GOOD TIMES

I just wanted to share some pics of recent days. The first one is made in my parents back yard. It is the youngest 6 grandchildren. Emily, Naomi, Katherine, Levi, Sam and Christopher. Meme had just given them bubble wands and they were playing using them as lightsabers. These kids have a blast together! They all get along great and never can wait until they get together again. We have not seen them as much as we would like but it seems everyone is busy.
This is one of the best pastimes for a hot summer day. Elijah is going to join the chess club in high school so he needs all the practice he can get!
We are now in our cowgirl stage!
Trying out the cowboy look...
And the modern look.
It's all fun. We have really been having a good time with each other. The kids are normal and have their moments but life is good.

FROM THE MOUTH OF BABES

Going to bed last night, after i read Naomi a book.
Naomi, "I really miss Meme and Pop, Mamaw and Papaw."
Me, "Me too"
Naomi, "I really like it when they are around."
Me, "Me too"

This morning as we are getting our breakfast, out of the blue.
Naomi, "Can we call Tiki and see if she can come over?"
Me, "I don't think she can come over right now but we do need to call her."

TIME FOR A CHANGE

It seems like nothing in life stays the same for long. And we all know that once you get the idea to change, the sooner the better. Such is the case this weekend. We had a lot going on and in the processes talked to the right people to plant the seed. Such as when school returns Elijah won't be permitted to wear long hair. Now, I thought he was really attached to what he had grown out but a new do sounded fun. He couldn't wait to get home for me to cut it off! I thought he was kidding but apparently the hair was more work than what I thought. Plus the sooner to work on the forehead and neck tan the better! So off it came!!! Never one to be left out, Naomi was ready for a new do also. She wants to grow her hair out but will get a hair cut any time it is offered. Since my hair would never look like hers, I like to try the styles that I could never wear. I think it turned out great for both of them! We are still working on Elijah's, up or down, the verdict is out. Now, Levi's another story.

EXTENDED FAMILY PICS

I was looking through some of my pics and came up with these. They were made on the day of Aunt Nets funeral.

This first one is of Uncle Bill and Aunt Bob's family. Starting in the back left and going right are: Pete (Aunt Bob's brother), Mike (cousin), Glen (c in law), John (c), Mary (Pete's wife), Marijane (Mike's wife), Judy (Glen's wife), Nancy (c), Trent (Nancy's son), Nolia (Pete and Mary's daughter), Aunt Bob, and John's kids Rachel and Ashley.

This is Aunt Net and Uncle Jim's family: Megan, Christy, Jimmy and his wife, Lisa and Marissa. Uncle Jim is standing.

Last but not least is Aunt Cindy and Uncle Jim. Their daughter, Christy and her husband Trevor are on the right.

PASSING ON

I don't have a pic to post but just wanted to say a few words about my late Aunt Bob. She passed away yesterday morning in her home. She had been sick for a while but we all hoped she was on the upswing.

Growing up I have many great memories of her and her family. She always had a smile on her face and a friendly word to say. I felt like she always had time for us "little kids" and never seemed bothered by our constant noise.

The last time I saw her was at my other Aunts funeral and she was telling a funny story on herself about loosing her wig! She always had a way of making the best of a bad situation. She has held her own since her husband died nearly 20 years ago. I know she will be greatly missed by many.

May you rest in peace Barbara Salmon.

DANCING QUEEN

This was taken at camp a few weeks ago. She had a blast! The recording is a little off and the audio cuts off at the end but it was too cute to pass up. We are definately ready for Hawaii!!!

NEW PURSE

This first pic was taken while on our vacation to North Carolina. When we shop for souvenirs we always try to buy local. Since none of us really need a thing, we had a great time looking! Now I must tell you that I have a weakness for shoes and purses. I don't change often but I have been known to go through a few before I find what REALLY works. For years I have admired the ultra soft bags that I have found in Cherokee. I am also extremely frugal when it comes to myself and the price tags have always put me off. So this year we found some really cool bags and the material to make them in one store! (It just so happens to be the same store we found my wedding rings in 9 years ago.) I don't think we have been back to the store because when you get into the area everything starts to look the same to me. As soon as I walked in I fell in love with EVERYTHING. They had tons of original artwork!! I found this bag, checked out the $115 price tag and put it back. Looking around I found a barrel of really soft skins for a small fraction of the price of the purse. I had the brainstorm to get Joe to take a pic of several of the bags but this was my favorite. Came home and started to work. It really didn't take me long at all to complete my bag and I love it! Looking back at the pics now I am really glad I made my own bag because I was able to customize it to fit me. My bag cost around $35. I know it is not for everyone but it suits my taste well!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

We are thankful for Independence Day here at the Howell family. Grateful to all who have served our country. Thank you to all the men and women of the armed forces. As a bonus, we always like to celebrate!!!

