SUMMER LEARNING

There is talk again of bike riding in the family. Naomi is holding
herself back for one reason or another. She rode last year, but not
confidently. So, the push is on again! She got out last night and rode
1/2 the lenght of our yard. We all were happy, but it was getting late.

So to work on her balance, she got the scooter out. As you can tell,
she is happy. She hasn't been on it much either, but to get her
confidence up we'll take it all!

GOING TO THE BEACH

Have I ever mentioned that my lovely daughter has begged me to take her to the beach for several years now? If I haven't, I'll let you in on a little secret......she has. Naomi is nothing, if not driven. When she gets something on her mind, she will not stop until she is satisfied. That is the way the beach has become. She doesn't do it everyday or even every week, but, she will do it often enough that we can not forget. She wants, needs, to go to the beach.

So, the summers getting shorter and the time has come. I knew that we would go to the beach this year, just because of her, and it was time. It has been way too long since we took time just to relax. Oh, you know we relax, we relax here at home, and at the farm. But anyone who has ever gone to the beach, knows that's what relaxing is. To make it even more special, we ask my parents to come relax with us! That may take some of the relaxin' away since I'm sure there will be some intense card games, but all in fun (for most of us) if I win. In the end, when the Ocean breeze is blowing by, everything will be good!

I'm really excited about the place we are going to stay, it is owned by my Uncle Jim and Aunt Cindy. Right on the ocean, in Ocean City, Maryland. They informed us, it is Marlin Week there and should be extra exciting, will all the big boats and fishing. I'm sure we will take lots of pictures and have lots of stories to tell, I'll keep you updated. Until then, check out where we'll be relaxing, here.

WORKING ON IT, the next step

I had a little time today to work on the knife. I was able to sand the broken edge the other day and so today I was able to cut the space for the blade. I am using a rechargeable Drimmel tool so I had to wait for it to recharge. If I would have had a little more time I would have got the spots drilled for the inlay. It really looks good! Not a very good picture, but I wanted to show what it looked like. The antler is very hard and took a lot more time than I thought it would to sand it down and cut the line. The smell was the worst.....It smelled like the time I was at the dentist for a crown. Not a pleasant memory and almost a deal breaker.

Side view. It has a good grip to it, and feels right in the hand.

Plain, no frills. It looks good, has a lot of shine but if I'm going to make something a little different. Well, I want it to look a little different!

THE FIRST STAGES

My next project. Making a knife out of deer antler and arrowhead. This is what I am starting out with. I plan to sand, apply beads and leather. It should be really nice when I am done!

FARM CRITTERS

I guess we are just as much of a surprise to these guys as they are to us. It seems in the past week, we have seen the food chain. Elijah saw the snake, Joe spotted the mouse, Levi saw the toad and I got the privilege of startling the tree frog.

As quiet as a mouse. I'm sure he was happy when we left him alone and quit taking pictures!

The toad. I don't know how Levi saw this! With all the rain we have been having, the ground seemed awfully dry and cracked. We transplanted him to the shade with some water to help ensure survival.

I Love This Picture! This is the tree frog after he was removed from the cooler. He looks a tad different than than he has in earlier pictures!!!

This is what I uncovered. Now, looking at the pictures, I think this is the female. She seems to be more of a grey shade than the other frog. I'm not sure....what do y'all think?

CHILDREN

My children, are special to me.

The fill me up, and bring me joy.

One shuns the camera, while the other two rejoice.

The latest, of many.

My life, yesterday.

MY LIFE

My life, is like everyone elses, except different. We all have a plan, though plans change and life takes over.

I have been thinking a lot lately about people and their stories(lives). I guess that is one of the things I enjoy about my work. I get to hear other people's stories. A glimpse into what they are all about....

Here is a snip pit of my life. I put it on FB, the place to connect with others, and no one noticed as far as I could tell.

