CHRISTMAS

The excitement on the girls face pretty much describes the feeling of the holiday. A celebration of Jesus' birthday, lots of cousins to play with, presents, grandparents, and lots of good times brings all of this out. Naomi, myself, and Emily (Kenny's middle child).

First thing in the morning right after checking out her Santa loot. The camera these pics were made on was in it.

Oyster for mom's special Oyster dressing. This brings on a little discussion every year. It seems everyone has their own preference on how this should be made. Thankfully, mom is happy to accommodate all of our request. Except the one from Mary Grace...she would be happy if she never saw it again was the statement made this year. I believe the response from my brother, was something like...get real...this is the the best dressing ever.

Almost ready for the oven.....

The special cook, slaving away just to make our day special. Thank you mom, it worked. We had a wonderful time and we are so happy to see you all and get to spend time with our family.

LAST NIGHT

We got to spend some time with Joe's family. Naomi, in disguise posing
with Mamaw. I didn't realize at the time Papaw was sitting on her
shoulder....it looks kinda funny here! But that's what I love about
our family, we're always ready for a good time.

A MOMENT IN TIME

Just saw this picture and realized how much I missed these babies. I
know they're in good homes getting ready for their First Christmas.
I'd love to see some pictures of them...

A MOMENT IN TIME

Starting the Christmas break with a treat, wishing she could share!

ONE OF MY THANKSGIVING TURKEYS!

Kathy Marie Howell

FAMILY PICTURE

Be looking for you copy of our Christmas card in the mail! We thought
this one would make the most memories...

CINDERELLA

Dress rehersal Friday night of the play. Levi played Prince Charming
and did a fantastic job! Naomi played a mouse and a Ball attendee, she
was fantastic as well!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!

By now, you all have heard me sing Joe's praises. Well, since it's his birthday, I thought I would take time to share what a wonderful man he is again. I can never get too much wonderful when it comes to those I surround myself with!

The problem is, I don't know where to start.

First, let me start by saying I know no one is perfect. I don't expect them to be. What I expect, for myself and others, is a true compassion for others, and a willingness to always strive to be a better person. I have seen that, and continue to see it in Joe. He is a loving, caring husband, father and son. He is always willing to help me and others in their time of need. I know I overwhelm him sometimes with my request, but he rarely complains and even enjoys himself most times.

I think that's the biggest thing, he listens. He is open and committed to being part of a happy family. He has accepted my big family (which can be WAY overstimulating at times) with open arms and shows a genuine interest in spending time with them. This is very important to me because you all know how I love my family! He has our best interest at heart and is not afraid to express that.

Joe is a craftsman, a maker of beauty. He has the eye of an artist, and has done some truly beautiful work. He shares that passion with us, and tries to pass that on to the kids and those around him. He also shares his knowledge and love of nature with us. Bringing the joys that he has experience in his lifetime to us through words and actions.

So, you see, it is a happy birth day for Joe.....and his momma......and me. We are all blessed that God gave us this wonderful man to share our lives with.

THE LAST ONE TO GO

This is it. Comet needs a good home.

Our prayers were answered yesterday by Lana and Jack. They took Rocket
home yesterday afternoon to live with them. She is retired, and was
looking for a loving companion. She found one with Rocket! They even
thought they would keep his name.

I have fallen in love with these boys. I hate to give them up but must
remember the reason I had them in the first place!

HE GOT HIS WISH

He brought home the big one!

WE'VE JUST BEEN CLOWNING AROUND

Getting ready for Trunk r' Treat at church.

BECAUSE OF......THEM

This picture needs just a LITTLE explaining. The reason Flash looks
the way he does, (besides the hair cut and obvious weight gain) is the
fact that Naomi put all the soft bedding in one spot and the puppies
decided to make it THEIR bed. I had just picked them up to be with me
on the couch. The next thing I know, Flash is on the cushion, just not
all the way. Poor baby, I don't think he will be too sad to see them go.

SOMEBODY SAVE US

We're being so mistreated here!

JUST A THOUGHT

It's nice to know that Naomi knows the difference between dressing up, and being in costume.

Just realized I really want my kids to be a part of the National Arts Program.

Found some really cool pictures on Joe's camera.

MORE REUNION PICTURES

This picture is of one reunion we had several years ago. Three of the seven made it to this one, and it looks like they are having fun too. My guess is, it's a water balloon toss and Cousin Jim just got out. I have a few more pictures to share of various things, and a few more stories to tell. This one was just too good to pass up. From left to right; Cousin Jim, His parents (Aunt Net and Uncle Jim), Uncle Gene, Dad, Glenn (cousin Judy's husband), and Judy.

