BIRTHDAY GIRL

HAPPY BIRHTDAY NAOMI !!!!!!

My baby's 5 years old today! I can't believe the time has gone so quick. It seems only yesterday that I was bringing her home from the hospital wondering what to do with a little girl. She has been so much fun, and a handful at the same time. She has brought such joy to our lives that I can't imagine any thing else. Her brothers would not know what to do without her, and can't wait to show her the latest thing. We are so grateful to have her in our lives!!!

PEACE AND BLESSINGS TO ALL

JOE'S SPIRITIUAL ART RETREAT

Joe was gone part of this weekend on a retreat. We recieve a newsletter through the church and in it there was a advertisement for this weekend. As soon as I saw it I thought of Joe. He has been a artist all of his life but has had little time to produce art on the canvas. Most of his art is shown through his work. In the past he has carved wood, worked with clay, done pen and ink, pencil sketches and made furniture! Since having children, he still gets to create but on limited time. This would be the perfect oppertunity for him. I will try and post more of his work that was done at the retreat this week. He had a great time and came back full of the holy spirit! A few of his works. The two on the ends are watercolor and the one in the middle is a cutout collage that was made with a frame that was provided.

PIRATES JUST WANNA HAVE FUN

Joe and Levi on their way to the boy scouts blue and gold banquet. Of course, you can't be a good pirate without having a hostage!

LAZY SUNDAY (NOT)

The weather forecasters have predicted many winter storms for us this year so when the snow started falling Sat. night I didn't think much of it. It is already the middle of Feb. and I am ready for a good snow. Levi has healed enough that I think he is safe so bring it on. The plan is to go to church and drop E off at his dad's after. Once we get inside the church we realize it is going to be a little long. It was confirmation night. The bishop gave a wonderful speech but it went on a little to long. I really enjoyed it myself but as a 15/16 yr. old my mind would start to wonder if it went on for too long....When we got out almost 2hrs later the ground was covered in the most beautiful glistening white powder you have ever seen! Since it was so fresh and with the street lights on it looked like God had opened a glitter bottle and sprinkled it everywhere. The only bad thing was that we were driving and it was slick, (perfect snowball weather) but we were on a mission. We made it home safe and enjoyed the night in.


We got up early the next day to go to the mall for choir tryouts. The local minor league baseball team is always looking for ways to get the fans interested and our choir director is always looking for interesting events for us to sing at so here we are. They sang the National Anthem and sounded great. They sang at one of the ball games last year so the excitement is there. We also have quite a few new young singers so it is all exciting for them.
Can't stop at the mall now without a trip to Libby Lu. This is the princess tiara I was talking about in my other post. It was early in the day when no one was shopping yet. Just in the short time we were in there it was packed and I would have never been able to take this picture. You can tell she loves it! The table has a spinner top to ask it questions. It is so over the top it is not even funny.
After dragging my "little princess" home, the kids can't wait to get out in the snow. I didn't go out because I wanted to get some good pictures and video. They had a ball and were busy the whole time. First it was shovel the the driveway, try to build a snowman, shovel the walk. The perfect snow from the night before had changed into snow that wouldn't pack into a ball! The kids didn't realize what was wrong but you could tell they were frustrated that they couldn't make a ball. Before it was over they were able to build a mound and tunnel through it. Happy at last.
Posing for Mom out back.
Shoveling snow off our front porch. It was cold!!

CRAZY CALL UPDATE

After much thought and council we decided to make the trip and meet our new neighbors. Now of course they think we are crazy ourselves.
We waited all day to see their truck home. It was close to 5:00 and we told our small children to stay home, we would stay on their front porch. It is still VERY cold outside and of course they invited us in. Sorry, can't.
We stand at the front door with it held wide open. Trying to talk fast, we tell them the story of the crazy call (after learning that THEY didn't make the call). Showed them the pictures of our kids and found out a little about them. They are buying the house and just moved here from California.
Now we are feeling a little foolish but we needed to get some answers. They seemed really nice and maybe this spring we can get to know them better.
We could hear dinner being cooked but both Randy and Amy took time to talk with us. Of course this gives them some really good dinner conversation!