The frog, such a small creature, but according to the scientist, a very essential part of our lives. We saw this frog last night at Joe's parents farm. It was just hanging out on a chair. When we got closer, it jumped to the hay bale trying to escape possible harm. The frog, like the snake we saw recently, live there. We have seen and heard evidence of both, but now we have actual proof . Flowers have always been a part of most people's lives. You love them, hate them, they sometimes cause you to sneeze and or sometimes bring you joy. We celebrate life and death with them. When I married my Landscape Architect husband, I knew that flowers and plants would always be in my life. I have learned a lot about them and still have much more to know....if I get around to it. I love their beauty, I love to photograph their beauty. Like individuals, they are similar, yet each one is so different.

The common Day lily. With this beauty, it's hard to believe they call it common.

Another Day lily. I'm not sure what the actual name is of any of them, that's on the list to learn, sometime.

Another lily, the Stargazer.....Beautiful, but full of pollen!

Sedum with a bee topper. Yet another creature that the scientist say is essential for our survival.

THE NEW BLOG

I have been wanting to set up something with all of the pictures of Joe's parents new house on it for quite some time. With Joe having to be at work so early, I took the extra time to get it done. Let me know what you think if you check it out. The link is to the right side of the page. As always, you can click on any picture to make it larger and see more detail.

Those of you who know me, know I like to joke around. Some of the comments under the pictures were made with that in mind. Don't read to much into it, it is all in fun! Here at Howell Family Fun. Now, come take a look.

NOT TO BE SATISFIED aka feeling a little sick

I didn't start out the day planning on eating so much, it just happened. Now I don't feel so well today. Although I have already started this day off a little better. So far all I have eaten is a bowl of Honey bunch of Oats with milk, a handful of Tostito's corn chips and a partial Balance gold bar. And 1 cup of coffee with milk. We'll see what today brings with the rest of the menu.

WHAT I DECIDED TO EAT YESTERDAY

2 left over pop-tarts
4 bit-o-honeys
2 jaw breakers
2 chewy carmels
1/2 pack of saltine crackers
1 whole row of fig newton cookies
1 bowl of cheese balls
1 cup of coffee
(I was really hungry at this point)
2 BIG glasses of water
8 shrimp
2 tablespoons of cocktail sauce
1/2 swordfish steak
1 serving of broccoli topped with cheese
2 servings of mixed veggies (potatoes, carrots, red peppers, mushrooms)
2 chicken wings
2 ripe tomatos (with salt)
1 ice cream cone filled with 1 scoop of Neapolitan ice cream
1 apple
1 bag of kettle popcorn
2 more BIG glasses of water
1 MGD beer

FARM ENTERTAINMENT

On the resent visit from my parents, we decided to stop at the farm on their way home. Mamaw and Papaw were working in the garden so we found ourselves spending some time there. Papaw had a trick I had never seen before and by the looks of it, neither had anyone else. Papaw showing how to make a flute from the vine of a squash plant.

Levi's turnip carving. Nothing entertains a kid better than a knife and plenty things to cut.

Naomi excited about her large turnip find.....so much turnip to cut, where do I start!

Insects are always a staple at the farm. This Praying mantis gave us several minutes of not stop fun. Pop came up with it on his arm to show us, and it decided to stay despite his best removal attempts.

You can tell by Naomi's face this is pure enjoyment. Pop's, not so much.

The flutes being performed by Naomi and Levi. So, what do you think about that??? All we need is a few more people, a couple blades of grass and we could have a band.

FARM FINDINGS

The fields have been plowed at the neighbors farm. We thought we
should help them out by removing some rocks (with permission).

Joe found the most compete ones, but I did better than I thought
picking them up one at a time.

MY BABY, MY BABY......

.....is home! Safe and sound, and I'm happy. Thanks for your prayers.

MORNING FLOWERS

I love taking pictures. I love my flowers. I forget how beautiful it all is after a long cold winter. I love bring back memories and making new ones. I look at these flowers and see life, love and hard work. If anyone is interested in having copies of any of these, I'd be happy to share. I can even see a puzzle or two.

MY BABY, MY BABY

My boy is at camp this week. I miss him....It is the first time he has every been away from home for more than a night.

Detailed information was given at a meeting the other night. The head counselor was telling what protocol is for homesick kids. First they try to sooth the child on their own. If that fails, a call is made home and we have one of two choices. The first being, "My baby, my baby, I'll be there to pick you up asap". The second being, "My son, my son, stick it out and the week will end soon".

