Swimming with the TADpoles

Terrific Kid!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 15:28:00 +0000

Tanner was awarded with the Terrific Kid award by our local Kiwanis Club! I am such a proud mama! Here is the video of his award presentation!

Tanner Turns 6!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:52:00 +0000

On October 14th, Tanner turned six-years old. We only have a birthday party for the boys every other year, so Tanner didn't receive a party this time...however, he still had a great birthday and we started off the birthday weekend with cupcakes that we baked on Thursday night for him to take to school on Friday...which was his actual birthday. He was so excited, as he wanted red cupcakes with a blue "6" on them...this is the best that I could get after adding every smidgen of red food coloring that was in the cupboards!

Tanner was happy, so that was all that matters. He did tell me a little later in the afternoon that it was a pink-red, but that was okay! *snicker*

After we picked up Tanner from school and let him open his presents, we drove to the fairgrounds to see his artwork that has been chosed to be displayed at the fairgrounds! I can decide who was more excited...me or him. I couldn't wait to get in that building and find his painting! Here are some pictures of his painting. This kid amazes me at his ability to draw and paint. He is such an artist...no doubt.

Afterwards, we finished the night with some pizza and a magic show with some friends! He had a great 6th birthday...and i am so thankful that God allowed me the opportunity to be the momma to such an awesome kid! Happy Birthday, Tanner! Love you!

Showing Tucker some love, too.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 13:11:00 +0000

Since I shared a little catch-up story about Tanner yesterday, I must equally show the love for my little Tuck-Tuck. Poor kid thinks his name is Tuck-Tuck instead of Tucker...but it so fits his personality.

Tucker turned 2-years old back in May, which seems like forever ago. He didn't have a party, just some cake at the ballfield with whatever kids were there. He doesn't care about that kind of stuff anyway...he just wanted the cake! I think I have a few pictures somewhere I can share at a later date.

He is such a bundle of energy and is still attached to his "blankie" or "blank-blank"...just depends on what kind of mood he is in as to what he calls it. These days, he is also fascinated with everything in twos. Two blankies, two monkeys, two dogs, you name it...if it is in twos, he will notice it and let you know about it! I feel kinda guilty as I go back and look through my blog, I don't have many posts about little Tuck-Tuck...as if I have done him an injustice. So with that being said, here are a few more things about Tucker Bryce these days...

Likes - Barney, Thomas the Train and Toy Story. If I hear the "I Love You Song" one more time, I am going to barf. He also loves sweet tea and candy...which was evident when he went to the doctor earlier this week and came home with cavities. It seems we will be going to the dentist in the near future. Lawdy.

Dislikes - Sharing. I would have thought this would come naturally with an older brother, but he likes to pick a fight with Tanner and then just sit and scream, which is not good for this mama's eardrums. I'm just sayin'.

Favorite thing to wear: Cowboy "doots" as he likes to call them. He wore them with shorts this summer and walks around the house as if he is stomping fire ants...cracks me up everytime!

Yep, my little Tuck-Tuck is quite the character. I can't wait to share more stories about Tucker in upcoming posts. Gah lay, how time flies. It seems like yesterday, we were here.

Here is Tucker in action over the last few months

Riding our bulldog in the front yard...so silly!

cutest baby on the beach, HANDS DOWN!

enjoying the sand and surf

At the beach this past summer

Totally Tuck's personality - loud and happy!

Tanner loves carrying Tucker around like this...gah lay, they precious!

I am pretty sure that I am back to the blogosphere this time.

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 12:41:00 +0000

I was talking to a friend yesterday about blogs, blogging and the blogosphere. During that conversation, I realized how much I miss swimming in this bloggy pond with my TADpoles. ;)

I know that I am already extremely busy, but I feel like I need the extra time in my life to write here and at a couple more blogs I am going to start. I have allowed other things to take control in my life and now I regret that I have missed some important milestones in our family that could have been captured here. With that being said...

