John and Tina's Messy Life

Vacation BOM School

2011-07-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Having fun dancing!

This week we traveled to Pine Mountain to go to Book of Mormon vacation school. This year it was based on children of the world. Of course at first Parker did not want to go, but he ended up having a wonderful time. He even learned a Russian navy dance. He loved it because he got to jump.

Eat More Chickin!!!!

2011-07-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Reese may not look happy, but she LOVES to put make-up on
Reese is mooing. Parker was not happy about the face make-up, but he loved the food!

Devin's magical utters!

Allison and her baby cow!!!

Every year Chick Fil A has a dress up as a cow day. This is great since if you dress up you can eat for FREE!!!! As all of you know my family loves this kind of stuff, dressing up and free food so it is a win win situation. This year was especially fun since we painted Allison baby bump with a cow face. It was adorable!!! Everyone thought it was adorable. We had breakfast and lunch for free, but Tara topped up and even eat dinner there!!!

Bedtimes

2011-05-29T11:53:00.000-07:00

Devin pushing Tara out of the nest..., but Tara left her two baby birds.

Did my own children require this much energy? I have been watching my grandbabies this weekend and I have forgotten how much work little ones can be. Was I younger, more energy, skinnier, and had more energy... yes I said that twice!!! It can be challenging when you have your grandchildren and still one child of your own at home(under the legal age of 18). One minute you have your mom hat on and then you have to change into your grandma hat. Grandma hat is much easier to wear. Basically you say yes to everything. Why? Because it our privilege and it is NOT my job to make sure vegetable are eaten or bedtime obeyed. That is for their parents, but that is where it gets tricky. I have to make sure Parker eats his veggies and goes to bed on time. Oh well its summer and I give up on everyone's bedtime!!

Graduating

2011-05-25T18:22:00.000-07:00

Getting that Diploma!!
My proud graduate

I can hardly believe that my little baby, Devin graduated high school last weekend. She also graduated seminary. Where has the time gone? Devin has never been a "I love school" girl, but I really feel like a blinked between Allison's graduating and now Devin. I can't hardly believe that all my girls have graduated high school. I'm so nervous about Devin being an "adult". It's hard to let my little baby go..........

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby!

2011-01-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

This saturday is Brodie's 2nd birthday! Were has the time gone since I was holding that sweet little boy in the ICU nusery? Brodie is such a sweet spirit and developing such a personality. We are so blessed for this boy to be in our family. Even though his favorite word is no and doesn't like us kiss him unless he deceides he wants to, but when he does kiss his grandma with those little fish lips it is the best kiss ever. We love this boy!

Stone Mountain

2011-01-01T17:32:00.000-08:00

Christmas is very stressful to me. I have alot of baggage concerning some very bad memories of Christmas and I always put alot stress on myself concerning gifts and gift giving. I know that I shouldn't, but knowing and doing are two different things. Anyway John and I decided to give Jeremy and Tara family annual passes to Stone Mountain. After looking at Candi Welch blog and all the fun the had there I thought it would be a good gift for them. Something they can use all year long. We went up this weekend and John, Parker, and myself stayed at the Marriott at Stone Mountain. It is a very nice place and we look forward to staying there again!! They had a pool inside and outside. Parker didn't care for the inside pool, but the pool was outside was heated and the rain stopped long enough for Parker to swim a bit. We really enjoyed our stay!

Teaching in Sunday School

2010-12-05T16:36:00.000-08:00

Well I have been called to be the 6/7 teacher in primary. I had managed to not have a calling for over a year so I knew it was coming. This actually the first time being a teacher in primary. I have always been in the primary presidency. My class is small and we are learning each other ways and I think coming together nicely. These children do not realize they are my test students. I will trying out my teaching strategies out on them. Why do they act different in primary?? I'm not sure. I'm learning things about myself and things I need to work on. The lord is always teaching us!!

Where does the time go??

2010-10-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

I feel like days and weeks are just whizzing by at a record pace. Does this happen when you get older? I remember when I was younger thinking will this week ever end. Now I can't seem to get enough hours in. This week was very busy with a two finals, a research paper and various other projects and if you know me at all I of course was burning the midnight oil trying to get it all done. Promising myself that I WILL STOP PROCRASTINATING!!!! I hate how it makes me feel. This week is busy also, but there is nothing I could do earlier so I will take it one day at a time. In vow to not be such a procrastinator I have already done some of my assignments for my new class. *pat on back* Reese's party is this weekend so we have to get everything ready!! Where has that time gone?? My little reese cup is going to be 4!!!! I'm going to take a nice sunday nap aka meditate and figure out where is all this time going.

Trying to be better...

2010-09-19T15:34:00.000-07:00

ok, so my camera has been busted for a while and I don't like to post without pics so I haven't posted. My daughter aka my personal assistant changed my background and suggested I post. I am obedient most of the time so here it is. Let's face it, it is nice to look at everyone else's and look at all their cool post. Mine is not cool at all. In fact I would say boring! I have no cute crafts, no organizing tips, and no recipes to share. I am ordinary sometimes even boring. The one thing about this blogging thing is that you can vent your opinion or get things off your chest. Perhaps that's what I need to do instead of worrying about pictures. Some of my favorite blogs are about how people feel. That everyone is NOT perfect!! We all struggle in some way. I guess it makes us all feel good to realize that we are not the only ones who are struggling. There still will be the "perfect" ones that blog about how everything is great, but I am definitely not going to give you that illusion. I am far from perfect in fact I should be cooking dinner now and doing homework......

Parker's Baptism

2010-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

A very happy young man!!
Dad forgot to comb his hair, but otherwise what a handsome guy!!

Yummy cake!! Parker loves legos.

WAn almost perfect family photo. Hey Brodie, what are you looking for?

Proud parents of Parker Tanner Floyd, the newest member of the Rivercest Ward!

We finally got it together for Parker's baptism. I had been waiting for Allison to be there and also I had wanted a very talented singer in ward to sing "A Child's Prayer". It is a beautiful song and I know that she would have done an awesome job, but it was not to be. Allison was on spring break and came home for part of it so we whipped everything together and had his baptism. Parker did AWESOME!! The water was ice cold and he didn't freak out. Now if you know my son you know what an accomplishment this is. He hates water in his face also so we had a towel waiting for him. Not everything went as planned, but all in all it was a nice baptism and afterwards we went to one of Parker's favorite places to eat, Red Robin and had some burgers!! Top that of with a Lego cake and the evening was a success. He had a great day earlier. Allison and her friend, Andrew took him to the air show !! Sorry no pictures of that, but he loved seeing all the airplanes.

Mexico!!

2010-03-26T06:02:00.000-07:00

Having dinner with the Schwartz 's. They were so nice!
Paradise!!

John getting his award from Steve Larson ( a big wig at Alsco)

At the boardwalk in Port Vallarta

self portrait of the crazy couple in MEXICO!!

As most of you know my wonderful husband won us a trip to Port Vallarta due to his hard work!! It was the MOST WONDERFUL vacation. We got to go between Valentimes Day and our Anniversary. We haven't been on a trip by ourselves since our honeymoon. I am here to tell you if you ever get the chance to go, do not hestiate. It was one of the most beautiful places and the weather was perfect!!! NO humidity!!!! We mostly sat on the beach in our lounge chairs and took advantage of the nice wait staff. Such the life that someone brings you yummy food while you lounge at the beach!!! No sand sandwiches! We met a nice couple there that also worked for Alsco. They were so nice. John and went jet sking, of course on the day the ocean was the worst, but it was still a blast. John got a nice ring and certificate for being one of the top 20 salespeople. Did I mention how hard my husband works?? I'm looking forward to him winning us alot more trips. Next year, Cancun!!

Butterflies

2010-02-15T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today we went to Callaway Gardens because it was free. Yes, it was a little cold, but hey did I mention it was FREE??? Anyway me and my favorite posse aka Tara, Parker, Reese, and Brodie went up to see the butterflies. I personally do not care for this exhibit to much. It is extremely warm in there and I don't like bugs on me. I resolved that I would not let this personal issues stand in our way of a fun time. Reese was very excited about going. It was interesting, but so warm. Reese loved it, Brodie could have cared less, and Parker was scared of the butterflies. Yes, my 100 lb boy actually ran away from a little butterfly. I guess he is more like his mommy.

Pumpkin Carving 101

2009-10-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

Isn't he so cute?? Look at those little teeth coming in..
Here is Devin's sad pumkin, definetly no love spent here in carving.

Don't they look awesome all lighted up?? They are already starting to mold and halloween is tomorrow.

My funny pumpkin

Tara's is scary!

At our house we love Halloween. I know some people here in the south think it is satanic day, but I say poo on you!! When you can dress up as whatever and get candy too???!! We went to the pumpkin patch last saturday and had a ball. They had animals, a hayride, and corn to play in. We got our lovely pumpkins and we gave them all makeovers last monday. Of course I think mine is the best, but Tara is trying to take over my regin as master carver. We had to make Devin carve hers, but someday she will appreciate it. Parker wanted to carve one, but I can't let him use a knife. In a twist of fate I found a child carving knife today so next year I will let him do his own. Here our lovely pumpkins.

2009-10-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Well I know it has been a long while since I posted last. One of the reasons is my camera needs a new battery. I know its a lame reason, but I'm still stickin by it. Lots of things have changed in the past months.