ENJOYING THE DAY

Just wanted to take a moment and share with you the source of great joy for me. It is the home to so many song birds, butterflies, and all sorts of interesting creatures. We are in the process of completing the inside circle with brick pavers. Joe has put stones in front of the chiminea(?) and the goldfinch think they are in heaven. This morning there were several out on the rocks, on the edge of the chiminea looking at the twigs and the rest were dusting themselves in the sand. I never realized how much I enjoy nature until I was around it a lot. Now I don't think I could ever do with out it! Of course I am a fair weather girl, I can enjoy it from the distance if needed.

THE LATEST, THE GREATEST

My family is growing up, and with growing up there comes changes. This is one of the latest changes. Family bike riding!!! We have always like to walk, at least get out and enjoy the great outdoors and get some exercise while we're at it. A few years ago Elijah was diagnosed with inflammation of his heel pad (which is extremely painful, so I am told) so the walks stopped. He will suffer when we go on family outings but we always try and drive as much as we can to help him out. He has been a good sport about it and has received many massages from me in the process. The one thing he has always been able to do is ride his bike (or motorcycle) but with little kids that didn't ride, he always got to go it alone. That changed last year when Levi learned to ride but you know how it is when you first learn, slowwwww. This year I decided that with Naomi getting big she really needs to learn too. Of course with two inexperience riders I was scared but then I saw the coolest thing, the trail a bike. It cost as much as a new bike but it has opened our world UP! Levi still scares me but I ride behind him like an announcer," slow down, glance behind you, OK you're doing great, STOP, stay on the right side of the road, stand up, keep pedaling...." Since we got our new addition we have ridden miles! My legs are wondering what is going on (I tried the stationary bike this winter and would quit promply at 2o minutes) but it feels so good. Elijah even said he enjoyed it but wished we were invisable, ha ha. I guess it's the cool factor and he's going to suffer one way or another. Bringing home baby.
He really wanted to ride her but he's not ready. It takes a lot of muscle and A LOT of balance!







Mom, this is for you!!!
My mom made this blanket for Naomi. It is small but perfect to carry around. Naomi loves babies and stuffed animals so this blanket has seen some action. Naomi has slept with it, took it on vacation, and wrapped her babies in it. She puts it down for weeks at a time but we soon see it again. As I said in the first part of the post we are growing up. You know what comes with growing up, new styles. She sees me being crafty and changing things around and likes to get into it to. I really have to watch her because she comes up with some really wild ideas. This one wasn't so wild so I helped her with it. I had just taken out her hair wrap (string tied around a strand of hair) that her babysitter had done for her weeks past. She says to me "I want to wear this" referring to her blanket. So I tie it around her neck like a cape. "No, I want to wear it like a dress." I look at the string laying in front of me and a few minutes later she was happy as could be, even wore it to the video store much to Elijah's dismay. One of these days he's going to learn were not so bad after all, just a little different.

Naomi giving herself bunny ears.
A little see through but everything was covered up. She was sooo proud!

SOMETHING ABOUT OUR TIME OUT

Something about time out always makes you want more! When I take time out it makes me have to work more, before and after but it is always worth it and I am so thankful that my clients work with me!!

We took off a few weeks ago to go on an adventure that I was not too sure about. We committed to go camping with a group of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from church. I didn't have a problem with the camping since I have been doing that my whole life. The part that I wasn't sure about was spending 4 days with people I barely knew! Once I commit, there is no turning back on most things but then the dread sunk in. What if there were no other women going? What if I didn't feel comfortable? What if we didn't have anything in common?.......... I knew I was being unreasonable but at the same time my client were scaring me too. As with all things I came prepared. I brought my book, cards and knitting and if all else failed I could spend some time in my tent.