One of those milestones was Tanner's first day of Kindergarten. He is such a big boy now...and incredibly smart. Just not because he is my kid...but because he is smart. I believe I am going to have a genius on my hands with this kid. He amazes me, seriously.

He had a few rough days in the beginning weeks of school, but now that he has gotten into the groove, his teacher says he is doing well and is extremely bright. When I take him to school every morning, I can't help but smile as he jumps out of the car with his tiny backpack, over sized lunch box (which only carries a water bottle and snack) and using every bit of his tiptoes to peek over the top of the passenger window to wave goodbye to me one last time. Gah lay, I love that kid.

As I was talking with his teacher one day, she told me that he had drawn a picture on the back of one of his worksheets. When she seen it, she took it to the art teacher, who quickly said, "He traced it." The teacher quickly told her, "There was nothing for him to trace." Both were astounded with how great he could draw. I just grinned, but on the inside I was beaming. Gah lay, I love that kid.

I can't wait to see what the school year holds for Tanner. He has come a long way from his first day of school...where the only thing I could get out of him was, "I don't like the pizza, 'cause their sauce is brown." He now has lots to share...some good, some not so good. However, we are getting there...one wave goodbye at a time. Gah lay, I love that kid.

Thirty Years, Gatlinburg, a Parade...oh, you shouldn't have!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:08:00 +0000

Thirty years ago today, I was born. Gah lay. When I was younger, thirty sounded so old...but now that I am here, I am still young! Yeah...I am still young. Thirty is the new twenty, people! So, take that!

Okay, I am over it.

It just so happened that over the weekend I turned thirty, we planned to go to Gatlinburg to see the Gatlinburg Christmas Parade and spend a long weekend. It was nice to hang out with friends from church and watch the parade (which we had never been to) and get frostbite on our pinkie toes. Boy, was it cold!

The boys had a blast! Tucker loved the firetrucks and all the lights. Tanner did not like the giant crayons. He has a thing for people in costumes for some reason...I guess all kids do at some point in time. It was also neat to see some local bands in Tennessee marching in the parade, too!

We enjoyed a nice dinner out, a little shopping and just resting in the condo. It was a restful weekend and I am thankful that we had the opportunity to get away, if only for a few days!

Music to my Ears

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 22:49:00 +0000

For the last several years, I have searched the local newspaper and craigslist in search of a free piano that I could try to get for our house. I took lessons when I was a little girl and would love to learn to play...again. ;) I know the keys on the piano, I just can't read the music!

Well, our church was in the process of cleaning out our gymnasium, which had a piano amidst a lot of the ~~junk~~ stuff (Did I say that out loud?). It was brought up to have a drawing for the piano...but unfortunately my name wasn't drawn. However, my sweet cousin's name was drawn and he decided to give it to us! They knew that I had wanted it and put their names in the running for it! Too precious!

It needs tuning and some cosmetic work, but I think it has the potential to be a piece of art that makes beautiful music. Not too mention, I have enjoyed listening to the boys just sit and ~~peck~~ hammer the keys.

Here is Tucker as he plays a few Christmas tunes. *wink*

Let the Rivalry Began!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 17:20:00 +0000

Our church sponsored a tailgate party last night for the Clemson vs. Carolina game and then it was inside to commence with eating snacks and watching the game on the BIG screen in our fellowship hall with the "house divided". We had a pretty good turnout, considering there aren't many football fans at our church and it was a cold night!

Here are a few pictures from the night and the decorations that I put out for those cocky Carolina fans and prowling Tiger fans! *wink*

The best part of the night...those Gamecocks had a VICTORY!

Cock-a-doodle-doo!

A Little Loopy

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:45:00 +0000

Just some random shots of Tucker enjoying his Froot Loops!

Toy Closet

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 18:05:00 +0000

See this door?