1. Tara and Jeremy moved to Columbus (and my beautiful babies are here 24/7!!!!!!)

2. Parker started a new school with a new Autism program.

3. I will start a new job on Monday.

4. Allison is back at school and finally got her licensce back!!

5. Devin has a boyfriend who is super tall and has long hair???

These are the cliff notes on the last couple of months. I will try to post some pics soon.
Hopefully my daughter will change my background soon---hint, hint!!

Family Fun in the Sun!!!

2009-07-28T17:06:00.000-07:00

The three amigo's dancin "under the sea"
How could this cute face, be thinking evil thoughts??

Don't hate us because we ARE beautiful!!

First Day at the Animal Kingdom.....Mary always in control asking someone to take our pic.

Well our family reunion is behind us and we are looking towards starting school very soon here. Disney was tolerable, but my time with my family was awesome!!! We started off on a rough patch picking up my parents late from the airport, but after that everything was great!! My camera battery died on the trip ( great timing huh?) but my very sweet brother in law, Nestor downloaded his photo's for me. He is so great!! Anyway here are a few pictures from our adventures at Disney.

Family Reunion

2009-07-16T07:17:00.000-07:00

Today I am getting ready for our family vacation/reunion down at Disneyworld. I am totally stressed out about this. Having everything ready and being with my family in a very hot and humid place. Why didn't we do this in cancun?? Oh well, I will miss having two of my girls, but as they get older it gets harder to get everyone together. Wish me luck!!

Summer is almost over :(

2009-07-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

The fourth of July is the half way point of summer. We are on the slipperly slope toward fall, school, and getting up early. What have we done this summer?? Not much to report, but we have had some good times swimming with friends, going to the park, and going to the movies. We will be going to Disney soon so that will be exciting, but very hot and humid. I am excited about seeing my family and sharing memories with them.

Today Parker had 4 teeth pulled. He was such a good boy. They actually gave a credit on our bill because he behaved so well. We need to start back getting on track with math and reading. Oh well we still have a few weeks of sleeping in!! ;)

Childhood Memories

2009-06-26T18:48:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days have been really sad. A part of my childhood and teenage years have died. With the passing of Farrah and Michael Jackson it has made me think about how old I am getting because these two where very much a part of my life growing up. I rocked Farrah's hairstyle in middle school and thought she was so beautiful and to be married to the six million dollar man, a girl couldn't get any luckier than that. As she got older she became a little stranger to me, but I loved to watch Charlies Angels when I was growing up. What can I say about Michael Jackson?? If you say you haven't loved at least one of his songs, I can't believe it. Yeah, his personal life was bizarre and he in the last years was involved in some very upsetting things, but as an entertainer he was the King. In my mom's generation they had Elvis, we had Michael Jackson. I mean the man made MTV when I was young and they actually played videos then. I have been always told celebrities die in three's. When Ed McMahon died and then Farrah died that morning I thought who else is going to pass, but I never thought Michael Jackson. It makes me realize our time here is short so we need to do better every day.

How quickly they grow!!

2009-06-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

She is sixteen and he is seven..... I think she is being a funny girl in this picture!
You know when you are around something all the time sometimes you don't realize how big they have grown?? Well my youngest, Parker seemed normal sized to me. I know that he has alway been a bigger child, but hey look at his dad. The other day I had Devin and Parker compare each other and wow!! Then Allison comes home from college and starts wearing Parker's socks.... were has the time gone. My baby is huge!! In my mind I can still carry him around and snuggle him. Well I guess I can still snuggle him...!!

Blondes Don't Always have more fun!!

2009-06-14T14:14:00.000-07:00

Oh my what have we done??
She looks much better with her natural color!!

My sweet little Allison wanted to do something with her hair color. At first she just wanted to put a rinse in it to brighten it up a bit. When we got to the local drugstore she wanted to go all blonde. I don't know what I was thinking when I purchased the haircolor.. Anyway it turned out horrible!!! I feel so bad. Hopefully tomorrow we will looking a lot better, but as for today we are wearing a hat!!

A fresh new coat....

2009-06-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

The back of the house (it just rained)
Looks awesome, huh Mary??

Our house was way overdue for a fresh new coat of paint. The wonderful thing about having a brick home is that there isn't much to paint, but unfortunately for us, the back is not brick. Anyway my sister said that I used to be trendy, but I've gotten old, but hey sister, my house colors is soooooo cutting edge. Ok, maybe not for California, but here in Georgia I am soooo cool!

Best Friends

2009-06-02T15:26:00.000-07:00

Having Fun on the swing set
Taking turns with Wyatt

Best Friends!!

When your child has a disability it becomes even harder to make friends. As a mother it tears my heart when other children, not knowing, are mean or not friendly to my son. So when he makes a friend, it is one of the best feelings!! Parker had a best friend at school, named Wyatt. Wyatt is a sweet boy and he and Parker are the best of buddies. The problem is that Parker is going to a new school and Wyatt will move on to 2nd grade. Well I made sure that I got Wyatt's mom's number so that we can get together over the summer. We had our first playdate with Wyattt this saturday and what a great time they had. I admit I was very nervouse. I know what to do with girls, but boys ??? Also Parker has never really had many playdates so I really was unsure. Well it was great!! Here a couple of pictures. Hopefully Wyatt will call us soon so we can come over soon!!

Potty Training

2009-05-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Well Allison (the pet lover) has brought home a chocolate lab that she supposedly is pet sitting for John. Well this little dog, however how adorable he might be has bladder control issues. I know every puppy has to be trained, but I have never seen a dog, pee as he is walking or in his sleep. Yes, this dog pee's the bed. Trying putting him a cage for short periods to give him bladder control.....nope he pee's in his own cage. Why do we always have the "special" pets? If there was 10 dogs at the store, we would pick the one with issues... I had to laugh when reading another post about women and after babies the lack of bladder control....It is so true!! I have had four babies and now when I just think about going I'm running for the bathroom. Maybe me and the dog need to start wearing depends?

Robbed!!

2009-05-21T11:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know I am way to old to watch this silly show, but it is one of my guilty pleasures. maybe because I always wanted to be able to belt out a song and not sound if kittens are being thrown off a building. Anyway all season I have loved and yes I said it loved, Adam Lambert. I have even texted votes for him. Don't even try to talk to me when he is singing. He is so awesome! Maybe because it is like a broadway show and and song all rolled into one. So, when last night they said Kris won, I was devistated. Are you kidding me??? Adam was awesome every week and kicked Kris butt vocally in the final!! I guess America is not ready for a guy that wears more make-up than most girls to be thier American Idol.. Oh, well thier loss and great for Adam because he doesn't have to record that HORRIBLE song that judge wrote!! I will be buying Adam's first CD. I hope he pulls a Chris Daughtry on them. Kris will sound like a million others on the radio..... boring!!

Only in the South!!

2009-05-18T15:00:00.000-07:00

Only in the South!!

We jump on the trampoline with our wiener dogs!! Jeremy came by to test out Parker's new trampoline and his dog, peanut deceided that he wanted to jump too!!

Primary Temple Trip

2009-05-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

The girls at TGIF!!

Parker is having a blast!

He is driving already!! Watch out!!

Virtual bowling was so cool!

Yes, I made him wear a tie, he will be alright!

Last saturday was very busy!!!!! The primary had a trip to the Atlanta temple. The temple will be closing in june I believe and I wanted Parker to get a last look before they do alot of renovations. It also provided me with time to go without worrying about him. He was not pleased about going and getting up early on saturday, but what can I say, he had to go. He was very excited to get to sleep on the back seat of the car. This is usually done by Devin, but since she was at the beach he got to. He actually slept on the way up and laid there all the way back. He had his seat belt on so he was saft too! He ended up being on of the very few children who came, but he was glad he did after. We raced home to get to a party at zoo city. Zoo city is an game place, but they also have bumper cars!! We didn't do the bumper cars, were going to wait for daddy to come with us. Parker was great at skee ball and virtual bowling. He loves to bowl on the wii (thanks again mom and dad). It made me very sad to realize that most of the children don't even play together, they play games instead. It made me very sad to realize none of these boys played with Parker. They don't realize just because he hops when he is excited doesn't make him any different. He is sooo lovable and would love to be your friend!!! Anyway then we left the party and I dropped Parker to his dad so I could go to girls night out!! Well mormon style anyway. We went to TGIF and had a great time. Some of the girls went to the movies too, but I was beat and still had to study. It was a great, but exhausting day!

Together Forever!!

2009-04-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

Trying to get everyone happy for the photo is a hard job!
I am the luckiest mom to have the best, sweetest, most attractive, smart children. I am truly blessed!

This is the man who sealed us together.

Still trying for the perfect family photo! It was very cold and windy as you can tell. Still a wonderful day!

