BLAST FROM THE PAST part two

As you can tell I am getting a little better with the computer. This thing is so amazing, I can't imagine being able to do half of what it is capable of!
I like this pic of Mom. You can tell she really liked her job! Wait, I think she is smiling so much because she is RETIRING. Of course you could never tell by looking at her that she was already able to retire. Mom worked for the post office for over 20 years. Starting in the postmasters office and working her way up to the FIRST FEMALE SUPERVISOR. That was really saying something for the times. I know it wasn't always easy but she made the best of it. Of course she has done many other things that I am proud of her for but this was the first picture to brag on. Way to go Mom! This is a friend from way back. She was Molly's best friend in grade school. We hung out A LOT when we both ended up in the same town with not many friends. We shared the same interest in camping and boating. This was taken on a trip to Florida in the early 90's.
One of Elijah's favorite pics. I think he is fascinated by the long hair. He is about 4 years old and wearing his dad's old jacket. Love those dimples!
This pic is sooo funny. One of the many days spent on the boat. The look is because someone has been taking his pretzels and he was not happy. You can tell we like to have fun with him!
He spent a whole year looking like this. These were some of his most favorite things, from the outfit, hat to the motorcycle! He thought (we thought) he was one cool dude.
Now that I have figured out how to work the scanner I see I MUST post MORE pics from the past! I'll try not to boor you to much. With the nice weather coming up I'll see what I can do. Hope you got a good chuckle out of these like I did.

Stay tuned and God Bless you all.

BLAST FROM THE PAST part one

This is what my honey will always look like to me! He is so strong and handsome. I love the way he is now, he has only gotten better with age.
Don't we make a cute couple? I remember taking this picture, it seems like so long ago and only yesterday. The same for this one. It is late 80's at my apartment. Mom and Dad look so cute too!!!

This is proof of what happens to you if you sit still to long! McKenzie was the first kid to come along so there are LOTS of pictures of her. I think this one is great. It shows that she likes to have fun and would let her Aunt Kathy do anything. Stay tuned for part two!

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY!!!

I must confess, I am getting very spoiled.

We have changed our schedule around some so that we now have Sundays at home. Of course with the beautiful weather it has worked out nice to get some things accomplished. From the looks of things we need to get A LOT accomplished. I keep reminding Joe that we are supposed to relax a little this year.

Any way, the weather was so nice after waking without a alarm we had our coffee and then set our sights on the glorious outdoors. Even though there is plenty of work to be done, we do enjoy it. We got the slide set in concrete and all of the beds out back cleaned and ready for mulch. It is so beautiful, I can't wait to see what it looks like THIS year.

The kids had a great time helping dad with the concrete. I can't believe our kids are already old enough to be such good helpers. It seems they really enjoy digging in the dirt and doing what ever is necessary to help get the job done. Of course we let them play all they want but it is nice when they give a helping hand.

Time is flying by, I am off now to fill out Elijah's application for high school! My babies are really growing up!

FIRST SIGNS OF SPRING

I know it is not here yet but I can still dream. The weather has been so nice this past week that things are starting to bloom and signs of spring are showing. I wanted to take a picture before the frost gets them! I always have good intentions of covering my flowers when cold weather threatens but that seldom happens. If they last, I will post a picture of what they really look like! Here's my girl, Cinderella. Doing what chickens do best, hanging out looking for food! We love having her around for the entertainment and her eggs are the best!!!

MAMMOTH CAVE

Today started out really early! Now, I'm definitely not a morning person but I would do just about anything for my kids. So, 5 am it is!! The trip was the first of three for Elijah's 8th grade class. I had volunteered thinking that we would be driving our own vehicles but was pleasantly surprised to learn we would be taking a chartered bus. With the time change it worked out really nice since it was dark most of the way there. The kids were tired and well behaved so the ride was really smooth.

Once there we were all excited to go into the cave. Some of us had been there before but it is always nice to do things as a class. Our guide was very experienced and really seemed to enjoy his job. The kids were very well behaved so it made for a great learning experience and a fun couple of hours.

Once out of the cave we ate a good lunch at the cafe' and then back on the bus. Of course the kids were wound up for the ride home so it was a little more entertaining. Things were taken away, candy was thrown but still well behaved for the most part. One of the dads got to be the heavy so it made it easy on us girls. The kids had a great time and I think they came away with some real knowledge. Class pic.
Looking up inside the cave. IT WAS AWESOME
Ranger Joe showing off a cave cricket.

