Happy Valentine's Day

Beautiful Babes

WOW! I was so very proud of my girls at the dance! They are so beautiful inside and out. They couldn't be ANY prettier or ANY sweeter and I couldn't be ANY prouder. (I know that's not proper grammar.) I always love preparing for a dance with the two of them. They are usually SO different in their opinions but the older they get, the more alike they become. This year they both wanted a "purple" dress. I think they both did a great job with their final choices. The pictures below are some of the dresses that we tried on and didn't make the final cut. Yes, we usually buy  about 5 or 6 dresses, bring them home, try them on a dozen times, and then decide what Mom gets to return...the things you do for your kids!

After we went dress shopping, we had to go "hairstyle shopping". This is what they came up with and I think they were both simply stunning!

As usual, I called in a "911" to my sister that day. We were running behind schedule getting their hair done (imagine that), and I knew at that point we I would never make it. I should have thought about how nearly impossible it would be to simultaneously makeover your daughters that are only a year apart. Thank goodness for my Sis! She was a lifesaver. We have done this before (911 calls to her) at Homecoming so she just came in and went to work! She took Ally of course and I took Abby!

How proud does Judson look in this picture? I love it!

Judson is almost as proud as Jidi and Sittie!

The "7th grade boys"...they were thrilled to have their picture taken as you can tell!

PROUD BROTHER, Oney!

I  missed out taking "action shots" at the dance. Angel insisted on me not coming to help this time, so I didn't go. The kids made my night when I picked them up from the dance. They said, "Where were you all night, Mom"? I said, I left so you could have this dance without me being there. They both said, "But Momma, we LOVE having you there! We like it when you chaperone. You aren't like some of the other Moms"!

Jud Goes to Vegas

Judson took off for a quick trip to Vegas for the National Grocers Convention. I talked my way out of going this year somehow! Rick James was his "date" for the trip. We usually learn a few useful tools at these grocery shows, but I just wasn't into going this time. He will be back home Wednesday morning early...he took the red eye flight. It's funny. Anytime he is going out of town, the first thing the kids ask is "How many nights will Dad be gone"? They always wish for 3 nights so that each of them can have a night to sleep with me by themselves! They LOVE to cuddle and get some one on one attention but they HATE him being gone otherwise.

The picture below is Judson with a Vegas Willie Nelson look alike. We have seen him in Vegas several times before but never taken a picture.

They always have a Chairman's reception/gala on the last night and this year's entertainment was LeAnn Rimes. Judson said she was actually pretty good. He left at the end of dinner and went straight to the airport.

Youth Group Goes Bowling

Judson and I were the chaperones at our youth outing this month. We went bowling at Cordova lanes. The night before, we had Ally, Abby, Anna Claire, Grace, Joze, and Brooke spend the night after the Valentine's Dance. Needless to say after the bowling alley, we all came home and put on our pjs for the night. I was exhausted even though this is a really good group of kids.

The picture above is of Jason, our Youth Director, and his "new" girlfriend, Amy. She is so cute and sweet...the kids and I really like her a lot!

As you can tell from the picture of Judson above, he is NOT a good loser. He didn't lose but he missed out on getting a strike, It killed him!

As you can tell from my picture (yes, that's me and someone really took MY picture), I am not a good winner either! I didn't win but I did bowl a STRIKE on this turn! Whooo hoooo!

The group on the way out the door. Jack and Ethan just LOVE getting their picture made...NOT! Judson and I always enjoy going with the youth. We should do it more often.

Valentine's Dance

Beautiful Babes

WOW! I was so very proud of my girls at the dance! They are so beautiful inside and out. They couldn't be ANY prettier or ANY sweeter and I couldn't be ANY prouder. (I know that's not proper grammar.) I always love preparing for a dance with the two of them. They are usually SO different in their opinions but the older they get, the more alike they become. This year they both wanted a "purple" dress. I think they both did a great job with their final choices. The pictures below are some of the dresses that we tried on and didn't make the final cut. Yes, we usually buy  about 5 or 6 dresses, bring them home, try them on a dozen times, and then decide what Mom gets to return...the things you do for your kids!