John and I were able to sealed together with Parker over the Easter weekend. It was one of the best days of my life. I had to stop myself and breathe. We were soooo busy while Tara was here I needed to realize how important this day was to me. After a friend mine unexpectedly passed away some years ago I realized that I needed to get "my house" in order. Yes, John and I were married legally, but I wanted to be with my family forever. I wanted to know if something should happen to me or John that I wanted to have the comfort of knowing he would still be there for me. After all it took me over 14 years to find him here on earth, I didn't want to take any chances. We were finally able to seal our family together and it worked out perfectly that Tara and Jeremy were able to be there with us. Also Oliver Boothe was there, the wonderful man that married us many years ago. We also had some great friends with us. What a great day. Afterwards, our family with all my children went and had a yummy lunch at the cheesecake factory!! I tend to be a procrastinator, which is a quality I dislike about myself, but I know now that I completed one of the best goals in my life, is to be sealed to my best friend, soulmate, and all around wonderful husband, John!!

Easter

2009-04-25T05:09:00.000-07:00

Beatiful white eggs justing waiting for us to make them colorful Easter eggs!
Love the colors!

Over the years we have dyed our eggs a multitude of ways, sparkles, crayons, but this year it was all about the basics. For some bizarre reason I always throw out the egg carton, forgetting they have to dry some where. I was hoping that we could do together with Parker and Reese, but they had to do it separately. Parker is old enough where he doesn't drop they egg in the dye, where Reese plunks the egg down and cracking is a major concern. The colors are always so pretty. I always like the deep dark colors. The Easter hunt was great, but the yard was still muddy from our unending rain we keep having, so it made it a redneck easter egg hunt! We had to many for two children, I eventually starting just throwing them in the yard. Anybody need some hard boiled eggs or candy filled plastic ones?? I have plenty!!

Spring Break

2009-04-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

Reese giving me the stink eye because it suppose to be warm!
Playing in the sand is always fun especially when the water is almost frozen!

Devin working on her tan!

It was so cold that we had to keep Parker shirt on!

Papa talking to his buddy! Did you notice Parker and Brodie had matching swim suits!! Too cute!! If only they made them in Jeremy and Johns size....

We went back to Pensacola beach this year for spring break. Tara hadn't been to the beach in a long time and I thought those pasty white legs needed some tanning. I had forgotten how much it takes to take little ones to the beach. Reese did not like sand on her feet so papa had to carry her which left me being a pack mule. Oh to be a good grandma!! Brodie mostly hated it and cried the whole time. John took the kids, yes all of them including Brodie back to the pool and let tara and I have some quiet time to talk at the beach..What a man!! I love him! They were having a cold spell of course when we where there, but the ocean is always so beautiful. Next time I'm taking Tara parasailing. What a blast.

Happy Belate Birthday Devin

2009-03-31T18:47:00.000-07:00

Cool huh?
Is that Devin??

Where is my baby?????

Devin turned 16 last month. Where has all the time gone?? Just yesterday she was a spoiled little baby and today she is a spoiled teenager...sigh* We just had her party the other day and it was great to see her soooo happy. She had several friends come to Corinne's house for an outdoor patio party ( 80"s themed) but it rained all day, so being the great mom I am I moved Corinne's furniture and wala.... party central!! Here are so pictures from her eceltric circle of friends.

Ikey leg disease

2009-03-26T14:39:00.000-07:00

Love my baby, but hate my smile!!
Today I went to the doctor and he said that the ugly junk on my leg is ...... scar.. something I cannot pronouce, but the good news is that it will not kill me...YIpppeeeee!! Hopefully the medicine they gave me this time will cure it. The doctor said the medicine might also help my bells palsy. That would be sooo wonderful. I hate the way I can't even smile and I have become very aware of when I try to take pictures. It would be great if I could smile all the way again!!

Dinner Theater

2009-03-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

Allison came back from spring break to support her little sister
Janice & Kelli Stewart were all smiles about Devin's performance

Hwon loves Lindsay !

The Creech family was there to support thier favorite babysitter

The Bergeson's are awesome!!

Devin was in dance theater again this year. She got in more numbers and we can't wait til she finally has her solo numbers. We enjoyed Devin perfomance as always. My little girl loves to shake her money maker!!

I got some, I got some, I finally got some!!

2009-03-07T18:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you to all of you who told me about Petsmart and the Girl Scout cookies. I FINALLY got some cookies today. It was kind sad, no little brownies trying to earn thier way to camp and screaming at you " Would you like to buy some Girl Scout Cookies?" Just a bunch of mom and maybe one girl who seemed bored out of her mind. Such a disappointment. My girls loved to sell cookies.... they sweet memories of standing out in front of walmart, winn dixie, countries, and every other place and asking so nicely.... would you like to buy some girl scout cookies???

2009-03-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

We are they??

2009-03-03T16:08:00.000-08:00

I have been a girl scout, my girls where girl scout, we are a guranteed sale. I mean will purchase mass quantities of Girl Scout cookies. I will retire to my room and eat a sleeve a thin mints with ease. They haven't been at the Walmart, Target, or come to my door. Please any girl scouts who might be in the Columbus, GA area , come to my home I will make sure you hit the next sales level!!

We've joined the Wii Nation

2009-02-26T06:48:00.000-08:00

Well it is official we have become one of them. We resisted, but it seemed so much fun! I found a Wii at Target the other day and my mom said if I found one she would buy for me so..... I got it! We have had only about a 1/2 an hour to play so far, but we have really thought it was fun. Who would of thought? I don't care for computer games or gaming systems, never have. I felt they were a racket, but the sight of Tara and Jeremy on that Wii Fit, I have to put John and I through that humilation!!LOL! Actually I am very excited about it. I would love to lose alot of weight and maybe this will get me motivated.

Updates

2009-02-21T06:30:00.000-08:00

Well this was not terribly exciting. I would show you a picture of my biopsy leg, but believe me it is to distgusting. It still hurts. I don't know if I'm just being a baby, but it still is sore. I should have the results in one week. I finally passed on on my test lately. I have been getting so whipped by my classes. I thought Biology wouldn't be that hard, hey I got a good grade in high school right? Yeah, right! I swear breastfeeding four children must of sucked out a lot of brain power because the more I read it the more it does not stay in my memory..... what was I talking about.....

Let is Snow!!

2009-02-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

He was happy before I nailed him with a snowball!!
Even Parker shared in the pulling Reese duties

She seems to be asking him for a warm cup of hot chocolate

"Grandma, do you really trust him?"

Getting on all the clothes is the pits!! I gave this horrible job to Jeremy

Before we left for Utah, I gave Tara strict instructions on not letting it get to cold while we were there. I am NOT a cold weather gal. We Tara is a very obedient daughter and got it to stop being cold the whole time we were there. In fact, it started to snow upon our departure and Tara informed me that it is still snowing. Parker wanted to see the snow so Jeremy being the great guy he is, drove up us to Park City. We went to a state park and found a great place to sled. We found a snowed over boat ramp. It was great because it is a flat surface under the snow. Perfect for Reese's sled. Also it was so cool to see the lake in three stages. Cold water, icey, to frozen solid. Jeremy went out a little, but did not venture our to far. He knew Tara would kill him and I was there with the camera to rat him out if necessary. I thought about going out onto the lake, but my fat hinney would have gone in. Frozen Tina!!! Reese got the best job. Officail sled ridder. It is a baby sled so she was the only one to fit on it. What a workout going up the hill only to push her and have to take her back. Good thing that Jeremy had done his WiiFit earlier that morning. The kids got pooped out pretty quick, but that was fine with Jeremy and me.

Meet Brodie Lee LaPierre

2009-02-11T16:43:00.000-08:00

Brodie smelled so good! Isn't his little blanket so cute!!
This was the first time he could wear his own clothes, we were so excited!

Reese definately missed her mom......look at that hair Yikes!

Brodies loves to talk to his grandma...

look at all the tubes.. what a brave boy!!

Well I just got back from Utah and I had a wonderful time. I got see both of my beautiful grandbabies!!! My newest little boy, Brodie Lee LaPierre weighed in at 8 lbs. 11 oz and 2o inches. He is a little meat muffin. He had some complications, but he is doing fine now. We spent alot time at the NICU, which was hard because you have to be 18 at least to come in. You know little kids are germ factories!! Usually Jeremy and I took turns sitting with Tara in the NICU. Brodie finally came home on thursday and what a great feeling that was!! My heart broke every time we had to leave him at the hospital. Tara was so brave. What a great mother she is. Tired and overwhelmed she would go up every couple of hours to make sure he had his mother milk. We had quiet times just rocking our Brodie, but the love was always there. I swear they pump in sleeping gas in that room. We get so sleepy rocking the baby. Tara and Jeremy both fell asleep, but grandma managed to stay awake. Only because my snoring would of made Brodie cry!! It was a great trip, but it just makes me miss my beautiful daughter and her wonderful family even more when I leave..... one thing I won't miss is Tara and Jeremy people eating couch. If they haven't gotten one by my next visit, we'll be going shopping. My head is still crinked and I just got the feeling back in my arm...LOL!

I'm on my way....

2009-01-29T17:02:00.000-08:00

Well for all of those of you who don't follow my daughter, Tara's blog... we had another little grandbaby today...Yipee! The only thing better is if he could of waited until friday when I got there to make his entrance. Oh well, I will give him a kiss for all of you!

New Year.....New Beginning.... Same old habits!

