My Little Sister

 

I made this scrapbook page of my sister and her family in my online scrapbook class this last week. I cherish my sister Mary Kate and the realtionship we have developed over the past 15 years. We couldn't stand each other growing up, but as soon as George and I were married in 1993, our relationship began to change. She is the most unselfish, paient, loving and forgiving person I know. All of her life, she has put others before herself. She chooses the right in every situation possible. I have learned so much from her. When I think about her, she is my big sister. She is such a strength and a great example to me. I should be her little sister, not the other way around. Mary Kate has a great love for her Savior Jesus Christ, for her family and her friends. She has great compassion for her fellowman. She is a diamond in the rough. I'm very privilege to call her my sister.

Because MK and I didn't grow up knowing any of our six cousins, we both made a pack that we would always be close and that our children would know one another. They would be true first cousins, no matter the cost. Since then, we have logged in countless hours and countless trips back and forth to Georgia and Alabama. Our two families have gone on many vacations together. Because of the time and effort we have spent on developing our relationship, we can definately see and enjoy the fruits of our labors for many, many years to come!

Mary Kate was afraid since Forrest is almost eight years older than Nate, he wouldn't want to come to Georgia to visit her anymore. I had no doubt that Forrest would come with us. Forrest and Nate are static cling when they are together. Even though Forrest is a teenager, he would never abandon his six, almost seven year old "Buddy-Nate". Nate idolizes Forrest. They wrestle, play video games, play outside together and most of all, they stick together at all times. Their relationship will only mature over time. Nate makes it fun for Forrest when we visit. I look at my son in "awe" as he sweet talks and nutures Nate. Is this my son? Yes, it is!

No worries about Sadie wanting to come for a visit with her cousin Sophia. A Sadie adores Sophia and the feeling is very much returned. You can barelly tell the 2 1/2 age difference between the two, besides the physical appearances! I didn't think anyone of us would have a relationship with their Sophia during her first year of life. "Fia" would only go to mom and give everyone else dirty looks! I must say, I had my doubts! But she came around and Sadie and Sophia fell in love with one another. I love to watch them together. They're both very artsy-crafty and love to play pre-tend, dress-up or any other hands-on activity. They get so excited to see one another. Both are drama queens! I'm very confident this felling will never end!

One of my favorite joys of Mary Kate's family is her husband Richard. Our family wouldn't be the same without him. We have such a wonderful, unique relationship that I can't express in words. I smile everytime I think about Richard! I love how he gets so excited about us coming for a visit. Richard will call me a couple of times (as I'm driving the 200 miles to their house) just to let me know he's excited to have us come. He'll call Mary Kate during the day and ask her if she has cleaned the house and have groceries for when we get there. How sweet! Richard will take off work just to go with us shopping or to go with us to Callaway Gardens. He'll stay up really late to watch movies with us when he should be in bed. But most of all, I love how he loves my sister and his beautiful family.

Mary Kate, this one's for you! I love you with every fiber of my being! You're the best sister in the world! TJ

UPDATE on the Walker's

 

 

 

Last weekend Forrest was bored and since we have been talking about adding an addition to our house (sunroom/scrapbook room)Forrest was antsy to begin taking down the back roof-decking and fence. With George supervising, he handed Forrest a sledgehammer and the demolition began. Forrest had a great time beating this wood down! It took him about 20 minutes to complete the project. When Forrest gets in a mood to help, we get out of his way! It's not often he initiates work, but we sure appreciate it when he does.

The kids are doing well in school. Forrest had soccer tryouts last month and is conditioning after school a couple of days a week. He loves physical exercise and always has. Sadie is really doing well in band. She is third chair with her flute out of eleven. They have challenges every Friday to advance. I can't believe how fast this school year is moving. Next week begins our fall break for a week. What will we do?

This past month, I have been involved in an on-line scrapbooking class at feelingscrappy.com. The class began Sept. 2 and ends today. The theme is "Sew Scrappy" with emphasis on using stitching/fabrics on scrapbooking pages. I feel I have definately got my moneys worth as I have participated in almost every challenge. Now that the class is over, I can put my attention back on the house! lol

A couple of weeks ago, George was called to be the YM President in our ward. I was called to be the YW President two months ago. This will be fun working together! I am very excited that George is Forrest's leader. Forrest needs the influence of his father more than ever now that he is a teenager. And next summer, Sadie will move up to YW. If you ask her, she is ready to move up now! Soon, we will make Wednesday night a family affair as we all attend mutual together. Also, this month Forrest earned his Deacon's Duty to God certificate and Sadie earned her Primary Faith in God award. I am very proud of my children!

