am also thankful for anything important that I may have not mentioned.

Kim –

I am thankful for God’s wonderful love and mercy. I am thankful for family. I am very thankful for our health. I am thankful that the girls and myself are all doing great in school. I am thankful for life. I am thankful for fried turkey skin!! I am thankful for everything and one. Last, but not least, I am thankful for school. (Amber helped me write my list of thanksgiving.)

A Little Trick and a Little Treat

2005-11-02T23:10:00.000-05:00

The girls had a wonderful evening on Halloween. As usual, the girls picked out their own costumes. The girl's, well mainly Amber, decided I needed to dress up this year, so I practiced my "nurse" look. Amber decided that the nurse look suits me. The girls went to about 15 houses in Christopher's (their cousin) neighborhood. We attended our Church's Fall Festival, which the kids seemed to like that they had a bunch of bouncy machines for them to play in. We ate dinner at Chick-fil-A. And after all that, we still hit about 4 houses in our neighborhood for even more candy. Two of our neighbors gave the girls about 4 heaping handfuls of candy each. Boy are we going to be on a SUGAR-HIGH around here for a while.

Amber (rock star), Christopher (an Alabama fan), and Alyssa (Lady Guinevere)

Rock star, Amber, blows a kiss to her adoring fans.

Is it Lady Guinevere or is it Lady Alyssa?
(Rumor is that this young maiden adopted the name of Lady Layla for this one night.)

Juan Ponce de Leon project

2005-11-02T22:34:00.000-05:00

Amber did a Social Studies project on Juan Ponce de Leon in October. She told me what to put on her poster and she layed it out. Amber also wrote her report. She had to write the report in cursive. Amber also had to present this project to her class with a prop. Amber took water from the "Fountain of Youth" for her class to sample. She did a great job on her project.

The other day when I stopped by Amber's class, I noticed that they all looked very youthful. I think that "Fountain of Youth" sample really worked on them.

Grades have come in...

2005-10-16T14:54:00.000-05:00

The girls have gotten their 1st report cards for the year. They have done a great job.

Alyssa’s grades
Reading Comprehension (A)
Reading Vocabulary (A)
Reading Fluency(Year End Goal 120) 134
Spelling (A)
English/Language Arts (B)
Math Concepts (A)
Math Facts (A)
Science/Health (B)
Social Studies (A)
Teacher Comments: Alyssa made the Merit Roll (A’s & B’s)! Keep up the good work!

Amber’s grades
Reading (B)
English/Language Arts (B)
Math (A)
Science/Health (B)
Social Studies (B)
Teacher Comments: Amber’s excellent work is a reflection of her fine attitude and effort. Congratulations on always having your homework! It is a pleasure to work with such a willing child!

The girls are truly doing a great job in school! I am doing ok in school too. I made a 98 on my first math test and a 78 (C+) on my first Anatomy test. I also made a 25 (of 25) on my first speech and a 23 (of 25) on my first test in speech. I am hoping to be able to bring up my Anatomy grade with the next test.

The weather is getting cooler. The girls are looking forward to Halloween (really the CANDY!!) They are even thinking ahead to Christmas.

The girls are doing

2005-10-02T14:26:00.000-05:00

The girls are doing very good in school. Since Amber’s teacher does not do progress reports, I had to calculate Amber’s grades. According to my calculations Amber should be on the A-B Honor Roll. Amber has an A in Math and B’s in Science, Social Studies, Reading, and Language Arts. Alyssa also should be on the A-B Honor Roll. Her teacher sent home a progress report with 8 grade categories on it. Alyssa had a mixture of A’s and B’s. We have to wait until October 13th to get the actual grades.

Alyssa had a visit from the “Tooth Fairy” last week. The Tooth Fairy had to come 2 nights to pay. The 1st night the Tooth Fairy came, but didn’t leave any money. We shortly found the tooth on the floor. We figure the Tooth Fairy couldn’t find the tooth on the floor. The 2nd night we put the tooth on the table next to the bed. The Tooth Fairy left Alyssa a brand new $1. Alyssa was very excited that the Tooth Fairy found her tooth.