2009-01-08T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well we had a very uneventful New Years Eve, we slept through it. Even to the point were Tara called and I didn't hear the phone. What will this new year bring us??? John and I decieded that 2008 wasn't one of our favorites. Three of our loved passed away, one tragically young. We didn't accomplish any of our goals, and we seem even further away from getting them done. Now that I am totally bummed out let look to the future. School is starting again this week!! I am a Sophmore....I am so excited about that. I never thought I would get this far. Hopefully we will be able to have a big family vacation this summer. Also I get to go to SLC to see my angel, Reese and hold my newest baby, Brodie. Parker and I are counting the days until we go. Hopefully this year will bring Tara and family home. I would say that John and I are trying to lose weight, but I would be just fooling myself. We know we have to do it, but gosh I love food. Healthy food.. yuk!!! Allison is back at school and hopefully this semester will bring better grades!! Devin will get her permit soon so watch all of you that live in Columbus. I am going to try to stay focused on the important stuff this year and let the not so important stuff go. We have also deceided to put our self out there more and try to be around positive people. Negativity is so contagious and so self destructive so lets hear it for another year and the endless possibilty it brings with it!!!

These rolls freaked me out

2008-12-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

What does it look like to you??
Christmas night we had some friends over for dinner and I tried making a standing rib roast. Which turned out great. As a I tooked the rolls out of the over I flipped the rolls onto my hand and began to pull them apart. As I got to the last one I notice something flest colored in the roll..... just as I began to tell John I think we have a problem here. (I thought it was a finger)... I realized it was tiny sausage in the roll. I thought I had bought just white and wheat rolls, not "finger" sandwiches....*he* *he* anyway it was hysterical. I told my friend, Donna what I had thought and she laughed too!

Prayers are answered!!

2008-12-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

School update... Ok I know I asked you all to pray for me, but it worked I got an .............A yes that right an A in Math!! Yipeeeeeeee I checked it three times to make sure it did not change!! My Christmas prayers were answered!!!!!!! Thanks all of you!

Christmas Pj's

2008-12-27T16:08:00.000-08:00

Can't you feel the love??
Keepin it real

My two babies.....

Always the actress!

The other day I bought some feetie jammies for Parker. When he gets cold at night he will come to our bed to get warm, so I enjoying my space in my bed thought if I can keep him toasty all night, no more visitors. Well Parker is a big boy and when I was shopping for his new jammies I got two different sizes because the large looked way to long for him. Well I put on the meduims and they fit. I put the large ones back in the bag to go back to the store. Well Devin thought she would try them on. Devin is very petite and we have running joke about her wearing Parker's clothes. Guess what ?? They fit...... they looked adorable and we had them wear them on Christmas Eve. We called up Tara and told them about it and now Allison wants a pair too! Next year I'm going to get them all matching jammies!!!LOL!

Christmas Cookies

2008-12-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

My girls always liked to help cook. Well I thought it would be fun for Paker to start helping too! Especially since they girls no longer think of it as fun. Ok, yeah I training a new little "helper" for my own evil purposes, but he thinks it is fun!!!! This year on Christmas Eve, we made cookies for Santa. We had a great time putting flour all over the table and cutting out those cookies was a blast. Parker really like to decorate them. Santa enjoyed them too!

PARKER'S 7TH BIRTHDAY

2008-12-27T15:52:00.000-08:00

Well it is happening again.... my babies are growing up. *sigh* I wish they could stay those adorable sweet babies forever...*sniff* my last one....turned 7 this month. My oldest baby turned 23 * sniff* on the 23rd of this month, where has the time gone?? It seems like yesterday I brought Tara home in a stocking. Now next month I will be celebrating my newest grandbaby. Well to both my birthday babies, I love you!!

You'll always be my little babies...

Up and Down and Up and Down Again!

2008-12-16T20:26:00.000-08:00

Life is so full of ups and downs, but tonight I was getting sea sick because of it. Tonight was the last night of my classes. I have struggled to say the least this semester. I even continplated dropping some classes, but I muddled through. Anyway, tonight I go to take my math final, which is always a nightmare for me, but I am armed with notes from my awesome tutor, Matthew Creech so I feel like I have a fighting chance..... hah! my teacher sprang a horrible test on us. Nothing like the pratice test. Nobody finished! I mean even the smart ones where still working at 10:00 and he is trying to give us hints to help us along. Even to the point of saying well if you got 20 done, you can quit. Yeah, sure I left at 10:10 and nobody was done. Class ended at 9:45. The teacher said see you next semester, Tina. Thanks!! Oh well math has always been a sore spot for me. Then I come home to take my sociology final. I rocked it. 100 out of a 100!! Then I look at my class grade and she has missed a grade! Yikes final grades are due tomorrow. I had to email and hopefully it will be taken care of. These are my grades as of tonight...... Public speaking A ( you all know I can talk) Sociology B (If she get the grade posted correctly) World Lit II C (I thank Jesus for that!) and Math.......well probably an F, but who knows.... say a prayer people!

Sorry

2008-12-04T05:53:00.000-08:00

Well it has been over a month since I posted on our blog and a lot has happened.
1. Halloween - Fun!!!
2. Reese's birthday
3. Allison brought home rifle team & girlfriends
4. Thanksgiving
5. John's father passed away
6. Devin's play godspell got first place locally!!
7. Missed my babies at thanksgiving
I think that is everything. oops one more my laptop crashed..... yeah I put 2007 Word on it and it dies!! I'm back and running thanks to a techie friend.
I'm going to try to make it my goal to post once a week. I feel that is reasonable and something I can actually obtain. I read everyones elses everyday....I'm quite the blog stalker!!!LOL! I have to finish up this semester and I haven't done as well as I wanted so it is time to buckle down and finish with a bang.

Love you all!!

Whose shirt is this anyway??

2008-10-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Aren't those Tara's short too! Poor Devin has no clothes of her own!!
Around our house sometimes you get somebody else clothes with your laundry. This was especially the case when all the girls were at home. Now we don't usually have this problem, but when I picked up Devin from school yesterday I notices she was wearing Parker's shirt. I couldn't believe it. Devin is 15 and Parker is 6. Also you would think she would of noticed before this. She said that she had brought the shirt to change into for working on drama props and thought it was just a brown tshirt. Then she realized it was her little brothers!! I told her it was kinda sad, that she could fit it. I know Parker is a big boy, but this shirt is a size 7!! Now I know where to shop for her...... in the little kids section...ha! ha! I know it is great to be smaller, but that is a too small when you are sharing clothes with your six year old brother!! LOL!

Are we there yet??

2008-10-23T06:40:00.000-07:00

killin time while the kids are in the maze
We are so happy we finally found something!

Parker brought his "pumky" with him to show to the other pumkins

As most of you know, our Parker can fixate on something like nobody else. When we went up to Dahlongega we told him we would be going to the local pumkin patch. We thought this would be a great ideal for a wonderful fall day. Allison looked up the pumkin patch on the internet and said that it wasn't far from the campus. We set out later than we had planned because of the unplanned, but required dinner at Ryans. When we finally got to what we thought was the pumkin patch it wasn't! It was a corn maze! It was fun for the kids. Appearently the pumkin patch was another 2 miles down the road, but it was already closed. It was starting to get dark and very cold. You got realize that Dahlongega is in the mountains so it gets colder than in we are use to here. Devin said the corn maze started to reminder of children on corn so they short cutted through the path. Also Parker was getting freaked out to. I thought I would have to hear about the pumkin patch all the way home, but he was so tired he fell asleep within 15 minutes of driving home. I told John we have to take him or go buy some pumkins and throw them in the backyard and say "Look its the pumkin patch"! Do you think he would buy it??

Gold Rush Festival

2008-10-23T06:27:00.000-07:00

Devin and Corinne wait for the parade to begin
Devin and I had "holy" potatoes for lunch. Yum!

The short one is Allison, isn't she awesome!!!

Look at her ghetto booty in those pants, yikes!

My wonderful kids!

Last weekend we went up to Allison school for the town's Gold Rush Festival. The whole town shuts down for this event. It was a beautiful fall day perfect for strolling around and looking at the craft boothes and eating some yummy food!! We had to get up at 5:30 am because Allison told us the parade was at 10 or 11. Well that wasn't the case. It started at 2pm. It turned out alright because we had plenty to look at. I waited on the curb for about two hours to secure our place on the parade walk. We were so proud. Allison is the first female to EVER be on the rifle squad. She is amazing!!! It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, and injuries to the hands to do this. We had dinner at Ryans (barf) with her squad. They all were very nice.

Family Home Evening

2008-10-14T05:57:00.000-07:00

He was excited at first
Laura helps Parker got on his skates
Glad to be done and in one piece!!
skating wasn't a hit, but the train was!
Last week in an attempt to do our Family Home evening we went rollar skating. We usually can't do family home evening on mondays because I have class, but my teacher only wanted us to email an outline to her so we got to do something fun. Did I say fun? More like painful!! Our friends Laura and A.D. love to rollar skate and it was Laura birthday last week so I deceided we would go. Now mind you I sucked at rollar skating as a child, did I think I had gotten better over the 20 + years?? Luckily the rink was empty. Parker immediately disliked the rink because the music was loud over the speakers. We got all fitted for skates and Parker got half way around the rink and that was it. He was done. A.D. is like an olympic skater doing turns and stuff and Laura does well too. Devin bailed out quickly to go text and discovered that going the bathroom on skates is not easy...LOL! I loved the wall, it is my friend. By the way when did they take away the handrail?? I eventually got it again, but my legs were killing me. I only fell once and my knee still hurts. We gave up and went out for pizza, now thats a sport I can master...eating!!