So, that was a rhetorical question...but being that you do actually see it 'cause I put a picture of it on this post to admire, let me get to what is behind it. I have been working really hard to get things pulled together around this ~~madhouse~~ ~~looney bin~~ "establishment of organized chaos" and couldn't decide what to do with a coat closet that is underneath my staircase. Yes, I could put coats in there, but I don't want to do that. I recently moved the boys in a room together, as Nanny has moved back in with us and is renting her house. (I will post pictures of the shared room once it has received a new coat of paint, pictures and all the cute stuff).

Now back to my closet. Since I moved the boys in a room together, there isn't a lot of room for toys in their room, so I decided to create a "toy closet" that could house most of their toys, games and puzzles that they could reach and access when they wanted to play with them. The best part...the closet has a light and is big enough to play in! It is a like a clubhouse for Tanner! He loves it! The second best part...if it isn't clean, I just shut the door and no one knows! I am a stinkin' genius!

I put the coloring books and crayons on a shelf that could only be reached by me, so that Tucker and Tanner don't pull them off and have markers and crayons everywhere. If Tanner wants to color, he just asks me for a coloring book and crayons and I get them for him! No problemo!

I already had a high shelf in the closet from before (this was a junk closet before a toy closet) so I used this high shelf to store things like Play-Doh, bubbles, Moon Sand and balloons; items that require a little parental supervision to use. I also placed Tanner's painting/craft supplies on this shelf.

Nanny had a small shelf with fabric drawers that I was able to place in here also. I used it for small cars, drumsticks and for odds and ends. It worked perfectly. I hope to paint and add some more extras in the closet as time permits, but I think it turned out perfectly and serves a great purpose for our family and the kids!

Trunk or Treat: An idea finally came to me!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 20:42:00 +0000

Okay...so I had known about the Trunk-or-Treat at our church for the last couple of months and had many sleepless nights over how to decorate my trunk. Seriously. I get into this stuff, people. I want to do something that no one else would think of; not to impress others, but for my own satisfaction. I am a perfectionist and love to push the envelope when it comes to creativity and decorating. So, with that being said...I racked my brain for weeks but could not come up with anything. Nothing.

A week before the event. Nothing.

I was laying in bed the night before I was to have a decorated trunk and it hit me.

The title of my trunk will be: Smile...You're on "Candyd" Camera!

Get it?

So last Saturday night, I set up my video camera (hidden in a giant candy corn) and took a television set and put it in the back of my car. When the kids walked up to get their candy, I would tell them, "Smile, you're on 'candyd' camera!" and they would see themselves on the television. The only decorations was a sign that said the above tagline and some colorful candies, lollipops, jellybeans and candycorn. I was in Trunk-or-Treat paradise (and maybe a little sugar high) as I watched the kids (and adults) enjoy watching themselves on television and ask where the camera was located. It was a quick idea that turned out to be fun and the kids seemed to enjoy it! I even won 2nd place in the trunk decorating contest!

Thank you Lord for allowing my brain to work in its sleep-deprived state to come up with something...'cause Lord knows that my OCD would have gotten the best of me with a naked trunk!

Playing Catch-up!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:03:00 +0000

Wow. That is all I can say. I CANNOT believe that it has been since June that I posted. Does anyone have a baseball glove that I can borrow? To catch-up, that is? Quite frankly, I haven't even looked at my blog since then. Not quite sure why, just haven't. We have been so busy with our new church and everyday life, that I had to cut out something in my life, to make room for the new. Along with blogging, I have been unable to coupon, take pictures or work on any craft projects.

But guess what, I have promised myself that I am going to start blogging again...I need it for my sanity. I am going to start couponing again...for my pocketbook. I am going to start taking more photos...for me (and my 5 readers) to enjoy. I am going to start crafting again...well, for fun. So, all I can say is, "LOOK OUT!" I am back and have a lot to share and catch-up on since June. I will work on getting those posts and pictures up soon!

I am looking forward to starting my blogging adventure again! Until then, go back and read some old posts...'cause I got to start out slow. *snicker*

Daryl Forking Rules?