He didn't mention what we should do if missed them. Say a prayer for Levi that he is safe, having fun and making good choices, I am.

A FEW FINDS

This picture was too pretty to pass up. It is one of the plants from our garden that Joe broke off tonight. I love the vibrant color and all the cool detail! Yesterday at the farm we noticed the neighbor had plowed his field. We always get excited with the thought of finding some of our past. Joe and I love to search for buried treasure among the dirt and rocks. Yesterday we came up with a few really cool pieces.

This is a scraper used by the Indians of past. Of course when we found it it was covered with a layer of dirt. Once the dirt was removed, the crystal really showed up. Various other fossils were more obvious, making this a unique piece.

The other side of the scraper with more fossils easy to identify.

This is what Joe refers to as a blank (rough draft to an arrow head or tool). I picked it up knowing what it was, but having no idea the detail we would find. The fossils in this are really cool too! The shell in the middle right is amazing.

This is the flip side with several more shell fossils being obvious. We marvel at the amount of time it took to create such a rock. Layer upon layer of fossils fused together, amazing!

These are also pieces we found with the bottom right being the first piece of the day. What a rush to find such a clearly marked arrow head (just wish it had been whole). The others Joe found, noticing the difference in each of the stones.

Last fossil found. I love all the detail and size. It's hard to tell but this is about 1 1/2 inch at its thickest and measuring almost 3 inches in length.

One must stop and realize how life was before to bring it all into perspective.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Today is a special day. It is the day we celebrate Father's everywhere. We have been blessed to know so many special fathers. My dad is great because he is smart, fun and a good teacher. He is always up for conversation and good times. My mom really knows how to pic 'em! Thank you for being there for me and my family. Joe is very much like my dad in many ways. Joe, like his father, he is a man of knowledge and a blessing to our family. I wasn't really planning to post this picture but it is so cute, I couldn't resist. You know my house never looks as messy as in this picture, so just over look that. Where's photoshop when you need it!!!

We wanted to mail this but didn't want it to get messed up.... You'll just have to come visit to get it.

My Dad. One of the few times he wasn't giving me "the look" when I want to take his picture. For those that don't remember, "the look" can be found here
He's a great guy, everyone would be so blessed to know him.

For Papaw, we love you.

He's a silly man, full of expression. Mamaw gets a good laugh out of him! We are all blessed by his love and generosity. Thanks, Papaw.

ABOUT ME

I love being a strong woman. Thank you Mom and Dad for all that you
have given me, I love you!

NATURAL BUG SPRAY

NATURAL BUG SPRAY

10 drops of each oil mixed with 2 ounces of witch hazel

Tea Tree Oil

Patchouli Oil

Texas Cedarwood Oil

Lavender Oil

Sandalwood Oil

Grapefruit Oil

1cinnamon stick broke in two or use the oil

Shake before each use.

Tested in the great North Carolina mountains and in the lush Bluegrass.

I think I'm getting the hang of this natural stuff!!!!

THE CHURCH CAMPING TRIP

The camping trip was so much fun this year. To be honest, we commit every year and this great apprehension comes over me as the time draws near. I'm not sure why, I always have a good time. The kids always have a great time and it brings us closer to people in our parish. Maybe that's it, spending time with people we hardly know. Taking the risk (being like kids) and be carefree for just a little while.

I think this trip was so much fun because we have been several times before and knew what to expect, kinda. Rain and thunderstorms were predicted every day. That kept us all wondering when it was going to hit, but the weather held out until the very last. We ended up packing up wet tents but all in all, it was all good!The place Naomi liked to hang out, The Swimming Hole. She still got to play in the water and didn't have to carry her tube up the hill.

Her partners in crime, the rest of the gang.

The mass of tubers, all waiting on the last ones to make it. "Come on, we're freeeezing!"

It must have been Joe.......posing for a picture!

The way Naomi likes to take a hike, right on her daddy's back.

Walking on the trail, stopping to take a picture. Life is good!