John and Tina's Messy Life

2008-10-03T19:31:00.001-07:00

Create your own family sticker graphic at pYzam.com

Walking for a Cause

2008-09-27T14:08:00.000-07:00

Next weekend is the local walk/run for Autism. This is bring awarness and raise monies for our local programs. Most children are not diagnosed until the age of 5 (parker) and so much can be done with an earlier diagnoises. This is very near to our hearts and very important. We are very lucky that our son is considered highly functional, but he struggles everyday in school. If you are interested in joining us or just making a donation, please email me. Thank you.

TinaFloyd2001@yahoo.com or you can register at http://www.mcasg.net/.

Thanks for all your support!

Movin on up!

2008-09-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

He is first one to get a new van!!
Only 10 miles on it!! Watch out Georgia, John is comin to sell to you!!
Yesterday was my day off and John had asked me to go to Atlanta. He needed to get his new van for work. He has been waiting on this van for over six months!! Now he won't have to use his own vehicle and best thing yet, he now has a fuel card...score!! Gas allowances are the pits. Gas keeps going up, but you still get the same money, they tax you on it, and it never goes far enough with John's gas lovin truck. Anyway I digress, we went to Atlanta, mind you just to pick the van and head directly back home. Well his boss calls him and finds out we are in the parking lot. Next thing you know we are going in the main office and John is meeting with the President of the company... yikes! I meet his boss for the first time lookin like trailer trash. Nice huh!! Anyway the give him a sales position. He is super nervouse, but we are excited also. We are very rutty people and hate change so anything makes us anxiouse. I'm sure he will do great and he still gets to keep the van!! Yeah big daddy!!! I am super proud of him!!!

Random thoughts

2008-09-19T06:17:00.000-07:00

I love to look at my daughters blog in the hopes of seeing my little grandbaby or if I am real lucky a picture of my beautiful pregnant Tara. I get very sad to think that I have not been able to share any of her pregnancies with her.... Hopefully someday she will live closer!! Allison passed her PT test so everything should be a ok with her scholarship!!! Thank goodness!! She hasn't been able to buy some books because they are mucho expensive ( 1= $200) and with all her other expeses (tickets) we haven't been able to do it. Devin tried out for One Act at her school. This year they are doing Godspell. She didn't make the cast, but the trooper she is she is working behind the scenes. Yesterday she asked me for an old toilet and garbage. I told don't worry I can get you all the trash you want!! I told her that she will have to clean toilet ..... not really, but I like to see her face react. Parker is struggling at school and I am really at a loss. I ask the teachers for suggestions, but they don't have any so if anybody has an ideal I am open to suggestions. Wow, this post is a real downer :( Maybe I'm a little blue, John has been working out of town all week and I failed my math test. I can't stand to get a bad grade on anything. I still have the need to get good grades and be one of the teachers favorites. I'm so pathetic....

Our 2nd home

2008-08-30T11:03:00.000-07:00

Well it only took two months before it was complete, but here it is our secound home or otherwise known as Parker's playset. John talked me into this by saying our grandkids would be able to come over and use it so I relented and we bought this HUGE playset. After all Parker is not a small boy. Well after it sat on the back porch for a month my friend, Laura offered her husband up to come and help John with this project. Well John works so much he was hardly ever able to get time to do it so we finally decieded that would just pay him to do it. Well A.D. took it this project, but he even struggled a bit with it. Thursday he was able to put the finishing touches on it and we are so happy with it. Parker tells me that him and his dad are going to sleep in it.... I agreed that was a great ideal !! A man's sleepover...LOL! I give them about an hour tops before they come back in.

FROG Graduation

2008-08-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Can you tell them apart??
Hot and sweaty!!Still love those dimples :))
Nice closet!! Lots of choices of outfits.....
We weren't suppose to sit on the bed, don't tell ok? and believe me that wool blanket felt wonderful next to your skin..LOL!!
I made her take this as you can tell.
Well we just got home from Allison's FROG graduation. First of all I'm not really sure what FROG stands for, but basically it is basic training for the cadets. We drove up most of the way, saturday night so we could get there on time sunday. Yeah, I know everyone was moving in on sunday, but that is the way they do it. They had several companys on the field. Of course, my Allison forgot to tell me what company she was in. They all kind of look the same at this point. They gave out of few awards and then they were released until 4:30 pm. One thing I found disturbing in the instructions upon leaving they tell you if you going to have sex to wear a condom and what kind to wear and not to drink any beer because you only have six hours of free time. Ok, I know this is not a church school, but they poor kids looked liked they needed several showers, hot meals, and a nap not trolling for some booty!! Anyway, we found our Allison with a sprained ankle, but she still ran around the whole school today!! We promptly began washing her clothes and made a trip to the local walmart for supplies she didn't realize she would need. We went to eat at this local resturant called the Smith house. They serve food family style and it was SUPER!!!! They also had gold cave in the middle of the resturant. They just discovered or should I say rediscovered it two years ago when remodeling. It was super cool. Parker got a gold diggers hat. We got Allison mostly settled, I'm sure she will need to get a few things still, but she knows where the Wally mart is. We left her about 2:00 so she could get a nap and rest her feet(real bad blisters). It was hard to leave, but I knew she was so tired and needed to put her feet up. Well now I can at least call her.

An update

2008-08-14T18:35:00.000-07:00

The hamster has been found..... sunday night John's dad, Terry banged on our bedroom door saying there was a rodent in his room. John being tired and basically a zombie did not piece it together, but monday afternoon Allison found him behind the toilet. Was he trying to escape or commit suicide we are not sure, but for now he is back in his plastic jail, I mean home. Visitors are welcome.

First Day of First Grade!!

2008-08-14T18:22:00.000-07:00

We walked to class together on the first day
Down the first grade hallway
Parker is very excited at his new desk.
Just in case someone else tries sitting in our spot!!
Well we go back to school early here in the south. August 11th to be exact. We came back from the beach and had to immediately switch into back to school mode. Allison had alot of items still to get for college. We got everything and she went on her way Tuesday morning. Parker started first grade and was very excited!! He has two teachers plus a parapro. His teachers are both retired, but spilt the day in half and still work. He has been very doing well. I hope it continues. He already does not want me to walk him to class. Also he doesn't give me kisses... sigh;( I miss snuggly time, but he doesn't have time for it anymore. We really miss Allison in the morning when it is time for Devin to go to seminary!! Yikes!! She still hasn't even gotten her permit yet!! Don't blame me she hasn't even asked to take the test yet. Allison is unable to call, but tonight she snuck me a minute phone call. She said that she didn't pass the PT test by two sit-ups!!! Yikes, if she doesn't pass she doesn't get her scholarship, but she says she can do it again in two weeks. Get the stomach muscles going girl!!

HAVE YOU SEEN....... OUR HAMSTER????

2008-08-09T15:48:00.000-07:00

OK, IT IS OFFICAL.. I'M FREAKING OUT. IT SEEMS OUR HAMSTER, PANDA IS MIA. PANDA HAS BEEN KNOW TO BE A MASTER OF ESCAPE AND DISGUISE, BUT THIS IS FOR REAL. WHILE WE WERE GONE HE APPEARENTLY HAS GONE AWAL. NOBODY TOLD ME UNTIL ABOUT AN HOUR AGO WHEN I NOTICED THAT THE CAGE WAS VERY STILL. THEN UPON FURTHER

INSPECTION I NOTICED THAT THE HAMSTER IS MISSING. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME FOR ESCAPE, BUT SINCE WE WERE OUT OF TOWN I DON'T KNOW ABOUT HOW LONG HE HAS BEEN MISSING. I'm afraid it will be like that episode of fairly odd parents when Timmy's old hamster comes back to kill his mom. For those of you have seen it you know what I'm talking about. I will keep you updated on his disappearence meanwhile I will have to sleep with one eye open......

No such thing as a "free ride"

2008-08-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

Hopefully she is using the calculator on that phone to budget her money!!!

When Allison was granted an ROTC scholarship I thought great no loans, no school money needed! I was just a babe in the woods. I laugh at myself now. What was I thinking??? They sent a booklet with list of things she will need for school. Remember now this military school so when I say list I mean detailed specific list of items she must have before reporting in. Not to mention shampoo, qtips, razors.....etc, etc..... we went on another trip to wally mart today in the hopes of securing any last remaining items. Well we still have one or two items I believe, but essentially everything has been purchased. It was another $300 I spent today. Yikes, what happen to the "free"???? Oh yeah, the classess, books, and food for next couple of years. Still Allison had no clue and to tell you the truth either did I. Well maybe by the time Devin goes to college I will finally have it together. I think I will have Devin go to CSU so we don't have to do of this. No, I just thought about Devin in college and staying at home, maybe it worth the expense!