WEEKEND FUN

The past week all three of my kids have been sick. Naomi started two Fridays ago with strep. She was really sick for a couple of days and just when she seemed a little better Elijah got sick. The same with Levi so it ended up dragging on for over a week. I was able to work when I needed to because Joe was able to take a little time and stay with the kids. The weather here has been wonderful so it made it a little easier for him. I am happy to say I think we are on the mend.

That said, we started our weekend fun on Saturday night. One of my old friends, David King had his 40th birthday party. It was held at a local restaurant and the kids were invited. I was a little leery at first because I hadn't been to this restaurant before and the thought of lots of little kids running around scared me. I turned out great, we got to see some really good friends that we had lost touch with and David seemed really happy to have everyone there. The kids behaved themselves so we had fun too!

Now, we can't stop there. The next day was glorious! After a week of feeling bad we couldn't waist a minute. We have a big yard so that means there is more opportunity for work and play. Looking around, we saw LOTS of work that needed to be done. We both enjoy being outside and of course the kids do too! First on the list was to make a garden. We have been wanting to do it for some time but with a big dog outside I didn't see it happening. Now that she has passed on the time is right. A digging we go. (I mean Joe) I thought we should use the tiller but Joe likes to do things his way so I put him in charge. Of course I can't let him be in charge of me so I made my own project. THE SLIDE MUST GO UP! The only catch was there were holes to be dug there too! Now two blisters, sore muscles later the holes are dug. Now this may not seem fun to some but with the music on and seeing our kids playing it made it a good time.

We are all looking forward to planting the garden and watching it grow. Even though it's not here yet, I am ready for spring and looking forward to the days ahead. Naomi helping clean out the holes that I dug. As you can see it was a sloooow process.
Levi being creative with the tools. He wanted to carry the buckets on his shoulders. It seemed to be more work but he was determined to make it work. More power to you, boy!

Almost halfway done! My cutie likes to work hard but doesn't mind to stop for a quick pic.

A LOOK BACK

The highlight of Naomi's actual birthday. To end the day my special dolls were brought out to play with. She has never seen them before so they were quite a treat. I hadn't seen them in some time so it was fun for me too! Some of the dolls had not aged as gracefully so they were a little more fragile. Naomi treated them really well so I'm sure that they will be brought out as long as they last. This is the BIG PARTY! I would love to post all of the pictures because of the SMILES that are so abundant. It was so nice to see a group of friends that seem so happy together.
Of course, Naomi can't stand to not be in the thick of it. The boys didn't even seem to notice her but she didn't care, as long as she could be there she was happy.
PINEWOOD DERBY!!!! Levi worked really hard on his car. It didn't go as fast as he would like but he was going more for style. Papaw showed up to cheer him on!
More art! Joe has been inspired since his retreat. He spends the little time he has in the evenings working on drawing or Flint napping. I had just cut his hair and told him he looked like Ellen.

MORE BIRTHDAY FUN

Different birthday of course. Only 2 days until my oldest turns14!!!!

We have never got to have him a "real" birthday party with all of his friends. So, with this being his last year in middle school I decided it was time. He goes to a small school and the thought of inviting all his classmates crossed my mind but then I snapped out of my fog. WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!! I have heard about the "girls hate the boys" and I know that there is a little division in the class anyway. So, what was I thinking.

New plan, have a surprise party! I called the boys that I knew were his really good friends and got A LOT of positive feedback. They all wanted to come. One had a religious obligation and was very disappointed. (The reason I told you this was because E thinks we are uncool and no one would want to come to our house!)

We got him out of the house to get a movie so I had to work fast. I put the boys to work putting up streamer and the party had started. (We only had to wait for the birthday boy). That's when It got a tricky. I can't lie very well so when he came home I told him to find Naomi but I couldn't tell him where she was. So he opened the basement door and saw one of his friend but when we went downstairs the lights were dim and all the kids had hidden! Too cool. So the surprise was over and the party really started.

He got lots of great presents and they all seemed to have a really good time. The boys were really nice and used their manners. I am so glad that I chose to have the party and know he has some really good friend that may last a life time!

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!!!!