"We're going down that creek????

Father John, taking it all in. Naomi at his side, filling him in on how it all works.

Admiring the waterfall, being thankful we don't have to go down that!

Naomi proving that she can walk on the hike, she just doesn't want to!

SUMMER TIME

My kids have been working hard this summer.

Working hard at playing that is!

Reality hit today with new work books for the summer. My kids know a
good thing when they see it, and there not afraid to share it!

The latest, greatest update on summer!

HUBBA BUBBA

Anyone that knows my girl, knows she has passion and determination. Blowing bubbles is the latest thing she is passionate and determined about. Thanks to some friends of mine, she is the proud owner of more that 5o pieces of real bubble gum. So, she has set her sights on being the best bubble blower in town! Working the bubble gum to get it "just right."

The first bubble! Careful, your eyes are starting to bug out and your face is turning colors!!!

The end result!

With all that sugar, tooth brushing is a must!

See, they're all clean with no holes.

WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE???

I can't believe we have done so many things in the past three weeks and I am just now getting around to sharing them, remembering them myself.

It's been busy.

We actually took the time out tonight to make a list.

Let's just say, there is a lot on the agenda.

Elijah left for Heartwork camp tonight, please say a prayer for him and his church family. They will be working with the less fortunate for a week. Working together to improve their home life and community. I pray they are safe and grow in love and respect for one another and that anything is possible when you have faith in God.

LEVI'S NEW LOOK

LIFE

It's interesting, the path our lives have taken us. The things we see
and do, the memories being made, are all so different than they were a
short time ago.

Six months of my life have gone in a blink. The days are planned
ahead, too many to count. I look up and it's 11 o'clock!

I feel blessed, that's for sure. My life is full of love!

REFLECTION

It's time for refection. After a long two weeks, the time is upon us. The fair has passed.

We have gone through so much, too much to name. But the point is, I am thankful to be where I am. We have summer and good times to come.

I had a great time making the flowers for the fair and getting to show my artistic ability. I loved painting the children's faces, and hearing all the great ideas to paint. It's a story within itself to be told another day.

Volunteer
Good times
Good Cause
Extra income
New friends
Fun
Rides
Food
Old friends
Tired
Hard work
Adjustment
Cooperation

These are all the words that I can think of to describe this past weekend. It feels special, yet draining.

MEMORIAL DAY

Thank you to all the service men and women that have made our country safe and free. A special thanks to my family members that have served. The life that was changed for our happiness won't be forgotten.

ROBIN HOOD aka Levi

Levi ask me to take some pictures of him shooting his bow to put on
the blog. He kept calling himself Robin Hood and was really cute. I
was a little slow taking the pictures but I think I got some ok shots.
This is after his first shot, waiting for me to get ready.

Taking aim.

Taking a shot.

SURPRISE VISITOR

Working around the barn today, we had quite a surprise. I have never
seen anything like this in all the years I have been going to the
farm. I know they are good, and not harmful, but I could do without
seeing this again!

Hanging in there.

Letting go.

CLEANING THE BARN

This is for Joe's parents. I wish I took a before picture, but I
didn't. This is after most of the barn has been cleaned. I say most
because we weren't able to move the biggest item today. It looks A LOT
better but still needs a little work!

DINING ROOM

WINDOWS

I had a request to take a picture of my curtains and rods. So, here it
is! I am in the process of taking my rooms apart and cleaning them. So
far I've only been able to do the windows in this room. My plan is to
clean windows, blinds, and curtains in all the rooms....I may be done
sometime this century so don't hold me to that.

LEGOS

Time to clean out the closets again. Going through Levi's i realized
he needed to organize his lego/bionocals/small figures. So we spent a
little time this weekend doing just that.

The parts are separated, with some cool stuff even more separated. I
know this is extream but once we got into I HAD to know the results.

LEGOS

10 single arms w/out hands

17 arms

17 wrench looking things

26 pairs of legs

2 pr droid legs

1 dino legs

1 single leg

4 bodies without head or arms

1 single leg guy

10 bodies w/out heads

3 1 handed bodies without heads

1 guy without hands

11 torsos without arms

16 torsos with arms

43 guys

7 face shields

49 hats

4 hairdos

51 heads

8 chest covers

22 tusk

13 critters

Many misc parts

YES, we have A LOT of Legos!