The last family vacation with Allison

2008-08-09T13:34:00.000-07:00

Daddy and son in the pool!!
it's so cute I put it on twice!!
The ocean was great!! HH has hardly any jellyfish!! The dolphins were awesome!!
Parker will miss his big sis, Allison. She told this hat was cool so he had to have it!!
Swimming lessons were the best $30 we ever spent!! Parker loves to swim and he doesn't cry when water gets in his face now!!
We went to Hilton Head this week. This is Allison favorite vacation spot. I didn't think she would be able to come due to school starting, but she got the dates wrong and she doesn't start FROG week until this week. We went on tuesday and immediately hit the pool upon getting there!! Our room was great and we got settled quickly. The Holton's joined us and got some much needed r & r before school starts and Tee has to start driving the bus again. Monday starts school here for Devin and Parker. We went to the beach on wednesday and it was sooooo hot!! They said it was 113 degrees!!! I got a nice beach chair with an umbrella. We had a great time floating in the ocean. We saw so many dolphins with a mile of where we were... it was awesome. We also saw alot of the local "wildlife" too, but that just made us laugh!!! Thursday was another pool day and John is the best day. During this trip he must of logged in over 100 pool hours!! Parker kept him all the time!!! In fact Parker is so tired from our vacation he wanted to lay in bed today and "be lazy" and watch cartoons all day...

We love the beach, but it is nice to get home. We have alot of packing to do for Allison!

Back to School

2008-08-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

It is a tradition in our family for the girls to get a certain amount of money to given to them for school clothes. Now this does not include shoes, supplies, jackets, and dues etc. This is very happy time for the girls because they get to deceide exactly what they will get and have complete control of thier money. Well as the years have gone by and the money has gone up, but Devin sensing this was her year to collect the whole loot was very excited. She asked John over dinner a couple of weeks ago if she would be getting the whole $300 for herself or did she have to share with Parker. Well John said nope, she would get the whole purse. She was very excited about this. We have felt that this encourages are girls to budget thier monies and plan. I learned by Tara that when your paying the bill they don't look for bargins and it became to much of a drama. In years past the girls have gone together and had a great time. Devin has been shopping, but much to my amazment she still has money left. She found some great deals (the crate going out of business), but still spent way to much on make-up in my opinion. Oh well she will have to learn that lesson the hard way...

Blessings

2008-07-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

Recently, I had to attend the funeral of someone who I loved very much. During this very emotional day I reflected on many aspects of my life with this young man and despite some very troubling faults I realized how blessed I have been to have even a small part of him in my life. Also that I might get a little down about certain aspects of my life now, that I have been truly blessed in my life. This weekend by little Reese called me grandma for the first time!! Nothing more beautiful has been uttered to me in a long time. These are the blessings that I reflect upon times of sadness. Although I had gone to Utah for a funeral I left there feeling very loved and excited about my new name and that my grandbaby knows me and calls for me...... she knows that I love her and will do everything I can to help grow into a beautiful young lady. I wasn't able to get Matt on that right path, but I still know without a doubt in my mind that he knew always that I loved him. What more can we ask than for that??

New family members

2008-07-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Shane sleeps threw Family Home Evening

Happy is trying read the Ensign for Family Home Evenng

Happy... this is Parkers new best friend..

They're cute when they are sleeping

Allison's dog, Shane is older about 12 weeks

I know that most of you will not believe this, but we have finally given in and let the kids get a dog....., but the kicker is they came home with TWO dogs!! Paker picked out a little girl dog and named her happy. Then Allison friend/ex-boyfriend/wants to be boyfriend again bought her a little boy puppy. His name is Shane. They both are adorable. They girls are very engertic about taking care of them, but as we all know the newess will wear off and they will become John and Tina's dogs.... Oh well, I felt the dog will be great with Parker. He will always have his best friend here.

4th of July Weekend

2008-07-06T17:59:00.000-07:00

Weddings make everyone feel more in love!!

Aren't they still cute together!!

Paker loves to fish!!

Tire swings are fun at any age.

Devin showed the boys who was the boss!

Our 4th of July weekend was very busy as usual. Getting friday off didn't seem to help. We had a wedding on thursday, friday was the reception. It was absolutely beautiful. Everything was perfect. The food was great, the band played great songs, and we were surrounded by great people. The reception was held in a place called Oakhurst and it was so simple, but beautiful. There was a lake behind it and they set off fireworks at dusk. It was hot of couse, but to stiffling. John and I danced and had a great time. We both had to work saturday, but I got off work at 2 and we headed out to our friend Donna Sweets aunts house. It was so nice to sit on a porch and just watch my little boy try to catch a fish. John tried too, but he caught more trees than anything else. There was a tire swing and both Parker and Devin enjoyed it. Then Devin deceided that she wanted to try to fishing. Wouldn't you know it she caught a fish!!! Both John and Parker were happy, but also jealouse!! Gifford caught several fish and his neice caught one within 10 minutes of putting her pole in. It just wasn't the Floyd boys day to fish... Oh well Paker loved it and now he owns a big boy pole, not a baby pole. Donna's family was so friendly and welcoming. We loved it there!!!! Over all we had a great weekend to bad it has to end.

Birthday Breakfast

2008-07-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

Waffles with frest strawberries.....yum!!

Flowers always makes a day brighter

so she can always find her way home

Allison birthday was last saturday and she had her day all planned out and without me in it. Yikes... I had to act so I thought I will get her before she starts her day. I made her breakfast in bed and put a beautiful arrangement of flowers in her room. She started to get up before I could finish her waffles, but I told her get back to bed silly!! Anyway she loved it and she especially loved her birthday gift, a GARMIN. She gets lost in town so we deceided that we need to get her one so she could find her way home from college. She drove to EFY on Monday and made it so I'm glad we got it for her.

Everyone Farts

2008-07-03T19:38:00.000-07:00

I know this is not a news flash, but just an observation. Today we were at the temple and watched a beautiful family be sealed together for all time and eternity, when it happened...... Not to me or John, thank goodness, but to a stately fellow who was the person performing the ceremony. It was so quiet in the room as it should be and then it happened....he blew one out of the park!! He didn't stop or miss a beat in the ceremony, but everyone looked around like did that just happen??? I know this a bodily function and we can't help it, but why do men especially find it so funny?? Why do we have to fart at the most inopportune times? Oh well, just me thinking out loud.

Allison 18th Birthday

2008-06-28T12:42:00.000-07:00

Sweet young pre-teen!!

still my little girl

Today is my sweet Allison's birthday!! She turns eighteen today and I can hardly believe it!! Where has all the time gone??? She will leave for college in August and I have a hard wrapping my mind around it. The other day someone called her about an single adult activity... surely they had the wrong number..??? My baby is not a single adult!! She is still about 8 or 9 in my mind. You can tell she is getting older, she didn't want us throw her a party at chuck E. cheese anymore...sigh oh, well I don't miss that place, but who gave her permission to grow up and become this beautiful young woman??? I certainly did not. I had to help her get tires today..... yeah!!! She still needs me!!!

Swimming Lessons

2008-06-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Relaxing in the pool... learning the back float

We are sooooo excited about our first day of swim lessons!!!

learning to use the kick board

putting our face in the water!!! This is a major accomplishment!!

pushing of from the side and doing the superman float

Monday Parker began swimming lessons for the first time. Yeah, I know he should of started years ago, but if you know Parker and his fear of water it wasn't worth the tears that would of been shed. We started out Monday very excited about the prospect of swim lessons. I did not tell him in advance, because he cannot process the waiting very well. Well the teacher called the names and only one other boy showed up. He is three and about the size of Parker's thigh. He is adorable! We were very excited, but also very afraid of huge pool and he doesn't know this man whom he is to trust with his life. We had a lot of tears on monday so when we left Parker was telling me that he did not want to go back, but I maintained that he would be coming back to learn to swim or no more pool time!! Well tuesday afternoon he was excited to go again all of his fears forgotten, but they called and cancelled class. Yikes!! What to do?? Well we call his BFF Ashley and went to her grandma's house for more "practice" swimming. Ashley swims very well and has no fear of the water. He did great, by the end of the night he was jumping in with floaties. This was a major accomplishment! We never were able to get floaties on him in the past. We have been doing great in class. Tonight we went to the 4/5 ft deep water. Parker was very tenative, but he still is doing much better than I had ever hoped!!! I am so glad they gave him a large man as his teacher because if he would have gotten one of those skinny teenage girls I'm afraid she wouldn't made it. LOL!!!

Primary Swimming Party

2008-06-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone swimming and having a good time!!

Tanner Marvets playing b ball in the pool.

Evelyn and Aubrie loved to swim!

Today we had a swim party for all the children in our primary. It was a total blast! At first Kathy was very concerned because it was raining at her house this morning, but the sun prevailed and it turned out to be a beautiful day. About 17 children showed up with parents in tow. We gorged ourselves on grilled hot dogs, chips, and watermelon. Then we had icee pops for dessert. It was great fun! It seemed to me that everyone had a great time. It was cute, Parker started the day on the steps very tenantive, but before long he was having a blast in the middle of the pool. We are going to sign up for swim lesson this week. I cannot have a 80 lbs of little man meat hanging of me any more. You would think I would lots of weight with that sack of boy hanging on to me with the grasp of the incredible hulk.

Home Sweet Home

2008-06-16T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well we are home from our Disney vacation. It is nice to vacation, but it is great to get home and sleep in your own bed even if it is smaller than at the hotel. Now going back to work it not real fun, but as I explained to Parker we cannot vacation all the time because it cost to much money, but he tell me he needs to go back on vacation...LOL! Six years old what does he need a vacation from??? Getting back to swing things is hard. Since it is summer vacation we don't have a real schedule and since Tara is here the house looks like a bomb exploded in it. Little hands can make a mess so quickly. You can never get mad at that sweet little angel. She is so darn cute! I hope that Jeremy and Tara move closer soon. I would love to see that sweet little face all the time and only if I could get her to say "grandma".