The girls are on their Fall Break from school. They are visiting their dad this week. Alyssa was very glad she lost her tooth last week so she can get an extra $1 from Nana for her tooth. Amber was excited that she got to take her dog, Angel, to her dad’s. The girls will also get to spend a lot of time with Nana and Papa this week too.

I have been in school for 1 week now. I have my 1st speech due on Tuesday, October 4th. I also have my 1st Anatomy & Physiology and College Algebra tests on Thursday, October 6th. I am always nervous about the 1st test. I always consider the 1st test the hardest because you don’t know the testing style of the professor.

2005-09-21T22:12:00.000-05:00

The girls are closing in on the end of their 1st grading period for the year. They are very excited about getting their report cards. They think the best thing about report cards is that they are closer to the end of school. It must be that "1 down ONLY 3 more to go" thought process. I have been tracking the girls AR (Accelerated Reading) points at home. The girls are constantly asking how many points they both have. Today Amber passed her sister in AR points. This is a VERY BIG DEAL. Alyssa has always led in points because she loves to read so much. Last year Amber only read when you made her. This year Amber has made AR a competition between Alyssa and herself. I still haven't decided if Alyssa is also treating AR as a competition. I say, "What ever works to get them reading."

I have gone to orientation for my school. I have also registered for my classes. I am taking 3 classes (which is 15 credit hours): Anatomy & Physiology I, College Algebra, and Public Speaking. Because students have to get special permission to take more than 19 credit hours I could not take a fourth class. All the classes I have to take are 5 credit hour classes. My current degree is an Associates Degree in Health Science. Once I have been accepted in to the nursing program my degree will be an Associates Degree in Nursing. I bought my books the other day for school. I only needed 3 textbooks and a school printed lab book which cost a fine penny. I still think that the books are the most expensive part of college (atleast at the junior/technical college level).

Welcome to our blog...

2005-09-14T07:15:00.000-05:00

Hello to All!!!

This is my first attempt to use a blog. I wanted to start a blog so that all our family and friends could keep in touch with us easier. I felt this might be an opportunity for some to get better acquainted with the girls and myself and for others to keep informed of what we are up to. I will try to post on a regular basis - although I don't know what that regular basis may be yet.

Amber
Age: 10 (10 1/2 if you ask her)
Grade: 4th

Amber is doing very well in the 4th grade. She says her teacher is very good and extremely nice, but she also has a mean side too. We decided to say the teacher is "tough, but nice". Amber is trying to prepare her sister for the "real world" which means whatever grade Amber is in. Amber enjoys her new school. Every afternoon when I pick her up from school the staff (school staff load and unload students every afternoon and morning) member loading Amber into the car comment on how heavy her backsack is because she can't get it in the car by herself. She is regularly bringing home 4-5 text books a day. Amber even has homework on Fridays now that she is in a harder grade (Amber calls it a harder grade). Amber is also doing very well on her A.R. which is Accelerated Reading (a required reading program for all students - you read books on your reading level and take comprehension tests on the books for points) and is hoping to get a lot of AR points this year. Amber is in our church's children's choir. She has auditioned for a solo part in the musical that they will be performing sometime in 2006.

Alyssa
Age: 8
Grade: 3rd

Alyssa is doing very well in the 3rd grade. She also says her teacher is very tough and nice, but also a little mean too. We have definitely decided that Alyssa has the toughest 3rd grade teacher. Alyssa's homework usually consists of: 2-3 sheets of math homework, spelling assignment (ABC order, write 3x's, or use in sentences), Language Arts study guide, Social Studies study guide, Science study guide, and Reading assignment. Alyssa is also doing very well on her AR points this year. She is leading her class in AR points at this time (she and another classmate keep taking turns leading the class - I think Alyssa is determined to take the lead and keep it). Alyssa has a VERY best friend named Colleen. Colleen is also in the 3rd grade and lives in our subdivision. Alyssa and Colleen play well together and sometimes Amber will play with them. Alyssa also sings in our church's children's choir. She didn't want to try out for a solo and hasn't decided for sure if she will actually perform the musical, but she really enjoys choir practice because she gets candy every week.

