Raised in a Barn: 05/01/2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend

Ok, did I get any pictures? No, because I left my card in my computer where I had been tranferring pictures! So, I missed several fun things...like the work we did around the house, one of the Seth and Katie's wedding showers, Larkin playing so hard with Henry and Harrison in Strawberry Plains, and Luke spending the day with Larkin (and the family coming over for dinner later).

Larkin had so much fun with Henry and Harrison that when it became dark outside and we told him that it was time to go that he walked to the truck, strapped himself in, exhausted, and started telling Jeff what a "meaner" he was and that he didn't get to play long enough! He was one tired little man! Not only does Larkin, Henry, and Harrison play together 24/7 with no arguments whatsoever (I have never seen kids behave as well as these 3 boys when they get together!), but Hayden was there and Larkin and Hayden became best friends as well. What a great day at the Rudder's!

Luke came over to spend the day with Larkin on Monday, we went swimming and played for awhile before Luke's family joined us for dinner. We had a great time and enjoyed the day. It was over entirely too soon!

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Clara's 1st Birthday Party

This was the weekend for Birthday parties. Larkin's 6th and Clara's 1st. We had such a good time and the children had the chance to play all day long, so for the first time in a very long time...Uncle Larkin fell asleep at 8:30 p.m. WOW, is all I can say!

Mommy and Clara

I think I'll have a bite of cake now....or the whole cake.

She hardly let anyone but Papaw hold her.

What you thinking about brother John?

Cousin Nolan....my what a big boy at 15 months old.

Larkin's Birthday Party

Larkin's Baseball Birthday Cake. He loves baseball. This year his team is the Dodgers!

Our first family photo with a big 6 year old!

A very unique picture of Brandon (who hates to have his picture taken).

Last minute instructions from Mom on our plans for the party...after we blow out the candles, we can open presents, then have cake, the bust open the pinata, then we can go play basketball/climb the rock wall/and play soccer in the gym! Got it!

The pinata that we almost never broke open....maybe Brandon and I filled it TOO full!

The Tater Tot!

The coveted "DNS" (that is the word that I do not make him change MiMi -- I love it) game. He has always called his Nintendo DS, his "DNS" and it stuck and I think it is cute...so I do not correct him on that one...it doesn't hurt anyone and it is "our" word. Anyway, thank you Heather and MiMi for the awesome Wolverine DNS game...it is exactly what he wanted!

The Ipod Nano....with his favorite songs on it.

Luke showed him how it worked! What a great friend!

Opening gifts.....Thanks so much everyone!

Papaw and his Girls.....the Brookster.....

and little CR.....one year old now....

Look John, there's the Pinata, way up there, we have to try to bust it open so we can get the candy out!

Watch out now.....she always has a plan....

Swing, batter, batter, swing.......
My friend Joy says people pay good money for hair that color!

Somebody knocked a hole in it.....

Now there's some candy hitting the floor....

The boys shootin' some hoops.......

Sometimes I feel like I am climbing the walls too!

My precious friend, Heather, taking Clara for a walk. I don't know how I would have done it without all her help. Heather, you are awesome!

Larkin's 6th Birthday

It is so hard to believe Larkin is 6 years old. Time is flying by so fast and he says "Mom, can you believe it? I am really growing up, I'm 6 now!' And growing he is....another 3 inches taller this year. He 46 inches tall and 50 pounds. The doctor said that he is going to have to try some new foods, but despite that he is in the 65th percentile for his weight and 75th percentile for his heighth. Lookout Granddaddy, we have another tall one on the way. Brandy is right...she has called him her "big brother" from day one of his precious life.

When I picked Larkin up for school on his birthday, of course he wanted to go to FRANKIE'S (aka to everyone else in town as MONTERREY'S). Frankie is they older man who serves the chips, salsa, and drinks. Frankie and Angelica (usually our waitress) are Larkin's friends. Anyway, it was not planned, but Seth was there and Brandy, Jason, Brooklyn, Brandon, Taye, and Jonathan were there, and Lori and John came strolling into town about that time as well. So, amazingly enough, Larkin got to have dinner on his birthday with his brother and sisters! God is good, All the Time! Of course, I didn't have my camera with me. I did however get a cute shot on my phone of Larkin in the sombraro! Sissy Lori if you have pictures, please share!

I cannot even begin to tell you how this little boy being born into my life at this time in my life has changed my life so dramatically that it is hard to remember what my life was like before he was born. Just when my children were grown, away from home, starting their lives on their own.....then this little man was born. I love them all so much, but this one forever changed all of our lives and tied us together like no one could have ever done. He is such wonderful child and he loves his family....each and every one of us in his own special way. He is the connection that keeps us strong and close.....and he makes each one of us feel like we are worth a ton of gold to him. This child is such a blessing and has a gift from God on his life already. I am honored that God entrusted this precious child to me, what a wonderful blessing he is!

Milk....It does a body good!

My boys at school drinking their milk, growing big and strong.....

What Mom wouldn't be proud!

Brothers....there may be an age difference, but never were any closer in spirit and heart!

And yes, Grandmama that baby is eating one of those nasty soy burgers that they serve at those awful school lunches! He is trying new things....it was not cheese or peanut butter...can you believe it?

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Mother's Day 2009

I woke up early this morning and this is what I saw....toys in my yard, bikes and bats in the driveway. Now ordinarily I would be quick to pick them up or have the children (grandchildren) pick them up. We have a playyard and that is what it is for....all the toys. I like the rest of my yard nice and neat, but this morning was different, this morning was Mother's day. I looked out the window, saw all the toys lying around and smiled. I think this was one of the happiest moments of my life. Not only do I have precious children, the youngest will be 6 on Thursday, but I have 6 precious grandchildren and 3 of them were here Friday and Saturday to help make this little mess with my almost 6 year old son. When they get together, we all have fun! We play, they play, it is never ending, until we all pass out. This is what Mother's Day is all about, without all these precious little children, there wouldn't be toys lying in the yard or messes to clean up.....something you will definitely miss when you are older. You think you won't, but you will. Take it from someone who has been there, who knows, and who had the nerve to do it all over again! I wouldn't change a thing! I am so blessed to be able to do it again! My oldest son will be married this July, my youngest son is finishing kindergarten! My daughter has four children....twins to start and she didn't stop...two boys after that. My step daughter has a son and a daughter, named after my husband's parents (how sweet is that!). My husband loves me, loves me, loves me (his words, not mine). Our family keeps growing. I think I am the happiest and most blessed Mother in the world!

TBall 2009

Tball 2009 - Larkin is playing at the YMCA in Athens and Brandon is playing in Meigs County...so our time is torn and some of their games overlap....it is quite an exciting season and the boys are really enjoying it. Here are a few pictures.

Larkin on playing 1st base. He has quite an arm!

On 3rd base, heading to home plate!

Running to home plate.

Swing batter, batter.....run, Brandon, run....

2nd Base..... 3rd base...........

Uncle and the Princess

and the Tater Tot....

Blue Belt

Larkin earned his blue belt. He has tested every time and passed to the next level each and every time he has tested. With T-Ball approaching, we will have to take a summer break from TaekWonDo and continue when school starts again next year. He does such an awesome job! Here he is testing for his blue belt...