Lights, camera, ACTION!

THE BABIES

The boys decided to pose for me the other day so I could get some good pictures before they are adopted out. They move so fast, this was a real treat to get them in several shot without too much movement.

Rocket is on the left and Comet is on the right

Did I say I got a few good pictures??? I forgot about the time Rocket sneezed. Bless you.

THE WILD THINGS....with one unhappy onlooker

This was made last week when the puppies really started getting around and playing. Flash, our anti-social dog is watching on in disbelief. His life has been taken over by a pack of wild dogs. They have been so much fun...for us. Seeing their eyes open for the first time, seeing their first steps. The way they play with each other and momma. The way they let us play with them, rub their tummy's. It's been such a great experience.

But all good things must come to an end. Joe said it best the other day, " Those puppies are starting to chew, they've got to go". And so it is, 6 and half weeks later, they are heading to the vet to get their first shots. The adds are out and we are looking for good, loving, playful homes for our pride and joys.

BEAUTIFUL DAY

If today is going to be anything like it's opening, I'm ready!
Sunrises like this get me going.

SAY A PRAYER

Today's the day! At 2 pm I will be sitting at the DMV wondering how
things are going with my son. After 6 LONG months, he is able to get
his step up license, where he can drive alone. I want to say, I'M NOT
READY. He is, but nothing makes me worry more than my children's safety.

So, here it is....please help me and pray first that Elijah passes his
driving test. Now the most important, pray for his safety and the
safety of all young drivers. We have a few in our big family! Thank
you!!!

ART WORK

ART WORK

ART WORK

These are from the service day I spent with Elijah's class. The place
we visited provides an opportunity for those with "special needs" to
create art and sell it. This is one that a student bought while she
was there. Pretty cool!

ALMOST READY....

.......but not just yet!

AT THE FUNDRAISER

This is Caroline (shop owner and cousins sister-in-law) and myself at
our recent school fundraiser. We had a great time, worked more than I
have ever before, but loved it. We'll see what happens next year.

PLAYING AROUND

Elijah, working with his new instrument, the stand up Bass. It sounds
really cool and will be a great addition to his singing. When he's
ready, I'm SURE you will get to see him perform. Until then, practice,
practice, practice!

FAMILY REUNION

OK, I finally have a little break after another busy day. As promised, I wanted to write about the reunion. For those of you who missed it, the day after I wrote on FB-Where else can you duck tape your family members, have indecent exposure, and one go to the emergency room? The Family Reunion is the answer! So, one last time, I'm sorry that everyone didn't get to come. You were greatly missed.
At least with this group, we know how to make the most out of a good time. We started with a questionnaire, shared some pictures and some food. Enjoyed the chilly, sun shining day standing around talking and sharing stories. The kids played with each other and on the playground.
Then the excitement started with the call from my sister-in-law Mary Grace. She went for a walk with a couple of the kids and in the process of doing cart-wheels, ripped the seat of her pants out! Now you have to know Mary Grace to realize this is not surprising. Funny, but I have learned anything can happen when she is involved. I have never known her to meet a stranger, or not be able to laugh about things that are funny that you just can't change.

So, there it was. Once everyone was warmed up we decided to play some games. We had tug-of-war and a three legged race. We didn't want to hurt anything after all the excitement. Sam, my nephew had already gone to the emergency room. He ended up with some bad scrapes and bruises but was able to make it back OK.

I think everyone had a great time, and is really looking forward to doing it again soon. I hope we have a bigger turn out next time, but if we don't, we'll keep trying.

Family is so important, I proud to be part of this one!

REUNION QUESTION: What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

Butter Pecan
Orange Sherbet
Rocky Road
Cookies n' Cream
Sherbet
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Strawberry
Cotton Candy Explosion
2 said, Cookie Dough
2 said, Mint/Chocolate Chip
3 said, Vanilla
One that wasn't sure
One said, any will do

But the all time favorite was Chocolate with 8 votes!

So our family doesn't need 31 flavors, just 12 will do.

REUNION QUESTION: What is your favorite movie?

