My Family

All these pictures were taken last Christmas.

We tried to get them to look

"professional" but

as the family grows

it's hard to do.

Here is all of us.

Mamaw & Papaw with all the grand kids.

My sister & her family.
Jeff, Donna, Jaise, Daniel & Colin

Just the grand kids

Daniel- he is 18 now!

Molly Nichol- age 5

Jaise & Ashton (his girlfriend)

The girls

Colin, who is 14!

And Miss Lindy Ann (she's 5)

My parents

Gib & Judy
(they have been married 47 years)

and us, with our sweet girls.

So, there we are.

My family!

I love them all!!

Family

Our niece, Tricia, before her 8th grade dance. Isn't she beautiful.

Molly & Lindy posing with Tricia.


Pretty girls.

Molly & Lindy with their cousin Ashley (Tricia's sister).

Surprise Delivery

We have been trying to get our back yard cleared up because of a special delivery that I knew was coming. We had the broken down carport (from the ice storm) cleaned up and the old shed cleaned out. But today was the day. So David got to bed early today so we could work on it before the surprise came.

My parents came around 4:00 and we started in on the rumpled shed. It was a job, but soon it was history. We also cut down a tree that grew next to the shed. It wasn't too big, but made some work!! I know one thing I am going to be very sore in the morning!! I will be the first to admit that I have become soft since I quit my full time warehouse job. I feel like a truck has ran over me! I know-- WHIMPIE!

Anyway, back to the story. A few months ago my sister Donna & BIL Jeff asked if they could give the girls their trampoline and swing set. I said sure (like I'd say no??)! They wanted to bring the trampoline and clubhouse part of the swing set today.

I hadn't told the girls about the gifts from Aunt Donna & Uncle Jeff. And when they arrived they still didn't have a clue. The trampoline was in pieces and the club house on it's side. But soon they were jumping for joy and trying to help put the trampoline together! They abandoned their bikes for the new play toys. The clubhouse is big and very heavy! Jeff made it himself from a kit when Jaise was small ( he is almost 19 now). The slide it awesome! The swing part of the deal will have to come on another day. It wouldn't fit on the trailer this time.

Ta Da! Lindy was already trying to do flips!

Molly was bouncing like a rag doll!!

Can you tell how much Lindy likes it?

Who said the "big kids" don't want it any more? Here is Daniel and Colin up on it too. Oh, and Uncle Jeff had to show us his back flip too! You think they'll want it back?

Check out this clubhouse. Cool, but we think we are going to officially call it a "doll house" from now on.

Here is Molly & Lindy with Aunt Donna & Uncle Jeff.

Mamaw & Papaw with two dirty girls. (I guess I forgot how trampolines make everything black)

I plan to order a new guard net and a spring cover for the trampoline. And the club house needs a new roof and some paint or stain. We are very proud of it already. The girls old swing is about to break in the middle. It's worn out. So this a wonderful gift for them to enjoy this summer.

We enjoyed a simple supper of homemade potato soup, hot dogs & angel food cake outside this evening. It was a beautiful day.

THANK YOU AUNT DONNA & UNCLE JEFF!!

AND MAMAW & PAPAW FOR HELPING CLEAN UP AND SET UP!!

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

A Visit

The girls and I went with my mom recently to visit my Aunt Eddie (moms sister). She still lives in my moms hometown of Norris City. We had a good visit. We ate lunch and the girls tried to wreck her house. But they were still pretty good I guess. :) While we were there her daughter came to visit on her lunch hour. I don't get to see my cousin Linda much. It was good talking with her.

Here are the sisters. Can't ya tell? Eddie is the oldest sister and mom the youngest of the bunch.

She thinks a lot of the girls. She thinks they are "sweet".

As a child I always called her "Eddie" because "Aunt Eddie" was too hard to say. I still get tongue tied when saying it. She has never liked her name and still questions why my granny named her that. Come to find out Granny's dads was name was Edward. But that didn't matter to my Aunt!
We always remember each others birthdays too. I was born on April 13Th, the year she turned 30 on May 13.

Thankful Thursday-Remembering Hayden

Hayden Lloyd Scott

March 5th, 2008. A blessing came from God this day. Bright eyed and beautiful, our great nephew was born. We was welcomed by his big sister, Hallie, his Mommy & Daddy and lots of family.

Life settled into a routine for Hayden and his family. Hayden was making the normal strides and growing like a trooper.

Jump to June 5, 2008. Hayden is 92 days old now and he and Hallie are at the sitters while Mommy & Daddy are working. It's a normal morning and it's time for Hayden's morning nap. He went to sleep forever, the Lord took him home that day. For reasons we may never know Hayden was meant to be a true angel. We miss him terribly and wonder each and everyday what he would be doing if he were still on Earth. Now with his angel wings he watches over us from Heaven. We miss you terribly little man.

Happy Birthday

God's Child On Loan

"I'll lend to you for a little time,

A child of mine," God said,

"For you to love while she lives

And mourn for when she's dead."

"It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you till I call her back,

Take care of her for me?"

"She'll bring her charms to gladden you

And should her stay be brief,

You'll have these precious memories

To comfort you through grief."

"I cannot promise she will stay

Since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn."

"I've looked this world over,

In my search for teachers true.

In the crowds of this great land,

I have selected you."

"Now will you give her all your love

Not think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

To take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, thy will be done.

For all the joys a child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run."

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

Forever grateful stay."

"And should the angels call for her

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand."

© Edgar A. Guest

Friends and family are gathering this evening at Hayden's finial resting place for a celebration to honor what would have been his first birthday. It will be a happy day and a sad one all in one as we all remember this beautiful boy.

We love you Hayden!

Once again it is Thankful Thursday. This week my heart is heavy with sadness today, but I am still thankful for....