Disney Vacation

2008-06-13T18:45:00.000-07:00

The Magic Castle

The dumbo ride is always very popular!!

Parker tries to lift the sword from the stone

Reese loves the characters! She got shy and around them.

Well we are at the greatest place on earth..... ok that might be over the top, but Parker thinks it is. We are spending the week in Orlando and have a very busy schedule of sight seeing and going and going and going........ We are going to need another vacation after this vacation. It is well worth it. This might be the last time the whole family is able to vacation together. Allison is off to college this fall and Tara has another little one in the oven so this might be the last time we are able to come together as a family. The little ones are doing really good for all the things we are doing and no naps and did I mention it is 800 degrees here? We have been to the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Disney Hollywood Studios and we went to the new Aquatica theme park today. So far my favorite park is the Hollywood studios and Aquatica was awesome!! Aquatica is the new water park by Sea World. We went here because Ansueher Busch owns it (thanks daddy) and it was FREE!!!!! It was cool you went through clear tubes and dolphins swim by you. You can also see them on the lazy river. They have two lazy rivers. One is slow and the second is a fast lazy river. It was real fun!!!

Sweet Baby has arrived!

2008-06-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Hello? Is anybody listening???

Ok, turn here Parker and pick up my pizza!

Well as most of you know my daughter, Tara is here for a much anticipated visit and of course she brought my sweet little angel, Reese with her. She is very very smart and very active now. She loves to go riding with Parker in his truck. Parker doesn't use the truck much anymore, but he gets in it and rides his little princess around until the battery doesn't go anymore.

Super Grandma Pt. 2

2008-06-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

well about a month ago Tara and I were talking about thier wanting to have more children soon. I remarked to her that she better keep her man away from her in the next month so she can ride all the rides at Disney........well my daughter aka "hot pants I" did not take my advice so guess what .... I pleased to announce that I will be a grandma again... YIPEE!!! More baby love for meeeeee. Now if they would only move back so I could spoil my grandbabies on a full time basis. I love the smell of a freshly bathed baby.... so sweet. This is the best part of putting up with Tara as a teenager (no, mom she wasn't an angel) is my sweet little grandbabies!!

Cheap Family Fun

2008-05-30T19:34:00.000-07:00

As you can see the ducks are on thier way....

At first devin thought this was so dumb, but she enjoyed it despite herself.

The original "two" decoy ducks... aren't the babies soooo cute!!

What do you do for fun, when time is short and so is money??? Feed the ducks at Cooper Creek Park. I looked in my bread basket and I had quite the assortment of molding speciems of bread items. My mom was down for a visit so I deceided to pack up the kids and my mom and head out to the park. We got there and there were about two ducks in sight. I thought well these are some very lucky duckies!! We had two packs of stale hamburger buns, sandwich rolls, and half a loaf of bread that was doubling as croutons! As we began to tear off the bread to give to these two lucky ducks...... we looked out and we could not believe our eyes it seemed that every duck, goose, swan, piegon, and every other feather friend came out of the wood work for these tasty delights. I actually saw one swimming towards me, but got so excited it started to fly towards me. I was getting my keys ready to get into the van quickly. Most of our fowl friends were very happy and well behaved, but there were a couple that really could use some lessons in manners. After our feeding frenzy we headed out to Countrys BBQ were my mom could eat southern BBQ and have Allison serve us our food. It was very good as usual and we had a great time. John even managed to meet us at Countrys for some vittels.

Memorial Day

2008-05-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

grandma helped Parker across the rocks, boy were they slippery!

The light colored horse, ghost, is the one who tried to kill Devin.

Parker LOVED these boats!!!!

Ride' um Cowgirl!!

My mom was here for memorial day and I thought we better do something!! We ended up going to Butts Mill Farm. We got there midafternoon, but it was great. They have tons of trees for shade and putting your feet in the creek was heaven. The girls went for a horse ride. They loved it, but Devin swears her horse, ghost, was trying to kill her. They have a little of everything there. Jumping areas, swings, tricycle racetrac, paddle boats, and picnic tables/grills. We cooked out and generally had a super time. We are already planning another family outing there. Parker had a great time with his grandma. The water slide was fun, but scared him a little so we didn't do that again....

Graduation

2008-05-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry it the wrong way!!

Proud parents of the graduate!

My mom pointed out that we all have the same nose!!

Allison ex-boyfriend Chris.

Allison graduation was this saturday at 9pm. We were exhausted already from her party, but this was the big event and Allison was soooo nervous. It was held at the Civic center this year and of course the traffic was horrible. The ceremony itself was typical, but we so proud when our graduate crossed that stage. When they were exiting she was able to see us in the bleachers cheering her on! When we finally found her in the swarm of people I couldn't contain my tears any longer and either could Allison or Devin. Did I mention we are very emotional people?? Usually Allison is the our "rock" and shows very little emotion. When she bust out crying what could the rest of us do, but join her. The pics are not very good. My camera was charging and we had to use Devin camera which I despise. Did I also mention that she was the prettiest graduate?

Allison's Graduation Party!!

2008-05-27T18:24:00.000-07:00

Friends, Food, and Fun!

Did anyone actually eat any of the cake??

Best friends!!

We had a graduation party for Allison. We held it at Corinne's house because she offered and she now has a pool!!! My mom flew in for Allison's graduation and was a big help getting everything ready for the party!! Not many of the people we invited showed up, but Allison's friends came to have fun in the sun. They had a great time especially with the cake.

Parker's Graduation

2008-05-27T18:10:00.000-07:00

I got lucky and was sitting right next to where they came in!

Parker loves all his friends!

Corinne rocks!! She brought presents!!

Mrs. Gallahair was a great teacher. Always very sweet to my little boy

Last tuesday was Parker's award/graduation ceremony. It was better than anticipated. No endless awards. Just a sweet procession into the cafeteria in his cap and gown. It was so sweet. Corinne was able to join for the ceremony. They also had a power point presentation of some of thier activities. It made me misty..... my last little baby growing up....it cant take much more!!

Passing Time

2008-05-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt like you blinked and time has passed by?? We went to Allison barraculate(sp??) yesterday and I couldn't believe my little allison is graduating high school. It is very happy and sad occassion. I'm glad she is achieving this milestone, but I actually sat there and wanted my sweet baby back. The one who used to run to me when I got home from work. She was always a good little girl. Sometimes I feel like I have missed her childhood because she was always the good girl that was until she hit middle school, but I have blacked out the bad and will only focus on my sweet little dimpled girl. I am so proud of her!! p.s. Don't have any pictures of that day because she hasn't got back my camera back!! :(

Balloon Walk

2008-05-16T18:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last balloon walk for Parker's school. A balloon walk is when you have read at least 200 books and the whole school lines the hallways and cheers and you parade down them with balloon in your hand! The principal leads the whole procession and it is great fun!!! Well Parker's teacher sent home 15 books on tuesday and told us if we read them all that night we could go one the balloon walk. I was soo excited because I basically had given any hope of going on the balloon walk and had hoped Parker had forgotten about it too. Well this was our secound chance and we read all those books that night and Parker turned them into his teacher with a smile as he proudly told her that we had read all them plus a couple more. The balloon walk was AWESOME!! The kids that lined the halls were pumped up and it was great!! I got to hold Parkers hand while he strolled the halls. He was so happy and I was so happy for him. I even got a little misty!! It has excited for another year so we can start reading to go again!!

Another birthday......

2008-05-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

My sweet husband taking me out for my birthday.

Well my birthday was last week and my very sweet family sent me flowers. Tara sent them to the house and John sent them to work, but unfortunately for me I was neither place. I was at a show and was working very hard. Hummm I am "in" my forties now..YIKES! Well I was pleasantly surprised to receive many phone calls to wish me a happy birthday. My stepmom asked me how is your life, Tina? I can truly say that I am blessed!! Great family, friends, and I know that I am truly loved. Thank you all!

Rain, Rain, go away, come back another day!

2008-05-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

It rained 5 inches!!

Hopping makes him so happy, espesciallly in a puddle!

Saturday night we had some terrible storms roll in. The thunder actually woke me up!! Of course we had a visitor that night. Parker kept looking out the window and by the time it was time to get up and go to church he was passed out and was VERY crancky to wake up. Anyway mother's day turned out to be a beautiful day except for the occassional water puddle. Of course, my 100% boy had to jump in it. After all didn't you know that you must jump in all puddles, it is a requirement!!LOL!

Award Season

2008-05-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Another drama queen!! They give awards for this now??

getting inducted into thespian society

It is getting to the end of the year and it is award season. A mother always hopes that her child has stood out enough in a good way to receive some sort of award. Now I am opposed to giving an award to everyone for the sake of giving an award. This is why I like the invited ceremonies so that the children and parents of those who are not receiving an award has to sit for hours on end and watch the same kids get award after award. Yeah, we've all been to one of those ceremonies. It is truly horrible for the children moral and hours we can't get back of our lives!! Devin and Allison both got some sort award this year. Devin got an award for freshman Drama and was inducted into the Thespian society. Allison got inducted into some math society....yikes you all know she didn't get that from me!! Anway Parkers is soon and I am afraid it is going to be the horrible awards ceremony I discussed earlier. This will be hard for my little man :(

Hallujah!!