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 02:54:00 +0000

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, so a group of "pranksters" from church decided it would be fun to come over and "fork" our yard in appreciation of Daryl. I don't know how appreciative that is...but I sure got a kick out of knowing that they were going to do it! I can't believe I was able to keep the secret! HA! A couple from the church came over (who was in on the deal) invited us out to eat and then those pranksters got to work! They put over 600 forks in our yard! It looked like a cutlery graveyard out there!

I thought I did really well when we were pulling up in the driveway as I exclaimed, "Look what somebody did to our yard!" He bought it...hook, line and fork!*snicker*

Here are some pictures of the damage...and a few of the culprits! (Sorry the picture quality is bad on some...I had my camera on the wrong setting).

Happy 5th Birthday Tanner

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 03:23:00 +0000

I CANNOT BELIEVE TANNER IS FIVE. I don't know what else to say. Okay, let me get my tissue and shed a few tears and show a few pictures. There is no sense in me even trying to write a post about him at five years old! But, what kind of mother would I be, if looking back many years from now when he is reading this blog and he didn't see me brag on what a great kid he was at this moment in time? Well, Tanner...here you go!

Number One: You amaze me at absolutely how smart you are. I am not saying that just because I am your mama. Everybody sees it. You are going to be something...Lord willing. You don't forget anything, kid. Sharp as a tack. You astound me at what you can comprehend and remember at five years old.

Number Two: You and those stinkin' dinosaurs. I believe this house is a prehistoric cave sometimes. If I step on one more stegosaurus spike, I think I might get in the flesh! However, you love them and I enjoy watching you tell me that a brachiosaurus weighs as much as 70 cows...and that Jurassic Park is your favorite movie.

Number Three: You can draw some things better than me. I plan on keeping you in art throughout your years on this earth. You are so talented and gifted when it comes to art and creativity. I can't believe it, kid. Man alive. Enough said.

Number Four: I love you more than words could ever explain.

Number Five: I am so thankful that God allowed me to be your mother and even though I want to pinch your little ears off sometimes...you are a great kid. Always be yourself and remember to never give up on your dreams! You can do anything, if you put your mind to it. I know God is going to bless you beyond measure.

Happy Birthday, Tanner!

Wordless Wednesday: Open Wide!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:31:00 +0000

Meet Bubba Ray

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:36:00 +0000

Meet Bubba Ray. He is at our VBS this week. He is one special cowboy. I'm just sayin'...

VBS 2010 - Saddle Up!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:49:00 +0000

Our church started VBS (Vacation Bible School) on Sunday night of this week. Since my last blog post, I have been working at the church decorating the hallways, my classroom and preparing for lessons each night, as I am teaching the 3rd and 4th graders.

I have never taught this age group before, but I am having a blast! They are so energetic, talkative and eager to learn. There is never a dull moment with our group! It is also fun to teach, as for the last three years at our previous church, I was the director of VBS. It was nice to have that change and experience the teaching side of VBS again...which will help me if I am ever directing in the future. For those that know me well, you know that VBS is my heart. There is no greater time in a church, than just to let your hair down, be silly and have a great time with children that may have no clue about the saving knowledge of Jesus!

There has been a great number of cowboys and cowgirls that have came out to Saddle Ridge Ranch (our theme) each night. I look forward each morning to going back to VBS and being around everyone from church. It is such a joy and blessing to walk into the doors each night during Bible School and on Sunday and Wednesday's too. And it isn't because my husband is the preacher...you can just feel God working in the church and doing amazing things before our eyes!

I haven't taken many pictures at VBS, because I am having to teach, but I did manage to capture Heather and Melissa as they were enjoying getting the kids wet during Recreation time! Love these girls!

Anyone up for some pie?

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 15:50:00 +0000

After church on Sunday morning, everyone made their way outside to watch Daryl get a pie in the face from the person at church that brought the most friends! Well, the person that brought the most friends was my friend Brooke. She came prepared to win with 10 friends! I am sure she was loving the opportunity to throw a pie in Daryl's face! *snicker*

I stood back and took pictures...and to avoid the whip cream that was flying everywhere! Not only did Daryl get a pie in the face, but Ashley (our youth leader) and Chris (a Sunday School teacher) received a few pies, too!