THANK YOU UNCLE JIM

After thinking and planning the family reunion for a couple of months, I decided to call in the big dogs. All it took was 1 email to my Uncle Jim asking him to join the family site, or at least help me set up something that he would be willing to join.

He came back with this. We had several funny email exchanges, but I really appreciate him taking the time to really connect this. I have talked to so many family members that do want to get together that this just feels right. I'm willing to invest my time not to loose the connection of our family, what little we have. I think our children need it. Our lives have become so distant, I want my kids to share in the stories of the past. This is what I think is important, and if I share with them, maybe our history will be important to them too.

COULDN'T RESIST

I started out only wanting to share a few pics of my flowers. Now I see, that I have more than a few to share!

WHAT I SEE

I have been walking around with my camera....there is so much beauty to see. I have been sharing some of it through Facebook, the ones I took on my phone. But after getting the pics uploaded on my computer, I thought I should put them on the blog. I think they are some of the coolest flower pics I have seen in a while. I hope you enjoy as much as I do! Farm
Farm

Farm

Farm

Farm

Farm

Farm

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Home

Home

MY MOTHER'S DAY CARD

This is the card Naomi made in school. Her teacher gave her the idea
of the barns, she did the rest. Love her thoughts!!!

MY MOTHER'S DAY

I ask that my kids take a picture with me for mothers day. This is right after we woke up and started our day. I have been blessed with three great kids. They all gave me hugs and most gave me kisses!

The only thing I am missing is, MY mom. After spending last weekend with her, I didn't feel like we could go again so soon. I feel blessed to have my mom, and get to spend time with her even if it is not as often as I would like.

Thank you mom for all that you have given me and blessed me with! I love you!!!

MY MOTHER'S DAY

I CASE YOU MISSES IT

It was a beautiful, full moon last night.

WHAT I SEE

I have always had a passion for photography. I have always had a passion for cool and unusual things too. With the birth of the digital camera, in addition to the camera phone I am in heaven. I really like to post pictures on the blog because of the magnifying aspect. They just don't look the same when I blow them up on the computer. Sorry if they offend anyone, most of the stuff was found out on the farm. This is one of my latest sightings. It is a corner in the front of our house where the house meets the garage. Just a small space, perfect for all the cool rocks and other items we find along the way.

RECITAL

Elijah had his recital last night. He did really well and I am kicking
myself for not having the video camera or even my real camera!

I have gotten so used to not being able to record any of his
performances that I didn't even think about it until I saw a parent
walking in with their video equipment.

So, here he is performing_________. He said he had to keep his hands
in his pockets because he had too many bulges that he didn't want to
distract. (BIG set of car keys and cell phone)

He nailed the song.....now we will work on attire.

I'M JUST SAYING

I love my blog! Thanks, cousin Dina for getting me started. I love to journal, take pictures and have a visual memory of my life. I have been blessed with such goodness. This is such an easy way to have and share the memories that are quickly forgotten in today's fast pace.

BIRTHDAY PICS

The first three pics I just had to post. I love the look on Molly, Pop and Jack face in each one! McKenzie made his special cake. I made the other neither of us discussed what we would put on the top. It's funny that they are so similar. He is looking with curiosity, while grandma gets her hand in the picture to help....

A little late. Wonder what she was saying? McKenzie is outside and is missing this, we're in trouble. All I wanted was one little picture with Jack and the cake. Oops!

Now what are we going to do???

Presents!!!

More presents!!! Naomi was the big helper making sure that everything was put together before she left. G-dad is there to help too.

Looking thrilled to be in a picture, Meme and Elijah are kicking back taking it all in.

Birthday boy, getting anything he wants!

My camera was not on the right setting, he was way distracted by everything. This was the best I could get!

The proud parents, one year later! Matt, Jack and McKenzie

Pop was in charge of the fish fry while Joe was the unofficial taste tester. It was a good thing we had plenty!