CRAZY CALL

We were enjoying the day off yesterday when the phone rings. Caller ID, private. Normally I wouldn't pick up the phone with a private # but I did. The conversation goes something like this.
Caller, Is this Joe or Kathy? yes.
Your son egged my house last night.
Me, really?
Caller, yes and he threw rocks at her window and broke it
Me, really?? what time was this and how do you know it was my son?
Caller, 2 am and your son gave me this #
Me, really??? what did my son look like?
Caller, white, really ugly.
Me, really? that can't be my son because he isn't ugly.
Caller, just a minute (talking to her daughter) He killed our dog too!
Me, how do you know it was my son?
Caller, we live down the street and your son told us your name and #
Me, what is your name and address
Caller, Pat I live at ------------------

She tells me her address and then the phone goes dead. I ask my son if he did this and of course I believe with all my heart that he didn't without even asking him. I called my husband and we realize it is our new next door neighbors. I don't know if they realize we live beside them. I don't know what prompted the call to us. I didn't realize we have enemies and hope this can be dropped without any further confrontation. I will be ready for Pat if she calls again. I thought it was a joke and hope it still is.

SCHOOL PROJECT

Levi came home from school with these gifts for me. Over the past 2 months his teacher has had them send in various items. Because I know at this age they do a lot of projects I didn't ask any questions, just sent in the items and forgot about it. Well, let me tell you I was surprised to see this! I guess this was meant to be a valentine present but we didn't have school that day and there is no mention of valentine on the pillow or the book. He put a lot of thought into it though. The pillow represents Naomi and him playing football outside. The book is a collection of various homework assignments. They have been working on their ancestry and the story he wrote about Pop and Grandad is in there. His family tree and the globe with where our family originally came from is also in the book. He also wrote about us in the cover page and a story that was titled "my pillow" on the last page. Here are the stories. My family is unique. I love them because they are fun. I am a special part of my family.
My dad's name is Joe. I like him because he is strong. My favorite thing to do with my Dad is to go bike riding.
My mom's name is Kathy. The best thing about her is she can make different hair styles. The one thing I like to do with her is read together.
My brother's name is Elijah. We like to sumo wrestle. I love him because he can babysit.
My sister's name is Naomi. The best thing about her is she can talk. I love her because she is great.
My name is Levi. I am a part of the Howell family. I am good a drawing Pokemon. I love my family!
I like to be part of the Howell family. I love my relitve. My family is cool!


My Pillow
by: Levi

My meore (memory) was about me and my family at the farm. As soon as we got there we unloaded the truck. It was a havey load. After we were dun me and my dad hoped on his 250. My brother hoped on his 8. Thin we raced. When we were dun we ate. It was Noon decided to camp out. I was scared but I got over it. And thin I fell asleep.
the
end

I know I talk about the boys school a lot but It makes me feel so good to see the thought that goes into everything. It seems like they really want to make memories to help the kids learn and have purpose in their work. Of course I love the end results and I hope you did too!

These are the beautiful flowers Joe gave me for Valentine's Day! It was a snow (ice) day for the kids so they were out of school. I had to work for a couple of hours so when I returned home this is what was waiting for me. I got him a box of chocolates (his favorite) and made a nice dinner for our family. It was a very nice day. Levi's scab finally fell off! 3 weeks after the accident. I was going to take a picture on Tues. but didn't get around to it. When he woke up the next morning this is how it looked. He still had some swelling and a slight indent that I think will go away in time. We are still using the scar cream 3 times a day so I will keep you posted on the results.
PEACE AND LOVE

PARTY WEEKEND PICTURES

What do you get when you cross good times, good food, good cause and a weekend? LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES!!!

I don't know where to begin, we had such a good time! Some of us stayed up waaaay to late to pack in as much fun as they could. There was always something going on but plenty of space to not get into too much trouble. Everyone plays well together so that makes it easy.

We started the day Sat. by going to the shop to cut 10 inches off Hannah's hair. She is 12 yrs old and has a heart of gold. The plan is to donate it to locks of love for the children that don't have hair. I thought she would back out when we were talking about how short it would be but she is strong. Now we get to see her flip her NEW hair around and admire her new look. She is so cute.