The pie throwing was to kick-off Vacation Bible School and to celebrate Friend Day at church. My husband,Ashley and Chris are such good sports. As hot as it was outside, it would not have taken long for that whip cream to start smelling pretty bad! Needless to say, we came straight home for Daryl to take a shower and clean up before he smelled like soured milk. Yuck!

After all the pie throwing was over...it seemed that someone else managed to get some pie in the face, too. Tracie, you know when Heather is around, you better watch out!

Swagbucks!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:30:00 +0000

Have you signed up for Swagbucks? If not, you are missing out! It is like online money that you earn just for searching the web!

I must admit that I was a little skeptical at first, because I love me some Google. However, swagbucks gives great search results and I usually find what I am searching for quickly on the internet through their search engine.

I currently have 548 swagbucks that I can redeem for giftcards, toys or save for bigger items such as electronics or clothing. It is worth signing up....'cause all you have to do is search the internet for free stuff!

Who doesn't love free stuff???

Wanna sign up? Go here!!!

Ever wonder what a dinosaur tastes like?

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 04:00:00 +0000

Chicken, of course!

Awards Night

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 17:09:00 +0000

Tanner received his trophy for tee-ball at our church league's awards night on Tuesday evening of this week. He was super excited as he got to help unpack the boxes of trophies and couldn't wait to take his home.

He anxiously waited on the pew for his name to be called...

Worked the camera a little bit before the start of the ceremony...

and of course, posed for a picture after receiving his trophy!

I am so proud of him. He got a little tired throughout the season, but always had a great time playing. I am not quite sure what we are going to do with all these nights at home during the week now. We have been accustomed to running around, so it will be nice to have dinner at home and enjoy spending time together this summer.

Then again...after we are around each other too much, we might be asking for something to get us out of the house! Kidding. Only Kidding.

The Case of the Unidentified Bird

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 19:27:00 +0000

Earlier in the week while Daryl was cutting the grass, he noticed a small, injured bird in the yard. He wasn't quite sure if he accidentally hit the bird with the weed eater line or not, but he stopped what he was doing to come inside and get me. His first question..."What should I do with the bird?" I told him to pick it up...probably more just to see if the bird would snap at him, or if Daryl had the courage to actually touch him! Not claiming to be veterinarians, we made the decision to leave the bird in its safe haven (a corner between the fence and the house).

After Daryl went back to cutting grass, I thought I would run inside and grab my camera and take a few pictures of the tiny fowl...maybe hoping I could later decide what kind of bird made a makeshift home in our yard via the Internet. I managed to capture a few great shots of our feathered friend...

Thank goodness that I thought to take pictures, because when I went back outside to check on the birdie the next day, there was no sign of him. I pray that Baja didn't find a new friend when he went outside for a bathroom break!

Anyone know what kind of bird he/she is?

Five Question Friday (5/28/10)

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Fri, 28 May 2010 14:57:00 +0000

I once again decided to participate in Five Question Friday, hosted by My Little Life. My blogging posts have been few and far between and I have been feeling less than creative to sit in front of the computer and pen an elaborate post for my handful of readers!

So, here it goes!

1. Is there something you've always wanted to try but just can't muster up the courage to actually do yet?

My word, yes! I am scared of heights, but would love to skydive. However, with the skydiving, I would have to get over my fear of airplanes. I have flown in an airplane before, but now...you aren't gonna get me on a plane unless it is a life or death situation. Why? Because I like to be in control and if I am sitting in one of two-hundred seats inside a tube of aluminum going 400 mph, this mama is NOT in control!

2. If you had $100 handed to you in cash without your significant other knowing about it, what would you spend it on?

I would probably pay a bill or put it in savings. Then again, I may just go shopping! Who am I kidding? It would definitely be used for shopping. Not for me, but the kids, hubs or the house.