O Brother Where Art Though
The Hangover
Gone With the Wind
Dances With Wolves
The Comebacks
Mask
Pretty Woman
The Dark Knight
Star Wars & Indiana Jones
Pink Panther or Rush Hour
Shane/Last of the Mohicans
Wedding Singer
The Bourne Ultimatum
Cool Hand Luke
North by Northwest
Braveheart
UP
2 said, Stepbrothers

One said, "Old movies", lots of blanks, and one said, "not much for movies".

Old Movies

REUNION QUESTION: Who is your favorite baseball/basketball or football team?

Nascar #48
Rockies, Nuggets, Broncos
Dodgers
Cowboys
Alabama
Cardinals, UK Wildcats, Packers
Chicago Bears
UFC
Hornets
Dallas
What, no Cricket?

3 said, UK Basketball

3 said, Steelers

2 said, Packers

2 said, WVU Mountaineers

Several were left blank or said none and one said they would vote for any underdog.

REUNION QUESTION: What's the most attractive trait you could hope for in the opposite sex?

Fidelity
They don't get pissy
Big blue eyes
Pretty smile
Thoughtful
Pretty eyes
Understanding & Forgiveness
Looks?
Stupid/Gullible
Kindness
Compassion
Smart
Stomach
Butt
2 said, Good hair
4 said, Sense of humor
4 said, Personality
and 1 said, "I'm a kid"

I think these are really funny. There are no shallow members in our family! No sir, not here.

REUNION QUESTION: Choose one word to describe yourself

Shrek
Fun-loving
Crazy
Old
Fun
Athletic
Helpful
Friendly
Tall
Silly
Weird
Amicable
Humble
Considerate
Flair
Charismatic
Unknown
Procrastinator
Hum......
and two people each wrote
Awesome
Tall

I think we have some pretty interesting people in the family. I loved spending time with everyone even though it went so fast. I guess that is why I thought the questions were a good idea, even though they seemed silly at the time.

WHAT I SAW AT SCHOOL TODAY

MEANING.......

My life must have meaning.

I know what I think it is, but at the same time I have no idea.

In the span of two days I had a conversation with a man that told me he saw and had a talk with and Angel. It gave me cold chills and left me wanting to hear more.

Two days later I was having a conversation with a 34 year old man who said he had his wings and was ready to die. In the process, I watched him smoke almost a pack of cigarettes within a couple of hours. This brings a tear to my eye.

I've seen people pitching together to make something work, and I've seen people torn apart by little deliberate actions.

I've learned how to tell my children why I love them.

And it all has meaning.

THIS MORNING'S VIEW

It seems I have been looking up lately, although I'm not quite sure
why except the obvious.

Today's views were definately note worthy. In fact, it seems like so
much is going on in our lives that I want to share it all but don't
have the time. I am working on the reunion pictures and recap but I
want to do it justice.

I took a field trip today with some of my sons high school classmates.
It was very rewarding and I would love to share that too.

But for now, sit back and enjoy the view. Hopefully we won't see too
many more sights like these!

The moon, still waiting for us. As you can tell from the other
pictures, the weather only got worse. I was very thankful to get home
this afternoon after picking the kids up.

ACTIVITY

They are mobile! And making the most of it as you can tell. This is a
perfect picture in some ways. It tells a story without any words. Can
you see everything that's going on here?

SIGNS OF INNER PEACE

•An increasing ability to enjoy each moment.

•A tendency to act spontaneously rather than react to fear.

•A decreasing interest in judging others.

•A decreasing interest in judging oneself.

•An increasing preference to allow things to happen rather than make
things happen.

•A lessening inclination to interpret the actions of others.

•A decreasing involvement in conflict.

•An increasing ability to give and receive love.

•Less motivation to worry.

•Frequent, overwhelming periods of gratitude.

•Feelings of contentment and oneness with humanity and nature.

•Frequent attacks of smiling.

•Feelings of effervescent joy.

(author unknown)

Found in Joe's drawer this afternoon. Just what I needed to see, to
keep my inner peace in check.

I hope most people take the gifts they are given an run with them,
scattering their blessings around.

SOME THINGS YOU DO WANT TO SEE AT THE FARM, and some things you don't!

We took a much needed break from the rain and headed out to the farm yesterday. Being on borrowed time, it was a quick trip. I did bring my camera, and as usual, I found some really cool things to photograph. The house is still a work in progress, but not much more to show. In due time, I promise to do the grand finale.

Until then, your stuck with life on the farm. The good, bad and the ugly.

Which category do you think Levi falls into?

Wild flowers, found out in the open field.

Snails, found out in the understory.

Interesting growths found in the understory.

Things found out in the open field that you really don't want to run into!