Angel
Age: 14 1/2 weeks

Our puppy is a dachschund mix. Her mom was a 15 lb. long hair maltese dachschund. Her dad is an unknown factor. Amber likes to think she might be part Black Lab and likes to show me Angel's webbed paws, but we are not really sure of what dad was. We are hoping she will remain to be a small-to-medium dog. She is getting to be quite brave. She has discovered how to shimmy under the gate to get out, but can't shimmy to get back in the backyard (which is where she wants to be if the garage door is not up). She can also climb ladders, but she can't climb down the ladder nor will she jump off the ladder.

Angel's Mom: Amber
Angel's Aunt: Alyssa
Angel's Nana: Kim

Kim
Age: 37 (but I like the age the girls say I am, which is 27 - sounds less depressing)
Grade: College Sophomore

I am going to school to become a nurse (for those who didn't know). I have 6 more general degree classes left and then I will only have my nursing classes to take. I will be applying to the nursing program in the beginning of 2006 for the Fall 2006 term. Only 4 of the remaining 6 classes have to be finished before I can apply to the nursing program. I actually don't start classes until September 27th. My school is on a quarter system instead of a semester system. I am actually excited about this because I feel like I can finish school a little bit faster this way. We have all settled into Winder, GA very well. We are attending a large church with a wonderful orchestra and choir every Sunday morning. The orchestra is not your run of the mill orchestra. We have trombones, trumpets, violins, drums, etc... and electric guitars and boy can they play some upbeat praise music. The Choir has over 150 members and the music is so uplifting. I haven't joined the choir yet, but I am thinking about it.

The 4-1-1 on Amber, Alyssa, and Kim

I am engaged!

Amber, Not a Baby Anymore!

Good News...and other little tidbits.

It has been a long time....

Amber has been promoted!

And MORE Puppies

Puppies and MORE Puppies

Amber has crossed the tracks...

Is someone else shaving???

Easter Pictures

Update on school grades for the girls...

Amber is...

March 9, 2007 - New Puppies!!!

"Race to Win” is a Winner!!

I am back...

Amber earned her BLACK BELT!!!

Congratulations

Amber's Living Christmas Tree performance

We Have A NEW PUPPY!!!!!!!

OFFICIAL APOLOGY to Donna

***CHRISTMAS BELIEVERS BEWARE***

1 Quarter of Nursing COMPLETED!!!!

November 2006

Sorry for the delay...

Health Update!!!!

Injuries

Nursing School...

A Poem by Amber

Alyssa visits with the dogs

A Very Tiny Baby Lizard

Braces??????

Our Little Bunnies

Our visit to the GA Aquarium

School is going good...

A New Link....

I am officially in the ADN program!

Amber is growing up!!!!!

Tooth Fairy to Visit Amber!!!!!

A Tribute to Great-Grandma Cook

Happy 4th of July!!!!!!!!!

And the "Nature Lessons" continue...

First it was birds, then it was...

End of School Update (I forgot to post)

FYI.......

Baby Birds

Alyssa's Bargain

School Carnival

Alyssa is turning "9"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amber's Musical

How old am I???

Happy Easter to all!!!!!!

Grades Have Come In...

Middle School Already?????

It has been a while....

What's going on...

A Much Needed 411

Our list of Thanksgiving

A Little Trick and a Little Treat

Juan Ponce de Leon project

Grades have come in...

The girls are doing

Welcome to our blog...

CHRISTMAS BELIEVERS BEWARE