3. What was your favorite piece of playground equipment as a child?

The swings. The breeze in my hair. Going really high and jumping out like an acrobat. Definitely not the jungle gym...considering I cracked three vertebrae in the 5th grade thanks to "Jungle Jim". Can't you tell I am still bitter?

4. Do you prefer a sweet or hearty breakfast?

HEARTY! Unless, it is doughnuts. There is nothing better than eggs, grits, bacon, sausage...oooh, oooh...and pancakes. Yes, pancakes! I can't help it. I like to eat.

5. Are you a Neat Freak or a Messy Bessy?

Some like to call it obsessive compulsive (see question #1), anal retentive, neat freak...whatever. I just call it "I like things where they are supposed to be and if you use it...PUT IT BACK. I know...I have issues. Organization makes life so much easier. However, if you were to look at my house at this very moment, you would call me a liar.

Your First Birthday in Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Thu, 20 May 2010 05:00:00 +0000

It's your first birthday in Heaven
I know you're happy there
It just doesn't seem possible
Time has gone by so fast.

You're surrounded by those loved ones
Who left you so long ago
And you're watching over those you left
Smiling down from above.

It's your first birthday in Heaven
It doesn't feel right that this is so.
You should be here with your friends and family
Who all miss you as we do

Time stands still when realization hits
You've gone on to a better place
You're healthy and happy again...
But you're presence on Earth can never be replaced

It's your first birthday in Heaven
The first of many more yet to come
And though you're gone in body
Your spirit will forever live on.

I found this poem on a website and wanted to post in memory of Jason. I remember not getting to tell him Happy Birthday last year, because I couldn't catch him on the phone...so I had to leave him a message to say "Happy Birthday". I can't believe how fast the last year has came and gone. I refuse to be sad, because Jason loved life and wouldn't want me to be in mourning, but also because he is singing with the saints and has received the best birthday present ever...a presence by The King!

Happy Birthday Jason! I love you and miss you!
XOXO

Wordless Wednesday: Flying High!

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Wed, 19 May 2010 05:02:00 +0000

God's Princess: His Masterpiece

noreply@blogger.com (Ashlee) — Tue, 18 May 2010 16:32:00 +0000

This past Sunday, our church hosted a brunch for the ladies and young girls of the church. It was an awesome time of worship, fellowship and eating (you know when us Southern Baptists get together, we are going to eat)!

The theme for the event asked the ladies to "See His Masterpiece". Here is an excerpt from the program:

I love what I have created. I am delighted in you! Don't ever feel secure about what you think you are not, because I made you in My image and your uniqueness is a gift from Me. I did not give you a life, My love, for you to squeeze into a man-made mold. You are royalty, but you won't discover that truth by gazing into a mirror. Let Me be your mirror and I will reflect back to you your true beauty. The more you gaze at Me, the more you will see My workmanship in you. The sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can begin your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose.

Love,

Your King and Your Creator

Shepherd, Sheri Rose. His Princess: Love Letters from Your King.
Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2004. Print.

I read over this paragraph several times and it came to me...no matter how much laundry is piled up, how many dirty dishes need to be washed, or the fact that I haven't showered all day...I am still a princess. God's princess. Many days I feel like Cinderella, just waiting on the clock to strike midnight, so that I can mark another day of my list and feel as though I have a purpose in this world. However, my purpose is bigger. I am to reflect the image of my Savior.

It is difficult to squeeze into a man-made mold. However, it is much easier to squeeze into God's mold, as we are created in His image. I am not saying that being a Christian is easy, but God clearly lays out His desires for us in His word. This world does not love us. God loves us.

I pray that I can reflect the image of my Creator. Even when I feel worn down, unattractive, exhausted, and anything but special...I can't count on God to lift me up and drawn me to him. Through him I can be built up, beautiful, energetic and priceless.

Thank you God for your blessings and for loving me despite my shortcomings and failures.

"For we are God's Masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he has planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10