After we went dress shopping, we had to go "hairstyle shopping". This is what they came up with and I think they were both simply stunning!

As usual, I called in a "911" to my sister that day. We were running behind schedule getting their hair done (imagine that), and I knew at that point we I would never make it. I should have thought about how nearly impossible it would be to simultaneously makeover your daughters that are only a year apart. Thank goodness for my Sis! She was a lifesaver. We have done this before (911 calls to her) at Homecoming so she just came in and went to work! She took Ally of course and I took Abby!

How proud does Judson look in this picture? I love it!

Judson is almost as proud as Jidi and Sittie!

The "7th grade boys"...they were thrilled to have their picture taken as you can tell!

PROUD BROTHER, Oney!

I  missed out taking "action shots" at the dance. Angel insisted on me not coming to help this time, so I didn't go. The kids made my night when I picked them up from the dance. They said, "Where were you all night, Mom"? I said, I left so you could have this dance without me being there. They both said, "But Momma, we LOVE having you there! We like it when you chaperone. You aren't like some of the other Moms"!

Oney's Basketball Awards Banquet

Oney was so so proud of his basketball season this year. He should be too! He had his BEST year ever. He is awesome on defense and a little hesitant on offense. He did get more comfortable taking some shots right at the end of the season. I finally got through to him...if you don't take a shot you definitely aren't going to make it. It is amazing how one scored point will give you such a major boost of confidence.

I have said it before but I am going to say it again. Oney's coaches were amazing! I give them credit for his major improvement this season. I wish ALL coaches would realize the "influential power" they have over our children. There is such a difference in a positive role model versus a negative role model.

I am so proud of you Oney! I love you!

Catchup Take 2...

Believe it or not, I have proofed these posts. However, I am so tired tonight. I am sure I have typos...I will read the posts again tomorrow and correct anything else I notice. After awhile, it all runs together!

http://thenaifehs.blogspot.com/2011/11/deer-or-die.html

http://thenaifehs.blogspot.com/2011/12/theyre-backour-elves-that-is.html

http://thenaifehs.blogspot.com/2011/12/oneys-10th-birthday.html

http://thenaifehs.blogspot.com/2011/12/church-membership.html

http://thenaifehs.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-my-birthdaylunch.html

The End! of basketball season....

Our basketball season ended today for all three kids. The girls had a game in Memphis at Grace St. Luke's and Oney had a game in Millington at First Baptist Church. I went with the girls and Judson went with Oney. The girls season ended up just the way it started...frustrating and disappointing. Oney, on the other hand, had his best season yet. I attribute both of my feelings to the kid's coaches. I never really realized the power a coach has over your child until the past couple of years. The coach can make or break you and your season. That can go either way...

Oney really has become a rebounding man! He has gotten more confident on the court and more aggressive in trying to get a piece of the ball. I am so PROUD of him. He has given a ton of effort and it really has shown on the court. His coaches REALLY worked with him this year! They taught the boys basic basketball skills, set a good example for them at practice and during the games, encouraged them, etc. They made our season so worthwhile. I can't thank them both enough...one season with a good coach...wow, what a difference!

The girls on the other hand...well I won't elaborate for the sake of hurting feelings. But it was a disappointing season. We have a LOT of talent on our team and well, you can fill in the blanks with the exact opposite of Oney's Coaches. I am so PROUD of my girls for sticking it out until the end. I admit there were days that I even wanted to throw in the towel.

Abby became a BEAST in the rebounding and defensive positions. I think she was on the floor as much as on her feet! She really hustled and improved her game this year.
Can you believe that Ally has played her LAST Middle School basketball game? She is officially a few months away from being in high school...WOW...time is flying by...

I really enjoyed seeing them on the court TOGETHER this year! That may never happen again?