Thankfully my prayers were answered and I didn't spend much time in my tent and I got to know some really awesome people. In the back of my mind I had to believe, above all else that people that would camp couldn't be that bad. I know that if you are a camper you have to be easy going or you won't survive. You have to be able to put up with unpredictable weather, bugs, scrapes, cold water unless you want to wait (and make the effort) for hot water. Which was always a necessity in the morning to have our hot coffee and tea.

I could go on but you'll just have to wait and buy the book. This will be under the chapter of firsts.

Some highlights include:

Unlimited friends for Levi
Unlimited time with priest that Naomi so dearly loves.
New friends for ALL of us
Elijah's dream come true of being IN CHARGE since he was a junior chaperon
Beautiful waterfalls and streams
Outdoor mass
Being in the mountains
Beautiful weather
Interesting food
Waking up to the sound of running water
I am sure there is so much more that I am leaving out but this is what comes to mind first. It was something I will never forget and hope to go again.

My camera's battery went out so these were the only pics I could get but they summed up a lot of what went on. We had 3 meals a day and the kids got served first. We all took time serving and cleaning up. Time was spent playing in the fields, going on hikes and tubing in the freezing water. There was always hot lemonade and hot chocolate to warm you up! The campers went to bed at dark and then the junior chaperons got to stay up and play cards till they got rowdy. They quickly learn to stay quiet and enjoy the time they had together NOT working. We adults hung out at the campfire sharing stories among ourselves.

On Wed. night we had a outdoor mass that was beautiful. Two of the campers had brought guitars so we had music. Naomi got to sit up (almost) with Father Will and she was SOOO HAPPY! This is something she has always wanted to do. Tues. night we had a sing along with the guitars that got the campers all around to notice us, they loved it of course. Mon. night there was a slide show of last years camp out. We were all enjoying it until Naomi comes up to us crying her little eyes out "I missed it, WHY did I miss IT???" Joe and I were having a hard time with this until we realized that she was talking about the slide show. They had shown pics of the marshmallows and smores. She thought the show was of this year and she had missed the marshmallows! It took a little convincing but she finally went back to her place and enjoyed the rest of the show. Joe in the kitchen.
The first morning, the little girl on the left in pink (Maria) and the lady on the right (Stacy) were in our tent.
Waiting to be fed.
Lee Ann, Pat, Father John (Naomi's hero) and Joe (My hero).
Luna moth found at camp.

In Cherokee a few days later. Hanging out in the bamboo.
Levi and a water dog found in the river.
Joe's BIG catch!
Water sculpture made by Levi.
Packing up, done playing in the water for the day.

This is one place that feels like home. We try to go every year to enjoy the great outdoors. Joe's grandparent lived in Waynesville so he really has a lot of good memories of being in the mountains. I wish they were still alive so they could share in our good times. Any one else that would like to join us for our next adventure LET US KNOW!!!

INTRODUCING......

Introducing the newest member in our circle of friends. Mary Lillian Robey, aka Lilli. In these pics she is 4.5 months old. She is the daughter of one of my grade school friends, Leah. We get to see each other about every six weeks when I do her hair, which is not often enough. Life with little ones is not always good for friendships but we are making it work. Lilli is a big girl, the first time I saw her she was sooo tiny. It doesn't take long!
Lilly and big sis, Camelia Kay. One of the oldest young people I know! She has a great sense of style and is not afraid to show it. I know she is going to keep her momma young!!
The girls of the family. Leah, Camelia, and Lilli.

WHAT IS A SPIRITUAL TOOLBOX

What is a Spiritual Toolbox?

A spiritual toolbox is a guide to help you become more aware of not only yourself but your surroundings by teaching you how to use energies with known associations for your particular intention. Utilizing all aspects of a spiritual toolbox will bring you closer every day to what you desire.

I wanted to announce the re-opening of my dear friends business. She is the proud owner of http://www.innertrinsix.com/ which is the home of the spiritual toolbox. She has taken great pride in her work as she has spent countless hours on research and detail. Her boxes are made with love and care and meant to be touched! You can tell by the beautiful wood and all of the fabulous things inside that make up the toolbox.

