Photo Session

I have been wanting to do some professional photos of the kids for awhile and I finally made it happen. During Fall Break, we had appointments with Emily Peyton Cook. She had taken the kids pictures when they were about 3, 6 & 7. We just wanted to do something similar to those. Casual and laid-back in different scenes around the square. I cannot wait to see the finished product! I just know they are going to be awesome! Here are just a few candids that I snapped with my iPhone during the photo shoot. Emily is the sweetest thing ever and made the session totally pain free! Thanks Emily for sharing your talents with my family.

When Dad is Away...And When He Returns

Last weekend Jud hopped on a last minute trip to South Dakota with his favorite chicken company. He is on the "standby" list for last minute fill ins and he gladly hops aboard. They have really been good to him over the years and likewise. 

There are certain things we do when Dad is away. I guess you could say we have "Daddys away traditions"! The kids always get excited if Judson is going out of town. BUT, as soon as he leaves, they start asking "How long before Dad gets back"? The miss him and do not like him being gone for very long at all. 

When Dad is AWAY...

We give the dog a bath in Dad's shower

We go shopping...just the girls...

Each kid gets a turn sleeping with Mom in our bed...

We have movie night all together in the family room with pallets everywhere...

We close the kitchen down and eat Lebanese food from the freezer or order take out...

AND WHEN DAD RETURNS...

We have a MAJOR wrestling match until we cannot take it anymore! 

Then its back to normal...Dad holds down the sofa, watches his fantasy football, plays his game on the iPhone, wants to know whats for dinner,and kicks everyone out of his side of the bed! Until next time...

Flashbacks...The Good Ole Days...

Good things do come from cleaning out the clutter! I have paused here and there to look at some old photos from my Mee-Maw's house. Look at Papa, Sonny, with a rattlesnake that Ernest killed at Cold Creek. Ewe! Look at Daddy's Volkswagen bug in the background! 

Me and Monnie in the cookie jar...it ALWAYS had vanilla wafers in it! 

Me, Monnie and Daphne...the three amigos...always getting into some kind of trouble at Mee-Maw and Papa's house or at the Creek for the weekend. 

Celebrating their 25 wedding anniversary! What a beautiful couple they were in their younger years. 

That is him...his look right there...khaki work pants, Natural Light beer can, shirt unbuttoned, red faced!

The crazy cousins with Papa...Tracy, Amanda, Me, Daphne, Monnie and Papa Sonny. Will wasn't in this picture...sorry Will! 

I LOVE this...him carrying me and holding me...I was his "Little Angel"...his nickname for me!

Me, Monnie and Aunt Ree...loved Aunt Ree

Good times

Harvest Time

I love this time of the year when the farmers are harvesting their crops. I guess it is because it reminds me so much of my childhood and some awesome memories that I have growing up. My Papa was a farmer and I loved him so very much. I loved going to the field with him. He was such a big hearted man. He meant the world to me. I just wish I could say so many things to him. He left this Earth way too soon and in such an unjust way. I love you Papa! 

Don't Blink

Look at these three girls...Ally, Sydney and Abby! Can you believe that my girls are now babysitting their past sitter's babies?! CRAZY I know! They just LOVE Morgan Stitt Davanzo and now they love Aiden and Sydney! 

This was "tummy time" and ipad time on the floor with Sydney. 

Oney taught Aiden "magic tricks" all night. He was mesmerized by Oney's magic! 

Morg-before you know it Sydney will be as tall as Ally...enjoy EVERY minute of it! You are the best Momma ever! 

Last Game

We were so proud of Oney and his effort he put forth in football this year. He was the youngest on the team and didn't get much playing time at all. Yet he went to his practices and stood on the sidelines at all the games. I really think he enjoyed the camaraderie and team bonding. I was very proud of him...it wasn't always easy especially on those late nights with tons of homework and tests. Daddy and I love you Oney! 

Drivers Safety Class

That's my Ally...taking her driver safety class! WOW! Seems like yesterday she was taking her first steps. If I could just rewind the time and do things with the knowledge that I have today. I would not be such an uptight perfectionist. Oh well, I guess i just need to start today going forward. Life is way too short and it just moves faster every year!