Now it all starts to get a little fuzzy. Meme and Pop show up, the call- Matt, McKenzie, his family are coming over, my house is trashed...........It's great! Seeing Matt after all he had been through and the way he looked at all of us, made me feel so good. He is like one of the family.

As you can tell by the pictures we like to be together and don't mind being close. Sometimes it gets a little wild but the kids love it and pile on more!

The rest of the weekend was filled by lots of talking, looking at some old photo's and just kicking back and enjoying the moment. It is always gone to fast and keeps me wanting more.

The only thing that could have been better would be to have my brother and his family here too. Maybe next time.
Elijah, deciding it is finally time to turn the computer off.
Hannah and Larry eating the best bar-b-que brought from Meme and Pop at the request of Joe.
Max is soo goofy, he's also soo sweet and really fun to be around. The big boys get along great.
Had to fit Naomi's birthday in! She will be 5 in two weeks and we don't want to miss celebrating with the family. Meme made the cake, chocolate with pink cream cheese icing! mm good.
No family gathering would be complete without a chicken. Sam wanted to pet the chicken from the time he got here. He had already been outside to try but they usually don't come to kids as well. Next best thing, the chicken brought to him! Now we even have a picture to prove he pet the chicken.

Sam, McKenzie and Matt
So much fun, so little time!
So of course we try to make the most of it while we can!!!
LOTS of computer viewing. It seems we all know a little so we try to share.

PARTY WEEKEND!!!

I am sitting here waiting for my sister and her family to arrive. It has been to long to remember since they have all come to visit. We are all so excited! Meme and Pop are coming in the morning so it should be a great weekend! The only thing missing is my brother and his family. Katherine has a game tomorrow or they may be coming too!!!

Family is great. We don't get to see as much of them as we would like but I am so thankful to have them. We all get along so good together and have lots of fun. My niece has been coming to our house every weekend for the last month or so. That has gotten us sooo spoilt! She doesn't spend a lot of time with us, she is here to see her boyfriend but we benefit too. She is so sweet and loving it makes us want to be around her more. (all of them)!!

So, beds are made. Toilets cleaned, we are ready! Happy weekend....pictures soon to be made.

SNOW DAY!!!

Today was a snow day from school. The weather forecast was calling for 2 to 4 inches. Everyone got worked up and they ended up cancelling yesterday afternoon at the public schools. So we watched, waited for more snow and then the temperature went up and we got sleeting rain. That's what made the decision to not have school. The storm virtually passed us by (to our disappointment) but it was enough to get the kids out of school but not out of the house. We had warmer temps today so everything was soggy!

I wanted to show of the kids new pillows. Monday was also a snow day like today. Snow, but not much of it. The two younger kids went to Mamaw and Papaw's house. They enjoy going there to visit and watch TV! On there last visit over they found the bunnies that were to be used on a new quilt. Now they both say they want a quilt, Mamaw says "no way, I already made yours and this is for another project. " So, undeterred Naomi ask for a pillow case and Levi chimes in he would be happy with that to!!! Of course Mamaw could not say no to that and here is the results. I think they turned out great. She let them pick out the fabric and choice of bunny and they are a perfect size. I still have my pillow from when I was young, I loved that thing and hope my kids will treasure there's too. Bonus shot, Levi's head 2 weeks after the accident. It looks GREAT as you can see. He will definitely have a line down his head but it has closed up really tight! He still has a scab on what I think was the point of impact.
Since we had the day off Naomi HAD to get her hair and nails done! She saw the butterfly ponytail last night when I put her to bed so that was the first thing she got this morning. I can't believe she can remember these things! So, once she had her hair done she moved on to the nail polish. She knows I am a sucker for beauty (if we have time) and will do what I can.
As usual, Elijah is sitting at the computer playing games. We all really enjoy the laptop and can't remember life without it. He took a break long enough for me to photograph him but that was about it!


I'm sure your all wondering what I did all day....It was NOT pretty. I spent too much time in the office working on my taxes! I have been putting it off as long as I can because I despise paperwork. I know it has to be done but I don't like it!!!