I have the astrological one for my sign, Scorpio. The artwork is unique and inspiring. I was moved by my toolbox and its contents. It was something I was not expecting and felt like it came at such a good time. I think there is definitely a need for this product in every one's lives. I see it as a tool to better enrich your life. I am always open to ways to better myself and this is a easy way to do it.

Take a moment and go to her web-site and let me know what you think. I have too many to pick a favorite, but I would love to hear what you think about the fabulous artwork!!

GONE FISHING!!!

I am loosing my touch. I went on a wonderful (almost all) family outing and forgot my camera! Joe has been wanting to go fishing for a while. Most of the time he doesn't have the opportunity to go, but his desire is always fueled my my Dad. (Who gets to go almost daily now that he is retired). So, with nothing more to do around the house, HA HA we set off on our adventure with the fishing poles, some worms and a map.

Now you must know that I was not really into this adventure but the time to spend with my family. I don't have a fishing license because most of the time I am watching kids and the few times Joe has got to fish he hasn't had the best of luck, around here that is. In my hometown he catches the biggest and most fish, which leads back to him always wanting to find that around here.

An hour later we get to our destination, find the road to the lake blocked some ways up but we are not deterred. The kids get changed into their bathing suits and boat shoes, (mine turn up missing) and I have chosen to wear wedge flip flops knowing I am going to change when we get there. Book and water in hand we start our journey down the path. There are beautiful wildflowers everywhere, that's when I started missing my camera. The path is steep but still doable in my shoes, I am praying no one falls. We get down to the end of the paved road and we don't know which way to go. My wonderful husband leaves us on the trail and sets out to find our way. At this point we have to cross a field that has been plowed but is growing back. We try to find the grooves for Naomi to walk in but she was to have no part in that after going out to the farm and being scratched one to many times. We regroup, Naomi goes on my back and once again we set off. I'm loving the shoes at this point--something I have never tried to do before and won't again if I can help it!

The trip only gets better at this point, the mowed weeds end and there is nothing but tall weeds. Now anyone who has ever been in tall weed can tell you, AVOID THEM AT ALL COST. So, once again we send out our trusty scout. He comes walking back "OH MY GOSH, MY LEGS ARE ON FIRE!!!" Let me tell you, he is making me want to turn around right then but he will not be deterred! He presses on and finds us a path that is not full of stinging nettle which was the culprit before. The only path that he found that went to the water went 9 feet straight down. Once again, have you ever done that with kids and flip flops? It makes life interesting to say the least. We get to the water and it is BEAUTIFUL, clear much like our trip we took to North Carolina. Thinking we finally made it I was ready to stay put but that was not the case. We had to cross the water! Once on the other side things really came to life. We saw a little frog about the size of half a dime, lots and lots of shiny shells and tons of really cool rocks. Joe was still not ready to plant himself so we kept on going.

Once in place we noticed lots of crayfish so the kids started catching them. I was fascinated by the sight of many more tiny frogs! I have not seen that many frogs in forever and after the stories I have read was really happy to witness it. There were beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and more shells. Then, the fish start biting!!! Levi caught the first one, it was small, but a fish and that's what we were after. It turn out that was all we caught. Small fish, but there was about 15 in all, they were about 5 different kinds which I thought was really cool too. Our trip was cut short by the threat of rain but we had a really, really good time!

Memories of our trip include:
1 raccoon
1 deer
1 turtle
3 turkey buzzards
5 different kinds of fish
loads of crayfish
25 tiny, tiny frogs
butterflies
dragonflies
lots of nice, steady rain
1 big, beautiful, clear rainbow with BOTH sides present. It was the most beautiful one I can ever remember seeing.

As with most things, you never know how things are going to turn out. I learned a lesson today that I thought I knew well.

COMMENTS

Summer has proven to be more of a challenge than I thought. Some of the best made plans have been broken and rearranged. I am finding that is more of the norm than the exception these days. But with that said, it's all OK, we are making it work.

With three kids in private school I am trying to work as much as I can, going in early when needed. Now anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a morning person. Don't get me wrong, I love the morning. Getting up early, reading the newspaper, sipping coffee. The problem is, with it being summer the kids have a lot more going on. Joe is doing his best to help with the transportation as much as he can and so far we have been making it work. This leads to the title of this post.