Trees Gotta Go!

 

 

 

 

Back in July, the county came out and advised us to let them cut down our three huge bradford trees in our front yard that were all in the powerlines. They offered us $70 voucher for each tree (x3 trees) and they would even grind the stumps down too. Sold! That was back on July 21 and we haven't see since them until yesterday. They rocked and rolled and got most of the work down yesterday evening. Out house has a different dynamtic look to it. It'll take some time to get use to it. We'll take the vouchers to Bennett's nursery and buy some landscaping supplies for around the house. It had definately opened up our front yard. Change is always good in my book.

Net Fishing at Flood Lane

 

 

 

 

We first discovered Flood Lane creek about 10 years ago. We heard it was a great place to go mudding in George's Samarui. We'd go mudding every weekend. Mudding has long been replaced with net fishing. Our family loves to wade in the creek and try to scoop fish up in our nets. No telling how many times we have been to this creek. Since our plans fell through going yesterday, we piled in the Samarui and headed to Flood Lane. ( On the way, we stopped by Scott's Orchard and picked up some apple cider and carmael apples. Yummy!) George doesn't bother parking on the road and walking to the creek. He drives his little 4x4 down the bank and straight in the middle of the creek! Since I had the camera, I stayed at ground zero while George and the kids began to net. I love to watch how "into" they get! As you can see in the pictures, we take net fishing very serious! George and Sadie took off on one side of the creek and Forrest the other. Shortly after, Forrest is screaming, "I caught a bass! I caught a bass!" He runs to show me and then takes off running after Goerge and Sadie to show them his catch. I was able to snap a shot of Forrest running and all I could say in my mind was "Run Forrest Run!" We didn't catch much today, but we were able to net a few more family memories together at Flood Lane.

Free Haircut!

 
 
As you all know, Forrest has had long hair for over two years. George and I had told him a couple of weeks ago that it was time for a trim. He responded by saying, "Mom, will you cut my hair short?" We flipped out! I haven't cut his hair in over two years and really didn't feel comfortable cutting it, but I knew if I didn't jump at this chance, Forrest would change his mind! I said a huge prayer and went to cutting. It took about 45 minutes to cut through his mop of hair. You would think Bigfoot came for a trim looking at all the hair on the floor. I was pleased with the turn out and so was Forrest!

Here in the Real World

 

I'm in my third full week of being a newly stay-at-hom-mom and I have found that all the things of my "Things I'm Going to Do When I Come Home" list are not getting done! So my title speaks correctly. Here in the real world, or realitiy, cooking, driving to early morning seminary, cleaning the house, doing errands, paying bills, enertaining kids, etc. are taking the place of all the wonderful things I have planned! I have only scrapbooked twice during the last three weeks. I just knew I would be scrapping every day! I can't give up hope. I'm still in the "adjusting" stage and haven't yet created a set daily schedule. For almost 9 years, Huntsville City Schools set my daily schedule for me. It was very easy to follow and I was held accountable. Now I'm on my own! I'm accountable to myself and that's scary! I would love some help from all you stay-at-home moms. How do you make your schedule? How do you discipline yourself to stay on schedule? Do you have set days you do laundry? Any help will be greatly appreciated!

Saturday Evening Drive

George has been talking about buying a 1981 Chevy Camaro to turn, but when Forrest heard about it, he immediately jumped into the equation. He wants it for his first car. Goerge thought about it and it's a win-win situation. He and Forrest will have a father/son project they can work on together and Forrest will drive the end result! Forrest made a down payment to George and we picked it up Saturday morning. It has been sitting for three years, but after putting some new gas in the tank, it ran like a charm! It's body is straight and has no rust, which is great for a 27 year old car. Besides needing a paint job (George and Forrest will do this together) and a new interior, the car is perfect shape. The V-6 engine will get a tune up and it's good to go. The car will be ready for the road before Forrest is 16! All of this is made possible by George. He is the best mechanic ever and knows how to wheel & deal with the best!

Saturday evening, the kids wanted to drive the car, so we all get in it and ride to Hazel Green High School's parking lot. Since Sadie helped vacuum and wash it, we decided she would drive first. This was the first time Sadie has ever driven a car sitting in the front seat by herself. She has always sat on our laps, but she is getting too big. She was so thrilled to drive first and by herself! She did a great job driving! Forrest and I laughed when we saw the blinkers on everytime she turned! She drove for about 15 minutes and Dad even let her "punch" it! (translation- pedal to the metal!) She enjoyed herself so much! I was very happy for her. Forrest was able to drive for about 20 minutes. He loves his "baby". We had a great Saturday evening drive as a family!