2008-05-08T14:51:00.000-07:00

I PASSED I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED, I PASSED!!!

ART
100I
ART APPRECIATION
B
3.0
3.0
9.0
CIS
146 MICROCOMPUTER APPLICATIONS B

ENG
271I
WORLD LITERATURE I
A
3.0
3.0
12.0
MTH
098
ELEMENTARY ALGEBRA
S
.0
.0
.0

Q.P.A
Term
9.000
9.000
30.000
3.333
Cumulative
20.000
20.000
68.000
3.400

My New Car

2008-05-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

Well I finally did it, I retired my old van . I drove about four different types of vehicles and I finally fell in love. The 2008 Honda Odessey. It drives like a dream and the a/c works!!!!!! Yes, this is a necessity here in the the south especially for overweight and over forty women! If the heat doesn't get you the humidity will. Anyway it is real nice and I didn't even have to sell my first born to get it (sorry Tara, I was thinking about it). Anyway come on over and we will take a spin (at least until the free gas runs out)LOL!!!

Field Day

2008-05-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

You almost feel him concentrating on keeping that golf ball on the spoon!

Daddy came to cheer Parker on!

This friday was field day at Parker school. This is always alot of fun for the kids and I knew that we have to at least make an appearance. John was in town so he joined us for a morning of bean bag toss, running with a golf ball in a spoon and hula hooping!! The best part of the day was of course the snow cones!!! I had to leave before the icey bits of heaven were available, but you can bet that Parker got his daddy to buy one for him and got money for some more that afternoon. Friday Allison also got to go to six flags with her math club...... they actually have clubs for math?! I belong to the "I hate math club"!! anybody want to join?? We actually are trying to get fractions banned and polynominals elimated from completely. Just email me and let me know if you would like to join.

More prom night!!

2008-04-26T15:07:00.000-07:00

They act like the both have cooties! Allison is going to break her neck on these shoes. I loved them all six inches of them!!

Devin and I posed for them to show them how to do it correctly!

Notice the circle bracelet, Tara, it completes the circle theme.

Here is some more pictures of Allison and her date for prom. He was very nice. I believe this was his first official date. His mom was out of country so we took pictures for her too! Nice boy, but since John wasn't here I had to give him the "talk". I told him look how pretty she is tonight, if you hurt her or do anything to hurt her I WILL HURT YOU.......SEVERLY,,, at first he thought I was joking, and then I gave him the look and said quite forcefully I'm not joking...

Allison's Senior Prom

2008-04-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the big night for all Northside graduates!! Prom Night! Every girls night to feel like a princess. I asked Allison if she felt like a princess and she said...... yes!!! My mission is complete. John didn't get to see her go and I felt bad about that espescially if he knew how much money he spent......LOL! (Let's keep this between us) Anyway I always love to see my girls all dressed and especially when they feel beautiful .... not that they aren't beautiful all the time, but girls feel so great when they got thier nail and toes done, new dress, new perfume, make-up done (it looked soooooo awesome!) and new shoes, new bag, and finally hair and accessories done!! Her make-up looked so good that everywhere we went people would compliment her. It was great because she was a little down this morning... Here some piccs

When it rains, it pours!!

2008-04-23T15:16:00.000-07:00

As you know I got in an accident on saturday, so I went down today to get my police report so I can give it to Jay Toyota. Otherwise they will put it through on my insurance and I will have to go after the guy myself. So I go there before work thinking this will only take a couple of minutes. Well they cannot find my report or any report for that day.... they are asking me are you sure that you called Columbus Police, not the sheriff or marshall. I'm like listen lady I work on the south side I know what the different cars look like!! I know that it took over an hour for them to come out and be rude to me!! Well the lady was nice, but two hours later they have to contact me on friday....... and they want us to vote for a pay raise.... yeah right!! Also Allison hit a lady in the parking lot at Macys!!! It was superficial damage, but I'm sure the insurance company will be so glad to hear from us.....Allison so far is my worst driver yet. Devin is suppose to be able to get her permit, but who can afford another crazy teenage driver on my insurance!! Also yesterday I was off from work and so like the good student I am I planned to my math homework(my least favorite and most procrasintated subject) and after about two hours of grueling homework my internet goes down again!! Mediacom is horrible... this is not even the second, third, or fourth time they have done to me..... ok enough ranting

Car Accident!!!

2008-04-21T06:04:00.000-07:00

This is the poor car I was test driving

The car that hit me, he got if from both ends!!

This is the one who started the whole thing!!
We got a Toyota Highlander friday to test drive. The van is dying and the hot weather is coming and I'm not sure it can make it through another hot Georgia summer. Anyway on the way home from Gymboree ( I had Gymbo bucks I had to use) we got stuck in slow traffic on I-85 north because of road work. It was down to one lane. I was just telling John I think there is an accident behind me and BLAM!!! The guy behind me hit me. Ok, I'm confessing I became the completely irrational woman at this point, my goodness, this isNOT MY CAR EVEN!!!! I got out and acted a complete fool. Anyway everyone was alright, but I learned my lesson from Allison accident and immediately started taking pictures. It took the police an hour to get there!!! The guy got out of his car and said "I did it" and still the cop only gave him a warning!!! If I would of hit someone I can assure you that I would of got a ticket and a fat fine!!! Anyway we are all doing well. The car salesman asked if we still wanted to buy it and I told him, no way man... it been in an accident!! I think he laughed so hard he peed himself....

Ward BBQ

2008-04-21T05:55:00.001-07:00

Food eaten outside always taste better!

Devin is not happy!! Parker stole my chair and then I stole her chair and so she sat in Parker's chair... ok I made him move, but Devin is always so dramatic that I couldn't resist telling her she had to sit there...LOL! Once upon a time that was her chair. Anyway saturday our ward had a BBQ. We were afraid that it would be cancelled due to the fact it rained that morning, but the heavens smiled upon us and gave us some much needed sunshine!! The food was great, and we had a great time us being together and chatting......They had a desert judging contest, I brought a pack of chiparoo's cookies I got 1/2 price at Publix. Hey people love them and I knew that Jamie Hermann would win. She is our local molly mormon. She is so sweet, but she always makes the best food and the prettiest!!

Lunch with Parker

2008-04-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Today I had the day off and deceided that I would go and surprise Parker and have lunch at school with him. I almost talked myself out of it because my house is a wreck, I have about a million pages of homework, and the food is terrible. I realized that my family is my first priority and I need to make it that way always!! Besides he is only my baby for such a short time. Anyway I went up and we had a wonderful lunch together.... He was sooooooo excited and gave me about fifety hugs!!!! I'm glad I went and don't tell anybody, but I didn't eat my greenbeans, they were horrible.

Spring Break

2008-04-17T06:11:00.000-07:00

Well this year we deceided that we would go to Penscola Beach, Florida for spring break. We don't usually get to go anywhere due to the timing of the break and my job. We headed out thursday very excited, and of course about two hours behind schedule. We got to our hotel and immediately became entranced with the ocean. Unfortunately the weather was not cooperating and it was on the cool side. We didn't care we went anyway. The pools were heated and the hot tub was great!! On saturday it was on and off rain, but by 1:00 the rain stopped so we headed out to jet ski!! It was a blast. We were going to parasail on sunday, but the winds were so bad they didn't let us, besides we found out that John and I cannot go up together (weight restrictions). Oh well there is always next year, baby get on that treadmill, were going up!!!

We are so very proud

2008-03-31T18:34:00.000-07:00

This sunday John was set apart to be the newest elders quroum president of the Rivercrest Ward. I was so proud of my husband. He has the sweetest heart and truly believes and cares about people. It is nice for others to appreciate my sweet husband!

A night of theater

2008-03-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

This saturday we were treated to a lovely evening of song and dance. Devin was in her high school dinner theater (no dinner, just appetizers) and this past weekend was thier performances. We went on Saturday and Corinne, Lindsay, Tina Stewart, and Parker's BFF Ashley were there to cheer Devin on. We had a great time! The kids were great and of course Devin was the best!!! REALLY, she was awesome. She gets her dancing ability from me of course!! We are looking forward to next years performance.

Easter was to Early this year!

2008-03-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Easter literally snuck up on me this year. The weekend came and I realized that sunday was Easter!! No baskets ready, no new outfits, no home decorations..... I am so sad!! Well I spent all day saturday even though I felt like donkey do running around town trying to get my babies goodies to fill their baskets and a new outfit to wear to church. I did manage to get the girls new outfits and John a new shirt and tie. I got the baskets filled, but Devin dyed the eggs with Parker so I missed that. He was excited about stickers for the eggs until he did one and then he was done. We had a nice Easter sunday. Next year I will be prepared!!!!

Baby Aquaruim

2008-03-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are spoiled to have an awesome Aquarium in Atlanta, but who can afford to go??? Parker went with his class last year. Well when were in Utah they had an aquaruim and we thought we would take the family. After a very "yummy" mexican lunch we head to the aquaruim. It was an old safeway remolded to be an aquaruim. Anyway the kids loved it. Parker loved driving the pretend boat. We ended having a great time, but I think I'm still digesting that burrito!!