One of the first I heard was when I offered a client a 8:00 appointment. He hesitantly ask, is that AM? Laughing, I said yes and so did he.

Yesterday I went in at 7:30 am. This client ask if I was kidding. I told him I wished I was but if he wanted to get in that would be it.

The best is tomorrow, I will be in bright and early at 7am!!! I ask my client what was good for them and this is what she said, laughing (I thought she was kidding). So I took the challenge, knowing that she was not a morning person and said, "If you can do it, so can I".

I don't know if I can keep up these early mornings but I love the business and I get to spend more time with my kids. THANK YOU CLIENTS for working with me!

LIVING IN THE MOMENT

This is one of those just had to moments. It was almost 90 degrees today and I couldn't get Chicken and Dumplings out of my mind. So we started our dinner of with a big pot of them, followed by fresh bing cherries and topped off with mint chocolate ice cream. It was so good, no regrets!!!

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

This is the day we celebrate our fathers. I have one of the best ones that ever lived. He has taught me more about life than he will ever know. Being a handyman and letting me hang out with him I learned about construction. How to mow the grass, drive a car, buy a car, and live life while having fun. He has taught me to camp, fish and to help others and so many other things that I'm sure the list would go on and on. THANKS DAD for all that you have done for me and my family! WE LOVE YOU!!! Joe Dad, he is so special. He has many, many great qualities. Levi says he is a great Dad, likes to fish and spend time with his children. Naomi says he likes to have a good time, tucks me in at night and takes care of me. Elijah says that he has taught me many things.
Paul, Joe's dad takes time to fish with Naomi. Joe has this to say about his dad. He is insightful, helpful, and takes the time to spend many lunches with me. I love you dad.

TIME OUT

Off for a few days, going to see the great outdoors. I'm sure there will be lots to write about. Peace and Blessings to all!!

JUST CLOWNING AROUND

Taking the day to kick back, listen to music, do a little work and have some fun!

KENTUCKY WEATHER

I've always heard that if you're not happy with the weather in Kentucky stay a little longer and it's sure to change. Such is the case this Tues. afternoon. The day was a little overcast but nice until about 5. That's when the storm broke loose and I couldn't resist these shots. We were lucky not to have any damage but I heard some people in the area weren't as lucky. It was truly an amazing sight with all of the warm weather we have been having.
We are so thankful to have the rain, even if it did come down in bucketfuls!!!

FYI-FDA warns agaist Chinese toothpaste

Our paper publishes a section called YOUR HEALTH. This is where I find some really interesting articles. The latest is the the warning of use of Chinese toothpaste. Some makers are putting a poisonous chemical used in antifreeze in their paste! The ingredient, diethylene glycol (also called DEG) was found in a shipment at the US border and at two retail stores: a Dollar Plus in Miami and a Todo A Peso in Puerto Rico.

I check the label on most things I buy to see where they are made, try to buy American if possible but it never crossed my mind to check toothpaste! Because they are coming out with new ones all of the time and I have not found a brand that I will stick with forever I switch around, the latest is Gleem which I bought at the dollar tree. Of course I threw away the box and looking at the tube it only tells of the active ingredient. It is distributed by Procter and Gamble out of Cincinnati, OH but doesn't say where it is made. I guess we all need to be aware.

WE'RE DOING FAIRLY WELL

This is the BIG weekend! We started it off right by buying the unlimited ride band on Thurs. night, inviting Georgia and finding a friend there for Levi. At first I thought we might be able to stay together but the girls were just under the limit on some of the bigger rides and Levi did not want to be subjected to the "kiddie" rides all night. We had a blast! Donated by playing some of the games that I never win (not that I ever win anyway) and got lots of exercise by walking back and forth from the "big rides" to the "kiddie" section. We stopped at the dollar tree before we went and got some candy but in the end we couldn't pass up the cotton candy! Boy vs. girls. Levi wanted to spin the heck out of this ride and the girls didn't! It was just after we had eaten a big dinner, I don't know WHAT he was thinking!!!
Check out Naomi's face! I went with her after this run and we went even faster, I would have loved to see the look on her face then!
The girls hamming it up for the camera! They were so brave.
Cotton candy, a fairs not complete without it!
Being the good friend I am, I couldn't send our friend home without being sugared up, hair painted and tattooed!!!