MORE STAR WARS

CHEWY R2-D2 and Levi
Levi and Darth Mahl
Anikan and Naomi
Storm trooper and unknown character with Naomi (I'm sure Levi could tell me but I didn't think to ask)
HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE SHOW!!!!

STAR WARS REUNION

We had big plans for the day! Start off with the work out to make it through the day. This is not a everyday occurrence but every little bit helps. Next it's time to get ready. Hair, check...earpiece, check!
Naomi, always ready for anything.
Off to see Star Wars!!! They had a book signing at Joseph Beth bookseller (free) so we could not resist. They let us bring in our own book and it turned out GREAT. Every one was patient so we had plenty of time to see as many character as we wanted.
The two princesses get together.
Now we are home watching the Superbowl. Joe and I are split. He's for the Colts, I'm for the Bears! We missed the first part and the second is not looking to good for me. I don't watch football to much but I always try to watch the Superbowl. It is such a exciting game and I love all the new commercials.
I would not like to be in all the rain the fans are having to put up with. I know the players make the money so they don't mind, but everyone else has really got to love the game!
GO, BEARS!!!

EARLY MORNING VISION

This beauty was the first thing I saw when I got up this morning. I know she had not been up very long but had obviously put some thought into what she wanted to look like today. So out comes the camera to capture this moment. She loves the attention of course! Levi and Joe went to the curch this morning and when they left she began to cry...Mommy to the rescue! Looking at her I commented on how she went to a lot of trouble to look so nice why don't we finish the look, with glitter!!!

Now she was really happy. My girl loooves glitter, the more the better. I let her put it on by herself which is something I rarely do. Today was special for some reason so special attention it is.
After the picture session she looks at me and said she wants a picture with me too. Now you know she is after my heart. After having a 13 year old you learn to jump at any chance you have to document the happy times. Clearly, she was happy. I was happy too to be with my girl and thankful that I had put on my make up too!


This goes with my last blog. Libby loo, it is a store at our mall. I have heard people talk about it since the day it opened but I am not a big fan of the mall so I didn't experience it until a few weeks ago. Talk about a great idea!!! When you walk in the store there are round tables set up with glitter and make up. Some one was doing a little girls hair in twist and another child was sitting beside her with her hair already done, rhinestones on her face and lots of glitter. In front of us was a girl getting her picture made in this special booth made for that reason. There was dancing and fur boas, fuzzy phones and all things glittery. You could make your own lotions and soaps, buy in bulk but my head was beginning to spin. Naomi wanted everything!!! From the hair done to the fuzzy phone she wanted it! Now being a hair stylest myself I can't see paying $20 for something I can do. So I promised that I would make her look like the girls she was seeing but she didn't understand it that day. So, off to the Disney store we went with her head spinning too. That's a whole other story for a different day. Moral of the story. I need to think harder, wiser and come up with a idea of my own to become rich. The say headaches come from having money but I'm willing to give it a try. Of course maybe Libby loo has stock options until I make it rich on my own!

BUZZ DONUTS

The news is about "buzz donuts" and "buzz bagels" . I knew it was only a matter of time! Dr. Robert Bohannon of Raleigh, NC. Wants you to be able to get your caffeine without having to drink it. He is a molecular scientist who is in the process of getting patents for his product. He claims he can put up to 100 milligrams of powdered caffeine into his baked good without the bitter taste. (typical 12 oz. soda has 30 to 55 milligrams and a 8.5 oz can of red bull has 80 milligrams of caffeine) I guess I should have said ONLY in the parentheses. So, you can see he is able to deliver quite a jolt. His claim is to make this for the person who wants to have a glass of milk with their food and still get the caffeine they want. I can see that because I like caffeine. I can not even imagine what 100 milligrams would feel like in my body. I can not even imagine what 50 milligrams would feel like in my body. That said, I'm sure it will be approved. Maybe not at full strength (quarter of a donut please?) but I see it in our future. With all of the stimulation available to us 24/7 we need caffeine to go with that and what a better way to get the nutrition you need too!

So I'm jealous. No molecular scientist here but I know a good idea when I see one. Of course this is going to raise health insurance cost but when stock options are available I will be looking into it. (For my kids of course). Bon appetite!!! :)