1. the 92 days that Hayden was with us. He brought so much life to his parents, grandparents and big sister. Babies make everyone smile!

2. getting to hold Hayden only a few days before his death. He was such a handsome boy with big cheeks. He reminded me so much of his sister and his Aunt Erin.

3. I am thankful that the Lord is with us and brings comfort in many ways to those who still grieve.

4. the pictures we have of Hayden. I pray they will help Hallie remember her brother as she grows up.

5. cemeteries, grave markers and memorials of loved ones. These things make the surviving feel closer to our departed. Hayden has a beautiful resting place.

Lord, I pray that you will be with all who gather today. Bring sunshine to our sadness. And Lord, bake Hayden a cake please, like I would have done.

Weekend In Indy

We have went to Indianapolis almost every year since we were married to go to the Supercross (motorcycle) races. I always look forward to it because about this time of year I get the "winter blues" and this year is no exception. The girls have been so excited and asking when it was time to go to the hotel for weeks. They knew they were going to get to swim!

The races are always at the Colts Stadium. This year would be the first year in the new stadium. We always get a hotel within walking distance and close to the mall too. That way Dave can go watch the practice races and I can shop!

This year my sister and her family decided to come too. They were excited as well. First of all, they hadn't ever been to the races and they are BIG Colts fans. They were just as excited to see the Stadium.

We drove up on Friday. We arrived at the Omni Hotel around 4. Checked out our rooms and then hit the Mall. The 3 boys took off on their own while the rest of us cruised around, mostly looking! We checked out the Colts Store (my sis was in Heaven). The girls couldn't wait to go swimming. So to the pool we went. I have to say this was my least favorite thing to do, but I'll do anything to make my kids happy. After that we walked over to eat at Hooters. (the boys wanted to eat there)

On Saturday us girls hit the shops. Of course we mostly looked around. Donna (my sis) bought the girls a new outfit each for summer. Thank you Aunt Donna. We grabbed a pretzel and cookies before going to the pool again! The guys went to watch some practice races and came back to get a sandwich. The girls and I stayed back at the Hotel while everyone else went to the races. We had a great view from our room and the girls watched the fireworks from the opening ceremonies. It was pretty cool. We also had a good view of the ice skating rink as well. Everyone reported that the races were good.

We had a great time. It was nice having my sister and her family along this year. We always have a good time. I'm ready for next year already!

Colin (12), Daniel (16), Jaise (18), Lindy & Molly (4)

The boys with some Hooters Girls!


Lindy applying lip gloss at the Bath & Body Works store.

Molly at the pool.

The girls colored while everyone was at the races.

Tuckered out!

View from our room. The Lucas Oil Stadium is on the left of the photo. The pile of rubble in the middle is what is left of the RCA Dome. And the skating rink is the building with the white roof.

On Sunday morning when we were leaving Colin was able to get a photo with his favorite racer!! James Stewart was staying in our hotel too!! Colin was so very excited about this. We knew there were racers in our hotel but we didn't know who. James got second last night but is tied for the lead in points!!

(scroll down to pause the music)

This is Molly in the pool. She is cautious when it comes to swimming.

This is daredevil Lindy. She is not afraid of the water at all. It will take her no time to learn to swim.

Birthday Bash

Yesterday the girls had their big birthday bash. They were very excited all morning and drove me bonkers with questions.... "is it time for the party yet?".... "is Hallie coming to our party?".... "who is coming to our party? When they got through a series of questions, they'd start over with them again. "is it time yet?" Bless their hearts, they couldn't wait. While they were in the tub, I decorated the table with their party supplies. They loved the Hello Kitty cakes and balloons. Soon everyone was here, even Hallie. But the girls were so overwhelmed with all the people here they would hardly play. There was 17 people here and our house was pretty full! So let the party begin!!!

Here the girls are sitting all pretty with their cakes.

Here they are as we sang "Happy Birthday", they were singing too! (All morning Lindy had been singing "happy birthday to US") They were so cute here, grinning from ear to ear.

Blowing out their #4 candles!


Chocolate cake for Molly. White cake for Lindy and Hallie. They all got ice cream too. Yum-Yum!


Everyone enjoying cake and ice cream.

Waiting for the loot!

Rock star Lindy giving a free concert!

Mamaw & Papaw checking out the presents.

Sleeping bags!!! Lindy had to take hers to bed with her that night! Love em, Aunt Donna!

Papaw & Mamaw saved the best for last! A new "see-saw"! They really liked this. (so does momma) It even twirls round and round. Thanks Mamaw & Papaw!

They also received McD's cards and lots of cash. It was a great party. One I'm sure the girls will talk about for a long time. The long day ended with supper at Tequilas (Aunt Donna & the boys went too) and more play before hitting the sack way past their bed time. Thanks everyone! It was fun fun fun!

Christmas 2008

Christmas Eve at my grandpa's house. Lindy enjoyed passing out the gifts.
Okay, it's time to unwrap the gifts!

The girls and Great Grandpa Hatcher

At home, opening their first Christmas gift on Christmas eve.

New Pajamas. They wore them to 10PM mass at Church. Too cute!

Christmas morning. Mom & Dad with their gifts from the girls. (handprints from school)

Macho Colin (wearing the girls's dressup hat & sunglasses)

Aunt Donna getting beautified!

Mamaw too.

Don't forget mommy.

Hallie & Faith (couisns)

with Molly & Lindy

Ironing their dress up clothes

Doesn't she look fabulas?

Yes, Lindy, you too!

We had a great Christmas. The girls got a beauty vanity from Santa complete with makeup! Of course all the grandparents, aunts and uncles went all out on them this year as well. We made the rounds visiting with our families and ate way too much.